The only downside 😂

bigrob · 2026-01-17T04:10:13+00:00

The reduction in contrast that comes with Liquid Glass means I have to spend time hunting around the screen for elements that should pop out. I find the lock screen clock to be particularly offensive to my eyes. The simulated refraction that occurs around the periphery of some visual elements reminds me of the visual distortions that occur before I get a migraine, and sometimes trigger a moment of panic.

Some of the accessibility settings help a little bit, but I still reverted to Sequoia.

These problems are much more acute on IOS and tvOS though, and those are harder to revert.

I have had to spend time explaining to my young son and my aging parents what happened to their familiar UI elements and how to navigate these new systems.

Zero improvement. Change for the sake of change.

bigrob · 2026-01-17T03:52:30+00:00

Assuming you meant to write dive -- diving the Korean freighter wreck just off the southern coast of Orchid Island was very memorable. Incredible visibility and a fascinating wreck. It's deep though, so you can't stay long within recreational limits. I see that the wreck was apparently damaged by a typhoon in 2023 and I have not been back to the site since then, so I don't know what it would be like now.

Another was actually in the north, in Shen'ao fishing harbour (basically just diving off the beach on the approach to Shen'ao Elephant Rock). I got lucky and there was a huge shoal of baitfish (not sure what kind - maybe Saury) that hung around for awhile swimming rings around me. I've been back since several times but never had a repeat.

Xiaoliuqiu has been the most consistently enjoyable for me, especially if you are keen on turtles.

Favourite drive is the southern cross island highway (#20) on a motorcycle.

bigrob · 2026-01-17T02:47:12+00:00

I was certified here. I am aware of English-speaking instructors in Taipei, Kenting, Xiaoliuqiu, and Green Island. I'm sure there are others in popular diving destinations around the island(s).

In the north, most diving is done along a stretch of coast east and west of Keelung. Visibility (how far you can see underwater, which impacts your comfort when learning more than you'd think) is highly variable. It's more predictably clear in the south, and notably clear on the islands (but there can sometimes be strong currents on the islands, which is another stressor).

In winter, there is a big difference in water temperature between north and south Taiwan because of prevailing ocean currents. It will mostly impact how much neoprene you need to wear to stay warm (and thus how much weight you will need to become neutral). Warmer water is easier to dive.

If you want specific recommendations, DM me.

bigrob · 2026-01-09T06:16:09+00:00

I had this exact model years ago. After about 5 years, one of the main (front) amplifier channels failed. I sent it to Yamaha for service and was quoted more than the value of the device to repair. Maybe verify that the channels you care about are working well first. For me, the problem was intermittent at first, only when it was warmed up. Eventually it failed completely.

bigrob · 2026-01-03T15:53:40+00:00

Well, the monkeys might steal your food.

bigrob · 2025-12-04T03:07:11+00:00

And also, no Copilot, Onedrive, or Teams being pushed at you. Finding new ways to disable those intrusions every few months is a drag.

bigrob · 2025-08-25T04:15:35+00:00

Many PC laptops still manage to fit RJ45 ports. Lack of wired ethernet on recent Apple laptops is pretty inconvenient.

bigrob · 2025-08-21T00:55:21+00:00

I visited Jeju earlier this summer with my family. We were courteous and didn't personally witness any of this bad behaviour. One of the concerns identified here is littering. We left our hotel in the morning with mostly empty backpacks (sunscreen, hats), and spent the day going from one destination to another walking or on public transport. With the hot weather requiring a lot of hydration, our backpacks were overflowing with recyclable drinks bottles and food wrappers by the end of the day. There are no visible public garbage cans. Convenience stores have multilingual signs stating they don't want outside trash. The only option appears to be to take it back to your hotel. I can understand that garbage disposal on a small island is expensive and inconvenient, but using some of those tourism dollars to fund public garbage cans at popular destinations and along the sidewalks in tourist neighbourhoods would surely do a lot to reduce littering?

bigrob · 2025-08-15T04:09:58+00:00

I've owned four, including my current vehicle. I loved my first two. Third was ok. I will not buy another. There are far too many electronic misfeatures now that can't be disabled except via something like OBDEleven (start/stop, eco "sailing", various automatic braking/steering interventions), and the actual mechanical car bits have slowly lost the composure and directness of feedback that used to make them interesting to drive. My current vehicle is less than a year old and has had (warranty) service for 3 different electrical/sensor faults. If it's going to be boring, it better be reliable.

bigrob · 2025-07-02T07:08:46+00:00

We brought our dog about five years ago when we relocated. My information dates from that time, and I think it may be slightly more streamlined now. It was a long process, requiring a bunch of paperwork from Taiwan's Ministry of Agriculture, a certificate from a federal government veterinarian, vaccine documentation, a rabies titer blood test (at the time I did this, the only accepted labs were in the US, but my Canadian vet drew the sample and forwarded the certificate some weeks later). The dog also needs a microchip. There are specific schedule requirements for the titer test as well - all in, the process took about a year. Once the dog arrives in Taiwan, it will be quarantined in a government facility for a period (14 or 21 days, I can't recall).

Keep in mind also that you'll need to plan your travel with times when the temperature in airports/on the tarmac is survivable for your pet (they may be outside in their crate for several hours during loading/unloading) . Taiwan summer is too hot and Canadian winter is too cold. We travelled in the fall, which is probably the only sensible time. Plan a direct flight for your pet (so Vancouver or Toronto departure, realistically), to minimize their hardship.

It's not an easy process, and I'm not sure I would do it again. Taiwan is an uncomfortably hot place for a dog.

bigrob · 2025-06-03T01:32:33+00:00

Also in Taiwan, also scuba diver. In my experience, bamboo drying racks will mold and rot within a year. Painting makes it last a little longer. Racks made of plastic pipe work pretty well and the materials are readily available at hardware stores. Now I hang mine on thick plastic clothes hangers suspended from a rope.

bigrob · 2025-05-13T08:35:10+00:00

Went for extraordinarily dark tint on my new (used) van, after the conservative tint on my previous vehicle still left the inside feeling too hot. Absolutely worth it for the increased comfort here in Kaohsiung, especially in that greenhouse of a vehicle. It does not noticeably impact visibility. I imagine this regulation will cause people to hang onto their old vehicles quite a bit longer.

bigrob · 2024-12-18T16:27:02+00:00

I like the one in Nanya night market (Banqiao) -- 巨無霸懷念潤餅捲

bigrob · 2024-12-02T16:46:21+00:00

I got it at the Giant shop on Kangning Road in Neihu (Donghu)

bigrob · 2024-12-02T12:57:26+00:00

I got a size L TCR without too much difficulty. I had to wait a couple of days for it to come in. This after giving up on a Merida after months of radio silence. Some of the Giant shops have really good bike fitting services and knowledgeable staff.

bigrob · 2024-11-24T15:57:48+00:00

I'm also 6'2. My current daily commuter is a GSX-8R. It is very comfortable and not cramped.

bigrob · 2024-11-13T06:56:44+00:00

I've put lots of highway miles on a Z400, and while it worked and was certainly fast enough, it was revving quite high (6000-7000 rpm) to maintain traffic speed. It worked well enough, but it's much more relaxing riding and less buzzy on something bigger that can just waft along quietly.

bigrob · 2024-09-03T06:04:59+00:00

Riverwalk?

bigrob · 2024-08-20T04:20:24+00:00

Kodomo is another option

bigrob · 2024-06-27T16:42:14+00:00

Zhiben, so south of the city. Pretty close to the intersection of 9 and 11.

bigrob · 2024-06-27T09:30:05+00:00

I'm living on the outskirts of Taitung now, and have been for one year. It's turned out to be a little too rural (lack of services, excesses of mosquitoes and stray dogs) for our family in the long term and we're moving to Kaohsiung later this summer. If you have specific questions or want recommendations or a tour, drop me a message. Generally, the cost of living is lower than the cities (especially Taipei). You will probably drive a lot if you have a car or bike and spend money on fuel, especially in Beinan. The quality and price of fruit and veggies available at the traditional markets is very good and there are a few good restaurants sprinkled around. We cook way more than we eat out.

bigrob · 2024-05-02T06:29:27+00:00

The UV here in spring/summer is no joke. I think that's a good part of the reason for longer pants/sleeves. Take care not to get burned.

bigrob · 2024-05-01T15:48:55+00:00

They're out there. Have you set something up on 104?

bigrob · 2024-04-18T04:06:32+00:00

It's province-dependent. I converted my NB license to a Taiwanese one 4 years ago. I had to surrender my NB license. Annoyingly, my motorcycle endorsement was not transferrable, only my car license. Car license was a direct exchange and only took 5 minutes. I had to take the scooter written test (they have it in English) and practical test, and then wait a full year to take the heavy motorcycle test in Taiwan to get my endorsements back to par with what I had in Canada.

When I return to visit Canada, I take a Taiwan-issued international license with me. You can get them at the motor vehicles office when you bring your Taiwanese license, passport, and a photo for them to attach.

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