Archive for February 9th, 2006

Shi down, lots to go

9 February 2006 | 1

I’ve finished my first ten (shi) lessons in Mandarin. I’ve been using Pimsleur Mandarin Chinese I, and I have to say, this is perhaps the best method of language learning I’ve used: rip ‘em to MP3, load them up on my iPod, and away I go. Since I always have my iPod with me, it’s super convenient. Plus, I can have the whole series, rather than having to carry around like 30 CDs. And, the series itself is really well done, and I find I’m retaining most of the information. Very well structured.

So far, I can say really basic things (which, interestingly enough, sound like pick-up lines):

  • Would you like to go to the hotel with me?
  • I would like to have something to drink with you later.
  • Is 9 o’clock okay?
  • You speak English very well.
  • Etc…

The other two things that are very, very helpful are a couple of podcasts: SBS Radio Mandarin and ChinesePod. I have no idea what they’re saying most of the time on SBS, but every so often I pick up a word or two. Still, it’s good to hear the sounds, and it’s a good listening exerciese.

See more progress on: learn Mandarin

Internet Zen: Humans beat AI every time

9 February 2006 | 0

So Dylan writes in to tell me that this post which mentions this site was not a moment of zen from Google, but rather a link on his own home page. So, rather than thanking Google, allow me to give credit where credit is due…

Thanks, Dylan!

The Power of the Internet: Kiva

9 February 2006 | 0

I mentioned Kiva in a previous post, but about the time I found out about it, they had already fulfilled all their loan needs for their available businesses. Well, they’ve partnered with similar agencies in other parts of the world, and they have new businesses on their site that need your help. If you have the means to send a microloan ($25) to one of these businesses, do it. This is what the internet is all about — bringing people together to help one another.