I just saw this thread…wow, what a terrible thing.
Ma Ke…thanks man, prayers up for you and your family.
My wife is constantly reminding me about the dangers of 'scootering here and my daily late afternoon email to her is for her to be careful as she comes home.
Ma Ke may you soon be back with those you love and who love you.
All the best and a speedy recovery for Mark.
Hard times… My prayers are with Mark and his close.
I don’t know Mark, but my thoughts are with him for a quick and full recovery.
Wookie and I have just returned from the hospital and can report that Ma-ke’s condition is stable but unchanged.
His Mom and sister are arriving tomorrow night and will be staying in Taiwan for the foreseeable future.
Now it’s just wait, wait, wait…He’s made it this far, lets hope for the next step.
Thanks for all the PM’s regarding.
MJB
Damn, this is terrible, I hope he’s ok.
Always sad to hear about this kind of thing. I hope he pulls through and he and his family are in my prayers.
I’m making no assumptions about the accident and the following should be taken in the spirit of a serious recommendation and not as any kind of judgement on Ma Ke.
It’s been said before but if it saves someone from serious injury or death ( plus heartbreak for family) I feel it should be said again, folks if you go out driving in Taiwan, especially on a scooter, be aware that you are running quite a high risk.
When I came to Taipei in '93 in my first four months I had four acquaintances who were injured in scooter accidents, something that I had never experienced in any other country (some of which had some of the worst drivers in the world). In one case one guy who never rode without his helmet took a chance while in a hurry. Result: an unexpected flight through the air and four days in hospital in a coma. I heard plenty of other secondhand stories too.
I travelled by bus my first two years which helped a lot in preparing me when I first started driving a car. I didn’t ride a scooter until at least three and a half years there. When I did, I wore a helmet no matter the heat and I took it slow even if it ended up with me being late for class. (Classes you can always get, brains and spinal cords, not so easy). And for God’s sake, if you’ve been drinking, do not, do not, do not, get on a scooter unless you are seriously tired of life and limb (and you don’t care who you might take with you).
But I know, for some people I might as well be pissing in the wind… but let he who has ears…try to make sure they stay attached.
I didn’t think this week could get worse than the double cat murders, but apparently it has. I really hope he pulls through and that his family is treated with the best of hospitality while they are here.
I’ve met Mark a few times. He lives near me and I had an open invitation to go and watch “Dave Chappel” with him.
Mark’s a pretty “No bullshit” type of guy…and that’s what I like about him.
My new roommate from America met Mark a few days ago and they talked for awhile and Mark remembered his name.
I have to ask…was he wearing a helmet?
Yes.
A clarification for those who have heard about Ma-ke’s accident through the media.
Some of it is bullshit…I heard yesterday they were saying he is brain dead. Not true.
Did TVBS make a huge ruckus and act unprofessionally in a hospital situation? True.
I’d also like to take the opportunity to thank Gingerman’s wife, who despite having a job and two kids has been invaluable in assisting the family with whatever needs they might require…She has been amazing. 
Here’s to a full and speedy recovery. My thoughts are with you and yours.
His family is now in Taiwan.
Mark’s condition remains unchanged.
MJB & Gingerman -
Thank You for the updates on Mark.
I don’t know Mark, but he sounds like a great bloke.
Best wishes to him and his loved ones.
Get well soon.
TVBS did a strange thing Friday night, around 9 pm. footage at hospital showed mark’s wife in lobby room, being comforted by a friend or a nurse, the coverage was dignified, not in your face, but camera at a distance, IDing the woman as Mark’s wife…
but then the TV segment continued with footage of mark performing stunts on tv shows, and former TV star Chocolate (whoever that was) getting deported at airport, and another African TV star here who stars in commercials, along with Chris from canada, a kind of foreign all star parade of TV stars, had NO connection to mark’s tragic accident as far as I could see, especially Chocolate’s deportaion…
and the APPLE DAILY had a photo story Saturday and Sunday about mark’s condition with picture of Mark from tv show and wife at hospital, the newspaper coverage was dignified, but TVBS was over the top…
The Sunday news in the Apple news said something about alcohol blood levels were above normal in blood test at hospital, according to police report. 1.19mg L compared to 0.55 the reporter said. Now way to verify that. Tabloid papers always say crap like that…
Just read in the news that Ma Ke has only got 5% chance of survival…
ettoday.com/2006/09/29/340-1997457.htm
I hope it’s not true. God bless him…
I think you’re getting better updates from family and friends on here without needing to muddy the waters with crap from the Taiwan media.
There’s more at Yam.com with some clod making the claim that if he’d been wearing a better helmet he’d be okay. forum.news.yam.com/disingle.php?tid=398987
HG
[quote=“purplepeopleeater”][quote=“MJB”]
but then the TV segment continued with footage of mark performing stunts on tv shows, and former TV star Chocolate (whoever that was) getting deported at airport, and another African TV star here who stars in commercials, along with Chris from canada, a kind of foreign all star parade of TV stars, had NO connection to mark’s tragic accident as far as I could see, especially Chocolate’s deportaion…
[/quote][/quote]
I was watching t.v. with my wife when I saw that also. Wondered what connection they were trying to make. My wife said they were talking about the lack of extra insurance foriegn t.v. personalities had or were provided with. They also mentioned that in just 2 days the costs were reaching 50,000. I assume that means National Health Care doesn’t really cover alot in these kinds of situations.
It’s good for everyone to have some supplemental insurance for accients or sickness here and even a few thousand extra a year can get you quite a bit extra. I have also been told a few thousand extra in scooter insurance is a big help, especially when having an accident with a local and having to negotiate–you simply call the insurance company to do everything for you.Something I will look into for sure.
I hope Mark can pull through this. Looks like he has alot of friends that I’m sure his family will appreciate support from.
[quote=“boogaflicka”]Just read in the news that Ma Ke has only got 5% chance of survival…
ettoday.com/2006/09/29/340-1997457.htm
I hope it’s not true. God bless him…[/quote]
Utter balderdash…Ma ke’s condition is critical but stable at the moment. Please stay with this thread for ACCURATE information regarding his condition. There are several forumosans besides myself that are visiting Ma ke on a regular basis and we’ll be updating this thread as we get more info…Meanwhile, lets offer him and his family the kind of support they need by not falling prey to media sensationalism at a time like this.
MJB