Time to learn Mandarin!

Kunsoo

Debates

15 Jul 11 05:34

Kunsoo

Joined: 03 Feb 07
Moves: 214763

15 Jul 11 05:34

Well, while we're lacking in vision in this country at the moment, China isn't letting any world wide recession slow them down. Some pretty striking images of engineering to let us all know that its economic superpower status is for real.

http://media.talkingpointsmemo.com/slideshow/chineseengineeringfeats

bill718

Enigma

Seattle

Joined: 03 Sep 06
Moves: 3298

15 Jul 11 06:13

Originally posted by Kunsoo
Well, while we're lacking in vision in this country at the moment, China isn't letting any world wide recession slow them down. Some pretty striking images of engineering to let us all know that its economic superpower status is for real.

http://media.talkingpointsmemo.com/slideshow/chineseengineeringfeats

I recall hearing that same story about Japan 15 years ago. China has come a long way for sure, but I'm not convinced they can overcome there over population, pollution and political woes anytime soon.

FMF

Joined: 28 Oct 05
Moves: 34587

15 Jul 11 06:45

Originally posted by bill718
China has come a long way for sure, but I'm not convinced they can overcome [their] overpopulation [...] woes anytime soon.

What are you talking about? With a population growth rate over the last ten years of around 0.5%, the population of China is projected to fall in the decades ahead. I'd say gender disparity is a demographic concern, but not overpopulation.

Soothfast

0,1,1,2,3,5,8,13,21,

☯️

Joined: 04 Mar 04
Moves: 2746

15 Jul 11 06:52

Originally posted by FMF
What are you talking about? With a population growth rate over the last ten years of around 0.5%, the population of China is projected to fall in the decades ahead. I'd say gender disparity is a demographic concern, but not overpopulation.

Yeah, it's India that has the real population problem. And actually I'd be happy if the population of the U.S. wound back down to around 3 million, because crowds get on my tits.

FMF

Joined: 28 Oct 05
Moves: 34587

15 Jul 11 07:11

Originally posted by Soothfast
...crowds get on my tits.

You should cordon off the parts you least like them trampling on.

Soothfast

0,1,1,2,3,5,8,13,21,

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Joined: 04 Mar 04
Moves: 2746

15 Jul 11 07:29

Originally posted by FMF
You should cordon off the parts you least like them trampling on.

Heh. I'll make a note of that.

whodey

Joined: 02 Jan 06
Moves: 12857

15 Jul 11 10:10

Originally posted by Kunsoo
Well, while we're lacking in vision in this country at the moment, China isn't letting any world wide recession slow them down. Some pretty striking images of engineering to let us all know that its economic superpower status is for real.

http://media.talkingpointsmemo.com/slideshow/chineseengineeringfeats

Of course, there is a simply way to destroy their economy. Just put "In God we trust" on all their currency and watch the hilarity insue. Making money would become illegal!! 😀

deriver69

Keeps

Shanghai

Joined: 16 Feb 06
Moves: 134484

15 Jul 11 13:19

I would agree, although has anyone tried learning Mandarin? I have just about got used to the different tones I think. Anyway I am off to work in Shanghai from next month and it does seem like a vibrant place. Will have to come back to the UK for the cricket season tho.

Kunsoo

Joined: 03 Feb 07
Moves: 214763

15 Jul 11 14:58

Originally posted by deriver69
I would agree, although has anyone tried learning Mandarin? I have just about got used to the different tones I think. Anyway I am off to work in Shanghai from next month and it does seem like a vibrant place. Will have to come back to the UK for the cricket season tho.

No cricket in China? Only a matter of time.

FMF

Joined: 28 Oct 05
Moves: 34587

15 Jul 11 15:10

Originally posted by Kunsoo
No cricket in China? Only a matter of time.

Yep. They already drink tea. As you say. Only a matter of time.

deriver69

Keeps

Shanghai

Joined: 16 Feb 06
Moves: 134484

15 Jul 11 15:47

they are aiming to have a test side by 2020 and my guess is that they will. However its Somerset that i need to be able to watch

FMF

Joined: 28 Oct 05
Moves: 34587

15 Jul 11 15:55

Originally posted by deriver69
However its Somerset that i need to be able to watch

So you are uncomfortable with crowds too?

dryhump

Joined: 14 Dec 07
Moves: 3763

15 Jul 11 16:09

Originally posted by FMF
So you are uncomfortable with crowds too?

I don't know anything about cricket, but that was a sweet burn.

mikelom

Ajarn

Wat?

Joined: 16 Aug 05
Moves: 76863

15 Jul 11 22:47

Originally posted by deriver69
I would agree, although has anyone tried learning Mandarin? I have just about got used to the different tones I think. Anyway I am off to work in Shanghai from next month and it does seem like a vibrant place. Will have to come back to the UK for the cricket season tho.

If you're in Pudong at all give me a bell. 1500981412

-m.

Kunsoo

Joined: 03 Feb 07
Moves: 214763

16 Jul 11 01:00

So how about the irony that a Communist nation is generating the most successful capitalism today?

It was noticed years ago when companies were leaving Taiwan for the mainland because democracy was imposing unions and environmental regulations. Both Mao Tse Tung and Chiang Kai-Shek are rolling in their graves!