North Korea (DPRK) and America

I first traveled to South Korea (Seoul for the most part) in 2001. I traveled on business. I was then living in Taiwan managing an office. Maybe my homesickness lingered in my body, because I really looked forward to visiting South Korea. It was the weather, people and business I liked. Being from Ohio I enjoyed four distinct seasons and their changes. South Korea offered me a safe haven from the heat of Taiwan. It is not easy to make friends in South Korea, but the ones I did make are some of the best people I know. They have a strong working culture as well – a style of work I thrived on, yet knew how to sit and drink though work issues. South Korea in general was like a family I could embrace. Sadly, my expat job ended and I have not traveled to South Korea in two years. I miss everything I experienced – especially the friends I made.

Lately, there have been a few shows from CNN and BBC about North Korea. Although it is not the South and a much different cousin from its Southern family; I still became very interested to learn/hear more about North Korea. From the films it is hard to distinguish if life is cruel or just acceptable by those they filmed. Parts of what they show is sad, but mostly because of the comforts I am used to. So maybe I need to look at it from a different perspective. Just wish I could see more than what the propaganda team allows you to see.

Anyway, while watching the films I noticed a small indication of the young-peoples idea of America. Will give one example: We are told that electricity in the capital normally go out for an hour or two a night on a regular basis. One young-person says during the outing, ‘it’s the American fault.’ So I thought about how a power outage in Pyongyang was due to the USA. I can only assume it is from school teachings. I don’t believe the USA helped build the power plant or is holding back fuel. Plus it is my understanding that there are no American workers selecting which part of the city will receive electric power.

So I just read how the North Korean school system teaches (interprets) the ‘Diary of Anne Frank.” This gave me the answer I sought: read here.

Besides that I must say the BBC programs were just great. I never knew about the Mass Games before, but enjoyed the hard work and the beauty of them. Too bad the world does not see this spectacle - Although I have a feeling that North Koreans think the world is watching. I did find it rude that Kim Jong-Il did not attend the 2002 games, but the people accepted his absence too easily. Can't wait to see more. Film Info.

Vespa MP-3 Tackles Issue, but Forgets US Car Drivers

Just read an article about why this new design had come about for Vespa (article). It is a direct approach to make the American consumer feel safe. From the article it says that fatalities on two-wheel vehicles has increased in the last year (up some 18%) to just over 4,000 death last year (2005). However, scooter and moto accidents only account for 10% of vehicle-crash deaths.

This new design is to try and win safety feelings. the two-wheel up front one behind job is supposed to improve balance and make cornering sharper and more nimble. Appears US scooter drivers are concerned about balancing, braking and stability in turns.

That all sounds goood. But now they need to work on the car driving America. Americans are not suited nor used to driving with scooters or bikes around. They have big, long road that allow people to drive fast and not pay the road 100% of their time. Got to change the CD, 'oops' swerved and missed the mailbox; got to answer my phone, 'wooh' almost forgot to brake. Well, you get the idea.

To be honest with the three concerns - I still don't see how they are being meet. Balancing: okay, guess three wheels makes the bike stand up straight, but you are still in open air with no protection around you (is it a false feeling of safty?). Plus if you can not balance a bike you should not be driving any bike (2 or 3 wheel - unless you are an invalide and need 3 wheels.). Braking: that is customer maintanence dependent. Stability in turns: I'm sure this baby will tip hitting a corner hard (again false safety?). Vespa is trying to meet the US demands, but the US consumer and legal firms will not play nice if they see an opening.

I like my scooter (not a Vespa) and drive it everyday. Just be alert and cautious of all the drivers around you and ones soon to be around you. Watch every corner and intersection and keep 100% of your concentration on the road. You'll do well.

I hope this larger presence of a design gives the public something to think about. I'd hate for it to bite Vespa in the butt.

Las Vegas in Asia

It is not brand new news, but more and more information is emerging on Las Vegas moving to Macau. I enjoyed my three visits to Macau, but must admit there is little to do there. Plus the casinos were a bit outdated. However that is changing and going to change quickly.

Las Vegas is moving into town and with it the local hotels are updating as well. In the coming year(s) you will see The Venetian Macau, MGM Grand Macau and the Wynn Macau. This is only 3 of the 8 hotel/casinos opening in the next 3 years. Plus, I understand the 11 exisitng hotels will be doing some updating. Business like this should increase the popularity of Macau in the region. See the hotels.

The English left their mark on Hong Kong. The Portuguese left thier mark on Macau. So, if you get a chance go see the best of both worlds while entering Asia. Go see the Ruins of Saint Paul's chuch (a Jesuit church built in the 17th century) which is connect to a wonderful museum: Museu de Macau. See the many fortress' if that is your thing or take in a few temples and the beautiful gardens found through out the island. There are many other wonderful things to see as you stroll Senado Square.

PS: there are strict dress codes in Macau. Make sure you dress business casual. I guess it the way to keep the local beggers and prostitues out of the hotels and casino floor. Then again the Chinese gamble very quitely and differently then the west. It will be interesting to see how the Las Vegas hotel change the image of gambling-style in asia.

"Forgot" to dispose of my Coke

Dallas Austin should be in jail and he should serve his sentence. Last I understood having coke in the USA is not legal either. So forgetting that you brought it to Dubai is just plain silly. No wonder the world looks at the USA with their noses down. Seems anyone can get away with anything. And why is the DEA not concerned with this case since they let the drugs get out of the county (trafficking?). What do I know - I'm just a smuck having a hard time paying a phone bill and following the local laws.