Monalogue

The Big Break

2011-08-16T23:40:00.001+08:00

I'm so sad right now that I want to just curl up into a dot and disappear like in the cartoon.

The hardest part about breaking up is when you know you did something wrong yet you can't make it right. It's like painting a picture. When things are wrong, crooked beyond mending and that you are the one to blame for this lopsided picture.

You want to burn it but you love it so much because you've shared so many hours with each other, you know each stroke, why you chose the colors, you played around with it, you shared your ups and downs.

When you first started you felt that there's so much potential for it to be something so beautiful. And yet, as it presents before you now is so different from what you've had in mind. At last, you see it for what it is. As it turns out, it's just an image that you've been trying to achieve instead what the view really is in front of you.

So when it ends a part of you is severed from it. As it burns, you witness your love, time, most of all, hope --- vanishing every day as it burns. Every time when you think you are brave enough to see it go, with just a glimpse, every fiber of you aches, so much so that a whisper can destroy you and turn you the flickering ember.

Days of endless suffering

2011-03-13T22:24:00.001+08:00

Since last weekend, death and pressure have been the themes for me and those around me. First was the death of my grandpa who has been sick for the past year. Seeing him withering away with tubes coming out of his face has been excruciating, but after the 6th months, I was used to the fact that he has transformed into another person whom I am not familiar to. I continued my visits.

He passed in the morning at 10:29am March 9th. I arrived late, I saw my father's red eyes as I got there telling me that my grandpa had already passed. I burst out incontrollable sob I myself was shocked to hear. I held my weeping dad who tried to console me. My heart broke that instant.

After a few minutes as I calmed down, he told me to gather myself and that I should go see my grandpa's dead body. He looked waxy yellow and drawn, like the last time I saw him. He has left us for good, for real. My emotion again overflowed once again. Trembling, sobbing, I felt like fainting. A few hours later, I was back to work on Charlie Sheen for Spike TV. It was a big project so most of us had to be there. I finished, I was happy about it. My grandpa died and there's nothing I can do so I worked.

Then this week a friend of mine fell from stairs and he has been seriously injured. His wife and kid are left with their own devises being in a foreign country. I went to the police with the wife to make sure that the police find out what exactly happened, we had to file a complaint, while my friend lies in the ICU drifting in and out of consciousness. I cried, my heart breaks again, but there's nothing else I can do except to do the best I can to bring him justice (if he was hurt by someone else), or bring the wife a peace of mind.

Now I'm left with my own devices because I didn't want to be suggested of how I show my care, I'm pissed off, I feel misunderstood. Everything I tried to do was to make others better and feel that I care. Though it seems that it's not enough for others because someone thinks that there are things that I should do because ' cos it's a nice thing to do for others'. I've never thought I'm a self-absorbed person, and I still don't. There are clashes and maybe through all of this, our personality just clashes.

I'm tired of all of this, I want to sleep.

Awfully Chocolate Truffles vs. Rose Brownie

2010-11-18T21:47:00.000+08:00

Last night I watched an interview with Awfully Chocolate founder Lyn Lee's interview with the BBC. At first, I was a bit skeptical about the whole thing and remembered that I just saw the stand at some posh food court days before, I thought her stuff may just be one of those over-charging places with no heart.

But then later she said that in order to make her stuff different and hard to replicate, she gets her cocoa directly from the source, making sure that everything is exactly she has in mind. Her sincerity and the fact that she reminds me of a student's parent that I get along with persuaded me to give it a go.

So today I went to that posh food court and bought their truffles. They were about 2 cubic-cm each and 12 in a box at NT$380 (US$11). In Taiwan, that's considered to be quite expensive. Nevermind the money I paid, I eagerly took a bite but was not impressed, partially may be my cold. But still, I had three in 10 minutes and love the way that it doesn't leave a nasty sweet aftertaste in my mouth that I hate with other chocolates. But then again, this may also be induced by the cold.

Actually, the reason why I was a bit disappointed about it is because I was comparing to something else I had recently: a brownie that is layered with rose petals and dark chocolate from a place called Rose and Brownie. The 8 cubic-cm big cake/chocolate/rose petal bomb is what blew my mind.

When I say brownie, it is not like what mama used to make but more like a cake that's covered in ebony dark Belgium chocolate while glistening humbly in a glass display. In it, the darkness is layered by the textures of dense cakiness and thick creaminess. As it melts in your mouth, a hint of rose is mixed with the cocoa, like taking a rose spa in your mouth while eating chocolate. This NT$85 (US$2.5) pleasure is much more affordable for me to enjoy and enjoyable for me to afford. So for me, this round, Rose and Brownie beats Awfully Chocolate.

Passion-nada

2010-11-17T22:35:00.000+08:00

Recently I've been wondering about my life and what I want to do with it. Actually, this has been the one question that I ask myself whenever I have a moment to myself every day as far as I can remember, but as I approach my 30, the pressure is ever more so pressing than before.

I've seen successful stories of various people - those around me or I know of. Of course, it doesn't come easy, but what these people all share is passion. I remember that being my drive to start doing things, whether it is to make a card, write a poem, listen to a song, paint a picture, or just swim. I had passion, or an obsession.

As I grow older, making money seems to be the utmost important thing. I make money the way I think is the easiest, fastest but not necessarily the best way to express or develop myself. Eventually, my passion fades as more 'must-dos' appear: must watch that show, must go to that gym, must check that email, facebook, blogger. And all the elements for what made me me, disappears slowly into oblivion and the only things I can revisit them are from those awkwardly scribbled notebooks and embarrassing looking doodles.

What kind of past am I making for the future? A muscular body that will eventually dry up? Some saving that doesn't really worth a damn to buy anything worthwhile? Or plunging myself into something that lots of people around me are doing? No, I need to find my drive. I know what they are not, they are not teaching English at a place where I can care less, ditto with translating. The only thing that I love to do is writing, and it is not in any way that I can make a living out of, but I enjoy doing it immensely. So I don't know what I'm to do now, but to keep writing.

Coming Out

2010-11-12T21:57:00.000+08:00

This Halloween I worked hard to look like Beyonce in Single Ladies. I even made my metallic glove by using aluminum foil and cardboard boxes. After it was assembled, I thought it was quite a success until I saw this picture:

Frankly, I was shocked and horrified by how manly I looked in the picture. Mind you, it's only 'in the picture' that I thought I look manly. Then later, to move away from the manliness, I thought it's a good idea to try out my sister's nail polish. It was a disaster. My nails look like those kids in kindergarten after finger-painting class.

So I thought: maybe I just need to confront my masculinity in order to get over this hangup about myself. Here is what I've got:

I eat fast
I can be gross, obscene, or disgusting verbally: What? You don't know what wizard's sleeves are?!
I drink pints of beer. Eight was when I started to get drunk when living in the UK, now only 4
Time to wash sheets and towels is when they start to smell or turn crusty
Bags and shoes should be durable and useful more than fashionable and expensive (of course, there have been exceptions)
I'm no good at talking to girls or women
I fart in my sleep and awake, depending on what I've eaten and where in the cycle I'm at
I have calluses on my hands
Shopping is out of necessity and normally takes less than 2 hours

So after reading this, some of you may think that women ain't that different from men, or even got turned on a bit. Or maybe appalled. Well, the truth is: now I can be proud and stand tall, even face back towards someone cos I'm MAN BACK MON!

Reading and sleeping

2010-10-28T12:54:00.000+08:00

Sleeping has always been my favorite thing to do once I'm doing it. Sometimes I'd wake up with a full bladder of pee because I indulged myself with sleeping. Or I'd buy myself some silicone earplugs so that I wouldn't be disturbed by others while I enjoy my everyday slumber. But one of the things that I love the most, besides the activity of sleeping, has got to be the ritual before it --- reading.

Reading in bed before sleep is nothing like reading a book when you're on the bus or waiting for something/someone, which serves merely as a time-killer. Reading in bed before falling asleep is like smelling the aroma of your food before devouring it, like appreciating yourself in front of the mirror before stepping out of the house.

I have to say, sometimes when I'm reading in bed, I feel that it's actually a pleasure-trigger that would activate other kinds of desire. It's not about 'what' I'm reading, but more just about the simple gratification that it's the end of the day and I'm ready for my after-hour adventure to the other side.

Right now, I'm reading Game of Thrones, an upcoming HBO TV series which suppose to be totally awesome. However, it's losing me a bit towards the end even though supposedly a climax is about to put the whole series into action, I remain getting to the climax first before any action takes place in the book, follows by sleep itself.

Actually, never have I really appreciated sleeping until I have problems with it, as how most things goes: you never really appreciate it till it's gone. It happened four years ago, when I was out of work and felt like a complete loser after my big dream of being a journalist working in the UK burst.

It struck me one night like a lightning without rain. First I tried alcohol. As most of my experience with alcohol, it would always put me asleep. After downing a few gulps of whiskey, I found myself groggy and reaching for a black and white movie, then finally passing out while the cast list rolls up.

That cycle occurred a few times before I turned to melatonin, then later switched to some more serious pharmaceuticals. I admit, I had an addiction period where I always woke up heavy-headed and puffy-eyed. But thankfully, that's all over now, except on a few nerve-wrecking occasions where I took refuge under those white tablets for a good-night sleep.

Now, since I've restored all pleasure in sleeping while the weather gets increasingly colder, nestling in bed with a book becomes a favorite all the better.

Cooking is Fun (Beginning)

2010-10-23T08:10:00.000+08:00

Cooking has got to be one of my favorite things to do right now. One of the dishes that inspired me the most over the years is a paella recipe I got from a friend of a friend's grandmother.

Over the year's I've cooked this recipe for families and friends, and the response has always been great. Despite the little glitch of undercooked rice from last time, the dish was a roaring success. Anyway, so I thought to share a bit of how I got started and some small tips on paella cooking.

Halloween Dilemma

2010-10-22T00:12:00.000+08:00

Since the last post, I thought it's only fair that I put my money where my mouth is and do something creative with my mundane life. So here it is, my first vlog:

Fall into Happiness

2010-10-21T00:45:00.000+08:00

In the middle of the night in the hump of the week, I've experienced the high and the low. I created something I've never done before and I've come to a moment of reflection. Actually, there has been a non-stop revelation since fall approached.

Starting from creation, I cooked General Tsao's Chicken (左宗棠雞). Everything I followed to the recipe, then it turned out that it wasn't spicy enough which is all right because I know better from now on. As for the reflection, I heard what I've done with my translation videos and realized that there are things that I can improve. I'm actually not that bad-ass as I thought I was. But I will be now that I know what I can improve on.

And even though I now think that I'm a good teacher and it's evident since most, if not all, of my students love me and admire me and I love them back, I know that there are things that I can do to make everyone happy, despite the fact that it's impossible.

But the real question to my life: Am I happy? Well, when I write something, or do something creative. So instead of feeling bad about my life at present because it's not something I want to pursue as for the rest of my life, or that I feel accomplished in any way but merely making a living, if I can creatively reinvent them, I can be happy. Indeed, life is too short to be wasting, bored, or to be unhappy no matter what the meaning of life it may be.

Wine

2010-10-10T23:20:00.000+08:00

This weekend has just been a non-stop wine-drinking-web-surfing-blogging and chatting two days, with a bit of a soul searching for me. In life, there comes to a point that working can become an option for month or two while figuring out what one's career should be. And sometimes, it happens when something totally irrelevant happens.

So far in my life, I've always been the rational one who's always prepared for the future by securing my financial stability before any dreams or passion mattered. But right now, I'm at this point in my life where I'm ready to take a leap without considering the consequences - to a certain extent. I'm ready for a trip, a journey, an exploration for myself again. I miss the month-long travels with just a bag and the whole world for me to choose from.

One of the things I miss about going on trips is the endless possibilities for things to happen. When living in one place, things get stagnant and too familiar, especially like me who lives in her hometown for more than two decades now going on three. I'm as antsy as ever, but the only things that has been keeping me are my job and the sense of responsibility that comes along with age. I'm not going to make it sound like something awesome happened to me over this period of time, but something did relight that passion in me.

Maybe it turns out to be some ephemeral impulse but the urge is growing for now. Even though I'm not sure how long it'll last and how deep it'll run, I'm certain that I'm ready now.

I Do Do It!

2010-07-27T21:39:00.001+08:00

It seems that since summer approached my urge for writing has decreased considerably. I'd like to blame it on working too much but actually, it's just my laziness. But gradually there have been incidents that happened that made me want to write more. Not mindblowing epiphany or even inspiration, but merely to do what I preach to my kids in writing class --- practice as much as you can if you love doing something, and you might get good at it.

Well, the quote didn't go off quite neat and clean, but the gist is here. One major thing that I've done so far is riding bikes in the city. Well, this may not strike many as anything but for a person who's never had a licence and have always relied on others, whether it is being on the back of a scooter, a car, bus or subway, this is a giant leap.

In the beginning, I was quite scared of what night happen to my on the road. Then later, I developed an innate ability to watch out on the road. That's when I realized how people can be oblivious about what's around them most of the time, which might as well be me sometimes too as a pedestrian. So as the weeks go by, I not only begin to build up my tolerance to pedestrians and careless drivers, develop my eagle-eye vision to what's around me, most of all, I've begun loving my independence.

Funny enough though, I did used to ride a bike in Cardiff, but I don't remember loving it. But in comparison, Cardiff was much bike friendlier than Taipei. At the same time, I remember being quite apprehensive about riding a bike. Then again, I guess I've grown up a bit since then.

The Humming of Cicadas

2010-07-14T22:19:00.000+08:00

The heat, steaming with relentlessness as the blazing sun mercilessly scorching the road, making that mirage watery image from afar, come the shade wearing shorty short chicks, sun baked muscle men with singlets, parasol-guarded office ladies and grandmas, and the full-face shaded visor bike riders filling the streets of Taipei.

To prepare for it, I began by getting a bicycle. Mainly to combat the early-morning traffic and get a tan. But so far, the only place I got tanned is my back, and been too cowardice to ride on the main roads home. My only excuse is --- it's rush hour and I don't trust others' driving skills. But as I waited for the bus for 10 minutes, my courage rose and I finally rode it home today.

Actually, since I got the bike, I've gotten braver about the streets and people. The only things that bother me are other scooter riders, taxi drivers, and other bikers. Basically everyone else but me. Despite the increasing courage, there are still many know-hows on the street that I need to get accustomed to, which I guess will come as I paddle more.

Another thing about the summer so far are the activities. Given that I'm busier in the summer, I actually have a 2-day weekend like a normal folk, which means I can get excited about the weekend on Friday instead of trudging home like some losers because there's work on Saturday morning.

Unlike before, I don't have to drink myself blind by 11pm Saturday night and pathetically dragging my ass to bed and waking up with a hangover as the evidence of having a weekend anymore. Now, I can drink on Friday, wake up on Saturday, then do it all over again, twice!

Besides getting wasted or modestly intoxicated, outdoor activities have been the real treat, including wakeboarding, swimming, music-festival or pool-party going, clubbing, or even cooking have been all roaring successes. I feel that as the summer continues, I'm bound to learn how to ride in the city, dive off a diving board, diving, learn how to interpret for a world famous guitarist, and be a better person despite all the assy drivers around.

A new star rising

2010-06-09T11:10:00.002+08:00

For the first time in years, I finally went swimming. Under the warm June sun, I felt young and energized again. My sister and her classmate came too. At first, Sandy thought she wouldn't know how to swim anymore, since she - like me - hasn't swum for ages as well. But swimming is like riding a bike really, you never forget.

There weren't many people at the pool, mostly those who have retired or who keeps an off-hour schedule like me. Everyone was lazily bathing in the sun, swimming in the outdoor pool, getting a massage from the water jets or chillaxing in the steam room. Tuesdays are like a mini Sunday but with much lesser people.

As for Sandy and her friend, they just did their girlie chats and swam. At their age and time of life right now, they are blissful. Having secured a university for the next semester and being young and healthy, the world is their oyster. Therefore, my sister decided to make her maiden voyage to Japan this summer, accompanied by our cousin, the Japanese wizard.

Looking at my sister and her youthful face, I remember the time when I was her age: when nothing bothered me, nothing kept me up at night, and the only thing was to experience life and make the most of it. 'Go with the flow' was my answer to anything, and it has led me to good places, friendly people, and wonderful memories.

I look over at my sister, watching her laughing at her stupid jokes and whipping out her intelligent personalized phrases, I'm beginning to feel that my previous worries of her steady fading away.

Wakeboarding!

2010-06-07T21:41:00.000+08:00

After two days of successful miserable weather, Monday turns out to be yet frustratingly sunny. This situation has persisted for almost 2 months now and it seems like someone is giving us the middle finger to enjoying our weekend. However, unlike most weekends when I just stay at home and moan, I actually did something fun this time: wakeboarding.

When I first got into the water, I secretly recited the coach's instructions: 'turn yourself into a ball, straighten your back, don't stand up until it's steady enough'. I did everything he said, and there were a couple of times where I almost had it. But alas, my twig-like forearms weren't able to cope with the strain, in the end just bending my fingers became a laborious task. However, that wasn't the only thing that was worn out. During the long hot shower, my left brain had successfully malfunctioned and left me unable to speak, but an overwhelming sensation of euphoria washed over me instead. Watching the people on the banks of the canal riding their bikes, practicing dragon boat, I, too was a part of this entity.

Later, I made a light yet hearty beef fried rice with beans and baby corn, accompanied with more than enough alcohol consumption, I then slumbered into the night and decided that this weekend and all the coming weekends will all be eventful, no matter what the weather says.

The Big Issue

2010-06-01T21:49:00.000+08:00

Today was a clear-sky yet cool sunny day, and as I walked to a subway station, the words 'Big Issue' caught my eye. I saw a man wearing the familiar orange vest with a huge pocket then looked at the displayed issue of Lady Gaga, the man then turned to me and said, "這一期是卡卡" (This issue is Gaga) Dumbfounded, I said, "喔，好，我要一本。" (All right, I'd take a copy) To my surprise, this is not its first or second, but the third issue in Taiwan already. I must haven't been paying attention when taking the subway.

A quick note on why this is such a big deal for me. For those who live in the UK would be very familiar with this magazine. It is designed to help mainly the homeless, or here, the jobless as well. And these sellers are around most subway stops. Also, the Taiwanese one is sponsored by various organizations and private companies, such as 華山1914 and Satana, which is obvious in the advertisement and articles in the magazine.

Flipping through the whole thing, with hip hotels and the latest fashion gear for bikes, clothes, and gadgets, I couldn't help but notice the stark image of the jobless man standing at the entrance of the subway station and his relationship with this trend/fashion magazine. Apparently, that is one of the controversies about the Big being a glam mag instead of generating important yet more solemn issues such as the jobless and the homeless, and/or other social or microeconomic issues, like the magazine Making Change in the US.

Even though it is important to address this ailing society and report on issues that matter, would people want to buy if the cover is not Lady Gaga but some girl who works at a dumpster to support her family? I wonder.

Affordable Food --- Sichuan

2010-05-31T22:20:00.000+08:00

During these past few weekends, I've been mostly indoors due to the rainy weather. Even though I've been cooped up inside, I've found my outlet to enjoy my day - cooking. From the 30-minute curry to the 2 hour seafood paella, from Chinese stir fry to American apple pie, we've cooked it all.

This has been the most frequent time that we've ever cooked, but another reason is actually because most of the restaurants have been increasingly disappointing, even old favorites like Ayeyarwady or KGB have lost their usual flare. My conclusion is because the increasingly popular Shida area has made most of the eateries complacent. So with this in mind and my quite sober Sunday-morning mind, we've decided to try somewhere else.

小沈記(Xiao Shen Ji) located at the Mingshen Community is a Sichuan restaurant. Having received raving review by the Hungry Girl in Taipei, we've decided to try it out. We ordered an appetizer 粉蒸排骨 (Steamed Rice with Ribs), then 宮保雞丁(Kungpao Chicken), and 魚香茄子 (Stewed Eggplant with Sichuan Sauce), last, we topped it off with 紅油抄手 (Sichuan Wonton).

The appetizer is a flavored spicy rice mixed with chopped ribs that's marinated with chili, soy, bean curd paste, then two small chunks of sweet potatoes placed on the bottom then steamed into perfection. The taste is lighter and fluffier than 肉粽 (pork rice dumplings), with all the seasonings added.

Then the Kungpao Chicken is chicken marinated then fried, then stirfried with dry chili, spring onions, and garlic. The taste is not sweet, which I like, and no peanuts, which is even better for me. Altogether, it's a cheaper alternative to my beloved General Tsao's chicken.

After that, came the generously portioned eggplant. The deep purple strips were still juicy, along with the spiciness of garlic, ginger, the sweetness from the bean curd sauce and sugar, topped off by vinegar and ended with rice wine, it was the best eggplant dish I've had so far.

Last, as well as the highlight of the day: 紅油抄手(Sichuan Wonton). The gem-like wontons are soaked in red oily paste that consists of peppercorn powder that gives it a tangy flavor, chili oil and sesame oil which brings in a fragrant and light spiciness. Along with chopped up pickled mustard greens (榨菜)and vinegar to brighten it up. But more importantly there's an unidentified flora-like aroma that hit you in the beginning and lingers in the end that we weren't able to figure out.

The place was clean, well-lit, fair-priced, and good-portioned, with these dishes it was NT$620. Two thumbs up and definitely worth going if you want some quality Sichuan cuisine. It is located on the second floor, No. 45-1, Ming-shen E. Road. section 4. Happy eating!!

Pick Me Up

2010-04-09T20:43:00.000+08:00

As I was walking down the street wondering why not many Taiwanese people demonstrate their pickup skills in public, a guy came over to me as I was about to punch in my pin number to get some cash from the machine and said, "小姐，不好意思。我...(Sorry miss, I was wondering if...)" I looked straight into his eyes after sussing him out and said, "你可不可以走開! (Get the hell outta here) " And of course, he whimpered away. Maybe he was trying to pick me up, maybe he was trying to trick me for my money, either way, lame skill.

I don't have a problem people come up to me randomly in public and start a conversation. But the guys I've encountered, I must say, only the western men were more sincere and less creepy. Most Taiwanese men I find are shy, therefore, they don't know how to be themselves when they want to talk to girls. As a result, disasters are made often.

Another time, I was walking down the alley, a man stopped me with his scooter. Naturally, I thought he was lost. While I was anticipating for his question, he said, "小姐，可以跟你要你的ㄟ母ㄟ死恩嗎？(Excuse me, can I have your msn)" I gave him an are-you-fuckin'-kidding-me look then said, "不行! (No)" I mean, seriously, has that line ever worked? What an insult.

Then a few years back, a man stopped me on the street as I came out from the YMCA. He said, "I saw you swimming at the Y and I thought you're a really beautiful." Shocked and amazed, I said, "Thank you." So he continued, "I go there very often too and well, I was wondering if you'd like to hang out, grab a coffee sometime, here's my card. I really hope you can call me." Before I could react, he gave me his card and left. Left bewildered and surprised, I called in the next few days.

Now, I'm not trying to diss all Taiwanese men, because I know there are skillful pickup artists or just an ordinary normal guy who knows how to talk to women. This is just my experience over the years, and how unsuccessful they have been with me. Meanwhile, there are also creepy western men who tried to talk to me at the gym and end in tears. But most of them, local or western, remain a looker than anything else, I find.

Ya Breakin' up on Mei

2010-04-03T18:08:00.001+08:00

Right now, I hope that Kenting is miserable and people there will share my misery in Taipei. I shouldn't say misery because it ain't that bad. But seriously, it's pretty terrible. The weather is rainy and on the border of being cold. Humid with an uncomfortable stuffiness is the summary of the late afternoon in Taipei on a Saturday afternoon. However, I'm trying to make the most of it that I can to enjoy myself. --- Saturday afternoon

Bowling was planned, but the bowling alley is shut down for good. Hence no striking no pins. Then, my sister got back from her bushiban at 10, so we just hung around in front of my computer, me telling her of all the recent hot videos on youtube.

She really enjoyed Merton, the piano improve on chatroulette.com. and the Lady gaga impersonator. Due to the song Telephone that is in the background, it coincidentally has become the theme song of my life right now. For the past three days, it's been telephone calls but: "I don't want to talk on the phone anymore, cos you breakin' up on mei."

Instead, we rented three movies and watched two. But due to the pressure from my dad about her application for uni, we had to end abruptly and she went home for the night. I was alone, tired, and watching The Wire in my room till I dozed off.

Anyway, the pillow fight didn't happen the next day, though I did go to Mei's and had some girls' time. Accompanied with wine; boringly, we just talked about life and guys. But she did say that pillow fight would have been a great idea: note to self for future reference if I'm alone again for the weekend.

Summer Scream

2010-04-01T12:02:00.000+08:00

OK, so a lot people I know are going to Spring Scream this year and I'm sure it'll be even more awesome now with Dave doing the film festival there too. But as a fact, I know that there are still many aren't going, mainly due to fucked up working schedules, ie. working on Saturdays and holidays. Well, sharing the discontent, I've been tracking on FB to see if there's anything that will happen during this long weekend. Unfortunately, none catches my fancy. So, what about doing my own stuff?

So I've got some ideas if the weather is nice. First of all, Friday night is out since we're assuming Saturday morning all of us losers need to work. My plans will start from Sat. evening.

1) Dinner with friends at a Thai/or any kind of Asian restaurant.

2) Crazy Hour at Carnegie's

3) Beach to Fulong (early start)

4) Lunch and shopping with Sis

5) Gym???

With the weather being so nice today, I had my hopes of it being great for the rest of the week; however, as I logged on to Taiwan Yahoo! apparently, there is another cold front coming starting from tonight/tomorrow, which means the weather will be drizzly and miserable. So, a bit of adjustment:

1) Dinner with friends at a Thai/or any kind of Asian restaurant.

2) Crazy Hour at Carnegie's

3) Pillow fight with female friends in sexy pajamas at Mei's Tea Shop

4) Lunch and shopping with Sis

5) Gym???

6) Hang out with Sis

7) Movies at the second run theaters

8) Museum visits

That's as far as I got for now. I'll leave the rest for friends to figure out. Please, have some input if you'd like to start your summer scream with a might.

Bigger than Life (Part Two)

2010-03-08T12:05:00.000+08:00

Hopped on dog which the bus is called

we headed east while the snow has falled.

Too bad the snow outran the way,

the dog was tired so we're made to stay.

The place, however, was full of braves,

with pimps, elderlies and ex-convicts.

Along with the drug addicts

who said, "Gimme summufdat candy, main!"

Finally the snow melted and sun peeked through,

a jolly man came got us and gave us food.

With snowy hair and rosy cheeks

he steers a Volvo that also creaks.

His house is big, but perfect for four

or maybe more.

The marsh behind was still from night before

and the snow came dripping down to the floor.

We met his wife, his daughters and Anne Bee,

Oonk, their dogs, and all the friends there be.

In this town like everywhere we went:

we wined at 5, ate at 8

got drunk at 10, and went to bed late.

But most of all, it's the company that made

this visit all the more precious than any damn way.

Thank you all for the drunken nights

the shopping trips, and the free t-shirts,

the warm house you invited us in,

the amazing food you fed us with,

the lovely family I'm introduced to,

and all the best with whatever you do.

(From Monica to all the people that made this Fun USA! more than just fun.)

Bigger than Life (Part One)

2010-03-04T11:03:00.000+08:00

Early in my days of wandering, I've always thought traveling is romantic. Going into a city, stay for a month, get to know the people and tourists alike, maybe even have a bit of romance, then leave and return to the reality.

This time round, everything was different. Being on a standby ticket, I got on to first class for the very first time. Greeted by champagne and warm nuts, the cocooned seats turns into a bed and has its own remote control that controls everything but a foot massage.

Every stop was smooth sailing, nothing was delayed; in fact, we gained a few more hours instead. Twelve reversed hours later, we were greeted by the warm hosts, their child also greeted us with his long eyelashes that cover half of his face.

We wined, dined and danced. Food was so plentiful that would make a giant weep, wine pours everywhere including the kitchen sink. Dancing was only one night but it made me trip. Then everything has its end and it was our time to leave. But this time, we had a company who is Furgalicious.

She coughs and smokes, and tells her jokes, that were 100 times crazier than you'd ever hoped.

We drove to the party city where Crazyville is. We stuffed our faces with Hurricanes, raw oysters, sugar powdered doughnuts, and live jazz with magnificent drinks. My only concern was, 'Damn it sure is freezin'.'

Then we loaded the car with seafood, arrived at a house with old posters all stuck on the wall, and a hostess who is jolly and wears pink suit.

Her golden hair sparkled like shimmer and her laugh was contagious like flu. 'Well honey...' is her favorite phrase to start a sentence and it always ends with a statement in awe.

We made orgasmic crab cakes and delightful fudge, then bid farewell to the hostess by swapping her couch. We hit the road to an old historic town where people in the neighborhood all know each other and where all the houses opens up into a museum.

Then there was a big game in town, that everyone was excited about. The girls would dress in black, and wear great golden beads around their neck. A man on scooter roams in and out, cheering and jeering the spectators about. In the end, the underdogs were blessed and won the golden match. Everyone cheered from Crazyville to History Town, and all across the nation.

In the end, we hit the road again. Packed with giant white and golden beads, we got on the train that moved slowly away. The train was packed with people from Crazyville: drunks, young, old and us all crammed in the space for half a day till we got to Whitefence House.

The cozy rooms and two delightful hosts with their child who speaks in deep voice welcomed us to sleep in their yellow marshmallow bed and we ate soupy noodles that reminded us of home. In return, we cooked chilli and steamed trees which they seemed to enjoy.

After that, we journeyed more.

Fun USA!

2010-01-19T21:36:00.000+08:00

Today, as I was looking through interesting spots for the road trip in the US, I stumbled upon a place called "Global Village and Discovery Center" in Georgia. In the description it said:

"The non-profit house-building organization has created replica third world slums to show how people live in 'miserable conditions.' After passing through this 'Living in Poverty' section, visitors will see dozens of examples of HofH's own low cost housing solutions."

So now, instead of watching it on TV, the Americans can now go see for themselves of just how poor and miserable the third world country people are living in? Wow, I can't wait to go there and make some smartass comments! If going to a simulated area of the third world country is a way to show humanity, then Universal Hollywood must the Mecca of the movie industry, Seaworld and botanical gardens become the shrine of environmentalists.

However, on a more respectable side, the Humble Toilet King who is in San Antonio will be my other choice of visit. For those who live in Taipei, probably have been or heard of the Toilet restaurant, but this is much classier.

Barney Smith, a retired master plumber has created more than 700 pieces of hand-made toilet seats and the numbers are rising steadily. I can't wait to see all of them at his warehouse and ask him, "Can I see the one you use?"

Gastro/digestive system always fascinates me. For those who knows me well would know that the daily routine means a lot to me and I do take it seriously. So serious that I wouldn't be able to start my day without dropping the kids off the pool first. That will be my next question to Barney.

Hopefully, I'll be able to get one back to Taipei.

After that, will be getting a leg over at the Huge Pair of Legs at Armarillo, Texas. Despite the fact that they seem to be just two legs dressed up in Adidas gym socks, they are the literal symbol of: "One small step for me, but one giant step for all mankind." That will be my catch phrase.

Well, this is what I've found so far. And I'm sure with the sites that I've chosen, Janet can eat my apples, or how she likes them dirt.

Keep the Laundry Low

2009-12-30T21:33:00.000+08:00

Just had a conversation about doing the laundry with a friend, and by no means do I mean having a disco dance, it's just that it suddenly hit me that I've never had the issue of doing laundries. Not because I'm dirty and just don't like doing it, I never really had enough to have it as a problem.

Ok, I guess this can sound a bit obscene here but really, my closet isn't full. Mostly messy, but never full. Unlike my stepmom's closet that is filled with clothes from 10 years ago and bags about the same age, and a load of others in her father's house back in Taichung, I on the other hand, has little more to show in my three drawers.

This has all thanks to my compulsion in throwing things out from all the major changes in my life. Either it's coming from big a trip, turning of the season or year, I'd always make some room for my imaginary clothes. As the years gone by, even though my financial status has gotten better, it seems like I haven't got that many still. Maybe I've grown to like more expensive things, quality things to be more precise.

At this turning of the year, I'm looking at my wardrobe, instead of feeling that it's half empty, all I see is that messy full.

Men and High Heels

2009-12-28T22:14:00.000+08:00

Being a woman, there is a built-in ability to suss out the worthies and the unworthies. Most of the time, I know exactly what I want at first glance or after trying it out for the first time. However, like high heels, even though they are attractive and makes me feel sexy, they often make my feet ache after wearing them for a while.

Men are somewhat like that. When I was young, the tolerance for men are much higher since I've always dated people who are older, so automatically, I'd put myself in the learning mode to get to understand what it is all about. But as I grow older, experience has taught me much about what I don't like. As a result, interaction with men becomes a lot more difficult and delicate. Things may also happen easily and naturally, but in the long run, pain and discomfort may happen eventually.

Of course, in any relationship, there are many bumps and blocks on the road to overcome. Most of the time, people avoid them or dismiss them. I did that too, but I found that it'd only build up into something much harder to deal with later on. Confrontation is always healthy - even when it's done intoxicated - as long as there is a point.

Ho to the Holiday

2009-12-25T21:55:00.000+08:00

A few days ago, I would never have thought that Christmas in Taipei would be anything more but a bunch of commercialized bonanza. There I was, thinking that it wouldn't affect me, then the next day, all the jingles jangled within me.

Normally, I don't think that interactions with people is all that much to it. It is simply a face to face, or monitor to monitor interaction with much bantering and chitty chatties involved.

Though on Christmas Eve, as I was on the stairmaster, the thought of unexpected kindness flashed by me. So pumped with endorphin, I rushed and got gifts to those who would not expect such gesture. As I was giving them out, I awaited for the bells to chime or to hear the jolly laughter of angels, but nothing happened. In fact, all I got were thank-yous and surprised, thankful looks. Then I realized, that that's the spirit of Christmas.

I'm really not a Scrooge at heart, but maybe just taking the celebrations too literally. Without the holidays, the snow, the Christmas pudding and feast, I really believed that Christmas wouldn't amount to too much over here. I was wrong, and I'm glad that people around me are enjoying this pegan holiday. Merry Christmas and what is left of it, peeps!

Combat Cold

2009-12-20T17:12:00.000+08:00

This has got to be one of the coldest days I've had in Taiwan. Being born in the winter, I've never gotten used to the cold and it's never agreed with me.

Like most girls, I also get cold hands and feet when the weather is below 15 degrees, and getting them warm before sleeping has never been an easy task. Of course there is the space heater, but nothing beats a good duvet heater in my experience.

Instead having heat blowing endlessly into an enclosed room, what about having a nylon bag that keeps the heat under your blanket before you go to bed. That's right, before. So that by the time you enter your room, not only your room will be warm, when you slip under your blanket, it would be as toasty as a summer's day as it when you slumbers into your dream.

Other than that, good sleeping wardrobe is also a vital way to tackle the cold. Forget about socks or beanies, longjohn is the way to go. The main reason is that they are breathable for heat and absorbent to sweat, and being skin-tight, it makes sure of maximum heat preservation under the cover, like a wet-suit in the sea.

As for getting out of bed, nothing beats a good heavy robe and cozy winter slippers. Also, a cup of hot anything helps too. But as usual, nothing is worse than getting out of bed in a cold morning. I suppose there's nothing else than to think of something to look forward to during the day, whether it's a good meal, sex, or any form of enjoyment, or maybe even making your own Christmas cards for loved ones.

Well, that's all there is that I can think of to have a warm winter. There are also others like cooking, baking, or mastering a good kungfu skill would be helpful too. But whatever you choose, be sure to have fun with it!

成長的啟發

2009-12-18T09:52:00.000+08:00

說來不小，一下就快三十了。今年雖然沒有很多朋友出現在party上，我們還是玩得很快樂。但是，活的越久，就漸漸覺得生活有越來越多值得去追求的。如今、表面上的玩樂，似乎不抵悠閒的逸趣；一時的玩伴，似乎不抵長久的夥伴。

所謂的朋友，就算是用臉書或是電郵要來保持聯絡，許多都只是片面客套罷了，說不上有甚麼實際的交情。想到求學時朋友如此容易就交到，現在要保留卻如此不易，讓我不勝唏噓。或許這是因為對於自己的喜好有多加了解後才發現可友之人並不多；或許是因為在職場中漸漸發現的你虞我詐，讓我變得憤世忌俗。每每想到手機中可以傾訴的對象寥寥無幾，我就開始懷疑我自己的判斷能力是否真的是那麼獨到。

但是，我又想到孔子說的：友直、友諒、友多聞。我就又覺得，其實我或許應該好好檢討。也許這一切都是我自己的問題。我想，我應該要在刮別人的鬍子前，先把自己的刮乾淨。也許這樣我就會漸漸交到更多的益友。

成長，真的不是小孩子可以輕易嘗試的。

Old Dogs, New Tricks

2009-12-11T09:25:00.000+08:00

Not many people could say that they love their job, except the job is where your passion is at, like my dad, a project manager. Though I think he might have made himself love it, he loves it nonetheless because it gives him the challenges and security he seeks. Also, I think he defines himself with it.

However, as he grows older, this title seems more like a position because there are other positions that he needs to maintain now for the different people in his life. Maybe he knew that, but being a traditional man, he never really got the idea till now that being 'the' man in the household, softness plays a big part in it too.

Since my grandpa has fallen sick, he's been playing the vital role as the head of the family and visiting and taking care of all the arrangements that my grandpa needs. Visiting him every day and my grandma every weekend, he also keeps a clear communication with the relatives around, my aunt, uncles, and even my mom about any updates. At the same time, telling others to be prepared if anything happens.

But the fact is, the image that he portrays usually makes him stronger than he actually is. Yesterday, while visiting grandpa, with the request of the hospital, my dad signed the consent of life support for my grandpa if any emergencies occur. He signed it after a short discussion with my stepmom. Yet at the dawn of the day, he could no longer bear the sorrow of letting go of his father's life, even though he knew that it is inevitable, he wailed uncontrollably like a child.

Looking back, I don't think I've never given my dad enough credit for being who he is, juggling and attending all the positions that he has been holding so well. Maybe it's because he hasn't been that great of a father, but he has definitely improved over the years. Just recently, he changed the closet-like room of my sister's and had given it a desk where she can study at. Also, he has been joking more and happier, rather than the solemn, silent dad that I knew when I was 16.

I once asked my mom, after a big fight with my dad, of why can't he change his rigid, traditional ways of thinking. She simply replied, "He's already 40." But at that time, it just didn't make sense of why changing would be related to age. As time passed, he's proven to me that that isn't the case. Actually, you can teach old dogs new tricks, if they have had enough to lose.

Fictions now available!

2009-12-10T23:34:00.000+08:00

Since I was 16, or maybe even younger, I've always thought that writing would be my calling. However, never made it into becoming anything, except being published here and there or just keeping a blog like this. But when things didn't go the way that I planned: becoming a journalist that I've always wanted, or a writer that I've always planned to, I felt desolated and worthless.

Then, a friend told me to look for the root cause. So I asked myself why I feel that it's important for me to become these positions, and I've come to the conclusion that it's because when others read my words, in exchange have them change, react, or think, I feel that I exist and matter and I am somewhat, powerful.

And that, makes me happy.

So after readjusting myself with my self-perspective, I've started my new fiction blog: Pseudo Life, to my surprise, I've been getting responses of encouragement and friends telling me that it spurs them on in their own writings more.

Now, even though this pays no bills and rather takes up a lot of my time and energy to come up with logical yet interesting ways to be believable, with these comments, I know that I'm on the right track.

Blah Taiwan!

2009-12-02T10:19:00.000+08:00

Ok, for some of you probably knew that I tried out for the Fun Taiwan Co-host audition in Taiwan. Despite the fact that I completely missed the boat of sending in my video, I still had the hope that someone, who is an ordinary person, may get the part. Like a fairytale ending.

But that isn't the case. To my great disappointment, Discovery Taiwan has chosen a girl, who is already a semi-celebrity in Taiwan, to be the sidekick of Janet. My first thought was :WTF!!! Shouldn't they have someone that can balance the whole Janet act off? (aka. more sophisticated and well spoken with less of an weird intonation in her accent and speech.)

But no, I guess they think that since one Janet is a hit, two must be better! So now, we have not one, but TWO people who have strange intonation and accent to introduce Taiwan and the World. At the same time, however, it seems like most Taiwanese people think that Janet is the shit, so maybe it will work after all.

Maybe I'm just being bitter for not getting the part. But in fact, this has only confirmed even further of how TV works in Taiwan - not for me. So, with this experience and the ones before, I'll start making my own goddamn shows on Youtube rather than depending on those people to get a break from all this hoopla.

It's hard to be a bitch

2009-12-01T22:03:00.000+08:00

I believe that throughout our lives, we've made many mistakes. Some are salvageable and forgivable, others are not so easy. But nonetheless, seeking for forgiveness is definitely something that takes courage, especially when you've been notified by a third party acquaintance that you've been referred to as 'The Bitch'.

Maybe it's being older, after understanding all the shit that I've done in the past, I've come to realize that I want to come clean and hope to make peace with whomever or whatever that I've wronged.

So today, I had an epiphany about the whole thing and sorted it out in my head as I was on the stairmaster. However, clouded by post-workout euphoria, my plan seemed a lot more viable at that time. Now, sitting in my room alone, confronting my past ghost, I've lost all the nerves to make it right.

Then, I thought: "Fuck it, better do it when I think it's important enough right now." Another thing about something that you fucked up in the past is that 'Time heals all wounds, and decreases all momentums', depending on which side you're on. So I'm certain that if I hadn't sucked it up and did what I had to do to make this regret go away, I would have probably forgotten about it in the end, till another sudden growth of conscience.

At the same time, karma is also a possible unwanted factor to affect my future due to this dirt in the past. Also, being an Asian and all, this is undesirable. Therefore, having this karma issue as an afterthought, my sincere effort in rectifying and clearing this mistake will project a more positive light around the Bitch's world.

Simple Pleasure

2009-11-30T20:08:00.001+08:00

Sometimes, it is the simplest things that can make your day. Whether it is a bowl of hot soup, a warm bath, the smell of clean clothes, or just a gadget that is on the computer, can make a seemingly ordinary day exciting and fun.

By accident, I discovered and started fiddling with the cyber cam special effects tonight. With its various functions, my favorite is the mirror effect that distorts your face. Accidentally, I've also discovered that I have quite symmetrical face, and it actually looks quite like normal myself.

Then I had to try another technique, and I made this

<--------- which is my personal favorite.

This may all seem childish and immature, which also may portray myself as a dork or geek. But I once had a kid told me that it's good to laugh 15 minutes a day at least, in order to keep a healthy mind.

Since the internet and my laptop are my soul-less intimate companions, I'm glad that I get to discover fun, entertaining, and creative ways to enjoy them all the better.

The Challenged

2009-11-25T22:38:00.000+08:00

Since Ugly Betty, there has really been a trend of 'visually challenged' heroine versus the usual ones, and this trend does not limit to the western producers only. In China, there's a TV series called, 'Wu-Di - the Ugly Girl', which from its title, conceals no surprise about what to expect from the heroine whatsoever.

Without getting too much into it, like Ugly Betty, Wu-Di, which also means 'invincible', works in the vain business of commercial where she's surrounded by heavily made-up, fake-ass/ass-kissing people. But of course, she is the clear stream who is pumped with goodness and smarts, despite her dull outfit and glittering braces.

I guess the viewers really feel for Invincible due to her unfortunate looks, and admire her efficiency in doing what most fake-eye-lashed secretaries aren't competent of so well. As a result, my dad and stepmom have been religiously tuning into it every night, following the show like my grandpa's health. But now, since the last season is over, they aimlessly drifted into yet another, this time, western.

So instead of getting another 'ugly' girl, they've got a fat girl this time. Drop Dead Diva is about an exchanging of spirit between a supposedly horizontally challenged legal attorney and an air-head blonde, supposedly 'hot' chick.

And guess what, in order to make it all the more PC and 'the beauty lies in the spirit not the looks' or whatever, the blonde chick, who is supposed to have the smart brain, dies, and the fat chick has got some of the smarts remained inside her air-headed soul.

Voila! The best of both worlds.

Naturally, this is becoming my parents' favorite pass-time now. As a result, according to my stepmom now, fat means 'the ugly one', which is only normal if one is used to be exposed to such information daily. This might sound rich from a supposedly 'body worshipper', but I must say, TV sucks these days.

Scaredy Cat

2009-11-23T10:40:00.000+08:00

Like most children, horror film used to be one of my fond memories during childhood. Nothing beats a good scare the Hong Kong zombie/ghost flicks.

Frankly, I was never a horror film fan, and since I started sleeping by myself, I've stopped appreciating it completely. However, I did make one mistake by watching The Sixth Sense in college, which deprived me of a week's sleep.

This may sound ridiculous, but the logic of my scare comes from the fact that it can happen to anyone. For me, The Sixth Sense means: when you open your eyes, you might could've possibly see an angry ghost who forgot that it's dead already.

On the other hand, there are also films which I have no fear with like The Exorcist. Known as the all-time scary film, I watched it by myself in an empty library and slept like a deadman afterwards. For many, the scare of this film comes from the religious connotations, but since going to Sunday school was only for the sake of my parents' social interaction, Jesus and the Devil seem more like a source of cause rather than a threat to me.

Even though I'm seemingly fearless of the possessed child, I've been dodging as many scary films as I could during my adulthood. But then again, scary films are somewhat like spicy food - you've gotta have some once in a while. So last night, I saw the greatly hyped up internet viral marketed flick, Paranormal Activity. Even though I knew the plot, I couldn't help putting my hand between the screen and my eyes, making that little peephole to reduce the scare.

Actually, the movie was mediocre, probably because I watched it on a computer, but I still had a hard time sleeping last night, scared of going to the bathroom in the middle of the night because of that 'possibility' of being attacked by some devious spirit at night. Fortunately, I survived through the night without pissing my pants or losing too much sleep after neutralizing the fear with something greater --- The Human Centipede.

Two pretty American girls are on a road trip through Europe...The next day they awake to find themselves trapped in his terrifying makeshift basement hospital along with a Japanese man. An older German man identifies himself as a retired surgeon specialized in separating Siamese twins. However his three "patients" are not about to be separated, but joined together in a horrific operation... the first person to connect people via their gastric system..."the human centipede". - IMDB

So if this can't chase away the scare the fear away of normal horror films, I don't know what can. With this thought in mind, I fitfully slumbered in the safety of my own home, but I would never fall asleep in public again.

Fear Sells

2009-11-17T21:18:00.000+08:00

Today, I went to get a facial done. The last time I went was in March, and the reason why it took my so long this time is that every time I go, I'm certain that it gives me a fresh zit because it creates so much anxiety.

For example today, when I arrived, the beautician said:

"The circles under your eyes are really dark, you should go to bed at regular hours."

"Do you use makeup removal to clean your face every time you get home? You don't? Aiyo...that's why you have so many whiteheads because your face is just too dirty."

The conversation would go on like that, and by the end of the session, she would always urge me to go there more regularly because my skin is just too inadequate to be left alone as it is.

Basically, going to a facial, in my experience, is like what women would feel on a bad day when our ass too big, face too pudgy, hair is too frizzy, and nails too ridgedy. On top of that, being bombarded by the various media telling us that we are not sexy, beautiful, and skinny enough.

As a result, we buy things to make us feel better about ourselves even though they were the ones that have been telling us that we're not good enough.

So after the facial, I went to buy some overpriced facial toner to get this facial skincare done right. Then some overtly made-up gay salesperson tried to persuade me to get the eye cream too. However, he said that it's on sale instead of pointing out any inadequacy on my part. So thinking of money and necessity, I rejected the offer instead of clinging on to his words.

Now, sitting here with marks on my face from the cleansing, feeling moisturized and toned, I regrouped myself and begin another episode of Nip and Tuck as I march on to another day's deficiencies.

Cheap Food (貳) --- Vietnamese

2009-11-12T22:14:00.000+08:00

"Which country's cuisine would you choose to eat for the rest of your life?" A while ago, I would've answered Vietnamese without any hesitation. The answer now might still be the same, but with less determination, not because it stands any less in my mind, but I think I've overeaten my share of Vietnamese in the past months.

When I was young, I thought that Micky Ds and Round Table Pizza were exotic, but little did I know there is a Vietnamese restaurant that has been standing for three decades and still holding strong being in the top list of the affordable and wonderful places to eat in Taipei.

Madam Jill's was my first encounter of Vietnamese food, and the hook was its deep fried Vietnamese-style spring rolls served with a basket full of fresh lettuce and herbs. The mixture of crispy pork spring roll with basil and sweet and sour dip. When I took my sister there for the first time, as reluctant as she was to try anything 'strange', the presentation and taste won her over instantly.

Later on, as I visited more restaurants, I've realized that there is something of a service there too. Actually, I can say that it is one of the best services where the waitresses know to look for people to attend to. Also, the food comes fast and accurate. The atmosphere is also a perfect match for the place. In the simple, canteen-like restaurant, it also gives a laid back, second-rated eatery, which just makes eating there all the more pleasant and homely.

Another place is right beside the CTV station (華視),

it is also where I did my showreel. They have the best fresh rolls and beef rice noodles. I used to go there after workout and the height of it all was to get the noodle soup, even in a summer afternoon.

Whenever I have a sip of the steaming soup is like a sauna for my organs. This is a strange, satisfying sensation that makes me sweat like a mofo in the end. I felt like all my hard work and lifting were worthwhile. Then it sends me to a euphoria as I stumbled my way to work.

Cheap Food (壹) --- Northern Chinese

2009-11-11T10:54:00.000+08:00

I've never considered myself as a gourmet, or even thought that food is all that important. When I was younger, I used to eat whatever was healthy, despite the taste most of the time, including celery with tuna.

Also, having a frugal dad, being thrifty on food has become a habit since I was a kid. Even after started working, going to fancy restaurants to have 'amazing meals' has never been my thing; partially is also because I've never equated 'amazing' with 'expensive'.

Even though I'm never a foodie in a gourmet sense, I appreciate good food. Over the years living in Taipei, there is a kind of restaurant that brings a piece of grandma's cooking wherever I go.

來來順 (Lai Lai Shun) is a Chinese style eatery that is owned by two mothers. They've been running this for more than a decade.

They're popular dishes are: 餡餅(xian-bing), a Chinese-style pie, that comes in beef or pork. Or 蒸餃(zheng-jiao), steamed dumplings that come in vegetarian, beef, pork, and kimchi flavor. Then, it's the 小菜(xiao-cai), small dishes, usually served cold, including: spicy pig ear, lotus root slices, eggplants, and a kind of green bean taste like capers.

There are also traditional Chinese stirfrys in most of these places. Things like Mushu noodles, General Tso's Chicken, sweet-sour pork and so on. Sometimes they also have beef noodle soup (牛肉麵) and beef rolls. (牛肉捲餅)

There are a lot more restaurants like this, including: 穆記, near 101, and 北大行 on Guang Fu near TongHua, or the one next to it which I forget the name of.

The best things about these restaurants or why this restaurant is good depends greatly on its 小菜, because even though it seems insignificant because they're cold and served in small portions, if it isn't treated with care and skill, it gets screwed up easily.

Since my grandparents are from 山東 (Shan Dong Province), food like this has always been a home-cooked meal for me. But as they get older, it seems like rather learning the techniques of making, I have been depending mostly on the restaurants to keep the memories.

I'm a Woman, Hear me ROAR

2009-11-06T22:04:00.001+08:00

Today at the gym, a chubby chubster was doing the leg press as I was in front of him doing squats. As I got the leg pressed lined up secretly as my next workout, I intently observed the guy while he was doing his thing, not because he was any good, but I had a gut feeling that he is one of those people who would leave a bunch of weights on the equipment and walk away as if it's none of his business.

Then, there it was. As he was about to walk away, I stopped him and said: "Put those away." And he did, slowly, one... by... one. Then as I was ready to move ahead, he stopped and jumped on the machine again and started his half-ass leg presses with 90 lbs. I was about to walk up to him to confront him of his lame behavior, he had his eyes conveniently closed while resting between the set.

So lamely I called him a dick as I walked off, but all I had in mind was how to take him down if we were in a scrap. Then I started to contemplate my training time for the boxing gym membership.

I know that it's immoral to treat boxing as a way of punishment, or any punishment in that matter. But being empowered with such ability is like having a superpower altogether for me. Being an Asian woman, I seldomly have been in any confrontation and would have little idea on how to deal with it if it were to arise. Like that time I almost got into a fight with a man at a party earlier this year, I simply just walked away.

But if I were to be equipped with the ability to throw a good punch and protect myself, I would not only be tough, I would also be able to use my well-trained body and reveal my real She-Hulkness.

Halloween Dilemma

2009-10-28T10:46:00.000+08:00

As once in a year Halloween approaches again, head-banging costume ideas are on the merge. This year, however, the goddess of head-banging ideas is not smiling upon me.

Over the years, as long as there is a party, I'd dress up. The costume ranged from school girl, Vicky Pollard, to construction worker. The point is not to impress, but to make use of what I have already and make a theme that'd inspire reaction.

This year, my options are Sookie, the waitress from True Blood, Lady Gaga, the new pop icon, or Yoko Ono. Yoko Ono would actually take the least amount of effort and no wigs are needed so I can show off my head of new short hair.

Though I'm still contemplating as Yoko is not as entertaining as it was to be Vicky, but if I were to prepare everything of the Gaga with a strap-on, then maybe it would be up to the dramatic standard that I've enjoyed so much.

On the other hand, being Yoko could have its plus side too, as she is known for her avant-garde monologues and 'art'. As the night falls and I get tanked up, Being in Yoko-mode would be like 'swimming in the fish of sea', coming up with something like: 'Millions of nails banged by the hammer with a linking chain'. This idea is actually growing upon me like 'the grapes of vine that spreads the universe.'

Well, I hope that by Saturday, I'd have decided one already. Whether it is to be the avant-garde artist or a hermaphrodite pop singer, this Halloween will be oozing with weirdness and hopefully, some head-turners too.

I'm Strong, like the She-Hulk!

2009-10-25T15:55:00.000+08:00

"Wow, you're so tan!" "Ohh, you're so strong!" These are two of the comments that I get a lot in Taiwan. I didn't know how to respond because they don't sound particularly flattering or demeaning. But now all I can say is "Thank you". In the result of that, I've also been thinking about the image of women in Taiwanese people's mind.

For girls in general, in Taiwan, most of them coop up indoors, read comic books, watch TV/DVD, or play computer games. They are pasty and thin fatties. And no matter how old they are, they seem to like the girlie style of huge doe eyes and pink rouge seems to be the trend since it apparently appeals to Taiwanese men more.

One time, at the gym, I was approached by a personal trainer, he said: "Wooo... you are so buff! Buff lady!" My immediate response was: "Well, it's not hard to be buffer than you." Then for the rest of my workout session, he made no more attempt in commenting.

Or I'd get this one: "Oh, you're the kind of girl that westerners like." So, let me get this straight: I'm tanned, strong, doesn't use makeup daily, have a pretty good sense of humor and an appreciation for both eastern and western culture so I'm more appealing to western men. If that is the case, I'm glad that someone, or some race appreciates this 'kind' of girl that I am.

Anyway, even though I may seem like I'm dogging Taiwanese guys and girls too much, I still think it's healthy to do what makes you happy and it is the most important thing, whether it's indoors or outdoors, being pasty thin or tanny buff. Horses for courses, and I'm a black one who can run a mile or ten.

I <3 FB!

2009-10-19T22:58:00.000+08:00

The benign ways of life suffocates the well-being of socializing. At the age of the internet, and the booming of network websites such as FB, more and more people starting to take 'friends' seriously, and I'm no exception.

And because I take it seriously, every so often, I find myself deleting people who I don't talk to or don't have any kind of relationship anymore on FB, which i think is quite normal and natural in this day and age when we see virtual reality almost as much as reality itself. So like any organic, even intangible things, like friendship, they'd eventually go off if lack of maintenance.

Some people might take offense on that, thinking that it is a rude act. I find that confusing. I'm taking the time to delete the people whom I no longer see any point in keeping as friends because we have no more connection to each other, so why do I have the right or point to know what's happening in their lives?

I'd wish they would have some sense and take it more seriously. People actually do rekindle their long-lost relationship on FB, but lots also fall out due to time, space, and situation. And frankly, it is a quite intimate area where people put their recent photos and blogs up there, which is a convenient way when you're not in the same city. But when things are not as intimate anymore, I'd rather limit the amount of viewers who are accessible to my profile.

Frankly, I am taking all this too seriously, but I can't help it. It is one of my favorites on my laptop and one of my first stops when I turn on my laptop. Also, I have some of the best chats online there too. It's like, besides talking to someone, you can also be searching for online shopping or watching a sitcom when the conversation gets dull, just like bringing a pocket novel to a date, but can read it whenever you want!

However, this delicate service needs to be maintained carefully and wisely too. Other than refreshing my friend list, no unknown friend requests, or game/gadget application invitations is approved. It is a place to exchange chitty chatties and useless information. Without it, we will still be living in the 1990s with MSN. Therefore, we should treat it with respect.

A Woman of the Age (貳)

2009-10-07T11:03:00.000+08:00

Clothed in printed dress with a head of wavy perm is the trademark of my grandmother. From the uncertain 21-year-old bride dolled up in a white rental gown, to the happily married wife being in the land of hope, then a proud grandma of 7 grandchildren, she is also the representation of women immigrants in the 1910s.

Born in a peasant's family, she bounded her feet at the tender age of 10. Despite the lack of education, her family nourished her with love, gave her a strong backbone, and a vigorous integrity. But then as her older sisters got married, she became the only one that's left in the family.

Her father, who loved her very much, had to give her away when the Communists started to take over China, in hope for a better life for her. Just before the take over, she was married to a young man that was just a year older in the next village and moved to the coastal region where the willing Chinese young couples were being shipped to Taiwan.

Wrapped up in new hope and fear, she jumped onto the bandwagon of married life, and onto the idea of moving to an island that she has no idea about. With absolutely no one she knew, she embraced it with great faith and strength because she knew that going back was never an option. At that time, besides being pregnant with a baby boy, she was also carrying a dream of a different future for her own family.

After moving to Taiwan, she began finding ways to make a living. Her first job was to sew up buttons for army uniforms. Even though she was half way into her pregnancy, she carried her belly to the factory every day; and afterwards, she had to carry water from the bottom of the hill from where they lived three times a day since there was no well nearby.

Five months later, my father was born. She still carried my father to work every day, making sure he had someone to look after him when the load of uniforms got heavier. Thankfully, all her co-workers, who were mostly women like her, pitched in to babysit. Life was hand-to-mouth for everyone, and according to my grandma, they weren't even able to afford a pair of pants for my dad till he was 2 years old!

During that time, she and my grandpa thought of nothing but saving money and buying properties whenever they had disposable income. As time passed, they had acquired 4-5 apartments with the help of my dad over the years, which now are all occupied with uncles and aunts, or have become a piece of paper which also known as my dad's master's diploma.

Other than raising her family and making sure they have a good education and health, the two biggest passions of my grandma are: majiang and learning. Having been in school for two years in China, she only recognized a few characters before coming to Taiwan. Ever since I've known her, she has always had a thirst for information and knowledge, and Grandpa would always read the morning paper to her in bed after breakfast every day since he is the more well-educated one.

As the children got older and grand children started to spawn, she decided to go back to school at the ripe age of 65. Between her majiang meetings, cooking meals, and taking care of me and my oldest cousin, she would go to night classes at the local public school for elders every evening. After 2-3 years, she and her fellow classmates in their 60s proudly graduated. "It was one of the happiest time of my life [being in school]. But of course, nothing beats a good game of majiang."

From a 21-year-old girl who was driven by hope, pride, and dignity, Miss Chang Kui-yun has shown that not only a woman can be nurturing, loving, smart, and hard-working, she can also be fearless, confident, and happy.

A Taiwanese Dream (壹)

2009-09-21T23:57:00.000+08:00

In 1949, the KMT government retreated to Taiwan, and many young Chinese workers were also recruited to work at military supply manufacturing factories as mechanics, handyman, and general factory workers. They were also the first wave of the new immigrants, known to be the 'outer provincial people' (外省人). My grandpa was also one of them.

Hoping to have a better life, my grandpa got married just a year before the KMT came to Taiwan so he could raise a family in Taiwan. At first, only men were allowed to go, so my grandma had to wait. When families were allowed to Taiwan, she had to live at the dock,

waiting for an opportunity to get on the next boat. Pregnant with my dad, my 21-year-old grandma had to live at the dock with the

rest of the pregnant women whom she befriended with during that time. Every day, they had rice. Since food was scarce for the peasants, a carrot was the only treat during her pregnancy.

After arriving to Taiwan, the two worked in Kaohsiung. At first, they lived in bamboo shacks, along with other Chinese families. My grandpa was working as a mechanic and getting paid 28 catties of rice every month, while grandma was sewing uniform buttons for the military. Not long after, my father was born. When my dad was a year old, my grandpa lost his left middle finger and ring finger to a work accident. Besides going to the medical center,

my grands don't recall any compensations.

However, the Taiwanese were very kind to them. Even though they didn't speak a word of Mandarin, nor my grandparents Taiwanese, they exchanged goods. My grandparents provided them with cotton socks from the military supply factory and the Taiwanese gave them sugar since they were sugar cane farmers. Life was hard and bitter, but sweet in harmony.

A couple of years later, with an introduction from a friend, my grandparents moved to Taipei. They finally saved some money, so they opened up a ma & pop shop while my grandpa worked at another factory, and another baby was born --- my aunt.

Two more children were born after that, and my grandparents did nothing else but saved money to buy houses and raise their growing family.

Summer Ramble

2009-07-21T21:29:00.000+08:00

Since the TV streaming has failed me, I've diverted myself to another medium of entertainment: blog about myself.

First of all, the Thailand trip. Other than the good, cheap Thai food, beers, and accommodation, the traveling around the island was different from my past holidays where I usually stay at one place for a week or so and just do nothing but swim, run, and tan the whole day, then get wasted at night.

I haven't made up my mind of which one is better, all I can say for now is that it's --- unusual, different, and noiiice.

Then it's the coming down from the holiday high. Despite the trip was only 8 days, returning was actually a shock to the system. From a after 5pm schedule now working from 9 to 5 is not what I call a smooth transition from a holiday. I'm yet to get used to the schedule of sleeping and waking up and honestly, even though the hours are more and it's only temporary, it has been painful trying to be enthusiastic for the kids when I am still groggy from a restless night.

There is, however, a good thing from a normal working hour, is that I am appreciating the days of the week more rather than it blending all into one from my nocturnal hours. Now, I get the 'real' weekend that includes both Saturday and Sundays off. So Friday now, is the light at the end of my tunnel each week.

So now, I basically have to listen to my body more when it is tired or awake; moreover, get a bicycle that I can scoot around the city all day.

The Superpower of Bitchiness

2009-06-13T22:34:00.000+08:00

Tonight, the night drizzles endlessly, the man of the house becomes a man under the roof, pumped with estrogen.

Due to the rain, no one really wanted to go out, so we all ended up watching TV. Reality TV shows became the center of the attention. Doris, Sandy and I attended Fashion Runway with vigorous diligence, occasionally mimicking the gay lisps of different contenders. While Dad, on the other hand, attended his English grammar online quietly. Until Stylista, a fashion editorial reality show, came on when he unleashed his virulent inputs.

First, the 19 year-old Devin went over her budget and Dad, being a project manager for more than a decade exclaimed, “That is the basic thing in doing anything, NEVER go over budget!” He continued, “If I were the judge, she’d be the first one I send home in the first round, even if she’s talented.” I nodded solemnly as my sister and Doris stared vacantly into the TV.

Then, he stormed off onto the balcony, smoked a cigarette, and returned to his vertical two-seater in the living room—the default position of his TV-watching activity—I knew he was hooked.

Throughout the show, Doris continued making her usual comments on how the girls are arrogant or not confident enough, while Dad making his remarks like: “Her fatness would not fly in this industry. No one would hire people who isn’t quick and agile enough for this kind of business!” That’s when I realized that my dad is becoming more like a woman, while successfully maintaining his innate engineer self.

Due to the years of being the only male in the family, he has become a character that is beyond any bitchiness. Gifted with the rationality to reason all his venom, he has evolved into the hybrid of ‘ultimate’ bitchiness.

As the show came to an end, he brushed his teeth quietly and went to bed, absent with the knowledge of the power of judgment embedded with critical prejudice and logical reasonings, then slumbered noisily under the plopping raindrops.

Are you partying with the big boys?

2009-06-10T01:49:00.000+08:00

One of the things I've realized about being an adult is that not only you need to be rational, but you also need to be passionate. Now, for me, so far, being those two exist side by side are quite difficult, due to the lack of experience.

However, that seems to be quite important for one to be mature, which after a long discussion, I am convinced.

Now, what can I do to make myself more mature? One of the first is that I need to be a lot more independent. Like most girls who are involved in a relationship, we seem to be drawn into the who social group of the male. (of course, there are exceptions) So far, I've realized this issue and have been actively acting upon it.

Other, and a more important issue, is that to be true as you are to the other person. Now, that is something that I've never thought about. Not because I'm not aware, but I've always thought that the main thing is to be pleasant to the other person. Apparently, that isn 't the case. Actually, being nice to a friend is when you don't see them as a 'friend'. Therefore, after being 'enlightened' of it, I'm fully aware of this situation. Hence anything afterwards, for a relationship to work, I shall not be pretending to be 'enjoying'. (that goes the same for those who fake their orgasms)

Little did I know that a trip to Bob Log III would be such a revelation to the self, other than dancing on stage. I can say now that I've really got to understand the point of getting to party with the big boys. But to say the least, it takes a lot more than I thought.

To Aspire 5500

2009-04-16T12:23:00.000+08:00

For those who are using their digital divice for more than 5 hours a day would not doubt to what I am about to say: they grow on you in the most intimate way. No matter it being a cell phone, an ipod, or a computer, malfunction often tends to feel like a betrayal. I am no exception to this default mentality of a computer dependener.

Ever since the first crash while I was writing my dissertation in 2006, I was acutely confronted with the dependency that I have over my laptop and its softwares. This is a relationship that I've developed since the age of 16 but was never being confessed upon.

The crash of my laptop recently refreshed my memory of my weakness. Moreover, with the worsened condition, I was put into a physical distress along with the mental anxiety when my beloved Acer Aspire 5500 stepping into its final countdown - showing signs of its delayed reactions and absent icons in the taskbar once minimalized.

The more I gave it time, or update its internals, the more I realize it's got a temperament of its own. When the buttons work and no delays occur, it is tame and tender, just like how we first met. But as the screens freeze and icons disappear, I realize that the facade of its temperate measures are merely windows of disguise to the deteriorating innards.

Now, pounding the keys of this 4-year-old portable computer that's been with me in the exotic and challenging days in Cardiff, the salty sea breeze in Bali, then the room full of lifetime memories in Taipei, I can only say that it's been great working with you. If only time permits, I wish we could have locked in an eternal love affair.

A pillow for the mellow?

2009-03-21T23:59:00.000+08:00

Frankly, tonight had left me with a bad taste in my mouth overall starting from the time when M rejected the invitation, given that she didn't ask me about anything to do tonight, I simply asked out of good will. And even though it's ok for someone not to take upon your good will, it's still a blow to the ego.

Then it's D not calling me back, which is also understandable for not doing that, but as a friend, I would have texted about the fact of not going or going. Then it's C's phone call about where I'm at. Clearly I wasn't ready to meet him or see him tonight, so I simply dismissed it. Though the tone of his voice left a really bad taste in my mouth, then came the ongoing drivel between W and E that went on for at least a good hour or so.

At the end, I had to lend W money and went home with a stupid, or seemingly stupid taxi driver who did not know where I meant to pull over when I meant to pull the goddamn over. Then came home, and found out that the maid seemed to have cleaned everywhere but my floor, which is basically all I ask for whenever she's over. Then again, after a brief observation, it seems like the house was clean, but merely just because the trash was taken out. But for sure it will definitely make me angry if I find out in the morning that she has indeed came and that she indeed did not clean my room for some peculiar reason.

This is a good example of a great start of the night and unfortunately ended with a silent rage, which is the worst that can ever possibly happen to a person who is trying or aiming to enjoy her Saturday night.

As a conclusion, from now on, I will not let anyone ruin my night anymore. So what if they don't call back or accept my invitation? It's probably for the better because they might not be that much fun anyway. So what if someone is pissed off, if he really is, then there's more the reason why I shouldn't keep hanging out with him anyway if he gives me grief like that and can't be independent and enjoy himself.

So what if some people who are boring with their conversation, I was always free to go or do other things, I just had to do it. So I will make sure when that first sign of boredom appears, I'm out of there. Last, the taxi driver can be excused, because why would you be a taxi driver in the first place, even though it is to do what the customer asks, let's face it, some are just not that good.

After this vent, I'm a lot better and I hope it won't be a repressed aggressional way. What I really want to do is to be bitter and take it out on someone who has wronged or not wronged me but just at the wrong place at the wrong time, could be anyone really. And the result is that either he/she will be fucked up or I myself would be. Though as a whole, that would just be silly and unnecessary, and maybe I'm just having one of my hormonal episodes that what I should really do is to read a book and be cool and go to bed.

Working out too much tends to give you too much testosterone and that can be destructive either to self or others, also gives you much strain on the neck. Hopefully, I won't be ending up with a wider, blood-veiny neck like those body builders due to my stressing out.

Truer than Fiction

2008-12-24T12:22:00.000+08:00

With the recent comment from an Italian Catholic priest, that Father Christmas is just like Snow White and Cinderella - they are all fables, said to have ruined millions of children's Christmas. The first thing that came to my mind was: isn't Christmas a fictional celebration of a fable character from a book as well?

Everything that has been said about Catholicism and Christianity has been based on a book and millions of different interpretations of it. Scientifically, there is limited finding of whether Jesus was an actual person or not. As for Father Christmas, like Jesus, it is also a made-up character. However, the real person that it is based on is Saint Nicholas, who was indeed a real person. As for whether those miracles really happened, well, it's up to the people to interpret.

So once the facts of everything has been considered, there is really no need for the children to be upset because what they believe is most likely to be truer than what the religious people believe.

And a Happy Christmas to you too!

Birthday Girl

2008-12-11T11:41:00.000+08:00

As another birthday quietly approaching, I found myself face to face with the reality of changing. Especially from the changes of friends to career and mentality, it seems apparent that they are the changes for a better me.

With the upcoming celebration, instead of calling up or meeting people for the invitation, I'm using Facebook. The result hasn't been great, for some reason, those who I thought were 'friends' would just simply click on 'not attending' without a message saying anything else. Frankly, I didn't think it was that big of a deal at first, but then I put myself in their shoe and to someone whom I haven't seen for a long time and they've invited me to their party and I'm not going, I'd definitely at least leave a message about why I can't make it and hopefully catch up soon. But not even those who I call 'really good friends' left anything... it's really quite heartbreaking and saddening to be confronted by the all mighty Facebook.

Despite whatever reason there is, looking back a year ago, things were different, and looking back to all my birthdays, things have always changed. And I have to say, they are changing for the better, not because of my friends aren't my friends anymore but it seems that I'm more opened up with people and hopefully, the parties I have have improved year on year.

I guess we'll just have to see what comes out of this year's and determine if my prediction about improvement has been accurate. Wish me luck!

Unserious Revolution

2008-11-24T12:07:00.001+08:00

Yesterday, I revisited the Taipei Museum of Fine Art for its Biennial exhibition and was pleasantly surprised and fulfilled.

The personal main attractions were the documentary and artwork of the protest for the G8 Summit during the Genoa 2001 to 2003 in Geneva, and a hoax interview of the Dow Chemicals spillage in India with the BBC and the Survivaball for Halliburton at the Catastrophic Loss Conference in Florida in 2006 by The Yes Men.

From my understanding of art is that it's fluid and expressive, and documentaries have now entered a new realm into being one of the art forms that people start to accept.

At the museum, many were people between 20-30 years of age, which is quite exciting to see. Because in a place like Taiwan, where men mostly lack of masculinity and women act like girls, where democratic party members act like mobsters and nationalists act like sophisticated politicians, these visitors to this subculture contemporaries seem like a ray of hope for the unsophisticated bunch of Taiwanese people.

I believe the making of Taiwanese revolution for true democracy can happen from the chuckles of silly westerners in inflated balloon suits.

Handcuffs and Blowhorns

2008-11-14T10:27:00.000+08:00

“Long live Taiwan!” and “Political persecution!”

The biggest news in the history of Taiwan has to be from this year. Besides the Chinese envoy being attacked by a group of protesting mobs and the high-voltage-security visit from the top rank Chinese official, the real king of the news has to be Mr. Chen Shui-bien, Taiwan's former president for two consecutive terms, 2000-2008.

Chen was detained by the DA for alleged in the money laundering scandal that revolves around his son, son-in-law and wife. The view on the detention is polarized by the public. The independent party supporters, DPP, which Chen belongs to, accuse this as being a 'political maneuver' by the nationalist party, KMT, the party in power.

When the Chinese envoy arrived at Taipei to meet with the Taiwanese president, Ma Ying-jeou, the DPP supporters held many rallies saying that Ma is a sell-out of Taiwan by inviting the official to Taiwan and the police for using excessive force among civilians during the Chinese envoy's visit.

It is definitely reasonable to hold the powerful into account, however, the rallies and protests that the DPP has been holding have been merely properganda slogans with no hard evidence or logical reasonings. The only reasons they've presented have been "Ma is a sell-out of Taiwan", "Chen is a policial scapegoat".

Being a democratic country is to accept different stances in the society for having conherent argument and debates. But so far, the oppositional voices have been nothing more than a circus with loud blowhorns.

Bendy Cucumbers

2008-11-13T09:28:00.000+08:00

Wanna Bite?

The recent EU overrule of irregular shaped fruits and veg have caused a stir in my prolific brain. The decision was said to have cut unnecessary red tapes among the EU Committee. However, what good does it do when the red tape itself was unnecessary in the first place?

A contrast of this excessive ruling would be China's recent scandal of tainted milk, animal feed, soy products and god knows what. Look at the great Middle Kingdom that fostered 1 billion people, the look of the food is not an issue, but the taste. The goal of most Chinese people's everyday life is to put food on the table, whether it is funny shaped carrots, oversized cabbages, or formaldehyde preserved tofu, they will make it taste good.

If the decision from the EU were to be passed, maybe the Chinese would be the beneficiary of all this. Instead of having poisonous foods, Europe will import their screwed-up fresh produce to China and China can ship their contamination to Africa or other deprived countries. Now THAT'S free trade working at its full gear.

The Children is all Evils

2008-11-12T22:36:00.000+08:00

Like Lord of the Flies, children can really be cruel to each other by the nature of human beings, hence the last post.

Ever since I started teaching, I've noticed the potential of children of being evil to each other. Today, the last straw that crushed a tough little 8 year-old was made by the whole class of 11-year-olds, by stuffing trash into her drawer.

As naive as it might sound, this was made by over a month of abuse by an alfa-female student in the class, who is not only articulate, but also smart. Sharp little comments would slip from her cherry lips, sly little stares would glare from her metal framed glasses. The 8-year-old target with pig-tails and chubby cheeks is always defenseless with with her game-eyes, staring at me with helplessness and whimpering sighs.

The observation and warning have gone out into notice, however, it seemed to have failed as today the game-eyed girl laid her head on the desk with blank worksheets under her arms. She burst out crying as others pointed out her incompetence. She then wailed herself out of the classroom as the dumbfounded faces hidden with accomplishment watched with interest.

After a few minutes, failing to console the child, I returned to the classroom alone and asked about what had happened. No one dared to speak. Only the 11-year-old girl triumphing under the flash of her glasses silently. As the truth finally revealed when the chubby girl blurted out the incident with breathlessness mixed with spits and coughs, the children remained silent. "What a bunch of wusses, " I thought.

A lecture of 'don't do to others if you don't want it done to you' took place afterwards by the admin. Some children were full of remorse, yet the 11-year-old girl still remained her cool, turned and apologized to the chubby girl with a slight cunning grin. The class went on, and we all know who will be in trouble again.

The wonders of evil

2008-11-03T13:04:00.000+08:00

The nature of people isn't pleasant. In my mind, we learn to live together because within the years of evolution, it seems to be the best way to survival. However, it doesn't mean that we're innately cooperative or compassionate.

Despite the usual homicide or psycho killers, people tend to act upon group psychology. Watching the 911 incident on tv or live, having the media coming in your ears about it 24-7. It's hard not to be hypnotized with the idea of sympathy and abhorrent by the deeds of terrorists.

Or the image of a child dying on the Oxfam commercial, urging people to donate money to the Africans, the sympathy seems to be synthicised by the image and the solemn voice of, "They need your help" and generated by guilt that we've all sinned.

A roadside accident in a sunny morning with bleeding couple twitching in the bus lane showed the horror of passerbys rather than any immediate rescue. Their lingering eyes simply cannot peel away from the gruesomeness of the sight when nothingness fills their brain.

Fear is the drive of humanity, not sympathy. We think the differentiation from us to chimps is compassion, and yet we steal, murder and betray far more than those that are in the animal kingdom. And those are, ironically, the elements that built our superior society. Some say humans have soul, and yet the 'soul' we have generated more hatred and selfishness than serenity or peace.

From this soul and brain that we equip, have taken us to the civilisation that we now obtain, and soon, to the destruction that lies ahead.

Bali dream

2008-08-28T11:02:00.000+08:00

Whenever I go on a holiday, the withdraw of the vacation will always occur within the few days of returning. Normally, first the sensation of disorientation upon awakening, then it's the dreams of wanting to leave would probably last for a few days.

So far, being back for the third day, my dream hasn't been more vivid, the sensation of escaping has never been so strong. The smell, sound, taste and touch of the place back in three days ago still linger, the nerves on my skin still transmit the sensation of the wooden table and grainy dried sea water to the brain - the continuation of a vacation.

To quench this thirst and relive that moment, I decided to go to the pool nearby. With the scent of the sunscreen lotion I lathered myself with and the skimpy outfit for the trip, I was all the same but the destination was far from the poolside of Bendesa, Kuta, aside from the screaming kids.

As I read the lent book, Anansi Boys, these flea-like flying bugs kept biting, my skin swell and subsided. The pages turned, water splashed, sun shone and yet, there was no surprises, no expectations, all familiar.

Then there was an air drill, so everyone had to come indoor and wait for 30 minutes. As I waited with my music in my ear while watching families stuffing their face with instant noodles, fries with chilli and cheese, then washing it down with hydrated tea powder, I was slammed back into the reality that I am no longer in Bali.

Now looking at the unpacked bag, empty house, silent room, I'll have another slumber of my Bali dream.

A flash in the pan

2008-05-04T11:37:00.000+08:00

As the AP reported, China is cracking down on child labour. At first, I thought it's another story of the west condemning the east with their own legal standards, like those so-called animal rights.

The fact is, these minor workers were forced to factories and particularly "by their parents to gangs who in turn sold them off to employment agencies or directly to factories hundreds of miles from their homes". As cruel as it sounds, what about going to the rural areas and ask the families who are struggling under the poverty line while threatened by the ever so booming economy of China in losing their land or ways of living.

The trickle down effect seems to be doing rather bad than good for them as an effect of how the system works. Moreover, according to Epoch Times, the rural poverty has worsen by the "dysfunctional public services", especially on medi-care and education. "The huge burden of medical expenses, in particular, changes rural poverty for the worse."

As for the benefits that are being adjusted and provided to the poor, the Chinese government stated in its 2008 Report on China Central and Rural Budget that, "In the central and western regions the standard for funding assistance from the central budget will be raised from 20 yuan to 40 yuan per person per year."

However, migrant workers are exempted from the benefits due to a government policy called Hukuo, introduced in the 50's, purposefully restricting and controlling the moving of rural people to urban areas.

In the dawn of the biggest game, China is slowly understanding and revealing its faults and ability in changing. The knowledge of protest, busting child labour, increasing the subsidies of the farmers and food safety have shown that the red dragon has a potential of changing for the better, though it might just be "a bloom of the night-blooming cereus (曇花一現)" or in English --- a flash in the pan.

Back to the 60's, people!

2008-04-22T11:04:00.001+08:00

A true heroine

"Oppose splittism, Protect stability, Encourage development" is the new China slogan for the Tibetans in its new reeducation programme coming soon near you in Tibet.

According to the report from Taipei Times, an English daily based in Taipei, "China has stepped up so-called 'patriotic campaigns' in monasteries in Tibet requiring Tibetan Buddhist monks to denounce the Dalai Lama and declare their loyalty to Beijing." Reminiscing the 60's?

Other than that, there is the new red army movement in full speed equipped with not Mao's little red book but the little red mouse. As a result, with their 'patriotism', Ms Wang, a Duke University student and a Han Chinese, is now the 'traitor' and the number one enemy of the whole China because of her outspokenness for the Tibetans during the Free-Tibet demonstration in San Francisco.

As a result, not only her parents' names, address in China, and her background information are exposed, her life may also be in danger. Massive amount of anti-Wang blogs and forums sprouted since her exposure from the demonstration and all of them contain vows to take her blood.

Supposedly, Tibet was the trigger, though what caused this increasing hatred from China to the rest of the world is obviously from the past residue during the Mao and Dung era. Nevertheless, all the Chinese people's argument on how the western media has so far failed to be coherent.

I really can't agree with those so-called democrats who urge China to give greater freedom to Tibetans, or raise the issue of Darfur.
Look at what the US and UK have done to Iraq. Will these people protest over the London Olympic Games? --- student, China

A fallacious argument - (Red Herring) two wrongs make a right. (Yes, I did wiki it but I do remember it from H's class.)

In conclusion, the Chinese individuals need to understand that standing up for the ignorance of your government, who repeatedly fails to admit and learn from its failures from history, would make you seem ever more dumb and backwards, not the western criticisms.

The Olympic Hopefuls

2008-04-18T11:50:00.000+08:00

As I was doing some research with my upcoming interview with the Chinese, Taipei (Taiwan) Olympics team, there was a burning urge to jolt down these questions:

"Do you think of the Olympics being more than just an international sporting event?"

"What do you think of the French president boycotting the opening ceremony due to the uprising in Tibet? What do you think of Ma's (our president-to-be) previous comment on boycotting the Olympics if the issue in Tibet does not lighten up?"

"Do you remember that in 1976 Taiwan too boycotted the Olympics because Canada, the country that was holding the event, refused our name of entry as 'Republic of China'?"

Also in 1976, due to pressure from the People's Republic of China (PRC), Canada told the team from the Republic of China (Taiwan) that it could not compete at the Montreal Summer Olympics under the name "Republic of China" despite a compromise that would have allowed Taiwan to use the ROC flag and anthem. The Republic of China refused and as a result did not participate again until 1984, when it returned under the name "Chinese Taipei" and used a special flag.

When I found this passage on Wikipedia, I was elated, however, as I evaluated the whole incident, I came to realise that we didn't boycott it because we believed something but we were merely banned from our former name. Under the pressure from the PRC, we had to change our name to enable our athletes to compete in such great international event.

Like most countries, it's understandable that most of the athletes would be reluctant to pull out from the Olympics since that's what they've worked so hard for all their lives, and it would definitely be a pity for a place that its existence has been denied in so many parts of the world like Taiwan, to miss out another international event.

And despite the Olympics, most of Taiwan's athletes have a rather gloomy future in comparison to most advanced countries.

For most of them, except baseball players, no professional teams or programmes are available after they've finished their university or grad school. Many have voiced their concerns in upon their Olympics laurels. Chen Szu-yuan, an archery silver medallist in 2004 Athens Olympics said,

"My only worry is that next year I will graduate from graduate school and I will have to find a job. If my job doesn't allow me to train, then my archery career will come to an end. Taiwan has sponsors for table tennis, badminton and baseball. People are hired as staff members, but they are allowed to focus on training. I hope this can happen for archery as well."

Therefore, it is not so surprising to find them unwilling to pass on the opportunity for the Olympics, for it may also be their only chance to land on a contract with a big sports brand like Nike and secure their income for at least a few years before their medallist halo diminishes and left to their own device when they are in their mid-30s.

Even though it's really important that we all see to that China does the right thing at least during the summer this year, the chances of any changes seems slimmer than Posh Spice. Nonetheless, there is still hope to change the ways we treat our team of young hopefuls a bit better than what they are getting now before they turn into bitter old washed-ups with no national identity.

More than just a game

2008-04-14T21:51:00.000+08:00

Besides the evil monks, the demonic Dalai Lama, and the lopsided reporting from the foreign media, the chairman of IOC, Jacques Rogge, is finally admitting that the game is indeed political after many other experts and NGOs have made their voices heard.

One of which entertained me the most (Guardian):

"Much nonsense is uttered about the Olympics not being political. Anything rooted in blatant nationalism is political. Anything so expensive as to impose a multibillion-pound opportunity cost on the host nation is political. Anything "awarded" as a prize to authoritarian states like the Soviet Union or China is political." --- Simon Jenkins

Even though it seems like such an obvious answer that the Olympics is indeed very political, I was happy to find out that someone has conveyed it into coherent phrases.

A lopsided reporting is another bewildering accusation of this incident.

A few weeks ago, James Miles, the only foreign correspondent during the rising of the riot reported on this account several times after his return, including the BBC From Our Own Correspondent, a weekly radio programme. Miles concurred that the riot was started by the Tibetans and targeted on the Han Chinese businesses. Yes, they looted stores, though injuries were yet to be seen. Yes, they targeted the Han Chinese, though violence was yet to be confirmed.

For those who have heard his reporting, might conclude that the Tibetans portrayed by the foreign media are indeed like peaceful angels, whereas the Chinese government the abrasive oppressor. Well, the Chinese did come in with tanks and soldiers, as for whether did any monks got injured or killed, we might never know. Nevertheless, like Miles said, "The policies that the Chinese government have on Tibet have failed."

So after all this time, after many comments of those bystanders, I'd really like to hear what the people in Lhasa have to say on this account and the whole rioting. To my surprise, this report from the Toronto Star, explained that the Han Chinese in Tibet seem to be quite pro Tibetans. And it seems like they want the same things --- economic growth.

At the end of the day, the basic needs of survival is what people of all races would fight for, though in the case of Tibet, the freedom to practice their religion would be just as crucial.

From 1984 to Tibet --- BB is watching

2008-03-31T10:55:00.000+08:00

The row between Tibet and China has been the hot news these days. Aside from assigning one of my students to be my PA on gathering the essential information on this issue, I've decided to find out about the consensus on this issue.

The NYTimes reported that the Chinese Nationalism campaigners are protesting against all the foreign media and government, that are venoming the image and the good nature of the Chinese government and supporting the rebellious Tibetan monks and minorities.

By the blocking all information about Tibet and barricading all reporters from entering Tibet, the western media logically compared the Tienanmen Massacre in 1989 to the crackdown of Tibet.

However, most people in China have not made the link between the two because the propaganda machine is working in full fledge said a Chinese petitioner, Mr. Liu, who helped the drafting of a controversial petition telling the Chinese government to lay off Tibet's freedom.

In contrast, the sentiment from most Chinese people who consider the unrest in Tibet was caused by the 'violent and malicious monks and minorities' is frightening. Which intrigued me to ask all mainlanders of why and what is going through their minds. (This is still an on-going process) And those who are able to tell me, said they agree that the Tibetans are to blame and they even used James Miles's interview on the CNN.

James Miles, the Economist journalist who first was interviewed on the issue by CNN, noted that the Tibetans sporadically started off the riot and that they targeted the ethnic Chinese stores.

He went on to say the triggers of this incident were: the anniversary of the 1959 uprising of Tibet, so it's a sensitive time for the Tibetans; the Tibetans are using "golden opportunity" of the Olympics to get the attention of the international community about Tibet; and last, its sluggish economy, which was promised to be improved by the Chinese government upon the completion of the Lhasa - Beijing railway.

As a sane and sound person would ask: so what was the real motive? Why isn't there any real interviews with the locals or rioters, but merely clips of violence, Tibetans and white scarves? Why has the Chinese government blocked all access to Tibet if they really were the 'victim'?

Instead, the Chinese government sealed everything related to Tibet and promoted negative news about foreign media and Tibetans. As a result, most Chinese believe the government because --- BB is always right.

PS. Here is an interesting website that synthesises information on what some of the foreign leaders or countried have done to pressurise the Chinese government over the weeks.

As tall as the trees

2008-03-23T17:52:00.000+08:00

I don't understand the obsession about height with Taiwanese mothers of sons. This, however, was never an issue in my family. Though ever since I can remember, I've seen commercials for Chinese medicine or machines which stimulates growth for teenage boys.

The basic plot of the ad since the dawn of time has been one mother with a short and unfortunate looking boy, and the other with a taller boy. While the short boy's mother complains to the tall boy's mother, admires the the boy's height and complains how short her own son is, the pathetic looking shrimp looks ever so whimpy besides his taller counter-part. An image which hammered into each growing boys' mind since the 80's to now.

But as time progresses, conventional 20 second commercials turn into 10 minute infomercials. Now, they invite 'real-live-witnesses' of the product and have thankful mothers crying while telling the audience how grateful she is with the product now that her son has grown into a real-size person.

After seeing such bewildering scene, I suppose I'm blessed with good genes away from shortness. Even though I don't understand the rationale behind it, I believe there is an explanation in evolution behind this height-obsession. Nonetheless, the height-marketing will always be an imprint of my memory and to some of the Taiwanese people.

And the Horse has won the race

2008-03-22T20:47:00.000+08:00

Can we?

In the dusk of Nationalist's (KMT) victory of the presidential election in Taiwan, the streets are filled with a certain air of excitement and anticipation and so does my house. My dad, with his usual poker face, was sitting at his two seater of a throne as I entered the house after drinking for 3 hours. While the teevee showing the result of a 17% victory and Ma enjoying with his compadre.

As for Ma, like Obama, a charismatic and physically attractive man, who comes from an elite academic background of Harvard law school and a job at the KMT since the 80's. I'm sure he has acquired much experience in various realm in politics over the years.

Despite the recent row over his green card incident, he's still the golden child of his party, and in some Taiwanese people's mind. Like Obama, he also campaigned in 'change', though not a phrase as catchy as "yes, we can!" As a result of the election, many Taiwanese people seem to put faith in him and are betting on the fact that he'll open up the market to China even more, try (somehow) to improve the economy of Taiwan, boost the unemployment rate of a modest 3.8% and make the sky bluer in these four summers. On top of that, he's won the big seat and have the majority of the legislative yuan on his side, but also, he has the current president, Chen Shui Bein's, mess to clean up and the hope of Taiwan is on his and his vice president, Shao Wan Chang's shoulders now.

So far, no one is running out of Taiwan or talking about a dooms day, so I guess we're ok at the moment --- at least Dad is now happier and full of hope under his tanned freckled skin.

Making it or getting some?

2008-03-12T09:50:00.000+08:00

In the past weekend, I've had some exciting things happening for a change. First, I had an elementary reunion, but only the three of us who were close and have stayed close during these years. Other than rekindling the friendship, it was also a chance for a first hand experience to knowing what Taiwanese 20somethings are doing with their lives.

Some do the same as I do, which is drinking, playing pool, watch movies, go to KTV or hang out with friends. Some would stay at home and hang out with the computer, which I do sometimes too. But what they all have in common is that they aren't making much money as a whole. An average salary for an average office worker at entry level is around NT$23K to 35K (US$800-1200) a month, which isn't a lot no matter how you look at it.

But since Taipei isn't a big city and the idea of independence from one's family is a bit frowned upon- because families should stick together - living at home is widely acceptable if you're "trying to make it". Then I wonder, "What about if you want to bring someone home?" I assume not many mothers would find it tolerable if a strange girl walks around in the house on a Sunday morning no matter how close the family should stay together.

This doesn't seem to phase my old classmates, they seem to be living in a semi- or no relationship situation quite happily with the company of each other. I guess at the end of the day, for a guy in his late 20s, saving money is the most important thing at hand.

The Noble Audience

2008-03-10T09:41:00.000+08:00

Inspired by the recent incident of Edison Chen, a pop star who got criminalised by the media over his explicit photos with various female stars, I've noticed how people can be unforgiving with things that happened in the past. And the hypocrisy of

In the case of Chen, the viewers were upset from mainly how the media portrayed him and his behaviour. Analysing his motivation in photographing his sexual encounters, condemning the behaviour but not the fact that these are private property that are being violated, and even detecting what kind of video equipment he used, are the tactics the media used to prove that he is as much of a perv as they say he is.

As a result, with the publicity, this piece of news has become the biggest news in Taiwan other than the presidential election and it's also the topic at the dinner table.

"So sick! What a hypocrite!" While the downloading rate of his photos has never been higher. Some even took it in as a business opportunity, giving it out as an extra for pornography order, a boost for the Taiwanese pirating industry.

While people making a buck and satisfying their perverse needs on the internet, the star made his farewell to the entertainment industry.

Maybe this whole thing will all blow over soon and Chen will be able to regain his career in the show-biz, but who is the real perv? A man who photographs intimate encounters or those who thrive and gets off by sharing someone else's pain and violation?

Fridge Nightmare

2008-03-07T11:27:00.000+08:00

Normally I'm quite a domestic person who enjoys cooking and cleaning around the house. Though, since I start to get used to the fact that now my dad has a wife, I've passed the baton onto her and hoping for the best.

Frankly, I never had any faith in her with the domestic chores simply because she's a woman of career and consumerism, and being the youngest in her family, I have no doubt in my mind that she is indeed a princess.

However, a sudden change as I left the house undone was the increase of fresh fruit and produce in and out of the fridge. Sometimes, there's even the banging of the wok and turning of the stove as I come home. Dishes that I would not dare to try - simply because they're more laborious than a pot of curry or stew that can last me for a week - are now being presented and left in the fridge.

Boasting and cheering, she even bragged to my dad on the phone with her new-found ability in life. I, too, enjoyed the success. Maybe I was wrong, maybe she's not a princess afterall.

For a while I enjoyed this metamorphosis, but as the Tupperware starts to accumulate rapidly, my worries reappear. The first sign was the occasional peculiar whiff as the fridge door is opened. As shown in the picture, the three circled items have been in the fridge for more than a few weeks, particularly the box on the right - Azuki bean soup (red bean soup) for more than a month ago. How do I know? Because she cooks it during her menstrual period.

As for the pot, I wouldn't dare to look into it because the last time I looked, it was stewed pork and bean curd all curdled and smelled like foul sewage. Gordon Ramsay would definitely need to kick some ass here.

After seeing the fridge, I have no doubt that my immune system has been well trained for the worst. This incident should boost my domesticism and it did, which led me in cleaning the floor and maybe I'll even dump out the food to make it clear that I'm back.

"What do I have to do..."?

2008-03-06T20:02:00.000+08:00

Little did I know how stupid teenagers can be sometimes, or how stupid I was sometimes when I was a teen. My sister came home today in tears because she's now an outcast by her clique due to her ratting out on one of them, moreover, she lied about ratting her out.

In tears and much agony, she told me the story and her discontent. To my surprise, she was only a bit remorseful of her dishonesty. Though I also learned how to be honest when being interrogated till later years, which was also a hard pill to swallow at first, I wasn't impressed with her reaction.

After hearing her out and knowing that her fear has driven her to only one conclusion - running away, I told her to stick to her own doing and see it through. But looking at the high school students on the MRT, I have no doubt that each year, the endurance of the 15-18 are diminishing as their habit of communication is getting more and more advance.

Unfortunately, their communication skill and content did not improve but rather succumbed to triviality. Since gossip is human's way of bonding, with the advancement in email, sms, msn and cell phone are the essentials in a teenage life, every bit of gossip and news is spread within seconds. This somewhat leads to the growth and flourishing of gossip mags, rumour spreading and bad mouthing all over the world.

At a vulnerable and innocent age, this easy access technology is not necessarily a good one.

Finally, after much persuasion and talk and consolidation, my sister said she would think about writing an email to the girl and apologise to her but not speak to her in person.

This goes to show that actual human contact has been overlooked and underdone, more and more trash is being trafficked in seconds, the same time learning to be an adult is harder by the minute, while sorry still seems to be the hardest word.

Selling shit but definitely not a shit seller

2008-03-02T10:35:00.000+08:00

"Does probiotic really boost your health?" I, too, often wonder if it's true that the poo fairy is really related to the spoilt milk, the same way I wonder if Bush is related to bin Laden.

As it goes to show, with NYTimes article, yogurt does make you regular, but it doesn't boost your immune system. But in a Chinese/Asian medicinology --- a good poo gives great day, and a great day leads to great mood which gives you a better health. We believe that the wholesomeness of health is a lot more important than the singularity of it, that's why we also think that pain killers are bad for you.

Personally, I do think it's wrong for a big corp like Dannon to imply that Activia can be beneficial to health and had all these oversized women on TV talking about their bloatiness in public, but shame on those who don't google for fact! It is indeed wrong to make people believe that yogurt can be medicinal, but it is even a greater sin to be so lazy and believe in whatever you believe on teevee.

There's a saying that "money is the root to all evil", but actually it's that "ignorance is the root of all evil", because ignorance people start to believe in things that aren't proven, they follow what others say without questioning it and they end up bombing a whole country because of a hunch. If it isn't the root of all evil, I don't know what is.

So Dannon, well done on the art of deception, or PR. I'm sure you and yours alike will find better ways in wording and more convincing bloated individuals to sell their product.

When does it end?

2008-02-27T11:46:00.000+08:00

It's apparent what this world has come to. Under capitalism, we see beggars beside BMWs, M-shape economic make-up: the rich and the poor get intensified and a massively decreasing 'middle-working' class.

Under globalisation, we see food shortages in Africa and people choking on cake-eating competition in the UK, while scientists telling us that we can eat worms in combating the coming years of possible food shortages. The inequality that we live in has been seen as a norm by those in power as an inevitability, by the rich and even the poor.

In the meantime, there's the big corporations making billions and telling us what we lack within ourselves, a lighter hair color, a brighter smile, clothes with big logos so we can really be unique. And we buy them, in hoping that we can gain a bit of confident and self-assurance about our existence.

I, too, am a consumer and observer of the situation, and I'm sure there are plenty like me who are uncertain about how to live in this world with a clear conscience. One of the ways would be to write about it, finding out the truth about it, the numbers to back things up; or just do what one can to lessen the damage: buy less things, donate more, recycle.

However, that does not expel the demon in us: competitiveness. Always more! more! more! While looking over our shoulders to see who's behind and who's ahead. Trying to do the best we can but it doesn't seem enough.

The struggle of want, should, could, would, need, have to, not to will most likely be present, so I guess the question is: How do we cast them away?

The Debate

2008-02-25T10:49:00.000+08:00

The Taiwanese presidential election came to a new climax as the final debate ended yesterday evening. The debate, however, was a great disappointment for its pick of question and the candidates' failing to answering the questions accurately.

Questions like, "Do you see aboriginals as Taiwanese?" I mean, what should the candidates answer to that? "No"?? Then there's the PR when answering to each question, bowing to apologize to his former mishap, speaking of his past achievement while being the governor and mayor, everything but answering the actual questions.

After watching it for 15 mins, I was fed up and turned to HBO. Not only the debate was a waste of money, time, it was a great humiliation to the Taiwanese people like a slap in the face, knowing that our two president candidates are incompetent in answering factually to what they plan on doing, where they tend to get the tax money from, how they plan on improving Taiwan's economic funk.

The only positive outcome was the fact that this debate questions were formed by the ordinary joe through the internet, though there should have been a smarter person choosing these questions and not the average joe.

Having a glimpse at the choices of our future president, it comes apparent that the gloom of Taiwan's ambiguity in the political arena may persist in the coming years while the economic sluggishness prevails.

Entertainment News

2008-02-22T08:53:00.000+08:00

Recently I've noticed how limited Taiwan's entertainment business is, one can say that it's virtually a drought of the industry. Especially when the news channels steal the limelight of all the 58329231 channels available.

The news channels in Taiwan report on more than political, economic or social issues. Other than the usual news which the reporters merely transfer what the officials say without questioning, or if they do, they tend to ask victims or the relatives of the deceased of how they feel about the perpetrator. The position of reporters tend to be redundant in this matter.

Besides the verbal explanation, the most entertaining part has to be the animation and graphic designing of the news. This technique was first imported from a Hong Kong gossip daily - Apple Daily, in 2003. As a result, descriptive animated sequence of murder or rape cases supplements the report at large in most news channels.

After all the sex and violence were shown, came the food and leisure, which couldn't be anymore natural considering what we are build for. And frankly, these leisure reporters are the ones who hit the nail on its head. "Where are the produce from?" "How do you prepare?" "How many customers a day?" Then they switch to the customers: "How often do you visit this restaurant?" "What makes you want to come back?" "What do you think of this place?"

If the same questions were asked to the government officials and the people, Taiwan would probably have become one of the more advanced government in Asia. People's mind would have probably advanced to the next sophistication. The government would then be aware of what power and pressure the media can bring to them and make sure the real issues are dealt with. The people would then be aware of what actually happens and be involved in seeing it through.

For all we know this might happen in the distant future, it might not. But what I know now is that the media takes much of the responsibility of what we might become, or not.

President Watch

2008-02-18T09:47:00.000+08:00

Like the US, Taiwan is also getting ready for presidential election, which will take place on May 20th. And ever since the landslide result of the legislative election this January, the independent party (DPP) has been eager to gain more popularity amongst the voters. Whereas the national party (KMT) has been cheerfully touring the island with great zeal.

Despite the financial scandals that happened in both parties, the DPP has been acting offensively to the KMT candidate, Mr. Ma Ying Juio, of his loyalty to Taiwan and whether he has a greencard or US residency. In the meantime, the KMT has been acting defensively, in wait-till-there's-proof-then-talk attitude. And none has delivered any constructive speeches of what they will do with Taiwan if they were to be the leader.

Problems like the economy: how to improve Taiwan's competitiveness in the world and explore new possibilities. The government: setting up an independent watchdog for all government officials, including the president to prevent bribery and embezzlement. Then the environment: cutting down emissions per capita, setting up bicycle lanes in the city and car pool rules for long distance traveling. Also, setting up watchdog of the environmental bureau, reinforcing the rules of factories and companies of their waste process and making sure there is no kickbacks or bribery between the officials and the companies.

Other issues like agriculture, relationship with China, human rights, labour rights all need offensive resolutions from both party's candidates. On the contrast, the issue of whether Ma has a US greencard or how long has the DPP candidate walked on his tour seem less than trivial.

Photos in Cardiff

2005-11-23T05:40:00.000+08:00

Thursday Lectures (PR???? and Kim Halloway)

2005-11-22T08:52:00.000+08:00

PR isn't advertising, it's only to "establish and maintain goodwill and mutual understanding between an organisation and its publics." It's to keep the "suppliers, distributors, parners 'informed'"and not to spin, lie, or distort (what? I don't know, maybe the "truth"). PR sees the bright side of the product of what they're selling. PR is different from advertisment because "third party endorsement enhances relationships and recommendations."
After the lecture I'm still unsure about what PR is, it seems like they're justifying real hard to say what they're doing is actually very constructive, which I have no idea or opinion on.
As for last week's "Images For Online" I was dreadfully bored. All I learned from it was what the lecturer did and what he has been working on, and what differences and common gounds do mags and online have. Not very impressed, I have to say.