Donations & Charities

Every year I review my income, and work out a percentage that I'm going to give to Charity. I wish I could donate my time as much as money, but time seems to be in shorter & shorter supply.

I do a lot of research on Charities, to insure a majority of the funds go the the charity and NOT the 3rd party handling the transaction. I also try to stay clear of Charities which are religion based, as I'm not a proponent of pushing religion (let alone anything else). As well I stay away from Charities which have recently received large donations (those in excess of $10 million). I primarily give to education for the poor & projects which help people help themselves, and a small amount to public radio stations for Jazz & new artists.

The Charities I tend to give to every year:

• AfriCare (African Well Fund) - which builds and maintains clean water wells in Sub-Saharan Africa [93% goes to Africa] {learned about at a Christmas Cocktail party 2 years ago}
• Ambler Theater - which is a local arts theater in Ambler, Pennsylvania [100% goes to theater] {learned about from friends}
• Cancer Research - these are scattered sponsorships of friends who run/bike/walk in Cancer Research fund raising events. [100%] {learn about via social networks}
  
• DonorsChoose - which is a 3rd party that buys supplies for Schools and gives them to teachers/projects in need. [85% goes to the Schools] {found about from Fred Wilson}
• The Reading Team - which helps people (kids & adults) in New York read. [100% goes to charity] {friend works there}
• WBGO - which is a radio station in Newark, New Jersey that champions jazz and presents news to a worldwide audience through radio, other technologies and events. [100% goes to station] {listen to the station when around New York or via the Internet}
• WXPN - which is a radio station in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and is the nationally recognized leader in Triple A music and the premier guide for discovering new and significant artists in rock, blues, roots, and folk. [100% goes to station] {listen to the station when at home or via the Internet}

As I do normally get a letter of thanks from the head of development for any charity, this year I received a letter from a teacher which benefited from DonorsChoose which was quite heart warming.

Caveat: Though it would be nice to dismiss the cost of taxes, I do donate to reduce my annual tax payment. Regardless, even if I was tax free, I would still donate time or money to these organizations.

I'm forever looking for a good organization to donate to, so if you have any suggestions?

When you've been in China too long..

Yesterday I flew back from China. I had a connecting flight in
San Fran, and had a short layover - due to my 1st flight being delayed 35minutes.

In China & Hong Kong, there's a large congestion of people all the time. They're all constantly bumping into you, or pushing their way in. It doesn't matter how big/small/old you are, it's just a constant "me first" approach.
As such you quite used to high paced walking and pushing back as much as the locals do, push on me and I push back; at th same force.

Yet the US isn't like that (except at rush hour in certain high traffic locations).

So during my transfer, I was walking at China pace, but not really pushing as there were few people in San Fran airport @ 10pm.
Anyhow, I blow past this older woman at the gate, and maybe just w/ my size & speed, she goes completely down.
She as an old "blue hair," and the stares I got from the others waiting for flight were quite evil.
I did help her up, apologized for knocking her over, and continued on my way.

I didn't really feel wrong for knocking her over, as I didn't actually knock into her, but it did give me a wake up that the US was quite slower.

Road Warriors => Jet Setters part 1

Upper Class - Virgin Atlantic
Originally uploaded by Gone-Walkabout

So I used to travel around the USA upgrading and fixing issues for my company; and now I've moved onto doing this on an international scale, which I love doing. Traveling internationally is far more fun, then puttering around the US. Probably because I like immersing myself in the different cultures, as well as the dealing with the unknown.

You have to have a lot of patience, and ability to handle changes in schedule, and lack of understanding....even if you're speaking the same language. Where I see many people fail, is when they're not open to new experiences/opportunities, and flexibility. If you're presented with a chicken head for dinner, you better know why and what's it for.

Since I'm never too sure where I'm going, or where I'll be staying...I tend to try to fly business or first class there. (most of in-the-air trips are 15 hours or more) Plus being over 6 feet, comfort is not something airlines cater to anymore. The benefit though of flying long distances, is that I get 'Silver' on all my frequent flyer programs after only 2 round-trip flights. Though I will say that there is no good solution for finding a 'premium economy' or business ticket internationally. I only know of one non-airline website which offers the ability to lookup 'premium economy,' which is hard to understand as most US airlines now offer this option. I also tend to use my miles as quickly as I receive them, for fear of said airline voiding my miles(e.g., bankruptcy, no flights in X months). Thus where I luck out and get to fly first/upper class on some of the top 10 airlines in the world. I do have points through my credit cards, but I only use them for personal flights...not business.

So here I am again, plotting my next trip out...having to research 10+ websites to find the best deal. Such as if you don't get Y class or better, you can't use miles to upgrade. I've learned the tricks of their airlines now and why you need to pay attention when booking through an expedia, orbitz or the sort else you may be stuck in the rear next to lavatory.

Pinot Noir - Napa

Etude & Woot Cheese
Originally uploaded by Gone-Walkabout

after a most excellent journey (circa Bill & Ted), where my cricket team ventured to Marin County, California for a tournament I discovered my love of Californian Pinot Noir. I've never been a fan of California wines; always preferring French, Chilean, Argentine, Aussie, or NZ wines. But on a day trip we touring eleven went into the Napa Valley region for a tour and drunken adventure. One of the group did some excellent planning and got a limo for us all - not wise to be tasting/driving, especially as none of us were spitting it out.

I cannot remember all of the trip, I do remember going to two large well known, and somewhat bland vineyards. Seems like too many vineyards lose sight of the goal, it's not how big your tasting room is - it's how good the wine is. We had lunch as at a famous sparkling wine vineyard(champagne is only used in France, per lawsuits) and finished the day at a small invite only vineyard, which to this day I receive cases from. They're wine is what truly got me entranced with Pinot Noir from California. (Reynolds Family Winery)

I've had Finger Lakes Pinot Noir , and Oregon Pinot Noir , but they don't really measure up. I've been told I should try British Columbia Pinot, but haven't had the luck of finding any yet.

So whilst at Total Wine in Delaware, I happened upon Etude Heirloom from the Carneros Valley. (The Wine I fell in love with from Reynolds Family Winery is Pinot Noir from the Carneros Valley.) The Etude isn't cheap, but I enjoyed it enough that I tried to get some bottle shipped to me - damn you PA Liquor Control Board. So I'll be relegated to going back to Total Wine to buy a case or three.

And yet it was this wine, as well as news that Reynolds can ship to me again, that I shall have to venture towards to Napa again for tour. Now just need to finds some wine-eacs to follow suit. (oenophile is too pretentious)

Common Sense: Why Don't People Have Any, Anymore?

Every day I truly wonder why people no longer have common sense. Today I saw a non-SUV drive through a huge puddle, enough to swamp any car, why would you do this???

I was listening to comedy act on XM yesterday about people forced to wear helmets now when biking. And I agree with comic, in the past if you fell you got hurt, maybe got a scar, whatever; but you learned from your mistakes. Now we're being regulated to safeness, that no one is learning what's not safe anymore. Forcibly scrubbing kids with anti-bacterial creams, so that when the kid grows up and goes out into the 'real world' they're be sick all the time from germs they were never able to become accustom to.

Not only did we used to learn from our scars, but we learned from other's mistakes. If you knew someone who rolled car, well you learned from their mistakes, and at least tried to prevent yourself from similar incidents. I learned, when you hear a clicking fence, you shouldn't investigate it......it was electrified.

In the above posted image, I can clearly see/feel the scrapes, and cuts from the planned attempt...yet I do think a street luge and a helmet would make this just as fun.

China - can you define it by it's cities? I think not

Temples
Originally uploaded by Gone-Walkabout

Having now been to 3 large cities in China, and barely in the countryside. I'm more lost on how to define China.

Shenzhen is a new, modern, nouveau riche city. It's faulted that it's so near Hong Kong, as it's trying emulate the status obsessed neighbor. It's got more registered residents then Beijing, but only about 1/3 the land mass.

Shanghai is a sophisticated city, and has a mix of old and new. It's got the old French port, mixed with the new Pudong, and is currently the financial capital of China. Its has too many people, 26 million. Thus it's over crowded, has too much smog, and pure hectic.

Beijing reminds me of Eastern European cities. It's got a lot of structure, but is still lacking in many respects. There are car swallowing potholes abound, the sidewalks have large cement blocks in the the middle of them, and it's forever dusty.The roads are horrible, so it's constant rush hour traffic nightmare - it took 2 hours to go 15 miles. Beijing was the first city, I saw Caucasians walking around on their own(without guides), maybe Beijing is safer, or maybe they don't know. Also the city seemed rather empty compared to Shenzhen. It's large land mass (550km around), but only about 20million people

Having driven from Shanghai to Huangzho; the country side is still very simple The people are more friendly, they're mostly farmers and have little wealth. They drudge on, oblivious to the expanse of their cities.

Durian...the 'King of Fruits'

Durian
Originally uploaded by Gone-Walkabout

Well just ate Durian fresh for the first time - EXCELLENT! It's described as one of the most foul smelling fruits there is, but with the texture of custard, and it's sweet. Well the first time I had it, it smelled horrible, it was served in a cheesecake fo sorts; and smelled of rotten eggs/diapers/sulfur. Similar to what it smells like around a geyser.

Thankfully, I have a very knowledgeable colleague in the office, who knows how to pick out the best/freshest food. There was a faint smell, but no high sulfur content. I ate about 1/2 of it, only because we had just gotten back from lunch.

Another food taboo thrown out the window.

NYC, Good Times

American Express on Laight Street
Originally uploaded by Gone-Walkabout

For the first time ever I used my American Express Concierge service yesterday, and was most impressed. I called to get a reservation at Nobu TriBeCa for that night, and within about 20min or less, I had a reservation for 3 in 2 hours(8pm).

I have my card, primarily as a safety net when I'm traveling, so that if I get stuck in a conflict zone or what not, I can quickly get myself out. I had heard about the concierge, and am very happy to say they did the job.

Nobu TriBeCa, was a good meal with friends. But I would not say it was foodgasmic. It's notch I can put in the headboard as a place people say go to. The cost wasn't bad for NYC, but I've had better sushi/sashimi other places.

Hike the "The Peak"

Northside
Originally uploaded by Gone-Walkabout

This past Saturday, I opted to go for a hike...far better then eating or laying about the hotel room. Well let me say, if you ever get the chance to go to Hong Kong - and are in decent shape, go for a hike. Hong Kong, like NYC can be a 'concrete jungle' and it's nice to get out onto unpaved tracks and less people. Whilst on the hike, you'd never know there was a city of 9+ million living below you; as most of the time you're in the woods.

I'm thinking that I may go for another hike soon, over the 'Dragons Back' towards Shek O. Though I think, I'll have to wait till next time when I have a backpack or such for my water and snacks....hiking in 76F w/ 60% humidity wearing trousers and a rain jacket; wasn't the best idea. But I did probably sweat out/lose quite a bit of weight - always a plus.

Open Space

St James Park on a Sunny Day
Originally uploaded by Gone-Walkabout

I've now spend 2 months in Hong Kong and China, minus 10 days. And the thing I truly miss most is open space. I simply don't get it, why does everyone want to live in the same 60 floor apartment building right next to everyone else? Octopus (the Metro Transit Company in Hong Kong) is now building a new complex set to house 60,000 people and have it's own MTR station, now it's great that they're going to cut down on smog, by having it's own public transport system; but I certainly don't want to live in a complex of 60,000 other people.

I can comprehend China, because of it's communistic ways(similar to the USSR) they farmed people to work in their factories...but in a country with a land mass equal or greater to the USA, why does everyone want to live right next to each other? Hong Kong on the other hand should take the British system of Country life and City life. I've been to country in HK, there are a few house, but most people live couped up in the major complexes. The driving commute is hell, but the MTR, KCR, & KMB system provide quick service everywhere - so people don't need to live in tiny aparments everywhere.

This Sunday, I'm heading off to Sai Kung - National Park of sorts, I'm hoping for a nice walk, some greenery, and certainly less people.

Chinse Driving Improved?

Shanghai Traffic
Originally uploaded by Gone-Walkabout

Just when I think the Chinese have learned how to drive, they go and disprove me. Today when leaving the hotel, the light never changed - kept blinking green(not sure what that means). Anyhow as one would have it, my taxi driver got frustrated and decided to part traffic with is car...a rather normal thing, even in NYC. But in the US traffic would slow down, honk the horn, curse and so forth...not here, traffic continues at a normal pace. So who has the bigger balls? It's not about the size of the vehicle, but how your maneuver it..(hey get your mind out the gutter)

The one thing they have learned is how to use the horn...use it get people out of the way. It used to be 'hey I'm here,' or 'hey, I'm coming through.' So it's an improvement, but not necessarily the most important feature of driving.

Emergency Flight to China

But I do get legroom w/ a bulkhead
Originally uploaded by Gone-Walkabout

Well to satisfy some requests, I took an earlier then scheduled flight to China. Because I couldn't get a flight on beloved Virgin-Atlantic, I took the unforgiving straight through 15 hour 55 minute flight from Newark to Hong Kong. Needless to say I lucked out and checked in early enough to get a bulkhead, but the last 5 hours were tough.

As far as convenience , it beats any other option. But for sake of comfort and sanity, it's not a wise choice. When I couldn't get Virgin, I was looking at flying to Vancouver, BC and taking Oasis to Hong Kong. Yes it adds several hours, but I'd be more comfortable, have a break in the middle(lay over) and be able to move around more.

Plus I think someone got ill or died on my flight, so less then half way through the seatbelt sign went permanently on. We were over Siberia when they called for doctor, for over an hour someone was laying on the floor, and when the pathway opened up a lavatory was permanently closed.

Walking...people move too slow!

Sole
Originally uploaded by Gone-Walkabout

Well I'm heading home to the US tomorrow night, only have 1 day left...flight leaves @ 11pm. I'm ready to have a rest; if only for 10days. I've had very little time to myself; even my weekends...either I'm being bothered with issues in the US or I'm being taken someplace. Days start at 9am and finish at 10pm...It's jut been tiring...

These past few days in Kowloon/HK Island have also been tiring, more people then I'm used to...as compared with Shatin/Sheung Shui. During the work week everyone is moving swiftly, come the weekend and people move a leisurely crawl...to the point I'm ready to run them over or strangle them. I'm 6'4" so I do have a longer gait, but can't people just walk a little quicker. Plus when it's raining, no one pays attention to their umbrella, so I'm having to keep my head ducked to prevent having my eyes poked out.

A few days ago in Shenzhen, I did have a happy moment. The people in mainland, more so then in HK, bump into everyone whilst walking. So I chose to hold my ground on one such A$$ and well he nearly fell down. I know what I did was rude, but he was bumping into elderly people and making them quite angry...so I did take some joy out of making him wake up.

The picture to the right is the soles of my shoes, in 5 weeks walking I've killed these shoes. . you can see in the middle what the sole used to be like, now the front/rear are smooth and useless for walking on wet granite sidewalks. So they've been trashed; need to get some new Merrells before I head back; great walking shoes, waterproof, and very comfortable.

IUG Kiln Chicken

Open Kiln
Originally uploaded by Gone-Walkabout

Sunday, took a tour from Taipei to Keelung via two different dramatic routes. First went east, through the mountains, stopped to see some Tea farms and had some tea, w/ tea ceremony and all. Continued through the mountains, with a 12km tunnel. Disturbing that even in the tunnel my blackberry worked. (why can't the US figure any of this out??) [from what I was told the tunnel took 8 years to dig by hand, because when they used an auger, they lost their way)

After coming through the tunnel, it opened out a plain and the pacific ocean. We stopped in the first town Jiosi, for some excellent beggars chicken. This was cooked in a clay oven, not sure why it's that different, then normal baking...must be the chicken itself. Normal beggars chicken in China is coated in mud, and then baked so that the mud becomes it's own personal oven, and the chicken cooks in it's own juices. Which I consider the best chicken I ever ate...which says a lot because chicken is one my least desired foods.

Taipei

Pet me
Originally uploaded by Gone-Walkabout

I'm loving Taipei. This place has an eastern european feel...hmm, how to explain? It's got old buildings, and respects it's history; but has kept up to date with technology and modern society. It's also quite interesting how this city is spread out, due to it being built in a flood plain, most of the buildings aren't over 10 stories, due to them sinking, and the multitude of earthquakes(I know run-on sentence). Due to it being more spread out, there's none of the congested feeling you have in Hong Kong or cities in China.

Well I'm off to some tea plantations and ceramic artist communities this weekend.

I saw this dog on scooter, and was amazed to see how big a dog it was. There are plenty of dogs on scooters, you don't usually see a 'golden retriever' on one though.

Taipei

Taipei Tourist Markets
Originally uploaded by Gone-Walkabout

Loving Taiwan. Taiwan is soo different then Hong Kong and China. It's relaxing and very much like Europe. They preserve their history, and yet stay well ahead of everyone as well.

The only think I saw which was quite barbaric, was the treatment of some animals/food. I saw alligators in small cages, snakes everyone(dinner), and snapping turtles being scared with fire to make them move. One restraurant had snapping turtles in a container, a women was cutting their heads off and putting it on a tray, where the head was still moving, carving out the rest of the meat, and then washing the shell with alcohol.

[As you may not know a snapping turtle will keep ahold of it's prey, even if it's head is cut off. So if it were to bite your finger, you could cut the head off, but it won't release it's grip. ]

Well whilst I'm here, I do think I may try snake, and stinky tofu. More updates later

Razor Clams with spicy sauce...and mango

Razor Clams with spicy sauce
Originally uploaded by Gone-Walkabout

went to Tai Po market again last night, had some more great seafood. Never had had razor clams before, only had seen them rotting on the beach. These were served in a spicy sauce and we're the best of the meal.

The second best was the chicken with honey and lemon again. We then went off to Tai Wai for some dessert. The shop was opened by a pastry chef, after he lost his job post SARS. I'd say he was more into custards then pastry's. I had fresh mango, egg white custard, and large tapiocas; a great dessert, not only good tasting.....but good for your as well.

I've become obsesed with mango, been having 1/2 lbs of dried mangoes daily. As well as coconut, mango, and taro drinks after lunch. Probably like everything having lots of something isn't good for me

so what religion is this?

Chinese temple, now former monastery, now Lutheran Chapel
Originally uploaded by Gone-Walkabout

went for a local walk around Shatin on Sunday, walked up to a former monastery which turned into a Lutheran College. Which is quite an odd transition. It looks like there should be private home with concubines and such; but instead it's a college; oddly there also a lot of monkeys around as well.

Shek O

Shek O from top of hill
Originally uploaded by Gone-Walkabout

I think I'm going to move to Shek O, only issue is - I'd need a car in HK. Perfect location. If you choose the correct location, you can't see any highrises, the're plenty of fishing, hiking, golfing, sailing, & surfing; plus it's only a 30minute bus ride to the city. This day it was 78F and 90% humidity, so that may have swayed me. Seems like more then 1/2 of the homes were Caucasians(which in HK defines anyone who's NOT asian) .

It seemed very similar to spain and australia mixed together, and is hard to imagine that Hong Kong is just on the other side the mountain.

Shenzhen for the night

Ferrari
Originally uploaded by Gone-Walkabout

Went to Shenzhen for the night, was planning on bringing up my Shenzhen network today, but do to mis planning that was canceled. I'll be back in week for that. When going from my office to the hotel, oddly ended up on road with no cars, and a Ferrari of all things? Who in their right mind would drive a Ferrari in China - unless on a track. BTW also saw a Bentley the other day as well.

It's interesting how different China, the little things you notice between Hong Kong & China. Everything is lower to the ground, everything just seems dirtier. A major difference...their teeth, in Hong Kong most people have near perfect teeth - China, they can be all over the place, more like a warthog, and soo dirty.

Malls, Malls, Malls

IFC Christmas Tree
Originally uploaded by Gone-Walkabout

The picture to the right is a christmas tree, made up of balls on string and hung, there was no base to this giant ornament.

I feel like I'm living in my own personal hell to a certain degree. I've been into 10 malls, as they're part of the train station(excellent city planning, btw). They're all about 7 floors or more, and take up 3-5 city blocks. Every name brand company has a store here, I never knew there was a 'North Face' store. (makes sense since it's no longer a outdoor equipment company, and now just a fashion statement - yes conde nast bought them, went chapter 11 with them, and what was once similar to marmot or columbia is no longer).

Today was my first day bouncing around on my own, I would've wished to have been able to go downtown, but do to business constraints I can't tonight - have a midnight conference call, what a PIA.

So have just gotten back from Starbucks, probably should've gone to Pacific Coffee. I don't think I'll ever get tired of the people giggling at my height, as I am about 2X the size of everyone here. Interestingly at Starbucks, their position behind the counter is lifted about 1 foot..

So I guess I'll just surf the 'net till about 10pm, then go for some more food, and wait for my conference call.

Another day in HK

Mon Mo Temple - Incense
Originally uploaded by Gone-Walkabout

The photo to the right, is the inside of Mon Mo temple in old Central on Hong Kong Island, all those cones are incense cones. It was very smoky in there, but pleasant nonetheless...normally incense makes me sneeze.

Went for another nice lunch today, of rice noodles, roast duck & duckling, an omelette with mini white fish, and some greens.

Not much accomplished at the office today, still waiting for some info from the US before I can continue. This 13 hour delay is quite a killer, when you have to wait for the other side of the world to wake up and reply. To some degree, I wish I were in the financial market sector, they don't slow down for such trivial things as vacations and time differences...just kidding.

Well I think the day is kaput, 17.38 here, going to go back to the hotel and meet up with some colleagues who are coming in for 1 week; rather dumb IMO. It's too far to fly for less then 10days, and if you do come for 2 days max, so you don't become used to the time difference.

Tags:

squid, fish balls, pig skin

squid, fish balls, pig skin
Originally uploaded by Gone-Walkabout

Went for a long hike today, went to Lamma Island in the morning and walked the path from one end to the other. Stopped about 1/4 of the way in to a local restaurant, where I had warm tofu and syrup, squid, fish balls, and pig skin. The squid and tofu were excellent, and as it's a locals place the prices are right, and there a no Caucasians...usually a very good sign.

Then after finishing and Lamma, went for a tour around Central and old Central. I do know, or least my feet know, I walked quite a lot today. I figure probably about 15 miles, which is good days walk, any more and I don't think my feet would be too happy tomorrow morning.

Dinner @ Tai Po Market

Dinner @ Tai Po Market
Originally uploaded by Gone-Walkabout

Went to dinner last night @ Tai Po Market. Great local food. Tai Po market is a government building which has wet(fish/live) market on the ground floor, vegetables on the 1st and restaurants on the 3rd. As we went there for dinner the rest of the market was closed. There are stalls on either side of the seating areas, and depending on the success of the restaurant determines ownership of the tables. The restaurant we ate at is very well known for seafood, and owned about 20+ tables. What's great was how cheap it was, 2 bottle of San Miguel plus 4 dishes was less then $20USD.

Had a great deep fried chicken with lemon and honey, the some fried squid & oysters...biggest damn oysters I've had in a long time. And some greens with mushrooms, oysters mushroom like.

Off to Lamma Island now for a hike.

Awake +13hours from home

well it's been 3 days since I arrived, and seems like I'm finally on China time. I did wake a little earlier then my norm this morning, 5am vs. 7am. As tomorrow is Saturday, I'll be heading out for some sightseeing, going to go to a research farm near my office - Kadoorie Farm. Maybe go to the outlying islands for a hike; but definitely plenty of photo taking.

I think my co workers will finally take me to some more local food places soon, been doing steak and sushi recently. Would prefer some flavorful HK food, so much better then most chinese food I've had. They say that most of the Chinese food is laden with tons of MSG as it's not that fresh, so that's why it all tastes the same.

Hong Kong and barely awake

It's now my 2nd day in Hong Kong, I'm barely awake. Stayed up till midnight(as it was 11am back on EDT). Normally 7 hours sleep is about normal for me, but it was hard to get moving this morning.

Not too many caucasions working up towards Sheung Shui - I'd think there would be a group of people who'd live in HK and commute to Shenzhen, but I guess they may take the ferry as it's quicker.

to hear the comments, and too see how people are dressed...it's 60F here and I'm quite happy, as it was 32F back home. The local are wearing heavy woold or down jackets and talking about how cold it is. It's set to get up to 74F today, seems like Sydney - just about perfect.

2 more days and I should be wide awake hopefully