The Conversation: Craig talks about his photography, the road from amateur photographer to professional, the photography market in Taiwan, camera selection, copyright issues,foreigner photography in Taiwan, and a workshop he is hosting in China.

Find him on his website: http://www.craigfergusonimages.com

Vocabulary: Continually base initially process persistence decent competition labor of love published editors promotional advertise market regional contacts benefiting demand advantage traditional occasionally niche specialize generic style elections portraits press-pass assignment representative serious official agency assistance technology accessible amateur shutter button digital film develop skills mistakes tutorials similar workshops expats contract spare lessons professional co-leading direct sunrise landscape issues interpreters reckon range retiree hobby sponsors press straps gear goody-bag budget menu structure intuitive lenses tripod pro-grade contract licensing copyright database florists bridal registry portfolio field enthusiastic

The Conversation:  Adam talks about his Chinese learning website: ChineseLearnOnline.com.  After being in Taiwan for a few years, he designed an online Chinese course.  He talks about where the idea came from, how he started off, different aspects of learning Chinese,  the free and pay aspects of his site, apps and the development of his website. Check out his personal blog WinningStack.com.

Vocabulary:  Originally background lifestyle reasons private precious prime justify podcasts designed native research acquisition techniques mindset replace elements companion combine require mode instruction download downtime subscribe component subscription audio content reduced system linear progression isolation concentration predominantly expatriates assortment consultant extension evolved components distinct release stuck graduate progress route value-added freemium sustainable attract traffic concept marketing channels flashcards independent versus core fruition

The Conversation:  John is an organizer of the Kaohsiung Charity Olympics. John discusses what the Charity Olympics is all about, last year's event- turnout and money raised, this year's change - where the money goes, and how to get involved.  Check out the facebook page to find out more info. http://www.facebook.com/KaohsiungCharityOlympics

The Conversation: Ali owns a South Asian restaurant. He runs his restaurant hands-on and interacts with his customers daily. We discussed the eating culture of Taiwanese; how Taiwanese deal with using their hands to eat curries, his customers' approach to interacting with him, speaking English/Chinese, and asking and avoiding personal questions.

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The Conversation:

Greg Haxton was in a near fatal motor vehicle accident one year ago.  Greg discusses the injuries he sustained, his return to South Africa, the rehabilitation process, the challenges, what he has learned about himself, his return to Taiwan, and his hopes for his foundation.

The Conversation:

Klaus Bardenhagen is a German freelance journalist living in Taiwan.  Klaus discusses the Taiwan foreign journalist scholarship, working as a foreign freelance journalist, the German media, German interest in China, and Taiwanese reception to foreign journalists.

http://www.taiwanreporter.com/

Questions:

Why is it difficult to find programs or editors for stories from Taiwan?

Is most of your work done in German or do you also do English reports as well?

How has it been for you making professional Taiwanese connections here?

Vocabulary: scholarship journalist freelance stumbled consulate correspondent entail stipend presidential elections journalistic voting station booth ceremony inauguration discontinued media audience public foreign affairs convince angle probable region dissidents human rights noteworthy ideal proposition security connections barrier

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The Conversation:

Chris and his wife Natasha co-founded Bark! Taiwan, an animal welfare organization.  Chris discusses the vision behind Bark!, the changes it has gone through, Catch Neuter and Release (CNR),  what he learned from the organization, and the status and future of Bark!.

Questions:

How has the vision changed over the last five years?

What is the status of Bark! ? Do you think it will continue after you are gone?

If you could go back five years would you do it again?

Vocabulary: operation original vision rescued bunch paycheckfinancially feasible dent bummed outneutered potential multiple facets fund-raising level revenue aggressive mission pool resources response following co-founders causes involvement participate animal welfare collaborate policies challenges issues law enforcement cultural analogy operate leaky tap adoption rate pure-bred exponentially shelters choking expenses refuse responsibility installations enclosures roof cram feces ongoing battle minimal approach revamped CNR umbrella tackle pack demographical population stabilizes decrease reactive proactive root reducing firm litter birth strictly support criteria fending grace period non-profit organization veterinarians language barrier private similar generous involved channel magnetize stray overpopulation legislation procedures abuse neglect agencies enforce act breeding law political landmark discouraging conclusion finances sponsors vehicle backward rapport collaboration handicapped established equipment cages legacy ideal selfish outcome drastically

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The Conversation:

Graham Dart is co-owner of the Brickyard. Graham and I sat down to talk business; the challenges of running a bar, the importance of staff, marketing and advertising through Facebook, and the difference between Taiwanese and foreigner customers.

Questions:

How do you and your partner delegate tasks?

Has Facebook been an important tool for marketing and advertising?

Has Facebook also played a role in attracting bands and DJs?

Vocabulary: prioritize checklist tasks delegate staff booking adequately basis operations advertisingmarketing promotions skill-sets issue location tagging resource role ton event capture popular continuously database bounce rate

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The Conversation:

Tanya Mahon recently completed an art exhibition entitled 'i plastic'.  The exhibition was composed of pieces constructed from used plastic bags.  Tanya discusses the process of making her art, the message behind the art, being an artist in Taiwan, and her experiences with the art community in Taiwan.

www.flickr.com/photos/tanyateemoon/?saved=1

Questions:

How do you come up with the final product?

What are the challenges of working with plastic bags?

Will you continue to work with plastic?

Vocabulary: plastic materials society consumerism left-over product canvas layer signature aesthetic logo design landscape humorous culture vibe spectacular sinister naughty elements tropical qualities habitat cultivate imagination exhibitions barrier gap doable keen shocked intrigued installation relevant

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The Conversation:

Shiuan Liu spent much of his youth growing up in the U.S.  While living there, his father wrote a series of books based upon him.  These books were a sensation in Taiwan; highlighting the challenges of Shiuan growing up in the American education system and attending Harvard.  Since returning to Taiwan, Shiuan has pursued his interests in writing and music.  We talked about his father's writings and their effect on Shiuan, his transition back to Taiwan, Taiwanese youth identity, and Shiuan's writing and music.

Questions:

How did you feel when you discovered your father was writing a book based upon you?

What do you think of Taiwanese youth today and what are their challenges in creating their identity?

In your books and your music, is there an underlying message you hope to try and convey?

Vocabulary: icon overseas juncture martial law capital economy inspiration concentrated span essentially blessed sought pissed off dirty laundry embarrassing daze stir appreciate shame model transition reverse culture shock ripped sporting attitude rapidly superior equal sense of humor irony poke banter particular corporate authority hierarchical structure youth identity dissertation abroad multinational aspirations fault peculiarissues token tenacious remarkablyforged underlying convey vis a vis psychology benefit deeply melange

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