I arrived in Siem Reap, Cambodia on Thursday, Feb. 3rd. I'll write more when I get the chance, but I wanted to write this bit for those of you who aren't my Facebook friends.
Today (Friday) my friend and I went to visit the Preah Vihear temple on the Cambodia-Thai border, a 4 hour drive from Siem Reap. We had just arrived at the base of the mountain with another family, and were about to arrange for a ride up the mountain to visit the temple, when shooting and bombing began between Thai and Cambodian forces there. Immediately the soldiers led us into a hole at the base of the mountain. There were continual gunshots and grenade launcher shots. A couple of times the whine of the missile sounded a lot closer so we all had to lie flat on the ground.
I shot a video which is below. We had been hiding in the hole for about 20 minutes when the soldiers told us to leave quickly. The video starts as we were exiting the hole, but then the shooting and bombing started again, and we had to go back into the hole for safety. We stayed for about another 20 minutes, then the soldiers told us to escape quickly.
Although I'm smiling an laughing in some parts of the video, I believe that must be a reaction from nervousness, because believe me, at the time all I remember was being scared to death.
Our driver, who had been accompanied by his wife and teenage daughter, was instructed to take a different route by dirt roads to escape. On the way out we could see the flash of missiles in the air and the smoke from fires started on the hill. When we got to the nearby town the local villagers were packing up and the road got a bit crowded with trucks full of people leaving.
We're absolutely safe now, back in Siem Reap, but it was quite a frightening experience.
Showing posts with label news. Show all posts
Showing posts with label news. Show all posts
Friday, February 4, 2011
Saturday, October 9, 2010
An inspirational parent
I hope Tomarra Finley's legacy of loving self-sacrifice will help her children cope with the loss of their mother.
Louisville woman saves kids from fire, loses life
Friday, March 5, 2010
China's English bubble almost ready to pop
Here's the story:
Last December the employees and students of the Kai En chain of English training centers in Shanghai arrived to their schools to a very rude surprise: After 13 years of operation, one of the oldest and best known English training companies in Shanghai had suddenly gone out of business.
The directors had fled the country, leaving the employees of the five branches owed months of back-wages and customers without refunds for their expensive pre-paid courses.
When looking at this in the context of Chinese and international trends, it could be a preview of things to come for China's English language industry. CLICK TO READ MORE...
Last December the employees and students of the Kai En chain of English training centers in Shanghai arrived to their schools to a very rude surprise: After 13 years of operation, one of the oldest and best known English training companies in Shanghai had suddenly gone out of business.The directors had fled the country, leaving the employees of the five branches owed months of back-wages and customers without refunds for their expensive pre-paid courses.
When looking at this in the context of Chinese and international trends, it could be a preview of things to come for China's English language industry. CLICK TO READ MORE...
Friday, January 15, 2010
Sunday, January 10, 2010
6.5 Earthquake in Humboldt
Eureka, California (where I'm from) was hit by a 6.5 earthquake today (Saturday 4:30pm their time). Fortunately, no one in my family was injured or suffered any major damage. I've heard that the mall had some damage and injuries, but I don't know yet about other areas.
Thanks, Michael, for directing me to this video, from a webcam at the Arcata plaza. The camera distortion during the quake is trippy.
Friday, January 1, 2010
How to start the new year...or not
In my case, I'm starting with a cup of coffee, and then it's off to do my laundry. Yeah, that sounds pitiful. However...
I'm thinking of going to Taipei later and attempting to see Avatar. Since all the tickets are sold out, I'm going to try to get my hands on some 黃牛票 (huáng niú piào) scalped tickets. 黃牛票 literally means "yellow cow ticket."
I've been told to look for older women hanging around the ticket area--they'll be my connection to complete the illicit transaction.
I was warned by some students that the scalper--upon seeing an ignorant wàiguórén (foreigner)--may try to charge me an exorbitant price. In order to prevent the little-old-lady from ripping me off, I was taught a useful word: 強盜 (qiángdào) Robber!
Let the adventure (and new year) begin!
----------UPDATE @ 12:00PM----------
I'm starting this year with a bang, and I don't mean firecrackers.
On the way to the laundromat I got into a traffic accident.
I honestly can't remember all the details, but I do remember that I had the green light. As I was crossing the intersection, an oncoming car was starting to turn left in front of me. I couldn't avoid him quickly enough because I was holding my laundry basket and was using only one hand to drive.
My scooter glanced off the front of his car and I went down. I wasn't hurt except for a gouge in my thumb. I didn't note any damage to the guy's car except my paint scraped on his bumper.
Through the language barrier we managed to exchange information. My hands were shaking while I was writing. I tried to call the insurance company but I got an automated menu in Chinese, so I handed the phone to my accident "partner" who listened for a bit and gave up also (frustration with phone menus knows no cultural bounds).
At the time I felt it was my fault since I couldn't control my scooter well due to the laundry basket. But, I was the one going straight and should have had the right-of-way (according to my American thinking; then again, this is Taiwan). So, I now feel it was pretty much 50-50 responsibility. Taiwan's insurance is no-fault, so I guess it won't be a problem. I'm sure the ever-present traffic cameras will sort it all out.
The guy is a real estate agent. He told me his wife would call me; I'm assuming that's because her English is better, and/or she has more free time.
The sucky part is that the laundromat was just on the other side of that intersection.
Even suckier (?) is that I discovered the washers there don't work on coins but on some kind of pre-paid card that I don't even possess.
The suckiest (!) part is that, after leaving that laundromat to search for another, I found one even closer to my apartment, so I could have avoided all of this if I had just spotted that one first.
PS. I just remembered that I got my very first speeding ticket on New Year's Day, 2008. January 1st is obviously an inauspicious traffic day for me.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
[Ignore this. For my own records, before I forget: Accident @ 10:00am, intersection of 仁愛路二段 and 中山路. I was going north on 仁愛路 , X先生 was going south on 仁愛路, about to turn left onto 中山路. X先生 works at 21世紀南崁老加盟店（南福街19號）
I'm thinking of going to Taipei later and attempting to see Avatar. Since all the tickets are sold out, I'm going to try to get my hands on some 黃牛票 (huáng niú piào) scalped tickets. 黃牛票 literally means "yellow cow ticket." I've been told to look for older women hanging around the ticket area--they'll be my connection to complete the illicit transaction.
I was warned by some students that the scalper--upon seeing an ignorant wàiguórén (foreigner)--may try to charge me an exorbitant price. In order to prevent the little-old-lady from ripping me off, I was taught a useful word: 強盜 (qiángdào) Robber!
Let the adventure (and new year) begin!
I'm starting this year with a bang, and I don't mean firecrackers.
On the way to the laundromat I got into a traffic accident.
I honestly can't remember all the details, but I do remember that I had the green light. As I was crossing the intersection, an oncoming car was starting to turn left in front of me. I couldn't avoid him quickly enough because I was holding my laundry basket and was using only one hand to drive.
My scooter glanced off the front of his car and I went down. I wasn't hurt except for a gouge in my thumb. I didn't note any damage to the guy's car except my paint scraped on his bumper. Through the language barrier we managed to exchange information. My hands were shaking while I was writing. I tried to call the insurance company but I got an automated menu in Chinese, so I handed the phone to my accident "partner" who listened for a bit and gave up also (frustration with phone menus knows no cultural bounds).
At the time I felt it was my fault since I couldn't control my scooter well due to the laundry basket. But, I was the one going straight and should have had the right-of-way (according to my American thinking; then again, this is Taiwan). So, I now feel it was pretty much 50-50 responsibility. Taiwan's insurance is no-fault, so I guess it won't be a problem. I'm sure the ever-present traffic cameras will sort it all out.
The guy is a real estate agent. He told me his wife would call me; I'm assuming that's because her English is better, and/or she has more free time.The sucky part is that the laundromat was just on the other side of that intersection.
Even suckier (?) is that I discovered the washers there don't work on coins but on some kind of pre-paid card that I don't even possess.
The suckiest (!) part is that, after leaving that laundromat to search for another, I found one even closer to my apartment, so I could have avoided all of this if I had just spotted that one first.
PS. I just remembered that I got my very first speeding ticket on New Year's Day, 2008. January 1st is obviously an inauspicious traffic day for me.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
[Ignore this. For my own records, before I forget: Accident @ 10:00am, intersection of 仁愛路二段 and 中山路. I was going north on 仁愛路 , X先生 was going south on 仁愛路, about to turn left onto 中山路. X先生 works at 21世紀南崁老加盟店（南福街19號）
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Thursday, December 24, 2009
My life in boxes
I'm moving tomorrow, Christmas Day. It's been sunny all week but, of course, the weather report for tomorrow calls for rain.I'll post pictures of my new place soon. Kind of busy right now.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Biggest earthquake yet
About an hour and a half ago, around 9:00pm, I was eating at a BBQ restaurant with some friends, when an earthquake hit. I've felt about 8 or 9 earthquakes in the past 20 months that I've lived here, but this one was the strongest and scariest for me. During the previous earthquakes I would sit and wonder if it would get stronger, but this time it actually did get stronger. The USGS reports that it was a magnitude 6.4, but Taiwan news reported that it was 6.8, so I'm not sure.
I was sure of the panic in the customers' and employees' voices, though. Most of us were looking up at the roof, which wasn't a roof proper but a series of steel (?) beams covered with some kind of heavy fabric material. There were no ceiling panels to fall on us, but I think we were wondering if the beams would buckle and fall down. Some of the folks ran out of the restaurant. In those few seconds I was weighing my options: Either run outside (which American earthquake experts say is not a good idea), or get under our table. The table, while very sturdy, had a barbecue inset in the center, so there really wasn't much room underneath. Besides, there were two children in our party and I didn't want to take the space from them.
The entire quake lasted a good 30 seconds, with the strongest middle part about 10-12 seconds, during which I truly began to get afraid. Fortunately, there were no injuries or damage that I could see. I don't know yet about the east coast, where the epicenter was located.
I was sure of the panic in the customers' and employees' voices, though. Most of us were looking up at the roof, which wasn't a roof proper but a series of steel (?) beams covered with some kind of heavy fabric material. There were no ceiling panels to fall on us, but I think we were wondering if the beams would buckle and fall down. Some of the folks ran out of the restaurant. In those few seconds I was weighing my options: Either run outside (which American earthquake experts say is not a good idea), or get under our table. The table, while very sturdy, had a barbecue inset in the center, so there really wasn't much room underneath. Besides, there were two children in our party and I didn't want to take the space from them.
The entire quake lasted a good 30 seconds, with the strongest middle part about 10-12 seconds, during which I truly began to get afraid. Fortunately, there were no injuries or damage that I could see. I don't know yet about the east coast, where the epicenter was located.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Me=Lazy Blogger
I'm still alive, lol. Lots going on...had H1N1, busy at work, and now getting ready to move (just across town). Will update this soon :-)
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Earthquake
It's 2:20am, July 14th. Just got woken up at a little after 2:00am by an earthquake. I stayed in bed for "the ride", listening to the glass doors in my cabinet rattling, wondering if it would get strong enough for me to get up.
Went online and the premilinary report is that it was magnitude 6.3 of the northeast coast. It got my heart pumping for a bit, but now I'm sleepy again. Goodnight.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Student denied diploma for blowing a kiss
Diploma Denied to Student Who Blew Kiss to Family, Pointed at Friends
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Fox News
A Maine high school senior was denied his diploma at graduation after he took a bow when his name was called, pointed to friends and blew a kiss to his family.
Justin Denney was graduating from Bonny Eagle High School June 12 and had gotten up on stage to receive his diploma when he gestured to his friends and relatives.
School Superintendent Suzanne Lukas abruptly told Denney to return to his seat, according to WMTW TV in Maine. He didn't get his diploma.
His mother, Mary Denney, is livid. Her son told her that the superintendent warned, "There's no fooling around up here."
"He just kind of looked at her because he wasn't fooling around. He didn't consider that fooling around or misbehaving in any sense of the word," Mary Denney told WMTW.
Lukas reportedly asked the soon-to-be graduate why he thought he deserved a diploma.
"He goes, 'Because I worked hard and I earned it,' and she goes, 'No, go take your seat,'" his mother told the station.
Other students also walked away empty-handed because of various disruptions during the ceremony. Some started playing with beach balls and others were separated from their friends, according to WMTW.
Mary Denney doesn't believe her son violated any code of conduct.
"There was no misbehavior. Showboating is not misbehavior," she told the station. "A bow, a kiss to your mom is not misbehavior."
The angry mother said she wants Lukas to apologize to her son and present him with his diploma while he is in his cap and gown.
The actual video of Justin's "misbehavior" can be seen here:
http://www.wmtw.com/video/19771332/
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
The hospital, the library, and a visit home
I've decided not to begin this entry with a long-winded explanation of why I haven't posted anything in nearly a month. Let's just call it laziness, and move on.
Medical care is so much cheaper here than in the US. Here's a breakdown of my hospital stay expenses which, under the National Health Insurance, are 10% of the actual cost:
Even if I hadn't been covered under the NHI, my bill would have been only NT $33,000, or just under US $1,000.
Medical care is so much cheaper here than in the US. Here's a breakdown of my hospital stay expenses which, under the National Health Insurance, are 10% of the actual cost:
| Emergency Room | NT $700 | US $21 |
| 7-day hospital stay, including doctors, medicine, etc. | NT $2,200 | US $65 |
| Follow-up visit with x-ray | NT $400 | US $12 |
| TOTAL | NT $3,300 | US $98 (!) |
Even if I hadn't been covered under the NHI, my bill would have been only NT $33,000, or just under US $1,000.
In other news, yesterday I went and got a library card. I was proud of this accomplishment because the staff spoke no English, so I was completely on my own. At one point, the woman assisting me stared at my ARC with a puzzled look, struggling to determine which parts of my ridiculously long hyphenated name to enter into the computer. When I informed her that I had a Chinese name, she was visibly relieved and quickly typed in the three characters (as opposed to the 16 keystrokes needed for my English last name). Little experiences like these make me feel like I'm actually integrating into Taiwanese life.
That's not to say that I'm fluent in Chinese. Far from it. I rarely am able to put even two sentences together. I admit it's my own fault; I just don't study, despite my new year's resolution to the contrary. Every week I tell myself that I'm going to buckle down, but as of yet I have no regular study schedule. And no, you can't just "pick up" the language without studying. Sure, you can learn a few words and common phrases without trying, but I maintain that one cannot become "conversational" without traditional study and memorization (unless you're a small child).
GOOD NEWS: I'm making definite plans to visit the US during next year's Chinese New Year, which will be in mid-February, 2010. I'm going to ask for enough extra days off so that I can come for at least two weeks. I've never asked for time off my job, so I should have no problem getting the time off, especially if I ask early enough. To help my plans, I'm going to be moving to a smaller and cheaper place (one-room) in the summer when my lease expires. I'll give more details about the trip, and my new address, as soon as I know them.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Proposition 8 - The Musical
Hollywood stars and commedians in this one: Jack Black, John C. Reilly, Neil Patrick Harris, Kathy Najimy, Maya Rudolph, Margaret Cho, Nicole Parker, Andy Richter, and others.
Prop 8 - The Musical
[Lyrics]
It's a brand new bright Obama day!
What a time to be black, a girl, or gay!
No nothing could go wrong,
So join us in this song
Of happy days, for the gays--
Nothing can go wrong!
Look, nobody's watching,
It's time to spread some hate
And put it in the Constitution...
Now? How?
Proposition 8!
Proposition 8! Great!
People listen to our plea
They'll teach kids about...sodomy!
Sodomy!
That wasn't right! That's a lie...
But it worked so we don't care!
Now you wish we'd all shut up...
But make our clothes and fix our hair!
And our love is not a sin...
Well the Bible says it's so!
[Jesus]:
Well the Bible says a lot of things, you know?
Jesus Christ!
Hey, how's it goin?
Jesus, doesn't the Bible say these people are an abomination?
Obama-nation?
Yeah, but you know it says the exact same thing about this shrimp cocktail...
Mmm...shrimp cocktail!
Leviticus says shellfish is an abomination.
Obama-nation!
What else does the Bible say, Jesus?
The Bible says a lot of interesting things:
Like, you can stone your wife
Or sell your daughter into slavery.
Well, we ignore those verses.
Well then, friend, it seems to me you pick and choose
We pick and choose!
Well, please choose love instead of hate.
Besides, your nation
was built on separation
of church and state!
See you later sinners!
Bye Jesus...goodbye Jesus...I love you Jesus!
You know, here's another thought to wrap things up:
Oh, ev-ery time a gay or lesbian
finds love at the parade--
there's money to be made!
He's right!
Each time two grooms say, "Paint that wedding hall"
and lavender's the shade--
There's money to be made!
He has a point!
Think of all the carriages and four white horses;
There's millions lost from all your disapproving.
Well, that's not good...
Think of all the lawyers for the gay divorces;
Think of the tattoo removing!
We get it now...we've been such fools!
[All]:I can see
America's calling me.
Yes, gay marriages will save
the econ-o-myyyyyyyyyyy!!
Prop 8 - The Musical
[Lyrics]
It's a brand new bright Obama day!
What a time to be black, a girl, or gay!
No nothing could go wrong,
So join us in this song
Of happy days, for the gays--
Nothing can go wrong!
Look, nobody's watching,
It's time to spread some hate
And put it in the Constitution...
Now? How?
Proposition 8!
Proposition 8! Great!
People listen to our plea
They'll teach kids about...sodomy!
Sodomy!
That wasn't right! That's a lie...
But it worked so we don't care!
Now you wish we'd all shut up...
But make our clothes and fix our hair!
And our love is not a sin...
Well the Bible says it's so!
[Jesus]:
Well the Bible says a lot of things, you know?
Jesus Christ!
Hey, how's it goin?
Jesus, doesn't the Bible say these people are an abomination?
Obama-nation?
Yeah, but you know it says the exact same thing about this shrimp cocktail...
Mmm...shrimp cocktail!
Leviticus says shellfish is an abomination.
Obama-nation!
What else does the Bible say, Jesus?
The Bible says a lot of interesting things:
Like, you can stone your wife
Or sell your daughter into slavery.
Well, we ignore those verses.
Well then, friend, it seems to me you pick and choose
We pick and choose!
Well, please choose love instead of hate.
Besides, your nation
was built on separation
of church and state!
See you later sinners!
Bye Jesus...goodbye Jesus...I love you Jesus!
You know, here's another thought to wrap things up:
Oh, ev-ery time a gay or lesbian
finds love at the parade--
there's money to be made!
He's right!
Each time two grooms say, "Paint that wedding hall"
and lavender's the shade--
There's money to be made!
He has a point!
Think of all the carriages and four white horses;
There's millions lost from all your disapproving.
Well, that's not good...
Think of all the lawyers for the gay divorces;
Think of the tattoo removing!
We get it now...we've been such fools!
[All]:I can see
America's calling me.
Yes, gay marriages will save
the econ-o-myyyyyyyyyyy!!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Earthquake
Wow, at this very moment, while I'm typing this, we're having an earthquake. Obviously not a big scary one, just some light rolling. I'll post the details as soon as I find out.
Magnitude: 5.2
Date-Time: Tuesday, December 02, 2008 at 11:16:52 at epicenter (local time)
Region: Taiwan
Location: 23.304°N, 121.580°E
Depth: 17.2 km (10.7 miles)
Distances: 75 km (45 miles) S of Hua-lien, Taiwan
80 km (50 miles) NNE of T'ai-tung, Taiwan
120 km (75 miles) ESE of Chia-i, Taiwan
195 km (120 miles) S of T'AI-PEI, Taiwan
Friday, November 14, 2008
Still lazy
Wow, so much as happened since I last made an entry.Yet, today is not the day for me to update this blog. In the immortal words of Scarlett O'Hara, "I'll think about that tomorrow."
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Investment tips for 2009
[Thanks to Brie for sharing this with me]
For all of you with any money left, be aware of the next expected mergers so that you can get in on the ground floor and make some BIG bucks.
Watch for these consolidations in 2009:
1.) Hale Business Systems, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Fuller Brush, and W. R. Grace Co. Will merge and become:
Hale, Mary, Fuller, Grace.
2.) PolygramRecords, Warner Bros., and ZestaCrackers join forces and become:
Poly Warner Cracker.
3.) 3M will merge with Goodyear and become:
MMMGood.
4.) ZippoManufacturing, AudiMotors, Dofasco, and Dakota Mining will merge and become:
ZipAudiDoDa.
5.) FedEx is expected to join its competitor, UPS, and become:
FedUP.
6.) Fairchild Electronics and Honeywell Computers will become:
Fairwell Honeychild.
7.) Grey Poupon and Docker Pants are expected to become:
PouponPants.
8.) Knotts Berry Farm and the National Organization of Women will become:
Knott NOW!
And finally....
9.) Victoria 's Secret and Smith & Wesson will merge under the new name:
TittyTittyBangBang
For all of you with any money left, be aware of the next expected mergers so that you can get in on the ground floor and make some BIG bucks.Watch for these consolidations in 2009:
1.) Hale Business Systems, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Fuller Brush, and W. R. Grace Co. Will merge and become:
Hale, Mary, Fuller, Grace.
2.) PolygramRecords, Warner Bros., and ZestaCrackers join forces and become:
Poly Warner Cracker.
3.) 3M will merge with Goodyear and become:
MMMGood.
4.) ZippoManufacturing, AudiMotors, Dofasco, and Dakota Mining will merge and become:
ZipAudiDoDa.
5.) FedEx is expected to join its competitor, UPS, and become:
FedUP.
6.) Fairchild Electronics and Honeywell Computers will become:
Fairwell Honeychild.
7.) Grey Poupon and Docker Pants are expected to become:
PouponPants.
8.) Knotts Berry Farm and the National Organization of Women will become:
Knott NOW!
And finally....
9.) Victoria 's Secret and Smith & Wesson will merge under the new name:
TittyTittyBangBang
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
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