A short video I made of some...interesting products I have come across here.
I made a few English mistakes, oops! I know you still love me, even though my English can be crappy these days.
Showing posts with label tv. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tv. Show all posts
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Saturday, June 12, 2010
I Don’t Have TB! And Other Exciting Recent Events
Wow, time flies!
E. came down for a few days, and then I had to go to Chengdu for my end-of-service-very-thorough medical examination. It lasts a few days, and we get tested for communicable diseases and whatnot; I check out okay on all fronts, yay! And blood pressure 114/78, bring on the salt!
We have our parasite test the day before we leave, and I don’t think you want to know the details of how that is done. But, I hope to also be parasite free, cross your fingers for me.
Last Tuesday night we had girl’s night at the movies and saw Prince of Persia. Definitely China-good, meaning, only good because we are living in China and need the American eye-candy. My Chinese friend Summer came with us and she liked it a lot, for the same reason we did. Hotness is the universal language, y’all.
I got in late last night and had to teach early this morning as a make-up for the days off I get next week for Dragon Boat Festival. Tonight we are watching the U.S./Britain soccer game at 2:15 AM, and then the beginning of the week we’ll head to a river city nearby to watch the boat races. So, another busy week on the menu.
I feel like I’m on one of those centrifugal force amusement park rides, and it’s going faster and faster, and it won’t stop until it flings me out of China back to America. I might be sick before this is all over.
Btw, I’ve already established a ‘No Goodbye’ list: those few people here I can’t bear to say goodbye to, so I’ve already told them I won’t be saying goodbye; we’ll just be meeting up again in the U.S. after a short separation. It’s the only way I can bear it.
E. came down for a few days, and then I had to go to Chengdu for my end-of-service-very-thorough medical examination. It lasts a few days, and we get tested for communicable diseases and whatnot; I check out okay on all fronts, yay! And blood pressure 114/78, bring on the salt!
We have our parasite test the day before we leave, and I don’t think you want to know the details of how that is done. But, I hope to also be parasite free, cross your fingers for me.
Last Tuesday night we had girl’s night at the movies and saw Prince of Persia. Definitely China-good, meaning, only good because we are living in China and need the American eye-candy. My Chinese friend Summer came with us and she liked it a lot, for the same reason we did. Hotness is the universal language, y’all.
I got in late last night and had to teach early this morning as a make-up for the days off I get next week for Dragon Boat Festival. Tonight we are watching the U.S./Britain soccer game at 2:15 AM, and then the beginning of the week we’ll head to a river city nearby to watch the boat races. So, another busy week on the menu.
I feel like I’m on one of those centrifugal force amusement park rides, and it’s going faster and faster, and it won’t stop until it flings me out of China back to America. I might be sick before this is all over.
Btw, I’ve already established a ‘No Goodbye’ list: those few people here I can’t bear to say goodbye to, so I’ve already told them I won’t be saying goodbye; we’ll just be meeting up again in the U.S. after a short separation. It’s the only way I can bear it.
Friday, May 7, 2010
How ‘Sexting’ Gets You In Trouble When You’re Not Even Doing It, Plus Joel McHale
I was asked to do a lecture this week on the English language for the Foreign Language students at my university. Part of my lecture focused on the ways in which new words are added to English. Two ways are*:
1. New meanings for existing words
2. Making up new words
For #1, I used the example of the word ‘text,’ which used to mean only written works and/or speeches, but now also means SMS messages. And from this new usage of the noun, we also made the verb ‘to text’ and added the words texting, texted, etc.
For #2, I gave the example of the words ‘sexting’ and ‘sext,’ which from what I read online are pretty popular words these days in American culture. I didn’t say much about the meaning of the words themselves, only that they were made up, derived from ‘texting,’ and meant that the text had a sexual topic. I explained that we went from ‘text’ to ‘texting’ to ‘sexting’ back to ‘sext’ in new word formation; that’s awesome from a linguistic etymological process point of view, and a good illustration of how flexible English is.
So now I’ve given my lecture to the 350+ English students in the lecture hall, and I’m doing the Q&A. There are a couple of great questions about accents, usage, etc. and then *this* kid stands up:
Random Male Student: “May I ask you a personal question?”
Me: “Yes.” (Thinking it would be how old I am, how much money I make, something common for China.)
Random Male Student: “Have you ever sent a sext?”
Me: !!!! *Um, are you kidding me with this? For real, you just asked me this in an auditorium full of people?* *Rapidly formulating an answer that doesn’t focus on me so I don’t give in to his crossing of the ‘personal’ line.*
Me: “I think many people in a close relationship have done such a thing.”
Random Male Student: “Oh.” *pause* “Can I have your cell phone number?”
Well, what could I do at that point but laugh? I mean, everyone else was. So that’s what I did, I laughed. And said yes, anyone can have my cell phone number. And sure enough, he came and got it after the Q&A was over**.
Lesson learned: sometimes students are more interested in the subject matter than the etymological process.
*These are not the only two ways, just two ways I talked about relevant to this post.
1. New meanings for existing words
2. Making up new words
For #1, I used the example of the word ‘text,’ which used to mean only written works and/or speeches, but now also means SMS messages. And from this new usage of the noun, we also made the verb ‘to text’ and added the words texting, texted, etc.
For #2, I gave the example of the words ‘sexting’ and ‘sext,’ which from what I read online are pretty popular words these days in American culture. I didn’t say much about the meaning of the words themselves, only that they were made up, derived from ‘texting,’ and meant that the text had a sexual topic. I explained that we went from ‘text’ to ‘texting’ to ‘sexting’ back to ‘sext’ in new word formation; that’s awesome from a linguistic etymological process point of view, and a good illustration of how flexible English is.
So now I’ve given my lecture to the 350+ English students in the lecture hall, and I’m doing the Q&A. There are a couple of great questions about accents, usage, etc. and then *this* kid stands up:
Random Male Student: “May I ask you a personal question?”
Me: “Yes.” (Thinking it would be how old I am, how much money I make, something common for China.)
Random Male Student: “Have you ever sent a sext?”
Me: !!!! *Um, are you kidding me with this? For real, you just asked me this in an auditorium full of people?* *Rapidly formulating an answer that doesn’t focus on me so I don’t give in to his crossing of the ‘personal’ line.*
Me: “I think many people in a close relationship have done such a thing.”
Random Male Student: “Oh.” *pause* “Can I have your cell phone number?”
Well, what could I do at that point but laugh? I mean, everyone else was. So that’s what I did, I laughed. And said yes, anyone can have my cell phone number. And sure enough, he came and got it after the Q&A was over**.
Lesson learned: sometimes students are more interested in the subject matter than the etymological process.
*These are not the only two ways, just two ways I talked about relevant to this post.
** Trust me when I say I will never hear from him, he just wanted a foreigner's # a la the taxi driver.
_________________________
On a related note, anyone see Community this week? Funniest tv episode I've maybe ever seen in my life. And what I said in my head when Joel McHale stripped down to the sleeveless tank: "DAMN, SKIPPY!" Yes, I speak in all caps in my head. JM has perfect muscles. I want to lick his biceps. I’m just saying is all.
UPDATE:
Picture. You're welcome.
_________________________
On a related note, anyone see Community this week? Funniest tv episode I've maybe ever seen in my life. And what I said in my head when Joel McHale stripped down to the sleeveless tank: "DAMN, SKIPPY!" Yes, I speak in all caps in my head. JM has perfect muscles. I want to lick his biceps. I’m just saying is all.
UPDATE:
Picture. You're welcome.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
English Phrase Of The Week
"Sudden onset cryabeetus"
Meaning: crybaby whiners. I'm going to start using this in everyday conversation, stat.
(From the bottom of the page here.)
While we're at it, how about a Chinese phrase of the week?
"An lian" ("暗恋")
Meaning: to be secretly in love. Kind of like a crush, but more serious and dramatic, like Jim-for-Pam, Days Of Our Lives kind of love. You can use it as a verb instead of a noun or adjective, which makes it more fun. I am fond of saying, 'I anlian him.' But I use it more as a joke, not as a real condition.
What's your favorite phrase? I say "evidently" a lot at the beginning of sentences. Or, "Sooo, evidently..." And "suspicious" to sum up.
Meaning: crybaby whiners. I'm going to start using this in everyday conversation, stat.
(From the bottom of the page here.)
While we're at it, how about a Chinese phrase of the week?
"An lian" ("暗恋")
Meaning: to be secretly in love. Kind of like a crush, but more serious and dramatic, like Jim-for-Pam, Days Of Our Lives kind of love. You can use it as a verb instead of a noun or adjective, which makes it more fun. I am fond of saying, 'I anlian him.' But I use it more as a joke, not as a real condition.
What's your favorite phrase? I say "evidently" a lot at the beginning of sentences. Or, "Sooo, evidently..." And "suspicious" to sum up.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Fit To Strip, And Other Things I Love Right Now
Those of you who read here before I left for China know it used to be called “Stuff I Love.” In memory of times gone by, here are a few things I love right now:
1. Fit To Strip, the workout DVD by Carmen Electra. I know, I know, it sounds lame, but disc 2 is a calisthenics routine that has nothing to do with stripping and everything to do with building strength in your core, legs and upper body. I used this DVD before I ran a half marathon a few years ago and was the most toned I’ve ever been. I let myself get chubby after my dad died, so I’m back on a strength training/toning regime, and this DVD is part of my new routine (along with running, weights and yoga). It kicks your butt in a really good way.
Amazon.com, $12.99
2. Community, the tv show on NBC. One of my friends in the U.S. prodded me to watch this show, and it takes the place in my heart that used to be occupied by The Office until The Office turned kinda lame. (Sorry, but you know it’s true.) Abed and Troy crack me up; long live their Donde Esta La Biblioteca rap! Also, Joel McHale naked is so much yummier than I never imagined. Thanks, ratings ploy! It totally worked.
Community recaps, nymag.com
3. My new panda wrist rest, advertised on the packaging as glow in the dark, but it’s only those little floaty thingies that glow and they’re hard to see inside the plastic. So, glow fail, but panda win! Sorry, I don’t know where to buy this outside of China. But if you’re in China, I got it at Sanfu.
4. WeiEast face cream. Katie at Scattered Starlight introduced this product to me, and it’s a new favorite. I’ve mentioned before how serious the Chinese take their skincare*, and I’ve gotten compliments from Chinese girls on how good my skin looks after using this. As an added bonus, it’s not actually made in China, so it’s free of skin whiteners and other ingredients you don’t want to know about.
WeiEast.com
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5. Tostitos Queso. This is junk food, and I love it. Judge me if you must, but a bowl of warm cheese and warmed tortilla chips is a little bit of heaven in my mouth. I brought some back with me to China in my suitcase.
I think you can buy this at pretty much any grocery store in America, you lucky dogs!
6. Undergear.com. Warning, this website is not suitable for the faint of heart, or maybe those at work. It’s men’s underwear and pajamas and workout gear, and my friend sent this link to me, and I sent it to a few friends here, and we all spent a good hour on gchat, sending each other links from the site and cracking up and drooling. I never knew there were male equivalents to push-up bras, but now I do! This guy’s pretty handsome. I’m not recommending the shorts, just the guy.
Undergear.com. I recommend the sleepwear, swimwear and underwear links. Oh, and can’t forget this. It's kinda strangely hot!
7. And while we’re at it, I love gchat. I stopped using msn because of all the spam, and because Vista didn’t seem to like it and kicked me off every few minutes. Skype is great but not everyone uses it, and it takes a lot of bandwidth to run. Yahoo Messenger seems sorta 1998. But gchat? So convenient! No need to add anyone, and if you miss a chat, they email it to your inbox. I think on MSN, you had to log back in again before you got offline chats. Gmail isn’t perfect, but it’s pretty great. I deleted my Facebook account, so happy I did that, but you can pry my gchat from my cold, dead hands.
Ok, that’s it for this edition. Next time, I’ll be back with more China stories.
*Recently a Chinese friend was asking me if I knew another teacher on campus,and she said, "She's in her early 30's and sometimes has bad skin." I've never heard skin used as a major descriptor before I came to China. They aren't kidding around about their skin.
Amazon.com, $12.99
2. Community, the tv show on NBC. One of my friends in the U.S. prodded me to watch this show, and it takes the place in my heart that used to be occupied by The Office until The Office turned kinda lame. (Sorry, but you know it’s true.) Abed and Troy crack me up; long live their Donde Esta La Biblioteca rap! Also, Joel McHale naked is so much yummier than I never imagined. Thanks, ratings ploy! It totally worked.
Community recaps, nymag.com
3. My new panda wrist rest, advertised on the packaging as glow in the dark, but it’s only those little floaty thingies that glow and they’re hard to see inside the plastic. So, glow fail, but panda win! Sorry, I don’t know where to buy this outside of China. But if you’re in China, I got it at Sanfu.
4. WeiEast face cream. Katie at Scattered Starlight introduced this product to me, and it’s a new favorite. I’ve mentioned before how serious the Chinese take their skincare*, and I’ve gotten compliments from Chinese girls on how good my skin looks after using this. As an added bonus, it’s not actually made in China, so it’s free of skin whiteners and other ingredients you don’t want to know about.
WeiEast.com
.png)
5. Tostitos Queso. This is junk food, and I love it. Judge me if you must, but a bowl of warm cheese and warmed tortilla chips is a little bit of heaven in my mouth. I brought some back with me to China in my suitcase.
I think you can buy this at pretty much any grocery store in America, you lucky dogs!
Undergear.com. I recommend the sleepwear, swimwear and underwear links. Oh, and can’t forget this. It's kinda strangely hot!
7. And while we’re at it, I love gchat. I stopped using msn because of all the spam, and because Vista didn’t seem to like it and kicked me off every few minutes. Skype is great but not everyone uses it, and it takes a lot of bandwidth to run. Yahoo Messenger seems sorta 1998. But gchat? So convenient! No need to add anyone, and if you miss a chat, they email it to your inbox. I think on MSN, you had to log back in again before you got offline chats. Gmail isn’t perfect, but it’s pretty great. I deleted my Facebook account, so happy I did that, but you can pry my gchat from my cold, dead hands.
Ok, that’s it for this edition. Next time, I’ll be back with more China stories.
*Recently a Chinese friend was asking me if I knew another teacher on campus,and she said, "She's in her early 30's and sometimes has bad skin." I've never heard skin used as a major descriptor before I came to China. They aren't kidding around about their skin.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Junk Food, Plus My Fantasy Makeover
I started packing to go back home, and here’s what it looks like so far:
I left most of my clothes in China, so I don’t have a lot to take back. So hey, why not candy, pretzels, bacon bits and pudding? Underneath all the candy etc. there are jars of salsa, jalapenos and hot sauce wrapped in bubble wrap tucked inside Ziploc bags.
--------------------------------
So, completely changing gears, here are the deep thoughts of my late night mind: you know that moment at the end of the movie when the slightly awkward girl gets a makeover and wows everyone away? And then sometimes, she turns around and walks away, leaving That Boy who didn’t like her enough for who she is in her high-heeled dust?
I love that moment.
(Watch from about 7:45 in this video for a great example.)
It’s not politically correct to love that moment, but deep down, I still have my own little fantasy makeover moment, where That Guy I just wasn’t girlfriend material enough for realizes how girlfriend-material I really am, as externalized by my new awesome haircut, jewelry, tight pants and sexy shoes*, and will for the rest of his life remember me as the one who got away.
It’s immature, narcissistic, and petty. I know. I blame my repeat viewings of this part of Grease as a child. Just call me PopCulture Victim Rebecca.
*ACDC’s Shook Me All Night Long will be the song that starts playing spontaneously in the background.
I left most of my clothes in China, so I don’t have a lot to take back. So hey, why not candy, pretzels, bacon bits and pudding? Underneath all the candy etc. there are jars of salsa, jalapenos and hot sauce wrapped in bubble wrap tucked inside Ziploc bags.
--------------------------------
So, completely changing gears, here are the deep thoughts of my late night mind: you know that moment at the end of the movie when the slightly awkward girl gets a makeover and wows everyone away? And then sometimes, she turns around and walks away, leaving That Boy who didn’t like her enough for who she is in her high-heeled dust?
I love that moment.
(Watch from about 7:45 in this video for a great example.)
It’s not politically correct to love that moment, but deep down, I still have my own little fantasy makeover moment, where That Guy I just wasn’t girlfriend material enough for realizes how girlfriend-material I really am, as externalized by my new awesome haircut, jewelry, tight pants and sexy shoes*, and will for the rest of his life remember me as the one who got away.
It’s immature, narcissistic, and petty. I know. I blame my repeat viewings of this part of Grease as a child. Just call me PopCulture Victim Rebecca.
*ACDC’s Shook Me All Night Long will be the song that starts playing spontaneously in the background.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Choggles
'Choggles' is a combination of two words, 'China' and 'goggles.' Choggles are similar in function to beer goggles, but with a broader spectrum. For example, you buy some cookies. Are they good cookies, your friend asks you? They're choggle good, you say, meaning, not good if you're in America and have access to Mrs. Fields, but good when you're in China and desserts are commonly sweetened with red beans. What you mean is, these have a little sugar in them, not beans, and are somewhat edible.Choggles make it difficult to remember what you like and don't like. You wonder, do I like this because it's good, or because I'm wearing choggles? Is The Hangover actually this funny, or do I just miss Western irony and sarcasm so much, I'm willing to laugh at even the weakest examples of it? Is that guy actually hot, or is he just a lot taller than me and therefore I can't take my eyes off of him? And so on.
How long does it take choggles to form? I think food choggles form first, within a month. Entertainment choggles, about 6-9 months. And dating choggles? About a year. But I also think dating choggles are the strongest. You always know when you're wearing food choggles; dating choggles are pretty transparent.
Choggles might make you watch movies/tv shows, eat foods, and think about dating people you'd never consider watching, eating and dating in your pre-choggles life. Which is not to say choggles are a bad thing; choggles expand your horizons and experiences. But what happens when you take the choggles off? Do you still want to watch, eat and date those things? I have no idea. I'm about to find out, though.
Housekeeping note: I leave later today for my isla vacacion. I still haven't decided if I'm taking my laptop along. So if I go MIA, it's because I'm on the beach. Holla!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
How Goats Are A Theme In My Life Right Now
Last Tuesday I went biking in the countryside, and saw a mamma goat with four little baby goats (one of which was sunbathing!). I couldn't resist stopping for a few minutes to play with them. (Little known fact: I love goats! My family used to have pet goats, and they are smart like dogs.) But two days later, I was one sick puppy. Is there such a thing as Goat Flu? I am feeling better now, still some bad fatigue and achiness, but wow, it really knocked me off my feet. Hence the lack of posts lately.And these are the other goats in my life: the Chinese "Happy Goats", aka Xi Yang Yang, a local kid's cartoon taking China (the world?) by storm. It's a simple cartoon about cute little goats who have to fight off a wolf; the wolf doesn't want to eat the goats, but his wife makes him try. All the goats have their own little nicknames and skills and they always succeed in besting the wolf, but the wolf always comes back for another try. This show is also popular with adults (the line here between child and female adult entertainment is blurred), and you can't go anywhere without facing down various types of Xi Yang Yang paraphernalia for sale: toys, handbags, underwear, balloons, jewelry, candy, clothing, shoes, etc. It's a Xi Yang Yang world, all day, every day.
These type of phenomenon are interesting, because literally over a billion people know about this show, and yet, I bet it's unknown in most of the West. (But I'm not sure: have any of you heard of this show?) It reminds me again why China is such an alluring business market: you make it here, you don't really need to make it anywhere else.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Popular/Unpopular
It's been interesting to me to see which things from my home culture are popular here and which are completely unknown, even though in my eyes, they are comparable products. These things listed as 'popular' are well-known to people in my city; that is the average Chinese person you meet here would know and like them. The 'unpopular' category are things I consider popular in the U.S., but are unknown here.
Popular TV: Prison Break (they LOVE it), Big Bang Theory (this one surprised me), Lost, Gossip Girl, Desperate Housewives, Ugly Betty
Unpopular TV: 30 Rock, The Office, The Daily Show, CSI-type shows, Reality TV
Popular Fast Food Chains: KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Subway
Unpopular Fast Food Chains: Wendy's, Taco Bell, Carl's Junior, Quizno's
Popular Candy Bars: Snickers, M&Ms
Unpopular Candy Bars: Everything else
Popular Movies: Titanic (oh man, you have no idea), Forrest Gump, Gone With The Wind, recent action movies like Transformers
Unpopular Movies: Comedies, Indies
Popular Songs: My Heart Will Go On (it's the unofficial national anthem), Hotel California, Country Roads (Take Me Home),
Unpopular Songs: Just about everything else
Popular Singers: Celine Dion, Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Avril Lavigne, Green Day
Unpopular singers: anyone country or alternative
Popular Junk Food: Oreos, Chips Ahoy, Cheetos (meat flavored), Lays potato chips (meat,veggie and fruit flavors like blueberry, cucumber, mango, tomato, chicken and beef), Coke/Coke Zero, Pepsi/Pepsi Max, Mountain Dew, Sprite
Unpopular Junk Food: Anything cheese flavored, crackers, anything not Oreo or Chips Ahoy, rootbeer, regular diet drinks, Dr. Pepper, doughnuts, anything maple flavored, any type of corn chips
Cheese and peanut butter are not popular here. (Although in my experience, peanut butter is not popular anywhere outside of NA.)
I wish I knew the reasoning behind why these particular products are so successful; I don't know who has failed, and who simply hasn't tried to market here. Pepsi and Coke are pretty much equal here, and my students are always surprised when I tell them Coke is more popular than Pepsi in the U.S. I also find it interesting to see glimpses of Chinese clothing, decorations or backgrounds in tv series such as Ugly Betty or Prison Break; a quiet nod to their overseas market, perhaps?
Popular TV: Prison Break (they LOVE it), Big Bang Theory (this one surprised me), Lost, Gossip Girl, Desperate Housewives, Ugly Betty
Unpopular TV: 30 Rock, The Office, The Daily Show, CSI-type shows, Reality TV
Popular Fast Food Chains: KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Subway
Unpopular Fast Food Chains: Wendy's, Taco Bell, Carl's Junior, Quizno's
Popular Candy Bars: Snickers, M&Ms
Unpopular Candy Bars: Everything else
Popular Movies: Titanic (oh man, you have no idea), Forrest Gump, Gone With The Wind, recent action movies like Transformers
Unpopular Movies: Comedies, Indies
Popular Songs: My Heart Will Go On (it's the unofficial national anthem), Hotel California, Country Roads (Take Me Home),
Unpopular Songs: Just about everything else
Popular Singers: Celine Dion, Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Avril Lavigne, Green Day
Unpopular singers: anyone country or alternative
Popular Junk Food: Oreos, Chips Ahoy, Cheetos (meat flavored), Lays potato chips (meat,veggie and fruit flavors like blueberry, cucumber, mango, tomato, chicken and beef), Coke/Coke Zero, Pepsi/Pepsi Max, Mountain Dew, Sprite
Unpopular Junk Food: Anything cheese flavored, crackers, anything not Oreo or Chips Ahoy, rootbeer, regular diet drinks, Dr. Pepper, doughnuts, anything maple flavored, any type of corn chips
Cheese and peanut butter are not popular here. (Although in my experience, peanut butter is not popular anywhere outside of NA.)
I wish I knew the reasoning behind why these particular products are so successful; I don't know who has failed, and who simply hasn't tried to market here. Pepsi and Coke are pretty much equal here, and my students are always surprised when I tell them Coke is more popular than Pepsi in the U.S. I also find it interesting to see glimpses of Chinese clothing, decorations or backgrounds in tv series such as Ugly Betty or Prison Break; a quiet nod to their overseas market, perhaps?
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Life On The D-List*
Last week Tristan made an astute observation: "In China, we're like D-list celebrities." It's true: people don't know our names, but they recognize us and want to know what we're doing, buying and eating. And they want to be our friend. (I think Tristan said this because some kids came to our table during dinner to stare/talk to us while we were eating; he's a tall, muscular, tough-looking guy who shaves his head. I love watching people spot him on the sidewalk, then get out of the way.) People treat us like we're living in our own little reality show, and they want to be a part of it. This isn't a bad thing, but after over a year here, I am still not comfortable with being treated differently. However, it does make for some interesting and/or unusual interactions.
For example, this past week, I got a random call from a girl I didn't remember but evidently sat next to on the bus going to school. People here are always asking for our phone numbers, and I used to be hesitant about giving it out, but then I realized they don't really call you, they just want a foreigner's phone number in their cell phone. But this girl did call, and asked me to meet her for lunch. I jokingly called it my first Chinese blind date, because I didn't remember her at all! Turns out she's an accounting major at my school and has to take a Business English certificate exam in November; she wants to practice her English conversations skills so she has a better chance of passing the exam, and in turn getting a better job. I'm glad to help her out because helping students is the main reason I'm here in the Peace Corps. And I am especially mindful of helping the girls, who have historically faced disadvantages.
So, living life on the D-list isn't comfortable for me, and I doubt it ever will be, but if it allows me opportunities to help people out, I can't complain. But I still look forward to anonymity when I return to the U.S.!
In other news, I have back-to-back holidays this week and next: National Day (October 1st, celebrating the founding of the People's Republic of China under the Chinese Communist Party, and Mid-Autumn Festival, a harvest and family reunion holiday. I have 3 days off from school for each holiday, so I don't have to go back to school until next Friday, Oct. 9th. I'll be doing some fun things around the city on my days off. Hope you all have a great weekend!
*Stolen from the title of Kathy Griffin's reality series.
For example, this past week, I got a random call from a girl I didn't remember but evidently sat next to on the bus going to school. People here are always asking for our phone numbers, and I used to be hesitant about giving it out, but then I realized they don't really call you, they just want a foreigner's phone number in their cell phone. But this girl did call, and asked me to meet her for lunch. I jokingly called it my first Chinese blind date, because I didn't remember her at all! Turns out she's an accounting major at my school and has to take a Business English certificate exam in November; she wants to practice her English conversations skills so she has a better chance of passing the exam, and in turn getting a better job. I'm glad to help her out because helping students is the main reason I'm here in the Peace Corps. And I am especially mindful of helping the girls, who have historically faced disadvantages.
So, living life on the D-list isn't comfortable for me, and I doubt it ever will be, but if it allows me opportunities to help people out, I can't complain. But I still look forward to anonymity when I return to the U.S.!
In other news, I have back-to-back holidays this week and next: National Day (October 1st, celebrating the founding of the People's Republic of China under the Chinese Communist Party, and Mid-Autumn Festival, a harvest and family reunion holiday. I have 3 days off from school for each holiday, so I don't have to go back to school until next Friday, Oct. 9th. I'll be doing some fun things around the city on my days off. Hope you all have a great weekend!
*Stolen from the title of Kathy Griffin's reality series.
Monday, August 10, 2009
I'm Pretty Sure His Eau du Testosterone Works
So, did you know Mad Men Season 3 is premiering soon? Spoiler alert: nothing much happens in this show, it's a lot of talking, but the talking is really interesting and the 1960's clothes are fabulous. Also, Don Draper is hot in that 'you're-sort-of-a-scumbag-but-you-wear-the-hell-out-of-that-suit-and-I-love-your-late-night-shagging-stubble' kind of way. I recommend it. I bought it on the street for $1.00, but I think it's free in America on cable.
And in preparation for the 3rd season premiere, you can make your own Mad Men persona. Here I am getting hit on by Don Draper:
So realistic, you guys. I can't go to NYC without getting hit on by ad men. It's the hat and gloves, I think. (And I do actually own a hat like that, and elbow gloves. Definitely taking them to NYC.)
And you just know this guy smells like Indiana Jones in a suit: all man. Jon Hamm, I salute you. (And yes, I miss big, strong American men, why do you ask?)
And in preparation for the 3rd season premiere, you can make your own Mad Men persona. Here I am getting hit on by Don Draper:
So realistic, you guys. I can't go to NYC without getting hit on by ad men. It's the hat and gloves, I think. (And I do actually own a hat like that, and elbow gloves. Definitely taking them to NYC.)
And you just know this guy smells like Indiana Jones in a suit: all man. Jon Hamm, I salute you. (And yes, I miss big, strong American men, why do you ask?)
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Downloads and DVDs
These are the shows I download illegally every week:
The Office
30 Rock
Big Bang Theory
Gossip Girl
I have little crushes on Jim, DotCom, Nate (so pretty) and Chuck.
A quick buying-DVDs-in-China (or Chinatown) guide:
First: pirated, where sellers set up blankets or bins of DVDs on the street and sell them for about $.80. These DVDs are usually not high quality and have Chinese subtitles you can't turn off. Software and games are good quality, though. This is the most available way to buy them.
Second: a bootleg DVD store. High quality, licensed DVDs intended for sale to other audiences (Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Cambodia, etc.) that have found their way here. They all have English tracks/subtitles. About $1.50
Third: bookstore or chain grocery store (in large cities only). Licensed for Mainland China, with English and Mandarin tracks/subtitles. About $3.50, and the selection is not as good as the bootleg stores, because they are subject to import censorship laws. (However, I have seen a box set of Sex and The City for sale, which shocked me. Someone did some good negotiating!)
So now if you ever travel to China, or Chinatown, you know about how much to pay for DVDs.
The Office
30 Rock
Big Bang Theory
Gossip Girl
I have little crushes on Jim, DotCom, Nate (so pretty) and Chuck.
A quick buying-DVDs-in-China (or Chinatown) guide:
First: pirated, where sellers set up blankets or bins of DVDs on the street and sell them for about $.80. These DVDs are usually not high quality and have Chinese subtitles you can't turn off. Software and games are good quality, though. This is the most available way to buy them.
Second: a bootleg DVD store. High quality, licensed DVDs intended for sale to other audiences (Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Cambodia, etc.) that have found their way here. They all have English tracks/subtitles. About $1.50
Third: bookstore or chain grocery store (in large cities only). Licensed for Mainland China, with English and Mandarin tracks/subtitles. About $3.50, and the selection is not as good as the bootleg stores, because they are subject to import censorship laws. (However, I have seen a box set of Sex and The City for sale, which shocked me. Someone did some good negotiating!)
So now if you ever travel to China, or Chinatown, you know about how much to pay for DVDs.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Naps, Spooning, and Other Sleep Accoutrement
So in the latest episode of The Office, Jim offers Kelly an hour long tv session, or an hour long nap. She wisely chooses the nap. And then Jim semi-tucks her in! Okay, he handed her a blanket and turned out the light, but so close. Jim tucking you in for a nap: what could be better? Only this: spooning. The whole fun of napping with another person is, of course, the spooning. I have a hard time relaxing, but spooning in a man's arms is liquid valium to me. You can never have too much of this. Currently I sleep alone, so I must be content with my fluffy pillows (5 on my bed), electric blanket (under the sheets, and I turn it on an hour before sleep) and down comforter (I like weight on me when I sleep). These things are not as good as spooning! Or being tucked in by Jim! But, for the time being, they must do.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Good Kissers
I saw this picture today on the interweb and thought, "Mmmmm...he looks like a good kisser." Here's why:1. The hand on the back of her head. I love this move! Along with the cheek, chin, and hand sliding inside the hair on the back of the head; these are the sweet spots of a good kiss.
2. Other hand on her hip, no lower, no higher. (Good for first-ish kisses and public kisses, unless you KNOW she likes more in public, which I do not. So I like this.)
3. He thoughtfully brings along a plank for her to stand on so she doesn't get neck-crick. (Haha.)
4. Kissing her fully on the lips. I used to take this for granted, but you get a lot of variation with this one. I like a lip-to-tongue ratio of about 2/3 to 1/3 in action. So I like this.
5. A man who will keep you warm with kisses is a good man to find.
p.s., if you have time to think about any of these things during the kiss, it ain't so great. I'm just saying is all.
Monday, January 5, 2009
"Stripper"
In quotations, because it's the name of this song. My new favorite stripper song!
And yes, I watch Gossip Girl. I checked it out because my Chinese students love it, building bridges and all of that; I lose credibility if THEY know something about American culture that I don't.
It's a silly show, but the clothes are fun and Nate is hot. And Chuck Bass is hilarious.
Random Things
I love that my laptop and iPod run on 100 - 240 voltage and I don't have to carry converters.
I love that I can take antibiotics when I get sick.
I love that I can download silly American tv shows and get a small respite from daily life here.
I love that I can get dimsum 24 hours a day on the street near my apartment.
I love that I have friends who know I am eccentric and have a hard time moving past my mistakes, and like me anyway.
I love that I can still shop on Amazon, Target and iTunes because my credit card address is still U.S. based.
I love cheese.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Mad Men
I got hooked on MadMen (short for Madison Avenue Men) after downloading seasons 1 and 2 online and watching them during an especially stressful couple of weeks; they became my visual Xanax. And how! Two things I love about it:
1. The little stabs of shock at overt displays of sexism in the workplace. As bad as I sometimes thought my job was, I wasn't dealing with anything on this scale. Makes me grateful for those that came before me and took the brunt of this crap.
2. The slices of life in 1960's surburban America: desperate housewives, indeed! But I also love the scene where a mother catches her daughter encased head to toe in a plastic dry cleaning bag, the kind now covered in warnings about suffocation. She says to her daughter, "Young lady...." and your 2008 ears think she is going to chastise her for toying with her life, but she follows it up with "...if my dry cleaning is on the ground, you are in big trouble!" And goes back to her cigarrette. Awesome.
I lied, 3 reasons: JON HAMM.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Quotation
"Instead of worrying so much about who you should be, why don't you just...be? No guilt. Just you."
Gio, on Ugly Betty. Yes, it has come to that. Mind altering drugs might be involved, but this is the most profound thing I've heard in weeks.
Gio, on Ugly Betty. Yes, it has come to that. Mind altering drugs might be involved, but this is the most profound thing I've heard in weeks.
Friday, September 12, 2008
NBC on iTunes
NBC came back to iTunes, which means I can watch 30 Rock and The Office this season after all! (Although I am sad to say I am more excited about 30 Rock than The Office.) Hulu turned out to be a bust over here, even with an IP bouncer my internet connection is too slow to stream.
Shows that are popular here: Lost, Prison Break, Desperate Housewives, Sex and the City, Ugly Betty and Friends. You can buy these DVDs on the street easily. I can see why the humor of 30 Rock and The Office doesn't translate well, but if only they'd get on The Daily Show bandwagon, I'd be set!
Shows that are popular here: Lost, Prison Break, Desperate Housewives, Sex and the City, Ugly Betty and Friends. You can buy these DVDs on the street easily. I can see why the humor of 30 Rock and The Office doesn't translate well, but if only they'd get on The Daily Show bandwagon, I'd be set!
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