The Killers

The Killers tried out two of their new songs for the upcoming CD Tuesday night, and I love them. One reason why is that the song names have a certain mystique about them, an electronic theme. The respective track, Neon Tiger and Spacemen, were revealed in a small club for members of the Killers fanclub. Another reason I like the songs is because they tell a story. Flowers focused on many broad topics in his last album, mainly struggles of life and death, family issues, and personal fears. Hot Fuss had songs that tell stories, such as Jenny and Mr. Brightside. The sound quality is not the best from these new songs, but there is an electronic feel to the tunes and The Killers will continue to be one of the best bands in the world. They are one of the few bands who can alter their style of music on any new cd, while others simply play to one genre. Enjoy Neon Tiger below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLvP7JDkPiE.youtube.com/watch?v=jLvP7JDkPiE

And here is a recent pic of President Monson that I really enjoy as well at the 24th of July Celebrations. A holiday that I handed out Oreos to my co-workers that had notes on them reading Happy Pioneer Day.

Memorize, memorandum, memory

The more intimate the memory, the better.

1. Add a comment on my blog. Leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments.

Move over Las Vegas

On the southern tip of China lies a city that is a rare destination by western travellers. Macau is one of the lesser known hot spots in Southeast Asia. While many tourists flock to Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Bangkok, Macau has become a favourite destination of mainland Chinese and a popular weekend getaway for Hong Kong’s wealthy. Macau offers a wide array of culture, history, and excitement, but is primarily renowned for the casino/hotels springing up everywhere. I only had a vague concept of Macau and knew very little, other than the descriptions of one of the “Bourne” novels that take place in Macau. The book depicts Macau as a slum ridden gangster run city with widespread corruption. The images portrayed in the book differed from what I experienced firsthand. My curiosity led me to discover why this locale is unknown to many people; including many of my acquaintances.

I will begin with a brief background of Macau to facilitate explaining some of my observations. Macau is very similar to Hong Kong, in that it bares the title of Special Administrative Region to China. China owns operative rights of Macau, but Macau is run by local politicians and enjoys more freedoms than mainland Chinese, such as religion and speech. Portuguese settlers owned the peninsula for many years before returning the region to China in 1999. There are many Portuguese styled edifices dotting the city and street signs are written in Chinese, English, and Portuguese. Macau, long an area of crooks and corruption, now boasts more revenue than Las Vegas in the gambling industry, which can still be considered corrupt by ethical standards. Despite the dynamic background, Macau is relatively unheard of in western discussions. A few reasons for Macau’s hedged prominence may be because of the late blooming economy, small population, and lack of family activities.

Hong Kong has always been the economic tiger of the region. This financial capital of the world, previously run by Great Britain, thrived and rose to prosperity over the last 100 years. Macau never received the influx of foreign influence and effective governance that Hong Kong did. However, the tides have turned and Macau is growing and an unprecedented rate. As I walked through the developing Cotai strip, I was awestruck at the construction projects being undertaken. Across from the Venetian Macau an entire block is under construction. Every single building on the street is being built simultaneously appearing similar their Las Vegas counterparts. Names like, Wynn, Sands and Bellagio are sure to ring a bell to western ears, as the opulent structures take form. This influx of money is staggering as the strip, rivalling that of Vegas’, emerges. This new Macau is a stark contrast from the Macau of past years, when the city was viewed as dirty and riddled with crime.

The small size of Macau’s population and area is also a reason for the lag in growth. Macau does not have a thriving financial sector and much of the investment comes from other locales. An investment banker I spoke with recently said that casino officials invited representatives from 40 banks outside the region to help finance the new structures being built on the Cotai strip. Investors, desiring to see return on their investments; will push for more aggressive marketing of Macau to foreigners. The other problem with the size of Macau is that the population is a mere half-million, making it one of the smallest populations of major cities in Asia. Gambling is the major source of revenue but that will not attract permanent residents to the city. Much like Las Vegas, Macau is a town that many flock to on weekends, including successful Chinese businessmen. With time, Macau will experience increased financial growth and more outsiders will seek permanent residence in the city.

Perhaps the greatest failure for the lack of western knowledge about Macau is the absence of family orientated activities. Las Vegas offers families with alternative fun to gambling. Roller coasters, shows, and water parks all welcome travellers from around the country. Macau does not offer the variety of shows or concerts to attract customers of all ages. The atmosphere around town is geared towards a more mature, gambling crowd. Parents with children were non-existence as I roamed around the city and through casinos. This lack of family orientated activities is one of the main reasons that Macau is not an ideal destination for western people. There is no apparent reason to choose Macau for a vacation over Las Vegas. The grandeur and availability of activities in Las Vegas offers no reason why travellers should venture overseas to a similar and less superior locale.

I took the hour long ferry from Hong Kong and arrived to a long line at immigration. This seemed strange because airports around Asia all do a much higher volume of people and are more efficient. Macau does not appear capable to handle a large amount of people into the city or communicate with them. English is not as prevalent in Macau as in Hong Kong, but strides are being made to facilitate tourist accessibility. Buses going to and from the Venetian Casino are free for tourists and leave regularly outside the ferry station. I opted to trek through the streets of Macau prior to the casinos, and randomly wandered through parks and shops along the streets. For mid-day on a weekend I was surprised to find myself alone on many of the streets. Not until I arrived at the casino did I find the masses. Truly, gambling is the foremost attraction to foreigners and explains the absence of people on the streets experiencing the culture.

Macau is a city experiencing tremendous growth due to a tide of foreign investment flowing into the economy. Not many years will pass until Macau receives greater attention from the west. More tourists will take the inexpensive journey from Hong Kong to spend a day or two in this bustling community if Macau broadens their tourist scope to include family activities, such as shows and concerts. Perhaps, Macau is not ready for so many newcomers and prefers no foreign intrusion. However, this does not seem the case, with both a highly touted NBA exhibition game between the Orlando Magic and Cleveland Cavaliers last summer, and a much publicized tennis match between Roger Federer and Pete Sampras. These events place show that Macau is moving in the right direction to be a popular destination in ensuing years, both regionally and internationally.

G.I. Jordan

For some reason that I can not clearly define, the Vietnamese would not shave my head. This was disconcerting and annoying. I am now left with a bad semi-military inspired haircut that is by no means complimentary to my facial structure. This episode all began when I arrived in Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon (pronounced Sigh Gone for anyone begging a pronunciation guide). I subcontracted a taxi driver and he left me in the downtown area without a place to stay. So, I started walking around and stopped in a few places to inquire about room prices. All were full or expensive. I wasn't too worried though, so I continued to wander aimlessly through the streets. I decided that I needed a confidence booster, so I stopped in a hair parlor. This enterprising business doubled as a pedicure local (the Vietnamese are famous for their pedicure expertise). So, I assumed that one of these beautiful Vietming would cut my hair, but to my chagrin they called a young lad from the back who performed the hair cut. It was strange and very awkward because this guy was cutting my hair and there were 5 girls in matching blue dresses sitting on a couch staring at us. I requested that the lad buzz my head so that I would resemble a G.I., he proceeded to give me the worst hair cut of my life. I looked like a Saved by the Bell reject extra in a scene at the Max. I left the saloon with little confidence intact, for the small fee of $2.

I finally found a place to rest my head. I was settled in and ventured out to find a computer and notify my parents of my safe arrival. I entered a park where the locals were courting on their bicycles, no lack of public affection. It was late at night and trepidation began to run through my body. I crossed a street where I noticed a large hotel that undoubtedly housed an email facility. As I was crossing, a very pretty Vietcong girl pulled up on her moped. She was dressed nice and I was startled at first, 1) because she almost hit me with her moped and 2) she obviously was a woman of the night. Her English was broken, but she basically told me to get on the back of her moped and that she would take me somewhere and then bring me back. I looked at her incredulously, my eyes indicating my loathing of her abominable suggestion. She persisted and like Joseph of old, I ran. I raced across the street and to my astonishment, she flipped a bi--- and continued after me. I stopped, turned to her, and shook my head. she finally got the point and drove off. I succeeded in emailing my family and went home, but not before one other strange thing happened. I was shocked when in the market a lady endeavored to sell me some gum and cigs. Abruptly, a uniformed cop walked by and ripped the items out of her hand leaving her staring after him. I was grateful that I had not purchased anything from her incessant nagging.

The next day I went on a tour of Vietcong caves and was bombarded (much like this area that had been peppered with American bombs) with anti-American sentiment and propaganda. Understandable, but part of the tour included a documetnarty that denounced "evil Washington D.C. and their bomb dropping". The facts were hard to stomach of the killing (3 million Vietnamese) that happened during that time. I was the only American in the tour group and sunk a little lower in my chair as the movie progressed. The caves were cool though and the tour guide asked for any young and strong people to volunteer . I raised my hand and said, "I am young, and I am strong." He beckoned me to crawl100 meters underground in the underground tunnel. I accepted his challenge. I was followed by a young Korean boy who is in the accompanying picture. We couldn't see anything when we went down the steep stairs so I got out my camera for light to lead us through the dark until we came across some other lights. Later, the Korean lad, a mere 14 years of age (13 American, they start age the year they are born as 1 already) indicated to me that he had just followed me and was a bit nervous. I had been nervous myself when I undertook the journey.

We left the tunnels and got back to Saigon. I exited the bus and walked down the street and entered another hair cutting saloon. I decided to give it another go. Yet again I was greeted by an attractive young Vietnamese girl and she called a young man from the back to cut my hair. I told the guy I wanted my hair buzzed and even indicated it, with sound effects and all, but to no avail. I was in for another standard haircut in Vietnam. At least it was shorter this time. So, that is how I got 2 haircuts in as many days in Nam, and now I look like a G.I.

Dark Knight

Out of everyone that I know I am the first first to see the new Batman movie. Batman is released one day earlier in Hong Kong and it is 14 hours ahead of home, so I was in a good position. All that I can say is that it is very dark and I cringed on more than one occasion due to the violent nature of the film. I was also not aware of two-faces long appearance in the movie. It was a surprise, but a good one. The movie was rather long as well and climaxes and then dives into a more intricate storyline. All in all I thought it was a great movie, and I could not even tell it was our good friend Heath under all that makeup. Luved it!

Failed Finger Foods

Last night I reverberated to juvenile humor in attempts to be the "life of the party" at a work event. I retrospectively condemn my failures and describe some of them in detail here.

First of all I thought it funny to write summer intern on my name tag and introduced myself as summer intern throughout the whole night. This act got a few chuckles from my fellow Cathay Pacific colleagues, but others just looked confused. I think my sarcastic and feeble humor attempts were lost on many.

Now I have to explain my demeanor and actions at parties. I am always eating. If you have ever attended a party with me I will be lurking by the food at all times. I don't know why I do this, but I always like to be eating something or have something to eat when I am mingling with people.

So, next I saw some beautiful females and on further discussion learned that they were Japanese. They were dressed far better than most at the party and I was intrigued when I first saw them. I started with the same bad jokes about being 18 and attending a hair school in Hong Kong for the summer. These were failed bits of dialogue and I again felt cheap in my comedic actions. I righted myself a little bit and talked normally for once to these beautiful ladies and then finally moved on to other tom-foolery.

My next try at being funny was eating as much as possible. A small plate of brownies came by and I grabbed three at one time and threw them into my mouth at the bewilderment of three Indian females standing on the other side of the platter. One of the ladies kept pointing out to me the rest of the night whenever the brownie plate was being taken around. I made a huge mistake. Throughout the rest of the night I would grab food and call over the waiters instead of them coming to me. Why I thought this would be funny I don't know, but I regretted it in more than one way. I was bemused at my follies for bad humor and my stomach was in shambles all the way home.

I guess that I dodged a bullet though, they would probably not be prepared for my eccentric dancing.

Are you Mormon?

This past Monday I was in Taiwan running around the city and having a great old time. I wandered to the Chiang Kai Shek memorial and tried taking pics of myself. The pics didn't turn out how I desired, so I asked a man if he would take a picture of me in front of one of the beautiful memorials. He accepted my proposition and asked out of nowhere if I was a Mormon. I gaily laughed at his inquiry and said, "why yes, I am a Latter-day Saint." I asked him how he knew and he attempted in vein to respond coherently. Something about him seeing a Mormon bible in the U.S. once upon a time when he studied there. His English was not entirely understandable, but I found his question humorous. I would never ask someone out of the blue if he was a Mennonite, or Presbyterian. How is it that someone would ask that. I was dressed in a white shirt and tie, but so were hundreds of other people in the city. If I saw a man in an orange smock I would assume he was Buddhist. If I saw a man in a brown tunic I would assume he was also a clergy man, or perhaps a friar if it was 500 hundred years ago. These are generalizations, but I believe they are quite obvious. The audacity to ask someone if they are of a particular sect is peculiar to me, but then we are a peculiar people. I took the question in good spirit and later was pleased that I was recognized for what I am and what I was portraying. This was a lesson in comportment and more significantly countenance and demeanor. What an honor to be asked such a question. However, I don't believe that I will ask the next person I see if they are Lutheran. There is no way to tell the difference, but I'm glad the world recognizes a Mormon in a group of faces.

Jump guy jump

As a single white male I have a rare gift that not many others in my demographic share. I can jump really high. Now to give you some background info, this ability stems from stem cell research ironically, where I have genetically altered my calves to feed off themselves and grow exponentially stronger. At 6'4 you may think that I'm not jumping high at all, because of my long torso, or lanky arms, but I assure you that the jumping is all real and that these photos have not been doctored in any way (except for the doctor who took the pictures, his name is Dr. Maelstrom). A jump is measured by where the crotch line is, and as you can see in the final picture, I blow the competition of other single white males out of the water. Sometimes I'll jump clear over someone while they are standing there. This has been my trademark move and fascinated scores of people. There is nothing better than running and jumping clear over a Chinese lady in the middle of a Hong Kong park. Over and out . . .