Sunday, November 7, 2010

Medical Examination Redux

My wife got a letter for an update of her records. Every step seems to take 7 months!!





Sunday, October 3, 2010

Our condo in 樟木头 Zhāngmùtóu



她想在深圳买另一房子 唉唉! tamade!!!

Thursday, August 5, 2010

You Wouldn't Know

My wife says she wants to start her own business most likely to do with importing exporting clothing, next time I'm there we are going to Guangzhou to check out her source.  Sounds good to me, if the Canadian government forces me to move out of here I can export goods with her (hardware I'm thinking), investing capital and creating wealth and prosperity in the Chinese economy.

I wonder if anyone from Canadian immigration has been separated from their wife for 3 years under Kafka.esque conditions.

Monday, August 2, 2010

Pre school

When we have kids, I'm sending them to pre-school.  My wife doesn't want dogs are cats when the kids are young, a doctor over there told her it's not healthy for them.

from Wired


How Preschool Changes the Brain

We live in a world of scarce governmental resources, and they seem to be getter scarcer. This means it’s more important than ever to pick our public investments wisely. A new paper by Flavio Cunha, an economist at the University of Pennsylvania, and James Heckman, a Nobel Laureate at the University of Chicago, documents the wisdom of one particular kind of investment: Preschool.
While the economists cite a wide variety of research, their most impressive evidence consists of a few different studies that looked at the long-term effects of early childhood education. Let’s begin with the Perry Preschool Experiment, which consisted of 123 low income African-American children from Yspilanti, Michigan. (All the children had IQ scores between 75 and 85.) When the children were three years old, they were randomly assigned to either a treatment group, and given a high-quality preschool education, or to a control group, which received no preschool education at all. The subjects were then tracked over the ensuing decades, with the most recent analysis comparing the groups at the age of 40. The differences, even decades after the intervention, were stark: Adults assigned to the preschool program were 20 percent more likely to have graduated from high school and 19 percent less likely to have been arrested more than five times. They got much better grades, were more likely to remain married and were less dependent on welfare programs.


Read More http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2010/07/how-preschool-changes-the-brain/#ixzz0vSs28wPD

Monday, July 19, 2010

我们的房子 Wǒmen de fángzi Our House


I love hearing my wife say "wǒmen de fángzi 我们的房子" it's got such a nice ring to it when she says it. She, like all other Chinese, knows only one thing, buy a house!!!! Never mind real estate in Canada is gonna grind lower for years (it's starting) but above is a picture across from my work (stalkers come and try to find me),

I stare at these everyday at work when I call her (and soak in some Vitamin D3)

I showed her the website, since it's in Chinese. Since she's a real estate agent she loves this kind of thing. She thinks condos are 'houses.'  lol  I'm in trouble if she gets here, I have to keep her away from Markham somehow.

Saturday, July 17, 2010

What Can We Learn About Free Markets from the World Cup?

from http://www.caseyresearch.com/displayCdd.php?id=482

As Spain’s Andres Iniesta scored the deciding goal against the Netherlands, another World Cup has come to an end. The World Cup is always a magical time – especially for impoverished countries. Entirely backward nations such as Ghana can actually face and defeat teams like the United States. Some other surprise victories this year included Serbia over Germany, Mexico over France, and Uruguay triumphing over many all the way to fourth place. Anytime a second- or third-world country competes against a bigger opponent, I’m always rooting for the small guy. Victory means so much more for them.

Strangely, these outcomes aren’t extremely uncommon in soccer. But why do they happen? The first world dominates these countries in nearly everything. At first, one could explain the difference by the nature of the game. This is a physical sport, and hence no special requirements are necessary, such as infrastructure, education, etc. Sure, that’s a partial explanation. But there’s much more to it.

For one, soccer may be the most privatized industry in the world (outside some stadium subsidies). Even in the most regulated kleptocracies, no one can stop people from playing soccer. The rules and regulations are the same globally. Governments don’t get involved – in many cases, for their own good. Regulate any industry, but touch soccer and you’re asking for trouble. After all, dictators want circuses and bread – regulating circuses does them no good.

With government out of the way and a high demand for the sport internationally, countries around the world have developed very successful clubs and teams. Even the most backward nations will have amazing stadiums and organizations. The sport is a sacred right of the poorest nations.

Soccer doesn’t face the same restrictions as most industries in the third world. So, naturally the sport will prosper. But the game is also much freer internationally. Professional players essentially have a run of the world – no pun intended. They are perhaps the only class of people with truly open borders. Because soccer is such an important game worldwide, citizenships are often immediately granted to talented foreign players. If not a direct grant, the route to citizenship is always smoother. Would you like to be the immigration officer to deny Manchester United their next top goal scorer? I don’t think so.

Players from African countries and Eastern Europe are commonly recruited into the best teams of Germany, Italy, England, and Spain. Your birthplace is unimportant; only talent matters. This is a free market principle in a very pure form. After training with and playing against the best teams in the world, these players return to their home countries for the World Cup. It should be no surprise that they can compete with German, French, and Italian players. They play alongside them regularly.

The story for the average citizen in these countries is the exact opposite. The local industries have been regulated into oblivion. The government has its hands in every business and every pocket. To accumulate skills becomes almost pointless as the only reward will be government theft. And suppose that you wanted to take your talents somewhere else. International immigration laws will impede every step, regardless of talent and skill.

Even if one gets into a prosperous country, he will not be treated like an arriving champion. Instead, the locals will despise him for working harder, better, and cheaper – the complete opposite of the soccer star. With a kleptocracy at home and worldwide immigration obstacles, it’s no surprise that much of the world remains perpetually poor.

With freedom Ghana, Serbia, Kenya, or any country could compete with super-powers beyond soccer. Natural resources and the rest are only footnotes. Just look at Luxembourg and Switzerland as examples. The World Cup teaches us an important lesson: Give individuals the freedom to pursue their dreams, and they can rise to the top. No matter where they come from.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Wow A Human Response!!! from HK Consulate

I got a letter from the government...(in this pseudo-prison)  *sigh*
It occured to me
The suckers had authority
Cold sweatin' as I dwell in my cell
How long has it been?





I sent a letter to the HK consulate on June 30th. I got this response....

*
RE: B053823921/FC1***6029-5743 - IWantMyWifeInCanada.blogspot.com - Permanent Residence in Canada‏


re-canadai​mmig.hkong@​internation​ al.gc.ca Add to contacts
To @Hotmail.com
From: re-canadaimmig.hkong@international.gc.ca
Sent: June 30, 2010 4:27:11 AM
To: @Hotmail.com

This is your new file number B057287495. File is in Officer's reviewing queue.
Thank you for your patience.


Immigration Section
Consulate General of Canada, Hong Kong
12/F., Tower 1
Exchange Square
8 Connaught Place
Hong Kong

web Site: http://www.hongkong.gc.ca
email: hkong-im-enquiry@international.gc.ca

_______________

This is the letter I sent.

Government of Canada
Canadian Consulate General
Immigration Section, Family Class Processing
12/F, One Exchange Square
8 Connaught Place, Central
Hong Kong
GPO Box 11142

June 30, 2010

To Whom It May Concern:


I love my wife. I am not happy here


alone.


I don’t understand why it’s taking so long to process her visa. But I do understand that I am free to leave Canada, and have promised her that I would January 1st if no progress is made. This would not benefit Canada economically. I have a degree in Mechanical Engineering, produce in the manufacturing sector, carry no debt, and am a net saver. These savings will be used to purchase a house and taking debt, or to add to a pool of capital that can be used to fund new businesses and technologies, through the financial markets. My wife also has savings, our combined savings total over x,xxx,xxx RMB. This will be invested in the Canadian or Chinese economy depending on your action or inaction.

Furthermore, my wife and I will have children. Have you looked at HackerWatch.org? There’s a significant amount of activity that originates in China. I obviously can’t predict Black Swans, but if my children end up comprising your grand children’s Facebook accounts or are cyber proxies to the PLA I can point to a butterfly flapping its wings, it would be approximately now.

My children will fight for the land they are born on, and if they are born in China…well, whose army do you want my kids to join?

In closing I would like to wish you a Happy Canada Day! Because this could be my last.


Client ID 6029-5743


P.S. You are more than welcome to put this on file, I am posting this on my blog.


____________________


People keep telling me "She'll be here, don't worry."  Easier said than done when she's freaking out because she misses me and doesn't give a f**k about coming to Canada in the first place just being with me, the officer didn't even ask her if she knew where Canada was before she met me...

I'm sick of being a patient boy.

 

Monday, April 26, 2010

Tic Tic Toc

Well it's now been 3 months and nothing from the consulate yet. I'm considering taking a teach-English-as-a-second-language course, then at the end of the year see ya. This is bullsh!t. I guess I'll send another email May 1st, but my wife just doesn't get it. I can't just storm the embassy|consulate and raise a ruckus.

Monday, March 15, 2010

March 15 - 3 months to reopen the case

I emailed the consultant I used, she told me that a case that won their appeal in November didn't receive notice from the HK consulate until February. Keerist!! So my wife should hear something in May.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

新年快乐!! - CNY bash


When my wife gets here there are a lot of clubs I want to show her. She will probably make friends and want to check out Asian stuff in north Toronto.

ADR Decision Letter

This is the letter informing HK to reopen my wife's file and give her a visa. I just notified them of her address change, she will have to get a medical again. Have to wait for that letter...



Thursday, January 21, 2010

VICTORY!!!



I went to the ADR Conference, and the officer decided to grant my wife a visa.

I was told they will send me the notification letter, then notify Hong Kong, then my wife will have to get another physical and submit that. She could be here in 6 months-ish.

I won't be updating this page daily any more, except for the last steps. But I will keep it up for others to reference.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Jan 20 - back in the TO

Back in Toronto.

Called my wife, I thought she'd be angry because only called her once when in the US. Stupid Wind Mobile wouldn't give me a roaming signal. f**kers. She explained to me that her Shenzhen number and ZMT number cost the same. I thought the ZMT# was cheaper.

She wants me to get ready for the ADR tomorrow.





I expect to be disappointed, that's ok I'll just move to China. All hell can't stop me.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Jan 17 - no younger girls allowed

talked to my wife. She asked about my Chinese class. She asked about my trip to the US. She asked if the teacher was younger, and the manager I'm traveling with. She told me "I don't like you and younger girl together".



I'm going to tell her I'm going to class not wearing any pants.

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Jan 16 - in bed again

talked to my wife briefly just before Mandarin class. I was at Seneca (I got a 'Wind Home' signal this time!!) so I told her it was just before class, I was at "dà xué" 大学 She told me she wants me to learn good Chinese.

Jan 15 - in Xingyi

talked to my wife. She was in Xingyi. I asked her why, she replied "No why!" lol

She also laughed because I asked her where she was, she was at the hotel and I commented that she liked it there because she could get a hot shower.

Friday, January 15, 2010

Jan 14 - "I now understand more"

talked to my wife today. After I explained and clarified to her that she couldn't be called next week at my ADR, she said "I now understand more." I was pretty impressed, it's the first grammatically correct english sentence she has said.

She had to go outside "wai mian" to where the one dog Xiao Hei (little black) sleeps to get a good signal. Her mother was listening so she couldn't kiss me goodbye. "Mother is here"

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

ADR Conference Notice and Guide







Here below is the letter I received informing me of the ADR Conference. More later.

ADR directions and logic






I got 'directions' from the consultant to the courthouse. I've also attached my logic to a 'no' answer at the ADR.

Jan 13 - wtf

Talked to my wife today from the consultant's office to meet with the lawyer.

She told me to ask her what happened at the meeting. Now I have to call her. The lawyer basically said "WTF happened at the interview?" The f**king translator was a douche bag, that's what. He didn't do his job.

The ADR is supposed to go like a pos, and I'll end up having the option of reapplying, or going to a court hearing. If we lose the court hearing, she never gets to enter Canada. I've already made up my mind, we're going all in.



As far as I'm concerned I hold the stronger hand.

I told my sister, she emailed back

Oh f**k... what a damn mission

so when are you moving to China?

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Jan 12 - Waaaang Cai!!!

Called my wife today. She was in bed. Her throat is still a little sore. She was telling me about their new dog Wáng 王Cai, it means King something. He gets separation anxiety, when they leave the house he barks a lot.

Jan 11 - getting ready for bed

Talked to my wife. Her throat is still a little sore and she was getting ready for bed. I told her the phrase in English "getting ready to go to bed" which she said back "go to bed now." Country life is not that exciting!

I should get my visa on Wed or Thurs.

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Thirty Days in a Fuzhou Barbershop

I finished reading all the posts of Thirty Days in a Fuzhou Barbershop and I would highly recommend it. After seeing barber shop after barber shop in China, they make a little more sense.

He talks about this term huān yíng guāng lín 欢迎光临 when you enter a store and how unpleasant it sounds. I agree!

烧烤 shāo kǎo - barbecued meat. I like to order fish when I'm there, but worry about the mercury.

Jan 10 - jiu jitsu jiǔ róu shù

talked to my wife briefly. She was in bed, and didn't want to use a loud voice. She asked me what I had planned for today, study Chinese, and go to jiu jitsu 久柔术 jiǔ róu shù I said



Jan 9 - 兴义 airport closed

talked to the wife for 18:00 minutes exactly just now.

I told her how there are 15 students in my Mandarin class (surprising). She talked about how she did not study English well at home, but better in a class (me too).

She doesn't like how the new puppy doesn't follow her around, and always wants to run off in random places. She said we might not get a dog when she comes here (if).

Her throat is sore. She is bored in Guizhou, and says her friends want her to come visit them in Xīnqiáo 新桥.

She then told me the airport in 兴义 Xīngyì is "off". I then said 关门 guān mén (closed doors). FAAACKKK!!! That means we'll have to take the train to visit her parents. Then take the bus to Guiyang if we want to go to Vietnam. Too many days taken up in travel.

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Jan 8, 9 - sleep

Jan 8 - we talked but I don't remember much. We talked about how I had Chinese class the next day

Jan 9 - I just called her, she was still in bed. I told her I thought that she was always up early at her parents, then she (in a groggy voice) giggled and told me "sometimes she sleeps late."

Then the friggin' signal dropped. I think Wind is having problems. f**k. and I'm bored, if she was here we could go out or something.

Friday, January 8, 2010

Jan 7 - Wǒmen pūkè! 我们扑克

talked to my wife today. She and her brother|sister were playing cards using a pack I had gave them. She told me first "You give me liar!"



Which confused me, I thought I was in trouble for something. Then she explained how they were playing cards "我们扑克!" Them and the new dog "Wen cai" Her mother was staying the night in town, so they were staying up late as she shoes them off to bed. Her father had already gone to bed, he had some beer she told me so I guess he was happy.

I have a pack of cards for them from Casino Rama.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Jan 6 - 3:27

talked to my wife today, we only talked briefly (3:27). She asked me if I was busy at work.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Jan 5 - surprised revealed

My wife told me I should have called her after I sent her texts about the surprise. I thought she was asleep when I sent them. She told me she goes to bed whenever she wants, but last night didn't go to bed until midnight. When I called her at 10pm China time she was in bed.

She wants to go to Vietnam for a few days, which is fine by me, but I just want to go to the beach. I kind of want to go back to Thailand....But concerning Vietnam I wonder their attitude toward currency, since the gold trade is being driven underground. She wants to go to her parents first, and fly out from there directly to Vietnam since it's close to Guiyang.


Jan 4 - Surprise!!! going back to Cali

I talked with my wife, she was in the 'kitchen' at her parents ("wei mein nar"). I referred to the house as 'her house' as we do in Canada, she corrected me and told me it was 'her father's.' I then explained to her I was using a figure of speech, it's understood it's her father.

Later I txt'd her, telling her I have a 'BIG suprise!!'


I booked my ticket to go back to see her in March. I booked a seat behind the 'elite' seats. I figure maybe a tall interesting sports figure will sit there, or someone who has the income to sit there, like Richard Branson. Hopefully I won't get burned and it's a mother with her babies. EVERY flight there is a baby, and EVERY flight it screams. It's the most annoying thing in the world. When my wife and I have kids, I'm waiting until the kid can at least walk.


Regardless of the outcome of the ADR I'm going back. I even wrote that on the ticket when I went to the consultant today. I also gave the consultant receipts from Victoria's Secret and a note from my mother explaining the stuff she bought from there - now that I think about it, I think maybe it's a little odd, your mother helping to buy lingerie for your wife? My grandmother wants more great grand kids, so maybe not.




Sunday, January 3, 2010

Jan 3 - post UFC

Talked to my wife when I awoke at my buddy's place. She said I was speaking differently again, but it's because forcing myself to wake early to call her I was feeling a little zombie-like, and I was dehydrated from the fireplace and staying up late watching Zombieland (don't bother).

She still thinks the bar was filled with girls and that I wasn't paying attention to the fights - the waitress was annoying standing in the way asking for us if we wanted anything.

I am excited to bring her here so she can see, and we can wager on the fights, she likes to do that - like we used to do on the train from Shenzhen to Zhangmutou watching on my laptop.

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Jan 2 - a new dog

talked to my wife, not for very long because of a friggin' migraine. It makes me talk different too (slur), my wife said my pǔ tōng huà 普通話 was different, she asked if I was drinking.

Her family got a new dog, I know she likes dogs but her talking about the new puppy it was obvious. They bought it for 20 RMB. In NA english, when I imitate barking it's "ruff, rrruf, ruff" but her being native Chinese it's "wuah, wuah, wuah."

Friday, January 1, 2010

Jan 1 - no power

just got off the phone with my wife, they have no power at her parents. Or power problems because of the heavy rain.

She thought I went out drinking last night, but after we talked I watched the Canada junior hockey game until it was 4-2, watched K-1 Dynamite! then organized my files and Chinese notes. I told her going out for New Years without her is not interesting.

She told me how her father likes the baseball hat I brought her, but the size is off. I will have to bring more.