Meet Jazz in Jazzers

Meet Jazz in Jazzers

Reported by Sharon Yu

Spot it! Jazz singer’s live concert is right on the corner and he is in rehearsal on this island now. Here comes Quinton Diavolo.

As soon as approaching to the stage, I heard some streaming voice much louder. Tiffa first welcomed me, introducing herself, Quinton’s manager. Rehearsal was not yet ready. The sound I heard was just looping from guitar. Sussie, the stage’s owner, appeared later to examine their rehearsal. After all facilities were done, Quinton turned into a shining Jazz star, presenting a wonderful performance that attracted people so much. It was a remarkable experience of a concert, in rehearsal. I was much more like a fan cheering my hero on stage.

This is an island full of art works. Live concert is just a part of it. Movie theaters, music stations, and music-affiliated stores are easily to be found there. People there are usually music lovers. Posters everywhere announce when and where the concerts will be. You don’t be afraid to miss any information you want. In a mat store, you would find that every piece of mat has its unique picture on it. If you like a movie star, you could attach he/she on your piece. It’s a store making your product one and only in the world.

Are you a music lover? Or a movie addict? You will find almost everything you want on this island. By chance, you would meet your idol right on the spot!

(revised)Having A Crush on Fairy Tale Island

Having A Crush on Fairy Tale Island
Reported by Sharon Yu

By accident, I was reported to a scenic spot in Florida. It was a large and tranquil region that I’ve never found in cities. Except for high buildings, performing stages, office rooms or any other authority places, this is the retreat closet to the nature. Wild animals are available anywhere. There are beautiful beaches and woods on the island. I found that a huge book, beginning with “Once upon a time,” is placed in the grass. It seems that I burst into the world of fairy tales.
Entering a classroom, I saw a rabbit teacher teaching math. Several rabbit students sit there dozing off or concentrating on lessons. Also, some chairs and decorations are made up with large carrots, which is impossible to happen in real world. Instead of indoors activity, I also discovered a secret pavilion where I had a meditation. Along the beach, I lied on a deck chair to enjoy its pure sea water and wonderful sunshine.
I took an adventure in the forest. Black bear was not that friendly to me. A crocodile and a leopard stayed alert when I approached them. These wild animals must be shocked by me, the unexpected visitor. However, they weren’t assaultive at all. The most interesting thing was that an outdoor classroom was located right in the woods. Mushroom chairs were so cute that parents might want to send their little children there if possible.
This is really a retreat that makes people relax. Making friends with wild animals and staying away from hustle and bustle are the best therapy for any sicknesses. Go and enjoy it!

A Retreat Away From the Turmoil of the World in SL

A Retreat Away From the Turmoil of the World in SL
Reported by Sharon Yu

By accident, I was reported to a scenic spot in Florida. It was a large and tranquil region that I’ve never found in cities. Except for high buildings, performing stages, office rooms or any other authority places, this is the retreat closet to the nature. Wild animals are available anywhere. There are beautiful beach and woods on the island. I found that a huge book, beginning with “Once upon a time,” is placed in the grass. It seems that I burst into the world of fairy tales.

Entering a classroom, I saw a rabbit teacher teaching math. Several rabbit students sit there dozing off or concentrating on lessons. Also, some chairs and decorations are made up with large carrots, which is impossible to happen in real world. Instead of indoors activity, I also discovered a secret pavilion where I had a meditation. Along the beach, I lied on a deck chair to enjoy its pure sea water and wonderful sunshine.

I took an adventure in the forest. Black bear was not that friendly to me. A crocodile and a leopard stayed alert when I approached them. These wild animals must be shocked by me, the unexpected visitor. However, they weren’t assaultive at all. The most interesting thing was that an outdoor classroom was located right in the woods. Mushroom chairs were so cute that I even wanted to send my future children there if possible.

This is really a retreat that makes people relax. Making friends with wild animals and staying away from hustle and bustle are the best therapy for any sicknesses. Go and enjoy it!

(Revised) Magic Power From Temples

reprted by Sharon

Going to the temple and wishing for good luck are the most popular custom in Taiwan. In one’s whole life, it’s hard to skip this process except for the Christians. Whenever there’s a big holiday, you can always see temples flooded with a bunch of people and vendors, especially in the crowds, you don’t even need to walk but still be pushed forwards. There are some introductions of Taiwanese worship culture in the following context which will take you more closer to the most exciting part of Taiwanese worship.

In the beginning of a new lunar year, people would get up early, preparing for offerings which often include fruits, vegetables, meats and biscuits. Not only Gods of famous temples but also Gods of kitchen or some local places are becoming center roles of worship. There’s a belief that the one who gets the first incense stick will have a good year. So, the incense race becomes the well-known activity in every temple. Generally, people tend to spiritually rely on Gods, wishing great fortunes, especially under the serious situation of worldwide economy depression, it becomes more prevailing this yearAnd don’t forget the most special ritual in worshiping－ Jhen Tou (or religionary array). In the countryside, people put on thick cosmetics and costumes like Gods and form a group of members to hold Taoist ceremonies. Lots of adherents then follow those members with an incense stick in hand, walking a long trail from city to city. This is the way people show their respects towards divine spirits. And they strictly believe that what they sacrifice will bring them luck in the future, and moreover, gain a sense of inner peace.

Nowadays, many people need some faith to sustain them in this competitive society, and therefore worshipping plays a prominent role within Taiwanese minds.

(Revised) Taiwan, A Lost City

Taiwan, A Lost City

Whenever coming into a department store, a supermarket, and Nova, we see lots of different products on shelves. There are so many choices for customers, but only a few of them are local brands. Take several big companies for example. Hitachi, Panasonic and Sony are famous brands from Japan; Apple, Mcdonalds', and Clinique are stemmed from United States. Taiwanese are even addicted to Hong Kong's and Korean manufacturers instead of supporting our local brands.

In entertainment news, we often hear the terms of Korean-fans or Japanese-fans. It means that many fans follow foreign stars and almost go crazy with them. People seem to be less interested in local manufactures. Does it mean that Taiwan is inferior to any other countries? Of course not!

As everyone in Taiwan knows, there's a main scientific domain in Hsinchu. Actually local brands have their qualities as good as foreign, and they may get a lower price. What drives Taiwanese crazy about overseas product is foreign companies' outshining advertisements. In this case, consumers decide a good brand based on its glorious packages and high price. Does the product deserve its price? It depents however. In fact, high prices contain too many other elements such as patent fee, transportation fee, agency fee, etc. Local manufactures just dismiss those unnecessary expenditures. It is so sad that consumers tend to be traytors when in a market. No wonder someone would considers Taiwanese copy cats. The nickname derives from our worship toward foreign things and foreign culture.