Only in Japan, do we find such weird things occurring.....
Yup, Japanese train pushers! Employees of the rail company!
What a weird country.....
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Friday, December 11, 2009
The Dynasty Falls to a Wildrose?
Big news reported in the National Post today. It may be the end of a dynasty in Alberta.
Alberta has been a province that likes to keep parties long in power, but sweep them away to oblivion once every generation or so. The Liberal party ruled from 1905-1921, followed by the United Farmers of Alberta from 1921-1935. They were swept away by Social Credit from 1935-1971. The current dynasty is the Progressive Conservative Dynasty since 1971.
But opinion polls show that the Wildrose Alliance is in first place with 39% of voter intention if an election was held today. PC support has collapsed to 25%. Moreover, the Wildrose Alliance is ahead in every part of the province. In the cities, the Tories are in 3rd place, even behind the Grits, and in rural Alberta the Alliance enjoys up to 44% support.
Ladies and gentlemen, this may be the end of the Tories in Alberta. Interesting times, considering that these events are once per generation, it seems....
Alberta has been a province that likes to keep parties long in power, but sweep them away to oblivion once every generation or so. The Liberal party ruled from 1905-1921, followed by the United Farmers of Alberta from 1921-1935. They were swept away by Social Credit from 1935-1971. The current dynasty is the Progressive Conservative Dynasty since 1971.
But opinion polls show that the Wildrose Alliance is in first place with 39% of voter intention if an election was held today. PC support has collapsed to 25%. Moreover, the Wildrose Alliance is ahead in every part of the province. In the cities, the Tories are in 3rd place, even behind the Grits, and in rural Alberta the Alliance enjoys up to 44% support.
Ladies and gentlemen, this may be the end of the Tories in Alberta. Interesting times, considering that these events are once per generation, it seems....
The Unfortunate Capitalistization of Christmas
One of the things that I really find amazing is the corporate brainwashing of North American society with regards to Christmas. I have never seen a society so obsessed with a holiday before. And their obsession has nothing to do with the meaning of Christmas, which is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
Rather, North American society has taken upon itself to obsess about buying presents for everyone you know. Department stores put up Christmas decorations at the end of October so that these decorations are there 2 months of every year....that's 1/6 of the year that there are these stupid decorations. Lights, and trees, and stockings, and mistletoe - everything that has nothing remotely to do with the birth of Jesus is used to celebrate Christmas.
North Americans obsess about sending out Christmas letters and cards to all the people they know. They have to buy presents, etc, put up their own Christmas lights, trees, decorations around their house. And of course, they have to obsess about buying a proper turkey for their Christmas meal.
The excesses of capitalism are most evident at Christmas time. And it's an even bigger shame that no one cares about the child born in a manger that told us to be happy with the things God has provided us with, rather than turn into greedy, capitalist, narcissistic people, who know nothing about Christ, but seem to believe that they know everything about Christmas.
Rather, North American society has taken upon itself to obsess about buying presents for everyone you know. Department stores put up Christmas decorations at the end of October so that these decorations are there 2 months of every year....that's 1/6 of the year that there are these stupid decorations. Lights, and trees, and stockings, and mistletoe - everything that has nothing remotely to do with the birth of Jesus is used to celebrate Christmas.
North Americans obsess about sending out Christmas letters and cards to all the people they know. They have to buy presents, etc, put up their own Christmas lights, trees, decorations around their house. And of course, they have to obsess about buying a proper turkey for their Christmas meal.
The excesses of capitalism are most evident at Christmas time. And it's an even bigger shame that no one cares about the child born in a manger that told us to be happy with the things God has provided us with, rather than turn into greedy, capitalist, narcissistic people, who know nothing about Christ, but seem to believe that they know everything about Christmas.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Funny college football play!
Man, I haven't visited this blog in a long long time. Good thing my bro updates it pretty regularly!
Here's a pretty funny football play from the Florida vs FSU game this year...
Here's a pretty funny football play from the Florida vs FSU game this year...
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Celebrities in Tana
So in August, I was in Madagascar - it was a great trip! It's a beautiful country with very nice people.
Another nice surprise is that the food was excellent there! Great authentic French cuisine that costs 5-10 times less what one would have to pay in France.
Because I was attending a conference, I stayed 8 nights at the Hotel Sakamanga in Antananarivo. The restaurant at this hotel was quite good - in fact here's a picture of myself with others dining at this restaurant.
Even Dustin Hoffman enjoyed Madagascar!
Another nice surprise is that the food was excellent there! Great authentic French cuisine that costs 5-10 times less what one would have to pay in France.
Because I was attending a conference, I stayed 8 nights at the Hotel Sakamanga in Antananarivo. The restaurant at this hotel was quite good - in fact here's a picture of myself with others dining at this restaurant.
Even Dustin Hoffman enjoyed Madagascar!
Friday, November 20, 2009
Juno Beach
Here are some photos of Juno Beach. This is where Canadian soldiers stormed in on June 6, 1944 (D-Day) to regain a foothold on France and liberate it from occupying Nazi forces. Many sacrificed their lives as they came under enemy fire from well fortified German positions. But Canadian bravery and determination allowed them to overcome.
We owe our Canadians soldiers a huge debt for their sacrifice and suffering as they fought for freedom and liberty. A salute to Canadian heroes and their defence of freedom - may we never forget their sacrifice.
We owe our Canadians soldiers a huge debt for their sacrifice and suffering as they fought for freedom and liberty. A salute to Canadian heroes and their defence of freedom - may we never forget their sacrifice.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
In Flanders Fields
In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Friday, November 06, 2009
Get rid of the penny
There are some advocates for the $5 coin in Canada. They say that coins are much more durable and cheaper in the long run than bills, which deteriorate quickly, and are counterfeited often.
I think such advocates have a point. However, a $5 coin will really make Canadian pockets heavy - 1 cent, 5 cent, 10 cent, 25 cent, loonie, toonie, and $5 coin pieces.....it's just too many coins!
So I think that this $5 is not a bad idea, but before it comes into being we need to abolish the penny!
What a useless coin it is, this penny of ours! Just get rid of it!
If we could live with the penny as the lowest denomination 40 years ago, surely we can live with the nickel as the lowest denomination now, since a nickel now is worth less than a penny was 40 years ago!
Banks would still be required to calculate interest to the penny, and a penny that is produced by the Royal Canadian Mint costs much more than 1 cent!
So I haven't yet heard a good argument for keeping the penny...
I think such advocates have a point. However, a $5 coin will really make Canadian pockets heavy - 1 cent, 5 cent, 10 cent, 25 cent, loonie, toonie, and $5 coin pieces.....it's just too many coins!
So I think that this $5 is not a bad idea, but before it comes into being we need to abolish the penny!
What a useless coin it is, this penny of ours! Just get rid of it!
If we could live with the penny as the lowest denomination 40 years ago, surely we can live with the nickel as the lowest denomination now, since a nickel now is worth less than a penny was 40 years ago!
Banks would still be required to calculate interest to the penny, and a penny that is produced by the Royal Canadian Mint costs much more than 1 cent!
So I haven't yet heard a good argument for keeping the penny...
Sunday, November 01, 2009
The Republic of Canada
In this nice opinion article by the Globe and Mail's Jeffrey Simpson, he argues that when Queen Elizabeth departs -long may she reign! - that we should look into making Canada a republic.
I fully agree. Especially I don't want to see Prince Charles ugly face on Canadian currency!
I fully agree. Especially I don't want to see Prince Charles ugly face on Canadian currency!
Friday, October 30, 2009
Costume Ideas
I'm not a Hallowe'en fan at all...now that I'm in Europe, I don't have to put up with that sort of nonsense.
For those that are into it, and are looking for costume ideas, this is a good one:
For those that are into it, and are looking for costume ideas, this is a good one:
Friday, October 23, 2009
Spiffy hockey jerseys
Have you ever seen hockey jerseys like this?
Apparently they were worn by the Kingston Frontenacs for Don Cherry Military Night, with the jerseys being auctionned off for Soldier On - an organization that helps injured Canadian soldiers.
Apparently they were worn by the Kingston Frontenacs for Don Cherry Military Night, with the jerseys being auctionned off for Soldier On - an organization that helps injured Canadian soldiers.
Academic Principles
I think everyone who has a PhD, is doing a PhD, or has attempted to get a PhD knows about the truth of this academic principle:
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
C.T. and S.T. - more German silliness
In Germany, sometimes the time that an event starts is given with a C.T. or S.T. postfix after the time. This especially occurs often at universities and academic institutions.
What they mean can be found on this link.
Basically 14:00 st means 14:00 while 14:00 ct means 14:15 where ct means "cum tempore" and st means "sine tempore".
I have no idea why Germans insist on this, especially since the terms are Latin, not German. Wouldn't it just be easier for everyone to write 14:00 for 14:00, and 14:15 for 14:15? Or does that make too much sense?
What they mean can be found on this link.
Basically 14:00 st means 14:00 while 14:00 ct means 14:15 where ct means "cum tempore" and st means "sine tempore".
I have no idea why Germans insist on this, especially since the terms are Latin, not German. Wouldn't it just be easier for everyone to write 14:00 for 14:00, and 14:15 for 14:15? Or does that make too much sense?
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
Finally a Taiwanese dictionary
Taiwanese is a great language - unfortunately, it was oppressed by the KMT dictatorship, and is only in the last 10-20 years being respected again. The problem is that the Taiwanese themselves don't treasure their own culture, and less and less Taiwanese can speak the language.
In fact, a Canadian-born person like me (2nd generation Taiwanese) can speak better Taiwanese than the majority of people my age who live in Taiwan.....that's really sad.
Finally the government of Taiwan has come up with an official Taiwanese to Chinese dictionary. About time - this should have been done 10 years ago!
Hopefully this tool can make written Taiwanese more frequent, and more accessible!
But the Taiwanese themselves need to show more willpower to learn and use Taiwanese!
Link to Dictionary webpage
Hopefully there will also be an English-Taiwanese dictionary available soon!
In fact, a Canadian-born person like me (2nd generation Taiwanese) can speak better Taiwanese than the majority of people my age who live in Taiwan.....that's really sad.
Finally the government of Taiwan has come up with an official Taiwanese to Chinese dictionary. About time - this should have been done 10 years ago!
Hopefully this tool can make written Taiwanese more frequent, and more accessible!
But the Taiwanese themselves need to show more willpower to learn and use Taiwanese!
Link to Dictionary webpage
Hopefully there will also be an English-Taiwanese dictionary available soon!
NCAA Stupidity with Excessive Celebration Penalties
An otherwise good game last Saturday between No. 4 LSU and No. 18 Georgia was totally spoiled by the NCAA's stupid obsessiveness with excessive celebration.
Georgia took the lead on A.J. Green's catch with only 1:09 remaining, and the officials called an excessive celebration penalty on Green during perfectly sane celebrations with his teammates on a great TD catch in the dying minutes of the game. As a consequence, the Bulldogs had to kickoff from their 15 yardline, instead of the 30 yardline - giving LSU much more of a chance to comeback.
Sure enough, Charles Scott's run with 46 seconds left put LSU up for good. But of course, NCAA officials had to ruin another great play with another excessive celebration penalty.
There's not taunting from these college kids, just celebrating some great plays - let the players be players, and don't affect the destiny of the game with these pointless penalty calls!
Georgia took the lead on A.J. Green's catch with only 1:09 remaining, and the officials called an excessive celebration penalty on Green during perfectly sane celebrations with his teammates on a great TD catch in the dying minutes of the game. As a consequence, the Bulldogs had to kickoff from their 15 yardline, instead of the 30 yardline - giving LSU much more of a chance to comeback.
Sure enough, Charles Scott's run with 46 seconds left put LSU up for good. But of course, NCAA officials had to ruin another great play with another excessive celebration penalty.
There's not taunting from these college kids, just celebrating some great plays - let the players be players, and don't affect the destiny of the game with these pointless penalty calls!
Monday, October 05, 2009
Midautumn Festival
Last Saturday, it was the Midautumn Festival in Taiwan.
To celebrate, here is a new poem, written by a 21st century poet named 阿挺
八月十五食月餅
恁來切阮來請
食到逐家腹肚疼
佇便所聽落屎聲
To celebrate, here is a new poem, written by a 21st century poet named 阿挺
八月十五食月餅
恁來切阮來請
食到逐家腹肚疼
佇便所聽落屎聲
Harper with a little help from his friends
Who knew? Apparently Stevie Harper can play the piano and sing! And not bad for an amateur player! Here he is with Yo Yo Ma and Herringbone (a three-man band) performing "With a Little Help From My Friends".
I think the audience was really surprised!
I think the audience was really surprised!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
French is not useless after all....
Well, I guess my French knowledge is not useless after all....
Is it because I am Canadian, and with French, I can communicate better with my fellow countrymen in Quebec? No - French Canadians can speak English, and you can survive with English quite well in Quebec.
Is it because I live 30 km from France, and I can communicate better with the French? No - French people can speak English, no matter how hard they try to pretend that they don't.
Rather, my French knowledge is going to come in handy in Madagascar - where the local people there hardly speak any English - rather they speak Malagasy and French. (I guess French colonialism, though regrettable, does make this country much more accessible to people like me)
I used to think that French was really uncool - but I guess it does have its uses!
Is it because I am Canadian, and with French, I can communicate better with my fellow countrymen in Quebec? No - French Canadians can speak English, and you can survive with English quite well in Quebec.
Is it because I live 30 km from France, and I can communicate better with the French? No - French people can speak English, no matter how hard they try to pretend that they don't.
Rather, my French knowledge is going to come in handy in Madagascar - where the local people there hardly speak any English - rather they speak Malagasy and French. (I guess French colonialism, though regrettable, does make this country much more accessible to people like me)
I used to think that French was really uncool - but I guess it does have its uses!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
German City Designs
Ok, so I've been picking a bit on Germany, but they have some pretty nice ideas, (if they decide to avoid complicating them too much).
There's a district of Freiburg called Vauban - that's pretty much car-free. Its sort of a "green-experiment" where many homes are powered by solar energy, cars are only allowed through the main thoroughfare, and parking must be at the outskirts of Vauban.
This new way of life, has even been noticed by the NY Times!
Read the article!
It just goes to show that things like US urban sprawl is avoidable, and an environmentally, and lifestyle favourable alternative is possible!
There's a district of Freiburg called Vauban - that's pretty much car-free. Its sort of a "green-experiment" where many homes are powered by solar energy, cars are only allowed through the main thoroughfare, and parking must be at the outskirts of Vauban.
This new way of life, has even been noticed by the NY Times!
Read the article!
It just goes to show that things like US urban sprawl is avoidable, and an environmentally, and lifestyle favourable alternative is possible!
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