Seday in Taiwan

What Shanghainese Women Are Like - video link

2009-05-13T21:18:00.004+08:00

So, just this past weekend I was talking about women in Beijing and Shanghai with a Chinese friend of mine. It just so happens this video (staged or real) hits the USA news.

I see on MSN the article is titled: "Online hysterics drive Chinese round the bend" - Popular video shows woman screaming at companion in car showroom - However, they only point people to the http://www.youku.com/ site. Well, for those of us with out Chinese language packs installed - how are we to find the video.

Here is the direct link: http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XNjQ0NTc0Njg=.html

And it is for a BUICK...... Think I'd be putting up the fight for the Audi, Benz or maybe even a KIA (well, maybe not the KIA).

My deal - and why gone so long

2009-05-11T23:54:00.003+08:00

Hanging out at VAULT400 with the System i (AS400) crowd. Always great to be learning about new computer "stuff." Otherwise, I have been taking care of the kids and seeing they are making it to swimming and karate classes. My littlest just turned one and he is doing just fine. My eldest turns 5 soon and he can't wait to get some Bendaroos for his birthday. Just hope the Bendaroo fairy comes and delivers them - 'cause I don't have none.

Just signed up on Twitter. I will not let it dominate me, but I'll check on it.

Personally, if I'm not with the kids or working I am on eBay trying to make a living. So, my time has been tweek'd. Feel free to update me on anything as I do check in - just a bit slow on adding to the blog at this time.

I may also take this blog and move it to my domain as well. Now that is awhole story in itself as I need to get an old website up and going again (www.sinklub.com).

Still Active I see

2009-03-28T02:34:00.001+08:00

Well, all is fine. Maybe time for some updates? What do you think?

Call "The Good Devil" at 40-666-888 for Taiwan McDonalds

2007-08-22T10:11:00.000+08:00

McDonalds in Taiwan has a new delivery service. Just call 40-666-888 and off they scooter your food to you.

So what's up with the new number? 40-666-888

666 = devil (the beast)
888 = good (lucky) Chinese number
40 = Let's just say it means "The": however, there could be another significant meaning to this -- 40 days and 40 nights, The Corrupter....

As I see this number in advertisements, back of t-shirts and on billboards - I know the end is near.

It is now clear --- McDonalds in Taiwan is "The Good Devil."

Cavs Loss from Taipei

2007-06-15T11:44:00.000+08:00

Cavs in 4. DANG.....

I followed the Cavs series here in Taiwan. I wish I could have been in Cleveland for the festivities, but no such luck. Another year goes by with us locals saying, "next year, next year next year."

Must saying watching the games on MSNBC scorebox is not as exciting as seeing it live, but my heart just sank a bit with seeing the final score 83-82.

Must admit with James being as popular as he is - it is nice seeing Cleveland shirts in Taiwan and Asia in general. A bit of home for the homesick. Thanks Cavs for bringing Cleveland to me.

Bigfoot Frame by Frame

2007-05-26T04:08:00.000+08:00

A year ago I saw the Frame by Frame of the legendary Bigfoot film. For some reason today I wanted to see it again. Check out the webframes of BIGFOOT and suddenly he is not so scary. I remember when I was a kid I was terrified of bigfoot. When it was dark or when I was in the woods alone he would always haunt the back of my mind. I remember a few time running for my life because I heard a twig break. Not sure if Bigfoot ever made it to Twinsburg, Ohio, but if he did I heard him at least once in my pre-teen years.

These Are Days - 10,000 Maniacs - Myra

2007-05-18T22:47:00.001+08:00

Strange thing just happened. I listen to music all the time, but never had a smell come from it.

The song "These Are Days" by 10,000 Maniacs just popped up on my MusicMatch player and suddenly a smell of a great friend came to me - Sweet Mira. I don't even think we ever listened to that song together. I must admit I would put Jeff Buckley's "Morning Theft" to Myra first. I remember a nice long late night drive listening to that song.

To Myra - I hope all is good and life is treating you well.

Running Suspension

2007-05-18T22:31:00.000+08:00

First off- Kuddos to SQT Taipei>>Running for Fat Guys. Hit the site for many Taiwan and Taipei links. It is not just about running.

On a sad note I am on a running suspension. I hurt my achilles tendon. How I manged this I have no idea. I started developing pain in my left leg about two weeks prior to my Supau 9K race. Anyway, as mentioned earlier it pained me the whole run.

Doctor says I need to stay off it for 3 months. Stretch, go to therapy, add heat and such was the recommended treatment. So, I guess I should start swimming, but heck no. I have no motivation at all to make swimming a sport for me. I should, but I have some crazy thinking on swimming. Swimming costs too much money to go every other day and for an hour. When I swim I want to go and relax and go for multiple hours. Looks like I will walk and ride a "poor-man's" bike with the kid seat on the back.

The sad part is I have a swimming coach as a friend that would help me. Guess, I just need my arm twisted a bit more or once I see the fat coming back around my gut.

"You Ran Slow" - Supau 9K & 3 Year-Old runs 3K

2007-05-07T11:51:00.000+08:00

Yesterday, May 6, 2006, my wife's first words to me after running my 9K was, "You were slow."

I was slow, she was right. I ran it in 42:55 (unofficial time). About 5 minutes slower than I wanted to finish it. And if the score board was right I was 17th in my division (40~44 year olds). Well, I'll fix this up once I get official word. Heck, everything is in Chinese and I just go with the flow not really understanding everything exactly.

So, they say 20,000 people ran this Supau Sports Drink Cup Race. I ran with a very bad left achilles tendon. It was a very painful 9K. The pain is there even with no pressure now. I think I hurt it more. Guess, I need to rest it and go see doctor.

My soon to be 3 year old son ran the 3k fun run. He completed it in 20:22. KUDOS. He almost beat the Taipei Mayor!!!!

Taiwan Can Be Ugly - but read on

2007-05-03T03:17:00.000+08:00

A few times in my life I actually mentioned that Taiwan hits you hard when you look at it. When I take a taxi ride from the airport to Taipei, I would think, "oh, this place is so ugly looking, why don't people fix it up." I always watched who I would say this too. But when saying it I was sure to clean up my language (so, not to offend). But, the place grows on you, and, after a week you forget about the ugliness. Finally, today I read that I'm not alone.

This is a great article from Taiwan Review called "Formosa Sometimes" by William Meldrum. Take a read and you will see that architects to professors see the same Taiwan I do.

Will it change? Probably not. Old ways die hard here. Just open your eyes to discovery. Behind every beaten door is a palace called "home."

Stephen Hawking in Zero-G is Just Wonderful

2007-04-27T06:30:00.000+08:00

Stephen Hawking experiencing zero-G is just wonderful. I would love to have the experience, but science makes me happy that he got to experience it. Hats off to all involved. This story put a real smile on my face.

Zero Gravity Corp

South Korea & the Virgina Tech Shootings

2007-04-18T11:45:00.000+08:00

I read that South Korea's Foreign Ministry says, we hope this does not "stir up racial prejudice or confrontation."

I read this and just think about all the injustisce the Americans have tossed on the South Korean people. US citizens have not right to cause racial prejudice or confrontations with people of Asian or who are South Korean. I wonder if many in the general public know of all the rapes, murder and other unlawful acts Americans cause in South Korea. America needs to look outside and see everything is not green.

It is horrible what has happened at Virgina Tech, but CNN has got to focus on news on not just setting up a TV camera. I want a reporter to report and not commentate. I've noticed they are not so good at commentating. I also feel they are trying to make this tradegy more than what it is. They broadcast this some 24 hours all over the world.

Do you think the whole world needs a 24 hour report on this?

There is a war going on and we know more about the inocent people killed at Virgina Tech then we know about the soldiers and innocent people being killed in Iraq. Does everything have to be local for US news to push thier thinking.

My heart is just sad that people still need to kill each other.

Few Pictures from 2007 Carrefour Marathon

2007-04-12T11:01:00.000+08:00

We are normally horrible at taking pictures at events. However, this time we did capture a few pictures from the Taipei 2007 Carrefour Marathon.

My little one helping me warm up. I needed a lot since we had to wake up at 4:30am to make the bus over to the race.

May have a new runner in the family.

Clouds = Rain. ...and rain it did.
Looking east from Highway 1 overpass in Taipei.
Fished the race and the little one was very tired after running some 3K himself.
You can see the Grand Hotel in the backround. Time to clear the freeway and let the cars back on.Met Trevor after the race (he passed me at some point finishing 114 secondsahead of me - darn whipper-snappers). T.King showing his spoils after the race.

My race details and thoughts are here.

Finishing Time 2007 Carrefour 10K

2007-04-11T13:27:00.000+08:00

I just saw the results of the 2007 Carrefour Taipei International Expressway Marathon. It took place on the National Expressway No. 1 (Wuku-Hsichih elevated Section). CTRRA website English/Chinese [times listed on Chinese part of site only]

They had three races: Marathon, Half-Marathon and a 10K. I am in no way ready for a Marathon and will worry about a Half-Marathon in September when I run around Green Island.

I will say that this run really pushed me mentally during the race and after. My main strategy was to push the first 1 1/2k and by 2K find a comfortable pace, push at final 2K. I figured this strategy would help me hit a 45 minute target.

I will say by 5K I was starting to think, "what the heck I'm doing out here. This race is killing me." It was not the distance or the time. It was a mental shock to me to run on a 4 lane highway with no cars, no scenery and with large side barriers blocking your view. The highway twists and turns a bit with rolling hills, but you could not really see what was ahead. It was very much like running scared in a dream - running in a desolate area with no end in site.

This mental shock in running this race stayed with me for two weeks. Every time I would head out to run I wanted to head right back home. Needless to say, I'm now past that and looking ahead to a 9K in May .

So, how did I do? I missed my 45 minute mark, but did okay. I finished in 46:59. I was 185th out of 2,170 runners. I was number 28th in my age/gender group (40-44 male) out of 214 people. My pace was a bit faster then a 9K I did three month earlier.

I did meet a nice fellow Trevor King after the race. Must congratulate him on a fine 45:05 run.

Back to Dodgem in Taipei.

Ken Rockwell's Megapixel Myth Class

2007-04-11T10:20:00.000+08:00

I just read an article in Popular Science about Adobe's 19 lens demonstration camera. So, I went on line to learn more. During my search I came across: KenRockwell's Megapixel Myth.

If you are looking for a new digital camera this is a great article to read. Get to know what you are buying before jumping to the coolest x.xMP camera.

Copy Copy and Copy Some More - China & US

2007-04-10T14:08:00.000+08:00

So, the US is going to push WTO to bite down on piracy in China. It appears all the big business are behind it. Even the RIAA is behind it, since they have not figured out a way to sue people that make less then $250 a month. I have yet to see a story denouncing it.

Books, Movies and Music will be the big move. Hmmm . . . Releases are always late in China and people want to see current talked about films. Western music is gaining popularity, but China can live with Chinese artists and music. Books will hurt students wanting to read which in turn helps in education. All these mediums are now down-loadable across the web.

It appears to me that piracy will just grow from this move. Until the general public can afford paying full price on luxuries such a movies, music and books piracy will be the norm.

Sometimes I wonder if the USA understands China. I don't live in China, but from general reading and visiting you quickly learn the people are not the money driving force. It is the government and a handful of people that have the money.

Taiwan May Be Dense But It Ain't Crowded

2007-04-03T16:41:00.000+08:00

I read today the following:

"Taiwan has the world's second-highest population density among countries whose population is above 10 million, with 632 people per square kilometre, a government report said on Tuesday.
In countries whose population is above 10 million, Taiwan falls only behind Bangladesh in population density, the Directorate General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics said.
Taiwan has a population of 23 million. Bangladesh, which has a population of 141 million, has a population density of 985 people per square kilometre.
Population density in Taiwan cities is 2,605 people per square kilometre."

This report would make me feel Taiwan is one crowded city. One in which it would be hard to move, but it is far from it. Take a train, MRT (subway), bus, scooter, taxi and move about freely. the cities may be big and populated, but it is comfy.

Pyramid Building

2007-04-02T13:01:00.000+08:00

Take a look at Pyramid Building 101 in the 21st century. Fact or Fiction?

The ideas and theory make sense. There are more questions raised once you see the video, but I can only assume they are answered in a detailed paper. A great lunchtime view of how engineering of Khufu Pyramid could have taken place. Nice work from Jean-Pierce Houdin.

This is cute? Is it not Animal Endangement?

2007-04-02T10:32:00.000+08:00

So, I see this picture in three news reports and it is displayed as one of the best weekly pictures on MSNBC.com (with some 20,000+ votes). Does everybody think this is cute? I think Levester Johnson should not be taking care of Armani. The road is clear at this time, but still so many things can go wrong. I find it amazing this is not seen as animal endangerment in Akron, Ohio. While in another state some guy letting his kid ride in the trunk of a car is arrested. Both to me are wrong, but the kid in the trunk seems safer than Armani taking his run.

I live in Summit County and when I was a kid I would get reprimanded by the police when I rode my bike with an extra person on it. Seems laws in Summit County and Ohio are getting lax. In the future to make thing easier... Why not tie Armani to the back bumper and put some hitch lights on him/her. This could also be a good way to train the local cross country team.

2007 Tour de Taipei Pictures

2007-03-24T14:50:00.000+08:00

March 24th 2007 Tour de Taipei - a bit of a Kick Off for the International Cycling Show.

Final 5 guys (field sprinters) had two laps to complete once the race was called early because they caught up to the main pack (peloton).

Playing Dodge'm While Running in Taipei

2007-03-22T12:48:00.000+08:00

How I See Running in Taipei:

Running alone seems safer. Unless you are a early riser and like to run when the sun rises at 4:30 or 5:00am. The roads are pretty free at those hours. I run at night after work, there is no room for a group of people to run.
Run with traffic. I've been taught and read to run against traffic. That does not always work here. Running with traffic can be a bit scary, because you don't know what the traffic is doing behind you. Plus, in Taipei there are countless scooter riders trying to position themselves for just the right maneuver. Taxi's and other cars are always trying to bet you to the intersection so they can turn before you run into them. In this case you also have to worry about buses. Buses will push against any grain to reach a bus stop. If you run against traffic the bus drivers seem to watch out for you.
Run against traffic. I like this method the best, but it has its downfalls as well. Expect your elbow to be hit by car and scooter mirrors. It will happen, even if you do your best to get out of the way. One huge thing to remember: watch to your left at all times. The drivers will very rarely look in your direction when pulling out and will pull out first before seeing if it is actually safe to pull out. So, expect a vehicle of some sort traveling 20-30kph coming from a sidewalk, small road or large intersection. By the way turning right on red is illegal, but only when police are around - so always keep those eyes open.
Crosswalks. They call crosswalks zebra strips here, but don't kid yourself that it is a safe area. The government has been advertising to let people pass first, but let's not kid ourselves. Vehicles will push you out of the way if they have to. It has been my experience: You are more likely to be hit while on the zebra stripe (crosswalk) then if you are in the middle of the road somewhere (anywhere).
Parks. The parks are okay here, but they are all hard paved. I miss the gravel and soft running/biking routes commonly found in other cities. I've yet to find a good running path.
Mountain. My favorite run is running up the mountain. The view and environment is great and there are less cars. You can easily run an hour or more and just keep heading up hill. The downhill is what kills ya. It can be fast and pounding on you. If you have been only running on the flats the hills/mountains will kill you. Take it easy at first. If you run it regularly you can see improvement in your distance and time month after month. Now there are many hiking paths in the mountain, but not really meant for running.
Sidewalks. Stay off the sidewalks unless you really are a thrill seeker. You will get hurt if you attempt to run on the sidewalks. First off scooters park on the sidewalk. So, the sidewalk is like a road for scooters and they rule the sidewalk. The sidewalks here have dips and drops (sometimes a foot or more) and if you are not watching closely you will take a tumble. The sidewalks have horrible potholes and if you run at night you will not see them in the poorly lit sidewalks. Expect a sprained ankle, expect an over extended exhaust pipe to rip open your shin, expect a women to poke you in the head with their umbrella (even when there is no rain or sunshine and the moon is out - go figure), don't expect people to move for you even if you call out. Run on the road and you will be 100% safer.
Don't take up room. Don't try and make room for yourself by running an extra foot away from the side of the road. You would think by trying to make a buffer it would help. It will not. It will only make things worse. Drivers will try to push you back and scooter drivers will only see a possible opportunity to pass you on both sides.
Bridges. I enjoy running on the newly lit bridges that surround the city. They all have a good pedestrian area and some even have soft padding. The wind, rush of the cars and a city skyline help push the pace.
Run outside Taipei. If you can take your scooter or public transportation outside the city and run. There are many beautiful and great parks outside Taipei. Go run by the ocean. I don't get the chance to do this often, but some of my best runs were in cities down south when I was traveling.

I was an active little fellow before I moved to Taiwan. However, during my first 4 years here I was pretty busy with my job. I let the city life consume me. I walked a lot, but that was about it. A year and a half ago during my physical the doctor said I was obese. I was stunned not by the word, but that I have let myself get out of control. But even then it took another six months for the realization to actually sink in. I knew what had to be done. Heck, I started dieting when I was in the 3rd grade to make wrestling weight (year round) and I ran cross country for 4 years in high school. When I graduated high school I was weighing in at 126lbs. Suddenly it seems I was encroaching 170lbs (at 5'10" a BMI of 24-25). Time for action.

Pat Richie, Walsh Jesuit Cross Country Coach, had a party of some sort. I received the invitation late (being my mail is forwarded to Taipei), but it put in my mind the dedication and work ethic I need to now bring back in to my life. And now with a yellow parched invitation letter in my hand I decide running is what I will do to lose my weight. (By the way 20+years late, Coach Richie - Thanks).

I go out and get shorts, running shirt and shoes (Mizuno's). I start my running regiment by following a "Couch to 5K" program I found. It was just what I needed to get started. I followed it to the letter (used time not distance). Today... 8 months have passed and I run every other day. I run in the rain, cold and hot humid Taiwan heat. Plus thanks to the Chinese Taipei Road Running Association (CTRRA) for a decent website to keep me posted on running events. These events are what keep me pushing and striving for, well, a free t-shirt.

Running in Taipei, Taiwan is not easy feat. I applaud everyone here that can keep their spirits up while running in this busy city. I live just north of the city in area called NeiHu and luckily enough my back yard is a mountain. But even so the city is here.

Be careful if you run in Taipei, but don't let the traffic stop you. See you all at the races.
Check out Taipei Marathon.net for some pictures and videos, it is in Chinese, but scroll down or click around.

Tour de Taiwan 2007 - horrible promotion

2007-03-21T10:10:00.000+08:00

I am very disappointed in Taiwan and their lack of information and support for the Tour de Taiwan 2007. It appears the race is secondary to the Taipei Int'l Cycle Show 2007. But then again I guess the show brings in the money.

Trying to find out start times and the race course on the web has provided me with a empty feeling. I can find a post here and there on the results and the teams participating, but trying to get past basic information has left me disillusioned.

As a category 2.2 (Asia Circuit) I am surprised finding information has been so difficult.

Stages
18/03/07 - Stage 1 - Criterium Kaohsiung - 88 km (40 laps)
19/03/07 - Stage 2 - Pingdong Circuit - 113.6 km (8 laps)
20/03/07 - Stage 3 - Chiayi Circuit - 131.5 km
21/03/07 - Stage 4 - Changhua Circuit - 117.4 km
22/03/07 - Stage 5 - Taichung City Criterium - 99 km (15 laps)
23/03/07 - Stage 6 - Chang Hua-Taipei Bali - 188.9 km
24/03/07 - Stage 7 - Criterium Municipal Gov. Taipei - 60 km (60 laps)

You can go to Cyclingnews.com and get information, but even here the links for 2007 go to the 2006 Tour de Taiwan page. It seems people just don't want you to view the event.

Teams Include: Health Net by Maxxis, Merida Europe, Giant Asian Racing, Drapac Porsche, Team Skil-Shimano, Continental Cycling Team Differdange, Team PZ Racing, Aisan Racing Team, Team Okinawa, Uijeongbu City Cycling, Hong Kong Team, Malaysian National Team, Thai National Team, Polygon Sweet Nice Team, Vietnam National Road Team, Chinese Taipei CKT, Taichung County Cycling Team, Taiwan Kinan CCD and e-MA Team.

With all these international teams you would think you could find a site with a map, English information or more news coverage.

Check out Chrischang's photos on Flickr.
You can check out CTCA if you can read Chinese. Even here items seem to be outdated.

Cycle Show 2007 information galore.

Mizuno Nike New Balance and Triathlon

2007-02-16T10:57:00.000+08:00

Just purchased a pair of Mizuno Wave Aero 5 shoes for training. In Taipei they are going for half the price you can buy them in Japan. So, I got them at under US$50. I was a bit surprised. When I went to the store I was going to buy a pair of Ascis Gel-Kayano 13, but they wanted more money then I had to spend. However, you can get a much better price on them here in Taipei than in the USA (US$100 to 115 price range). Funny thing is I originally went to get shoes at New Balance. My whole purpose of going shopping was to buy New Balance shoes (1061, 901 or 1222). I researched New Balance on the web for a a bit to pick the shoes I wanted to try. I get to the store and they only had wide shoes. I went to a New Balance store that has 100's of shoes showing and they only had the 901's in a size that would fit (9 1/2 2E or maybe narrower). And they wanted more for the 901's then they were worth (even with discount). Sadly, I left the New Balance store. That is when my Ascis and Mizuno search started.

I liked my last pair of Mizuno Wave shoes and felt I should look at them again. Plus Mizuno here normally has very good pricing as I mentioned.

At Christmas I got a pair of Nike Zoom Katana Cage II. I like these shoes. I was not a Nike running shoe fan before, but these are nice racing shoes for me. I will mostly use these Nike's a week before a race and race day. I expect I will have these for two years and hit at least a half or full marathon with them this year.

My running has been going well. I get out every other day and run more time then actual distance. I typically make a 40 to 60 minute run depending on my speed and feeling for that day (long run would be 90 minutes 2 times a month). My races have been no more than 10K. I figured I should be running longer than a year before attempting a half or full marathon. Started running again in July 2006.

Now I have a bug to complete a triathlon. I always wanted to do one, even when I was in high school and in better shape. But I just never stepped up to the plate. I am thinking this year or early next year I will try a triathlon. I will be fine on the biking and running, but I must admit I am a bit scared of the swimming. I have only swam once when I was a kid a long distance (Tommy Olberding, do you remember swimming across the river in Wisconsin?). Luckily, my wife and a co-worker have some swimming experience, so I can get some tips and help. All I need to do is 1.5K in less than 50 minutes. I know to complete this event I would need a good 4 months in the pool so that I can build up my swimming. If I can make the swimming portion I can push my way through the biking (40K) and running (10K).

So, now I need to think about marathon and triathlon. Do both or just one? It would be the first for me either way? Maybe do both in the next year and a half?

UPS using Postal Service - and Chicken Shots

2007-02-14T17:20:00.000+08:00

FUNNY stuff that UPS is using Postal Service music in their new ads. SWEET. .....

Now to try these New Cheetos Popcorn Chicken Shots. Opening package. Taste like Cheetos with a horrible aftertaste. Not the worst $0.29 I have ever spent, but the last 29 cents I spend on Chicken Shots. The smell of the opened package is beginning to whiff around - not a pleasant smell. Co-workers are now looking with strange looks. Better shoot these down and toss the bag. Gonna need a strong coffee to get rid of this Cheeto Popcorn Chicken Shots...... later

Pennies and Dollars

2007-02-12T16:33:00.000+08:00

Get rid of the pennies. Use dollar coins. Get used to the $2 bill.

Nike 5K Taipei - hit my desired time

2007-01-08T15:10:00.000+08:00

Shot for 18:00 minutes: Completed the Nike 5K in 17:48. Ran in my new Nike Air Zoom Katana Cage 2 shoes. They seem like a nice racing shoe, but not sure how they will hold up in everyday running conditions. I've been breaking them in for about one month (run every other day).

I will say trying to find a good Nike running shoe is very difficult. It is as if Nike does not want you to use their product. They don't list all their shoes on the web. They don't seem to let many online stores sell their product (plus see a review). They have shoes at the stores that you can not find online. And it seems most of their running shoes are actually street shoes and not really running shoes. However, the Nike Bowerman series seem to be pretty good shoes. At least the ones I've seen and put on my feet. Just try finding info about them..... even very little at the Nike shop. I can fully understand why seasoned runners don't look to Nike. Unless you just need a racing flat.

A Nike Christmas

2006-12-26T15:00:00.000+08:00

Merry Christmas from Taipei (otherwise known as Another Working Day). Went to church, Santa came, wrapping paper flying, my son unwrapped all the gifts in a delicate way at first before he turned into the human whirlwind. So, all in all our little family had a cute and fun Christmas. Must say my wife is a great on incorporating American culture in our house.

Thanks to our friend Mandy we were able to get a very handsome discount from the local Nike store. Our family is a poster board for Nike now. Everything from shoes to hats (head to toe) filled our wrapped presents.

Kate, a friend of ours, painted a wonderful picture depicting her view of Mr. Wing (by Jimi).

Of course Christmas would not be complete without talking to the family. Did miss my sisters and their families, but chit-chat'ed with mom and dad.

Taipei ING Marathon - my unofficial time

2006-12-18T09:46:00.000+08:00

I did not run the marathon or half marathon. I ran the 9K. My un-official time was 44:17. It turns out I was supposed to pick up my number and time chip the day before. I paid for the event 2 months before, but since I do not read Chinese I missed the point of picking up my event package. My wife (being Taiwanese) also read the information, but missed the point as well. So my time is based on my start and stopping of my stop watch.

It was a crowded race and the first 3k was more of a walk/jog than a run. They say some 111,000 people were registered for the race. I just know the line of people extended some 8K. I was finishing the race and people were still starting.

Update (Jan 1, 2007) My unofficial time put me in around the 576 runner over the finish line out of 8,622 official participants (my class rank about 56 of 736).

QUICK FACT: The ING Taipei marathon is the only city marathon in the world that attracts more than 100,000 runners.

Breast Feeding in the USA

2006-11-15T09:27:00.000+08:00

I just read another article about people being offended by breast feeding. This time the family was ejected from their air-flight.

To be honest I do not understand why there is a group of people that find breast feeding offensive. Or why some people want it banned in any place out side one's home. I could at least understand if some person was feeding their 4 or 5 year old this way. But I believe most women breast feed infants (typically stopping at 1 1/2 years of age at the latest).

Age aside. Let the kid eat. You don't have to stare or watch the breast feeding. You don't need to feel uncomfortable, because, well, you are not doing it.

I only see these stories in the USA, maybe others country societies have issues as well, but they keep it to themselves. Seems to me the USA is loosing its step and the "me-me" attitude is just getting worse. It is no longer the good for society - it is what is good to me the individual.

Zune Marketplace

2006-11-14T10:32:00.000+08:00

Been following the Zune. Went to the site today, but it provides me little to no information about its Marketplace. I was curious on the Marketplace setup. I read that some press people liked its interface. However, I see you need to purchase a Zune to enter the Marketplace. Guess I will not be seeing it.

I'm not quite sure I understand Microsofts idea on the Zune. I have a Sandisk e200 and love it. It is small, easy to use and not so expensive. Zune (and iPod) is the opposite. Plus with Zune working with its own proprietary music system seems very strange. Just not sold on Zune's idea. I think the sharing feature is neat to talk about, but it is too limited for me. I see good promotional tools being developed for it, but I think the marketers will ruin it and start seeding partial songs for advertising. And the next thing you know you have a bunch of files on your unit you don't need.

I think this proprietary music is making music more difficult to discover. Maybe it is because I was raised on records, CD and tapes that was shared to a larger audience. The new players are so personal people don't much bother to ask what you are listening to. Maybe the Zune will open sharing a bit, but they need to open their format to allow it to be heard.

Terry Fox Run Taipei 2006

2006-11-13T17:23:00.000+08:00

A running bug as caught me. I have kept my schedule of running every other day. So, I ran at the Samsung 3K Fun Run (October) and completed it in some 10 minutes. The Samsung race was crazy crowded. The Terry Fox run was not so crowded (most likely due to people being asked to donate money), but there were a good number of people and the organization raised A LOT of money. I ran the 6K in 18:52.

I must say I don't have an issue with the length of runs and look forward to the 9K ING run in December. My main issue is having the extra "umph" needed to push that extra energy. I have it in the evening when I run, but having it at 7:00am is a whole different thing. I can do without the 5:00am alarm going off on a Sunday.

I must say that after the Terry Fox run I am a bit disappointed in myself not signing up for the ING half marathon. I feel the 9K for me may be a rushed race. I think I would be better suited for the longer haul at this time.

I never really wanted to do a marathon, but I see one coming on this year.

Running Taipei

2006-10-30T11:41:00.000+08:00

Looking for a good running store in Taipei area. Most people point you to the department stores, but I'd like to go to a store run by runners. Like to buy shoes and equipment for my wife and I.

If you know of a good store let me know.

Dubai Business Trip 2006

2006-10-13T17:25:00.000+08:00

I will travel to Dubai for Gitex IT Show in November 2006. Hope to get a Sundowner (Arabian Adventure) in while I'm there to see more than a show floor. Will stay in the Deira area and taxi it over to the Hall. Any tips or restaurant to visit would be welcomed. I am going to be a budget traveler on this one so no fancy restaurants (sob sob sob) and heavy shopping.

I looked on the web for Dubai info, but fond it hard to navigate and find interesting things. I will head over to PageOne (book store) and look for a Lonely Planet or like book to help me out a bit. From what I have heard it appears I'm walking into the Las Vegas of the Middle East.

Samsung Fun Run 3K 2006

2006-10-13T17:06:00.000+08:00

A few months ago I finally had it with my weight. When suddenly I could not fit into clothes I had purchased only 1 month ago. Age and non-exercise caught up with me. My Taiwan doctor even told me a year ago I was obese (weighing in at 170lbs on my 5’10” frame). Not sure of my weight and health now, but I fit in to all my clothes and I’m on my tightest belt loop size (3 hole jumps).

I began running due to my health and partly due to my watching too many movies. I must admit the Couch to 5K program is absolutely wonderful. I would suggest anyone to follow it. I followed it to a tee, but migrated a few times from it due to a painful knee. I have gone every other day for the past 5-6 months. Knee is still painful, but I get though it. It will normally numb after 10 minutes of running. – Yes it is not the best way for it to heal – I'll go get some better motion control shoes.

October in Taipei offers me a 3K (Samsung Fun Run)
November offers me a 6K (Terry Fox Charity Run-cancer)
December offers me a 9K (ING Marathon- not marathon crazy stick with 9K)

I ran cross country in high school so I have a competitive spirit for the run. I just need to realize that I’m older with a hurt knee and I’m not out to beat anyone or set records. However, I’m nervous about a simple 3K run. I am nervous because I want to do my best and I don’t want to find excuses if I’m “sucking air” at the end of the run. It is so silly to feel this way – makes me feel like a kid again.

Bathroom Air Hand Dryer -I thought everyone had one

2006-10-04T10:17:00.000+08:00

I just saw a news article on MSNBC or was it Google News? Anyway, they mentioned a new (bathroom) hand dryer by Dyson. I was very surprised at this news. I thought all bathrooms around the world used these hand dryers.
So I dug around a little and found out that these AWESOME hand dryers are not installed thoughout the world. I don't know anything about the Dyson version, but I love the Mitsubishi ones found here in Asia. If it was possible (financially) to have one installed in my house - I would have had one in my home bathroom a few years ago.

My young son was scared of them at first, because the air power is quite strong. But when drying your hands turned into a game you could not get him away from the unit. I actually like to keep my hands in it a bit longer myself. It is hard to resist something that feels like magic.
Product description from Technovelgy website: A "powerful gust measuring 90 meters per second" pushes the water down into a place where the excess moisture is captured. According to the manufacturer, it takes about 5 seconds to dry your hands, as opposed to the 30 seconds or more for conventional models.
Believe it or not, the first mention of using a blast of air to dry your hands is found in Coventry, a 1940 story by Robert Heinlein.

The new Dyson unit info (from Dyson on Google News edited): At almost $1,000 a pop when traditional hand blowers are available for around one fifth that cost? According to Dyson, it will save a business owner 80 percent on energy bills compared to the standard dryers, and 96 percent compared to buying paper towels.
The Airblade saves energy by using a new motor design that's capable of spinning at 120,000 rotations per minute, compared with normal electric motors in current dryers that crank at about half that. Also, because the unit doesn’t use evaporation, there’s no heat needed, which also cuts down on electricity.
Dyson launched into an anti-evaporation tirade. He accused the dryers we all know, which use heat and forced air to evaporate water from you hands, of creating a "cocktail of bacteria" on your flesh, which you then spread by touching the door handle on your way out. The Airblade, he said, avoids mixing such nasty cocktails in bar bathrooms by purifying air at the intake point with a HEPA filter, just like the one in fancy vacuums, and eliminating the need to rub your hands together, which apparently disturbs sleeping bacteria under your first layer of skin.
What about the water air-squeegeed from your hands? It is blown down into a small drain on the unit, and then goes through an iodine resin micro filter, which allegedly kills almost 100 percent of the bacteria draining down with it. Then, to eliminate the need for plumbing, the water drips onto a small gyrating plate that uses high frequency vibration to "atomize" it, and then expel it as a "harmless invisible mist."
Proof being in the pudding, I was eager to dip my hands in the fishbowl. The Airblade felt a lot like someone dragging two rubber window squeegees down the sides of my hands — but it worked. Some water did drip down the outside of the unit, but as Dyson’s chief microbiologist for the $18 million Airblade project told me, "you will lose a little, but it’s a lot better than the puddle of nasty water you get under a regular dryer."
All public restrooms — particularly those in bars — are occasionally made the workshop of graffiti artists and vandals, so I wondered how well such a technologically advanced piece of machinery would hold up to, say, someone grabbing hold of its tempting form and trying to pry it off the wall. As luck would have it, a couple of punk-rockers from the Soho streets had wandered into the Dyson press event and were bent on, as they tend to be, destruction and malevolence toward all things. They immediately targeted the unfamiliar units mounted on studio walls for journalist tryouts. I saw one of them pull, with all his strength, on an Airblade. He actually had to be pulled off the device and removed, along with his friend, from the event by Dyson staff. The Airblade, the exterior of which I then learned is constructed of 100 percent cast aluminum, did not bend or budge. According to Dyson’s General Manger of Communications, Mark Scanlon, the company hopes to make Airblades available to the U.S. market for testing by Yankee hand-washers and vandals alike, by the middle of 2007.

The longer I live in Asia the more I find out how behind the USA is in many advances and cool devices.

Taipei Car Free Day

2006-09-25T14:58:00.000+08:00

Promotion for a Car (or scooter) Fee Day in Taipei was advertised well. Use public transportation or a peddle bike. The idea is 100% great, but now that I rode my bike -WHERE IN THE HELL CAN I PARK IT!!!!. Taipei government has taken away just about all bike (and scooter) parking areas. I was turned away at multiple parking lots (only cars and limited scooter access). So nice advertising and promotion for the Mayor, but for the rider that would like to make this a habit ---- lets rethink PARKING!!!!

Drunken Chinese Migrant Worker Pets Panda

2006-09-21T03:30:00.000+08:00

You have to like a headline like this.

So this guy, Zhang Xinyan, drinks too much at a local watering hole and then meanders to the Beijing Zoo. Figures he should visit and see GuGu the Panda. He suddenly gets a sudden urge that he must pet GuGu. So he jumps into the enclosure to pet GuGu sleeping. And to the astonishment of Zhang Xinyan the panda bites his leg. He bites GuGu on the back and GuGu bites his other leg.

The report said a zookeeper got GuGu under control by spraying him with water. I think the zookeeper should have sprayed Zhang Xinyan to get him under control. How can the human race be so ignorant to captive/wild animals?

Well, I guess people can be ignorant about animals since Zhang Xinyan says: “No one ever said they would bite people. I just wanted to touch it." Maybe we should inform Zhang Xinyan that dogs, cats, mice, horses and other animals bite as well. Heck, even Zhang Xinyan bites.

WAKE UP PEOPLE and remember Friends Don't Let Friends Jump Into Panda Cages

Missing America - [click to enlarge]

2006-09-20T13:23:00.000+08:00

Why Buy Pirated Goods?

2006-09-18T15:02:00.000+08:00

Pirated good articles have been sprinkling the news for years. The movie and recording industry have brought it to light even more so. But pirated goods can be anything from industrial pipes to handbags. I guess just about anything that can turn a good profit will be pirated (counterfited).

But why do people buy them?
1) Try to look wealthy
2) Feel good having the lastest "in-thing"
3) Not having the money to buy the real item
4) Cheaper and looks the same
5) Give as a present
6) I believe most people would never buy the original item anyway- Be it music, movie or fashion item. If I can not get a bootleg copy of a movie that I would like to see, I just would not see it and view another instead.

Well, I'm sure there are better reasons then those, but how about music directly (since I like music and have a record label www.sinklub.com)
1) find out of print material
2) find live recordings
3) find (discover) artists you never heard of
4) like to hear that new CD you know you would never buy
5) throw away music

Pirated items normally have a bit of a "suck" quality to them. I have had watches, belts, CDs, DVDs and other pirated items. I can tell you none of them lasted long or played well. Original items are the best best, but there are times when the street price just wins due to the dockets in the pocket.

Transcript of - Three Stages in the Program of De-Hellenization

2006-09-18T11:23:00.000+08:00

Debate and open discussion seems to be something of the past. Now it is headlines and 10 seconds sound bites. The Pope's speech on "The Stages in the Program of De-Hellenization" is not an easy read. It is horrible that people are taking a small quote and turning it into hate speech.

The problem is the normal person could not make sence of his speech unless you ground yourself in for debate with the understanding of history, religion and philosophy.

Most people likely think Hellenization mean Hezzbollah. Don't take things at face value and think you understand.

Let the the learned in all religions have open discussions. Learn from the past. Learn how to have dialog that does not have to have secondary meanings.

A response {1} {2 speech like this makes Islam appear extreme)

Turn It Off - John Mayer Continuum

2006-09-15T07:09:00.000+08:00

All I've read on this John Mayer Continuum CD is good reviews. I see great interviews and I see people crazy over John Mayer. Let's get the CD. WOW, was I blown away. It was one of the fastest CDs I wanted out of my player. I could not stand the droning and soul sound I was hearing. It was like a nightmare of never ending songs. I gave it a good one shot, but could not get past song #9 “Bold As Love” before turning it off. It was only one listen, may be I need to go back with an open mind and just let it play in the background (a little muzak while I work). Is it the kind of album that needs to grow on you? I may or may not ever find out. But with all the fan-fair I will try again and see what I’ve missed on my first listen. Who knows maybe it will one day be one of my favorites.

Over the past month I have been listening mainly to: Front 242, Nitzer Eeb, VNV Nation, Infam, The Kooks, Panic! At the Disco, Betty Serveert, Tega & Sara, Autechre (would like to hear Autechre Curated 3.0) , Godsmack and Tiamat. As I look at this list I can sorta understand why John Mayer did not tickle my fancy at this time. Oh, well.

Severe Punishment threat to North Korea

2006-09-11T10:40:00.000+08:00

Simply put: What severe punishment will North Korea face if they conduct an underground nuclear test?

Close allies, Russia and China, have made note that North Korea wants to prove their nuclear capability (Sept 10, 2006). North Korea is just about out of friends and has been on a collision course of some sort for some time now.

So, what will happen if they detonate their test? What is the severe punishment the world nations are discussing? What would Russia and China do? Can you help give me a clue?

Dell's Dunn Wrong

2006-09-08T16:03:00.000+08:00

Dell chairman messed up and got caught. The issue here is they got caught and now the ones held responsible should pay the consequence and step aside. I find it hard to believe that top executive at a computer company would be dumbfounded by how to get around technology and how pretexting works. When you hire someone to “sneak” around what do you think will happen – hence the word “sneak.” If the news of the investigation was made known to the board it would have been a “probe” or “investigation” and the board would have agreed to it. At which time no “sneaking” needed to take place.

I don’t believe Dell guys can play dumb on this. The good thing is that they brought pretexting to public light and maybe now something can be devised to combat it. Well, maybe not until it happens more to Senators and those in Congress.

Steve Irwin- put Stingray to death

2006-09-05T17:09:00.000+08:00

I always felt Steve Irwin was flirting with death too much. The dangerous profession he rose to stardom with was also his downfall. Never meet the guy, but he did seem in control and professional from the TV clips we are shown.

If a dog, bear, armadillo killed a person we would put it to sleep. I wonder why the Austrailan govenrment is not going after the Stingray. It would seem this Stingray is dangerous. I read that Queensland Police Superintendent Michael Keating said there was no evidence Irwin threatened or intimidated the stingray. Thus the Stingray is a man killer and should be hunted and killed.

A sad example that humans are very vunerable in the wild. However, as our species over runs every piece of land the ocean may be the last place to find wild animals.

Steve Irwin would have made native hunters proud.

UPDATE: (Sept. 13, 2006)
I am totally dumbfounded that I just read an article entitled: Stingrays Mutilated after Steve Irwin's Death. Seems that some people feel the stingrays need a good revenge killing (or beating) after what one did to Steve Irwin. Very sad.

House Hunting & Selling Current House

2006-09-05T15:52:00.000+08:00

The $8.5 million house was just too much for us at this time. We will now look at a $5 million house. Housing prices on this small island of Taiwan are just sky-rocketing. However, income is not moving in the same direction.

Two years ago we bought a house in NeiHu we loved (and still love). But with the school and the current job I have is not allowing us any additional savings and just tossing us in to more debt. We also want to expand our school (Curious Monkey), but with no extra money coming in - it is not possible.

So, the house is now up on the market and we are looking at housing in DongHu. A move of about 4-5 miles. A move that will give us a lower cost house and believe it or not a bit more space (about 177 square feet more).

This decision was not made lightly. This decision had many more "plus" side arguments than "negative" side ones. We are excited as a family on the decision.

Sometimes to move forward you have to go backwards.

2006 Taipei Beef Noodle Festival

2006-09-01T17:32:00.000+08:00

The 2006 Taipei Beef Noodle Festival is supposed to kick off on September 3, 2006. It is now September 1st and I can not find any news on it. The last news posted about it is from July. The Taiwanese people can not even find any news on the event. I hope the government gets their act together to sponsor this event.

The 2005 Taipei Beef Noodle Festival website is still up....... and it is 2006! Let update and EAT EAT EAT...............

CORRECTION: the site is up - start voting. . . Just a bit difficult to find. the 2006 Taipei Beef Noodle site up.!!!!

I WANT MY BEEF NOODLE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Japanese TV thanks to YouTube

2006-09-01T11:59:00.000+08:00

Japanese TV is so very entertaining. Thanks to YouTube you can now see Hard Gay, TV ads, Game Shows and so much more. No need for me to point to exact videos. Just go and discover them yourself. . . .

6 DVD Box Set of Star Wars Coming

2006-08-28T10:58:00.000+08:00

I grew up on Star Wars. I saw the original in the theater with my uncle Allen. Why he took me and my sisters is beyond my thinking at this time (I should ask one day). But the movie made the impact on me as it did with the rest of the world. With that said, you would think I would have the DVDs at home and could recount every change and event surrounding the films. But that is not the case.

I have not spent my money on a Star Wars DVD, because every time I consider buying it the Lucas machine keeps promising better and better versions. And I am not one to begin buying every tweaked version they put out. The Trilogy of IV, V and VI have been in the box set now for a few years, but I wanted to wait for all 6 to be released in what I call “Lucas’s Final Release.” Heck, what ever is in the final 6 DVD set will not be the end of the changes I’m sure, but it will be a comprehensive package I could enjoy owning.

I hear this new 6 DVD set will come out in May 2007. I do hope they include all the releases in this set including the original movies and re-mastered sets. If so, The Star Wars Team will finally get my DVD money. They already have my action figure and theater money (multiple theater money). Plus the 3D versions will need to be experienced as well – Keep the technology coming, but please release a box set fans can be happy about

See: http://www.starwars.com for updates (check out the forums)

SanDisk e200 and Shure E2 Sure Make Me Happy

2006-08-21T13:13:00.000+08:00

I’ve gotten off my lazy butt finally. I have not had the will to exercise with any consistency in the last three years. I knew I needed to start moving again, but I just never had the get-up and go to actually do it. Sure I heard from blood tests my cholesterol is reaching points it should not. However, I was not over any bad limits – just close. My wife and I were joking about my weight gain for over 6 months. I just went with it and thought that is what happens when you near 40. Then suddenly in 2 months ago I no longer fit into pants I have had for the past three years. I was in total shock. How could I not fit in to pants that just fit me two weeks ago? This included me sucking in my gut as well – and still I was not able to button. PROBLEM?....

I was a wrestler for 12 years or more of my life and I ran cross country and long distance in high school. But I’ve been inactive for far too long to just throw on a pair of running shoes and hit the road for an hour. So, I found a great running program to follow (I’ll talk about that in another post).

I went shopping: got a pair of Mizuno running shoes which I adore, some Nike and Under Armour clothes for the tropical Taiwan weather. I also knew that time running alone was going to grate on me. So, I said it was time to break down and buy and MP3 player. I was never one to like portable music. I like sound systems. I like collecting music (full albums, not single songs & playlists). I knew I needed a device for running (no hard drive). I knew I needed space for my large music files (I like VBR and 192kbs recordings). I also needed to take in my salary, since I am being paid a typical Taiwanese salary. Plus, I knew I did not want an iPod. I just did not want to have to use iTunes to transfer my music. Plus, living in Taiwan many USA music stores will not sell to me. MP3 dilemma?

SanDisk to the rescue. I did research on MP3 players and decided the SanDisk e200 series was the best route for me to go. The price for the features and functions on the e200 was right down my alley. The transferring of songs is as easy as dragging and dropping from Windows Explorer. No conversions, no third party program, no hassle. The FM radio was an added bonus, not sure I will use it, but who knows (you can record from the radio – that’s cool). The color screen is great o view photos and video on. The screen may be small but it is mighty. The screen has good illumination and color. Now for the music… I just toss file folders on to the device so I just use the general operations for the player. I look up by artist or album and choose what I want to hear. At this time I do not make playlists, I doubt I will. If I do I would just toss some music files into a general “my favorite” file. I just never got into the playlist mode of thinking. I assume it is because I just have too much music and I very rarely have my songs in a programs library form. So, anyway the music functions work okay. The issue I do have is with the settings. I hope their new updates address: EQ of some sort, their rating system will display items besides 5 star songs, and that their playlist function (“Go To”) actually stores the song on the unit when you delete the file folder – why else would you put a song into this folder or area?

Since I was running I wanted light weight MP3 and earphones that would stay in my ears. The e200 is light and fun and easy to control on a run. If you have puggy fingers the unit may not be so easy on you. The buttons around the jog dial can be hard to press, but works for me. Oh, yes the earphones. I went with the Shure e2c Sound Isolating Earphones. I wanted good sound with a unit that I did not have to keep adjusting as I ran. Since the ear piece fit snuggly in my ear (smallest sleeves) I had no issue with it dislodging. I’d like to have the money to try the e4 or e5 series, but the e2’s are great for my use.

I expect the e200 and e2’s will keep me on the road and track for the next couple of years. At a price of just under $200 for the player and earphones this is a great deal. It will also be another aspect of motivation for me. I know I would hate to see the products collecting dust on a shelf. If I was not running or excising I’m not really sure when I would use the MP3 player (guess I could use on plane flights). My city life style has never really called for a private listening center. I like the sound of the city and people around me. I like the rush of air in my ears as I drive my motorcycle. I like to hear my wife and child talk to me on long walks. I like the sound of the subway as the world passes by. Guess, life as never bored me enough to have portable sound.

North Korea (DPRK) and America

2006-07-31T11:09:00.000+08:00

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

2006-07-18T09:15:00.000+08:00

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

2006-07-17T17:33:00.000+08:00

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

2006-07-06T10:35:00.000+08:00

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.

Nestea Sparkz - fills my world with bubbles

2006-06-23T12:04:00.000+08:00

Just ran into Nestea Sparkz at my local 7-11. The bottle of tea looked like other Nestea bottles but had a grey/silver sheen to it. Plus the logo said "Sparkz." At first I was hesitent to try it. I thought it was going to be a mint flavor or something like Air Wave gum or possibly some Pop Rock may gave been tossed in. However, I was pleasently surprised -- it was carbonated.

Carbonated tea does not sound so yummy, but I must admit I like it. It is not something you chug down, but rather drink while working or watchin' the boob-tube. Flavor wise it is lemon and sugar tea like their on the shelf lemon flavored tea. The fizz does give the drink a little differnt effect. In a way it is like drinking a flavored Mike's Hard Lemonade, Smirnoff Ice, or other flavored vodka (or malt- USA you so weird) bottled drink.

I would not buy it all the time, but as a special treat I'm all about it.

I'm Top of the Top in Intellegence According to Report

2006-06-23T11:56:00.000+08:00

New York-based Intelligent Community Forum (ICF) June 9 has announced the most intelligent communities of 2006.

Taipei was number one and number two was Cleveland, Ohio. This must make me one of the most intelligent people around. Logically thinking: I am from Cleveland, Ohio and currently live in Taipei – thus I am from the TWO Top Intelligent Communities of the WORLD.

I always knew I was special.......

Firefox Flash and Quicktime Fix

2006-06-15T11:55:00.000+08:00

What to do if QuickTime takes over handling Flash content on Firefox

When you install QuickTime, or change your QuickTime settings, it may take over handling of Macromedia Flash files. However, this can be fixed quite easily. To stop QuickTime from handling Flash files, do the following:

1 -Close Mozilla (or Firefox)
2 - Open the QuickTime Control Panel
3 - Select "Browser Plug-in" from the dropdown menu
4 - Open up the MIME Settings dialog
5 - Make sure "Flash file" is not selected. This is listed under Miscellaneous.
6 - Click OK, and close the QuickTime Control Panel
7 - Remove the file pluginreg.dat from your Profile Folder. This file will be recreated next time you start Mozilla
8 - Remove npqt*.dll from your Mozilla or Firefox plugins folder. These files are not required, and can cause problems when QuickTime is upgraded

I normally do not post computer isuses here, but I had such a difficult time finding this solution.

American Chinese Culture Differences

2006-05-20T22:58:00.000+08:00

I stepped foot on American soil again after 15 months. My first trip back and I first stop off in Las Vegas. What a wonderful place to start a US visit. I was here for a trade show and my booth was located next to a company from China and a company from Taiwan. Funny how I did not actually escape my current state of Chinese comfort by coming to America. So during these few days I noticed the following:

(1) Chinese love to push the elevator close button with a vengence. Americans seem to just wait for it to close.

(2) American stores have the largest drink selection bar none. I know size limits Chinese 7/11’s but they just do not have the selection American drinkers have. The gas station across from the LVHilton had pop, water, energy drinks, wine, beer, tea, some other health drinks and more. There was not just one type, but many different brands of the same type of drink. However, I could not find asparagus juice, apple milk, jelly drinks, or different varieties of teas.

(3) Does Americans know you can take a SIM card out of a phone and use another SIM card in the phone? In the U.S. you need to buy a pre-paid phone. Crazy-loopo way to use the technology that is built in every GSM phone. The USA is always so far behind in phone technology. I guess that is why it took Samsung and LG so long to break into this market. They were trying to figure out when the American public could handle phone upgrades.

(4) People actually drive Segways in the USA.

(5) People in the USA don’t have a clue on how to ride a scooter. Sadly a man died today and a 4 year old boy is in critical condition here in Las Vegas after getting hit. In Asia people drive crazy fast on scooters, but car drivers are used to them. In the US scooter drives need to be much more defensive.

(6) On the subject of scooters. I drive with three or four people on my scooter. I did once have 6 individuals on mine for a mile ride. Now this is with my little 2 year old sandwiched between me and my wife or with him standing in the front holding on to the mirrors. Not sure if you could ride with 3 or more people on a scooter in the U.S.

(7) What happened to people welcoming you in a store and thanking you for coming when you leave? In Asia it is second nature.

(8) Most Asians find it hard to accept fine dining. Taking time to eat and hang out. Fill the belly quick and move on. Plus keep costs to a fine minimum.

(9) Asians grab all show material you have displayed, even if they don’t know what it is they are grabbing. US customers just take what they need and even then they want it sent to them.

(10) Never really thought that McDonalds was that much different in other countries, but after talking to a few Chinese people I have found out they dislike McDonalds in America. The taste is a bit different (fatter or greasier tasting) plus in Asia they have a few different toppings.

(11) Airports serve beer in America, instant noodles in Asia.

(12) Airports in the USA are fancy, in Asia they are like waiting in a train or bus station.

(13) Restaurants and public areas have hot water. In Taiwan all water from a faucet is cold. I’m not sure why that is? Maybe it is because of the lack of water heaters tanks. In just about all houses they use instant water heaters – the unit turns on when you turn the hot water faucet on and it will take a little bit for the hot water to come through.

Well, this is my quick list. There is much more to add, but my mind is still trying to adjust to this America I have been away from for the past 15 months.

Half Grizzly - Half Polar Bear

2006-05-12T17:43:00.000+08:00

I'm not posting the picture, because it sickens me (look it up on the web I'm sure someone thinks it is cool enough to show).

Remind me again why we need guns. Plus why do people need to kill animals for trophies in this day and age? (and the guy paid some $50K to go and kill an animal others would have loved to see stay in the wild)

House in Taipei

2006-05-11T15:15:00.000+08:00

This is our house in Taipei (NeiHu). Map

Now the problem is how do I point it out for you.

The picture is good. You can actually zoom in a little closer yet (one click more). The house is just about in the middle of the picture up against the mountain.

on the bottom you see a road coming out of the mountain.
the road dead ends (intersection) - turn left
go two streets - turn right (you can see a white car leaving our street)
go straight back - That's The Place . . . . .

-- Now that you know where I live; Please don't be an unexpected visitor & scare the heck out of us--

May 2006 MSeday Tour

2006-05-11T13:43:00.000+08:00

I have not been back to the USA in some time. I am pleased to say I will be visiting for just short of a month on behalf of Multisuns.

May 15 to June 7th
May 15 - 19 – Las Vegas (IWCE2006 - Booth#1558)
May 20 - 23 – Ohio
May 24 - 26 – NYC
May 27 - June 3 – Ohio
June 4 - 6 – Chicago (Globalcomm 2006 - Booth #48088 with Zarlink)

As you can see I will be busy with work. But during May 27 to June 3rd I am currently booking business, but will probably end up working from a home base.

That's my news for now.

Spider Man 3 - In Cleveland, Ohio

2006-05-05T09:42:00.000+08:00

Tim, Frank & Edward thanks for the pictures.

Spider Man 3 filming on Euclid Avenue in Cleveland, Ohio.

Verve Pipe - Original Freshman from I've Suffered a Head Injury

2006-05-03T13:23:00.000+08:00

Anyone out there that can get me a copy of the orignal "Freshman" from the Verve Pipe? I had the first pressing of I've Suffered a Head Injury with the Freshman on it. However, the CD is now destroyed. I thought I had two copies, but I can not find the other one (maybe someone else has it from years ago). I would like a copy of the full CD.

If you can help let me know. THANKS Much...

New USA Slave Market

2006-05-02T06:08:00.000+08:00

Illegal Immigrants. I'm I missing something thing in these two words? I have spent thousands of dollars to work with the US government on the legal side of immigration so why shouldn't everyone? Rules change because Americans want cheaper products and cheap labor? So, hey lets keep the illegal immigrants here for our comfort. America's New Slaves. I'm not sure about you, but once the illegal immigrants become "national citizens" won't they too want more of this American Dream? As an illegal they can not demand much, but make them citizens and the demanding will come, law suits, unions, hire wages, social security, health care and on and on and on. Is this short term solution of legalizing everyone for gain or troubles ahead?

American kids, high school, college and drop-outs used to work in this country. They used to be happy to get a check. Have the children and young adults become so lazy? And if these people are not working how are they making their money to survive.

Are we watching the tumbling of America as we know it?

Viewing the USA from the outside (American Citizen)

2006-04-28T14:37:00.000+08:00

I'm a US citizen. I have not lived in the USA for the past 5 years. I have been working and living in Taiwan.

I must admit viewing the USA from the outside of the USA is a bit scarry. All you hear and see are bad images. At times I even think I may be afraid to go back to the USA. The news we receive is fromCNN, BBC TV channels, web news and local English newspapers PLUS movies and music. You very rarely see good positive new. Most of the times you just hear about guns, killings, sexual preditors, war and a govenment that seems to be in grid lock. You see a lot of negative things about the USA. This is not coming from the local news. It is coming from America news channels and Americans. This is what is scarry.

The USA needs to put on a new face and work a new marketing scheme. The current direction frightens people and from what I remember America was a good place to be. (I just hope I don't get sued over saying this - seems like people now sue over hurt feelings).

USA and Taiwan Health Care

2006-04-28T14:05:00.000+08:00

Just read a few articles on USA health care and things are sounding pretty bleak. The price of health care in the USA is crazy high and due to it a very large percent of people have no health care. This is horrible.

Here in Taiwan health care is pretty simple, but the problem is most Americans probably would not like it. From my view point Americans have become burdened by the service they receive.

In quick and dirty terms:
1) Everyone has a national health card. You can go see a doctor anytime.
2) Prices to see a doctor can cost you US$3 to $10 a visit. People see the price high here, but in the USA people would love to see these numbers. Price depends on where you go. The bigger the hospital the more expensive. The idea is this: go to the local doctors for minor problems and go to the bigger hospitals that have specialized doctors for "real" problems.
3) No appointment is really necessary. However, you can make them. This is the problem I think most Americans would have with this system. Let me explain....

You line up (or take a number) at a check-in counter. You tell the cashier the type of doctor or the problem you are having. They give you a number and paperwork and tell you what waiting room to go to. Now this is done very quickly (no longer than 1 minute with check-in once you talk to the person).
You go to the waiting room and wait for your number to be displayed or called. You normally see different doctors each time. If you want the same doctor you will need to talk the doctor and find out his schedule and try to work out an appointment. However, this can be difficult at times.
Once your number is called you go into the doctor’s room. In the room you have a Nurse/secretary who takes your paperwork and National ID card to key you in the system.
While this is going on just a few feet away (like 1 to 2 feet away) the doctor is talking or examining the person ahead of you. Yes, you can hear and see everything. Once the person is done it is your turn to take the seat by the doctor and the next person is called in. --- I believe people in the USA would be upset by the lack of privacy.
Once done with the doctor he will give you your paperwork back that may include getting medication.
Take the paperwork and ID to the cashier counter and pay for the visit and medicine. Let me tell you the medicine is CHEAP. A few US dollars and you have a pharmacy in your hands.
Go to the pharmacy and wait for your number to be called and off you go. -- Go home---
The thing is this procedure is for everyone. Does not matter who you are. Now don't get me wrong there are private doctors as well for people that want to pay more, but that percentage of people is very low. I'd venture a guess of only 2-5% of the population.

So there you go. A good alternative to the USA high costs. But I think the citizens of the US would not like the easiness and coldness of this type of system. It is not warm and fuzzy. It is more -you are sick -here is your problem- and here is your medicine (factory turn out style).

ROC Taiwan - Republic of China

2006-04-21T10:29:00.000+08:00

Taiwan has a short history with China from all the readings I have ever seen. Taiwan has always been seperate and China wanted nothing to do with it (short histroy).

Taiwan has grown and now China wants a piece plus militarily it gives them more land. I just have a hard time understanding the USA's policy towards Taiwan. The USA runs around saying they want democracy to thrive and in Taiwan democracy sure is lively. But the USA sorta looks the other way and says they want reunification to happen. Well, from history when did China actually ever own Taiwan? I think the original inhabitants/Dutch/French and others have more claim. But I guess that is beside the point.

Maybe the USA believes China will be democratic one day and the Taiwan and China issue will dissipate. Or maybe they think that Taiwan's economy will fail and will look to China to bail them out. Or does the USA think the Hong Kong example of "one country, two systems" actually works?

I know this is a hot topic and that China brainwashes their students that Taiwan is their property and it should be theirs at any cost. This belief runs deep. Chinese students take this to heart.

Taiwan

is Taiwan and China is China. They are two distinct places with distinct people and cultures. Taiwan has a lot to lose if they fall under the China fold. How it plays out I may never know.

A good editorial: The Right People Make All The Difference

FLAC, OGG, MP3vbr

2006-04-20T14:04:00.000+08:00

I have tested and listened to the same song recorded in the three flavors: FLAC, OGG, and MP3vbr.

I will attest that FLAC is the best. There is no doubt about it. It is very clean and the level of sound is the best. I listened to a live recording from the Trashcan Sinatras recorded in 2005.

I think the MP3vbr was next best and OGG in last place, but just about the same as MP3vbr.

~ Used WinAmp to listen.
~ I used Logitech USB 250 headphones
All were at 44KHZ
FLAC: 800 KPBS average file size: 29,068KB
MP3vbr:160 KPBS average file size: 5,951KB
OGG: 122 KPBS average file size: 4,101KB

So the FLAC is just short of 5x larger than the MP3vbr file. It is crazy big, but final outcome is fantastic. Not sure FLAC is worth it unless it is a CD that just is not outputting well using MP3vbr. Maybe something with a lot of highs and lows and the encoder is just going nuts from the VBR. But if the sound is constant the MP3vbr seems to be the ticket. Now OGG at a higher KPBS average would create a little larger file, and may out perform the MP3vbr.

What I should do is play the same files on my home Onkyo stereo and see the difference. I am betting the FLAC will really stand out over the other formats in that setting.

Well there you go.

WinAmp 5.2 vs. MusicMatch 10 vs. Media Monkey 2.5x vs. WMP9

2006-04-20T13:34:00.000+08:00

You can read all kinds of stuff on the web about which music player to use on your PC. I have read them and should consolidate the findings, but heck instead I will rant on my view instead. I also like to collect music and have many CDs, Albums, 7" and tapes (actually way to many). So my purpose for a MP3 player is to organize and tag music as well as play. I do not use any portable player so I don't pay attention to the download music to players section.

First off: Very strange that one player can not handle what most people would like to do with music. However, I understand each user is unique and each wants something particular. Plus each company is after making money and have their own agenda (which equal what they want to spend time updating).

Windows Media Player 9: (don't care which version) just plain out horrible. I have yet actually figured out an easy way to operate it. It is fancy, but troublesome. I use it for viewing video only (when it can find the right codec to play). It just tries to hard to think for you.

MusicMatch 10: Been using this program for years (since ver. 2) and I like the program. I believe it does everything a person needs. I like the tagging features and the ripping fetures. It is easy to view needed info. I will continue to use MusicMatch10 for ripping CDs. However, it has become stagnent in just about every other function and feature. This is why I started looking around for other alternatives. This is when I first turned to WinAmp and Music Monkey. I did look at OGG and FLAC but felt it did not fill my need. Still think MP3vbr is the best best for me (read my posting on this). I have written to MusicMatch 3 times requesting when a new update would be released, but still no word.

WinAmp 5.2: At first this program is overwhelming after using MusicMatch. It has so many features and functions that you can get lost quickly. I read the online quick guide twice to get a good understanding of its operating ideas. Played with it for 10 minutes and I was off and running. I enjoy this program. It handles all the missing components MuiscMatch is lacking. Plus you can download all kinds of add-ons. Playing with the add-ons is a whole 'nother topic to talk about. Now this program is just great for playing back music.

Media Monkey 2.5.2xx: Well I went to Media Monkey because I was looking for a better way to organize my music. Media Monkey combined MusicMatch tagging was the right combination for me. I like the file folder and options they give you in the file area. It makes finding bad MusicMatch tags easy. Plus I found it lets me clean up items that seemed not to be tagged or tagged incorrectly.

So for me I know use 3 programs to accomplish tagging and listening to MP3 or other files on my PC.
1) MusicMatch for ripping, file naming and initial tagging
2) WinAmp for listening to music (I just need a second sound card now and I can DJ)
3) Media Monkey for cleaning and fixing tags

Taipei Ice Skating

2006-03-29T11:16:00.000+08:00

Finally went to the new Taipei Ice Arena. It is off of DunHwa North Road (or TunHwa) by Ikea, Holiday Inn and Asia World. You can't miss it. The public ice arena is on the second floor above the Starbucks outside NanJing East Road. It is an area just off the main complex which is used for sports, concerts and such.

My little one (20 months old), just loved having the ice skates on. He could hardly walk but after an hour or so he was moving around on the hard ground pretty well. Just needed a railing or a hand to hold on to. We took him on the ice but it was too difficult to hold him up, plus my wife and I are not skating stars. After a lap or so one of the workers pointed out we should go the far end of the rink they have sectioned off for beginners and little ones. So over there we went. Tehy gave us a plastic chair and my son was off on his own. He looked like he was sleep-skating. He had his body and head on slumped on the chair while he pushed around with his skates. He has gone once, but loves to talk about, "me skate."

On the net I ran into www.monoclub.com.tw and the people there have been great. Will stop buy their shop to pick up some skates this weekend. Also hope to catch a few hocky games this Sunday.

My Chinese Development is Slow

2006-03-29T11:09:00.000+08:00

I have been in Taipei for over 5 years and my Chinese language skills are still not up to snuff. I am taking classes again, but words are just not sticking as quickly as I would like. Getting a better understanding, but concentrating on it is hard when work, child and other activities get in the way. Need to somehow get the Chinese involved in the other activities. Problem is the people around you don't want to deal with your slow American accented Chinese, so they revert to English and stop your growth. So that means I need to learn Chinese on my time. I my time is very limited. I will find time and become better. I need to. In the meantime I will continue to stumble.

Doomsday - World Overcrowding

2006-03-29T10:53:00.000+08:00

There are just too many of us in the world. Pollution, over wrapping of products, the killing and the pillaging of land and animals is just taking us to the inevitable.

I can only image one day us humans will be tossed back to the stone age or time of living in a past age (horse and buggy). How long can we over populate, over build and over take land until there is no more to take? Most of these issues are new and this growth has been in the last century. Progress seems to be pushing us backwards.

I don’t know what the future holds, but I wonder if it is positive. I do think the world will change or the earth my just swallow a large majority to clean house.

-my condensed thinking

Man Pulls a "Triple Talaq" in His Sleep

2006-03-28T11:14:00.000+08:00

I just learned a new term and it must be weilded very carefully. The term is "Triple Talaq." Forget formal divorce just say these particular words three times and the divorse if final.

"The religious leaders ruled that if the couple wanted to remarry they would have to wait at least 100 days. Sohela (the woman) would also have to spend a night with another man and be divorced by him in turn." read story

Sound a bit like wife/husband swapping. There is possibly a big untapped business model that can be drawn up around this.

I don't know but I'm left a bit unclear on this "Triple Talaq" and the sense of it.

I also see the "Triple Talaq" may become history for the acceptable "Nikaahnama" (marrage contract as see here:

World Baseball Classic 2006

2006-03-13T13:18:00.000+08:00

Don't know about you all, but I think this series (tournament) is great. This world wide game has brought back baseball fever to me. I've watched just about every game. I hope they continue with this event in the future. From the American turnout it seems that there are many unfilled seats, but rest assured the rest of the world is watching. I hope you are..............

Taiwan is Taiwan: as I last checked today

2006-03-10T16:47:00.000+08:00

From the Xinhua English website:

HONG KONG, March 9 (Xinhuanet) -- An earthquake measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale hit Yunlin County of China's Taiwan at noon on Thursday, according to reports reaching here from Taipei.

When did Taiwan become: "China's Taiwan?"

It is called: Responsibility or Control

2006-03-09T10:34:00.000+08:00

Full Story - Contending that women have more options than they do in the event of an unintended pregnancy, men's rights activists are mounting a long shot legal campaign aimed at giving them the chance to opt out of financial responsibility for raising a child.

The National Center for Men has prepared a lawsuit -- nicknamed Roe v. Wade for Men -- to be filed Thursday in U.S. District Court in Michigan on behalf of a 25-year-old computer programmer ordered to pay child support for his ex-girlfriend's daughter. . . .

- pure sillyness

Missing the Winter Olympics - Dreaming of Snow

2006-02-17T16:01:00.000+08:00

I have been reading that the Winter Olympics have not been a dream watch, but I miss seeing them. Since moving to Taiwan I have given up on American Football (but Art Modell hurt that first), American Baseball and Basketball. Taiwan TV does not have alot of American sports besides what you see on ESPN and one other network here. So following a team is hard - just easier not to worry about sports - actually they don't seem so important.

I do however wish I could watch the winter olympics. I love the winter olympics. Plus not seeing snow for many years now I have more a inner feeling to see them. But no winter olympics to be found on any of my cable channels. Well, CNN gives you some hightlights once in awhile, but nothing like curling up with a drink and popcorn and watching all the great winter events.

The summer olympics will be in Beijing. Not much of a summer olympics fan, but I wonder if those will be shown here since Taiwan and China don't get along so well. ... . dreaming of snow.

Tom Lantos and China

2006-02-16T09:12:00.000+08:00

Tom Lantos are you nuts?

Heading: Google, Yahoo Criticized by U.S. Lawmakers on China ``Your abhorrent activities in China are a disgrace,'' California Representative Tom Lantos, the ranking Democrat on the House Committee on International Relations, said today at a joint subcommittee hearing. ``I simply do not understand how your corporate leadership sleeps at night.''

I should include all US lawmakers that are going after these Internet companies. However, it seems that Tom Lantos is the outspoken one. I noticed Lantos has been after the China government for some time with no progress of his own (everything from Olympics to Tibet). So, he should know first hand how hard it is to work with and in China. Heck you left Taiwan issues (TRA) in 1999 after China pushed back. Plus Tom has grandeur that China has stadium built for public executions (where are you getting this info?).

In what way do these law makers see a company changing

China

's laws? Would these same law makers back a Chinese company and government pushing US Law to change?

My personal opinion is this. Chinese individuals that want to circumvent the laws governing the Internet can. It is more difficult and requires technical skill, but it can be done. China has their laws. USA has their laws. To me this is a government thing and should not have to be shouldered all by US companies and their money. And I don't believe these US companies should have to listen to such belittling from the very people that are not doing anything themselves against China. HEY Tom Lantos why not call China's premiers in and drill them on their laws and practices!!!! Or better yet start a campaign to have the Chinese citizens push back to the government.

The US government is getting a bit pushy. Nice to see a task force was set up, but I don't expect China to change their laws, because some people think the Internet should not be censored on particular subjects. (and on top of all this I see letters Tom Lantos has on his site saying the US should censor porn and other particular sites - so does he think some censoring is okay?)

Click here for more - Caucas
China's USERS take on the issue - USA's self-absorption
Tom Lantos - Hypocrisy

New Horizons - Takes OFFFFFFF

2006-01-20T09:06:00.000+08:00

I have been following New Horizons closely for the past two months. I am amateur astronomer, but this is exciting stuff. This is the type of information that makes us feel we are living in a Star Trek era. We are exploring, we are looking, we are learning. 9 +/9- years will pass before much is known, but the wait will be exciting. There are many new developments coming from many space agencies around the world. I’m not sure what it will all answer, but opening new doors and finding a new world is fantastic.

Flashback Alternatives

2006-01-18T16:15:00.000+08:00

A radio station that did not exist in its day exists now. See Flashback Alternatives

Check out all the programming you will love it. If you are like me you will enjoy Darker Shade of Retro hosted by DJ Formaldehyde and co-hosted by MsSynth. USA (EST) Thursday nights at 9:00pm and Friday 3:00am. DJ Formaldehyde focuses on Industrial, Gothic and pioneering electronic music from the 70s to today. However, he is lacking The Thessalonian Dope Gods and The Geminus Sect. But that could be Sin Klubs fault. Plus missing some good Cleveland goth and industrial artists. Guess I will need to help DJ Formaldehyde out there.

LISTEN LISTEN LISTEN all the shows are GREAT

People I Miss Series: Jodi Allan

2006-01-11T13:04:00.000+08:00

A heart filled with family love is how I think of Jodi Allan. Jodi and I meet on a friend’s introduction (ES3). We lived some 200 miles apart, but we hit it off. I enjoyed driving my Eclipse and listening to CDs so the trips from Cleveland to Toledo were not so bad. We spent good quality time together and at times with her family. We thought the same on music, many world views and life in general. I just never connected with many of her friends, but that was no big deal. I tried to make it work, but my life was changing. I let it change so much I ended up pushing Jodi away even as a friend. Not sure we will ever see each other again, but I know she is still smiling at life and being the best mother in the world. I’m sure Cierra has grown up to follow your footsteps and has become a wonderful daughter.

Nine of Clubs

2005-12-26T11:09:00.000+08:00

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

2005-12-23T13:07:00.000+08:00

"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

2005-12-21T10:17:00.000+08:00

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

2005-12-14T17:17:00.000+08:00

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

2005-12-06T17:38:00.000+08:00

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)

2005-12-06T13:58:00.000+08:00

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

2005-11-28T17:00:00.000+08:00

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

2005-11-24T09:10:00.000+08:00

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

2005-11-23T12:46:00.000+08:00

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

2005-11-22T10:07:00.000+08:00

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

2005-11-21T12:52:00.000+08:00

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

2005-11-18T13:42:00.000+08:00

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

2005-11-17T11:54:00.000+08:00

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

2005-11-17T09:26:00.000+08:00

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

2005-11-16T21:14:00.000+08:00

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?

2005-11-16T13:15:00.000+08:00

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

2005-11-10T09:34:00.000+08:00

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]

2005-11-03T09:50:00.000+08:00

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

2005-11-02T15:25:00.000+08:00

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

2005-10-03T21:50:00.000+08:00

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.