Sunday, December 21, 2008
Domain Registration
You guys know of any good web hosting services? I need to get my online portfolio up and running sometime over break... whoo!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Reasons I Hate DeSean Jackson
- Dropped the ball before crossing the goal line in the Cowgirls game.
- Ran out of bounds during the Pittsburgh game while trying to run out the clock.
- Running the wrong route in a game leading to an interception
- 2 fumbles (Bears, Cardinals)
- Runs backwards on 50% of punt returns
- Interception on only pass attempt (hopefully ever) against the Browns
- Said interception causing me to lose my fantasy playoff game...by 0.26 points.
Argh! Dumb Rookie! He'll never be able to redeem himself in my eyes.
But he is our only hope.
EDIT(2008-12-22): 4 dropped passes in the 2nd Redskins game, costing us any shot at the playoffs. DeSuck Jackson. I hate you.
- Ran out of bounds during the Pittsburgh game while trying to run out the clock.
- Running the wrong route in a game leading to an interception
- 2 fumbles (Bears, Cardinals)
- Runs backwards on 50% of punt returns
- Interception on only pass attempt (hopefully ever) against the Browns
- Said interception causing me to lose my fantasy playoff game...by 0.26 points.
Argh! Dumb Rookie! He'll never be able to redeem himself in my eyes.
But he is our only hope.
EDIT(2008-12-22): 4 dropped passes in the 2nd Redskins game, costing us any shot at the playoffs. DeSuck Jackson. I hate you.
Friday, December 12, 2008
New Years Plans Revisited
OK, so I'm going to NYC and so apparently so is Alex and Azim. Seeing as how Jack and Ajay are already there, it's shaping up nicely. I know this is entirely short notice, but get in on this if you're interested.
I will be there from the afternoon of the 31st until the morning of the 4th.
OH WE GON DRANK! BUHLEE DAT! WE GON SHINE!
Peace
-Zhi
I will be there from the afternoon of the 31st until the morning of the 4th.
OH WE GON DRANK! BUHLEE DAT! WE GON SHINE!
Peace
-Zhi
Sunday, November 30, 2008
New Years Plans
I realized the other day, as I was planning my trip home for winter break, that I have never spent New Year's outside of Iowa. This needs to change. I know it's late to start planning, but does anyone want to try to get together for a few days? Alternatively, if anyone has plans that I can leach onto that would be cool. There's like a 75% chance that I end up in the Bay area after graduation, so I would definitely be up for spending some time out there if people are around. Colorado is always fun too, if we're looking for a place where we know people...
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Are you fucking kidding me NY?
Today I took the subway to work, like I always do. I have never felt worse in my life than when I got off.
Most of the time, the train I take has no seats, people are always standing. A stop after I got on, a seat opened up and I settled back to take a nap until I got to work. As soon as the train reaches 53rd and Lex, in midtown east, it sort of empties out. A homeless guy got on and sat in the row of seats opposite me. At this time, there was a guy sitting about one seat apart from the homeless guy (approximately, because it's just one long bench), and another person next to this guy. A few stops later, as the train further emptied, and I was drifting in and out of sleep, I noticed that the non-homeless well-to-do NY banker guy had gotten up and moved down the car to another bench.
Further, as people got on, the entire bench where the homeless guy was sitting remained empty, and no one sat there even though there were no other seats. I was dumbstruck. How could people treat other people this way?
Another homeless person had been sitting quietly in a corner at the end of the same corner, with 3 large plastic garbage bags in front of her (the person was wearing a hood, so I couldn't discern gender). The bags were filled with what I guessed was empty plastic bottles and other recyclable material. The person got off at Penn Station, but before the doors closed, stepped back into the car and handed the other homeless guy a few dollars. I was amazed.
I planned to give the homeless guy some money before I got off, but I thought I had no cash. I later checked my wallet and did have $7, which I wished I had given to the guy on the train. As I write this, I am still feeling sick to my stomach at the way the guy was treated, even though he didn't show that he was affected by the people around him. I hope I never treat anybody like this, ever.
Most of the time, the train I take has no seats, people are always standing. A stop after I got on, a seat opened up and I settled back to take a nap until I got to work. As soon as the train reaches 53rd and Lex, in midtown east, it sort of empties out. A homeless guy got on and sat in the row of seats opposite me. At this time, there was a guy sitting about one seat apart from the homeless guy (approximately, because it's just one long bench), and another person next to this guy. A few stops later, as the train further emptied, and I was drifting in and out of sleep, I noticed that the non-homeless well-to-do NY banker guy had gotten up and moved down the car to another bench.
Further, as people got on, the entire bench where the homeless guy was sitting remained empty, and no one sat there even though there were no other seats. I was dumbstruck. How could people treat other people this way?
Another homeless person had been sitting quietly in a corner at the end of the same corner, with 3 large plastic garbage bags in front of her (the person was wearing a hood, so I couldn't discern gender). The bags were filled with what I guessed was empty plastic bottles and other recyclable material. The person got off at Penn Station, but before the doors closed, stepped back into the car and handed the other homeless guy a few dollars. I was amazed.
I planned to give the homeless guy some money before I got off, but I thought I had no cash. I later checked my wallet and did have $7, which I wished I had given to the guy on the train. As I write this, I am still feeling sick to my stomach at the way the guy was treated, even though he didn't show that he was affected by the people around him. I hope I never treat anybody like this, ever.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Clusterfuck!
This is an example of what our Friday afternoon clusterfucks devolve to:
Alexander: you fucking piece of shit mother fucking cum guzzling gaping vagina fisting shitbag
I love you guys
-Zhi
Alexander: you fucking piece of shit mother fucking cum guzzling gaping vagina fisting shitbag
I love you guys
-Zhi
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
People I chat with
So I checked my chat history logs for Pidgin (an open source chat client) and made some interesting discoveries.
(Data represents number of bytes logged in chats with respective IM accounts for last 30 days)
- Kanna and Fu, we need to chat more.
- Ajay, we definitely need to chat less.
- Alex, you've got a lot of catching up to do if you want to overtake Ajay (and this is only my @gmail account, doesn't include my @google!)
UPDATE:
I fail at Internet.
I apologize if my exposure of your email in plain text for the previous 12 hours leads to any more spam for you. At least this is a good test for how well GMail's spam filters work.
It wasn't up for too long, so maybe the crawlers missed it.
I'm really sorry. I'm a retard.
$ du -scb .purple/logs/jabber/zhi....gmail.com/* |\
sort -t" " -k1 -n |\
sed -r 's/([a-z\.]{4})[^/@]+@/\1...@/g'
4232 .purple/logs/jabber/zhi....@gmail.com/kann...@gmail.com
4375 .purple/logs/jabber/zhi....@gmail.com/mast...@gmail.com
4662 .purple/logs/jabber/zhi....@gmail.com/kadi...@gmail.com
4825 .purple/logs/jabber/zhi....@gmail.com/kres...@gmail.com
5458 .purple/logs/jabber/zhi....@gmail.com/rame...@gmail.com
5466 .purple/logs/jabber/zhi....@gmail.com/mill...@gmail.com
6367 .purple/logs/jabber/zhi....@gmail.com/jona...@gmail.com
6737 .purple/logs/jabber/zhi....@gmail.com/anxm...@gmail.com
7001 .purple/logs/jabber/zhi....@gmail.com/vash...@gmail.com
7049 .purple/logs/jabber/zhi....@gmail.com/carm...@gmail.com
7236 .purple/logs/jabber/zhi....@gmail.com/lanz...@gmail.com
7491 .purple/logs/jabber/zhi....@gmail.com/nluc...@gmail.com
8020 .purple/logs/jabber/zhi....@gmail.com/vmho...@gmail.com
8426 .purple/logs/jabber/zhi....@gmail.com/smus...@gmail.com
8563 .purple/logs/jabber/zhi....@gmail.com/jenn...@gmail.com
9068 .purple/logs/jabber/zhi....@gmail.com/jack...@gmail.com
9270 .purple/logs/jabber/zhi....@gmail.com/marc...@gmail.com
9381 .purple/logs/jabber/zhi....@gmail.com/ritt...@gmail.com
10690 .purple/logs/jabber/zhi....@gmail.com/cina...@gmail.com
10890 .purple/logs/jabber/zhi....@gmail.com/m.az...@gmail.com
11372 .purple/logs/jabber/zhi....@gmail.com/alex...@gmail.com
16103 .purple/logs/jabber/zhi....@gmail.com/tomm...@gmail.com
25603 .purple/logs/jabber/zhi....@gmail.com/jamo...@gmail.com
45047 .purple/logs/jabber/zhi....@gmail.com/emil...@gmail.com
138056 .purple/logs/jabber/zhi....@gmail.com/awkn...@gmail.com
263802 .purple/logs/jabber/zhi....@gmail.com/ajay...@gmail.com
(Data represents number of bytes logged in chats with respective IM accounts for last 30 days)
- Kanna and Fu, we need to chat more.
- Ajay, we definitely need to chat less.
- Alex, you've got a lot of catching up to do if you want to overtake Ajay (and this is only my @gmail account, doesn't include my @google!)
UPDATE:
I fail at Internet.
I apologize if my exposure of your email in plain text for the previous 12 hours leads to any more spam for you. At least this is a good test for how well GMail's spam filters work.
It wasn't up for too long, so maybe the crawlers missed it.
I'm really sorry. I'm a retard.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Chrome fades....
Not sure if you guys saw this, but i guess chrome cant ride the Google success train, at least not yet.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Bill O'Reilly May Be Functionally Retarded
No Bill, the law does not have to be "better defined". Usually when the Supreme Court of the United States makes a ruling, this is the law, as well defined it can possibly be.
Good on you Megyn Kelly. You work for Fox, so you're irredeemable in my eyes, but at least you stood up to Papa Bear.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
"Yesterday" by Atmosphere
Atmosphere is a hip-hop duo form Minnesota. They've had some indie appeal up until this year where their hit "You" is getting some serious air play. So on a whim, I bought their CD When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold. It's good stuff. But one song in particular motivated me to post for the first time in a month. Please listen to it. There's a twist at the end. I won't give it away so scroll down after the jump for my parting words...
...Go hug your parents today if you can. Call them and tell them you love them. Make sure your family knows you care about them. Let your friends know you appreciate them.
I love you guys. I don't want to have to look back to yesterday and realize I didn't do that.
...Go hug your parents today if you can. Call them and tell them you love them. Make sure your family knows you care about them. Let your friends know you appreciate them.
I love you guys. I don't want to have to look back to yesterday and realize I didn't do that.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Madden Curse
Here is a list of all the Madden covers. We all know the story by now, which is about what happens to these players the year they appear on the cover of that game and subsequently. It's beyond coincidence when every one of these "curses" came to fruition...
...Which leads me to the 2009 edition with Brett Favre. So do you think the curse applies to his whole saga (and now apparently being traded) or to Aaron Rodgers who's obviously going to start mixing cocaine, alcohol, and sleeping pills nightly?
...Which leads me to the 2009 edition with Brett Favre. So do you think the curse applies to his whole saga (and now apparently being traded) or to Aaron Rodgers who's obviously going to start mixing cocaine, alcohol, and sleeping pills nightly?
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Zhi's Post
Rather than comment, which is never read, because it doesn't show up on RSS feeds, I thought I would comment in another post. Imagine my narcissism.
This is called getting older. This is why you cannot convince your parents of your "progressive" views. Because other adults have spent hears hearing opinion passed as fact and truths jaded and picked at by sniveling commentators (in the old world "pundits") . They are just as certain of their views and the ascribed validities as you are. No information comes from a primary source anymore, and every contradictory piece of information, further substantiates their opinion that they have made the right decision and that everyone else is wrong and misguided.
Imagine the entire world going around like this... it paints a pretty bleak picture.
You have the following options:
- Be a starving artist - proclaiming your views artistically and politically to the world through the only true form of expression - (note: rock band and guitar hero do not count.)
- Kill yourself (please make sure to get your whole head in front of the shotgun)
- Go into hiding.... forever
- Be jaded about everything and join the ranks of intelligent adults
- Add your voice to the fray, and find constant frustration about not being followed or heard
- and lastly, Understand that this is the way things are, pick your battles, surround yourself with like minds and people that are interested in hearing a well reasoned, articulate and well researched argument, and ignore everyone else. (My personal choice).
Love, Alex
This is called getting older. This is why you cannot convince your parents of your "progressive" views. Because other adults have spent hears hearing opinion passed as fact and truths jaded and picked at by sniveling commentators (in the old world "pundits") . They are just as certain of their views and the ascribed validities as you are. No information comes from a primary source anymore, and every contradictory piece of information, further substantiates their opinion that they have made the right decision and that everyone else is wrong and misguided.
Imagine the entire world going around like this... it paints a pretty bleak picture.
You have the following options:
- Be a starving artist - proclaiming your views artistically and politically to the world through the only true form of expression - (note: rock band and guitar hero do not count.)
- Kill yourself (please make sure to get your whole head in front of the shotgun)
- Go into hiding.... forever
- Be jaded about everything and join the ranks of intelligent adults
- Add your voice to the fray, and find constant frustration about not being followed or heard
- and lastly, Understand that this is the way things are, pick your battles, surround yourself with like minds and people that are interested in hearing a well reasoned, articulate and well researched argument, and ignore everyone else. (My personal choice).
Love, Alex
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Credibility
I am sometimes described as someone who is too trusting, and to some extent, I agree with that assessment. I am easily fooled, readily hoodwinked, effortlessly gypped. However, something has changed my views of the world recently. From "news" channels that blatantly pass off opinions as fact and agenda and objectivity, to politicians who spin and lie to my face, to editorials and blogs who do nothing but point out instances where the other side of the aisle is lying and deceiving. All of this information then filters and trickles down to the average person, and what I am seeing more and more of is public discourse governed by talking-points and misleading "facts".
I'm not going to get on my soap box over talking-point politics, but I want instead to focus on just one aspect of how this is affecting me. This is created for me a 'credibility gap' between my brain and everything I hear. When I see a politician speak (particularly one that doesn't agree with me), the only things I think about are how he/she is wrong and how to pick apart his/her arguments. When I read an article, I question the author's objectivity and instantly distrust any statement that sounds like opinion, even reasoned ones. I know the world isn't black and white, and trying to see everything so defensively is probably more of a personal problem than one that can be fixed by this most awesome of blogs, but how can I rectify this? How can I view any source of knowledge, or piece of information without the prejudice that it might be wrong or misleading? Not everything I hear, see, or read can be a debate-style back and forth, battling for the decision of my logical mind. But how do I cope?
I'm not going to get on my soap box over talking-point politics, but I want instead to focus on just one aspect of how this is affecting me. This is created for me a 'credibility gap' between my brain and everything I hear. When I see a politician speak (particularly one that doesn't agree with me), the only things I think about are how he/she is wrong and how to pick apart his/her arguments. When I read an article, I question the author's objectivity and instantly distrust any statement that sounds like opinion, even reasoned ones. I know the world isn't black and white, and trying to see everything so defensively is probably more of a personal problem than one that can be fixed by this most awesome of blogs, but how can I rectify this? How can I view any source of knowledge, or piece of information without the prejudice that it might be wrong or misleading? Not everything I hear, see, or read can be a debate-style back and forth, battling for the decision of my logical mind. But how do I cope?
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
F***ing itunes and their m4p
I just bought a ps3 and it is bad ass. I want to make it my media center for my living room so I don' t have to blast music out of my comp. But ps3 can't stream m4ps, and installing codecs that allow wmp to play m4ps also don't fix it. The only thing I can think of is to convert all my music into mp3s but I really don't want to do that because it's going to take up alot of space.
Since you guys are the most tech savy people I know, I come to you for help. Any advice would be appreciated.
I've been watching Weeds 1st and 2nd season on blue ray.... so good.... thanks for the rec.
Since you guys are the most tech savy people I know, I come to you for help. Any advice would be appreciated.
I've been watching Weeds 1st and 2nd season on blue ray.... so good.... thanks for the rec.
Find Your Happy
This is an old post, but a good one. Something I've been thinking a lot about recently.
link
Find your happy.
link
Find your happy.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Trip Report: Maine, July 2008
I'm assuming no one else regularly reads this blog, so everyone who is reading this was also there. So it's kind of like a group diary. In fact, my next post will be about our feelings. And how that cute guy in 7th period English is totally into our best friend, but not us, and it makes us so jealous.
But I digress.
Trip Report:
Location: Portland, ME
Dates: 2008-07-02 to 2008-07-06
Attendees: Ajay, Alex, Azim, Fu, Jack, Kanna, Zhi
Rating: 9.0 out of 10, but only because the Ukrainian Judge is a jack-ass.
- First off, big thanks goes out to Alex for planning most of the trip. It was awesome. Also big thanks to Alex's folks who let us use their places. I'm sure we brought down both their property values with our non-whiteness.
- Awesome effort on getting everyone to come out this time. I'm really proud and happy that we made it happen. By my count, we had 5 working professionals and 2 full-time grad students, from CA, CO, IA, and NY, and we all managed to take some time out for this reunion. I hope we can keep this up.
- Drinking was an awesome idea. Whoever decided that we would use our time getting sloppy drunk is a genius!
- White water rafting is super fun. I think I'll try and do that more often. I'll have to see where I can do that here in CA.
- I would just like to point out that I am the greatest kick-ball pitcher of all time. If there was a Kickball Hall of Fame, I would the the first and only inductee. They would then close the place down for being 'too Asian'.
- If we were playing Kickball according to the rules, a foul ball is defined as such: http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2008/official_rules/02_definition_of_terms.pdf
Basically, I was wrong on that call. Also, to settle the discussion, if the ball is touched by a player, it is judged foul based on the position of the ball when it is touched, not on the position of the fielder.
- Food seems to be a re-curring theme when I hang out with Alex. As such, the food on this trip was good, but not great. The sushi place was good, especially the pork belly appetizer and the spicy shrimp roll. The Salt Water Grill was decent, but non of the food was that great and the service was obviously sub-par. The Grill Room was nice, but again, the food not very memorable. Alex, you should so go back and hit on that waitress. And I'm sorry about the wine.
- As I gathered, the next trip idea thrown out was Chicago? Can I just start the lobbying process for Vegas again?
If you have anything to add, feel free to edit this post or comment.
peace
But I digress.
Trip Report:
Location: Portland, ME
Dates: 2008-07-02 to 2008-07-06
Attendees: Ajay, Alex, Azim, Fu, Jack, Kanna, Zhi
Rating: 9.0 out of 10, but only because the Ukrainian Judge is a jack-ass.
- First off, big thanks goes out to Alex for planning most of the trip. It was awesome. Also big thanks to Alex's folks who let us use their places. I'm sure we brought down both their property values with our non-whiteness.
- Awesome effort on getting everyone to come out this time. I'm really proud and happy that we made it happen. By my count, we had 5 working professionals and 2 full-time grad students, from CA, CO, IA, and NY, and we all managed to take some time out for this reunion. I hope we can keep this up.
- Drinking was an awesome idea. Whoever decided that we would use our time getting sloppy drunk is a genius!
- White water rafting is super fun. I think I'll try and do that more often. I'll have to see where I can do that here in CA.
- I would just like to point out that I am the greatest kick-ball pitcher of all time. If there was a Kickball Hall of Fame, I would the the first and only inductee. They would then close the place down for being 'too Asian'.
- If we were playing Kickball according to the rules, a foul ball is defined as such: http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2008/official_rules/02_definition_of_terms.pdf
Basically, I was wrong on that call. Also, to settle the discussion, if the ball is touched by a player, it is judged foul based on the position of the ball when it is touched, not on the position of the fielder.
- Food seems to be a re-curring theme when I hang out with Alex. As such, the food on this trip was good, but not great. The sushi place was good, especially the pork belly appetizer and the spicy shrimp roll. The Salt Water Grill was decent, but non of the food was that great and the service was obviously sub-par. The Grill Room was nice, but again, the food not very memorable. Alex, you should so go back and hit on that waitress. And I'm sorry about the wine.
- As I gathered, the next trip idea thrown out was Chicago? Can I just start the lobbying process for Vegas again?
If you have anything to add, feel free to edit this post or comment.
peace
Sunday, June 29, 2008
US Energy Woes
So I pretend to think I get news from multiple unbiased sources, and form an opinion after thorough fact checking but the reality is that I just learn about current events from Mr. Stewart and Comedy Central. There was an interesting bit about how China is destined to rule the world, but a bit of background first.
This whole energy crisis has got me thinking. Oil prices are through the roof, McCain flip-flops daily on energy policy (first he said offshore drilling was a temporary and non-sustainable solution, and now he's urging states to support drilling off their coasts), and both Bush and Obama wish they could use a magic wand to bring down gas prices.
This is a multi-dimensional problem with no near term viable solutions. The energy problems are somewhat related to how friggin hot it is predicted to be this summer, by the end of which the north pole will have melted. This is to be taken with a grain of salt, according to a journalist at the Times:
Anyway, call me unconscientious, but I'm not really going to focus on the environmental part, because (i) I'm not a hippie, and (ii) we probably won't be around to deal with this problem. (I'm not saying I'm going to start driving an SUV anytime soon. With all the off-road terrain I need to deal with in the eastern US, I'm not sure if this is a good pledge to make, but I'll deal.)
The second part is the obvious issue of how this is hurting the American economy while it is in recession. In reality, Americans have been paying waaayy less for gas in comparison to other countries. So how have people abroad been coping with this problem, and now that domestic prices are approching the international mean, why are the effects on the American economy so much more drastic? There are several reasons I can think of, none of which seem to have come up in any of the campaigns of people who can actually do anything about this, mostly because of distractions like stupid people who correlate wearing a flag pin with being patriotic.
Do Americans drive too much? Have we consumed large amounts of fossil fuels in recent decades just because we could? A recent poll by Gallup shows that 31% of respondents are either limiting travel, driving less or going out less. This suggests that a sizeable portion of a family's transportation costs may be recreational. However, although I don't have the data to support this, I'm not sure we go on vacation any more or less than people in other developed countries. I think we're now forced to be in a position to conserve, which is in itself good, but we don't have the same processes in place as other countries because of our (till now) abundant supply of inexpensive gas.
Consider solutions adopted by the rest of the wor. In 2003, London started a congestion charge for vehicular traffic in the center of the city. According to the BBC, this decision, although initially unpopular, has paid off:
The problem is that the U.S. has simply not put enough effort into building mass transit systems as the rest of the world. That's why in that same poll I cited earlier, only 1% of respondents say they are using public transport more. To get a rough idea of how disparate the situation is in the U.S. compared to other countries, check out this data on the modal share of rail transport.
Yeah, that's right. We're last. A measly 0.3% of U.S. transport is by rail. Japan leads the pack with 27%. I'm not saying everybody should travel by train, but in the U.S. people don't even have the option to. The situation with buses, etc. is probably similar, but I don't have the data.
Who's fault is this? FDR did such a good job making our vast network of interstate highways that it squashed development of other modes of transport. We're in recession again, let's get some government money into improving transport collectively rather than sending people $600 to cover half their rent for a month. Also, since North Korea has officially been removed from the axis of evil, maybe we can scale back the global search for WMDs.
Back to China. Ted Koppel on TDS said that China is putting 25,000 new cars on its roads a day, or 9 million a year. Soon they're going to overtake the US, and then we're really going to have it out for the oil in the middle east. We are in trouble unless we start doing something soon.
Please weigh in.
P.S: I fucking hate blogger. I have a 24" screen in front of me and it decides to make the text box big enough to send a fucking IM. And there's no way to easily add images/data where you want, so I had to link to a spreadsheet. Super gay. Blogger, i.e. Google, learn something from Wordpress.
This whole energy crisis has got me thinking. Oil prices are through the roof, McCain flip-flops daily on energy policy (first he said offshore drilling was a temporary and non-sustainable solution, and now he's urging states to support drilling off their coasts), and both Bush and Obama wish they could use a magic wand to bring down gas prices.
This is a multi-dimensional problem with no near term viable solutions. The energy problems are somewhat related to how friggin hot it is predicted to be this summer, by the end of which the north pole will have melted. This is to be taken with a grain of salt, according to a journalist at the Times:
Given the unpredictable short-term dynamics up there, which make the ice subject to vagaries of Siberian winds and a mix of currents, a lot of polar ice experts tell me it’s pretty much impossible to make such a prediction with high confidence.On the other hand, Fox felt that it was okay to simply cite other news sources without doing any fact checking for themselves.
For the first time in recorded history, the North Pole may be free of ice this summer, according to a published report Friday.While I hate to spoil our good name by giving them any traffic, I just wanted to point out that the Times journalist did more research for a blog post than Fox did for a regular news piece, based solely on the number of links (17 vs 4). In all honesty, they might do better by just redirecting foxnews.com to something else.
Anyway, call me unconscientious, but I'm not really going to focus on the environmental part, because (i) I'm not a hippie, and (ii) we probably won't be around to deal with this problem. (I'm not saying I'm going to start driving an SUV anytime soon. With all the off-road terrain I need to deal with in the eastern US, I'm not sure if this is a good pledge to make, but I'll deal.)
The second part is the obvious issue of how this is hurting the American economy while it is in recession. In reality, Americans have been paying waaayy less for gas in comparison to other countries. So how have people abroad been coping with this problem, and now that domestic prices are approching the international mean, why are the effects on the American economy so much more drastic? There are several reasons I can think of, none of which seem to have come up in any of the campaigns of people who can actually do anything about this, mostly because of distractions like stupid people who correlate wearing a flag pin with being patriotic.
Do Americans drive too much? Have we consumed large amounts of fossil fuels in recent decades just because we could? A recent poll by Gallup shows that 31% of respondents are either limiting travel, driving less or going out less. This suggests that a sizeable portion of a family's transportation costs may be recreational. However, although I don't have the data to support this, I'm not sure we go on vacation any more or less than people in other developed countries. I think we're now forced to be in a position to conserve, which is in itself good, but we don't have the same processes in place as other countries because of our (till now) abundant supply of inexpensive gas.
Consider solutions adopted by the rest of the wor. In 2003, London started a congestion charge for vehicular traffic in the center of the city. According to the BBC, this decision, although initially unpopular, has paid off:
[T]he volume of traffic entering the congestion charge zone has fallen by over a fifth - with bus use increasing by 15%. Meanwhile the £125m extra cash generated by the charge (after its upkeep costs) goes straight back into public transport.Taxing roads has the same effect on transit behavior as taxing gas. If U.S. cities had imposed restrictions on where you could or couldn't drive and how expensive it was as a means of transport, the effect of today's gas prices would be less significant (NY has accomplished this by its restricted supply of incredibly expensive parking spots). Although the same article says that Miami, Minneapolis, Seattle and San Franciso are looking to follow London's example, which is great, this is still not the root problem.
The problem is that the U.S. has simply not put enough effort into building mass transit systems as the rest of the world. That's why in that same poll I cited earlier, only 1% of respondents say they are using public transport more. To get a rough idea of how disparate the situation is in the U.S. compared to other countries, check out this data on the modal share of rail transport.
Yeah, that's right. We're last. A measly 0.3% of U.S. transport is by rail. Japan leads the pack with 27%. I'm not saying everybody should travel by train, but in the U.S. people don't even have the option to. The situation with buses, etc. is probably similar, but I don't have the data.
Who's fault is this? FDR did such a good job making our vast network of interstate highways that it squashed development of other modes of transport. We're in recession again, let's get some government money into improving transport collectively rather than sending people $600 to cover half their rent for a month. Also, since North Korea has officially been removed from the axis of evil, maybe we can scale back the global search for WMDs.
Back to China. Ted Koppel on TDS said that China is putting 25,000 new cars on its roads a day, or 9 million a year. Soon they're going to overtake the US, and then we're really going to have it out for the oil in the middle east. We are in trouble unless we start doing something soon.
Please weigh in.
P.S: I fucking hate blogger. I have a 24" screen in front of me and it decides to make the text box big enough to send a fucking IM. And there's no way to easily add images/data where you want, so I had to link to a spreadsheet. Super gay. Blogger, i.e. Google, learn something from Wordpress.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Zhi Skydiving
what? you may ask...
just think, a sexy oversized asian man in a tight blue suit flying through the sky. No this is not some perverted version of batman.
Its Zhi...
the raw link is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBDIE1lW6Ng
enjoy.
just think, a sexy oversized asian man in a tight blue suit flying through the sky. No this is not some perverted version of batman.
Its Zhi...
the raw link is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBDIE1lW6Ng
enjoy.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Three Drinks In
I had a revelation over this past weekend, my sobriety is hurting my way of life. Based on this revelation, I've resolved to live my life three drinks in at all times. Let me explain.
Normal Zhi:
- Shy
- Does not talk to strangers
- Does not do anything out of his normal routine
- Never says anything when the situation calls for just the right words, and always says the wrong thing when the situation calls for just shutting up
- Is horribly awkward
Drunk Zhi:
- Out-going
- Talks to just about anyone and everyone
- Does things normal people would never do
- Always has just the right thing to say at the right time
- Plays fast and loose, and is the funniest, smartest guy in the room
Now obviously, the effects of drunk Zhi are either exaggerated, or unsustainable (I have but one liver and I like it). Also, I like money, so keeping my job is fairly important, and even though I'm a better coder when drunk, work is a problem. So I've settled on a compromise. I won't go all the way drunk, just three drinks in, and I'll only do this when I'm not at work (three because it's a good 1/3 mark between sober and sloppy).
So my plan is to go home everyday after work and down three of anything to get me loosened up and then pace myself at one drink an hour to keep it going. On the weekends, three with a healthy breakfast when I get up and same pace after.
Brilliant, no?
I am sure this will in no way lead to a catastrophic fall from grace or a lifetime of health issues. I have this faith because all of my plans made while sober have been less than dazzling, thus all my plans to be drunk all the time must be pure gold right?
Normal Zhi:
- Shy
- Does not talk to strangers
- Does not do anything out of his normal routine
- Never says anything when the situation calls for just the right words, and always says the wrong thing when the situation calls for just shutting up
- Is horribly awkward
Drunk Zhi:
- Out-going
- Talks to just about anyone and everyone
- Does things normal people would never do
- Always has just the right thing to say at the right time
- Plays fast and loose, and is the funniest, smartest guy in the room
Now obviously, the effects of drunk Zhi are either exaggerated, or unsustainable (I have but one liver and I like it). Also, I like money, so keeping my job is fairly important, and even though I'm a better coder when drunk, work is a problem. So I've settled on a compromise. I won't go all the way drunk, just three drinks in, and I'll only do this when I'm not at work (three because it's a good 1/3 mark between sober and sloppy).
So my plan is to go home everyday after work and down three of anything to get me loosened up and then pace myself at one drink an hour to keep it going. On the weekends, three with a healthy breakfast when I get up and same pace after.
Brilliant, no?
I am sure this will in no way lead to a catastrophic fall from grace or a lifetime of health issues. I have this faith because all of my plans made while sober have been less than dazzling, thus all my plans to be drunk all the time must be pure gold right?
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Chase Utley
I have a huge mancrush on Chase Utley. It's not just because I'm a rabid Phillies fan, or that I have a special homo-erotic place in my heart for Philly athletes, but I think Chase Utley is truly special. The number's themselves don't lie: he's in the midst of a 5-game homer streak, has homered in 7 of the last 8 games, he's hitting .320, leading the league in HRs and RBIs, all from second base (where he has a decent glove, B T Dubs). People forget that he only has 3 full seasons major league under his belt, in each of which he had 100+ RBIs (and he's trending to shatter his personal best this year). His statistics are gaudy, and make his the best second baseman in all of baseball right now, maybe with a shot to be mentioned with the greatest all time.
But here's the thing that makes me go all ga-ga and gay for him. He does it the right way. Look, he's amazingly talented and gorgeous. Yes, I said it. Chase Utley is not only 'good-looking', but gorgeous. He's been blessed with the natural advantages to be able to just sit back and collect on his privilege. But he doesn't. He works at it relentlessly. He plays hard everyday, on every play. Always guaranteed to have dirt on his jersey at the end of a game. He's a grinder, but not in the David Eckstein use of the word where someone has to grind just to make it, no Chase Utley could sit back and his skills would make him an above average ball-player: .280+ BA, 15-80 guy. But he doesn't. Even last night, in a game where he went 3-4, he's laying down bunts, and knocking over catchers.
Off the field, he doesn't talk much, doesn't gloat, doesn't pout, doesn't call out teammates or talk trash. He just goes out and is damn good at his job, and works everyday to be better at it. He's also socially conscious and by all accounts, an upright, decent citizen.
Who wouldn't love a guy like that?
But here's the thing that makes me go all ga-ga and gay for him. He does it the right way. Look, he's amazingly talented and gorgeous. Yes, I said it. Chase Utley is not only 'good-looking', but gorgeous. He's been blessed with the natural advantages to be able to just sit back and collect on his privilege. But he doesn't. He works at it relentlessly. He plays hard everyday, on every play. Always guaranteed to have dirt on his jersey at the end of a game. He's a grinder, but not in the David Eckstein use of the word where someone has to grind just to make it, no Chase Utley could sit back and his skills would make him an above average ball-player: .280+ BA, 15-80 guy. But he doesn't. Even last night, in a game where he went 3-4, he's laying down bunts, and knocking over catchers.
Off the field, he doesn't talk much, doesn't gloat, doesn't pout, doesn't call out teammates or talk trash. He just goes out and is damn good at his job, and works everyday to be better at it. He's also socially conscious and by all accounts, an upright, decent citizen.
Who wouldn't love a guy like that?
Friday, May 30, 2008
I Keep Having This Whimsical Day-Dream...
...Where Sen. John McCain and Sen. Barack Obama are at a debate, and it's getting heated. Both are tired and worn out after months of campaigning. McCain in particular because of his age; the pundits and comedians haven't let him forget how old he is either. Maybe all the ads about him changing his position so many times, and cozying up to W are getting to him as well. Perhaps the debate is also wearing on his patience; the moderators are asking asinine questions, Obama's soothing baritone is winning over the audience even if McCain doesn't think the words themselves mean much.
And all this is making him angry. Really Angry. Finally, he gets interrupted one too many times by the young whipper-snapper from Illinois. McCain explodes. He curses and shouts. Perhaps even dropping in an epithet or two.
And the moderators, the crowd, the handlers backstage, the opponent on-stage, and the television audience around the country fall silent, with mouths slightly agape. The realization dawns on them that this is not a man who should have a finger on the nuclear arsenal of the world's only remaining superpower. Or even be dealing with anyone who doesn't agree with him.
But this can't happen right? He wouldn't explode in public and do something that egregious, right?
And all this is making him angry. Really Angry. Finally, he gets interrupted one too many times by the young whipper-snapper from Illinois. McCain explodes. He curses and shouts. Perhaps even dropping in an epithet or two.
And the moderators, the crowd, the handlers backstage, the opponent on-stage, and the television audience around the country fall silent, with mouths slightly agape. The realization dawns on them that this is not a man who should have a finger on the nuclear arsenal of the world's only remaining superpower. Or even be dealing with anyone who doesn't agree with him.
But this can't happen right? He wouldn't explode in public and do something that egregious, right?
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Curious George
Sorry: I have shit to do today. I can't get the link to work. You should check out, if you haven't heard about it already - the news about these curious george t-shirts that say Obama in 08.
Zhi posted one blog on his google thing.
Where do you guys weigh in on this? I personally think, while maybe indelicate this whole thing is in no way racist. Its a fucking monkey - I understand this historical connotations of slaves as monkeys, but nonetheless. I don't think that is the point. The anti-defamation league... honestly?
Just wondering if you think I'm crazy or what.
Later
Zhi posted one blog on his google thing.
Where do you guys weigh in on this? I personally think, while maybe indelicate this whole thing is in no way racist. Its a fucking monkey - I understand this historical connotations of slaves as monkeys, but nonetheless. I don't think that is the point. The anti-defamation league... honestly?
Just wondering if you think I'm crazy or what.
Later
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Vegas Baby, Vegas!
Because I am a terrible event planner (and a terrible friend), I present to you my research an preparation for Vegas. By which I mean I'm stealing Azim, Ajay, and Alex's suggestions and reposting them in a more reply/comment friendly environment. Please put all future discussions here in the comment section.
Ajay:
So Azim and I were chatting last night and thought we should get this show on the road if it's going to happen this year. If Vegas is an option July 4th weekend, here are the details I gathered last night:
Dates: What are the preferences here? I was thinking July 3 (Thursday evening) - July 6.
Travel: Airfare is already getting on the expensive side, and it will probably vary based on where you're coming from. So we should buy tickets asap. It looks like there's been an industry wide price hike though partly because of higher fuel costs, so airfare would be expensive wherever we go.
Hotel: I looked at the Luxor, and Alex, Zhi, Fu, and I should be able to vouch for the fact that it's a pretty nice hotel in the medium price range. Based off the Luxor's own website prices, a pyramid deluxe room (with 2 queen beds, 4 people) comes to $750 including tax for 3 nights. This works out to ~$190 /person for the trip if we have 4 people in a room. In the event that we have only 6 total, we would get 2 rooms at $1500, which is still reasonable at $250/person.
That's pretty much all I got. If there are other ideas, lets here them. I looked into rafting on the grand canyon briefly at one point but it was like $2k.
Alex:
Thanks for taking the lead on this Ajay and Azim. Im pretty sure I can work it out. What do you guys want to do while we are there – just gamble and go to strip clubs for 4 days? We should find some cool shit to do – hint there is a world class climbing area we could go to one day like 15 miles away (called red rocks). Just an idea.
Also – We could stay at the Luxor – which is nice, but also at the end of the strip. I have no problem splitting a room 250/night with one other person. I don’t necessarily need to split a bed, but I would – I suppose. I know other people have different means financially. Also I would like to stay at either the MGM Grand or the Wynn – although people always say you can stay off the strip (read as best hotels) and spend all your time on it. Whatever – either way, I just propose that this time we don’t stay at the Excalibur!
There was also a post on KSK a while ago about a sick shooting range in vegas…
Im down with the dates – and no further organizing ( I will leave that up to you two) unless I can get buy-in on going climbing (it would probably be a cheaper activity than even watching zhi at the craps table) – I will organize that if it comes to fruition (sport climbing).
Rock on – lets do the Grand, when we are all rich!
Azim:
I would love to go climbing, but having never done it before so Alex
you may have to be a teacher. There are a few shows I'd be interested
in seeing over 4th of July weekend, if that's when we decide to go:
David Copperfield at MGM (I didn't realize he was still doing shows,
but think it might be cool)
Katt Williams at the Palms (this guy is absolutely hilarious, I would
actually really love to go to this)
UFC 86 at Mandalay Bay (not sure if anyone else is into this stuff,
but I like it)
As far as hotel I don't really care where we stay. I would like to
stay at one of the 5 stars sometime, but financially this might not be
the best time for everyone. I think Luxor looks pretty sweet. I would
go along with what you guys decide considering you've been to Vegas
before and I have not.
Ajay:
So Azim and I were chatting last night and thought we should get this show on the road if it's going to happen this year. If Vegas is an option July 4th weekend, here are the details I gathered last night:
Dates: What are the preferences here? I was thinking July 3 (Thursday evening) - July 6.
Travel: Airfare is already getting on the expensive side, and it will probably vary based on where you're coming from. So we should buy tickets asap. It looks like there's been an industry wide price hike though partly because of higher fuel costs, so airfare would be expensive wherever we go.
Hotel: I looked at the Luxor, and Alex, Zhi, Fu, and I should be able to vouch for the fact that it's a pretty nice hotel in the medium price range. Based off the Luxor's own website prices, a pyramid deluxe room (with 2 queen beds, 4 people) comes to $750 including tax for 3 nights. This works out to ~$190 /person for the trip if we have 4 people in a room. In the event that we have only 6 total, we would get 2 rooms at $1500, which is still reasonable at $250/person.
That's pretty much all I got. If there are other ideas, lets here them. I looked into rafting on the grand canyon briefly at one point but it was like $2k.
Alex:
Thanks for taking the lead on this Ajay and Azim. Im pretty sure I can work it out. What do you guys want to do while we are there – just gamble and go to strip clubs for 4 days? We should find some cool shit to do – hint there is a world class climbing area we could go to one day like 15 miles away (called red rocks). Just an idea.
Also – We could stay at the Luxor – which is nice, but also at the end of the strip. I have no problem splitting a room 250/night with one other person. I don’t necessarily need to split a bed, but I would – I suppose. I know other people have different means financially. Also I would like to stay at either the MGM Grand or the Wynn – although people always say you can stay off the strip (read as best hotels) and spend all your time on it. Whatever – either way, I just propose that this time we don’t stay at the Excalibur!
There was also a post on KSK a while ago about a sick shooting range in vegas…
Im down with the dates – and no further organizing ( I will leave that up to you two) unless I can get buy-in on going climbing (it would probably be a cheaper activity than even watching zhi at the craps table) – I will organize that if it comes to fruition (sport climbing).
Rock on – lets do the Grand, when we are all rich!
Azim:
I would love to go climbing, but having never done it before so Alex
you may have to be a teacher. There are a few shows I'd be interested
in seeing over 4th of July weekend, if that's when we decide to go:
David Copperfield at MGM (I didn't realize he was still doing shows,
but think it might be cool)
Katt Williams at the Palms (this guy is absolutely hilarious, I would
actually really love to go to this)
UFC 86 at Mandalay Bay (not sure if anyone else is into this stuff,
but I like it)
As far as hotel I don't really care where we stay. I would like to
stay at one of the 5 stars sometime, but financially this might not be
the best time for everyone. I think Luxor looks pretty sweet. I would
go along with what you guys decide considering you've been to Vegas
before and I have not.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Pics from my birthday weekend
What up all. I finally got these pictures uploaded to picasa. Check them out and post yours.
 |
| birthday weekend |
Monday, April 21, 2008
NYC
Anyone want to go to NYC in early June? I think I'm going to do a long weekend sometime between June 1-15 mostly in the city but possibly the Hamptons as well. This would be in addition to our in-the-works (vegas?) reunion, unless we all just wanted to meet up there instead.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Denver and Future Reunions
I got back from Denver this past Monday. Things I realized on this trip:
- I need to upgrade my apartment. Or at the very least, get real people furniture, not foof couches and hanging hooks for my Rock Band instruments.
- Colorado can go through two seasons of weather in 12 hours.
- Rock climbing is an extremely fun and challenging activity. I realize why people get so much of a kick out of it. It's all about the challenge and how you overcome the rock and yourself. Here's where we went by the way.
- Alex may very well be the baddest motherf*cker I have ever known.
I am going to start doing some research for some reunion trip ideas. As I put together a budget and pseudo-plan for each destination/activity, I will make it post of it here. First up, Vegas. If you guys have any feelings one way or the other, please comment. If you have different suggestions, make a post.
laters.
- I need to upgrade my apartment. Or at the very least, get real people furniture, not foof couches and hanging hooks for my Rock Band instruments.
- Colorado can go through two seasons of weather in 12 hours.
- Rock climbing is an extremely fun and challenging activity. I realize why people get so much of a kick out of it. It's all about the challenge and how you overcome the rock and yourself. Here's where we went by the way.
- Alex may very well be the baddest motherf*cker I have ever known.
I am going to start doing some research for some reunion trip ideas. As I put together a budget and pseudo-plan for each destination/activity, I will make it post of it here. First up, Vegas. If you guys have any feelings one way or the other, please comment. If you have different suggestions, make a post.
laters.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
The Last Lecture
ABC is showing a special regarding Randy Pausch and the lecture that Alex posted previously. It airs this Wednesday (4/9) at 10pm EST. I had actually thought about taking one of his classes while we were undergrads and now wish that I had.
In case you didn't know I have decided to go back to CMU for my masters. It was an easy decision to make once I had made my campus visits.
In case you didn't know I have decided to go back to CMU for my masters. It was an easy decision to make once I had made my campus visits.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Google, FTW!
I just saw this sign on US-101 on my way to work today:
"Sherlock had Watson. You have us." (see for yourself)
The ad was for MSN. It seems clever at first, but what does it actually mean?
"Sherlock Holmes, great fictional detective of the highest mental caliber, has less intelligent foil, side-kick, and narrator of his stories."
Seriously, all Watson did in any of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's tales was listen to Holmes explain his masterful deduction of the truth from his observations, carry a gun to protect him, and relate the fantastic tales for us, the reader. How does this equate to being a good online service? Especially one that wants to help you search for information and truth?
As a general note, literary and popular culture references are all good and fine in my book, but at least take the time to do some research and know what you're talking about. Had the allusion been: "Watson had Holmes. You have MSN", it might have worked. This also applies to you, Hillary Clinton, Rocky, the heavy under-dog (who's white by the way), loses to Apollo Creed (who's black by the way). So either you're saying you're going to take a moral victory out of this whole ordeal by lasting till the convention while reconciling with Bill, or you have terrible taste in movies (Rocky wins in II, III, IV, and V).
"Sherlock had Watson. You have us." (see for yourself)
The ad was for MSN. It seems clever at first, but what does it actually mean?
"Sherlock Holmes, great fictional detective of the highest mental caliber, has less intelligent foil, side-kick, and narrator of his stories."
Seriously, all Watson did in any of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's tales was listen to Holmes explain his masterful deduction of the truth from his observations, carry a gun to protect him, and relate the fantastic tales for us, the reader. How does this equate to being a good online service? Especially one that wants to help you search for information and truth?
As a general note, literary and popular culture references are all good and fine in my book, but at least take the time to do some research and know what you're talking about. Had the allusion been: "Watson had Holmes. You have MSN", it might have worked. This also applies to you, Hillary Clinton, Rocky, the heavy under-dog (who's white by the way), loses to Apollo Creed (who's black by the way). So either you're saying you're going to take a moral victory out of this whole ordeal by lasting till the convention while reconciling with Bill, or you have terrible taste in movies (Rocky wins in II, III, IV, and V).
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Going to Denver
I'm headed to Denver on 11-April, then coming back that Monday morning (14-April, straight to work!). It is Alex's B-Day, and I kind of need to get out of town for a while. It should be a fun mini-reunion.
I recommend anyone join me if they want. For any of the Bay Area folks, I can drive you back from the airport on Monday, or to there on Friday if need be.
My itinerary:
Apr 11 Fri
OAK-DEN 1576
Depart Oakland (OAK) at 5:15 PM
Arrive in Denver (DEN) at 8:40 PM
Apr 14 Mon
DEN-OAK 3227
Depart Denver (DEN) at 7:10 AM
Arrive in Oakland (OAK) at 9:00 AM
I recommend anyone join me if they want. For any of the Bay Area folks, I can drive you back from the airport on Monday, or to there on Friday if need be.
My itinerary:
Apr 11 Fri
OAK-DEN 1576
Depart Oakland (OAK) at 5:15 PM
Arrive in Denver (DEN) at 8:40 PM
Apr 14 Mon
DEN-OAK 3227
Depart Denver (DEN) at 7:10 AM
Arrive in Oakland (OAK) at 9:00 AM
Stupid Philly
As I was watching that God-awful performance of the Phillies pitching staff yesterday (11 R to the Nationals? Really?), and I grew to realize that that sight might become a more familiar presence in my day to day, I just couldn't take it any more. There are 161 games left in this season. Any reasonable person looks at this team and sees that beyond Cole Hamels, no one on that team has any legitimate shot of doing anything besides losing us games. Yeah, I know there's reason for hope with Rhino, JRoll, and of course, the devilishly handsome Chase "So Dreamy" Utley, but you can't expect to win all your games 12-11. So it got me to thinking. That team is gonna lose 80, 90, maybe even 100 games this year. And even if they win 88 games again like last year, make the playoffs, what are they gonna do? Chances are, of the 8 teams that make the post-season, the Phils are not gonna be the luckiest, or the best. So why do I do it any more? That is a sound question. I've got a job now. I've got a life that requires time and effort, things I can no longer afford to waste on some stupid childish fantasy of hopefully witnessing a parade down Broad St.
So I thought about it. If I'm gonna have time to grow up, and mature, then I'm gonna have to make some sacrifices. I can't watch MLB.tv games during work, can't obsess over news feeds and blogs. I want to do well at my job and get a better job. I want to read more. I want to travel more. I want to learn more. I want to get in shape. I want to focus on self-improvement, and all being a fan of the Phillies has done is made me focus on self-destruction. Yeah, they've provided me some of the best moments in my life, but after those moments pass, I realize how empty it was for me to be rooting for 25 paid mercenaries just because they happen to wear the uniform of the team I used to like.
All the reasons are there. I guess I finally just came to admit it. I, Zhi Qiao, effective immediately, on this day, do give up on the Philadelphia Phillies. There's no reason to be happy when they win, or sad when they lose. I won't watch them, listen to them, or read about them any more. It's just too painful. Oh, I'll maybe catch a game here and there, but it won't matter who is playing. I just want to watch baseball now socially, casually. I won't care to be right all the time about sports, it's just a game. I think I'll just root for whatever team happens to be the most local to me, just for kicks. That is the best strategy now, changing teams isn't so bad.
I think this will be good for me. I'll have more time to enjoy the other pursuits in life. I think this may also carry over into my other obsession, the Eagles. They are even more of a time-suck. Yeah, I feel better already! More time, less stress. I love it.
So I thought about it. If I'm gonna have time to grow up, and mature, then I'm gonna have to make some sacrifices. I can't watch MLB.tv games during work, can't obsess over news feeds and blogs. I want to do well at my job and get a better job. I want to read more. I want to travel more. I want to learn more. I want to get in shape. I want to focus on self-improvement, and all being a fan of the Phillies has done is made me focus on self-destruction. Yeah, they've provided me some of the best moments in my life, but after those moments pass, I realize how empty it was for me to be rooting for 25 paid mercenaries just because they happen to wear the uniform of the team I used to like.
All the reasons are there. I guess I finally just came to admit it. I, Zhi Qiao, effective immediately, on this day, do give up on the Philadelphia Phillies. There's no reason to be happy when they win, or sad when they lose. I won't watch them, listen to them, or read about them any more. It's just too painful. Oh, I'll maybe catch a game here and there, but it won't matter who is playing. I just want to watch baseball now socially, casually. I won't care to be right all the time about sports, it's just a game. I think I'll just root for whatever team happens to be the most local to me, just for kicks. That is the best strategy now, changing teams isn't so bad.
I think this will be good for me. I'll have more time to enjoy the other pursuits in life. I think this may also carry over into my other obsession, the Eagles. They are even more of a time-suck. Yeah, I feel better already! More time, less stress. I love it.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Randy Pausch
Very interesting. This came to me from non-cmu sources.
I didn't know him - he co-founded the ETC at CMU.
pretty cool.
Check it out.
http://ritheshswamy.blogspot.com/2007/10/prof-randy-pauchs-last-speech-how-to.html
I didn't know him - he co-founded the ETC at CMU.
pretty cool.
Check it out.
http://ritheshswamy.blogspot.com/2007/10/prof-randy-pauchs-last-speech-how-to.html
Monday, March 24, 2008
Fuck You
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/world/AP-Iraq.html
Fuck you, George W. Bush.
Fuck you, Dick Cheney.
Fuck you, Donald Rumsfeld.
Fuck you, Paul Wolfowitz.
Fuck you, Condoleezza Rice.
Fuck you, Failed Strategy.
Fuck you, Mismanaged Planning.
Fuck you, Colin Powell and the other silent accomplices.
Fuck you, Congress for voting for military action.
Fuck you, Democrats for voting to continue funding the action and for your general lack of backbone.
Fuck you, Mainstream Media for believing the crap you were fed and not checking the sources.
Fuck you, John McCain for thinking '100 years' in Iraq is acceptable, for supporting W and the war, and for then lying to the public about how you are some kind of 'maverick'
Fuck you, American Voter (myself included) for your blind ignorance.
Each and every one of us could have done something more, could have made more of an effort. Individually, it may have achieved nothing.
Collectively, we are complicit in the death of 4000 Patriots.
Fuck You.
Fuck you, George W. Bush.
Fuck you, Dick Cheney.
Fuck you, Donald Rumsfeld.
Fuck you, Paul Wolfowitz.
Fuck you, Condoleezza Rice.
Fuck you, Failed Strategy.
Fuck you, Mismanaged Planning.
Fuck you, Colin Powell and the other silent accomplices.
Fuck you, Congress for voting for military action.
Fuck you, Democrats for voting to continue funding the action and for your general lack of backbone.
Fuck you, Mainstream Media for believing the crap you were fed and not checking the sources.
Fuck you, John McCain for thinking '100 years' in Iraq is acceptable, for supporting W and the war, and for then lying to the public about how you are some kind of 'maverick'
Fuck you, American Voter (myself included) for your blind ignorance.
Each and every one of us could have done something more, could have made more of an effort. Individually, it may have achieved nothing.
Collectively, we are complicit in the death of 4000 Patriots.
Fuck You.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Who is worse - Limbaugh or O'reilly
As a footnote to zhi's post on what a righteous douchebag Bill O-reilly is, I just have to clear the air, that a lot of conservative nonsense does get massive amounts of airtime. It is certainly sad that most liberals are forced to get their news from the likes of John Stewart and Steven Colbert.
But that is beside the point.
This http://feeds.mediamatters.org/~r/mediamatters/latest/~3/255813703/200803210012
got posted something like yesterday. I listen to talk radio to and from work. It just so happens that often around lunch time Rush is on, and making an absolute fool of himself, twisting, generally the liberal right news, because he has nothing else to talk about, and generally glorifying himself in his own eyes as much as anyone else I have ever seen. I get only marginal satisfaction from realizing that he honestly thinks he is as great as he says he is, and I try and listen to understand some of the conservative talking points, but sometimes this is even hard to bear. While OReilly is a much bigger rabble rouser and known instigator, but Rush Limbaugh is just a fucking carpetbagger.
Please weigh in.
But that is beside the point.
This http://feeds.mediamatters.org/~r/mediamatters/latest/~3/255813703/200803210012
got posted something like yesterday. I listen to talk radio to and from work. It just so happens that often around lunch time Rush is on, and making an absolute fool of himself, twisting, generally the liberal right news, because he has nothing else to talk about, and generally glorifying himself in his own eyes as much as anyone else I have ever seen. I get only marginal satisfaction from realizing that he honestly thinks he is as great as he says he is, and I try and listen to understand some of the conservative talking points, but sometimes this is even hard to bear. While OReilly is a much bigger rabble rouser and known instigator, but Rush Limbaugh is just a fucking carpetbagger.
Please weigh in.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Obama - For a more perfect union speech
If you do nothing else to increase your political awareness over the next week, you should take 37 minutes and listen to the speech Obama made yesterday in Philadelphia addressing among many other things, accusations about having reverend Jeremiah Wright as a minister and spiritual advisor.
The link is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWe7wTVbLUU
I have been an Obama supporter all along, because I felt that this country needed a statesman that could express his/herself eloquently and be a leader (visually, orally and intellectually) in repairing our image as Americans at home and abroad.
To me, this speech represented not only an acute understanding of the issues that I believe are important in this campaign cycle (with the exception of maybe net neutrality - Zhi!), but also one of the most candid, straightforward and intelligent political pieces of my adult experience. What is most important to me, is that Barack Obama finally took a stand for something. And that stand was for the most important things I can think of - truth, honesty and integrity. I no longer hope that Obama will be elected, but am trying to figure out how I can also help to make sure he is our next president. It goes along the lines of a moral imperative.
Taking a step back for a moment, my concern is that this oration will also act as a polarizing force for his campaign. People are generally uncomfortable with candid discussion of race, religion, the roles those things play in modern life, and what is more, candid discussion of this country's failures. I hope there are enough people that feel as I do.
I also was impressed by Obama's humility in this speech, and by his clear message that no one can promise to truly fix anything in one campaign cycle, but that it is "a START". His effort is for "a more perfect union" so that future generations will be better off than ours and his. This is a message that I support.
It is also worthwhile to read what response he is getting to his speech.
Here is a Washington post article with commenters: http://blog.washingtonpost.com/dot.comments/2008/03/post_11.html
I have not included the many other sources I have read in relation to the speech this morning - but rest assured they are out there, but it is really funny to hear some people talk about Wright's sermons, like they were there every Sunday for 20 years and heard all the vile things the man said. Obviously, that wasn't happening. They use all these "sermons" as an indictment of Obama's character.
Additionally, it is interesting to try and get a feeling for the people who support and do not support his rhetoric. Read the syntax and word choice carefully in these comments. As I feared the speech went over the heads of much of the collective masses, but was a moving dialog to many intellectuals.
The net-net of this post. If are college educated, you should listen to as much of this speech as possible. I found it enlightening.
The link is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWe7wTVbLUU
I have been an Obama supporter all along, because I felt that this country needed a statesman that could express his/herself eloquently and be a leader (visually, orally and intellectually) in repairing our image as Americans at home and abroad.
To me, this speech represented not only an acute understanding of the issues that I believe are important in this campaign cycle (with the exception of maybe net neutrality - Zhi!), but also one of the most candid, straightforward and intelligent political pieces of my adult experience. What is most important to me, is that Barack Obama finally took a stand for something. And that stand was for the most important things I can think of - truth, honesty and integrity. I no longer hope that Obama will be elected, but am trying to figure out how I can also help to make sure he is our next president. It goes along the lines of a moral imperative.
Taking a step back for a moment, my concern is that this oration will also act as a polarizing force for his campaign. People are generally uncomfortable with candid discussion of race, religion, the roles those things play in modern life, and what is more, candid discussion of this country's failures. I hope there are enough people that feel as I do.
I also was impressed by Obama's humility in this speech, and by his clear message that no one can promise to truly fix anything in one campaign cycle, but that it is "a START". His effort is for "a more perfect union" so that future generations will be better off than ours and his. This is a message that I support.
It is also worthwhile to read what response he is getting to his speech.
Here is a Washington post article with commenters: http://blog.washingtonpost.com/dot.comments/2008/03/post_11.html
I have not included the many other sources I have read in relation to the speech this morning - but rest assured they are out there, but it is really funny to hear some people talk about Wright's sermons, like they were there every Sunday for 20 years and heard all the vile things the man said. Obviously, that wasn't happening. They use all these "sermons" as an indictment of Obama's character.
Additionally, it is interesting to try and get a feeling for the people who support and do not support his rhetoric. Read the syntax and word choice carefully in these comments. As I feared the speech went over the heads of much of the collective masses, but was a moving dialog to many intellectuals.
The net-net of this post. If are college educated, you should listen to as much of this speech as possible. I found it enlightening.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
What Does Internet Mean To You?
There has been a lot of talk this campaign cycle about health care, Iraq, and the economy. There also a lot of topics which haven't been talked about as much like education and Social Security. That's bound to happen. Those are big issues that get attention in cycles. There has however been one very important issue that has not been discussed at all: Net Neutrality.
I wanted to write this post to draw some measure of attention to it. If not only to you guys who will read this, but also to hopefully so that you'll spread it around to interested people as well. This is a supremely important issue, especially to us. We all love the Internet, and my livelihood depends on it. In fact, I would say that it's not just a hobby or passion anymore, it's become a way of life for our generation. So to lose it would be devastating to our and future generations. I can't really explain it as well as this video I've found, but when guys likeVint Cerf and Tim Berners-Lee talk about the future of the Internet, I listen.
Go watch it now, and save the rest of this post for later. It's that important.
Good, you're back. So if that issue worries you, you should see what the major candidates have to say about it:
Obama
McCain
Clinton
This is one issue where small government lassiez-faire will not do. No Senator McCain, we can't just see what will happen. This is too important to our collective future and the future of free speech.
Just in case you needed another reason to vote Democrat this year.
Notes:
I got the video courtesy of Jasper.
I wanted to write this post to draw some measure of attention to it. If not only to you guys who will read this, but also to hopefully so that you'll spread it around to interested people as well. This is a supremely important issue, especially to us. We all love the Internet, and my livelihood depends on it. In fact, I would say that it's not just a hobby or passion anymore, it's become a way of life for our generation. So to lose it would be devastating to our and future generations. I can't really explain it as well as this video I've found, but when guys likeVint Cerf and Tim Berners-Lee talk about the future of the Internet, I listen.
Go watch it now, and save the rest of this post for later. It's that important.
Good, you're back. So if that issue worries you, you should see what the major candidates have to say about it:
Obama
McCain
Clinton
This is one issue where small government lassiez-faire will not do. No Senator McCain, we can't just see what will happen. This is too important to our collective future and the future of free speech.
Just in case you needed another reason to vote Democrat this year.
Notes:
I got the video courtesy of Jasper.
Monday, March 10, 2008
That's more like it
I received acceptance letters today from CMU, GA Tech, and Indiana. I'm going to spend the next few weeks deciding on where to go. Right now I'm considering CMU, GA Tech, and Michigan.
My hesitation is that CMU's program is one year long, which is awesome financially. However, this is a slight career change for me and I think I would benefit from a two-year program. That being said, I could just as easily learn on the job and start gaining real-world experience sooner (and probably secure a better job) going to CMU. If any of you guys have advice I would really appreciate it. Also, thanks again for all your help with my apps... it obviously paid off!
My hesitation is that CMU's program is one year long, which is awesome financially. However, this is a slight career change for me and I think I would benefit from a two-year program. That being said, I could just as easily learn on the job and start gaining real-world experience sooner (and probably secure a better job) going to CMU. If any of you guys have advice I would really appreciate it. Also, thanks again for all your help with my apps... it obviously paid off!
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Update
No go on Berkeley... oh well. It's starting to look like I'm going to end up at Michigan. Honestly, I'm extremely happy with that option but I just read my UCB rejection letter like 12 seconds ago so it's hard to be too excited. Go Blue!! I'm still waiting to hear from several programs including CMU, but like most of you guys I have no desire to go back.
I think it's time we start thinking about a summer trip again. Justin's idea of an extended 4th of July gathering sounds like it would work out pretty well. I am free most of the summer so I'm down for whenever is most convenient for the group. Some ideas I've had: Hawaii, Europe, Vegas, cruise (Caribbean), backpacking/camping somewhere in no man's land USA.
Chime in gents!
I think it's time we start thinking about a summer trip again. Justin's idea of an extended 4th of July gathering sounds like it would work out pretty well. I am free most of the summer so I'm down for whenever is most convenient for the group. Some ideas I've had: Hawaii, Europe, Vegas, cruise (Caribbean), backpacking/camping somewhere in no man's land USA.
Chime in gents!
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Can it get better?
From those recommended shows:
Am best dance crews- jaba all the way!
Dexter = brilliant. I have finished the two seasons, and am sad that its over
Breaking Bad - just started, but i can tell that i will enjoy it
Californication - watched a few episodes and i have to say that compared to the rest, not quite up to par
In the coming weeks i plan to comment more on these shows, and if i find others good ones i will post as well. What were your opinions of them?
Am best dance crews- jaba all the way!
Dexter = brilliant. I have finished the two seasons, and am sad that its over
Breaking Bad - just started, but i can tell that i will enjoy it
Californication - watched a few episodes and i have to say that compared to the rest, not quite up to par
In the coming weeks i plan to comment more on these shows, and if i find others good ones i will post as well. What were your opinions of them?
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
bit torrents
I know I asked while we were in Cali, but what are you guys using for torrent search engines right now.
I haven't used pirate bay in a while.
Sometimes mininova.org
Dont know where to go to find these shows everyone is talking about.
Cheers,
Alex
I haven't used pirate bay in a while.
Sometimes mininova.org
Dont know where to go to find these shows everyone is talking about.
Cheers,
Alex
Sunday, March 2, 2008
It's Been Awhile
Yeah. Thus far I've been a contributor in name only, so here goes. First, I'd like to thank all the boys who made it out to the Bay last weekend. Good times. Nice photographs, glad they finally made it up.
So to all those who don't know, my first day of work is today (about 8 hours from now). I've a fantastic time since I graduated last November, and to be honest, have forgotten what real work is. I can't say I'm looking forward to it that much - the work part - but we'll see. Guess you gotta grow up sometime. Maybe it's just about passing the day reading blogs like I've always done.
There shall be more substantial content from me in the near future. In the meantime, I'd like to share my delight with you all about Asante Samuel being signed by the Eagles.
So to all those who don't know, my first day of work is today (about 8 hours from now). I've a fantastic time since I graduated last November, and to be honest, have forgotten what real work is. I can't say I'm looking forward to it that much - the work part - but we'll see. Guess you gotta grow up sometime. Maybe it's just about passing the day reading blogs like I've always done.
There shall be more substantial content from me in the near future. In the meantime, I'd like to share my delight with you all about Asante Samuel being signed by the Eagles.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Tv-shows
For those thats didnt manage to write down titles of shows discussed over the weekend, here is what i remember:
1. Californication
2. Breaking Bad
3. The Wire
4. America's Best Dance Crews
5. Dexter
Out of these, i have only had time to check out Dexter so far, and i have to say that I throughly enjoying it. The premise of the show is not only different from most things i watch, but also very intriguing. I can't remember who suggested it to me, but thanks.
Here are websites that i have found that host the show (as well as many others):
www.alluc.org
www.fanpop.com
www.tvokay.com
Also, can someone explain to me the discussion about how to make a router better?
1. Californication
2. Breaking Bad
3. The Wire
4. America's Best Dance Crews
5. Dexter
Out of these, i have only had time to check out Dexter so far, and i have to say that I throughly enjoying it. The premise of the show is not only different from most things i watch, but also very intriguing. I can't remember who suggested it to me, but thanks.
Here are websites that i have found that host the show (as well as many others):
www.alluc.org
www.fanpop.com
www.tvokay.com
Also, can someone explain to me the discussion about how to make a router better?
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Okay I try again idjiot. LINK TO MY SPECIAL PICTURE PAGE <------ ME = DUMB
also how do you guys feel, about having pictures circulating on the internet with you holding guns? ahahha
also how do you guys feel, about having pictures circulating on the internet with you holding guns? ahahha
pictures take 2
I can try to post the photos again to the blog, but as you can probably see, I have been having some trouble getting them up there. Here is the link to my public picasa site.
There are the dope pics from this weekend and also of my new digs in denver. I also FYI took some of your advice and reflashed the firmware on my gay WRT54G v.8 router. So far it has been working amazingly better. No fails since I did it, and I have tried hooking everything I can think of up to it. Now we will see when my TV gets here, if xbox live works without fail.
I think I will try and post the pics anyway because i'm like that.
Good f*ing weekend gents. Im in for whenever we can get that down again. Maybe a little more low key spending wise but all the same I am in. And I have space in Denver.
Cheers,
Alex
There are the dope pics from this weekend and also of my new digs in denver. I also FYI took some of your advice and reflashed the firmware on my gay WRT54G v.8 router. So far it has been working amazingly better. No fails since I did it, and I have tried hooking everything I can think of up to it. Now we will see when my TV gets here, if xbox live works without fail.
I think I will try and post the pics anyway because i'm like that.
Good f*ing weekend gents. Im in for whenever we can get that down again. Maybe a little more low key spending wise but all the same I am in. And I have space in Denver.
Cheers,
Alex
Alternate Lives
I was talking with Kanna about this over the weekend. I think that to a certain extend, we've been denied some rites of passage by the very prosperity and good fortune we enjoy. Understanding that we were all graduates of a good college with stable families and support structures, we basically skipped over a 'drifting' or 'apprenticeship' phase that many people our age are still struggling through. I've been thinking about the things that I have thought about doing. Not things I wish I did, because do enjoy my current situation and all, just things that I may want to look back upon in 20 years and say, 'yeah, I did that, and let me tell you...' I'm sure I'll romanticize much of the gritty details, but this is just a blog.
My list:
- Being a bartender: I'm sure it would suck to have to clean up vomit and kick out bums at 2AM everyday, but haven't you ever wondered about how many interesting people you'd meed and how many fascinating stories you'd hear?
- Work in professional kitchen: This one's personal to me, because I've gotten a newfound itch to be professional chef. The hours and work would suck, but think about the glory!
- Peace Corp: Who wouldn't want to help refugees, spread good will, and contract malaria?
- Marines: I'e always wanted to be a Marine. Not to kill people and all, but when people know someone is an ex-marine, they just look at them different, as if at any moment, the post-traumatic stress could kick in and things would go off. Also, think of the career possibilities afterwards! Law enforcement, private security, or career military!
- Musician: Like hard-core rock star. Whether it's living in a van or pleasuring groupies with a mudshark (http://www.snopes.com/music/artists/mudshark.asp), that would be the life. Never mind that I don't have any talent.
- Political activist: Something very appealing about being with like-minded, young, idealists. Especially if they're hot and put out.
What do you guys got?
My list:
- Being a bartender: I'm sure it would suck to have to clean up vomit and kick out bums at 2AM everyday, but haven't you ever wondered about how many interesting people you'd meed and how many fascinating stories you'd hear?
- Work in professional kitchen: This one's personal to me, because I've gotten a newfound itch to be professional chef. The hours and work would suck, but think about the glory!
- Peace Corp: Who wouldn't want to help refugees, spread good will, and contract malaria?
- Marines: I'e always wanted to be a Marine. Not to kill people and all, but when people know someone is an ex-marine, they just look at them different, as if at any moment, the post-traumatic stress could kick in and things would go off. Also, think of the career possibilities afterwards! Law enforcement, private security, or career military!
- Musician: Like hard-core rock star. Whether it's living in a van or pleasuring groupies with a mudshark (http://www.snopes.com/music/artists/mudshark.asp), that would be the life. Never mind that I don't have any talent.
- Political activist: Something very appealing about being with like-minded, young, idealists. Especially if they're hot and put out.
What do you guys got?
Recommended Reading
This past 'Boys Weekend' was quite fun. I enjoyed it a lot and wish it could happen more often.
As I promised, I'd shard with you all some of the blogs that I use to populate my Google Reader, and thus steal away the productive hours of my day from Google.
Blog
- Feed URL (so you can paste it directly into your favorite RSS Aggregator)
- Unsolicited Commentary
xkcd
- http://xkcd.com/atom.xml
- if you're not reading this, you're not a nerd
w00t!
- http://www.woot.com/blog/rss.aspx
- not really news, but who doesn't want cheap crap?
Wondermark Lite
- http://feeds.feedburner.com/wondermark
- hi-larious
FAIL blog
- http://failblog.wordpress.com/feed/
- schadenfreude
Stuff White People Like
- http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.wordpress.com/feed/
- also hi-larious
Bruce Schneier
- http://feeds.feedburner.com/schneier/fulltext
- if you don't read this, you don't care about privacy and security. You should, because it's some scary stuff.
KSK
- http://kissmesuzy.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default
- I read it more than I do Deadspin, but basically the same as Deadspin
Deadspin
- http://feeds.gawker.com/deadspin/full
- the aforementioned
Media Matters
- http://feeds.mediamatters.org/mediamatters/latest
- monitoring the mainstream media
Crooks & Liars
- http://feeds.feedburner.com/crooksandliars/YaCP
- why we should all move to Canada
You can also create feeds from NYT.com, ESPN.com and so on. But I just put the few blogs that have captured my attention so far.
As I promised, I'd shard with you all some of the blogs that I use to populate my Google Reader, and thus steal away the productive hours of my day from Google.
Blog
- Feed URL (so you can paste it directly into your favorite RSS Aggregator)
- Unsolicited Commentary
xkcd
- http://xkcd.com/atom.xml
- if you're not reading this, you're not a nerd
w00t!
- http://www.woot.com/blog/rss.aspx
- not really news, but who doesn't want cheap crap?
Wondermark Lite
- http://feeds.feedburner.com/wondermark
- hi-larious
FAIL blog
- http://failblog.wordpress.com/feed/
- schadenfreude
Stuff White People Like
- http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.wordpress.com/feed/
- also hi-larious
Bruce Schneier
- http://feeds.feedburner.com/schneier/fulltext
- if you don't read this, you don't care about privacy and security. You should, because it's some scary stuff.
KSK
- http://kissmesuzy.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default
- I read it more than I do Deadspin, but basically the same as Deadspin
Deadspin
- http://feeds.gawker.com/deadspin/full
- the aforementioned
Media Matters
- http://feeds.mediamatters.org/mediamatters/latest
- monitoring the mainstream media
Crooks & Liars
- http://feeds.feedburner.com/crooksandliars/YaCP
- why we should all move to Canada
You can also create feeds from NYT.com, ESPN.com and so on. But I just put the few blogs that have captured my attention so far.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Thursday, February 21, 2008
A Small Measure of Enlightenment
It used to really rile me up that people like Bill O'Reilly and John Gibson had jobs. Not only jobs, but well-paying, high-profile jobs that could help them coerce women to sexually fondle them with loofahs (remember that Bill?). It was a mixture of anger at how they would boldly lie, bully, take out of context, and deliberately spread propaganda on behalf of the neo-con right wing of the Republican party and their masters Rupert Murdoch and Roger Ailes. I couldn't stand how they could be so wrong, and how so many people could listen to them and assume what they said had any bearing on reality. Most of all, I was panicked that the people who did listen to these idiots and those like them would go out and vote and perhaps breed to create more people to vote like them. This scared me to no end as I saw the country descend into a murky abyss where we'd spend more time debating gay marriage and saying 'Merry Christmas' than on important things like the national deficit, global politics, and of course Congressional hearings on steroids in MLB.
But recently things changed. I attribute this newfound enlightenment to a number of possible factors. Perhaps I realized that life is short and my time is too valuable to waste being angry about these things I cannot change. I just go about assuming that 50% of all the things Bill O'Reilly says are flat out wrong, and the other 50% is not worth knowing. Or at least, not worth knowing from him. I can't change the fact that someone chose to give him a show to vent his vitrol, but I can control whether I pay him any attention. I would make some analogy to a wound that would heal if you stopped paying attention to it, but really, most cuts on the roof of my mouth have 10 times more impact on my day to day than Bill O'Reilly. He can't make me angry if I don't watch him or pay attention to the things he says. And there's no reason for me to pay attention to the things he says. In light of this, why bother?
Maybe some of the ability to push people like Papa Bear out of my mind comes from the fact that I understand why he is the way he is and why he makes me angry. Part of it may come from the man that calls O'Reilly by that mocking pet name, Stephen Colbert. When the Colbert Report launched, it cemented in my mind the fact that the O'Reilly Factor and shows of that ilk are designed to make me angry. They are based on the cult of personality. The show sells to people who see the character as a caricature of their own beliefs and feelings, someone who is the larger than life embodiment of your personal opinions. The problem is the only way he can maintain his personality is to be belligerent, provoking an emotional response. If people like him engaged you on an intellectual or rational level, he'd no longer be a personality. Therefore he has to engage you on a baser instinct. In order to do that, he has to get more and more absurd, more and more outrageous. There is not limit to how insane you can sound. There is a limit to when the majority of rational people stop listening to you. (This is part of my 20-60-20 idea, but that is for another time, another post.) As people tuned him out, he's had to become more controversial to try and keep his current fans and try and attract new ones. But one day, he'll have tuned out enough rational Americans that he'll have no angry, stammering, callers who call in and try and make a counter-point, and with no one to shout at, his nonsense is awfully silent. Normally I would pity a fool on an errand of diminishing returns, but it would take a lot for me to pity Bill O'Reilly.
As for the Fox News faithful, the legions of the unwashed uninformed, I don't mind it so much. If a reasonably literate person here in the United States, with the access we have to knowledge and information, still decides to get their news from talking heads, then there's not enough reason inside that person's head for it to be worthwhile to debate them. They just do not have the frame of reference needed to do anything except make you angry; you can't debate the size of the equator if your opponent does not agree that the earth is flat. What is accomplished by trying to persuade or argue with a person that believes this stuff? More importantly, as the talking heads have gotten more out of hand, the fewer people are already listening to them. As per this, http://mediamatters.org/columns/200801290001, albeit Media Matters is a very left-leaning blog, a lot of their reasons make sense. Even the Democratic party has gotten wise to the fact that there is no point in debating on Fox News. They won't listen and they won't let you speak, so how can you change their minds?
So, in light of all this, let old Bill O off the hook. It's ok, he knows he's wrong, but it's too late now. If he starts being reasonable, his whole world would collapse.
But recently things changed. I attribute this newfound enlightenment to a number of possible factors. Perhaps I realized that life is short and my time is too valuable to waste being angry about these things I cannot change. I just go about assuming that 50% of all the things Bill O'Reilly says are flat out wrong, and the other 50% is not worth knowing. Or at least, not worth knowing from him. I can't change the fact that someone chose to give him a show to vent his vitrol, but I can control whether I pay him any attention. I would make some analogy to a wound that would heal if you stopped paying attention to it, but really, most cuts on the roof of my mouth have 10 times more impact on my day to day than Bill O'Reilly. He can't make me angry if I don't watch him or pay attention to the things he says. And there's no reason for me to pay attention to the things he says. In light of this, why bother?
Maybe some of the ability to push people like Papa Bear out of my mind comes from the fact that I understand why he is the way he is and why he makes me angry. Part of it may come from the man that calls O'Reilly by that mocking pet name, Stephen Colbert. When the Colbert Report launched, it cemented in my mind the fact that the O'Reilly Factor and shows of that ilk are designed to make me angry. They are based on the cult of personality. The show sells to people who see the character as a caricature of their own beliefs and feelings, someone who is the larger than life embodiment of your personal opinions. The problem is the only way he can maintain his personality is to be belligerent, provoking an emotional response. If people like him engaged you on an intellectual or rational level, he'd no longer be a personality. Therefore he has to engage you on a baser instinct. In order to do that, he has to get more and more absurd, more and more outrageous. There is not limit to how insane you can sound. There is a limit to when the majority of rational people stop listening to you. (This is part of my 20-60-20 idea, but that is for another time, another post.) As people tuned him out, he's had to become more controversial to try and keep his current fans and try and attract new ones. But one day, he'll have tuned out enough rational Americans that he'll have no angry, stammering, callers who call in and try and make a counter-point, and with no one to shout at, his nonsense is awfully silent. Normally I would pity a fool on an errand of diminishing returns, but it would take a lot for me to pity Bill O'Reilly.
As for the Fox News faithful, the legions of the unwashed uninformed, I don't mind it so much. If a reasonably literate person here in the United States, with the access we have to knowledge and information, still decides to get their news from talking heads, then there's not enough reason inside that person's head for it to be worthwhile to debate them. They just do not have the frame of reference needed to do anything except make you angry; you can't debate the size of the equator if your opponent does not agree that the earth is flat. What is accomplished by trying to persuade or argue with a person that believes this stuff? More importantly, as the talking heads have gotten more out of hand, the fewer people are already listening to them. As per this, http://mediamatters.org/columns/200801290001, albeit Media Matters is a very left-leaning blog, a lot of their reasons make sense. Even the Democratic party has gotten wise to the fact that there is no point in debating on Fox News. They won't listen and they won't let you speak, so how can you change their minds?
So, in light of all this, let old Bill O off the hook. It's ok, he knows he's wrong, but it's too late now. If he starts being reasonable, his whole world would collapse.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Grad School Status
I thought I would create a list of the schools I applied to for graduate school and keep you guys updated on the status. In rough order of preference:
Berkeley - Denied
CMU - Accepted <----- Going Here
Michigan - Accepted
Indiana - Accepted
Texas - Accepted
Georgia Tech - Accepted
San Jose St - Accepted
Thanks to all of you guys who helped me out with my applications. I'll update here as I receive more responses.
Berkeley - Denied
CMU - Accepted <----- Going Here
Michigan - Accepted
Indiana - Accepted
Texas - Accepted
Georgia Tech - Accepted
San Jose St - Accepted
Thanks to all of you guys who helped me out with my applications. I'll update here as I receive more responses.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Reactions to politics
In reaction to the discussion about the W state of the union address, which by all my understanding, was basically foolish. Bush in effect, tried to legitimate his presidential legacy (in a positive way) - which I didn't think was possible, to put a spin on the last 8 years in a positive light. This totally ignores the fact, that he misused the STATE OF THE UNION address to forward his political standing. This is severe lack of ethics by itself.
But we are straying from the point. I am realizing early in my business career that there is a significant difference, and value, between strategic decision making and the communication of those decisions. I am realizing, that while a president is a lonely man/woman at the top of a great government, he constantly has advisors influence and manipulate his stance and actions, so in effect he/she does not necessarily create or effect change, but communicates change to the public, foreign and domestic alike. The president is the ultimate figurehead.
Thus, in my opinion valuable traits of a president are, that he be charismatic, able to articulate and formulate responses and adapt to unique situations (read intelligent) and above all a good public speaker. Said candidate must also surround him/herself (and want to) with more intelligent people, that assist in developing strategy and making decisions. It is too much, to ask someone to be all these things at once, and honestly, if we were to find that presidential candidate, we should quickly abolish term limits. As I clarify the role I want my president to play in the future of this country, I am inspired by the recent caucusing of Barak Obama. Granted, I have been in his court since the whisperings of him running in this race began in 04, he embodies all of the things I have just touched upon. Let him do his job, and let other people do theirs. I agree his platform matters, and I think it is strong. But I really cannot understand what confidence Hilary Clinton inspires in the voting public. Please regale me with your opinions to the contrary (+1 SAT words here). She is mechanical and comes across as cold hearted to combat the preconception that a woman in power will be too emotional.
In any event, this will be an interesting week, with my PATS playing for an undefeated season and the primary elections being all but finalized on Tuesday.
But we are straying from the point. I am realizing early in my business career that there is a significant difference, and value, between strategic decision making and the communication of those decisions. I am realizing, that while a president is a lonely man/woman at the top of a great government, he constantly has advisors influence and manipulate his stance and actions, so in effect he/she does not necessarily create or effect change, but communicates change to the public, foreign and domestic alike. The president is the ultimate figurehead.
Thus, in my opinion valuable traits of a president are, that he be charismatic, able to articulate and formulate responses and adapt to unique situations (read intelligent) and above all a good public speaker. Said candidate must also surround him/herself (and want to) with more intelligent people, that assist in developing strategy and making decisions. It is too much, to ask someone to be all these things at once, and honestly, if we were to find that presidential candidate, we should quickly abolish term limits. As I clarify the role I want my president to play in the future of this country, I am inspired by the recent caucusing of Barak Obama. Granted, I have been in his court since the whisperings of him running in this race began in 04, he embodies all of the things I have just touched upon. Let him do his job, and let other people do theirs. I agree his platform matters, and I think it is strong. But I really cannot understand what confidence Hilary Clinton inspires in the voting public. Please regale me with your opinions to the contrary (+1 SAT words here). She is mechanical and comes across as cold hearted to combat the preconception that a woman in power will be too emotional.
In any event, this will be an interesting week, with my PATS playing for an undefeated season and the primary elections being all but finalized on Tuesday.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
W
So I was watching the State of the Union and had to turn it off because I couldn't stand the speaker. Because I wanted to make myself more angry, I decided to try and recall all the things that made me feel that way.
- An unprovoked military action (not a war, wars are declared) which has cost the lives of 4000 US Servicemen and women and $1 Trillion. These two numbers continue to increase
- Said military action being completely unjustified having since all the proof dis-credited
- The cost of said military action, in addition to cost of things like tax cuts, have been funded by large amounts of deficit spending, which leave much of the debt of the nation in the hands of the Chinese and on the shoulders of our children. Perhaps even our childrens' children.
- NSA Wiretapping
- Justice Department firings
- Enron
- Violating civil liberties domestically (torture, suspension of habeas corpus)
- Violating human dignity abroad
- Katrina
- Jack Abramoff
Yep, that's it. My head is about to explode. Can you guys think of any more?
Basically, in a single statement: After the most tragic event in US history, this President had a singular moment in time ask us to sacrifice for the greater good, ask the world to band together, and ask us all to move towards a world without fear, violence, and want. Instead, we spend, we alienate, and we manufacture fear, violence, and want.
And we re-elected him too.
- An unprovoked military action (not a war, wars are declared) which has cost the lives of 4000 US Servicemen and women and $1 Trillion. These two numbers continue to increase
- Said military action being completely unjustified having since all the proof dis-credited
- The cost of said military action, in addition to cost of things like tax cuts, have been funded by large amounts of deficit spending, which leave much of the debt of the nation in the hands of the Chinese and on the shoulders of our children. Perhaps even our childrens' children.
- NSA Wiretapping
- Justice Department firings
- Enron
- Violating civil liberties domestically (torture, suspension of habeas corpus)
- Violating human dignity abroad
- Katrina
- Jack Abramoff
Yep, that's it. My head is about to explode. Can you guys think of any more?
Basically, in a single statement: After the most tragic event in US history, this President had a singular moment in time ask us to sacrifice for the greater good, ask the world to band together, and ask us all to move towards a world without fear, violence, and want. Instead, we spend, we alienate, and we manufacture fear, violence, and want.
And we re-elected him too.
Blogging
So I just recently discovered how much I've grown to like this whole blogging thing. I would say it happened when I noticed it was 3AM and I had been perusing my friends' blogs for the last 4 hours. In light of that, I'm going to post more to the blogs I'm involved in, mostly this and that. I know there's probably no one who reads this, but it's strangely cathartic, and man do I love using SAT words.
Juno
I just went to see Juno last weekend. It was hilarious. Definitely worth seeing. Very smart.
Nothing really important about this blog entry. I was gonna do a whole review thing, but I think the movie is worth seeing on it's own merits. You don't need my convoluted ramblings and misinterpretations to spoil it for you.
But one thing I do want to note is regarding the reviews of the movie I have read on user review sites, such as Meta Critic and Rotten Tomatoes. Most people loved it. But there were a significant number of negative reviews. Upon further inspection, I found the negative reviews to be mostly related to the morality and politics of the movie. Generally, the people who didn't like it, didn't like because "...Script paces like a long commercial ad for justifying guiltless, irresponsible and promiscuous sexual ploys. Shamefully, Diablo Cody and Ellen Page will go down in the filmmaking history as model promoters of teen sex and teen unwed mothers." Huh? I liked the movie because it didn't go into justifying the morality of the whole thing. In fact, there is an interesting scene examining the absurdity of the Pro-Life v. Pro-Choice movements. The film is very much set up as 'Juno got pregnant, how does everyone respond to it'. Did they want the movie to be a rant against teenage promiscuity? I for one think that would be much less funny.
My point is, can art no longer be interpreted without moral and political undertones? Can a film not just be a film?
Nothing really important about this blog entry. I was gonna do a whole review thing, but I think the movie is worth seeing on it's own merits. You don't need my convoluted ramblings and misinterpretations to spoil it for you.
But one thing I do want to note is regarding the reviews of the movie I have read on user review sites, such as Meta Critic and Rotten Tomatoes. Most people loved it. But there were a significant number of negative reviews. Upon further inspection, I found the negative reviews to be mostly related to the morality and politics of the movie. Generally, the people who didn't like it, didn't like because "...Script paces like a long commercial ad for justifying guiltless, irresponsible and promiscuous sexual ploys. Shamefully, Diablo Cody and Ellen Page will go down in the filmmaking history as model promoters of teen sex and teen unwed mothers." Huh? I liked the movie because it didn't go into justifying the morality of the whole thing. In fact, there is an interesting scene examining the absurdity of the Pro-Life v. Pro-Choice movements. The film is very much set up as 'Juno got pregnant, how does everyone respond to it'. Did they want the movie to be a rant against teenage promiscuity? I for one think that would be much less funny.
My point is, can art no longer be interpreted without moral and political undertones? Can a film not just be a film?
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
The Miami Cowboys
Most of you are probably not watching this unfold as I am, but it is getting crazy how the Dolphins are becoming the Miami (or South Beach) Cowboys. I know Parcells likes to surround himself with familiar personnel but seriously:
Bill Parcells - former Cowboys head coach, now Dolphins VP of football operations
Jeff Ireland - former Cowboys VP of college and pro scouting, now Dolphins GM
Tony Sparano - former Cowboys offensive line coach / assistant head coach, now Dolphins head coach
Brian Gaine - former Cowboys assistant director of pro scouting, now Dolphins assistant director of player personnel
Todd Bowles - former Cowboys secondary coach, now Dolphins assistant head coach
Paul Pasqualoni - former Cowboys linebackers coach, now Dolphins defensive coordinator
Kacy Rodgers - former Cowboys defensive tackles / defensive line coach, now Dolphins defensive line coach
I say give them 2-3 years with Parcells and Ireland running the draft and the Dolphins will be contenders in what is currently the worst division in the league.
Bill Parcells - former Cowboys head coach, now Dolphins VP of football operations
Jeff Ireland - former Cowboys VP of college and pro scouting, now Dolphins GM
Tony Sparano - former Cowboys offensive line coach / assistant head coach, now Dolphins head coach
Brian Gaine - former Cowboys assistant director of pro scouting, now Dolphins assistant director of player personnel
Todd Bowles - former Cowboys secondary coach, now Dolphins assistant head coach
Paul Pasqualoni - former Cowboys linebackers coach, now Dolphins defensive coordinator
Kacy Rodgers - former Cowboys defensive tackles / defensive line coach, now Dolphins defensive line coach
I say give them 2-3 years with Parcells and Ireland running the draft and the Dolphins will be contenders in what is currently the worst division in the league.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
A Word on the Patriots' Sportsmanship
Courtesy of Touchdown.org
"""
4: We Are Allowed to Score Whenever We Want – You Are Not
The same New England Patriots who go for it on 4th down when they are up by 38 points in the 4th quarter and say "it is the other teams job to stop us" didn’t always sing that tune. In 2002 when the Patriots beat the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Steelers did their best to score in the final seconds of a 30-7 game that they were losing. After the game, Tedy Bruschi said:
“I did have some respect for that team, but after what they pulled on that last drive, it’s totally lost now" Bruschi said. “You’re getting beat….just accept it with class. I know we would have if the tables were turned. But they’re out there calling timeouts, trying to get extra yards, padding their stats”
"""
Tedy Bruschi, always standing up for good sportsmanship and playing till the last whistle.
"""
4: We Are Allowed to Score Whenever We Want – You Are Not
The same New England Patriots who go for it on 4th down when they are up by 38 points in the 4th quarter and say "it is the other teams job to stop us" didn’t always sing that tune. In 2002 when the Patriots beat the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Steelers did their best to score in the final seconds of a 30-7 game that they were losing. After the game, Tedy Bruschi said:
“I did have some respect for that team, but after what they pulled on that last drive, it’s totally lost now" Bruschi said. “You’re getting beat….just accept it with class. I know we would have if the tables were turned. But they’re out there calling timeouts, trying to get extra yards, padding their stats”
"""
Tedy Bruschi, always standing up for good sportsmanship and playing till the last whistle.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Impromptu visit to San Francisco
Yo: I wanted to let you all know I just booked plane tickets to SF the weekend of Feb 22-24th. Ajay will be in town for the weekend for a conference and my flights were only 200 bucks. Anyway I wanted to let everyone know because if you can you should all come out or meet up as applicable. We are gonna eat some good food, and this is the point of the post. I am going to make reservations in the next week, but need to know how many people.
The idea will probably be to eat one night at a pretty nice place around 30-40 dollars per person - (This is probably going to be later on Friday night around 10:00 seating since we get in around 9:00) all said, and the second night (probably saturday) a top 10 type joint, closer to 80-100 bucks per person, but really good.
So let me know. and none of this is solid yet so if you have suggestions, post up.
I am thinking at least preliminarily about
friday - slanted door
saturday - masa's or boulevard.
Alex
The idea will probably be to eat one night at a pretty nice place around 30-40 dollars per person - (This is probably going to be later on Friday night around 10:00 seating since we get in around 9:00) all said, and the second night (probably saturday) a top 10 type joint, closer to 80-100 bucks per person, but really good.
So let me know. and none of this is solid yet so if you have suggestions, post up.
I am thinking at least preliminarily about
friday - slanted door
saturday - masa's or boulevard.
Alex
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