User Comments - johns
johns
Posted on: Gong Xi Fa Cai!
January 28, 2009 at 2:09 AMI went to my favorite Chinese restaurant in Houston today, 888. A lady there hears me practice my crude Texan Chinese and waited for me. She then, in front of two of my favorite waitresses, said 新年好 then 恭喜发财 then, " why didn't you say that to me?" Thanks to you guys I was able to reply 你也是 and promptly left with the other two laughing.
The other pleasure I received from your site was Cassielin's comment about the red envelope for her parents. It is very sweet to give presents to your parents and I know she must be a real joy for them. I have been to many countries now and know that China is unusually blessed to have many women like Cassielin and Jenny who show respect and love for their families.
Posted on: Seeing off an Old Friend 渭城曲
January 27, 2009 at 5:48 AMThank you, Pete, and Kesirui for my first introduction to Chinese poetry.
Posted on: Making Dumplings
January 27, 2009 at 5:17 AMThe answers appear in ilovepasta.org
"Contrary to popular belief, Marco Polo did not discover pasta. The ancient Italians made pasta much like we do today. Although Marco Polo wrote about eating Chinese pasta at the court of Kubla Khan, he probably didn't introduce pasta to Italy. In fact, there's evidence suggesting the Etruscans made pasta as early as 400 B.C. The evidence lies in a bas-relief carving in a cave about 30 miles north of Rome. The carving depicts instruments for making pasta - a rolling-out table, pastry wheel and flour bin. And further proof that Marco Polo didn't "discover" pasta is found in the will of Ponzio Baestone, a Genoan soldier who requested "bariscella peina de macarone" - a small basket of macaroni. His will is dated 1279, 16 years before Marco Polo returned from China."
Tomatos came from South America in the 1500's and did not make it into the pizzas until the 1700's.
Posted on: Gong Xi Fa Cai!
January 26, 2009 at 2:13 AMHappy New Year from Texas!. We love you guys!
Posted on: Dumb Joke
January 16, 2009 at 3:24 AMI still come back to this lesson. You guys have great sense of humor.
Posted on: Stop in the Name of the 法 (fǎ)
January 12, 2009 at 11:56 PMNice lesson. Good job jackfrombelgium. Where is Ken to say, "Super high frequency!"
Posted on: The Double 了 (le) phenomenon
January 10, 2009 at 4:08 AMExcellent explanation of double le.
Posted on: The Final Show
January 10, 2009 at 3:31 AMHi Amber,
I only met you once but was amazed that you were just as sweet, fun and charming as I ever could have imagined. Your shows were a high point for me here and I will miss you. Please look me up at texastochina@yahoo.com if you ever come to Houston!
Best Wishes Always,
John
Posted on: Chinese Hospitality and Finding Vegetarian Food
December 20, 2008 at 9:16 PMMy first several trips to China I always lost weight because most of the meat was not that appetizing to me (except for fish). It would be hard for me to go vegen, however, because nuts and the type of bean/lentils that I am used to aren't commonly served.
The two things I try to avoid the most are "mystery meat" dishes and oil. Not asking before eating is the mistake I have made over and over. I know when I ask "what is it?" the answer is going to be: stomach, intestines, turtle heads, scorpions , chiuaua or something else that I really didn't need to know about.
My Chinese friends told me that they will eat anything with wings but an airplane and anything with four legs but a table. I also know that they will eat things with six legs, eight legs and no legs...dead or alive.
I will take Emoki's advice and look for vegi restaurants when there is not a hosted meal.
Posted on: 麻将风波
January 28, 2009 at 2:55 AMIt is not a bad thing for all of us to listen to the advanced lessons. I always pick up a lot. Jenny and Connie are very clear.