the random tidbits thread
#1
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 42,031
the random tidbits thread
Hi, guys. My vision for this thread is to create a home for random observations about life in China that don't justify threads of their own. Basically, in spite of the fact that I've been here for ages, I continue to learn new things on a weekly basis.
To get things started, I'd like to comment a bit about the practice of ripping off western technologies/brands, which was a hot topic at the recent Tech Crunch Disrupt in Beijing. Simply put, the VC/PE community (including the same firms that invest in companies that are getting ripped off) is hooked on this model. Why? Because it is low risk, it works, and Chinese courts tend to side with Chinese companies. Here are some prominent examples: Kayak/Qunar, Youtube/Youku, Airbnb/Airyizu, Vitamin Water/Victory Vitamin Water (at 1/3 the price).
And, a personal favorite: Cali Burger. In and Out doesn't want to play ball in Asia; no problem; just trademark their menu items.
Switching gears completely, observing Chinese people at western restaurants can be a real hoot: e.g. 3 soups, lobster, dessert, fruit plate, y3000 bottle of wine mixed with Sprite. This stuff boggles my mind. I was talking to a restaurant owner about it a few days ago; my suggestion: attempt to educate your Chinese guests to do the drill properly. Her response: "absolutely not! Their ignorance = money in my pocket."
To get things started, I'd like to comment a bit about the practice of ripping off western technologies/brands, which was a hot topic at the recent Tech Crunch Disrupt in Beijing. Simply put, the VC/PE community (including the same firms that invest in companies that are getting ripped off) is hooked on this model. Why? Because it is low risk, it works, and Chinese courts tend to side with Chinese companies. Here are some prominent examples: Kayak/Qunar, Youtube/Youku, Airbnb/Airyizu, Vitamin Water/Victory Vitamin Water (at 1/3 the price).
And, a personal favorite: Cali Burger. In and Out doesn't want to play ball in Asia; no problem; just trademark their menu items.
Switching gears completely, observing Chinese people at western restaurants can be a real hoot: e.g. 3 soups, lobster, dessert, fruit plate, y3000 bottle of wine mixed with Sprite. This stuff boggles my mind. I was talking to a restaurant owner about it a few days ago; my suggestion: attempt to educate your Chinese guests to do the drill properly. Her response: "absolutely not! Their ignorance = money in my pocket."
#2
Ambassador: China
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Malibu Inferno Ground Zero
Programs: UA AA CO
Posts: 4,836
My personal favorite
http://www1.xup.in/exec/ximg.php?fid=10093314
http://www1.xup.in/exec/ximg.php?fid=10093314
#3
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 42,031
My personal favorite
http://www1.xup.in/exec/ximg.php?fid=10093314
http://www1.xup.in/exec/ximg.php?fid=10093314
#4
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Southeast USA
Programs: various
Posts: 6,710
Here's one I've noticed in the past month or so since being back in Beijing: at the East Gate of the Workers' Gymnasium (the round one), in the afternoon all the FedEx delivery vans gather around and start passing packages back and forth--sort of a Chinese FedEx Fire Drill. Sometimes there will be 8-10 of them doing this tailgate maneuver. I don't get it...isn't this sorting done at the FedEx warehouse?
#5
Ambassador: China
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Malibu Inferno Ground Zero
Programs: UA AA CO
Posts: 4,836
Here's one I've noticed in the past month or so since being back in Beijing: at the East Gate of the Workers' Gymnasium (the round one), in the afternoon all the FedEx delivery vans gather around and start passing packages back and forth--sort of a Chinese FedEx Fire Drill. Sometimes there will be 8-10 of them doing this tailgate maneuver. I don't get it...isn't this sorting done at the FedEx warehouse?
#6
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: KIX, ITM, UKB, YVR
Programs: Star Alliance - AC
Posts: 2,356
My personal favorite
http://www1.xup.in/exec/ximg.php?fid=10093314
http://www1.xup.in/exec/ximg.php?fid=10093314
No one is going to top that one.
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 10,224
Does it say "Porn Queen" under the starbucks logo? That is great.
One of my favorite/funny things is the "let's stop and have a 2 minute chat right at the top or bottom of an escalator" people that frequent shopping malls.
One of my favorite/funny things is the "let's stop and have a 2 minute chat right at the top or bottom of an escalator" people that frequent shopping malls.
#9
Ambassador: China
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Malibu Inferno Ground Zero
Programs: UA AA CO
Posts: 4,836
[QUOTE=travelinmanS;17561621]Does it say "Porn Queen" under the starbucks logo? That is great.
QUOTE]
I am looking for DQ trademark to be changed to PQ and text underneath
to follow.
So far there is:
Dairy Fairy
and
Mango Queen
of course Obama is also very popular in China
OFC
QUOTE]
I am looking for DQ trademark to be changed to PQ and text underneath
to follow.
So far there is:
Dairy Fairy
and
Mango Queen
of course Obama is also very popular in China
OFC
#10
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 42,031
#12
Ambassador: China
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Malibu Inferno Ground Zero
Programs: UA AA CO
Posts: 4,836
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist & Ambassador: China
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: DEN
Programs: DL DM/MM, UA 1K, AA Exp, HH Dia, WOH Glob, IHG Plat, Marriott Gold, NA EE, Hertz PC
Posts: 17,421
#15
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 42,031
I've seen an uptick in subway performance art during the past six months. On Thursday afternoon coming back from the west side on Line 10 (BJ), there was a singer/guitarist who was downright good (and cool looking to boot). I couldn't muster the courage to take a video of his performance, but I wish I had because it was rather surreal.
But, in Shanghai, they've taken this concept to a whole new level: companies sponsor pole dancers to do their thing on the metro (Line 1 seems to be a favorite).
But, in Shanghai, they've taken this concept to a whole new level: companies sponsor pole dancers to do their thing on the metro (Line 1 seems to be a favorite).
Last edited by moondog; Dec 4, 2011 at 5:32 pm