Six Foot Tall in China

My first link to another blog.

drpaterson — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 08:03:01 +0000

I recently have been looking at other blogs, and I discovered one that is most entertaining, but not because it tries to be. Atypical Guy presents various facts about US politics which I can only wish people look further into. The absolute least I can do (considering this blog is read mainly by myself) is to link to it.

The link at the bottom of the page goes to what happens to be my favourite Atypical Guy post yet, and looking at it in the hindsight of Obama’s win adds poignancy. Before you point out the massive debt of the Obama administration due to the financial crisis, do remember the Republican forerunners whom helped mess things up, and consider that this deficit is not only necessary, but ultimately out of his hands. To those who don’t know, I am particularly fond of webcomics as a medium of political and social expression in the post-newspaper age. So fond that I should dedicate a future post to some of the better ones.

Republicans vs. Democrats: Spending Statistics in Cartoon Form

Swine Flu is horrible…

drpaterson — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 03:49:26 +0000

I have the flu. I hate the flu. I suppose I am at a very high risk. 15000 people go to the ANU every weekday, I live with 500 people at college who go there every weekday, and I work my weekends at a supermarket that is the second busiest in the entire country. While I may never know who my patient zero is, I can still loathe the virus that put me into bed all weekend.

But I should be thankful that I may have the swine flu now, in a first-world democracy. I’ve heard the filtered stories (that are most likely 3% true) of people in China being quarantined with a bunch of traditional mushrooms for medicine (much like the mushrooms from Super Mario, I expect). I’ve even heard that because of China’s massive population the government can no longer afford to pay for people’s treatment, handing an unaffordable bill to the sick. If I don’t garner an immunity now, I may be stuck reaching for my wallet later.

Swine flu aside, I’d like to point out that being active and going outside ASAP after getting the flu is NOT a great way to get back into recovery. It only leads to more illness! I had a lovely 13 hours of sleep last night thanks to a short walk to the supermarket, and the only reason I got out of bed at all was for sheer shame of the time.

Before I go overseas, I will gladly pay to be the flu vaccine trial man!

Things as terrifying as moving to China

drpaterson — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 04:06:22 +0000

Lately my excitement of a full scholarship from the Chinese government is waning, being overtaken by a tide of irrational fear. While I’m sure its natural to be at first scared of moving abroad, I’ve compiled a list of things that are even scarier. If I don’t come across any of the following items in the near future I will be very happy, assured that China will be my only challenge.

1) Roger Moore (1972 version).

2) Mardi Gras clowns, like from childhood but they touch you.

3) Tied for third place: Sarah Palin and American Foreign Policy (specifically the pre détente years).

4) Octopii and most Cephalopods, being the most disgusting creatures to ever exist.

5) Kidney thieves, whom may exist and work in China, and not just in my imagination.

6) Anyone who eats regularly at KFC.

7) Evangelicals.

8) Hot air balloons, which to quote scrubs is merely “floating wicker propelled by fire!”. So true.

9) Michael Jackson (no longer relevant to the list)

10) Any Ringo Starr album.

中国地质大学（武汉）

drpaterson — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 15:10:53 +0000

I now have one full all expenses paid scholarship to Wuhan next year, the bill being forwarded to the Chinese government. A big thank you to all of my connections within the Chinese Ministry of the Interior – you know who you are.

While this university isn’t my first choice, Chinese taxpayers will fund my tuition, rent and give me an allowance to study there. Done! Maybe I can buy a cheap motorcycle with the money I save….

The Great Firewall of China

drpaterson — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:26:33 +0000

I only now realised that China tends to block sites that express free will, in particular the one that hosts this blog. Great. In any case, after panicking I discovered there are quite a few solutions to the problem, including updating your blog via email. Isn’t the interwebs wonderful?

That’s Dan: One Firewall: Nil.

Take that, Chairman Mao!

Where in the world is Daniel?

drpaterson — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 13:53:20 +0000

So, introductions!

Chances are if you are reading this, you are one of my friends or family and you not only already know who I am, but I have told you about this blog so that you can know exactly what I’m up to while I’m overseas. If you’re in the dark, then let’s get up to speed.

I am Daniel. I’m currently preparing to depart for a year of study in the Orient (specifically Beijing), and I’ve stumbled upon blogging, one of the interwebs biggest crazes since Dancing Jesus and MyFace. Over the next few months this journal will document my preparation for leaving, and various thoughts and activities so that my loved ones have something to remember me by. And then, of course, it will follow all of my subsequent adventures in China (I expect they will be much like this classic from Tintin). I suspect that being over Six Foot Tall in China will most likely be the least of my problems, especially considering I have the genuine talent of putting my foot squarely into my mouth (while using English, let alone Chinese). Hopefully my embarrassment will serve others.

The main person I am writing for is my girlfriend Lee, as I will miss her the most while I’m away. It seems fitting to dedicate my first post to her. The following is Lee’s favourite photo of me, my favourite of her, and the only available photo of us from my laptop…from drag night…

(We don’t dress like this normally…honestly!)

This hopefully will be the first post of many before I leave for China, even though I am a self-confessed procrastinator.