Scenes from the Street - The Sidewalk Business Pep Talk

Every now and then if you're riding your bike in the morning you can spot a group of people huddled together on the sidewalk.  In the midst of these people is someone seemingly barking at them, all while the rest of the group stands there like attentive soldiers.

It looks like this:

Sometimes it's business people in suits, like the picture.  Sometimes it's restaurant employees in uniforms.  And sometimes it's even hair salon employees in, well...crazy Chinese haircuts.

No matter who is involved, it's always fun to stop and watch for 10-15 seconds.  But no longer than that because after 15 seconds or so you just start to feel bad for the underlings.

It probably depends on the boss, but I think I could see these pep talks actually working.  "Sell more printers."  "Get your orders right."  "Cut that person's hair into a Chinese mullet."  There's some potential here.

The only thing I don't like about seeing these sidewalk-business-pep-talks is knowing that, as a future pastor, I won't get to implement them.

Just kidding....I totally will.

(Unrelated note:  Please pray for my future congregation.)


 

Chinglish of the Week #7 - Shoplifting is a Crime

For as big as Beijing is, and as dirty as it can be, all in all it feels like a pretty safe city.  Outside of riding my bike on the crazy streets, I can't say I've ever felt like I was in danger of getting hurt in any way, or even mugged (knock on wood).

But, of course, that doesn't mean crime doesn't exist here in The Jing.  Just ask the local Walmart, which posted this sign inside their "xi shou jian" (restroom):

The person who wrote this should be a hostage negotiator.

It's nice to see Walmart play the role of caring parent by appealing to the well-being of the shoplifter, not to mention the fact they leave open the possibility of forgiveness by using the word "may."  And yet they remain stern with "Don't do it."  

Well done, Walmart.  

And to all you shoplifters out there: Beware!  

Or at least think of your future.  

You don't want to take the rap.

Or civil responsibility.