Busy lately. Will post something new soon... but for now, just read this article. It's actually pretty crazy how far technology has come when you think about it. Today's world is starting to look very futuristic.

Kevin

An email that I found pretty funny.
==================================================


A Marine stationed in Afghanistan recently received a "Dear John" letter from his girlfriend back home.

It read as follows:

Dear Ricky,

I can no longer continue our relationship. The distance between us is just too great. I must admit that I have cheated on you twice since you've been gone, and it's not fair to either of us. I'm sorry. Please return the picture of me that I sent to you.

Love,
Becky

The Marine, with hurt feelings, asked his fellow Marines for any snapshots they could spare of their girlfriends, sisters, ex-girlfriends, aunts, cousins etc. In addition to the picture of Becky, Ricky included all the other pictures of the pretty gals he had collected from his buddies. There were 57 photos in that envelope....along with this note:


Dear Becky,

I'm so sorry, but I can't quite remember who you are. Please take your picture from the pile, and send the rest back to me.

Take Care,
Ricky

Step #6 of Being Taiwanese: Buy a Scooter

So I'm in the market for a scooter. Scooters play a HUGE part in Taiwanese traffic, with a decent variety of shapes and sizes. The Big 3 scooter companies here are KYMCO (intl), SYM, and Yamaha (intl). Scooter sizes are ranked based on engine size: 50cc, 90cc, 100cc, 125cc, 150cc, and a few more above that. The 50cc's are small, and don't require a scooter license (a local driver's license will do), but they're weaker and going uphill with a passenger can be embarrassing. It seems like 125cc's are the most popular size.

Anyway, I'm on the hunt right now, and hope to have both license and scooter in 2 weeks. I've had a few practice runs with my co-workers scooter, and so far the training has gone really smoothly. With my scooter likely to only be used casually (rather than daily), I'll probably pick up a 2nd hand one.

I had a conversation with CS a while ago, that went a little something like this:


Kevin says: yes. I want to buy a scooter.
CS says: yah...lower it, buy a spoiler and install a boom box.
Kevin says: WOOOORD! I'm going to give it a low-rider. And I'll tint the window.
Kevin says: Don't forget the racing stripes
CS says: it'll be a fiiiiiiiiiiine ride my friend...
Kevin says: and the Spoon and Mugen stickers
Kevin says: hmm... where can I hang fuzzy dice?
CS says: on the handle bars. you know...like tassles on tricycles


So, I drafted up a few concepts of what my scooter might look like, if I wanted to go overboard on modifications.

- Here's what a typical scooter looks like...
- Now here's what an American Chopper scooter COULD look like
- Better yet, living in the Lower Mainland, perhaps the Richmond Scooter would be more to one's liking

Of course, I'm only having fun with this, and the chances of me actually supping up a 2nd-hand scooter are thin. But what if I DID...? Would it look like this: 1 | 2 | 3?

Now, if I were to buy a new one, and based only on model name... I think I would have to give extra consideration to this KYMCO scooter. At 250cc's, it would give a new meaning to "Wanna ride my Grand Dink?"

A Few Thoughts...

Ode to the Blog

Given that you're reading my blog, I figure it's fitting for me to announce that the most online-looked-up word of 2004 is, in fact, "Blog". Apparently, news articles about how blogs were affecting the voting outcome of the US Presidential Election drove people to look it up.

Ode to Earth

The day after watching a so-so The Day After Tomorrow disaster movie, I came across a news article that spoke a more real tale, that had eerie similarities to the movie. It's worth a read.

Ode to Sly

With 7 or 8 English movie channels, I get my fill of decent recent blockbusters. And then there are re-occuring movies, or movies that get shown based on their stars. For example, I've seen broadcasted so many Stallone movies since coming, that it's almost embarrassing. Rambo 1, 2, 3, Rocky 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Demolition Man, Get Carter and more. But while some of you may get on my case, Stallone's actually not a bad actor!... at least in some movies. For example, when I watch the Rocky movies, I actually think he passes for a GOOD actor. He's natural, he doesn't overact, and he actually plays a good down-to-earth kind of guy. So, I looked him up on IMDB and found out that one of his first movie gigs was a porno called The Party at Kitty and Stud's (where he played Stud). This movie was later re-released under "The Italian Stallion", after his Rocky success. Go figure.

Boxers or Briefs?

To tell you the truth, I'm not sure why the question comes up as much as it does. Really... does it matter? And there are so many more options now that it's no longer just between boxers and briefs.

I'm a briefs guy, myself. I've bought a pair of boxers, but I only wear them when I find I've run out of clean underwear. So, I consider them backup. I find the freedom a little too overwhelming, and I prefer knowing that things are where I last left them.

However, last year, I picked up a pack of boxer briefs by Prodigy, and they've been great! They're less embarrassing to be seen in than the tighty whities, and they make you feel like you're one of the Mr. Abs seen on the boxes. My boxer briefs come down mid-thigh, and they're SO comfortable. I can be happy wearing these around the house, which I wouldn't do in my briefs alone. They're also great for keeping my legs warmer during cold days.

Unfortunately, with the last point, the boxer briefs are a little too hugging and warm when the weather's 20+, like it often is here in Taiwan, even as we enter December. Some of the guys competing in the UFC wear shorts that seem like they'd be comfy as underwear. They're like my boxer briefs but stop just below the cash and prizes. I should find a pair of those.

But then, while at the Living Mall in Taipei with SC, we came across some real gems of underwear. Hmm... maybe I'll need to revise my underwear purchase plan and get one of these.

"What are you?" When people ask me about my or my family's background, my answer always depends on who's asking. I'm either Taiwanese, Chinese, CBC, or Canadian - making me a racial paradox.

By Nationality, I'm Canadian, and that's the answer I almost always give when I'm away from Canada. When asked within Canada, or by a Canadian, I assume they know I'm Canadian and so I usually reply with Taiwanese. If asked when in China, I usually say I'm Chinese or my parents are from Taiwan (without saying I'm "Taiwanese", to avoid sparking unnecessary controversy) - I tend to just agree with them that we are all alike, although I may not think we're anything alike.

My three choices are also convenient labels to make myself the same as or different from the people I'm talking to as desired. If I'm with my Taiwanese friends, I'm Taiwanese "like you", but I'm a CBC. While proud to be Taiwanese, I'm selective in choosing which Taiwanese characteristics I want to be associated with. I pride certain Taiwanese values and traditions, but take a strong Western views and dislike so many customs here in Taiwan. At the same time, I wouldn't follow the "Westerner"'s family value system either. By race, I'm Chinese, but I'm not Chinese. I'm Canadian, like all Canadians, but of a Taiwanese background, which makes me different from many. So where does that leave me? I guess that's what makes a CBC... a bit of everything, not fully anything.

CBCs (a term I use loosely to include many Canadian Born Asians) definitely have their own culture. In some ways, they're a race of their own, while not necessarily being of the same ethnic race at all. Fluency in their ethnic tongue is rare, and they often can't stand hearing new immigrants speaking their native language amongst themselves, not willing to assimilate into their new environment. Unfortunately, many CBCs suffer from poor English abilities as well, not having the chance to speak at home. At least in Vancouver, CBCs' friends are often other CBCs (or CBAsians), usually with room for a Caucasian or two (or some mixes) who are oddly open to the idea of being "the white guy" and joking about it. Of course, English is generally the main language spoken, but so often you'll hear Chinese words come up, because quite frankly, those are the only words we know to describe certain things. Typical CBC activities are a mix between Western and Asian activities (sports and outdoor activities, bubble tea, karaoke). CBC's also share an understanding of family values, strict parents, traditions they consider dumb and unnecessary, and other traditionally Asian anecdotes. In an abrupt end, that's my babble on CBCs.

A short page describing Chinese Canadians speaks about our roots, not in family, but those in immigration.

What are your thoughts?

The time was 11:09pm, Friday night. I was on my double-pedaled speed rocket heading into the office to check on some unfinished work. The night, dark. The wind, blowing. Out of nowhere, a barking, growling brown dog catches me off guard, chasing me on my twin-wheeler from the left side. The surprise throws my off natural courageousness and I let out a loud "WAAAAHhhhh!!!", as my bike wobbles. Just then, a black dog appears on my right, chasing, growling, and barking. But after the initial shock, I collect myself and know that the only way to survive a dual canine mugging is to keep on pedalling.

As I reach the next block, heart still pumping, I steer onto the left sidewalk. Both dogs follow. But cleverly, I get close enough to the edge of the sidewalk to eliminate any room for a dog to follow suit, so the black dog runs at a short distance on the abandoned road. After another half a block, I figure these dogs will turn back having had their fun. It was just another one of their "numbers" on a Friday night. Sure enough, a few seconds later, the tandem attackers turn away, and my heart slows down to just a rapid thumping. I'm sure they trotted back chuckling about their accomplishments. Meanwhile, I was left questioning my own bravery having over-reacted to stray dogs coming out of thin air.

So, I ask the dogs now... WAS IT WORTH IT!? Was this petty violation worth it? Was taking away a man's dignity worth the few laughs you got out of it? (and you can bet the first thing I did after I let out my human yelp was look around to see if anyone saw)

I recognize those dogs. I've seen them hanging out with their friends, lying on the grass, rolling around without a care in the world. Dogs with no responsibilities, no future, and no respect. Punk dogs, I call them. But their time will come. I assure you. I'm plotting my revenge now.

I'm in Asia. I will catch them, and then I will eat them.

Weekend recap:
- Friday night, caught a free saxophone concert by chance in a park
- Saturday evening, dinner with AJ and MC at a yummy (albeit expensive Japanese restaurant)
- Sunday afternoon, went to the Living Mall with SC... such a cool mall! Also caught some of a wheelchair ballroom dancing event. Totally weird!

Some neato pictures (and some laughable ones!) at my imagestation account.

I "drove" a scooter for the first time today!! It was very spur of the moment as I was stepping out of the office with my coworker, me going to my bike, him going to his scooter. And I had a question for him about his scooter, and he asked if I wanted to ride... so of course I couldn't pass up the opportunity!

Now, it's a law that all scooter riders must wear a helmet, but he didn't have a second one. He said it wouldn't be a big deal... so he drove out of the parking lot, and I walked out to the street. Just then, a police car drove by. Whew... it didn't stop. So, I got on the scooter with his helmet on, and he got on behind me. First thoughts on driving a scooter, it's a little weird, and not that easy to control. Just takes some getting used to. Not far from our starting point, we pass a police officer standing by a car... was he a police? hmm... not sure. Yep, he was. So, my coworker tells me to go a little faster to get away, and he reaches from behind me and speeds us up. At the end of the street, we trade places and he drives us back to the office. Just as we arrive, a police car drives by again... I duck behind my coworker.

Someone out there doesn't want me riding a scooter. heheh...

BUT, I'm persistent. I've already scheduled to have another coworker teach me to ride tomorrow night. Step 1 to owning my own scooter!!

Today is Rememberence Day. It's a time to remember how I used to have a day off back home.

Busyness busyness busyness busyness busyness busyness busyness busyness busyness busyness busyness busyness busyness busyness busyness busyness rest busyness busyness busyness busyness busyness busyness busyness busyness busyness busyness busyness.

In the midst of all this busyness, I finally got some rest. This past weekend in Taipei was a good one. Lots of time spent indoors, and two nights of sleeping that went uninterrupted by a reason to wake up other than lunch. That's not to say I didn't go out, but at least there was no copius amounts of walking, and I ended the weekend without aching feet. Seems like a while since I've had the pleasure.

I need to eat more, and very quickly. I don't feel like I get hungry often, but it seems like certainweight scales report very different weights. One weight scale this past weekend announced that I had lost some 8 lbs and was quickly nearing the ideal weight... for girls! Anyway, gonna start back on my Power Meal and Protein.

Groundbreaking news! Today was the groundbreaking ceremony for our new office building, to be built over the next year right behind the building I'm working in. The new building will become the eventual home for my team. In true Taiwanese fashion, a big ceremony was held. There was an announcement by the CEO, some firecrackers blown, some ceremonial gifts to the Gods (actually, I'm not sure what it was for), lots of paper burned to bring good luck, more firecrackers blown hanging from an excavator's shovel, and the final formal ground breaking. The ground breaking was performed by the company directors, 8-9 of them, using golden shovels. It was big pimpin'. At the end of the day, a conclusion is drawn: Taiwanese people like to burn things.

(the part above was written on Monday, the part below was written on Tuesday)

Groundshaking news! At around midnight my time, I experienced an earthquake. It was my second one (third officially, but I didn't feel the first one) in the last month. The first one I felt was a more violent shake and only lasted about 2 seconds. This one was less violent, although still shaky, and lasted 30 +/- seconds. I even had enough time to wonder whether I should continue MSNing with my friend VS in North Carolina. After the excitement, it was back to watching Rocky 2 on TV.