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| 347 |
Stay at Home During Oct Holiday I'm sorry your foot is not healing faster, Jian Shuo. When I broke my ankle three years ago, they told me that if I followed doctors' orders I might be able to avoid surgery. I stopped going to work and was off the foot for a full three months, but because of that it healed by itself. The orthopedic specialists all seemed quite surprised (and complimentary) that "a woman of my age" could heal so successfully and not need to have pins put in to hold it in place. It's no fun just lying around with your foot up in the air, but I promise it will pay off for you in the long run if you can do that. Maybe it's time to install an executive lounge chair in your office? Either that, or you can hold some necessary meetings in your bedroom :-) |
| 346 |
Yifan, Dad and Mom Oh, my goodness! His face has changed so much. I think I can already see what he will look like when he is a teenager! A child who is that cheerful and happy is clearly a child who has been surrounded by love his entire life. Such a wonderful family :-) |
| 345 |
7 Years of Blogging Jian Shuo, you have the best readers, ever! People are sending you love from literally all around the globe!! I'm really glad to hear his head, and your heart, are both mending :-) All will be well |
| 344 |
7 Years of Blogging Congratulations on your blogaversary, Jian Shuo! That is a very significant accomplishment. And, regarding Yifan... With all respect for your entirely understandable feelings as a concerned and upset father, I must disagree with the statement you made that: "I should not have allowed you to be hurt." A child who is never hurt, never allowed to experience failure, etc. will never learn how to overcome pain and rise above difficult situations in life. You will not always be there for him. There will be many times in life when he must experience difficult situations on his own, and the more often he has these challenging experiences during childhood, the more certain he will be as an adult that he will emerge successful on the other side of various problems. Of course it is natural for you to wish his accident had not happened. I would worry if you did not feel that way! But your loving care of him in the aftermath of that experience is what will mean more to him in the long run than the fact that you "allowed" it to happen. I am sending my strongest most comforting hugs in your direction!!! Yifan is probably already running around as if nothing ever happened, am I right? It is *you* who needs the hugs!! |
| 343 |
Yifan's Head was Hurt Poor baby! And poor Father!! You are right that it hurts far more for your child to be hurt than for yourself. But, be prepared for the future, Jian Shuo. There are years of pictures in my photo albums of our children with scrapes and cuts on their faces. It seems that when they are young and full of a desire for adventure, nothing stops them. It's part of life. You would not want him to be any less curious or confident in his ability to move forward, despite all obstacles. As long as you are there to catch him and patch him up whenever he falls, he will be fine, and someday he will thank you for letting him move forward and explore the world at his own pace unimpeded. |
| 342 |
Yifan and Cars Oh, I love the "picture" you have shared with us here, Jian Shuo (you knew I would :-) We used to play a game called "toll bridge" when our boys were little. They had to duck quickly under our arms or legs before the "bridge" came down. There was a lot of laughing involved. Good memories! |
| 341 |
Full Content on Home Page of my Blog? Actually, with that little bit of support and encouragement from GN, I will add the confession that it sometimes drives me crazy when blogs I read regularly and have become "used to" change their format. I figure it's because, no matter how I pride myself on being flexible, accommodating, and willing to "learn new tricks", I'm really getting old and "set in my ways". I like your current format because it's simple to understand, and not "cluttered". Sounds like you have a mandate to use your time here developing additional content, instead of fooling around with a format change :-) And I also agree with GN on one other very important point...get better soon! |
| 340 |
Full Content on Home Page of my Blog? For me it doesn't really matter because you have the very efficient "recent headlines" feature which makes it especially easy to just take a quick glance to see if I have missed anything. And the way you have it now, I don't have to read very much to know if it's an article of special interest to me (such as those about Yifan) or something that would not be so much (such as some of the more technical ones). I tend to dislike web sites which require me to wade though a great deal of content before moving on to a different topic. Many of the sites such as Google which do show at least the partial text of a large number of articles, still require the reader to click through at some point to finish reading the entire story. It seems to me your current "headlines" feature (along with the very helpful "related entries" already accomplishes this. My best guess is that the fact that no one else has commented on this question probably indicates general satisfaction with the current format. However, now that you have more blogging time on your hands, if you are feeling ready for a format change and want to exercise your creativity in re-designing the page, it's your blog after all...we readers are not going to abandon you no matter what it looks like, so I think you should do whichever style pleases you :-) |
| 339 |
What if Someone Cut my Tree? Actually, we have a system here in which an ordinary person can take steps to "sue" another person or business establishment in "Small Claims Court". Neither party is required (or even allowed) to have lawyers to represent them, only to present, under oath of honesty, their side of a disagreement along with any supporting evidence (documents, photographs, contracts, etc.) to a judge who will then decide the issue and make a ruling as to whether compensation is required. Years ago we filed a claim in Small Claims Court against a dry cleaning establishment which had ruined the slipcovers from a sofa which we had taken to them to be cleaned. They did not verbally tell us about any risk to the fabric, nor was there any such warning printed on the claim check we were given at the time we dropped them off. I believe there may have been a small sign on the back wall behind the counter, but both we and the owner agreed that it had been almost completely obscured by a calendar that had been hung in front of it, and in any case, was not visible from the front of the counter where customers could reasonably have been expected to see and read it. We had photographs of the sofa before the cleaning, and presented as evidence the ruined material. The judge ruled in our favor, and the dry cleaner was required to pay for a completely new set of custom-made slipcovers. We felt the process was very fair (of course, since we won the case :-) and easy for a person from any walk of life to seek justice for small, but still financially important issues. More recently, a tree service, which had been hired by our neighbors to clean up their property, cut all the low branches off several of the trees that lie between our homes, but are actually on our property. They had provided visual protection to a part of our yard from the road, not to mention homes for birds which we love, etc. We were shocked and very sad to come home one day to discover that this had happened. Fortunately, we are on good terms with the neighbor, and it was obviously an unintentional mistake, but still, not one which could easily be fixed by simply returning the branches. The solution was that our neighbors paid for and planted a number of new young trees in the area which will hopefully someday grow thick enough to protect the back portion of our yard. Not a perfect solution for quite a few years, but still better than having a big fight with an apologetic and well-intentioned good neighbor. "Keep the hope" is a good attitude for human relations at every level, Jian Shuo! :-) |
| 338 |
Yifan's Drawing of Fish I love how it has become possible to save each and every one of these works of art on the internet so we can enjoy them across continents and oceans. And someday you will be able to look back on all these entries, with Yifan at your side to marvel for himself at how much his talents have grown. Precious moments, and priceless memories :-) |
| 337 |
Update about my Foot You are right to be very careful about not bumping or impacting that foot in any way while it is healing. That's the main reason I did not go back to work with my broken ankle. The campus where I work has very uneven pavement, so even in a wheelchair with the leg elevated, there would have been "bumps" and vibrations which would have affected and slowed the mending of the bone. It's good that you have walking sticks you can use too. We call them "crutches". If you use them most of the time, you will soon develop very strong upper arm muscles :-) |
| 336 |
Gypsum is a Life Changer Jian Shuo, I don't know if you have access to anything like this in China, or even if the link will work for you there, but one thing that absolutely saved my sanity when my ankle was broken was being able to use a device called a "rollabout". The link to the company that sells and rents them in the US is here: http://www.roll-a-bout.com/ If you cannot see it, the basic idea is that it provides a rolling platform t approximately knee level, on which you kneel with your affected leg so that it completely supports the injured area. With your other foot you can push along as though you were riding a scooter, and there is a handle in front so that you can steer. I used it all over the house (our house is almost entirely flat with tile floors so it was very easy) but I also used it out in the world to do grocery shopping, etc. It is very much easier than a wheelchair, and much much more flexible and comfortable than using crutches. In a very short time (just a matter of less than an hour when I first used it) I got very proficient and found that it was lots of fun to turn corners fast doing sort of a "wheelie". Yifan would love to watch you doing that! It might be that your living area is too small or has too many changes of level for you to use it effectively at home, but I would bet it would be very very helpful to you at your office and on the sidewalk going in and out of buildings. I'm sure it would be way too expensive for me to send you the one I still have, but maybe there is something similar that is "made in China"! Good luck getting used to your new circumstances. I'm sure we will be hearing more from you about the philosophy of unexpected disability :-) |
| 335 |
Broke the Bone of my Foot Ouch! I'm sorry to hear that happened to you, Jian Shuo :-( I well-remember from having broken my ankle a few years ago, the awareness that life truly can change in an instant. Knowing you, I predict that you will find your unexpected loss of mobility to be a very interesting situation, and that you will learn some important lessons about flexibility, humility (from having to ask and rely on other people for help in circumstances where you are used to being independent) and the relativity of hardships (as uncomfortable and inconvenienced as we may be by something like a broken bone, there are of course always many people with far greater handicaps to endure) Do follow your doctor's advice and stay off the foot for as long as possible so it can mend well and quickly. You're young, and I'm sure your bone will be back to normal very soon. Fast-healing thoughts coming your way from here! |
| 334 |
Back to Shanghai You're home safe with the people who love you -- that's really all that matters. Hope you had a good restorative sleep and will be back on Shanghai time very soon :-) |
| 333 |
My United Airlines was Cancelled I really love the collection of drawings you have been making during your travels, Jian Shuo! Very sorry you had to stay over, though. Safe flight to you today -- Wendy and Yifan will be extra happy to see you tomorrow :-) |
| 332 |
Inspiration is the Key in Silicon Valley Amazing! There were people at our party (on the other side of the house from where you were most of the time) talking about Smart Grid too, Jian Shuo!! I hope you will be able to come back in five years and see it in action. You're right -- this is a pretty exciting place to live :-) And if you even went to Costco, well, you've had the complete experience of living like a local! |
| 331 |
Fireworks in Sillicon Valley As always, Jian Shuo, it was ***wonderful*** to have you here!) I think I forgot to give you a special hug to take home for Wendy, so if you don't mind giving her one of yours, next time you are here I promise to replace it :-) I hope that the rest of your business meetings go well, and that we may see you again very soon! |
| 330 |
Hello from Palo Alto Tony, I think he's here because it's the only place he can get really good "rabbit food" :-) |
| 329 |
Checklist for US Trip Safe travels and happy landings to you, Jian Shuo :-) |
| 328 |
Back to Blogging Glad to hear that all is well. Late nights with friends create good memories just as time with family does. We are eager to hear all about Yifan's day full of birthday memories with his proud papa :-) |
| 327 |
Happy Children's Day Hmm...OOB longer than expected it seems. As with many other Chinese sites this week, I wonder if there are problems with your blog :-( |
| 326 |
Happy Children's Day It's the very best birthday gift you could possibly give him, Jian Shuo. Please deliver a special little hug to him from his Honorary Grandmother in California :-) |
| 325 |
End of a Holiday without Wendy How could Yifan possibly be almost two years old already??! Only a very short time ago he was just a baby. |
| 324 |
May 12, 2009 Wow! What an amazing opportunity for your friend to be on that space mission. I will definitely follow the news about that more closely now that I know someone who knows someone who is participating. Safe travels, Christopher! |
| 323 |
Google Analytics Cookie by this Site Fascinating stuff, Jian Shuo! I understood every word :-) Of course I am kidding (you know that, but your readers might not) but I definitely do admire people like you who have the kind of brain that truly finds such technical stuff easy to understand, and interesting. |
| 322 |
Shanghai Auto Show 2009 What a crowd! That Nissan "Nuvu" is really cute -- very appealing, like a cartoon character of some sort. It looks like a very happy little car. The problem with driving a tiny car like that around here is that so many of the other cars on the road are four times as big/heavy as that one, and it would not stand a chance in a collision with one of the huge SUV's. At least in your area, the majority of the other cars are already reasonably small so relative safety would not be such a great concern. As always, really beautiful photos, Jian Shuo :-) On another note, I think it will not be long before events such as that car show, where large crowds of people are mingling in close proximity, will be canceled in our area. Perhaps because of your country's experience with SARS, back when I first started reading your blog, the Emergency Preparedness people around here are already starting to plan for and educate the public about a possible Swine Flu pandemic. If it's not one thing, it's another :-( |
| 321 |
Yifan can Count from 1 to 9 It's certainly no surprise if the son of Wang Jian Shuo turns out to be good with numbers :-) |
| 320 |
My First Camping with New Tent Urban day camping! That can be very fun!! An entirely different viewpoint from your usual city-scapes, plus running-around room for Yifan. It's all good :-) When our kids were little we used to set up a tent in the back yard from time to time. Was that "camping"? Not by the usual definition. But, was it fun? You betcha!! |
| 319 |
Green Lotus Hotel of Yangshuo What a perfect big shiny floor for a little boy to run across :-) |
| 318 |
Photos of Yangshuo, Guilin - Part II That is indeed a grat-looking youth hostel -- and the cave is really amazing! Would you have preferred to see it without all the artificial colored lighting, or did that add something desirable to the experience? |
| 317 |
Why People Travel This is an interesting question, Jian Shuo and, even though I love to travel, I don't think I can answer it. For me, at least part of the motivation is to understand other people. I will always remember how much it surprised me the first time I was outside the US to discover that people in other parts of the world buy food in supermarkets just like we do, buy clothes in department stores, just like we do, and have relationships, jobs, medical emergencies and flower gardens just like we do. I don't really know what I was expecting, but I do remember the feeling of being surprised. When we travel, I think the world becomes a smaller (and better) place as we come to understand that people all over the world are not so very different from us after all. |
| 316 |
Cannot Measure it, Cannot Improve it I like your idea of how to measure happiness, Jian Shuo. Probably just having that list in your mind will improve and increase the number of your happy experiences. |
| 315 |
Yifan on the Road Such a happy little boy! I can see many pieces of you *and* of Wendy in his features -- the perfect combination. He looks very well-loved :-) Does he have a name for his car (like you named your Goudaner?) |
| 314 |
6 Years of Marriage Awwww, what a wonderful tribute to your lovely wife! Many happy congratulations to you both :-) |
| 313 |
Thoughts After Seeing Dubai Tower A friend who flew into Dubai en-route to someplace else said that the airport looks like some kind of gigantic spectacular set in a futuristic science fiction film. My favorite new piece of architecture is still Beijing's beautiful "bird nest" stadium. Maybe you can tell us, Jian Shuo -- are those buildings that were specially constructed for the Olympics continuing to be well-used? |
| 312 |
"We Thought..." rwm, you are right! I've been happily married to a wonderful man for over 40 years, but can I truly say I "know" him? No more than he knows what's really going on inside *my* head. Even when I look in the mirror, sometimes I surprise my own self! I *think* I might know what I would do if...but until that "if" really happens, there's just no knowing. |
| 311 |
"We Thought..." This is a very interesting perspective, Jian Shuo, especially since you have always made very clear the point that your blog represents only your own personal observations, not what you see and hear on "the news" or from other people. Because of this, and because I know you personally now, and trust you, everything I "know" about Shanghai is based on your thoughts and writing. I've never been there myself, so have no basis to either dispute or confirm your opinions. So much of our information about other parts of the world comes from journalists, and now bloggers. I must be careful in the future to modify my comments about places I have never been by saying "I think..." or "I've been told..." Maybe someday I will be lucky enough to go see for myself, and then I can really say "I know..." |
| 310 |
How Cold is Shanghai Today The ice is really beautiful, but I feel sorry for those poor plants! |
| 309 |
Chinese Zodiac Hah! OK, this made me curious. It turns out that I am a "Rooster" (which, by anyone's guess makes me very old indeed ;-) According to some of the explanations, my personality is described as "A pioneer in spirit. You are devoted to work and quest after knowledge. You are selfish and eccentric." "Acute, neat, meticulous, organized, self-assured, decisive, conservative, critical, perfectionist, alert, zealous, practical, scientific, responsible. Can be over zealous and critical, puritanical, egotistical, abrasive, opinionated." No way! I mean, I think I probably am pretty "alert" most of the time (except first thing in the morning -- I am totally not a morning person, so how could I possibly be a competent rooster??) but other than that I'd have to claim almost the exact opposites of most of those traits. I guess there must be exceptions -- surely not every single person born within a year will share the same characteristics. I would really be a failure as a rooster! I will definitely have to think about this, Jian Shuo. Maybe I am actually more selfish and eccentric than I'd like to believe! ;-) |
| 308 |
Happy Niu Year Happy New Year, Jian Shuo! I wish you and the rest of your immediate and extended family a year of much happiness, good health, prosperity and, most of all peaceful, co-existence with all the other families in this wonderful world of ours! |
| 307 |
Child Care in Shanghai Jenn, with all due respect, I think you are very fortunate to be able to do that! My daughter-in-law is from Vietnam, and I have seen the effects of a large and loving family on her baby niece and small nephew. When we first met them, I am ashamed to say I had a strange feeling that their family relationships were somehow *too*close. I worried just a little that our son might not fully understand the differences between our cultures and what he was "getting himself into". What I discovered, and now firmly believe, is that he (and, by warm extension, we too!) have been welcomed into the heart of a most wonderful family where there is always someone to help when help is needed. For health reasons, it may not be possible for my husband and I to be directly involved with caring for our hopefully-future grandchildren. But I have no doubt that they will be well-loved by us all, and nurtured to the fullest by their mother's side of the family when she goes back to work. It is very difficult, I think, for even the most devoted outside care-giver, to love a child as deeply as their own family does from the moment they are born. A child who experiences that love is blessed beyond measure. I have a feeling that this may not have been the aspect of relying on family care that you meant to address in your comment, however, and I would be happy to understand more about your reason for feeling the way you do. Thanks again for posting on this interesting topic, Jian Shuo! |
| 306 |
Child Care in Shanghai Thanks, Jian Shuo! This is very interesting information. In particular, you have explained something that will be useful in the work that I do here in the US. I advise international students who have come to our local community college and are writing application essays to transfer to four-year universities. Just this past year, a student wrote, in part, about having been raised by extended family in a village, far away from the city in which his parents lived. Inside my heart, I was quite shocked that parents could possibly do this to a child! It seemed to me that they must not have loved him if they had "abandoned" him that way. But, from what you say, I see now that it could very well have been a loving (and economically essential) decision, and not necessarily an unusual one. It must still be very very difficult for parents to live far away from a child they love. But I can see how, if they have made the decision to move to a large city in order to better themselves and their family economically, it might even be better for the child to be raised by other family members in a more rural village setting. Wow! Tough choices!! Thank you again for enlightening me on this subject :-) |
| 305 |
Yifan Attacks Me :-) Oh, you can use that as "ammunition" with him for years, Jian Shuo. But, let me warn you...it will also work the other way. Our younger son (now 33 years old) is still inclined to remind my husband of "the time you tried to kill me" when we were water skiing :-) In Yifan's case, it might just be time to trim his scratchy fingernails. This gives me an idea for a "request post". Someday when you have time, would you tell us about child care and the use of Ayi's in your country? Here in the US, childcare for working parents is so difficult. Most of the time the choice is either for a parent (mother or father, and it is becoming increasingly frequent for the father to be the one) to stay home until the child is old enough for school. The alternative is to put them into a "day care" situation, where many children are looked after by a suitable number of caregivers. Some families do use "nannies" who come to their home during the day while parents are at work, but often this is the most expensive option, taking almost all of one parent's salary in order to provide compensation for the nanny. In China, is it most common to have an ayi? And, is that someone who lives with you all the time, or do they just come while you and Wendy are at work? I think this topic might be of interest to some of your other readers too, especially any families with young children who might be considering re-location to China. |
| 304 |
Watching US President Inauguration It was a very exciting day here in the US. Very emotional for many people. Do you have access to YouTube? I have a feeling that many of the most significant moments are already available in that venue. I have a friend who lives in Washington D.C. She said that the energy, electricity and optimism in the air is almost palpable. Our television is currently showing live images of the President and Mrs. Obama visiting some of the inaugural balls. It is midnight there now. I imagine they must both be extremely tired! |
| 303 |
Short Pause of Comment System Nothing was going to stop me from commenting on that little video of Yifan going down the slide :-) |
| 302 |
Yifan on Sliding Board Ooooooooooooo! I can't stop smiling at this. What a lucky little boy to have found you for his family :-) |
| 301 |
Yifan's First Google Search Jian Shuo, this is hilarious! I wonder if you are the first person in the world to actually document your child's first Google search :-) Normally there is no page to enter that particular milestone in the traditional "baby book". But personal blogs have become so much more detailed than any baby book ever was. I really wish I had owned a computer when my children were born. For sure I would have kept a better record of their developmental achievements. If I understand the request for foreign readers correctly, I'm afraid the time conversion will rule me out. 8PM in Shanghai is 4AM in California. Much as I love and would like to support you, I'm afraid I don't love you *quite* enough to make the effort it would require for me to sound coherent at that hour. Good luck with the interview, though! |
| 300 |
Mortgage Rate Lowered Too Sounds like you are just a few months/weeks behind the US in these matters. Maybe that means your country is taking steps soon enough to avert the worst of the problems faster than we have. Fingers crossed for the world economy to make a speedy recovery in 2009! |
| 299 |
Hangzhou Photos at the End of 2008 Happy New Year, Jian Shuo! Here's to a really good one for you and Wendy and little Yifan :-) |
| 298 |
Letter from NCUSCR :-) I'm really glad you feel at home here, Jian Shuo. We missed you during this holiday season! It's exciting to hear that you are involved in such a high-level mission for international understanding. I can think of no better "ambassador" than you to promote productive conversations between our two countries! |
| 297 |
Merry Christmas 2008 Merry Christmas, Jian Suo. I will be thinking about you and your beautiful family tomorrow as we celebrate with ours. Please give Wendy and Yifan big and small hugs from me, OK? (Not too big a one for Yifan -- I don't want to frighten him :-) I have a wish for myself for the coming year -- I want to learn how to take night time photographs as well as you do! |
| 296 |
Shanghaiist's Quote of Me See? This is why I never actually got "into" reading Shanghaiist (sorry, Dan) because I learn so much about the area just from reading your blog! It's very flattering to have them quote your posts so often, and nice to have the accurate attribution as well. Have a great time at the party -- I'm sure you will feel very famous there :-) |
| 295 |
Going to Attend Shanghaiist Party Oh, that will be a very fun party! Please say hello to Dan Washburn for me if you see him, OK? He's one of those "friends I haven't met yet" :-) |
| 294 |
Yifan in 2008 Christmas Awwwwwwww :-) He's such a happy-looking little guy, Jian Shuo -- obviously very well-loved! The "Wall Street" one really made me grin -- and then when you see him from behind with his diaper area on view...heeeee :-) I think you and Wendy must be getting quite a bit of exercise these days chasing him around everywhere. |
| 293 |
FBML Sandbox of Facebook (This is the extremely non-technical Carroll in California, waving cheerfully as I completely ignore your test page :-) |
| 292 |
Shanghai is Freezing Oooooh, I love the idea of a hot-water-warmed bed. That sounds really cozy! And I knew, of course, that little Yifan was not really suffering -- a good thing, since I am really not very skilled at knitting :-) |
| 291 |
Photos of Hong Kong in December 2008 Those images are beautiful, Jian Shuo. I am so envious of your skills as a night photographer. I have not yet mastered the night settings for my camera, but you inspire me to keep trying! |
| 290 |
Shanghai is Freezing No "heating equipment"??? Good heavens! Do you mean that in your own apartment there is no way to make the air feel warmer? Or did you perhaps mean some type of heating is available for public areas in other places but not Shanghai?? In some small public areas around here (such as where there is outdoor seating at restaurants) there are portable "space heaters" so people can feel more comfortable for a short time, and I have heard of places such as outdoor malls where certain sections are warmed by heated air, or even radiant heat from the sidewalks. But even in sunny northern California (where it is predicted to be close to 65 degrees today :-) our homes all have some type of supplementary heat available for use in the colder winter months. Poor Yifan! I will have to start knitting him a very warm sweater :-) |
| 289 |
How Many of My Readers Use FaceBook? As you might have guessed, I'm not a Facebook user. Never have found the time to look into it/master the user learning curve, and from what I've observed, for people who *do* use it, it can be quite a time sink. Feel free to try and convince me, though :-) |
| 288 |
Baixing Awarded as Red Herring Asia 100 Wooo, congratulations! |
| 287 |
Joined WWW2009 Programme Committee Congratulations, Jian Shuo! I'm sure they only invite very highly-regarded people to participate at that level -- a nice honor :-) |
| 286 |
Happy Thanksgivings Excellent and concise explanation there, PaulF! And, Jian Shuo, giving thanks for our friends and the good fortune of our health and well-being is something universal, no special holiday is really needed for that, so I think you've got it right. :-) Many blessings to be counted, by rich and poor alike. No matter what our circumstances, the fact of just being here to experience this amazing process we call "life" is something for which most of us can indeed be thankful. |
| 284 |
Summary of First Half of November Whew! Somehow I had a feeling he hadn't mysteriously turned ugly ;-) |
| 283 |
Summary of First Half of November Congratulations on the business success, Jian Shuo. That really is an important milestone. But, on the home front, did you really mean this: "He is not a cute boy..."? From the pictures you have shared with us, I would say YiFan is **definitely** cute!!!! Please give him a small kiss for me :-) |
| 282 |
Thanks Matt Isler! One reason I like your blog so much is that your posts always make me think. Sometimes they also make me smile. This one does both :-) |
| 281 |
10:00 PM Sleep is definitely a good thing. Sweet dreams to both you and Yifan :-) |
| 280 |
In Beijing, In Meeting Lunch alone? Jian Shuo, for you I would guess that is practically unheard of! But, tell us the truth -- I bet you started a conversation with at least one stranger wherever you ended up eating. Am I right? :-) |
| 279 |
Shanghai to Beijing? Train is Better than Air Good luck sleeping on the train. I think the motion of the car might feel good and make it easy to really relax :-) |
| 278 |
Ways to Delete Your Comments If people haven't learned by now that they should be careful what they "say" on the internet, well..."Hmm", is right. |
| 277 |
Eatery is Really Small Business Walking??!!!!!!! Life as you know it has just changed forever -- in a very good way. Go, Yifan, go! :-) |
| 276 |
Eatery is Really Small Business Speaking of eateries, Jim and I had lunch out at Buck's today, Jian Shuo, on our way back from San Francisco, and I thought of you :-) It really is an interesting place, full of Silicon Valley history. |
| 275 |
Happy Birthday to Me Oh rats! I meant to remember ahead of time this year. Shame on me!!! Happiest of happy days to you, Jian Shuo. Enjoy the weekend with your family, and may the year ahead be good to you. |
| 274 |
Last Day of National Holiday That's a wonderful way to describe your feelings about a child, Jian Shuo. :-) And even from a mother's perspective, I think your "formula" is more accurate that Wendy's. Eventually, even the difficult times when they are small seem to blend together into a blur of happy memories. No one can ever tell you ahead of time what an amazing change it will be. Truly, your life will never be the same. Give him a snuggle for me, OK? |
| 273 |
Plastic Bags in Seattle Heh, well California is getting ready to ban plastic bags soon too. I almost always say no when offered a bag for some small purchase, and I have a big supply of cloth and paper bags in my car which I re-use until they are falling apart. Of course most of the time I forget to bring them into the store with me, so to "punish"/re-train myself I carry or wheel my purchases, un-bagged, out to the car. I wonder how long it will take for me to remember to bring them in with me. |
| 272 |
Resume from Long Pause of Blogging What a clever way to re-wind one's life. Maybe from now on I will pretend to myself that when I finally get around to doing some project on which I've been procrastinating I actually *did* get it done a few days ago as planned. Of course then I will need to do twice as many things on the day I backtrack, so...Hmm. Still, an interesting concept. PS: You didn't really need to tell us your secret technique of filling in the blanks, Jian Shuo. I would just have assumed that I forgot to refresh the page or something. :-) |
| 271 |
I Decided to Learn to Read Menus Paul, that's a *great* description of an onion! I've been traveling outside the US for the past three weeks, and fully understand the intriguing difficulties of reading a foreign menu. Even some of the well-meaning translations, intended to clarify things for English readers, are both confusing and amusing. One thing I had never eaten before that we greatly enjoyed in Norway was Reindeer! Once I got over the feeling that I was feasting on Rudolph, it was really very delicious. Some of my best overseas dining experiences have happened when I just took a wild guess based on price of an item and general category it seemed to be in and said "I'll try this!" Jian Shuo, congratulations on having eaten at Bucks!! I'm sure you were told about all the movers and shakers who have eaten there, and the venture capitalists who still do. Many great business deals and ideas have been sketched out on paper napkins at Bucks :-) |
| 270 |
Top Commenter of 6 Years Wow! This is totally making me smile from ear to ear :-D I had no idea I was so far up there. Even though I've been away from my computer for the past three weeks, (I can really relate to your report of that long travel time!) I've been thinking about you, and was eager to check back and catch up with your blog as soon as possible. Glad you had another good trip to the US. Once my head gets back into the correct time zone, I will become a "regular" here again. Thanks for the "award", Jian Shuo. If I had a blog of my own, I would absolutely be displaying it proudly on my sidebar. Big hugs to you and your good family... |
| 269 |
OOB for Vacation Excellent! Here's to a well-deserved restful and relaxing time for both of you :-) |
| 268 |
Day Like This - Another Day We are going away on a vacation in a few weeks, Jian Shuo, and I will "think you with us" while we relax and enjoy meeting new and interesting people...in Norway! And Italy!! I am very excited. It will not be the kind of vacation you need though. I think you must come to Hawaii sometime when we are there in February. That is a place where you cannot help but relax. Enjoy the rest of your weekend :-) |
| 267 |
Olympic is about Competition and Happiness Your remark about people gathering in restaurants and bars to watch the games reminded me that I was in Europe with our then-teenage sons the year the Olympics were in Barcelona. We had thought we might travel to Spain in order to enjoy the experience of being there during that time, but it was unbearably hot all through Europe that summer. Instead, we had the experience of seeing bits and pieces of the competition from about five different countries. It was really great to be in a restaurant in Austria when one of the Austrian athletes won a medal, and we had similar experiences in Germany, Italy, Switzerland and France. I feel as though we experienced the entire summer games in five or six different languages. National pride, and friendly (but intense!) international competition and unity...such a good thing! |
| 266 |
The Chinese Elements - Part II :-) I would hate to admit how long it took me to figure out what the "movable type" portion of the program was really supposed to represent. I think in my comment the other day I referred to them as "movable pillars"? I was out of the room when the introduction to that segment explained the history being depicted, so at first I thought it was something to do with architecture -- the changing skyline as high-rise buildings were constructed. We were given a good explanation for the order in which the delegations made their entrance, but this time it was my husband who had briefly left the room. You are absolutely right, Jian Shuo -- he was **really** confused when eventually he realized that they were all entering out of "alphabetical" order. I think people in other parts of the world, certainly here in the US, are learning a great deal about China from watching these Olympic games. I have no way of knowing, of course, how accurate or objective our commentators may be. But the other day as I watched a portion of the women's bicycle race, there were many interesting descriptions of the areas, sights, and monuments along the course. Even the majority of the coverage about the stabbing death of our volleyball coach's father-in-law the other day seemed to stress the fact that this was really just a random event of violence that could very easily have happened in New York or anywhere else in the world. I feel sure that the overall effect of this Olympic event will be positive for China in the eyes of the rest of the world. Here's to the peaceful unity of all athletes and their fans, and here's hoping the politicians of the world may someday follow suit! PS: I believe this is the first time any of my blog friends have actually had me in mind as they wrote an entry! It's a feeling that makes me smile :-) |
| 265 |
Foreign Media's Response to the Opening Your readers' reaction? Well, this reader *loved* it! Despite the fact that our version was on a taped-delay basis, and all commentary of course was in English, I could not help feeling astonished at what it must have been like to actually be present at that extravaganza. I am always a sucker for the bright and optimistic faces of international young people. In this case, the athletes, the Chinese cheerleaders, the proud and lovely Chinese flag-bearers who escorted each national delegation into the arena, the amazing drummers, the triumphant technicians who emerged so unexpectedly from underneath the structure of the floor after the movable pillars had been perfectly manipulated for so long...every one of those faces moved me emotionally, and inspired me toward optimism for peaceful international relations in the future. Yes, of course the amount of money spent to produce such a spectacle could have made a huge difference in the lives of poor peasants in rural areas of your country (a criticism that can be made of any "excessive" expenditure in the area of arts, entertainment or sports) But I do agree with you, Jian Shuo, that even the temporary experience of world harmony is a priceless gift to the world. Once experienced, hopefully the idea that such a condition is actually possible to accomplish more permanently will be planted like a seed in the minds of international decision-makers. So, for four hours of optimism, China? I thank you -- well done! |
| 264 |
Beijing Olympic Games Opening Ceremony I love being able to check in here to see how everything is going, and I will be thinking about you and your family tonight when we sit together with ours to watch the time-delayed opening ceremony. From your pictures, it looks as though it will be truly spectacular! |
| 263 |
Brought Yifan to Gymboree Good decision, indeed! There will be other young children at the parks and play areas when you take him, and he will easily learn to "socialize", with you right there for security if he needs it. One of my favorite memories of our oldest son is from a park we went to when he was very young. He went to get a drink from a water fountain and arrived at the fountain at the same time as another little girl. I have no idea where he learned or how he thought to do this, but he very politely stepped aside to let her drink first, and even held the handle down for her. It was a precious moment, and one I would not have been able to enjoy in my mind all these many years later if he had been in a group care situation instead of with me. :-) |
| 262 |
Seek for Some Guidance I've heard it said that on their death bed, no one ever says "I wish I had spent more time at the office". Life's too short. Your little boy will be grown and gone in the blink of an eye, and you will still have many more professionally productive years ahead of you at that point. Enjoy every minute you can devote to being a father and with Wendy :-) |
| 261 |
Seek for Some Guidance I agree with Rob -- at this stage of your life, your family must come first, followed closely in second place by your job so that you can provide for your family. I feel sure that most of your readers would agree -- if you have the choice of writing for your blog, or snuggling with Wendy to watch a movie, by all means forget about the blog! |
| 260 |
The Most Beautiful Sky in Shanghai You're doing better than the Bay Area today, that's for sure! We've had several weeks of very bad air quality around here due to big uncontrolled forest fires near the coast and in the mountains. When the wind changes from time to time, there may be a few hours where the smoke from one direction clears out, but very soon thereafter more smoke from the other direction comes pouring in. I feel very sorry for the people whose homes and communities are affected by these fires, so it seems only a small hardship for us to have to "suffer" from the effect of the smoke. You know the view from our house, Jian Shuo? Right now we can barely see the hill that is closest to us between here and the valley, and I cannot see at all the place where your eBay office and usual motel is located. |
| 259 |
NBC Interview at my Home Exciting stuff! Yifan looks like a natural in front of the camera --I bet he will be a big hit! (You and Wendy too, of course :-) ) |
| 258 |
Attended Shanghai 5G in Our Office Today is "Father's Day" in the US, Jian Shuo. I will be thinking about you and Yifan :-) |
| 257 |
Review at Yifan's 1st Birthday A wonderful review, Jian Shuo. It seems this year has gone by so fast! He really does look much more like a "real person" now. You are right -- in your eyes, he will always be more handsome than ever before. We just spent a week visiting our own gorgeous grown-up (grey-haired!) first-born son. It seems like only yesterday he was Yifan's age! |
| 256 |
Hey! It is Yifan Again! Great comment, Dihua! :-) I look forward to seeing more of these "weekly walk" posts! |
| 255 |
Happy Birthday to Yifan WOW! How has it possibly been a year already??! He's growing up so fast. I love that the birthday hat is in English. And his presents included a new mouse and a calculator?? Perfect! Please give him a big squishy birthday hug for me, OK? |
| 254 |
Yifan has His Haircut (11th Month) Good heavens! I completely missed his second one!!! He looks very content and wise in these pictures, Jian Shuo -- someday soon I think he will be ready to stand beside you in a business meeting :-) |
| 253 |
Earthquake is Much More Terrible than I Thought Thanks for letting us know, AussiePB. I'm relieved and happy for you and your friend, but still so very sad, for the many thousands who have not been so lucky :-( |
| 252 |
Earthquake is Much More Terrible than I Thought AussiePB, any word yet from your friend? |
| 251 |
Earthquake and Flee from 18th Floor AussiePB, any word yet from your friend? |
| 250 |
Earthquake and Flee from 18th Floor 7.8 is a HUGE magnitude for an earthquake! Sadly, I suspect that these early reports of damage and lives lost will multiply many times in the next few days. That said, AussiePB, keep hope for your friend and his family! Effective communication will be impossible for a long time from that area. As joe.shuren just said, hand-radios will be helpful, but most telephone systems will be completely ineffective for quite a while. I will keep all those affected in my thoughts, and of course, Jian Shuo, it goes without saying that we are all very glad to hear that you and your family were not affected by this disaster! |
| 249 |
Introduce Yourself We've met in person, but this is a wonderful opportunity to get to know your other readers! I'm the proud mom of two wonderful young men about your age, happily married for 40 years this coming month, living in Cupertino CA, and hoping someday to have a chance to visit Shanghai. Until we have grandchildren of our own, it gives me great pleasure to think of myself as Yifan's unofficial "Honorary American Grandmother" :-) |
| 248 |
Photos of Shanghai in May, 2008 I actually find the trees more impressive than the power lines :-) To me, it makes a big difference when a city has managed to save room for some trees. It looks like there are a lot in the neighborhood near your office. |
| 247 |
Train Collision in Shandong It's very sad when major disasters happen, no matter where in the world they occur. Seems like no matter how hard we try, there's always a war going on, or a famine, or a flood or tornado or earthquake or hurricane. Natural disasters are one thing, and we can't do much about them. But war, and acts of terrorism, and human error or faulty mechanics causing things like plane crashes and derailments like this one...we humans just don't quite seem to have all the way figured out how to go about this business of living without problems yet. I like the little flower you made, Jian Shuo -- one small remembrance for those who died today. |
| 246 |
Four Types of Consciousness And just today there was a letter to the Editor of our local paper (San Jose Mercury News) written by an American expat living in Suzhou Jiangsu province in which the writer states: "...(I) observe daily an immensely peaceful and prosperous society where the vast majority of families are intact, people worship freely and openly, and there is an overwhelming feeling of excitement and optimism for the future. I myself feel greater freedom here, in China, than I do in the United States. China's workforce is happily working toward the future with a fervor and motivation that the United States hasn't seen since the Industrial Revolution. Quite simply: China is poised to become the next world superpower. From where I stand it seems certain and well deserved." I do not know this writer, or the circumstances for their being in China, but I was happy to read one person's opinion which seems to support the hope and optimism Jian Shuo has described among the Chinese people :-) |
| 245 |
Flight from Shanghai to Nanyang, Henan Have a good time with your family, Jian Shuo -- I bet Yifan will be the star of the visit :-) |
| 244 |
Yifan in His 9th Month You know me well, Jian Shuo :-) But believe me, if he wasn't truly such a cute little guy I would be far more "restrained" in my comments. He's just so darn chubby and adorable though -- I really want to reach right into my monitor and pull him toward me by those well-padded arms for a good long snuggle! |
| 243 |
Yifan in His 9th Month Oh, LOOK how cute he is!!!! I can't stop smiling when I see these pictures and read your proud words about how he is developing. So very happy for all three of you (and your parents!) :-) |
| 242 |
Friends Started to Boycott French Products I agree with Wayfarer -- imagine if the games were being held in the US this year how many protests there would be around the world. Such demonstrations, however, very rarely represent the feelings of the majority of people in a country toward the everyday people of another country. I happened to travel in France during a time when relations between our two countries, politically, were quite strained. Although apprehensive as to how I might be treated, without exception the French people I met were cordial and helpful, and we both expressed and readily accepted each other's feelings of embarrassment and distress about how the politicians in our countries were dealing with their differences. I hope that were you to travel in France today, Jian Shuo, you would not be viewed as "representing China", but would be welcomed as just being yourself. Of course it is different for official delegations, dignitaries, etc., and there are antagonistic and narrow-minded people all over the world as well. But in my experience, the vast majority of people are just, well, *people* -- people with families and friends who are trying to do the best they can to raise their children, work hard and have a successful and meaningful life. Except for a very few, no one really *wants* to go to war, or to hate other people for no good reason. Please do not lose your high regard for your fellow citizens of the world because of the actions of a few! PS: It is several hours later now, and I can see the whole post and all the comments :-) |
| 241 |
Friends Started to Boycott French Products Interesting...I wonder if you are being c*nsored a little bit today, Jian Shuo. I can only see a portion of this post (it stops in the middle of a sentence) and although I can tell that you have had some previous comments, I cannot see any of them. Anyway, what I was going to say is that it makes me very sad to think that the Olympic games are being so tarnished by political upheaval. To me it seems as though this wonderful world-warming event should be all about (and *only* about) the athletes, regardless of in what country it is being held, and what other countries may think of that country's political policies/problems. I know that there have been problems of one sort or another like this for many years now. but I keep hoping that the harmonious thinkers of the world will eventually win out over the antagonists. Very too bad for all concerned :-( I'm sorry if this comment does not fit with the rest of your post or has already been expressed by other commenters. |
| 240 |
Beijing Airport Terminal 3 (T3) Opens It sounds like the Disneyland of airport facilities! If I am ever fortunate enough to fly in to this destination, I will be sure to leave at least a half day to explore the airport -- as much a tourist attraction as the rest of the city, for sure :-) |
| 239 |
Beijing Airport Terminal 3 (T3) Opens Good heavens! Two completely brand new terminals in one day? You are a pioneer!! This building looks simply amazing -- even more astonishing than the one in Pudong. I would be interested to hear what they are planning to do on the top of the parking structure where it looks like they are planting long rows of grass and shrubbery. A giant urban garden space perhaps? And, are the white sections between the green areas solar panels? Or possibly just lightly-covered open sections in the roof to allow natural light in to the top level of the parking garage? It's very intriguing! A very exciting day for you!! |
| 238 |
Shanghai Pudong Airport Terminal 2 (T2) Wow! It looks spectacular, and very user-friendly, even for English-only travelers. How exciting to have been among the very first people to experience this beautiful facility :-) Safe travels, Jian Shuo! |
| 237 |
Taiwan Election - Ma Wins Impressively (at least to me!) Mr. Ma is the only head of state of any country whose hand I have actually shaken! I happened to be in Taipei during the time he was running for election as Mayor. He was campaigning at the Night Market when our group was there, and since his sister happens to live in our city, we had a delightful and extended conversation with him. I am not well-versed in the politics of his country, but I can attest that he was a very nice man, and extremely cordial to a group of international visitors even though we were not going to generate any votes on his behalf :-) |
| 236 |
From Shanghai to Sydney Zoo You look just like the gorilla! ;-) (Note to anyone reading this comment without having seen the pictures...I love Jian Shuo dearly and do not really think he looks like a gorilla!) |
| 235 |
Are American Economically Family-Independent Oh, I have so much to say on this subject, Jian Shuo, but we are still away from home and on a fragile internet connection. In two days I will be back at my own computer again, so look for a belated comment from me then :-) |
| 234 |
Culture Matters from ICS Pretty exciting experience, Jian Shuo -- I look forward to seeing either the program or your additional comments about it in March. Aloha! <--(Do you know what that means? It's English, but a special kind. Here's a hint...we are still in Hawaii :-) |
| 233 |
Happy Valentine's Day Happy Valentine's Day to you, Wendy and Yifan! Your roses are perfect, Jian Shuo -- both the home-grown and the "professonal" ones. And I think that those lillies (the long pink blossoms in that bouquet) must smell very wonderful! The rose in your garden is very similar to one of the roses we have planted as well -- I will think of you when ours starts to bloom :-) |
| 232 |
Yifan's New Year Photo Oh my goodness! He is so completely huggable. And he already looks very wise :-) Happy New Year to you and your family, Jian Shuo!! |
| 231 |
Snowing in SJTU (with Kijiji Logo) I'm very sorry to hear on the international news, what devastating effects this weather has had throughout China. It was so helpful, when listening to news reports, to have already had your perspective about those people waiting at train stations, etc. And how cool (a pun!) that you made the kijiji promo in the snow like that. What fun if it happened to become visible by something like Google Earth :-) |
| 230 |
"I Will Follow All the Rules!" Merry Christmas, Jian Shuo! May you and Wendy and Yifan have an abundance of love and all things that make you happy at this festive time of year :-) |
| 229 |
Current University Students are Different Wow. What a sad commentary on the current educational system there, Jian Shuo. I feel so sorry that the excitement for learning has perhaps (at least according to your observations) been lost in the quest for good scores on yet another high-pressure exam :-( My job involves working with many international students who are studying at our local community college and are applying for transfer to 4-year universities. Without exception, they are engaged, excited, and eager...and so very appreciative for the educational opportunities they are experiencing and for the help they receive from people like me in the process of achieving their goals. I never fail to be impressed by their accomplishments. Here they are, thousands of miles away from home, doing college level work in a language they were not born speaking. Simply amazing! What a shame if what you are seeing is true :-( As mentioned by commenter wy, I understand the need for an educated work force, but such intense and focused education, at the expense of a well-rounded personal life, seems very short-sighted to me. Hopefully this interesting dialog will include additional input from other observers. It's probably too much to hope that very many current university students actually take time off from their studies to read your blog, but it would be most informative to hear from any readers who are in that category! |
| 228 |
Yifan Starts to Sleep Alone Oh, this brought back so many memories of my own long-ago little ones! The thing that is really amazing is that we never know the "last time" something happens. There will be a last bottle or breast, a last diaper, a last sleepless night...even the last time he holds your hand while crossing a street will go unnoticed...until you realize it hasn't happened for a while, and oh, my goodness, he's taller than you are all of a sudden! Truly each moment is something to treasure. As you realized yesterday when writing about the gas station explosion, life is precious. Give him a kiss for me please, Jian Shuo -- and one for Wendy too :-) |
| 227 |
Yifan Fell Asleep in IKEA Count me firmly in the 100% category whenever you "bring him out" here on your blog!! :-) But, Jian Shuo -- after the last post when you wrote about how tired Wendy is right now, I'm surprised you didn't say that she fell asleep on the bed right next to Yifan in the middle of IKEA ;-) |
| 226 |
Toughest Time for Me and Wendy Sending my most giant hugs to you and Wendy tonight, Jian Shuo. It definitely does get easier...but I have to be honest and say that doesn't happen for quite a long time. We all need sleep, and young parents, especially hard-working young parents, not to mention young parents whose own parents are having problems, are the most sleep-deprived people in the world! Be good to yourselves, cherish each other, and tell your parents how much you love them. They are so lucky to have you and little Yi Fan in their lives! |
| 225 |
Hospital in Shanghai So glad to hear that all is well! I will keep your whole family in my thoughts and am wishing her a speedy and comfortable recovery!! |
| 224 |
Bobo's Playing Two-Section Stick Wow! he makes that look so easy, but I have a feeling it's not easy at all!! |
| 223 |
More Detailed Shanghai Future Metro Map How fun to be so famous that people recognize you on the street :-) |
| 222 |
Hey, What's This on Shangzilla? How funny! I love the part about the LED displays from your eyebrows. You know you have really become famous when humor sites begin producing parodies and jokes about you, Jian Shuo :-) |
| 221 |
Yifan has His Hair Cut Hahahahahahaaa! So, if for some reason your venture with Kijiji is not a success, I think you have found an excellent "back-up" profession, Jian Shuo. He is SO CUTE!!!!! I want to reach right inside my computer monitor and squeeze those chubby little cheeks. Please give him a kiss for me, OK? Much love from California! |
| 220 |
Special Birthday Gift from MovableType Team "Friends Around the World" That says it all :-) |
| 219 |
Happy Birthday to Me Happy Birthday Hugs from here, Jian Shuo. May the year to come hold good health, good fortune, and much happiness for you :-) |
| 218 |
Beijing Impression - Part II I like the modern design of that stadium a lot! These are very interesting posts, Jian Shuo. Of course the whole world will be watching that city a year from now. To be able to do so with your early insights about the infrastructure, air pollution (fake clean air -- how funny!) and the impact it all is making on the people who live there will add a great deal to our experience of the event from afar. Thanks |
| 217 |
Yifan's Recent Photos Ohhhhh, so sweet and happy looking :-) It seems I have missed some of the previous pictures, Jian Shuo. I am going to have to go back and enjoy a "feast" of all of Yifan's pictures now. He really is growing fast! |
| 216 |
Many Events in Shanghai An exciting time to be in Shanghai! |
| 215 |
Happy Moon Cake Festival I wish you and your family a most festive celebration, Jian Shuo. Yifan's first Mid-Autumn Festival :-) |
| 214 |
Don't Leave, AussiePB My goodness -- if only the politicians of the world could follow this good example of people-to-people diplomacy and consideration for other people's feelings, just think how much better off we all would be. Jian Shuo, I really think you should offer your services as "Chief Executive of the World" someday. Not too soon though -- you probably still have a few more years of learning and opinion-forming/changing to do. But I believe you are well on the way to having just the kind of world view that would be needed for that position :-) |
| 213 |
Baseball Game (San Francisco Giant v.s. Arizona Diamondbacks) Hah! The seats we have been in are on the same level, Gate 208 J1 & J2. You were just a little closer to home plate which is perfect. I was thinking it would be a great coincidence if our friends happened to sit near your benefactor all the time, but with a whole section in between them they probably have never crossed paths. |
| 212 |
Baseball Game (San Francisco Giant v.s. Arizona Diamondbacks) Wow, if that 9th picture was taken from where you were sitting, I think it must have been almost exactly where we sit when we go up there with friends who have some season tickets. I will have to ask them if they know Andrew! |
| 211 |
Wrapping up My Trip in San Jose Jian Shuo, you are very lucky to have such a long list of people who you consider friends so far away from the place you call home. It reminds me of our older son who is in a business where he considers the main part of his responsibilities to be "making memories for other people". You are fortunate enough to be making memories not just for yourself, but also for people halfway around the world. Such a good thing! |
| 210 |
Five Years of Blogging What a happy post, Jian Shuo. Many congratulations for this accomplishment. What you have done ("juggling" your job, your family, and your personal time along with the blogging) is not easy. I'm very glad to hear that you also plan to blog about little Yifan's life from time to time. Just as your long-time readers have watched *you* grow and mature over the past five years, we look forward to watching him grow and mature as well. My goodness...five years from now you will have a little boy instead of a baby. Hard to imagine, isn't it! |
| 209 |
That is Easy - Easy Solution to Complicated Problems Coincidentally, we were talking about several of these interesting issues with a good friend just last night :-) |
| 208 |
Top Commenter of the Month (2007H1) Shame on me for falling so far behind, Jian Shuo! I'm sure that all it would take is more posts from you about your beautiful baby boy to land me right back at the top of your list again :-) |
| 207 |
Highly Recommend Book - China Road Adding this one to my "must read" list immediately. |
| 206 |
Yifan in His Two Months A perfectly beautiful combination of your both. Such happy days for your family :-) |
| 205 |
Strengthen the Control of Speech "so police know who to arrest when you post something "unhealthy or harmful"." Jian Shuo, we don't want anything bad to happen to you!!! I'll be doing a little motherly worrying here in California until we hear that you have not suffered any negative consequences from this post. Be careful, my friend! |
| 204 |
I Created a Photo Gallery Well, of course I went directly to the ones of Yifan :-) He's soooo cute, Jianshuo!! He's already getting so chubby looking (well-fed). Lucky baby to have found you for parents, and lucky you to have such an adorable and contented little one!! |
| 203 |
Foreign Language Only Signs? Oh, does this sound familiar! Where I live there has been a small local "controversy" over the fact that some of the stores and businesses run by various newcomers to our area do not have English on the signs -- only Chinese, or Korean, or Vietnamese, or whatever the language that those proprietors choose to advertise their business. Many people who have lived here a long time are horrified that "those people" (and please note my use of quotation marks to indicate that this is something other people have said, not me!) are "taking over" the area. As you know, my personal feeling is that the more we can "mix" internationally with each other's cultures, the better off the world will be. Since I cannot read Chinese, maybe it's a good idea for the sign at a Chinese bakery in Cupertino to have some words in English that I can see when I want to buy a good cake or pastry, but I don't worry too much about it. I know that when the people who run that shop have been here long enough to learn good English themselves, they will probably display the words in English *and* Chinese with great and justifiable pride! Until then, I can just smile, point to the item I want, and try to make them understand that I am glad to have them in the neighborhood. |
| 202 |
Chinese Characters "...the written language of the whole China is the same. No matter how different people pronounce, when they write it down, it is the same language!" Wow, this was really very interesting to learn, Jian Shuo. Even though I live in an area where many Chinese families have settled, and I have many friends whose first language is Chinese, I never before knew this important fact. I feel sure that your theory about the way European languages have developed, and how Europe is composed of so many different countries, has merit. A very long time ago I studied French and Spanish. Because of this, I can somewhat understand both Italian and Portugese. But even though I can neither understand nor speak German, I could at least read the maps and street signs when I was traveling in Germany. However, a few years ago when I visited Taiwan, it was the first time since I was a small child when I found myself unable to read! I'm sure that the reason "Esperanto", which was an attempt to develop a common "world language", never caught on is because it was based on both romance languages and Western characters. So much of the world reads and speaks some form of Chinese, it would be difficult to combine those two linguistic sources into a truly usable "world language". If someone in your generation can find a way to overcome these difficulties so that everyone in the world really could communicate easily with each other, I think that would be a most important step toward world harmony! |
| 201 |
Yifan has Hukou Today That sounds like a wonderful strong name...and I'm glad to hear he isn't married yet! |
| 200 |
Wonderful Night with Mayors from U.S. I'm sure if you look back at the pictures from when he was brand new, or only one day old, you will be able to tell the difference. My youngest son turned 30 yesterday, and truly, it seems like only yesterday when he was a baby. There's a *big* difference in how he looks now from how he looked then, but I don't remember seeing it happen from day to day either. Of course I don't remember changing myself very much since then either, but I'm sure the mirror must have a different opinion! |
| 199 |
Happy (New) Father's Diary No one can possibly prepare an expectant parent for what happens to your heart when that baby arrives. You found exactly the right word for it, Jian Shou -- sweet. Enjoy every minute! |
| 198 |
Name of the Baby Jian Shuo, he is absolutely adorable. I'm so happy for all three of you :-) I can understand the dilemma you face in choosing a name. When our second son was born, we had a name all picked out ahead of time, but when we actually "met" him, it was immediately clear that he was not a Jonathan. It took a while for him to let us know the best name for him. When your baby boy is ready to claim his identity, you will know, and it will feel right to both of you. Enjoy every single minute you possibly can of holding him in your arms -- he will be taller than you are before you know it! |
| 197 |
My Baby Arrives Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!! Such exciting news, Jian Shuo. I am wildly excited for you. No one could possibly prepare you for what will happen to your heart in the next few months. It's simply impossible to understand until it actually happens. You and Wendy will be wonderful parents, and that little baby is blessed to have found you for his family. Please give Wendy a hug from me, OK? And gently rub the top of his head on behalf of his Honorary Extra Grandmother in California. Much love to you all! |
| 196 |
Congrats to George! Wow. Name recognition! You're a bonafide celebrity now, Jian Shuo :-) |
| 195 |
OOB Tonight Give that girl a hug from your old lady friend, Jian Shuo, and enjoy your "date" :-) |
| 194 |
4 Year Anniversary of Wedding 4 years! My goodness, Jian Shuo -- it really doesn't seem as though it's been that long. I remember very clearly how happy I was when I read your account of that very happy day. I even remember some of the pictures you posted afterwards of the formal wedding ceremony. Congratulations to you both on another milestone in your lives :-) |
| 193 |
New Phone - Dopod D600 Congratulations on your new phone, Jian Shuo. But, perhaps even more importantly -- Happy Birthday, Goudaner!!!! :-) |
| 192 |
Grocery Cost in Shanghai, 2007 The vegetable you were unsure of looks like what we would call "lettuce" -- specifically "loose leaf lettuce" (as opposed to something like "iceberg lettuce" which has the leaves formed tightly together in what's called a "head whihc is also the way most cabbage grows) No worries though, Jian Shuo -- it's all "rabbit food" to you ;-) |
| 191 |
The Scar in People's Heart What a wonderful opportunity to learn from the previous generation. I'm sure Wendy's parents appreciated your interest, and the chance to tell you in depth about their own life experience. All we want, as parents, is for our children's lives to be better/easier than our own. It must give them great pleasure to see you and Wendy living in a prosperous and happy period of time after such a difficult season in the history of your country. |
| 190 |
I Got a Tax Summary! Wow, a bureaucracy that says thank you. Amazing! |
| 189 |
The Great Well in Jinmao Tower Wow! that's about all I can think to say, JS -- just really wow!! You do such a good job capturing photos with interior light. These really convey the feeling of looking up and saying "wah!" |
| 188 |
Friend's Dog Killed Such a sad commentary on the hard hearts of the officials, and perhaps also the desperation of people in the villages. |
| 187 |
Friend's Dog Killed OMG, such a *horrible* thing! I'm not too surprised to hear about the criminal theft and then sale of the dead animals for profit, but I had no idea there were official policies like the ones you also describe. To kill a pet in front of the family that loves it is almost like killing a child -- and it would be so traumatic for any children in the family who might witness the event. Ghastly! Is there public discussion of this situation, Jian Shuo, or is it another of those things where people are too afraid to speak out against officials? Also, I might have imagined that a dog running lose on the street could be kidnapped and killed by people in need of the money it might bring as meat (or in need of the meat for their own sustenance) but for the value to be high enough to risk entering a home? Unthinkable! Do the people who break in and steal dogs also steal other valuables from the home? Is the dog just an "incidental" addition to the theft, or is it just the dog that is wanted? I can't imagine that a dog, dead or alive, unless it is of a very special breed that might bring a great deal of money if re-sold alive, could possibly be considered more valuable than something more easily stolen such as jewelry or money. I'm not someone who is "shocked" very easily by most things in life, but I admit to finding this extremely shocking. And very sad. To think that you might (with every good reason!) refrain from having a pet you would love and who would be so fortunate to find a loving home in your good care -- very very sad, indeed :-( |
| 185 |
OOB for Saturday Merry Christmas to you and Wendy, Jian Shuo. I have a feeling that the year ahead is going bring good things to you both! |
| 184 |
Busy Recently Sounds like you are keeping a level head, and a good attitude, in the midst of it all, Jian Shuo. From what we are seeing on Google news this morning, all is well for you and Kijiji. Hopefully whatever is motivating anything unpleasant for you will die down soon. Take care! |
| 183 |
Did I Change in the Last Four Years? I bet you haven't changed all that much, Jian Shuo (except for your professional circumstances, of course) It's just that over time you have revealed so much more of yourself. We know you better now -- and maybe you know yourself better now too :-) |
| 182 |
Going Back to Shanghai It was our great pleasure to have you again, Jian Shuo. I think we must make a point of scheduling our annual party around your annual trips from now on :-) |
| 181 |
Hello from San Jose, Dec 4 Any bets on how long it will take him to get lost *this* time, folks? ;-) Just teasing you, Jian Shuo. I'm sure it feels good to be able to find your way around our crazy freeway system. Here's to a good day's sleep! |
| 180 |
The Blind Men and The Elephant Fantastic post! And the "Six Blind Men and China"? Pure brilliance!! Nicely done, Jian Shuo :-) |
| 179 |
Jian Shuo Visits San Jose (Again) I'm glad you're feeling better, Jian Shuo. Sleep seems to work all kinds of miracles for you! |
| 178 |
OOB to Take a Pause With all the traveling you do, it's a miracle you don't get ill more often. Feel better soon!! |
| 177 |
Happy Thanksgivings A collection of friends is one of life's most treasured posessions. You are wise indeed to appreciate that at such a young age, Jian Shuo. Happy Thanksgiving to you too, my friend! |
| 176 |
Rumors after Rumors - Part II Too bad there are so many "hassles" that go along with being a more public figure these days. I feel privileged that we blog-readers have an opportunity to know the more personal side of you, Jian Shuo. Hang in there! |
| 175 |
Heading Back to Shanghai I thought it might have been Chaminade when you described the hotel on the "mountain" in Santa Cruz. What a beautiful place to hold a retreat :-) I look forward to reading your reflections on the experience after you've had a chance to "process" everything. Good luck with the jet lag!! |
| 174 |
Photo: Dog under Sunshine Hahahaha! That's what (one of the things, at least) I love so much about this blog, Jian Shuo. We never know what to expect. Dezza, I'm with you -- looks like a real dog to me ;-) |
| 173 |
Where are You - Part II Wow, this is really interesting to see where so many of your readers are from! I live in Cupertino, California, and have been fortunate enough to host Jian Shuo when he has visited Silicon Valley on business a few times in the past. I think next time you come, JS, we should have a big "meet-up" for all your fans in the Bay Area. And, to Anna from Boston: I grew up there, and your description of all that area has to offer has made me homesick! |
| 172 |
Suggest a Topic Interesting discussion. I think if I am ever so fortunate as to be able to visit Shanghai, I will have to ask Jian Shuo to suggest a good Chinese name for me to use while I am traveling in your country! :-) |
| 171 |
I am not a Big Fan of Hate... Jian Shuo, this is one of the very best descriptions of true patriotism I have ever read! To love one's own country, in no way should necessitate or cause hatred of someone else's. If I love and am proud to be a member of my own family, does that in any way imply that I should despise other people's families if they are in some way different from my own? We are all "just people", after all. Whether the people of any country agree or disagree with the politicians who are in charge of some of the decision-making and policies, does not mean that we should not be able to get along with the people of anothr country whose politicians and policies differ from our own. Far better, I think, to join a movement in *support* of something about which you feel enthusiastic, rather than to spread negative energy in the world by joining a protest *against* something. Just let the positive energy (love) become bigger and stronger than the negative energy (hate) and the "regular people" will get along fine no matter what the politicians are up to! |
| 170 |
Happy Birthday to Me Oh, and it's already "tomorrow" now where you are, so I'm late with these good wishes! Belated Happy Birthday, Jian Shuo -- I am sending you 29 smiles, and 29 hugs, and 29 hopes for a very happy year ahead. And, I have a funny story to tell you. Today when I met with a group of International students on the campus where I work, we started talking about food from their countries, and how they felt about the food we have here. One girl from China commented that it has been difficult for her to get used to eating uncooked vegetables like we always have in salads. I told them about my friend in Shanghai who accused me of feeding him "rabbit food" -- they laughed for a very long time about that! So, at least I was thinking about you today, even if I forgot to wish you a good celebration! |
| 169 |
Life in Remote Places Ohhh, have a GREAT vacation trip, Jian Shuo. That's a wonderful country to visit. If you like fish, be sure to try some Barramundi. Yummm! :-) |
| 168 |
Four Years of Blogging Belated Happy Blogiversary, Jian Shuo! Haagen Dazs is certainly a great way to celebrate :-) |
| 167 |
Top 3 Issues of Shanghai Tourism Although I have not yet had the pleasure of visiting Shanghai, my experience as a visitor in Taiwan may be of some relevance. For me, a most interesting part of that adventure was being, for the first time in my adult life, in a place where I was unable to read. I would not have known whether I was in front of a hotel or a hospital were it not for an ambulance or a limousine pulling up to the front door. This problem must be similar for all travelers who are unfamiliar with the written alphabetic characters of a place they are visiting. For this reason, the suggestion someone made above for a map, with recognizable landmarks such as parks, transit stations, major hotels, etc. might be useful if those landmarks are also identified at the site with some sort of symbol that might be easy to understand for travelers from *any* country (not just those who read English). In fact, why not make all major urban areas more globally friendly with some sort of consistent, internationally understood system of coded signs and symbols intended to assist travellers? A map, in English, with words such as "Center Street" or "Grand Hotel" will not help me if the signs on the streets and buildings are in Chinese characters which I cannot understand. Mind you, my own brain is no longer limber enough to devise any workable sort of system for this, but I am thinking things like major streets, regardless of their actual name, could also have some sort of small numeric code on the sign (such as "N12/s" meaning "the southern portion of street number 12 which runs north to south") so that when a visitor is standing on the corner of two major streets with Chinese (or Italian, or Russian, or...) words on the sign giving the actual street name in the local language, they could consult their Visitors' Map which would be marked with the codes instead of the names and be able to figure out where they are. Does this make sense to anyone, or am I simply an incurable optimist to think that such a thing could even be possible? |
| 166 |
Stanford Dream Well, you know I'm very partial to this idea! :-) |
| 165 |
Kijiji New Platform Went Online Big congratulations to you and the Kijiji team, Jian Shuo! That is a tremendous accomplishment, and I look forward to hearing ongoing stories about the success of that venture. They sure picked the right person to get it off the ground :-) |
| 164 |
Badminton Made Me Feel Good Good intentions are the best way to start a fitness and fun plan :-) |
| 163 |
Back to Blog of My Own I'm with you, Jian Shuo -- it's one of the main reasons I'm not a blogger. One needs a very thick skin. Sometimes people will comment on a blog by making remarks they never would in face-to-face conversation. Or, if they are rude enough to speak like that in person, then their listeners have the ability to turn away and not spend time in their company again. On a blog, we can just scroll quickly past the offensive comments, but still, it changes the atmosphere in a way that can be quite uncomfortable. Anyone who has been reading your blog for a while is aware that you absolutely have welcomed disagreement, discussion and dialogue on a very wide range of topics in the past. I think both you and your readers have learned much from that kind of *healthy* disagreement. But the arguments just for the sake of "grandstanding" (getting attention, or "stirring the pot" -- intentionally stirring up negative disagreement)? Those have not been productive, informative or helpful to anyone but the writer's ego. I think you've done a really good job of ignoring most of that in the past, and of welcoming constructive dialogue between readers with differing opinions! But in the end, it is *your* blog! You have every right to write about what interests you, and to avoid writing about things that foment unproductive arguments. It's a shame if the minority of trouble makers feel that they have "won" by turning off your desire to write about controversial subjects, but I for one will be more than happy to read about your personal life for a while and give the rabble rousers some time to move on to other platforms. Good luck with the air conditioning. And yes, when you and Wendy have time to be together, since you both work such long and pressured hours, my guess is that it would be better-spent in relaxation and play time rather than work discussions! |
| 162 |
Pictures of the Bund Wah! Those are spectacular pictures, Jian Shuo. What a great venue for a birthday party! |
| 161 |
"The Right to Refuse Service to Anyone" Oh! I forgot to explain this when you asked before, Jian Shuo. Sorry!! You are right that it is common to see these signs in the US, and it relates to the freedom of the person who owns the business to set the "rules" for who they are willing to serve. Do you know the "decision game" called "Rock/Paper/Scissors"? It's sort of like saying the right of the business owner "beats" the rights of the customer. Some examples might be: A bar (or an airline) can refuse to serve additional alcoholic drinks to patrons who are "drunk". An "up-scale" (high class) restaurant can refuse to admit customers who are dressed "inapropriately" (for the atmosphere of the restaurant) in shorts and t-shirts. Even some "casual" resturants will post signs that say "no shoes, no service" , or "no shirt, no service" which means that you cannot come in if you are barefoot, or wearing only shorts or a bathing suit. This would most likely be for reasons of hygene, or the aesthetic comfort of the other customers who might not enjoy eating next to someone else's hairy bare back. So, those places which state "we reserve the right to refuse service to anyone" mean that they wish to be free to determine if a customer is "appropriate" for their place of business. You might even see such a sign in a place like a convenience store, which is generally assumed to be open and welcome to every possible kind of customer. But, if someone comes in drunk and disruptive, the sign advises everyone that the owner or manager of the busines has the right to tell that person to leave without being served. It might also apply to a "gang" or rowdy group of teenagers. Most places welcome the money that teenage customers bring to their business, but sometimes stores have trouble with poorly behaved teenagers disrupting their displays or upsetting more mature customers. In that case it could easily be considered a form of "age discrimination" (illegal in the US) but for the protection of the business (ie: the comfort of the other customers who might otherwise leave without buying anything) the owners may decide to ask the teenagers to leave. I believe that the rights implied by such a sign do not "beat" (or supercede) the rights involved in the basic freedoms of our country. It would be wrong and not legally allowed for a business owner to refuse service to a customer just because they are of a certain race or ethnicity, for example. Even the sign would not permit a business to turn away a woman wearing a head scarf because she "might be a terrorist" or someone of a racial minority because "we don't serve "those" people". But, if a person of any ethnicity is causing trouble, (might be intoxicated, or on drugs, or even just arguing loudly and disruptively with a companion) they may be asked to leave based on their behavior (not their appearance) , and the next step would be to call the police to report some sort of public disturbance. Other readers may have more to add on this subject, but that has been my experience. For the most part, everyone really is free to shop or do business wherever they wish. But it is also fair to give a business owner the right to refuse to serve someone who they feel would be bad for the business. Does this make sense? |
| 160 |
Hello, I am OK now Good news! I'm so glad you got the care you needed, Jian Shuo. It must have been a bit frightening for you (and Wendy!) to deal with such a high fever. Happy to hear that you are OK! |
| 159 |
Got Fever - 38.4 C This does sound very alarming! Please clarify for your concerned readers!! Hoping you will be feeling better soon :-) |
| 158 |
Getting U.S. Visa in China Kevin, well said! And, Jian Shuo, on those days when you may wonder whether it is worth your time and energy to continue this blog, think about passer-by being helped by Julia, and the young woman waiting for a kidney transplant who was put in touch with my young friend through you. Your site brings people together all around the world, and I feel sure it is doing much to reduce the barriers between "regular people" that our governments both seem to be so intent on maintaining. So, "Yay for you!" I say :-) |
| 157 |
It is Pouring! Pouring! Ahah! A very sensible system, especially for such a large metropolitan area. Some of our major US cities could learn from that example! |
| 156 |
It is Pouring! Pouring! Well, if that typhoon hits, you may have a chance to experience life without electricity for a while, Jian Shuo! Stay safe!!! |
| 155 |
The Tree in Water Wow! That's a really spectacular perspective on something that many people probably passed right by without even noticing. Very lovely, Jian Shuo! |
| 154 |
Hotmail Blocked in China Interesting that you are having this experience immediately following your post about how things can be difficult, but not impossible :-) |
| 153 |
My Boat Sunk in Dishui Lake Stephen, that's a great idea! Jian Shuo, you would totally love building one yourself!! Do you remember the big remote-controlled airplanes that are hanging on the walls in our living room? Those were made by our boys, and I know they have similar kits for boats. I have a feeling this is a hobby you would find both relaxing and enjoyable for your "spare time" (as if you have very much of that!) The only problem is that Wendy might not appreciate it very much. The process of putting one together would require quite a bit of space in which to spread out all the materials...and they would probably remain "spread out" (a euphemism for "a big mess"!) for quite a long time until the project could be completed. Maybe if your apartment is not very large it would be best to start with a fully-constructed one after all :-) |
| 152 |
My Boat Sunk in Dishui Lake One of the things I really love about you, Jian Shuo, is that even though according to the calendars you are a "grownup" you've never stopped playing. Long may that "joie de vivre" (how's your French? ;-) continue!!! |
| 151 |
From Shanghai to US - A Handbook What a great project! Be sure to include a warning about all the "rabbit food" we eat over here ;-) Happy May Day to you and Wendy!! |
| 150 |
Tulip Blooms in my Garden Jian Shuo, they are beautiful!! We have been away for two weeks on vacation. I was so happy to see our dog again when we came home tonight, and can hardly wait to go outside when it is daylight tomorrow to see how things have changed in the garden. I checked your blog first thing after turning the computer back on just now, and will try to catch up very soon on all the entries I missed. Happy Spring to you and Wendy!! |
| 149 |
Happy Birthday to Goudaner (2nd Year) I love your stories about Goudaner! Happy Birthday to a most faithful friend :-) |
| 148 |
New Year for Everyone in the team I'm excited for you, Jian Shuo! Your adventure with this exciting young company reminds me of so many stories from when start-ups were happening all over Silicon Valley. The energy and enthusiasm of the people involved has such an impact on the success of the enterprise. I know your teams will do well, and they are so lucky to have you with them! Congratulations on the success of this first year, and here's hoping you have many many more :) |
| 147 |
20 Years of Professional Managers in China Oh! Very different from a resume, then. But exactly like the big envelopes I have kept for each one of my children since they were small. Although probably your Dang'an does not include any of the small pictures they painted in nursery school, or the letters they left for Santa Claus, and notes to them from the Tooth Fairy ;-) Thanks for explaining this to me! |
| 146 |
20 Years of Professional Managers in China Thanks, Jiguo! I really appreciate the opportunity to learn new things from this very helpful community of readers. So, does that mean it is something like what we would call a "resume"? A piece of paper listing your education, your work experience, your job objectives, that sort of thing? This is something, along with a "cover letter", that we would normally submit to the employer for their consideration when applying for a job. |
| 145 |
20 Years of Professional Managers in China This is a very interesting post, Jian Shuo. If you have time, could you please explain what is meant by the phrase "keeping the Dangan for its employees"? I looked up "Dangan" on Google but was not able to find anything that really clarifies the term. |
| 144 |
Happy Valentine's Day Special hugs to you and Wendy on this special Day, Jian Shuo!! |
| 143 |
Tulip Wakes Up in my Garden How exciting! One's first gardening experiences are especailly meaningful, Jian Shuo. I'm happy to hear that your sleeping tulips are starting to wake up. In a few weeks we will see pictures of the lovely healthy flowers they produce, and you will know that your efforts in November made a real contribution to the coming of Spring! |
| 142 |
The Last Day of Vacation Oh, poor Goudaner! I'm glad they are fixing the problem for you, though and he will be good as new, as well as shiny, clean, and well maintained, and at no cost (except the inconvenience) to you. Not a bad ending to a happy holiday week, after all. I never thought before about how things in nature "take a break" for rest from time to time. Surely we would not appreciate spring flowers, or the moon, so much if they were always there. Happy to hear you have had a restful vacation! |
| 141 |
New Year's Eve - the Year of Dog Happy New Year to you and your family, Jian Shuo! Safe travels :-) |
| 140 |
I Don't Drive Well After Back from San Jose Heh -- when I first moved to California, I almost caused a huge traffic accident in San Francisco by stepping off the curb (as a pedestrian) one moment before a taxi would have whizzed by. I learned my pedestrian skills in Boston (a terrifying place to walk or drive) where it was common practice to lean forward from the side (or middle) of the road as a car went by and then leap between it and the next one (coming fast) in order to make it across. In San Francisco though, the moment I stepped off the curb, all the cars screeched to a halt to let me pass. I was amazed (and horrified)! Who knew? |
| 139 |
Happy New Year A very happy, healthy, and joy-filled New Year to you and Wendy and your families, Jian Shuo! |
| 138 |
Merry Christmas for My Friends and Family What a beautiful way to express your love and friendship for others, Jian Shuo. I have no doubht that 35 years (and more!) from now many of those same names will continue to hold a special place in your heart. Holiday Hugs, |
| 137 |
Age of Crazy Ideas Merry Christmas, Jian Shuo! It's already Christmas Eve where you are. May you and Wendy have a wonderful day tomorrow, and I wish you all the best for the year ahead :-) |
| 136 |
The 8-Day of Nightmare Wow, what a lot of work for you, and what a "pain" for you to have to do it now when you are also busy with so many other things! I will keep my fingers crossed that all of the good information you have accumulated here during the past few years can be maintained without too much trouble for you from now on. Merry Christmas to you and to Wendy from your "old" friend in Cupertino :-) |
| 135 |
Sorry for Outage 8 Hours Safe trip, Jian Shuo! It was so great to have you here to meet our friends last weekend. I feel truly honored that you were able to fit that visit in to your busy work schedule. And yes, I did see the outage here at your blog today. I was worried that maybe for some reason the recent "controversial" comments you've been getting had triggered some sort of shut-down. So, it's a relief to hear it was "only" a relatively temporary mix-up. The other day I experienced something similar due to a typo while I was going to hotmail. Someone has obviously purchased the rights to "hotmial" and I'm sure they get a ton of hits from careless fingers like mine. Please give Wendy a hug from me when you get home, and come see us again any time! |
| 134 |
Flying to SFO And your drivers' license! Don't forget your drivers' license!!! :-) |
| 133 |
Craigslist's Success Craig'slist is great for so many reasons, but the feature I value most is how easy it is to sort the listings geographically. I live about an hour south of San Francisco, and the Bay Area is really very spread-out. If I want to find volunteer opportunities, or activities close to home, I can sort by neighborhood and not have to scroll through listings that would be too far to drive. But, if I'm going to be in another location on a particular day, I can sort for that neighborhood and find out if there is anything especially interesting going on. Or, if I need to buy something and would not mind going farther afield to acquire the right item (something like a car, or a musical instrument, or a dog :-) I can look through all the listings for the entire area. So far from Craig'slist I have found our dog, a person to take care of our dog when we are away traveling, a job for my good friend's son, a young woman from Korea who needed help proof-reading an academic essay which I was able to provide, the crew of workers who are repairing our roof this very minute, people to paint the outside of our house, people to do some concrete work for us, volunteers to help drive cancer patients to medical appointments, and a free place to store a large amount of building materials for a community project. Craig'slist is absolutely amazing! I will be eagerly following the development of Kijiji, Jian Shuo. If you can do for your community, even a fraction of what Craig'slist has done for ours, you will have made a huge difference in life! Personal note: I still did not receive that message back from you about your San Jose plans, Jian Shuo. Do you still have my "real" e-mail address (not the hotmail one)? I'll send you another test message so you can capture it from there if you want to. :-) |
| 132 |
Jian Shuo Wang in San Jose in Dec Just FYI, nothing visible arrived yet on this end. I just sent you another to hotmail. |
| 131 |
Jian Shuo Wang in San Jose in Dec Check your hotmail, Jian Shuo! :-) |
| 130 |
Boing Boing's Five Year in Blogging Jian Shuo, I completely agree that one great value of your blog is the personal perspective you are able to give on issues of a broader nature. I first "found" you back when the SARS epidemic was causing world-wide concern. By reading your personal stories about conversations you had with taxi drivers and others in Shanghai during that period, I was able to form a much better understanding of what was actually going on "behind" the official news stories. It was very helpful to be able to find information of this sort that I would not have had access to otherwise since I didn't know anyone personally who lives there. My husband still remembers the day I was reading your blog and suddenly said "Hey, it's snowing in Shanghai right now!". And who else would we have been able to follow from Starbucks to Starbucks in such a big city? :-) But the most important reason to keep it personal is that you enjoy writing that way! So, thanks for being you -- it certainly works for me!! |
| 129 |
Mao and Hengge in my Home I'm so sorry! It's early in the morning here inside my head!! Feel welcome (my goodness! This comment failed due to "questionable content" when I originally used the word "fre*" instead of "welcome") to delete that second post (and this one) But what a great excuse to send more birthday hugs!! ;-) |
| 128 |
Mao and Hengge in my Home Osmanthus! Years ago I pinched a cluster of flowers from one of those lovely fragrant trees while I was traveling, but by the time I got home the flowers had dried and crumbled and I was not able to identify the plant. Thanks to you, I know now that it will grow in our area! As soon as I can find one I will plant a "Chinese Tea Tree" or "Chinese Sweet Olive" in our yard and it will always make me think of my friend in your country :-) |
| 127 |
Mao and Hengge in my Home Osmanthus!!!!! Jian Shuo, I remember pinching a cluster of flowers off one of those trees years ago when I was travelling someplace in hopes of finding out what it was and if it could grow where we live. But, by the time I got home the flowers were dried and crumbled and I was not able to identify it. Now I know! And it looks like we *can* grow them here. I will plant a "Chinese sweet tea tree" or "tea olive" as soon as I can find one, and it will always make me think of my friend in your country :-) Thank you so much for helping me figure this out at long last! |
| 126 |
Happy Birthday To Me What a year!! Birthday hugs heading your way from California -- lots of them!!! |
| 125 |
Happy Autumn Festival Jim and I watched the moon come up from behind the far hills last night. I will think of you and Wendy when we admire it again this evening :-) Happy Autumn Festival to you and your friends and family! |
| 124 |
Three Years of Blogging Wow! Happy Anniversary, Jian Shuo. those numbers you've compiled represent such a huge accomplishment -- Congratulations!!! |
| 123 |
Different Views on Typhoon Jian Shuo, I've been reading faithfully ever since you were here for that visit -- just haven't found much to add to any of the recent topics until this one. As you know, your quest to make the world a better place by conducting open and honest discussions about things like this is a big part of what I love most about your blog. I feel sure that you have opened many eyes and hearts to a different way of looking at things. And yes, I too believe that understanding between people with differences is crucial to world peace. The fact that you were unafraid to come back and continue the discussion, explain your perspective, and welcome the dialogue that was stimulated by people's differing perceptions of what you originally wrote, is the reason I wish you (or, since I really would not wish this on someone I love, maybe someone just like you) could be selected as President of the World! And of course you know how mutual the pleasure was during our time together when you were here. But, next time I promise not to feed you quite so much "rabbit food"! :-) |
| 122 |
Typhoon Hit Shanghai I understand your perspective on this, Jian Shuo, and I think you made it clear when you started by saying "For me..." that this was a personal account. When I experienced hurricanes on the US East Coast as a child, they were simply exciting events for me. And for my parents, since the damage to our personal property was always very minimal, they provided stories to trade (about fallen trees, or a day without electrical power) among other equally fortunate people. As an adult in California, the same has been true with my experience of several serious earthquakes. I don't think that saying your own personal experience of a momentous event was merely "pleasant" means that you (or I who found it "exciting", or my parents who found it merely "inconvenient" under similar circumstances) feel any less compassion for those who suffered greatly as a result of the same event. I'm glad to know that you and Wendy were only inconvenienced, and were able to see the positive side (as is your nature :-) to the experience of this storm. |
| 121 |
Pressure is About Expectation It's been said (and I think recently an academic study was done which confirms this, although I cannot cite the reference) that when people at the end of their lives are asked if they have any regrets, they never mention wishing that they had spent more time at the office, but almost always wish they had been able to spend more time with loved ones. It's a very difficult thing to balance, however, in a society where the cultural expectations are such that working until 11PM is the norm. I would be interested to hear more in this discussion from those of you who may have grown up with parents away from home for such long hours. How did it affect you? I'm guessing that since it's the sort of thing where "everyone does it" and "it's just the way things are" children, who are by nature I think very resilient, probably don't suffer too many ill effects from it in the long run -- especially if they are cared for by very loving older relatives. |
| 120 |
Spotlight from Top of Jin Mao Wow, what a fantastic idea! You must have been partying with "The Important People" (VIP's) in Shanghai that night, Jian Shuo. Such fun :-) |
| 119 |
My Site is Almost Legal in China Wow, I had forgotten that all this time you were functioning "under the radar"! My fingers are crossed that there are no snags in the process for you and this wonderful exchange of information will be able to continue freely. Now, do I understand that you were still at your office at 23:00 hours (11PM our time) with "nothing to do"?! By any chance, did you consider the possibility of going home to get some sleep? ;-) |
| 118 |
Vacation Ends If you ever decide to abandon your English blog completely, I will simply have to learn to read Chinese! Glad you enjoyed your Spring holiday :-) |
| 117 |
Thanks Everyone! In the end, the making of memories is what it's all about! Thanks back to you, Jian Shuo, for sharing your warm heart with so many of your far-away friends :-) |
| 116 |
Sailing in the Bay Oh, what an excellent adventure for you, Jian Shuo! It's a shame that the weather was not sunny and fine for you to have that experience, but still, I'm very glad you got to do that. Seeing the city from the water gives a wonderfully different impression than being in the middle of it on land. Such good friends you have, all over the world :-) |
| 115 |
Meetup in San Francisco, CA I'm sorry that I will not be able to come up to meet some of your other local readers, Jian Shuo, but at least I finally had a chance to meet you! Next time I will be sure to cook the salad :-) |
| 114 |
When Jian Shuo Leaves his Car (in CA) CalTrain -- another adventure for you, Jian Shuo! But, I hope you have found San Jose to be friendly in other ways :-) |
| 113 |
T.I.C Moments Jian Shuo, you are absolutely correct that this kind of list could be made for any country in the world as seen through "outsider's" eyes. In the U.S., for example, there are many stereotypes that have *become* stereotypes exactly because they are true in so many instances. Think about the image of the overweight American standing in line to order two Double Gigantoburgers at a fast food restaurant. Or rude taxi drivers in New York City. Of course many Americans are slim and prefer salads, and I know there are pleasant helpful taxi drivers to be found, just as (I hope!) not everyone spits on the streets of Shanghai. When your readers comment about the "squatter" toilets as something unusual to them, you are right that it's simply a discussion of differences. And, if cutting ahead of others in a queue is considered perfectly OK in your culture, well, then maybe the Chinese have lower blood-pressure and feel less anger and hostility toward their fellow men than do people who live where such behavior is likely to start a fist fight. Is either system "better" (or worse)? Not really -- just different. This conversation today is another example of what I love so much about your blog -- a great opportunity for communication and new understandings :-) |
| 112 |
Jian Shuo Wang at Kijiji China Even more exciting...I've just read a little more about Kijiji and I understand now that it is very much like Craigslist in terms of what it is trying to do in different international communities. Jian Shuo, this is SO PERFECT for you! It exactly fits your philosophy about enabling people in your local community to come together more easily. I am really really happy that you were offered this wonderful opportunity. You are the ideal person for them to have selected to spearhead this new venture. Happy congratulations all over again :D |
| 111 |
Jian Shuo Wang at Kijiji China Jian Shuo, what an exciting new opportunity for you. They are so lucky to have found you! But, best news of all...the EBay campus here in California is just a few miles from our house!!! :D Surely there will be a reason for you to come visit sometime soon! |
| 110 |
First Day of the Exhibition Oh Wow! I completely missed the fact that you were doing this so soon. Congratulations, Jian Shuo. It looks wonderful, and I'm sure you will attract a lot of attention to your work and to this "grass roots" art project :-) |
| 109 |
L'Invitation au Voyage So exciting! I admire you greatly for having the thought of starting a new and interesting project like this now that your blog project is going along so smoothly. If you keep on doing one new and important thing every year or so, think how much of a difference you will have made in the world by the time you are an "old man"! :-) |
| 108 |
Jian Shuo on Wired Magazine? Nothing is showing up yet (10:20 AM California time) on Google news either Jian Shuo. I just wrote to my son, a WIRED subscriber, to ask if he can scan and send me a copy of the article to forward you when it arrives. You'll probably have received it from some other source before then, but, just in case... |
| 107 |
My Blog Won't Go Commercial This is just one of the many reasons why so many people appreciate both you and your blog, Jian Shuo. I have come to believe that the desire to help other people is almost as basic in human nature as the need for food, clothing and shelter. Without an opportunity to feel good about ourselves by making the world, or personal circumstances, a better place for other people, life becomes quite meaningless. And, from my personal perspective as a mom, I do know for sure that if you were my own son I would be just bursting with pride! :-) |
| 106 |
No Baggars Premitted on Metro? Wow. What an amazing discussion! I have learned a great deal from reading everyone's opinions here, especially the suggestions from Tough_Lefse. I live near San Francisco, where indeed there are numerous "street people", and I am always uncomfortable with the decision about what to do. Like many of you, I do not ever give money to the adults, but I like the idea of keeping energy bars in my bag to offer the ones who appear to truly need sustenance. The issue of intentionally disfigured children, though is a very tough one, both to be confronted with, and to solve. I agree with Jian Shuo's reasoning that it may be better to give a little to ensure that child avoids being beaten for underproductivity, but on the other hand, even in the short-term, does the "success" of that child on that day not motivate the evil adults who may control the situation to conscript even more children into their dreadful system? Without effective social programs to address this, I fear that there is no good answer. I hope that among your readers there is someone who can inform you about possible solutions already available in Shanghai, or that some productive community-wide discussion may be started as a result of this blog. Thank you for giving us much to think about today, Jian Shuo! |
| 105 |
Many People Got Cold Sending healing thoughts your way, wishing I lived nearby so I could bring you a big pot of soup! |
| 104 |
Happy Birthday to Goudaner Happy birthday, Goudaner! Even after one year, you still look like a smiling and well-cared-for car. How lucky that you came to belong to someone like Jian Shuo who will enjoy taking you on so many interesting adventures around town :-) |
| 103 |
Enjoy Doing or Being Able to Do What an excellent discussion, Jian Shuo! I think what you describe is true almost everywhere, and I was thinking about this same thing just the other day. We live less than an hour away from San Francisco, but almost the only time we ever go there is when we have guests from out of town. We also live within a fairly easy drive from Yosemite National Park -- but we have not visited there in many years. The same is true for the beautiful beaches and coastline just a short drive in the other direction. It could be that we love where we are (which is true :) so have no need to seek out the excitement, or "get away" to someplace different. It could be that we get so busy we just don't feel we can take the time for such a small adventure. Or, it could be that since we know it's there, we feel no imperative to make these trips since we can always do it "some other time". What a good reason for you and Wendy to come see us so that we can use your visit as an excuse/reason to explore our own "neighborhoods" again :-) |
| 102 |
Comment RSS Feed Give me a break! Long-time English-speaking reader chiming in here... The reason I would never even consider "correcting" Jian Shuo's "creative spelling" (which is different than "just a typo") is the same as the reason I do not, in conversation, "correct" the grammatical errors of my non-native English-speaking friends in person. Unless it is specifically an "English practice" conversation, it would seem rude to do so, and I feel it would stand in the way of open communication and a free flow of feelings between us. If Jian Shuo were to take the time to make every entry in this blog "letter perfect", do you think we would have so enjoyed his rush of enthusiasm as he tells us excitedly about some new experience he's kindly taking time to share with us? Instead, I do try very hard to "model" correct spelling and grammar when I am commenting here (although I am far from perfect in that regard myself -- for example, I'm really not sure if the correct grammar back there should be "if Jian Shuo were..." or "if Jian Shuo was..." -- but, because this is a forum where, I hope, a small degree of imperfection can be tolerated, I am not going to take the time to research that particular point of English grammar -- hopefully the point I was making in that sentence will remain clear) Jian Shuo, do not be swayed by voices calling for perfection when you write. If I was (if I were?) learning your language, and even after years of study, dared not write anything in "public" lest it be imperfect, I'm afraid I would never even try. I think you are to be greatly commended for putting so many words "on paper" in a "foreign" (to you) language, for the edification of people who would never otherwise have been able to read these thoughts if you had written them in Chinese. I'm sorry if this sounds angry (toward commenters Jackie and Goliath) I can only assume that they have perhaps not been reading this blog for very long, and so have not come to understand the true spirit in which it is being written. Carry on, Jian Shuo -- we want to know your thoughts, no matter how hasty or imperfectly they may be conveyed :) |
| 101 |
Happy Valentine's Day Belated loving wishes to both you and Wendy, Jian Shuo! I have been away for almost a month, and was unable to read your blog for that time, so it will take me a while to catch up. But I'm glad to hear you had a happy celebration, and am *especially* glad to see that you have committed to a visit to our part of California sometime (soon?) :-) Much love to you both, |
| 100 |
Flying and Flying... It's never too late to say thank you for something. The fact that now, nine years after the fact, you still feel appreciation for the role they played in your first plane trip should mean a great deal to their Public Relations department :) I think the same thing is true for teachers and other people who have made a difference to you in the past. A sincere "thank you" years after the moment in memory, is far more meaningful to someone than a token "thanks for everything" as you're heading out the door at the time they have helped you. (And, a hint to all the sons and daughters out there -- mothers and fathers feel that way too :-) |
| 99 |
Grassroot Art in Seattle I hope you don't mind, and I'm sure I'm not the first, but I just nominated you in the "Best Asian Blog" category over at: http://2005.bloggies.com/ Hint to the rest of your fans...apparently it takes several nominations to make it to the final voting categories, so don't hold back. Note that you have to nominate a minimum of three different blogs (in any of the categories) on your ballot, and you can nominate a blog in more than one category. Good luck, Jian Shuo! |
| 98 |
Cold New York Here's hoping you have a safe trip home and a peaceful, happy and healthy New Year! |
| 97 |
Wendy Passed Driver's License Exam Yay! Go Wendy, go :-) |
| 96 |
Boston for Dummies and More. Me again! (I know I won't make top commenter for the month any more, but is there a special award for most comments about one post? ;) I keep forgetting to ask/mention, Jian Shuo...a few weeks ago when you re-set the size of the font back to your original (smaller) size for the posts and comments like it is now, did something get overlooked about the format in which people *write* the comments? When I write in the comment box like I am doing now, the font is very large, and for some reason that seems to make it harder to proof-read and catch mistakes -- like where I wrote the word "that" when I meant "than" at the end of the first comment. I have recently switched to using Mozilla Firefox for my browser, so it might be something to do with settings on this end, but I've fooled around as best I know how and can't seem to figure out how to make it smaller. A very minor "problem", to be sure, and not really a problem at all. I just wondered if other people were having the same experience, and if so, if it was something you meant to change. |
| 95 |
Boston for Dummies and More. On, and about "the Big Dig"...it makes me laugh so much to see that they are still working in that area. I haven't lived in Boston since 1968, but I grew up there before that, and for my whole entire life there has been construction in that area! I am not kidding. We used to go back there every year to visit family, and without fail there would be terrible traffic delays because of the work being done on those roads. I'm sure they will finish it *some* day, but probably not in my lifetime! JoyMocha, you are right that the North End is now part of the Freedom Trail, and well-worth the walk. I just hope that the weather is OK while you are there, Jian Shuo. You might find snow (which is so pretty in Boston when it's fresh) or leftover snow (slush) which is just ugly and messy when it's old. I'm sure you will have a great time no matter what. Which reminds me...you have used the word "we" but I don't think you've said whether Wendy is going with you on this trip, or if you are speaking of a business colleague. I hope you will be able to have the adventure together and be with each other for Christmas! |
| 94 |
Boston for Dummies and More. Jian Shuo, you could *totally* write a "Shanghai for Dummies" book, and you **SHOULD** (Sorry for the "shouting" there, but it's just such a good idea!) I have a friend who authored one of the books in that series, and I proof-read it for her. It was a lot of work, but, like you with this website, she had already written and prepared many of the sections for a different purpose so it was just a matter of putting the whole thing together into the "Dummies" format. I think you could do that easily with the information you have already accumulated about getting around and living in your wonderful city. You should definitely keep thinking about this and find out if they would be interested. Who better to do it that you?! :-) |
| 93 |
I Got Wallop Invitation I can't believe you haven't had any comments about this yet. It seems like you've come up with such a *brilliant* system for distributing the offers. Very impressive!! |
| 92 |
The Cats Story Also, if there are bags of dry catfood available...that usually costs less per meal and you can mix it with the moist meat-like stuff, or just serve them a bowl of it plain with a bowl of water (which they should always have available anyway) nearby. It's just as nourishing, and, as you said, your scavenger cats will be very likely to appreciate and enjoy anything that you give them. Be careful not to leave it sitting there when they have eaten all they want at one time though, or you really *will* have every cat in the neighborhood calling on your for free meals :) |
| 91 |
The Cats Story I'm glad you've named them, Jian Shuo, and I think that means they are part of your family now, not guests any longer. The big white cat may be spreading the word among all the other homeless cats in the neighborhood though, and soon you will find yourself with a whole herd of "visitors". |
| 90 |
Budget Travelers are the Majority Cool! I'm so glad you found the site and agree with me that it's a wonderful idea :-) Rogi, I had the same feeling when I first heard about it...it's something my own son should have thought of and would have been great at putting together! Jian Shuo, I was going to write you a recommendation there, and I looked for you under the Shanghai section, but did not see your name. I know the site has been having some difficulties of late, or it may be that you are sill "new" and they've just not posted your information yet. In any case, if you tell me your user name there, I will be happy to write something nice about you! One weakness of that site, in my opinion, is that you cannot find out anything about the members in a particular location until you go through the process of requesting accommodations for a particular date. The Hospitality Club (http://www.hospitalityclub.org/) is based on the same friendly "people-to-people" principles and seems a little easier to use. One can belong to both, and hopefully expand the possibilities for being contacted that way. If any of your readers are coming to California, they can find me and my husband at either site, and we would love to meet or host youin our area! |
| 89 |
Jian Shuo Wang is Going to U.S. Well, when I saw the title of this post I got very excited, Jian Shuo, but it made me smile to see that you had anticipated my feelings of disappointment so accurately, and of course I do understand. It's a very big country, and very difficult to see everything and visit everyone you might like to in such a short time. The places you already have in mind should be exciting for you, especially during the holidays when everything will be decorated and festive. I will e-mail you directly with some suggestions that come to mind (I grew up in Boston, lived for one summer in New York, and feel sure you will enjoy them both) but two free sites that might be of general interest to your readers are www.globalfreeloaders.com and www.hospitalityclub.com. They both operate on the premise that people all over the world are eager to get to know people from other countries and to share hospitality with them. We used globalfreeloaders on our recent trip to New Zealand, and have just had out first visitor from hospitalityclub. I recommend them both! |
| 88 |
Two Cats in my Garden They both look quite healthy so the mother must have been foraging successfully. I think that when they tell you their names, you will understand that they have adopted you :) |
| 87 |
Happy Birthday to Me Big Birthday Hugs from California :-) |
| 86 |
Bigger Font is a Failure My preference is for your original font also, Jian Shuo. It seemed easier to read, and there's more on the screen at one time without so much scrolling. Always good to give new things a try, though! |
| 85 |
Today in History - My Wedding Oh, congratulations! Happy Anniversary Hugs to you both :-) |
| 84 |
Goudaner Scratched by Drunk Driver Give poor Goudaner a little pat for me on the scratched part, Jian Shuo. I'm very sorry to hear your beautiful new car was damaged! |
| 83 |
Last Post in Year II No worries, Jian Shuo -- I understand it completely now thanks to bigbro's astute reminders about the cultural differences at work here. This is one of those difficult "opposites" -- here in the US, it is definitely considered rude or dismissive to call someone "old lady" or "old man" (Examples would be "Oh, don't pay any attention to what she has to say -- she's just an old lady" or "Get out of my way, old man!") But in your country, if I was a friend of your family, or your next door neighbor, I think you might call me "Auntie" or "Old Auntie" as a sign of respect and affection. I certainly know how you feel about me, no matter how you say it, so that's really all that matters :-) And besides, I think it's kind of cool to visualize a *really* old lady (like around 80 or so) sitting at a computer in California, chatting away with young people she considers to be her friends in China. Hopefully that **will** be me one day! |
| 82 |
Last Post in Year II Very excellent points, bigbro, and I certainly have enough Chinese acquaintances of my own that I should have considered that possibility. Yet another example of how helpful this blog can be in fostering better understanding of each others' cultures! |
| 81 |
Last Post in Year II Ahh, I see. Ok then. As long as *you* didn't refer to me as an "old lady" all is forgiven :) But being "young at heart" is all that really matters in the end anyway, and part of my point about why I enjoy reading this blog is that when I *am* old (a very very long time from now, I hope) this is the sort of thing that will keep my mind sharp and my interests focused on the world around me. Heh -- of course by then, you and Wendy will be middle-aged! Hard to believe, isn't it? :) |
| 80 |
Last Post in Year II "Old lady"???!!!!????!!!! (Grumble!!!) Hmmph! Kids today just don't have the respect they used to for their "elders"! I'm kidding, of course, Jian Shuo. :-) I think it's great that you appreciate my participation in your blog enough to mention it in an around-the-world forum. Good thing my name's not there, though. If my kids (who are about your age) ever saw that they'd tease me unmercifully. I remind them constantly that I'm only "middle-aged" not "old" (yet) and anyway it just means that I'm wiser than they are (so there!). Heck, through the miracle of Lady Clairol, I don't even have grey hair yet ;) It's a great article though, and a wonderful picture to go with it too. Congratulations again on your three years of success with this endeavor! |
| 79 |
Last Post in Year II Happy Anniversary Eve, Jian Shuo! What a laudable accomplishment :-) |
| 78 |
Upcoming Change in Font Size Older-eyed readers will likely appreciate this flexibility :) |
| 77 |
Dan Washburn Arrived in Beijing Oh, oh, oh...! Is he still there?? If you see each other again, think me with you for a minute, and please consider yourselves hugged!! And, take a picture!!! |
| 76 |
Train from Beijing to Shanghai Good points, bigbro, especially about sitting next to a WJS ;-) I haven't traveled on an overnight train since I was a small child, so my experience is a little rusty, but that one sure does look cushy and comfy! |
| 75 |
Train from Beijing to Shanghai Wonderful! Did she have the whole sleeper cabin to herself, or were there other people in the remaining three beds? I think that would be fine if you were traveling with people you already know, but a bit of a worry if you were sleeping in the same small room with three strangers. |
| 74 |
Where is my Sense of Safty Today? Yowza! Let us know if you need people to testify to the fact that you are not evil!!! |
| 73 |
Welcome Eric and Claire Now, if only your site had some sort of instant translation capability...I may have to start trying to learn Chinese! |
| 72 |
Longest Business Trip in Beijing "This is the wealth of linkage currency I have." Heh. you may be onto something, Jian Shuo! The next international denomination. And with an even exchange rate, no less! |
| 71 |
To Focus or Not? Oh my! (((JSW))) <-(a big hug from California) I'm happy if my thoughts played any part in your decision to continue this way, Jian Shuo, and even happier that I am not the only one who feels this way. I truly believe that "international blogging" will have more positive effect on the world, in a shorter time, than international political organizations such as the United Nations. The more we come to care about each other on a personal level, the less impact differences among our leaders are likely to have. Yay for us, I say! |
| 70 |
Bulk Purchase from IKEA How did you ever manage before you had a car??! ;-) Looks like the trunk got a good test with that purchase! |
| 69 |
To Continue or Not? Confusing in China Blogsphere I'm so glad to hear how you feel about this, Jian Shuo! Your "headline" alarmed me for a moment (that you might be thinking of quitting for some reason) but I think all the things you have said express perfectly the reason so many people continue to read your blog. I found you over a year and a half ago, for the specific reason that I was seeking some information about Shanghai. But the reason I have *stayed*, and check daily, is to see what you may have had to say about your personal life, or your personal experiences with that wonderful city. You would not have kept my attention just by posting news links to other people's stories, and I'm sure I would never even have been interested in, for example, Shanghai transportation issues, if it had not been for how you approached telling us about them from a personal standpoint. So, in this way you have not only broadened my interests, but allowed me to experience, vicariously (through you), a part of the world I may never be fortunate enough to visit in person. I think it is not too unusual for bloggers to decide after a while that this is just not for them. Some people are writers; others are talkers or readers or just doers, and maybe it takes some experimenting to figure out where we fit in. I'm very glad that you have found your special "voice" in this interesting new form of communication. We are all the better for it! |
| 68 |
Heavy Rain Yesterday bigbro, I think perhaps my comment was unclear. Since I've read Jian Shuo's blog for quite a while now, I do know the answer to the "why" part of James Borton's question, and I certainly agree with all of your opinions about the motivation for and excellence of Jian Shuo's work, as has hopefully been clear in my appreciative comments over the past year or two here. My curiosity was actually aimed at the last part of James' query as to whether Jian Shuo knows if other Chinese bloggers have had problems, or if there is still any fear of reprisals for speaking freely in print. Hopefully, that is not the case. I am fascinated by how the whole phenomenon of blogging seems to have accelerated the process of making the world a "smaller" and better place, and this site is by far my favorite place to turn for a dose of global unity. Write on, Jian Shuo! |
| 67 |
Heavy Rain Yesterday I'd be interested in the answer to that question too, Jian Shuo, but have been afraid to ask directly in "public" since you may feel you cannot really respond as openly as you might want to. As to this post...wow (!) what a rainstorm!!! |
| 66 |
Transferred to Microsoft Consulting Service How exciting for you, Jian Shuo! It sounds like an ideal "next step" for you professionally. They are lucky to have you!! It's so interesting that Microsoft is supporting blogging for internal business purposes. There was an article about that in our local paper last week for which I had planned to send you the link, but that thought flew out of my head before I could accomplish it. I am old enough to remember when e-mail was considered "dangerous", and "a distraction" and under no circumstances should be accessed in the workplace. How times have changed (for the better). Sometimes I chuckle to think what our eventual grandchildren will say when they interview us about what life was like when we were their age. No computers?? Unthinkable!! |
| 65 |
Five Years in Microsoft Congratulations, Jian Shuo! That's an accomplishment many people *never* experience in this changeable world we live in today, and for you to be so enthusiastic about it, and so happy with your job, is an extra bonus. They're lucky to have such a good employee! |
| 64 |
Daocheng Photos by Maphis Chen - Part III Wow! So beautiful!! They look like professional postcards :-) |
| 63 |
I Love to Read Wendy's Blog I too would love to be able to read her words, but it is too much to hope. My heart identifies with the "older generation" of newcomers to our country from places where the written and spoken language is so different from their own. I know that if I lived in China I would feel lost, often frightened by my inability to read, and with ears untuned to the nuances of a language I would struggle fiercely to learn, but likely not live to master. But if I lived next door to you and Wendy, we would certainly smile a lot, hug often, and I would feel less frightened and alone. |
| 62 |
Volunteers Wanted Oh, oh, oh! I would *love* to help, Jian Shuo. I think the only area where I could possibly be of service, however, is the proof-reading, but I totally agree with Shanghai Slim's observation that if you "clean up" your entires too much, they will lose some of the personal flavor we get from reading what is almost like having you speak to us in charming, if slightly imperfect, English. That said, since part of what I do "professionally" is proof-read essays for students, it would be my great honor to help. I have no idea at all how "wiki" works, but for a mom-aged person I'm pretty competent and I bet I could figure it out with your guidance. As for possible "compensation"...the word volunteer implies a choice freely made with no thought of recompense. However, I would suggest that something which might be well-received, regardless of cultural norms, (at least by me if we're ever lucky enough to meet in person) would be a hug. If that all sounds OK to you, sign me up! |
| 61 |
Dan is Ready to Go - Cross China He sounds like a really great guy, and this is certain to be an exciting adventure! I've been reading his site ever since the first time you mentioned it, Jian Shuo, and I sent him some information I thought might help him find contacts. I don't want to plug another site in your comments, but I'll send you the information off-blog, and if you think it might be of interest to your readers, you can post about it. All the best to Dan, and I'm eagerly looking forward to reading about his trip. |
| 60 |
Running in Pudong Wow! That's a great run if it's your first time out in a while. Go, Jian Shuo! You know, of course, that your loyal readers will now be demanding a photo of you in your new running clothes :-) |
| 59 |
Luoyang Tour - Day 1 Looks like a very interesting area. Can you tell us something about the different buildings? The big grey one with the water outside the smooth wall...is that actually the other side of the one where people are walking toward what look like they might be small shops around a big plaza? I don't think my guess is right because it looks bigger in the water picture, almost like some kind of "fort", or even possibly a jail. In the picture with what looks like small shops...what goes on in the levels above where people are going in and out? I love the look of the street with the taxi and the young couple crossing the road. One thing I miss about living in California is that we don't very often have streets like that which are covered over with lovely tall trees. And in the picture after that one...what are all the "boxes" with circles on the outside of the building? Sorry to be so curious, but I will probably never visit your hometown, so your words and pictures are my only chance to understand what it is really like there :) Have a good time on your vacation!!! |
| 58 |
U.S. Paused All Visa Application in China Extremely well-said, Paul! I could not agree with you more. Our younger son had an amazing opportunity to study-abroad in several countries during his Jr. year of college, and one of his most vivid memories is of the time he spent with students in China. He had heard about lack of freedom, he had read about lack of freedom, but until he experienced their palpable fear of being caught talking "off the record" to him and his friends, he had no idea what it really *meant*. Cross-cultural friendships, at every level, are the balm that is going to make this world a better place -- hopefully sooner rather than later! |
| 57 |
U.S. Paused All Visa Application in China Very sorry to hear of these developments. I keep hoping that the world is becoming "smaller" and more easy for people from anywhere to visit and get to know each other. I know there will probably always be people who think more about causing problems than solving them (and I'm afraid there will always be politicians!) but I continue to believe that the vast majority of people in the world are good. Tall walls and small gates, built by politicians, do not make it easy for the good people of the world to get together. |
| 56 |
Public Market in Beicai Well, to me the pictures are *very* interesting! For one thing, they give me a chance to glimpse "everyday life" in a part of the world I may never be able to visit in person. I can compare the setting with our local "farmers' market" which is held in a parking lot near a mall, with no protective cover like the structure Jian Shuo has photographed. And finally, the pictures allow my imagination to create a "story" to go with the lives they depict. I noticed not that the first girl "had no smile", but that she seemed to be taking her job very seriously and was probably photographed while interacting with a customer we cannot see outside the picture -- perhaps answering a question about her produce, and concentrating on the exchange of money. And the second girl was smiling so cheerfully it made me feel I would be welcome and comfortable shopping there even if I could not speak a single word of her language. We all see the world through different "lenses" :) |
| 55 |
My Own Cartoon Picture with Home Style+ Interesting. I bet you played with this for a long time, Jian Shuo :-) I don't see any red X's at all, so maybe you fixed it since the last comment. |
| 54 |
One Month for My Goudaner (Car) Interesting article, Paul! I miss drive-ins here, although I only went to one a couple of times when I was a teenager. It would be fun to re-visit as an "old married couple" now and see if we're still supple enough to contort into the positions required for effective "necking". The operator of the one mentioned in that article may soon find that allowing "bags of snacks" to be brought in car trunks will erode his meager food concession profits. Difficult to search effectively for that kind of contraband, though. Thanks for the memories :) |
| 53 |
One Month for My Goudaner (Car) Aieeeee, yes. That first one hurts! Rest assured, there will be more. Good to get the first one over with, but good you had some time with it staying all "brand new". My son's first brand new car got badly scratched in a parking lot the second week he had it -- by some very mean person who gouged a deep line along the whole left side with something sharp. He felt bitter about that for a very long time. But since you have such low expectations for your ugly little car anyway, some scratches on the side are no big deal, right? ;-) I'm glad you can get it fixed, Jian Shuo -- and for no cost! Maybe because you've been nice to him, the dealer is trying to help make up for that reduction in price after you bought it after all. |
| 52 |
Still Working with IPowerWeb Aieeee, how frustrating! |
| 50 |
Big Drop in Price of my Car The nickname you chose for your car makes me laugh! I'm sure you have guaranteed that it will have a long and trouble-free life. Good choice! As for the price change...sounds like what happens all the time here in our stock market. "If only..." is the thing people say over and over again about many investments. Too bad they don't come with a crystal ball (for magically seeing into the future). Some places here have a great policy though -- if you buy something for a regular price and then it goes "on sale" soon after you bought it, the store will refund you the difference if you come in and ask for it within a certain (short) length of time. Maybe you should ask if the place that sold you the car would like to become a trend-setter and adopt this customer-friendly sales policy. You could make consumer history as a pioneer! |
| 49 |
Sanya Travelogue - on the Beach Wow! What a beautiful place for your vacation. I bet it was difficult to leave when it was time to come home. Glad you were able to really get away and feel what it's like to relax. Hawaii always has that effect on us when we go there. Each time we try to stay just a day or two longer than the last time, but we've never gotten to the point of feeling like we've been there "too long". The price you paid for such a nice hotel in a good location seems very reasonable by US/Hawaii standards. Maybe we will have to come see Sanya sometime instead of Hawaii -- the cheaper cost for accommodations could pay for the difference in plane fare! |
| 48 |
Back from Sanya Welcome home! I'm sure the full report will be well worth waiting for :) |
| 47 |
OOB for Wedding Anniversary Have a wonderful, restful, well-deserved vacation, Jian Shuo! (Great idea not to take the laptop) Happy Anniversary congratulations to you and the lovely Wendy :) |
| 46 |
FIAT Siena 1.5 HL Pictures Nina, hey! I live in Cupertino :) Maybe next time Jian Shuo comes to the US we can have a little "meet up" at the airport. I was meaning to ask about naming the car too. I think you should do it, Jian Shuo. It looks to me like your car has a real "personality". Maybe after you have driven it for a while it will tell you what its name should be :) |
| 45 |
FIAT Siena 1.5 HL Pictures It's beautiful, Jian Shuo! Looks like a car you will be very happy with for a long time. I like the layout of the inside control panel. It looks as though everything will be very easy to reach and understand -- nice big buttons and easy to read. I also like the picture of you smiling next to it :) I know this was not intentional, but the position of the light right above your head seems to add an idea of how you are so happy that you are shining brightly, or "glowing" ;) And it's big enough that you can comfortably take the rest of your family for rides. A very good choice indeed, and a good value for your first vehicle. Enjoy it! |
| 44 |
Jian Shuo Got His Car Woooo! Congratulations, Jian Shuo :-) I feel like we've been with you from the beginning of this process -- learning how to drive, getting your license, renting cars for weekend outings, now this final accomplishment. I'm sure you are very thrilled to have such an exciting new "toy", and if you can get someone else to take a picture of you with it there will be a really big smile on your face :D |
| 43 |
Happy New Year I should have known! Was just checking in to mention that you must be sure to check out the Google logo today. Enjoy the Spring Festival, Jian Shuo :-) |
| 42 |
New Year Fireworks Broadcasting Happy New Year to you and all your readers. The year of the monkey, yes? Have a festive and safe celebration! |
| 41 |
First Contributor for MyBusStop Oh, and I just noticed...it even has *jumps*! :-) |
| 40 |
First Contributor for MyBusStop An indoor ski arena -- how totally cool! (and literally cold, most likely) Looks like lots of fun, Jian Shuo. I especially like the "scenery". What a great idea! |
| 39 |
Write Better Weblog Although I am (regrettably) one of your readers who can't read Chinese, it would not bother me at all to have a link now and then to a Chinese-only site. I very much wish I could read Wendy's, though. Might be the impetus I need to consider learning your beautiful-looking language :-) |
| 38 |
Any Advice for Smiling Library Good comments, William. I've been mulling around in my head how to answer this post. You tweaked my memory to when I was once in charge of a project which required establishing our group as an official non-profit organization. We wrote the by-laws (rules by which we would later be governed) and I probably have a (deeply-buried) copy of those somewhere. If you think they would be even remotely useful to this group, Jian Shuo, I would be more than happy to dig them out and forward them to you, or there are probably more current examples now on the 'net. It sounds like a wonderful project, and no matter how it's set up, the most important element of success in such an endeavor is the energy, commitment, and *passion* brought to it by the volunteers. Good luck to them! |
| 37 |
Satellite Dishes Still Forbidden in China I just read an article about how controlled (forbidden) internet access is at the moment in Cuba: http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/business/7678414.htm Some excerpts in case the link doesn't work: "Cuba tightened its controls over the Internet on Friday, prohibiting access over the low-cost government phone service most ordinary citizens have at home." and: "The law states that the move is necessary to ``regulate dial-up access to Internet navigation service, adopting measures that help protect against the taking of passwords, malicious acts, and the fraudulent and unauthorized use of this service.'' I'd love to post the whole article, because I think your readers would be quite interested, but that doesn't seem right to do in the comments of someone else's blog. Anyway, even if you are being deprived, for now, of what Michael above referred to as "trash television", it's good to know that at least some of your current freedoms (like the freedom for us to have this kind of conversation!) represent real progress. |
| 36 |
MSN Messenger Virus Jitux.A Thanks for the warning, Jian Shuo! Here's another site that gives information about this worm and how to deal with it: http://sarc.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.jitux.worm.html |
| 35 |
Got Flu and Went to Hospital I'm sending "Chicken Soup Hugs" in your direction! Hope it passes quickly and that you are both on the mend very soon. I guess it's better for both of you to be miserable at the same time and get it over with, but too bad that neither of you feels like taking care of the other one. They say that "misery loves company", but in the case of the flu, I'm not so sure. |
| 34 |
Happy New Year 2004 Woo! I completely forgot you were doing this, Jian Shuo. Me and my "big mouth", eh? ;-) So, by any chance do your top commenters win round trip tickets to come to your next meet-up??? Happy New Year to you and all your readers! |
| 33 |
Wendy is Back from Europe Looks like she had a grand adventure over there, and I'm sure you were very happy to have her home again just in time for Christmas :-) |
| 32 |
Friend is Sick. Please Show Your Support My friend now has your e-mail address, and will pass it on to his daughter who he feels sure will respond with some encouragement for Flora. In the meantime, please tell her that several people in California are streaming our most caring thoughts in her direction! Here's to good health, for her in the New Year! |
| 31 |
Friend is Sick. Please Show Your Support Oh, hey! I just noticed it's **snowing** at your website!!! Very "cool" ;-) |
| 30 |
Friend is Sick. Please Show Your Support Jian Shuo, the daughter of one of our very good friends here had a kidney transplant when she was in her 20's, and is now a healthy and productive 30-something-year-old young woman, with a long-term boyfriend and a very good life. I will contact them and ask them to find out if their daughter would be willing to write to Flora and give her some encouragement. If you can imagine, she met the young woman who later became her kidney donor, in an elevator on the way to a doctor's appointment! They had never met before, but something about the encounter sparked a willingness to make such an incredible gift to a virtual stranger. So, yes...near-miracles do happen! We will hope for the best for Flora, and I will let you know when I can get in touch with our friends. |
| 29 |
Discrimination Against Foreigners in Shanghai? And I'm sure it's true that even within a fairly "enlightened" country, different places have different attitudes. Our son and his wife (who was born in Vietnam) are not considered at all unusual as a couple here in California. But, on a visit to Texas one time, they said they felt very uncomfortable walking along the street holding hands because people kept giving them "the stink eye". They understood of course, that not everyone in Texas feels that way -- only that it was something that had really never happened to them anyplace else. |
| 28 |
Discrimination Against Foreigners in Shanghai? I think the most important point in that article (which, if I read it correctly, actually refers only to a preference for/prejudice against "white"/"non-white" teachers of English in China) was contained in the following sentence: "Issues of racism and prejudice in Asia are far less prevalent in the younger generations". Hopefully, that positive change in attitude is happening (at different rates of speed) all over the world. Many people in my parents' generation here in the US were extremely prejudiced against anyone "different" from themselves. I think Jian Shuo is right, that the more people travel and visit other countries, the more we gain understanding of how our differences are only superficial while our similarities are fundamental. I believe that article was intended as realistic advice for people of color who wish to apply for teaching positions in China, but I also believe (or at least hope) that this advice will be outdated very soon! |
| 27 |
Wangjianshuo's Blog Meetup A question about the "Best Blog" voting...I just went to that site to check on how you were doing and I see that you are also nominated in the category of "Best Asian Blog in English as a Foreign Language". Do you also want people to vote for you in that category? At the moment, it is a much shorter list of nominations, and with 45 votes in that category you would already be in the number one position!However, even with all the other nominations in the "Best Mainland China Blog" category, you hold the 4th position at the moment, which (I think)is great! I went ahead and voted for you there too just in case. :-) |
| 26 |
Wangjianshuo's Blog Meetup Oh, I *love* this post! There are so many reasons. First of all, although I would dearly love to come to your meet-up, I'm afraid it will just not be practical to arrange a flight to Shanghai for the day after Christmas on such short notice. But airports are also a wonderful place to meet already-friends, and soon-to-be friends in person, and I certainly hope that if you, Wendy, or any of your good friends is passing through SFO, SJC, or Oakland airports in the Bay Area, you will let me know so we could try to arrange a greeting. AND, about your "small world" theory...Jian Shuo, you will remember that the reason I first found your blog is that I was searching for information about Shanghai which I might have been coming to visit last summer. Well, the young woman who interviewed me for that program, (which, sadly, had to be cancelled because of SARS) has become a dear friend-to-be (we've only met briefly twice now, but from the first time felt a very strong connection), and she came to our tree-trimming party on Sunday :-) She was born in Shanghai, and her family is still there, and the next time we get together, I know we will talk about you, and your blog, and your wonderful city. And the last reason I so love this post is that you have reminded me that it's time to get busy planning for the trip to New Zealand we will be taking in February. We have friends on the North Island and will stay with them for the first week, but after that, our plan is to stay with strangers! Why would we do that, and how is that possible? Well, I don't want to advertise for any websites on your blog, and since we have never done this before, I can't really offer a "testimonial" anyway...but if you google for "global freeloaders" you will find out about a project that was started by a great-thinking (I think) young man in Australia with the intention of making the world a smaller more personal place for travellers. We're definitely going to try it out, and I will let you know how it goes. I'm sorry this comment got to be so long, but I'm excited about your idea to meet your readers. I'm quite sure there will be pictures :-) Have a great time!! |
| 25 |
Directory Added What a great analogy, and beautiful photo (I know you didn't take that one, but it's perfect!) I'll explore your directory more thoroughly next week. This weekend is party time at our house (our 36th annual tree-trimming party for friends and neighbors :-) so I have much cooking and cleaning to do instead of computer time. Sure wish you and Wendy were going to be here to help us celebrate! |
| 24 |
Guangzhou Impression Kids having fun together are the same all over the world! It looks like you have a wonderful group of friends. How nice you were able to get together with some of them again. But weren't you very tired when you had to wake up to attend your meetings the next day? |
| 22 |
Flying to Guangzhou on A Rainy Day You asked for comments about maybe changing your blog...speaking only for myself, even though it is the reason I found you in the first place, I would certainly miss it if the content changed to focus only on Shanghai, or only on the more technical computer issues -- or even if it only focused on your travels and your personal life (which of course are the parts I now like best :-). I like reading your posts every day because I never know which "side" of you is going to be featured, and even if your topic is something I would not normally have had a great interest in (like train service from the airport, for example) I always find it interesting, and have learned a lot from reading about all the different things that interest *you*. I think there are probably some people who "found" you originally because of your technical tips, and others who were looking for travel-related information to other parts of China where you have visited. My guess is that, even though your readers are probably very different from one another, most of us stay because we have come to like *you*, and without any of these various pieces of yourself, the picture we get of Jian Shuo would just not be the same. (Just my two cents' worth.) |
| 21 |
Wendy's Blog Well, that settles it. I am going to have to learn Chinese! Please give Wendy my congratulations on becoming a blogger. I hoped I could figure out how to say that to her myself on her site, but the way it displays on my screen does not even give me a clue as to where to post a comment. I really liked the "Google" results you made for her link in your post today, Jian Shuo. She's a lucky girl to have found such a great guy for a husband! |
| 20 |
World AIDS Day It makes me sad to hear you say that there is such a deep level of hatred still in your country for so many things, but if I am honest, I have to say that the same thing is still true in many parts of my country too. I have a theory though, about how the hatred of which you speak changes gradually to understanding and acceptance as societies become closer together, and I think that it is young people like you, Jian Shuo, and some of your readers who agree with your way of thinking, who will serve to make this process happen faster. The more we travel to other countries, and meet people who look different and think differently than we do, we learn to realize that they are still people just like ourselves. We all have parents who love us, and hopes of a better life for our children. We try to make the most of the opportunities we are given. Some of us are lucky enough to have more opportunities than others in this lifetime, but still we all strive to do our best. I am proud that my son is married to a wonderful young woman who was born in a different country. But not so very long ago, American soldiers called people who look like her vile names, and could not tell whether the children who begged for handouts were enemy spies, or the people they were supposed to protect and liberate. Some of those same children became classmates of my sons, and at Stanford where I work, foreign students from China are classmates with foreign students from Japan and they do not hate each other. When AIDS strikes someone you know, (a monogamous heterosexual woman for example) whose only error was trusting someone they ought not to have trusted, one may find more compassion than when they believed it only happens to "other people" or fools. I am optimistic enough to believe that attitudes are changing for the better all over the world, but it's a slow and difficult process. We have less racism and hatred in the US now than we did a generation ago, and I think your children, Jian Shuo, will someday be able to say the same about where they will grow up. Where I live in California, people from all over the world live happily as neighbors. That's certainly not yet the case in all parts of the country, but gradually, very gradually, it really is getting better all over. Keep an open mind, and an optimistic attitude. Maybe someday we really *can* achieve world peace! |
| 19 |
Happy Thanksgiving I will think of you when we're gathered at the table later today, Jian Shuo -- that way you will be joining us in spirit even though you are far away. Maybe someday you and Wendy can come sit at our table in person. I promise that if that happens, no matter what time of year you are here, I will cook a big turkey and we will have a Thanksgiving feast! Holiday hugs to you both :-) |
| 18 |
Happy Thanksgiving Jian Shuo, what a *great* card! I hadn't seen that one before, but it was perfect to send off just now to my older son who will be making an 8 hour drive to come home for our "Day After Thanksgiving" family feast tomorrow. His brother and brother's wife are with her family today, so we adjust the holiday to fit everyone's schedule. A pretty good deal since that gives me an extra day to do all the cooking! So, that card was an excellent choice to send off to tell him how glad I am that he's going to the trouble to come all this way for some family hugs, and to wish him a safe trip. Have a good weekend in Shanghai! |
| 17 |
Traffic Control in Shanghai Amazing! For me, this is one of the most interesting of all the articles you have posted about Shanghai. It really gives me a feel for what an important part of daily life is like there for the many thousands of drivers. I will probably think of this every time I feel even a small confusion about driving in California. What a great idea to ask the taxi drivers for advice! |
| 16 |
Drove to Songjiang University City :-) No problem about "keeping me waiting", Jian Shuo. I'm sure the rest of your story will be worth waiting for, and my comments were *very* long (sorry about that)! I just wasn't sure, if too much time goes by, whether new comments to old articles get noticed, and am glad to know you found the hugs. I will patiently (but eagerly :-) await the next installment on this subject. |
| 15 |
Drove to Songjiang University City What an interesting way to control traffic! I could never survive with that sort of system, especially in a country where I could not read the signs!! Too bad about the traffic ticket, but such is the price of your progress (from a bike-riding or pedestrian life only). University City looks like a wonderful place, and it must be very stimulating for the academic world to be able to concentrate so many of their resources in one area. I don't think we have anything like that anywhere in the US, and it seems like a great idea. Jian Shuo, I don't know if you automatically find out about comments that are added quite a long time after you originally post an entry, but I put a message about your wedding back at the "Big Fat Wedding" entry a while ago. No problem if you don't care to comment back regarding my questions, but I just want to be sure you don't miss the congratulatory hugs that were included! Enjoy the rest of your weekend, Carroll |
| 14 |
Why I Added Google Adsense to My Blog As a daily reader, I'd have no problem seeing this type of banner on even your new content, Jian Shuo. It's not nearly the same as the very offensive "in-your-face" kind of things that seem to scream rudely at you to pay attention. I'd be much more likely to click on something like this (assuming it would be something of potential relevance and interest) that presents itself "politely" for my consideration. Also, as a fan/friend of yours, if I knew that it would provide revenue for you to continue this site, I'd even be willing to make a point of clicking (not necessarily actually reading what comes up, mind you, but don't tell the sponsors that!) the ad banner just so you would get the benefit from the sponsors. Just my "two cent's worth" (opinion) Carroll |
| 13 |
Kecak.com - (No Longer a) Comment Spammer Good job, Jian Shuo! Go get 'em!!! |
| 12 |
Happy Birthday to Me Happy Belated Birthday, Jian Shuo! I haven't been able to read your blog for quite a while but am gradually catching up. Very exciting to hear that you have started driving around your city! I predict that all those places you used to enjoy riding your bike will never seem so far away again, and you will greatly enjoy discovering many more far-away places by car. It sounds like a pretty good system to be able to rent a car and return it so conveniently like you do. I'll write more when I finish catching up with the other events in your life. Just wanted to congratulate you on having attained an additional year of wisdom before too much time passed. |
| 11 |
My Big Fat Wedding Oh, how wonderful! I see that I missed something very important while I was not reading this past month. The pictures (and Wendy!) are lovely. Your happiness shines out from every one :-) Tell me, Jian Shuo, is there a custom where somehow you had previously announced that you were "married", but then some time passed before you were able to have the big formal wedding ceremony and celebration party afterwards? The reason I ask is that our lovely daughter-in-law (my youngest son's wife) is originally from Vietnam. Although her immediate family has become Catholic Christians, many members of her extended family are still Buddhist. It is her cultural and family custom that a small ceremony will take place at the home of the bride on the day that the groom and his family come to take her from their family into theirs. I believe that in Vietnam, after that small ceremony takes place, then the family goes out to the front of the house where the whole village joins in celebrating the marriage, and then the bride goes with the groom and they are considered married. In this country, however, many Vietnamese families like Jenny's still have the house ceremony on the morning of the "real" wedding, and then go on to be married in the church and have a big reception/party afterwards. When Jenny and Jeff were married, our family went to her house in the morning and there was a special ceremony at which she wore a lovely red traditional Vietnamese dress with a headpiece, and at which her Uncle, as the eldest male relative on her father's side, pronounced them officially man and wife. It's a good thing he did that, because later, when we went to the Catholic church for the "official" ceremony (at which she wore a typical white bride's dress similar to Wendy's), the priest became confused in the middle of the ceremony and actually forgot to say that they were married! At the reception, she changed into a different "cake cutting dress", and it looked like Wendy did that too, yes? And I think that during the dinner when Jeff and Jenny went around to all the tables to meet and thank everyone for coming, she was wearing her Vietnamese red dress again. I'd be very interested to hear more of the details of the ceremony, and whether you had some sort of earlier ceremony too at which you and Wendy became officially "married" before you had this big wedding party. I think I remember when you first announced that the wedding would take place that you had to postpone it because of the problems with SARS, yes? Well, from the look of these pictures, it was certainly worth waiting for, and a very happy occasion! Big congratulations, and many hugs to you both from California, Carroll |
| 10 |
One Year Anniversary for This Site :-) Well, it's worth noting, Jian Shuo, that if you hadn't made the decision to add a few of your personal insights, both about your surroundings, which of course was the original point of the Shanghai part of your blog, and about your personal experiences, I would have had neither the reason, nor the courage to comment at all. I think this is ample proof that the more people open themselves honestly to each other, the better the world will be. When my children were little I tried to teach them that the vast majority of people in the world are good, and will help you if you have a problem. Children today, especially in our crazy country I think, often grow up fearing strangers, which to me seems entirely backwards. Of course I taught my children to shy away from strangers who approached *them*, but I always explained at the same time that if they were ever in trouble and needed help, *they* could, (and immediately should!) go up to anyone who looked friendly (especially anyone who looked like they might be a mom ;) to ask for help. I guess what I'm trying to say here is that I think that you, by writing this blog (and others like you who write other blogs in all sorts of different languages), and maybe me by being brave enough to comment on things like this "in public", really are helping to make the world a better place! Thanks for being with us! |
| 9 |
One Year Anniversary for This Site Congratulations, Jian Shuo! It is a tremendous accomplishment to have carried out a project like this with such commitment and success for an entire year. You deserve to be feeling very proud of yourself. I would have to count myself among the readers here who found you first when searching for information about Shanghai, but I have stayed because of the occasional personal glimpses you have allowed us into your own life, and because I enjoy learning more about other parts of the world through the eyes of people who live there. In the process, I have also learned a couple of interesting new things about computers (among all the things I didn't even come *close* to understanding when you write about the technical stuff ;-) so that's an extra benefit for this techno-dinosaur. Your site, and the way you present things, appeals to a wide variety of people and helps many of us broaden both our interests and our knowledge of the world. Thank you for sharing so much with so many! |
| 8 |
What Can I Do With My Own Mountain Very few people have the chance to tell their grandchildren that when they were a young man they owned and entire mountain! If the world goes well between now and then, you might even be able to take your grandchildren to play on that mountain some day the way you did when you were little. If it doesn't take away from money you want to be saving for other more important things, I say go ahead and buy yourself a mountain! I've never heard anyone in their middle or elder years say that they made a mistake by investing in real estate. Much more often I hear people say "if only... (I had bought that mountain back when it was selling for such a bargain price)!" Land is precious all over the world. It's the one thing we can't seem to make more of. Just be careful that it doesn't end up costing you more money after you own it though. Here in the US, there are property taxes and other costs that continue on an annual basis even if you are not able to make any real use of the property. My guess is that you will eventually decide it was exciting to think about, but not practical or "sensible" to actually do. But, you will still be able to tell your grandchildren that you *almost* bought a mountain, and then you can make up wonderful magical stories to tell them about all the things that might have happened there :-) |
| 7 |
TOEIC Score = 915 Congratulations, Jian Shuo! That's a wonderful honor to score at the very top of the group. I bet all your blog writing and comment reading here has had a great effect on your familiarity with written English and some of the difficult colloquialisms. Even if you have no other use for them, at least now you will have a lot of very impressive certificates to hang on your wall! |
| 6 |
SARS, Autumn Tiger, and MSF... "Autumn Tiger" is a wonderful name for the extra hot days that sometimes come before the real season of Autumn begins! You're correct that here in the US (I'm not sure about in other English-speaking countries) we do refer to "Indian Summer". I have always assumed the origin of the term had something to do with Native American Indians, but your question made me curious enough to look it up and I found this reference: "Ships traversing the Indian Ocean loaded up their cargo the most during the "Indian Summer", or fair weather season. Several ships actually had an "I.S." on their hull at the load level thought safe during the Indian Summer." That explanation makes much more sense to me than the others I found purporting to explain where the term originated, but I still think "Autumn Tiger" is best of all! |
| 5 |
Passed the Field and Road Driving Exam Congratulations! That's a great first step. And, after that experience, you will probably never go through another stop sign in your entire life!! The whole time I've been driving (which is about 40 years now!) I don't think I've ever had a reason to make a car "slide over" like you did in Step 3, but it's a good test of your skill nonetheless. Good luck with the last part of the test too. |
| 4 |
Ziboy.com - Best Photolog in Beijing Interesting! I could see from the pictures that they were even being compelled to look at the crowd directly instead of keeping their heads turned toward the ground. I can see how this would be a more unbearable punishment than just having to "face" the police authorities. The shame would be far greater if your relatives and neighbors might be part of the assembled crowd, but certainly prisoners' rights are an important safeguard against abuse of authority. Thanks for the clarification. |
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Ziboy.com - Best Photolog in Beijing Jian Shuo, those photos by ziboy are wonderful. I feel as though I have just made a visit to Beijing. By any chance do you know what might have been happening in the ones he took on 2002.9 where a group of young men who appear to be prisoners were being held up by (presumably) policemen in front of a crowd? I'm not so curious about what happened that caused them to become prisoners, but am very curious as to why they were being forced into public display that way. Thank you again for all the enlightenment your site and the links you find have provided me about life in your wonderful country! |
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Happy Times Well, that's definitely good enough for me, Jian Shuo! It's delightful to sometimes see a person walking along on the street who is obviously brimming over with happiness for some reason unknown to passers by. You have probably made people you don't even know, feel like smiling inside themselves just by witnessing the joy on your face. Whatever it is that made you feel this way, I'm sincerely happy for you, and look forward to hearing all about it whenever the time is right for you to share. |