Something fishy is going on in Taiwan as folk change name to include 'salmon' for free sushi So it turns out there is such a thing as a free lunch – if you're Taiwanese and are OK with changing your ID card to include "salmon". Thanks to a promotional campaign run by a sushi chain offering an all-you-can-eat feast for anyone with an ID card featuring the Chinese characters "gui yu" and five friends, "about 150 mostly …
I think reastaurant chains in Taiwan are going to think twice before trying to pull this kind of stunt again.
I never knew there was a country in this world that allowed you to change you name like some games do. I live in France. If I wanted to change my name, I'd have to go before a judge and get it approved. Not impossible, far from, but a far cry from submitting a web form and getting it done.
All you need in the UK to officially change your name is a Deed Poll document. You can find many free examples of them online to print out yourself and then get someone to sign it as a witness. You could then go to a lawyer to get it witnessed, but you could just ask your doctor, a neighbour, boss at work etc. Basically anyone who knows you. Although from experience they don't seem to check up on these things, although maybe they do if you are changing your names a lot. I witnessed the name change for a friend about 10 years ago and no one ever contacted me to verify i even knew them.
Once you have your Deed Poll document you then fire that off to the relevant authorities who need to be told of your change of name and you are done. For things like passports and driving licenses though you will have to pay to get them reissued in the new name so its not completely free.
You'd be shocked how easy in the UK it is, a simple Sworn (in front of a suitably 'approved person, Notary Public, Solicitor or Barrister) document will siffice for ALL uses including a applying for a passeport [DONT loose the original hand signed one!]. It can be more formally be executed through the High Court Queens Bench Division but it's not an absolute requirement.
AFAIK it is still legal tob go by whatever name you want to in the UK. I learned this long ago when the barrister Quintin Hogg used to write a newspaoer column. He had a bee in his bonnet about the "Englishman's" right to call themselves whaterver they wanted to be called. Just because, for example, banking legislation forces you to oroduce a trail of documents to authenticate yourself, doesn't mean that you can't be Joseph Blogss at your pub and keep a car under the name Juan Fangio. For example, the TV licencing has granted me a licence as Tele Spector.
Over the other side of the Taiwan Straight in China, Rainbow Trout can be labelled and sold as "Salmon"
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-45178638
New rules introduced in China mean rainbow trout can now be labelled and sold domestically as salmon.
Why? Because a media report earlier this year caused a splash by revealing that rainbow trout had for years been labelled as the similar-looking fish.
Authorities decided that instead of banning the practice, the best solution would be to legitimise it.
But seriously, folks...
It's been my understanding, forever, that there's absolutely no problem (in the US of A) regarding the changing of your name yourself, without the need to get anyone else involved--certainly no bureaucracy of any kind.
All you have to do is start using that name. Verbally, On paper. With the full knowledge of everyone--or not, depending upon your motivation(s). Even letting it be known that you are using an alias.
The--fully--legal terminology and characterization of this is that you are using an 'alias', and the use of an 'alias' is entirely legal. Proper 'paperwork' (for job applications, financial dealings, e.g.) even ask if you are known by any alias(es).
Now, what the full legal ramifications of using an alias are, I have no idea. I am certain, however, that a 'Last Will and Testament', made, using an alias, would not be considered binding in any way.
But to get a free promo...?
"...so long, and thanks for all the fish..."
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