P u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e C o m m u n i t y S e r v i c e s C e n t e r

November 09, Volume 10, Issue 3

…I thought you were my frIend

tAS CelebrAteS ItS 60th AnnIverSAry

the J. KIrby SImon foreIgn ServICe truSt: turnIng A trAgedy Into A legACy

A Cup of orgAnIC, ShAde-grown, fAIr trAde Coffee, pleASe!

heAlthy beIng At SChool

golf In tAIpeI

booKCroSSIng

CenteredNovember 09, Volume 10, Issue 3

on T A I P E I

cover story

The View from the Top: Old Jhuilu Trail

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3november 09

5 LeTTer From THe eDITor

6 nATIonAL THeATer AnD ConCerT HALL november 09 rICHArD reCommenDs

7 CuLTurAL Corner WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

9 LeT’s Go THE VIEW fROm THE TOP: OlD JHuIlu TRAIl

12 ouTLooK …I THOuGHT YOu WERE mY fRIEND

14 FIne DInInG PEARl lIANG: TAIPEI’s mOsT ElEGANT DIm sum VENuE

16 CommunITY TAs CElEbRATEs ITs 60TH ANNIVERsARY

18 CHArITY THE J. KIRbY sImON fOREIGN sERVICE TRusT: TuRNING A TRAGEDY INTO A lEGACY

20 HARmONY HOmE

21 CHInese KITCHen

22 booK revIeW THE sOlITuDE Of PRImE NumbERs

23 AuCTION ARTIsTs bEAT THE flOOD

24 envIronmenT A CuP Of ORGANIC, sHADE-GROWN, fAIR TRADE COffEE, PlEAsE

26 HeALTH HEAlTHY bEING AT sCHOOl

28 sPorTs GOlf IN TAIPEI

30 booKs bOOKCROssING

32 WorsHIP DIreCTorY WIsH LIsT

33 CommunITY GrouPs

34 CenTer Courses november 09

35 PosTCArD PerFeCT

ConTenTs November 09 volume 10 issue 3

Cover Image richard saunders

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4 november 09

Publisher:managing editor:

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5november 09

Dear Readers,

It was good to see so many of you at The Center auction. Thank you for your generosity, your support and your friendship. We all had a great time.

In our November issue, Amy Liu presents a wonderfully informative article on the traditions and customs surrounding wedding photographs in Taiwan.

In our Outlook section, Tina Oelke addresses the challenges a pre-teen or teenager may face while defining their world on a social and personal level. While Oelke’s article focuses on their potential stress levels, Daniel Altschuler’s regular Health column offers a holistic approach to your children’s lifestyle, diet and treatment.

Even though he is no longer in Taipei, Brian Asmus was kind enough to do another restaurant review. His selection this month is Pearl Liang, one of the most beautifully appointed dim sum restaurants in Taipei. If you prefer to try Chinese cooking at home, Ivy Chen’s regular column, Chinese Kitchen has some delicious recipes for you to try.

In your culinary exploration, consider your choice of beverage as well! Katherine Young offers some thoughts for coffee lovers on considering your options while buying coffee.

And before filling up on your home-cooked feast, work up an appetite reading Richard Saunders’ article on one of the most awe-inspiring lengths of trail anywhere in Taiwan. The Old Jhuilu Cliff trail in Taroko Gorge has recently been re-opened after it was severely damaged by the 921 earthquake.

Fifteen years after his tragic death, Kirby Simon is still making a difference in the local community. Denise Shepherd shares the background for Simon’s inspirational story, and the legacy that continues.

In our community news, congratulations to Taipei American School for sixty glorious years. TAS continues to mark the occasion with special events through the year, to celebrate all upcoming events highlighting them with the sixtieth anniversary theme.

In the spirit of celebration, golf enthusiast Mike Jewell of IGST (International Golf Society of Taipei) provides us ‘non-golfers’ an insight into the strange phenomenon one witnesses on a golf course, namely this odd fascination with chasing a ‘small white ball’.

And last but not least, Kath Liu introduces Bookcrossing to the Community Services Center. It’s easy to join and it’s fun!

Let our books do some walking.

Warmest Regards

Community ServiCeS Center

Publisher:managing editor:

editor:Co-editor:

Graphic Design:Writing and Photography

Contributors:

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Community ServicesCenter editorial Panel:

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Community Services Center, TaipeiSteven Parker Roma MehtaRichard SaundersKatia Chen

Daniel AltschulerBrian AsmusIvy ChenMike JewellAmy LiuKath LiuKristen LowmanEmily McmurrinChris Merkelbach

Paula Lee0926 956 8442835 2530paulalee@community.com.tw

Siew Kang, Fred Voigtmann

Farn Mei Printing Co., Ltd.1F, No. 102, Hou Kang Street, Shilin District, TaipeiTel: 02 2882 6748 Fax: 02 2882 6749E-mail: farn.mei@msa.hinet.net

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the Community Services Center (CSC) is a non-profit foundation. CSC provides outreach and early intervention through counseling, cross-cultural education and life skills programs to meet the needs of the international community in taipei. CSC offers the opportunity to learn, volunteer, teach and meet others. Check out our website www.community.com.tw and drop by the Center to chat with us about our programs. you can also email us at csc@community.com.tw.

Letter From the eDitor

Roma MehtaEditor

Katia ChenDesigner

Richard SaundersCo-editorLawrence Newton

Tina OelkeSteven ParkerHoanna ResariRichard SaundersDenise ShepherdMy StoryKatherine YoungWu Zi-Yu

www.community.com.tw

Paula LeeAdvertising Manager

Centered on Taipei is a publication of the Community Services Center, 25, Lane 290, ZhongShan N. Rd., Sec. 6, Tianmu, Taipei, Taiwan Tel: 2836 8134, fax: 2835 2530, e-mail: coteditor@community.com.tw

Correspondence may be sent to the editor at coteditor@community.com.tw. Freelance writers, photographers and illustrators are welcome to contact the editor to discuss editorial and graphic assignments. Your talent will find a home with us!

Copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Material in this publication may not be reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner.

Centered on Taipei is printed on 50% post consumer waste content stock. We have also replaced the glossy laminated cover with a softer aqueous based resin coating which makes it easier to recycle. By committing to post consumer paper stock we support the market for recycled fibers and reduce environmental impact.Recycling paper uses 60% less energy than manufacturing paper from virgin fiber. "Every ton of recycled paper saves enough electricity to power a 3 bedroom house for an entire year." (http://www.greenseal.org/index.cfm)

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RICHARDReCommenDs

RichaRd SaundeRS

“If music could have more, give more, be more, show more, it would still need performers and listeners, who bring to it sound and smell and light and all the rest that can't be in sheet music. Music needs you!”

OK, so music isn’t quite what Gray Paulson was talking about (his original words can be found on page 30) but stumbling across this quote I was immediately struck by how well it applies to classical music as well. Music exists only as sound, so unless it’s being performed or being played back on a recording, it lies dormant, patiently waiting to be revived by the next musician or music lover to come along and show a little interest.

The observation is sometimes made that neglected music is rarely played simply because it isn’t as good as the better-known classics; if this were true, Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture and The Blue Danube would rank among the world’s greatest artistic treasures, which is clearly absurd! Instead, may I suggest looking at unknown music the way many of us enjoy sampling exotic new culinary delicacies. There is quite a bit of bland, colorless fare out there, it’s true, and the occasional musical equivalent of stinky tofu will leave many covering their ears or running for cover, but there are also countless aural treats as well, waiting for the chance to set the emotions aflutter.

November at the CKS National Cultural Center has its fair share of old chestnuts: Rachmaninov’s (admittedly marvelous) second and third piano concertos and Dvorak’s ‘New World’ Symphony, all of which seem to be programmed every month, are all back once again. More adventurous listeners eager to make a great new discovery, however, may find the possibilities rather limited again this month, but there are a few interesting programs sprinkled amongst the usual suspects. Perhaps the most stimulating program of the month is given by the great Gidon Kremer, who has made something of a specialty of concocting novel programs from unusual repertoire. In ‘Being Gidon Kremer - the rise and fall of a classical musician’, he returns to popular classics, although in bizarre combinations, with the likes of Argentinian tango (a Kremer specialty), the spooky sounds of Penderecki-like avant garde extremism, and a little Irish dancing thrown together in a gleeful mishmash. This is a concert that probably won’t appeal to everybody (watch the preview of the show posted on YouTube and you’ll see what I mean), but it’s an undeniably original and fresh idea.

Returning to the dignity of older classics, this year marks the bicentenary of Mendelssohn’s birth, an anniversary that’s being marked this month by his vast second symphony and by his compact, virtuosic Piano Concerto no 1.

Finally the organ of the National Concert Hall makes a rare solo outing this month, as acclaimed Israeli organist Roman Krasnovsky plays a varied program, stretching from Bach (including the dramatic and instantly recognizable D minor Toccata and Fugue, which has suffered through all manner of crass arrangements for everything from rock band to cell phone ring-tone) to the present day, with a piece composed by Krasnovsky himself.

x

TICKETING OFFICES: • NTCH: (02) 2343 1647 • ERA: (02) 2709 3788

Publication of the national theater and Concert hall schedule in Centered on Taipei is sponsored by Cathay Life insurance.

national concert hall & Theater

november 2009

NATIONAL THEATER

Taiwanese Aboriginal Musicaloctober 30-31, november 1

NATIONAL CONCERT HALL

Vienna Boys’ ChoirFolksongs from Austria and other countries, and sacred musicnovember 3

Just BaroqueChamber works by Telemann, Bach and Vivaldinovember 4

Musical Journey of JapanJapanese folksongsnovember 5-6

Peter Lukas Graf flute recitalMusic by Schubert, Faure, Chopin, Bartok, Paganini and othersnovember 7 RR

All Time Russian FavoritesTchaikovsky’s fifth symphony and Rachmaninov’s 2nd piano concertonovember 8

Indigenous Music at Symphonic NightAboriginal folksong and dancenovember 9

Zilberstein Piano RecitalMusic by Beethoven and Brahmsnovember 10

Music from SoochowOrchestral music by Dvorak and Chopinnovember 11

Listen to the Sound of TaipeiMusic by composer Nan-zhang Qiannovember 12

Schumann’s Rhine Vista, 1850Schumann’s glorious ‘Rhenish’ symphony, plus music by Mendelssohn and Richard Mills november 13 RR

The Adventure of the Bear CubMorning story time with music (in Chinese)november 14

Roman Krasnovsky Organ RecitalWorks for the king of instruments by Bach, Franck, Rink and Krasnovskynovember 14 RR

Taipei Philharmonic 25th AnniversaryWorks by Mendelssohn, Rachmaninov and Beethovennovember 15

ItalianissimoFamiliar music by Rota, Mascagni, Verdi and Morriconenovember 17

Celebrating TogetherNational Symphony and Taipei City Orchestra together playing Chinese musicnovember 18

Being Gidon KremerSatirical musical concert-based on the life of the famous violinist/performernovember 20

Yo-Yo Ma Recitalnovember 21

LobgesangMendelssohn’s 2nd symphony (‘song of praise’)november 26

For full details, please log on to the Culture express website at http://express.culture.gov.tw or take a copy of the monthly program from CKS Cultural Center, available from mrt stations, bookshops and ticketing offices.

Better Life For You

november 096

RR: Richard Recommends

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7november 09

CR

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Ta i w a n i s f a m o u s f o r t h e quality, photographic style, and competitive pricing of i t s wedd ing photography

bus inesses. The unique serv ice industry of creating personalized wedding albums originated in Taiwan and the market is highly developed and mature. Over time it has become a compulsory part of every Taiwanese couple’s wedding plans, and although wedding albums can also be shot in other countries these days, the unique quality of the Taiwanese product has also attracted newlyweds from overseas to the island to have their wedding photos taken. Many come from Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Korea and throughout Asia to not only take wedding photos but also to use the opportunity to do some sightseeing around Taiwan. Furthermore, the expert i se of Taiwanese wedding photographers has also fascinated many young Japanese girls, who come to take personal glamour shots as a record of their youth and beauty.

Taipei is the epicenter of the industry in Taiwan. You can see and tour a variety of wedding photo salons on the famous ‘wedding photo street’, concentrated on Zhongshan North Road, S e c t ion 3 (中山北路三段). It’s great fun to simply stroll along the street to see windows featuring fancy wedding gowns and the photo albums of lovable couples displayed at the door of each business. Taipei is an especially convenient place for wedding photography because of the city’s proximity to the beautiful North Coast and to the charming forests of Yangmingshan National Park.

Now, let’s take a look at what is involved in getting these beautiful photo albums made from start to finish, and what services are available.

The process begins with choosing a well-established salon you feel comfortable with, plus staff you can trust and work well with in organizing this event, and a style of photo albums and apparel options to your liking. In Taiwan, wedding garments for the bride, groom and the wedding party are all rented rather than bought, so it is important to first make sure the salon has the style that matches your wishes. Gowns made in Taiwan are in line with international fashions, although it is also popular to have a dress tailor-made for the bride at a higher rental cost, should she not be able to find an existing gown to her liking at the studio.

Next, carefully pick and discuss with your photographer the style of the wedding album you want to create to record this important event in life. Once the decision is made, you can negotiate with the public relations assistant at the photo salon on the type of services and cost. These services can range from the number of photos to be

included in the photo album, garments both for the photo shoot and on the day of the wedding, locations for the photography, transportation, etc.

Once the package is agreed and the service contract is signed, the fun can begin. First, pick out and try on the dresses to be photographed for the album and the ones for the actual wedding day. A full day is usually needed for the photo shoot, followed by the selecting of the photos to be put in the final wedding album, which will be displayed at the wedding banquet at the reception desk for family and friends to admire. The ceremony, the banquet location, and the photo album (including the style and the photo studio used) all reveal the financial standing of the family, and can be a status symbol; thus the whole process is taken very seriously.

ON THE DAY Of THE PHOTO sHOOT

The shoot usually starts at 8 am and may last until late evening. The day

Corner ultural Amy'sC

Creating a memorable wedding album

Wedding Photography

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Jewelry by Patricia Kortmann On display in the Gallery this month is a collection of beaded

jewelry (including necklaces, bracelets and earrings) made from precious and semi–precious gemstones, pearls and silver. The works are all one-of-a-kind creations and blend the rich variety of contemporary-style beads with handcrafted ethnic beads.

Jewelry should not only look beautiful but should also feel comfortable and should be a pleasure to wear. To ensure this Patricia offers her clients the possibility to have their chosen piece of jewelry altered in length or size according to their individual needs, or to specially design and create a personalized piece of jewelry.

Fifteen percent of sales will be donated to Animals Taiwan.

This month the Gallery also features the wonderful artworks of Huan Yuna Chen and other artists from Tien Tung Art Gallery. Priced between $700 and $1800, these beautiful scroll paintings make great gifts or a lovely addition to your home décor. Tien Tung also accepts custom orders.

Brilliant Art Handicraft On the floor of the Gallery this month we have beautiful bamboo furniture and home décor from Brilliant Art Handicraft Co. Their line of Chinese-style furniture consists of products includes tea tables, chairs, lamps, and screens all of which can be custom ordered.

Nov 09 GALLERY

begins with the bride and groom-to-be styling their hair and getting made-up by studio professionals. The morning shooting session is normally spent outdoors in nice weather to avoid possibly unsettled weather in the afternoon. The o u t d o o r s h o o t i n g i s a m a j o r undertaking. The photographer and the crew set up the proper setting and lighting for the scenery of the couple’s choosing. Apart from conventional settings, some couples like to be photographed walking along a beach and into the ocean, climbing up rocks next to a waterfall, or strol l ing in a misty bamboo forest. After the shoot, everybody returns to the studio where the bride-to-be gets her hair and make-up redone to match her next gown for the indoor studio shooting. The indoor shooting may entail a third or fourth setting of hairstyle and dress, depending on the package selected. The photographer and the crew not only have to take photos but also continuously entertain the couple, encouraging them to pose

and smile their best throughout the shoot. At the end of the day, four or five hundred photos may have been snapped, from which the couple will select twenty to fifty to be used for the album. The idea is not only to create a nice wedding photo album for the couple, but more importantly it is also to pamper the bride-to-be and to make her look beautiful and feel special, like a superstar.

The pho to sa lon i s t h e r e to make the job easy for the couple by providing their best services, a wide range of wedding apparel, great make-up and hairstyling, and generally to provide a no-stress but fun day for the couple in order to capture the great moments they share in a memorable wedding photo album.

The wedding photo shoot is an all-day event, long and indeed tiring, but it is most definitely fulfilling and memorable as it records the beginning of the couple’s new life.

THE cosTThe price for a basic package

ranges from NT$30,000 to 80,000, including wedding photographs, hairstyling and make-up fees, photo albums, frames and other souvenirs, which is as low as half the price of a similar package in Hong Kong or many other countries in Asia.

LooKinG wELL foR THE dAYSome tips for ensuring you look

good for the day of the photo shoot include, of course, to have a good night’s sleep before the big day, to not drink too much water to prevent swollen eyes, and to have a good breakfast in the morning before the shoot to have plenty of energy for smiling all day.

The wedding photography business in Taiwan is creative, dynamic, diversif ied and competit ive. A skillful photographer and assisting team make the experience fun and worthwhile for the couple. It is no doubt a great way to record true love. And photography isn’t just for new couples. One can also try a family portrait session or a personal glamour-shot collection.

8 november 09

A percentage of all proceeds of items sold at the Gallery go to

The Center, so please remember that by displaying and shopping

here you are helping us to provide much needed services to the international community.

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Let's go

The View from the Top:

Old Jhuilu Trail

The sense of anticipation increases by the minute as the path zigzags skywards; signs fixed to rocks or tree trunks every other minute paint dire warnings of all kinds of hazards to be faced, from unstable ground and slippery rocks to poisonous bees and snakes, and at the very beginning of the hike we were confronted by a sign stating that the path is of ‘a high level of difficulty’ and is, in parts ‘potentially very dangerous’. It looks like the National Park Authorities are nervous about us being here at all.

Despite the many warnings posted prominently beside the steeply climbing path, however, I (and the remainder of our l i t t le

group) are certainly not about to turn back. We’re lucky enough to be among the first hikers to walk the spectacular Old Jhuilu Trail in over a decade. Virtually all self-respecting hikers in Taiwan have heard of Old Jhuilu Trail - it’s probably the most spectacular half-day hike in all Taiwan - yet for almost a decade no-one was allowed to follow it. Damaged by the 921 earthquake in 1999, the trail was closed, and for many years it appeared that it would remain out-of-bounds to hikers indefinitely, until park authorities finally reopened it in July 2008. As luck would have it, it was less than a month later that the first of last year’s three devastating typhoons swept through, damaging the trail once more and again forcing its closure. Off limits the trail remained until, a further nine months later, it reopened once again, this year in early April. A week later our group (who’d been lucky enough to get permits reserved in advance) arrived at the locked trailhead, had our permits checked by the National Park Ranger posted there, and passed through onto one of the most eagerly anticipated hikes I’ve done anywhere in Taiwan.

A JAPAnEsE-BuiLT TRAiL

Old Jhuilu Trail (錐鹿古道) is a section of a 145 kilometer-long Japanese-built trail cut between 1914 and 1933, linking Taroko Gorge with the village of Wushe (over the mountains in Nantou County to the west), as part of Japanese attempts to subdue the island’s aboriginal inhabitants. Various parts of this long trail have been restored and can be hiked (including several stretches in Taroko Gorge) but none is nearly as famous or spectacular as the 10.3 kilometer Old Jhuilu Trail, named after the stunning vertical face of Jhuilu Cliff, across which the trail is cut.

The trailhead, beside the mouth of the new road tunnel at the eastern end of Swallow’s Grotto, midway along Toroko Gorge, is marked by a long and graceful suspension bridge (a recent construction) which effortlessly spans the chasm high above the tumbling waters of the Liwu River. The bridge is just the first of a number of ‘improvements’ which were made before the trail’s grand (if short-lived) re-opening in 2008. The trail on the far side of the river has obviously been much widened, and now cuts a two-meter broad swathe through the jungle, rising on painstakingly made but rather un-natural looking steps which make the steep, five-hundred meters of altitude gain up the

TexT ANd imAGes: riCHArd sAuNders

9november 09

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10 november 09

face of the canyon pretty painless, but a tad monotonous.

This disappointingly bland start to the hike is relieved somewhat as we emerge for the first time from under the tree cover, and pass through the abandoned aboriginal settlement of Badagang, which in Japanese times boasted a clinic, school and even several hotels for travelers passing through on foot! From here partial views open up over the gorge (already far below) and the mountains beyond, but we press on onwards and upwards. The hike’s not even begun yet!

GAPINGlY DEEP CHAsmSoon after the old sett lement,

the trai l reaches another, rather innocuous-looking suspension bridge that turns out to span a narrow but gapingly deep chasm with a thrilling drop of at least a hundred vertigo-inducing meters beneath our feet. Ant ic ipat ion of the hike’s goal,

which (we’re told) is not so far away now ratchets up another couple of notches, and it’s back to a pleasant but rather unexceptional climb up the forested mountainside as we gain still more altitude. By now the trail has thankfully narrowed to becomea narrow strip of compacted dirt: far more esthetically pleasing than the wide, stepped freeway-trail down below. Finally the required height above the river is reached, and the trail flattens out. The view opens up, the surroundings become rockier, and the famous Old Jhuilu Cliff Trail is just ahead.

Passing through a short tunnel, the path narrows, the ground on the left begins to fall away steeply, and finally (beside another sign warning hikers of the ‘dangers’ of continuing) the prodigious cliff comes into view ahead, with the fine line of the cliff trail astonishingly etched into its sheer face.

AN ExPOsED AND THRIllING lEDGE

For the next five hundred meters the path is squeezed between the vertical face of the cliff above, and a huge, equally sheer drop below: an airy, exposed and thrilling ledge with astounding views over the central section of Taroko Gorge to the high mountains beyond, invisible from the road at the base of the gorge, a full half-a-kilometer beneath our feet. Taipei 101 could be plonked into the gorge below us and we’d be about level with the tip of its crowning aerial. The trail is just under a meter wide (just enough space for us to proceed along without getting seriously spooked) but as our group gingerly follows the narrow strip, suspended halfway up the sheer face of Taroko Gorge’s highest cliff face, I think the feeling is unanimous that this place is every bit as spectacular as in the photos. The weather has done us proud, and a clear, deep blue sky

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forms a magical backdrop for the breathtaking, sheer walls of Taroko Gorge, plunging from our feet for almost five hundred meters straight down to the waters of the Liwu River, from up here just a narrow ribbon in the depths of the canyon. Beside it lies an even narrower thread – the Central Cross-island Highway – and the colorful bodywork of a convoy of coaches (it’s a weekend) can be made out, although they look smaller than Matchbox toys from this elevation.

We’re in no rush to get to the far end, and it’s over twenty minutes before the trail dives back into the trees to reach the largest area of flat ground on the entire trail: the site of an old Japanese police post. Stopping here for lunch, this is as far as we’ll be going. Ahead, Old Jhuilu Trail continues for another seven rough kilometers before descending back down into the gorge, rejoining the road near Zimu Bridge. This remaining length of the trail only reopened to hikers a couple of months after our visit, and provides a happy excuse (not that we need any) to return sometime, but today we retrace our steps to Swallows Grotto, enjoy a shorter day’s walk, and, best of all, get to experience one of the most awe-inspiring lengths of trail anywhere in Taiwan - all over again.

Richard Saunders is a trained classical musician who graduated from the London College of Music in 1988. Richard currently writes our guide to concert going in Taipei "Richard Recommends." Richard's books Taipei Day Trips 1 and 2 and Yangmingshan – The Guide are now available in The Center and selected book shops.

For special rates please mention promotional code: AT-2

11november 09

11_p3-end.indd 11 2009/11/2 11:56:47 AM

Erin and Michelle began the school year as friends. Slowly though, Michelle started feeling jealous of Erin and the fr iendship began to crumble. Then, when it was discovered that Erin once kissed a boy to whom Michelle liked, and who was dating one of their other friends, it was the excuse Michelle needed. But Michelle didn’t just want to end the friendship with Erin, she wanted her hurt, alone, with no friends. It wasn’t hard for Michelle to gather a large group of kids who wanted to bring Erin down. (Story taken from the book Odd Girl Out by Rachel Simmons.)

The pre-teen and teenage years are widely recognized as an especially difficult period of life. At this point, not only does this population have to adjust to their changing bodies and mental cognitions, they also have to navigate an even more uncertain social world. At home, school, and with their peer groups, adolescents test boundaries and try out new cognitions, all in pursuit of defining themselves and their world. Many of them often do this while facing bullying, whether through physical violence, verbal abuse, social ostracizing, and/or relationship manipulation among peer groups and in schools.

With occurrences of bullying frequently reported on the news, awareness has been raised and programs developed, all dedicated to the prevention or reduction of bullying and violence in schools. Unfortunately, one aspect of bullying, relational bullying, has been more difficult to address. Whereas fists are used in physical bullying, and words in verbal bullying, socially aggressive behaviors are used in relational bullying. These covert behaviors are more difficult to detect, as they are often indirect, focused on damaging self-esteem or social status. Gossip, hostile emails, and social exclusion through direct contact or, indirectly, through social networking sites (e.g. Facebook or Myspace) are examples of tools used by relational bullies. Social aggression extends beyond behaviors that we’ve all experienced (such as eye-rolling or excluding someone from an event) to an elevated degree in which the intent is to hurt or humiliate someone.

Rumors of Erin and the boy were quickly spread throughout the school. Erin got phone calls from angry ‘friends’ and received a flood of hate emails calling her names and adding reasons to shun her. She couldn’t even walk down the halls without dirty looks. She kept trying

to make contact with her fr iends, but the apology l e t t e r s s he w r o t e w e re passed around the school and laughed at. They’d talk to each other, inviting each other to places right in front of Erin, without ever saying a word to her, and not even looking at her. This lasted until the end of the school year, and during that time, Erin fell apart.

Relational bullying can begin as early as preschool years (“You can’t come to my party”) with its peak during the middle years. However, reports have found that relational bullying can continue throughout high school, and even into the adult workplace. While research has found that the majority of perpetrators and targets of relational bullying are female, males can be participants or targets as well. Relational bulling is often motivated by one of the following: a need to belong (spreading juicy gossip can get me into the popular group); fear (If I don’t go along with it, my friends might not like me anymore, or I could be the next target); and boredom (let’s see what excitement I can create by posting this picture of her on Facebook).

While many consider relational bullying as a rite of passage, the effects are no less severe than physical or verbal bullying. The effects of relational aggression are often wide-spread. According to Underwood, 2003, targets of relational aggression reported having negative self-concept in their confidence in athletics, romantic relations, physical appearance, and friendships. School performance can be affected with targets often avoiding school and having decreased academic progress. Further results of social aggression can include lowered self-esteem, depression, loneliness, anxiety, anger, fear of relationships, increased substance abuse, eating disorders, and suicidal thoughts. These effects can be long lasting, with the victim carrying a damaged self-perception through adulthood.

Erin’s grades plummeted to the brink of academic expulsion. She became anxious and depressed, even threatening suicide at one point. As they watched their daughter self destruct, her parents felt helpless and out of control. Years later, Erin is changed. “I’m such a scared person now. I’m always worried about what people think of me . . . They made me like this.”

Fortunately, there are several things that we as parents, teachers, and concerned community members can do to

ou

tloo

k

TexT: Tina Oelke TexTTexTTex : Tina Oelke T: Tina Oelke T

…I thought you were my friend

12 november 09

11_p3-end.indd 12 2009/11/3 2:42:49 PM

13november 09

help combat relational bullying. As a community, we can:• Raise awareness about relational bullying,• Create an environment where relational bullying is

recognized as a harmful act that is not tolerated, and• Offer opportunities for individuals to develop their

self-concept in a safe environment.

As individuals, if you know of someone who is a target of relational bullying, you can:

• Create a safe environment where they can talk about their experience,

• Empathize with them, taking care not to minimize their painful experience,

• Encourage them to keep a log or a diary about the events, which can not only help to express and process their feelings and actions regarding the event, but also serve as documentation which might help in an intervention,

• Help them get involved in activities that foster self-confidence and growth, such as clubs or sports,

• Teach and model assertiveness techniques, for example, the use of ‘I statements’ and confronting without anger, and

• Consider counseling sources as needed.

For more information about relational bullying, I have found these resources to be helpful:

Having witnessed many instances of relational bullying throughout her life and work, Tina Oelke (MEd Guidance and Counseling), is passionate about raising awareness and empowering girls to successfully overcome it. Tina specializes in working with school-aged children and teens and their parents.

www.opheliaproject.orgwww.relationalaggression.comwww.bullying.org

Internet

Simmons, Rachel. (2002) Odd Girl Out: The Hidden Culture of Aggression in Girls. New York: Harcourt.

Underwood, Marion K. (2003). Social Aggression Among Girls. New York: Guilford Press.

Wiseman, Rosal ind. (2002). Queen Bees and Wannabees: Helping Your Daughte r Surv ive Cliques, Gossip, Boyfriends and Other Realities of Adolescence. New York: Crown Publishers.

Books

The CenTer's Counselors are here

for you

Do you have issues with relationships, communication, living in Taiwan, alcohol or

drugs, depression, problems with children, or cultural clashes...?

Our professional counselors are ready to help with any issues that you may have while living in Taipei. For more information regarding our counseling services, call The Center at (02)

2836-8134 or (02) 2838-4947. or

Email: csc@community.com.tw

r

11_p3-end.indd 13 2009/11/2 11:56:51 AM

november 0914

Perhaps Pearl Liang does not have Taipei’s best or most authentic Cantonese dim sum, but it is pretty darned close. Besides, no one is going to be finding fault with the décor or service, and given that Pearl

Liang is also offering an all-you-can eat dim sum buffet for only NT$780 plus 10% (NT$680 if you download a coupon from the hotel’s website), most diners are going to leave with a satisfied smile. In fact, I have had the good fortune to eat there twice in less than a month. Here’s hoping for a third.

Put your nerves at ease; you are not going to be entering an overly bright, slightly messy free-for-all with diners engaging in competitive bellowing — the unfortunate reality at most of Taipei’s dim sum diners. Rather, Pearl Liang is soothing sophistication a la a resort in Bali. Imagine having a cool towel placed upon your forehead.

The tables are well-spaced, but if that is not enough room for you, consider getting one of the elegantly apportioned private venues. I greatly admired the celadon plates, upon which are placed smaller oxtail-blood ones. The contrast is striking.

The Chinese tea (oolong) is served either in glasses or white porcelain cups. Regardless of the method, the rich, beautiful golden green hue is set off to great effect. On my first visit, three of us were presented with appetizers: pickled turnip, cucumber and carrot. The crisp vegetables were enlivened by a zippy vinegar with hints of woody plum (a bit of Shaoxing?) that had the taste buds standing to attention in no time.

As I hate buffets with pushy diners who bandy their plates around like deadly weapons, I was most gratified to find the

finE d

inin

g

Perhaps Pearl Liang does not have Taipei’s best or

Pearl Liang: Taipei’s Most Elegant

Dim Sum Venue By Brian Asmus

IMAGES: COuRTESY PEARL LIANG

Pearl liang 2F, Grand Hyatt Taipei

2, song shou road Tel: 2720-1234台北君悅飯店 松壽路2號

sweetened glutinous rice porridge

entrance to Pearl Liang

11_p3-end.indd 14 2009/11/2 11:56:57 AM

staff serving any and all desired items (you can order whatever you want). Soon, small steamers of shao mai and dumplings arrived at the table. As one would expect of a five-star hotel with the exacting standards of the Grand Hyatt, all ingredients are A-one fresh.

Neither the high-quality shrimp nor pork in the dumplings or shao mai was rubbery from being overcooked. The dumpling and shao mai skins were nicely translucent and, thus, not too thick. A Hong Kong friend, who accompanied me on a return visit, however, sniffed that they were not up to snuff, but then, unless in Hong Kong, for them it never usually is. I was perfectly satisfied.

Nor was my Hong Kong companion overly impressed by the sweet pastry shell (wonderfully tart-like in its sweet mealy essence) with honeyed BBQ pork. Not enough pork, she said. Too much shell, she added.

As the fillings for the various dumplings and shao mai were either pork or shrimp based, it would not take long for the mouth and tongue to become jaded. The chef remedied this by playing with the textures by mixing in mushrooms, green onion, carrots and cabbage. Even the cut of the minced pork was different for the same reason.

On the second visit, I also was able to try the shrimp and pork wonton (at least, I am going to call it that) soup. This consisted of a large loose tang-bao style dumpling stuffed with ground pork and whole shrimp. When a bit of red vinegar was added, lovely wood and cherry pit notes emerged. The vinegar also generated some tannic qualities that combated any oil that might be tempted to pool on the surface of the liquid. The addition of tree fungus provided the gnawy chewiness of which the Chinese are so fond.

Something new that I had not tried before (at any venue) was a powdery, flaky noodle casing stuffed with shrimp and, interestingly, banana. The chef, who started his training when he was fifteen, has been eager to experiment. Reactions were mixed. While I and another dining companion found the fragrance and jellied texture of the banana attractive (it also retains heat nicely), others were of the view that there was too much banana and that smaller pieces would have served the purpose without overpowering the senses. Another issue for some was a perception of excessive oil from the deep frying.

Another innovation was the pumpkin (or squash) with taro that was baked so that the top was crispy like a casserole. The Taiwanese members of our group tucked into this with gusto, but I found it a bit too flatly starchy. If cooked root vegetables are your thing, then you will enjoy this, but I would have preferred a bit more texture, a bit more spice.

While the crisped chang fen had no stuffing, the varied textures of the layered noodle casing and the fact that it was encrusted with small, dried river shrimp were sufficient. The creamy mini muffins (for a lack of a better word) with a sweetly gooey red-bean filling were a bit dry and bland in my opinion. Better were the toasted crumbly taro shell stuffed with chopped mushroom, five spice and chicken. The gravy from the latter provided the moisture needed to make the pastry more savory and, thus, appealing.

Fried turnip cake is always a good barometer for good dim sum restaurants. Pearl Liang’s was delightfully soft and hot in the middle, expertly seared on the outside to form a nice skin. The addition of largish chunks of ham ensured that what would otherwise have been nothing but another starch had an attractive aroma and flavor.

Throughout the dining process, stir-fried vegetables arrived to provide a green balance. On the first visit, I had stir-fried pea plant greens; on the second, a mixture of spinach and bamboo shoot as well as Chinese broccoli. All were made of fresh, high-quality produce and served hot but crispy. Oils were kept to a minimum so nothing was swimming in grease.

Chinese desserts are not my thing but the gooey deep-fried water chestnut balls and the creamy coconut topped by lotus gelatin were not the most objectionable. In fact, despite the wry face that I made when the dish was served, I even found the vanilla ice cream topped with glutinous (purple) rice a surprisingly seductive combination.

Final words: Pearl Liang has the best décor and ambience of any dim sum restaurant that I have been to in Taipei. The service is exceptional, and while the dim sum, itself is not the best that I have had, it certainly ranks among the top contenders.

Brian regularly writes freelance for a number of publications including several international travel guides. Brian has a particular affinity for food and wine and a soft spot for all things Argentinean.

15november 09

Prawn dumpling, pork and black mushroom dumpling, crystal dumpling

11_p3-end.indd 15 2009/11/2 11:56:59 AM

16

co

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ity

november 0916

September 26, 2009 marks the 60th anniversary of the founding of Taipei American School. Over 60 years, Taipei American School has evolved from a single classroom in the basement of a church to a world-renowned school with a long history of academic and cocurricular excellence. TAS began in the midst

of precarious political changes at home and abroad. Sixty years later, the world remains turbulent. However, TAS continues to deliver on its mission to prepare students to adapt and succeed anywhere in a rapidly changing world.

To commemorate the milestone, the school had a cake-cutting ceremony featuring a string quartet and choir performance on Friday, September 25. Additionally, a documentary showcased 60 years of achievements. Fireworks followed, making it a truly auspicious event. The student musicians led the guests in singing Happy Birthday in English and Mandarin. Guests enjoyed speeches from Superintendent Dr. Sharon Hennessy, TAS Board Chair Winston Town, and AIT Director William Stanton. All three cut the birthday cake. Everyone wore school colors blue and gold or a TAS shirt to show school spirit. Also, every student received a special 60th pencil to use in their classrooms, as well as a cupcake at lunch. For the remainder of the day, the historical documentary continued to play on every TV monitor throughout the school. Additionally, in the afternoon, the lower school students formed the shape of ‘60’ on the field and had their picture taken.

Throughout the year, TAS will continue to celebrate its 60th, taking advantage of existing events. At the end of October, TAS will host a special gathering on campus for the 2009 Alumni Reunion in Taipei. Also, the annual TAS Gala Ball in March will have a 60th theme to commemorate the occasion. The year 2009 also commemorates 20 years at the current TAS campus on Zhongshan North Road. Additionally, this year the school’s Orphanage Club celebrates its 40th anniversary and its ongoing commitment to community service.

Kristen Lowman works at Taipei American School as the Communications/Marketing Officer. She attended international schools as a child before graduating from Duke University and moving abroad again. She recently moved to Taipei from Shanghai with her husband, Andrew, and two children, Chloe and Kingston.

text: Kristen Lowman images: Patricia woLfe and steven J. coLLins

TAS Celebrates its 60th anniversary

11_p3-end.indd 16 2009/11/3 2:43:44 PM

17october 09

11_p3-end.indd 17 2009/11/3 2:43:56 PM

Ch

aR

iTy

Turning a Tragedy into a Legacy

It was a tragedy. No matter how many years go by or how many positive things may have happened in its wake, Kirby

Simon’s death in Taipei in 1995 was tragic. Those who were here at the time may remember it clearly: “No one had seen him” that morning, said Peggy Lee, one of his co-workers at the American Institute in Taiwan. “Everyone was asking, ‘Where’s Kirby?’ Then people went to his house and found him.”

K i r b y S i m o n, a 25-y e a r-o l d AIT officer on his first overseas assignment, was dead of carbon monoxide poisoning in his Tianmu apartment. The man who liked to make a difference, the amateur t e a c h e r s o m e c a l l e d a ‘ l i v i n g d ic t ionary,’ the col league who always had time for a smile and a quick English lesson, was gone. Just like that.

But fifteen years later, Kirby Simon is still making a difference in the local community. Three brand-new hospital beds at Harmony Home shelter for Taipei HIV patients are just the latest in a long line of physical reminders all over the world of how one person’s life can make a difference to the lives of so many.

mAKING A DIffERENCEThe mechanism for turning such

a tragedy into a legacy: The J. Kirby

Simon Foreign Service Trust, founded in memory of the young officer who lost his life in Taipei. The trust, which is dedicated to expanding the opportunities for community service, professional fulfillment and personal well-being of American Foreign Service personnel and their families, ha s been mak ing a d i f f e r ence ever since in communities where Americans are serving abroad. It has helped fund projects from libraries to brochures, computer equipment to building projects, and now relief for HIV-positive patients at Harmony Home in Taipei.

“With the growing number of people living with HIV/AIDS who are in need of shel ter, medical assistance and support, we sincerely value the kind generosity” of the donation, said Nicole Yang, founder and president of Harmony Home Association, Taiwan.

Harmony Home is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the HIV-positive community in Taiwan for the past twenty years. It relies entirely upon voluntary contributions to help meet its goal of providing shelter, medical assistance, hospice ca re, counse l ing, suppor t and training for those affected by HIV in Taiwan and in mainland China.

When Kirby Simon was starting his career in Taipei, volunteering to teach English to his colleagues from

Taiwan in his spare time, he probably never foresaw hospital beds for HIV patients as part of his legacy. It’s not something others find quite so surprising, though.

Jim Levy, who was chief of the nonimmigrant visa section at the time, recalls Simon’s popularity with the local Taiwan staff. “He was loved by the local staff, specifically for volunteering to teach English classes, the content and style of which were a wonderful antidote to the test-driven, formulaic English classes that they had previously experienced,” Levy recalled recently.

One of those who worked with him, Tony Lin, agreed. “He was not only like a colleague, he was like a friend,” he said, explaining that Simon would meet regularly two or three times a week to teach language classes, and any other time someone needed help. “We called him a living dictionary. He was always willing to spend his own time to help people.”

bENEfITING PEOPlE All OVER THE WORlD

I t was Good Fr iday o f 1995 when that short life came to an end. “Kirby died because of carbon monoxide poisoning,” Levy recalled this summer. “A flash water heater at his apartment had been initially installed, correctly, on the balcony behind his apartment, presumably

The J. Kirby Simon Foreign Service Trust:

18 november 09

TExT: DENISE SHEPHERD IMAGES: JHOANNA RESARI

11_p3-end.indd 18 2009/11/2 11:57:19 AM

years previously. At some point however, the balcony had been glassed in, essentially putting the water heater on the inside of the apartment,” he said. “When AIT rented the apartments in the building, those balconies were used as laundry rooms. Kirby must have had the door to that room open – there was no particular reason to keep it closed if one was not aware of the risk from the water heater. In fact, to operate the water heater safely, the windows in the laundry room should have been permanently open, and the door between the heater and the main residence kept shut.

“Kirby died when he was standing, shaving, while running hot water in the shower, wai t ing for the water to heat up,” Levy recounted. “Overcome by CO, he succumbed so quickly that he passed out, hitting his head on the way down.”

Levy and his family had lived in that same building themselves, just a year before. “I had been in Chinese class and so was in the practice of

reading Chinese-language materials just to test myself. One day we received a Chinese-language comic-style pamphlet in our mailboxes from the city government specifically about the risks of CO poisoning from flash heaters. From that time on, we kept the windows to the balcony open, and the door to the balcony shut, even though that meant that rain frequently came in through the balcony window,” he said. Since the tragedy, the State Department has mandated carbon monoxide detectors in its housing where gas appliances are used, Levy said.

Shor t ly a f t e r S imon’s dea th, his family decided to set up the foundation in his memory, a gesture that deeply touched many of his former colleagues. Many came forward with donations and support.

“It took my breath away that John and Claire Simon set up a foundation to give money away in Kirby's name and to do this through the State Department,” Levy said. Most parents who lost

a child in such tragic circumstances wouldn’t react so se l f less ly, he said. “That act of theirs has set an unma t chab l e s t anda rd f o r grace under unimaginably terrible circumstances.”

Lin agreed. “I think his parents wanted to do something because he had good memories here,” he said. “They decided to celebrate with a foundation.” That is a gesture that is still benefiting people all over the world nearly a generation later – and one that is making lives easier for HIV patients and their caretakers at Harmony Home every day. For more information about Harmony Home, visit www.hhat.org or read the article on page 20. For more information about the Trust, visit www.kirbysimontrust.org.

Denise Shepherd is a member of AIT's Community Outreach Group, whose founding member Mark Curry applied for this grant on behalf of Harmony Home.

19november 09

11_p3-end.indd 19 2009/11/2 11:57:22 AM

Harmony Home i s a r eg i s t e r ed, non-pro f i t organisation that provides shelter for people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. For nearly two decades, Harmony Home has offered people

living with HIV/AIDS a better, more dignified quality of life by providing shelter, medical assistance, hospice care, counselling, and training programs. There are five halfway houses in Taiwan: three in Taipei, one in Kaohsiung, and one in Pingtung. As of June, 2009, there are a total of 111 individuals being sheltered in these halfway houses. Among them are 32 babies and children. Most of the patients in the shelters have no place else to go because either their families and/or friends have turned them away, or cannot afford to care for them on their own.

In China, Harmony Home supports six hundred children affected and/or infected by HIV through eleven shelters and through the Food for Hope Campaign. In addition to these children, we support approximately five thousand adults directly affected by or suffering from AIDS.

OvercOming ObstaclesDespite all efforts, Harmony Home always encounters

obstacles. In 2004, a philanthropist donated a house to Harmony Home, located in a residential area of Taipei. However, neighbours protested when they found out that people living with HIV/AIDS were being sheltered in the house, and filed a court case against Harmony Home. After Harmony Home lost the court case, Nicole Yang, the organization’s founder and general secretary, appealed to the Supreme Court and looked for support from local and international groups and organizations. The case was widely publicized. In August 2007, a month after the HIV Prevention and Patients’ Rights Protection Act was amended, Harmony Home won the appeal.

Nicole gives the people living in Harmony Home the opportunity to work in the shelters, especially the HIV-positive mothers; some even become licensed nannies for the children.

Many volunteers, each a modern everyday hero, generously give their time and energy to help in caring for the adult

patients and playing with the children. Among them are many who, like Nicole and the mothers, stay overnight in the shelter and sleep on the matted floors with the babies.

Even when facing social discrimination, the nannies, nurses, caretakers and volunteers try to protect the adult patients and the children, doing their best to give them a happy childhood and provide for their basic living needs.

grOwing numbersAt present, the shelter in the Hsinyi Community houses 32

adult patients, two in vegetative state. The latter, together with some of the older residents, need constant care. A big challenge for Harmony Home is having enough bed spaces to accommodate the growing number of patients, so it’s marvellous that the J. Kirby Simon Foreign Service Trust have granted funding for three patient beds, which were installed in June 2009. Thanks to this wonderful support, three more of our patients can have better beds to rest on and do not have to sleep on thin mattresses on the floor.

At Harmony Home, we rely mostly on donations from outside sources to support our works. Many foreign institutions like the American Institute in Taiwan, various Christian churches, and of course many Taiwanese enterprises and private businesses, generously support the shelters with financial donations. Providing for shelter, food, medical expenses, treatment, and facilitating patients’ funerals, uses up a huge amount of financial resources. Despite this great challenge, Harmony Home is committed to continue providing people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS a refuge; and for many, better chances to start anew.

POstscriPtFortunately in 2006, Taiwan’s Department of Health

Center for Disease Control established a special project to fund AIDS shelters. Since then, a minor part of the income of Harmony Home comes from this subsidy.

Dr. Chris Merkelbach – Associate Professor, German Language and Teaching Methodology Dept. of Foreign Languages and Literatures, National Taiwan University

Jhoanna Resari is a Columban Lay Missionary doing volunteer work at Harmony Home.

A Refuge for People Living with and Affected by HIV/AIDS

20 noVembeR 09

Harmony Homech

ar

ity

TexT: Jhoanna ResaRi and ChRis MeRkelbaChiMages: Jhoanna ResaRi

In behalf of all of us in Harmony Home, I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to The J. Kirby Simon Foreign Service Trust for granting Harmony Home funding for three new patient beds for our patients in one of our shelters in Taipei which arrived on the 26th of June 2009. With the growing number of people living with HIV/AIDS who are in need of shelter, medical assistance and support, we sincerely value the kind generosity we have received from the J. Kirby Simon Foreign Service Trust and the continued support of the American Institute in

Taiwan in our commitment to making Harmony Home a refuge for people living with and children affected by HIV/AIDS. Again, from all of us in Harmony Home, THAnK YoU VeRY mUCH!

nicole Yang

Harmony Home Association, Taiwan

http://www.hhat.org/

Harmony Home i s a reg i s t e r ed, non-pro f i t

pmany shelter and sleep on the matted floors with the babies.

caretakers the

A Refuge for People Living with Harmony Home

words of thanks from Harmony Home association, taiwan

11_p3-end.indd 20 2009/11/3 2:44:12 PM

VEGETABLE SOYBEAN 毛豆 [maodo]

Soybean is quite popular with the Chinese. White and black soybean are used to make soybean milk, tofu and other related products. Green soybean is cooked as a vegetable, either with or without pods. When buying soybean pods, choose large, fat beans without bruises. Shelled soybean can be cooked in many ways and are now available in supermarkets, either cooked or frozen.

GREEN SOYBEAN, CRAB AND TOFU SOUP 毛豆蟹腿豆腐羹

[maodou xietui doufu

geng]

Ingredients: 1/2C green soybean, 1 box crab meat, 1/2 pack tender tofu, 2T diced carrot, 3C chicken broth Seasoning: 1/2t salt, 1/4t black pepper, 1/2t sesame oilDirections:1. Bring chicken broth to a boil, add salt and green

soybean, cook for 10~15 minutes. 2. Dice tofu into 1 cm cubes. Add tofu and crab meat

and cook for a further 3~4 minutes. Add seasoning and garnish with coriander leaves.

OKRA/GUMBO 秋葵

[qiukui]

OKRA AND TOFU SALAD 涼拌秋葵豆腐 [liangban qiukui doufu]

Ingredients: 20 pieces of okra, 1/2 box of tender tofuSeasoning: 2T sweet soy sauceSeasoning: bonito flakesDirections:1. Bring a pot of water to the boil, cook okra for 1~2

minutes, drain and cross-cut into star-shaped slices.2. Dice tofu into 1 cm cubes. Gently mix okra and tofu

and pour on seasonings. Serve chilled with bonito flakes as a garnish.

VEGETATAT BLE SOYBEAN 毛豆 [maodo]

Soybean is quite popular with the Chinese. White andblack soybean are used to make soybean milk, tofu and

Ingredients: 1/2C green soybean, 1 box crab meat, 1/2pack tender tofu, 2T diced carrot, 3C chicken brothSeasoning: 1/2t salt, 1/4t black pepper,r,r 1/2t sesame oilDirections:1. Bring chicken broth to a boil, add salt and green

soybean, cook for 10~15 minutes.2. Dice tofu into 1 cm cubes. Add tofu and crab meat

and cook for a further 3~4 minutes. Add seasoningand garnish with coriander leaves.

OKRA/GUMBO秋葵

[qiukui]

TExT & IMAGES: IVY CHEN

21november 09

11_p3-end.indd 21 2009/11/2 11:57:29 AM

BY PAOLO GIORDANO

Have you ever perused bookshop shelves and been suddenly smitten by a gutsy title? After taking down Paolo Giordano’s recent hit The Solitude of Prime Numbers, I delved in, eager to learn how this young author (the

youngest recipient, at 27, of Italy’s Premio Strega award) teased out the title’s metaphor — how he compared the mutable lives of fictional characters to the fixed mathematical concept of prime numbers. Alice and Mattia, two troubled individuals (and the central characters), harbor dark, childhood secrets that intrude upon their lives and, as time carries on, isolate them from ‘normal’ relationships — the most vital of which being the one between them.

Loyal to its theme, The Solitude of Prime Numbers explores emotionally difficult terrain. Alice and Mattia ‘come of age’ through the novel’s a 24-year chronology, the first stage revolving around their adolescent angst. Often aggravated by peer cruelty and the ruthless whims of high school girls who falsely befriend her, Alice bears the weight of an oppressive father, the scars left after a serious skiing accident, and a body damaged by anorexia. Mattia lives an equally trying existence, though mainly in his own head; he is a withdrawn mathematical genius who expresses understandings of human relationships through formulas and geometric shapes. His in-born reclusiveness, however, is compounded by guilt, for one day (on the way to a party) he abandons his disabled twin sister on a park bench near a river, only to discover, upon returning a few hours later, that she had disappeared. She was never found.

Though a heartbreaking and tragic rite of passage, there is profound meaning in watching Alice and Mattia battle solitude as they grow into adulthood. Reader sympathy and compassion coincide with their suffering, coalescing in the hope that, one day, they will be together. But Giordano’s universe is not so convenient, and their lives, instead, diverge. Mattia eventually wins a grant to teach at a prestigious university thousands of miles away; Alice, ensconced in her world, pursues a career in photography and marries a man she does not love. Yet, though years pass, Giordano seamlessly bridges time and space, weaving together their gossamer-like correspondence of letters and chance hearings about each other’s life.

“A prime number is a lonely thing: it can be divided only by itself, or by one; it never truly fits with another” (back cover, Doubleday edition). Though Alice and Mattia finally reunite toward the novel’s end, and just when the reader is granted the moment he has been waiting for — the moment when their individual isolation is potentially vanquished — this bold new author thwarts all expectations.

Lawrence Newton is an avid reader and is thankful for the opportunity to share his reading experiences.

PAOLO GIORDANO

The Solitude of Prime Numbers

november 0922

bO

Ok

REv

iEw

TExT: LAWRENCE NEWTON

“One is the loneliest

number”

— Three Dog Night

11_p3-end.indd 22 2009/11/2 11:57:31 AM

23november 09

The sun slowly broke through the curtained window of the Grand Hyatt 16th floor room where a few trusty Center staff had camped over to make sure that the Auction Items of the night before got to where they should go. Crown Relocation staff were already en route to make sure that the items would be delivered intact to their new owners. It felt just a little bit like Christmas to me. We had eaten, chatted, received gifts (although admittedly we had to buy them!), and shared time with friends. And everyone had done it in the spirit of giving that should be Christmas. It was the day after the Center Charity Auction 2009 and all the organizers were tired but satisfied in the way that only those who have organized an event of this size can understand. Exhausted but happy.

All the goals for the night were met. The Center as always runs on people’s kind support. In one night we brought in just over three million dollars. It is expensive to do all of the things we do; counseling, publishing, newcomers’ programs, education courses, support, crisis response etc, and this money will go a long way to help us keep on doing what we do.

I said once in one of my “Word from the Director” pieces that I seem to spend my whole life saying thanks to people, and I find myself again looking for another way to say what I need to say… and again only coming up with the word “thanks”: as inadequate as it is appropriate.

The night was made successful by the work and sweat of so many; not least by all those 340 people who attended. I do need to highlight some special people and companies. I list them below. All of them have my special “thanks”. However small this word might seem, the feeling is bigger than any emotion this simple Australian boy has had before.

Thanks!

Steven ParkerDirectorCommunity Services Center

Emily David and Chris Fay

Auctioneers:

Auction Corporate Sponsors

Corporate and Individual Donors:

Volunteers

The Grand Hyatt, TaipeiThanks for their talent and energy in the organization of this event, as well as their generous donations of trips and exclusive dinner for twenty.Crown Worldwide Movers Ltd.Thanks for transportation of the Auction donationsPernod Ricard TaiwanThanks for the dinner winesHeineken TaiwanThanks for supplying the beerBacardi TaiwanThanks for supplying the whisky and vodkaSwire Coca-Cola Taiwan, LtdThanks for supplying the Schweppes drinks

The Community Services Center thanks our sponsors for their generous donations and support, without which this fund raising event would not have been possible:

The Center thanks the members of the community who gave their time, energy and enthusiasm in helping to organize this year’s event.

Sean ArcherAlison BaiKathyrn BaiKlaus BardenhagenKris CarlsonFawn ChangNeev Charan Katia ChenMonica ChengJennifer CoyeGloria GwoGrace HoskenCerita HsuSheryl HwangAlex JonesRatan KaushalAnita KirkIlona KretzschmarSenta KretzschmarPrashantha LachannaTram LeJonathan LeeAmy Liu

Kath LiuRobin LooneyJade MalcolmPerry MalcolmAyesha MehtaManav MehtaRoma MehtaRick MondayTim Nathan-JoelTina OelkeBunny PachecoJean ParkerZak PodolskySarah RuggiereEva Salazar-LiuRichard SaundersDesta SelassieRosemary SusaEmily TangGrace TingRebecca WestLillian YiinGodfrey Zwygart

2nd Monster Cable Products3MACCArlo Chou's Photo Studio Audi Taiwan Co. LtdAustralian Commerce and Industry OfficeANZ Banking Group Ltd.ANZ Chamber of CommerceAsia AirlinesAustrian Trade DelegationAuto CheckersBacardi TaiwanBai Win Mercantile Corp., Ltd., Barking-Deer AdventuresBijoux TerryBreitling TaiwanBrilliant Art Handicraft Co. Ltd.British American TobaccoBritish Trade and Cultural OfficeCalyon Credit Agricole CIBCanmeng AVEDACapital Motors Taiwan (Mercedes Benz)Chailease Finance Co., LtdChan-Yi-Sang Taiwan Puppet CreationsChanel Inc Taiwan “Let Chanel Surprise You”Chiau Sih Golf ClubChild's World Int'l Nursery & Pre-SchoolChina-AirlinesCitibank TaiwanCorning Display Technologies TaiwanCrown Worldwide Movers LtdDell (Taiwan) B.V. Taiwan BranchKelly EberhardtEmbassy of HondurasEmbassy of the Kingdom of SwazilandChris FayFu Lu Culture FoundationGeorge Pais Beauty ParlorTito Gray GleasonGrand Hyatt BeijingGrand Hyatt Erawan BangkokGrand Hyatt SeoulGrand Hyatt ShanghaiGrand Hyatt TaipeiPatricia HabberjamHeineken Brouwerijen B.V. Taiwan BranchHewlett-Packard (Texas)The Howard Plaza Hotel TaipeiHSBCC. Y. Huang (Tsar & Tsai Law Firm)Hyatt Regency HanzhouHyatt Regency TokyoICRTIKEA DGI Home Furnishings Taiwan LtdItalian Coffee CompanyMurray Jackson (Education Experience)Jardine Food Services (Taiwan) Co. LtdJinShan Peasant PaintingThe Landis Taipei HotelLawry's Prime Rib TaipeiLe Studio Photography and ArtsPatrick Lee

LG ElectronicsLiaison Office of the Republic of South AfricaLien GemsHenry and Frances LinL'Oreal TaiwanManila Economic & Cultural Trade OfficeMedicus GolfMelchers TradingDeb MeyersMiniwiz Sustainable Energy Development Ltd.Mirarmar Linkou Golf ClubTakako MomataMotorola Electronics TaiwanNestle TaiwanNetherland Trade & Investment OfficeNew Zealand Commerce and Industry OfficeNike GolfOrient EuropharmaP.K.G.C. GolfJean ParkerPernod RicardMark PetersonBeata PfeifferPresident Ma's OfficeSharon RajuRatan LtdRoche Products Ltd.Royal Choice LimitedSababa Int'l Fine FoodsSamsonite Pacific Ltd.Saatchi & Saatchi Advertising, TaiwanShangri-La's Far Eastern Plaza HotelSheraton Taipei HotelThe Sherwood Taipei HotelSlovak Economic & Cultural Office in TaipeiSommelier Wine ExpertSpace Concept Ltd.The Splendor TaichungStandard Chartered BankSwedish Trade CouncilSwire Coca-Cola Beverages Ltd.Taipei City Government: Mayor Hau Lung BinTaipei Professional Optometry CenterTaiwan Broadband Communications Co., Ltd.Taiwan Handicraft Promotion CenterTaiwan SPCAJuchi Tang-LiuCindy TeetersTetra Pak Taiwan LtdTong Hwa Golf & Country ClubTurkish Trade OfficeUnilever Taiwan & Hong Kong, Ltd.Welltrust Health SolutionsDr. Alan WestonWinkler PartnersWonderland Nursery Goods Co., Ltd.Stephen YoungYuma South Western GrillGodfrey Zwygart

The Solitude of Prime Numbers

The Center’s Annual Charity Auction Dinner

11_p3-end.indd 23 2009/11/3 2:44:34 PM

24 november 0924 november 09

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A Cup of Organic, Shade-grown, Fair Trade Coffee, Please TExT: KATHERINE YOuNG IMAGES: COuRTESY OF Wu ZI-Yu

Ah, the blessed rituals of coffee making – I grind my beans by hand religiously e a c h e v e n i n g, a n d t h e

familiar sound signals bedtime, just as the scent of perking coffee the next morning replaces the alarm. Or maybe the familiar café noises capture the anticipation surrounding

an excellent brew - the stamping as the barista packs the coffee into the filter, the double click as it snaps into place and the whirring as the machine spins into action. Does the aroma of coffee wafting from your kitchen or out a café door tantalize? Whether for the ritual or the ‘vitality’ it provides, coffee dr inkers abound. No surprise then that coffee ranks as the most commonly t raded commodi ty, second only to petroleum. As befits anything that we consume so regularly and so passionately, it

behooves us to contemplate which coffee is healthiest, not only for

us as consumers, but also for the cultivating farmers and lands.

We lose grand expanses of land as coffee farmers, most of whom earn a daily income of less than a dollar, cut down two million hectares of rain forest each year, attempting to expand the i r a r ea s o f cultivation to garner greater incomes. The labels that now

decorate many coffee brands are aimed at arresting rain forest

loss, and protecting both cultivator and consumer. The defining terms

include organic, shade grown and fair trade.

*Organic coffee, as any other organically labeled product, is grown without the use of pesticides and other toxic chemicals. Farmers use natura l methods, shading, compost ing, and terracing, for instance, to keep the farmers, soil, water and plants healthy.

*Shade grown signifies that the natural habitat has been preserved, providing a safe haven for birds.

*Fair trade certification guarantees that the workers garner l iv ing wages, along with a number of other important conditions focusing on the workers’ safety and health, as well as that of the lands they work. While you will see some brands of coffee with as many as three or four certifications, they are not mutually exclusive. A number of Fair Trade groups demand organic environmental standards as well.

WHAT ARE OuR OPTIONs IN TAIPEI, THEN?

I can usually find an organic or fair trade option in health food stores and the organic/coffee sections of the major grocery stores. The café

11_p3-end.indd 24 2009/11/2 11:57:38 AM

25november 09

Key Coffee offers an organic option as well. It arrived as a delightful surprise, however, to discover the existence of home-grown Taiwanese organic coffee. The Do Sun Taiwan Coffee farm claims the ideal location, nestled between the tropics at six to eight hundred meters above sea level, which they note, ensures a slightly sweet bean. With more than a hundred hectares under cultivation near the Alishan Range, Do Sun receives Certification from the Taiwan Organic Association and is available in some health food stores and larger supermarkets. The Shin-Kuang Supermarket carries their instant brand, and you can also call directly to order their beans (05-2537997; only Chinese is spoken).

Another organic local option is available through The Coffee Bar Den, a family-owned company with twenty-five years of experience behind their self-described medium/dark roast. You can settle in for an

afternoon with a good book and a coffee or purchase the beans to take home. They are located at 11-4, Lane 69, Tianmu East Road.

RAIN fOREsT COffEE PROJECTOne last coffee deserves mention

- the Rain Forest Coffee Project. Founded by Wu Zi-yu, it exemplifies how one’s desire to act can affect and enlighten others. Last year, Wu set off for Aceh Province, Indonesia, where he immersed himself in coffee production and taught coffee farmers in Takengo how to “utilize their land with love.” Wu now buys and imports this “Fair Trade Concern for the Ecosystem” coffee and sells it in just a few locations. When we spoke in September, he was arranging for his subsequent return to Aceh to further his efforts and accompany his second batch to Taiwan in mid-November. Wu’s profits support t h e pu r cha s e o f t oo l s f o r t h e

farmers and the implementation of projects to support the rain forest, including scholarships for local students to attend university, where they will study sustainable practices and the care of the land. Wu’s Fair Trade Concern for the Ecosystem coffee will be available for sale at Mr Yang’s weekend Farmers’ Markets (Zhongxiao East Road, Section 4, Lane 248 each Friday from 2 pm and Saturday from 10 am, and at the market outside Hola in Neihu from 10 am each Sunday). To preorder directly from Wu, email r90541210@ntu.edu.tw or call (04) 2588-2076 (English is spoken) or his sister at (04) 2246-7566 (only Chinese).

Yes, please, I’d love a cup of organic, shade-grown, fair trade coffee!

Katherine Young is interested in sustainable living and environmental issues.

11_p3-end.indd 25 2009/11/2 11:57:43 AM

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Healthy Being at School

Temperatures dropping, leaves changing color, typhoons…the seasonal changes in fall suggest different sensations for different people. For students, it’s deep into the first term of the year.

Midterm season looms. After that the tumultuous hurl towards finals. For parents it is the challenge of keeping it all together, making sure your children are keeping up with schoolwork and understanding the lessons.

The stress of school can be overwhelming for many students. Students of all ages are faced with many challenges and pressures, and they often need substantial support to help them through. This is all the more true for the student who is falling behind or has significant problems in the classroom. But before you administer either the rod or Ritalin, perhaps Chinese medicine can be of some assistance.

Regardless of your child’s problem, from a Chinese medical perspective a holistic approach must be adopted. This includes lifestyle, diet and, if necessary, herbal or acupuncture treatment.

LifestyLeThe Chinese medical tradition is very clear that natural

rhythms must be respected and followed. As the days get shorter and colder, nature tends to withdraw and move inwards. The ancient Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine (黃帝內經) states that in the winter we must go to sleep earlier, wake up later, and generally conserve our vital core energy. While we cannot afford to hibernate for months on end, we certainly must try to get the proper amount of sleep. The most important time of the night for sleep is between 11 pm and 3 am. This is the time of the gallbladder and liver systems which are the organs that store blood and allow the body to rest. Those who ignore this important resting time period, of which I myself am quite guilty, often find themselves waking up in the morning unrested and unfocused. As these two organs are responsible for emotions, the health of the eyes and eyesight, and decisiveness, lack of sleep will potentially result in irritability, poor decision making (especially in the ability to focus in class or while reading and on tests). People with chronic insomnia must particularly pay attention to the health of these organs and shift their sleep cycle so that they are in bed before 11 pm. Even if sleep is not forthcoming, at least the body can rest and start to slowly recondition itself. Over time sleep will normalize.

DietThe foods we eat not only directly affect our health,

but also our moods, brain power and overall sense of well being. I do not usually get involved with telling my

patients what to eat or not to eat. However, I feel some foods are incredibly harmful to our long term and short term health. Tops on my list are sodas. These, along with most candy and ‘junk’ food, have absolutely zero benefit to the body. Their large amounts of processed sugars, high fructose corn syrups, and caffeine play havoc with energy levels, moods and the ability to focus and perform well. The artificial chemicals and colorings cannot be good for the body either. Next on the list are the fast food chains. These foods are not only filled with sugar, MSG and other chemicals, but also contain artificial hormones that can adversely affect the natural development of children.

Many people are aware of the unhealthy prospects of these items, but are so used to them that they continue to eat them anyway. I am sure that if you owned stock in a company for a long time but recently learned that its financials were in trouble you would immediately rid it from your portfolio. The health of our bodies is much more important that our investment portfolios. Avoid creating poor food choices in your family by changing the foods kept in the house (get rid of the soda in the closet) and think about whether taking your children to the fast food restaurant is really a treat.

If your family is not used to ‘healthy’ or natural foods, try sneaking a little brown rice into the white. Usually adding ¼ or ½ portion of brown rice during cooking will not produce a noticeable change in taste or texture. The same is true with other grains while baking. Keep nuts around the house and in the school lunchboxes. These contain wholesome proteins and oils and are filling and healthy snacks. Avoid highly salted and fried nuts. I also recommend ample quantities of beans and organic eggs during the week. Replace refined white sugars with natural unrefined sugars. In Taiwan it is easy to find natural cane and sweet potato sugars. Often simply by gently changing your family’s diet, many problems will start to recede.

In addition to selecting healthier basic foods, make sure to eat sufficient quantities of breakfast and lunch to get through the day. Chinese medicine tells us that our spleen, stomach and intestinal organs are strongest and most active between 5 and 11 in the morning. This is when we need to supply these organs with food so that they can best absorb nutrients and send them to be used throughout the body. Skipping breakfast is, according to Chinese medical wisdom, very harmful and will gradually sap the body’s overall energy, lower the immune system and cause a plethora of other chronic problems.

MeDicineSo you have a perfect lifestyle. You sleep and wake

text: Daniel l. altschuler, l.ac, PhD

november 0926

11_p3-end.indd 26 2009/11/3 2:45:34 PM

ttNovember 21st7:45 am- 5:00 pmCathwel Outing

November 16th- 24thHunger Week

Any questions? Visit www.orphanageclub.com. Alternatively, Email or Call Mr.Arnold (arnoldr@tas.edu.tw, Tel:2873-9900 ext.239), or Mrs. Koh (weehueykoh@yahoo.com).

Kao Iwashita, senior at TAS, co-secretary of Orphanage Club

tOrphanage

ttClub

November 14th Flea Market & Rummage

Sale

Flea Market: 10 am- 3 pmRummage Sale: 10 am- 5 pm(Note: the Rummage Sale will be canceled in the event of rain).

November 21st9:00 am-5:00 pm

Pack & Mail Workday

We will be packing Christmas parcels of winter clothing plus toothpaste, soap, pencils and other necessities, which will be mailed the following month to needy families in Orchid Island. We need eight hundred bars of soap for one thousand people or 250 families. Many helping hands are needed and appreciated on this busy day.

November 2nd Angel Trees

Angel Trees will be in the three divisional offices of TAS beginning on November 2nd. Anyone can pick up an angel with an orphan or needy child’s gift request. Purchase the gift for your selected needy child to help make his or her Christmas wishes come true!

Annual Raffle

The Annual Raffle Draw will be in March. If your company has any prize donations, please contact us. Also, we will begin selling raffle tickets in November. Help orphans and win exciting prizes!

Pearl S. Buck Foundation

Christmas Party

In December, we will be hosting the Pea r l S. Buck Chr i s tmas Party. We need turkeys and gravy, mashed potatoes, fruits, desserts, and Indonesian, Vietnamese, and Filipino foods for more than six hundred guests. We need people to help us prepare for the party on both December 18th and 19th. Servers are needed on the party day, which is December 20.

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27november 09

with the setting and rising of the sun. You eat brown rice and green vegetables all day. Yet school work still is a challenge. Not to worry, Chinese medicine can be very helpful.

Ginseng (renshen 人參) is perhaps the most obvious herb to recommend. You don’t even have to get the most expensive varieties. Moderately priced ginseng will do just fine. Taken regularly, this herb has been shown to help increase the attention span of students. It helps the brain absorb and use more oxygen from the blood, wakes it up and helps it focus. The best way to take ginseng is to buy it in slices and leave it the mouth, sucking on it like candy. Some people boil it and make a tea, but some important nutrients are lost this way. For most adults, 10-12 grams per day is enough. Younger children should reduce this dose by half or more. People with high blood pressure and severe insomnia should consult a Chinese doctor before taking this herb.

Guizhi jia longgu muli tang (桂枝加龍骨牡蠣湯) and Xiao chaihu jia longgu muli tang (小柴胡加龍骨牡蠣湯) are both excellent for helping people suffering from ADHD related problems. The first formula is warming and energizing, while the latter is generally cooling and calming. However sometimes it is hard to predict which patient will benefit from which formula. If your child is a candidate for Ritalin, try the former formula first. If insomnia, emotional inability and depression are more of a problem, then try the second. Both formulas help focus

and ‘anchor’ the mind and benefit memory.Another great herbal formula is you gui yin (右歸飲).

This is a formula that will strengthen kidney energy. The kidneys are directly responsible for growth, maturation, the bones, spine, marrow and brain. Students who are generally weak and deficient, lack body or brain power may find great benefit in this formula.

Remember that the above herbs are only some of the many possible choices Chinese medicine offers. Chinese medicine can produce rapid results, but do not expect the same sudden turn-on-turn-off effect that occurs with Western medicine. Benefit accumulates gradually over days and weeks. Persistence in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and undergoing appropriate treatments should ultimately prove quite rewarding.

Remember that each person has a multitude of individual healthy and unhealthy characteristics. As such, it is important to be diagnosed by a qualified Chinese medical physician before embarking on long-term treatment.

Daniel Altschuler (古丹) studied Chinese medicine and Taijiquan in Taiwan for 15 years. He earned a PhD in Chinese medicine and is currently living in Seattle where he teaches and practices Chinese medicine. Daniel regularly returns to Taiwan to visit friends and family, drink tea and teach classes.

11_p3-end.indd 27 2009/11/3 2:45:35 PM

SpORTS

It’s 6.48 on a July morning; the thermometer is already showing 31 degrees, but it doesn’t feel too hot, as a typhoon is passing through the Bashi Channel and, though sunny, the storm’s passing has

brought wind strong enough to rip small trees out of the ground and hurl them across the car park.

Inside, a gaggle of people are milling round a small table, behind which stands a familiar figure, dispensing cheery greetings and general bonhomie, while seated next to him, a bespectacled, balding man wears a worried frown as he scrambles to retrieve and re-arrange all the papers that fly off the table in front of him each time the doors open.

Despite the early hour and the hostile weather, everybody seems in a particularly good mood, because this particular morning is a Saturday, at Kuo Hua Golf Club in Beitou. Welcome to the IGST, the International Golf Society of Taipei.

Golfers are a strange breed – sane, balanced, hard working folk during the week (well, most of us anyway), but chronic obsessive compulsives on golfing days, willing to trudge over hill and dale for several hours in driving rain, blistering heat or whatever other extreme conditions Mother Nature can conjure up, in pursuit of a small white ball.

Those outside the golfing fraternity acknowledge us with benevolent smiles, then, on mornings such as this, turn over and go back to sleep for a couple of hours. Undaunted, the gaggle continues to grow as more golfers arrive. The cheery character behind the table is none other than Steve Parker, Director of the Community

Services Center, but also Chairman of the IGST; known affectionately as THE Steve, mainly to distinguish him from the seemingly dozens of other Steves in the Society, but also to boost his low self-esteem.

The fellow seated next to him, who is rapidly losing his grip, as the apparently straightforward task of organizing 48 players into groups of four is proving beyond his limited capabilities, is me, one of Steve’s minions, known collectively as the IGST Board of Directors. Shortly before I burst into tears, two fellow directors leap to my aid and swiftly tidy up the mess. By 7.15 calm has returned to the clubhouse, as the various groups head out into the teeth of the gale, clinging to the vain hope that today will be the day we achieve nirvana by playing the level of golf we all know we can play, but somehow rarely do.

For all that, we know we’re going to have a great time. And that is the essence of the IGST, seventy-plus members from all over the world, from all walks of life and of all levels of ability, but all drawn together by the chance to break out from our routines and showcase the Tiger Woods-like skills we all believe we possess. It’s a measure of how much we all enjoy the game and the comradeship of the IGST that the one, sure-fire way of getting a response to an email within this group is to write “Golf” in the subject line. All other messages can wait, but a note about golf demands and receives immediate attention. And, go to any social event in Taipei and you will find a small group of seemingly disparate individuals lurking in a dark corner in animated discussion about the state of the greens

28 november 09

GolfTaipeiTaipeiTaipeiin

What a handsome gaggle!

The day before the typhoon - are we really going out in this?

TExT: MIKE JEWELLIMAGES: MYSTORY

11_p3-end.indd 28 2009/11/2 11:57:57 AM

steve Parker - How did that happen?

me holding the Curry Cup...with fellow victorious team members.

A beautiful day at royal Kuan Hsi

The IGsT trophy table

Asa Yamada, the current club champion

29november 09

at Miramar or dispensing advice about how to cure a slice (not bacon, but that curse of all golfers, the perfect shot that flies straight to begin with and then turns sharp right and disappears over the hedge into the next parish).

The IGST started out as the Curry Club some years ago, with the members coming together as teams to play throughout the year for the honor of hoisting and drinking from the splendid Curry Cup trophy. Why is it called the Curry Cup? Well, each event was followed by an informal social gathering in one of Taipei’s Indian eateries where the day’s exploits were dissected over large quantities of alcohol and, of course, curry.

The Curry Club gradually morphed into the IGST, but the tradition of the Curry Cup continues and, for the past two years, I have been charged with the responsibility for filling it at the year-end banquet as captain of the winning team, the appropriately named Duffers.

The IGST gets together twice a month from March to November, moving between a number of courses around Taipei. We have a full calendar of events, including the Curry Cup and a number of individual competitions, with the centerpiece being the Club Championship in September. We set aside a whole weekend for this event and find a location where we can set up shop for the two days, rather than trekking back and forth to Taipei. For now, Ta Shee is our home, with its terrific course, lovely scenery and on-site hotel providing an ideal setting. Now, if only we could do something about the weather… in our first year there the wind blew and blew and blew and in year two we added monsoon rains to the mix, heralding the onset of another

typhoon. But it’s fun…really, it is! This year the Society has added a new event, a long

weekend abroad in early summer. Through the excellent efforts and contacts of various members, a group of us headed off to Kota Kinabalu and spent a fabulous three days golfing, wining, dining and generally living in the lap of luxury for a ridiculously cheap price. A number of former IGST members tagged along from their new homes, as well as various non-playing family members, keen to have a nice break in an idyllic location. This adventure WILL be repeated in future years.

So this is the IGST, a thriving community of golfers, competing keenly, but, more importantly, enjoying each other’s company and passion for the sport. I’m sure all of us would agree with the great Arnold Palmer’s observation:

“Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated; it satisfies the soul and frustrates the intellect. It is at the same time rewarding and maddening - and it is without a doubt the greatest game mankind has ever invented.”

Read more about the IGST at www.taiwan-golf.com

Mike Jewell is Senior Research Director with TNS RI. He and his wife Joyce have been back in Taipei since 2003 and have been involved with the IGST for a number of years. Mike is keeper of the Society's handicap records, a role he fulfils with almost religious zeal and, when not poring over his treasured data base, he can usually be found in some bar weeping into his beer bemoaning the state of his golf game.

11_p3-end.indd 29 2009/11/2 11:58:06 AM

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Bookcrossing“If books could have more, give more, be more, show more, they would still need readers, who bring to them sound and smell and light and all the rest that can't be in books. Books need you!”

- Gray PaulsonThe Winter Room

30 november 09

Books need readers – it is this very idea that Bookcrossing is based upon, the idea that books shouldn't just be read once and left on the shelf to collect dust but should travel the world, meeting

new readers who bring something new to the book each time it is read. It all started in March, 2001 when Ron Hornbaker, a fan of sites like www.phototag.org, and www.wheresgeorge.com which track disposable cameras and US currency respectively, wondered what else people would enjoy tracking. A quick glance at his overloaded bookshelves gave him the shot of inspiration he needed and four weeks later, the bookcrossing website was born. It now has over 800,000 members who have collectively registered nearly six million books.

So what is bookcrossing? The Conci se Oxford Dictionary defines bookcrossing as "the practice of leaving a book in a public place to be picked up and read by others, who then do likewise”. While this is the main activity of the website there is actually a lot more to bookcrossing than just this. The site provides a place for readers to connect with other readers, through online forums and organized meetups and conventions that take place all over the world. It also provides a chance for participants to share books through either direct swaps, known as RABCK (Random Acts of Book Crossing Kindness) or through bookrings or bookrays – a kind of extended, traveling book club where one book travels from one person to the next, all over the world.

Tracking The Travels of a BookThe travels of every book are tracked through the

website. Each book is registered and given a bookcrossing ID number (BCID). The person releasing the book then makes a journal entry about the book, saying what they thought of it, what their plans are for it and give it a rating out of ten. The book is then released, either in the ‘wild’ - a public place such as a cafe, second-hand bookstore or park bench - or through a ‘controlled release’ as a RABCK or as a bookring or ray. When the book is found or the intended recipient receives it, the releaser is notified by email when they make a journal entry – and so the record continues!

It's free to join the website, and of course completely anonymous. You need only take a good honest look at your bookshelves and pick those books out that you know you won't read again (or those books that you know that you'll never get around to reading in the first place) then register and release them! As Gray Paulson said in The Winter Room – books need readers to bring them to life just as much as readers need books to expand their horizons. Another positive is that once you've cleared out a little space on your shelves you can feel less guilty about your next book purchase!

PromoTing The acTiviTy of readingSome in the publishing industry claim that this

phenomenon will lead to lowered book sales, but I believe that these people are missing not only the point of bookcrossing, but also the benefits of it for their industry. Those involved in bookcrossing are avid readers who love not only to read and exchange but also to buy books; some bookcrossers have even been known to buy multiple copies of their favorite books to distribute through the site to encourage others to read them. If anything, it could be argued that bookcrossing boosts sales of books, as it promotes the activity of reading and introduces people to authors and genres they may not have read previously – something that several published authors who are also bookcrossers strongly agree with. After all, the greatest wish any author has, surely, is that their book is read and enjoyed.

Bookcrossing also promotes social interaction of readers who meet through the site. Since bookcrossing started there have been annual conventions, meetups and other social events, many held at Official Book Crossing Zones (OBCZs, public places that are listed on the website where people can 'wild release' their books or people can hunt for books they might like to read). Information about bookcrossing is also posted at these zones so people curious about bookcrossing can find out more and get involved. The Community Services Center library seems like the perfect opportunity to embrace what bookcrossing is all about whilst creating another fun social activity for The Center. I am currently in the process of setting up The Center as an OBCZ in consultation with Steve Parker, Center Director. The zone will eventually have not only a collection of registered books for loan, but also information about bookcrossing for those who want to know more or are unsure about what to do.

If you are interested in bookcrossing and have some books that you would like to release, either at The Center or into the ‘wild’ around Taipei, go to www.bookcrossing.com and sign up for membership. The process of registering a book is set out in the site's Frequently Asked Questions section. In the meantime, keep an eye out for developments in The Center's library. After all, books need people and people need books. Let's get them together and make the whole world a library!

Kath Liu is a recent arrival to Taiwan whose interests include anything to do with books and reading, travel and choudofu.

text: Kath Liu

11_p3-end.indd 30 2009/11/3 2:45:57 PM

31november 09

CsC busIness CLAssIFIeD

HAIR DREssER

ClINIC

HOmE DECOR

ANTIQuEs

EDuCATION bEAuTY

mIsCEllANEOus

WEb CONsulTANT

Whole Child EducationDeveloping Active & Happy Children

preschool for kids from 2-6 years old

Da Zhi Branch　 No.18, Ln. 606, Mingshui Rd., Taipei TEL:85021798Tian Mu Branch　No.17, Ln. 81, Dexing E. Rd., Taipei TEL:28368002

11_p3-end.indd 31 2009/11/2 11:58:14 AM

Agape3F, 21 ChangChun road, Taipei, TaiwanTel: 2598-1009 (office)csc@agapeicataipei.orgwww.agapeicataipei.org

Anglican Episcopal ChurchChurch of the Good shepherd509 ZhongCheng rd., shilinTel: 2873-8104, 2882-2462 www.goodshepherd.com.tw/english/

Calvary International baptist Church21, YangDe blvd., sec. 2, YangmingshanTel: 2831-3458 Fax: 2838-5792

Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day saints5, Lane 183, JinHua streetTel: 2321-9195, 0939-687-178

City Revival Churchb1, 210, ZhongXiao e. rd., sec. 4Tel: 8921-8250 Fax: 8921-8272doris.henry@msa.hinet.net

friendship Presbyterian Church5, Lane 269, roosevelt rd., sec. 3Tel: 2362-1395

Grace baptist Church90 Xinsheng s. rd., sec. 3Tel: 2362-5321 ext. 135

Jewish CommunityFor information call Ahrony Yoram on 0939-763-135

living Word Churchb1, 304, shiDong road, shilinTel: 2834-6549

mother of God Catholic Church171 Zhongshan n. rd., sec. 7, TianmuTel: 2871-5168 Fax: 2871-7972www.geocities.com/mother_of_god_churchvanaert@iplus.net.tw

New Apostolic Church2F, no. 5, Lane 39, Keelung rd, sec. 2, Taipeiwww.nac-taiwan.org, info@nac-taiwan.org

New life International seventh-day Adventist Church4th Fl. Health Center- Taipei Adventist Hospital424 ba De rd. sec. 2, Taipei 105Pr. robbie berghan 0958-732-704www.nlisda.orgemail: rberghan@twcadventist.org.tw

Oasis bread of life Christian Church10F, #55, ZhongCheng rd, sec. 2(DaYeh Takashimaya, Tian mu)Tel: 28310299 Fax: 28317214http://www.oasis.org.tw email: oasis@oasiscf.org.tw

Taipei Holiness Church(Charismatic International service)every sunday morning at 10.45am with Pastor sandra ee5F, #107 nanking east road section 4, TaipeiTe: 27123242

Taipei International Churchmeets at the Taipei American school800 Zhongshan n. rd., sec. 6, TianmuTel: 2833-7444 Fax: 2835-2778www.taipeichurch.org/ gateway.htm

Transforming faith Church (f.k.a. bread of life Christian Church)5F, 295 ZhongXiao e. rd., sec. 4Tel: 8772-2207 Fax: 8772-2210fellowship@transformingfaith.org.tw

Worship Directory (For full details of services please refer to Taipei Living or contact the church organization directly)

32

Contact:Robert Liu

Danny Shih

Tel: 02-2836-1000 ext.28Fax: 02-2831-9942

E-mail: info@alliedpickfords.com.tw

A DIVISION OF INTERNATIONAL

november 09

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33november 09

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) 2836-6994 caliq17@yahoo.com http://www.aataiwan.atfreeweb.com/english.htmAl-anon (English speaking) alanonfamilygroup@hotmail.comAlliance Française de Taiwan 2364-8833/ 2364-1919 info@alliancefrancaise.org.tw www.alliancefrancaise.org.tw American Chamber of Commerce 2718-8226 amcham@amcham.com.twAmerican Club in China 2885-8260 www.americanclub.org.twAmerican Institute in Taiwan 2162-2000 www.ait.org.twAmnesty International 2709-4162 amnesty.taiwan@gmail.com, www.aitaiwan.org.tw Artist Connection artcon@yahoogroups.comAustralia & New Zealand Chamber of Commerce (ANZCham) 7701 0818/ 0922 109 089 secretary@anzcham.org.tw www.anzcham.org.twBritish Chamber of Commerce 2547-1199 www.bcctaipei.comCanadian Society 2757-6977 www.canadiansociety.orgChristian Salvation Service 2729-0265 www.csstpe.org.twCommunity Services Center 2836-8134 www.community.com.twDemocrats Abroad (Tammy Turner) democratsabroadtaiwan@gmail.com Dutch Speaking Association (VNT) www.vntonline.orgEuropean Chamber of Commerce 2740-0236 www.ecct.com.twGateway 2833-7444 gateway@taipeichurch.orgGoethe-Institut Taipei 2506-9028 www.goethe.de/taipeiIndians' Association of Taipei 2542-8091 lalduru@seed.net.twInternational Community Choir 2533-4272 internationalchoir@gmail.comLa Leche League (Breastfeeding Support) www.lalecheleague.orglé the francophone thefrancopnone@hotmail.fr , http://thefrancophone.unblog.fr/ Lions Downtown Club Taipei, English speaking (Peter Wu) 2701-1811 www.tapeidowntowntw.lionwap.orgOasis Youth Group 2831-0299 Overseas Trailing Talent in Taiwan TaipeiTalent@yahoo.comParadyme Youth Group 2833-7444 www.paradymeyouth.orgPOW Camps Memorial Society (Michael Hurst) 8660-8438 www.powtaiwan.orgRepublicans Abroad Taiwan 2592 2840 einhorn@ttn.netShilin District Office 2882-6200 www.sld.gov.twTagalog Hotline 2834-4127 paultic@ispeed.comTaipei International Women’s Club 2331-9403 www.tiwc.orgTYPA (Taipei Youth Program Association) 2873-1815 www.typa.org.tw

sCHooLs Dominican International School 2533-8451 www.dishs.tp.edu.twGrace Christian Academy 2785-7233 www.gca.tp.edu.twMorrison Academy 2365-9691 www.mca.org.twTaipei Adventist American School 2861-6400 www.taas-taiwan.comTaipei American School 2873-9900 www.tas.edu.twTaipei European School 8145-9007 www.taipeieuropeanschool.comTaipei Japanese School 2872-3833 www.taipeijf.org

sPorTs Biking site in taiwan http://www.cycletaiwan.com/Hash House Harriers 0952-025-116 www.chinahash.comInternational Golf Society of Taipei www.taiwan-golf.comScottish Country Dancing (May Chen) 2706 3179 maychen321@pchome.com.twTaipei Women’s International Golf Group (TWIGG) 2691 5912 twiggtaipei@hotmail.com Tai Tai’s Women’s Touch Rugby 0981-180-020 blandm@tas.edu.tw Taipei Baboons Rugby Club - Taiwan 0952 67 1995 bernierua@gmail.comTaipei Shebabs Women’s Touch Rugby 0913-602-071 johnnayoder@yahoo.com

Argentina 2757-6556Australia 8725-4100Austria 2712-8597Belgium 2715-1215Belize 2876-0894Bolivia 2723-8721Brazil 2835-7388Britain 8758-2088Brunie 2506-3767 Burkina Faso 2873-3096Canada 2544-3000Chad 2874-2943Chile 2723-0329Costa Rica 2875-2964Czech Republic 2738-9768Denmark 2718-2101Dominican Republic 2875-1357El Salvador 2876-3509Fiji 2757-9596Finland 2722-0764France 3518-5151

Gambia 2875-3911Germany 2501-6188Guatemala 2875-6952Haiti 2876-6718Honduras 2875-5512Hungary 8501-1200India 2757-6112Indonesia 8752-6179Ireland 2725-1691Israel 2757-9692Italy 2725-1542Japan 2713-8000Jordan 2871-7712Korea 2725-2324Malaysia 2713-2626Mexico 6636-8112Netherlands 2713-5760New Zealand 2757-6725Nicaragua 2874-9034Nigeria 2757-6987Norway 2543-5484

Oman 2722-0684Panama 2509-9189Paraguay 2873-6310Peru 2757-7017Philippines 2723-2527Poland 2757-6140Russia 8780-3011Saudi Arabia 2876-1444Senegal 2876-6519Singapore 2772-1940Slovak Republic 8780-3231South Africa 2715-3251Spain 2518-4901Swaziland 2872-5934Sweden 2757-6573Switzerland 2720-1001Thailand 2723-1800Turkey 2757-7318United States 2162-2000Vietnam 2516-6626

orGAnIZATIon TeLePHone WebsITe/emAIL ADDress

CounTrY rePresenTATIves In TAIWAn

CounTrY TeLePHone CounTrY TeLePHone CounTrY TeLePHone

COMMUNITY GROUPS

11_p3-end.indd 33 2009/11/2 11:58:16 AM

34 November 09

Center CoursesCULTURE & TOURS IN TAIWANYeliu & the North Coast Tuesday November 3rd9 am – 2 pm NT$1000Meet @ the ACCRichard Saunders

eNtertaiNiNg out-of-towN guestsTuesday November 10th10:30 am-12:30 pmNT$5001 session @ The Center

sheN KeNg old st & four dragoNs waterfall Thursday November 12th9:00 am - 2:00 pmNT$1000Meet @ The CenterRichard Saunders(rescheduled date)

shaNghai shaNghai Wednesday November 18th11:15 am – 2:15 pmNT$1200 @ The Center Amy Liu

taiwaN a to Z: a Cultural sNapshotMonday November 23rd12 noon – 2 pmNT$500 @ The CenterAmy Liu

YiNg ge potterY tourTuesday November 24th9 am – 2 pmNT$1000 @ the ACCJennifer Tong

trip to aNtique warehouse Tuesday December 1st9 am -1 pmNT$600 @ Bai Win AntiquesFaye Angevine

liN familY gardeNsThursday December 10th10 am – 12 noonNT$600Meet at Fuzhong MRT Station exit 3Jennifer Tong

sparKliNg tourTuesday December 15th10 am – 12:30 pmNT$500Meet at Zhongshan MRT Exit 2 Mary Yen

FAMILY & HEALTHKiNdermusiK 1 (0 – 1 ½)WednesdaysBegins November 4th9 am – 9:45 amNT$45007 sessions @ The CenterJennifer Chau

ChiNese mediCiNe for ChildreNTuesday November 17th12 noon – 1:30 pmNT$5001 session @ The CenterDr Dustin Wu

taiwaN law & YouWednesday November 18th6 pm – 8 pmNT$5001 session @ The CenterFred Voigtman Attorney-at-Law

eat right for Your blood tYpeTuesday December 8th12 noon – 1:30 pmNT$500 @ The CenterDustin Wu

HOBBIES & SKILLSClaY flowersMondays November 2nd, 9th & 16th11 am – 2 pmNT$2000 3 sessions @ The CenterPatty Santoro

white wiNesThursdaysNovember 5th, 12th, 19th &December 3rd

1 pm – 2:30 pmNT$30003 sessions @ The CenterLAST session @ Lili’sMark Peterson

swarovsKi CrYstalJewelrY ClassFridays November 20th, December 4th & 11th12 noon – 2 pmNT$3500 3 sessions @ The CenterMary Yen

SURVIVAL CHINESE with Gloria GwoAll classes @ The Center

survival ChiNese 1Mondays & Wednesdays Begins November 2nd 9:00 am – 10:20 amNT$4200 12 Sessions

survival ChiNese 2Mondays & Wednesdays Begins November 3rd 10:30 am – 11:50 amNT$4200 12 Sessions

WHAT’S COOKINGshaNghai surprise Friday November 6th10 am – 12 noonNT$1000

1 session @ The CenterIvy Chen

arabiC CuisiNeFriday November 13th10 am – 12 noonNT$10001 session @ The CenterPatty Pai

KoreaN CooKiNg Friday November 20th10 am – 12 noonNT$10001 session @ The CenterKim Jung

mexiCaN fusioN Monday November 23rd 10 am – 12 noonNT$10001 session @ Milena’s homeMilena Fay

beiJiNg CuisiNeFriday December 4th 10 am – 12 noonNT$1000 @ The CenterIvy Chen

taste of thaiFriday December 11th 10 am – 12 noon NT$1000 @ The CenterPatty Pai

To sign up, please call The Center at 2836-8134 or 2838-4947. November 2009

11_p3-end.indd 34 2009/11/3 2:46:10 PM

eMcMurrin@aol.com

E M I L Y McMURRIN

This photo was taken at a temple in Jiufen Mining Town. I like the way the smoke is creeping out of the incense, stimulating not only sight but also smell. Incense appeals to my senses, representing devotion to eastern religions and tranquility.

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Centered

11_09_Cover.indd 1 2009/11/2 9:13:18 AM