Common Talk Weeklyshuang yu zhou kan
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Culture Clash: The story of popcorn machine
December 10, 2003
By Huang Chen

"What is the most advanced machine in the world?" Our American professor Mr. Aho told us a story, "I came across it on Zhongshan Road last month and I decided to buy it immediately without hesitation. It looks so special, smells so special and sounds so special, so I offered 200 dollars for it."

"The next day I proudly carried it back to the United States, although it is a little dirty and heavy for me. Fortunately, I passed customs without extra charge, but I felt a little surprised because everyone there cast a look at me puzzlingly. When I went home, I packed the treasure away under my bed."

"On Thanksgiving Day I called all my grandchildren to the backyard and put my treasure right in the centre. We counted 'one, two, three' as we removed the wrapping. The 'jet-black mini railway engine' covered with a thick layer of dust and soot turned up as my grandchildren cheered. Their little blue eyes were shining curiously. I put a handful of corn into it and began to wind it up. The machine produced an embarrassing little sound, like the passing of wind, but it really smelt great! After a blast I took a pile of white popcorn from its rear. My grandchildren burst into cheers."

"Being a magician grandfather who can operate the machine and produce popcorn, I was quite satisfied to see my grandchildren sitting quietly and curiously beside me. I heard them saying, 'China is great and mysterious, we will go to China'. It is really a most advanced machine because it brings American children's hearts to China."

Now you must know what the most advanced machine my professor means. Do you agree with him?