McKay's Vision

Imagine

2007-09-04T22:18:00.000-07:00

For one moment can you sit back, close your eyes and picture yourself when you were a little baby. What did you look like, what did you do and how did you smell. Then open your eyes and look that little creature up and down and scream at the top of your lungs "I did it." Yes your imagination suddenly became a reality and your little junior has been created. And he looks just like you. For those of you who have the choice having your very own little child is the best thing in the whole world. Nothing can better the choice words of..."I love you daddy!'

Contemplation

2007-05-18T08:17:00.000-07:00

As I sit and contemplate,

The journey of my terrible plight,

I feel the jaws of deep despair,

And wonder if my Lord is there.

Oh how can such a rich reward,

Be thwarted by this tragic death,

That leads us all to gasp for breath-and realize,

That life itself is but a spell,

That leads to emotional hell.

But wait I hear a still small voice,

It is familiar- I hear it thrice,

It says-don't cry-don't cry-don't cry,

This life is but the wink of an eye.

I will be with you again-its true,

Our lives will touch and start anew,

How glorious then will be the day,

When i see you and you shall say,

"I love you!"

A poem by Joan Wood

Elder Wood the Poet

2007-05-05T23:58:00.000-07:00

It's happy but wear a frown,

The way someone dies and is forgotten in the ground,

And the symbol of their life is shown by a rock,

Placed at the head of their wooden box.

And to the atheist type the spirit and body decay,

And the living wait for their own dreadful day

When they themselves will be forgotten in the grave.

But we know better, we've seen and heard,

The steps that follow a persons' last words;

How the spirit departs and leaves his box behind,

And enters into peace, a place more divine,

Where he works and waits for the time to arrive

When the scriptures have said, "in Adam all die,

For in Christ all shall be made alive"

....

And thus we see that the frown

Is a weakness worn by the flesh

That quickly melts away after death

To the realization of a continued spiritual breath.

1 korinthians 15:22 By Landon Peter Wood who is currently serving a Mission in Madagascar and speaks fluent Malagasy

BMW or Banyan Tree

2007-01-26T23:37:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wanted to own a brand new BMW? Perhaps you have always had a fetish for unique trees or special types of wood. Well I am pleased to say that through all the ranting and raving about life and the intricacies therein...our BMW is finally here! Yes that is to say that our Banyan tree has arrived safe and sound.

I Saw You

2006-11-23T22:08:00.000-08:00

I saw that you were sad today and I felt sad for you.

I saw that you were thinking hard and I thought for you.

I saw that you were having a child and I rejoiced for you.

I saw that you were in a beautiful land and I sang for you.

I saw that you were very beautiful and I yearned for you.

I saw that you were crying and I cried for you.

I say that you were smiling and I smiled for you.

I say that you were laughing and I laughed for you.

Amidst all these visions it was you that I saw.

Amidst all these joys is was you that I saw.

Amidst all these heartaches it was you that I saw.

And in the end we became one person,

with one heart and one mind and one soul.

We saw each other for who we were and who we had become.

Diet Coke and Mentos Lovers

2006-06-07T20:21:00.000-07:00

For those of us who love to drink Diet Coke and Eat Mentos here is a delicious treat for you. I can only imagine what would happen if you down 2 litres and pop a couple packages...try that for experiment # 187. Needless to say I don't think Diet Coke will ever touch my lips again. As for the Mentos a few still might find their way in. Enjoy!

Signs in China

2006-05-24T09:17:00.000-07:00

Have you ever seen a sign that just didn’t make sense or perhaps was written in some pigeon style English? Well it is fair to say that many (if not the majority) of signs in out of the way places in China will bring a smile to your face and giggle to your tummy. In the UNESCO protected site of Dan Xia Shan there was no exception to these great signs. I just can’t imagine how a country with over a billion people can’t hire one native English speaker to be the sign police and save the embarrassment. Yet although it may be loosing face to the Chinese the foreigner wouldn’t change them for the world. Perhaps they did hire just the lad and he is just having fun keeping all these signs just the way they are.

“No Burning” – I am not quite sure if I should be smoking when I see this but about a dozen other Chinese people who were there at the same time as me interpreted this as “no burning” as they took long meaningful puffs on their cigarettes. So I am proud to say the sign did not get burned as a result.

“Up Special Way Slip With Care” – As we went up the special way (which mind you was the only way) we made sure so slip with care and even style as we finally made it to the top.

“Upper The Highest Peak” – This was an especially satisfying time as we went highest before reaching the upper peak…or was that upper before the highest peak. Anyway we made it to the top of something…

“Caution Dander" – Deep in the heart of this wilderness likes the dreaded beast "Dander". Luckily we were careful and did not run into this kind of Danger!

Bush and the Common People

2006-04-30T09:49:00.000-07:00

For those who would like a good laugh I think it is worth watching this hilarious Andy Dick parody on President Bush. Watch the Video.

Or perhaps you want to laugh some more watch this other Video.

And finally if you are enjoying this so much and need more watch this third Video.

I love People

2006-04-27T09:14:00.000-07:00

For one small moment I look at someone, my heart swells, I get prickles all over and exclaim with jubilation, “Why are you so cute.” The simple fact is all of us no matter where we live or how we were raised is inherently good. Not only good but we all have beauty. It’s when that certain person treats you not so kind that perhaps their beauty turns into ugliness. Three cheers for goodness and beauty with all of us!

These two people have a special place in my heart. They are both super cute and sold me something in Yang Shuo, China. The thing I bought was insignificant to the precious gift I received from them…Kindness.

Get Happy

2006-03-28T07:37:00.000-08:00

Please take a few minutes out of your busy schedules to breath, watch and think about Mark Osborne’s Academy-Award Nominated short film. Let me know how it makes you feel and perhaps happiness will also garnish your thoughts.

Please watch GET HAPPY.

The Tibetan People

2006-03-23T07:31:00.000-08:00

The Traditional Tibetan people are so devoted to their religion that many walk around their holy temples and places spinning a massive prayer wheel while yet others recite endless mantras while moving their worn fingers over countless prayer beads. The people are so unique in their approach to life that their God and religion are the center of almost everything. Even their famous butter lamps are kept burning for a millennia to send praises to the Holy Dalai Lama. The harsh environment gives almost everyone scorched cheeks and a weaning smile. They know how to endure, suffer and bear even the most challenging circumstances politically, economically, culturally, spiritually, and emotionally. These are truly exceptional people in exceptional environments. Let us one and all send our praise and adoration to these phenomenal people.

Milosevic Dies without His Reward

2006-03-13T20:03:00.000-08:00

On March 12, 2006 Slobodan Milosevic former president of the Yugoslav Federation dies in his cell at the United Nations war Tribunal in The Hague. For millions of Croats, Bosnians, Albanians, Kosovans and Serbs, this man was both hero and murderer. Indicted on 27 May 1999 for war crimes and crimes against humanity he was the master mind behind the Serbian uprising that ultimately was a result of genocide, ethnic cleansing and mass rapes. He was the first heads of states indicted for these types of crimes and his case has been held at the UN’s International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia.

For the past few years he has been fighting not only his persecutors but his declining health conditions. Many across the world are expressing grave frustration that Justice was not done and a judgment was not yet rendered to the now diseased Milosevic. There is currently speculation that Milosevic committed suicide or even murdered which would cast huge embarrassment on the tribunal. The official cause of death has yet to be confirmed.

As someone who has traveled and visited the affected areas of Croatia and Bosnia Herzegovina which resulted from the mass genocide I can lend my views and feelings on the people and situation. The main place of genocide in question is the famous area of Srebrenica. There are countless video and audio clips depicting the issues involved and the turmoil surrounding the event. Seeing the mass graves and reading accounts of the people there was shocking and unreal. It was sobering to see lines after lines of graves that descended from a plea that this kind of thing never happens again to anyone anywhere. From the words of a carved stone at one of the burial sites:

“In the name of God the most merciful, the most compassionate. We pray to Almighty God, May grievance become hope! May revenge become justice! And mothers’ tears may become prayers that Srebrenica never happen again to no one anywhere!” Raisu-l-ulama, Srebrenica Prayer, Potocari, July 11, 2001

Logic screams insanity for the thick mist of sadness that permeates this place of tragedy. It seems only natural to assume that someone or group of people will be held accountable for the mass killings of men, and young boys who simply were part of a different religion than their captors. One particular grave stuck me with compassion and curiosity the flowers still fresh from some unknown guest. His name was Pitarevicn (Husejin) Adnan Peci born 1981 died 1995. At the ripe age of 13 or 14 what had this young boy done to deserve this fate? He had simply been born to the wrong parents in the wrong town, practiced the wrong religion and died a wrong death. It is utterly appalling that war (despite its necessity at times) can harness so devastating an impact as to obliterate a people as harmless and defenseless as these. So defenseless were they in fact that the Dutch Prime minister Wim Kok and his cabinet resigned after confirming reports that his Dutch army relinquished a ‘safe’ area to the Bosnian Serbs who then committed these atrocities.

For all those whose lives have been affected by this event my hope is that justice will be done. If you believe in an after life rest assured that Milosevic will receive a proper judgment that will remain with him for all time and eternity. And for all mortal time to come the voices as if crying from the graves stand as a firm testament that these acts never again take place. Humanity will win in the end!

Iran’s Prince Reza Pahlavi Speaks

2006-03-13T19:31:00.000-08:00

Watch the video clip of his interview with Fox News. Keep in mind that only a few decades ago Iran was the most progressive modern society in the Middle East. They are the second leading producers of oil and are currently under scrutiny from the international community for their nuclear development programs. Price Reza Pahlavi the son of the former Shah is a very likely candidate (from the people of Iran) to become the next democratic leader. Much of his work continues to revolve around Washington in hopes to soon liberate the people of Iran from the current ruling regime.

The Search for Meaning

2006-03-08T19:15:00.000-08:00

Who of you have traveled the world in search of something? Maybe you sought to find adventure, peace or mystery? Throughout all of my travels I have come to see that despite the desire to help others I was the one that benefited the most. In a way after a number of trips I felt a little selfish. Can there be an ultimate trip of voyage that can give back to what I have taken and received.

The quest is but an instant in the realm of life yet when all is said and done who will remember our reaching and stretching for betterment? What decisive and unique contribution will each of us have made to humanity? Or will we like so many others end this life with only a couple remembering our name, our smile, our warm touch, our sharing, our caring, our giving, and our love?

I found a unique film that shows the efforts of a young man and his search for something as he walks across Japan. I hope you enjoy this film entitled “Kintaro Walks Japan.”

Pictures Reveal All

2006-03-02T07:12:00.000-08:00

Crazy, twisted, grotesque and squeamish tell the tale of the man behind the picture. How many ways can you show your face?

Who’s Your Daddy?

2006-02-19T08:53:00.000-08:00

Can you believe all of this turmoil in the world right now? When is comes down to it we are all brothers and sisters are we not? Do we not all come from the same father and mother (spiritual speaking)? The fact of the matter is the biggest religious conflicts in the past centuries seem to be from three main religions that I would like to mention here…Judaism, Christianity and Islam. When you look at the bare roots of these religions they all pray to the same God, and come from the same father. This father I am talking about is of course the famous Abraham himself. I suppose we can just look at these religions and think ‘oh, it’s just like a couple rival siblings duking it out,’ but then there are major wars and countless deaths, unfortunately we must need take a closer look.

Abraham is basically the second most important person in all three religions, the first being Moses to Jews, Jesus to Christians, and Mohammed to Moslems. Yet of all the information we have of Abraham where are his writings? According to all these religions, prophets receive the word from on high and are then commanded to write, so we the populous can have the words of God. This is the method that God reveals his word and yet Abraham one of the most important historical figures does not have any writings…or does he? I have found the prophetic words written by Abraham that were translated in the mid 1800’s. They are profound and give huge incite to the big question of this legendary man. Now who’s your daddy?

Here is the online version of the Book of Abraham.

Here is the complete explanation of the Book of Abraham.

St. Paul’s Ruins in Macau

2006-02-12T07:02:00.000-08:00

These ruins are clearly the center piece of this historic country. With the Portuguese landing here in the 1550’s they established a city and effective port of trade. Many years after the name evolved to Macau and it has been a point of intrigue ever since.

St. Paul’s Cathedral was built in 1620 and all that remain of this glorious structure is its magnificent stone façade and grand staircase. It was also the first Western college in the Far East serving astronomers and mathematicians. It is truly and place of history and peace.

Jyllands-Posten Muhammad Cartoons Controversy

2006-02-09T02:10:00.000-08:00

Every day now for the past week I can’t seem to get away from the constant onslaught of news articles relating the protest by the Muslim world over the cartoons of the prophet Mohammed from a Danish newspaper. So I did my self some digging to find out just what the different parties involved has to say.

Have a look at the twelve cartoons that were published by the Danish newspaper. Also see them in The Brussels Journal.

First of all I would like to put my self in perspective. Although I am not a Muslim I have lived in many countries, and in particular for over 6 months in a 98% African Muslim society. I wore their clothes, grew a beard, studied their religion and culture, and gained respect from the religious leaders during my stay. I have also been involved in protesting and more recently participated in the WTO protest in Hong Kong. I am all for respecting others and more notably for freedom of expression.

There is certainly a lack of understanding on all sides. There is a very concise article entitled “Honourable Fellow Citizens of the Muslim World” written by the Danish newspaper that published these cartoon the Internetavisen Jyllands-Posten where they clearly apologize for their offending anyone and in the same note categorically state that this was part of an ongoing debate of how people felt of Islam. They furthermore have issued a direct appalling statement to the extra cartoons that they did not ever publish and would not ever publish because of their ethics stance. This leads me to believe that there are people at work adding fuel to the fire and new cartoons to the list. I wonder who these people are and what their goal in doing this might be? One article has called this The Cartoon Hoax.

There are countless Muslims scholars that condemn these riots and even a Lebanese Minister that has quit his job. Not to mention the mass amounts of damage to buildings and many deaths as a result. Is all this protesting really necessary? It seems to simply show the lack of respect and control that is having drastic ramifications on those who are not in any way involved. Peaceful demonstrations certainly have great impact on showing the world true feelings. If someone took my God (and I am very religious) and defamed and offended that sacredness I would certainly like to show my feelings…however when they involved killings of innocent people I think this is gone way to far. Allah will judge these people and give them their reward…the protesters and the cartoonists.

I give Islamic community a certain respect to speak out and express their feelings as the cartoons have been reprinted in more that 30 countries. They have a right to show disapproval and demand apologies. The simple difference I see is the lack of separation between state and religion in many parts of the Islamic world. While in the west we see cartoons of Bush for example which are morally degrading yet scream freedom of speech. If someone posted morally degrading cartoons about the Ayatollah would that person fear for their life?

Has not enough damage been done to innocent people to prove a point? I initially supported the respectful protest of Muslims and yet now all I see is disaster and lack of understanding…for it has been said that “God is a God of understanding.” I pray resolution to this challenging ordeal.

Race Against Time

2006-02-08T01:29:00.000-08:00

How many times and how many people must say, “I am tired of the UN and of the many governments lack of help towards the epidemics of the word?” I continually hear and see people reach out for aid and lend a voice towards the challenges of humanity; from wars claiming democracy, from aids spreading its wings, to genocides like

Rwanda

, time continues to run out for those who need basics to survive. I am impressed also of people who do as much as they can and give as much as they are able, they will surely have their reward.

Here is a picture I took of my friend Irenee Rutema in a former Bosnian minefield. We had the unique opportunity to see the aftermath of mass genocide and the lasting ramifications of war. Irenee was fortunate to leave his own country of Rwanda before their genocide, and I found it ironic standing next to him in a differnt country with a similar outcome as his own. Whether killing for race or religion it is still the same…murder.

I urge you to listen to Stephen Lewis who is the UN secretary-General’s special envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa, and a commissioner of the World Health Organization’s Commission on Social Determinants of Health and director of the Stephen Lewis Foundation. He is speaking as part of the CBC’s Massey Lecture series.

Click on Race Against Time to listen to Stephen Lewis. He has also written a book by the same title.

Exploitation vs. Exploration (Angkor Wat and Cambodia)

2006-02-05T08:58:00.000-08:00

The morning came as the sweat dripped down my cheek. The mosquito net seemed to show unseen portals for the little monsters as they buzzed in my ear. A dirty old cat laid outside the net snuggled up against my feet. Beside me, my brother breathed heavily the dusty Cambodian air. The city of Siem Reap bustled with tourists and Cambodians alike. This was a place of great history. A place where a people long past built great temples reaching skyward in a plea of acceptance from their gods; a place where mystery and culture became lost. It became a place of disregard; jungle engulfed these people covering them for millenia. One of the worst genocides happened here in the mid 70's when the communistic Khamar Rouge with tyrannical leader Pol Pot forced almost everyone into a farming state, dressed everyone in black pajamas, and rationed food for the masses. Death seemed the norm from starvation and murder, and was accepted under this regime. Land mines were and still are in many areas a thing of fear and abundance. Countless beggars with one or no legs comb the streets of Siem Reap holding their hats out in hopes to progress their small business venture...Begging. This is poverty and the 3rd world with all its challenges. The tourists seem to exploit this country for its beautiful Ankorean Temples and shrines in hopes to get the best look, picture, or feeling from this historical wonder. In turn the locals raise prices in hopes to suck anything they can from these rich obsessed westerners. Cambodia is a place of challenge, history, and beauty; a place where one must visit if they are to understand and see the realities of this world.

A Time and a Place

2006-02-01T05:51:00.000-08:00

There is a time and a place for almost everything I am convinced.

A time to be here, a time to be there, and a time to stare,

A time to give and to get and a time to forget,

A time see and to feel and a time to be real,

A time to think and to wonder and a time to make a blunder,

A time to pee and to poo and a time to just be you,

A time to find and to make and a time to break,

A time to like and to love and a time to receive from above,

A time to learn and to teach and a time to preach,

A time to cry and to yearn and a time to earn,

A time to hug and to kiss and a time to miss.

Through all of these times there comes with them certain places. They are understandably places in time, or perhaps time in places. I am a wanderer, wandering across lands and worlds, seeing, feeling, touching, and being. I am a man. I have been perplexed by the lives of many to only at some distant time find their lives in myself. How far must I need to go, how long do I need to sow. At this moment I am trivial in my thinking of life. The times and places consume and presume themselves in a thought of good fortune. As for this time I will lose myself in the reality of Asia. I embark on the journey of TIME in a PLACE of dreams.

Inspired by Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Canada Chooses a New Government

2006-01-24T07:28:00.000-08:00

OK everyone we now have a new government a new party and a new Prime Minister. For those of you who are scared of the Harper trust issue but think that there needed to be a change all I have to say is be patient and let Mr. Harper see what he can do for the next 12 months. Realistically how long can a minority government stay in place? I think it gives a kick at the can to a party that could possible surprise some people. This is not to say I am a Conservative but this is to say that there are some things the Canadian government could do better. Even the issues that Michael Moore talks about here are quite a concern for me and yet with a minority government as a start for this new Conservative leader this I believe will be a good check and balance. As depicted in this cartoon of Harper I am ready to look, scrutinize, and reflect on the actions of our new Canadian government. Does anyone have any thing to add?

Here a Bush there a Bush everywhere a Bush Bush

2006-01-19T23:03:00.000-08:00

The crowd shows their displeasure at the WTO ministerial conference in Hong Kong.

Liberal, Conservative, NDP…We’ll Cut All Your Taxes

2006-01-18T08:18:00.000-08:00

I get a kick out of the elections when I hear promises for tax cuts. Every politician that ever existed must have used the “tax cut” line multiple times. About a week ago The Globe and Mail summed it up perfectly: “Paul Martin and Stephen Harper were fighting Saturday over who would cut the most taxes as the Liberal leader charged the Conservatives would actually raise taxes by scrapping personal income-tax cuts that are already in effect. NDP leader Jack Layton meanwhile, vowed to fight to keep Martin's tax cuts because they help low-income earners.”

I Just like to sit there and count how many times a week I hear those precious words. Then you have the powerful rebuttal that 66 Economists deplore tax cuts. "Sixty-six economists have signed a statement warning that the tax breaks offered by the major parties will leave a huge deficit in social services and contribute to greater inequality in Canada."

Now please don't take these articles at face value for all we know those 66 economists were paid off or just saying they were real money people. As the previous post states anyone can pull something out of the air and call it truth. Do your homework and base your choices on truth rather than a swift talking politician or witty media guy.

Vote for the Man

2006-01-17T07:03:00.000-08:00

Who wants to vote Liberal? How about Conservative? The NDP could do the job? There are three main parties yet which one will have the job. This is honestly the toughest job interview I could possibly imagine. My words today come from what we commonly call a ‘reality check’.

While Paul Martin was recently campaigning in B.C. he was speaking with Dan Muzyka the chair of the Board of trade on the economy. (see bottom of article) There were some friendly jokes and then the fired up Dan Muzyka blasted the Liberals record on crime. Quoting Statistics Canada Muzyka said “Canada had a higher violent crime rate than the United States, and asked Martin what his government would do about it.”

Instantly this sends off buzz signals in the brain…Canada more violent than the US!? I can hardly believe that for a moment so to set the record strait the official Statistics Canada quote is found Here. Now whether I support Mr. Martin or not I would certainly like to take this opportunity to sympathize with the man and all these fired up persons that pull statistics out of their butts.

A Crazy New Look After South East Asia

2006-01-15T07:00:00.000-08:00

There are sometimes in life when you need to just let it all go. I met this crazy guy while traveling through South East Asia. Whoa...wait a second. Yes, I just realized that this was me just after returning home. It feels good to know that I have explored the world and seen and done things that I had previously only dreamt about. My important message to all is to follow your dreams and never hold back. And at least once (if not more) in your life let everything show and become the real uninhibited you.

The Peaceful Coast of Croatia

2006-01-13T06:37:00.000-08:00

While traveling in Croatia I could not help but reflect on the tranquility and serenity of Dubrovnik. Now on the top of my goals is to be in a castle overlooking my sailboat below. Can it get any better than this?

Sharon versus the Middle East

2006-01-12T05:10:00.000-08:00

For those of us who have been following the events in the Middle East it is no secret the feelings of many who live in that region towards Ariel Sharon. After perusing some of the Arab news sources I came across cartoons that represent the feelings of these neighboring countries towards the Israeli president. As a religions person I have closely followed the events over the years and frequently reflect on biblical impressions/blessings regarding the area and more specifically toward the Jews. The bible says that the Jews will be blessed for their obedience and punished for disobedience and whether one likes to admit it the Jews have been both blessed and cursed throughout history.

One major event quite amazing to me was the Six day war in June 1967. It is obvious that since the US under the tutelage of Harry S. Truman supported the Jews to form their own country (giving recognition on May 15). On May 14 1948 Israel became an official state and the challenges and struggles of that preordained area continue to trouble the world. The fine line that the US dances with Israel and other Middle East countries bears resemblance to a complete deck full (of course not referring to the “most wanted Iraqi" Deck of cards) of supporters and enemies. Yet despite support of Israel the US has managed to get a stronghold in the major oil reserves within anti-Israeli countries. That is except for Iran which seems to be their next special interest. And interestingly as the time keeps ticking there is more and more feelings that Iran will be the next Middle East target. I mean look at this one small oil article that pins huge economic troubles thanks to Iran and their oil. But it is their oil and it is their choice. Why not try to trouble the Microsoft of countries!? I mean it wouldn’t surprise me if someone suddenly yelled out that Iran has nuclear bombs so let’s go to war. Wait a second…I think I’m having Déjà vu…

Yale Town and Vancouver

2006-01-09T01:45:00.000-08:00

Recently I visited Vancouver Canada (my home city) and was once again overly impressed with the great feeling and easy going atmosphere. I spent some quality time with very good friends that live in Yale Town. Here is a picture of the view from their apartment overlooking false creek and the start of a perfect website for the Yale Town lover.

I remember returning to Vancouver after living in Hong Kong for the past year and could not believe how short and small all the buildings looking in downtown Vancouver. Perception changes when you have real live comparison. Also even at rush hour the people in Vancouver were few and far between compared to a walk around the block in Hong Kong. It could be that soon the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong will make me come back to the trendy granola city of my childhood…Vancouver.

Memoirs Of Tear Gas At The WTO Conference In Hong Kong

2006-01-09T01:01:00.000-08:00

A slight haze settled over the crowd as dusk approached. The dull roar from the crowd penetrated the misty air as lines of police officers scattered the streets. Banners and flags fluttered in the light breeze with words of freedom, solidarity, anti-globalization and down WTO. A violent group of protesters broke through the police line and there was suddenly two gun sounds in the air. I was on the fringe of the protesters and many started running towards me with their hands over their faces. Then it hit…the swift penetrating air born monster, tear gas. It was like inhaling a thick black powder which quickly attacked the soft innocent pink areas in your chest while constricting your throat and lungs. The first thought was to run and get away as quickly as possible. Then your eyes start to water and burn and your face starts to resemble a raccoon with large round rings around your tender seeing parts. There was a sudden panic of being trampled as I felt like a wildebeest migrating and escaping the vicious predators behind. The people were still fired up and passion and anger fluttered through the molecule infested air. The police lines looked uneasy with their shield and batons, boldly wearing their gas masks with a mocking stare. This was considered the worst protest since 1967 during the Cultural Revolution. It was amazing to see hundreds of police officers standing all night patiently waiting for something more that would never be. The concessions were made and the WTO conference came to an end and people went home. Yet the formidable reality is that people who care about change and protecting the lives of the impoverished showed their colors and made their stand in hopes of a better world.

September 11, Saddam Hussein, Osam Bin Laden, Terrorism and Keeping America Scared

2006-01-05T12:31:00.000-08:00

For those who want a good laugh from the Repulbican Convention in 2005 just feast your eyes on this video.

Letterman Shows Bill O'Reilly How To Get whooped

2006-01-05T12:18:00.000-08:00

It's good to see that some people (David Letterman) don't believe all the crap they are fed. I hope that the average person can also wade through the media frenzy of opinions and half truths. This video clip from onegoodmove.org clearly shows how to work with someone who is feeding you garbage. Watch the video and be sure to read the commentary. O'Reilly Clearly seemed to have an agenda. Nice job Letterman.

WTO Protest

2005-12-17T20:49:00.000-08:00

Local Words for Democracy in Hong Kong

2005-12-17T19:41:00.000-08:00

There are so many thought and feelings from the people here in Hong Kong. I was treated to the words of a long time resident. One who has liver her whole life here and continues to hope for a free democratic society. These are her words…

“I was born and brought up in Hong Kong and have witnessed many major events that have decided our future. When the British were the Governor we had no awareness of the political issues, life seemed to be happy and people were satisfied. But things changed dramatically as soon as China took over Hong Kong in 1997. Mr. Tung became our Chief Executive and has been the worst since I can remember. Things continued to get worse even after SARS when Mr. Tung demonstrated his incapability to lead Hong Kong after a series of big events. As Hong Kong citizens, we felt so helpless but still wanted to control our own destiny.

Then the voice for freedom to elect our ideal Chief Executive began to emerge. People started to look at the "Basic Law" to find out what election rights we have. It's been clearly written down the schedule for universal suffrage (2007) but the Chinese Authority postponed it without any reasonable groundings. We are all resented by this. Our current Chief Executive, Mr. Donald Tsang was not chosen by the people. In fact, he was nominated by the China Government to be our Chief Executive. We have no choice. We need basic human rights - the freedom election. Countries like Taiwan, Indonesia, and Thailand all have their freedom of election, why a place like Hong Kong which is so well-developed, so civilized has been deprived its basic right? The road for democracy has always been uneasy. But we will fight for it - until the day we win.”

For more information please visit two websites one by the Democratic party in Hong Kong that gives some brief ideas why the People if Hong Kong fight for universal suffrage as it has been written in the "Basic Law" which was drafted and agreed by both the British and Chinese Government. The other site reflects genuine opinions of the majorities in Hong Kong.

Major Pro Democracy Protest in Hong Kong

2005-12-09T02:01:00.000-08:00

On Sunday December 4 as many as 250,000 people took to the streets in protest over the pro Chinese government system that has been put in place here in Hong Kong. Their slogan “one person, one vote” qualifies them in their action to have the right to choose the executive chair and the leadership of Hong Kong. Beijing has administered a project to allow people to vote (a mock democracy some say) for a selection of candidates that have been appointed to run for office from an 800 member election committee. This system although entitles one to vote, the candidates themselves are put their not by the people but (it is said) by pro China members of government (this said 800 member election committee). This protest could prove to be a monumental step for democracy in this country that has been overshadowed by the great walls of China. Since the handover of Hong Kong to China in 1997, the Beijing central government has claimed a “one country, two system” formula that promised to give autonomy to Hong Kong. Yet there are obvious changes and influences sweeping this SAR (Special Administrative Region) that come from over the border. This thriving spec on the map is bringing international attention from its pro democracy protests and boasts to be one of the economic capitals of Asia. This takes place all in the buildup to the 2005 WTO (World Trade Organization) Ministerial Conference that will take place this coming week. (Photos compliments of Nancy Lo)

Global Peace

2005-12-05T18:54:00.000-08:00

There was one point when I was younger when I thought that the famous two fingers up peace sign was unique to North America. Then I traveled to Europe and found it to be common there. Asia obsessed youth with the two fingers showed me that almost every picture was worthy of peace. Then I traveled to Africa and there to was no disputing it. These kids in a small village just out side of Pokhara, Nepal got it right and taught me about peace. Perhaps like them we should stretch our fingers in satisfaction to Global Peace.

Perambulators...what?

2005-12-04T04:02:00.000-08:00

The other day I was kindly minding my own business on the typical double decker buses here in Hong Kong and this sign jumped up and hit me on the head. What the heck is a perambulator? The dictionary even calls this thing “old use” or “old fashioned.” Now as much as I've traveled and been all over the world these many years this was a new one to me. Sounds like something out of a science book or the arch nemesis of the Terminator. So for you who have kids or just want to sound intelligent feel free to use this very English term. For all you Pramies here is some advice on buying one of these old guys…Pass the pram please!?

Lost in Translation

2005-12-02T07:49:00.000-08:00

Do you ever feel lost in a new country? Or perhaps you are just shocked out of your mind from all the chaos and unfamiliarity? What about when you follow the same path everyday for months in this world of craziness?

The other day I was walking on my usuall route through bustling markets selling fish, squid, hanging pieces of meat (I assumed it was beef or pig), birds, nuts, dried seahorses, fruit and many other things (some of which I don’t even know). Now for the average Canadian this would have been a movie scene and the smells and sensors would probably be on the edge of explosion. I on the other hand was just passing by on my way home and for a brief moment in time thought “some of these people I see everyday…it feels good to be home.”

Well my friend the verdict is simple…culture shock comes and goes in many forms. I walk past snakes and frogs being sold, chicken being slaughtered and feathered in this far off land and never once has it been a shock to my system. Whether I am habituated to funkiness, completely messed up or just adjust instantly it is unknown to me. The real problem is when I go back home. Yes…the dreaded reverse culture shock! It makes me turn blue and then I vomit from the plentyness, normalness, and boringness. I am addicted to the unusual.

Dubai Misses You

2005-11-24T08:08:00.000-08:00

Have you ever thought what it would be like to visit Dubai for just a day? You might loose yourself in the Gold market, find exotic shoes, or trip over a bucket of spices. These might be a few of things that first come to your mind when you think of the Arabic peninsula. You might even as I had, the opportunity to be taught how to pray at a couple mosques (one which was quite enormous). They will buy you clothes a Kufi (Muslim traditional hat), and introduce you to the local Shehe (religious leader) in hopes that you will mutter the words of conversion. They will then drive you around the city in their Mercedes and chant religious prayers for you (partly because they can not speak English). As the day slowly creeps on these two kind Muslim Arabs you slowly started to realize that the once image of spices, desserts, gold, and trade has been replaces with people who in every action thought, chanted and walked with their god. Despite the uniformly built buildings and westernized shopping centers the landscape is void of moisture and full of mystery. And as you slowly made your way back to the airport to board the plane you feel a sigh of relief and remember the thoughts of before you arrived. You have finally experienced Dubai.

Mostar's New Bridge in Bosnia

2005-11-21T08:11:00.000-08:00

During the Bosnian war this bridge was destroyed. This very famous bridge separated the Muslims from the Christians in the city of Mostar. I took this picture in the summer of 2003 and there was much work yet to be done. I came across the finished bridge appropriately shown by a great organization... The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees but for a complete explanation of the bridge visit here. I also like this picture which was taken recently since the bridge's completion.

Bosnia vs Themselves

2005-11-20T02:54:00.000-08:00

The sun was hot as I peered through the overcast sky as dozens of minarets scattered the city. A sudden bellow could be heard and then another and another as the prayer call started for the evening. “Allahu akbar” was the chant which ironically means "God is great" and which perplexed me a little from the history of the area. I thought how could God be great where religious and political fanatics claimed death in the name of God? I suppose the only answer to that is either I don’t understand the complete context of the Bosnian Genocide of 1992-1995 or I completely understand that racism and prejudice (which are not godlike qualities) had infiltrated the psyche of the main groups involved. While some were just fighting for survival and protection of their family others were fighting in the name of God as if there was a signed document to kill your neighbor. The more I wandered the sprawling city of Sarajevo the more I needed to focus on how great a city it used to be. I kept in mind that this was a stable state pre-1980 under the command of Tito (despite the fact that he divided Yugoslavia into six distinct administrative regions). After his death Slobodan Milosevic stepped in and took over presidency and in just four year Sarajevo was awarded the 1984 XIV Winter Olympic Games. The first time in fact that the Winter Games had ever took place in a Socialist country. But now things were different. I was amazed to see the crumbling buildings, pot holes on many streets, and almost every building with pieces of concrete missing from the obvious shrapnel and bullets. The hills and area surrounding (although green) were covered with thousands of deadly landmines waiting for some desperate or careless person to lose their way. The feeling of troubled history fizzled at the bottom of my soda as I sipped thoughtfully to find one proof that the war did not happen. The people (with the occasional legless or armless passing by) stared with wide eyes piercing my innocent soul as if to say "do you see". It was the lasting testimony as over 200,000 people were murdered, all in the name of difference. Even as we speak the former Yugoslav President Milosevic’s War Crimes Tribunal squeals insufficient funding stretching for the past 11 years. Will justice ever be seen, will people ever be held accountable. I suppose it all comes back to one of the main reason this war ever took place…God. He will be the judge and finalize any inconsistencies that have not yet been arranged. So in saying “God is great” we are least closer to the truth than realize.

Sailing Freaks

2005-11-18T08:14:00.000-08:00

As far as I can tell two spectacular places to sail and live would be Vancouver, Canada and Auckland, New Zealand. Despite the fact that I have lived in Vancouver but only visited Auckland I can't help but feel a vague similarity in people, culture and attitudes. If there is any who can shed more light on the sailing subject in these places please lend a helping hand. Until then enjoy the Auckland Harbour.

Gone Monkey in Nepal

2005-11-17T07:14:00.000-08:00

If you have gone "Monkey in Nepal" you might find your self lost in translation meandering up the grand long steps to the famous Monkey Temple at Swayanabath in Kathmandu. Just when you think monkeys are cute and cuddly there bombards you hundreds of these sneaky creatures ready to grab anything in your hands. I say creatures because they seem to hold some surreal sense of belonging to this Temple. No where else in Kathmandu can you go and feel the ownership of the monkey more than here. There are also the ominous mysterious ever seeing eyes on all four sides of the stupa that remind you “we are watching you”. The nose is the number one, signifying the predominance of Buddha. This sacred building that has been around for hundreds of years is dear to both the Hindu and the Buddhist. There is of coarse the huge tourist entry cost the helps you feel important even though begging and groveling and swearing that you have come there to worship it will help none to lower the price. Dish out, then pray hard. The Monkey Temple of Kathmandu a must see for religiously inclined…or monkey inclined. Enjoy more interpretation here. I hope that these original works will inspire and help you on your road to freedom. You may want to find out more about photoblogring | random.

The Untitled Poem for HKTT (please think of a title for me)

2005-11-10T21:31:00.000-08:00

Swimming through a swamp of Mud, It beckons me to feel the way, My heart keeps sinking with a dud, There must be more to life I pray. Mussing, mussing singing my song, With thoughts of reckoning in my head, Suddenly she's standing her hair dark and long, She takes me by the hand and puts me to bed. My sleep is a dream where reality breaks, I am composed of red where my body quakes. Will this feeling every go will it be my goodbye, Will she come back to her home and look in my eye, Emptiness is real it does not compensate, For this feeling of rage for this feeling of hate. I am alone!

Hello HKTT Students....Coming soon your special Poem with love from McKay

2005-11-09T18:07:00.000-08:00

The Land of Hong Kong

2005-10-30T10:07:00.000-08:00

Have you ever thought about living in Hong Kong? Many say that the economy is coming back and that now is the time to find the jobs and get the big money. In all this ruckuss there is simply still one thing that can be said about this place...Hong Kong is unique. If you are here to get the big bucks, wear fancy shirts, hang with the high rollers or simply lounge at one of the many restaurants at Lan Kwai Fong, you are here for a reason and you are an integral part of the culture and life. The Island is much different than Kowloon or the New Territories showing as much diversity yet with the feel that only being here can produce. I live in a little 500 square foot two bedroom flat in the heart of Wanchai and the concrete, buildings and people squeeze me as to take away my breath. The one major thing that people who have only heard of Hong Kong is the simple reality that this place is over 80% wilderness. That's right, once you pop out of the densely populated areas there is as if a beckoning ice cream on a sweltering hot day beautiful parks, trees, lakes and mountains that in an instant (literally a five minute walk in some places) sweep you into the peace of nature. Birds, insects, butterflies and even monkey bid you welcome to their home with open arms. The monkeys in some areas are so welcoming that they will take whatever you are holding as a gift to the king to enter their kingdom. Now just when you think you have found your paradise you come upon beaches, coves and waves that have never seen a human before. The water surrounding compliments rectifies the reality of living on an island. So I must for the record say that at least now you can think and imagine about living in Hong Kong. You can always Discover Hong Kong here.

Potala Palace in Lhasa

2005-10-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

There are some that say change is inevitable, while others think that is created by natural influences. Does everything always happen for a reason? The Potala Palace once the home of Dalai Lama is now a sacred museum void of the once bustling holy men that roamed the halls. There is a sense of emptiness of yearning for the spirit of an almost forgotten past. Stairs lead up to the many mausoleum's of ancient bodies that lie in wait to observe their spiritual reincarnation. A monk greets the tourists and blesses them as they walk on bye...a Chinese, a Tibetan, a Canadian...the one commonality is to pay their respect and observe the past through eyes of a crumbling old building with emptiness in it's bossom. Potala Palace a place of grandness, history and mystery...a place of forgotten peace.

In Lhasa

2005-10-19T19:12:00.000-07:00

Hummm which way

2005-10-17T20:27:00.000-07:00

2005-10-17T20:24:00.000-07:00

Mike & Megs

2005-10-17T20:21:00.000-07:00

McKay's Special Pictures

2005-10-17T20:06:00.000-07:00

2005-10-17T08:00:00.000-07:00

It's those precious moments that capsulate the joys and dreams of life.

2005-10-16T18:34:00.000-07:00

Hey Chickens wanna see my brothers sweety blog...go to landon wood and endulge yourself.

2005-10-16T00:24:00.000-07:00

Tibet the Final frontier as many would say. The emotions of landscape, blistering sun and snow, wind raptured prayer flags, chanting monks, countless ruins, Dalai Lama and the cultural revolution conjure a documentary that few have tried to produce. In 2001 I landed in Lhasa shocked with altitude and the historical culture. Less than twenty years earlier the capital still boasted dirt roads and more Tibetans than Chinese. Times inevitably change and typically not the way we would like. In August 2005 I attempted my second run to tame my dreams and once again landed in the capital. The development and building that greeted me was a collage of brick and concrete, coupled with countless Chinese and their work hard philosophy. Even after just four year the landscape of Lhasa had evolved to the depth of so called "modernity". Development and "liberation of the Tibetan people" was the initial shout from a government that destroyed over 90% of all holy buildings and structures. Since then the battering perpetual call to free the Tibetan people of an old, caring Dalai Lama issues his final plea of governance and accepts the rule of an obsessive ruler to concur a culturally rich and military lacking race. For those who have dreamed to touch the mountains, play the clouds, and feel heaven your time to reach "the top of the world" needs to be sooner than later. The once Tibet is now becoming overrun.

2005-10-15T23:47:00.000-07:00

Yak...Yak...Yak...Have you ever seen a Yak? Well the first time I saw this hairy beast was on the Tibetan Plateau. Equiped with bells, horns, nose ring and hair that would make Marg Simpson jellous. So always watch out for the "Yak Attack".

The Zombies of Hong Kong

2005-10-13T18:40:00.000-07:00

If you have ever walked through the streets of notorious Hong Kong you will quickly realize that you are not alone. In fact the more you wander the more you find that walking here is actually like a video game. Meandering zombies on their way to their master Count Dracula to report the feeds of the day. Working 8:30 to 7:30 six days a week certainly can not be healthy...that is unless you find time amidst the onlooking of a suspicious boss to work out, go swimming, take a leisurely walk, pray, read your spiritual book, take a vacation, and do the required work on hand. Alas, this can not quite be a reality and thus I capsulate these monotonous individuals to the slave driving force behind Dracula's thriving regime. I will evermore become the Zombie killer.

Hey...when you play with knives be gentle.

2005-05-10T07:34:00.000-07:00

2005-05-08T20:09:00.000-07:00

Can These Guys be trusted???? What do you think?

2005-05-08T19:06:00.000-07:00

Do you sometimes feel like this Chinese New Years Dragon when you wake up in the morning?

2005-05-08T19:01:00.000-07:00

Recently Julianne and I went to Taiwan and boy did we eat like kings. In fact if you look closely you can see just how big my belly really is at this Japanese Restaurant.

2005-05-08T18:53:00.000-07:00

Yes Dog's Latrine.

2005-05-08T18:52:00.000-07:00

Have you ever seen a dog latrine before? Well while I was hiking I came across one. Good thing dogs don't need privacy while doing their thing.

2005-05-08T18:42:00.000-07:00

The Boys on St. Helens Sometimes it's those great memories that last forever.

Solitary Confusion

2004-09-09T18:21:00.000-07:00

Within the confined walls of my thoughts; Endless impressions of raindrops; Cover your body with unmanageable consequences; This scene imprints my mind and embeds itself into history; Where thoughts of happier days resurface to seek fame and power. So skip happiness along the nearest lake and pretend it never sinks, Because our imaginations could never disappear. And still we persist to glow as fading lights on a mission for blackout; Dreading the moments conceived through absentmindedness; Covering every tear with four letter words; While managing to conceal reality with smiles and white teeth. But now the tortured notion of solitary confinement; Distinguishes itself in every reflection; That grins back though the polished tiles; They seem to lead my life; Square by Square by Square By Landon Wood

New Web Site

2004-08-17T00:41:00.000-07:00

For those of you who would like to know what I do please check it out - Standing Tall Australia

The Joy of work

2004-08-08T19:11:00.000-07:00

There are times in life when the perpencity of progession seems to be clouded by a shrewed darkenss. The bits of light that funnel through create dillusions, distractions and uncertainties. The greater the uphoric symphony of dreams the more miss perception life seems to become. The one thing that is certain and constant seems to be the simple fact that work is joy. Those are morsels of work that create joy and change the world forever.

The Trip

2003-10-26T22:29:00.000-08:00

Seeing in the real world, Trying to taste the salt, For out of life springs light and liver, Can’t digress from reality either, Old times reverberate through my ears, The smells intoxicate my nose, Deepness transcends dreams and hearts, Pushing upward from an unknown source, The way in divided by my touching hand, Through shouting of a forgotten voice, Anguish is replaced by perception, Then I arrive at the place called home.

The Train

2002-09-02T23:59:00.000-07:00

The time flies on by and I am here, A tranquil, fragile soul that is contented, Mustering courage and faith to ride the train of success, I jump on board and I am there. The time flies on by and you are there, Fidgeting, mustering the depth of the soul, Turmoil, trauma, and beguile to ride the train of uncertainty, You leap on board and you are here. Two diverse souls on the train of consideration, The only two deliberating their future, We join hands and feel the warmth, Life is calm, life is love. Friends from a distant past with the future in our path! Love McKay

Vision of a Cluttered Mind

2002-09-02T00:11:00.000-07:00

Her eyes peel back and there is darkness, A flutter and a float takes a different fullness, Dipping, draining, forming, the light penetrating, She is there, peering through the wellness. Slivers straiten through the shaft of light, Her body folds and convulses that night, Twisted, flipped, wrapped, the light shined, She is there, contorted, feeling the fright. Moist and sticky, it lies in her spit, It cannot touch her unbend able lip, Torn, shorn, the light is now born, She is there, veiled, bending with hip. The light is consumed……..there is darkness. McKay Wood

Dirt

2002-01-14T23:55:00.000-08:00

Well OK here's the dirt! It's on the ground and it sometimes gets between your toes and for a fleeting moment you pick it out frantically cursing under your breath at that little worm that just dug its way into you heel. Yes, this is life and feet are the main objective: callused, dirty and full of stench. they hold you, support you, get you places, move you, jump you, kick you, and when you lay down to rest at night they are there with you resting at the same time. Oh the feet of life sometime fleeting and hampering because this is what you do. Are they connected to the innermost thought and divine accusations that come but as to no result of your feet? And when you sprain those poor little devils what sort of love do they get. And a swear or two to let them know that they are weak and impossible to please. Oh how I love me feet that connect my soul with the reality beneath it. So, love your feet and feel at ease because no matter how much you spit or cough your feet will love you all the day long. Love McKay

A Place Called Home

2002-01-12T00:15:00.000-08:00

Wow the pleasures of a place called home. The smell of the trees, the smile of the bros, and the love of a family. Yes, the celebrated coming home has created euphoria in this tranquil state that I now reside. The great treasure of future seems to beacon me to come find her. I recapitulate through mine eyes the past that has been. A field of vibrant colors, foreign words floating through the air, tumultuous times in places of peril. Yes I will succeed and with her shall posse the inheritance of eternity. The prison of mediocrity cannot bind my bearing soul and lead me through gates of never-never land. I am here, I am real, I am me!

love McKay

Family Vitamins

2001-12-24T22:28:00.000-08:00

So it is very fine thing to be traveling all over the place and suddenly realize that you are just traveling. And in the back of your mind you hear the echo of take a break you’re working too much! Very ironic but just when you thought you were taking a break your mind says "no your working" and the only thing left to do is climb a hill with a great Hindu temple on the top and watch the sun set! The fact of the matter is each of us has a breaking point. Well let me be more specific...we all have a point at which we can say “I'm not doing what I thought I was doing.” You see, this is all very fine and dandy until the dandy wilts and dies. Then you’re left with just the fine and no dandy. That would not be so bad if the fine you had to pay was no more than the original cost of the dandy but it of course never is? It all comes down to proper vitamins. I am talking about the vitamins of life...you know the kind that we all need and if we don't get them we are sad and deprived. You are all smart kids and can relate when I speak metaphorically so get off your butts and take some vitamins today! I love you all McKay

Hawaii

2001-12-20T22:26:00.000-08:00

Oh the joy of the sun setting beneath my tired eyes, the clouds caressing the fibers of my vision, the sand spinning silk on my chest, the waves cresting on my brow, the horizon easing my dreams, the palms waving through my hair, and the fish swimming through my legs. This is a place of wonder, of passion, of reality. The usualness of life becomes transfixed through a brief moment of splendor...her name...Hawai'i.

Love

McKay

A Time and a Place

2001-08-30T23:57:00.000-07:00

There is a time and a place for almost everything I am convinced. A time to be here, a time to be there, and a time to stare. A time to give and to get and a time to forget. A time see and to feel and a time to be real. A time to think and to wonder and a time to make a blunder. A time to time to pee and to poo and a time to just be you. A time to find and to make and a time to break. A time to like and to love and a time to receive from above. A time to learn and to teach and a time to preach. A time to cry and to yearn and a time to earn. A time to hug and to kiss and a time to miss. Through all of these times there come with them certain places. They are understandably places in time. Or perhaps time in places. I am a wanderer. Wandering across lands and worlds. Seeing, feeling, touching, being. I am man. I have been perplexed by the lives of many to only at some distant time find their lives in myself. How far must I need to go. How long do I need to sow? At this moment I am trivial in my thinking of life. The times and places consume and presume themselves in a thought of good fortune. As for this time I will lose myself in the reality of China as I embark on the journey of TIME in a PLACE of dreams.

McKay

Inspired by Ecclesiastes 1:1-11

3 Strikes

2001-07-27T18:47:00.000-07:00

Fri, 27 Jul 2001 So as it happens to be I am on the fate of 2 with the probability of getting 3 strikes and being put out of the ball game. I am optimistic however with my waves of good fortune and understanding the movement of life. Yes, it happened finally my second major scooter accident in the heart of Taiwan. Let me play a bit on the first strike that happened nearly 3 months ago. I was at the third intersection that we can see from our building. Incidentally if you stand outside on our balcony (the 11th floor) for a time you will most probably see an accident! So I was turning the corner and a hot rider came whipping around me at some higher top speed. Well unfortunately he caught the side of my bike and both our bikes went spinning into oblivion. I am sure he felt like Alice in Wonderland when she was in her spin cycle. I received a bruised hip a broken mirror and some other minor cuts. I was scared with shock for a while after and wow I was pumping adrenalin. The great thing about these teenage cruisers is the stereotype. They all are skinny, rich, brown dyed hair, the hockey style helmet with their 100cc Suzuki Dream scooters that could blow bye my slightly older 125cc. Occasionally their high school girlfriend is riding on the back almost always young and gorgeous. So my run in with this kid was less than favorable and he must have got the worst of it. However despite his spinning bike and body he got up in a hurry boarded once again his bat cycle and cruised on to victory, that I am sure. My cousin Mike promptly yelled “get your can over here”. A good effort but had no effect on the 100% Taiwanese roadster boy wonder. Now the second accident was in (my eyes full of compassion) concern of who’s fault it was. I was cautiously going through the next intersection and what before my eyes should appear but an old ladies scooter and her eyes full of fear. Yes she just jumped out in front of me not looking and I bulldozed her. I almost drove right over her. Quite the speedy dream I was having. I got up picked up my bike and she had slid from out under her scooter and she had a boo boo on her knee. Yip she was just a little hurt and I was once again a shocked man. I picked up all of her things that got scattered and sent her on her way. One guy even drove his scooter over and said that it was nice of me to help her. He obviously did not see the whole picture and assumed that this old lady could barley drive a scooter let alone see where she was going. There you have it folks the talented driving of the Taiwanese. I am amazed almost everyday I see drivers whipping past and through and in between and inside and beside, wow amazing. It has put me over the edge for the competition in the North American market. When I return I will be rearing to go. I will just need to consider something a little bigger than the maximum 150cc that is restricted by law! The third strike I am sure will come at the most crucial part of the game and I will be ready! Love McKay

The King of Kong

2001-06-11T21:40:00.000-07:00

So it happened that I had my visa cancelled and was illegal here in the Oh so everything legal country of Taiwan (that was a joke for those who are unfamiliar with my sarcasm). Apparently 3 weeks or so had lapsed since the cancellation and a big fine could have been the result. My wonderful Taiwanese friend Thomas took me right down to the police station with my travel itinerary to Honk Kong. Not only did the people let me off the hook they were actually quite pleasant. I hopped on the Air China jet ready to partake from what I understood as a boring/amazing/historic/too busy/too polluted three day trip. I find it very interesting that there are so many different opinions from so many different types of people. Granted when I have an opinion I am the first to tell whether or not something suites me. I am starting to realize the power of positive thinking and the "think and be rich" idiom. It has been a part of my life for a few years now and now that I have tasted the greatness of the power of thought becoming reality I plead yea to all those who are unlucky or experiencing sadness due to environmental occurrences. Write me and I will recapitulate fleeting thoughts of depth to the suppleness of this logic! I had one phone number arriving and this proved to be the start of something great there. This Hilda, a person that my friend Alex has never met and only been with her son in an English training camp in Canada. Well I told her that I was planning on staying at a place (that the Lonely Planet guide book devoted a whole page of warning) called Chungking mansion. She abruptly told me that that was absurd and that she would make a few calls for me. I gave here my ridiculous $30 CDN budget (that I almost wasn't really will to do) and said goodbye. In reality I thought that the beach sounded more appealing than anything else at the time. So after napping in a city park and being woken up by an aging female security guard (wow she secured that park well), I called her back. To my freakiness she booked me into a top notch place and told me a price that my memory has chose to forget. I pleaded that I did not even bring that much money and after some major deliberation and calls to try and cancel the deal she managed to convince to me to go check into the Hotel. Well it was called The Empire Hotel and at $300CND/night I am sure location was a bit of that cost. Located in the heart of the living city...Hong Kong. I some how was able to subside the fear I had of paying for this place and not even knowing the person that had put me there. I took a jot out on the street had some talks with people and it was decided that (in my own little trivial consciousness) I would take a trip to Kowloon to visit a couple of the highly rated markets. No sooner was I staring at my subway map trying to sort out the transfer I was too take when Good Fortune struck...yes it hit me very hard. This nice women looked at me with the map in my hands and must have read my lost puppy dog look cause she came to my rescue and perchance that was almost the same place where she was heading. Her name was Wendy. In her mid to late 30's her smile was all about kindness. She turned out to be a very successful insurance rep. that had her own team of sales people. She pulls in about $80,000usd a year and had her own little house #2 over the Hong Kong border into China. Well if kindness never ceased we got chatting and she was so kind she ended up inviting me to a KTV birthday party of one of her sellers. So I hung the night away me and my OJ and a bunch of pissed KTV singers. She was however on the somewhat sober side and told me that for the next two days she was going to be my tour guide and I was going to be like her little brother...she would take care of me and all I had to do was speak English to her. This lady was amazing and not enough can be said about her kindness. We ate out went to markets and she even bought me an imitation Swiss Army watch. Thanks a ton! One high light how ever was this dance club that we went to one of the nights. The music was good but the laser show in the dance floor was worth the ticket just to get in. This place was paced with people and there were lots of rooms. The other side of this phenomenal laser show was live music being played while sipping our water. Apparently in Hong Kong there are 5 big families that control most of what goes on in that city. Their pull in politics and in power is of the major influences. One pissed chap even mentioned that when China took over Hong Kong from the British in 1997 Mao Zedong sat down with these families and said "now how can we make this work for us?" This club was owned by one of the big 5 (sound like accounting don't it!). Another fun time was in my last few hours before my plane left Wendy took me with some of her friends into the mountains for a Barbeque. It was the perfect portrait of the tons of Chinese people crowded into a small area in this beautiful scenic mountain with tons of Fire pits cookin lots-o-funky Chinese meat stuffs. I guess from experience that Chinese and Taiwanese people alike love to be around each other. The more the better. It was great company with a nice family along with Wendy and me. So the time cam to say goodbye and I gave her a hug, thanked her and she gave me enough money to get from the taxi to the express train to the airport. Well this lady was just what the doctor ordered and I will always be grateful for the "Good Fortune" that brought us together. During the second day there I was just relaxin in my cozy little hotel room waiting for Hilda (who got me the room in the first place) and her family to come pick me up for a day in Hong Kong. So this sweet little Chinese family that spoke decent English took me to a few cool places. This Restaurant on a peninsula jetting out to the ocean was quite the treat. I just picked out the live swimming seafood I wanted, and they caught it in their big tanks and cooked it up. In all the time I have been in this part of the world I have come to really enjoy seafood. The more eat it the better acquainted I am with the exquisiteness of it all. We then went to a beach and another joyful scenic spot. Their hospitality was unique. I often feel kinship to many of those whom I meet on my travels. An almost instantaneous friendship emerges and I am stuck feeling drawn closer to God through my contact of others. When they finally dropped me off at the hotel, Hilda told me not to worry about the hotel even through my insisting I pay her some money. So my thoughts on Hong Kong are very interesting indeed. This place gave me a slight feeling of London with all the amenities and cars even on the wrong side of the road. The English spoken usually had an English accent and the city was always lively and bustling with people. There were yet many garden and park areas that tickled my fancy. Through all this European fanfare there came with this place a feeling of mystery. Lurking deep in many alleys and small streets I peered through barley see through able windows to only catch glimpses of the exotic China I thought of as a boy. The mix of cultures and races came of every walk of life The rich and poor were abundant posing their defiant and undesirable look as they passed my on the walkways. I shall once again imagine the cities lights hitting the ocean as the sun just disappeared. The sparkles glint off my tiresome eyes. A lone boat from an era long past raises it's picturesque sail as the plot of the night wind claims it's decent. This is the ancient and the modern weaving their destiny into one accord. Much lays still undiscovered and only time permits the result. Hong Kong will always hold that lust and appeal until at one finally not to distant day I live there and mix my life with the life of that city, thus becoming part of the dream. Love McKay

The Wicked Witch of the East

2001-05-21T22:50:00.000-07:00

This is the glorious tale of the wicked witch of the East. Being that I have been reading the Harry Potter series I have accumulated much more knowledge on the subjects of witches than I previously had. They are an interesting bunch of people that are not only talented in many areas but also very elusive. So this will be a quick illustrative of a long drawn out encounter with one from the broomstick area. I first arrived here in the first week in January 2001. By the second week I had had a contemplative and rigorous negotiation period with my future boss and was already teaching at her cram school. The situation seemed reasonable for both my cousin and I. We lived on the one side of the school paid not so much for rent and I was to have a contract for 8 months. Now let me tell you a little bit about this witch. Her name was Jenny but for those of you who are called Jenny do not worry because her real name is in Chinese giving no evil or abominable qualities the great name of Jenny so you are safe. This lady was quite the interesting person when it came down to business. There was always the concern Alex, Mike, and I would bring was to the cheapness and frugal manner in which she conducted her affairs. Yes, the epidimy of cheapness. She had uncertain eyes and a way about her that told me who was in charge. With medium black strait hair, glasses usually worn and less slender figure it amazes me how she could have ever got on that broomstick? I was certain that despite all of the problems she seemed to be having I was destined to stay there the certain amount of time. So one week before I was to leave I was called in with Alex to resolve some problems she had with not paying commission to CRA (the company Alex worked for) who placed me there at her school. She had some concerns like I had picked my nose in class and this was not good and she wanted to charge me more for rent and the elementary school was not happy and this and that. Basically she was blowing steam. I told her that I was moving out because I felt that the rent was too high and the small classroom where Mike and I lived was not working for us. Well it was a usual discussion and I also had many concerns that I will not bore you with. Well Ok maybe I will. For over three months she had not got me a working visa and every week upon insisting for one she would always tell me oh the first of next week don't worry. She never paid me on time and sub-contracted me out to other schools to make money off me? This made me quite uneasy. So that day there she told me in one week she was done with me and tried to make me promise to tell no one I was leaving. Well I could see right through that and as soon as I left she would kindly say that I had quite and found another job and save her face. Well that is exactly what she did to some others but I of course could not say goodbye to the many people in which had befriended me. So after she heard that I had said goodbye to one particular school she raised her protest and threatened not to pay me for the month of March. Yip a killer moment in the history of McKay. She ended up still owing me over $1000cnd, a chunk of change. She told these other schools that I quite and there was nothing that she could do and that she paid me every week or once every two weeks. She paid me every month if I was lucky. She also started making up other stories that mad me look really bad. That best of which is that I was molesting little children? It's a very weird thing that in one breath she could say that I was the best teacher that she ever had and in the next I was the cause of all her sorrow. So the epic saga continues and some very interesting news that I just received is that she is now fired that she was not the boss? She was never married to Mark as friend of ours as well and she was fired for stealing money from the real bosses. Wow that really puts the icing on the cake. When I eventually did get my visa one week before I was fired the name on it was not her school it was another school that I worked one hour per week at my last month there? Very confusing!? So hopes of ever retrieving my money is very slim and further more burning her at the steak like her ancestors just could not be tolerated in this country. So I will take all of the frustration and thoughts that I have had and put them at ease. I will try to take this experience with an open mind and a contrite spirit so that my heart can forgive and relax. All in all this was so good for me. I now live in a 4 bedroom place with Alex ad Mike and I have new work that pays me more for similar hours worked and I am free with no more vice to way me down. I feel free to now consume the life that I lead and chalk this experience up as a great learning device that has made me a much better person. Special thanks go out to all of those who helped make this all possible and for their undying support throughout the making of this movie. Long live the witches of the East. May their memory last forever and may they receive their undue reward. The End Opps...hold everything I just got wind of the incredible happening of this most amazing witch. Apparently from my inside sources she has been embezzling a lot of money. The former accountant who is still the accountant and secretary there speculates that she has took over 20,000,000 NT dollars which is equivalent to about 1 million Canadian dollars. WOW. It just keeps getting better folks so stay tuned for our next update of this improbable event. The (not so certain) End Love McKay