Sports Day Adds Value

Sports Day Adds Value

May 14, 2024
Before going to China and Hong Kong, I had never heard of Sports Day. The idea of asking the entire school to take part in a track meet that lasted a couple of days seemed very ambitious to me, but I have to admit there are a few things that I really liked about it. A lot of times people think that you have to be really athletic to try out for a school sport. We tend to think that sports need to be "professional". Only the best players or runners can make the cut and get on the team.…
What If You Waste My Time?

What If You Waste My Time?

May 7, 2024
A few years ago, a teacher I knew had the words, “To Hell With You If You Waste My Time,” posted on her bookshelf. I was shocked the first time I saw it, but I didn’t have the courage to ask her about it. She seemed like a nice person. Why, would she wish hell on another person who wasted her time? It didn’t make sense to me. That teacher has moved on from the school, so I can’t ask her but I’m guessing that she carries some deep seeded insecurity. In today’s performance based culture, those who perform well…
“Like They Would Talk To You”

“Like They Would Talk To You”

May 6, 2024
The simplicity of Alex and Cory’s chat really gets to the heart of the matter. The 2 boys lived in a boy’s home. Yes, they saw girls from the girl’s home at regularly schedule times that were supervised, but staff was always watching. Home visit represented freedom for the residents. It was a part of their program and transition back into normal life. Girls are a part of normal life. It’s good that Alex was excited about seeing and talking with girls again. God put that longing for interaction with the opposite sex deep in our hearts. Alex says, “I’m…
Overtime – Because You Want It?

Overtime – Because You Want It?

April 24, 2024
Last Saturday on my way to school, I said hello to an older couple who were also out for a walk. They asked me what I was doing. I told them that I was walking to work. The woman looked at me with concern, “but it’s Saturday” she said. I informed her that the exam was almost here and that I wasn’t ready. They both sighed. I said Hong Kong is a busy place isn’t it. The man was quick to respond saying, “It is for those who want it to be”. They told me to enjoy my Saturday at…
Enjoy Nature While You Still Can

Enjoy Nature While You Still Can

April 21, 2024
Today the high rises are going up and tomorrow up to 10,000 families will be moving in. That's a lot of people. See The City Is Taking Over The Countryside. Will SaiSha Road, the soon to be 4 lane main road to WuKaiSha, be enough, or will developers insist on another road along the waterfront that tarnishes the natural beauty of this region yet again? The Tseng Tau waterfront is in the backyard of the village houses across the main road from where we live. I like walking there on the weekend to relax. A few weeks ago they opened…
What Kind of Camera Should I Get?

What Kind of Camera Should I Get?

April 17, 2024
There are lots of camera brands out there and they can all shoot decent pictures and video. Of course, they would all love to have you as their next costumer, but before answering the question, what kind of camera should I get, there are at least 4 things you should consider. Got the Green Light? The first question is pretty simple. Do you really need a new camera? A lot of people are content with their smartphone. If your phone is enough for you, then fine stick with your phone. What about those who already have a camera? Don't get…
She Wants To Be The Beauty

She Wants To Be The Beauty

April 11, 2024
Every culture places a high value on beauty and culture. In most cultures it’s the guy who pursues the girl. In Chinese culture they have phrase about chasing girls. He wants the beauty and she wants to be the beauty. Unfortunately, outward beauty is only skin deep and an obsession with it is likely to cause a rotting away of inner beauty. Unlike outer beauty which you can be born with inner beauty has to be developed. You can’t make a girl beautiful and you can’t make a man handsome. The process that leads one to be beautiful may not…
GamZhou – Scenic, Historic, and Special

GamZhou – Scenic, Historic, and Special

April 11, 2024
Our trip to scenic, historic, and special GamZhou set off from Austin station at 9am. It was the Easter Holiday, so Big Line organized 4 bus loads of people. There were a lot of people, but everything flowed together smoothly. The high speed rail to GamZhou only took 3 hours and it was comfortable. Tracy and I shared a meal on the train. Actually this was the only meal that Big Line didn't cover for us. Honestly, I am fine with that. They gave us more than enough food to eat and it was all delicious. Food Hong Kong people…
Yes, It’s Crowded But It Could Be The Best Option

Yes, It’s Crowded But It Could Be The Best Option

April 10, 2024
It's Crowded but, what do you expect it's Easter holiday. Lots of people are traveling all at the same time. On top of that, if you travel in a tour group it might feel even more crowded, but for us it's worth it. Why, exposure and cost. Tracy and I decided to go to Gam Zhou China. As an English teacher here in Hong Kong, I’m pretty much limited to traveling on the holidays. Tour groups’ leaders pick the best sites to see and make all the travel / accommodation arrangements for their clients. As clients, we get exposure to…
A 2019 Camera That is Better in 2024

A 2019 Camera That is Better in 2024

March 21, 2024
Anybody guess the Panasonic S1. I did my research. Yes, I know Canon is more popular and their auto focus is better, but Panasonic is still a worth contender. Panasonic released a lot firmware updates for this camera that have extended its functionality. If stills are your thing, you can stop there. It’s great for that. It has incredible low light performance and 24 Mega Pixels. Also the image stabilization is great. However, if video is your thing, you will need to spend 150 USD for the filmmaker upgrade. In the below video I do an unboxing of the camera.…