Morning Breakfast in Mid-Autumn Festival

I haven’t been able to watch TV on a regular basis for a long time/or since I was in the U.S. This has formed my habit of not watching cable TV in my couch with a bag of chips every night. Sounds sarcastic!? …well, not my intention though! I just want to say: the best way not to be addicted to TV is not to put one in your room. And yes, it works. I haven’t been thinking about buying a TV for my bedroom since I moved back Taiwan last June. I am gonna stick to this “plan” which, to some extent, really helps keep my reading habit.

I watch TV only when I eat breakfast in the living room or during fruit-time in the afternoon. It’s usually not more than 30 minutes. But something caught my eyes this morning: “As Good As It Gets” by Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt. What is a good movie? A good movie can make you happy or inspire you sometimes even though you have watched it so many times.

Somehow, I enjoy catching the tension between Melvin and Carol. They are two people with entirely different personalities and ways of expression. Melvin is so good at words in writing, and yet, he is so bad at social skills, especially in verbal expression. Well, I’ve never met such a person like Melvin which makes curious and wonder how it feels like when I am talking to a person like him: always complaining, not showing any ounce of compassion or consideration, almost causing verbal violence while losing his patience… However, Melvin’s last comment on Carol is deep and thoughtful. He actually knows the bright side of Carol and he really appreciates it.

"I might be the only one who appreciates how amazing you are in every single thing that you do. And how you are with Spencer, Spence, and in every single thought that you have, and how you say what you mean, and how you almost always mean something that's all about being straight and good. I think most people miss that about you. And I watch them, wondering how they can watch you bring their food, and clear their tables, and never get that they just met the greatest woman alive."

Good movie. ^^

Coffee Addict: French Press Coffee

How many cups of coffee do I need every day? Or...should the question be "how fast can I make a cup of coffee when I have a nine o'clock shift in the morning?" Anyway, I got this pretty French press coffee maker.

 Bodum Chambord 3-cup French Press.

 Actually, I was a little doubting about its 3-cup capacity after I opened the box at home. But, well, this may probably turn out to be a better situation for me cause it limits the amount of coffee I can have for one day.

I made my first French press coffee this afternoon. The coffee was organic Serena blend with medium roast. I expected to have citrus and floral tasting notes. Hmm...it was very smooth, right temperature (just perfect for sipping), and full-body flavor. I was not so sure about the floral taste, but the citrus one was obvious, wandering around my palate. If I want it stronger next time, I may have to mix one scoop of coffee with less water like 3 oz.

What a Week

 So…I've got a pretty stressful week. And here you go…...a sty eye on the left side!!!!!! It's painful, swollen, and tear-running all the time. I guess I deserved it because of keeping reading my previous work on chapter 1 & 2 of my dissertation. My eye could not stand the unfinished writing.

Finishing two chapters, should I just take a break and go somewhere to relax myself? Oh, yep...sure I should. 

Ladies and gentlemen, please meet my new friend Herman Wells, the 11th president of Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana. 

We had a nice chat that afternoon. 

I told him that he could use some cardio exercise. 

He suggested me: you think writing a dissertation is difficult? Wait until you become the president of Indiana University! 

Hahahaha…...well, he got a point! (though it's not like I have a chance or anything!)

I was on the E. Kirkwood Ave. 

Behind me is the Indiana University in beautiful sunset.

Bass caught in the Scott Lake of Greene-Sullivan State Forest

Lure: Reaction Innovations Skinny dipper/Light Hitch

Bass Caught in Minnehaha Fish and Wildlife Area

Lure: Strike King Space Monkey/Watermelon Red Flakes

Whiskey Enlightenment

In winter, 1996 (Yangming Mountain, Taipei), I had my first shot of whiskey. Some said that whiskey is definitely the "Men's Drink." Well, I have no intention to get in such an endless debate, but yes, I fell in love with whiskey ever since that shot. It was a tongue-and-throat-burning experience and the name was Suntory Kakubin "角瓶."

That night, I went to my landlord's house for tutoring his son with his English. I walked to my landlord's house only to find my student had gone shopping with his mom. My landlord was sitting in front of his big TV, kindly asking me if I would like to join him with a drink. He poured me a shot of Suntory whiskey in a beautiful hand-made Chinese pottery. (quite an exotic match, huh!) My whiskey enlightenment thus began. (BTW, we were watching the Discovery channel at that time. Well, would it be cool if we were watching "The Godfather" instead!?)

This is the genuine Suntory Kakubin-just flew to me from Japan….from Yoshiki. I shall expect to have a pleasant winter with this bottle. ^^

Special Blend

Made In Japan--I wonder if it tastes the same as the Kakubin in Taiwan.

It's not fish I am after

What is my hobby? For lots of Taiwanese students, in fact, a hobby is sort of luxurious thought. In my memory, there was no such a thing as a hobby for me from elementary school to college; Oh, yeah, not even when I was in the master's program in the U.S. I've never collected stamps which was considered a "good" hobby when I was in the elementary school. I did play some sports, including baseball, volleyball, badminton, tennis, and basketball. But none of them developed into the category of "my favorite hobby." Obviously, I am not tall and strong enough. On the other hand, sports in Taiwan are seldom developed into profitable career unless they are associated with gangs or illegal gambling.

Well, somehow I still feel myself lucky because I find something that will be my lifelong interest: bass fishing. Fishing was not really my thing when I grew up in Taiwan. I've never thought that sitting there and waiting fish to bite the bait is so much fun. However, bass fishing in the U.S. consists of various rigs, skills, lures, and knowledge. Just talking about rigs and tips, we may easily find tons of information about them on Google Search. Some may regard bass fishing as a leisure activity while others may take it as a professional career. For me, I'd like to view bass fishing as competitions between human and nature. There is no winning or losing but endless mind game in this sport. Let me quote a saying from a fishing calendar (which was a gift from my favorite professor, Dr. Nelson): many men go fishing all their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after.

My rod, reel, and rig: Shimano Voltaeus 6.6' Medium casting rod, Shimano Curado 200E7, and 3/8 oz jig with Strike King Rage Tail craw (Okeechobee).

The rod on the right is Daiwa 6' Medium Light Spinning rod and Neko rig with Zoom Swamp crawler (June bug).

Seldom do I say: I am a big fan of … I mean I like Kevin VanDam. Talking about bass fishing in the world, he is definitely #1 in my mind. But to be honest, I like Hata Takuma better. Sometimes he is more like a comedian to me. He is funny even when he is fishing. Maybe it's his spirit that make me feel that fishing is an enjoyable sport: enjoying the process of fishing, learning from each fishing experience, and letting the results go by the God's will.

Dream Lamb-chop

My sister asked me: what do you want to eat the most when you are back in Taiwan this time? The first dish came to my mind is the lamb-chop made by a cool beard-guy in Tainan. Its Chinese name is "東北十三香烤羊肉." In translation, I infer that the lamb-chop has been seasoned with thirteen different kinds of spices and that may be originated from the Northeast of Mainland China. (Well, I've heard that the owner's wife comes from the northeastern part of China.) Anyway, the lamb-chop was a little crispy outside and juicy inside. Combined with various seasoning, it was surely a perfect match with a glass of red wine, or maybe beer.

Further information about the restaurant: 食草堂羊肉舖子

Riding a bike to Anping and all the way back to my home took me around forty to fifty minutes. It was nice exercise when I had no access to any workout center in Tainan. As a matter of fact, I stopped by a fitness center called "Workout Factory" near my home. The price for one-year membership would cost me six hundred US dollars which was six times of the price in ISU. Wow~~~again, I was spoiled by the gym in ISU.

During the Dragon Boat Festival, I bought a giant hot dog which cost me 50 Taiwan dollars (almost 2 USD). Well, it was just a piece of hot dog wrapped with bunch of fries. Believe me, I was sweating like hell while eating that hot dog. I should have just bought a cup of bubble tea. ^^

Autumn Awareness

People say there is no "autumn" around Terre Haute. When the temperature starts to drop (from 30 ℃ to 20 ℃) drastically during day time, the winter will not be far away. Well, I am a guy who is more used to hot weather than cold one (since I come from a tropical country). So I always pay attention to the changes of daily weather in case I maget cold, especially in the very early morning.

The drop of the temperature reminds people of the coming winter that also makes me think of the limited days I can stay in the US. Ever since I got my Master's degree, everything here has been keeping changing, including friends, campus, the view of the city, and the little cute car with beautiful painting on it. Every car is painted by specific artist who is sponsored by certain organizations/companies.

Quite a lovely scene on the street, isn't it?

I wonder if the art-painting work can also be done on the street of Taiwan. Or would it take "great" efforts to keep the art work clean and beautiful if Taiwanese people had little decent public morality?

In view of the coming cold weather, I finally made up my mind having my timing belt changed. Around the Toyota logo stayed the butterfly…Connie and I decided not to disturb her. I think Connie enjoyed her company, gently resting on Connie's face. Isn't this peaceful!?

The sunshine still spared no strength trying to warm up the earth, trees, and our mind though it's time winter gradually regained its power. Connie and I sat quietly on the sidewalk, appreciating the beauty of this endless competition. Actually, we seemed to care no more.

。。。。。。

Just let the view help us rest our tiring heart.

Missouri Corn Cob Pipe

I've quit smoking for almost two years…(Well, I don't remember if it really lasts this long!) Anyway, I do not smoke normal cigarettes any more. Last week, however, I smoked again because I found an interesting something: Missouri Corn Cob Pipe.

Take a look at this little cute pipe. It's probably not a big deal for Americans, but it sure interests foreigners like me. ^_^

(Just like some Americans may think it cool to tattoo Chinese characters on the arms.)

At the bottom of the bowl, there's a sticker indicating its origin and manufacturer. I've never seen this when I started to smoke pipe in Taiwan. Well, I'll definitely buy a brand new one, bring it back to Taiwan, and make it as one of my pipe collections. It may not be as subtle and delicate as briar pipes, but it surely represents the old American pipe smoking tradition.

I was smoking this corn cob pipe in Hawthorn Park while fishing with Anchang. The tobacco was Prince Albert's Cherry Vanilla. To be honest, I may not criticize its flavor & taste since $3.29 USD a pouch is already cheap enough. But I could not help but keep missing Mac Baren Vanilla cream and Stanwell vanilla tobacco.

(By the way, Anchang and I got "COUNTLESS" fish that day. ^_^)

Spring Time Fun

Spring time in Terre Haute (Indiana) is quite charming. I may not be able to recognize each flower's name, but their beautiful "figures" really cheer me up while walking in the campus.

This one looks very cute and pretty but smells not so pleasant!

Spring time, fishing time! This fat-belly female bass was caught in Ji Case (Hawthorn Park). I put it back right afte the picture. Hope she gives birth to lots of baby bass this year.

I think it's tulip. "COLORFUL" (Family Housing Unit 4)

I bet this goose is the guardian or the father of little geese arond the lake. Whenever I got closer to them, he started to make loud noise so that little geese would swim away.

Anchang and I were fascinated by these two ducks. They were always together no matter what! Cute duck copule!!! ^_^

The squirrel didn't like me and my camera. In a blink of an eye, it ran away.

Finishing the gym workout, Yoshiki and I could not help but keep taking pictures of those pretty flowers in the tree!

I am gonna miss this gym...it's said that one running machine in this new gym costs more than $2000 USD...wow...that is expensive!

Yeah! It's me climbing on the tree and taking pcitures! Yoshiki said I'm "distinguished" in his blog! hahahahahahaha.....^_^

When the summer "hot wave" comes, these pretty flowers will look very "dead."

The only thing don't like about these flowers is the pollen. It causes red eyes, itchy noses, and watering eyes. Horrible.......!

Don't you think it looks like cotton candy with honey in the center!? ^_^

Distinguished Student Assistant

I know this award probably meant nothing to someone, but it was a GREAT honor to me. First of all, I was the only Asian nominee who beat "out even such stellar competitors" (quoted from email by Dr. Nelson, 2010) and won the "Distinguished Student Assistant." Our president also said … we should be proud to show this award to interviewers while applying for a job in the future.

(Let's see how it will work in Taiwan! ^_^)

Second of all, I was surprised to know this nomination possibility was actually brought about by our LLL Department Administrative Assistant, Deborah Wheat. Then, it was approved by Dr. Ronald Dunbar (Department Chair), Dr. Cecil Nelson (Professor of Linguistics), and Dr. Keri Yousif (Assistant Professor of French). According to Dr. Nelson, Dr. Yousif even insisted on adding "strong statement" to the nomination (quoted from email by Dr. Nelson, 2010).

Well, who am I to accept such efforts from so many teachers!!!

Finally, thanks to Dr. Nelson's 『constant encouragement』, I presented myself in the reception. Dr. Nelson even made a speech for me!

Wow…I've never had this honor for my whole life!

PS: Also, thanks to Yoshiki to be my driver and photographer that day!

Please Love the Earth

Once again, I am fascinated with the scenery and squirrels on my way to the language lab. Spring sunshine is so warm, and yet sometimes comes with little breeze…(of blossoms). I know I am getting late for work, but can not help taking pictures of the cute tiny flowers in the tree. They look like "HOPE," growing from an old man's withering finger.

This reminds me of a blog entry composed by a Taiwanese journalist: 揭開中國繁榮的真相。It's about the environmental truth behind the prosperous China. The blog owner and I don't know each other, but her blog almost burst me into tears.

If Chinese people keep destroying the environment like that, prosperity will not mean anything. I've heard that Chinese government has spare no efforts saving pandas in recent years. The milk powder they use for panda babies has to be imported from foreign countries. Well, since pandas are under such a "luxurious" protection, what about human beings? A 15-year-old boy has to work in a mine all day to make RMB $16 (USD $2.34), but a panda baby can drink imported milk every day!!! What an ironic living condition!!!

I have to say that…I would feel strongly ashamed of being a citizen if my nationality were PRC.

(If my comments cause any inconvenience or offend the blog owner, please inform me and accept my apology.)

It's now spring time here in Terre Haute: beautiful days…gorgeous weather…and most important of all, unpolluted natural environment. The bass I got is safe to eat, but I still released it. (I've been fishing in Indiana for two years, and I only ate two trout.) Bass fishing has been becoming more and more popular in China recently. I bet it's owing to the widespread of American sports!

Let's cross our fingers that Chinese people can learn from the spirit of catch-and-release and raise their awareness of environmental protection.

Pecan Bear Apple

Alright……I know this looks very sweet and must contains lots of sugar.

But you know -- life may never be perfect: delicious food is usually not healthy; and healthy food usually tastes like wood!!!

Well, sometimes…...we should give ourselves a treat.

To be honest, I am always fascinated by the apple covered with caramel and pecan. This cute fancy apple cost me USD $5.88 (about $194 NT) from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory in Tanger Outlet Center, Tuscola, IL. (If I remember correctly, there is another one in Edinburgh Premier Outlet.) Well, what an apple!!! This equals to 5 Fuji apples from Walmart.

Slice it, and you can see that it's actually a green apple inside. Green apples usually taste more sour than red ones. Maybe that's the key to match the sourness with the sweetness from chocolate and caramel.

Taste: The first bite comes from a little sour apple juice with the white icing which soon melts in your mouth. Once you start to chew, the caramel and the apple seem to "DANCE" in your mouth while the chocolate and pecan are "SINGING" ……smoothing like an orchestra playing Mozart.

Suggestion: A little water will be fine if needed, not tea! Tea will prevent you from absorbing the iron in the apple.

Red Wing 1907 Classic Lifestyle

Finally, I've made up my mind to get a pair of Red Wing boots before I go back Taiwan. Here it is…RW Classic Lifestyle 1907. It goes EXTREMELY well with jeans and is still priced at $200~250 USD ($6000~8500 NT) in Taiwan. Well, I did not pay this much in the U.S., of course. The owner of the retail store gave me a very nice price without shipping cost. Last week, while I presented myself with cash in Muncie, the owner did not stock any 1907 there. Therefore, he had to directly order from the factory and mail the boots to me. I was surprised that he did not even charge me the shipping cost. I indeed got a very nice bargain.

One week later, while I was having the product in my hand, the quality and its style of American heritage gave me another "shiver." The leather was still soft and tender, feeling like the boots were just made and put into the box!

I couldn't wait to put the boots on and see how they go with my jeans. Oh….yeah! Looking cool, aren't they?

If I have my own coffee shop one day, I'll like to wear Red Wing boots & jeans while I'm making coffee.

The leather looked darker because it just absorbed the mink oil overnight.

After wearing the boots for the first day, I decided to apply some mink oil on them. Well, I was not intended to over-protect the boots like I'd be afraid to get some mud on them. It's just the raining season is coming soon in Terre Haute and I do not want to take the chance ruining the leather. I guess I've learned my lesson from my Dr. Martens Original 1460 (May them rest in peace in my home, Tainan).