SQJ Taipei

I posted about a couple Taiwan things yesterday… but I’ve actually been bookmarking some news items related to Nebraska… where I’m from. I’ll share them at the end of the post.

I really like Nebraska. I hope I can live there again sometime although I don’t know if that is God’s will for us or not. Being in Taiwan has made me miss Nebraska in ways I didn’t expect. Of course I miss it because of the family that is there and is in neighboring states. I also have a lot of memories and you’ll always miss the places that fill your memories. But I’ve found that I miss the whole culture of middle America. I’m probably not going to warm up to country music… ever… but I’m more fond of pick up trucks and country churches and corn fields and cattle than I’ve ever been.

It is interesting to go to a new place and hear what the locals think about things. When Taiwanese people talk about America… generally their impressions of America are predictable.

• America is a Christian country.
• Christmas is the American Chinese New Year.
• Black people are scary.
• Americans are either Roman Catholics or are Mormons.
• TV shows like “Friends” and “Sex and the City” are based on the real experiences of most Americans.
• There are only 5 or 6 states in America: California (where everyone’s aunt lives), New York (where the towers fell down), Florida (where the sharks eat people), Texas (where they talk funny), Hawaii (where people go on their honeymoon), and sometimes Alaska (the cold place).

Please understand… I’m not making fun of anyone… you can only learn what you are exposed to and unless a Taiwanese person has actually been to the US and driven around and visited outside of those 5 or 6 states… the above is all they know. Their info comes primarily from TV shows, movies, and CNN. I bet this is true around the world… not just in Taiwan. In light of this… is it surprising that the US isn’t very highly regarded in many corners of the world these days? Just think about it. People’s impression of the USA is based almost completely on Hollywood and news organizations selling news as a product.

But… for me… I know the real America. I grew up there and it is still pretty much the same and it is because the people are still pretty much the same. Hard working… private… generous… kind… etc.

I’m always telling my Taiwanese friends who are going to America to try to take time to visit places besides the 5 states they know about. I’ve got nothing against those states… they are famous for good reasons… but I’d just like people to experience a bit more than the usual. A friend is going to America in a couple weeks. He has a customer in Clear Lake, Iowa and he’ll be there for a day or so. I’m so excited for him to get to meet some of the locals as his previous visits to the US have all been to Las Vegas. Clear Lake ain’t no Las Vegas to be sure. Everyone likes different stuff… different paces of life, etc… but I bet you that he will find that he likes the people of Iowa.

My friend Joseph is traveling in America right now… he is visiting 3 universities where he has applied to do doctoral work. I’m glad that he is not only visiting California (UC Riverside) but also the University of Kentucky and the St. Louis University. I don’t know which he will pick and I don’t think it matters that much for what I’m talking about. I just think that it will be good for him to visit Lexington and St. Louis in addition to LA.

Now about those links…

Three teams vying for Omaha hockey fans - AP via Fox Sports
I actually remember going to an Omaha Knights hockey game and since I was probably 3 or 4 at the time I don’t remember much… but I do remember that the crowd was wild. The Knights left in 1975 and Omaha was without hockey until the Lancers came in 1996 but it wasn’t until about 1988 or 1989 that I attended a game. The Omaha fans were still wild about hockey. I remember that the first few years the Lancers had the worst record in the league but the highest attendance. The first game I attended saw lots of folding chairs being thrown on the ice after a bad call. Being a high school kid… I thought this was cool and I was a hockey fan from then on. I remember watching my first Stanley Cup finals in the spring of 1989 when the Flames beat the Habs in 6. There is little to no interest in hockey in Taiwan.

Omaha Announces Sellout For 2008 NCAA Basketball Tournament - ketv.com
and
2008 NCAA tourney just beginning for Omaha, officials say - AP via Beatrice Daily Sun
Omaha has hosted the annual College World Series for… about 60 years probably… and does it extremely well. The city always receives high praise from the participants, fans, and media for the quality of the CWS. I’m pretty sure that my first CWS was in 1977 and I remember the shirt my dad bought me. I think the teams I saw were Clemson and Temple and Arizona State won the title that year. When I was in high school, I used to get a book of 10 GA tix for $20. Might be the best deal I ever got on anything. Anyway… these links aren’t about the CWS, but I mention it because I think the fact that the CWS is so popular in Omaha bodes well for hosting other sporting events in Omaha.

Hagel Puts Off Decision on 2008 Bid - AP via examiner.com
This is from the “I couldn’t care less” file… and there isn’t a chance I’d vote for the guy… maybe someone looking to pick up Nebraska 5 important electoral votes will choose him as a running mate. I really hope not.

Bridge is vital link - Bellevue Leader
This story is about the toll bridge that crosses the Missouri River about 1/2 mile from where my parents live. It has been there all my life. Without it, people in parts of Bellevue would have to drive about 10 miles north or south to the next bridge. Of course everyone wishes it were not a toll road… but the price is very reasonable for the time it saves. I remember when the bridge was 50 cents. Now it is $1. I also remember a few times I’ve paid with jelly beans or M&Ms or whatever else I had in the car. Don Fenster is quoted in the article… I went to high school with his son.

Cow Attacks, Kills Nebraska Man - Sioux City Journal
Although the article says this was a “freak accident” (and it was) I’m sure many will just see it as confirmation of various stereotypes they have about Nebraska… which are mostly true by the way… and we don’t care that you laugh at us. Do note that the 8 year old drove a truck for 3 miles to his uncles house to get help.

OK… that’s all… bye now… thanks for reading.