D...d...dowryfilter? Maybe? I'm getting married to a Chinese woman, very soon, and her rather wealthy parents are asking (hinting, in this face-sensitive culture, so I think that's what it is, but it could mean something else?) where my divorced, broke parents' contribution to the marriage is, or, in lieu of theirs, mine. They've tossed a $140,000 duplex our way, a prime rental property, and a ton of financial support for their daughter. I have about $400 in the bank and an okay freelance career. Barring 10 years to save up and match that...what, exactly, can I do to prevent this from getting really, really, really awkward? A long, rambling explanation follows. [more inside]
posted by saysthis on Sep 29, 2008 - 19 answers

Startupfilter: I'm a 2ndgen hire at a startup (non-computer) in Beijing, and I want promotionZ. HOW DO I GET THEM??? Because I was promised them. The "more inside" is long... [more inside]
posted by saysthis on Mar 5, 2008 - 14 answers

Immigration law, pregnancy, and aid: I've got a Chinese friend living in San Fransisco, about to have a baby, with a visa that expires in April, a due date somewhere in June, a boyfriend with permanent residency (also Chinese) who doesn't really want to get married (neither does she at this point), and unappealing options back in the home country. So San Fran residents, China law experts, and California lawyers, we need ya. [more inside]
posted by saysthis on Mar 6, 2007 - 14 answers

Give me some ideas about what can be done with those disposable chopsticks at Chinese restaurants once they've been used (I live in China, so there's lots of 'em). [more inside]
posted by saysthis on Aug 24, 2006 - 17 answers

Idletimeprojectfilter: What do you think a computer-clueless jerk like me would need to know to build a used DVD trading/selling site? [more inside]
posted by saysthis on Feb 18, 2006 - 11 answers

Is there such a thing as a range-powered, detachable stove-top oven that can work with gas ranges? If not is it feasible to make one? [more inside]
posted by saysthis on Jun 23, 2005 - 3 answers

Wanna subvert an authoritarian regime? Help me get around the Great Firewall! [more inside]
posted by saysthis on Mar 12, 2005 - 16 answers