Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Cimaron makes a turn north
Well, it looks like we might have one more typhoon experience before the end of the season. Typhoon Cimaron has made a turn to the north and looks like it could swipe HK on the way by.
Halloween 1968
Maybe 1967; I'm not really sure. But, in any case, that's me behind the ghost mask. It wasn't until just this minute, while typing this post, that I realized that it wasn't a Casper the Friendly Ghost; but some kind of ghoulish ghost. Yikes!
Monday, October 30, 2006
Fun day out with the kids
Today was a holiday in Hong Kong, so the girls were out of school. We decided to explore a little bit over on HK Island. We took a trip up the Soho escalators, had lunch at El Taco Loco, walked through the HK Botanical Gardens, then rode the Star Ferry to Whampoa Gardens in Jusco and had dinner at Outback. Wow! What a day!
A "deep rooted" tree at the HK Botanical Gardens.
A Chinese Junk in Victoria Harbor.
A "deep rooted" tree at the HK Botanical Gardens.
A Chinese Junk in Victoria Harbor.
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Just like America
I remember our last October in the US (2002). We were at Target in Tulsa looking at the Halloween aisle junk. We got to the end of it and found pumpkins and ghosts on one side, and the beginnings of Christmas junk on the other side of the aisle.
Well, it is just like that here in Hong Kong. Audrey and I went to the mall this morning while Emily and Mom went to a birthday party. While at the mall, we discovered that Crabtree & Evelyn had already put their Christmas display in the window! Here it is!
Well, it is just like that here in Hong Kong. Audrey and I went to the mall this morning while Emily and Mom went to a birthday party. While at the mall, we discovered that Crabtree & Evelyn had already put their Christmas display in the window! Here it is!
Thursday, October 26, 2006
World Series in HK?
Nope, not here! The World Series is playing as I type this, but is it on TV here? NO WAY! I have about 6 "sports" stations on my pitiful cable system, but a quick run through shows, 1. Soccer, 2. Horse racing results. 3. a swimming match somewhere, 4. Cricket, 5. Soccer, 6. rugby. Yee Haa!!!
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Monday, October 23, 2006
Monday Morning Pics
Sally's language class was cancelled this morning due to her teacher being sick. We decided to explore around a little bit.
The Clock Tower at Tsim Sha Tsui
Sally and I enjoyed a cup of coffee together while watching ships in the harbor.
The End of an Era
Rickshaws for sale at the Star Ferry Terminal, Central.
"Ladder Street"
Not sure about this one
We found this several places in the sidewalk with different numbers on it. I think it is a direction finder for self guided tours, but I'm not sure. Anyone know for sure?
Evidence of Colonialism
This stone is outside the former Governor's mansion. Government House is now the residence of the Chief Executive of HK.
(I took all these pics on my Motorola V3 Camera-phone)
The Clock Tower at Tsim Sha Tsui
Sally and I enjoyed a cup of coffee together while watching ships in the harbor.
The End of an Era
Rickshaws for sale at the Star Ferry Terminal, Central.
"Ladder Street"
Not sure about this one
We found this several places in the sidewalk with different numbers on it. I think it is a direction finder for self guided tours, but I'm not sure. Anyone know for sure?
Evidence of Colonialism
This stone is outside the former Governor's mansion. Government House is now the residence of the Chief Executive of HK.
(I took all these pics on my Motorola V3 Camera-phone)
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Put that cigarette out!
Yes, that's right! The HK Legislature has passed a law banning smoking in public places including restaurants, parks, and even beaches!
Read about it here:
Hong Kong smokers told to butt out in public
October 19 2006 at 04:24PM
By James Pomfret
Hong Kong - Hong Kong legislators on Thursday passed a ban on smoking in all indoor workplaces, as well as restaurants, parks and beaches starting from January 1 next year.
But bars, saunas, nightclubs and mahjong parlours, serving people aged over 18, will be exempted from the ban till mid-2009.
"This is going to send a very strong message to our next generation, that smoking is not tolerated as it once was," said Dr Homer Tso, chairman of the Council on Smoking and Health.
According to Hong Kong government statistics there were nearly 800 000 daily smokers in the city of 6.9 million last year, representing some 14 percent of the population.
While not as high as countries like France, Japan or China - Hong Kong's total health related costs from active and passive smoking have been estimated by the University of Hong Kong at HK$5.3 billion (about R5,1-billion) per year.
Several European countries, such as Italy and Ireland, as well as cities in Australia and the United States have similar smoking bans. The government angered lawmakers before the bill was passed, saying it wanted to consider the practicality of building "smoking rooms" in public venues like restaurants. The government had previously ruled out such a move.
"Smoking rooms can't be accepted," said Andrew Cheng, a Democratic party lawmaker, who accused the government of making a U-turn under pressure from the catering and tobacco industries. But the government denied any political compromise, stressing the smoking room idea was just a proposal and would require legislative approval even if it were to go ahead. "We must give a little space for (smokers) to gradually adjust, this is the government's position," said the Health Secretary York Chow.
Despite the 30-month grace period for bars, karaokes and mahjong parlours, the industry eventually foresees heavy layoffs and even closures, given their heavy reliance on patronage from smokers.
"What has left a bad taste in my mouth is that the government has been insisting all along that the smoking ban is going to help our business, rather than acknowledging that the smoking ban is going to hurt them," said lawmaker Tommy Cheung, an ardent critic of the ban who represents the catering sector.
Read about it here:
Hong Kong smokers told to butt out in public
October 19 2006 at 04:24PM
By James Pomfret
Hong Kong - Hong Kong legislators on Thursday passed a ban on smoking in all indoor workplaces, as well as restaurants, parks and beaches starting from January 1 next year.
But bars, saunas, nightclubs and mahjong parlours, serving people aged over 18, will be exempted from the ban till mid-2009.
"This is going to send a very strong message to our next generation, that smoking is not tolerated as it once was," said Dr Homer Tso, chairman of the Council on Smoking and Health.
According to Hong Kong government statistics there were nearly 800 000 daily smokers in the city of 6.9 million last year, representing some 14 percent of the population.
While not as high as countries like France, Japan or China - Hong Kong's total health related costs from active and passive smoking have been estimated by the University of Hong Kong at HK$5.3 billion (about R5,1-billion) per year.
Several European countries, such as Italy and Ireland, as well as cities in Australia and the United States have similar smoking bans. The government angered lawmakers before the bill was passed, saying it wanted to consider the practicality of building "smoking rooms" in public venues like restaurants. The government had previously ruled out such a move.
"Smoking rooms can't be accepted," said Andrew Cheng, a Democratic party lawmaker, who accused the government of making a U-turn under pressure from the catering and tobacco industries. But the government denied any political compromise, stressing the smoking room idea was just a proposal and would require legislative approval even if it were to go ahead. "We must give a little space for (smokers) to gradually adjust, this is the government's position," said the Health Secretary York Chow.
Despite the 30-month grace period for bars, karaokes and mahjong parlours, the industry eventually foresees heavy layoffs and even closures, given their heavy reliance on patronage from smokers.
"What has left a bad taste in my mouth is that the government has been insisting all along that the smoking ban is going to help our business, rather than acknowledging that the smoking ban is going to hurt them," said lawmaker Tommy Cheung, an ardent critic of the ban who represents the catering sector.
looking up
When you are flat on your back with your head nailed to the floor, all you can do is look up.
I had a very nice morning with Sally at the mall. She got a new pair of Reboks. She had gone out to the girls' school to help in Emily's class and was able to leave a bit earlier to an assembly. So, I met her at Festival Walk for coffee and tea at Pacific Coffee.
Audrey called us this afternoon to come get her at school. She wasn't feeling well. The air conditioner repairmen came to fix the A/C. It is nice and cool in our living room tonight.
See, things are looking up.
I had a very nice morning with Sally at the mall. She got a new pair of Reboks. She had gone out to the girls' school to help in Emily's class and was able to leave a bit earlier to an assembly. So, I met her at Festival Walk for coffee and tea at Pacific Coffee.
Audrey called us this afternoon to come get her at school. She wasn't feeling well. The air conditioner repairmen came to fix the A/C. It is nice and cool in our living room tonight.
See, things are looking up.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Terrible Tuesdays
It seems like every Tuesday has trouble of its own; not in the sense that each day is a different day, but in the sense that every Tuesday, something goes wrong.
Every Tuesday, I go to Shekou for language study. I have felt that it is the right thing to do. Sally affirms me on it. However, without fail, EVERY Tuesday that I have gone, something bad happens at home, whether it is a problem at school, a sick kid, an air conditioner gone haywire.
Yesterday was no exception. It was a bad Tuesday. And I wasn't there to help.
Every Tuesday, I go to Shekou for language study. I have felt that it is the right thing to do. Sally affirms me on it. However, without fail, EVERY Tuesday that I have gone, something bad happens at home, whether it is a problem at school, a sick kid, an air conditioner gone haywire.
Yesterday was no exception. It was a bad Tuesday. And I wasn't there to help.
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Oklahoma and the polls
Oklahoma is now number 20 in the AP, USA Today, and Harris polls. Not too bad. What's even better is that we are number 22 in the BCS poll!
Unfortunately, Adrian Peterson is out for the season with a broken collarbone.
Boomer Sooner!
Unfortunately, Adrian Peterson is out for the season with a broken collarbone.
Boomer Sooner!
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Friday, October 13, 2006
Elvis Lives!
Today, Sally and I had lunch at HK Hard Rock Cafe. They have a great affordable lunch special. Anyway, they were playing their ususaly HRC repatoire of rock songs. We even watched "Le Freak". Being the people watcher that I am, I simply noticed that during the music videos, most people continued to talk and eat and would OCCASIONALLY look up at the video. However, they played Elvis singing "Jail House Rock" from his '69 Comeback Tour in Hawaii (the one where he wears the black leather suit). I kid you not; the whole restaurant got quiet as everyone's attention was focused on "the king".
It is amazing to think that a 37 year old music video of a man who has been dead for 29 years could still command the attention of an entire restaurant of people.
It is amazing to think that a 37 year old music video of a man who has been dead for 29 years could still command the attention of an entire restaurant of people.
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Catastrophe Averted
Well, maybe not a catastrophe, but perhaps a tragedy. Well, maybe that is a bit too strong, too. How about, last night we avoided a really nasty nuisance. It all began 1 year ago when we went to Reasor's in Tulsa and bought what we thought was 2 years worth of Griffin's syrup. For those of you outside the Oklahoma umbrella, you might not have heard of Griffin's, but let me assure you, they will serve it in Heaven!
Anyway, back to the story. Sally wasn't feeling exceedingly wonderful, so I was going to fix my famous (?) waffles. As I was getting everything "set up", I couldn't find the opened bottle of Griffin's that we keep in the fridge. I went into a near panic, because, after all, Log Cabin just ain't the same. I searched in every kitchen cabinet, behind every roll of paper towel, all I could find was some maple flavored syrup like substance that we had to pick up in Thailand when we really did run out there. Anyway, I pulled out the Thai syrup and tasted it to make sure it hadn't fermented. (That can be a NASTY surprise on a nice stack of pancakes, let me tell you!) Anyway, it was OK. All this time, Sally was laying down because she wasn't feeling great. She finally came in the living room and I was ranting about the tragedy of having to use the Thai syrup. She calmly went to the laundry room, opened up the cabinet door above the washing machine, and voila, our own little stash of Griffin's.
Like I said, catastrophe averted.
Anyway, back to the story. Sally wasn't feeling exceedingly wonderful, so I was going to fix my famous (?) waffles. As I was getting everything "set up", I couldn't find the opened bottle of Griffin's that we keep in the fridge. I went into a near panic, because, after all, Log Cabin just ain't the same. I searched in every kitchen cabinet, behind every roll of paper towel, all I could find was some maple flavored syrup like substance that we had to pick up in Thailand when we really did run out there. Anyway, I pulled out the Thai syrup and tasted it to make sure it hadn't fermented. (That can be a NASTY surprise on a nice stack of pancakes, let me tell you!) Anyway, it was OK. All this time, Sally was laying down because she wasn't feeling great. She finally came in the living room and I was ranting about the tragedy of having to use the Thai syrup. She calmly went to the laundry room, opened up the cabinet door above the washing machine, and voila, our own little stash of Griffin's.
Like I said, catastrophe averted.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Lunar Birthday (and such)
I had a little discussion with my Mandarin teacher about holidays. She explained that many Chinese festivals depend on the lunar calendar instead of the Gregorian calendar that most of the world uses. For example, today, on the Gregorian calendar, it is October 11, 20o6. Today, on the lunar calendar, it is the 8th month, 20th day (or August 20). We looked up my birthday and found that I was born on the 6th month, 7th day. To look up your birthday on the lunar calendar, you can go here.
Sunday, October 08, 2006
Number 23? Ouch!
Well, it is amazing that we have lost 2 games and we are still in the top 25. Perhaps everyone recognizes that fiasco with Oregon shouldn't count as a loss. However, if we would quit just handing the ball over to the other team as a gift, we might win more.
Boomer Sooner!
Boomer Sooner!
Saturday, October 07, 2006
Friday, October 06, 2006
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
YouTube is Fun!
If you would like to take a look at all my different videos I have posted on YouTube, please go here: www.youtube.com/boynevision.
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Beat the rush....
Hate Texas now!
It is OU-Texas week. Nothing in the world like it. I remember my senior year at OU, I had seats on the 50 yard line about 35 rows up. It was incredible, except that on the 50 yard line, you sit right next to the Texas crowd. Some of them can be down-right rude.
Boomer Sooner!
It is OU-Texas week. Nothing in the world like it. I remember my senior year at OU, I had seats on the 50 yard line about 35 rows up. It was incredible, except that on the 50 yard line, you sit right next to the Texas crowd. Some of them can be down-right rude.
Boomer Sooner!
Monday, October 02, 2006
That's Better
Well, Oklahoma finally caught a break. We didn't play this weekend, and yet we ROSE two points in the rankings. I guess they are trying to make up for the lousy refereeing with Oregon.
OU - Week 6 - AP #14
Boomer Sooner
OU - Week 6 - AP #14
Boomer Sooner
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Hong Kong Fireworks
This was the finale of the Hong Kong (China) National Day celebration tonight at Victoria Harbor. Supposedly, there were 38,000 fireworks at a cost of HK$3,000,000. ($385,000 USD). It lasted for 23 minutes and it was totally incredible. We tried to get closer, but the multitudes of people just prohibited it.
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