Taiwan NOW

scam alert with Domain Service Notice

2009-10-18T20:17:00.000-07:00

Attention: Important Notice
DOMAIN SERVICE NOTICE
Complete and return by fax to: 1-646-385-7542
47-47 36th Street #16452 Long Island City, NY 11101United States of America

Just wanted to let everyone know that this is not the domain registration service that I used and this notice doesn't make any sense. Don't fall for this.. It is misleading.

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Disclaimer: This website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. There is no specific targeted medical advice here. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer also applies to our other websites with generalized information: Plastic Surgery Modesto CA, Plastic Surgery Modesto, Cosmetic Surgery, Modesto Plastic Surgeon, Acupuncture Modesto, Surgical Artistry Modesto Vein Center, How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon, Breast Augmentation Modesto, Breast Augmentation FAQ, Tummy Tuck FAQ, Calvin Lee, Modesto, Botox in Modesto

Beward Skype automatically renews

2009-10-18T16:18:00.001-07:00

I had used Skype quite happily while I was in Taiwan. However after three months of paid service, the account automatically renewed for another three months by Skype. This was something that I didn't know. Perhaps it was in the fine print. I'm in the process of trying to get a refund. So far it looks like I got a cancellation in the repeat billing, but I may be out the 3 months (I would classify this as an unfair practice if I don't get refunded)

Note: This posting and website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer applies to our other websites as well – feel free to visit: Plastic Surgery Modesto, Modesto Plastic Surgery, Modesto Plastic Surgeon, Surgical Artistry Modesto Vein Center, Acupuncture in Modesto, Plastic Surgery Stockton, Calvin Lee, Cosmetic Surgery Modesto

Google Local Business Center reviews disappeared

2009-10-08T22:43:00.000-07:00

I have been searching Google for Google Local Business Center problems with reviews disappearing, but I haven't found any websites addressing this problem. This has just happened to me. It's not a huge ordeal but I thought it was strange that my listing for Plastic Surgery Modesto in the Google Local Business Listings had dropped from 23 reviews down to just 6 reviews for plastic surgery in Modesto.

Perhaps this is just a temporary problem with a new protocol at Google. If anyone has any ideas, please let me know.

Five facets of running a medical Private Practice

2009-10-05T01:20:00.000-07:00

I've been running a private practice medical office for about 3-4 years now, along with my wife, Dr. Tammy Wu, Plastic Surgeon. I've come to realize that there are five main categories of the jobs that we take on as physician/business owners. They are:

The five facets of running a medical private practice:

1. Clinical
2. Customer Interfacing
3. Maintenance
4. Efficiency Improvement
5. Marketing

Expanding on the above:

Clinical includes:
a) surgeries
b) consultations
c) writing prescriptions
d) checking lab results
e) patient education
f) sales of medical products to the patients
g) exploring new fields and ideas in medicine
h) continuing medical education

Customer interfacing includes:
a) Front desk duties with the patients as they walk in.
b) Reminders of appointments for the patients
c) Scheduling the patients
d) Rebooking patients for appointments if necessary

Maintenance includes
a) Finances (such as going to the bank, paying taxes)
b) Cleaning of physical space
c) Cleaning of medical equipment
d) plant care
e) Inventory of medical supplies
f) Inventory of products for sale
g) Replenishing office supplies (paper, towels, paper plates)
h) Laundry
i) Hiring replacement employees
j) getting rid of spider webs
k) getting rid of old magazines, and getting new ones
l) renewing repair contracts
m) updating software
n) paying bills

Efficiency Improvement includes
a) updating patient forms
b) keeping up with latest trends
c) speeding up all other processes in the office by working smarter, not necessarily harder.
d) updating equipment (faster printers, faster scanners)
e) training employees, testing employees
f) hiring additional new employees with new roles

Marketing includes
a) website
b) newspaper advertising
c) email newsletter
d) open houses
e) community service
f) giving lectures
g) patient referral programs
h) meeting with reps from companies
i) internal marketing
j) Surgery Tracker
k) Coupons, specials

Running this practice requires that we wear many different hats. Sometimes we are working "in" the business and sometimes we're working "on" the business. The business is the Private Practice of Surgical Artistry - Our practice in Modesto, California specializing in Veins, Acupuncture, and Plastic Surgery.

I consider the "in the business" tasks to be:
- Clinical
- Maintenance
- Customer Interfacing

I consider the "on the business" tasks to be:
- Efficiency Improvement
- Marketing

The listing above has also helped me think about what's different about having a private practice from what it would be like to work at a larger corporation such as Kaiser. I would not spend as much time as an employee of a group like Kaiser on:

- Maintenance
- Customer Interfacing
- Marketing

Those three tasks would be somewhat missing in a large group. Although there would of course be some involvement in all those three items as a doctor working anywhere, but it wouldn't be as much as if one were running their own private practice.

Above are just some thoughts that I had, as I try to organize my daily activities.... I felt compelled to put this in writing - I think this categorization may be worth something to me in the future.

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Disclaimer: This website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. There is no specific targeted medical advice here. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer also applies to our other websites with generalized information: Plastic Surgery Modesto CA, Plastic Surgery Modesto, Cosmetic Surgery, Modesto Plastic Surgeon, Acupuncture Modesto, Surgical Artistry Modesto Vein Center, How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon, Breast Augmentation Modesto, Breast Augmentation FAQ, Tummy Tuck FAQ, Calvin Lee, Modesto, Botox in Modesto

Search engine races - what percentage does Google have?

2009-10-05T00:12:00.000-07:00

Source: http://news.cnet.com/8301-10805_3-10354394-75.html

I saw an article form September 2009 about Bing - the Microsoft search engine - which is relatively new.

They report that Bing has grabbed 10% of the search market.

Here's their analysis of the search engines:

Google 64.6%
Yahoo 16.0%
Bing 10.7%
Aol 3.1%

Google remains on top of the search engine world for now. I think Bing has a long way to go. We'll see what happens in the future.

Canonical Link Element for duplicated web content - useful for SEO

2009-09-20T11:48:00.000-07:00

This is something that Yahoo and Google have agreed to to do to help sort out duplicated content including websites with www or without the "www" - this may be spackle that helps to fix the cracks in the web wall, but I think it is a step in the right direction... you can here it directly from Matt Cutts of Google:

My side hobby is SEO (Search Engine Optimization) - this is exciting! Site maps are also covered briefly in this video about "breaking ties" - or giving Google hints.

Note: This posting and website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer applies to our other websites as well – feel free to visit: Plastic Surgery Modesto, Modesto Plastic Surgery, Modesto Plastic Surgeon, Surgical Artistry Modesto Vein Center, Acupuncture in Modesto, Plastic Surgery Stockton, Calvin Lee, Cosmetic Surgery Modesto,

I'm going to start Obagi - nu derm skin care

2009-09-18T21:20:00.000-07:00

Time to take the plunge. I did my Visia skin care analysis today at my office. And I'm going to start my OBAGI skin care regimen today. I'm going to use 0.1% tretinoin - I think... I better as our plastic surgeon for a little advice. I need major help with my skin.

Wish me luck!

Disclaimer: This website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. There is no specific targeted medical advice here. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer also applies to our other websites with generalized information: Plastic Surgery Modesto CA, Plastic Surgery Modesto, Cosmetic Surgery, Modesto Plastic Surgeon, Acupuncture Modesto, Surgical Artistry Modesto Vein Center, How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon, Breast Augmentation Modesto, Breast Augmentation FAQ, Tummy Tuck FAQ, Calvin Lee, Modesto, Botox in Modesto

Cirque Du Soleil Facts - For ZAIA

2009-09-13T01:03:00.000-07:00

I saw the Cirque Du Soleil in Macua, China. It's the Zaia show. I saw it in August, 2009 while I was there playing a violin solo with the Macau Youth Symphony. Here are some facts about this performance that I found in the brochure:

The Venetian is the only theater in the world where you can see ZAIA
It took 3 years and US $150 million to build.
25 feet diameter sphere moves on 3 axes and weights 4000 lbs.
Every performance takes 115 technicians and 75 performers from 17 nationalities to stage.
Artists do their own makeup.
Most songs are sung in an imaginary language inspired by Hindi phonemes
To produce the effect of a choir, the two live singers are digitally mixed during the performance to sound like a chorus of over sixty voices
The troupe includes dancers from the United States, Argentina, Canada, China, Romania, France, Hungary and Germany.
The backdrop of the theater, the "star drop", uses 3,000 fiber optic stars to recreate the night sky of Macau.

http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/zaia/en/intro/intro.asp

----Disclaimer: This website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. There is no specific targeted medical advice here. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer also applies to our other websites with generalized information: Plastic Surgery Modesto CA, Plastic Surgery Modesto, Cosmetic Surgery , Plastic Surgery California, Acupuncture Modesto, Surgical Artistry Modesto Vein Center, How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon, Breast Augmentation Modesto, Breast Augmentation FAQ, Tummy Tuck FAQ, Calvin Lee, Modesto, Botox in Modesto

How long does it take to fly from Taiwan to America?

2009-09-13T00:57:00.001-07:00

I flew EVA airlines from Taipei (Tauyuan international airport), Taiwan to San Francisco, USA (United States). It took about 11:00 hours or perhaps it was 11:30 hours. Regardless this should give you an idea of how long it takes to fly from Taiwan to the USA. You have to add additional flight time if you are transfering or flying across the US.

Hope this helps.

----Disclaimer: This website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. There is no specific targeted medical advice here. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer also applies to our other websites with generalized information: Plastic Surgery Modesto CA, Plastic Surgery Modesto, Cosmetic Surgery , Plastic Surgery California, Acupuncture Modesto, Surgical Artistry Modesto Vein Center, How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon, Breast Augmentation Modesto, Breast Augmentation FAQ, Tummy Tuck FAQ, Calvin Lee, Modesto, Botox in Modesto

EVA Airlines back to America

2009-09-03T23:27:00.000-07:00

I'm back. Flew EVA Airlines, flew directly to San Francsico, USA. Took about 11 - 12 hours. I had an Aisle seat and there was no one next to me! The video/TV was broken, so I moved my seat next to someone else - it was important that I watch a few movies on the way back! Then we fought traffice from San Francisco to Modesto took about 2 hours. And now I'm here at my computer typing away.

I purposely left my camera behind in Taiwan. Hopefully we might see more pictures of Taiwan from that camera.

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Disclaimer: This website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. There is no specific targeted medical advice here. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer also applies to our other websites with generalized information: Plastic Surgery Modesto CA, Plastic Surgery Modesto, Cosmetic Surgery , Plastic Surgery California, Plastic Surgery in Modesto, Acupuncture Modesto, Veins Modesto, How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon, Breast Augmentation Modesto, Breast Augmentation FAQ, Tummy Tuck FAQ, Calvin Lee, Modesto, Botox in Modesto

New Surgical Artistry Ad

2009-08-30T02:06:00.001-07:00

This one is to go into the Gallo Center for the Arts program. Designed by Becky Li and Calvin Lee

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Disclaimer: This website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. There is no specific targeted medical advice here. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer also applies to our other websites with generalized information: Plastic Surgery Modesto CA, Plastic Surgery Modesto, Cosmetic Surgery , Plastic Surgery California, Acupuncture Modesto, Veins Modesto, How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon, Breast Augmentation Modesto, Breast Augmentation FAQ, Tummy Tuck FAQ, Calvin Lee, Modesto, Botox in Modesto

California Fires 2009 (August - September 2009)

2009-08-30T01:40:00.001-07:00

Info from AP Saturday, August 29, 2009.
Wildifre in the mountains above Los Angeles
Threat and danger to 10,000 homes
tripled in size on Saturday
So far 3 people burned, and at least three homes destroyed
Evacuation of 1000 homes
Evacuations in effect in Altadena, Glendale, Pasadena, La Crescenta and Big Tujunga Canyon
There are several other smaller fires burning in California. Including in Yosemite National park. This one is the largest.

About the fire: videos below

AP press August 30, 2009, Wildfires rip through southern California

AP press August 28, 2009, Los Angeles Wildfires

California Wildfires Burn LA Suburb: (no voice/commentary)

Fire in the La Canada Flintridge area:

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Disclaimer: This website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. There is no specific targeted medical advice here. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer also applies to our other websites with generalized information: Plastic Surgery Modesto CA, Plastic Surgery Modesto, Cosmetic Surgery , Plastic Surgery California, Acupuncture Modesto, Veins Modesto, How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon, Breast Augmentation Modesto, Breast Augmentation FAQ, Tummy Tuck FAQ, Calvin Lee, Modesto, Botox in Modesto

Southern California Wildfire

2009-08-30T01:31:00.000-07:00

Seems like fires happen every year in California.

Info from AP Saturday, August 29, 2009.

Wildifre in the mountains above Los Angeles
Threat and danger to 10,000 homes
tripled in size on Saturday
So far 3 people burned, and at least three homes destroyed
Evacuation of 1000 homes
Evacuations in effect in Altadena, Glendale, Pasadena, La Crescenta and Big Tujunga Canyon
There are several other smaller fires burning in California. Including in Yosemite National park. This one is the largest.

http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/DC-10-jet-dumps-chemical-fire-retardant-order-slow-advance-Station/photo//090830/480/6a4277bf66ec418da31fb28b973a5887//s:/ap/20090830/ap_on_re_us/us_california_wildfires

Disclaimer: This website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. There is no specific targeted medical advice here. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer also applies to our other websites with generalized information: Plastic Surgery Modesto CA, Plastic Surgery Modesto, Cosmetic Surgery , Plastic Surgery California, Acupuncture Modesto, Veins Modesto, How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon, Breast Augmentation Modesto, Breast Augmentation FAQ, Tummy Tuck FAQ, Calvin Lee, Modesto, Botox in Modesto

Random emails that I get

2009-08-26T19:33:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to write a quick something to say that I made it back from Hong Kong and Macau - playing violin soloes in those cities....

Randomly, I got an email suggesting that I should rank higher in the category of " Modesto Doctors " - they would try to help me get there. I'm thinking that it's a good idea. but I'm not sure what site to rank higher with Modesto Doctors.

Well that's the random thought for now. I'm doing well. Got a small little get together concert outdoors tomorrow morning.

Stay tuned :)
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Disclaimer: This website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. There is no specific targeted medical advice here. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer also applies to our other websites with generalized information: Plastic Surgery Modesto CA, Plastic Surgery Modesto, Cosmetic Surgery , Plastic Surgery California, Acupuncture Modesto, Veins Modesto, How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon, Breast Augmentation Modesto, Breast Augmentation FAQ, Tummy Tuck FAQ, Calvin Lee, Modesto, Botox in Modesto

Credit Alerts from Chase ID Protection ID fraud

2009-08-16T23:27:00.000-07:00

I had called chase ID protection about 1.5 weeks ago to see what I could do because I saw a bunch of credit checks that appeared on my account from Children's Place and Radio Shack and another unidentified location/service. Children's Place and Radioshack both seem to be from Sioux Falls in SD. Chase ID protection told me not to worry about it because it's probably a different "Cavin Lee" that they were checking on. They said that if I was worried about it, I could google their telephone numbers and call them to explain the situation to them.

I was hoping for more help from Chase ID protection. But because I was busy, I didn't do much.

Then I got a flurry of more credit alerts to look at..

the last three were actually new accounts that were open.

because I am in Taipei, the time zone difference is a problem for me to call right now because Chase Id protection is closed. I did check a recent credit report and it does appear that "children's place" has an account open with a credit limit of $1500, and it had been charged to it's limit already.

I'll call Chase ID protection tonight to see what they recommend. They have limited hours which are even shorter than what they list on their website right now. I think the shortened hours are due to the "bad economy" - and their attempts to tighted their belts - which is understandable.

stay tuned for ID fraud updates.

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Disclaimer: This website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. There is no specific targeted medical advice here. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer also applies to our other websites with generalized information: Plastic Surgery Modesto CA, Plastic Surgery Modesto, Cosmetic Surgery, Plastic Surgery California, Acupuncture Modesto, Veins Modesto, How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon, Breast Augmentation Modesto, Breast Augmentation FAQ, Tummy Tuck FAQ, Calvin Lee, Modesto, Botox in Modesto

Funny Yoga Video Skit

2009-08-15T16:37:00.000-07:00

I saw this over 1 year ago, and have been looking for this on YouTube ever since. And somehow, today I found it. I don't want to lose sight of it so, I'm embedding it here.

There's a funny reference to acupuncture here.

Enjoy.

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Disclaimer: This website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. There is no specific targeted medical advice here. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer also applies to our other websites with generalized information: Plastic Surgery Modesto CA, Plastic Surgery Modesto, Cosmetic Surgery , Plastic Surgery California, Acupuncture Modesto, Veins Modesto, How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon, Breast Augmentation Modesto, Breast Augmentation FAQ, Tummy Tuck FAQ, Calvin Lee, Modesto, Botox in Modesto

Video Games - improve dexterity and surgical skills?

2009-08-15T15:51:00.001-07:00

Believe it or not. I wrote a webpage about Video Games for Surgeons.

I basically wrote the page so that I had easy access to video games (ie Pac man, simon) that I played with a lot when I was a child growing up in the United States.

I'm currently visiting Taipei, Taiwan, and I was having this discussion about video games with other surgeons here. Consensus - is that video games aren't bad at all unless they take up all your time and you're left addicted to the game. So once in a while, one might say that video games are good for developing dexterity / surgical skills. See the webpage for more information about video games for surgeons. Yep, it's an article written by surgeons.

There are other articles about this topic.

Here's one from USA Today

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Disclaimer: This website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. There is no specific targeted medical advice here. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer also applies to our other websites with generalized information: Plastic Surgery Modesto CA, Plastic Surgery Modesto, Cosmetic Surgery , Plastic Surgery California, Acupuncture Modesto, Veins Modesto, How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon, Breast Augmentation Modesto, Breast Augmentation FAQ, Tummy Tuck FAQ, Calvin Lee, Modesto, Botox in Modesto

Fire in East Bay, California - Summer 2009

2009-08-13T21:39:00.000-07:00

Fire in California (again).

This time (August 14, 2009):

Vegetation Fire buring along the Alameda - San Joaquin county line.

As of now the fire is about 3000 acres and 10 % of it is contained according to an Alameda county fire spokes-person.

Article on the Fire

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Disclaimer: This website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. There is no specific targeted medical advice here. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer also applies to our other websites with generalized information: Plastic Surgery Modesto CA, Plastic Surgery Modesto, Cosmetic Surgery, Acupuncture Modesto, Veins Modesto, How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon, Breast Augmentation Modesto, Breast Augmentation FAQ, Tummy Tuck FAQ, Botox in Modesto

Asian pop stars coming to America

2009-08-11T05:35:00.000-07:00

I read this article in April 2009 in People Magazine. (I get this Magazine in our Modesto Plastic Surgery Office for free). I thought it was interesting, so I'll repeat some of the key points here:

4 leading Asian pops stars ready to come to the US.

UTADA

Female Pop Star
Born in NY
Japanese
Released "This is the One", her second US album
She is 26 years old. Her first album First Love in Japan is ranked as the best selling album of all time in Japan.

Se7en

Male Pop Star
24 year old
Released his first U.S. single "Girls" featuring Lil' Kim
Sounds like: Asian answer to Justin Timberlake
From South Korea

BOA

12 #1 albums in Asia
22 year old, female
South Korean
Has an album named "Boa" in the US
Called the "Britney Spears of Asia"

Wonder Girls

southern Korean quintet
"Nobody" will be their first U.S. Album.
Sounds like a younger versino of the Spice Girls
They are all under 21 years old.

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Disclaimer: This website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. There is no specific targeted medical advice here. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer also applies to our other websites with generalized information: Plastic Surgery Modesto CA, Plastic Surgery Modesto, Cosmetic Surgery, Acupuncture Modesto, Veins Modesto, How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon, Breast Augmentation Modesto, Breast Augmentation FAQ, Tummy Tuck FAQ, Botox in Modesto

Internet Speed Test - how fast is my internet connection?

2009-08-11T03:46:00.000-07:00

Copying the info below from a informal speed test that I performed from my previous post: Why does facebook run so slow?

As for internet speed.Using http://www.Speedtest.net, the global broadband speed test,My server for the test is hosted by Tunghai University www.thu.edu.tw My ISP is CHTD - Chunghwa Telecom. My distance to server performing this test is about 100 miles.The results are 9.48MB/s download and 1.88 MB/s upload. Ping is 33ms (I'm not sure what that means)

On my second test: I got 9.43 MBPS for download and 1.88 MBPS for upload.If I shift my server that tests the speed to Hong Kong, I get 9.44 MBPS for download and 1.66 MBPS for upload.This is just to show the speed at which that I'm connected.

Now for a really cool test, I'm going to test the connection with San Francisco (Near Modesto, CA where I live in the USA - I'm currently in Taipei, Taiwan)I get a download speed of 7.71 MBPS and an upload speed of 1.74 MBPS. Not too shabby!

Using: http://us.mcafee.com/root/speedometer/test_1500.asp

I get a result of over 2 MBPS. I guess this wasn't configured to run any faster than that.

Then I tried http://www.bandwidthplace.com/ - it just froze with my vista computer system and I tried it again, and couldn't get it to work.

Next test: http://www.speakeasy.net/speedtest/
It was nice, it told me that my IP address was: 114.45.184.149

I picked San Francisco as a server to perform the test from: it gave me these results:
7311 kbps download / 1831 kbps upload - a little slower than the similar setup from speedtest.net, but for all purposes the same results.

For even more fun, I decided to remote desktop into my server in Modesto, CA and test out the speed there.

Using http://www.Speedtest.net:

It identified my server as coming from the California area, because on this website it automatically shifts a map to where you are located. They recommended trying San Jose as the testing server site. I'm not entirely sure what happens if I used remote desktop and then perform the test. This might skew the speed results somehow. But maybe not if the speed test report right back to the actual computer that I was controlling. As I'm doing the test from Taipei, Taiwan, it was a bit painfully slow to watch - I even thought "great, I crashed my computer." But it's actually wiggling a bit on the graphics right now as I type this... So I take this to be a good sign. Well, the results aren't that good:

I got Download internet speed of 0.30 mbps
and Upload internet speed of 0.09 mbps
Ping of 42 ms.

I think the results are skewed by the remote desktop connection.

It was worth a try anyway - for fun. Things to do while avoiding the typhoon in Taiwan.

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Disclaimer: This website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. There is no specific targeted medical advice here. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer also applies to our other websites with generalized information: Plastic Surgery Modesto CA, Plastic Surgery Modesto, Cosmetic Surgery, Acupuncture Modesto, Veins Modesto, How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon, Breast Augmentation Modesto, Breast Augmentation FAQ, Tummy Tuck FAQ, Botox in Modesto

Why does facebook run so slow?

2009-08-11T03:23:00.000-07:00

I sometimes act as tech support for some of my friends. I get this question a lot:
How come my facebook runs so slow?

I've had the luxury of having tried many different computers and found that there are two things that make facebook slow. Any of these things can be the "bottleneck" that causes slowness for facebook.

1. Amount of memory in your computer
2. Speed of internet connection.

And of course it would also matter what speed processor you have.

I've had great luck running FaceBook from Taiwan - but I have 4 gigs of memory and a fast internet connection which happens to be wired.

When I open up task manager to see how much memory each item takes up. I'm using internet explorer (iexplore.exe).

I get:

Google (Taiwan): 45,180K
Blogger (Chinese): 48,040K (without logging in)
Facebook (after logging into my account): 68,576K

Facebook on internet explorer is now on the top of my list as a memory "hog" - it's not the worst memory hog that I've seen. But it shows that having enough memory is one of the reasons for keeping Facebook running at an efficient speed. Efficiency is important in being able to spend time talking to our friends on Facebook.

As for internet speed.
Using Speedtest.net, the global broadband speed test,
My server for the test is hosted by Tunghai University www.thu.edu.tw My ISP is CHTD - Chunghwa Telecom. My distance to server performing this test is about 100 miles.

The results are 9.48MB/s download and 1.88 MB/s upload. Ping is 33ms (I'm not sure what that means)

On my second test: I got 9.43 MBPS for download and 1.88 MBPS for upload.

If I shift my server that tests the speed to Hong Kong, I get 9.44 MBPS for download and 1.66 MBPS for upload.

This is just to show the speed at which that I'm connected.

Now for a really cool test, I'm going to test the connection with San Francisco (Near Modesto, CA where I live in the USA - I'm currently in Taipei, Taiwan)

I get a download speed of 7.71 MBPS and an upload speed of 1.74 MBPS. Not too shabby!

Overall, I'm happy with facebook speed. I think of course it could be faster, but many of the other limiting factors for speed are due to things out of our control such as the server that Facebook uses.

Just writing what is on my mind.

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Disclaimer: This website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. There is no specific targeted medical advice here. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer also applies to our other websites with generalized information: Plastic Surgery Modesto CA, Plastic Surgery Modesto, Cosmetic Surgery, Acupuncture Modesto, Veins Modesto, How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon, Breast Augmentation Modesto, Breast Augmentation FAQ, Tummy Tuck FAQ, Botox in Modesto

How does one become a plastic surgeon?

2009-08-10T08:56:00.001-07:00

How does one become a Plastic Surgeon? Here's a plastic surgeon's (Dr. Tammy Wu) story of her childhood and growing up in a medical family. Her essay is entitled - Medicine is the language we speak at home. Part of a series of essays aimed at the topic "So, you want to be a doctor?" All the links above point to the same essay by Dr. Tammy Wu.

This was what I was working on all day.

I even have pictures of Dr. Wu placed on this web page when she was a child. And I have listed many of her relatives (with website links!) who are currently practicing medicine in Taiwan or in the United States.

The website also has pictures of Dr. Tammy Wu's father operating in the 1970's.
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Disclaimer: This website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. There is no specific targeted medical advice here. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer also applies to our other websites with generalized information: Plastic Surgery Modesto CA, Plastic Surgery Modesto, Cosmetic Surgery, Acupuncture Modesto, Veins Modesto, How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon, Breast Augmentation Modesto, Breast Augmentation FAQ, Tummy Tuck FAQ, Botox in Modesto

Started a new blog: for Violin!!

2009-08-09T12:35:00.000-07:00

http://surgeonviolinist.blogspot.com/

Because of the Typhoon and raining weather. We postponed our trip to southern Taiwan. Instead, I practiced some violin and started a new blog: a Violin Blog ! Just started it today.

Typhoon Videos from YouTube Morakot

2009-08-09T12:11:00.001-07:00

Typhoon videos from YouTube regarding Typhoon Morakot. Placed here on early August 10, 2009

For the video of the collapsing hotel due to Typhoon Morakot, click the link.

Dam problems:

Video Typhoon Morakot batters Taiwan

2009-08-09T12:02:00.000-07:00

From Al Jazeera English on Saturday Aug 7, 2009 regarding Typhoon Morakot and Taiwan:

This was reported on Saturday Aug 7, 2009. The typhoon took about 2 days to get across Taiwan. My map of Typhoon Morakot as it swept through Taipei. I labeled Taipei with "Calvin". Map.

Al Jazeera English is the same TV Channel that had interviewed me while I was playing violin in the YouTube Symphony at Carnegie Hall - interviewing me as the only surgeon in the YouTube Symphony April 2009. click this link for that video which has nothing to do with the Typhoon.

Our prayers and sympathy to those who have been devastated by this storm. We hope for a quick recovery.

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Disclaimer: This website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. There is no specific targeted medical advice here. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer also applies to our other websites with generalized information: Plastic Surgery Modesto CA, Plastic Surgery Modesto, Cosmetic Surgery, Acupuncture Modesto, Veins Modesto, How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon, Breast Augmentation Modesto, Breast Augmentation FAQ, Tummy Tuck FAQ, Botox in Modesto

Video: Typhoon collapses Hotel in Taiwan

2009-08-09T11:51:00.000-07:00

We were planning on taking a trip to southern Taiwan, but at the last minute decided not to. We remained in Taipei instead. Good thing because there has been quite a lot of chaos going on in Southern Taiwan due to the Typhoon Morakot.

The video above is what we saw on the news today in Taiwan TV. We watched from the safety of the house we were staying in in Taipei. The only problem we had was a broken/fallen out window from this Typhoon. All things considered, we were pretty safe.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to those who have suffered from the Typhoon.

Taiwan cockroach - picture

2009-08-08T10:57:00.001-07:00

I managed to take a picture of a Cockroach here in Taiwan. I left it alone, although I was tempted to squish it. I'm suprised that it didn't move through two flashes (two pictures). I thought they were supposed to be afraid of light. The autofocus light went at it twice also - but it didn't budge at all.

I have heard that some folks can get asthma / allergic reactions from a cockroach.

And I've also heard that the feces of a cockroach has the pheromones that attracts the opposite sex (go figure!)

You can click on the picture above for a larger version. In the larger version, you'll see more of the "fuzzy" legs on the critter.

Enjoy.

蟑螂

Disclaimer: This website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. There is no specific targeted medical advice here (really!). Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer also applies to our other websites with generalized information: Plastic Surgery Modesto CA, Plastic Surgery Modesto, Cosmetic Surgery, Acupuncture Modesto, Veins Modesto, How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon, Breast Augmentation Modesto, Breast Augmentation FAQ, Tummy Tuck FAQ, Botox in Modesto. Friendly lawyers recommended to me to put this disclaimer up as often as possible on my posts.

Before and After Plastic Surgery Pictures

2009-08-08T05:55:00.000-07:00

Plastic Surgery Before and After pictures - Breast Augmentation, Tummy Tuck, etc.

Do Plastic Surgery consumers actually look at the before and after pictures or is it other plastic surgeons that look at other plastic surgeon's before and after pictures (photo gallery).

I was wondering this question myself. I work in a plastic surgery environment, and am very interested in websites.

I have seen some marketing websites say that before and after plastic surgery pictures are one of the most important things in a plastic surgeon's website.

At this point, our plastic surgery website doesn't have before and after pictures because we are protecting the privacy of our patients. However, our patients have indicated that it's ok to show before and after pictures. We have before and after pictures in our office in specially bound books for breast augmentation, breast reduction, tummy tuck, liposuction, etc.

I thought I would include here links to before and after pictures of some of our very respected colleagues in Plastic Surgery. (They went to the same educational process / schools as Dr. Tammy Wu, Modesto Plastic Surgeon)

Disclaimer: These are not our pictures. They belong to other Plastic Surgeons who worked with Dr. Tammy Wu in the past. This is a very informal collection of links - just wanted to ask the question whether people are looking at these pictures or colleagues of plastic surgeons. We respect our colleagues a huge amount, and that is why we have chosen to put links their before and after pictures. There are many other plastic surgery colleagues whom we have left out - not intentionally - this was just due to lack of time and the vastness of the web (ie. we didn't stumble upon your before and after pictures). We are also linking to our colleagues because we know that it will elevate their page ranking in search engines because of external links which are very important in this world of Search Engine Optimization. Some pictures may contain nudity which is not appropriate for all viewers.

Collection of Plastic Surgery Before and After Pictures

Dr. Parungao Breast Augmentation Before and After (112 photos)
Dr. Parungao Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Before and After (10 photos)
Dr. Parungao Mommy Makeover Before and After Photos (8 photos)

Dr. Haws and Gingrass Botox Before and After
Dr. Haws and Gingrass Breast Augmentation Before and After Photos
Dr. Haws and Gingrass Breast Lift Before and After Photos
Dr. Haws and Gingrass Tummy Tuck Before and After
Dr. Haws and Gingrass Breast Reduction Before and After Photos

Disclaimer: This website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. There is no specific targeted medical advice here. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer also applies to our other websites with generalized information: Plastic Surgery Modesto CA, Plastic Surgery Modesto, Cosmetic Surgery, Acupuncture Modesto, Veins Modesto, How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon, Breast Augmentation Modesto, Breast Augmentation FAQ, Tummy Tuck FAQ, Botox in Modesto

What is a Typhoon

2009-08-07T03:18:00.000-07:00

A tropical cyclone occurring in the western Pacific or Indian oceans (East Asia).

The word typhoon comes from the Chinese term tai-fung, meaning great wind.

Typhoons feature heavy rains and winds that maintain speeds equal to or greater than 74 miles (119 kilometers) per hour. Similar storms that occur in other parts of the world are called tropical cyclones or hurricanes.

Cyclones are huge revolving storms caused by winds blowing around a central area of low atmospheric pressure. In the northern hemisphere, cyclones are called hurricanes or typhoons and their winds blow in an anti-clockwise circle. In the southern hemisphere, these tropical storms are known as cyclones, whose winds blow in a clockwise circle.

Typhoon Morakot is going through Taipei, Taiwan at the moment.

Typhoon Morakot

2009-08-07T03:12:00.000-07:00

The path that Typhoon Morakot will take in the next 24 hours.

"For Friday August 7th & Saturday August 8th (Father's Day 8/8 - Ba, Ba) all of Taiwan will be under a Torrential Rainfall Warning: 200mm - 349mm+ of rainfall within 24 hours.
By the afternoon of Sunday August 9th as the storm moves across to China rains for Central & Southern Taiwan may actually increase over current levels.
Localized flooding is possible. If your car or scooter is in a basement you may want to get it to street level or higher for the weekend."

Above excerted from:

http://www.tealit.com/article_categories.php?section=weather&article=typhoon

We had a window fall out of the property that we're staying in. But that got promptly replaced (glass, frame and labor) for $40 - all done on the spot within a few hours of asking for it to be done.

The label "Calvin" was used above to locate Taipei, Taiwan.

Disclaimer: This website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. There is no specific targeted medical advice here. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer also applies to our other websites with generalized information: Plastic Surgery Modesto CA, Plastic Surgery Modesto, Cosmetic Surgery, Acupuncture Modesto, Veins Modesto, How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon, Breast Augmentation Modesto, Breast Augmentation FAQ, Tummy Tuck FAQ, Botox in Modesto

Twitter for Plastic Surgery Modesto - Surgical Artistry, Inc

2009-08-06T22:56:00.000-07:00

T. Tammy Wu, MD and Calvin Lee, MD have announced today their twitter account for their plastic surgery modesto practice:

http://twitter.com/wplasticsurgery

We're still new to Twitter and social media so bear with us.

Disclaimer: This website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. There is no specific targeted medical advice here. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer also applies to our other websites with generalized information: Plastic Surgery Modesto CA, Plastic Surgery Modesto, Cosmetic Surgery, Acupuncture Modesto, Veins Modesto, How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon, Breast Augmentation Modesto, Breast Augmentation FAQ, Tummy Tuck FAQ, Botox in Modesto

Help ID'ing this tropical fruit

2009-08-06T04:24:00.001-07:00

The fruit that I'm trying to get the English name/equivalent is the fruit on the lower left hand corner of this photo next to the dragon fruit (other side of bananas).

picture of yellow dragon fruit

2009-08-06T03:53:00.001-07:00

I came across a picture of dragon fruit that is yellow on the outside.

My previuos picture dragon fruit cut open (red on outside)

This is the webpage link:

http://dragon-fruit.biz/

Disclaimer: This website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. There is no specific targeted medical advice here. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer also applies to our other websites with generalized information: Plastic Surgery Modesto CA, Plastic Surgery Modesto, Cosmetic Surgery, Acupuncture Modesto, Veins Modesto, How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon, Breast Augmentation Modesto, Breast Augmentation FAQ, Tummy Tuck FAQ, Botox in Modesto

cut open picture of Dragon Fruit

2009-08-06T03:44:00.000-07:00

Apparently the Dragon fruit comes in a variety where it is red on the inside!! I've only had the one that is white on the inside. It is quite a refreshing fruit to eat - with a texture and consistency of a kiwi but without the sourness. A bit more on the bland taste palette.

Pitaya Fruit, Pitahaya Fruit are other names for the dragon fruit.

Disclaimer: This website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. There is no specific targeted medical advice here. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer also applies to our other websites with generalized information: Plastic Surgery Modesto CA, Plastic Surgery Modesto, Cosmetic Surgery, Acupuncture Modesto, Veins Modesto, How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon, Breast Augmentation Modesto, Breast Augmentation FAQ, Tummy Tuck FAQ, Botox in Modesto

Dragon Fruit = strawberry pear

2009-08-06T03:38:00.001-07:00

Dragon Fruit / Strawberry Pear

I had this fruit in Taiwan, just a few weeks ago, for the first time.

When you cut it open, it looks like a the inside of a "white" kiwi - it has lots of edible little seeds.

It also has the texture of the kiwi, but doesn't taste as acid.

I'm searching for this very very sweet fruit that I just had which is green on the outside with lots of irregular bumps on it and white on the inside with the taste of a super super sweet ripe banana with a hint of cantalope - it has septations which are easily separated with a dark black inedible seed in the middle of each section.

I'll keep searching, maybe I'll find this fruit online. Meanwhile, I was happy to come across this dragon fruit which comes from a cactus. So it's a cactus fruit! They now grow these in Taiwan - before it used to be imported only.

Disclaimer: This website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. There is no specific targeted medical advice here. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer also applies to our other websites with generalized information: Plastic Surgery Modesto CA, Plastic Surgery Modesto, Cosmetic Surgery, Acupuncture Modesto, Veins Modesto, How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon, Breast Augmentation Modesto, Breast Augmentation FAQ, Tummy Tuck FAQ, Botox in Modesto

My facebook badge, not working - fixed!

2009-08-06T01:38:00.000-07:00

I found a way to fix our facebook badges:

For a few months now, my facebook badge on my webpage:

Calvin Lee

wasn't working. But now I got it to work by changing the image source from:

http://badge.facebook.com/badge/547494649.1007.1136334917.png

to:

http://www.facebook.com/badge/547494649.1007.1136334917.png

Calvin Lee's Profile Create Your Badge

Disclaimer: This website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. There is no specific targeted medical advice here. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer also applies to our other websites with generalized information: Plastic Surgery Modesto CA, Plastic Surgery Modesto, Cosmetic Surgery, Acupuncture Modesto, Veins Modesto, How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon, Breast Augmentation Modesto, Breast Augmentation FAQ, Tummy Tuck FAQ, Botox in Modesto

Swine Flu H1N1 still a problem

2009-08-05T22:01:00.000-07:00

I first about Swine Flu around March-April 2009. Here in Taipei, I personally have met doctors who still treat swine flu (H1N1) and see it routinely now (it is now 8/6/09). I guess it's also prevalent in Hong Kong which is where I am to travel next. About 1-2 months ago, I wrote a "How to prevent swine flu" website - at least it is about how to decrease transmission of flu bugs. I was hoping that this was a problem that would somehow disappear.

Apparently it's still marching on.

England's Swine flu page
USA Swine flu page (CDC)

Our attempt at reducing the spread of swine flu:

How to prevent Swine Flu

Disclaimer: This website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. There is no specific targeted medical advice here. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer also applies to our other websites with generalized information: Plastic Surgery Modesto CA, Plastic Surgery Modesto, Cosmetic Surgery, Acupuncture Modesto, Veins Modesto, How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon, Breast Augmentation Modesto, Breast Augmentation FAQ, Tummy Tuck FAQ, Botox in Modesto

Wood for eyeglasses! (eyeglass frames)

2009-08-05T19:29:00.001-07:00

what a great idea!

to have wood be a material used on the sides of eyeglasses. I worry about adjustability or warping from moisture; however, the look is great. I saw some of these today while eyeglass frame shopping for Tammy (Dr. T. Tammy Wu, Plastic surgeon - Modesto Plastic surgeon) - we are still looking she hasn't found her next pair of eyeglass frames yet.

The frames were made by Iyoko Inyake - Belgian Eyewear design

http://www.iyokoinyake.com/es/default.aspx

From their website:

"Many years ago, Eye Specials Worldwide acquired the world wide license to design, manufacture en distribute eyewear under the name of Iyoko Inyaké.
Since then, Henricus Dujardin, with 20 years of experience, designed more than 800 models that have been sold all over the world.Together with his team of professionals he always comes up with the most creative frames in the industry. "

I took some pictures of a display that I found in Taipei Taiwan, near the Sogo Area, near the Fuxing MRT subway station. We were told that these were designed in Belgium and manufactured in Japan.

Disclaimer: This website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. There is no specific targeted medical advice here. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer also applies to our other websites with generalized information: Plastic Surgery Modesto CA, Plastic Surgery Modesto, Cosmetic Surgery, Acupuncture Modesto, Veins Modesto, How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon, Breast Augmentation Modesto, Breast Augmentation FAQ, Tummy Tuck FAQ, Botox in Modesto

Escalator orderliness in the Subway system Taipei

2009-08-05T05:48:00.001-07:00

I noticed that the right side of the escalator is for standing, and the left side if for those in a rush and in need of passing. The rule is followed very very often - almost all the time.

It's refreshing to see such orderliness.

I thought I'd capture it here in a picture taken at the subway station MRT at the crossing of the blue (bannon) and brown lines. You can double click on this escalator picture to see a larger version of it.

Disclaimer: This website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. There is no specific targeted medical advice here. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer also applies to our other websites with generalized information: Plastic Surgery Modesto CA, Plastic Surgery Modesto, Cosmetic Surgery, Acupuncture Modesto, Veins Modesto, How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon, Breast Augmentation Modesto, Breast Augmentation FAQ, Tummy Tuck FAQ, Botox in Modesto

My clarisonic - we only brought one

2009-08-05T05:26:00.000-07:00

Well, so much for my thinking in advance; we only brought one of these and two brushes. We've been sharing it. It saves space this way. The only problem is that ok.. right now we are both in Taipei, but I have to make a separate trip (subcursive?) to Hong Kong and Macau - I'll be gone and separated from my wife for a week. So that means - we have to fight over the clarisonic. This just hit me.

Clarisonic brush is a mechanized facial cleansing brush - waterproof, fun, efficient, and produces results. I feel lost without it. It's one of my favorite products which we carry in our office. It even showed an increase in my Visia score. I scored very low on the Visia to begin with, so that might not be saying much (I got 2%).

Clarisonic Modesto - this link has a list of our products in our office. Too bad I can't just run across to the globe to get another one.

Anyway... enough blabbing.. I'll figure out how to revert to the old way of washing my face. Can't take the Clarisonic away from the plastic surgeon wife: [T. Tammy Wu, MD]

Disclaimer: This website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. There is no specific targeted medical advice here. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer also applies to our other websites with generalized information: Plastic Surgery Modesto CA, Plastic Surgery Modesto, Cosmetic Surgery, Acupuncture Modesto, Veins Modesto, How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon, Breast Augmentation Modesto, Breast Augmentation FAQ, Tummy Tuck FAQ, Botox in Modesto. The pictures above are not our actual patients.

Hello from Taipei to Modesto, CA, USA

2009-08-05T03:28:00.000-07:00

Greetings. While we're having fun in Taipei, Taiwan, we miss our work (yes, believe it or not), and our friends in Modesto, CA.

Here's a video of myself and Dr. Tammy Wu saying hello from Taiwan - just a little update to say that we are doing well.

Disclaimer: This website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. There is no specific targeted medical advice here. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer also applies to our other websites with generalized information: Plastic Surgery Modesto CA, Plastic Surgery Modesto, Cosmetic Surgery, Acupuncture Modesto, Veins Modesto, How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon, Breast Augmentation Modesto, Breast Augmentation FAQ, Tummy Tuck FAQ, Botox in Modesto

Bellavita Taipei, Taiwan

2009-08-04T10:42:00.000-07:00

Picture of me taken 8/4/09 on our way to Taipei 101 Mall, we passed by a construction project with signs all around it saying "Bellavita - coming soon."

This will be a luxury shopping mall - the idea is to elevate shopping and dining experience in Taipei Taiwan. It contains classic Italian inspired architecture. It's not ready for the public to walk through it, unfortunately. This located in the heart of the Xinyi Shopping District.

Strings Magazine article with Calvin Lee

2009-08-04T07:42:00.001-07:00

Click on the image below to see a bigger version.

I've always wanted to be in Strings Magazine. This is the inside back cover.

Click on the image above to get a larger image - you can then read the text...

This is / will be from the September 2009 issue of Strings Magazine. Mark O'Connor is on the cover of the magazine.

Calvin Lee, violin website (just getting started on this)

Alain Mikli glasses - my new glasses

2009-08-03T06:27:00.000-07:00

Ultimate nerd test: if you write a blog about your nerd glasses... yup that's me.

My new glasses are Alain Mikli glasses. I got them at Taipei 101, shopping malls, in Taipei, Taiwan where they had a Alain Mikli Boutique - tel 886-2-2748-6108. Their email is shop.taipei@mikliasia.com.hk. I got the alain mikli A0642-23 frame. Titanium frames. This is my first pair of Titanium eyeglass - it's just for the front of the eyeglasses - the sides are plastic. My previous glasses were also Alain Mikli glasses - I was happy with them. It was time for a new pair since my vision shifted and I had dropped the old glasses a few times. Plus it had some wear and tear from placing laser goggles on top of them. I suspect it will continue to be a similar problem this time with the new frames. These frames have an even wider lens than the old ones. These lens measure "55" across. I'm not sure what the units are, but I suspect it would be in mm. I picked these up on 8/1/09. My blog on my previous pair of eyeglasses, Modesto.

My prescription is now:

PD 69.5 (pupillary distance)

R: -6.00, -1.50, 88
L: -7.00, -0.75, 142

The lens that I got was Hoya 1.7 Nulux-ep MC which cost 4550.00 NT each (includes VP coating on the lens, VP coating is supposed to make the lens easier to clean).

The pricing came out to 36820.00 NT

Previously about 1.3 years ago:

My prescription was (1.3 years ago) - so my prescription is now changing in the other direction.

R: -650 - 125 x 088
L: -725 -075 x 148

The picture above is from the web, but it is of the actual Alain Mikli glasses that I had purchased, and am wearing while typing up this blog!

Disclaimer: This website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. There is no specific targeted medical advice here. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer also applies to our other websites with generalized information: Plastic Surgery Modesto CA, Plastic Surgery Modesto, Cosmetic Surgery, Acupuncture Modesto, Veins Modesto, How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon, Breast Augmentation Modesto, Breast Augmentation FAQ, Tummy Tuck FAQ, Botox in Modesto

Trying to make a living in Taiwan by playing the violin

2009-08-03T00:04:00.000-07:00

What if I were to stay in Taiwan even longer. I might have to find a way to make a living. I could either teach English or play some violin.

I guess my medical license from the USA wouldn't be much good here in Taipei Taiwan.

I was playing in a Restaurant (translated roughly as Lotus Garden) - it was a vegetarian restaurant. It was pretty empty, but at this get together arranged by my mother in law - her singing group and singing teacher had an opportunity to eat lunch together, and I had an opportunity to play the violin in front of an audience.

These pictures also gave me an opportunity to show off my new haircut and new glasses.

Pictures taken by Tammy Wu, MD - Plastic Surgery Modesto

Disclaimer: This website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. There is no specific targeted medical advice here. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer also applies to our other websites with generalized information: Plastic Surgery Modesto CA, Plastic Surgery Modesto, Cosmetic Surgery, Acupuncture Modesto, Veins Modesto, How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon, Breast Augmentation Modesto, Breast Augmentation FAQ, Tummy Tuck FAQ, Botox in Modesto

inanchor: google command for SEO success

2009-08-02T17:42:00.000-07:00

Inanchor:

One of my hobbies is learning SEO (Search Engine Optimization). I'm particularly interested in some of the commands available in google search which help with SEO. Today's topic on my mind is the "inanchor:" command.

Inanchor: is a google search command to search on the "anchor text" of web spages. Results are listsed based on text used in the outside links pointing to the web page.

For example you could type inanchor:taiwan
or inanchor:"breast augmentation modesto"

There's supposedly no space after the ":" and use quotes if there's to be more than one word for the anchor text.

Disclaimer: This website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. There is no specific targeted medical advice here. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer also applies to our other websites with generalized information: Plastic Surgery Modesto CA, Plastic Surgery Modesto, Cosmetic Surgery, Acupuncture Modesto, Veins Modesto, How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon, Breast Augmentation Modesto, Breast Augmentation FAQ, Tummy Tuck FAQ, Botox in Modesto, Calvin Lee

A view of mountains in Taiwan - road trip

2009-08-02T07:08:00.000-07:00

We took a road trip out to the country side today. This picture is a view from one of the rest stops on the way. There are plenty of mountains adding to some beautiful scenery of Formosa. You can click on the picture for a slightly larger view. We were going to visit one of Tammy's family's former employees who has since retired, but has treated the family very well. She lives about 3 hours away from Taipei. The nane of the city she lives in is Chung Hua.

Disclaimer: This website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. There is no specific targeted medical advice here. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer also applies to our other websites with generalized information: Plastic Surgery Modesto CA, Plastic Surgery Modesto, Cosmetic Surgery, Acupuncture Modesto, Veins Modesto, How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon, Breast Augmentation FAQ, Tummy Tuck FAQ, Botox in Modesto

Advantages of Titanium eyeglasses frames

2009-08-01T07:27:00.000-07:00

I just got a new pair of glasses today (8/1/09). I'll go into more detail in a later post.
My previous post on new glasses that I got in Modesto about 1 year and a few months ago.

Despite being more expense, there are many
Advantages of Titanium frames for eyeglasses

Titanium is highly rust proof - doesn't create a green rust
Without painting, it will also remain bright for a few years
Being corrosion resistant makes it better use compared to steel
Lightweight - Titanium is about 40% lighter than steel
Flexible, bendable - without breaking and returns to it's original shape
Bendable
Inert - rarely causes skin reactions - used in many human body surgical implants even.

Disclaimer: This website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. There is no specific targeted medical advice here. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer also applies to our other websites with generalized information: Plastic Surgery Modesto CA, Plastic Surgery Modesto, Cosmetic Surgery, Acupuncture Modesto, Veins Modesto, How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon, Breast Augmentation FAQ, Tummy Tuck FAQ

Body Fat Percentage is a better measurement than BMI (Body Mass Index)

2009-07-31T21:25:00.000-07:00

With my previous posts about BMI:
Lee Hyori's BMI (Asian Celebrity)
American Celebrity BMI
How to Calculate your BMI (upper half of page)
Asian BMI adjustments (lower half of page)

I've also known that there are limitations to BMI. BMI may be easier to calculate because we have easy access to our height and weight. But because of the limitations and problems with BMI calculations. I think that Body Fat percentage is a better assessment of one's health risks and a better way to set goals.

The main limitations of BMI include not taking into account the weight of muscle. However, it isn't easy to find body fat percentages of celebrities. So BMI still has some usage :)

Measuring body fat isn't super easy and fluctuates with the amount of hydration. One could try to measure oneself with electrical impedance gadgets at the same time every day - that might help to minimize fluctuations in measurement. There are hand held devices or scales that can measure bodyfat these days - so it requires a bit of extra technology.

The American College of Sports Medicine divides the charts into subjects over and under 40-years old as well as fitness and health recommendations. If a person falls above these guidelines, he or she would be considered obese.

Here's some info I copied over from:
http://fitness.suite101.com/article.cfm/body_fat_percentage

Female (under 40) - 16%-28% Fitness, 20%-35% Health
Female (over 40) - 16%-33% Fitness, 20%-38% Health

Male (under 40) - 5%-15% Fitness, 8%-22% Health
Male (over 40) - 5%-18% Fitness, 8%-25% Health

Men need to maintain a body fat percentage of at least 5% for health reasons. A layer of fat surrounds all the body’s organs in order to protect them. Without this fat, the organs become susceptible to impact injuries.

Women need a body fat percentage of 15% to maintain a healthy menstrual cycle. The longer a woman is lower than 15% body fat percentage the less likely it is that she can become pregnant. The hormonal imbalances can cause psychological diseases such as anorexia and bulimia.

Fun fact:
According to Charles Poliquin, people can start seeing the upper row of abdominal muscles with a body fat percentage of 15%. To have “6-pack abs,” one must have a body fat percentage no higher than 9.8%.

Disclaimer: This website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. There is no specific targeted medical advice here. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer also applies to our other websites with generalized information: Plastic Surgery Modesto CA, Plastic Surgery Modesto, Cosmetic Surgery, Acupuncture Modesto, Veins Modesto, How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon, Breast Augmentation FAQ, Tummy Tuck FAQ

Lee Hyori BMI, Asian Celebrity BMI (weight standardized by height)

2009-07-31T20:30:00.000-07:00

In my previous post, I had focused on American Celebrity BMI - Actresses (and some Actors)
I was looking for Asian pop star or TV actresses or actor's BMI's (Body Mass Index) and had some trouble finding height and weights, but I stumbled upon a discussion on Korean pop star:

Lee Hyori

This was the web page: http://asianfanatics.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=607239

In the recent episode of ‘Family Outing’ with Lee Soo Kyung as guest star appearance, pop diva Lee Hyori had directly revealed her height and weight on the show.

The discussion was that she had revealed that she was 53 kg (117 lbs), and for some reason many felt that she was "too heavy" and many people felt they had to defend her weight as being "healthy" and "acceptable".

I quote:

"i don't think hyori is fat, i think she's just fine."

"I have seen people with ribs sticking out, now that's disgusting. Hyori is healthy. "

"Ppl, remember that most of these korean netizens are crazy! "

"it doesnt really matter bout wat deir weight is as long as dey look good"

Here's a picture of Lee Hyori (I managed to get it placed on top of this blog)

So I figure I should figure out the actress singer Lee Hyori's BMI and see how it stacks up:

53 kg weight, 166 cm height

Lee Hyori has a BMI of 19.2 - now by any standard - that is not "fat". So I don't understand why so many people had to defend her weight. They should have just figured out her BMI and found that she's on the low side of Normal weight (by Western Standards) - end of discussion. But I guess the discussion was according to Eastern Standards, which I'm still in the process of figuring out what Normal Weight/height BMI would be.

Disclaimer: This website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. There is no specific targeted medical advice here. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer also applies to our other websites with generalized information: Plastic Surgery Modesto CA, Plastic Surgery Modesto, Cosmetic Surgery, Acupuncture Modesto, Veins Modesto, How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon, Breast Augmentation FAQ, Tummy Tuck FAQ

Body Mass Index of America's Female Celebrities comparing height and weight

2009-07-31T18:33:00.000-07:00

BMI's for Celebrities... Standardizing Weight by Height.
Compare your BMI (if you dare)

So BMI (Body Mass Index) questions have been flooding my head - especially now that i know that I am for sure overweight by American, and Obese by Asian BMI standards. More questions came up from my friends when I decided to figure out the BMI of my wife who's considered thin, then suprisingly she didn't fit ideally into average Asian BMI standards which puzzled me and my friends. For starters I thought I'd find some BMI for celebrities.

I've decided to look on the web for some BMI data on American Female Actresses. I couldn't find much except that at some point, Cindy Crawford had a BMI of 19, and Marilyn Monroe had a BMI of 20.

First I had written a "how to calculate BMI" blog
Then I found this page on some estimated Celebrity BMI's:
http://diet.health.com/2009/01/08/surprising-celebrity-bmis/2/

and this page which had height and weight of female actresses but without BMI:
http://fitnessblackbook.com/fitness-babes/the-height-and-weight-of-10-hot-female-celebrities-revealed/

Also some great diet / weight / averages and trends from this third website:

http://www.diet-blog.com/archives/2007/04/15/female_body_shape_in_the_20th_century.php?page=2

It states that:
Mean (average) BMI US females (aged 20-74): 28.1 in the 1990's.

So I'm attempting to put the two pages together with just BMI:

Data from the first BMI webpage listed above:

These are Estimated BMI

Angelina Jolie BMI: 17.9
Beyoncé BMI: 21
Tom Cruise BMI: 26 (5'7", 166 lbs)
Tony Romo BMI: 28.8
Serena Williams BMI: 22.1
Jennifer Love Hewitt BMI: 21.9

From the Second webpage. I've had to do the calculations of the BMI myself. Hopefully the BMI calculations came out correctly without typos:

Adriana Lima BMI (Victoria's Secret Model) : 16.1
Jessica Biel BMI (7th Heaven): 16.4
Kate Beckinsale BMI (Underworld) : 17.5
Gabrielle Union BMI (Bring it On): 16.7
Jessica Alba BMI (Into the Blue): 19.9
Megan Fox BMI (Transformers): 18.4
Roselyn Sanchez BMI (Without a Trace): 20.4
Eva Longoria BMI (Deserate Housewives): 19.2
Selma Hayek BMI (Desperado): 21
Kelly Hu BMI (Scorpion King): 20.3

That's it for now for Celebrity BMI's

the original BMI Categories/classes:
Underweight = <18.5
Normal weight = 18.5-24.9
Overweight = 25-29.9
Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater

Disclaimer: This website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. There is no specific targeted medical advice here. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer also applies to our other websites with generalized information: Plastic Surgery Modesto CA, Plastic Surgery Modesto, Cosmetic Surgery, Acupuncture Modesto, Veins Modesto, How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon, Breast Augmentation FAQ, Tummy Tuck FAQ

The high school where my father attended in Taipei, Taiwan

2009-07-31T07:29:00.001-07:00

Picture taken on Friday, July 31, 2009.

Click on the picture for a slightly larger view.

Taipei, Taiwan Night photo of a busy street.

2009-07-31T07:26:00.000-07:00

I captured this night photo on Thursday, July 30, 2009 - in the heart of Taipei.

Two new blogs for Modesto

2009-07-31T05:44:00.000-07:00

I found a website called modestobuzz.com it is based on BuddyPress 1.0 and WordPress. I've created two separate blogs related to my acupuncture practice and our plastic surgery practice.

http://acupuncture.modestobuzz.com/

http://plasticsurgerymodesto.modestobuzz.com/

I'm relatively new to WordPress, so bear with me. But it seems to have a lot of extra functions not found in Blogger.

Disclaimer: This website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. There is no specific targeted medical advice here. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer also applies to our other websites with generalized information: Plastic Surgery Modesto CA, Plastic Surgery Modesto, Cosmetic Surgery, Acupuncture Modesto, Veins Modesto, How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon, Breast Augmentation FAQ, Tummy Tuck FAQ

How to Submit a webpage to Baidu.com

2009-07-31T05:37:00.000-07:00

How to get a website indexed in Baidu.com

http://www.baidu.com/search/url_submit.html

then type in the Catcha code (it doesn't appear to be case sensitive)

What is Baidu.com?

China's #1 search engine. (Like Google for the USA)

Then you will get a message in red text (not a warning):

提交成功！感谢您对百度的关注和支持！

which translates to:

Submission success! Baidu Thanks you for your interest and support!

(I used Google Translate to help with this) and I modified it so that it made more sense in English.

Disclaimer: This website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. There is no specific targeted medical advice here. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer also applies to our other websites with generalized information: Plastic Surgery Modesto CA, Plastic Surgery Modesto, Cosmetic Surgery, Acupuncture Modesto, Veins Modesto, How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon, Breast Augmentation FAQ, Tummy Tuck FAQ

How to Calculate your BMI (Body Mass Index)

2009-07-30T21:30:00.000-07:00

Body Mass Index
Body Mass Index is simply a way of standardizing your weight by your height. This number can be used to compare with other human beings.

Step 1
Go to website and enter height and weight (it will give you BMI):
BMI English Units <--(Most Americans will go to this website)

BMI Metric Units (Height in Centimeters, and weight in KGs)

Step 2
Match it up on this Chart:

USA BMI categories:

Underweight = <18.5
Normal weight = 18.5-24.9
Overweight = 25-29.9
Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater

Singapore study I found on the internet:

I quote:

For Singapore Asians, the study suggests using a BMI of
27.0 as the cutoff for Obesity ( instead of 30 ), and using a Body Mass Index of 21.0
as the cutoff for Overweight ( instead of 25 ), because these values match the
same body fat percentages as caucasians.
These values also match the values
used in Indonesia.

See the article for yourself:

http://www.halls.md/bmi/singapore.htm

However in the Journal of Nutrition, this article below proposes 23.0 as a cutoff for Overweight (instead of 25 or 21). This makes a little more sense to me.

http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/full/138/7/1377

But I think it would be best to double check these values. Maybe ...Maybe? there's a typo.

References:

Adapted from my previous blog on Asian BMI (Body Mass Index)
Wikipedia article on BMI BMI = Weight divided by Height squared.

Disclaimer: This website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. There is no specific targeted medical advice here. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer also applies to our other websites with generalized information: Plastic Surgery Modesto CA, Plastic Surgery Modesto, Cosmetic Surgery, Acupuncture Modesto, Veins Modesto, How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon, Breast Augmentation FAQ, Tummy Tuck FAQ

Credit Alerts from Chase ID Protection

2009-07-30T18:30:00.000-07:00

While I've been gone from the USA (now for almost a month). I've gotten 3 credit alerts from Chase ID Protection. This is a little concerning for me. I dug around in my online reporting and found that someone or (multiple people) have been checking my credit rating - and these are places that I have never visited.

To be a little more specific, the three places that have dipped into my credit check were:

1) Equifax - Farmers Branch TX 75234 (utilities and Fuel)
2) Experian - Radio Shack, Sioux Falls 57117-6497
3) Experian - Childrens PL, Gray TN 67615-9714 (Clothing)

I'll be looking into more detail regarding these July Credit checks without my authorization

Disclaimer: This website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. There is no specific targeted medical advice here. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer also applies to our other websites with generalized information: Plastic Surgery Modesto CA, Plastic Surgery Modesto, Cosmetic Surgery, Acupuncture Modesto, Veins Modesto, How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon, Breast Augmentation FAQ, Tummy Tuck FAQ

I made an appearance in someone else's blog!

2009-07-30T07:49:00.000-07:00

http://tw.myblog.yahoo.com/wangyumei-2009/article?mid=1104&next=1100&l=f&fid=1
I appeared in a blog today (see link above) - it's regarding playing the violin at the Taipei World Trade Center! The picture of the place (TWTC) is stunning! It's at the restaurant (private room) on the top of the Taipei World Trade Center.

I played a few unaccompanied selections on the violin.

Disclaimer: This website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. There is no specific targeted medical advice here. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer also applies to our other websites with generalized information: Plastic Surgery Modesto CA, Plastic Surgery Modesto, Cosmetic Surgery, Acupuncture Modesto, Veins Modesto, How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon, Breast Augmentation FAQ, Tummy Tuck FAQ

Lunch at Taipei World Trade Center

2009-07-30T05:56:00.000-07:00

We had a lovely lunch at the Taipei International Trade Center on the 34th floor, which is usually a members-only site. Approximately 20 of mother's friends wanted to hear Calvin play the violin, since they had read about him in the newspaper, and some of them had been to the concert in which he played exerpts from Star Wars and Schindler's List and were quite taken by his musicality and performance. They returned for more today.

We sat at a round table that comfortably sat about 20 or so people. We were served Chinese delicacies such as the shark's fin and abalone. The food was delicious. The view of Taipei was breathtaking. And of course, Calvin's playing made the luncheon unforgettable for everyone.

- The above was written by someone other than Calvin.

Disclaimer: This website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. There is no specific targeted medical advice here. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer also applies to our other websites with generalized information: Plastic Surgery Modesto CA, Plastic Surgery Modesto, Cosmetic Surgery, Acupuncture Modesto, Veins Modesto, How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon, Breast Augmentation FAQ, Tummy Tuck FAQ

Taipei World Trade Center

2009-07-30T02:06:00.000-07:00

We ate there for lunch today. Today is Thursday, July 30, 2009. We had a get together where I played violin. There was about 20 people in attendance.

This restaurant is a members only gathering - located on the very top of the Taipei World Trade Center. This would be the 34th story. One gets off at the 33rd, floor and requires a special elevator or separate set of stairs leading up to the 34th floor where there were several private dining rooms. All of them very lavishly docorated with their own internal bathrooms located discreetly off to the side. The best part of it is the view of the city; complete with binoculars mounted on a tripod, and museum stone carvings. The location was partially carpeted, and partially hard wood floor with intricate designs. Half of the room was designed as a living room, and the other half - a gigantic round table for dining. The service was exquisite to go along with the lavish amenities and decorations.

The Taipei World Trade Center is located on the Eastern Side of the City comprising an exhibition hall, the trade building, and a 872-room Grand Hyatt Hotel. The restaurant on the top of the Taipei World Trade Center is called the TWTC club. It normally offers tow types of fine dining choices: Western adn Chinese.

Initially the TWTC club restaurants were "members-only" but due to recent changes in demand, there's now a new policy whereby members may book tables for their family and friends. We had the traditional Chinese meal.

Huan Ying , Guang Lin (Chinese) - Welcome! 歡迎光臨

2009-07-29T03:56:00.001-07:00

Huan Ying Guang Lin 歡迎光臨 (Welcome)

I first heard this term at Tasty restaurant chain in Taipei, Taiwan. At first, I couldn't make out what they were saying except for the word Tasty. They said it so many times that it bugged me to figure out what they were saying. So here it is. I've asked and figured it out enough to post something on this Welcome term. I then heard it at other restaurants - now that I recognize it.

Welcome in Chinese (traditional)
歡迎光臨

Welcome in Chinese (simplified)
欢迎光临

 Disclaimer: This website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. There is no specific targeted medical advice here. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer also applies to our other websites with generalized information: Plastic Surgery Modesto CA, Plastic Surgery Modesto, Cosmetic Surgery, Acupuncture Modesto, Veins Modesto, How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon, Breast Augmentation FAQ, Tummy Tuck FAQ

Autumn Tide / Shin Tung Nan Seafood Restaurant, Taipei, Taiwan

2009-07-29T03:47:00.000-07:00

We went to Autumn Tide / Shin Tung Nan Seafood Restaurant today to eat lunch. Tel 02-2332-2398. It has been around since 1979. They served a ton of food and it was great sea food. I was overstuffed - which isn't great for my weight loss plans. There are many great restaurants in Taipei Taiwan.

Disclaimer: This website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. There is no specific targeted medical advice here. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer also applies to our other websites with generalized information: Plastic Surgery Modesto CA, Plastic Surgery Modesto, Cosmetic Surgery, Acupuncture Modesto, Veins Modesto, How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon, Breast Augmentation FAQ, Tummy Tuck FAQ

Garbage trucks in Taipei play Fur Elise!

2009-07-28T07:54:00.000-07:00

I just realized - the bad rendition of ice-cream truck sounding Beethoven's Fur Elise - is actually not an ice cream truck at all. It is a garbage truck in Taipei Taiwan. I'm not sure why it has to play this. I've been told that periodically they change their tune. Maybe it's the tell the residents to hurry and take out the garbage.

Disclaimer: This website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. There is no specific targeted medical advice here. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer also applies to our other websites with generalized information: Plastic Surgery Modesto CA, Plastic Surgery Modesto, Cosmetic Surgery, Acupuncture Modesto, Veins Modesto, How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon, Breast Augmentation FAQ, Tummy Tuck FAQ

Tasty Restaurant Taipei, Taiwan

2009-07-28T02:46:00.000-07:00

For lunch today, we went to a restaurant called "Tasty"

It's a popular restaurant - with a western themed menu. Their steaks are part of the main highlight. The meals are served in a pre-fixed style - where you select from a few selections from the beginning to the desert and drinks. The service is excellent.

Highly recommended restaurant.

Their website is:

http://www.tasty.com.tw/
their menu is online on this website. At this time. I couldn't find a English version of the website.

They have a fun tag line: "Let's Tasty, Let's enjoy."

They've turned the name of their restaurant into a verb.

Disclaimer: This website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. There is no specific targeted medical advice here. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer also applies to our other websites with generalized information: Plastic Surgery Modesto CA, Plastic Surgery Modesto, Cosmetic Surgery, Acupuncture Modesto, Veins Modesto, How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon, Breast Augmentation FAQ, Tummy Tuck FAQ

Michael Cavanaugh is coming to Modesto: Picnic at the Pops Playing the music of Billy Joel!!!

2009-07-27T05:35:00.000-07:00

Announcement: Something for us to look forward to!

Modesto Symphony presents:

September 12th, 2009 at 7:30pm(grounds open at 4pm) E. & J. Gallo Winery Grounds, Modesto

Broadway sensation Michael Cavanaugh brings a thrilling night of the Piano Man’s music to Modesto. Handpicked by Billy Joel to star in his smash hit Movin’ Out, this Tony-nominated vocalist and pianist will sing such show-stoppers as “Uptown Girl,” “Piano Man,” and more. So pack a picnic basket and bring the gang to this hugely popular annual outdoor concert on the beautiful grounds of the Gallo Winery!

Tickets also available at Nu-Way Cleaners and O’Brien’s Market beginning August 1st!

Spread the word!

Here's Michael Cavanaugh's Promo Video:

Visit Michael Cavanah's official webpage

Disclaimer: This website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. There is no specific targeted medical advice here. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer also applies to our other websites with generalized information: Plastic Surgery Modesto CA, Plastic Surgery Modesto, Cosmetic Surgery, Acupuncture Modesto, Veins Modesto, How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon, Breast Augmentation FAQ, Tummy Tuck FAQ

College graduate pay salary comparison - USA

2009-07-27T04:57:00.000-07:00

http://www.payscale.com/best-colleges/top-us-colleges-graduate-salary-statistics.asp

Just out:

If you want to compare the salaries of university grads who attend an engineering school with those from a liberal arts college, use the link above for a complete list of all the schools in their study, organized by school type and ranked by starting and mid-career salary.

Some highlights:

Dartmouth is tops on this list. Harvard is in the top 3

Brown made it to their study and isn't too shabby.

An important note: The data include only survey respondents whose highest academic degree is a bachelor’s. Therefore, doctors, lawyers and others in high-paying jobs that require advanced degrees are not included in the data set.

Disclaimer: This website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. There is no specific targeted medical advice here. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer also applies to our other websites with generalized information: Plastic Surgery Modesto CA, Plastic Surgery Modesto, Cosmetic Surgery, Acupuncture Modesto, Veins Modesto, How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon, Breast Augmentation FAQ, Tummy Tuck FAQ

My goal for tomorrow's Qi Gong class

2009-07-26T07:30:00.000-07:00

I want to be able to start correctly doing these two moves of the Ba Duan Jin Chi Gong:

八段錦氣功

Body Mass Index - Obesity in Taiwan.

2009-07-26T06:39:00.000-07:00

In America:

BMI Categories (in KG/M^2):
Underweight = <18.5
Normal weight = 18.5-24.9
Overweight = 25-29.9
Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater

Try this BMI calculator: http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/

My BMI is 29.7. I weight about 184 pounds. By Taiwanese (Chinese BMI / Asian BMI) standards: I should ideally be below 23.5 BMI - I should aim for 145 pounds. Sounds like a big stretch for me.

I learned that in Taiwan Overweight is considered 23.5 - from a reputable source in Taiwan - a relative who specializes in obesity medicine here in Taipei Taiwan. He told me that like the rest of the world, obesity is a growing problem in Taiwan, and he remains busy. His #1 recommendation is diet control. Furthermore, for Obesity, BMI for Taiwanese/Chinese/Asians is about 26 or 27 instead of BMI of 30 for obesity.

Here's a Singapore Study on BMI adjustments for the Asian population: http://www.halls.md/bmi/singapore.htm. It actually states using BMI of 21 as a cutoff for "overweight" instead of 25!!! That's quite a bit lower than 23 even as I had mentioned above in my personal interview conversation with an obesity expert in Taiwan. Thus I should weigh 130 lbs. That's a little over 50 lbs that I need to lose.

Here's a picture(s) of what I look like: Calvin Lee - I have a long way to go before I get to 130 lbs!!

Disclaimer: This website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. There is no specific targeted medical advice here. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer also applies to our other websites with generalized information: Plastic Surgery Modesto CA, Plastic Surgery Modesto, Cosmetic Surgery, Acupuncture Modesto, Veins Modesto, How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon, Breast Augmentation FAQ, Tummy Tuck FAQ

Saturday July 25, 2009

2009-07-25T08:01:00.000-07:00

What did we do today?

Qi Gong in the morning.

We went walking

Then we went to dinner near Sogo at a place called Shin Yeh.

Website. http://www.shinyeh.com.tw

Video of inside the Taipei Subway (MRT)

2009-07-25T02:42:00.000-07:00

Video shot inside the Taipei, Taiwan Subway System (Metro) - MRT. It doesn't always get this crowded. It's a pleasant ride and it has airconditioning.

Getting up early to do Chi Gong class

2009-07-24T17:42:00.000-07:00

Got up at 4:30am in the morning today to participate in a group Chi Gong Class. The Chi Gong class started at 6am, but it took some time to get there, park, change, etc. This took place at a school, and there were about 8 other loyal Chi-Gong (Qi-Gong) practioners. They had a boom-box radio with a tape. It blurted out the exercises and directions such as inhale and exhale, plus it has some background peaceful chinese music. Three sets of exercises were done, each lasting about 20 minutes, but a brief social break in between. This took place outdoors. By the time we were done, the sun gets relatively strong. Good thing this occurs early in the morning.

I was introduced to a copy center in the basement of the library of this school. I will probably take some materials here to copy in the future.

When we got back, I took a few walking laps around the neighborhood to add in a little extra exercise kick for my adipose cells.

What did I do Friday, July 25, 2009?

2009-07-24T11:26:00.001-07:00

Went to Costco, Taipei, Taiwan in the morning.

Practiced some violin.

Long Shun Temple

Bought a MRT (subway) card/pass ($100 NT refundable deposit) - had to pay minimum $500 NT.

Then took the MRT (subway) to Taipei 101 building.

Spent a good amount of time at the machine/massage store - OSIM.

Came back "home", got my lab results.

Went for another 25 minute walk from "home" to MRT station.

Disclaimer: This website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. There is no specific targeted medical advice here. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer also applies to our other websites with generalized information: Plastic Surgery Modesto CA, Plastic Surgery Modesto, Cosmetic Surgery, Acupuncture Modesto, Veins Modesto, How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon, Breast Augmentation FAQ, Tummy Tuck FAQ

When is the coolest part of the day?

2009-07-24T11:06:00.000-07:00

Ok.. so I know that I need to increase my exercise activity. It is deathly hot and humid in the summer here in Taipei, Taiwan.

What am I going to do about it?

Certainly I'm an intelligent human being (at least sometimes) - and I can find solutions! (positive thinking)

So... I will need to find the coolest part of the day (or coldest part of the day - use the word "cold" might I dare) to exercise/walk.

What is the coolest part of the day?

Logic says that it would be a part of the day where the sun has been down and out for the longest period of time. So this would be right before sun-rise. The atmosphere/air/surroundings/earth need time to cool off in the dark.

I'm going to further try to use http://www.weather.com/ to see if I can find Taipei, Taiwan on this website. I know there is an Hour by Hour feature that I can utilize.

As a result. It looks like at 3am, the temperature here would be 84 degrees F, going up to 85 degrees F at 4am and staying that way till 6am. The highest temperature would be around 2pm at 92 degrees F. The humidity here is around 60%. Basically, according to Weather.com 89 degrees F feels like 100 degrees F.

Doing research on another website: http://www.sunrisesunset.com/ we come to the conclusion that for Taipei: Sunrise: 5:17am Sunset: 6:43pm. For comparison sake, San Francisco has a Sunrise: 6:06am and Sunset: 8:25pm. This was produced based on today (July 25, 2009).

In my own conclusion...

Coolest part of the day in Taipei, Taiwan to go "jogging" outside, would be around 3am till 6:00am.

Disclaimer: This website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. There is no specific targeted medical advice here. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer also applies to our other websites with generalized information: Plastic Surgery Modesto CA, Plastic Surgery Modesto, Cosmetic Surgery, Acupuncture Modesto, Veins Modesto, How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon, Breast Augmentation FAQ, Tummy Tuck FAQ

Muscular back pain - tennis ball solution

2009-07-24T09:26:00.001-07:00

In my journey in life as an acupuncturist in Modesto, CA, USA, I've come across many back pain patients. I've had particularly good success treating muscular back pain - those pesky trigger points. Besides acupuncture, I've recommended having patients use a tennis ball.

Something so simple as a tennis ball? It's used against the wall.

You lean on the tennis ball against the wall, and rubs around until you can feel the tennis ball hit the trigger point - this is where it "hurts good." The type of "pain" should be around a 5/10 type of pain. You should do this about 4-6 times per day if you are serious about trying to use tennis ball "acupressure" to rid one of trigger points. It's a form of self-help myofascial release.

I've been doing this for myself lately while I've been in Taipei, Taiwan.

These are just suggestions I've given my patients. I put this here for you to read about it. It's not meant to be specific directed medical advice.

Disclaimer: This website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. There is no specific targeted medical advice here. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer also applies to our other websites with generalized information: Plastic Surgery Modesto CA, Plastic Surgery Modesto, Cosmetic Surgery, Acupuncture Modesto, Veins Modesto, How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon, Breast Augmentation FAQ, Tummy Tuck FAQ

My lab test results...

2009-07-24T05:52:00.000-07:00

My blood test lab results (the problem of having a bunch of doctor relatives, is that they want to know my blood tests hmm... well, then, why not share - got nothing to hide):

My "abnormals and Not-so-Ideal" ALT 59, Uric acid 8.9, Fasting Glucose 102, Triglycerides 146, 2+ blood in Urine (huh?), HDL 36, LDL 104, and I weigh 84 Kgs.

Time to start exercise/running again if I want to keep running our medical clinic in Modesto, CA, USA for a long time to come.

Disclaimer: This website is not intended to create a physician patient relationship. There is no specific targeted medical advice here. Please see your physician in person. This disclaimer also applies to our other websites with generalized information: Plastic Surgery Modesto CA, Plastic Surgery Modesto, Cosmetic Surgery, Acupuncture Modesto, Veins Modesto, How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon, Breast Augmentation FAQ, Tummy Tuck FAQ

Breast Augmentation Website - statistics. A look.

2009-07-22T00:00:00.000-07:00

I know that I'm on vacation in Taipei, Taiwan, and that I shouldn't be thinking about work all the time. But I can't help it.

Regarding one of our Breast Augmentation websites. I was analyzing what kind of traffic get driven to this - here are my results. Its one of our websites with an expected search term results - unlike some of my Modesto only websites that end up getting international traffic.

I also found that this breast augmentation website (the homepage) gets about 35-45 visits per day - not a huge ton, but it is one of our highest ones. The highest one is our Plastic Surgery Home page, but looking at those search characterics - for some reason the search "muscles of the face comes up first" The home page that we really want for Modesto is this Plastic Surgery Modesto webpage. Funny how things don't usually work out the way I plan them to.

This is a website that has a strong disclaimer - that there is no specific medical advice here or there.

I am a bit disappointed that one of the search terms isn't Breast Augmentation in Modesto or Breast Augmentation in Central Valley, CA or even Breast Augmentation Sacramento.

Listed in order or most commonly searched on top:

running after breast augmentation
breast augmentation recovery timeline
uneven breasts after augmentation
showering after breast augmentation
what to wear after breast augmentation
breast implants and running
running with breast implants
swimming after breast surgery
breast augmentation running
swelling after breast augmentation
breast augmentation post op
tanning after breast augmentation
how long after breast augmentation can you exercise
breast augmentation faq
natrelle vs mentor
breast augmentation modesto ca
breast implants modesto ca
running after breast implants
breast implants duration
running and breast implants

Schindler's List Theme (John Williams)

2009-07-21T23:22:00.000-07:00

Schindler's List

Taipei, Taiwan - National Concert Hall - Taipei Civic Symphony Orchestra with the Physicians Chamber Orchestra of Taiwan, Dr. Calvin Lee (General Surgeon / Acupuncturist / cosmetic physician) as violin soloist acting as guest concertmaster - playing the Schindler's List Theme by John Williams, dedicated to Itzhak Perlman. Dr. Calvin Lee played with PCOT/TCSO at the National Concert Hall, Taipei, Jul 17, 2009

New glasses! from Taipei - VP coat too!

2009-07-20T09:55:00.000-07:00

I'm in the process of getting new glasses. I'm in Taipei, Taiwn. I normally live in Modesto, CA, USA (Home to the Modesto Symphony, Gallo Center for the Arts, Plastic Surgery Modesto, and McHenry Medical Group). I'll go into more detail (if anyone is interested) of what glasses I'm getting.

The lens itself sounds pretty cool. The salesperson/manager of the optics shop told me that I can get thinner lens from Taiwan than in the US. It's going to have a VP coat. This is new and exciting to me.

So this is what I've learned.

VP Coat stands for View Protect

The VP Coating optimizes visual performance and comfort (through mechanisms described below)
Water Repellant: ahh... can walk in the rain!
Does not mist over with condensation (fog up)
Oil repellent (fingerprints!)
Low electrostatic load (less dust attraction/static)
Can be cleaned with acetone and alcohol.
Drawbacks: Don't let the glasses heat up greater than 40 degrees celcius. Otherwise there would be degradation of the VP coating.

Ximen - the taipei Times Square

2009-07-15T19:25:00.000-07:00

Tammy and I walked around Ximen square in Taipei (and took the subway metro system) yesterday. I took some pictures (coming up) and some videos of the area on my Sony camera. We went to Sony Taipei to buy a charger for this camera. It cost me the equivalent of $60 American dollars. Hopefully this means then that I will take a lot more pictures, to make this purchase worthwile. I had to buy a new battery charger since I forgot mine - left it in Modesto, CA

Recent internet activities:
Besides this blog

Obagi video on YouTube - just a transfer of an actual Obagi patient intro care video (not an Obagi video made by us).
Taipei, Taiwan inside a house, a video view of what I see inside
Updated one of our Plastic Surgery Modesto, CA webpages.

Obagi video now on YouTube.

2009-07-14T20:59:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFK7aTRELHE link to an Obagi video that was uploaded and placed a link to our Modesto Plastic Surgery page. Obagi is sometimes spelled wrong as Obaji, or Obajii, or Obagy, or Obajy or even Obagy.... you can think of all sorts of spelling variants for this. We have Obagi products in our office (Tammy Wu, Plastic Surgery).

I don't think Obagi would mind that I put this patient DVD online. It's great advertising for them.

Boots - Italian Restaurant Cafe. Interview with the Newspaper

2009-07-14T18:42:00.000-07:00

I had an interview along with Dr. Kao and Dr. Chang of the Taipei Civic Orchestra. Dr. Kao and Chang both play the violin and both conduct. They are also both medical doctors.

The interview was about medicine and music and the upcoming concert.

We had it at a restaurant called Boots - it was called this due to the shape of Italy on the nmap. It looks like a boot. Pretty neat name I would say.

It was a pretty nice restaurant, but the meeting was at 2pm and everyone had already eaten. So we had green tea, hot tea and two orders of tiramisu.

The restaurant was located in Ban Chao area of Taipei. I'm not sure if I'm spelling Ban Chao correctly.

The interview was directed by Charlene Lin, Senior reporter of the China Times, and photographer Hsin-Han Chen of the China Times.

The article should be coming out soon.

Of course I had to give our Plastic Surgery Modesto practice a plug.

Mosquito bites!

2009-07-12T20:28:00.000-07:00

Lots of mosquitos here. I think I have one stuck in my "air-conditioned" room. It's been eating me alive... I've gotten myself some Citronella soap, but after using it, I got even more mosquito bites. I'm now trying tea tree oil on some of the existing mosquito bites, and I've heard that tea tree oil is supposedly a repellant for mosquitoes.

Go bite someone else! oww. itch.. erggg...

Updated http://www.surgical-artistry-modesto.com/

2009-07-12T20:19:00.000-07:00

Plastic Surgery Modesto is the website address is: http://www.surgical-artistry-modesto.com/

Started updating this. This is a landmark process for me. It was the first time I've used an FTP program and Front Page on my this computer and also from a Taiwan internet location.

The updates made:

Has info about us being on vacation or "out of the country" as our staff likes to say. All true, we are on vacation and we are out of the country, but my thoughts about the office are never far away.
I wrote that our staff is still in the office if there any scheduling or skin care needs.
I added some plastic surgery resources with links to many ASPS resources. (ASPS is the American Society of Plastic Surgeons)
And I added logos and links for organizations that we currently support or have supported in the past. Many of these organizations include education organizations that we have been with or musical organizations. Such as the Friends of Music who puts helps us put on the show - "Docs Play the Pops" every year as a fundraiser.

Some new updates to be made would be to put on perhaps some links to modesto resources as well.

Otherwise, that's it for now.

Video revealing the house (inside) in Taipei (Taiwan)

2009-07-12T20:08:00.000-07:00

This is where I'm staying in Taipei Taiwan.

I miss my office: Plastic Surgery Modesto. The link is Tammy's home in Modesto, CA

Everytime I say that the air conditioner doesn't work, I keep getting corrected that it works fine, I'm just not used to it...

Other topics on here:
Wax Apple,
Refridgerator
Boil your water
Stairs
Garage

Wax Apple Fruit Facts

2009-07-11T18:22:00.000-07:00

Info from Wikipedia - Wax Apple Fruit

native to Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia
Common names include wax apple, love apple, java apple, Chomphu (in Thai), Bellfruit (In Taiwan), jambu air (in Indonesian), water apple, mountain apple, jambu air ("water guava" in Malay), wax jambu, Rose apple, bell fruit, makopa, tambis (Philippines), and chambekka in Malayalam and jumbu (Sri Lanka). It is known as jamalac in French,
The wax apple tree also grows in the Caribbean
In Taiwan and China, they are known as lianwu (simplified Chinese: 莲雾; traditional Chinese: 蓮霧; pinyin: lián wù; POJ: lián-bū or lembu).
The ripened fruit varies in hue and can be light pink to a dark, almost purple, red.
One of the most highly prized and sought after wax apples in Taiwan are "black pearls," which are purplish-red.
Despite its rather plain name, a wax apple is anything but plain. A ripe wax apple only resembles an apple on the outside in color. It doesn't taste like an apple. It has neither the fragrance nor the density of an apple. The flavor is a bit like a snow pear.
The liquid to flesh ratio of the wax apple is comparable to a watermelon. It's remarkably refreshing and juicy. Unlike either apple or watermelon, the wax apple's flesh has a very loose weave. The very middle holds a seed that's situated in a sort of cotton-candy-like mesh.
usually the reddest fruits are the sweetest.
When choosing a good wax apple, look for ones with the bottom segments closed up because open holes signify worm eggs inside the fruit.

Wax Apple Fruit

2009-07-11T17:47:00.000-07:00

I had to go onto FaceBook and posted this picture to find out that this unique fruit was called the Wax Apple Fruit. I've never had this before, nor seen this in the US. The picture on my left is a picture that I took. When you cut it open, it looks whitish like an apple's insides. The taste and texture - I've described it as a citrus flavored watermelon. The skin is so thin, I don't really feel or taste the skin of this wax apple fruit (sometimes also called Jambu, but in Chinese it is pronounced Lem-Bu).

Some comments I got on the Wax Apple from FaceBook:

I've removed people's names.

haha..I think it's called "wax apple" http://wapedia.mobi/en/Wax_apple. It's definitely my favorite fruit from Taiwan. :)
蓮霧 is so delicious and juicy~~~
It looks like a pear without any skin! Like a hairless cat!
What is that?????? never seen it before...how does it taste????
Aren't those the wax fruit? A monk here in Oceanside (California, USA) grows them!

I just remembered, if you want to find me on facebook, my facebook address is:

http://www.facebook.com/modesto

I couldn't get my own name for the facebook website link, so I chose "Modesto"

Brother Hotel in Taipei

2009-07-11T17:29:00.000-07:00

Brother Hotel in Taipei, Taiwan

255 Nanking East Road,
Section 3, Taipei

Tel: (8862) 2712 3456
Fax: (8862) 2717 3334

We had a family get together at this Hotel. We were in room 301-303. It was a many course Taiwan dinner. About 32 family members came to this event. Lee/Chen family get-together. My father's family is unique in that half of the family kids were named Lee (after my grandfather) and the other half Chen (after my grandmother).

The food was great, but the service was slow. The airconditioning was considered weak by my standards. We were able to get a picture in the lobby, but I didn't bring my camera. I'm hoping for relatives to send me some of the pictures. Unfortunately, it didn't seem as if any of them used the internet regularly.

These were relatives that I really don't know very well. Living in the USA is a big barrier to getting to know your relatives in Taiwan. Plus not knowing the Chinese language very well is a big barrier as well. Thus, I still don't know their names, and only barely know what they do. I of course tried to tell them about my acupuncture and cosmetic medicine practice in Modesto, CA, USA. I'm not sure they were too impressed with the cosmetic medicine but they seem to really like the acupuncture part. Well telling about where Modesto was located was a challenge, but they know San Francisco and Yosemite.

Taipei 101 Taiwan 101 videos from YouTube

2009-07-11T17:06:00.000-07:00

I kept trying to type Taiwan 101 instead of Taipei 101.

Here are some videos (not mine) of the landmark!

Jumping off the Taiwan 101 building

2007 Fireworks is below for Taipei101

A bunch of photos of Taipei 101 above

It has the world's fastest elevator (Made by Toshiba)

CVMG and other insurance hoops to run through when on vacation for more than 30 days.

2009-07-11T01:13:00.000-07:00

Quoting an email from our office staff from CVMG staff: She (from CVMG - insurance, name with-held) stated that "if a physician is going to be out for more than 30 days, then there is a break of service. It is a NCQA requirement that you both have Re-Initial Credentialing."

---
I'm not sure what Re-Initial Credentialing is, I guess I'll figure that out when I get back to the USA to my Plastic Surgery Modesto practice and Acupuncture Modesto practice (another Modesto Acupuncture page). I'm sure it involves a lot of paperwork like what we had to initially to be on CVMG insurance.

NCQA

The National Committee for Quality Assurance is a private, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving health care quality. Since its founding in 1990, NCQA has been a central figure in driving improvement throughout the health care system, helping to elevate the issue of health care quality to the top of the national agenda.

The NCQA's mission statement:
NCQA’s mission is to improve the quality of health care. Our vision is to transform health care quality through measurement, transparency, and accountability.

The Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) is a tool used by more than 90 percent of America's health plans to measure performance on important dimensions of care and service.

California Pay for Performance (P4P) is a statewide collaboration that creates the business case for physician organization (PO) quality. The Integrated Healthcare Association (IHA), a nonprofit, statewide health care leadership group composed of health plans, physician groups, hospitals, health care systems, purchasers, pharmaceutical, technologic, consumer and academic representatives, engages various sectors of health care delivery in dialogue and collective action to develop policy and special projects centered on integrated health care and managed care. IHA helps California’s Health Plans reward POs for performance in clinical care, information technology (IT) adoption and patient experience by providing a clear set of health plan expectations, using common metrics and public reporting.

Some thoughts on why this isn't a "complete break of service":

Our office isn't closed
We're still taking calls regarding patient care.

I hope to get in contact with CVMG insurance staff to discuss this more in person. Anyone else have the experience of being on vacation over 30 days who has CVMG insurance?

Taipei101 building

2009-07-10T18:28:00.001-07:00

I haven't been there yet, but I passed by it (Taipei 101 - building) on the way to a place called the Gentle Handleman. The name Gentle Handleman is pretty strange but that's a different story or blog coming up later.

Here are some fact that I garnered from internet on Taipei 101 (you can click on the English tab for English). I was attracted to Taipei 101 with the fact that there is a Mall within it.

Well, no Plastic Surgery offices found within Taipei 101.

Located in the Xinyi District, Taipei
Designed by C.Y. Lee (I have an uncle with these initials, but I'm sure it's not the same guy)
As of this writing it is the world's tallest completed skycraper/tower
Hailed as one of the Seven New Wonders of the World by Newsweek magazine, 2006, and Seven Wonders of Engineering by Discovery Channel 2005
Has 101 floors above ground and 5 floors underground.
Multi-level shopping mall is next to the tower.
Owned by the Taipei Financial Center Corporation
Managed by the international division of Urban Retail Properties Corporation based in Chicago (I have many plastic surgery friends in chicago)
The original name planned was Taipei World Financial Center
Taipei 101 was overtaken in height on July 21, 2007 by the Burj Dubai in Dubai which will have about 141 or more floors.
Observatory is lcated on the 89th floor, large windows with UV protection, 8 language recorded tours.
Google taiwan is located there on the 37th floor
The Taiwan Stock Exchange Corporation (TSEC) is located there as well.
Tower was opened to the pulic on December 31, 2004.
There is an annual (November) Taipei 1010 Run Up - a race up 2046 steps from floors 1 to 91.

Efusjon - I just got a facebook email asking me to take a look at Efusjon

2009-07-10T17:17:00.000-07:00

First, I had some trouble spelling Efusjon (Efusion, Effusion, Efujion, yikes).... E-Fus-Jon. Okay.

Next I clicked on the video which talked about the product and the compensation plan. To get into the compensation plan, there's a recurring monthly "fee" or monthly repeat purchase of the Efusjon energy drink.

It said in the video that the timing is now right. I think their timing is good. Lots of people sitting at home looking for jobs.

I searched Efsjon on the internet and what came back was Efusjon Scam searches. Most of the websites don't say very much right now except join, and here's the link to join their downline. There a few unique things about this network model. I haven't done much with them in the past, so I can't speak from experience.

The most important thing I think in considering this model is to get your friends to drop $1500 annually on drinks.. does it taste that good?

Another interesting thing is that they developed a viral facebook game that will help market Efsjon. I'm writing this as I've gotten an intro to the idea and product. I'm sure many people will know more about Efusjon as they personally join.

For me, I haven't decided to join yet. It seems interesting to watch from the sidelines.

Disclaimer - No specific medical advice meant here. I work in a Plastic Surgery Modesto, CA but that doesn't make me an expert on Efusjon, marketing, etc. Use/Join Efusjon at your own risk. I haven't decided myself whether it's a good thing or not. Just looking at some info at this time.

Bear Free Mountain in Taiwan

2009-07-10T07:07:00.000-07:00

Early this morning at around 5am. We went up to Bear Free Mountain in Taiwan to practice some Qi Gong. The Taiwanese / Chinese translation would be "a hole for bears" meaning that bears used to live there but there are no longer any bears there at this point. It was about a 1.5 hr drive from where we live in Taipei, Taiwan.

It was very peaceful, there were many strange bird sounds in the wilderness, and there was a stream. I really loved seeing the "stick" palm trees (very thin - like the folks that live here compared to me). These palm trees grew near the bottom of the mountain and were densely packed together (kinda like people in Taipei).

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=hsiung+kung&sll=23.5,121&sspn=138.822,360&ie=UTF8&v=2.2&cv=5.0.11733.9347&hl=zh-TW&latlng=2634770812998318299&ei=fNBWSpmpD4awuwO4kfTBAQ&cd=1

is the google maps link to the location of this mountain.

The Chinese name for this mountain is Hsiung Kung.

It reminded me a bit of a tropical version of Yosemite in California, USA. It has a similar peaceful feeling for me. As a way to get out of the plastic surgery office.

- Calvin Lee

Taipei's Population Density as compared to Modesto, CA

2009-07-09T19:55:00.000-07:00

http://taiwannow.blogspot.com/2009/07/modesto-ca-usa-vs-taipei-taiwan.html based on information from the above link,

The density of Taiwan is 5 times that of Modesto. Five times!

Modesto, CA (USA) vs. Taipei, Taiwan

2009-07-09T13:59:00.001-07:00

This is probably the most unlikely blog post / internet topic ever. Well, I live in Modesto, CA and I'm visiting Taipei, Taiwan. I thought it would be an interesting comparison.

Modesto, CA information resource

Modesto population (2000 census) 188,856 people
Modesto city area: 36 square miles
Modesto population density: 5200/square mile

Below info from Wikipedia.

Taipei population 2,619,920

Taipei city area: about 105 square miles (for comparison interest, Stanislaus County (where Modesto, CA lies, is 1,515 square miles)

Taipei population density 25000/sq mi

Taipei has the tallest building (Taipei 101) in the world at this point (2009). It has the worlds record for: Taipei 101 also set new records for ascending elevator speed.

So... this is the strangest comparison. Hopefully soon... to compare Plastic Surgery in Modesto and Taiwan.

Taiwan Subway / Metro

2009-07-09T13:44:00.000-07:00

I just took the subway for the first time yesterday in Taipei, Taiwan. It was very clean and seemed quite safe. There were rules that my friends told me:

1. No gum chewing
2. No water
3. No food
4. Navy blue seats are priority seating for the elderly (do I count?).

The hand rails were secure and comfortable and it wasn't too crowded at all.

We rode from Longshan Temple to Zhongxia Fuxing. The cost was equivalent to about 80 cents US dollars, or in Taiwan money (NT), it was about 25 NT each way.

We got these plastic blue tokens that could be sensed by the "turnstiles" and then you deposited them on the way out so they could presumably be recycled.

Here's a map of the Metro in Taipei (English) and here it is in Chinese version of Metro map in Taipei according too the TRTC website (Taiwan Rapid Transit Corp): The count of average daily folk aboard the metro is about 1.2 million people per DAY in May of 2009. Looking at 2008, last year's statistics, it was about the same amount of riders per day on the Taipei metro.

Wouldn't it be nice if we had that kind of traffic for Modesto, CA (map of Modesto, CA, USA - where I'm from). Well, actually, I'm glad we don't have that kind of traffic. I meant perhaps the efficiency and the amount of business that it does - or perhaps I should wish that this was the efficiency for our Plastic Surgery Modesto, CA practice.

Some Chinese that I needed translate to use blogger here in Taiwan

2009-07-08T18:52:00.000-07:00

語言選取 = Language Select

您的網誌文章已成功發佈！= Your blog post published successfully!

I went to Google Translate to get the translations. (you have to click on Chinese to English translation - otherwise it won't work)

This website might come in handy if I need to translate some Chinese Plastic Surgery websites.

2009-07-08T18:51:00.003-07:00

2009-07-08T18:51:00.001-07:00

How to get your blog to be in English?

2009-07-08T18:42:00.000-07:00

http://www.blogger.com/language.g

How to get my blog to be in English

The link above will help convert the buttons and menu bars in blogger to whatever language you need. I'm used to typing blogs from the US, but now that I'm in Taiwan, and using a Taiwan internet service provider (Hinet), I needed to switch the language back to English, because unfortunately I don't read Chinese.

I guess I should learn.

I have two computers side by side, but they are both connected to the same DSL type modem (again this is a Taiwanese make and I'm not exactly sure if it is DSL that I'm on).

Ah... but because I have the two computers side by side, I can see that blogger uses some sort of "cookies" to record the fact that on one computer I want English or it remembers by login preferences. The other computer is still in Chinese until I actually log in on both computers.

This is good for me.. maybe I'll learn a few things.

Well this is it for now. I haven't written anything yet about Modesto Plastic Surgery info, etc. But all that is coming!

Possible cyber attack from North Korea?

2009-07-08T18:15:00.000-07:00

News today:

The US and South Korea had some cyber attacks (cyber software attacks) that overwhelmed government websites. My news source is AP associated press. I'm reading this today while I'm here in Taiwan. Thinking about my life in Modesto, CA, USA - our Modesto plastic surgery practice in the Central Valley. Where is Modesto, CA, USA?

The powerful attack that targeted dozens of government and private sites underscored how unevenly prepared the U.S. government is to block such multipronged assaults. Treasury Department and Federal Trade Commission Web sites were shut down by these cyber attacks.

The officials said that while Internet addresses have been traced to North Korea, that does not necessarily mean the attack involved the Pyongyang government.

What are these attacks?

They are called "denial of service" attacks. The sites are flooded with internet traffice that they are effectively considered "off-line."

The article interviewed Joe Stewart who is the director of malware research for the counterthreat unit of SecureWorks Inc.

He said: the "target list" contained in the program's code only had five U.S. government sites on it on July 5, but were broadened the next day to include nongovernment sites inside the U.S.

The following day, the South Korean Web sites were added.

What is SecureWorks Inc? SecureWorks is a market leading provider of world-class information security services with over 2,600 clients worldwide. Organizations of all sizes, including more than ten percent of the Fortune 500, rely on SecureWorks to protect information assets, improve compliance and reduce costs.

They also interviewed Ben Rushlo, director of Internet technologies at Keynote Systems, who talked about the US's public transportation websites.

What is Keynote Systems? Keynote Systems is a mobile and Web site monitoring company based in San Mateo, Calif. The company publishes data detailing outages on Web sites, including 40 government sites it watches. Keynote is the leading provider of on-demand test and measurement solutions for continuously improving the online experience. Connected companies will know precisely how their Web sites, content, and applications will perform on actual browsers, networks, and mobile devices long before their customers and business are impacted.

Dale Meyerrose, former chief information officer for the U.S. intelligence community, said that at least one of the federal agency Web sites got saturated with as many as 1 million hits per second per attack — amounting to 4 billion Internet hits at once.

My take:
1. Well, more research needs to be put into this to find out the exact source of the attacks.
2. There should be new software that can be continually updated to help prevents cyberattacks
3. Got to create ways of maintaining peace with North Korea.