The Last Days Of Socrates

Were documented by Plato.

The last days of a nobody, documented by nobody.

Budyk Lifestyle Section:




Brothers from Mothers






Brendan Lifestyle Section:




McD like no big D:










Exchange:


Family:

Mt. Nolan

Mt. Nolan is a local band that plays really nice music, this is them performing at the Lo-Pub.



The crowd digs it



Strangler, a participator.



Steezy Daniel



"I can't say I approve of you drinking beer, Brendan" - Jill's face

In A Name

It's close now, and anxiety and excitement fight it out for precedence in my immediate decision on how I should feel. Feel Good Lost; seems an appropriate conclusion.

From China with Love is no longer politically applicable; amongst a sea of formerly-known-as this is all the more appropriate.

Formerly Known As Formosa
formerly known as 冷静
Before you fear I fall into a fugue-like state where former and present muddle, remember that some people feel good lost.

(The title-inspired band happens to be playing two days after I arrive, perhaps I owe it to them.)

Taiwan 2.0

Formosa plan has been accelerated such that I leave July 21. I will return just before the turn of the new year.

God Is Working

His presence is tangible and it just feels so good.

The Results Are In!...Again!

By some systematic fluke, or allotted scholarship fund surplus, the sillies down at Canada's Economic and Cultural Bureau representing Taiwan have granted me a three-month scholarship. In terms of time, it falls wildly short of my initial year-long application, but in the wake of coming to terms with no-months this is not a belittling turn of events. Assuming the following month of red tapery that is material collecting runs smooth, I will be National Taiwan University bound from March until May next year.

父母的今天是孩子的明天

亲爱的爸爸，爷爷， 一大队的前辈， 从我心里最底的空间感到道歉。
你们是为我，为下一代到田里艰苦地劳动，种地与收割，换季又重复做。
轮到子弟，连拣起镰刀都不拣，把你所有的血汗排涝了。
使你失望真抱歉。

Millennia

Afternoons spent in the Millennium Library reading books, reading people and traffic watching are spent well indeed. Solving sporadic weekend hours is no small task, but they are well enough representative of the demographic. It is one of the few places where intellects and crazies can be found mingling on the same playing field. Its location downtown and provided services lend itself nicely to attracting street-folk, its establishment as Winnipeg's largest book lending institution draw yet a different crowd (stereotype alert). Then you have the South-East-East facing glass wall which is perpetually lined by (ironically enough) South-East-East Asian students, seemingly appeasing the study gods by never turning their backs to whichever Kaaba they have in whichever Mecca. There is a fine balance at the library, and a fine selection of books too. Yin and Yang are represented as are (Stephen) King and (Carl) Jung. It is quiet because it is supposed to be, but harmonious likely for other reasons. I am quick to introduce the library to one night only town skippers looking to taste-test One Great City, the diversity and atmosphere are fine enough punch-lines.

Heavy Boots Made For Walking

Stepping stones are supposed to be temporary installments that you whisk by in transit, projecting you on, up, and out. Stepping Stones. Their role as intermediaries neglected, visited by the feet of those with prospect, mere fleeting moments in forward trajectory. What happens then, when stepping stones become plateaus and you are left at lows. An interim tires its welcome, progression and creativity stagnate. What was just flicker found fire stayed aflame. Step in stone.

The Results Are In!

Dear Mr. Friesen,

The 2010 Huayu Enrichment Scholarship screening process has been finalized. With the number of outstanding applicants we received this year, it certainly made it very difficult for our selection committee to make their decision. Due to numerous strong applications, I regret to inform you that you have not been selected for this year’s scholarship.

Thank you for your interest in our program and the desire to pursue your studies in Taiwan. I wish you the very best in your future endeavors.

Sincerely yours,

Ji-Jen Lin

Director

Cultural Division, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Canada
__

I actually and foolishly thought I might have deserved this scholarship. And, as predicted, with hopes reaching unretreatable heights I vested in grand preparations. Ignorant. What a selfish pursuit, to think I have any entitlement. Epic fail.

Sincerely yours,

Nobody

Mayor

Void Sector, Nowhereland Ministry Of Nothing in Zeroville