When U Gonna Marry Me

I received an Email Xmas greeting from an ex-boyfriend. And I reciprocated by sending him holiday greetings along with a recent picture of myself via Email. How little I knew what's in store for me. Here is what he says:

As usual in picture you look expensive...

By the way, when you gonna marry me?

Is this a formal propostion? Or some sort of a holiday prank?!

Annoying Quality

I’m not perfect. I can be loud, obnoxious, bossy, bitchy and demanding and yet my friends love me for me and accept me for who I am. Therefore I always tell myself to look for the good in every person I meet. It’s much easier to detect a person’s annoying quality than the endearing trait. Being friends with people who annoy me not only help me to appreciate people for their good quality but also build patience. For me learning how to be slow to anger is a lifetime mandate. On top of all that it’s good for karma.

The annoying quality of a person can vary from one to another. What agitates me may seem silly to others. Different strokes for different folks.

Here comes the list of annoying quality I have to face. Let truth be told.

She talks in baby voice and says it’s her natural voice

He snaps pictures of hot babes whom he doesn’t know wherever he goes

She smokes like a chimney and never bothers to ask “do you mind?”

He is narcissistic and calls himself handsome but he’s really not-much-to-look-at

She can’t let go of past relationships and refuses to learn a new phrase: MOVE ON

He is so cheap that he won’t even pay for his own drinks

She acts as if she’s a VIP but people only recognize her as someone’s girlfriend

He likes to bitch & moan about work and yet ain’t got the balls to quit

She’s only a groupie but suffers from anxiety attacks when she’s not invited to functions

He thinks he can speak different dialogues of Chinese words just because he was born as Chinese

She throws herself at men whether they are single, married, in a relationship or her friend’s love interest

He prides himself as everyone’s mentor and preaches until everyone drops

She has absolutely no manner and yet expects people to treat her like royalty

He is so stingy that he brings steamed buns to a potluck dinner

(to be continued)

Directors & Sisters 導演姊妹的店

Directors & Sisters 導演姊妹的店
Hours / 營業時間
Daily 11:00 am – 2:30 am；每天 11:00 am – 2:30 am
02-2778-6089
1F No. 29 Lane 280 Guang-Fu South Road Taipei 台北市光復南路280巷29號一樓
Credit Cards Accepted/ 10% Service Charge 可刷卡 / 一成服務費

Veteran director Yang Guan-Yu has put 20 years of directing aside and opened a multi-purpose restaurant with her older sister last November. Since the opening day Directors & Sisters has become the latest hip meeting place for showbiz people. At any given time you can easily spot celebrities, actors, directors and producers discussing work or simply hanging out here. Director Yang is best known among her friends as Miss Congeniality and therefore her friends have been very supportive of Directors & Sisters. In addition actors and crew members working at the adjacent television station often walk over to Directors & Sisters for a quick bite or drinks after work.

You may come in for lunch or dinner or a cup of Cafe Conpanna﹙NT90﹚ – director Yang’s specialty - in the afternoon in order to stay awake for the remaining day. On the weekends you may sit at the outdoor table for brunch. When the sun goes down it turns into a cozy lounge. You may book the entire restaurant for a private party of 30 people or more ﹙serving Buffet; NT750 / person; drinks will be additional﹚.

For those with smaller appetite risottos are recommended, such as beef risotto ﹙NT220﹚. If you fancy the roasted chicken stuffed with cream risotto ﹙NT280﹚it’s best to place your order when you call to make reservation because only 20 orders will be provided daily. For additional NT100 you can upgrade your entrée to a combo set with daily soup and Cesar salad.

當了20多年的導演楊冠玉在去年11月與自己的姊姊共同經營一家複合式餐廳「導演姊妹的店」。自開幕以來這裡成了演藝圈的聚會場所，隨時可以見到演員、導演和製作人在此開會，討論工作。導演的好人緣，再加上有電視台在附近，收工之後大家走路過來用餐、聊天、喝點小酒。

平日提供美味的午餐和晚餐，下午來杯導演的拿手康寶蘭﹙90元﹚振奮精神，週末可以坐在戶外享受悠閒的早午餐，入夜之後可以坐在舒服的沙發、輕鬆自在的喝酒。導演也歡迎30人以上的聚會包場，以自助餐的方式宴客﹙一人750元包含洛神花飲品；飲料酒類另計﹚

建議食量小的點飯類，如牛肉焗飯﹙220元﹚。想要品嚐每天限量20份的蒜香烤雞腿鑲奶油燉飯﹙280元﹚，最好是事先打電話預定，以免向隅。單點主菜再加100元，並可有主廚例湯和凱薩沙拉。

Happy Birthday to Peter!

I remember turning 28 years old. That seems like yesterday.

Tiffany is only 23. Gosh life was grand when I was 23 - young, pretty and bold!

Ciao Bella

I am standing in front of HOUSE on the sidewalk. It is my favorite restaurant in North Beach, San Francisco. My friend is running late because he can’t find parking on the street.

Then my cell rings. It’s Mary. She wants to know if we can do the girly thing tomorrow – shopping followed by afternoon tea. I wander on the sidewalk while talking to Mary on the phone.

A stretch limo drives past me and moves up the hill. I am still on the phone with Mary. Then all of a sudden the stretch limo stops right before Vallejo Street and begins to move backward. It now is in front of me and the door opens. A tall man with dark brown hair steps out of the limo. I’m still talking on the phone and watching this man’s movement.

He stands next to me and waits patiently.

“Is he waiting for someone too?” I wonder.

I notice that the motor on the stretch limo is still running.

Mary and I finally figure out the perfect arrangement. We’ll meet at Stonestown Galeria and have a late lunch at Nordstrom Café. I’m about to get off the phone when the Italian man speaks.

“Ciao Bella!” he greets me with a big smile. “Are you waiting for someone?”

Damn! That’s a heavy Italian accent. I’m dealing with a FOB.

Dude, of course I’m waiting for someone! Otherwise why am I standing in front of a restaurant?! Do I look like a panhandler?!

“Yes. My friend is late. We are booked for 7 pm dinner.” I check out this Italian guy standing in front of me – black pinstripe suit and slicked back hair. And I detect a strong smell of men’s cologne.

“You’re beautiful! And I love your short hair!” He winks at me when he mentions my hairstyle.

“Thank you. I’m flattered.” I have to show my appreciation because my parents raise me well. But I’ll run out of patience when my hungry finally strike.

“Do you live in San Francisco?” he leans toward me and asks.

“I moved to Asia 10 years ago but…”

Before I finish my sentence he cuts me off. “No wonder! You’re gorgeous! You’re too beautiful to be a San Francisco woman. Women in San Francisco simply are not beautiful.”

What?! Is he for real?!

“But I used to live here and I still pride myself for being a San Francisco woman! What do you have to say about that?” I just have to beg to differ.

“Oh you’re beautiful. I don’t see women as beautiful as you in the city! Can I take you to dinner tonight?” he asks.

“No, thank you. I am waiting for my friend to show up for dinner.”

“You must let me take you out for coffee and dessert when you finish dinner then.” He is very persistent.

“No, thank you. I know for sure that we’ll stay for coffee and dessert ‘cuz it’s not a complete meal without sweets.” Does he know that dessert is the most important course of the meal?!

“Here’s my card. Please call me tomorrow and I’ll take you out for a romantic date. Oh my mother would love to meet you. You so beautiful…you’ll make mama very happy! I’ll pick you up in my limo and we’ll have dinner, drinks and so much fun. Promise you’ll call me.”

“Ha. I’ll see how I feel when I wake up tomorrow.”

He walks back to the stretch limo. The window is rolled down halfway, “Ciao Bella! You call me tomorrow and I’ll take you out, okay?”

Just Wasted

I just found this picture dated five years ago.

That's me blacked out on the floor and fully clothed. I was told by my boyfriend later on that at some point I held on to the bedpost. Why? I ain't got a clue.

What I do remember is that I had dinner with a group of guy friends at a Japanese restaurant on Geary Blvd. (San Francisco) and we drank sake and tequila. BAD IDEA...

By the time my boyfriend picked me up I was totally wasted. I don't recall leaving the restaurant but I do remember throwing up right in front of the Grace Cathedral on Nob Hill and a cop car drove by when I was puking. The officers even got out of the car to check on me. They thought my boyfriend was abusing me on the sidewalk. 'Cuz all they saw was my boyfriend held me up by wrapping my long hair around his wrist. He had to do that in order to prevent me from falling into my own vomit.

What a night...

A Random Chat with a Taxi Driver

A Random Chat with a Taxi DriverShare
Sunday, December 14, 2008 at 11:54pm | Edit Note | Delete
It’s almost 2 am. We’ve been partying since 8 pm the night before. We went from the Grant Hyatt to Barcode. These are two different parties but roughly the same people. You know it’s time to move on to the next party when one party runs out of alcohol.

Friday night is the usual party night. But wearing high heels for six straight hours is just painful. At some point I lost sight of my friends when I ran into someone I know and we ended up having a conversation about marriage. It may seem odd to have a talk about a rather serious subject as marriage in a night club. But I must say that it was insightful to hear some honest opinions from the opposite sex who’s married and has been with the same woman for 16 years.

At my age it’s more important to get a good night rest than drink all night long ‘till all hell comes loose. So when my feet couldn’t stand it for another second, I decided to head home for some beauty sleep.

I walked out of the club alone and got into a cab by the curb. After telling the taxi driver my destination, he said to me, “What’s fun about going to the night clubs? Why do women have to dress like that to go clubbing?”

“Like that?” I asked.

“You know, they get all decked out and wear skimpy outfits,” replied the cab driver.

“The truth is that it’s not that much fun to go to the night clubs. It’s only fun if you go with your friends. But if you go too often you see the same old faces all the time and it gets boring fast. As for the way women are dressed in the night clubs there are two reasons: the most obvious reason is to attract attention from men but the most important reason is to compete with every female counterpart present in the club.” I tried to explain to him based on my own observation.

“Is that right? It’s all about competing with each other? You don’t seem like those girls I see hanging out by the entrance of the club.” He sort of checked me out through the rear-view mirror.

“Please stop right here. This is it. Would you like to see what I’m wearing tonight?” I asked jokingly.

“Hmmm…Sure, if you don’t mind.” He was a bit hesitant but definitely curious.

I unzipped my gold leather jacket and he gazed at me in awe.

“Have a good night. Drive safely!” I zipped up my jacket as I hopped out and walked toward my building.

Merry Xmas

Just received this photo from a friend who's a photographer working in Paris. Thanks darling!

Imagine Xmas in Paris...wouldn't that be nice? It doesn't feel like Xmas in Taipei. Someone just told me that I might feel more of the holiday spirits if I have kids. Might be some truth in it.

En-Cheng-Ju 恩承居

En-Cheng-Ju 恩承居
Hours / 營業時間
Lunch 11:30 am – 2:00 pm; Dinner 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm ﹙Closed for 4 days during Chinese New Year, Dragon Boat Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival﹚
午餐11:30 am – 2:00 pm; 晚餐 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm ﹙農曆春節休息四天、端午節和中秋節公休﹚
02-2397-2498 / 02-2396-3271
台北市仁愛路二段11號
Credit Cards Accepted / 10% Service Charge 可刷卡 / 一成服務費
www.093.com.tw

En-Cheng-Ju：Always serving live seafood in the most authentic traditional Cantonese style

It was my first time going to En-Cheng-Ju and I didn’t know how to get there by public transportation. So I hopped on a cab and told the driver that I wasn’t sure if it is on the right side or left side of Jen-Ai Road. The cab driver turned around and said to me, “Miss, I take customers there all the time and I know for sure that it’s on the right side of the street.” How little I knew that En-Cheng-Ju is such a well-known place that all the cab driver needed to know was the address in order to figure out my destination.

En-Cheng-Ju was established in 1988 and for the first 8 years it was located on Xin-Shen South Road. And 13 years ago it moved to its current site. The first impression I had of En-Cheng-Ju was the water tank full of shellfish by the entrance. And then I noticed all the Chinese calligraphy by contemporary maestros on the wall. Most customers are political and business leaders in Taiwan. Whether it’s for business or casual dining they prefer privacy. Therefore there are 7 rooms reserved for private dining.

En-Cheng-Ju is famous for its Cantonese style seafood as well as its Chao-Zhou cuisine. According to owner Mr. Wu comparing to other Chinese cuisine Cantonese cuisine has the lightest taste with lingering aromas. You don’t need rice to go with a Cantonese meal. And most importantly it is prepared with less oil and minimal salt and concurs with the modern healthy diet requirement. Set menu is available for a table of 10 people and the price starts from NT6, 000 up to NT12, 000. And Mr. Wu is certain that everyone will be satisfied when all 12 course meal is served.

The most recommended dish is Fried duck with taro﹙1/2 duck; NT400﹚and it’s rare to find this traditional delicacy anywhere in Taiwan because it’s very time consuming. Even though it’s fried but you can barely taste the grease and the taro is super silky. In order to fully explore your taste bud, be sure to take your first bite as it is and then add some special sauce for the second bite. It is marvelous and one unforgettable dish! Some customers have been coming here for this dish and still can’t get enough of it.

In Cantonese cuisine all the seafood is served with the shell so that customers know that they are fresh and live prior to cooking. Steamed grouper ﹙NT55/50 grams﹚ weighs at least half a kilogram and it is fresh and tender. For crustaceans lovers crabs served in Hua-Diao Shao-xing wine﹙NT55/50 grams﹚will make you yearn for more when the plate is empty. In the end be sure to soak up the juicy with Taiwanese vermicelli in order to complete your crab tasting experience.

Mr. Wu’s better half, Lin Qiu-Xiang is a renowned TV cooking icon. Her post birth meals have benefited tens and thousands of women in Taiwan. She created assorted mushrooms with pine nuts ﹙NT480﹚for the health conscious customers. You’ll taste 7 to 8 different kinds of fresh mushrooms in one dish.

En-Cheng-Ju continues to serve the healthiest Cantonese cuisine with the freshest ingredients so that everyone can enjoy a worry-free meal!

恩承居：講究現殺現煮的傳統道地廣東海鮮料理

踏上計程車準備前往恩承居採訪，我跟司機先生解釋這是第一次前往，我不太確定這個地址是位於仁愛路的那一邊，他轉過來對我說：「小姐，我經常載客人去這家餐廳，我很確定它在右邊！」我根本沒說我要去上館子，運將朋友光聽地址就一清二處，想必恩承居是家歷史悠久、高朋滿座的老字號。

果然不出我所料，恩承居在新生南路經營八年多之後，於13年前搬到目前的所在位置。一走進恩承居，第一眼先注意到大型水族箱裡游動的龍蝦、螃蟹和各式魚類，第二眼就被牆上的大師字畫所吸引。恩承居的客人大多數是政商名流，無論是聚餐或是宴客，他們重視用餐時的隱密，因此近一百坪的空間擁有七個包廂。

恩承居的料理以廣東菜為主，潮州菜為輔。吳老闆說廣東菜是所有中華料理中口味最清爽的，不像其他料理因口味重，一定要配飯吃。最重要的是少油少鹽，符合現代人追求健康飲食的要求。恩承菜的合菜一桌十人，價錢從六千元起跳到一萬二不等，菜色豐富，十二道菜必定讓賓主盡歡。

首先要推荐的是芋泥香酥鴨﹙半隻/400元﹚，在台灣已很難有機會品嚐到如此傳統的功夫菜，先蒸後炸，芋頭和鴨肉口感綿密，再淋上特調的醬汁，又是一種不同的風味，吃過的都說永生難忘！有些老主顧從小吃到大，這道菜是每次必點的招牌菜！

廣東菜的海鮮講求現殺現煮，清蒸石斑﹙55元/兩﹚至少都是一斤以上的大魚才能上桌。喜歡吃螃蟹的千萬不能錯過花雕沙蟹﹙55元/兩﹚，最後記得將湯汁拌入麵線，每一口都吃得到花雕酒和麻油的香氣。

吳老闆的另一半林秋香是知名的電視烹飪老師，她的月子餐造福成千上萬的台灣婦女在產後調理身體，迅速恢復身材。松子什錦菇﹙480元﹚是她為重視健康的客人所研發的養生菜，清炒七、八種新鮮菇類而成。

恩承居希望以最新鮮的食材烹調最健康的廣東料理，享受美食可以零負擔！

Australia - starring Hugh Jackman & Nicole Kidman

Before going to see Australia today, I had little expectation for the film. Just the poster itself did it for me, assuming it must be cheesy and probably corny as well. On top of that I hear that the film is 2 hours and 45 minutes long. OMG – that’s as long as the Titanic (1997). If you are one of those people who get antsy when a movie is over 100 minutes long then you should wait for DVD release so that you can put the movie on pause for bathroom breaks or snack time.

Most women in the audience today, are probably in it for Hugh Jackman and so am I. I read it somewhere that Russell Crowe was originally offered the role during the pre-production period but he wanted too much money for it. Eventually he was let go because he couldn’t settle for less. I’m glad that it was Hugh Jackman who took on the role as the leading man. Otherwise there’s no way I’m going to sit through this 165 minutes long film.

If I may I would edit this film into two parts: Part 1 is Lady Sarah Ashley (Nicole Kidman) and Drover ﹙Hugh Jackman﹚along with a few others drive 1,500 cattle over the dessert; Part 2 starts when the Japanese air raids Darwin and they are forced to be separated.

You may recall Diet Coke had a commercial in 1994 where a group of women lined up by the window to watch a hunky construction worker drinking a can of Diet Coke. Well there is a scene of Hugh Jackman showering with a bucket of water in slow motion. Trust me you’ll become one of those women ogling over Hugh Jackman when he’s drenched.

Nicole Kidman is absolutely beautiful throughout the film and stunning at times. She is exceptionally gorgeous when she wears a modified Mandarin collar dress that reveals her cleavage.

Nullah, the mixed race boy is adorable. And I see it as a sign that mixed blood baby is in the trend and that is the future. Just look at the newly elected U.S. President. I just couldn’t be happier!

By the way there’s one Chinese character in the film and his name is Sing Song. It is portrayed by Hong Kong actor / stuntman Wah Yuen. You may remember him as the landlord in Kung Fu (2004).

Getting Ready to Soak in the Hot Spring

Walk of Shame

Three nights in a row I stayed out overnight. My mom kept silent for two days. By the third morning as I returned home she couldn’t hold it in anymore. Finally she broke the silence about my whereabouts for the past three nights.

Mom: Where did you sleep last night, the night before and two nights before that?

Me: A friend’s house.

Mom: Is that your boyfriend?

Me: No. He’s just a friend.

Mom: He’s not a boyfriend?! Then why did you bother to stay overnight at his house?!

A Man with No Name

Tonight a friend invited me to a bar with her where she would meet up with a newly wed couple who just tied the knot the night before. I guess the wedding ceremony was too chaotic and the couple felt like they didn’t really get to hang out with their friends. So tonight they wanted to make it up to their friends who were at the wedding by organizing a small get together with drinks.

It’s my first time meeting the couple. My friend introduced me to the bride while her husband was drinking with his buddies on the other side of the bar. Honestly nothing was unusual about them but the whole night the bride would always refer to her better half as “my husband”. So I’m thinking that this must be the joy of the newly wed. I still don’t know his name ‘cuz all she said was “my husband did this and my husband did that…” as if he has no name.

I find it interesting because you hardly catch a man doing something like this. It’s like when a woman who’s recently involved in a relationship but she’s afraid that no one knows about her new status. Therefore she has to broadcast her good news to the world. And every sentence starts off with “my boyfriend says this and my boyfriend did that…and my boyfriend is calling…” Damn it woman, does he have a name?

Disney Animation - BOLT

The latest Disney animation film BOLT is available in 3-D and I would recommend all you movie lovers to enjoy the 3-D experience with BOLT. It’s worth every penny. I caught several grown men walking out the theater with swelled eyes. BOLT is a film within a film and a moving film that will bring tears to your eyes in the end.

Bolt is an American Shepherd and John Travolta is the voice for Bolt. And it is the very first time that Travolta lends his voice to an animated character. – A super dog named Bolt.

In the beginning of the film for a second I thought I was watching the animation version of THE TRUMAN SHOW – instead of Jim Carrey we have Bolt the dog actor. You see, Bolt is the protagonist of a TV show and his world is limited to what goes on in the make believe TV set. Therefore he believes in everything he does, not knowing that his superpower is provided by special effects and CGI. One day when he accidentally walks off from his comfort zone, then the reality hits him. He realizes that he’s just like any other dog.

Bolt meets Mittens the cat and Rhino the hamster. Together they embark on a homecoming cross country journey. Breaking down their characteristics you’ll see how art imitates life once again, except for this time it’s a motion picture.

BOLT – he lives in a fantasy that is set up as part of a TV show and is protected and restricted in this perfect world especially designed for him; when he steps into the real world he has a hard time accepting the fact that he’s just an ordinary dog. Despite the reality be told he is still convinced that his owner is waiting for him to rescue her. To some Bolt is disillusioned.

MITTENS – she was a pet once before becoming a stray cat; she knows all about the harshness and cruelty of the real world. She is heart broken and looks at the world with distrust. Her belief – every man for himself – is her survival guidance. Once in a blue moon she finds her soft spot and does nice things for others. But deep down inside she is a firm believer that no one can be relied on but herself.

RHINO – he is a happy-go-lucky overweight hamster; he is a dreamer and full of optimism. He is eager to take part in the reality and not afraid of what difficulty may lie ahead. He’s most likely the first one to jump on the bandwagon and certainly will help when a friend is in need. He’s hopeful, energetic and always ready to take on the world when the opportunity presents itself.

Look around in your social circle do you have friends like Bolt, Mittens and Rhino? I bet you do. There are a lot of animals featured in BOLT. If you look beyond the surface you’ll realize that each animal represents some sort of human characteristics. Within 96 minutes of viewing experience I most enjoy the scenes with the pigeons. They are so oblivious that they remind me of some of the girls I know.

Obama in Taipei

The day after the US presidential election I was walking down the street with a friend – African American male who has been living in Taiwan for over 20 years and is fluent in Mandarin and Taiwanese. We were in Tien-Mou, a neighborhood that is known to be the home for many expatriates in the good old days.

We just had a nice Italian dinner and decided to stroll along the sidewalk for some fresh air. Walking toward us a young Chinese mother was hand-in-hand with her son who looked no more than 5 years of age.

My friend is over six feet tall and dressed in black suit. Just when I was about to smile at the little kid when we’re passing each other he suddenly shouted out with excitements, “Mommy Mommy!” Then he pointed at my friend and said, “Obama!”

My friend looked at the kid and replied, “Wa Mu Xi Obama!” ﹙Wa Mu Xi means I am not in Taiwanese﹚

The kid seemed lost for a second when he heard my friend speaking Taiwanese. I can just imagine what is going through his little head at the moment, “Wow, Obama speaks Taiwanese uh?”

I laughed so hard that everyone within the one mile radius probably heard me. I turned to the kid and said, “He is not Obama. Mr. Obama is much better looking than this guy!”

The mother was awfully embarrassed and kept apologizing to us. And the kid had no idea what he did that was so wrong that his mother had to make apology for. To him my friend is probably the closest person to Obama he will ever meet in this lifetime!

Nightlife

It’s almost 2 am. We’ve been partying since 8 pm the night before. We went from the Grant Hyatt to Barcode. These are two different parties but roughly the same people. You know it’s time to move on to the next party when one party runs out of alcohol.

Friday night is the usual party night. But wearing high heels for six straight hours is just painful. At some point I lost sight of my friends when I ran into someone I know and we ended up having a conversation about marriage. It may seem odd to have a talk about a rather serious subject as marriage in a night club. But I must say that it was insightful to hear some honest opinions from the opposite sex who’s married and has been with the same woman for 16 years.

At my age it’s more important to get a good night rest than drink all night long ‘till all hell comes loose. So when my feet couldn’t stand it for another second, I decided to head home for some beauty sleep.

I walked out of the club alone and got into a cab by the curb. After telling the taxi driver my destination, he said to me, “What’s fun about going to the night clubs? Why do women have to dress like that to go clubbing?”

“Like that?” I asked.

“You know, they get all decked out and wear skimpy outfits,” replied the cab driver.

“The truth is that it’s not that much fun to go to the night clubs. It’s only fun if you go with your friends. But if you go too often you see the same old faces all the time and it gets boring fast. As for the way women are dressed in the night clubs there are two reasons: the most obvious reason is to attract attention from men but the most important reason is to compete with every female counterpart present in the club.” I tried to explain to him based on my own observation.

“Is that right? It’s all about competing with each other? You don’t seem like those girls I see hanging out by the entrance of the club.” He sort of checked me out through the rear-view mirror.

“Please stop right here. This is it. Would you like to see what I’m wearing tonight?” I asked jokingly.

“Hmmm…Sure, if you don’t mind.” He was a bit hesitant but definitely curious.

I unzipped my gold leather jacket and he gazed at me in awe.

“Have a good night. Drive safely!” I zipped up my jacket as I hopped out and walked toward my building.

Different Ways to Countdown to New Year 2009

Another year went by quickly. And everyone is searching for creative ideas to spice up New Year’s Eve. Around the world there are more ways of celebration than just countdown to a new year. What would a family-oriented American couple do in the last few hours of the year? What is a romantic and classic French countdown? The economic downturn is taking a heavy toll on jobs. Everyone is trying to survive this recession by cutting back on spending. It seems like everyone is ready to kiss this troublesome year of 2008 goodbye. For New Year 2009I will take you to the best places to scream on top of your lung with tens and thousands while looking forward to a brand new year.

In Taiwan what kind of New Year party is in style? Where do youngsters in Taiwan celebrate New Year’s Eve? As far as I’m concerned, the most precious moment on New Year’s Eve is to kiss the one you love when the countdown is over. Do you know the hottest spots for kissing on New Year’s Eve? Stay tuned and do not miss my special report on the best places to kiss in Taipei!

New Year’s Eve Party Sponsored by Taipei City Government: Countdown to 2009

Since 1996 ringing in the New Year in front of Taipei City Hall has become a tradition for many Taipei residents. In fact more and more island-wide visitors flocked to Taipei City Hall for the festivity every year. Last year more than 600,000 people were crowded into Civic Plaza and counted down to 2008. This year the party goes on. Taipei City Government has announced that Countdown to 2009 will be hosted by veteran TV hosts: Hugua and Pauline Lan. The lineup includes performances by Taiwan diva A-Mei and Taiwan No.1 rock band Mayday. It is a free outdoor concert where you can enjoy live performances by topnotch singers. This kind of New Year’s Eve party is only made possible through the sponsorship of government.

The number of people attending the New Year countdown organized by Taipei City Government is increasing dramatically. It is a fashionable thing to do on New Year’s Eve. However, it is also a large-scale civilian event that is prone to have accidents. When the party comes to an end, people tend to push and shove as they try to leave the premises. A group of friends round up to celebrate the countdown party. And when it’s time to count down to the last 10 seconds of the year, they soon realize that the group has been disbanded in the massive crowd. In the end everyone goes home alone.

For those who will attend Countdown to 2009 at Taipei City Hall you should wear warm, casual and comfortable clothes that are easy to move around. It’s best to put on a hat and gloves. For safety reason, you should wear a raincoat instead of umbrella if it rains. It is advised to take public transportation on New Year’s Eve due to strict traffic restrictions within Taipei City Hall and Xin-Yi shopping district. Do not attempt to drive into town. You’ll very likely to be stuck in traffic and end up counting down to a new year in the comfort of your own vehicle. Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation will extend its operation hours accordingly to ensure the safety of the attendees of Countdown 2009 in Taipei!

20-Something Way of Celebrating the New Year: Home Party

Rachel An is 28 year old and know all about networking and socializing. Thanks to her father’s work in foreign affairs she’s been living abroad since she was 8. She is the social event organizer for Oriented, a network company with 30,000 members worldwide. As for countdown 2009 she has a unique idea for celebration.

Through her work Rachel meets people from all around the globe and she lives with an Eastern European roommate who is from Ukraine. To her New Year’s Eve is not about spending big bucks on restaurants. A home party is just as fun and provides good food as well. She plans to invites friends over for a potluck. Each guest will bring an authentic dish that represents their culture, preferably something homemade rather than a restaurant takeout. That way everyone will be treated to international cuisines such as Russian, Korean, Japanese, Macanese, Cantonese, Singaporean, Thai, Vietnamese, Indian, Pilipino, American, and Australian all in one place. Even the greatest restaurant in the world won’t be able to provide such varieties at once.

As for the final countdown Rachel feels that it’s simply not enough to do so once a year. With the help of online live broadcast and webcam she and her foreign friends will make a toast every hour starting at 9 pm on New Year’s Eve. Due to the time difference they will count down simultaneous with friends and family in faraway places, from Sydney, Guam, Tokyo, Taipei, Bangkok, New Delhi, Islamabad, Dubai, and Moscow to Mumbai. They will scream and shout to a new beginning and Rachel says, “I want to do a group hug with all my friends!” A marathon style countdown party is reserved for those pretty young things in their 20’s and only they will have the stamina to count down for nine hours ‘till the next day!

30-Something Party Style: Bar Hopping ‘till the break of dawn

A true confession: “My name is DIVA, I’m 35 years old and I’m a party animal.” Before reaching the legal drinking age I was already a frequent visitor at various night spots in San Francisco. When I was still a college student I once said, “I spent more time partying than actual hours in class!” I have to admit that I not only enjoy going out at night but I’m also good at throwing themed parties.

Last year a friend and I co-organized a New Year countdown party and the location was very convenient – the rooftop of his office building. A catering service was hired to prepare the food and we purchased all kinds of alcoholic beverages from wholesale stores. And we also booked a professional DJ to spin party music for dancing. A month prior to New Year’s Eve we began to accept reservations through word of mouth. Due to the size of our venue we could only have no more than 200 guests.

On New Year’s Eve party people appeared and some brought their entire family along with pets. Our venue is right across the street from Taipei World Trade Center which makes it perfect for watching Taipei 101 Tower fireworks. And we wouldn’t have to worry about being stuck in the massive crowds. And best yet we had our very own special program! As soon as Taipei 101 Tower fireworks were over, it was time to set off our miniature firework show! It was magnificent to celebrate the New Year with 188-second long fireworks display and it was super exciting to light up our own colorful fireworks!

For countdown 2009 my idea is to invite friends to my rooftop since I’m only walking distance away from Taipei 101. We’ll sip champagne and enjoy Taipei 101 Tower fireworks. When year 2009 starts we’ll head down to Taipei’s Lan-Kwai-Fong. Along An-Ho Road from south to north, it’s going to be a bar hopping night by foot. Every time we pass by a bar or pub or club we’ll go in for a round of drinks before moving on to the next. This bar hopping will last ‘till dawn and our final stop will be breakfast at N.Y. Bagels Café. I am firm believer in staying up all night long on New Year’s Eve. It will bring good luck for the New Year. I recall staying up ‘till dawn on Chinese New Year’s Eve when I was little and my grandmother said it’s for longevity. So no matter where you’re from, staying up ‘till dawn on New Year’s Eve is a must if you want to get a good start!

40-Something Married with Children: A Family-Oriented New Year’s Eve

From the United States of America Keith and Julie currently call Taiwan home and they live in Tien-Mou with their two young children. They are Christians and enjoy spending the holidays as a family. Christmas is the most important celebration of the year for them. They have lived in different countries and cheered to the New Year in Washington D.C., Vienna and Guangzhou. Keith adds, “However, the most exciting New Years Celebration anywhere in the world would have to be the one around Taipei's infamous 101, the almost highest building in the world. Since our kids are relatively young, we haven't had the opportunity to join the crowds at 101 for the New Year celebration; we instead stay home in Tien-mu where it's warm and safe and watch the count down on television with a nice cup of hot cocoa.”

Just like Keith I consider watching fireworks with tens of thousands of people in crowded Xin-Yi shopping district is quite challenging. Good news! There is a safe and less crowded place to enjoy fireworks. In fact it’s so close to fireworks that you’ll see sparks within inches away! There have been rumors that Taipei 101 Tower fireworks will be cancelled for countdown 2009. And it’s been confirmed that not only the fireworks display is back on again but also the indoor observation area on the 89th floor will be open for visitors to watch fireworks through the glass. That will be an extraordinary and unforgettable New Year’s Eve experience!

The Best Places to Kiss on New Year’s Eve

You’ve seen it in Hollywood flicks. The most romantic thing to do on New Year’s Eve is to kiss and hug the one you love as the New Year begins. Currently vacationing in Taipei, Parisian Gad explains, “It is the sweetest thing to kiss on top of the Eiffel Tower on New Year’s Eve.”

If you’re looking for high-rise buildings as kissing spots, the indoor observation area on the 89th floor in Taipei 101 Tower and the restaurants on the 85th floor are always popular. You can also consider the Ferris wheel in Da-Zhi, the back road of Cultural University and Chingtienkang on Yangmingshan.

Film critic, author and blogger Mr. Poor Boy ﹙pseudo-name﹚recommends a very convenient place that all taxpayers have the right to use and that is the skywalk. Hand in hand with your sweetheart, watching Taipei 101 Tower fireworks on Xin-Yi district skywalk is quite romantic but not very discreet. There’s a skywalk crossing Huan-He North Road that was recently renovated by award-winning architects. It has an observation deck with 270 degree view and you can see as far as Dan-Shui River. It’s the ideal make-out spot for couples who are madly in love and worry about peeing Tom. There is also the airport runway by Sung-Shan domestic airport. Love birds can watch aircrafts landing and taking off and kiss under the loud engines of airplanes. It’s noisy but still romantic!

Gear Up to Say Goodbye to the Bumpy Year of 2008

Taiwan and many countries around the globe have been through many ups and downs in the last 12 months. I believe that everyone is ready for a better brighter future. You don’t have to be a big spender in order to have fun on New Year’s Eve and no one says you must fight through the crowd just to make a presence at those outdoor countdown parties. As long as you’re with your loved ones, it is one fabulous way to ring in the New Year. When you’re ready to count down to the last 10 seconds of 2008, just close your eyes and say a prayer, “Everything will be great, next year!” Let us look forward to a hopeful year ahead. Happy New Year!

2009跨年夜要到那裡吶喊慶祝？

一年又迅速的過去了，每逢除夕夜，大家絞盡腦汁想出不同的點子歡度跨年夜。世界大不同，率真的美國人和浪漫的法國人是如何度過每年的最後幾個小時呢？今年台灣的景氣普遍不佳，很多人只求溫飽，根本不敢奢求有年終獎金。少了年終獎金，跨年夜也沒有大餐享用，而大家勢必迫不及待的想要跟狀況百出的2008年說再見，今年該去那裡和成千上萬的群眾一起吶喊、迎接嶄新的一年？

在台灣，目前最流行的跨年活動是什麼？台灣的年輕人最喜歡去那裡跨年？而跨年夜最重要的一刻，就是當3、2、1倒數結束時，一定要和心愛的人接吻。那你知道跨年夜最熱門的接吻地點在那裡嗎？千萬不可錯過特別報導：台北最佳接吻地點！

台北市府前廣場跨年夜活動：2009台北最HIGH新年城

自1996年開始，參加台北市政府舉辦的跨年活動已經變成台北市民的傳統，其實有很多的外縣市民眾千里迢迢趕到府前廣場一同看熱門歌手表演，歡樂慶祝跨年夜，因此去年就有超過六十萬人一同倒數迎接2008。而今年台北市政府也不會讓大家失望，已經確定的跨年晚會「2009台北最HIGH新年城」將由綜藝大哥胡瓜和綜藝大姐藍心湄攜手主持，而讓民眾更期待的是今年壓軸演出的台灣天后張惠妹和台灣首席天團五月天。這種不花錢的大型戶外演唱會，又可以欣賞到數一數二的大牌藝人現場表演，大概只有公家機關主辦的跨年晚會才做得到。

根據觀察，參加台北市政府的跨年晚會的民眾人數每年持續增加，似乎跨年倒數已經蔚為風氣。相對的，群眾聚集的地方也不免有意外發生，尤其是跨年活動結束後，大量人群同時疏散容易造成推擠。一群朋友相邀參加跨年晚會，等到準備倒數的那一刻，才發現大家在人群之中失散了，最後只能各自回家。

建議今年準備參加「2009台北最HIGH新年城」的朋友，儘量穿著輕便但可禦寒的衣物，帽子和手套不可少，如遇下雨，為安全著想，以雨衣代替雨傘。在交通方面，以大眾運輸為主，因為府前廣場的周邊街道實施交通管制，想開車進台北城的朋友，很可能最後倒數是在自家車內進行，因為塞車而動彈不得。台北捷運公司的營業時間會跟隨跨年晚會活動有所調整，一定讓大家開心的跨年，平安的回家！

台灣的新新人類跨年夜在家熱鬧獨樂樂

自小隨著父親的外交工作旅居海外的安大叡，今年二十八歲，回到台灣之後在中西交流有限公司負責活動策劃和行銷，對於今年的跨年夜的慶祝方式，她的點子非常有趣。

因為工作的關係，安大叡認識很多來自世界各地的朋友，與她同居的東歐室友來自烏克蘭。她認為跨年夜不一定要上餐館花大錢，在家一樣可以享用美食。她預計邀約好友到家裡舉辦自助式派對，請大家各自帶一道屬於自己家鄉口味的菜餚，最好是親自下廚，而不是買現成的。因此每位賓客都可以品嚐到俄羅斯、韓國、日本、澳門、香港、新加坡、泰國、越南、印度、菲律賓、美國、澳洲等各地美食，再好的餐廳也無法一次提供這麼多的異國佳餚。

對於跨年倒數的活動，安大叡覺得只有一年只有一次實在不過癮，所以她決定從晚上九點開始，藉由網路轉播和視訊連線，每隔一個小時倒數一次，讓旅居台灣的外國人也能在同一時間與家鄉的親人跨年。從雪梨開始，接著關島、東京、台北、曼谷、新德里、伊斯蘭堡、杜拜、莫斯科、孟買，除了一起大聲倒數、互相道賀之外，安大叡說：「還要記得和朋友們熱情的集體擁抱！」這種長達九小時的馬拉松式跨年，也只有體力好的台灣新新人類才有辦法熬夜到天亮！

派對狂熱的X世代掃街跨年到天明

在朋友們的眼中，我是個已經35歲的派對動物﹙party animal﹚。在還沒達到法定年齡之前，我就已經是舊金山知名夜店的常客。在大學時期，我有句經典名言：「我投入參加派對的時間遠遠超過我在學校上課的時數！」我不但喜歡參加各大活動，更熱衷自行舉辦不同的主題式派對。

去年我和一位朋友共同主辦一個在屋頂的跨年活動，地點就在他的辦公室頂樓。我們找來外燴公司準備當晚的餐點，再到大賣場採購各式各樣的酒精飲料，請來一位專業DJ負責放音樂炒熱氣氛。在跨年前一個月就開始藉由口耳相傳的方式接受預約，受到場地的限制，賣出第兩百張門票便叫好就收。

當天晚上從七點開始，男男女女陸續出現，有的攜家帶眷，連家中寵物一同出席。我們的地點就位於國貿大樓正對面，不但是最適合欣賞台北101大樓煙火秀的地方，也不用擔心人擠人的場面，而且我們還有特別節目。台北101煙火秀一結束，輪到我們自行準備的小型煙火秀登場！如此近距離觀賞長達188秒的煙火真是刺激，但自己點燃五彩繽紛的煙火更是過癮！

這次的跨年夜，初步的想法是邀請親朋好友到我家頂樓，一起享用香檳酒並欣賞近在咫尺的台北101大樓煙火秀。倒數結束、正式跨入2009年後，再帶著大家到台北的蘭桂坊–安和路，以步行的方式，沿著安和路由南往北行進，每遇到酒吧、夜店，必要進去喝杯酒才能繼續向前，這樣大概可以喝到天亮，最後在仁愛路的N.Y.Bagels Café用過早餐之後再回家睡覺。我深信，跨年夜跑趴到天亮就像農曆除夕夜守歲到天明是一樣的道理，一元復始，這是個好兆頭！

美國全家福的溫馨跨年夜

來自美國的Keith和他的妻子Julie以及他們兩個可愛的兒女目前住在天母。他們全家都是虔誠的基督徒，對他們而言，每年最重要的節目其實是聖誕節。隨著工作的調派，他們一家人曾經在華盛頓特區、維也納和廣州歡度跨年夜。Keith說：「目前世界上最令人興奮的跨年活動應該就是台北101大樓煙火秀，不過我們的孩子年紀太小，還沒有機會去親身體驗盛況空前的慶祝活動。跨年夜我們還是喜歡待在安全溫暖的家中，一邊看著電視實況轉播，一邊喝著香濃的熱可可。」

我也像Keith一般，覺得和幾十萬人擠在信義商圈看煙火是一件具有挑戰性的事，不過今年有個很安全的方式從近距離看煙火。話說原本宣佈要停辦的台北101大樓煙火秀，在民眾的千呼萬喚之下，今年不但照常舉行，甚至首次在89樓的觀景台推出「煙火震撼」，隔著玻璃體驗數以千計的煙火齊放的壯觀場面，絕對不同凡響！

跨年夜熱門的接吻地點

跨年夜最浪漫的必定是與心愛的另一半在3、2、1倒數之後熱情接吻，有如好萊塢的電影情節一般。來自巴黎、正在台北度假的Gad說：「在跨年夜登上艾菲爾鐵塔與心愛的女人接吻，是多麼的甜蜜！」

在台北，想要登高接吻，台北101於89樓的觀景台和85樓的餐廳都是不錯的選擇。另外也可以考慮大直的摩天輪或是位在陽明山的文化大學後山、擎天崗。

知名影評人、作家貧窮男先生特別要推薦的地點是所有納稅人都有權利使用的地方–天橋。在信義商圈的天橋上與情人手牽手一起欣賞台北101大樓煙火秀很浪漫，但是隱密性欠佳。有座跨越環河北路的天橋，經由建築師改造之後，有個270度的觀景台，最遠可以看到淡水河，熱戀中的情侶最適合在這裡接吻，不用擔心外人偷窺。而松山機場的飛機跑道除了可以看到飛機起飛和降落，在飛機引擎聲隆隆隆之下接吻，好像也別有趣味！

準備與紛擾的2008年說再見

過去一年來，無論是台灣或是世界上其他國家，都經歷過很多風風雨雨，相信大家已經準備好要迎接新的一年。歡度跨年夜不一定要砸大錢，也沒有非得要擠破頭去參加戶外倒數晚會，只要是和自己親密的家人和朋友一起度過，就是絕佳的慶祝方式。當準備倒數3、2、1時，心中默念：「明年會更好。」讓我們一同迎向充滿新希望的2009年，新年快樂！

Why Not Just Be Yourself 《喂，幹嘛不做你自己》

I've interviewed this author on the radio before. She talks as fast as I do. When we're on air together it sounds like two machine guns that are never ending.

我曾經訪問過曲家瑞
我們兩個講話速度一級快
從收音機聽起來
好像兩隻不停開炮的機關槍

◆作者簡介
曲家瑞 現為實踐大學時尚與媒體設計研究所所長

紐約哥倫比亞大學藝術研究所碩士
紐約古柏聯盟學院藝術系學士
紐約曼哈頓音樂學院大學先修班學位（主修鋼琴）
集大學教授、藝術家、策展人、手繪漫畫家、二手玩具收藏家等多種角色於一身。
著作《拜託，不要每個人都一樣》2006方智出版《書房的16種遊戲》2005網路與書出版《Cause of U因為你》1999翰音文化事業出版《Love me》1997遠流出版

曲 家瑞，大家都稱她是麻辣教師。
她三十歲以前的人生，
曾經是令父母擔憂，功課不佳，只會塗鴉的小孩；
也曾經為愛犧牲，當過成功男人背後的無名小助理；
還曾經死抓住過往小小的光榮記錄，不敢跨大步向前；
現在的她是大學裡研究所的明星所長，
是許多年輕學生心中欣賞與傾吐的對象。

她的教學活潑、別出心裁，帶學生環台採訪檳榔西施、請裸體模特兒來上素描課、去夜店觀察人物。
她帶著年輕人拚創意、做自己，恨不得所有人都能活出讓她嫉妒到死的人生。
是什麼樣的成長故事，是什麼樣的人事啟蒙，
成就了這位風格獨具的麻辣女教授。

◆精采書摘 (給他∕她用力抱一下)

大家都說我不受束縛，勇敢追求自己要的幸福。

其實，最聊得來的朋友是手機；陪我一起殺時間的是電視；伴我入睡的是報紙；最忠於我的是隻老狗。
大家都說我超有自信，簡直是現代獨立新女性。

另類、麻辣身分，羨煞不少年輕學子，但拿掉美國學歷、老師頭銜，不過就這樣而已。

每個人都問我：「晚上要去哪裡party？」

其實，大部分的時間都待在家裡。

偶爾想要好好犒賞自己，銀行存款連個名牌都買不起。掛在嘴上的口頭禪永遠是「你最棒！」

誰人知，最需要安慰的其實是自己。

教書教到天天想要逃課。一到晚上，就成為In House的常客。雖然隔天遲到學生早就料到，還是要感謝他們，全力以赴創作，永遠表現的這麼出色。

爸爸說：「整天不回家，妳都往哪裡跑？」

媽媽說：「妳給的零用錢，還不夠我們二老吃到飽。」

不論怎麼做，永遠都是我的「錯」多於「不錯」。他們心中的最愛也輪不到我這個老二。

外面人都說：「曲所長，妳好優秀！」

傳媒也喜歡邀我採訪、紙上作秀，只是，回到家的感覺永遠空虛多於成就。整天錄影、上通告麻痺自己，還滿足虛榮出書，教大家「要做你自己」。怎知，我寫完這本書，幾乎用完所有的自己。

大家都說我很麻辣，其實我絕對不完美。

才過四十歲生日，老花眼亂象，成了我最新的視覺現象。身體發胖、身材不再、身型走樣，還好毅志力堅定。每天三十分鐘三千公尺慢跑一次，每週騎自行車爬坡六十分鐘兩次，每四個月六小時離子燙一次，硬是給它ㄠ到從背後看只有二十五歲（學生都叫我背殺）。

天啊！維護這樣的外表真要人命。

房間的書一路堆到床頭櫃，簡直就是自尊心在作祟。

什麼尼采、羅蘭巴特，我連逛個書店都要穿的這麼熱，夾腳拖鞋、細肩帶，從米蘭昆德拉一路曖昧到卡爾維諾，付了錢卻從未履行對他們的承諾。

但，誰又給了我承諾？

十年的遠距男友，就算精神全都屬於我，身體早因外遇而刻意閃躲；劈腿交往的男老師，最後還是選擇了家鄉的幼齒西施；終於把到個年輕的，每次出去，人家都以為是我兒子，只好趕緊撇清說是親弟弟。其實久了，隨你怎麼想我都可以。

曾經，人生樂觀充滿希望；現在，未來對我而言只是諷刺和絕望。

靠報張、雜誌、速食印刷品，打發時間麻醉自己。只是媒體愛搞獨家踢爆，弄得我不知該信哪個報。

昨天去高雄演講，台下觀眾至少有一半在那裡睡大覺，原來大家只想和我要簽名拍張照。這年頭講些什麼，誰在乎，根本都不重要。

和你一樣，努力賺錢接case，只期盼爸媽多愛我一些，拚命加班熬夜，就希望上司多挺我一點。搬床、改運、信風水，拜託運氣轉好些。脾氣改一改，看情人會不會……疼我一點。

期待有個人，能夠傾聽心中壓抑的情緒釋放。重新燃起，對一切的好奇欲望。短暫人生，不過就是這樣。

所以下班後還是少去那些奇怪轟趴，在家多陪陪親愛的老爸、老媽；開口多說點好話，晚上熬夜少吃辣。身邊關心你∕妳的人，給他∕她用力抱一下！

誰還在乎什麼流言八卦。

曲家瑞
凌晨05:01於大安路工作室，BB在我腳邊睡的正熟