I'm now Blogging at ChaseAndre.com, or, the 15th reason I miss Taiwan...

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And it's now found its home at ChaseAndre.com


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14 Reasons I miss Taiwan
...and 5 Reasons I don't.
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"This Day in History..."

Though the effects remain, Typhoon Morakot passed through Taiwan over a month ago. The storm brought the worst flooding in over 50 years, and more than 500 lives were lost.

But ten years ago, today, Taiwan was rocked by an Earthquake registering 7.6 on the Richter Scale. Thousands were killed, and an estimated 100,000 left homeless. Throughout my year in Taiwan, this was brought up dozens of times. The tragedy, and the National heartache carried from the 9/21 earthquake is on scale with our 9/11 or Katrina.

One of the valuable lessons I learned while being submerged in another culture is to uncover the experiences that create common ground. As members of the human race, one experience that unites us all is heartbreak and tragedy. Though my students were young when this national disaster took place, we were able to share our experiences in the classroom and doing so brought us closer together as a class.

Learning that we're all human, and we're all in this thing-called-life together was a big lesson for me this past year. People are People. Burn away the cultural quirks and the difference in language, appearance or religion, and what you will have in front of you is a person. Really. A person just like you. In fact, so much like you they could be a member of your family.

And to me, many of them did become part of my family. Aligning myself with the troubles and hardships of the people around me - really understanding what the hurt they've been through, and sharing in that burden with them - has taught me what it is to be a member of this race called human-kind.

As my journey moves me from foreign to familiarity, I hope, and even pray, I never grow deaf to those with needs that I can meet. I hope I never grow so comfortable that I forget what it is to be displaced.

Though I'm far from my friends, and my family, in Taiwan, I know the lessons they've taught me have not left my side.

Photo Credit: here

Eat the Feet?

With only two days left, I'm attempting to absorb my favorite part of Taiwan's culture - The People. Every day for the last couple weeks I've been out and about spending time with as many friends as I can. It's turned into the family joke, every day they ask "So where you going to night?" (Roughly translated..)

On Saturday, my friend Ring brought me to a part of town I'd yet to visit. Before we ventured down "Art Street" - much reminiscent of Laguna Beach... minus the beach... and the blonde hair - she told me "Every time I come here, I always get three things to eat."

The first was a Taiwanese Hamburger of sorts. No problems there.
The last was an iced desert. Delish.

But between those two tasty treats, she said, "Now we're going to have Ji-Jiao"

"What's Ji-Jiao?" I asked hesitant, as I translated it in my mind.

"Chicken Feet~!"

51 weeks in Taiwan, and I'd avoided this "delicacy" until then. Ring wouldn't take no for an answer, I knew, so I buckled down and tried to enjoy...

But she loves it! As do many Taiwanese...

(that's a toenail in her mouth, by the way)

I'm thankful I tried. But it's not going to become a dietary habit, by any means. If you must know, well, it tasted like chicken. Pun only slightly intended.

Here's my beef. Let's forget the mental image of what this chicken was stepping in when it was alive and cluckin', I'm not crazy about savagely eating meat off the bone (boneless buffalo wings, please), and I've been known to peel even my grapes of their skin. So, the idea of gnawing on some sagging loose ankle flesh is just less than appealing to me.

But I did it.

Frankly, I prefer the Stinky (fermented) Tofu.

Interview with a Former Expat

Just two weeks before my sister visited, I met an American Girl about my age who was on the Island for an internship. She was living with my pastor, another American, who introduced us and asked if I'd show her around for a bit while she was here. Of course, I agreed. The thought of having another Foreigner to show the sites around town was quite fun.

It turns out Gabrielle and I share more in common besides being temporary-expats to Taiwan; not in the least is the fact that she is also from California. Beyond that, though, we share both a passion for travel (admittedly, she's much better at it than I), and a desire to give voice and face to the faceless.

We discussed life, and plans, and family, and God, and social justice issues, and the art that brings our attention to it, like the movies Crash and Blood Diamond and Hotel Rwanda.

She traveled with me by bus to my Mandarin class, and by bike to the school I teach at. We wound through the streets of Taichung not just discussing, but living life in a foreign land. At one point, we both hit our brakes hard, as a car cut through lanes from the left to make a right hand turn – a common practice in Taiwan.

“You get used to that sort of thing...” I said

“Well, T.I.T.” came her reply.

“Tit?”

“...This is Taiwan” She smiled, and laughed a bit.

“Oh.. right” I returned the smile, sheepishly, a step behind her “Blood Diamond” movie reference.

Recently, Gabby and I got back in touch, and I was once again reminded of her insight and love for life abroad. I wrote her and asked if I could “interview” her about her time here. To all our delight, she accepted.

So here it is:

Interview with
Gabrielle W.

Could you tell us what brought you to Taiwan? When were you there, and how long did you stay?

I came to Taiwan to do an internship for my last year of university. One of my professors recommended me to stay and intern with the Atkins, a missionary family on the island with an Adult English teaching ministry. I stayed for three weeks, between Western New Year and Chinese New Year.

Was the experience all that it promised to be? (How did you do on your internship project?)

Once I got there, I ended up doing a lot fewer actual work hours than I had originally thought. It all worked out, though. Overall, I was glad to be able to experience a variety of different EFL styles and settings. This included observing in a CRAM school, guest teaching an adult English class and attending a couple classes with…Chase Andre, who is an awesome EFL teacher and great at navigating bicycle routes through cut-throat, sidewalkless streets, by the way! In a nutshell, it was not what I expected, but it worked.

(You're too kind.) So, it's been half a year since you've been to Taiwan. What do you remember as being your biggest Cultural Surprise?

I’ve traveled to many places, but this was the first place I’ve been where I could not understand any of the signs or literature. It really is a shock to step into a world where reading is hardly an option. This really gave me a renewed empathy for ESL learners who come to the USA for the first time and are struggling to understand their environment. Also, for anyone with latino friends or family, the non-touchy-feeliness of Taiwanese culture can come as quite a surprise. I was expecting it to be this way, but I still found myself wanting to give people hugs and handshakes.

Wait—I take all that back—I experienced the highest form of culture shock, by far, in my mouth, when I tried the stinky tofu. I really wish I was super worldly and could say that I loved it, but my gag reflexes totally betrayed me on this one.

Briefly fill us in with what you've done since Taiwan, and what you plan to do next.

I graduated from university (yay!) and earned a TESOL/TEFL certificate. As soon as I save the funds, it’s Spain or bust! I’d like to do a lot of things in the long term, but next on the agenda is getting some TESOL experience.

You said you've traveled before. What countries have you been to? What was your favorite, and what felt the most "foreign"?

I’ve been to Mexico (just Baja CA), Panama, France (1 day layover), Israel, Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and of course, Taiwan. It is way too hard to pick a favorite. The world is a beautiful place and I am always falling in love with new faces, food, languages, and landmarks. Most foreign—you know, when you’ve got the travel bug, you feel most foreign in your good ol’ hometown.

Your list is pretty diverse, but, what is one common thread you've found in each culture - including your own.

Love. Different cultures and individuals have different manners of expressing it, so you may have to look closely. All you have to do is open your eyes, be receptive and someone nearly everywhere you go is bound to light up your heart. I’m not talking about romantic love; I mean hospitality, sacrifice, appreciation—a gift given from the heart, helping those in need—these things represent love to me.

(Fantastic answer. Awesome)

Why do you go out of your way to learn about and experience other cultures?

I’m addicted! When you learn about other people and how they see the world, chances are your worldview is going to change, too. International addicts aren’t comfortable with one pair of bifocals.

(Amen! haha)
If you had one piece of advice to someone (like me) who wants to travel as much as you have, what would it be?

Make it a priority. You may have to make material sacrifices to make it possible. Don’t go for the most expensive vacation trips. Go with a volunteer experience, an excursion, a study/work abroad program, or something like that. It will make it more reasonable cost-wise and, in my opinion, give you a richer experience.

And one last question: In one paragraph (3-5 Sentences, for the readers who aren't teaching English...), what does "The Journey is the Destination" mean to you?

I suppose it means that though we may have an idea of what we are working toward, we can’t just focus on the future because we will miss out on the present. Our lives aren’t like movies where we reach that one goal and then the sappy music plays and credits start rolling. It goes on and there are always multiple destinations we are headed toward, whether we are aware of them or not.


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Morakot Watch pt 3: Mud and Mess

Winding through the small Taiwanese town, the narrow streets showed some signs of poverty, but hardly a hint of disaster. I was almost disappointed. Other than a toppled palm here and there, I could see no sign of Typhoon Morakot.

At the entrance to a bridge, our small blue truck was halted, then waved through by the military personal directing traffic. My Taiwanese driver spoke in Mandarin Chinese: "Do you know why we were invited through?" Before I could respond, he pointed at the school-bus yellow safety vest ad matching rainboots I was issued back at the relief center.

Immediately upon crossing the bridge, the roads changed from dry and dusty to wet and muddy. We stopped once so a lady could pick up her fallen scooter out of the thick muck. As the truck rolled further down the road, water rose higher than our hubcaps.

But at a week and a half after Morakot made landfall, the water in the streets was not directly from the sky. This was one of the mudslide sites. And the murky water filling the road gushed out from inside the homes of the residents lining the street.


Armed with shovels, brooms, and any other tool that might do the trick, the relief teams filed into the houses and workplaces and began pushing, scooping and sweeping the mud and water out of the building. In some places, mud as high as four feet coated the entire first floor of each home.

As time went on, I could see on the tired, loss of hope grow on the victim's faces. It's as if their strength recedes with the water leaving their houses; what's left, a mud-covered shell and the realization that this won't be going away any time soon.

For me, that was the hardest part about being down there. Knowing they were still surrounded by mud and water in their broken home. CNN has long since considered this "Breaking News" but it'll be their reality for months to come.

I applaud, though, the CCRA for the helped they offered. What a well-oiled machine! To be able to mobilize 200-500 volunteers every day, truly remarkable. Five days in PingTung was a great choice for me. I met some great people down there, and got to get my hands dirty and hopefully give back to Taiwan some of what it's given me over the past year.

Keep the Morakot Victims in your mind and prayers. It's still a mess down there, and will be some time until all is well in their life again. And may we look at what we have and what we consider necessary, and remember what truly matters most to us along this Journey's trail.

Morakot Watch pt 2: Help Needed, Community Answers

Since my own personal run in with Nature's Forces, I've carried a special sympathy for Disaster Relief. Before I make my way to Morakot I wanted to update you all on where you can donate, if you feel so inclined.

Able to do this much better than I, Michael Turton, an expat-megablogger in Taiwan has compiled a thorough list of Global Aid and Taiwan Non-Profits determined to assist the displaced survivors of Morakot. You can find all of that information here.

A few Morakot Statistics:

• Taiwan agricultural losses close to NT$11.8 Billion.
• Taiwan death toll stands at 121, but could exceed 500.
• Mountainside collapse swallows 200 homes.
  

Also, youtube footage of an incredible, devastating hotel collapse:

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It's encouraging to me, though, to watch communities stand together in support of their neighbors-in-need. At the moment, I'm writing from Retro Coffeehouse. The Stackers, one of my favorite acts to play locally, are hosting a benefit show here. All profits from drinks and door donated to relief funds. The Refuge has also joined forces with Michael Turton to accept cash and goods donations to transport to afflicted areas.

In times like this, things like government initiatives and corporate infrastructure, even social or religious differences, tend to matter a lot less. We remember what we have, and what it is to give. We rally around and remember we're all human beings and we all have needs wanting to be met. We act within the Golden Rule.

In other words, we do what we should.

But, despite the tragedy, it's my joy to see people engaged with each other. As it's said at the Refuge, and as I believe: Community will Change the World.

Morakot Watch pt 1: The lasting effects of a Hurricane, 5 years ago

Five years ago, today, my family (mom, dad, two sisters, a brother, a gecko and a hamster) and I huddled in our laundry room as our house shook, roof tiles slaughtered our neighbors windows, and water began to forcibly enter our house in every way possible.

Have you seen the movie Twister? Remember the scene at the very beginning where the storm rips open the storm shelter and pulls out the father of miniature Helen Hunt? There was a moment in that laundry room where that scene flashed across my mind, followed by a question:

Is this it? Is this what my life has come to?

...That was also the exact moment I knew I'd survive.

For two weeks following that storm, we lived without power or running water. Our refrigerator rotted, and our house never recovered from the musty stench of mold forming and growing in the rain-soggy walls. Mosquitoes began to find their way into our house through the holes in the roof and broken doors.

Once, our water spigot outside began to leak. The six of us danced and bathed in the drip for the first time in a week.

Before long, though, our nightmare ended. But for those two weeks, we relied entirely on the compassion of others, and FEMA, to eat and drink and survive.

This past weekend, Taiwan received over 80 inches of rainfall - more than its been known to get in a year. The regions of south Taiwan are now plagued by flash floods and mudslides that have wiped out entire villages.

What was once my greatest trial is only a speed bump on the road the survivors are facing. I know from first hand experience that the disaster is a reality long after media coverage fades (especially American Media coverage...).

Next week, I have plans to head down to the disaster sites in hopes to offer any help I can muster. I'll be sure to report here on The Drift with photos/videos and stories.

Also, I'll be keeping my feelers out for any grassroots (and scandal-free) organizations accepting donations. I do know World Vision is down there right now, providing relief, and if anyone feels like giving what they can, they would be a great avenue to look into.

Please keep the victims of Typhoon Morakot in your thoughts and prayers.
Stay with me. More updates soon...

[Photo Credit: Here and Here]

On Mandarin Becoming a Little Less Chinese, or "The Art of Familiarity"

On Mandarin Becoming
A Little Less Chinese.

"It sounds Chinese to me..."

There was just three westerners in my Mandarin Class. Though we weren't the only English speakers, we were the only English natives. Often, our teacher (老师) would pose a question in Mandarin.

"I don't know, it sounds Chinese to me!" We would chuckle to each other under our breath.

Tongue-in-cheek, it may be, but there was truth to it. The sounds, tones, syllables: all completely foreign to our western ears.

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There are moments still when I walk down the street. If the sun is just right; if a scent hits my nostrils; at the most unexpected moments, my mind transposes my body and eyes to when this place was new.

Only but a moment, these feelings disappear as I realize the familiarity of the ground beneath my feet.

What a change. Scents, sights, sounds... they're comfortable now. I'm less wide-eyed and wondrous as I walk around.

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I noticed it first in the Bangkok airport. Admittedly, it was strange being in a foreign land and not being able to use my new second language that is now impulsive. I can't make heads or tails of the Thai language. That goes for the writing, too. Thai and Thailand were different and new and foreign.

But the airport. When I found my terminal, I heard Mandarin for the first time in days. Immediately, my ears perked up and I began to listen for words I understood: "(S)He... is... but... good... really?.. really!.."

Sure, it's not enough to effectively eavesdrop, but what hit me then, was that I had missed hearing Mandarin. This foreign language became... familiar.

When did that happen?

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The Art of Familiarity

Today I met a student who has spent the last two years studying in Midwest America. There's only about a hundred Asians at her school. She told me that she feels the Asian community isn't understood or respected there. She feels like people don't like her and her friends.

This made me sad. When she told me she had plans to transfer to LA, I assured her she would be well-received there.

"Why?" I asked myself.

It's simple really: Familiarity.

In my life recently, I'm discovering it is easy for us - as people - to keep at a distance what (or who) we don't understand. It takes little effort to ostracize ourselves from others who are different. It's much easier to demonize something or someone we are never in contact with.

But if you take that gap away, perspectives change.

Not long back, I read a study that cited the only way to effective racial reconciliation was to put the contrasting groups in a situation where they were forced to work together to achieve a common goal.

Common goals.

Sometimes I fear we forget we have more in common than we'll admit. When we place our motivations and agenda over that of another, we risk losing sight of the other's humanity. That humanity includes Culture, Beliefs, Lifestyles, Priorities, and Habits that are no less worthy of respect than our own.

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Tonight, I came across a new blog. It's not often that a mega-blogger impresses me with their content the way Chris has done. Not only does he take an Unconventional look at travel, but that uncoventionalism crosses over to every aspect of his life into what he calls, "The Art of Non-Conformity."

In a piece titled "28 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started Traveling", Chris echoes the point above when he reasons:

"Most important: don’t be a colonialist... Don’t assume that your culture is superior. People are not stupid just because they don’t speak English or think like you do."

Now, I am not trying to advocate a wishy-washy "Everything's A-OK in my book", blind-and-postmodern look at the world. This planet wouldn't function without the right to agree to disagree. This isn't a plea to say everything's fine and should be fine with everyone.

But, it is to say things look different after conversation and true community. When that common ground is found, it is a lot harder to ostracize or demonize.

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After 9 months of living my day-to-day in another culture, I've adapted. I'm conscious, now, of derogatory beliefs, jokes or broad-stroked and blind stereotypes made at this culture's expense, and even more subtle nuances like political climate.

I've experienced, first hand, reconciliation - the establishing of common ground - through the Art of Familiarity.

But what have I really learned if I take this lesson here, but ignore it in other aspects of my life?

So I find myself asking, "Who have I chosen to ostracize or ignore?" "How did it happen?" and "What can I do to reestablish community with that person or group?"

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My ears are forever acclimated to Mandarin Chinese. No, I'm not fluent, but it's much less a foreign language now. The same goes for the culture and the people.

I hope I continue to grow in my understanding of this language and culture - both while I'm here in Taiwan, and after I return to my original familiarity.

Most of all, I hope this becomes a Habit. With all of me, I desire to practice this Art of Familiarity with all those I come to encounter on my journey.

Good Sounds, Cont'd.

I've written about the Taiwan Music Scene before. Here's a video from one of the rising "Indie Artists" on the island.

Photo of the Day

Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Easter in Taiwan, or Translation Please?

I trust everyone had a great Easter! What are some of the traditions you all carry on (where ever you are)? You don't realize the little rituals you'll miss until you're away.

My Easter was pleasantly Bunny free, but I did manage to eat a full-fledged Easter brunch.

A week prior, my pastor and his wife invited me over after Easter-Sunday church. I don't think I've written about my church here before, but I've been attending there since the first month I was in Taiwan. The building (and their home) is almost directly outside of my house. It takes me a whole of 30 seconds to get there by foot.

My pastor and his family are mid-western Americans. Though they've lived in Taiwan for many years, and their kids have never lived in the States, they still cling to American Traditions. Humorously so. Their 10 year old calls me David Cook (surprisingly, my "nick name" back home...).

But they've been a (dareisay) Godsend at a few points during my trip, and have always heartily opened their doors to me.

There's also a group of 20Somethings (no, not that one) that meets on Tuesday Nights. A lively bunch I've certainly grown to love. We had a get-together last Tuesday and they invited some more friends than the typical weekly crew.

They asked me if I would speak. I thought it funny considering my language of choice wasn't theirs, but they didn't seem fazed. They wanted to know my story: what it was like growing up in the church in America, and what made me come to Taiwan. (Church talk, we call this a "testimony") So I obliged.

It took some coaxing, but my friend Ring (an adorable Taiwanese girl who loves art and music, teaches, and does Amway part time) agreed to translate. Even though I tried to phrase things in a way that would be easy to interpret, I didn't realize how funny we Americans talk. Let's just say it took more than one draft.
Ring (that's her English name) did a fantastic job, and was even quick enough to impromptu when I strayed from the script. She let me know, though. A glance at the sheet, a glare at me, and a swat at my arm was enough to tell me I needed to get back on track. I threw "No Man is an Island" at her. Oh boy, that was a doozey. Luckily, some listening were familiar with the phrase. But she was a champ. And it was a fun night. I'm glad they talked me into it :)

An Evening with the Orchestra

Clear skies above, I spent the evening enjoying another performance by the Taichung City Symphony Orchestra. Tonight, however, was special.

Conducting this evening, Tan Dun flew in from Mainland China to lead the Orchestra in two scores he has written.

The first was a real treat. Though it's been years since I've seen it, one of my all-time favorite movies is Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Tan Dun is the composer of that entire score. The performance this evening began with excerpts from the movie score, while scene-appropriate clips played on the screen behind the orchestra. It was beautiful to listen to this movie come to life.



The entire score is highlighted by the presence of an Er-hu (two-string Chinese Violin). To much delight, the score was accompanied by an Er-hu soloist who captured the organics of the film and brought them to our out-door stage here in Taichung.

Concerto and Solo by the Er-hu stands this piece apart from a typical Hollywood Movie Score. By no means will you find Hans Zimmer gravitating towards this Traditional Chinese Instrument.




Tan Dun, however, revels in it. The remaining hour of the performance brought us to his piece entitled Maps. Pioneering the relationship of Traditional Orchestra, Technology and Alternative Sounds, Tan Dun blended recorded video of indiginous Chinese music with the live symphony.



Solo vocalists and traditional instruments - and unconventional ones, such as rock-percussion - flooded the screen while Tan Dun conducted his symphonic construction in and out and over the clips. Lacing the piece together, a German Cello Player carried the weight with authority and an eccentricity. The resulting sound could only be defined as foreign to Western Ears. Across the entire Orchestra, music was created in the most unconventional ways: strings were slapped rather than bowed; air was forced through french horn by hand rather than breath; rimshot-cadence; swirling symbols; a quick, harmonic shoot, completely in unison. Though at times chaotic and barely-tonal, the performance left all in awe.



The evening's end met Tan Dun and accompaniment with a Standing Ovation. This was certainly the best concert I have seen here in Taichung to date. Completely unique, and likely a once in a lifetime opportunity.




Here is a quick video from the performance. Just something I decided to snag at the very end.

Tan Dun - Maps from Chase on Vimeo.

I have some more Orchestra-related news... but I think I will wait until later. Want a hint? This post included ninjas, the next will see pirates.

Good Sounds

I mentioned a post or two ago that I was immersed in a music-saturated culture back home.

Well, this is the extent of the pop/rock/indie scene here in Taiwan.
Consider this the best of the best (that I've seen so far):



Crowd Lu (盧廣仲) with his debut album: 100 Ways of Life (100種生活)

I wish I heard more music like this. It's more than tolerable, I think I actually enjoy this video. Plus its great Mandarin practice. I think I recognized a word or two...



Deserts Chang (張懸): Recently won "Best New Mandarin Artist" at the 7th Chinese Music Media Awards in Hong Kong.

This song is a great case-study on Chin-glish. Note the mixture between Mandarin and oddly structured English lines.


Children Sucker 表兒 : 朋友啊!Take It Easy!


Yea, I couldn't resist posting these guys.


I will note that there is one pop-punk song that is played -everywhere- but I can't find it anywhere. And, naturally, I don't know the name to look it up.
If I find it, I will pass it along.

But for now, I leave you with the infamous:

Wu Bai.

That's right. Literally translated, "500" takes the claim as Taiwan's first Rock Star. Still coming on strong, his newest album is laced with space-odyssey-themed Political Statements - the kind of album you'd expect from a true rockstar.

Think of him as a pioneer. Like the Steve Tyler of Taiwan Rock'n'Roll.


And since this post is about music and videos, let me leave you with something you totally weren't ready for. That's right... he's baa-ack.

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I found the Taiwan Music Videos at the Fools Mountain Blog, where there is not only additional videos, but more in-depth explanations of the ones I listed.

I found "The Evolution of Dance 2" on the homepage of Taiwan's Youtube site

Taiwan Politics - The Off-Broadway Production

Taiwan is a Nation of Celebration. So-much-so that they have a day to celebrate the Law.

Yes, Law Day.

"How do you celebrate Law Day?" one might ask.
Well that's easy, you stage a skit in front of your peers that mocks your career and professional status, and then everyone laughs.

Background: Former President Chen was jailed in December on suspicion of Money Laundering.
He rejected the claims and cried "Political Persecution!" He is from the Green Party who seeks independence from China. Currently in power is President Ma, in the Blue party, who favors political cross-strait hand holding. Political opinions and stances are stark here in Taiwan, and rivals the tension between the Red and Blue back home.

These acts mimic Chen Shui-bian when Chen was detained last year.

The entire room -- full of judges, attorneys, prosecutors and lawyers, probably several hundreds of them -- brought into laughters.

I found the quote and the video here

I really don't have much commentary for this. I'm just not used to seeing Prosecutors parody - let alone discuss at any length - an on-going investigation. Nor am I used to seeing Lawyers admit to their poor acting skills or childhood dreams of Broadway.

You English Speak Not Well.

I alluded to it here.

I spelled it out plainly here (See #1).

But you didn't believe me. Thought I was making it up.


This is the random Skype message I received tonight from a young lady somewhere in Taiwan:

Can we be friends?
I need someone practice english with me. I hope you can help.

See what I mean? Befriend a "Foreigner," and free English all around.
I don't know who this person is. I don't know how they found me on Skype.
But... heck, free English lessons?! Why not! (Should I feel bad that I didn't respond?)





(Oh, btw... Batman on Film just confirmed that Shia and Eddie won't be in the next Batman movie. Disappointed? I'm not.
... however, Rachel Weisz - of Mummy Returns and the excellent under-the-radar film "Blueberry Nights" - very well could land the roll of Selina Kyle/Catwoman... to which I would not complain.
If Catwoman is introduced for Nolan's third chapter, it would make for a great story line... but I don't know if a "sexier Bruce Wayne" is a strong way to end the series. Maybe a fourth to follow?! Wouldn't complain about that either. We'll see.

Just doing my part to keep you all updated. ;) I'll let you know when there's more.)

Thought of the Day...

Don asked...

Any thoughts on the appreciation of the arts, especially music, in the Taiwanese culture?

Amateur sociologist? Recreational philosopher? Social observationist?

so I thought I'd post a quick thought. I may expound on a later date.


Art is very affluent in Taiwanese culture. You see it purposefully throughout their Architecture, their Department Stores, their Restaurants, and their Recreation.

In the center of Taichung is a large Art Museum. The outer grounds are as aesthetically focus as the interior.
Taichung's Mayor has declared it his mandate to make the city a mecca for the arts -- the Jazz Festival was his institution.


But more than any other medium, I would have to say Classical Music is the art of choice.
Orchestra Performances are met by a full house I only dreamed of in theVault's days.
String Quartet and Chamber concerts have traveled to every elementary school, department store, and McDonald's.


And every Taiwanese student I know of is studying at least one or two classical instruments.

Taiwan has very little "Rock-Scene" to be spoken of. And the bulk of what does exist plays covers at bars and lounges where the audience sit at tables and maybe applaud.

But classical music... that's the ticket.

I've thought about why this is. True, there are still pop singers and the likes, but why is the emphasis placed so heavily on orchestra music?

Taiwanese - like Chinese and Japanese cultures - value their place within a group. Finding identity in a whole greater than yourself is considered Virtuous. They stay within their family units and work for large companies.

How does this contrast to the great Spirit of American Independence?

I hope to compare the two in a future entry, but for now, that's my Thought of the Day.

The Sound [and Sight] of Music

The family I stay with here in Taiwan heads up the Taichung City Symphony Orchestra. I'm lucky enough to get to tag along to performances and take pictures with my digital point-and-shoot.

I'm no Jered Scott, but I like to think I make due with what I have.
(Jered is a good friend, and an even greater guy than his photography is fantastic. Check out his galleries here.)

By no means am I claiming Photographer-status (I'm still only a "picture-taker") but I enjoy it nonetheless, and it gives me something to do other than sitting in a stiff theater chair.

This Sunday, there was a Chamber Concert at a local Jr High Auditorium. I was able to sneak around and snap a few shots.

Enjoy!

The Person Behind the Voice

I just wanted to spread a little Christmas Cheer as you all are waking up and venturing out to Church in the cold and snow this Advent Morn.




This Song has been somewhat of a Tradition of mine since I first heard it a few years back.
For as long as it's been on the Internet, it's been anonymous... until now.

The good people at Burnside Writer's Collective have interviewed the person behind the voice.

Don't believe me? Read for yourself.


Now hug someone near you and thank them for not singing like that guy.
If you want to hear more voices like that... well, come Karaoke in Taiwan...

A Fellow Drifter on Driving

Just wanted to point you all in the direction of a brilliantly (or should I say frightfully) accurate post about driving in Taiwan. It's written by a fellow foreigner who washed adrift here on the shores of this crazy island just over 3 years ago. Unfortunately, they don't give medals for that sort of thing...

Alex has been one of the sages I've relied on in the adaptation process here in Taichung. Plus, he's great company over Starbucks and Thai Food. After about 10 minutes into our first conversation, we discovered we spent a good portion of our lives within 15 minutes of South Orange County Driving Time from each other.

The only real difference? I'm a native, and he hails from England. At any rate... it's a great post, and as I said: frightfully accurate.

And before you click, here's a daily dose of the road here:




[Edit: These videos are too fantastic. Alex did the leg work to find and link these gems on his page... but I have to post them here. It seems so ridiculous to see this much lunacy in a 2 minute streaming clip... but this is just day-to-day reality.]



And this one has a great sound track:



And this will make you jump up and make a face something like O_O ...or maybe =-O
See for yourself:



This stuff just couldn't be scripted if they tried.
Check Alex's post for the reason behind the madness.

Stop to Smell the Flowers

Stop to Smell the Flowers

This weekend, I went to the "Flower Festival" in the DaKen mountainside with my friends Jimmy, Mia, and Brio. It was nice to get out in the sunshine and (relatively) fresh air. I got sunburnt. Luck of the Irish. It wasn't too bad, though. Thankfully, I avoided all Lobster-like qualities.



The Flower Festival is basically a dozen or so Fields of Flowers (see above, and below...), some vendors, and a dirt parking lot.

The vendors feature a number of traditional Taiwanese food and trinkets. I tried Sugar Cane Juice. It's green.

There were also several Ice-Cream-Mans equipped with an ice chest on the back of their Scooter. Here, they're known as Baboos, for the sound their squeeze-horn makes when they ride through the neighborhood or sit and wait on the side of the road as busybodies pass by.


The trip was good for an hour or two, which is more than enough time to see everything at a snail's pace. Nonetheless, it was a worthwhile chance outside the city.