Italian Born Chinese http://thetais.net A personal blog/podcast by John Tai Sun, 25 Oct 2009 10:41:22 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7 en hourly 1 © ibccast@gmail.com () ibccast@gmail.com() 1440 podcast,podsafe,music,shanghai,taiwan,china,italy,life,love,relationship The only podcast in 3 languages, coming to you from Shanghai. A podcast about: podcasts, life/love, podsafe music, Shanghai stories. The only podcast in 3 languages, coming to you from Shanghai. A podcast about: podcasts, life/love, podsafe music, Shanghai stories. John Tai No no http://static.flickr.com/22/29644928_e6c162092a_t.jpg Italian Born Chinese http://thetais.net 144 144 ©podcast,podsafe,music,shanghai,taiwan,china,italy,life,love,relationshipTalk Radioibccast@gmail.comJohn TaiThis is an XML content feed. It is intended to be viewed in a newsreader or syndicated to another site, subject to copyright and fair use. My new PC http://thetais.net/2009/10/25/my-new-pc-2/ http://thetais.net/2009/10/25/my-new-pc-2/#comments Sun, 25 Oct 2009 10:41:22 +0000 ibccast@gmail.com (John Tai) http://thetais.net/?p=419 It’s only been 3 years since I bought my first custom built PC, but it’s time for me to upgrade. This time my friend Andrew helped me choose the parts and assemble it, so I’m very happy about it. Here are the parts and cost.

New Antec PC

CPU: Athlon II 240 (Dual-core) RMB 449
Motherboard: AsRock 785G RMB 489
RAM: 2GB DDR3 RMB 309
Case: Antec NSK 3480 RMB 799
MSI Nvidia 8400GS RMB 199
HD: Hitachi 1TB HDT721010SLA360 RMB 559

TOTAL COST: RMB 2804

I bought all components online at 360buy.com, they deliver in 1 working day and can accept cash or cards. Perfect, so I don’t have to worry about online payment.

The motherboard has an integrated graphics card, with HDMI/VGA/DVI out, but I needed a S-Video out for my CRT TV, so I had to get another card. The case is a mini-tower, compact but big enough for 3 HDs and an optical drive. For the moment I put my old DVD drive and the 1TB Hitachi HD.

After transferring all data from the old desktop (and various external HDs), I have 250GB free. I’ll get another HD soon.

The CPU is obviously faster than the previous one, and it’s fast enough to play HD files (mkv, mp4 etc…). But the main “feature” my wife and I are happiest about: it’s very quiet. The previous PC was way too loud, it had 3 fans running (due to having 3 HDs and 2 DVD drives). Right now we can barely hear the new PC, which is good because it’s turned on 24/7.

New PC Setup

I put it next to the old PC, which I’m going to reconfigure as a linux box. I’ll just use it as a backup storage. Linux is easier to control remotely. Then I will have a Mac Mini, a Windows PC, and a Linux PC. Perfect!!

]]> http://thetais.net/2009/10/25/my-new-pc-2/feed/ My new Mac Mini http://thetais.net/2009/09/20/my-new-mac-mini/ http://thetais.net/2009/09/20/my-new-mac-mini/#comments Sun, 20 Sep 2009 00:57:07 +0000 ibccast@gmail.com (John Tai) http://thetais.net/2009/09/20/my-new-mac-mini/

Here’s my new Mac Mini connected to my HDTV in my bedroom as a HTPC. Now I can watch HD content or browse internet from the comfort of my bed.

Here are the specs and cost:

- Mac Mini (2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB RAM, 120GB HD): 4300RMB
- DisplayPort to HDMI + HDMI cable: 100RMB
- Wireless USB keyboard and mouse (from Best Buy): 100RMB
- 3.5MM Stereo Audio Cable: 20RMB
- Apple Remote (from a friend): 0RMB

Here’s the software I use:

- OS X 10.5.8: I have the Snow Leopard DVD, but I’m not upgrading until all my apps are compatible.
- Boxee: a great HTPC interface. I prefer this to Plex and XBMC and Front Row.
- Opera: great for browsing without a mouse from my bed.
- Airmouse Pro: to control the Mini with my iPhone.

]]> http://thetais.net/2009/09/20/my-new-mac-mini/feed/ I want this car! http://thetais.net/2009/09/08/i-want-this-car/ http://thetais.net/2009/09/08/i-want-this-car/#comments Tue, 08 Sep 2009 06:16:54 +0000 ibccast@gmail.com (John Tai) http://thetais.net/2009/09/08/i-want-this-car/ Logan really wanted to get this at Toys ‘R Us.

Posted via email from Lifestreaming from Shanghai

]]> http://thetais.net/2009/09/08/i-want-this-car/feed/ Logan, bored in Becky’s office http://thetais.net/2009/08/25/logan-bored-in-beckys-office/ http://thetais.net/2009/08/25/logan-bored-in-beckys-office/#comments Tue, 25 Aug 2009 07:33:27 +0000 ibccast@gmail.com (John Tai) http://thetais.net/2009/08/25/logan-bored-in-beckys-office/

Posted via email from johntai’s posterous

]]> http://thetais.net/2009/08/25/logan-bored-in-beckys-office/feed/ Logan’s first cotton candy http://thetais.net/2009/08/23/logans-first-cotton-candy/ http://thetais.net/2009/08/23/logans-first-cotton-candy/#comments Sun, 23 Aug 2009 14:27:47 +0000 ibccast@gmail.com (John Tai) http://thetais.net/2009/08/23/logans-first-cotton-candy/

Posted via email from johntai’s posterous

]]> http://thetais.net/2009/08/23/logans-first-cotton-candy/feed/ Merry Christmas! http://thetais.net/2008/12/28/merry-christmas/ http://thetais.net/2008/12/28/merry-christmas/#comments Sun, 28 Dec 2008 08:03:40 +0000 ibccast@gmail.com (John Tai) http://thetais.net/2008/12/28/merry-christmas/ The Tai Family

]]> http://thetais.net/2008/12/28/merry-christmas/feed/ Grazie Zia Elena! http://thetais.net/2008/10/30/grazie-zia-elena/ http://thetais.net/2008/10/30/grazie-zia-elena/#comments Wed, 29 Oct 2008 23:44:32 +0000 ibccast@gmail.com (John Tai) http://thetais.net/?p=409 I like it!Made with love by grand-aunt Elena.

]]> http://thetais.net/2008/10/30/grazie-zia-elena/feed/ Potty Training Day 7 http://thetais.net/2008/10/08/potty-training-day-7/ http://thetais.net/2008/10/08/potty-training-day-7/#comments Wed, 08 Oct 2008 05:22:22 +0000 ibccast@gmail.com (John Tai) http://thetais.net/2008/10/08/potty-training-day-7/ It hasn’t been easy training Logan, cleaning his pee all over the apartment, changing and washing his pants (some times we ran out of pants).

However yesterday something clicked in his mind and he stopped peeing out. I think he’s learned to keep his pee and wait for potty time (every 20 mins) to do it in the potty. Becky and I were amazed at the sudden change, we are so proud of this big achievement. We know it’s not over yet, but this is a huge step for Logan. And he did all this while he was sick! I am a proud father!

]]> http://thetais.net/2008/10/08/potty-training-day-7/feed/ Mia Talking http://thetais.net/2008/10/04/mia-talking/ http://thetais.net/2008/10/04/mia-talking/#comments Sat, 04 Oct 2008 10:07:25 +0000 ibccast@gmail.com (John Tai) http://thetais.net/2008/10/04/mia-talking/


Mia Talking

Originally uploaded by John Tai

It’s only fair that Mia gets a video upload as well.

]]> http://thetais.net/2008/10/04/mia-talking/feed/ Logan singing “Sunday Shoes” http://thetais.net/2008/10/04/logan-singing-sunday-shoes/ http://thetais.net/2008/10/04/logan-singing-sunday-shoes/#comments Sat, 04 Oct 2008 10:03:50 +0000 ibccast@gmail.com (John Tai) http://thetais.net/2008/10/04/logan-singing-sunday-shoes/


Logan singing "Sunday Shoes"

Originally uploaded by John Tai

Logan is singing “Crowded Streets in an Empty Town” by our friend Tim Kao, which is obviously too long for him, so he just calls it “Sunday Shoes”.

]]> http://thetais.net/2008/10/04/logan-singing-sunday-shoes/feed/ Potty Training Day 3 http://thetais.net/2008/10/03/potty-training-day-3/ http://thetais.net/2008/10/03/potty-training-day-3/#comments Fri, 03 Oct 2008 15:43:17 +0000 ibccast@gmail.com (John Tai) http://thetais.net/2008/10/03/potty-training-day-3/ This was a much better day for in terms of potty training. In the morning we had 3 strikes in a row, including one N.2. The final tally was 4 strikes and 3 balls.

Of course other things went wrong, like a toy stuck in the toilet, Logan skipping lunch and napping late after a long crying session. Also he’s only now (23:46) falling asleep after playing in his bed for almost 3 hours!!

But we can’t have it all, can we?

]]> http://thetais.net/2008/10/03/potty-training-day-3/feed/ On the potty http://thetais.net/2008/10/03/on-the-potty/ http://thetais.net/2008/10/03/on-the-potty/#comments Fri, 03 Oct 2008 02:01:23 +0000 ibccast@gmail.com (John Tai) http://thetais.net/2008/10/03/on-the-potty/ Here’s Logan sitting like good boy on his potty. Stickers are his reward.

]]> http://thetais.net/2008/10/03/on-the-potty/feed/ Potty Training Day 2 http://thetais.net/2008/10/03/potty-training-day-2/ http://thetais.net/2008/10/03/potty-training-day-2/#comments Fri, 03 Oct 2008 01:50:25 +0000 ibccast@gmail.com (John Tai) http://thetais.net/2008/10/03/potty-training-day-2/ Second day wasn’t much better, it felt like he was actually worse, but I think it’s only because he pees much more often, I actually lost count. He did pee twice in the potty, but his biggest breakthru is that he told us he had to pee, even though we didn’t make it in time.

Also he finally did N 2, in his pants… So stinky

I forgot to mention that Logan is also sick, poor him.

BTW, I am twittering this often so you can follow it in the sidebar.

]]> http://thetais.net/2008/10/03/potty-training-day-2/feed/ Potty training day 1 http://thetais.net/2008/10/02/potty-training-day-1/ http://thetais.net/2008/10/02/potty-training-day-1/#comments Thu, 02 Oct 2008 04:46:33 +0000 ibccast@gmail.com (John Tai) http://thetais.net/2008/10/02/potty-training-day-1/ We just started potty training Logan and it’s not easy!! First day he peed in the potty two times, and five times in his pants. He hasn’t pooped yet, I think he doesn’t want to do it in the potty.

So far he never tells us if he wants to go, he just pees in his pants. That’s the frustrating part. Hopefully he’ll learn soon.

]]> http://thetais.net/2008/10/02/potty-training-day-1/feed/ BJ 2008 http://thetais.net/2008/08/09/bj-2008/ http://thetais.net/2008/08/09/bj-2008/#comments Sat, 09 Aug 2008 03:05:03 +0000 ibccast@gmail.com (John Tai) http://thetais.net/?p=399 I usually don’t care about Olympics at all. In the past I never watched it on TV, and didn’t even follow the results. And I was dreading the start of this year’s Olympics, for the chaos that it would bring to China.

Then last night we all watched the opening ceremony. I wasn’t too impressed with the opening shows, just the usual fireworks (which I’ve come to hate after I moved here) and other performances that were certainly well done, I just didn’t care for them.

But then the representative of each country started to walk in and I really wanted to watch their clothes and attitudes, as well as learn about countries I’ve never heard before. That lasted 2 hours!!! I felt exhausted just watching that, I can’t imagine what the cheering girls by the side must have felt. Some notes:

- The only people I recognized were Roger Federer and Yao Ming. Nobody else!! I suck, I know.

- The Italians HAD to slow down and disturb the country walking after them!!

- Lots of pretty girls.

- The guy holding Denmark’s flag was huge, and he used one hand on a 90 degree angle. Impressive.

This morning I turn on the TV and start watching women’s weightlifting. I usually couldn’t care less, but I was somehow engaged. Up until my TV went dark a few minutes ago. Don’t know what’s going on, hope it’ll come back soon. Can’t believe I am feeling the Olympics spirit this year…

]]> http://thetais.net/2008/08/09/bj-2008/feed/ Mia is 1 month old http://thetais.net/2008/07/15/mia-is-1-month-old/ http://thetais.net/2008/07/15/mia-is-1-month-old/#comments Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:23:15 +0000 ibccast@gmail.com (John Tai) http://thetais.net/?p=397 I almost can’t believe, but Mia is already one month old. In China it’s a big deal, they shave their heads, give out eggs to colleagues and friends, and it’s also the end of the mother’s confinement. We didn’t do anything to Mia, though Becky is happy to end her confinement. She can now go out, eat normal food and many other things she wasn’t supposed to do (though she did make many exceptions during the course of the month).

But we did put a dress on Mia, and here are some photos.

One month old!

Happy 1st Month, Mia!

]]> http://thetais.net/2008/07/15/mia-is-1-month-old/feed/ Twitter Updates for 2008-07-10 http://thetais.net/2008/07/10/twitter-updates-for-2008-07-10-2/ http://thetais.net/2008/07/10/twitter-updates-for-2008-07-10-2/#comments Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:59:59 +0000 ibccast@gmail.com (John Tai) http://thetais.net/2008/07/10/twitter-updates-for-2008-07-10-2/
  • Just found out that Moon River has closed!! That’s very sad, we really liked that place, good food and kid-friendly. #
    • ]]>     http://thetais.net/2008/07/10/twitter-updates-for-2008-07-10-2/feed/     Twitter Updates for 2008-07-07 http://thetais.net/2008/07/07/twitter-updates-for-2008-07-07/ http://thetais.net/2008/07/07/twitter-updates-for-2008-07-07/#comments Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:59:59 +0000 ibccast@gmail.com (John Tai) 455564183
  • Logan is getting better now. Less whining and crying. #
    • ]]>     http://thetais.net/2008/07/07/twitter-updates-for-2008-07-07/feed/     Twitter Updates for 2008-07-03 http://thetais.net/2008/07/03/twitter-updates-for-2008-07-03/ http://thetais.net/2008/07/03/twitter-updates-for-2008-07-03/#comments Thu, 03 Jul 2008 15:59:59 +0000 ibccast@gmail.com (John Tai) http://thetais.net/2008/07/03/twitter-updates-for-2008-07-03/
  • Logan is impossible these days. Doesn’t want to do anything he’s told. #
    • ]]>     http://thetais.net/2008/07/03/twitter-updates-for-2008-07-03/feed/     Twitter Updates for 2008-06-26 http://thetais.net/2008/06/26/twitter-updates-for-2008-06-26/ http://thetais.net/2008/06/26/twitter-updates-for-2008-06-26/#comments Thu, 26 Jun 2008 15:59:59 +0000 ibccast@gmail.com (John Tai) http://thetais.net/2008/06/26/twitter-updates-for-2008-06-26/
  • Logan is obssessed with “baby dancing” DVD. #
    • ]]>     http://thetais.net/2008/06/26/twitter-updates-for-2008-06-26/feed/     John TainonadultThe only podcast in 3 languages, coming to you from Shanghai. A podcast about: podcasts, life/love, podsafe music, Shanghai stories.