12/28/2012

Child Modelling Opportunity at V&L Models

When my kids were little, we did a few modelling jobs with individual companies.  It was kind of fun, but a bit random. Once my eldest started kindergarten, I stopped trying out for the modelling jobs.  

Recently, my children started talking about how they can make their own money.  At the same time, I started seeing regular posts by a modelling agency, looking for more and more child models.  So, we are going to give it a go.  V&L Models has been recommended to me by a few friends, and they are really developing their children's section. I'd like to let readers know a bit more about them and the opportunities.  Stewart Glen has written an introduction for me to use here.  

At the time of writing (December 28th, 2012), Stewart is looking for children for a big catalog shoot.  If your child is between 100 and 120cm tall, they could be able to work on this current job.

Stewart is a bit too complimentary when it comes to my parenting/energy levels, but it is lovely so I am posting the introduction as I received it.  Like anything I post about, please use your own judgement when deciding how you feel about the companies or offers.  If you do decide to follow through, please let V&L know that I (Katrina Brown) sent you.

Hello Parents,

My name is Stewart Glen. I am a local actor and director with more than 30 years experience on the stage and screen, during which I had occasion to direct Romeo and Juliet with elementary and high school aged children.  I've also taught Taiwanese children in the buxiban system for 2 years.  I've recently added a new career to my already colorful CV: that of agent. I've signed on with V&L, Taiwan's top agency representing western models and actors seeking work in Taiwan's fast-growing, ever-expanding advertising industry. V&L has been successfully arranging part time work for western adults and children in Taiwan for 15 years and is now expanding to ShangHai. I've been assigned with the Herculean task of developing and expanding our roster of Child Models, a challenge I look forward to with great zeal.


This has led me to make contact with Katrina Brown, whom you already know to be a gracious and tireless Mom extraordinaire. In her graciousness, she has allowed me to write directly to you, her trusted friends. It is my hope that you may be interested in exploring the possibilities of having your child(ren) develop a rewarding career in modeling and acting.


I am constantly getting requests for casting kids of all ages (3 months and up) in all manner of roles for all manner of products. All our "gigs" pay upwards of 1500NT an hour. They are all shot in Taipei and rarely exceed 4 hours on set.


I want to thank Katrina from the bottom of my heart for introducing V&L (www.vnlmodels.com) and I to you and extend a sincere invitation for you to contact me anytime. You can reach me at0912-910-500 or write to me at  sstewart@vnlmodels.com.  I have a facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/VNLmodels?fref=ts  that you can join and watch for up to the minute casting information as well as acting workshops that I hope to conduct in the future.  I will be most happy to answer all your questions should you decide to call, and if you so desire, arrange for a free photo shoot and introduction to our company.


Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Stewart Glen
Director of Children's Modeling
V&L International Models.

12/18/2012

Wonderful natural products by an expat mom in Taipei, just in time for Christmas (or anytime at all!)


I'm sitting here at home, all nice and cozy and feeling great.  Taipei winter will not get to me.  I want to say a big THANK YOU to my friend Katerina Klimes for making so many great products to share with families in Taiwan.  Winters here can really dry you out and make you run down.  Katerina is determined to help us all fight these woes.  Take a look at the information below.  If you would like to order anything, contact her directly:
Facebook: bbabybar
Tel:  0916244419
Email:  
kklimes@gmail.com
BABY BAR COSMETICS

Solid Perfume: a thick balm or a stick which can be carried in the purse. There is no risk of spilling. Solid perfumes are child safe. They can be applied to the neck, chest or the wrist. Solid perfumes contain sweet almond oil and bees wax plus essential oils.
Luna 3 ml stick fresh modern scent 175 each
Maya 3 ml stick light Asian scent with sandalwood, frankincense 175 each
Fleur 3 ml stick light floral with lavender and rose base notes 175 each
UNO 3 ml stick l CK one copy (uni sex) 175 each
Perfume spray: this is a spray. It is light and natural. A perfect substitute to store bought perfume. It is available in: LUNA, MAYA, FLEUR, and UNO
Spray: 15 ml very concentrated 400 each
Perfume Roll on: It is light and natural. It has an almond oil base. A perfect substitute to store bought perfume. It is available in: LUNA, MAYA, FLEUR, and UNO
Roll on: 8 ml 300 each
Lip balm: a rich, deep hydrating lip balm. The base is almond oil and cocoa butter. There is also lanolin to protect your skin against the elements. tea tree and jasmine or lavender and chamomile
Lip balm 3 ml stick 150 each
Berry balm: a rich, deep hydrating lip balm with a light red/brown tint. The base is almond oil and cocoa butter. There is also lanolin to protect your skin against the elements. Chamomile scent and soothing properties
Berry balm 3 ml stick 150 each

Muscle rub: a soft balm about the consistency of tiger balm, but all natural and sweeter smelling. There is no petroleum jelly in this, unlike over the counter products. It soothes sore muscles and reduces inflammation and pain. It only slightly warms to the skin, but relieves quickly. The secret ingredient is black pepper oil. It also contains sage, rosemary, basil, thyme and peppermint.
Muscle rub 10 ml balm 200 each
Muscle rub 15 ml balm 300 each

Chest and feet cold relief: a balm that may be applied to the bottom of feet, chest, behind the ears or neck for combating coughing or respiratory distress. It is safe for children. It contains Eucalyptus, peppermint, rosemary and clove. Eucalyptus and peppermint are the active ingredients in Vicks vapor rub. It works quickly to ease breathing and promotes comfort and a good night sleep. * When I apply this to my daughters soles while she sleeps, within 3 minutes she is breathing quietly. The soles of the feet absorb the essential oils through the skin. It is a lovely way of giving your child medicine, without disturbing them.
Chest and feet 10ml balm 200 each

Cold and Flu BATH OIL: This is a very strong oil. It is 50 % pure essential oil. It is like a vicks in oure liquid form. You add 20-40 drops to a hot bath and soak in the goodness. It will ease sore muscles and fight cold and congestion.
Cold and Flu BATH OIL: 20 ml 400 each
Baby belly mint rub: pure and simple. This is a light belly balm. It is the same consistency as the Chest and feet balm, but it only has mint. Rub it on your baby’s belly to relieve gas and ease the tummy. There are many kinds of mint. The mint I use is recommended by all the sites. No one likes to hear their baby cry. This ought to help.
Baby belly mint rub 10ml balm 200 each

CREAMS
            1. Age defy: The anti-wrinkle cream (which also has great properties against scaring and removing age spots or discoloration) is 540 for 30 ml. and 900 for 50 ml. The anti-wrinkle cream has rosehip oil, rose, rose water, ceramide (which depletes as we age), frankincense and sandalwood. It is more expensive because the pure ingredients are expensive, but it is the best you can get. I made this for my mom who is 57 and for myself to use as a cream and for scaring. I made the concentration high so that it has a high impact. ONLY THE BEST
Age defy: 30 ml tub 540 each
Age defy: 50 ml tub 900 each

            1. Lotion: It is based in avocado oil which is full of vitamin E. It has chamomile and lavender oil that hydrate and soothe. This is a lovely baby cream or day cream. It is wonderful to use on the whole family. Natural goodness.
lotion: 30 ml tub 400 each
lotion: 50 ml tub 550 each

            1. Super hydra cream: It is based in coconut oil, avocado oil ,which is full of vitamin E, and lanolin. This is a deep hydrating and protective cream. It can protect your cheaks from getting chapped. It can be used on heels, elbows, hands, lips, or nipples. It can soothe very dry areas and protect them for the future. (It has a light grapefruit scent)
Hydra: 10 ml tub 150 each
Hydra: 30 ml tub 400 each
Hydra: 50 ml tub 550 each
Anti-fungal cream: this cream was made for my brother, who wrestles. He get ring worm from the mats all the time. The recipe contains strong, yet gentle oils that fight the fungus and bacteria. It can be used for ring worm, or athlete’s foot, or even as prevention. It could be a unique way to moisturize your hands while killing the germs out in public.
Anti-fungal cream: 30 ml TUB 400 each
Anti-fungal cream: 50 ml TUB 650 each
STICKS AND Roll-ons
Headache rescue: a roll on oil formula that can be breathed in or applied to the temples, forehead or head. It contains lovely French Lavender. Lavender calms and relaxes, but it also relieves pain. The formula also contains Rosemary, Eucalyptus, Peppermint, and Jasmine. If one feels a headache coming on, this works quickly and affectively, while promoting a calm mind.
Headache roll on: 10 ml 300 each

Immune booster: during cold season we all need a little help. This booster takes 6 immune boosting oils and packs a punch. It is safe to use for children. It can be used anywhere on the body. I would suggest that when you feel a cold coming on to rub it liberally on the soles of the feet before bed or even during the day. Wear thick socks while the oil soaks into your body. This formula contains oil of oregano, tea tree, lemon, thyme, eucalyptus, and lavender.
Booster roll on: 10 ml 300 each

Age spot lightener: this is an oil mixture of Frankincense, lemon, and castor oil. Since ancient times, people have been using frankincense to lighten age spots. It is to be applied twice a day to the affected areas. As with all natural products, the lightning will take some time. It is very gentle and non-irritating.
Age spot: 10 ml roll on 200 each
After-BITE: a new product by demand of Taiwan mosquitos. It contains Eucalyptus, Lavender, Tea tree and Witch Hazel. Please shake before rolling on. It is quite strong. (50% pure oils)
Roll on: 8 ml 300 each
Magic sticks: magic sticks contain Eucalyptus, camphor, peppermint, pine and rosemary. They are in a solid stick balm. Magic sticks can be used as inhalers to clear your nose and promote breathing. They can also be applied to the chest, temples, neck, or feet to promote good circulation and fight colds. Magic sticks can also be applied to the back of the neck for muscle relief or relief from the heat. They are strong and pack a punch.
Magic stick: 3 ml stick 150 each
EASE sticks: The Ease stick contains a muscle and joint oil formula. You can use it while traveling or on the go. You can rub it on your neck or back. At home the muscle rub is best, but this is something that can help you and you can easily have some relief on the go. The small size container and the hard stick are perfect for relief on public transit or a day out. (Contains: Rosemary, Wintergreen, Eucalyptus, Black Pepper, Pine)
ease stick: 3 ml stick 150 each
rescue sticks: this stick is the same lip balm size as the Ease and Magic. It is SAFE during pregnancy because it contains floral scents. It will ease headaches. It is also formulated to lift your spirit and balance your emotions. Rub on the temples or your neck. Breathe deeply. (Contains: lavender, Bergamot, Lemon, Grapefruit)
Rescue stick: 3 ml stick 150 each

Spray
Anti-fungal / anti-bacteria spray: this is a spray. You can spray various surfaces or your hands. It has anti-bacterial/ anti-fungal oils and witch hazel as a base. It smells great and it is gentle on the skin. Witch hazel is a natural skin tonic, so it is safe even on baby skin.
Anti-fungal / anti-bacteria spray: 40 ml 400 each
Buzz off spray: this is a mosquito and bug repellent. It has a Witch Hazel base, which is gentle even for kids. It contains citronella, lemongrass, eucalyptus oil, castor oil,, clove oil, and rosemary. Nice and strong, yet gentle.
Spray: 24 ml 350 each


12/16/2012

Christmas Month in Banchiao, New Taipei City

Man, I've had my head in the sand (or the clouds) the past couple of months.  I must apologise to readers who have been waiting for information about Christmas in Taiwan!

Banchiao (New Taipei City) has already held several events, including a tree-lighting, but they do have some great stuff left for us to list here.

Saturday December 22
7-8pm: Free Christmas Concert at the New Taipei City Citizens Plaza

Sunday December 23
1:30-3pm: Paper Windmill Children's Theater - Magical Forest Adventure (I love this theater group. Their stories come with great messages, and they are keeping Taiwan culture and stories alive.)
3:30-5:30pm: Christmas Parade from Fuzhong Shopping District to Citizen's Plaza
6:00-8:00pm: Christmas Concert New Taipei City Citizens Plaza

Monday December 24
4:00-9:30pm: Christmas Concert Party (New Taipei City Citizens Plaza)

December 28-30
11am-6:30pm: Shopping at the New Taipei City Citizens Plaza


[Dec 21, 2012] German Christmas Market

The Gathering (an English-language church in Southern Taipei) is holding their annual German Christmas Market.

"Food, games, bouncy castle, crafts, candy, live music and a LIVE Christmas".

Weihnachtsmarkt time and location:

December 21st (Friday) 4pm-8:30pm
Morrison Academy Bethany Campus (No. 97 Ting Chou Road, Section 3, Taipei)

Audience: Whole family

[2012] Santa Claus Photograph Opportunities (And Other Christmas Stuff)

It's nice to get photos of the children with Santa.  So far this year, I have heard about these places having Santa photo times


Regent Hotel (No 3, Lane 39, Section 2, ZhongShan N, Rd. Taipei 104, Taiwan ROC.,TEL:886-2-2523-8000)

Monday to Friday 18:00-22:00
Weekends, Dec 24th and 25th. 12:00-17:00


Be ready; I saw pictures of Santa on a kindergarten blog, and the kids asked:
Why does Santa have to wear a mask?
Why is Santa Taiwanese?

Very cute!

_________________________________________________________________________

The Sherwood Hotel has a lot of stuff going on.  Something special is the French orchestra on December 22nd, from 5pm to 8:30pm. It's sponsored by Vespa.

【百人法國號報佳音】12/22(六) 17:00-20:30 Vespa 將載著近70位法國號音樂家們穿梭在台北街頭, 用美妙的樂章傳遞幸福的佳音, 同時台北西華飯店的「廚師熊」, 也將與我們一起快閃喔!!!
20:00 集結在Vespa 西門旗艦店, 與30位法國號小樂手, 百支法國號角齊共鳴。

誠摯邀請所有 Vespa 騎士共襄盛舉
成為傳遞佳音的聖誕老公公


Address:  111 Min Sheng East Road, Sect. 3, Taipei
105台北市松山區民生東路三段111號

12/04/2012

[Dec 16, 2012] Children's Christmas Party & Brunch at the Brass Monkey

A day of Christmas themed fun and entertainment for the family
一個全家出動,體驗聖誕活動的好時機

Sunday, December 16 from 11:00am
12/16 星期天 11:00am

Share a moment and photo opportunity with Santa
聖誕老公公將現身在銅猴子聆聽小朋友們的心願,也歡迎小朋友跟聖誕老公公拍照留念,現場備有專業攝影師為您的小孩攝影留念

Prepare to be amazed by our special balloon man show (not your everyday balloon man)!
幽默逗趣的大入進氣球的特殊表演。精彩的演出內容,絕對讓小朋友們目不轉睛
 
(Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmfVTfmrmTM)

Face painting, hair styling and more!
小小藝術家工作坊---現場會有小老師為小朋友們畫上有趣的臉部彩繪和染上暫時的鮮艷特殊髮色喔

Story telling for kids
親切的銅猴子姊姊為小朋友帶來有趣生動的中、英文故事 ^^

Full buffet lunch for adults and children
大人兒童可享自助式早、午餐

Adults 大人 NT$550*
Children 小孩 (<1 br="br" free="free" nt="nt">
Be sure to wear Christmas colours!
記得要穿聖誕節的顏色喔!

*BOOK BEFORE DECEMBER 15 AND GET 10% OFF!!!!!!
*15號之前預訂,可享9折優惠
 
Where: The Brass Monkey,  166 Fushing North Road, Taipei.
 


11/23/2012

English Storytime Podcasts

I thought I had a list of podcasts on this blog already, but I can't find it, so here we go again.

We've recently been listening to stories at www.storynory.com.  There are lots of traditional fairy tales and original tales on this site.  The narrators tell the stories clearly and with feeling.  There is no animation, so it's nice to put on as a background and not worry about kids insisting on watching the the images.

11/22/2012

Young Lohas Swim Club, Baifu District - Great Family Day Trip

It's pretty hard to find a pool facility that caters for all ages, has indoor and outdoor areas, and a 50-meter pool, in Taipei City.  That's why I feel very lucky to live near Young Lohas Club in Baifu, just past Shijhr (Xijhi?) on the train line from Taipei to Keelung.

If you click on this link and take a look at the pictures, you'll get an idea of what the club is like.  Situated in the lovely Baifu Park (great for kids, with grassy area, little trails, climbing frames you don't usually see in Taipei, basketball courts, and a little stream), Young Lohas Club is in some ways very "local", but definitely offers a lot that I like.

Available to non-members:
-50-meter outdoor pool, open all year
-25-meter indoor pool
-Outdoor kids' pool with water slide, open during Summer
-Little kids' pool with mini-slide and climbing equipment indoors
-Spa and sauna area

For members:
-Gym
-Aerobics, yoga, and dance classes
-Free tea and internet
-Table tennis and pool

For extra fee:
-Beauty spa with facials and massages

One of the great things about the pool is, it has things you don't usually see available. During Summer, they have pool parties, let the kids play water games, they have a Tarzan-style rope into the pool, you can usually jump into the pool outside without being nagged at, you can wear flippers, the lifeguards come out and shoot you with waterpistols now and then, they have huge bits of foam floating in the pool for the kids to climb on and blow-up water gear for kids to slide into the water from... all good fun, safe but not as uptight as other pools can be.  (Like all pools in Taiwan, you do need to wear a hat.)


During term-time, my kids are the only children in the pool during the day, unless a school is visiting.  It gets a little busy during Summer, but it's not crazy.  The lifeguards do a good job at coaching kids in group classes.  They all seem to work pretty hard when they teach.  My kids loved their classes.

The Xijhr Swimming Club trains there every morning, and they have lifeguarding courses throughout the year, too.

Membership works out to about TWD1400 per month.  You can also buy 50-visit cards for TWD7500.  Single visits are more expensive, at 250 per adult, but worth it if you want to make a day of it.

There is a very nice little coffee shop in the complex (closed Mondays), where you can sit for the entire afternoon if you choose.  They have Lavazza coffee and make it well.  Their meals are really fresh, too.

The complex is closed on the last Monday of the month.  The manager, Alan, speaks enough English to communicate with customers.  Staff are friendly but most don't speak English.

The complex is a 10-minute-walk from Baifu (百福) Train Station.  You can see it from the station, as well as from Wugu (五股)Exit of Highway One.  It's got a huge white roof.

Chinese Information:
百福水漾樂活會館 Young Lohas Club
基隆市七堵區實踐路259號(百福公園) TEL:02-24518188 FAX:02-24518669
Hours: Daily 5:30am-11pm, last entry 10pm, pool closes at 10:30pm
Chinese Map.  "百福 車站"=Baifu Train Station
 
 

11/11/2012

List of New Year Celebrations Around Taiwan for 2012-2013

The Sinotour website has a useful list of New Year Celebration spots around Taiwan.  These are places you can go to see in 2013.

Some Places to Stay Around Taiwan - Ongoing List

I've been bookmarking a few places around Taiwan that I would like to stay at.  These are places that people I know have enjoyed, or that I have read about.  We don't actually do much traveling these days, but I can still dream and at least share with those who do.  If you have any other suggestions, feel free to contact me.  They must be family-friendly. Pet-friendly wins double-pints.

1. One House Three Looks, Hsinchu County

"One house three looks" was recommended by a friend.  Run by a mixed-culture family living in Hsinchu, it is a reasonably-priced place for a family holiday.  They have horses you can ride, and by the photos, a nice little orchard.  Click on the link to read the bilingual introduction.  Rooms are listed at 2500/double, plus 500 per extra bed.

Address: 新竹縣峨嵋鄉石井村6鄰沙坑農路63號
Tel:  0918-300068

The Awesome Playgroup News Online Edition Fall 2012

I'm excited to share the latest edition of our playgroup's student-published newspaper.  The children involved range in age from first to seventh grade.  The theme for this issue was "Book Reviews".

http://www.youblisher.com/p/471989-Awesome-Playgroup-News-Fall-2012-Issue/

English site: Theme Parks In Taiwan

http://www.themeparks.net.tw/eng/park/park06/index.asp

[Dec 9, 2012] Animals Taiwan Bake Sale

I'm going to send you off to another fabulous blogsite, A Handful of Sapphires, for information about this event.  A Handful of Sapphires lists events hosted by charities in Taiwan that don't usually get much coverage.

This bake sale is huge.  You will be able pick up some fantastic Christmas-y treats this time round.

[Nov 24, 2012] Taipei European School Christmas Bazaar

With over 6,000 visitors last year, the TES Christmas Bazaar is always a fun day for the whole family.  There are stalls selling Christmas items, games to play, and lots of food and music, too. Entry is usually something like 10NT per person.

When: 10am to 4pm, Saturday November 24th 
Where: Swire European Primary Campus (727 WenLin Road, ShihLin District, Taipei 11159)
Suitable Ages: All

[Nov 2012] Pizza DIY for Kids at Alleycats

Alleycats Pizza, one of Taipei's popular pizza restaurants, is offering classes for kids aged 3 to 12 this month.

Check out the poster.  Info is mostly in Chinese, but pretty straightforward.

Where: Alleycats Huashan Restaurant
When: 2-3:30pm on the last two Fridays of November
Cost: 700 for one class, discounts for two, and a deal when you eat there with your children.

11/10/2012

Taiwan Encyclopedia - English and Chinese Versions

This online encyclopedia is comprehensive and detailed.  The English version is well-written.  Definitely aimed at Junior High and above, it's quite academic in nature.

Some more useful Chinese-language-learning sites

Thanks to the group at Learn@home in Taiwan (on Facebook) for these links.  I checked them out and this is my quick review.

 http://eivg.org/eig/interactive02.php?type=4 National Taiwan University's site for developing language schools in "Taiwan's new citizens". There are a few games up so far.  Click on 華語.



http://eword.ntpc.edu.tw/ - 新北市政府教育局 - characters teaching website, where you can create a printable worksheet for practicing writing characters

http://media.huayuworld.org/home_en.htm# - Global Chinese Language and Culture Center - choose 'Chinese' and appropriate level.  Lots of stuff here, including "Learn Chinese in 500 words or less" course, and lots of English info on Taiwan and Chinese culture in general.  Much of this is for older children or adults.

http://edu.ocac.gov.tw/lang/basic/ch_cards/index.htm - Flash cards with Chinese characters. It has background music that reminds me of a hotel lobby.  Be warned!

http://edu.ocac.gov.tw/biweekly/ - Journal of Chinese Culture for Children. Has materials for preschoolers and up.  Click on "English" to get to a pretty easy-to-navigate section.

http://www.5qchannel.com/ - Taiwanese company whose products have been chosen for Chinese learning materials in schools in Singapore.  Has a few free animated stories, but you need to pay to get full access.

You can also check out some of my previous listings

Chinese poetry for children.

Animated children's stories.

Pronunciation for children and adults.

11/01/2012

School Introduction: Badu Elementary, Keelung

Two days ago, I attended a meeting in Keelung. I had the opportunity to meet some of the parents at Badu Elementary in Keelung.  I was impressed by their energy and enthusiasm for the program they have been developing at the school.  A number of parents have moved from Taipei especially to let their children attend this school, as they were frustrated with the more traditional education systems they encountered.

Badu Elementary is a public school.  Like the school we attend (Maling Elementary, which I will write about in detail), it has a low roll.  It is currently around 50 students, but is set to increase as more people see what they are doing. 

Class size table:
 
class Population
Grade 1 7
Grade 2 9
Grade 3 12
Grade 4 16
Grade 5 6
Grade 6 14

If you are looking at putting your children into public school in Taiwan, I recommend you take a look at their English website (very well done!), and take time to visit the school.  Badu is on the train line between Taipei and Keelung, and it only takes about 25 minutes to get to Taipei on the train.  Badu is also near lots of natural, historic sites.

Here is their English website: http://ms1.badps.kl.edu.tw/englishsite/html/index.php
 
Here's a picture of their English class. I put this up because it is a typical public school classroom. http://css000000084133.tw.class.uschoolnet.com/

Address and telephone:


Badu Municipal Elementary School
24573287
 No.27, Yuanyuan Rd., Nuannuan District, Keelung City


10/21/2012

[Oct 28] Taichung Parents' Family Halloween Party

From their Facebook Page:

Hello Folks,

It's that time of year again!

For our third annual Taichung Parents Halloween Party!


We will be having our Taichung Parents Halloween Party on Sunday,
October 28th in the park on Dong Xing.

3pm start. (set-up will begin at 2pm)

Last years Halloween Party was massively well attended and a
tremendous event!

We will be following a similar format this year.

We will establish 'activity stations' where kids can trick-or-treat
around to the different areas, play various games, and will receive
candy for their hard work and smiles.

There will be no groupings or time-lines so parents and kids can wander around to the various stations as they please.

We want to encourage parents and kids to dress-up for the event but it is by no means mandatory.

So, whether you plan to wear a costume or not, we hope you will
attend and join us on our biggest event of the year.

You can do a couple of things to help:

#1 If you plan to attend the Halloween Party with your children please bring at least two bags of candy (something good) to contribute to the trick-or-treat grab-bag. This candy will then be redistributed to the kids when they are making the rounds.

#2 We also need parents to help run some of the various activity stations and help with patrol duties. We would love to hear from folks who only have one child to supervise. This is a good way to pitch in folks!

If you would like to help out, please email me directly:

driftwork@yahoo.com

I hope we can all pitch in to make this year's Taichung Parents
Halloween Party a terrific success!!!

Many smiles,


Joe Cooperman

I think it's best you sign up for the event so organisers have a good idea how many people are going.  From experience, it really helps!

[Oct 31, 2012] Halloween Cupcakes at Parents' Place

Bring your preschoolers along to a cupcake decorating hour at Parents' Place in Neihu.

Cost is TWD250 per child/three cupcakes.  Feel free to bring lunch along, too.

Time 11am-12 noon.
Cost TWD250
Address: 2F, No. 315, Section 4, ChenGong Rd, Neihu District, 台北市內湖區功路四段315號2F, Taipei, Taiwan 114

Register on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/events/452897608085537/

Or on the website's registration page (payment info on the form): www.parentsplace.com.tw

[Oct 31, 2012] Kid's Halloween at the Eatery, Kaohsiung

Here is my first Halloween event for Kaohsiung.  I am confirming that the kids' part starts at 5pm also, but you can also call and then let me know :)

Come Have a Howling Halloween with us at THE EATERY.

On Wednesday Oct 31st we will be celebrating All Hallows Eve. Come join us! Bring the family. We will have many treats for this special day including candied apples, home made pumpkin Pie, Special home made Hallow Ween Ice Cream and lots more. We will have discounts all night and at 12:00am will give away 1000 NT to best costume. We will also be offering CHEAP DRINKS so come get your drink on have some food then head out to the clubs 60 NTD drinks all night Vodka Whiskey and Rum drinks all night from 5pm till 12:00AM Hope to see you here.
Any children 12 and under will get a free Trick or Treat bag filled with goodies :)

Address: No 14 Lane 20 Ziqiang 3rd rd KHH City 802 Kaohsiung (Near Lamp across from The 85 building)
Tel: 72691813

10/15/2012

[Through to Oct 20, 2012] Barbie Exhibit in Taichung

Barbie's Fashion Box Exhibition is now in Taichung. We have been to a few Barbie exhibits in Taiwan. Barbie has a special place in Taiwan's manufacturing history.  You can read about it in past posts on this blog.

Some of the dolls in the Fashion Box exhibition are from the personal collection of famous Taiwanese designer Lin Kuo-chi. My kids loved spotting people from history in the exhibit.

Where: Taichung Cultural & Creative Industries Park (362, Fuxing Rd., Sec. 3, South Dist.; closed Mondays). Tel: (04) 2229-3079. 
Go to www.artsticket.com.tw or call (04) 2208-0128 for more information.

[oct 2012] Halloween Events at Taipei Zoo

Well, unfortunately we all missed out on the Zoo's Halloween event. Only 300 kids could take part, so it was unlikely I'd be in time to get a ticket.  They do have a Halloween-related exhibit in their Education Hall, that runs through to November 4th.  Okay, it's not really Halloween-related, but they put it under the theme anyway.  It's looking at our futuristic world, and how it might be in coming generations.

Chinese link here.

Read about the cool Halloween event you can no longer sign up for here.

[Oct 21, 2012] Halloween Kids' Party at Carnegie's, Central Taipei

I've heard this is always a super-fun event for the family.  Carnegie's is a good place to take the family during the day, anytime, too.

  
Poster from Carnegie's event page.
When: Saturday, 21 October, 2012, 2:30-5pm
Where: 1F, No. 100 An He Road, Section 2, Taipei. (台北市安和路二段100號1F)
Tel: 02-2325-4433

Cost: 888 per child, 555 per adult (10% discount for early purchase)

Check out full details on the event page of their website.

[Oct 27, 2012] Halloween in Tianmu - Lots of Events for Children Again

The Chinese version of the events going on in Tianmu is already up on the dedicated blog.  Check back here a little later for an English version, or run it through a translator to get a quick idea first.

Additions:

October 27th from 3pm, at Tianmu Sports Park (天母運動公園)

貝丹的秘密市集 
Market Day (from 3pm)

Over twenty stalls. 

The Coca-Cola Fun Car will also be there to liven things up.  (People dressed up as cartoon characters and other fun stuff for kids.)

The Storyhouse will be running at night:

First Session:18:00-18:30
Second Session:19:00-19:30


At the entrance of the park, from 3pm to 10pm, there will be a Tarot Festival, run by seven witches.


 天母運動公園中央走道
From 3pm to 10pm, on the boardwalk in the park, there will be games and activities for kids, including DIY.


天母運動公園水景廣場前
3pm-10pm
In front of the water area of the park, bands will play.  

Chinese schedule:
 
時間
活動內容
15:00-16:00
中西逗陣走
15:30-16:00
可口可樂區活動
16:00-16:10
主持人開場
16:10-16:30
團體表演1
16:30-16:40
主持人介紹活動
16:40-17:10
活動開幕儀式
17:10-17:30
共飲魔法湯
17:30-18:00
長官視察
18:00-18:30
團體表演2
18:30-19:00
可口可樂區活動
19:00-19:30
團體表演3
19:30-20:00
 可口可樂區活動
20:00-22:00
魔音傳腦音樂饗宴+故事屋


Buses that get to the area:
220、224、267、535(中山)、601、616、685、中山幹線、紅19

Shuttle buses from Shipai Station:
紅12、紅15、紅19



Address:
No. 77號, Section 2, Zhōngchéng Road, Shilin District  Taipei City, 111
臺北市忠誠路二段77號

10/13/2012

[Oct 14 2012] Hakka Festival, Hakka Culture Park, Taipei

Oops! Missed giving a warning on this one. Already half-over, but there is another day.  The Hakka Festival at the Hakka Culture Park (formally the Transportation Museum for those who had kids around the same time I did).

Chinese timetable is here.

Official English website here.

I haven't been here for many years, so can't really add anymore insider information.

You can park at the water park carpark.

Address : No.2, Section 3, Tingzhou Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei

Nice Little Vegetarian Eatery in Central Taipei - Child-Friendly

Per Te "Italian Style" Vegetarian Restaurant is located between Chungshan North Road and Linsen North Road.  With a small store-front, it is a little deceiving, but trust me, the space behind the little breakfast-store style oven is clean, cute, and stroller-friendly.  You might want to enter by the larger door to the left of the store after ordering.

The menu is all in Chinese, but there are photos of all the choices stuck on the cooker so you can look and point or even just make sure the food is what you want.  Per Te offers Italian style pasta, baked rice dishes, the same dishes with cheese, and Japanese, Korean, or Thai flavored hotpot.  In summer they have cold noodles and salad.  Soup and tea are free. You serve yourself. The service area is clean and safe for children.  They have forks and spoons available.

Prices are good, somewhere between TWD80 and TWD120 including the soup and tea.  Servings are very big. I requested a smaller serving after seeing what the family in the shop was eating.  You could easily share a meal with a young child.

I ordered the Basil flavored baked rice.  It had a very strong basil flavor.  I think a half-serving would have been perfect flavor-wise, and would have loved to share two dishes with someone else.  It was very good, just of very strong flavor.

The young couple running the store were just lovely, and everything was clean.  The children eating there were really enjoying their meal.

Per Te is open every day.  They close at 2:30pm for an afternoon break.

Address: No. 27, lane 59, Chungshan North Road, Section 2, Taipei City
台北市中山北路二段59巷27號
Tel: 0922-355-672

10/11/2012

Daniel Pearl Music Day

I've taken the kids to this event a few times.  There are always other families there, and it can be fun.  The "new to you" charity will be selling some of their donated goods there this year.  The venue is really nice, and somewhere I was planning to write about.

▲台北 X 倫敦 X 舊金山 X 巴黎 X 紐約… 超過100個城市連線


丹尼.波爾(Daniel Pearl)是一名成就非凡的記者和樂手,也是位著名的樂評人。2002年任職華爾街日報時,不幸地為了採訪工作死於巴基斯坦恐怖份子手中。為了紀念丹尼.波爾短暫卻燦爛的一生,他的朋友在2002年發起「丹尼一日音樂節」,每年十月在世界各地舉辦,傳遞愛與和平、希望與寬容的理念。


美國總統歐巴馬更是在每年10月寫下親筆聲明,公開宣揚對丹尼.波爾的悼念。此外,丹尼.波爾的真實故事,也改編成電影《無畏之心》,由安潔莉娜裘莉擔綱主演,傳神詮釋痛失丈夫的心碎妻子,精堪的演技獲得美國金球獎及獨立精神獎最佳女演員提名。


自創始以來,「丹尼一日音樂節」得到各界熱烈迴響,已擴大為國際性音樂活動,已在111個國家進行6700場演出,世界各地具有號召力的音樂家、藝術家們皆紛紛響應,台北也是率先參與的城市之一。人們將會永遠記得丹尼.波爾的精神,相信音樂可以改變世界,人類應該和諧共處!


▲不只是搖滾樂…,藍調、鄉村、雷鬼、爵士以及其它


台灣樂迷熟悉的搖滾樂團Grizzly Bear、The Music、Maroon 5、R.E.M.,以及音樂傳奇Elton John、葛萊美獎得主Herbie Hancock等人也曾參與國外「丹尼一日音樂節」演出


丹尼一日音樂節音樂類型多元,邀請的樂手往往涵括藍調、鄉村、雷鬼、爵士、靈魂樂各種類型,藉此傳達音樂打破種族隔閡的核心價值。


今年在台灣舉行的「丹尼一日音樂節」即將在10月20日於新成立的台北市客家文化主題公園舉辦,臨近台電大樓捷運站(延著師大路走到底,約莫5分鐘的路程)。現場共有兩個戶外舞台,16組知名樂團將輪番上陣,帶來豐富的聽覺經驗。



▲最重要的是…活動免費,快來一起當好朋友!


最後一個好消息…活動完全免費!我們特別選擇戶外空間舉辦音樂節,所以歡迎大家帶著自由、開放的心來聽表演,你要在草地上翻滾、蹓狗、野餐,通通ok,記得趕快先將10月20日空下來,真是美好的一天!官方臉書:https://www.facebook.com/danielpearl.tw


▲活動資訊


時間 | TIME: 10/20(六/Sat)13:00-22:00

地點|PLACE:台北市客家文化主題公園 Taipei City Hakka Cultural Park 臺北市中正區汀州路三段2號 No.2, Sec. 3, Tingzhou Rd., Zhongzheng Dist., Taipei City


捷運|MRT: 台電大樓捷運站5號出口(約5分鐘的路程)

入場|ticket:免費! FREE ENTRY!

舞台 | stages:兩個舞台 |2 stages

樂隊 | bands:16樂團輪番演出

風格|styles:搖滾、民謠、藍調、雷鬼、爵士|rock 、folk、blues、reggae、Jazz


▲表演樂團名單(10/5更新)


1:30pm Molting Crayfish 蛻皮小龍蝦

2:30pm Wild Alibis

3:30pm La Cumbia Balkanska(新增)

4:30pm T-bone & Yasu

5:30pm Shiznits

6:30pm Skaraoke

7:30pm Dark Eyes

8:30pm Aashti 汎絲路樂團


Rock

2:00pm 昆蟲白 insecteens

3:00pm Ever So Friendlies

4:00pm Inhuman 非人物種

5:00pm .22 (featuring pete holmes)

6:00pm 88 Balaz 八十八顆芭樂籽

7:00pm Sleaze 湯湯水水

8:00pm Blind Acid Date

9:00pm We Save Strawberries 草莓救星


Taipei, London , Paris, San Francisco, London, New York ... more than 100 cities around the world


Daniel Pearl was a remarkable journalist and musician who worked for the Wall Street Journal. In 2002, he was taken hostage and died in the hands of terrorists. To commemorate his brief but brilliant life, his friends launched "Danny Pearl World Music Days", held around the world in October of each year, spreading the message of love and peace, and tolerance.


Each year, the event is strongly supported by top journalists around the world as well as world leading politicians such as U.S. President Barack Obama who typically offers a personal statement. Danny’s life has also been subject to many books and movies, including the "A Mighty Heart" starring Angelina Jolie, a vivid interpretation the heartbreak experienced by Marianne Pearl in the last few hours of his life.


Since its inception, "Danny Day Music Festival" to an enthusiastic response from all walks of life, has expanded into the international music events, has 6,700 performances in 111 countries around the world. Musicians and artists all have all warmly responded and Taipei is fortunate to be one of the early participants in this international event, eagerly sharing the message that music can change the world.


This year’s event in Taipei will be held on October 20th at the Taipei Hakka Cultural Park near the Taipower Building MRT Station (a five minute walk). There will be two outdoor stages, 16 bands, and numerous performances and dedications. Food will also be available from local stalls and plenty of fresh air and open space for everyone.


The event is free and open to the general public. We have chosen this music festival environment to welcome everyone to listen with an open heart. For more information, please visit or official facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/danielpearl.tw

Looking for a New Wardrobe? Support New To New's 2nd Charity Sale!

With all the charities focusing on  sharing kids' stuff round, it's nice to see one sharing adult (I think mostly women's) clothing come in for a second time.  Get a new wardrobe, shed the clothes that are weighing you down, and feel good about it!


The ‘New to You’ Second Hand Charity Sale is back again by popular demand for the 2nd year in a row! The date will be Sunday, December 2nd, but more details will come soon.




If you would like to get rid of your clean, used items that are still in great condition, please consider donating them to this charity event.




We are looking for men’s and women’s clothing, such as: shirts, pants, jackets, shoes, dresses, skirts, belts, scarves and also jewelry. We would also like books and English magazines. Othe
r small household items may also be taken.




This year, we are supporting two charities.




One is Happy Home Orphanage in Nepal that Lorena volunteered at this past summer. They are in desperate need of everyday items and funding is crucial. Happy Home now has 60 children who have been rescued from drug addiction and horrible street conditions in their care. They have grown a lot and rescued many children since this video was filmed, and they will continue to help more children as they can afford to. Please check out this short documentary about Happy Home Orphanage:










The second organization is the local, Taipei Women’s Rescue Foundation. The TWRF provides assistance to women and children of domestic violence, female victims of human trafficking and recognition to former Taiwanese comfort women. Please check out their English website:












If you would like to donate items, please take them to the following locations:




A) Forkers, Zhong Xiao Branch: 1 F, No 8, Alley 10, Lane 223, Sec 4, Zhong Xiao E, Rd. Taipei City Open Daily 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm Zhong Xiao Dunhua MRT station, Exit 2,






B) Frankie’s Pies: Wen Hua Rd, No 15, 1 F, Yung He, New Taipei City Open 5:00pm-1:00am Daily. Closed Mondays Dinxi MRT Station Exit 2








C) The Green Hornet: 1F, 108 Xindian Rd, Xindian, New Taipei City. Open 5:30pm-12:00am Daily. Closed Mondays Xindian MRT station








D) Carnegies 1 F, 100 An He Rd, Sec 2, Taipei City Liuzhangli MRT Station








E) Carleen’s English Language Center: 128 and 132 Xin Yun St, Neihu. Neihu MRT Station Exit 2. Across the street from Kang Ning Elem School.




F) Parents' Place: No 315, Section 4, Cheng Gong Rd, Neihu. Please call 09-8757-6771 for daily hours








***** The most important part of The New to You Second Hand Charity sale, the location, has NOT BEEN FINALIZED, so we reach out to you for help. We are in need of an unused apartment or empty office space in central Taipei in which we can access for 1 month in total to sort, organize, prepare for the sale and then re-sort so that we can distribute the leftover items to other local charities in need. Ideally, a space of 25+ pings would be perfect. We hope there is a kind person out there who would offer the space use for free (we can pay for the electricity) as having to pay rent would then come out of the amount of money we would like to donate to the charities. But, we are open for discussion on this. Please help us spread the word!!




The New to You II sale can be really successful with your help.


**Please invite friends to the event, and post it on your Facebook wall.


**Mention it to friends and encourage people to sort through their things and then drop the items off at the mentioned drop off points. (We especially really need clean, quality men's clothes!!)


**Come shopping on the day of the event to buy second hand items for a very low price.


**Offer to volunteer with picking up items, sorting and selling


**DONATE USED CLOTHES, HANGERS, LARGE PAPER SHOPPING BAGS AND CLOTHING RACKS! All these items are needed!




For more information, please contact us in English at:


charitybakesale@hotmail.com




Thank you so much for your support! 
**They still need a space for a month to store, sort, and hold the sale.  If you know of anywhere they could use, please get in touch!