Knoppix

Identity theft is becoming a big concern even here at home, but it's an even bigger concern when you don't have your own computer and rely on some other persons computer to do all your personal stuff, like checking e-mail, posting to blogger, or paying bills etc...

We have been warned of instances where people at internet cafe's track the keystrokes of the users that come in to do their stuff and so can get the passwords to every site they visit. So what do you do? Luckily, Jenni read about a program which can be booted off a CD which is basically windows. It allows you to do everything windows does, but because it's off CD, so you know there are no programs running to capture any personal information.

It's called "Knoppix" and it's completely free. It's linux based but has a windows interface so you don't have to know all the different commands. There are web browsers, music players, picture editors, document editors, instant messaging, everything you can think of is on this CD, decompressed on the fly when you want to use it. Very cool. And did I mention that it was free?!?

I've been playing around with it, and am typing this post using Knoppix running from our CD. Looks like we'll be able to do everything we need to do using this.

I may be a bit paranoid, but I much prefer to keep all my information to myself. I hope this works out.

I included a picture below to see how posting images works. It was taken during the Canada vs. Russia hockey game. Just kidding, but the resemblance is striking...

CBC's

I was down at the Chinese Consulate today to drop off our applications for our Chinese Visa. We were hoping to get a 6 mth single entry but it turns out that for tourists, the max is 90 days. So fingers are crossed that we'll get the full 90 days.

Anyways, the main reason for the blog is to talk about us CBC's. For those who don't know, CBC = Canadian Born Chinese (or close enough). I came to Canada when I was 1 yr old. Grew up speaking english and only some Chinese (Cantonese) at home to my parents. Ever since leaving home, my Chinese has progressively gotten worse. I can just barely get by nowadays on the street and in restaurants. But you know, there's only so much dry fried rice noodle with beef one can eat!

Today was just another great example of this. I'm in front of the Chinese person taking my application and she starts to talk to me in Chinese. Cantonese thank god. Nonetheless, I understood everything she said, but when it came time to answer, I mumbled something like (in quotes is Chinese, captials is English) "Yes my" WIFE HAS FAMILY "in" CHINA. How embarrasing. The lady was very nice about it. She continued to explain how we could get a 180 day Visa in English.

Anyways, long story short is this is the constant internal struggle we CBC's have. We want to be able to speak our mother tongue, but it's so hard to overcome the embarrasment of having to use English in the middle of our Chinese (Chinglish as I call it).

For this reason, I am looking forward to throwing ourselves right in the middle of another culture and language in the hopes that I can come out of it being able to speak more Mandarin. We've both started with a Mandarin CD, but the true test will be in 19 days...

Let the learning begin!

Unemployed Ian

Today was the last day of work. I'm officially unemployed. It's saddening, but at least now I can focus more on our trip. I'm truly gonna miss everyone at VR. It was a crazy 6 years, but full of fun, hardwork and great experiences. I've been truly lucky. It feels good to think you've made a difference. Thanks to everyone for coming out to lunch and for the great going away gift. I really appreciate the nice words everyone put in. I'll need to find a frame for it before I leave.

My best wishes to VR in the future. You guys are great!

Audio Post Testing...

Where I've Been

Visited Countries Map from TravelBlog

What's a Huck?

I'm not too sure. I think it's a type of jump, but it really doesn't matter. I just like the way it sounds. Hucks...

Well, there's still a ton of stuff for us to do before the trip. It's been really hectic and non-stop. Hopefully I will be able to do more after next week. I can just focus on getting things ready. Everybody always says change is good. I sure hope so. I don't think things can change anymore than this! hahaha...go big or go home I guess!

Hope you like the site. Keep checking back to see what's going on. Especially once we head out...

Anyone want a really cool black cat named "Spaz"?