ONEBUBBLE

So I thought I’ll start doing a quick recap like this every once in a while just to be more current. We still have quite a few more updates in the bag which hopefully I’ll get to in the next few days. As for the past week, I pretty much just stayed home, chilled with my mom, and caught up on all the Chinese movies I have ever missed. It was a needed change of pace after our first two weeks. I can’t say the same for Andy. He has been working his butt off at the summer camp with hundreds of kids half his age. Just so y’all know, I visited him this past Thursday and he’s doing well. The kids love him and he’s doing a great job. In any case, until next post, a few more random thoughts:

• Honestly, I didn’t know karaoke was such a big thing in Taiwan and I’m guessing all of Asia. Here’s a typical routine for a night out: First, you hit up Cashbox with a few friends to get warmed up for the night. Then you meet up with your party people at a trendy lounge such as Barcode (where everyone seems to be ABC) to get a few drinks and check out the crowd. Lastly, if people are in the mood to dance, you make your way to the likes of 18 and Luxe. Apparently, a whole bunch of clubs and bars are all located in the same exact location.
• This past Saturday night, I was invited to a birthday party of a friend of Andy that I have met only two weeks ago. Andy couldn’t make it because of camp so I went solo. The party was at, of course, Cashbox. Basically, I found myself mingling in a small and crowded room with 25 people I have never met before and probably will never meet again, singing songs I have never heard of, and speaking a language that I barely use. It was a great time. Too bad Wonderwall wasn’t on the selection…
• I saw both The Matrix and The Matrix Revolutions tonight. I always thought the third installment was the worst of the three because…well, I don’t remember. Like everyone else, I just thought it got worse and worse after the first one. Anyway, I saw the third one tonight again and thought it was pretty good. Everything made a little more sense. Maybe it’s because by not watching the second one, The Matrix Reloaded, it made the storyline flow better or maybe it’s just that my expectation has leveled off considerably since then. Anyway, here’s a great clip from that final fight scene. Awesome dialogue between Agent Smith and Neo. Don’t ask me why but I got inspired and did some push-ups & sit-ups.
• By the way, I think this is my new favorite movie right now. The commute would be so much more bearable if I have eight of these wild things to guide me.



• Question of the day: Would you break up a fight between two random strangers in a foreign country? Think about it. I had about 10 seconds to make that decision. A few nights back, I decided to swing by National Taiwan University and check out some basketball action. I wasn’t dressed to play so I just found a seat and watched. Out of nowhere, all hell broke loose and some kid went psycho on this other kid because he got smacked in the face. At first, a few teammates got in the way and it looks like everything is calming down. But it didn’t. It escalated. The bigger and stronger kid started to chase down this other kid and he started running my way. Before you know it, they were right in my face and this kid was about to get pummeled. Man, I didn’t know what to do. At first, I was thinking I better not get involved because it might end up with me getting jumped by a group of kids or worse me getting arrested. But then, I thought…dude, I can’t sit idly by while some kid gets beat up right in front of me. Seriously, what would you do? Luckily, before I could do anything, a swarm of people ran over to break things up. Whew…
• I’ll end with this. C’mon people, it’s “Don’t DRINK and Drive“, not “Don’t THINK and Drive“!!

Ni Hao! Sorry for the lack of updates lately. Blogging is hard work. Just thinking of a catchy title takes hours. Since we got here we’ve been “out on the town” almost everyday. There’s plenty to blog about but I don’t know how interesting it will be. In any case, Andy is out doing his mission work (what a guy) for the next two weeks so I should have more time to blog. Be on the lookout for more updates in the next few days and feel free to hit us up with ideas and suggestions. In the mean time, a few random thoughts on the trip so far:

• I find it easier to spend foreign money mainly because it doesn’t look real. It looks like monopoly money to me. Also, the difference in exchange rate here (30:1) makes me less aware of how much I’m actually spending sometimes. In other words, I’m broke…
• In celebration of 4th of July, we went to see Hancock. One thing I’m not yet accustomed to, or like, is seats assignment for movies. We bought our tickets more than an hour in advance and still got the crappiest seats. Here’s our view. As for the movie, I thought it was better than MIB but not quite as good as ID4. My suggestion for going to movies in Taiwan: Buy tickets a day in advance especially if you’re watching it on the weekends.
• Speaking of movies, I don’t know why but I really don’t want to see WALL-E. In fact, I’m sick of all the trailers and promos for it. I’m sure it will be another great Pixar movie, but right now, I’m just overloaded with too much of this, this and this to watch some cutesy animated flick…

• I’m, however, very looking forward to this new epic (above) by John Woo. Now, this is the kind of movie that I don’t mind dishing out NT$300 for (sounds cheap no?). Growing up, I was a big fan of Romance of The Three Kingdoms and love anything that had to do with military strategies. If you’re still not pumped up about Red Cliff yet, here’s a more hyped-up version of the trailer with voice-over by who else but Don LaFontaine (that’s obviously not him).
• Playing basketball in Taiwan is very tiring. It’s hot and humid and it’s nonstop. Everyone here plays 3-on-3 which actually requires more energy than 5-on-5 because you are constantly moving and fighting for positions. There’s only three of you so you can’t slack off – not if you want to win. Also, there’s very little rest time in between games. The next team waiting is always ready to go. In any case, we’ve played twice so far and the competition is fairly decent. I’ll blog more about it later.
• By the way, I really miss Gatorade. For some reason, you can’t buy it here! Hey, I don’t mind drinking Super Supau or Pocari Sweat, but if you drink them too much, it will start tasting more and more like sweat. I kid you not.
• I love how creative kids get when they are bored. Seriously, give a boy a ball and he’ll find a way to entertain himself for hours. Here’s my first taste of competitive basketball in Taiwan. It might have looked like I lost 2-0 but I was en fuego right before Andy started recording.
• I picked up this magazine at JFK Airport for my flight here. From cover to cover, it’s the best magazine I’ve read in a really long time. Go get a copy (mine is issue 011 – the travel issue) and see for yourself. Trust me, it’s a good magazine.
• I’m no travel expert but here’s a tip for those planning a long-term trip abroad: always underpack.
• Lastly, let me dispute the rumor that both me and Andy have lost weight during this trip. Well, it’s not entirely inaccurate. Andy has indeed lost a few pounds since we arrived…

I got up early to catch the 2008 NBA Draft a few days ago and fortunately the ESPN channel here had a live broadcast until the 21st pick then it switched off to some Wimbledon coverage (didn’t even know it started). One thing I missed out here is being able to mindlessly chat about sports with the likes of WonkiTime (new blog alert!) and OneYearinNYC (dude, if I was home, I would’ve definitely went with you to the Nash charity thing) and debate important things such as who should be the first pick: Rose or Beasley. But since I’m not home, this blog will have to do. I know it’s a bit late but here’s my take on the top 10 picks:

#1 – Derrick Rose / Chicago

Last year was Oden or Durant, this year it’s Rose or Beasley. I like Beasley but like most experts out there I’m on the Rose bandwagon. He just seems to have that “it” factor when he’s on the floor. Like Kobe or Wade, you just know they want to win more than anyone else. Besides, he’s darn good on both ends of the floor and will help the Bulls immediately.

#2 – Michael Beasley / Miami

I know Wade was hoping to get his boy Rose but Beasley is not a bad consolation prize. You know he can score and rebound but can he defend in the NBA? I think if he’s willing to put forth the effort, he’s got the talent to become the best player of this draft. Can he be better than Boozer or West? I think so. Better than maybe Amare? Time will tell.

#3 – O.J. Mayo / Memphis (via trade)

Back when I was working for Dime Magazine, we had this kid on our cover hyped as the Next LeBron. Well, it’s safe to say that Mayo is not quite there. It doesn’t mean he won’t be a great player one day. The kid’s got something to prove. He’s hardworking and an excellent defensive player – two things that’ll help you stay off the bench. Lets hope he doesn’t become the Reggie Bush of the NBA.

#4 – Russell Westbrook / Seattle

Watching Westbrook play reminded me of another very explosive and athletic guard back in the early 90’s – Kevin Johnson of the Phoenix Suns. Westbrook doesn’t have the same offensive skills as Johnson but he’s solid on the defensive side and has the speed to match the likes of Parker, Barbosa and Rondo.

#5 – Kevin Love / Minnesota (via trade)

If you want someone who can entertain the crowd at halftime then he’s your man. I don’t know why but I’m just not sold on him. I don’t think his game will translate well in the NBA. He struggled in the tourney when he went up against good defensive teams such as Standford and Memphis. He does have a solid basketball IQ and can shoot from the 3pt range. What he needs is explosiveness to go along with his strength.

#6 – Danilo Gallinari / New York

Sometimes subtraction is addition. I don’t know much about Gallinari except that he’s a very good offensive player that fits well with new coach Mike D’Antoni’s system. What I do know is that the New York Knicks has got better this off-season by simply removing this man from the Garden.

#7 – Eric Gordon / Los Angeles Clippers

I saw him played against Jeffrey Michael Jordan (yes, the son of Michael Jeffrey Jordan) in a high school game over a year ago where he completely dominated on the offensive end. I was thoroughly impressed. He will probably end up being a part-time scorer in the NBA similar to Ben Gordon.

#8 – Joe Alexander / Milwaukee

I don’t get this pick since they just traded for Richard Jefferson who also plays the 3. I would’ve went with a point guard here to help out Mo Williams in the backcourt but that’s just me.

#9 – D.J. Augustin / Charlotte

Kwame Brown. Adam Morrison. And now DJ Augustin. Not exactly the group you want to be associated with if you are Augustin. I thought for sure the Bobcats would draft Brook Lopez here. He would have been the perfect compliment to move Emeka Okafor to the 4th spot. Jordan must really love this kid which doesn’t bode well for Raymond Felton. Also, I hope this French kid (20th pick) works out for Jordan…

#10 – Brook Lopez / New Jersey

Solid pick at the 10th spot by the Nets. They would’ve love to have Danilo Gallinari here but it doesn’t hurt to have a big man with a defensive mindset. The future looks bright for the Nets with Lopez, Harris, Williams (x2), Krstic, and now Yi Jianlian. Their picks of Ryan Anderson (21th) and Chris Douglas-Roberts (40th – a steal if you ask me!) are also solid. Now they just need to replace Vince Carter with LeBron James come 2010 and they’ll be contending for years to come. Too bad they’ll be in Brooklyn by then.

…

Anyway, the 2008 NBA Draft & draftees felt a bit nondescript. Maybe it’s because I’m overseas and didn’t get all hyped up by the media. In any case, this post took way too long. I’m tired of blogging already and it’s only been 3 posts. Nonetheless, keep a look out for more updates this week. We got plenty of materials but just need some time to convert & upload all the photos and videos. Thank you for your patience.

If you haven’t heard by now, me and DJ Frow. Back aka Mr. ILoveSundaes are embarking on some kind of a trip to Asia – a trip of MEGA proportions if you will. Our first stop is Taiwan which happens to be the birthplace of me, bubble tea and Chien-Ming Wang (two of which are beloved by the people of Taiwan) who unfortunately is sidelined with a sprained right foot. Hopefully, he’ll return to help the Yankees clinch the division by the time we get back to the States.

So, we have arrived safe and sound after a surprisingly-not-so-terrible 17-hour flight. I’ll post more on our trip here later including a run-in with a celebrity. Today, we’ll be hitting up the city of Taipei to run some errands and walk around like tourists. We don’t really have much of an itinerary for this trip partly because we just want to wing it as we go but mostly because we were just too lazy. This is where the interactive portion of the blog comes in. If you have been to Asia or know anyone that has, please help us answer the following question in the comments section of this post.

In the cities of Taipei, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Seoul, and Tokyo, where are some great:

• places to eat?
• places to checkout and visit?
• places to to demonstrate our incredible basketball skills?

Anyway, we thank you in advance for your participation. Along with this trip, this post also marks the beginning of another endeavor – my attempt in joining the blogosphere. Writing is definitely not my forte by any stretch. In fact, I suck. So yeah help a brother out. Comments, suggestions…or grammar tips are all welcomed.

That’s all for now. Hopefully, this won’t be the last post.