Nine of Clubs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Star Wars Christmas Wish

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

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

See the movie Christmas Tauntauns. George Lucas 2002 Select Award

Christmas in Taiwan - 2005

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

People I Miss Series: Pamela Popovich

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

XBox 360 Class Action - Silliness

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

 

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

 

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

 

Makes me sick.

People I Miss Series: Edward Shimborske III (ES3)

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

Jamie Oliver & Morgan Spurlock & Fab5

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

 

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

 

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

XBox 360 Craziness

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

People I Miss Series: Rick Hall and American Greetings

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

Gunshots Heard in Dangerous US Cities

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

 

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

Copy Controlled Depeche Mode

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

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

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

People I Miss Series: Esther Seday

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

IMAX - Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire

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

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

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

 

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

Taiwan was sitting quietly until Pres. Bush opens his mouth

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

Why Settle In Taiwan?

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

 

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

 

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

Why I Don't By CDs Anymore - Record Shopping

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

Kung Fu Hustle [Gong fu]

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

 

Written by: Jason Zingale

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

People I Miss Series: Scott Rothenberg

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

People I Miss Series: Minna Shieh

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