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Thursday, May 30, 2002
nothing much lately...
working still for the many designs, conceptualizing on a dummie chopsticks, and other asian unique products.
Martin's opening up his new chain of restraurants, owned by a corporation called TRICON, now known as YUM! [huh?]. Which owns fast food chains such as Pizza Hut, KFC, Taco Bell, and A&W...
So a new chain is called "Yan Can"... under the direction under Martin. Interesting note was that Martin help develope some of the KFC products...
Anyways... most exciting thing is that I'll be going to a schedule visit to IDEO
wo knows maybe a potential internship, but business has been bad since Sept/11, so they have cut down the internship completely. But it'll be eal kool just to see their work environment..
So be sure to stay tune for up-coming pics of IDEO... world's leader in innovating designs...
A look at where designs are born...
5/30/2002 02:54:00 AM
Saturday, May 25, 2002
well.. I've been basically overwhelmed by the abundance of opportunities in California lately...
It's also nice to be appreciated as a designer...by other designers
There is a larger design community here...
California is where most innovative designs are born
Everything from Nike to Acura to Lucas's star Wars to everything of the latest trend in ANYTHING happens here...
I've had pleasure of meeting and discussing varies of design concepts with various designers here in Cali... an experience I don't get in Toronto, due to the LACK OF GROWTH in the design industry in Canada...
But since my arrival, I've expressed to many of the designers I've met that I have the desire to nurture my design talent further by investing into a design institute such as the Academy of Art College in San Fransico,CA
http://www.academyart.edu/index.asp
OR Art Center College of Design in Pasadena,CA
http://www.artcenter.edu
Many have given great guidance and advice for my path to follow.
If any of you know a bit in the design world, then you would know most of the photography, innovative graphics, industrial and automotive designs spur from these schools. most car designers came form these school. Not only Ford, but Audi BMW, some Honda models, and Nissan...
Well, anyways, as I've said B4, opportunities are extremely rich here if U've got the stuff in U... Working here would not be a bad idea either... But I think I have to go to China next summer and learn all the manufacturing processes... I'll have to learn molding engineering, metal engineering, and other manufacturing techniques... I'm already kinda planning out my trip ever so ften in my head...
You would not believe some of the crazy manufacturing process china is capable of...
I've been working on the Yan Can Cool Corporate Identity, and designing Martin Yan's Chef's knife, absolutely fasinating. Also, othe mechandising goods such as a "easy-to-use" chopsticks... basically implementing a simplistic yet effective way to hold and ultilize the chinese chosticks...
There are a bunch of other merchandising I haven't had time to start yet...
but it's keeping me pretty much busy at all times
other than that, the weather is AMAZING...
Have to start tanning soon... maybe hit the beach or something...
5/25/2002 04:09:00 AM
Wednesday, May 22, 2002
from the above new photos, U would have guessed..
= )
yup something about US I love the most is their practice on guns..
this guy [named Clinton Wong] in the pic is one of Cali state's top competitors in shotgun and sniper rifles
so naturally, I got him to give me a few rounds to fire...
dang it was fun...
started shooting some coke bottles 50 to 100 yards distance back..
hee hee
than i got bored and started some lizards 150 yards back....
splatered pretty nicely... hee hee
please, no animal-activitist complaints!!!
he says I have a good shot, might do some more REAL practice weeks later if I have time
don't let the ugly long gun fool you, they are custom made, cost $5000 each
and he sold quite a bit of them... He's won just 22 competition the weekend I went to see him
A funny... but deadly story he told me that some guy came to break into his house...
and when the robber saw Clinton he darted out quickly and ran down the street
but Clinton walk to his room, took out his Sniper and walked back to the door...
forgot his 22mm ammo, went back to get it and walk back on the street and shot the guy's leg...
he then called the police in order to apprehend the robber with the cash and possession he had stolen from Clinton...
neways... so far that's been the high lights...
As of my work, its keeping me busy...
Planning & setting up Martin's computer system and networking in the new office...
Conceptualizing the "Yan Can Cook" merchandsing and company identity
I've been travelling form one end of San Meteo to san Fransico...
All in all, it's been crazy fun....
Till the next BIG update...
5/22/2002 03:30:00 AM
Sunday, May 19, 2002
yes.. it's been three days...
alot I have learned.. and some I will attempt to share...
The world to extreme small...
Beware of who U associate with, who U've worked for, who U know, and how much should ppl know about U...
because of my background i dare not say more
but the world is very small, beware of what U do, because U bound to leave a mark or something that people would recognize...
And lately, all the people I have come into contact with have recognize my background and what I do, and who I associate with...
I've met with some really fasinating that have made quite the impact in the technology, product, and manufacturing field.
Coming to Cali had proven amazing and formed some priceless connection globally...
it had also taught me my next moves in my strive for my goals as my career unfolds..
Neways, i 'll have more pics up soon, I'm planning a car trip y myself in a few weeks or so...
I'm moving from location to location lately, I none stop travelling from state to state,
so i have to go back to main office later to put up pics on my homepage server...
till then...
5/19/2002 12:45:00 AM
Wednesday, May 15, 2002
Well to start off the day...
I am going to take some digital pictures of my pad..
cause it's absolutely gorgeous...
hopefully my next step could get them on the web!!
First thing in the morning..
I was in a merchandising meeting with roger Nagel, professor of Leehign University of the CES Department, Edwin Lun, CEO of IDS Holding Ltd., and Sammy Tsang a Industrial designer...
The meeting basically evolve around the issue of expanding the entity of "Yan Can Cook" to the Internationally/globally though merchandising... Alot of plans and ideas were thrown across the table...
Alot of expertise were applied and skeletal plans were made...
Rogers happed to be the founder and designer of the Cad and CAM Inerphase and file translation program.
Edwin takes on many director roles in manufacuring and engineering stations all over Hong kong and China.
Sammy is one of the prime industrial designer of Edwin...
All in all, I've had a tremendous opportunity during the whole thing...
At night I was helping out with Martin @ a demo show...
My days here in Cali had been very fast pace and following martin Yan around is quite the challenge since his business demands that he spends every hour with some other company or person of business importance.
His Itinerary is jam pack with very room for chilling out...
His own staff barely have time to see him and met on a regular basis on decisions approval...
it is quite interesting seeing someone of his calibre working...
Weather in Cali is ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL
Actually I forgot to mention...
there was an 5.2 scale Earthquake on Moday night
but we were on the road in a car, so we missed the impact..
apparently it was quite a jolt!!
oh well, not like it was something i felt bad missing anyways...
5/15/2002 02:23:00 AM
Tuesday, May 14, 2002
Arrived in California at approx. 8:00pm P.T.
right after we landed, we met a lady who has a strong political and educational relations with China. We picked her up from the airport as well where she was flown in from a UN meeting in New York. Annie has been establishing strong connections in China for many years within the field of media communication and publication . Her strong passion in building a great education foundation for the Chinese in China has lead her to collaborate with Martin Yan in doing some kinda production that connects the Culinery Arts with culture and travel together. This is a huge project for both Martin and Annie in fullfilling their visions in promoting and expanding the Chinese Culture in a global perspective. this projects is immensely huge and requires a lot of man power and research... t could be aired by network such as PBC, Food net work , Learning Channel, or National Geographic
I was greatly inspired to say the least... the whole meeting was filled with rich visions flavoured by great excitment... An oversea project in this calibre was quite intoxicating to me...
Well, anyways, it was a great start for a new day for me in Cali...
I've got my own room here, great view...
I hope to take some pics and post in here soon....
have to nap soon, big day tomorrow too...
5/14/2002 03:35:00 AM
Sunday, May 12, 2002
NIGHT B4 Departure...
well, to start off, I left church in a hurry to CenterPoint Mall [Yonge & Steels]...
I was responsible to provide photography for Sponsor Product Shots with Martin Yan...
I used a Nikon F5 for the "Yan Can Cook" Promotion joint with FairChild Radio...
It went rather well, consider the audience that was there... I was shocked to say the least...
After that show ended, I quickly came back and perform my BIG LAST MINUTE PACKING RITUAL...
And I MEAN LAST MINUTE...
I did 3 laundry session... and packed and packed...
I must say, I packed way too much for a guy... whatever...
Tomorrow's the flight I guess... I feel absolute excited at this point...
I have a thing for flying, in fact I do thing of going to Russia one day, and pay like $20K for a flight demo SEATED WITHIN a MIG figter jet...
I know it's expensive but DAMN, it's worth every penny...
Till then I'll have to settle for a sky diving jump or something...
Neways, Time is ticking and I usually pack and pack till I packed most of the stuff I think I should be carrying for my trip...
I still inadequate and ill-equiped for the trip in terms of talent...
I mean I could of really polish up my Pro-engin, but I really don't have the time...
Or maybe fine tune my free hand drafting skilz just a dat more...
Too late now, I am bring my sketchbook with me though...
Excitment & anticipation is eating me up...
oh yes, almost forgot...
2 INSTANT CUP NOODLES [beef flavour] in my hand carry...
it's my family tradition when travelling
= )
5/12/2002 10:54:00 PM
Saturday, May 11, 2002
2 Day B4 Departure...
well, the days have boiled down to the weekend...
I've had a busy weekdays and couldn't really spent time with my friends before I leave...
I've been called out enough times this week, but I had some last minute work I had to take the load off my mother...
Some ugent designs that had to go out quickly for over-seas manufacturing & production...
I wanted visit my friends up at Waterloo and Western, but couldn't find the time...
times are getting more and more chaotic...
Tomorrow I'll be at FIRST MARKHAM... up at Hwy 7
Starts @ 12:00pm, and includes stage performance show plus autograph session...
Apparently, there are hundreds of people waiting in-line for autograph...
Neways, I need to sleep... Something tells me I'm going to need it
5/11/2002 01:47:00 AM
Friday, May 10, 2002
4th Day B4 Departure...
Had to clean up my room and started getting the stuff I'll be bringing to Cali...
summer clothes and other gears... the office staff over there called and asked to confirm on the things I need...
I'll be on a Mac G4, so that'll be kool...
I've been trying to finish off some more work that's suddenly surface out of thin air...
Today's weather has been kinda odd, thunderstorm and all...
still nothing interesting yet...
all I've been doing is work, so that's that...
Weekend's going to be crazy that's for sure...
5/10/2002 01:12:00 AM
Thursday, May 09, 2002
5th Day B4 Departure...
Alright, time is really approaching
I'm really going to Cali, still can't believe it...
but it'll be exciting.. I always get excited when the plane engine roars and then the G force push me back...
that's when it'll hit me that I'm going...
Life is interesting though, full of wonderful experiences and insightful learning experiences...
As I dive in search of my carreer path, I also value much more on friends and love ones...
Balancing both is quite taxing and confusing...
It's Thursday, butt early morning, doing a last minute design work for a last minute project launch...
Millions of ppl in the world, busy living or busy sleeping...
5/09/2002 03:45:00 AM
6th Day B4 Departure...
opps skipped..
too much work to finish up...
5/09/2002 03:35:00 AM
Monday, May 06, 2002
7th Day B4 Departure...
Same thing nothing much..
Nasty Cloudy Morning...
I had a weird urge to sleep... 'cause it's so nasty outside...
My mood is very weather depended...
Yan Can Cook, Martin Yan will be in Toronto soon, doing promotion...
There might be 2 that I'll be going to help or just to support...
May 11th 12:00pm at First Markham
May 12th 12:00pm at CentrePoint Mall...
So I probably be stopping by there...
5/06/2002 06:21:00 PM
8th Day B4 Departure...
nothing much today...
watched Spiderman.... for anybody who have followed Spiderman [comics], they can tell U that this movie is disappointing...
I'm eargerly waiting to watch Star Wars episode 2, that's for sure...
5/06/2002 06:18:00 PM
Sunday, May 05, 2002
9th Day B4 Departure...
ok ok.. technically not exactly 9th day.. but whatever...
I was going to write when I got home, but instead...
I FINALLY GOT MY WORKSTATION!!!!
YUP,my friend came tonight and hand delievered it to my door... bless his heart...sniff sniff...
So I've finally received it, but still have to install my router and perform some important color calibrate on my monitor...
Tomorrow, I'm going to get it checked out by couple more guys and I'll start installing my MAD FRICKEN GRAPHIC SOFTWARE...
all I gotta say is... DAMN!...
so next week wil be kinda fun for me for sure...
hopefull [B4 I leave for Cali] I have enough time to learn quick and squeeze out some good graphics for all to see on my web-page...
neways, I'm really beat...
have to sleep early for once...
5/05/2002 12:31:00 AM
Friday, May 03, 2002
10th Day B4 Departure...
Well, approaching the Official Count down days...
Had to wake up early and call for my E-tickets...
Stupid Aeroplan sent my flight tickets to my flight Booking Agent...
So anal...
Played ball with my very own spiderman, Albert Wu today...
We had a pretty good one on one game going..
I couldn’t do much without my vertical ups...
Didn’t appreciate my ankle till now, ‘cause all my years in competitive
basketball, this is the first time I’ve had such a serious injury..
better have it now then B4 I guess..
I also had a fricken long Band practice for a EM that’s happening tomorrow...
I was kinda unprepared and the practice this whole event was so unorganized..
I had a pretty horrible time... so kinda really bummed out...
Coming back home and doing some new project work... more packaging graphics...
I’ve been thinking alot more about the trip...
I’m in between the borderline of wanting to get away, and not wanting to leave...
I would really love the new experience of new field of design... and enjoying the amazing sunny and beautiful California... If U have checked the last entry, you’ll see the map of Foster City and it’s demographic & geography... I must say, it’s absolutely gorgeous... 2 words to ya all... OCEAN FRONT!!
BUT on the other hand... I’ll miss home... yeah kinda weird... but I actually do...
Life had taken many changes the past month or so...
It had changed my perspective in some things, and less confidence on other things...
Life is short and the world is very very small...
I’ve been thinking alot more lately, due to no school, and working is nothing stressing to me since it’s design and that’s my passion... the band practice I had today was absolutely more taxing and straining on me than anything else....
All in all, it’s been a long week, filled with deep thoughts and recollections...
;cause once I get to Cali, I might not have time for quiet thoughts...
5/03/2002 11:57:00 PM
Thursday, May 02, 2002
Here's a good site that has pretty much a good handfull of information on Foster City, CA
5/02/2002 07:40:00 PM
11th day B4 DEPARTURE...
Alright.. I can't believe it, but it's 11days till my departure to Cali..
Excited?? Well let’s just say it beats the stinking weather we had today...
I didn't even want to wake up... not to all, I HATE cloudy days...
I am very weather driven emotionally...
First thing to first... I've decided to really start filling in my blog entries from now till departure...
and hopefully during my trip too, I've managed to come up with a plan to insert pics of my trip @ Cali..
Because GERROME TAN would love to see some wicked surfer girls at sunny California...
*LOL* jokes... but no I don't think I'll have time that sorta thing there, I'm have a pretty heavy itinerary plan... BUT HEY!!!! with Me U never know what happens in my walk of life, U can always expect the unexpected.. [“wink” “wink”]
Neways.. I’m supposed to be having my computer to be checked on today.... final calibration and stuff...
and may pick it as early as 6 o’clock today, or tomorrow morning... So we’ll see what’s up with that..
I’ve got the Latest Trial Version for Alias|wavefront STUDIOTOOLS in my hot little hands
comes with 2 tutorials CDs... I’m like so excited to see what’s in store...
Other than that.. I’ve been trying to work-out and get my body back in gear... Muscle memory is doing it’s thing... but hey.. 7+ years of intense weight and strength training would bound to elicit some muscle memory... Muscle memory is basically an athletic physiological term for, muscles to regroup and reinstate to the myo-tension-tissue structure of what it was previously been optimized to be. So an athlete who’ve been training at a regiment intensity for 5+ years would achieve muscle memory if he/she have stopped training for a year or two and return back to training. Muscle memory in theory basically shortens and quickens the muscle building process drawing it “closer” to its original muscle level.
It’s kinda working for me... But I doubt I want to go back to the days when I was bench pressing 350LBS... I wouldn’t want to look like that... ‘cause buying clothes is impossible!!.. and my weak oriental frame might not be able to handle the muscle structure = P So I’m just going to obtain a substantial muscle tone level where I would look GQ with some guns to spare...
neways.. just chilling for the rest of the day.. and play my pretty guitars.. cause I won’t be bringing them to Cali ... SO... They require attention = P
Mah Fan!!
5/02/2002 04:01:00 PM
Wednesday, May 01, 2002
Alright..I'm pretty much finished with my web-site and it's layouts.
I'm pretty happy with it...
Now, maybe only a few tuning here and there to make the image load faster maybe..
other than that..
it looks alright.. Agree?
Well I'm suppose to be getting my workstation anytime this week also..
kinda excited over that...
Work has been easing up.. which is good..
I can start doing some Artwork of my own again..
Want to get my hands on my workstation... Uhhhhh!!
Should be getting my flight tickets soon sometime this week...
Kinda weird when things are not busy and hactic...
a week and couple more days and I'm gone...
I'm really starting to think of what CAN happen and what MIGHT NOT happen..
My anxiety is starting to build and climb at a exponential proportion..
Since I'll be basically alone over at California.. it's kinda weird..
It's not like the first time for me to go off on my own..
But there's a weird anxiety and anticipation I'm feeling...
Exciting and fearful at the da same time.. kinda weird actually
But I do love travelling and I mean I LOVE it..
I love going to a new city and just walk around that particular
environment and atmosphere of that foreign place and absord
the life that people live...
It's like an addicting drug to me... I love the places where I can immerge
myself into a new place and meet new people..and interact with them
and seeing the particular expressions that the people there emit..
whether it is by their verbal slang, speech pattern, social interaction,
fashion, or the way they open up themselves...
Yup.. I do love travelling...maybe it has to do with me travelling so much,
my childhood is basically filled with travelling... I must say my parents
have really moved me from places to places...
I would have vacations since my first birthday and every summer of my life...
It's like I've nevered stayed at one place more than 6 months...
And then the immigration to Canada... when I was 8...
I moved from school to school... there's good and bad in that I guess...
I must say.. I'm pretty much "raised" to be an extrovert...
I meet new ppl and have to form friendship like almost immediately...
the other side of the coin could be that I would become an introvert...
Not able to make new friendship, 'cause I'll probably be broken in a couple months...
But I turned out to be the extreme opposite... I have this "Head Modem" that reads
people with the first minute that I interact with them...
I could tap into people of various characteristics.. no matter of age, social status,
criminal status, occupation, social interest, or of any social background...
I could be thrown in a room and basically talk to anyone I have to and fit in...
That's what U get from being raised to interact of all sorts of people in all sorts
of places and countries... I could be going to the New Territories in Hong Kong
Chinese monastery to meet one of my father's old friend who is a deep observing
Buddhist monk and talk about the doctrine of a Buddhist philosophy of life verus Christianity...[not that I like dicussing such issues], and next day, run into my old high school friend who's family pressure
has forced him to live the rest of his life deep into the criminal life and as Triad ring leader...
and me and him would talk about the things that goes on with his life.. verus mine [which is more.. safe & secure]
And then the next day, I would go to my Christian Baptist church and lead Sunday worship.. and smile and chill...
I have a interesting and weird life... But I love meeting people... I guess...
!!WOW!! what the??!! I don't know how I wrote all this..or if anyone is reading it.. and laughing at my spelling and grammatical mistakes... ne'ways... Life is really short and interesting.. depending on how U live it and how one really look for opportunities
in finding new experiences that builds U and excluding experiences that breaks U...
Going to new places and meeting new people is what I like to do..
what's yours??
5/01/2002 04:28:00 PM
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