North Korea (DPRK) and America

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Las Vegas in Asia

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

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

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

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

"Forgot" to dispose of my Coke

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

Nestea Sparkz - fills my world with bubbles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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.