New Chief Economist of the World Bank

I read the news that Justin Yifu Lin, who is a Chinese economist, began as the new Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of the World Bank in June. I believe that the rapid economic development in mainland China for the last 30 years might be one of the reasons the World Bank appointed a Chinese economist.

I didn't know much about him. I searched his name online. It turns out that he has so much interesting experience. He was born in Taiwan and joined the army of Republic of China (Taiwan) in 1971. In 1979, he swam across the water to the People's Republic of China (mainland China). He went to study at the University of Chicago in early 80s and went back to mainland China after he got his PhD in economics. Another interesting thing is that he may face arrest on charges of defecting from Taiwan's army 30 years ago if he visits his hometown in Taiwan.

Visa

I went to renew my US visa on Thursday in Vancouver, BC. I took a 3-hour bus ride to Vancouver from Seattle the night before. I waited in line for more than 2 hours to get my interview. The interview only took one minute. I waited another hour in line to get my passport back on Friday afternoon. On the way back to Seattle on Saturday, it took me more than more than 6 hours because my bus had to queue up at the US border for more than 3 hours.

Well, I should think that I went to Vancouver, at least an interesting city with a lot of things to do. At least I visited a friend who I haven't seen for a long time and we did some catch-up.

Winter in June

It was below 10 degree Celsius and raining heavily for the last few days in Seattle! It is June already! Where is my sunshine? Where is my summer!!!