Pink Clouds in the Sky

I is in China

2007-12-29T10:31:00.000-05:00

Test:
NY Times - check
BBC News - check
Wikipedia - Unable to access
Wikipedia.zh - Unable to access

On a positive note - There are two important news websites that are available since 5 years ago. Not a bad progress.

test

2007-06-24T22:08:00.001-05:00

test

I'm ok!

2007-05-04T00:21:00.000-05:00

For those of you who saw Grindhouse... my favorite scene was when the crazy Kiwi jumped out from a deep hole in the woods after being swung into it by another car.

That's how I feel now. 12 more days, 3 more finals, and then, 1 precious weekend in nyc, and then it's work all over again. I'll be in Boston this summer working for a firm and then a bank.

I have a nagging feeling of wanting to work in Cambodia or Botswana with my classmates. I am, however, missing that bit of that courage to do something extraordinary.

http://www2.blogger.com/posts.g?blogID=11716575

2007-04-16T10:04:00.001-05:00

History, Love, and Boston

2007-04-16T09:58:00.001-05:00

Three rather unrelated things.

One: my roommate and I were discussing whether the Western concept of property relations have prevailed because it was more progressive, or because it was simply backed by more aggresive forces. Unfortunately, we haven't been able to find any resources on this matter because most of the articles that came up on Google and Wiki were Western sources. I do remember, however, that in old Chinese movies corrupt feudal lords would put their house on "mortgage" loans for gambling debt, and end up losing their house to red tapes crossed on their door.

Two: I am starting an anti-"I love you" campaign. I believe the three words are abused and over-used, and have been inappropriately said as a matter of custom, emotional blackmail, or compensation for lack of actual affection for another person.

Three: I will be working in Boston this summer. I landed me a wonderful job that is contradictory to the very purpose of my coming to law school, but I found a rather nice way to justify it. I am considering tattooing my passion and goal on my arm so that it'll humiliate me if I ever end up foregoing that goal. I have yet to come up with a shape to represent that, and overcome my fear of needles. Anway, do come and visit me in Boston! Trips to surrounding beaches are definitely in the plans.

history, love, and Boston

2007-04-16T09:40:00.000-05:00

History, love, and Boston

2007-02-20T23:05:00.000-05:00

Neologisms

2007-01-23T19:46:00.000-05:00

I haven't been updating my blog enough. Well, this shall make up for it:
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Neologisms .....
The Washington Post publishes a contest for readers in which they are asked to supply alternate meanings for various words.

Coffee (n.), a person who is coughed upon.

Flabbergasted (adj.), appalled over how much weight you have gained.

Abdicate (v.), to give up all hope of ever having a flat stomach.

Esplanade (v.), to attempt an explanation while drunk.

Willy-nilly (adj.), impotent

Negligent (adj.), describes a condition in which you absentmindedly answer the door in your nightie.

Lymph (v.), to walk with a lisp.

Gargoyle (n.), an olive-flavored mouthwash.

Flatulence (n.) the emergency vehicle that picks you up after you are run over by a steamroller.

Balderdash (n.), a rapidly receding hairline.

Testicle (n.), a humorous question on an exam.

Rectitude (n.), the formal, dignified demeanor assumed by a proctologist immediately before he examines you.

Oyster (n.), a person who sprinkles his conversation with Yiddish expressions.

Circumvent (n.), the opening in the front of boxer shorts.

Frisbeetarianism (n.), The belief that, when you die, your soul goes up on the roof and gets stuck there.

Pokemon (n), A Jamaican proctologist.

Bustard (n.), a rude bus driver.

Semantics (n.), pranks conducted by young men studying for the priesthood.

Spatula: n. A fight among vampires.

Excruciate: n., the ligament that attaches your ex-wife to your paycheck.

Perplexed: adj., lost in a movie theater.

Population: n., that nice sensation you get when drinking soda.

Racket: n., a small pair of breasts.

Nincompoop: n., the military command responsible for battlefield sanitation.

Ineffable: adj., describes someone you absolutely cannot swear in front of.

Pontificate: n., a document given to each graduating pope.

Pimple: n., pimp's apprentice.

Discussion: n., a Frisbee-related head injury.

Ozone: n., area in which the G-spot is located.

Flattery: n., a place that manufactures A and B cup brassieres only.

Cabbage Patch: A patch for those trying to stop eating cabbage.

Sudafed: A software program on how to file a civil action against the government.

Pop Secret: Paternity suit settled without publicity.

Oral-B: Monica's grade on her last intern evaluation.

The B-train

2006-12-16T13:08:00.000-05:00

There's a beautiful Siamese cat in my apartment. My roommates named him B-Side because the B side of a soundtrack always contains the little known songs that are often better than the A side tracks.

So you can imagine my surprise yesterday, when the door to Boston's B-Train opened, and a band was improvising a song about how the B-train was the best train in town. It was a wonderful blues tune, sang by a frumpy little guy in an old tweed jacket, and accompanied by a harmonica and air drums. The train was already crowded with passengers, but we made space for the hippish-looking band, laughing and wondering what they smoked/drank/snorted that night. Or perhaps they are just high on the sponteneity of life. Anyway, it's probably one of my favorite subway rides in Boston.

Overheard at BU in two days

2006-12-02T02:10:00.000-05:00

From our reputable, outrageously gay professor:

"Wear something nice to the formal. If you are from the Midwest, that means a suit and a tie."

"Massachusetts is an over-educated state, unlike some of those under-educated ones. I won't mention which, y'all."

Conversations at the library/Class:

Prof: Feel free to ask me any questions
A: In all seriousness, professor, what's the best way to relieve stress before an exam?

J: I'd understand my notes better if it actually said, herfus, herfus, murfus. And I can be like, oh, you mean herfus herfus!

M: Do bisexual men exist?
A: They are rare, like unicorns.

Q: Are you going to bring your class notes to the open-book exam?
M: I'd bring toilet paper to the exam if it's going to help.

A not so happy day-after

2006-11-26T01:08:00.000-05:00

After spending a day on nothing but the "intent of the parties," "intoxication," and "mistake," I am now intensely jealous of the fact that all my friends are in NY getting drunk in a lounge, and that it was probably a mistake for me to come back this early. My only break today was going out to buy more chocolates and other forms of sustenance. Where is the justification in that?

I need to constantly remind myself of my long-term goals.

I also need to learn to be one of those babies that refused to eat the cookie in front of them so that they'd get two later. Sad little buggers.

Thanksgiving

2006-11-25T19:50:00.000-05:00

This Thanksgiving I went to New York, and incidentally, most of my good friends from college are there. The trip brought me closer to sanity again.

Thanks, Ben, for the sleepover. There's nothing like reading the comics that Ben drew at 3 AM and discussing politics afterwards.

Thanks, Nick, for making me feel at home despite what had happened.

Thanks, Em, for sharing the family love and gossip, and for walking with me for ten blocks in the rain with a broken umbrella.

Thanks, Ivan, for the "to die in a dream" Dominican drink. I loved hearing about the BLUE Lab and what engineers are doing for sustainable development in the Domincan Republic.

Happy memories :)

The Burqa

2006-11-17T20:18:00.000-05:00

For some reason, "Dutch" and "burqa ban" don't really seem to go together. Afterall, this is the country that banned nudity on public beaches so as not to offend the Muslim members of the society. Which is why I was shocked to read on BBC today that the Dutch government is considering a ban on burqas in public places. The reason? Public safety and security.

Perhaps some people might have incriminating words written on their foreheads. I am really not aware of such occurrences since those drunken college nights when people wrote stupid things on each other's faces. But really, the worst that can happen is the embarrasment these people bring to themselves as they greet their neighbors the next morning.

Many people(myself included) may not agree with the practice of women wearing burqas. It is a sign of extreme male domination reinforced by a dangerous combination of church (or mosque) and state. But in a liberal state, such as the Netherlands, aren't people supposed to tolerate each other's culture? To what extent should a society tolerate cultural diversity without infringing upon fundamental human rights? And can a state infringe upon a group's religious freedom to protect citizens' fear of the unknown?

One day I overheard a freshman's story about how she was frightened by a woman in a burqa walking "with her back" towards her. People may be scared for different reasons. The ordinary, risk-averse person may very well choose to avoid such risks whenever possible. But, what is the risk, besides it being a figment of our imagination?

Mmmm... Sulfur dioxide

2006-11-12T10:20:00.000-05:00

In the spirit of combining science with economics, I found Robert Stern's economic analysis on global warming rather interesting. Actually, it's more than interesting. It provides an analysis, a theoretically simple solution, and no rational means to achieve it within our current system.

His conclusion was this: if the world spends 1% its GDP from now till 2050, it can prevent an otherwise 20% permanent reduction in GDP per capita. Developing countries will be the hardest hit by this reduction, but they lack resources to fight the problem. The rich countries might be able to help, but they have problems of their own - wars, healthcare, the denial of scientific findings, and short-sighted, money-controlled democracy.

His report, commisioned by the British government, will likely have an effect on policy-making in a remote part of Europe, which will soon be engulfed by powerful fumes from Asia and the U.S. anyway. Maybe the Brits are concerned about their gloomy weather solidified forever into sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide gooeyness, but I certainly appreciate the warm weather in New England.

The full report is here.

What is AIESEC?

2006-11-11T18:00:00.000-05:00

A friend from law school asked me this question yesterday. I paused, and then stumbled over my answer. I used to love answering that question. I would explain to company representatives and friends with much flare and passion, what AIESEC was. Today, two months after my last AIESEC traineeship ended, and half a year after my last formal AIESEC meeting in college, I cannot answer the question the same way I did before.

I miss the international experience, the meeting of minds from all over the world, the culture shocks and learning, the conferences, and the people I meet. I could easily tell people what the organization was when I was in it. Outside of it, I feel like a lost backpacker in a crowded city where no one speaks my language. At first I felt stimulated and excited to be in a new environment, and then I begin to feel "homesick." Amdist talks about finding jobs in big law firms, annual salaries, and curved grades, I feel myself stranded. I begin to alienate myself from those who do not share my passions and vision. After spending long days and nights at the library, my own vision starts to blur.

AIESEC is a large international student organization... but when you are on your own, outside of the organization, what does AIESEC mean to you? After four years of being part of AIESEC, I am setting out to find that answer again.

Keeping sane

2006-11-11T13:28:00.000-05:00

Some of the things that are keeping me from going crazy this month:

Lindt truffles
Lindt dark
Latte from Espresso Royale
The Colbert Report (my favorite word -- "Sigh")
Morning bike rides along the river
Freshly-baked chocolate chip cookies
Friends visiting from out of town
Reading Tolstoy's War and Peace
Gin & tonic
Emails from friends

On a brighter note

2006-11-08T15:14:00.000-05:00

The Democrats regained the House and Rumsfeld is getting replaced. There is reason again to watch the news! :)

Rest?

2006-11-08T00:41:00.000-05:00

I am at a stage where the primary meaning of "rest" is an abbreviation for a search term on an online legal database.

I need a life... and maybe some sleep.

Halloween with the law school

2006-10-28T10:27:00.000-05:00

A Brazilian referee, a seventy's gogo girl, a twinkie, a cop and an infomercial guy.

Me and two legally blondes... well, one of them is a cowgirl in thongs. Trick or treating is sadly limited to eating Twix the day after to heal from a crazy night at the club.

A cup of real Chai

2006-10-27T21:59:00.000-05:00

I made myself a pot of Chai using Celestial's Chai tea bags today - The taste is like looking at a picture of the Taj Mahal on a tacky postcard - u get the idea of it, but somehow it's not quite right. Anyway, as I sip my American packaged Chai tea in Boston, I am once again missing the smell of the monsoon rain mixed with loud bhangra music coming out of TVs, the chicken bryani takeouts, mangoes, and a cup of real chai. While Amsterdam taught me how to be professional and party (two separate ideas, to begin with), India gave me a sense of living... I need to go back there. The Celestial tea is killing me softly.

Boo

2006-10-23T18:08:00.000-05:00

I just had the biggest laughs in weeks from watching Borat on Youtube. Apparently he's already been to Amsterdam (Your city has very nice sewers) and Canada (Women driving are like monkeys flying planes), as well as a small Republican committee (Thanks to the anti-communists at Fox News). I love his jokes even thogugh a lot of times he leaves me gasping in disbelief.

And then there are the not so funny things - after a particularly stressful week in school last week, I stopped by at one of the largest supermarket stores to pick up some beer - only to realize that, there was none! So I went to the next one, same thing. Two days later, I returned to buy ice cream (my other substance abuse) and saw midterm campaign signs that said, "Vote Yes for Wine in Supermarkets." It saddens me to think that the poor 18 year olds can vote to put alcohol in supermarkets, but they can't (legally) buy it. Stupid laws.

On a happier note, I was sitting at home eating my ice cream and watching TV today and found that the Chinese CCTV news is available! I miss the sound of crisp news reporting in mandarin. The propaganda issues is a lot less than you'd expect from the government-controlled media. It is, however, rather unforgiving on US domestic policies. Kind of like watching a watered-down version of the Al Jazeera in Chinese.

Halloween is here. I am swinging between going all out and party for three days in a row, and just staying at home with my good friends Ben and Jerry. I think I might need to see a shrink about that.

[ . . . ]

2006-10-16T17:32:00.000-05:00

I feel a large space growing around me. Am I shrinking?

Loss of basic motor skills

2006-10-12T15:22:00.000-05:00

No, this is not in reference of the fact that I, being Asian and female, cannot drive very well. But the recent barage of information cramming has caused me to forget how to do the most basic things in life, such as locking the door when leaving my apartment. I have missed appointments, forgotten to turn in paperwork, double paid insurance bills, etc. I haven't seen my roommates in almost a week, and have had one too many chocolate chip muffin with my nova lox sandwich. When I went to the hospital for a regular check up yesterday, one of the questions was,

"Do you feel that food dominates your life?"

I burst out laughing in the middle of an empty hospital room. And then I felt an overwhelming need to put a big tick next to it.

Thursday Tied to the Law Day.

2006-09-29T15:07:00.000-05:00

1 month later, the fun in law school starts to creep out in various forms:

1. Dinner with professors - two amazing female professors cooked for us. Included in the menu: goat cheese and wine, Coq au vin, and meringue.

2. Chatting with profs about a small Italian restaurant in McLeod Ganj, India.

3. Planning a spirit week for next month. On the agenda, "Thursday - Tied to the Law" - our whole section is coming to class each wearing a tie :) Week concludes with a trip to Rockport, MA to look for best the best lobsters in town.

4. Sneaking out for a networking event and coming to class drunk.

5. Having random hour long conversations at Espresso Royale.

6. Having one chocolate muffin every day to achieve zen, whatever that means.

7. Translating for Asian immigrants at a legal clinic.

8. three parties, two different cities, and one night - to de-stress from the week.

9. Right now, I could really use a shower and a long nap :)

1L is not as bad as they make it sound!

I want travel!

2006-09-25T19:44:00.000-05:00

I went online to check the difference in the meaning of the words "forclose" and "preclude", and got totally distracted by the nomadlife.

Mazzy is travelling by herself in Europe; Li'er is enjoying KL more and more each day, and Alex just posted breathtaking photos of Peru. Meanwhile, I contemplated whether I should put up travel logs on various parts of Boston :P I might.

First, I need to charge camera, second, I need to go out.

Am very excited about celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival (a.k.a. time to have as many moon pies as you can in the shortest, or the longest period of time beginning from now till the last moon pie expires).