Nine of Clubs

My friend Noelle just sent me this link to James Teitelbaum’s memoir on the Nine of Clubs. I did not know James, but we may have run into each other. We obviously ran in different circles. I only knew about half the people he mentioned. I was coming from the suburbs, Twinsburg to be exact. In those days (1985-1990) I it was kinda unheard of to be traveling so far to visit Cleveland. But in my blue 1964 Chevelle I would travel to the best destination in the city: The Nine of Clubs.

I did not know much about alternative/punk or 70’s rock’n’roll growing up. My dad listened to country and my mom was a pre-Beatles rocker. When I went to High School (Walsh Jesuit) I was introduced to a whole new world. I made friends quickly with what I would call the outcasts. Those that did not know each other from previous schools and those that were not jocks (although I should have possibly been in the jock group – since I was involved in multiple sports). I remember meeting Adamak who first introduced me to The Clash and The Cure. Dennis Schroder caught me up on The Who and some 70’s rock. Dennis later becoming a alternative listener himself. This music explosion to me was an eye opener. I could not get enough of music. I started to live it. Colored hair, teased hair, make-up, punk styled look, and whatever I thought was a cool look. And I bought and consumed music like crazy.

I hung out in Kent mostly at JB’s Down Under for punk and new wave shows. I hung out in the back right corner of the Akron Agora on teen night to wait for the 30 minute set of alt/punk music. Meet many good friends there (remember one girl particularly, another story). But for dancing Nine of Clubs was the place.

For those of us that remember Nine of Clubs it is still talked about and has become a cherished time in our lives. It was a gay club that was open to the straight crowd (well those of us that would go). They played the music no one else was playing and played it all night long (I still hear Shriekback’s “Nemesis” in the back of my head). It was the place to just be. There was even a group of us Sea World employees that called it home.

Well these music days ended at “The Club” and I moved to The Lift. I moved to more live music. I moved to Toledo to attend University. I started a local radio show on WXUT that played music from unsigned artists in Ohio and parts of Michigan.

Nine of Clubs helped shape me. It opened my mind. It gave me a sense that others knew what I was going through in my early years. It was mine and many others ‘safe place.’

Read James’ memoir for great details on his Nine of Clubs days.

Maybe later I will add details to this writing, but for now like most good things it will stay embedded in my memory.

Star Wars Christmas Wish

"Remember a Tauntaun is for life - not just for Christmas"

Have a good Christmas no matter what galaxy you live in.

See the movie Christmas Tauntauns. George Lucas 2002 Select Award

Christmas in Taiwan - 2005

Need some photos for this section. It could make for a nice pictorial. This is now my 5th Christmas in Taiwan. The Christmas spirit kinda drains from you here. The Taiwanese try to make Christmas a holiday, but it really is not part of their culture (Chinese New Year – now that’s a different story). So what do I mean: (1) stores basically advertise the Christmas holiday. However the Taiwanese without the original religious overtones can not create what the West now know as Christmas. So, stores advertise, but people are not buying gifts – they are buying sale items for themselves for the Chinese New Year. Money and food are typical gifts a Taiwanese would give, not perfume and household items. (2) Christmas cards are given because “isn’t that what you do for Christmas.” Cards are high priced high ($2.00 to $3.50 I would say average) and personally I believe a very small minority actually send them. Plus you work on Christmas day. It is not made a special time. There is no snow. Kids are not looking for Santa. People are not rushing out to buy gifts. I will receive maybe one Christmas card from this region. I have even let Christmas gift giving come to a crawl. Life goes on……. There are a few nice Christmas displays --- need to get pictures up to show you. Have a good Christmas and enjoy your family time.

People I Miss Series: Pamela Popovich

A fantastic friend of mine that taught me the meaning of relaxation. During our time together she never saw the relaxed side of me. That is something that has happened in the past few years. I feel bad she never got to see that side of me. I did not understand vacations or family time in that stage of my life. I just understood work, work, work -- and I was kinda rude when other people relaxed or did not see life as constant work. Pamela introduced me to exciting times that I will never have again. She also taught me how to see beyond the person that is in front of you. Sunday mornings are always a time for reading the Sunday paper in bed.

XBox 360 Class Action - Silliness

Did I read this correctly? A Robert Byers has filled a lawsuit again Microsoft’s Xbox 360 because it sold a “defectively designed” product. He claims the unit and power supply overheat and affects the heat-sensitive chips causing lock-ups.

 

In this America-gone-crazy-world I am amazed any company can survive with people wasting everyone’s time and money. Robert if you are so upset why not return it for a full refund and go buy something else or better yet don’t buy anything and you will not have to worry about some company trying to screw you. By the way in the future “Robert Type” people should not buy the first version of any product. “Robert Types” need to educate themselves on what they are buying and not walk around with blinders on.

 

If I am not mistaken Microsoft is providing a very good return and replacement policy. Check their site and follow their directions.

 

Makes me sick.

People I Miss Series: Edward Shimborske III (ES3)

ES3 is one of my three best friends and business partner. We were very close before my moving to Taipei. My moving to Taipei has really hurt our personal relationship and the Sin Klub business (and others he is growing). Ed likes to work close and obviously the distance and time have played its toll on us. I know I have let ES3 down. I feel bad about it just about every day. Every time I walk into my home office I have reminders and in our living room pictures. I have not become numb from the reminders, but rather feel strange to try and rebuild the relationship since I am so far away. I’m not so certain it could be build up with me in Taipei.  Maybe it needs to wait until I move back to the states. The point is Ed is the hardest and best working person I have ever known. He does not let anything get in his way. Determination, well-studied, mind like a trap, his dedicated long hours and a will to survive make Ed Shimborske III a true hero in my book. Plus I miss his growing family.  

Jamie Oliver & Morgan Spurlock & Fab5

First off HATS off to Jamie Oliver. I am even disappointed in myself for not giving him props sooner.  His hard work on Jamie’s School Dinners is brilliant and just fantastic. His one man fight to serve better food in England schools should be heard throughout the world. (PS: shoot outs to all those involved with Jamie to get this done!!! – Even I know he could have not done it single handedly.)

 

My personal feeling is that someone (like Jamie Oliver) got Morgan Spurlock’s movie Super Size Me.  From the first time I saw Super Size Me I felt the point was: Children in America are not eating right and schools need to be held responsible.  I now hope that Morgan can work with Jamie on spreading School Dinners in the USA. 

 

Now if only the Fab5 (Queer Guy for the Straight Guy) could do a make over for the crazy – no time – kid helper (Jamie Oliver) that would be great.  From what I see on TV Jamie and his house could use a good make over. So I hope the FAB 5 could head to England to show off Jamie’s work and to “Flambé the Cooker.” Plus Jamie with the FAB 5 would be a comedy show in itself.  – I laugh just thinking of that crew getting together….

XBox 360 Craziness

I have an original Xbox. I would like to get an Xbox 360, but what is all this craziness about? I read about fights and people’s disappointment about demand. The US consumer needs to take a chill pill. Take a deep breath and say, “everything will be alright and the manufactures are not out to get me.”  It is a gaming unit. It will be around for the next 4 years. As a matter of fact if you wait maybe one month there will be excess stock in all stores. So for one day or less then one month many consumers have to “raise hell.”

People I Miss Series: Rick Hall and American Greetings

Going through my thousands of emails and what do I tumble on? A name, an attachment and a subject simply saying “How’s it going?” Typically emails like this get the old delete and end up in my Outlook junk email filter. However, the name Rick Hall struck me. I know a Rick Hall so I had to check it out (my tough whip driving boss at Pony Computer). Low and behold Rick Hall has three children and a lovely wife. He is working for American Greetings and probably making a ton of cash. It was nice hearing from him and to see that he is doing well. It was a great pleasure to receive this email. I don’t hear much from my old friends and work acquaintances since I have been away for so long. So to Rick – Thanks for bringing sunshine to my day.

Gunshots Heard in Dangerous US Cities

Just read an article from CNN entitled: Group ranks most dangerous U.S. cities. Camden, NJ was named at the top of the list. Their mayor, Gwendolyn Faison, feels that people are just bad-mouthing Camden. I guess crime rankings have nothing to do with it and someone just decided to put them on top. [Detroit must really be upset they were not on top, but rather second.]  In a city of 80,000 people they only have one murder a week (2003). But this year murders are down 45% (2004 Jan thru Oct).  See, now there is an improvement and next year Camden will not be “bad-mouthed.”   I also admire the reporter in the story getting this fine quote: "I haven't heard that many gunshots," said Gracy Muniz, 22, a mother of three who lives in North Camden.  I have lived in Taipei for 5 years and never heard a gunshot. It is scary that someone feels safe in a place that you don’t hear “many gunshots.” So is safety gauged on the amount of gun shots heard?  Or does it mean the shooters are just missing 45% of the time and that it is just as dangerous as before? 

 

Now the sad thing to me is that my city of Cleveland, Ohio is #12 in the overall rankings of 369 cities. Glad I lived in the suburbs growing up and I did not have to hear or duck gun shots.  The good thing is that no city in Ohio ranks in the Most Dangerous 25 Metropolitan Areas (330 metro areas).  Check out the report your self at:  Morgan Quitno.

Copy Controlled Depeche Mode

Just days ago I wrote about the record labels losing me. And the trouble just continues. Sunday I stopped in the new FNAC in Taimu., Taiwan. I went in to buy an XBox game and three CDs. I chose my XBox game and then went to find my CDs. However, the three CDs had this logo on its plastic wrapper. Copy Controlled – you’ve got to be kidding. Needless to say the 3 CDs went back into its bin along with the XBox game. The record labels blew the whole sale for me. I'm one of those customers that want to take everything with me or not get anything. Just hate to pay full price for an XBox game as it is, but with that being the only item on my list now -- I put it back.

Record shopping has become annoying. It is not even fun anymore. It is better to just go on AllMusic to browse and learn about artists. Amazon used to be okay, but they don't show Copy Controlled CD's so you could get 'hood-winked' buying from them.

The record labels at least put a sticker on the CD to show it is Copy Controlled. To me the sticker is a kiss of death. It is nothing like the Parental Control sticker which makes you want to buy the CD. The Copy Controlled sticker just acts as a hot potato you want out of your hands. Martin Gore, Depeche Mode and others leave your label and let your fans buy your music again.

People I Miss Series: Esther Seday

The next 10 days will be the longest time I have been away from my wife since we meet. Esther and Jasper, my son, will be visiting the Seday family in Ohio for a well deserved visit. I must stay in Taiwan and work, so I will not be able to go. I began worrying about them before they even left. I know they will be fine and they will be in good hands, but I still miss Esther. I will clean the house and I will make some changes so her coming back will be exciting. I know the next 10 days will consist of the worst sleep I will get this year. Love you both and see you soon.

IMAX - Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire

IMAX rules! So far every movie that has shown at the Taipei Samsung IMAX I have seen. I could have seen Harry Potter on opening day in the regular theater, but IMAX is the only way for this spectacular. I got my single ticket 3 days before the opening and the first available show is on Monday (11/21/2005) at 11:30pm. [well, I should not say the first available, because they had a showing on Monday at 1:30am – but I need to be wide-eyed for work the next day]. Now that Potter is secured I have set my sights on King Kong, Memoirs of a Geisha and The Chronicles of Narnia. In the near future I am also interested to see more on Ice Age 2, The DaVinci Code, Superman Returns (in IMAX) and X-Men 3. Not so excited about Poseidon coming May 12^th, but it will be released in IMAX, so hope the prevue WoWs me.

Jim Thomas - Negotiate to Win: 21 Rules for Successful Negotiating

I just read a Newsweek article about Jim Thomas’ new book called: Negotiate to Win: The 21 Rules for Successful Negotiating.  In the article and book it addresses how poorly Westerners are at negotiating.  I believe his statements are true.  This is one area I admit I could use help in. About a year and a half ago I asked a few Chairmen and CEO’s if they knew of a book that talks more about negotiating. All of them said “no.” Before I asked the question I was already looking for some knowledge on the subject. I found some, but nothing worth talking about. I was hoping that they may have found something I missed.

 

Now I will need to buy Jim Thomas’ new book. From his interview he hits the nail on the head. I live in Taipei and have been doing business here and APAC region for 5 years. Asian cultures like to bargain, but negotiating really hit home when I worked for an Egyptian boss. My world and understanding of negotiations was turned upside down. The guy never stopped. Everything was a negotiation even when you thought negotiating on a subject or price was complete.  As Thomas says, ”[We’ve] been taught that negotiating is déclassé.”  I look forward to reading this book.

Taiwan was sitting quietly until Pres. Bush opens his mouth

In the last few months the China-Taiwan relationship was brushed under the carpet due to many other world events. Now that President Bush has said (here) that China should emulate Taiwan this is surely to bring bad tidings. The USA does not recognize Taiwan as a independent country, but rather as a "one China." So why in the world did he need to get China all worked up? I say worked up - even though China has yet to respond (it has only be 20 minutes) - but China will be sure to get there two words in. Taiwan and China's relationship is not the best, but it is not the worst. People need to let time take care of its self or other countries should start recognizing Taiwan.

Why Settle In Taiwan?

Someone out there just sent me this question after reading my blog. Why did I choose Taiwan to settle?  Honestly, this is a good question. Many people ask me that here. Well, let me see if I can walk you though it simply. (1) I had a job with Accelent (now a BSquare company) and they wanted to open an APAC office. I had traveled to Asia a few times with my CEO and enjoyed business there. (2) Two years into my time in Taiwan I meet my now wife, Esther. (3) Eventually, Accelent closed. I could have come home, but we had our 1^st child, Jasper, coming and Esther was finishing her Master’s Degree. (4) We decided two things: Jasper should stay in Taiwan to learn Chinese/Taiwanese. This could take 8-10 years. Second, Esther wanted to follow a dream of hers. This dream has become a reality in Curious Monkey. It is an English school for 3-12 year olds.

 

So this is how I cam to settle in Taiwan. Esther and I plan on being back in the States in the next 8-10 years, but no exact plan as of now.

 

The sad part is my Chinese listening and speaking are horrendous. Chinese is not mandatory in Taipei, but it does help for a better experience.

Why I Don't By CDs Anymore - Record Shopping

The record companies have really blown it. I was an avid collector of Albums and CDs. I have some 6,000+ original albums. However in the past 2 years my buying days have dwindled to a few CDs a year and most from obscure artists on small labels. The large labels with their bitch’n’moan’ about piracy is the main reason. The protections they are putting on CDs to limit coping, using different sound formats and anything else about “protecting their” material is just plum nuts. It has really turned me off to wanting to purchase new CDs. Now I would rather just copy them, since the labels seem to be pushing me that way.  If I buy a CD there is no guarantee the CD will even play in my unit (nice going with that copy protection).  So why buy a new CD?  You would think that would have turned me to start downloading, but it has not. Downloading takes up too much time and I don’t have the time like kids & teens do.  I actually have to work and take care of the house. So I listen to my pre-bought music, free internet radio and borrowed music from friends.  The large record labels have saved me money and alienated me all at the same time. I just need to start discovering all these local artists and small labels again. Problem is I’m not getting younger and living in Taiwan does limit my access a bit.  (PS: I do miss record shopping)

Kung Fu Hustle [Gong fu]

I just wrote to my friend, Dennis, that he should rent/watch Shaolin Soccer and Kung Fu Hustle.  After reading about their American release and listening to the Ric Myers interview I soon learned how good I have it here in Taiwan. I see these movies all the time on TV, except they are all in Chinese and subtitled in Chinese (so my imagination is in overdrive).  Here in Taiwan you can not choose a subtitle feature like in the USA. All films are subtitled in Mandarin. Plus they are imbedded into the movie I think, because you can not turn it off or on. Anyway there are a lot of good Asian movies that miss the USA and it is too bad. However, Jason Zingale is right on with this commentary below:

 

Written by: Jason Zingale

   The widescreen DVD release of "Kung Fu Hustle" is a perfect example as to what happens when a brilliant import film is handled by the right company. MiramAxe have had their fun cutting, delaying, and inevitably ruining their share of Asian films (most notably "Hero" and Chow's prior picture "Shaolin Soccer"), so it was with great pleasure when I sat down to watch the Sony Classics-released "Kung Fu Hustle." This single-disc release is packed with special features, like an international poster gallery, TV spots, and two mediocre deleted scenes. The meat of the bonus material is found earlier on the disc though, including a full-length audio commentary track with Stephen Chow and various cast and crew, and the Making-Of documentary. Both of these features have been recorded in Mandarin Chinese, but there are English subtitles to help American audiences to follow, and if you're going to bitch and complain about reading subtitles, then you probably shouldn't have rented or purchased this disc to begin with. By far the best feature on the DVD, though, is a lengthy Ric Myers interview with Stephen Chow (in English), discussing everything from his history in the business to the film itself. It's nice to see that Sony Classics took such good care of this DVD release, and it's certainly one worth adding to your collection.

People I Miss Series: Scott Rothenberg

Mr. Scott Rothenberg is one crazy character. Lately I tried finding him on the web, but that man has no time to have his info anywhere, he is always too busy MSNing or AOLing messages. Eventually we will hook up again. Anyway, Scott and I worked at Pony Computer together. I dug the cat when I first meet him. I remember the first time I asked him to go out and get a drink. He actually thought I was old and could not keep up. So, he was very skeptical on going out with me. As it turned out I knew more about the town then he ever imagined. Went to the Flats when it was the happening place (Flats not so happening now in Cleveland – and I say this living in Taiwan) to the Basement. Meet girls and drank. By the way he thought he could keep up with me. Sadly he could not and nearly puked on the girls we meet. He did get some sympathy from one of the girls for awhile, but he was soon out. Needless to say this was a start of a wonderful relationship. We shared many good times together and he supported Sin Klub well.  I miss the bugger.  

People I Miss Series: Minna Shieh

Like the song “88 Lines About 88 Women” I choose to start this list with Minna. Minna is an office worker at GEOS Shijr, Taipei. We would spend Monday and Friday between my free class time to talk. This lasted about 3 months. Our discussions lead to me starting this series. Life changes, people drop in and out yet we still remember many things on a daily basis on a particular person; sometimes as a glimpse and other times as long as a-day-dream or longer. Minna is an intelligent and very pretty woman (plus her new haircut: rocks!!). I think she has a lot going for her, but needs to look further ahead in her life. I’m sure after my teaching job ends here at GEOS that we will never see each other again. I hope the gods smile luck and happiness on Minna.

Taipei Skies week of Sept. 19

It has been over a year in which I looked up at the sky and really enjoyed it here in Taiwan (the sky that is). For some reason this past week has been glorious. I think it has something about my timing. I am seeing the sky in the early morining and early evening. The colors being reflected off the clouds are beautiful. Everyday the sunset has shown new colors and shapes. At the same time the sky has has a gorgeous shade of blue. A blue that just “pops” and hold the rest of the background. The clouds have been very big and fluffy with small traces of long streched out clouds. Plus there has been good movement. The lower clouds are moving at different speeds than the high altitude clouds. The contrast with the mountains, sky and buildings is just fantastic. It is an eye captureing momement. My camera could never paint this beauty I have witness this week. The stiffeling summer is over and the cooler weather has brought its beautity with it.  

My Favorite Katrina Column thus far by Rabbi Marc Gellan

Rabbi Marc Gellman tells it the way it is. It is a grim but inescapable fact that not everyone in New Orleans could be saved. Read here: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9178815/site/newsweek/

 

 

Aid from Other Countries to The USA (for Katrina)

It is good to see Taiwan and Austraila jump in and assist the USA. Sad thing is Taiwan always jumps in to assist other countries, but no one wants to recognise them. Would that assistance come if China took over Taiwan?

 

Thanks Austraila & Taiwan!!!!!!!!! The rest of you (countries) are coming in to late to get my thanks.

All Americans Have Guns

I was never one to jump on the anti-gun rally. As a matter of fact I used to shot guns. I enjoyed it. I think under supervision and control the sport was fun. But shooting and carring of a gun is no longer for sport. It is for pure harm and dominance.

 

I have been in Taiwan now for five (5) years. I moved here as an expat. Now I live here with my family running our school and working on other oppertunities.

 

During my time here I hear many different misconceptions about America. American take there showers in the morning.  Women are easy.  The USA likes to be in wars.  And the most common misconception is “everyone in America has a gun.” After listening to the news & living in Asia I understand why they believe everyone has guns. You see it in movies, you hear it in news stories and now you hear about guns and how people are shooting at the police in New Orleans.  The nation had a major disaster. You would think that people would bond together, but instead chaos seems to be winning. (funny that the local reporter from CNN just said the same thing I did about bonding together)

 

To be honest I myself I’m a bit afraid to come back.  I’ve started to believe “everyone in America has a gun.”   I know it is not true, but something needs to be done.  If a more devestating disaster occurred I am afraid to think what would really happen in America.  I’m not sure if the government has thought much about how to help internally. They seemed to be more worried about external issues (okay maybe I’m off the subject).

 

It is time to rethink our gun policy. There is enough violence without allowing Americans to choose gun violence.

Hurricane Katrina and USA Friends - Aid

So the US has a major devestation. Where are our friends to offer aid?  Or is it that the USA is friendly with everyone for our own interest and sake?  I have only heard of Venazeula to offer some help. However, it is more because they actually have refinerines in the area that are not damaged.

 

Personally this is horrible. The USA is always asked and expected to help the rest of the world. Now where are our friends when we could use help? Is this a political issue or a social issue?

Typhoon Talim: 1:00am Sept. 1, 2005

We got Oreo’s, chicken nuggets and fried rice.  Stocked up on H2O (for three days anyway), hell if you have to I can brave the storm during a lull to hit the local 7/11.

 

The rain has been coming down hard for the past few hours. The wind gusts are pretty fanominal. You can tell it is a strong storm from the howling wind. Live right next to the mountain, but mud slids and rock slids don’t happen here, due to the heavy vegitation and some good irrigation.

 

Work has been called of for tomorrow so we get to spend an extra day of family bonding. Interested to see what new surpises Jasper has in store.

 

CNN says this storm is a category 4 storm and is equal to and possibly stronger than Hurricane Katrina. But nothing can beat the aftermath affects of Katrina.

 

Well we are in lock-down and Esther is calling me to bed.

Super Typhoon Talim hits Taiwan just days after Hurricane Katrina hits the USA

Super Typhoon Talim is just about ready to hit Taiwan. My family woke up to just a wonderful warm day today (8:00am). At around noon the government called a emergency and said business are to close at 4:00pm. I went to pick up Jasper at GymBaby (his learning center) at 2:00pm. It started raining hard around 1:00pm. Coming home with Jasper on my scooter was not a fun task. First off he hates to be under the plastic parka I wear to keep dry. However, as the rain and wind hit him he quickly found refuge under the parka. I normally drive the MinQuan Bridge at 80kph with Jasper. Today the wind was so strong nobody was going quicker than 25kph. I was going around 20kph and having trouble steering due to the wind. And this was just the very, very, very outskirts of the storm. Crazy enough at 3:00 the rain stopped. It is 5:00pm now and all is pretty calm.

http://www.npmoc.navy.mil/jtwc/warnings/wp1305.gif

Or see: http://www.supertyphoon.com/storms/2005/13w.html

Hurricane Katrina Asian View

I am watching some of the coverage of the storm on CNN in Taipei. So, we see the Asian version of CNN out of Hong Kong (and parts from the HQ in Atlanta). I must admit some of these TV journalist in America are just crazy. They actually have some goofy guys (WFOR -CBS4) running out into the street trying to show its strength. Trees falling, metal and glass in the street while some local street reporter, (Brian Adams -possibly his name) is hiding behind city trash-barrels to report. He even asks the camera man to watch out and yell to him if he sees anything that may hit him. (On top of that the reporter pulls a metal piece apart from the trashcan and tosses it down the street - maybe it may hit one of his fellow reporters). As he runs back to the hotel the guy’s feet are swept out from under him. "Things are being torn apart slowly and surely from this south wind," is being reported -- So why not send out some expendable extra staff we have. Now I hear "It is hell on earth," when the reporters TV van was totaled by falling debris. It is rather funny, but the humor is more an expression of exasperation. Jim Clancy, anchor and correspondent for CNN International, even commented on how silly some of these guys are in covering the storm.

Here in Taipei we get hit by a few typhoons a year. I guess since the death and serious injury of multiple reporters in the Asian region they have changed their coverage here. I just hope these US stations understand losing a reporter is not worth the video picture. Why not just point the camera out a building window. (Typhoon and Hurricanes are the same thing).

• Hurricane - in the North Atlantic and Pacific Ocean east of the dateline and South Pacific Ocean east of 160degreesE.
• Typhoon - Northwest Pacific Ocean west of the date line

Here in Taiwan we hunker down in our house and wait for the storm to pass. After being in 10 or more typhoons you really get a feel of how this country has found good ways to stay safe. The sad thing is people still do die in rural areas and at times downtown.

Teaching and ATS Feelings

In some way I am a bit embarrassed to say that I am teaching English in Taipei. I was accomplished in doing business in Asia, but for some strange reason finding a new job here has proved difficult. I am talking to U.S. headhunters and checking CareerBuilder.com and Monster regularly.  Nonetheless, teaching has proven eventful. I teach adult conversation and grammar. I have learned much from my students. I work for a Japanese school chain called GEOS Language Academy. They have offices throughout the world. Pay is not bad if you have a full schedule.  However, I am not used to this life style. I am used to working hard for a company goal. I am used to solving problems and issues to a tight schedule. I like seeing a product I assisted with in the market. I like my mind and body to be active in all aspects of my job. An argument could be made that in teaching I am fulfilling some of these points. In some way 'yes,' but it has just left me a bit empty. It is definitely time to hit the pavement hard again to find a good company job for myself. 

My last job was at ATS in NeiHu (Taipei, Taiwan). I enjoyed the job, but the company did not have money. I did everything possible for them and still to this day I have not been paid. I had 3 months payment (and I accepted a discounted salary payment) coming since June. So for 5+ months I basically had no income. The CEO of ATS tells me the money will be coming every week. Today I heard the same answer again. I just hope it comes soon. My family can not afford to burn money with nothing coming in. My job with ATS has put me in the worst financial shape I have ever been in. The sad thing is I turned down two (possibly 3) job offers while I was working there. ---- ICK ----

My Heavens Where Have I Been

My gosh I have been missing for over a month. During this time I'm not sure I've accomplished much. I did however updated the Jasper Timeline and his pictures on this site. So, what the heck is going on.

I took a small break from my daily activities on the computer. I started teaching and I was doing research and studying how to teach Chinese adults English. I took this job seriously (although I have found out many teachers here think I am crazy for diving so deep into it). I took the job as I would any. I dove head first into it. I provide my students with daily notes, articles of interest, and agendas which include: info on the day's class, homework, vocabulary, and suggestions (areas of concentration). My students all seem to like this very much. So I continue it and dismiss the criticism I get from the other teachers. I guess I may take it too seriously, but my schooling and past training tell me not to slack.

I have now caught up on my learning curve. However I did not jump right back into my computer. As you may know I DJ at Roxy99 in Taipei. I have many CDs and a hellva a lot of songs. Needless to say I need to organize them in my MusicMatch program. I like to see my files read: artist, song, album, song number. Plus I like to add the cover, release date and genre to each album. Sounds like much, but with the computer, it is not that hard, it just takes time. One week passed on my work and now that is done as well.

My job hunt (for a marketing and/or sales position) was on hold for two weeks as well. Due to reasons above and the hope of a particular prospect coming through.

I can't believe my email box had 2,039 emails in it from the past week. The scary thing is only 35 messages were truly real. The spam and advertising is just too much. For this reason alone I keep thinking I should start writing out letters and messages instead. For that you need a little money.

That leads me to my final comments. Money does make people happy. It will not buy you happiness and family, but it does take off many burdens and allows you to breath relief which is happiness in itself. Our school (3-12 year olds) business adventure is now doing okay. It took seven months but things are now stabilizing. The problem is my pay has changed (teaching does not pay as high as my previous job), and Esther is not working a paying job (working at Curious Monkey "her" school). So bills pill up and borrowing money has become a norm. This is not like Esther and I and we feel the pressure of it every day. But we are pulling through like champs.

Now time to get back to finding a good paying job here in Taiwan and keeping this site updated. A good paying job will also helps me keep the restaurant page updated. Otherwise I may be telling you more about street vendors, grocery stores and our home cooked meals.

Reading of My Site (Seday in Tawian)

I have now received multiple emails about my website and blog.  I am very pleased that people are viewing it.  The restaurant section seems to be receiving much notice. Had a few people write about grammical errors, slip ups and such. However, after checking I see the restaurant slogans have caused most of the mishaps. I corrected these errors where I found them.  Here are two items someone pointed out:

 

About Papa Giovanni: 

'"We are Italian and know how to make Italian food." Nothing can be further from the truth. '
Comment: This sounds like you are saying they make horrible Italian food, but I think your review says they are great?

Response: This is the restaurant’s slogan or at least what is in their ads. They are just saying that they make authentic Italian food.  They nor I am saying their food is horrible.  As a matter of fact I rate them as one of the best.

 

About Ding Tai Feng:

Comment: 'People will tell you these are the best and others will tell you these are the best ever! '
-This sentence has 2 of the same opinions, but is stated as if they are different opinions of the restaurant...

Response: You are correct. These are two opinions and stated as different opinions. Some people say they make the best dumplings in Taipei.  Some say they make the best ever!.  I just shortened it in the sentence you are reading above.

 

Someone also made a good comment on my hives writing. Just glad it is over and hope none of you get it. Now I need to deal with a stupid sty.  It is never ending here.

Computer Crash Knocked Me Out

Not the first time a hard drive has quit on me. Luckly, I do back up. So I only lost 2 weeks of email and about 1 hour worth of web updates. I do wish I could have uploaded the updates. I had entered about 7 new restaurants. Now I will have to go back and rewrite them. Problem is I don’t remember my user name and password for my FTP. So I am waiting for my provider to help me out. Pretty stupid backing everything up except your passwords.

Last few weeks have been pretty busy (and ‘yes’ I do not have full time job yet). It is strange how you can be busy when your not even working. I have had interviews, but lost the jobs due to my experience. Maybe I need to dumb down my resume. I did get a part time job twice a week teaching adults English conversation. It is very fun, but not what I am looking to do for a living. Still looking for a job that can utilize me. I have rumors a job may be available for me soon. I keep my fingers crossed. In the meantime I will look for a summer teaching position here.

Been traveling on the weekend with Esther and Jasper. Been exploring nearby mountains and the natural beauty they offer. Went in the mountain in Wulai to visit a camping resort. Maybe resort is not the right word. But Jasper had fun playing with a frog and crab in the pool. From there we visited the city of Wulai. Did not see the famous Wulai Waterfall, due to the train being under repair and Jasper throwing up in the car. Guess he drank too much pearl-tea-milk and the mountain driving did him in. Two weekends ago I traveled with Jasper and his school (Esther had to work) to the “Golden Egg” chicken farm. I forgot the mountain name, but that is okay, because it seems that none of the Taiwanese knew the mountain name either. Jasper played with little chicks, saw way too many hens, and visited some sickly looking ostrichs. He had fun with the arts and crafts they offer. You get to paint eggs plus you get to play in clay-like-mud to make 100-year eggs. If you like egg art you should go or if you have little children. Otherwise the Golden-Egg will disappoint.

Looking for Job in Taipei (NeiHu)

Okay, so here I am in Taipei (NeiHu to be exact) surrounded by technology companies and I am having a difficult time finding a job.  Some people I speak to find it strange that I should find it hard to find a job. However, if you look at it logically you can see why I am having a hard time. The reason is my basic (some may say poor) Chinese speaking and reading. Although just about 100% of the companies here do business in English speaking countries they still want a Chinese speaker for in-house. This is where my problem starts. I have great experience in international Asian sales. I understand the driving force of a South Korean company from that of  a Taiwanese company to purchase a product. I know how to build relationships, work with distributors, and in general find creative ways to work out any differnences.

 

So, now I am looking for a new job in the technology field. I have software and hardware experience, I have managed engineers and staff, I have worked on million dollar sales, not to mention my work on technical manuals, website building, artwork, and DM’s. Plus the fine art of working with Westerners with APAC partners. This I am good at.

 

I worked for an American company before and was paid as an expat. Now that I am looking for a job here I know that my pay will be as locals. I agree to this.  Now I just need to hit the pavement more and find an employeer that can see the benefits I bring.

 

Any suggestions or help you can provide would be welcomed.

 

My Hives - the nightmare

I have not written a new entry for some time. This is due to two reasons: The first being my stupid immune system allowing me to get hives (Urticaria). The second concerning my job in Taiwan (that will be another entry – by the way I am looking for a new job, not bad to put in a plug for it here).

Well, on May 18^th I felt an itching on my forearm around 10am. I though it was a misquito bite, itched it and let it be. Then after lunch I noticed a few more on my right and left arm and upper arm. So I figured there was some spider or misquito on or under my desk that was out to get me for all the years of prosecution I have brought to their brethern. By the time dinner rolls around these are no longer small little bug like bites and now they are showing up on my head. Esther, says this is no bug bite, because bugs are not going to attack and bite your head. Sounds reasonable to me although I never thought about it. So off to the doctor we go at 8:30pm. The doctor says it is from something I ate or an alergic reaciton to something else. Gave me pills and a shot and said it will be gone in two days. [side note: Esther will tell you I was running away from the nurse that was holding the shot. It was a long needle and I just wanted to see it first and wanted to know where such a long needle will go into my body. I sat down and got the shot in the waiting room in my arm (in the USA can nurses give shots in the waiting room?).]

The next day I wake up to dots and splotches all over my body including my face. I was not digging it. I went to work anyway with my pills and itch. Figure the medicine should be dong its work.Now the work day ends on Friday and I tell Esther that enough is enough I need to see the doctor again. Plus I was having a difficult time swallowing as well (can it attack the insides?). I get to the doctors and the next thing I know I am on an emergency bed with an IV stuck in my arm and I’m receiving more shots. Now this really sucked because we just bought opening day Star Wars III movie tickets we can not return. So we miss the movie while I was on my 3^rd IV and countless shots. Must admit after the IV’s I felt much better. I could eat and the itching was not even noticable. The doctor lets me go in the morning with more pills. Saturday, Sunday and Monday things just got worse. The hives have now decided to cover my whole body including the bottom of my feet. I could not walk or grab things (hands had it too). And the itch was about unbarrible. I just tried to sleep for three days. By Tuesday, May 24^th just about all the splotches are gone and I am feeling 90% like myself again. Doctor give me more medicine and says “that should be that.” I just hope never to get urticaria or hives again.

So, how did I get it? A bit of a mystery, but I think it was from some expired Excedrin Migrane tablets I took on the morning of May 18^th since the first dots appeared 1 ½ hours after I took the medicine. I just never want it again. I think I may even toss out my two Hive albums to keep any kind of jinx out of my life.

Taiwan AC Sick Days

Oh boy, the time of year I dread in Taiwan. Winter and spring are over. Although there never seems to be an actual winter as I know winter to be. Personally there is no winter. It is just an extended fall that somehow seeps into spring. Today is surely summer. It is just getting to damn hot. My body likes the gradual build up to the heat, but this year it went from a nice day to a blistering day. Because of this blistering day and days to follow - air conditioners will be running at full blast. This full on assault of AC is what makes one sick I believe. Your system (body) just goes into shock. You get this lingering headache and sometime nausea from the bombardment of hot to cold/cold to hot. There is not softening between unless you run a fan a few days to get used to the heat. But a fan will do you no justice. The airflow hitting you will cause the same feeling a sickness the AC does. So, the AC is what it is.

My son, I and a few co-workers are all sick. Not sick enough to call off, but sick enough to cause your body to drag and ache. The colds are starting to. I am now sniffling and my son has been sniffling for two days. Most people want to wipe his nose as soon as little water is showing. He hates it. I normally wait until he has some build up this way it does not bother him so much. Plus he has that cute drippy-nose kid look.

The heat is on in Taiwan and those blasted AC headaches are on the rise.

Hilary Hahn Violin Recital with Natalie Zhu Taipei, Taiwan Show Review

A friend of a friend invited my wife and I to attend the Hilary Hahn concert at the National Concert Hall located at CKS Memorial Hall. Do to me being busy and not having a schedule of events my wife and I had no idea who we were going to see. Surprises are the best. Needless to say The Cure, Tom Waits, Ani DiFranco nor a reunion of Depeche Mode was not on the bill.

We arrived just within two minutes of the attendants locking the doors (fire hazard?) to the theater. So at this point I still have no idea who we are going to see. However, a piano was in the middle of the stage and I knew it was a violin concert, so I still had no idea who was playing. Two women walk out one westerner and one Chinese. Still no idea. Westerner has the violin and the Chinese lady sits at the piano.

Now my little review will be of two unknowns artists. The violinist had little or no passion to her playing. She was a child prodigy or a person used to playing with an orchestra. She seemed to be playing her part and not “playing” the music. She had no highs or low points to her songs. It was like listening to a dull movie soundtrack without the movie. As I looked around 4 people are snoozing (and we paid NT$1,000 for this?). This is not a good sign. However, the pianist kept me focused. She was good. Seemed she was playing with heart, but the songs fin the first act were not giving her justice.

Intermission – about time.. . . . oh boy another hour of this. I wish I came to see the pianist show at least I know there would be a solo. So, off to see why so many people are here and to see just who we are listening to. As it turns out we are here to see Hilary Hahn and Natalie Zhu. This does not help me, but Hilary is selling lots of merchandise, I wanted a Deutsche Grammophon T-shirt or cool shirt with Hilary on it. Her poster was pretty cool. She has this dark gothic look about her. She may be a vampire. Great photos. Wish she had a shirt. Anyway, I still have no idea who either person is. I guess I’m a bit of a bone head on my classical music.

Second half of the show…. I sit down fidgeting and playing with my wife’s hand. When suddenly out of nowhere Natalie just busts out a song that has passion and she is just jammin’. Hilary comes in and pushes it a bit much, but her style has changed a bit. This is sounding good. There is movement, there is feeling, the music can make you think of different events in your life. Two great songs. Loved it. Then back to boring no river taking me anywhere music. Hilary has the stage, but just did not seem to have here heart into it. She at times looked even bored when she did not have a part to play and Natalie was strutting her stuff.

They did two encores. And both were played with very well. After the show she did a signing and Hilary does have fans. A good 150—200 were lined up. Glad to see the enthusiasm of her fans. However I think the night went to Natalie Zhu.

Hilary Hahn & Natalie Zhu websites. Plus Hilary's photographer Kasskara (could not find the site, but just fantastic artist shots or fotos as some may say. Could not find it in Dutch sites either).

Taiwan Blogs and Current Things

To tell you the truth: as I dig deeper into this blog world the smaller I feel. There is just so much out there and most of you are just superb writers. After updating my blog and site with other Taipei blog sites I began to wonder if I really have anything of interest to say. I seem to live this pretty simple life and I am no experience journal writer. I just started to do this to keep myself busy on down times. Must admit setting up Blogger to accept email posting is a bit of a blessing.

Check out the Taiwan blogs I listed. These are just great sites. They will give you great insight to life in Taiwan. Some of them have been around for a few years, so there is plenty to read. I now know I need to check out The Living Room from 3q2u.

Feel bad for Anarchy in Taiwan getting banned from Roxy Clubs. Maybe amends can be healed and they can play at Roxy Stage..? it has been some time. Anyway, from my readings it does not seem that Roxy99 would be your hang out.

Jasper’s one year old B-day party is this Friday at this school and Saturday at our house. We will have a few friends over and cake. Jasper will be happy to show off in his usual way, but now with the added bonus of standing on his own to boast.

I now need to find time to start working on my wife’s school website. Boy, not sure when time for that will be. The school is a “bushyban” (not correct spelling, but that is what it sounds like in Chinese). An after school learning center for English and other studies called Curious Monkey in NeiHu.

Adventures on Rt. 5 and traveling to YiLan

Yesterday evening 7:00pm I got in the Mazda minivan with Mrs. Wang (the driver), her mother and aunt along with my wife, Esther, and my son, Jasper. The trip was to drop off Mrs. Wang's mother and aunt off at a temple in YiLan and for my wife to speak to the temple gods.

The neat thing was I got to ride on the unfinished Route 5 in Taiwan between Sijhih and PingLin (some 43km from YiLan yet). This road requires particular access to drive on it since it is yet complete. Now this was exciting for two reasons. (1) It was just a great feeling to be on a road by yourself in Taiwan. There were no lights and only a mountains and the terrain to see. This feeling of driving on an empty road was pure delight. (2) Now as this road (Rt.5) is opened to others you will experience a drive thru a mountain. I don’t know which mountain it is, but it takes 1 ½ to 2 minutes to drive thru the tunnel at 70km/h. This tunnel twists and turns and seems never to end. It was truly amazing. I just do not want to be in it if there is an earthquake or an accident. You literally will be trapped. Don’t know if I could handle it.

So we get off this barren Route 5 and still need to drive to YiLan. I have taken the long way to YiLan which is like driving on any freeway. It follows the ocean from the north down. However, from Route 5 you take the mountain road Route (or Road) Number 9. This is a pure two lane mountain road with huge drop-offs and twists and turns you can only experience on a rollercoaster.

I’ve driven on these roads before and all the swaying can make the passengers sick or at least light headed. Now on this day Mrs. Wang was (as I am told) driving carefully. Well, the speedometer never went below 45km/h and hovered normally around 70km/h. I must say this was a totally new way to experience mountain driving. In a car there is some places you can stabalize yourself, but in a minivan you pretty much are on your own with three of you in the bench seat. Of course if you have been in Taiwan or live in mountain road you know all the passing that takes place and the driving towards in coming traffic – this was expected. But at the speed we were at we were being tossed around like pinball’s in the back seat. My one year old son was sleeping and clung to my wife like a monkey. It was very amusing. Here is this little child sleeping and the adults slipping to the right and left while he just somehow literally clung to my wife’s clothing with white knuckles. I didn’t think the trip there or home bothered him while he slept. But at 3:00am he woke up screaming for one hour. Guess the tossing around may have bothered him.

So, once Rt. 5 opens check it out and the cool mountain tunnels. If you are new to Taiwan hire a taxi to drive the mountain roads at breakneck speeds to experience true daredevil driving (raining and nighttimes make for a better experiences).

By the way we received good news from the spirit channeler at the temple. Guess I should write about that as many westerners don’t get to experience spirits taking over people. . . . . another time.

Top Ohio Schools

I am originally from Ohio and still have a residence there. So when I saw the Newsweek article: "The Complete List of the 1,000 Top US Schools" I wanted to see where the Ohio schools ranked nationally (well 1,036 with the ties). Here is what I found:

Ohio Rank | School | Location | Newsweek Rank | [2003 Ranking]
1) Wyoming - Wyoming - #55 [#13 in 2003]
2) Indian Hill - Cincinnati - #65 [#32 in 2003]
3) Chagrin Falls - Chagrin Falls - #95 [#71 in 2003]
4) Solon - Solon - #145 [#135 in 2003]
5) Orange - Pepper Pike - #170 [#257 in 2003]
6) Shaker Heights - Shaker Heights - #186 [#255 in 2003]
7) Beachwood - Beachwood - #227 [#144 in 2003]
8) Madeira - Cincinnati - #273
9) Ottawa Hills - Ottawa Hills - #294 [#478 in 2003]
10) Oakwood - Dayton - #400
11) Bay - Bay Village - #440 [#579 in 2003]
12) Sycamore - Cincinnati - #529 [#357 in 2003]
13) Perry - Perry - #598 [#262 in 2003]
14) Upper Arlington - Upper Arlington - #682 [#740 in 2003]
15) Hudson - Hudson - #700 [#700 in 2003]
16) Columbus Alternative - Columbus - #704
17) Bexley - Bexley - #731
18) Aurora - Aurora - #743 [#369 in 2003]
19) Jackson - Massillon - #846
20) Centerville - Centerville - #853 [#682 in 2003]
21) Westlake - Westlake - #857
22) Firestone - Akron - #872 [#439 in 2003]
23) Anderson - Cincinnati - #987
24) Centennial - Columbus - #1024

These ratings are for public schools only, so my alma mater did not make it on this list (Walsh Jesuit). But I think Ohio did very well. I am happy that public school are only listed. I think if private schools were included the list would not be indicative of the countries school systems.

Big jump for Toledo's Ottawa Hills and for Orange in Pepper Pike. Just good to see that Ohio schools are on the list. Guess now it is time for more improvement. Like to see 30 or more schools on this list in 2005.

I'm not sure which state had the most school listings. Maybe in the magazine they have more info. I got this info from: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7761678/site/newsweek/

Steroids discussion with your Children

I just read the following statement: “Talking about supplements and steroids needs to start in the third grade,” Dr. Eric Small (chairman of the American Academy of Pediatrics' committee on sports medicine) said. “If you wait till ninth grade, it’s too late.”

I will admit I must be living in a different world. I have been in Taipei for 4 years and maybe out of step of what is happening in the world of the USA youth. I consider myself in step to the social issues that surround us, probably like many of you. But maybe we don’t understand everything that is happening. Let alone know how to talk to a 3rd grader about steroid use.

Just fascinating that 5% of high school girls and 7% of middle-school girls have used steroids. I find it fascinating, because if you asked me where to get steroids I would have no clue. And I find it strange that the girls normally get it from family and friends (plus internet and gym). What family and friend would give drugs to middle-school or high school kids? Maybe it is not the girls or boys that need to learn about steroids, but the adults supplying it to them.

Just horrible the things parents need to worry about today. What happened to worrying about a broken window or falling off the jungle gym?

Taipei Restaurants - the don't go back - Update

More info can be found at: http://www.sinklub.com/seday/taipei_restaurants.htm


Cafe: (lobby, 2 SongShou Rd (02)2720-1234 -Hyatt Hotel) It is what is what it is. It is a western and Asian buffet that is here to please everyone. They also have a'la carte dinning. Chefs cook in front of you and will prepare a dish for you. Nice looking, but I never eat enough to justify the price and I always feel like I'm being rushed. not a relaxing place. It is big and roomy. Eat there when Hyatt is paying the bill (get it included in your room). If you are on your own to eat somewhere, please venture outside - and don't go to Burger King.

Crystal Spoon Thai Theme Restaurant (Taipei 101, 4th floor) If you are here on business you may visit this place and say, "wow this was great, I did not know I like Thai food." Well, you have been duped by the modern and boutique design. To be honest I have been there three times and have yet to have an average Thai tasting Thai dinner. Trust me hit the streets and find another Thai restaurant, unless you just have to have the ambiance of eating in a mall.

Dan Ryan's Chicago Grill: (8 DunHua N. Rd (02)2778-8800) "The restaurant all the westerners go to," say the taxi drivers. Well, the name itself gives Americans comfort (there is one in HK as well). I may be harsh in listing Dan Ryan's in the "don't go back category. But it really is nothing special, except maybe their wings. I have always had slow service, 2 out of 5 times the wrong plate was brought to the table. The drinks were slow to come. Not looking for excuses, but I know the rebuttle: "we are so busy.' Okay so hire two or three more people. It is normally crowded and for some it is a comfort you don't always get in Taipei especially if you don't know the city.

Mister Donut: (136, ShiDong Road, ShiLin District) First of all Mister Donut is not a restaurant. And second of all a 3 hour wait for anything at Mister Donut's is idiotic. I hear 100 stores may be opened across Taiwan in the next three years. Wait until there is no line and get your cup-o-joe and donut. A wait longer than 10 minutes makes this a place not to go back. (by the way a little fact: owned by President-Chain Corp. which operate just about every 7-11 and Starbucks).

Mos Burger (everywhere): People really want to eat at a place called Mos Burger? It is a McDonald's Japanese/Chinese style. I was taken to one in Japan while running late to a meeting. It was interesting but still wonder why was my burger dipped in to some slimy sauce? It is a burger and fry place. Do you really need to try this place? For one year I lived 10 seconds from one and never once ordered a meal. Guess the Mos is not in my blood.

My Other Place (No.303, FuXing N. Rd, (02)2718-7826) Never liked this place much. I think there are too many other places to go that are better. I have never been satisfied with a meal either. I like My Place which is its sister restaurant, but the English Pub feel is not here. If you are here on business and staying at the Sherwood Hotel it is a one minute walk. Go here and then spend some time at O'Ginny's.

Shannon, The: (6, TunHua N. Rd (02)2772-0948) I am going out on a limb here. Naming an Irish restaurant as one I would not revisit. They have changed their tune here since I first visited them. They now have bands that play Irish music. It may be that I happened to visit them the first week they opened and never gave them a second chance. I thought we may have Dublin Jack or Delany's here (Hong Kong) in Taipei and it was far from it. It seems to be a bit clichéd. The food was not good at the time and we had to move tables three times to find a spot that the AC was not blowing directly on us. They have been around a few years now (opened in 2002) so it can't be that bad (but they've done nothing to draw me back).

Woodstone (Bistro98 building, 8F (02)6638-5899) I had high expectations for this restaurant. Not sure what to say except -skip it-. Nothing stands out except the entrance which is nice looking. The food was below par, but if you want a pizza and you can't stomach another Domino's or Pizza Hut - hit the Woodstone.

Taipei Restaurants - the average - Update

Here is the updated list from my website on Taipei Restaurants. By the way this is the average restaurant list. If you are traveling check out my website for restaurant thoughts. Good for the casual traveler, local or business woman or business man. http://www.sinklub.com/seday/taipei_restaurants.htm


Amaroni's Little Italy: (No.218, ChanChun Rd. Gee Hsin Building (02)2507-6967) Simple message about Amaroni's: Family style Italian dinning. Take 4 or more people order 5 dishes and go at it. Food has always been delicious, and I have always wanted to pocket some of their bread.

Amigos: (202, FuXing N. Rd (02)2515-6633) Need some Mexican food - go to Mexico. But if you are in Taiwan, go to Amigos.

*Apocalypse Now!: (323 FuHsing N. Rd (02)2545-4628) Come here with lots of friends. It is a beer restaurant with many dishes to choose from. Go crazy and sample a bit of everything. They just refurbished (March 2005). I still don't understand where this name came from.... don't worry it is not on an army base.

Bellini Pasta Pasta: (multiple locaitons) There are a few of these restaurants tucked in to this city -six I think. Some go under the name Bellini Cafe. I personally am not into the mall versions due to the fact they are not as elegant as the No.288 FuShing N. Rd location. Be sure to order their lemonade. It is one of the reasons I enjoy this place. Fancy little place with down right pricing. The noodles, bread, deserts, lemonade and the pricing make this a choice pick.

Bistro 98 (98, ZhongXiao E. Rd., Sec.4) This is a 12 floor building that houses the following restaurants. You can't miss the place with the big "98" sign outside. Standout restaurants are the Chinese (Flower & Birds) and Eden (French/Bar-Lounge) go in and try one of the restaurants. Check the list for my take on them.
Aubergine Curry - not sure if it is still there - not been here.
Bullfight (02)6638-9699)
Eden (10F/11F (02)6638-9988)
Flowers and Birds: (4F/5F (02)6623-6698)
J-Pop Cafe (6F/7F (02)6636-5689)
Woodstone (8F (02)6638-5899)

Brass Monkey, The: (166 FuXing N. Rd (02)2547-5050) Sports bar with lots of beer and good eats, just missing the peanuts. That would be cool now that I think about it -if they had peanut shells on the floor it would really give The Brass Monkey attitude. They really go out of their way to work with the community as well. For this reason alone you should make the trip there to see how you can participate. And if you are an old timer that likes to frequent My Other Place take a block walk and try the food at the Brass Monkey because it kicks M.O.P.'s butt. I just think they need to dirty the place up a bit or get a few of the rugby players in there for a quick pick up game and leave the scratches and nicks.

Bullfight (Bistro98, (02)6638-9699) Japanese barbecue. Should put in don't go back, but some people just like the barbecue over teppanyaki. I have no issues with Bullfight. I just think you can hit shabu-shabu's and barbecues like this just about anywhere in Taipei city. This one just offers you the location of the busiest shopping district.

Bunny Listens to The Music: (15, Lane 6, QingTian Street (02)2395-9388) I should rate this as "worth the trip back." However, the pricing of the exotic Italian dishes causes me to hesitate. It is a designers eatery. The food is fantastic and the atmosphere is very airy (never seems to be crowded). This area has other nearby restaurants and once a year at Bunny is enough. -by the way where was all the cool bunny music-

Capone's: (312, ChungHsiao E. Rd, Sec.4,(02)2773-3782) This area has a few good Italian restaurants, but if you are looking for American style food with decent music (they have bands some nights) this is the place to visit. When you walk in it feels as if the place has been there for years and years. Does not come off as being a contrived theme restaurant.

Chili's: (2F, 22 Sung Shou Rd. (02)2345-8838) Do I really need to write anything for Chili's Restaurant? Well, let me say this: good place to take a date if you are going to see a movie at Warner Village and you want a "real" typical American restaurant. Note to traveler: If you come from the USA and you eat at Chili's here you do not deserve to travel to any Asian country.

China Pa (145, Sec.1, AnHo Rd (02)2702-7011) Restaurant, lounge, fusion jazz, cigars, wine...oh, boy this sounds like the happening joint. In some ways it is in others it is not. This is a place to get comfy with your girl (or boy) or to relax with your new business associates. Staff is very welcoming and the service is personal. You will not be disappointed with the Chinese food in this relaxed Chinese themed bar. Maybe I'm getting old, but you can find me in this laid back atmosphere enjoying myself. Business people would like this place, unless you are playing "MBA" for the night (married but available).

Friday's (T.G.I.): (they are everywhere-including Miramar Mall in NeiHu) if you are coming here on business you can pretty much expect your Taiwan business partner to take you to one (lunch or dinner). Easy bet if you need an American burger, but please do not get steak or ribs - there are so many better restaurants.

Grandma Nitty's Kitchen: (8, ShrDa Rd. Lane 93 (02)2369-9751) Seems to be a heaven for most westerners. It has the "American back-road" appeal, but to be honest I never felt like I had a good dinner. I have two friends that swear by this place and eat their once or twice a week. I have only been there 4 times and never really felt like I needed to go back. They have a great "college" type atmosphere where book sharing is open and you can by macaroni and cheese. Well, for those that need comfort living in Taipei, Grandma's may be the needed hung you need.

Hooters (1, Lane 16 ChingCheng St. (02)2716-5186) What Hooters is not worth going to when you don't know where else to go for wings. Guess it is an average place, but when you want to see girls in tight & short clothing (not like you can't get enough of it on the street) this is a good start.

IKEA Restaurant (B2, No.100, DunHua S. Rd -Asia World (02)2716-8900 ext.895) A full stomach before shopping at IKEA is not a bad idea. Stop in and get some Swedish meatballs (which they don't always cook for some unknown reason- I've walked out at least 3 times because of this- sometimes you just want a Swedish meatball to complete the IKEA experience) or roast beef. Free refills in a country that does not like to give you drinks until after your done eating is a treat.

Jail, The (B1, No.37, Lane 187, Sec.1, Tun Hua S. Rd (02)8773-3508) You a bad girl or boy? You need to be locked up and taken care of. The warden will be by to smack up up! For those S&M types you may be let down. Nothing unusual happening here unlike in Japan (so I'm told). The theme is jail cells and you even get to eat in one. Take the kids and dirty the place up. The food is typical Chinese. Take some chains and handcuffs to spice your next visit up. This would be appropriate if you think you may have a bad break up with your current girlfriend/boyfriend -- eat, handcuff (for fun), break the news and hi-tail it out of there. It may even make the evening news.

J-Pop Cafe (Bistro98, 6F/7F (02)6636-5689) Very excited when this restaurant opened. Japanese art and music interest me although I don't have the money or the time needed to investigate it. I was looking for the crash-course at J-Pop. I was a bit disappointed, that not everything I expected was there. No music to buy, no exciting anime, and no cool J-Pop T-Shirt. Just about every booth has a music station (ours was broke). Worth going back if you are in the area.

Mr. Paco Pizzeria: (1F, 28 Alley 4, Lane 345, JenAi Rd, Sec. 4 (02)2773-6066) When someone talks about good pizza in Taipei Mr. Paco's name will come up. Very casual place. Great for friends and dates. Order the pizza.

My Place: (No.3-1, Lane 32, ShuangCheng St. (02)2591-4269) Interesting place since it is surrounded by girly-talk bars in an area called Combat Zone. Actually, you don't hear that term to much. I think the bars there continue to use the name because a name was established at one time. Anyway, the girly-talk bars are just that. Sit and talk and pay lots of money. Some men like the company. My Place is a British pub and does a fine job being one. This is your wooden bar, dart, pool playing place. Bar food is good and if you want to drink you can stay here or go find a "spicy girl" at one of the small bars nearby.

O'Ginny's: (45, Alley 25, Lane 113, Sec3, MinSheng E. Rd (02) 2545-5709) It is a bar and like all bars in Taipei they serve food. It is behind the Sherwood Hotel, so you always have the regular business traveler there. This is a good thing. A frequent traveler can have a bar outside the hotel they feel comfortable in. One of the few in Taipei with a homey corner bar feel. If you are hungry the food is good also. They serve Western and Chinese plates.
Patio Restaurant Lounge/Club (B1, 22, SongShou Rd. (Basement of NEO19): This place is not bad, but just misses the "very good rating." To be honest the food is not bad, but it is not a place you go to eat. It is more of a lounge club. It normally is not that crowded and you can have a good time with friends. I like the deco it is done in a 60/70's decor with cool lighting fixtures. A night can easily be spent here.

Pearl Liang Chinese Seafood Restaurant: (2F, 2 SongShou Rd (02)2720-1234 -Hyatt Hotel) Classy, modern and very elegant. The price of the food is somehow incorporated into the atmosphere Pearl Liang creates. So the brutal honest truth is this: Locals get someone to take you, because you can get better Chinese dishes at a cheaper price elsewhere. Business travelers go and enjoy and leave that money in the Taipei economy. Do remember this is gourmet Chinese dinning so it is possible to walk out still hungry. The peanuts were really good, plus eating them with chopsticks helps you savor each bite. - just a bit o'fun on the peanut comment-

Rose House (all over Taipei) You arrived in Taipei and want to try a tea house, but your guests did not have time to take you or you did not know how to find one .... well, today is your lucky day. Just go to any Rose House and you can say give me some "cha". It is a tea house so do what you do and enjoy.

Roxy99: (B1, No.218, Sec.2, JinShan S. Rd (02)2351-5970) An established bar that has been around for 23 years or more. A CD collection to make most people jealous since they are outwardly displayed. This is mostly a bar. The American style food is so-so. I would stick with the Chinese food here, which is prepared quickly so you can devour more beer. Friday and Saturday nights are packed with Chinese and foreigners alike. If you want a good time and a great place to meet new people this is the place to come.

Saints & Sinners: (No.114 AnHe Rd, Sec.2 - walk from Far Eastern Hotel) Average sports bar, but if you are tied up at the Far Eastern Hotel (like TI employees are) you can get your baseball and football fill here. I like the name and their devil logo. Food? Beer! Beer!Beer!, do they have food? Yes, they do. Is it good? The beer is. I think the food gets better with each beer.

Subway (popping up everywhere): The American sandwich shop. Need a drink, chips or cookie, sandwich or just the feel of American with out the McD's or BK frying? Have fun collecting your Subway stickers.

Tapas Bar (50 Hoping W. Rd, Sec.1 (02)2365-0279) I lived five buildings down from here. It is a small place. They have great wine and wine tasting parties. The owners are very friendly. I have only had their side dishes and never a main course. Never sure why this was not a staple restaurant for me when I lived close by. I think it was because of the tight space inside. I always felt like everybody was listening to me and in a city of 3-6 million people (incity/surrounding) sometimes you just want your space. There is an upstairs where you can escape, but then you are all alone. Where's my happy medium?

Tasty Steak: (everywhere look for the red sign) I suggest this is for locals only. if you are just traveling or on business come here only to play it safe (western style dishes). They have set menus. The reason they are always crowded is because of the low cost and mid-quality food. They are all brightly light and painted so you feel cheery even if you are in a bad mood.

*Tavern Premier, The: (No.415, ShinYi Rd. Sec. 4 (02)8780-0892-close to the Hyatt & Taipei 101) They moved from the back alley and took over a failed Taiwanese barbeque joint ( ).English bar/restaurant with the best sports coverage in town. They have 70 satellite TV (personal screens) and three large 150" screens for large events. The food has always been top-notch. If sports is your ticket the Tavern has its doors open for you. They are also making many additions and changes, so I need to head back for an update. Best sports restaurant by far.

Tequila Sunrise: (42, XinSheng S.Rd Sec.3 (02)2362-7563) Adobe walls and timber ceiling give this restaurant a good feel. I've had good meals here in their relaxed atmosphere. If you are looking for Mexican food this is probably the most satisfying place.

WeiLu Restaurant: (No.6, Alley 4, Lane 345, Sec.4, Renai Rd (02)2752-9439) Call me silly, but I do not know much about Manchurian cuisine. You would think I would have spent at least a second to understand this Chinese food. I did not. This is where you come in. Go sample the hot-pots, and taste the soy sauced cooked food. The only thing I picked up is that people mix up Beijing cooking for Manchurian. They are different I am told. So go read up before you go and find out more about this Asian culture.

Zen Ho Uang Uan-Nan Restaurant (1F, No.16, JinZhou St (02)2536-4459) A Yunnan restaurant found in Taipei. Food is salty, sour and spicy things they picked up from neighboring Sichuan and Hunan province. I did not try the grubs, but stuck with the food I know. Food is severed much more plain then commonly served Taiwanese food. I enjoyed tasting the food over all the sauces some restaurants use. If you want to try different Chinese food this is a great place to start.

Ziga Zaga: (2F, 2 SongShou Rd (02)2720-1234 -Hyatt Hotel) Mostly a bar with dance music (DJ) and live band. They do serve food. The last time I was there it was oven baked pizza. This is actually the last place I would come for food. If you are late and don't want to hike anywhere else to eat get your snack then rest assure you can get some Italian cuisine here. Hyatt Hotel's other restaurants are superb. But maybe it is the lunch time crowd this restaurant is after for its dinning.