New Gregorian Year!

Part 1 [Posted before]

My roommate invited me to a celebration at the Crowne Plaza hotel, a well known place for foreign events and gatherings. I hesitated in deciding to go, since I don't drink. The festivities commence at 9pm.

(yawn)

Part 2 [Posted after]

I hijacked a pretty colleague from work to go with me to the event. Around 2am, the group wanted to speed to a night club for 30 minutes of dancing before closing. I wanted to go home. I was feeling burnt out, but champagne, red wine, beer, and 6 cocktails will do that. Oh, and a chicken leg. Yes I know I said I don't drink, but you're crazy if you think I'm going to suffer 5 hours with my friends sober.

There were prizes through the night. I think the first 4 or 5 winners came from a single table. They announced the final draw, and they won again. Later in the night, they held another draw. I think they had winners in that too. Theoretical probability considered, the prize draw had to be fixed.

The Plan, Mwuhahahahahaa!

I received a shirt and some Christmas cards a few days ago, sent to me by my mother and nephews. I failed to organize my gifts to send out this year, and I have no excuse. Well I do have excuses, but dad always said "No excuses. >:[ "

"What do Atheists do on Christmas?"
I dunno, same as you!

My plan is to have everyone on Skype at the same time Christmas morning. I have a web cam for the event, and I just need confirmation from my family that the plan is agreeable.

I'm off to work, now that my apartment has water again and just in time.

Tonight, I am joining Paul at a middle school event. If it ends early, I'll meet Chris at the Crowne for a big Christmas party.

Photo: YOU!

Earliest Christmas Memory

My earliest recollection of Christmas, I believe, was in 1981. Possibly 82, or was it 83?

I awoke around 2 or 3am I guess, having wet the bed (shut-the-hell-up! Quite natural for a 3 year old) Anyway, I wandered out of my room and into the decorated living room of our home.

The room was lit up by the Christmas tree, covered in lights and a blanket of tinsel. On the couch watching TV was my mother. The next few things I recall are a pound puppy http://www.poundpuppies.com/, a gingerbread house, and the street covered in black and snow out the front window.

If I recall correctly, my mother sent me back to bed with a pound puppy toy from under the tree. I remember being drawn to the window. The gingerbread house was amazing. It sat on an old sewing machine that converted into a table. Outside the window was a beautiful sight. The snow was so very thick, falling very slowly.

What's your earliest Christmas memory?

Photo: Random google image search. http://www.duvekot.ca/eliane/archives/2008_02.html

Xiǎojiě, nǐ shì nǎ guó rén?

America is not a country.

I didn't think much about it until a few days ago in a cab ride to work. The driver of the taxi asked me a couple of questions. I became aggravated as the conversation progressed.

Taxi - "nǐ shì nǎ guó rén? Měiguórén? [which country are you from? American?]
Me - "wǒ shì jiā ná dà rén" [I am a Canadian.]
Taxi - "ahhh, (nodding) nǐ shì Měiguórén." [Ahh, you are American.]
Me - (Thinking for a moment) "shì, jiānádà. wǒ shì jiānádàrén." [Yes, Canada. I am a Canadian.]
Taxi - "zhī dào, Měiguórén." [I know, American"]

It was a refusal to acknowledge my identity. We know it is impolite to refer to someone as "Middle-Eastern", "Asian", and "South African". In these situations, we tend to ignore it unless it is directly related to a given situation. Courtesy would be that being corrected expects the conversation to adapt and use the preferred term.

Idiot - "Which country are you from? Asian?"
Chinese National - "Yes, I'm Chinese."
Idiot - "Ahh, Asian."
Chinese National - "China. I am Chinese."
Idiot - "I know. Asian."

Mistaking someones nationality with their geographic region is excusable. Refusal to aknowledge someones identity by considering their regional origin to be their country of origin regardless of being corrected, is belligerent.

My computer is back in working order. I lost alot of data, but my Mandarin software has been reinstalled.

Photo: The McDonalds here keeps messing up my order. I literally point and touch the menu item, so why do they still get it wrong? Next time, I'm opening everything as soon as the bag is on the counter. >:[ Edit: Who am I kidding? I should be happy that they mess up simple orders. It gives it that "like back home" feeling.

Lightning Crashes

After 2 days of searching for options, I reluctantly had to format my hard drive and start over, all due to a botched windows update. I did however manage to slave my hard drive to a friend’s PC and burn my important documents to disc. My PC problems didn't end there.

After reinstalling Vista™ Ultimate and suffering the endless updates, it seems my data stored on 3 DVDs could not be read in my defective DVD drive.

My drivers are up to date, and my burned DVDs made using the drive work fine on a friend’s PC, but can’t be read by the drive that made them. Samsung can kiss my ass.
There’s no listing in their product database for my TSSTcorp CD/DVDW TS-H652D ATA Device. The latest firmware for my device failed to install with an error indicating it was incompatible...

Picture: Dopamine now!

Firefly

I found this interesting.

This link http://dl.getdropbox.com/u/260010/Serenity/chineseslang.pdf is for the pen and paper game for Firefly (Serenity). It was linked to me by Kurt Hebron.

I remember watching the Firefly DVDs on my friend Kevin’s big screen TV over the months and days before leaving for China. Despite a few mixed DVDs in incorrect cases, no DVDs were harmed in the viewing of this series.

Upon inspection of the link above, I noticed a few discrepancies in the pinyin (Romanized English phonetics of the Chinese language) used for Firefly. Additionally, the pronunciation was too inaccurate for my Chinese friends to understand when we watched the Serenity movie here.

Now if I recall correctly from the extras on the Firefly box set DVDs, the writers would have a Chinese contact call her friends in China for phrase translations.

They explain the confusion somewhere in the series extras, but I have my own theories as to more possible factors involved in why the pinyin and pronunciation is how it is.

Photo: Firefly, an awesome (but too short) series of which I was reluctant to enjoy, despite strong recommendations from others. I would have listened to their testimonials, but they had heavy accents and it was difficult to understand. :)

By Dionysus' Beard!

I’ve been trying to track down an existing oath or code of ethics, used by teachers in Canada. I haven’t had much success. I did however locate bits and pieces, other comments and requests, ideas and theories, and other things that refer to a code of some kind.

I stumbled onto the hippocratic oath of physicians? I found it interesting.

I swear by Apollo, Asclepius, Hygieia, and Panacea, and I take to witness all the gods, all the goddesses, to keep according to my ability and my judgment, the following Oath.

To consider dear to me, as my parents, him who taught me this art; to live in common with him and, if necessary, to share my goods with him; To look upon his children as my own brothers, to teach them this art.

I will prescribe regimens for the good of my patients according to my ability and my judgment and never do harm to anyone.

I will not give a lethal drug to anyone if I am asked, nor will I advise such a plan; and similarly I will not give a woman a pessary to cause an abortion.

But I will preserve the purity of my life and my arts.

I will not cut for stone, even for patients in whom the disease is manifest; I will leave this operation to be performed by practitioners, specialists in this art.

In every house where I come I will enter only for the good of my patients, keeping myself far from all intentional ill-doing and all seduction and especially from the pleasures of love with women or with men, be they free or slaves.

All that may come to my knowledge in the exercise of my profession or in daily commerce with men, which ought not to be spread abroad, I will keep secret and will never reveal.

If I keep this oath faithfully, may I enjoy my life and practice my art, respected by all men and in all times; but if I swerve from it or violate it, may the reverse be my lot.

I found a teachers oath online (http://ematusov.soe.udel.edu/oath/). A link to the history of this oath shows that it was made by an educator who could not locate any such oath online. So far it looks good, but I will need to spend time making that I fully understand it before I appropriate it.

To consider dear to me as my loved ones, those who taught me this art; to live in common with them and if necessary share my goods with them; to look upon their children as my own brothers and sisters, to teach them this art if they so desire without fee or written promise; to impart to my sons and daughters and the sons and daughters of the master who taught me and the disciples who have enrolled themselves and have agreed to the rules of the profession, but to these alone, the precepts and the instruction.

I will strive to facilitate learning and implement a curriculum for the good of my students according to my ability and my judgment and never knowingly do harm to anyone.

I will keep an open ear to hear those who I may unknowingly cause pain to and try my best to see the error of my ways and turn from them.

To please no one (e.g., state, school administration, parents, taxpayers, myself) will I prescribe a "one size fits all" curriculum and assessment techniques, but rather I will be aware that students learn in different ways, in different timelines and may exhibit that which they have in a multitude of styles.

Nor will I become so stagnant or complacent with that which I know that I will cease seeking further education for myself; and if such a time occurs, I will reconsider my involvement in this profession.

Also, in my zeal to help every student I encounter I will still realize my limitations and if necessary call upon the assistance and guidance of another.

In every school where I come I will enter only for the good of all students, keeping myself far from all intentional or unintentional ill‑doing and all seduction, and especially from the human tendencies to stereotype those who are the same or different from me and to place blame within the student when it appears that learning has not occurred.

Whatever, a problem I perceived as a teacher, I promise to consider my own teaching first and foremost in search of a solution.

I will also be sensitive to the needs and other obligations of those that work with or for me and remain open to their suggestions by prioritizing learning needs and well‑being of my students over other concerns and goals.

Above all these things, I will never forget that I was once a student in my students' position, keeping in mind the obstacles that I once faced.

All that may come to my knowledge in the exercise of my profession or outside my profession or in daily interaction with the public, I will not keep secret but will reveal to anyone with an open ear.

If I keep this oath faithfully, may I enjoy my life and practice my art, respected by all and in all times; but if I swerve from it or violate it, may the reverse be my lot.

Designed and signed first by Stephanie of Drye, June 16th of 2000, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware U.S.A.

If anyone has any leads towards finding any such oath used in Canada and North America, please let me know either by comment or email.

Photo: A pendant of Dionysus, bringer of the hangover!

Zoom Boom II !

I stopped near a school I used to teach at and took a picture. It was the location of the 2nd accident I wrote about in my previous post. It was just a plain calm stretch of road.

Satisfied that I had a photo to append to my previous blog entry, I turned and carried on.

I heard a vehicle breaking. The sound broke with a certain familiarity, as the people in the area all turned their attention to its source.

The man on the ground with his scooter seemed to be dazed but otherwise, still breathing.
I had just passed on the idea about taking a small documentary style video of the area for my previous "Zoom Boom!" post, but chose not to for whatever reason. I could have caught it all on cam.

Photo: One of my students posing for the picture (center) as he was leaving the school I used to teach at. A man stunned and contemplating his options (left) after having been hit by the van (right). Also, that student said he didn’t even notice the guy on the ground.

Zoom Boom!

Why?

If you were on the 400 heading to Toronto going 50kph on an electric scooter alongside other vehicles, wouldn't you be scared?

On my way to work (an 11 minute walk) two separate accidents involving electric scooters happened along the same street. The accidents happened about 2 minutes apart.

The first one, a guy stopped in the middle of the road to take a call on his cell. Another scooter crashed into him. He didn't budge, he didn't offer to help the other guy up off the ground. He just kept talking on his cell and stayed put.

The second accident happened as a man on a scooter with his daughter standing on the back was inching across the road at a designated crosswalk. Another scooter plowed through his scooters front wheel. It didn't knock his scooter down, and his daughter was not injured, but the driver of the other scooter crashed and fell down, and slid about 8-10 feet.

Photo: I can't find a good photo. I tried searching for electric scooters in google, but none of the results feel right for this entry. Use your imagination I guess.

With Restraint - Again.

My entry regarding a film called Proud American shook a few trees it seems.

I had one commenter and one ridiculous email.

The post itself can be found here. http://northkin.blogspot.com/2008/10/with-restraint.html

If anyone looked closely (not that it required that level of scrutiny), they would see that I did not attack the American people. Only the film itself.

I was right in my assumption that Americans would be dissapointed in the film, as shown by the brutal landslide of negative impressions from American film critics. It will probably be voted (by Americans) as one of the worst films of the year.

My suspicions about the film (based completely on the trailer alone) seems to have been accurate. Let's see if I'm correct again in my prediction.

Hoping to see it though.

A Nice Autumn Day.

File size: 6MB Format: .wmv

It really is a nice day out. The leaves are mostly turned, although some seem a faded green throughout the year (trees without vacation from city life).

In regards to my recent posts, it seems to be the popular notion that these talks MUST end in a bad way, while that may be, I would like to see it for myself. Well, I've found someone - Jason B. (Christian) who says he enjoys discussing and debating the existence of gods in deitic religions. He has agreed to join me in some discussions.

I'm trying to percieve it like a designed prophecy. That is to say, if it is feared enough - it will happen. Well I don't fear that a conversation about religion between two mature people will end poorly. There is nothing destructive about learning what specifics people use as a benchmark, a trigger, a reason for believing. That's my goal.

I bet its all snowy back in Canada.

Video: A few shots taken today, and one shot taken last year. File size: 6MB Format: .wmv Audio: Elemental Gearbolt

To be loaded when the controls to upload video are useable. At present, I am blogging via secure tunnel. As a regular occurance, it used to turn me off from blogging at all. Now, it simply forces me to return to my posts to complete them. Video or photos may be uploaded anywhere up to 5 days from now, usually.

Hey, you're UGLY!

So I'm out of hair gel. With my current (short and simple) hair style, I don't need a lot but it helps to keep a neat appearance.

I was out of hair gel for 2 weeks before going back to the store I had purchased it from. It was convenient, the store was near my work. Preferring the same brand, I brought the container with me. The store manager informs me that they will have it next week. The following week came around, and I stopped in to check on the product, and again ... its not in. This continued for 2 more weeks.

I decided to bring a friend to help communicate, and as it turns out, he insisted that they will have the product in the following week IF I was serious about buying it. I told her to tell him I was serious for the past month, but now I can't be bothered to come back. After, my friend and I had lunch.

Photo: Clever brand name. It will sell well with the Stinky Girl perfume.

A Friendly Discussion

Through several emails, the following was formed. I hadn't spent much time discussing my thoughts on the subject, least of all with someone who did not agree with me. There are things I noticed, when looking it over. I later found that I had sought to test the strength of my views.

Michael - "Hey Chad,

I have for the past few months been entertained by blogs, various readings and countless youtube videos about religion, atheism, and anything else relative.

So I'm inviting you, someone with a perspective different than my own while also someone who I regard as an open minded critical thinker, to take part in a friendly discussion about religion and the existence of God.

My position is agonistic-atheism and, if I'm not mistaken, your position is theism. If I have labelled your position inaccurately, please correctly state your position."

Chad - "I consider myself to be an intelligent educated man. Your naming of me as a theist is somewhat vague, I am a Christian, and while I am most definitely not a scholar of theological matters, I find your proposition of a friendly discussion to be rather intriguing. Hopefully everyone who either takes part in the conversation, or follows along with us, will take something positive away with them when all is said and done.

I can't promise to have all the answers, but I can and will try to provide as much accurate and adequate information as I can lay hands on. As this is your idea, and not to mention your space, I now leave the floor open to you so we can begin. "

Mike - "Okay. Based on my growing understanding, Christianity is a Bronze Age myth that evolved into a tool of control and has altered and changed to suit the needs of the time in order to maintain authority. Over time, it seems that there has been a change of Christianity's validity of being completely factual to being otherwise, but still seems to maintain a claim of there being a supernatural force. In effect, it is now being popularized as being a collection of stories where its message is of value, and not its questionable content. A clear example of its shifting ability to become whatever it needs to do to maintain existence and influence, is this change which appears to be a result of its failed attack on the evolutionary theory.

1. What was it that you believed was proof enough for you to believe in the Christian god?
2. Should that proof change, would you still believe?
3. If the message of Christianity is important and not its validity, isn't that an admittance of there not being a Christian god? And why if then, should people carry on believing?"

Chad - "Wow, 'friendly discussion' indeed... I think we may need to discuss what the ultimate goal is here, are you trying to gain understanding and/or insight into the Christian perspective as it applies to me? Or are you trying to validate your own perspective via attempting to discredit opposing views?

To respond: Yes, throughout history there are those who have attempted to use Christianity as a means to control others. You will find with even the basest research that this is the case with any thought or ideal held by a group of people.

This in itself doesn't invalidate Christianity, otherwise things like 'Freedom' would be invalid as well, since the concept of freedom has been used to control people just as often if not more than Christianity. Though come to think of it, freedom in itself may be a poor comparison, as nobody is truly 100% free. Maybe free will would fit better.

I firmly believe the Bible is in fact a work of complete fact, and have the wonderful science of archaeology to thank for proving the facts of the Bible time and time again.

Yes there are those who claim to be Christians, that rather than stand by their beliefs, give in to societal pressure and go on about how the Bible is just a bunch of stories put together to steer us in the right direction. These people are more than likely from a Christian background, who have fallen away and want to assuage their conscience by trying to make the beliefs of their parents fit their own views.
The majority of real Christians hold to the truth of the Bible as the Word of God, unfortunately we tend to be less vocal about it in the public eye as the general public tends to label anyone who speaks about Christ as truth to be a wackjob.

To answer your numbered questions:
1. The thing that made me first believe in the message of Christ and the 'Christian God' as you put it, was the fact that all of creation is just a little to neat and tidy to be the result of pure chance. Even modern science can't begin to figure out the purely infinitesimal probabilities required for us to exist, yet here we are.

2. Honestly if science were suddenly able to figure it all out, I believe it would just reinforce my belief.

3. Your third question is rather a moot point, if the message of Christianity were invalid, it would inherently have no meaning. You assume that the validity of the message has been disproved, when it has not.

Let me ask you 3 questions in direct response to your own.
1. What was it that you believed was proof enough for you to discount the existence of the Christian God?
2. Should that proof change, would you believe?
3. If the message of Christianity is important yet you firmly deny it's validity why do you feel the need for this discussion?"

Mike - "Great reply!

You posed a question to start and if I answer your numbered questions first, the answer should be clear.

1. I can't recall ever having discounted the existence of any god.
2. Absolutely.
3. Curiosity for one, and likely there are other reasons I or we, will discover. As I had mentioned in my initial email, "I have for the past few months been entertained by blogs, various readings and countless youtube videos about religion, atheism, and anything else relative." I think your question pushes for more information. (thinking . . .) It is a very controversial topic, and I have been enthralled by it. Just ask my (Christian) roommate Paul. I could join the rabble on youtube, but it isn't as enjoyable.

I can agree that control via religion does not invalidate the religion.

Where you stated "the Bible is in fact a work of complete fact, and have the wonderful science of archaeology to thank for proving the facts of the Bible time and time again". It reminds me of a youtube blogger who stated the same thing. Can you give me a link or an example? I asked that blogger for more information and instead waited 5 months for him to approve my comment as well as a tacky bible address and quote as a response. >:[

I don't agree that Christians who claim that the bible is a collection of stories built for moral direction are lesser in their belief than those who claim it all to be true. A Christian priest was interviewed and I watched the video on youtube. His interview was his response to Bill Mahers "Religulous" movie, where he was attempting to diffuse Bill Mahers documentary by stating that the 'message' of the bible is god's word, and that the bible is not full of factual events. He went on to talk about one particular author of the bible as an example, backing his statements by claim that research had been conducted by Christian scholars.

I'm not sure where or by what way the Christian bible states the age of the world, but when you state that the bible is complete fact, are you implying that the world is around 6000 years old? From what I see, archaeology claims that the world is far older than 6000 years. How can the wonderful science of archaeology be regarded as means of supporting the Christian bible if it is horrendously wrong on the age of the world? 65,000,000 and 6,000 are not close numbers."

- - -

A continueing post between Chad and I will be made after subsequent communication is made on the topic furthering the discussion for as long as it entertains us both.

Indirectly to my discussion with Chad (but still in a wide range ballpark), I watched Ben Stein's EXPELLED "No Intelligence Allowed", and will post about it after I catch some Zs. G'night.

Photo: Taken in Beijing 2007 in a tightly packed shopping mall of hundreds of tiny 12' x 8' stores. This photo seems to be describing Astroboy, as it shows the name, but the actual description is describing someone called 'Atom'. I fail at recalling the entire story of the Astroboy cartoon. The image was displayed on the exterior of a store where businesses commonly showed their business names. This business in particular sold clothing, and nothing that related to Astroboy. Sort of interesting, sort of mundane. /shrug

With Restraint.

Has anyone seen this movie?
Did it show in any country other than the U.S.? (rhetorical)

What first strikes me as odd, is that no one noticed how much of an easy target the caption at the top of the advertisement reads "AMERICA, AS YOU'VE NEVER SEEN IT BEFORE". Makes me wonder how many U.S. citizens regard that as something all too true. I mean what does that suggest?

Based on the description of the movie on http://www.apple.com/trailers/independent/proudamerican/ ,

"Tolerance, freedom, education and personal responsibility, the pillars that make America a truly grand society. Proud American presents five powerful singular stories all of which magnify the themes mentioned above. Our film is an emotional, inspirational, and visual journey depicting America and the everyday Americans who exemplify the best that we can be."

"The best we can be" ? Where's the movie showing the worst they can be, the other side of the few individuals of remarkable achievement? One could argue that the evidence of such material is available in worldwide everyday news, but lets face it - the U.S. is at an all time low in popularity all over the world.

I haven't met a single person here, Chinese national or visiting foreigner that expresses a positive attitude towards the U.S., and they express relief when I reveal that I am Canadian.

I'll support that there are a small number of people from the U.S. that are probably noteworthy examples worth honouring, but is this movie really neccessary? The circles of criminally political and religeous influence is rampant in the west, and I am pretensiously stating that this movie's intention to regain face and stature that has been falling or kept low for more than a few decades is weak. A movie like this coming at a time like this, its easy to be apprehensive.

I have yet to see it, and I'm excited about my gamble.

I just watched the trailer and I laughed. It must be a comedy, despite it being listed as a drama.

Photo: Advertisement of the movie Proud American.

Poached Eggs?

File size: 1.06MB Format: .3gp

It's quite funny. A while back, something uncommon (but not rare) happened to my friend Chris Watts while he was in Shanghai. Sitting down in a public location, what appeared to be a Chinese national placed his son right next to him, and proceeded to take a photo. If I recall his story correctly, Chris turned his head away from the camera. Or, he got up and left. One of the two, I can't exactly recall.

From time to time, I too have experienced some sneak photography, seemingly to them, a "papparazzi" opportunity. Some even try to be descreet, aiming their cell cam at you while trying to be inconspicuous.

I decided to up my level of personal security and took extra steps at controlling the acquisition and usage of photos of me, in an attempt to reserve a right that didn't transfer with me or my luggage when I came to China. Under these conditions, one can only be so successful.

In early summer of this year, I went to the neighbouring city of Kaifeng, which I enjoyed by the way. Very beautiful. However, when I arrived at the location I was to work at for 2 hours, I noticed an old photo of me on their school banner . . . I was not thrilled.

The reason I am mentioning this now, is because something happened to me the other day. I was having my haircut, and when it was finished I stood up and found that they had been videotaping me. Remembering what someone had told me long ago, I pulled out my cell phone and started recording them in what was supposedly the most effective way to get them to stop. I didn't think it would work when I originally heard the idea. After putting it to the test, I found that unfortunately . . . I was right.

Photo: No photo
Video: Me filming them filming me, filming them. Filming me. No permissions acquired.

Chinese 101

People think an L3 language like Chinese is difficult to learn. Its really easy!

Let us begin.

1) That's not right ..................... Sum Ting Wong

2) Are you harboring a fugitive? ............ Hu Yu Hai Ding

3) See me ASAP ............................... Kum Hia Nao

4) Stupid Man ............................. Dum Gai

5) Small Horse ............................. Tai Ni Po Ni

6) Did you go to the beach? ................ Wai Yu So Tan

7) I bumped into a coffee table ......... Ai Bang Mai Fa Kin Ni

8) I think you need a face lift ........... Chin Tu Fat

9) Its very dark in here .................. Wao So Dim

10) I thought you were on a diet ........... Wai Yu Mun Ching

11) This is a tow away zone ................ No Pah King

12) Our meeting is scheduled for next week ... Wai Yu Kum Nao

13) Staying out of sight ................... Lei Ying Lo

14) He's cleaning his automobile ........... Wa Shing Ka

15) Your body odor is offensive ............ Yu Stin Ki Pu

16) Great ................................ Fa Kin Su Pah

All mock translations found on multiple web sites. Impossible to cite original source.

Photo: A grass hut near a strawberry field in the ostrich farm we visited in summer of 07. I need some new photos.

A message from Kuato.

File size: 8.51MB Format: .MOV

I love recieving video and photos from back home. Sometimes I feel a little lost and out of the loop. I suppose I could negotiate from my friends and family using the care package of things I bought here for them as leverage.

Video: My friend Jamie back in Canada reinacting a scene from Total Recall. Video taken last winter in Newmarket Ontario, Canada. Kuato is played by Shieleigh.

Hungry Hungry Hippos!

File size: 529kb Format: .MP4

Another old video I found. They grow up so fast. The only difference now is, they eat more, poop more, meow more, and fall off things less. Except Sugar, she still falls off things.

Video: Low settings on my previous Amoi cell phone. Sugar and Pepper at 2 months old.

In need of a boat!

File size: 643kb Format: .MP4

In 2007 it didn't rain a lot, but when it did...

I wonder what it will be like at my new address when it rains.

Video: 30 minutes of rain made a 25 minute walk into an hour of adventure. Video taken on low settings on my previous Amoi cell phone.

Mr. Condom

Mr. Condom . . .

The name makes me think of a 1940's radio jingle, but the image makes me wonder what someone was thinking. I have never seen a condom machine so colourfully decorated with cartoons. Though I'm not sure that I oppose the idea. A happy reference to something both safe and happy can't be all that bad, can it? I wonder what's inside his closed fist?

In other dirty news, my roomate Paul had some interesting news that tops my story about the road rage I witnessed 2 weeks ago; 2 men pulled up beside a taxi waiting at the lights of a busy intersection. They got out, approached the driver, who was unaware of the coming assault.

anyway ...

Pauls story certainly tops mine. He noticed a lonely taxi driver fail at keeping both hands on the wheel. I'll let you figure out what that means.

Photo: An empty but full icon by day. Hero by night.

Bie Kan Wo!

2 years, and some things are the same, but I guess the things that I assumed had changed have likely become things I simply don't notice anymore.

What I mean is, when I first arrived here in China in October of 2006, it felt like everyone stared at me, and critically analyzed me. Now, it feels like some of that has changed. Perhaps its true, and that I am at a level of comfort that emanates from me, and therefore recieve less occular attention.

Regardless, children still seem fascinated by me, as well as every taxi driver, who seem to enjoy themselves by rambling on when I convey that I don't understand him (a partial truth). Sometimes, I find that I get tired trying to understand while having to sift through their accents and words, while suffering their body oder. It brings to mind the differences between henan dialect and mandarin, and seems to be a reliable end of a usual sequence with my gazing out the window, or sending text messages on my cell.

Today I stayed home to relax, clean the apartment and give my kittens a bath. I found that clipping their claws before the bath, works wonders for my blood ... =)

Well, they aren't that bad, it's only under the water when they try to seek safety. I just wish they went to the floor instead of up my chest and onto my shoulder when they panic.

Has anyone else been following the BBC show Merlin? I finished watching season 1 and 2 of the Showtime show Dexter a few weeks ago. Good stuff! Photo: Open manhole cover. Not so dangerous during the day.

You smell funny.

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I had planned on attending a meeting at a school in Zhengzhou called English Model this morning, but I had to change my plans to meet with another school near my apartment. The meeting at English Model was voluntary, and not at all requested by them, but I had expressed that I would attend, and neglected to contact them to let them know of the change. Bad Mike!

This afternoon, I taped the 15 meter line for my internet to the corners of the floor in the next room, along the floor of the room the wall-jack is in, and around the doorway of my room. Now sweeping and mopping will be a little easier, and there is less risk of merciless cat destruction of my interweb cable (although they rarily bother with it anyway).

After that, Paul and I went shopping. I picked up two soft cushions for Sugar and Pepper since winter is coming and I wake up with them curled around me. Other items I picked up were a 2nd litterbox, some eggs, and fresh litter for both litterboxes.

Paul picked up some tuna in one of those huge cans, and I added it to the rice he made in our new fangled rice-cooker (plus 4 hardboiled eggs). Sugar and Pepper went wild for the tuna. I think it is their second time having it. It's been a few hours since they explored the new litterbox, kneeded the cushions, and consumed the tuna. Now they're unusually quiet.

Is this all I have to talk about? What an uneventful day ...

Photo: NO PHOTO FOR YOU!
Video: Chris laughing as I rolled down a hill strapped to the interior of a big ball. What wasn't captured in the video was my "Oh ... oh SHIIIIIiiiiiiiii ... ". Video was taken in early summer of 2007.

Totally sharky...complete!

File size: 3mb Format: .3gp (Quicktime)

Yes, I have returned.

I haven't started studying at university yet, work got in the way I could say. The trouble was that I had to switch employers and negotiations took longer than expected. Doing business here has it's ... interesting quirks.

In February, myself and my friend/roomate/colleague are investing in a new consultant firm. This plan started early summer. The company will offer many services but all related to foreign language learning. I'm quite excited, but will not divulge my unique business plan publicly, ... yet ;)

I'm looking forward to it, as well as being free to travel back to Canada each year. In my life, China has become as much of a home to me as Canada, and I expect to spend time in both. Once everything is securely underway, I will continue studying Chinese, but in Zhengzhou University. This time, work will not interfere. This should allow for us to work less, study more, and visit our homelands more.

Happy Thanksgiving to my friends and family! Eat lots of turkey stuffing!

Video: Sugar and Pepper. I feed them every three days, spared them the agony of all those vaccinations, and this is how they repay me, by acting crazy.

7 Days

I lost my bank card...

Though I applied for a new one, I'm told it will take 7 days. I'm a little surprised that it will take that long to transfer my funds to a new account. I'm also surprised, as I need my funds Monday (3 days) to pay the deposit and 3 months rent on my new apartment. It's a good thing I'm getting my pay on Monday, in cash. =)

More to come ...

Photo: Pecan Tart from Zhengzhou's Jin Bo Da Häagen-Daz.

WHOAH!

While all of you are wondering "What happened to Mike?", but I'm here wondering "How the hell am I now able to access my blog?"

As for what's been happening, I would have to say a lot, but at present I'm moving again. I'm back at my first apartment staying with Chris, until the 25th of this month when I will be moving in with Paul (South Africa) and Ahi (New Zealand) to a rather large exquisite 2 floor 4 bedroom apartment (2 full bathrooms, kitchen, walk-out rooftop balcony). I would assume the condition of this apartment is this good due to it's current resident, a family from the U.S., who have been accustomed to western living, and lived here in Zhengzhou at that apartment for 4 years. I wish I had photos.

Also, I'm changing employers mid July to a FL (Foreign Language) school called SIAS. My position there will be the same as it is where I am presently, with one minor change, yet to be clarified beyond duties to perform in order to aquire an accurate title.

In any case, I'm still expecting to be starting university in September. Along with one of my new roomates, Paul. Or as he likes to call himself in his South African/British English, Poewl ...

Photo: NO PHOTO FOR YOU! >:[

Dinner

So it appears the 7.8 rict. earthquake killed thousands yesterday (also reported at 7.9 and 8.0).

In my apartment, the building swayed and I thought it was just me at first until I noticed my clothes that were hanging up were swaying left to right quite a bit. I was having a Chinese lesson at the time, and I told everyone to get out of the building, fast!

We got downstairs (6 flights, no elevator), and noticed we weren't the only ones who felt it. I had thoughts on the way down that it was caused by the nearby construction of a large apartment building, but I wasn't sure. I had a Mcgyvver moment, and decided to check the man-made river nearby to see if the water level had marked the stone wall of the channel, to help identify the nature of our experience. I couldn't see any water marks above the water level, so I was left to assume it was the nearby construction, but I still had doubts as the swaying of the building was very noticable, and it didn't seem possible that the construction had anything to do with it unless they hit our building with a wrecking ball, which also would have been loud and a much shorter physical experience (about 4-5 seconds of swaying vs. sudden impact).

None of it mattered because just after that, my Chinese teacher received a message on her cell, confirming it was an earthquake. Looking back, that's one of the remarkable things I noticed. Minutes after the event, millions (I assume) received the same text message. Whether it was a direct result of government panic control, or cellular service competativeness, we all knew what happened. Well, save for anyone who can't read Chinese ( ... like me. I get texts daily about the weather ...).

Today, I looked at my time and how I was spending it. Considering travel time and a few other things that consume time, I now realize just how booked my time is from Friday-Sunday. Considering all the things I need to take care of, I need to push my tasks back to Monday-Tuesday to stay on top of things.

I'm off to grab dinner.

Note 1: I have enabled comment posting, but pray I don't get random blog spams from strangers like "Nice post! Check out this porn site ...", etc.

Picture: NO PICTURE!!! ... I hate my ISP. So inconsistant, so unreliable.
Picture: Email me for a zip of photos from this day 13-05-2008.

The 7.8

I don't know, but I'm sure my internal richter scale isn't that sophisticated. That is, I couldn't tell you its value from my location, but I can tell you the swaying effect on the building I was in had me thinking I was about to faint.

To my family: "I'm fine, stop worrying" ... oh and "Please send money!"

I normally don't work today, but I did. I was hoping to track down my next appartment, but with work and class, I haven't been in one place long enough. I'm hoping one of my near future posts begins with "TASK COMPLETED!"

Tonights objective: Homework.

To my mother, "Happy Mother's Day!"

Picture: No picture. I still can't upload pics to my blog from this location.

... alas ...

8 days since my last post. I have tried every day to make a post, but from my current access to the net, it's next to impossible. I have limited and unreliable access to my blog at the moment. I can survive with the limited part, but the reliability part really drives a wrench through my happiness.

I'm still in deep water, as I have not yet found a new apartment. I did find one for more money than my 1st apartment, but smaller, less appealing, empty, and dilapidated. I found another, but it didn't feel right. I'm going to have to resume my search Monday. Saturday and Sunday are my heavy work days.

Although I have Monday-Thursday with no work, I would prefer having 4 straight days of heavy Chinese study. However, I must refrain until I find a place to stay.

If you're reading this post, then I'm rejoycing.

Picture: No picture. Limited functionality, remember?!

Checkpoint!

Ok, so it's Sunday, and I'm chewing away at my online studies. In fact, I had just sent an email to my instructor about a 9/10 on one of my previous assignments. I wonder if my great and amazing instructor Paul Gibson (he reads my blog) will permit and entertain a debate on the topic of the assignment in hopes of demonstrating my understanding of the course material pertaining to the assignment, and thus acheiving a 10/10.

I've moved my things from my old appartment to my first Chinese appartment, where my friend Chris still dwells. I'm only here temporarily, and this evening I'm off to look at 3 appartments. I don't exactly have a time limit on how long I can remain here, but it's important to me that I'm out on my own.

I managed to get my Friday/Saturday student evaluations completed, and still have 2 more classes remaining. It's surprising that it takes so long to write a paragraph for each student. Or maybe it's just in this way of keeping everything unique and personal, as opposed to generic copy/paste methods.

I haven't been to a hospital for my recent trend of allergy symptoms since last week, and I've decided not to bother taking any of these medicines. None of the 9 medicines I paid for are actually designed to deal with my symptoms, except for the 2 I hand-picked myself. Most of my symptoms are all but gone, save for the occasional sternutation.

Looking back, the only highlights of worth that haven't been mentioned yet are few:

1 Yesterday, during one of my last trips moving my things from appartment to appartment, I had flagged down a taxi, who told me not to get in, and proceded to ask me if I was from France. After I said I was from Canada, he got out of the car, and helped me load my suitcases. ... politics.

2 I named my kittens. I wanted to name them something awesome like "Butch" Rarrrrrrr!, or "The Stealth-paw" Vrooooo-shhhhh! However, they are both big sucks, so I went with "Sugar" for the white one, and "Pepper" for the dark multi-coloured one.

Picture: Pepper!

Wo Mang!

Today I need to collect my things, and move out.

I'll be storing my belongings and myself back at the old appartment where Chris is staying. Being that it is the May holiday, I have time to search for a new appartment. Since I will be starting university in September, it's important I manage my funds carefully as well, and that means finding a place where the rent is better, and hopefully closer to the university.

At the moment, I am getting ready to head into work to complete my students evaluations. After that, I need to come back, pack up, and transport my things to Chris' appartment. It should only take 2 trips, 3 at the most.

Once those are done, I have a lot of homework to do for my online course and my Chinese class.


Also, I need to take my kittens to the vet.

So that's what I'm juggling at the moment. It doesn't seem like a lot, but when you're on your last day for many things, ... nothing can go wrong.

Picture 1: It's only difficult if there isn't time.
Picture 2: My Mandarin books. I need to finish books 1 and 2 by June 1st.
Book 1 - ISBN: 9787561915776
Book 2 - ISBN: 9787561916377
Book 3 - ISBN: 756191072X ISBN-13: 9787561910726

Corrected.

Perhaps further investigation should have been taken before making a personal claim. I turned to someone more educated on the matter than I.

Michael says:
Ok, so how would you define me?
I don't think there is any proof or has ever been any proof of a God.

Kevin says:
Do you need proof?

Michael says:
To believe in a God?
Absolutely.

Kevin says:
You're an atheist.

Thanks again Kev!

Picture: Jebus has bad breath!

ALLERGIES!

Saturday afternoon, I suddenly felt ill. I found it difficult to swallow, a symptom from personal experience as being an illness called Strepp. This condition feels a lot like swallowing broken glass.

So this morning, I awoke to discover my kittens were sleeping on me. Also to my surprise, I discovered my nasal cavaties were blocked. After 10-20 minutes of nasal cavity cleansing revealed bloodfilled mucus. In addition, my right eye socket had become dark like my left eye socket commonly is.

So this explains why I've been sick, and sheds a theory on the cause of my dark circles. Cat dander in China may be far more potent and dangerous for me. I have lived with and have been around quite of few cats in my life, including dogs. But never have I had such a powerful allergic reaction.

My next step is trying antihistamines for symptom relief (extra mucus, bloody mucus, lifelong ear popping, dark circles, watery eyes, nausia). My last step (if I must) will be finding a new home for my kittens. I wonder, how long have I been suffering from allergies? What impact did it have on my life?

http://www.nyee.edu/cfv-spotlight.html - Insight on the affect of excessive mucus and causes.

Picture: A symptom I don't have

Two Tails

And here they are!

These are my two kittens. I haven't given them names yet. I thought of giving one of them the name Butters, as a tribute to the South Park character of the same name. However, both my kittens are girls. I thought about naming the white one Snow, but she has an interesting design on her head. Regardless, they are quite happy to be out of the tiny cages and stressful places they were rescued from. Names will come soon.


In other news, I have an assortment of photos taken from a mountain hike in Shaolin from two weeks ago. Simply request it, and I will email you a zipped package of these photos.

Picture 1: My two kittens
Picture 2: Picture of me, taken at an difficult angle.

EVICTION!

So, my 6 month lease ends this May. Already thinking about moving to a location closer to the university, I was notified today that my landlady wanted to increase my rent by 200 rmb/month. Looks like I'm moving!

I'm sad to leave this apartment though. It only had a few minor problems. Wont forget my neighbors either. My immediate neighbor was always happy and eager to help me, as well as always leaving an umbrella on my door for me on rainy days. I never used the umbrellas since I enjoy a little rain, but it's the thought that matters. My downstairs neighbor too, he and his daughter were very kind too.

Still, I'm excited to move. I'm hoping to find something up high, with an incredible view, and near trees! Although this time, I must insist of course on knowing that my next appartment will have 24/7 hot water, no leaks, no mice, and no surprises.

My new roomates are here! I took some pictures of them. I'd upload them for you to see, but I lost my flash drive long ago at work. So you'll have to wait until tomorrow.

Picture: Me in Xi'an 2007/09 posing next to an old granny. Not sure where she went to so quickly.

New Roommates!

Today, I'm cleaning my apartment. I really need to clean up in such a way to prevent any mishaps from my two special roommates coming tomorrow.

Oh, I thought about roommates, and how they come with pros and cons, but I've come to learn there are benefits to having company, especially of this kind. These special guests wont be paying any rent, so I'm not sure how I'll make them earn their keep.

Rationing the hot water, tv privileges, phone and door rules, leaving lights on, internet usage, late night snacking. Much to discuss.

As for my AC, I had visitors this morning. I've been looking forward to having someone fix this leak for some time. I wish I knew when they were coming, I would have expressed my need for hot water from the kitchen sink tap.

Anyway, I must prepare for my special guests tomorrow :)

Zhengzhou University

Zhengzhou Univeristy - East campus

So I've got plans to attend Zhengzhou University in September. I'm not sure what program I want to take part in, but I was informed that all courses are available in English.

English version of Zhengzhou U's website.
http://english.zzu.edu.cn/aboutus.htm

Chinese version.
http://www.zzu.edu.cn/

The size of the University is massive. A friend and I had to take a taxi to get to the school the other week. Instead of exiting the taxi at the front gate, we travelled a great distance through the school grounds curvy roads. No swift feat by any means.

That day, we acquired 3 textbooks on the study of Mandarin. With this, my plan is to excel in my procrastinated desire to become fluent in Chinese. So that in September, I could expand my studying options to include Chinese cultural programs.

I could have waited until September to begin studying these books, but I figured I had enough time, and live in the perfect place to study Mandarin. My speaking ability is embarrassing, although I'm told I have excellent pronounciation. It's time to kick into overdrive and make up for lost time.

Picture: Zhengzhou University - Digital arial POV.

The Butcher ...

I don't understand.

I have tried many times to get the same 15 minute haircut I used to get back in Canada. Here, a hair cut is 40-60 minutes, and is far from decent.

How easy is this?

"Trimmers for the sides and back. Blended into the top. Shorter in the back, longer in the front." I can say this with breath to spare. I can say it in sign language, or write it in hyroglyphics if I have to. If I went back in a time machine, I want to make sure I'm covered.

I'm convinced most of them don't know how to cut hair. Even my new Chinese friends have had teary experiences having their haircut here!

1. They don't have clip attachments.
2. It seems, "blending" is another word for "shock value" in Chinese.
3. They insist on using thinning shears, ... excessively.
4. "Shorter in the back, longer in the front." here seems to mean "You are Picaso, and I am your canvas."
5. They favour Korean media hair styles. Do I look like a Korean rockstar to you? Did I say, "Please keep the profile shape of my hair like that of a soccer ball." ?

Tomorrow, I learn how to say "Please pass me the razor."

Picture: Bad haircut. Dear kitty, I feel your pain.

1st Post

Hello everyone, and welcome to the first post in what is the continuation of my original blog from northkin.com (r.i.p. October, 2007).

Rather than give an extremely long history of things, let's just keep it simple.

Picture: Hail to our Chinpokomon masters!.