给“年青者”最诚肯的忠告

A bit of advice for those about to retire. If you are only 65, never move to a retirement community. Everybody else is n their 70s, 80s, or 90s. So when something has to be moved, lifted or loaded, they yell,"Get the kid."
这里想对将要退休者提一点忠告。如果你只有65岁的话，千万别进退休社区。
因为那里人人都七八十岁或者八九十岁了。每当要搬东西，抬东西或者装东西时，他们就叫喊，“让小的干吧。”
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How to Use Chopsticks?

Rest one chopstick on the 3rd and 4th fingers with thumb on top of the middle part of the chopstick.Hold the other chopstick on the index and middle fingers, by using the tip of the thumb to keep the chopstick in place.Level Chopsticks, pick up food with movement of the upper chopstick, keep the lower chopstick stationary at all times.
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Second language

A mother mouse was out for a stroll with her babies when she spotted a cat crouched behind a bush. She watched the cat, and the cat watched the mice. Mother mouse barked fiercely, "Woof, woof, woof!" The cat was so terrified that it ran for it's life. Mother mouse turned to her babies and said, "Now, do you understand the value of a second language?" 一只母老鼠带着孩子出来散步，突然她看见一只猫正在灌木丛中虎视耽耽。 母老鼠向着猫叫道：“汪，汪，汪”，猫听了非常害怕，拼命跑走了。 母老鼠回过头洋洋自得的对孩子说：“现在你知道外语的重要性了吧。”
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Part-time Job业余工作

When my son was a hign-school sophomore, he got a part-time job sacking groceries at a supermarket. He came home all smiles.
"How was your first day?" I asked.
"It was great, Dad," he replied. "I got to talk to some good-looking girls."
Since Stephen is not very talkative, I asked, "What did you say to them?"
"Do you prefer paper or plastic?"
我儿子在一所中学读二年级时，在一家超级市场找到了一份包装商品的业余工作。他满面笑容地回到了家。
“第一天感觉如何？”我问。
“好极了，爸爸。”他答道，“我跟许多漂亮的女孩子讲了话。”
由于斯蒂芬不善言谈，我问道：“你跟他们说了些什么？”
“你是喜欢纸包装还是塑料包装？”
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Chinese Culture-Terminology and Symbolism

Flowers: Flowers are an important part of the New year decorations. In old China, much use was made of natural products in celebrations as well as in daily life. The two flowers most associated with the New Year are the plum blossom and the water narcissus
Lai-See Envelopes: (Also called Hong-Bao) Money is placed in these envelopes and given to children and young adults at New Year’s time, much in the spirit as Christmas presents. Presents are also often exchanged between families.
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Lucky Character: The single word " FOOK ", or fortune, is often displayed in many homes and stores. They are usually written by brush on a diamond-shaped piece of red paper.
Plum Blossoms: stand for courage and hope. The blossoms burst forth at the end of winter on a seemingly lifeless branch. In Chinese art, plum blossoms are associated with the entire season of winter and not just the New Year.

Virtue 美 德

Many years after receiving my graduate degree, I returned to the State University of New York at Binghamton as a faculty member. One day in a crowded elevator, someone remarked on its inefficiency. I said the elevators had not changed in the 20 years since I began there as a student.
When the door finally opened, I felt a compassionate pat on my back, and turned to see an elderly nun smiling at me. "You'll get that degree, dear," she whispered. "Perseverance is a virtue."
获取研究生学位多年以后，我回到位于宾翰顿的纽约州立大学当教员。一天，电梯里很拥挤，有人抱怨电梯效率太低。我说自我在那里当学生起，20年来电梯一直没有换过。
最后当电梯门打开时，我感到有人在我的背上同情地拍了一下，回过头来我看到一位年长的修女正在朝我微笑。“你会拿到学位的，亲爱的，”她低声说道：“坚持不懈是一种美德。”
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Chinese Lunar Calendar

The Chinese calendar will often show the dates of both the Gregorian (Western) calendar and the Chinese Lunar Calendar. The Gregorian dates are printed in Arabic numerals, and the Chinese dates in Chinese numerals. Chinese Lunar Calendar is based on the cycles of the moon, and is constructed in a different fashion than the Western solar calendar.
Chinese Zodiac: The rotating cycle of twelve animal signs was a fok method for naming the years in traditional China. The animal signs for one another in an established order, and are repeated every twelve years. 1976 was the Year of the Dragon, 1977 was the year of the Snake.
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Chinese Lunar Calendar

The Chinese calendar will often show the dates of both the Gregorian (Western) calendar and the Chinese Lunar Calendar. The Gregorian dates are printed in Arabic numerals, and the Chinese dates in Chinese numerals. Chinese Lunar Calendar is based on the cycles of the moon, and is constructed in a different fashion than the Western solar calendar.
Chinese Zodiac: The rotating cycle of twelve animal signs was a fok method for naming the years in traditional China. The animal signs for one another in an established order, and are repeated every twelve years. 1976 was the Year of the Dragon, 1977 was the year of the Snake.
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Chinese Culture-Lantern Festival - 15th Day

The New Year celebrations ended on the 15th of the First Moon with the Lantern Festival. On the evening of that day, people carried lanterns into the streets to take part in a great parade. Young men would highlight the parade with a dragon dance. The dragon was made of bamboo, silk, and paper, and might stretch for more than hundred feet in length. The bobbing and weaving of the dragon was an impressive sight, and formed a fitting finish to the New Year festival.

Everybody’s Birthday
The entire first week was a time for socializing and amusement. On the streets, the stores were closed and an air of gaiety prevailed. There were numberous lion dances, acrobats, theatrical shows, and other diversions. Firecrackers, which symbolized driving away evil spirits, were heard throughout the first two weeks of the New year. The Seventh Day of the New Year was called "everybody’s birthday" as everyone was considered one year older as of that date. (In traditional China, individual birthdays were not considered as important as the New Year’s date. Everyone added a year to his age at New Year’s time rather than at his birthday.)

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A Useful Lesson 有益的教训

Mr． Thompson used to go to a bar near his house quite often，but he never took his son，Tom，because he was too young． Then when Tom had his eighteenth birthday， Mr．Thompson took him to his usual bar for the first time．They drank for half an hour， and then Mr．Thompson said to his son，“Now， Tom，I want to teach you a useful lesson．You must always be careful not to drink too much． And how do you know when you've had enough？ Well， I'll tell you．Do you see those two lights at the end of the bar？ When they seem to have become four，you've had enough and should go home．”
“But， Dad，” said Tom，“I can only see one light at the end of the bar．”
汤普森先生以前常常去他家附近的一个酒吧喝酒，但他从来不带他的儿子汤姆去，因为他年纪太小。后来，当汤姆年满十八岁的时候，汤普森先生第一次带他去他常去的那家酒吧。他们喝了半个小时，而后，汤普森先生对他儿子说：“汤姆，现在我要告诉你一个有益的教训。你必须时时小心不要喝得太多。你怎么知道你喝够了呢？好，我来告诉你。你看见酒吧那头有两盏灯吗？当那两盏灯看起来变成四盏的时候，你就喝够了，应该回家了。
“可是，爸爸。”汤姆说：“在酒吧那头我只能看见一盏灯。”
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can his football come out to play

George knocked on the door of his friend's house. When his friend's mother answered he asked, “can Albert come out to play? ”
“ No,” said the mother, “it's too cold. ”
“ Well, then, ” said George, “ can his football come out to play ? ”
乔冶敲着他朋友家的门。当朋友的妈妈来应门时，他问：“阿尔伯特可以出来玩吗？ ”
“ 不行， ” 那位妈妈说， “ 天气太冷了。 ”
“ 噢，那么， ” 乔冶， “ 他的足球可以出来玩吗？
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Chinese Culture-Lai-See

On New Year’s Day, the children were given Red Lai-See Envelopes , good luck money wrapped in little red envelopes. On New Year’s day, everyone had on new clothes, and would put on his best behavior. It was considered improper to tell a lie, raise one’s voice, use indecent language, or break anything on the first day of the year.
Starting from the second day, people began going out to visit friends and relatives, taking with them gifts and Lai-See for the children. Visitors would be greeted with traditional New year delicacies, such as melon seeds, flowers, fruits, tray of togetherness, and NIANGAO, New Year cakes.

Family Celebration
On the last day of the old year, everyone was busy either in preparing food for the next two days, or in going to the barbers and getting tidied up for the New Year’s Day. Tradition stipulated that all food be pre-pared before the New Year’s Day, so that all sharp instruments, such as knives and scissors, could be put away to avoid cutting the "luck" of the New Year. The kitchen and well were not to be disturbed on the first day of the Year.
The New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day celebrations were strickly family affairs. All members of the family would gather for the important family meal on the evening of the New year’s Eve. Even if a family member could not attend, an empty seat would be kept to symbolize that person’s presence at the banquet. At midnight following the banquet, the younger members of the family would bow and pay their respects to their parents and elders.
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Blindfold them

Stan: I won 92 goldfish. Fred: Where are you going to keep them? Stan: In the bathroom 。 Fred: But what will you do when you want to take a bath? Stan: Blindfold them! 斯丹：我赢了 92 条金鱼。 弗雷德：你想在哪儿养它们？ 斯丹：浴室。 弗雷德：但是你想洗澡时怎么办？ 斯丹：蒙住它们的眼睛！
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Chinese Culture-Kitchen God

After the house was cleaned it was time to bid farewell to the Kitchen God, or Zaowang. In traditional China, the Kitchen God was regarded as the guardian of the family hearth. He was identified as the inventor of fire, which was necessary for cooking and was also the censor of household morals. By tradition, the Kitchen God left the house on the 23rd of the last month to report to heaven on the behavior of the family. At this time, the family did everything possible to obtain a favorable report from the Kitchen God. On the evening of the 23rd, the family would give the Kitchen God a ritualistic farewell dinner with sweet foods and honey. Some said this was a bribe, others said it sealed his mouth from saying bad thins.
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Free from the every-watchful eyes of the Kitchen God, who was supposed to return on the first day of the New Year, the family now prepared for the upcoming celebrations. In old China, stores closed shop on the last two or three days of the year and remained closed for the first week of the New Year. Consequently, families were busy in the last week of the old year stocking up on foods and gifts. Chinese New Year presents are similar in spirit to Christmas presents, although the Chinese tended more often to give food items, such as fruits and tea. The last days of the old year was also the time to settle accumulated debts.

Which woman? 哪个女人？

　　One evening I drove my husband\'s car to the shopping mall.
　　On my return, I noticed that how dusty the outside of his car was and cleaned it up a bit.When I finally entered the house, I called out."The woman who loves you the
most in the world just cleaned your headlights and windshield."
　　My husband looked up and said, "Mom\'s here?"
　　一天晚上我开着丈夫的车去购物，
　　回来后发现车身沾满灰尘，于是擦洗了一阵。当我终于走进屋里时大声喊：“世界上最爱你的女人刚擦洗了你的车灯和挡风玻璃。”
　　我丈夫抬头看了看，说：“妈妈来了？”
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Chinese Culture-Traditional Celebration of the Chinese New Year

Of all the traditional Chinese festivals, the new Year was perhaps the most elaborate, colorful, and important. This was a time for the Chinese to congratulate each other and themselves on having passed through another year, a time to finish out the old, and to welcome in the new year. Common expressions heard at this time are: GUONIAN to have made it through the old year, and BAINIAN to congratulate the new year.

Turning Over a New Leaf
The Chinese New year is celebrated on the first day of the First Moon of the lunar calendar. The corresponding date in the solar calendar varies from as early as January 21st to as late as February 19th. Chinese New Year, as the Western new Year, signified turning over a new leaf. Socially, it was a time for family reunions, and for visiting friends and relatives. This holiday, more than any other Chinese holiday, stressed the importance of family ties. The Chinese New year's Eve dinner gathering was among the most important family occasions of the year.

Sweeping of the Grounds
Preparations for the Chinese New Year in old China started well in advance of the New Year's Day. The 20th of the Twelfth Moon was set aside for the annual housecleaning, or the "sweeping of the grounds". Every corner of the house must be swept and cleaned in preparation for the new year. SpringCouplets, written in black ink on large vertical scrolls of red paper, were put on the walls or on the sides of the gate-ways. These couplets, short poems written in Classical Chinese, were expressions of good wishes for the family in the coming year. In addition, symbolic flowers and fruits were used to decorate the house, and colorful new year pictures (NIAN HUA) were placed on the walls (for more descriptions of the symbolism of the flowers and fruits. Do you want to learn Chinese more? One-on-one online live (not pre-recorded) Chinese lessons with professional and native Chinese teachers.Entering : http://www.echineselearning.com/?a_aid=1007 and Free Trial Now!

Chinese Culture-Giant Panda

Range: southwestern China, in six small forest fragments Habitat: damp, misty forests of bamboo and conifers, in altitudes above 4,000 feet (1,200 meters) Giant pandas are black and white and loved all over. The giant panda is a national treasure in China and is therefore protected by law. This unique bear has long been revered by the Chinese and can be found in Chinese art dating back thousands of years. The Chinese call their beloved pandas "large bear-cats." People outside of China have been fascinated by giant pandas since they were first described by French Missionary Pere Armand David in 1869. Now, more than 100 years later, the worldwide love for pandas has been combined with international efforts to keep them from becoming extinct.
How did the panda get its colors? Scientists aren't exactly sure. One theory is that pandas developed the contrasting black and white colors over time so they would stand out in the forest and be able to find each other to mate. Are giant pandas bears? For years scientists have wondered whether pandas are bears, raccoons, or in a group all their own. Through studying the genetic code (DNA) in pandas’ cells, scientists have confirmed the panda's relationship with bears. Giant pandas are similar to other bears in their general looks, the way they walk and climb, and their skull characteristics. It's important to know that pandas are bears, because the more we know about pandas, the better we can help them reproduce and survive.

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约会

　When the young waitress in the café in Tom's building started waving hello everyday. Tom was flattered, for she was at least 15 years younger than he. One day she waved and beckoned to Tom again. When Tom strolled over, she asked, "Are you single?"
"Why, yes," Tom replied, smiling at her broadly.
"So is my mom," she said. "Would you like to meet her?"
在汤姆工作的大楼里有一个咖啡屋，那儿总有一位小姐每天都和他打招呼。汤姆有些受宠若惊，因为这位小姐看上去至少比他年轻15岁。一天她又对汤姆招手并示意汤姆过去。于是汤姆走了过去。她问道，“您现在是单身吗？” “对，是单身，”汤姆满脸堆笑的说。 “我母亲也是，”她说，“您愿不愿意见见她？”
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last one最后一名

The Reporter asked last runs up to the end point athlete: ” you have run last, is very disappionted?” The athlete said excitedly: “how can you say disappionted? You had not seen they 7 are running because i'm tracing them, they are scared of me! ”记者问最后一名跑到终点的运动员：”你跑了最后一名，是不是很没劲啊？” 运动员激动地说：“怎么能说没劲呢？你没看到他们7个人被我追得直跑吗？ ”
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Chinese Culture—The great wall

A Chinese saying goes like that, "you are not a real hero until you have climbed the Great Wall". The Great Wall, one of the greatest wonders of the world, was enlisted in the World Heritage in 1987. Just like a gigantic dragon, it winds up and down across deserts, grasslands, mountains and plateaus stretching approximately 6,700 kilometers from east to west of China. With a history of more than 2000 years, some sections are now in ruins or even entirely disappeared. However, it is still one of the most appealing attractions all around the world owing to its architectural grandeur and historical significance. The wall was originally built in the Spring/Autumn Period, and Warring States Period as a defensive fortification. It went through constant extensions and repairs in later dynasties. In fact, it began as independent walls for different states when it was first built, and did not become the "Great" wall until the Qin Dynasty. The First Emperor succeeded in his effort to have the walls joined together to fend off the invasions from the Huns in the north after the unification of China. Since then, the wall has served as a monument of the Chinese nation throughout history. However, the wall we see today, starting from Shanhaiguan Pass in the east to Jiayuguan Pass in the west, was mostly built during the Ming Dynasty. The wall is complemented by defensive fighting stations, to which wall defenders may retreat if overwhelmed. Each tower has unique and restricted stairways and entries to confuse attackers. Barracks and administrative centers are located at larger intervals. In addition to the usual military weapons of the period, specialized wall defense weapons were used. It is in the north of China, and if you are in Beijing you can go to Badaling Hill to see one part of the great building.It is i the borth of beijing,about 18kilometers away from the city center.
The construction of the wall, drew heavily on the local resources for construction materials, was carried out in line with the local conditions under the management of contract and responsibility system. A great army of manpower, composed of soldiers, prisoners, and local people, built the wall. The construction result demonstrates the manifestation of the wisdom and tenacity of the Chinese people. The wall has long been incorporated into Chinese mythology and popular symbolism. The most beautiful of several legends is about the collapse of a section of the wall caused by Meng Jiangnu, who cried bitterly over the death of her husband in the construction of the wall. This legend has been spread widely through textbooks, folk songs and traditional operas.
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Chinese culture-chopsticks筷子

When you go to a Chinese restaurant you have to use chopsticks instead of a knife and fork. 到中国餐馆用餐时,不用刀叉而得用筷子。
筷子，古称“箸”，它是当今世界上公认的独特餐具，对使用刀叉的欧美人士来说，学会用筷子确有一定的难度，可一旦能熟练地操纵这两根小玩意，使用起来却是灵巧无比，所以西方有学者赞扬筷箸是古老的东方文明代表，是华夏民族聪明和智慧的结晶。
中国每天有十多亿人口一日三餐筷不离手，正因为餐餐用筷、日日用筷、年年用筷、人人用筷，所以中国人对筷箸习以为常，视若无睹，因此历史上很少发现有关筷箸文化的记载，即使在某些古籍中偶而写有只字片语，也是记录其他事而非指箸本身而言。千百年来，也很少发现有专人对筷箸进行研究和探讨。
　　
中国是筷子的发源地，以筷进餐少说已有3000年历史，是世界上以筷为食的母国。筷子看起来只是非常简单的两根小细棒，但它有挑、拨、夹、拌、扒等功能，且使用方便，价廉物美。筷子也是当今世界上一种独特的餐具。凡是使用过筷子者，不论华人或是老外，无不钦佩筷子的发明者。可是它是何人发明？何时创造诞生？现在谁也无法回答这个问题。
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That is not my dog那不是我的狗

A woman walks into a pet shop and sees a lovely little dog. She asks the shopkeeper, "Does your dog bite?" The shopkeeper says, "No, my dog does not bite." Then the woman bends down and tries to touch the dog. the dog bites her. "Ouch!" she crys, "You said your dog did not bite." The shopkeeper replies, "That is not my dog." 一位女士走进一家宠物店，看见一只很可爱的小狗．她问店主："你的狗咬人吗?" 店主说:"不, 我的狗不咬人。" 于是这位女士弯下腰想去摸摸这条狗. 狗咬了她. "哎哟!"她叫道,"你说过你的狗不咬人的." 店主回答说:"那不是我的狗."
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The Double Ninth Festival重阳节

On the Double Ninth Festival, people customarily climb mountains, appreciate chrysanthemum flowers, drink chrysanthemum wine, and eat double-ninth cakes. The Double Ninth Festival is also the "Old Men Festival". Old people are especially meant to improve their health by taking part in the activities on the day of the festival.
The Double Ninth Festival is also a time for family get-togethers. It is an occasion to remember one's ancestors, the sacrifices they made and the hardships they underwent. Often, family outings are organised during which people search to renew their appreciation of nature and to reaffirm their love and concern for family members and close friends.
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The origins of the Double Ninth Festival重阳节的来历

The "Chong Yang Festival" is celebrated on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, and it is as such known as the Double Ninth Festival.
The festival began as early as the Warring States Period (475 - 221 BC). According to the yin/yang dichotomy that forms a basis to the Chinese world view, yin represents the elements of darkness and yang represents life and brightness. The number nine is regarded as yang. The ninth day of the ninth month is a double yang day, hence the name "Chong Yang Festival". (Chong means "repeat" in Chinese.) The ninth month also heralds the approach of winter. It is a time when the living need warm clothing, and filial Chinese sons and daughters extended this to make the festival a time for providing winter clothes for their ancestors. The Double Ninth Festival, therefore, also became an occasion to visit the graves of dead family members. Clothes made of paper would then be burnt as offerings.
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The National Day of the People's Republic of China

The PRC was founded on FIRST OF October 1, 1949 with a ceremony at Tiananmen Square. The Central People's Governmentpassed the Resolution on the National Day of the People's Republic of China on SECOND OF December 2,1949 and declared( di care) that FISRT OF October 1 is the National Day.
When the anniversary is a multiple of five (e.g. the 50th, 55th, or 60th),large scale official celebrations may be held, including an inspection of troops on Tiananmen Square.
1949年10月1日，中华人民共和国在北京天安门广场举行开国大典。1949年10月2日，中央人民政府通过《关于中华人民共和国国庆日的决议》，规定每年10月1日为国庆日，并以这一天作为宣告中华人民共和国成立的日子。
当周年的年份是五的倍数时（如50 ,55 ，或60 ），将会举行大规模的官方庆典，包括在天安门广场举行阅兵仪式。
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The national holiday

The national holiday lasts five days and most workers are given time off to visit relatives and take time for traveling.

The National Day is celebrated throughout mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau with a varietyof government-organised festivities, including fireworks and concerts.Public places, such as Tiananmen Square in Beijing, are decorated in a festive theme. Portraits of revered(VEAR) leaders,such as Sun Yat-Sen, are publicly displayed.

全国公共假期5天，很多工人会选择这时候探望亲友或是旅行。

国庆节是举国同庆的，中国大陆，香港，澳门，和各级地方政府均会举办官宴进行庆祝，同时还会燃放烟花和举行联欢晚会。在一些公共场所，如在北京天安门广场，均以欢庆为主题进行装饰。一些著名的领导人，如孙中山的肖像也会公开展示。

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Chinese modesty

Traditionally the Chinese people do not like to show a high opinion of their own merits. Instead they are always modest about their achievements, or prefer a low-key statement to a display of their advantages. When you praised a chinese person, he may humbly tell you how deficient he is. Therefore the chinese reply "nǎ lǐ, nǎ lǐ" (well, it is nothing) to any complimentary remarks may not be interpreted as a denial of the truth. However grateful they are they may not verbalize their thanks, or they will be considered to be insufferable people.
Nowadays some people, especially young and educated Chinese, like to follow the English way and thank admirers for their compliments.
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Seeing People Off

Chinese people are justly famous for their hospitality. A Chinese host often personally accompanies the leaving guests to the lift, or goes with them until they are out of his house or office, or even stands gazing after their parting. The farther the host escorts the guests, the greater an honour it will be. A good send-off is commonly given to the guests until they get into the car. It is unusual to immediately shut the door behind guests
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Take FREE Olympic Chinese Lesson，Light Olympic Torches, Win Olympic Tickets

Here you can light Olympic torches online by taking private free one-on-onelive Chinese lesson in “Nihao Chinese” Program presented byeChineseLearning. Join us with your friends and family members; the morepeople you refer, the more torches you lit, then the more possibly you willwin Olympic Tickets and Chinese Lessons for free.Olympic Chinese LessonsOur Olympic Mandarin Chinese course is designed to help you feel comfortablewhen you travel in China (especially if you will be in Beijing for the 29thOlympic Games).You will learn how to converse in various situations you might encounterduring your trip and will also help to enhance your view of China's culture.Beginner to advanced level lessons is available.“Nihao Chinese” Program also offers personalized Chinese lesson forwinner, base on your specific Chinese level, your learning background andyour time table.Just take one free one-on-one Chinese lesson; you will get the chance to bethe winner.
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Response Ability答问技巧

An Ogden, Iowa, minister was matching coins with a member of his congregation for a cup of coffee. When asked if that didn't constitute gambling, the minister replied, "It's merely a scientific method of determining just who is going to commit an act of charity."
Philosopher Bertrand Russell, asked if he was willing to die for his beliers, replied: "Of course not. After all, I may be wrong."
A newspaper organized a contest for the best answer to the question: "If a fire broke out in the Louvre, and if you could only save one painting, which one would you carry out?"The winning reply was: "The one nearest the exit."
衣阿华州奥格根的一位牧师正在与一位教友为一杯咖啡而猜硬币。别人问他那是否构成赌博行为时，牧师答道：“这仅仅是决定由谁来做一件善事的一种科学方法。”
当我人问哲学家罗素是否愿意为了他的信仰而献身时，他答道：“当然不会。毕竟，我可能会是错的。”
一份报纸组织了一场竞赛，为下面的问题征集最佳答案：“如果卢浮宫起了火，而你只能救出一幅画，你将救出哪一幅？”获奖的答案是：“最接近门口的那一幅。”
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Secret For a Long Life长寿秘诀

A woman walks up to a little old man rocking in a chair on his porch.
"I couldn't help noticing how happy you look," she says. "What's your secret for a long, happy life?"
"I smoke three packs a day, drink a case of whiskey a week, eat fatty foods and never, ever exercise."
"Wow, that's amazing," says the woman. "How old are you?"
"Twenty-six."
一位女士走向坐在门廊的椅子上摇动的小老头。
“我无意中发现，你是多么幸福，”那女士说。“你幸福而长寿的秘密是什么？”
“我每天抽三包烟，每周喝一箱威士忌，吃高脂肪食品，而且从来不曾锻炼。”
“哦，真神奇，”女士说。“你高寿？”
“二十六。”
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林肯过生日 Great Event

Teacher: What great event happened in 1809?
Little Willy: Abraham Lincoln was born.
Teacher: Correct. And what great event happened in 1812?
Little Willy: Abraham Lincoln had his third birthday.
老师：1809年发生了什么重大事件？
小威利：亚伯拉罕-林肯诞生。
老师：正确。那么1812年发生了什么重要事件呢？
小威利：亚伯拉罕-林肯过他的三周岁生日。
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A Deadly Earthquake Rocked China _ People in danger need your help!

Dear All,
On May 12, 2008, a deadly earthquake measuring 7.8 Richter scale rocked southwestern China and affected across China and beyond. A number of aftershocks occurred following the major quake. The confirmed death toll has risen to 11,921 by Tuesday, and is quickly rising. Still thousands of people in the worst-hit areas are trapped under the rubble, injured in rain, without electricity or any communication.

eChineseLearning would like to call on for your attention and help in any possible way to the people in this disaster.

How to donate:
Visit: http://202.108.59.10/english/index.htm

If you need any help during the donating process, please contact us. We will do our best to help.

Thank you in advance for your generousness and kind help!


eChineseLearning
eChineseLearning is an one-on-one online Chinese learning school, a worldwide leader in Chinese language education. Here eChineseLearning would love to offer Free Chinese Lessons for people who donate love to disaster area. Now Give Your Hands, and then Visit: http://www.echineselearning.com to Apply for Your Free Chinese Lessons.

St Peter's question 圣彼德的问题

Three men, a doctor, an accountant and a lawyer are dead and they appear in front of St Peter. St Peter tells them that they have to answer one question in order to get to Heaven. He looks at the doctor and asks, "There was a movie that was made about a ship that sank after hitting an iceberg, what was its name?" The doctor answers, "The Titanic" and he is sent through. He then looks at the accountant and say, "How many people died in that ship?" Fortunately the accountant had just watched the movie and he answers, "1 500!". St Peter sends him through and then finally turns to the lawyer and commands, in a very heavy voice, "Name them!". 　　有三个人死了，分别是一名医生、一名会计和一名律师。他们来到了圣彼德面前。圣彼德对他们说，如果他们想进入天堂，就得每人回答一个问题。圣彼德看着医生开始发问，“以前电影院放过一部电影，说的是一艘船撞击冰山后沉没，电影的名字是什么？”　医生回答，“＜＜泰坦尼克号＞＞”，医生随即被允许进入天堂。然后圣彼德看着会计说，“船上有多少人遇难？”。会计很走运，因为他刚看过这部电影，回答道，“1500人遇难。”圣彼德把会计也放进天堂了。最后，圣彼德转过身，看着律师，非常严肃地用命令的口吻问道，“把1500人的名字都说出来？”
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Blind Date相亲

After being with her all evening, the man couldn't take another minute with his blind date. Earlier, he had secretly arranged to have a friend call him to the phone so he would have an excuse to leave.When he returned to the table, he lowered his eyes, put on a grim expression and said, "I have some bad news. My grandfather just died.""Thank heavens," his date replied. "If yours hadn't, mine would have had to!"和相亲对象呆了一晚上后，男人再也受不了了。他事先安排了个朋友给他打电话，这样他就能借故先离开了。当他回到桌边，他垂下眼睛，装出一副阴沉的表情，说：“有个不幸的消息，我的祖父刚刚去世了。”“谢天谢地！”他的约会对象说，“如果你的祖父不死，我的祖父就得死了！”
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The Mean Man's Party吝啬鬼的聚会

The notorious cheap skate finally decided to have a party. Explaining to a friend how to find his apartment, he said, "Come up to the fifth floor and ring the doorbell with your elbow. When the door open, push with your foot."　　"Why use my elbow and foot?"　　"Well, gosh," was the reply, "You're not coming empty-handed, are you?"　　一个声名狼藉的小气鬼终于决定要请一次客了。他在向一个朋友解释怎么找到他家时说：“你上到五楼，用你的胳膊肘按门铃。门开了后，再用你的脚把门推开。”　　“为什么我要用我的肘和脚呢？”　　“天哪！” 吝啬鬼回答，“你总不会空着手来吧？”Do you want to learn Chinese more?There is a "Nihao Chinese"program which is a free trail on line!!!Visit http://www.echineselearning.com/nihaoyou will find a surprise.

The FIRST eChineseLearning Torch Bearer Honor is on your way!

At later of this month, the first Current Ranking eChineseLearning Torch Bearers, who may get up-to 1-year FREE Chinese lessons, down-to 3-month, will come out!
The Current Ranking module takes two months is based on participant’s points. The top 3 accumulative students will be honored the “eChineseLearning Torch Bearer” title and awards from above prizes.

What does this mean to you, our valued friends?

A) If have joined us, please refer as most as friends to join us to get more points;
B) If have not joined us yet, please action immediately and refer Nihao Chinese Program to your around simultaneously.

We’re looking forward to you and your friends!

Action Now! Undoubtedly, you are the lucky guy and final winner! Visit http://www.echineselearning.com/

Making His Mark刻舟求剑

A man from the state of Chu was crossing a river. In the boat, his sword fell into the water. Immediately he made a mark on the boat. 　　"This is where my sword fell off," he said. 　　When the boat stopped moving, he went into the water to look for his sword at the place where he had marked the boat. 　　The boat had moved but the sword had not. Is this not a very foolish way to look for a sword?
战国时，楚国有个人坐船渡江。船到江心，他一不小心。把随身携带的一把宝剑掉落江中。他马上掏出一把小刀，在船舷上刻上一个记号，说：“这是我宝剑落水的地方，所以我要刻上一个记号。”
船靠岸后，那楚人立即从船上刻记号的地方跳下水去捞取掉落的宝剑。捞了半天，仍不见宝剑的影子。其实他又怎么找得到宝剑呢？船继续行驶，而宝剑却不会再移动。像他这样去找剑，真是太愚蠢可笑了。Do you want to learn Chinese more?There is a "Nihao Chinese"program which is a free trail on line!!!Visit http://www.echineselearning.com/nihaoyou will find a surprise.

武松打虎

On his way to visit his brother， Wu Song was at a place called Mount Jingyang. Though a bit drunk， he began to climb the mountain. Before long he saw a sign posted on a tree： "Travelers are advised to group together to climb over the mountain since tigers have killed some singular travelers of late. Please do not risk your life." Wu Song reasoned that the sign must have been written by the inn keeper at the foot of the mountain for the sake of scaring travelers into spending the night in his inn. He did not pay attention to the sign and continued on this way . At sunset he came to an old temple on top of the mountain. There Wu Song saw another official sing tigers on the mountain. Still， he decided no to return to the inn at the foot of the mountain for fear that the owner would laugh at him. He felt too drunk to walk on， so he decided to lie down on a slab of gray stone. Just as he was about to fall asleep， he felt a gust of wind whistling around him： It was a mammoth tiger charging at him. Wu Song immediately turned his body and dodged the animal. The tiger leapt again， but Wu Song managed to evade it. The beast got so angry that it used its tail to sweep toward Wu Song. Wu Song jumped to dodge the attack. He lifted his cudgel to hit the tiger while it was turning around， but his cudgel caught the branches of a tree and broke in two. The tiger was annoyed and launched another assault. Wu Song threw away the remnant of his cudgel and jumped onto the back of the tiger. With his left hand， he grabbed the skin of the head of the tiger， and he used his other fist to hit the eyes， mouth， nose and ears of the tiger. Before long， the tiger was bleeding all over and lied on the ground motionless. Wu Song was afraid the tiger was pretending to be dead， so he wielded the broken cudgel to hit the tiger until he was sure the tiger was dead. The incident on Mount Jingyang made Wu Song famous far and wide. 武松回家探望哥哥，途中路过景阳冈。在冈下酒店喝了很多酒，踉跄着向冈上走去。兴不多事，只见一棵树上写着："近因景阳冈大虫伤人，但有过冈克上，应结伙成队过冈，请勿自误。"武松认为，这是酒家写来吓人的，为的是让过客住他的店，竟不理它，继续往前走。太阳快落山时，武松来到一破庙前，见庙门贴了一张官府告示，武松读后，方知山上真有虎，待要回去住店，怕店家笑话，又继续向前走。由于酒力发作，便找了一块大青石，仰身躺下，刚要入睡，忽听一阵狂风呼啸，一只斑斓猛虎朝武松扑了过来，武松急忙一闪身，躲在老虎背后。老虎一纵身，武松又躲了过去。老虎急了，大吼一声，用尾巴向武松打来，武松又急忙跳开，并趁猛虎转身的那一霎间，举起哨棒，运足力气，朝虎头猛打下去。只听"咔嚓"一声，哨棒打在树枝上。老虎兽性大发，又向武松扑过来，武松扔掉半截棒，顺势骑在虎背上，左手揪住老虎头上的皮，右手猛击虎头，没多久就把老虎打得眼、嘴、鼻、耳到处流血，趴在地上不能动弹。武松怕老虎装死，举起半截哨棒又打了一阵，见那老虎确实没气了，才住手。从此武松威名大震。Do you want to learn Chinese more?There is a "Nihao Chinese"program which is a free trail on line!!!Visit http://www.echineselearning.com/nihaoyou will find a surprise.

The Second Round of Lucky Drawing is beginning!

At coming out of the first lucky guy, our SECOND round of lucky drawing is beginning. Each participator may be the next lucky dog or program winner! Your moment is coming. Catch! It’s quick and easy! Just have to:

Step 1：Entering: http://www.echineselearning.com/nihao ;

Step 2：Signing up and enjoying a Free Private Trial (totally for free);

Step 3：Getting your Code (a unique link pointing to Nihao Chinese program homepage, by which we will know someone who referred by you);

Step 4：Spreading your Code and win big prizes;
The more people you spread your Code to, the more points you accumulate, and you are the winner finally!

The First Lucky Dog of “Nihao Chinese” Program has come out!

Up to 15th April, “Nihao Chinese” Program gives the FIRST lucky guy—ID is Yingxin who comes from America, graduating from Stanford University, and engages in technology now. She will get Traditional Chinese paper-cuts which will be dispatched to her on Arilp.30, 2008.
Congratulations to Yingxin!
The more prizes, offered by eChineseLearning.com, include up to 5 years FREE eChineseLearning private lessons, 2008 Beijing Olympic tickets, Olympic mascots, Traditional Chinese arts and crafts (e.g. paper-cut, Peking Opera masks), etc. http://www.echineselearning.com/nihao

The Ability of the kangaroo袋鼠的能力

The zoo built a special eight-foot-high enclosure （围墙） for its newly acquired kangaroo （袋鼠） , but the next morning the animal was found hopping around outside. The height of the fence was increased to 15 feet, but the kangaroo got out again. Exasperated （恼火的） , the zoo director had the height increased to 30 feet, but the kangaroo still escaped. A giraffe asked the kangaroo, “ How high do you think they'll build the fence?” “ I don't know, ” said the kangaroo. “ Maybe a thousand feet if they keep leaving the gate unlocked.”动物园为刚引进的袋鼠建了一个特殊的 8 英尺高的围墙。但是第二天早上，人们发现这个动物在围墙外面蹦跳着。于是围墙高度就增加到 15 英尺，但袋鼠还是跳了出来。动物园经理甚感恼火，又叫人把围墙高度加到 30 英尺，但袋鼠还是跳了出来，一个长颈鹿问袋鼠：“你认为他们会把围墙建到多高？” “我不知道，”袋鼠说，“如果他们继续开着大门，可能要修到 1,000 英尺吧。”Do you want to learn Chinese more?There is a "Nihao Chinese"program which is a free trail on line!!!Visit http://www.echineselearning.com/you will find a surprise.

Day after Day日复一日

A teacher was always so involved （投入） in the text being studied that he never looked up. He would call on a student for translation and explanation; and –– without realizing it –– he often chose the same student day after day. Out of respect （出于尊敬） , the student wouldn't point this out to him. After being called on four days in a row, a student named Goldberg asked advice from his friends. The next day when the teacher said “ Goldberg, translate and explain, ” Goldberg replied, “ Goldberg is absent today.” “ All right, ” said the teacher. “ YOU translate and explain. 一位老师对所讲课文总是非常投入，从不抬头。他常让一个学生来翻译和解释，并且 –– 不自觉地 ––– 他常日复一日地叫同一个学生。出于尊敬，学生并没有给出指出这一点。 一个叫古德伯格的学生，在一连被叫了四天之后，向他的朋友寻求建议。第二天，这位教师又说：“古德伯格，翻译并解释。”古德伯格回答说：“古德伯格今天缺席。” “那好吧，”教师说，“那就你来翻译并解释吧。”Do you want to learn Chinese more?There is a "Nihao Chinese"program which is a free trail on line!!!Visit http://www.echineselearning.com/you will find a surprise.

Funny stuff: 死后墓碑上只能写一句话，你会写什么？What you would write on your own grave stone when you die?

On a forum one person ask: 死后墓碑上只能写一句话，你会写什么？(What you would like to write on ur own grave stone when you die one day?) People wrote: 1. Intel Inside let me outside I'll be back loading.... Restart... reloaded 2. 请使用正版盗墓工具 3. 感谢政府为我解决了住房问题！ 4. 一居室，求合租，面议。 5. 小事招魂，大事挖坟。 6. 发布违规信息，永久封杀！ 7. 我觉得我还可以抢救一下！ 8. 老子是被活埋的！曰！ 9. 广告位招租 10. 提供鞭尸服务，一次100！ 11. 初从文，三年不中；后习武，校场发一矢，中鼓吏，逐之出；遂学医，有所成。自撰一良方，服之，卒。 12. 基因重组中，请稍候……二十年 13. 我生在中国，我葬在中国，太幸运了啊！ 14. 单挑冥王哈迪斯中，征求组队!(网游篇） 15. 牧师，帮我复活一下下，谢谢，坐标××.×（网游篇） 16. 当你看清这行字的时候：朋友，你踩到我了。 17. 老子终于不用怕鬼了！ 18. 给爷笑一个，要不……爷给你笑一个？ 19. 神农氏的墓志铭：我靠！这草有毒！！！！！ 20. 这是我挖的最后一个坑（警告挖坑者） 21. 摸骨算命 22. 陪聊，提供夜间上门服务。 23. 不回帖的和我换位置 。。。 24. 此处严禁小便~~违者没收工具 25. 知道我在等你吗？(name of a song) 我等的人终于来了。 26. 你鞋底上有口香糖 27. 有奖竞猜！本人是老死的还是病死的还是意外死的？请编辑手机短信，移动用户发送到1748(pronounced "yiqisiba")，联通用户发送到4848 (pronounced "siba, siba")。 28.I want to learn Chinese,so I can know what the above Chinese mean！ 29.You can visit the site http://www.echineselearning.com It's a free trail for Chinese learning!

Why Chinese is much easier to learn than French?

Because French vocabulary has so many words! For example animals names. Where Chinese needs just a combinaison of few descriptive characters (male, female, small) French needs dozens of different words. Let's illustrates with two species pig and sheep. 　　　猪 (male + pig) cochon 　　公猪 (male + pig) verrat 　　母猪 (female + pig) truie 　　小猪 (small + pig) porcelet 　　野猪 (wild + pig) sanglier 　母野猪 (female + wild + pig) laie 　小野猪 (small + wild + pig) marcassin 羊 (sheep) mouton 　　公羊 (male + sheep) bélier 　　母羊 (female + sheep) brebis 　　小羊 (small + sheep) agneau 　小母羊 (small + female + sheep) agnelle 　　山羊 (hill + sheep) chèvre 　公山羊 (male + hill + sheep) bouc 　小山羊 (small + hill + sheep) cabris As you see for "pig", you have 7 different words in French : cochon, verrat, truie, porcelet, sanglier, laie, marcassin, and only 1 in Chinese : 猪, which you add descriptions (male, female...). Another way to explain it, if you now how to say "horse" 马 in Chinese, you automatically know how to say "mare" 母马 (female + horse) and "foal" 小马 (small + horse). But if you know "cheval" (horse) in French, you have no way to guess "jument" (mare) and "poulain" (foal) which are totally different words.
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Chinese number gestures 中文数字手势

Chinese number gestures 汉字数字手势 refers to the Chinese method of using one hand to signify the natural numbers one through ten. This method may have been developed to bridge the many dialects in spoken Chinese– for example, the numbers 4 (Chinese: 四; pinyin: sì) and 10 (Chinese: 十; pinyin: shí) are hard to distinguish in some dialects. Some suggest that it was also used by businessmen during bargaining (i.e. to convey a bid by feeling the hand gesture in a sleeve) when they wish for more privacy in a public place. ChineseHour tells you more in details so that you can speak Chinese and make gestures at the same time.MethodsWhile the five digits on one hand can easily express the numbers one through five, six through ten have special signs that can be used in commerce or day-to-day communication. The predominant [citation needed] system is as follows:In Taiwan and Hong KongIn Taiwan and Hong Kong, signs for numbers differ significantly from those described above. The symbol for 7 has an alternate meaning, and the symbol for 9 above, also described as such in Lonely Planet, actually means “death”. The signs used in Taiwan are as follow:Six - As above, the little finger and thumb are extended.Seven - The thumb and index finger make an “L” as in the symbol for eight above.Eight - The thumb, index finger, and middle finger are extended.Nine - Four digits excluding the little finger are extended. Since the little finger is not always independent of the ring finger, some might find this difficult to do. (In Hong Kong the gesture described above (with image below) is used instead.)Ten - The index fingers of both hands are crossed in an “X” with the palms facing in opposite directions.The numbers one through five are more trivial. For completeness:One - The index finger is extended.Two - The index and middle fingers are extended.Three - With the index finger and thumb closed, the last three fingers are extended. Alternatively, the thumb holds the little finger in palm with the middle three fingers extended.Four - The thumb is held in palm with the four fingers extended.Five - All five digits are extended.Chineese Number Translations:0 = 零 （líng)1 = 一　(yī)2 = 二　(èr)3 = 三　(sān)4 = 四　(sì)5 = 五　(wŭ)6 = 六　(lìu)7 = 七　(qī)8 = 八　(bā)9 = 九　(jĭu)10 = 十　(shí)Months:1) January: 一月 [yí yuè]2) February: 二月 [èr yuè]3) March: 三月 [sān yuè]4) April: 四月 [sì yuè]5) May: 五月 [wŭ yuè]6) June: 六月 [liù yuè]7) July: 七月 [qī yuè]8）August: 八月 [bā yuè]9) September: 九月 [jiŭ yuè]10) October: 十月 [shí yuè]11) November: 十一月 [shí yī yuè]12) December: 十二月 [shí èr yuè]Weekdays:Monday: 星期一 [xīng qī yī]Tuesday: 星期二 [xīng qī èr]Wednesday: 星期三 [xīng qī sān]Thursday: 星期四 [xīng qī sì]Friday: 星期五 [xīng qī wŭ]Saturday: 星期六 [xīng qī liù]Sunday: 星期日 [xīng qī rì]This is a good way to learn to speak mandarin Chinese at http://www.echineselearning.com Why don’t you try it for 100% free right now? The native Chinese teachers are ready to help you ！
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“你”和“您”的区别The difference between“nǐ”and “nín”

“你”和“您”都是第二人称单数的面称用语。“你”是一般的称谓，用在同辈或比自己辈分小的人身上，还可以用在较熟悉的朋友之间的互称；“您”是用在对长辈或上级的面称，表示尊敬。
Both nǐ and nín are pronouns of “you”. The former is generally used with colleagues of one’s age, younger people, close friends or acquaintances. The latter is applied to elders or higher-ranking officers as a respectful form of addressing.
For example, Tom asked Peter: Will you go to the cinema?
汤姆问皮特：你会去看电影吗？
The secretary told her manager: You have a meeting at 4pm.
秘书告诉经理：您下午四点有会要开。
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Nihao Chinese

Program is presented by eChineseLearning, a worldwideleader in Chinese language education， who has a strong sense of socialresponsibility to establish the eChineseLearning Grant to assist inthe alleviation of difficulties faced by individuals from around theworld who wish to learn Chinese but are unable to do so. By participating in this program, you can not only take a FREEone-on-one Chinese lesson and win fantastic prizes, but alsocontribute to charity causes. For every free trial lesson taken at eChineseLearning, there will beone free Chinese lesson donated to the eChineseLearning Grant. Anyindividual, group or organization may apply for free Chinese lessonsfrom the eChineseLearning Grant provided that he/she/it meets thequalifying conditions and that there are a sufficient number of freeChinese lessons in the eChineseLearning Grant.

“Nihao Chinese” Program launches now!

I am very excited to announce a “Nihao Chinese” Program presented by eChineseLearning, a worldwide leader in Chinese language education. By participating in this program, you can not only take a FREE one-on-one Chinese lesson (Olympic Chinese Lessons, etc.) and win fantastic prizes, but also contribute to charity causes.

Step1: Sign up for a FREE one-on-one lesson (http://www.echineselearning.com/nihao)

Step2: Take your FREE one-on-one lesson
A "torch" will be lit on the map and we will match a free lesson in the "eChineseLearning Grant"(http://www.echineselearning.com/nihao) on your behalf, which will then be donated to groups in need. You will accumulate a point for each torch and have chances to win great prizes. .

Step3: Spread the Word

Tell your friends and family members about our "Nihao Chinese" Program! For every friend or family member you refer that completes a free lesson, you will get 1 point and a lesson will be donated into the eChineseLearning Grant.

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The more lessons contributed to eChineseLearning Grant
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Mandarin is easy to learn!

Do you want to go to Beijing to see the 08 Olympic? You will find mandarin is the largest impediment for you!
Now I'm glad to tell you:Mandarin is easy to learn!
There is a“Nihao Chinese” Program presented by eChineseLearning, a worldwide leader in Chinese language education. By participating in this program, you can not only take a FREE one-on-one Chinese lesson (Olympic Chinese Lessons, etc.) and win fantastic prizes, but also contribute to charity causes.
Join us along with your friends and sign up for a free lesson now! http://www.echineselearning.com/nihao

echineselearning & Sina.com online launch co-branded effort

BEIJING, Aug. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- eChineseLearning, an online Chinese language school specializing in one-to-one live video instruction and supplemental education programs, today announced its marketing partnership with SINA.com Online, located in San Mateo, California. "Due to the increased impact of the Chinese marketplace - an output of $2.7 trillion in 2006 - we at eChineseLearning have seen a tremendous demand for Chinese education across all professional fields, ages, geographies, and cultures. There are in fact over 30 million people throughout the world studying Chinese," explained Fred Rao, founder & CEO of eChineseLearning. "There is also a strong desire to learn within Chinese communities. In the United States alone there are currently over 700,000 children of Chinese descent whose native language is English or another first language. Many children of native Chinese parents - and by that, SINA.com Online readers - are using eChineseLearning to help them communicate better with their families. As a SINA.com Online partner, our services can be used by over one million of these individuals."
eChineseLearning students come from over 25 countries in the world and include business owners, students, actors, professors, and professionals from corporations such as HP, Nike, and Motorola. The company provides students with customized programs to gain a competitive edge; professionals seeking advancement and positions overseas; and families planning a trip in China. The eChineseLearning courses include Standard Chinese for all levels, Business Chinese, Travel Chinese, Business Etiquette, and Culture Training.
To view more at: http://www.echineselearning.com/media/forbes/eChineseLearning%20&%20SINA-Forbes.htm

The Lantern Festival of China

The 15^th January of lunar Chinese month is the Lantern Festival of China. Why is it called Lantern Festival? Because on this day, Chinese people go out to watch lanterns, guess the riddles written on the lanterns. On this day, Chinese people also play big drum, with the rhythm of which, mid-aged women dance yangko (a kind of dance featured as Chinese, which is popular with mid-aged women). The most important program of Chinese people on the Lantern Festival is to eat 元宵（yuánxiāo）,the traditional food of China.

元宵（yuánxiāo）, the sweet dumplings made of glutinous rice flour, wrapping different ingredient in it, such as niger seed( 黑芝麻 hēizhīma), ormosia(红豆 hóngdòu), peanut, and many kinds of fruit flavor like apple, strawberry and orange. It seems delicious, but it is not ok to eat yet. You can cook it in pure boiled water, when all the元宵（yuánxiāo）float off, it is ok, you can enjoy it now. Also you can steam and fry it. It is completely depending on your own taste how to cook元宵（yuánxiāo）.

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How do chinese people celebrate the Lantern Festival

On the Lantern Festival, we set off catharine at night, which is beautiful and lightening the whole sky, attracting many people to going out to watch,especially children, who are scampering and clapping all the time.And on this day, all the streets are decorated by lanterns with virious colors,which also strike many people. Now guessing riddles written on the lanterns has not been popular with people,instead, it has been a kind of tradition in their concept.

Of course, on this day, 元宵（yuánxiāo）is very popular.In the past,chinese people made 元宵（yuánxiāo）by themselves.But the process is quite complicated. Now there are many kinds of 元宵（yuánxiāo）in supermarket, and their prices are all affordable. so chinese people buy 元宵（yuánxiāo）in supermarket on the Lantern Festival now.The most simply method of cook is to stew in pure water. when all the 元宵（yuánxiāo）has floated off, it is ok to enjoy!

Forwarded by http://www.echineselearning.com/?a_aid=post

There are over 2650 languages in the world with 7000 dialects. Out of this, the Chinese language is ranked as one of the four most time-demanding and difficult languages to learn. But this challenge doesn't seem to be preventing people all over the world from taking on the task. According to The Economist magazine, there are currently some 30 million foreigners studying the language.
This is good news for Fred Rao, the founder and CEO of eChineseLearning.com, a video-based online Chinese teaching website. With around 30 qualified Chinese teachers based in Beijing, the company can provide one-on-one lessons to anyone in the world with access to a computer and the internet. Rao started eChineseLearning in 2006, after getting his MBA from Stanford University and co-founding a Chinese social networking site.
I caught up with Fred Rao at his office earlier this week to talk about the growing global trend of learning Chinese and the business behind eChineseLearning.
More at：http://www.echineselearning.com/media/cri/2008-01-31-eChineseLearning.htm

The origin of Chinese lunar New Year.

It is said that there was a monster called 年（nian 2）in the ancient time of china. The年（nian 2） monster was huge in size and with antenna in his head. Usually, it lived in the deep bottom of ocean, but in the New Year Eve, it will come out into villages to devour livestock and lives. However, people found that the年（nian 2）monster was afraid of red color, bright light and slam-bang after they were hurt many years. So in the New Year Eve (which is called 除（chu 2）夕(xi 1)in china), Chinese people put up couplets written on red paper on their gate, hung red lantern on gate beam, set off fireworks and stay up all night , which was called 守（shou 2）岁(sui 4) in china and people still stick to this tradition now. 守（shou 2）岁(sui 4) tradition tells the deep lingering about the passing old year and the nice longing for the coming new year. If you are living china now or going to spend the new year 2008 together with your Chinese friends, you can experience守（shou 2）岁(sui 4) by yourself.

The Traditions of Chinese New Year 2008 - eChineseLearning

年（nian 2）monster and 守（shou 2）岁(sui 4)
It is said that there was a monster called 年（nian 2）in ancient time of China. The年（nian 2） monster was huge-sized and with antenna coming out of his head. Usually, it lived at the deep bottom of ocean, but in the New Year’s Eve, it comes out to devour the livestock and people living in the villages. However, after many years and many losses people discovered that the年（nian 2）monster was afraid of the color red, bright lights and slam-bang noises. So on the New Year’s Eve (called 除（chu 2）夕(xi 1)in China), Chinese people put couplets written on red paper up on their gate, hung red lanterns across gate beams, set off fireworks and stayed up all night, which was called 守（shou 2）岁(sui 4) in China and people still follow this tradition today. The 守（shou 2）岁(sui 4) tradition shares the deep lingering feelings from the passing year and a nice longing for the coming new year.

If you are living in China or going to spend the New Year 2008 with your Chinese friends, you can experience Chinese New Year yourself.

If you want to know more about Chinese new year 2008, Please enter: http://www.echineselearning.com/?a_aid=anne
Sign up for a free trial lesson , chat with live and professional native Chinese teachers about Chinese new year traditions.

Happy Spring Festival!

Best wishes
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Effective online Chinese course with high humanization!

From http://www.chinese-course.org
As the rhythm of life and work is speeding up, there are emerging fast food and culture featured as it. We all know that the fast food meets modern people’ time table, but ignores their nutrition need. So does the culture featured as it What about language learning field?
Nowdays, more and more people are seeking a kind of language learning channel which can be correspondent with their time table, not dragging their normal work, also convey them language knowledge with high quality that can meet their work requirements. EChineseLearning set up in this special time. The more there is need to learn Chinese, the much eChineseLearning is approved
We say that there is a need, there is consumption. Yes! EChineseLearning satisfies a great deal of Chinese language learning people by supplying service with high quality at acceptable and reasonable price:
Online one-on-one Chinese course, which assures that each student can receive enough attention from teacher;
Free trial is available. EChineselearning provides daily free trial. No matter when and where you want to experience, you can get easy access to it.
Live and professional Chinese teachers. The teacher staffs from eChineseLearning are knowledgeable, conscientious and full of teaching enthusiastic. So you will enjoy your learning course.
In a word, eChineselearning wears the feature of fast food, but it means much more than that for you. It can supply you with effective online Chinese course with high humanization!

Chinese New Year 2008, Four Things You Should Know!

The Date of Chinese New Year 2008

Chinese New Year 2008 is the date of Feb 7^th, 2008

The Greetings of Chinese New Year 2008

At Chinese New Year, just saying Happy New Year to your Chinese friends is not enough, you should share the following good wishes:

新年快乐！xīn nián kuài lè Happy New Year!

过年好！ ɡuò nián hǎo Happy New Year!

恭喜发财！ɡōnɡ xǐ fā cái I wish You Great Prosperity!

鼠年吉祥！ shǔ nián jí xián Good Luck in the Year of the Rat!

Watch Video:

Learn More Chinese Greetings from live professional Chinese Teachers in China, Apply a free Chinese lesson now！

To view all text at:Chinese New Year 2008, Four Things You Should Know!

Tattling about the spring festival of china

The spring festival, having sustained many dynasties in China, is the most important festival in the concept of Chinese people. As the clock does the last click of the old year, all people set off fireworks at the same time, which tells the world a new year is coming.
What do Chinese people do on Spring Festival?
At the last night of the old year, people watch the Spring Festival Gala accompanying their family.
As mentioned above, at the last minute before the New Year is coming, people light firecracker at the same time. It is noisy but the air is filled with joy and laughter. At the first morning of the New Year, people visit all their friends and relatives to pay a New Year call to them. In the following days, they keeping visiting and being visited. Also, people go out to fly kite on spring festival. What I must say is that children can receive money given as a lunar New Year gift. So Chinese children are all looking forward to the New Year’s coming. Putting on couplet is also a tradition of the spring festival.
What do Chinese people eat on Spring Festival?
At the first morning of the New Year, according to tradition passed down by old people, people have vegetarian dumplings that were made yesterday. During the spring festival, Chinese people also eat rice cake, which was called 年(Nian 2) 年(Nian 2)糕(Gao 1) having the same pronunciation with年(Nian 2) 年(Nian 2) 高(Gao 1). In China, 年(Nian 2) 年(Nian 2) 高(Gao 1) means people will have a good promotion in everything in a new year. Dumpling and rice cake is the typical food that Chinese people have on spring festival. There is other numerous and different kinds of spring festival food because of different province.
The spring festival means much more for Chinese people than what was talked above. Foreign friends could spare some time to learn more about it.
Or you can enter: http://www.echineselearning.com/?a_aid=cheyu to talk with live and professional native Chinese teacher about more information of Chinese spring festival by signing up the free trial, which is available each day.
Hi! Happy to know you. I am Phoebe Lee working as a chinese language teacher in echineselearning.com.What I can help you is to help you with your chinese language learning or anything concerning chinese.I would like to make many foreign friends,Please feel free to chat with me!

Tattling about 腊（La 4）八（Ba 1）Festival of China

1.The origin of腊（La 4）八（Ba 1）Festival:
It was said that 腊（La 4）八（Ba 1）Festival was originated from Ming Dynasty. Before Zhu Yuanzhang, the emperor of Ming Dynasty, get his crown, he was imprisoned. starving and chilling. Suddenly, he found some 红豆（Hong 2 Dou 4），红枣(Hong2 Zao 3) , rice and other seven or eight grain of kind. So he boiled them together and this food got him through the hardship. It is the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month. After Zhu Yuanzhang got the crown, he called the food腊（La 4）八（Ba 1）粥(Zhou 1) and declared the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month as腊（La 4）八（Ba 1）Festival in honor of his hard time in prison.
2.How to cook腊（La 4）八（Ba 1）粥(Zhou 1):
Step1: preparing the materials as follows:红枣（Hong 2 Zao 3）莲子（Lian 3 Zi 3）核桃（He 2 Tao 2）栗子(Li 4 Zi 1) 杏仁（Xing 4 Ren 2）松仁（Song 1 Ren 2）桂圆(Gui 4 Yuan 2) 榛子（Zhen 1 Zi 3）葡萄（Pu 2 Tao 2）白果(Bai 2 Guo 3) 菱角（Ling 2 Jiao 3）青丝（Qing 1 Si 1）玫瑰（Mei 2 gui 1）红豆(Hong 2 Dou 4) 花生（Hua 1 Sheng 1）and some other nuts and dried fruits that you like. Washing them.
Step2:boiling these nuts and dried fruit together with rice on light fire.
(After it’s done, adding white sugar If you like sweet taste)
The cooking method is simple, right? Have you got it?
Do you want to know more Chinese traditional festival and the cooking method of some Chinese traditional food. Please enter http://www.echineselearning.com/?a_aid=0114, where the free trial is available each day, and you can chat with live and professional Chinese teachers. Thanks!

To open your mouth and speak Chinese loudly!

I have learned English for ten years, which told me that you should enjoy losing face and must open your mouth to speak if you want to improve you English. Language learning has much in common. Also, Chinese learning has something in common with English learning. Chinese learners need to open their mouth to speak loudly, enjoying losing face. So Chinese learners are in great need of Chinese-speaking partners. It will be better to have their private Chinese teachers, in which case they can talk about topics that they are interested in in Chinese each day. And it will be the best if there is any school that provides this kind of service. If you want, there will be!
Source: http://www.eChineseLearning.com