Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Mixed Feelings
I became very upset every time when I read the news about the earthquake in China. It is very sad to see people, specially the young ones suffer.
However, I don't think I can just simply not read or watch any news about the earthquake. It happened at where I was born and raised. I have friends and family live there. My parents haven't heard back from all of their friends in Sichuan. We still have relatives who still spend nights in the big open space. How can I ignore it? How I can pretend it didn't happen.
It is great to see and hear the prompt response of the Chinese government and military. Prime minister Wen Jiaobao flew to Sichuan very soon when the disaster happened (with only 5 casualties reported at that time). NPR and NYT reported that the Chinese government handled the disaster as if they were the public elected officials. Comparing the response of George W. Bush to Katrina, who received the news from his assistant in a DVD the next day, I can say the responses of Wen have been way much better. A reader's comment on a Editorial in Washingtonpost put it in a much better way.
However, one thing that strikes me the most is the school buildings and lost of student lives in the towns and cities nearby the epicenter of the earthquake. I'd like to see the investigations on those school and hospital buildings after the disaster relief, as I haven't heard many reports on the collapsed of the governmental buildings.
Parents are still desperately waiting for helps to get their child out from the rubbles.
A nurse is saving other people's life while her own child is still under the rubbles.
A teacher saved 13 students, but died on the way out.
Soldiers are crying because they couldn't save school kids under the rubbles due to the late arrival of the proper equipment.
However, I don't think I can just simply not read or watch any news about the earthquake. It happened at where I was born and raised. I have friends and family live there. My parents haven't heard back from all of their friends in Sichuan. We still have relatives who still spend nights in the big open space. How can I ignore it? How I can pretend it didn't happen.
It is great to see and hear the prompt response of the Chinese government and military. Prime minister Wen Jiaobao flew to Sichuan very soon when the disaster happened (with only 5 casualties reported at that time). NPR and NYT reported that the Chinese government handled the disaster as if they were the public elected officials. Comparing the response of George W. Bush to Katrina, who received the news from his assistant in a DVD the next day, I can say the responses of Wen have been way much better. A reader's comment on a Editorial in Washingtonpost put it in a much better way.
Looks like the Chinese have a pretty effective FEMA. I wonder why they didn't come over and help with Katrina. And if our paranoid jingoistic government objected, I am sure the UN would have authorized sending them in anyway.
Hopefully. they will next time.
However, one thing that strikes me the most is the school buildings and lost of student lives in the towns and cities nearby the epicenter of the earthquake. I'd like to see the investigations on those school and hospital buildings after the disaster relief, as I haven't heard many reports on the collapsed of the governmental buildings.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Random thoughts
My parents were traveling in Sichuan for 2 months last year this time. They have friends and family live in different cities in Sichuan. They went to Chengdu, Doujiangyan, Mianyang, Ya'an, etc. Earlier this year, they were planning on going there again in May. They changed their plan because I'll visit them and they want to wait for me to go there together in August.
A few days ago, when news reported that cyclone devastated Burma, I treated it as a piece of news. On the other hand, when I heard the news of earthquake in Sichuan yesterday, I was shocked, and started to worry, and became upset. It is true that I was born in Sichuan. I have spent more than 15 years there. I have been to most of the cities reported in the news. I have friends and family there. Personal connections dramatically change my attitudes, feelings, and behaviors. At the end, I'm still a selfish little human.
A few days ago, when news reported that cyclone devastated Burma, I treated it as a piece of news. On the other hand, when I heard the news of earthquake in Sichuan yesterday, I was shocked, and started to worry, and became upset. It is true that I was born in Sichuan. I have spent more than 15 years there. I have been to most of the cities reported in the news. I have friends and family there. Personal connections dramatically change my attitudes, feelings, and behaviors. At the end, I'm still a selfish little human.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Earthquake in Sichuan--Part 2
I talked to my parents. They are safe.
My parents couldn't reach my mother's relatives who live in Sichuan until this morning. Those who live in Fulin, Sichuan have some impacts. They had to spend one night outside their home. Their houses might have some damages as well.
I'm relief. They're all safe at least.
My parents couldn't reach my mother's relatives who live in Sichuan until this morning. Those who live in Fulin, Sichuan have some impacts. They had to spend one night outside their home. Their houses might have some damages as well.
I'm relief. They're all safe at least.
Earthquake in Sichuan
When I got to the lab this morning, one of my labmates asked me if I heard the news about the earthquake in China. My heart was immediately hanging in the air. "Which region?" I asked. "Sichuan." I was a bit relief because my parents live quite far away from Sichuan. At the same time, I started to worry since many of my mother's relatives live in Sichuan. The first thing I did when I turned on my computer was to check the news.
NPR:
I can't wait to call my parents......
NPR:
The deadly 7.8 magnitude quake hit China Monday afternoon — Xinhua News Agency reports that more than 8,533 people have been killed in the devastation. The quake flattened at least eight schools and one hospital, and its force was felt hundreds of miles away in Beijing and Shanghai.
I can't wait to call my parents......
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Foreign Policy of Modern China
I'm finally taking a class whose context I'm familiar with. I have experienced or known all the events included in this week's reading for the class, Foreign Policy of Modern China.
I was an elementary school student in 1989 when June 4 accident happened. I was in high school in 1996 when the book--China can Say No--became popular. I was a sophomore in college in 1999 when the US bombed the Chinese embassy in Balgrade. I was about to graduate from college in 2001 when a Chinese F-8 jet fighter and an American EP-3 surveillance plane collided over the South China Sea. I have witnessed some of the reactions of the Chinese people towards all the events mentioned above.
Beginning the new school year right after June 4 event in 1989, all freshmen in college were required to have military training before the school started. That was still going on even in 1997 the year I entered college.
Of course, I heard of the book, China can Say No. People talked about it all the time: on TV, at work, in their spare time, etc.
In 1999 when the US bombed the Chinese embassy in Balgrade, my college schoolmates were so infuriated that many went to the protest in front of the US consular in Chengdu. I remember there was an English teacher who was from the US in my department in 1999. He was quite frightened. When he got into the classroom, he was so relieved that we didn't show that we wanted to beat him up. Even though the western media claimed that the protest was organized by the government, I believe it is very likely that the western media was fear of the popularity of Chinese nationalist.
When a Chinese F-8 jet fighter and an American EP-3 surveillance plane collided over the South China Sea and the secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld went crazy in 2001, many people I know were enraged. If the government had permitted another protest, I believe similar things like those in 1999 would have happened.
It was quite interesting for me to read articles and books discussing all the events and the Chinese public reactions to those events.
I was an elementary school student in 1989 when June 4 accident happened. I was in high school in 1996 when the book--China can Say No--became popular. I was a sophomore in college in 1999 when the US bombed the Chinese embassy in Balgrade. I was about to graduate from college in 2001 when a Chinese F-8 jet fighter and an American EP-3 surveillance plane collided over the South China Sea. I have witnessed some of the reactions of the Chinese people towards all the events mentioned above.
Beginning the new school year right after June 4 event in 1989, all freshmen in college were required to have military training before the school started. That was still going on even in 1997 the year I entered college.
Of course, I heard of the book, China can Say No. People talked about it all the time: on TV, at work, in their spare time, etc.
In 1999 when the US bombed the Chinese embassy in Balgrade, my college schoolmates were so infuriated that many went to the protest in front of the US consular in Chengdu. I remember there was an English teacher who was from the US in my department in 1999. He was quite frightened. When he got into the classroom, he was so relieved that we didn't show that we wanted to beat him up. Even though the western media claimed that the protest was organized by the government, I believe it is very likely that the western media was fear of the popularity of Chinese nationalist.
When a Chinese F-8 jet fighter and an American EP-3 surveillance plane collided over the South China Sea and the secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld went crazy in 2001, many people I know were enraged. If the government had permitted another protest, I believe similar things like those in 1999 would have happened.
It was quite interesting for me to read articles and books discussing all the events and the Chinese public reactions to those events.
Korean Wave
Rain was ranked second on the TIME online poll on "who you thought should be on the list of the 100 most influential people of the year". His votes are much ahead of the number three: Stephen Colbert. Time described the result as a surprise. Well, Time is an American magazine and almost all of people listed in the Time 100 are Americans.
I bet most of Americans or Europeans do not know about or even have heard of Rain. Since I have lived in the US for a long time, personally, I don't know much about Rain either. However, I have heard of my Korean friends, Chinese friends, Taiwanese friends, etc. enthusiastically discuss Rain's TV dramas, songs, concerts, etc. If the director of Speed Racer have given the leading role to Rain, I believe the movie will attract much more worldwide audience, particularly more Asian audience.
I bet most of Americans or Europeans do not know about or even have heard of Rain. Since I have lived in the US for a long time, personally, I don't know much about Rain either. However, I have heard of my Korean friends, Chinese friends, Taiwanese friends, etc. enthusiastically discuss Rain's TV dramas, songs, concerts, etc. If the director of Speed Racer have given the leading role to Rain, I believe the movie will attract much more worldwide audience, particularly more Asian audience.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Double Standards
I got back to be more social after my general exam. I felt I was self-isolated for a while. Now I started reading news again, beginning to meeting friends again, and resuming "求索" other than my graduate research focuses.
At the gathering last week, one of my American friends asked me about how I thought about Tibet, as Dalai Lama was visiting Seattle at that time and violence and protests in Tibet just happened. Coincidentally, I just read "The Snow Lion and the Dragon: China, Tibet, and the Dalai Lama" by Melvyn C Goldstein. Tibet issue is not as simple as it is reported in the news. Some media, for example BBC, when it reported news about Tibet. The short information included in the news about Tibet was that Tibet was independent, etc. However, it never mentioned UK's ambition towards Tibet last century, the bloody slaughter of thousand Tibetans at the beginning of 20th century, or the treaty (agreement) signed with China on Tibet in 1904. Too sad, people in the western countries believed that they have accessed to more objective media report, and Chinese or people in the "Communist countries" only received government controlled news.
I have to say that when the west prise equal and just, their actions always are inseparable with double standards. Leaders from many countries said they would boycott the commencement of Beijing Olympic games. When the US invaded Iraq, even though people in many countries condemned it, no one said they would boycott anything or any event happening in the US. The west condemn China doing business with Sudan. However, it never mentioned in the western media that Japan was also buying a big amount of oil from Sudan.
At the gathering last week, one of my American friends asked me about how I thought about Tibet, as Dalai Lama was visiting Seattle at that time and violence and protests in Tibet just happened. Coincidentally, I just read "The Snow Lion and the Dragon: China, Tibet, and the Dalai Lama" by Melvyn C Goldstein. Tibet issue is not as simple as it is reported in the news. Some media, for example BBC, when it reported news about Tibet. The short information included in the news about Tibet was that Tibet was independent, etc. However, it never mentioned UK's ambition towards Tibet last century, the bloody slaughter of thousand Tibetans at the beginning of 20th century, or the treaty (agreement) signed with China on Tibet in 1904. Too sad, people in the western countries believed that they have accessed to more objective media report, and Chinese or people in the "Communist countries" only received government controlled news.
I have to say that when the west prise equal and just, their actions always are inseparable with double standards. Leaders from many countries said they would boycott the commencement of Beijing Olympic games. When the US invaded Iraq, even though people in many countries condemned it, no one said they would boycott anything or any event happening in the US. The west condemn China doing business with Sudan. However, it never mentioned in the western media that Japan was also buying a big amount of oil from Sudan.
Ticket
I reserved a free ticket online for a event on campus. The ticket was delivered to my house in an envelop with "Ms. Lin" on, but without postage or my mailing address on! One of my schoolmates who also attended the event told me that he got his ticket in mail with his full name, mailing address, and of course postage on.......
Saturday, April 12, 2008
2008 Cherry Blossom
Three weeks ago, it was snowing in Seattle.
Today, it reached 24 degree Celsius (76 Fahrenheit). The cherry blossom on campus has attracted many people.
In the afternoon, I went to Magnuson park with a friend for Seattle library book sale. The dogwood trees (according to my friend) are blossoming as well.
Today, it reached 24 degree Celsius (76 Fahrenheit). The cherry blossom on campus has attracted many people.
In the afternoon, I went to Magnuson park with a friend for Seattle library book sale. The dogwood trees (according to my friend) are blossoming as well.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
家事国事天下事 事事关心
古人云：
风声雨声读书声 声声入耳
家事国事天下事 事事关心
I started to realize that my parents have done something extraordinary. My parents had eight years long distance relationship and they are still together. They just had their 30th anniversary last year. My mother took care of me by herself until when I was 3 year old. Then it was my father's turn. He had taken care of me by himself for 3 years (between I was 3 to 6). I have always known these things. However, I took them for granted. I expected that under the same circumstance, every parent would do the same thing. It was until recently that I realized that what they have done were something extraordinary.
I'm taking a course on Foreign Policy of Modern China from the Department of Political Science. I think I will have a better idea of foreign policy of China from a western perspective.
Last week, I went to a lecture on the latest Taiwan presidential election. I found it very helpful to understand political and social situations in Taiwan.
Lately, news on Tibet and Beijing Olympics has overwhelmed every major newspaper in the US and Europe. I think boycotting Beijing Olympics is a very naive approach to address human rights issues, or Tibet issues for that matter.
When I was in China, I wanted to read western literature, watch Hollywood movies, and speak English. After I came to the US, I would read books on China, go to see Chinese movies in the theater, and teach people speak Chinese. I realized I was a Chinese after I came to the US. I got to understand more about China and Chinese after I came to the US. The comparison between China and the US, Chinese and Americans help me identify the difference. I guess the differences define who we are.
风声雨声读书声 声声入耳
家事国事天下事 事事关心
I started to realize that my parents have done something extraordinary. My parents had eight years long distance relationship and they are still together. They just had their 30th anniversary last year. My mother took care of me by herself until when I was 3 year old. Then it was my father's turn. He had taken care of me by himself for 3 years (between I was 3 to 6). I have always known these things. However, I took them for granted. I expected that under the same circumstance, every parent would do the same thing. It was until recently that I realized that what they have done were something extraordinary.
I'm taking a course on Foreign Policy of Modern China from the Department of Political Science. I think I will have a better idea of foreign policy of China from a western perspective.
Last week, I went to a lecture on the latest Taiwan presidential election. I found it very helpful to understand political and social situations in Taiwan.
Lately, news on Tibet and Beijing Olympics has overwhelmed every major newspaper in the US and Europe. I think boycotting Beijing Olympics is a very naive approach to address human rights issues, or Tibet issues for that matter.
When I was in China, I wanted to read western literature, watch Hollywood movies, and speak English. After I came to the US, I would read books on China, go to see Chinese movies in the theater, and teach people speak Chinese. I realized I was a Chinese after I came to the US. I got to understand more about China and Chinese after I came to the US. The comparison between China and the US, Chinese and Americans help me identify the difference. I guess the differences define who we are.
General Exam--Part Two
I passed my general exam today!
After the oral exam this morning, my committee told me that I passed. It was great to hear that.
After the oral exam this morning, my committee told me that I passed. It was great to hear that.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
General Exam--Part One
I just emailed my general exam to my committee!!!
I have spent the last four days working on it. I stayed home most of my time during the exam. I took two walks in my neighborhood. Other than that, I was just writing, eating, and sleeping. I did sleep well. Except the first day, I woke up at 4:35am. I slept 6 hours a day.
Elizabeth proofread my exam before I handed it in. Sun brought me Korean noodles during my exam. My housemates had to keep their voice down the whole time......
The second part, oral exam will be on April 8th.
I have spent the last four days working on it. I stayed home most of my time during the exam. I took two walks in my neighborhood. Other than that, I was just writing, eating, and sleeping. I did sleep well. Except the first day, I woke up at 4:35am. I slept 6 hours a day.
Elizabeth proofread my exam before I handed it in. Sun brought me Korean noodles during my exam. My housemates had to keep their voice down the whole time......
The second part, oral exam will be on April 8th.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
A very funny YouTube video
1,500 plus CPDRC inmates of the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center, Cebu, Philippines at practice for Michael Jackson's song "Thriller"!
Monday, February 25, 2008
My name is 林琳 [Lin Lin].That is my full name.
What is your last name?
Lin. L---,I---, N.
What is your first name?
Lin. L---, I---, N.
What is your last name?
Lin. L---, I---, N.
What is your first name?
Lin. L---, I---, N.
My last name and my first name have same spelling.
Your last name is the same as your first name?!
My last name and my first name have same spelling.
This is the phone conversion I have every time if I call my bank, my insurance, or anything that requires my name.
What is your full name?
My name is Lin Lin. That is my full name.This is another typical conversion I have when I meet people.
Please enter your real name.or
Please enter your full name.This is also a common situation I encounter if I register for some online social network such as Facebook.
I have no complain about my name. Even though I have a relative and a schoolmate from high school whose names are the same as mine, I like my name. Beside it has beautiful meaning, it is easy to remember and pronounce.
By the way, did I tell you that my name is comprised by two different Chinese characters? They just happen to have same pronunciation.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Happy New Year
Happy Lunar New Year!
By the way, I just scheduled my oral exam on April 8th! I'll take the written exam on March 25th!
By the way, I just scheduled my oral exam on April 8th! I'll take the written exam on March 25th!
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Identity Theft
Someone was using my debit card yesterday and this morning buying grocery! I encountered identity theft!
Last night, I checked my bank account online and found there was $97.65 unauthorized transaction with Trader Joe's at U-district. This morning, there was another $58.77 unauthorized transaction with Safeway Store at U-district. I went to my bank and filed for a report in the afternoon. In addition, I reported to the Seattle police. My bank advised me that I should check my bank balance every day. This means one more thing I have to do every day besides emails.
Last night, I checked my bank account online and found there was $97.65 unauthorized transaction with Trader Joe's at U-district. This morning, there was another $58.77 unauthorized transaction with Safeway Store at U-district. I went to my bank and filed for a report in the afternoon. In addition, I reported to the Seattle police. My bank advised me that I should check my bank balance every day. This means one more thing I have to do every day besides emails.
Monday, December 17, 2007
West vs. East
I was TAing last quarter. I'm not very good at remembering the names of all my students. Coincidentally, most of the students are Caucasians. The professor who is a Caucasian himself would joke that I couldn't differentiate "the white people".
When I lived in China, all my family and friends are Chinese. I couldn't tell the different ages of non-Chinese. It shouldn't be surprising, as I often heard non-Asians complain that it was hard to tell the age of a Asian.
Even though the East doesn't completely understand the West, the East loves the West, and vice versa. Westerners might see some serious Asian grannies wear T-shirts with English letters such as "Kiss me". Chinese or Japanese might see some very "cool" looking young western with Tattoos in Chinese characters like "壞孩男". If the young fellow wanted to say "bad boy", he got the sequence of Chinese characters wrong unfortunately.
When I lived in China, all my family and friends are Chinese. I couldn't tell the different ages of non-Chinese. It shouldn't be surprising, as I often heard non-Asians complain that it was hard to tell the age of a Asian.
Even though the East doesn't completely understand the West, the East loves the West, and vice versa. Westerners might see some serious Asian grannies wear T-shirts with English letters such as "Kiss me". Chinese or Japanese might see some very "cool" looking young western with Tattoos in Chinese characters like "壞孩男". If the young fellow wanted to say "bad boy", he got the sequence of Chinese characters wrong unfortunately.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Holiday Seasons
At a free Jazz concert with Sahera, and Alessandro
At a free Jazz concert with Sahera, and Shumei
At a bar after the concert
Friday, November 30, 2007
Summary of November 2007
My November is full of events.
I had neck pain from the end of October to the beginning of November. I had to visit a chiropractor three times to relief my pain.
The second day of November, I lost my wallet. I had to cancel all my credit cards, get new driver license, and replace my student ID.
The second week, I had my wisdom teeth taken out and paid $11 to the person who "found" my wallet to get it back.
The third week, I got a cold thanks to the pain from the dental surgery.
The fourth week, I had my first supervisory committee meeting.
All these are due to the sick crying pig illustrated in my November calender on my desk.
I had neck pain from the end of October to the beginning of November. I had to visit a chiropractor three times to relief my pain.
The second day of November, I lost my wallet. I had to cancel all my credit cards, get new driver license, and replace my student ID.
The second week, I had my wisdom teeth taken out and paid $11 to the person who "found" my wallet to get it back.
The third week, I got a cold thanks to the pain from the dental surgery.
The fourth week, I had my first supervisory committee meeting.
All these are due to the sick crying pig illustrated in my November calender on my desk.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Tennis
Last summer, I developed interested in tennis. I took two tennis courses during the summer. There was also a very small and short romance at the end of the tennis course. It became a nice cute memory every time I play tennis;)
head coach of the national women's volleyball team of the United States
Recently I found out that the head coach of the national women's volleyball team of the United States is Ping Lang.
She is one of the most famous and respected individuals in the history of volleyball. She steered the Chinese team to the first world title at the Third World Cup Volleyball Tournament in 1981, before they swept three more major world titles in the 1982 World Championships, 1984 Olympic Games and 1985 World Cup for four straight wins in five years. According to Wikipedia, her name is immediately recognizable among Chinese over 30. My parents love her, so I have watched her play. I also watched the games of the Chinese national women's team she coached.
I haven't watched American women's volleyball. I guess this time I'll pay attention to the women's volleyball schedule.
She is one of the most famous and respected individuals in the history of volleyball. She steered the Chinese team to the first world title at the Third World Cup Volleyball Tournament in 1981, before they swept three more major world titles in the 1982 World Championships, 1984 Olympic Games and 1985 World Cup for four straight wins in five years. According to Wikipedia, her name is immediately recognizable among Chinese over 30. My parents love her, so I have watched her play. I also watched the games of the Chinese national women's team she coached.
I haven't watched American women's volleyball. I guess this time I'll pay attention to the women's volleyball schedule.
Friday, November 09, 2007
My wisdom teeth
It took two dentist visits to have all my wisdom teeth taken out. The first visit was in September. The dentist took two upper wisdom teeth out in less than 30 minutes.
Yesterday afternoon was the second visit. It took the doctor 2 hours to get the lower 2 wisdom teeth out! After the surgery, my jaws were very sore. I couldn't feel my lips and my tongue. My voice became very funny. This morning, I found my face was swollen. My mouth is still in pain. I'll visit the doctor again next Thursday to have the stitches out.
I think it is time for me to take more pain killers again.
Yesterday afternoon was the second visit. It took the doctor 2 hours to get the lower 2 wisdom teeth out! After the surgery, my jaws were very sore. I couldn't feel my lips and my tongue. My voice became very funny. This morning, I found my face was swollen. My mouth is still in pain. I'll visit the doctor again next Thursday to have the stitches out.
I think it is time for me to take more pain killers again.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Most visited tourist attractions
I went to 20 attractions (listed below) that are out of 50 most visited tourist attractions according to Forbes Traveler. No wonder I always saw so many people and I had to wait in a long line to get into the entrance.
1. Times Square, New York City, NY, USA
2. National Mall & Memorial Parks, Washington, D.C., USA
7. Fisherman’s Wharf/Golden Gate National Recreation Area, San Francisco, CA
9. Notre Dame de Paris, Paris, France
14. Basilique du Sacré-Coeur de Montmartre, Paris, France
15. Musée du Louvre, Paris, France
17. The Forbidden City/Tiananmen Square, Beijing, China
18. Eiffel Tower, Paris, France
22. Lotte World, Seoul, South Korea
25. Centre Pompidou, Paris, France
30. Metropolitan Museum, New York, NY, USA
31. Grand Canyon, Ariz., USA
36. Statue of Liberty, New York, NY, USA
37. The Vatican and its museums, Rome, Italy
39. The Coliseum, Rome, Italy
40. American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY, USA
41. Grauman’s Chinese Theater, Hollywood, CA, USA
42. Empire State Building, New York, NY, USA
45. Palace of Versailles, France
46. Yosemite National Park, CA, USA
However, I wonder how accurate the Forbes Traveler list is. My parents who live in the most populated country in their whole lives complaint to me too many tourists in Beijing when they visited two years ago. Today, one of my schoolmates sent me some pictures (above) showing some beach in China. I guess when all Chinese tourist attractions start to count tourists, few of the 50 listed attractions would be in the list again.^_^.
Friday, November 02, 2007
What a nice suprise!
I was planning to attend a conference to DC next January this afternoon. A person I knew through a friend jumped to my mind. He works in DC. He and I have never met each other in person, however, he called me a few times and we talked on the phone. He planned to visit Seattle last year. He even booked the tickets. He canceled the trip because he was sick the week before his trip. After that, he never called me again.
I thought it might be a good chance to finally meet him in person if I go to DC. When I was thinking about this, I saw him logging onto MSN. I initiated a chat by saying hello to him. After greeting each other, I told him I might go to DC next January for a conference and ask him if he's interested in meeting. He said cool. And then, he said "just for your update", he was married this year and planned to have wedding ceremony next year. I started to smile. He sounded like a person really wants to get married and start a family. I guess he must be very happy he is finally married.
Maybe it is not a good idea to meet him in person.^_^.
I thought it might be a good chance to finally meet him in person if I go to DC. When I was thinking about this, I saw him logging onto MSN. I initiated a chat by saying hello to him. After greeting each other, I told him I might go to DC next January for a conference and ask him if he's interested in meeting. He said cool. And then, he said "just for your update", he was married this year and planned to have wedding ceremony next year. I started to smile. He sounded like a person really wants to get married and start a family. I guess he must be very happy he is finally married.
Maybe it is not a good idea to meet him in person.^_^.
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Lust, Caution
My dentist appointment was canceled this afternoon due to the confusion by the staff of the dentist office. So I went to see Aug Lee's new movie "Lust, Caution". Somehow, I feel like "Lust, Caution" is similar to Paul Verhoeven's "Black Book", but more tragic and depressing. Yet, I'm not surprised. Just like "A very long engagement" was not made by a Chinese director.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Chicago
I visited Chicago after the ACSP conference from Sunday to Tuesday. I visited my college roommate who I haven't seen for six years. I went on a boat tour and a walking architecture tour on Monday. I also spent a few hours in the art institute of Chicago on Tuesday before I went to the O'Hare airport.
I had a very good time in Chicago. If my neck hadn't bothered me, it would have been prefect. I called my housemate who works in a chiropratic clinic just after I landed Seattle to ask for an appointment.
I had a very good time in Chicago. If my neck hadn't bothered me, it would have been prefect. I called my housemate who works in a chiropratic clinic just after I landed Seattle to ask for an appointment.
ACSP 2007, Milwaukee, WI
Except for my neck pain, I had a very good time at the ACSP conference this year. I made new friends and saw old friends. I also met some famous professors in urban planning. Jack Nasar was at my presentation. However, I didn't have time to talk to him after the section. I was sitting next to John Forest in a section. By the way, did I mention I knew his daughter? However, I didn't figure out she was John Forest's daughter until two years after I met her.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
What do I like
I like a lot of things. I enjoy doing a lot of things. Even though I haven't found my favorite yet, I have preference of certain things over others. Most of my preference comes from my experience and expectation, which could change. Therefore, my preference could change as well.
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Sunday, September 02, 2007
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Pearl Anniversary
August 8th is my parents' 30th anniversary.
My dad was my mom's teacher in her medical school. In fact, my dad recruited my mom to the school. They dated for 3 years. They married just right after my mother graduated.
My dad is from Canton area and speaks Cantonese. My mom is from Sichuan province and speaks the Sichuan dialect. The difference between Cantonese and the Sichuan dialect is like the difference between English and German. My dad now speaks both Cantonese and the Sichuan dialect. My mom still doesn't understand Cantonese even though she has lived there for almost two decades.
Due to work, they had to live separately in two cities for 8 years after they married.
Even though my parents did want to divorce once, I have no doubt that my parents are in love with each other. My dad retired a few years earlier than my mom. During this time, my dad did most of the housework, from grocery shopping, cooking, to cleaning. Now both of them are retire. They do grocery shopping together. My dad does the cooking and my mom does the dishes.
Did I tell you that my parents still hold hands when they go out?
My dad was my mom's teacher in her medical school. In fact, my dad recruited my mom to the school. They dated for 3 years. They married just right after my mother graduated.
My dad is from Canton area and speaks Cantonese. My mom is from Sichuan province and speaks the Sichuan dialect. The difference between Cantonese and the Sichuan dialect is like the difference between English and German. My dad now speaks both Cantonese and the Sichuan dialect. My mom still doesn't understand Cantonese even though she has lived there for almost two decades.
Due to work, they had to live separately in two cities for 8 years after they married.
Even though my parents did want to divorce once, I have no doubt that my parents are in love with each other. My dad retired a few years earlier than my mom. During this time, my dad did most of the housework, from grocery shopping, cooking, to cleaning. Now both of them are retire. They do grocery shopping together. My dad does the cooking and my mom does the dishes.
Did I tell you that my parents still hold hands when they go out?
Monday, July 30, 2007
Saturday, July 21, 2007
A Poem
Love's Secret
by William Blake
Never seek to tell thy love,
Love that never told can be;
For the gentle wind does move
Silently, invisibly.
I told my love, I told my love,
I told her all my heart;
Trembling, cold, in ghastly fears,
Ah! she did depart!
Soon as she was gone from me,
A traveler came by,
Silently, invisibly
He took her with a sigh.
爱的秘密
威廉.布莱克
Translated by Maylord
永远不要向你心爱的人坦明，
能坦明的不是爱情；
看那轻风走动
无声、无形。
我向心爱的人坦明，坦明，
倒出心里的所有，
手脚颤抖、发冷，骇人得惊恐。
哎，她竟抽身而走。
她从我这儿走后不久，
过来一个路人，
无声、无形；
一声叹息，他携她而走。
by William Blake
Never seek to tell thy love,
Love that never told can be;
For the gentle wind does move
Silently, invisibly.
I told my love, I told my love,
I told her all my heart;
Trembling, cold, in ghastly fears,
Ah! she did depart!
Soon as she was gone from me,
A traveler came by,
Silently, invisibly
He took her with a sigh.
爱的秘密
威廉.布莱克
Translated by Maylord
永远不要向你心爱的人坦明，
能坦明的不是爱情；
看那轻风走动
无声、无形。
我向心爱的人坦明，坦明，
倒出心里的所有，
手脚颤抖、发冷，骇人得惊恐。
哎，她竟抽身而走。
她从我这儿走后不久，
过来一个路人，
无声、无形；
一声叹息，他携她而走。
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
It was 36 degree Celsius
It was 36 degree Celsius today! It felt like summer! Usually, the summer of Seattle is just warm. I rarely feel hot. Most of the time, I would bring a light jacket with me. However, I even sweat today! I did enjoy the weather today.^_^.
Saturday, July 07, 2007
Am I getting old?
I have back pain! I couldn't stand still on Thursday! I have to take pain killer pills!
I got the back pain from playing tennis for an hour on Thursday morning. Am I getting old?
I got the back pain from playing tennis for an hour on Thursday morning. Am I getting old?
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Furniture
I have always lived in furnished house. I am not keen on owning furniture. To me, furniture is associated with home. Home is where loved ones are. Even though I have lived in Seattle for 6 years, I refer Seattle as "school". "Home" is always where my parents live. When I talk to my parents on the phone, I'd tell them when I would go home and if I have got back to school from my travels.
However, I have accumulated furniture. Last year, I bought a bookcase and a study chair. I got a floor lamp from a friend. This year, I bought another bookcase and a file cabinet. I also got a desk from another friend. Today, another friend who is leaving Seattle soon has some furniture to sell. I might get a dresser and another floor lamp from her.......
Is Seattle going to become my home?
However, I have accumulated furniture. Last year, I bought a bookcase and a study chair. I got a floor lamp from a friend. This year, I bought another bookcase and a file cabinet. I also got a desk from another friend. Today, another friend who is leaving Seattle soon has some furniture to sell. I might get a dresser and another floor lamp from her.......
Is Seattle going to become my home?
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Traveler's dream
I really envy this guy who gets pay to travel around the world.
You know what I mean when you watch his videos.
You know what I mean when you watch his videos.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Another friend in China told me that he couldn't log onto my blog
When I started blogging, I told my parents about it. They logged onto my blog almost every day.
I sent the link to my friends in China. Some of them checked it out. Some of them said they couldn't log onto my blog.
In March, my parents told me that they couldn't log onto my blog any more. Today, another friend told me that he couldn't log onto my blog.
I think I might have to get a blog from a Chinese company if I want my friends and family in China to read my blog. However, I'm reluctant to do that, as you might know how things would go when you have to manage the same thing at two places.
I got frustrated when I finally got a blog account from a Chinese website. The posts need to be screened before posting.
I sent the link to my friends in China. Some of them checked it out. Some of them said they couldn't log onto my blog.
In March, my parents told me that they couldn't log onto my blog any more. Today, another friend told me that he couldn't log onto my blog.
I think I might have to get a blog from a Chinese company if I want my friends and family in China to read my blog. However, I'm reluctant to do that, as you might know how things would go when you have to manage the same thing at two places.
I got frustrated when I finally got a blog account from a Chinese website. The posts need to be screened before posting.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Seattle International Film Festival
I don't remember when I started going to SIFF. It might be several years ago. This year I bought six movie tickets.
Gagarin's Grandson--Russia
A talented artist learns that he has a long lost brother living in an orphanage. To his further surprise, not only is he black, he also claims to be the grandson of the famed astronaut Yuri Gagarin. A film about family, friendships and the end of preconceived notions, filled with wise charm and true Russian soul.
It is an interesting story. I liked the movie.
Children of the War--USA
This powerful documentary explores the roles of social causes and government agencies in the rise of the Mara Salvatrucha (also known as MS-13) in the US and Central America. Estimated to have more than 100,000 members, it has the distinction of being the largest and most violent street gang in the world.
The movie was quite depressing.
Bad Faith--France
A Guess Who's Coming for Dinner? for the 21st century. This is a romantic comedy about faith, love and the difficulties combining the two. When Jewish Clara discovers that she is pregnant with her Muslim boyfriend’s baby, they realize that they are going to have do the unthinkable: meet each other’s families.
It was an entertaining movie with a happy ending.
The Planet--Sweden
This highly ambitious Scandinavian production draws on some of the poetic, observational strategies of Godfrey Reggio’s Koyaanisqatsi, allowing us to reflect on patterns and phenomena of human and natural existence from both intimate and sweeping viewpoints. The truths of The Planet, if frankly confronted, will move viewers viscerally and pragmatically to new levels of understanding and action.
One of scholars interviewed in the movie said that the problem of environmental protection is the developed countries. The out-sourced factories with heavy pollutants and low technology went to the developing countries. E-wastes have been shipped to the developing countries. People, then, complaint that environment is getting worse because the developing countries didn't clean up their environment?!
Confession of Pain--Hong Kong
Detectives Bong and Hei were once partners, until a tragedy turned Bong into an alcoholic private eye. When Hei's father-in-law is murdered, Bong's aid is enlisted into an investigation that grows increasingly treacherous. A twisty, thoughtful crime story from the directors of the Infernal Affairs trilogy. A remake is already in the works from Leonardo DiCaprio’s production company.
I enjoyed watching this movie. It is better than "The Departed", yet not as good as "The Infernal Affairs".
Getting Home--China
When his old friend Liu suddenly drops dead, Zhao has no money for a coffin to transport him home in, so he pretends Liu has passed out drunk and gets on the bus with him. A series of gently comic misadventures dogs their homeward odyssey.
I like this movie a lot. It not only travels through different parts of China, but also shows some characteristics of Chinese people. It's a movie worth watching. A similar book from the perspective of American, "China Road", might be worth reading as well.
Gagarin's Grandson--Russia
A talented artist learns that he has a long lost brother living in an orphanage. To his further surprise, not only is he black, he also claims to be the grandson of the famed astronaut Yuri Gagarin. A film about family, friendships and the end of preconceived notions, filled with wise charm and true Russian soul.
It is an interesting story. I liked the movie.
Children of the War--USA
This powerful documentary explores the roles of social causes and government agencies in the rise of the Mara Salvatrucha (also known as MS-13) in the US and Central America. Estimated to have more than 100,000 members, it has the distinction of being the largest and most violent street gang in the world.
The movie was quite depressing.
Bad Faith--France
A Guess Who's Coming for Dinner? for the 21st century. This is a romantic comedy about faith, love and the difficulties combining the two. When Jewish Clara discovers that she is pregnant with her Muslim boyfriend’s baby, they realize that they are going to have do the unthinkable: meet each other’s families.
It was an entertaining movie with a happy ending.
The Planet--Sweden
This highly ambitious Scandinavian production draws on some of the poetic, observational strategies of Godfrey Reggio’s Koyaanisqatsi, allowing us to reflect on patterns and phenomena of human and natural existence from both intimate and sweeping viewpoints. The truths of The Planet, if frankly confronted, will move viewers viscerally and pragmatically to new levels of understanding and action.
One of scholars interviewed in the movie said that the problem of environmental protection is the developed countries. The out-sourced factories with heavy pollutants and low technology went to the developing countries. E-wastes have been shipped to the developing countries. People, then, complaint that environment is getting worse because the developing countries didn't clean up their environment?!
Confession of Pain--Hong Kong
Detectives Bong and Hei were once partners, until a tragedy turned Bong into an alcoholic private eye. When Hei's father-in-law is murdered, Bong's aid is enlisted into an investigation that grows increasingly treacherous. A twisty, thoughtful crime story from the directors of the Infernal Affairs trilogy. A remake is already in the works from Leonardo DiCaprio’s production company.
I enjoyed watching this movie. It is better than "The Departed", yet not as good as "The Infernal Affairs".
Getting Home--China
When his old friend Liu suddenly drops dead, Zhao has no money for a coffin to transport him home in, so he pretends Liu has passed out drunk and gets on the bus with him. A series of gently comic misadventures dogs their homeward odyssey.
I like this movie a lot. It not only travels through different parts of China, but also shows some characteristics of Chinese people. It's a movie worth watching. A similar book from the perspective of American, "China Road", might be worth reading as well.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Movies and Media
About the Movie
I saw the movie "Black Book" tonight. I like the movie a lot. However, my friend who saw the movie with me has a very different idea of the movie. The critics have divided reviews of the movie, and it is not surprising my friend and I are divided on the movie as well.
About the Media
When I was searching for the reviews of the movie, the Google provided the American websites on the top of the search results. It sounds "VERY" logical that Americans are more likely to read American websites. Google and search engines always show the websites from the user's nation at the top in the result.
I saw the movie "Black Book" tonight. I like the movie a lot. However, my friend who saw the movie with me has a very different idea of the movie. The critics have divided reviews of the movie, and it is not surprising my friend and I are divided on the movie as well.
About the Media
When I was searching for the reviews of the movie, the Google provided the American websites on the top of the search results. It sounds "VERY" logical that Americans are more likely to read American websites. Google and search engines always show the websites from the user's nation at the top in the result.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Quit Mountaineering Class
I quited the mountaineering class last weekend. It was a hard decision. I haven't made any progress on my school work since this quarter. I wish I could manage my time better to do both: school and mountaineering.
I'll take the class again. I have invested so much on my gear. I can't waste them. I can't give up the beautiful mountains either.
I'll take the class again. I have invested so much on my gear. I can't waste them. I can't give up the beautiful mountains either.
File Cabinet
I got a file cabinet from a schoolmate today. I'm quite excited. Finally, I can organize my papers and academic journal articles better.
One of lab-mates said you like file cabinets when you are older. You need to do archiving when you get older.
One of lab-mates said you like file cabinets when you are older. You need to do archiving when you get older.
Friday, May 11, 2007
Monday, April 23, 2007
Snow Camping
Last weekend, I went snow camping in Olympic National Park with my mountaineering group "Glacial Monkeys".
We hiked 7 miles to the campground. Each of us had 35-50 pls in the backpack. It was raining, snowing all the time. We were completed wet, inside and out. The next day, when we woke up, our tents were covered with snow. By the time we got back to the parking lot and took off our backpacks, we have never felt better.^_^.
(Courtesy of Jeff--one of Glacial monkeys)
We hiked 7 miles to the campground. Each of us had 35-50 pls in the backpack. It was raining, snowing all the time. We were completed wet, inside and out. The next day, when we woke up, our tents were covered with snow. By the time we got back to the parking lot and took off our backpacks, we have never felt better.^_^.
(Courtesy of Jeff--one of Glacial monkeys)
Monday, April 16, 2007
Mountaineering Expense
hard shell rain jacket $216.44
hiking boots $329.45
climbing gear $206.52
sleeping bag $266.92
mountaineering class $300.00
Total $1,319.33
(lookout from Mt. Erie)
(eagle at Mt. Erie)
(Big Chief)
(Ice Axe rescue at Big Chief)
All pictures are provided by Jeff--one of Glacial monkeys.
hiking boots $329.45
climbing gear $206.52
sleeping bag $266.92
mountaineering class $300.00
Total $1,319.33
(lookout from Mt. Erie)
(eagle at Mt. Erie)
(Big Chief)
(Ice Axe rescue at Big Chief)
All pictures are provided by Jeff--one of Glacial monkeys.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
It was February 10th that I helped her moved to the new place.
This morning, I went to her place again to move her things out.
In February, she hired a mover. We used two vehicles and took us three rounds to finish.
This morning, it only needed one U-haul to move everything. Her sister, her boss, and all her close friends came. However, she is not there......
This morning, I went to her place again to move her things out.
In February, she hired a mover. We used two vehicles and took us three rounds to finish.
This morning, it only needed one U-haul to move everything. Her sister, her boss, and all her close friends came. However, she is not there......
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Rebecca
You were beautiful.
You were slim.
You were a bit shy.
It was three and half years ago I first met you. I just joined Urban Form Lab. You were working in the same office but at Real Estate Research Center. Luc introduced us to each other. You were beautiful with a very sweet smile. At the same time, you were a little bit shy. I knew right away that I would have good time sharing office with you.
We went brunch, lunch, dinner together.
We went clubbing together.
We went drinking together.
We went to see movies together.
We went shopping together.
We went oystering together.
We went on trip together.
We had done a lot of fun things together. We became good friends. I also got to know you better.
You were determined.
You were sometimes nervous.
You were caring.
You were very considerate for others.
You were generous for friends.
You were also generous for strangers, not only because you were a good tipper.
You were the only one who was brave enough to drive with me and believed in my driving.
The last time we did things together was two weeks ago. We ran stairs. I want to climb Mt. Rainier this summer. You joined me for running stairs. However, I was out of breath only after a few minutes. You were walking at head of me, often stopped and waited for me. I started to doubt that if I really should plan to climb Mt. Rainier. Maybe you should do that.
You were slim.
You were a bit shy.
It was three and half years ago I first met you. I just joined Urban Form Lab. You were working in the same office but at Real Estate Research Center. Luc introduced us to each other. You were beautiful with a very sweet smile. At the same time, you were a little bit shy. I knew right away that I would have good time sharing office with you.
We went brunch, lunch, dinner together.
We went clubbing together.
We went drinking together.
We went to see movies together.
We went shopping together.
We went oystering together.
We went on trip together.
We had done a lot of fun things together. We became good friends. I also got to know you better.
You were determined.
You were sometimes nervous.
You were caring.
You were very considerate for others.
You were generous for friends.
You were also generous for strangers, not only because you were a good tipper.
You were the only one who was brave enough to drive with me and believed in my driving.
The last time we did things together was two weeks ago. We ran stairs. I want to climb Mt. Rainier this summer. You joined me for running stairs. However, I was out of breath only after a few minutes. You were walking at head of me, often stopped and waited for me. I started to doubt that if I really should plan to climb Mt. Rainier. Maybe you should do that.
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