In 9th grade, I had a World History teacher. Her nickname was Kissing Fish. Shame on me. I do not remember her real name. We called her either Mrs. Principal or Kissing Fish.
Before I had her as my World History teacher, I did not have too much interest in history at all. If you see my report cards before and after my “Kissing Fish Era”, you will see she had a big impact on me. She was the one who encouraged my analytical skills in the subject instead of pure memorization. I do not mean to brag, but I found out even classmates who I did not know owned copies of my notes (so much for protection of intellectual property).
Aside from my interests in European history, there were two important lessons I learned from Kissing Fish.
Lesson 1: Know the subject inside out before you start criticizing.
When she mentioned this, she said it in the context of religion. I went to a Baptist school, and religion was big on our curriculum. Basically, her point was that if we ever wanted to criticize Christianity, we had better understand it first. Fair enough. I learned about the concept of credibility and reasoning. From then on, I learned to gather all the facts before making a judgment. If people can do “due diligence” before they speak, there will not be as many idiots around talking nonsense.
Lesson 2: Never discount a person just because he/she is wealthy.
Kissing Fish had this interesting point of view. It is understandable for a poor person to work hard and strive for success for the sake of leaving the rut. However, it is also impressive when a well off individual determines to excel. We usually have the bias that rich people have easy lives. Commoners sometimes even despise them. In fact, when a wealthy person is willing to go through all sorts of obstacles to do something, they are going for their ideals and causes instead of survival. In a way, regardless of the social status, there is no difference when a person is working hard.
接吻魚的教訓
中三時，有個世界歷史老師，她的花名叫接吻魚。真是不應該，我竟不記得她的真名字，我們叫她校長夫人或接吻魚。
接吻魚教我世史以前，我對世史一點兒不感興趣，如果把「接吻魚時期」前後的成績表比較，會看到有很大分別。她鼓勵我多用分析來取替死背書。不是自誇，我發現連不認識自己的同學也有我的筆記影印本〈不用說甚麼知識保護權〉。
除了我對歐史的興趣外，從接吻魚身上學到兩課重要的課堂。
課堂一：把事情清楚了解後才作出批評。
當她提起這點，她指的是宗教。我上的是浸信會學校，宗教自然成為課程的重點。基本上她是說，如果要批評基督教，那就要對它認識深厚後才行。我學會了確實性和推理過程的概念。以後，任何情況下，我都會在作出評論前收集資料。如果人人都在說話前作出評估，那麼就不會有這麼多笨蛋在胡言亂語。
課堂二：別任意對富有人家打折扣。
接吻魚這點很有趣。窮等人家努力上進去擺脫貧困可以理解，但有錢人立志向上也值得欣賞。我們常常對有錢人有偏見，以為他們生活暢快，有些普通人甚至瞧不起他們。其實，當富有人家願意努力克服困難，他們為的不是生存，為的是主義，為的是理想。某程度上，只要一個人肯勤力，無論任何資產階級，也值得嘉許。
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
Monday, March 28, 2005
Movie Quote – Runaway Bride
Maggie: Every one of those times I was being supportive. Something you won't understand.
Ike: Supportive? You weren't being supportive. You were being scared. Just like now. You are the most lost woman I have ever laid eyes on.
Maggie: Lost!
Ike: That's right. You're so lost you don't even know how you like your eggs.
Maggie: What!?
Ike: With the priest, you liked them scrambled. With the Dead Head, fried. With the bug guy, poached. Now it's egg whites only, thank you very much.
Maggie: That's called changing your mind.
Ike: No, that's called not having a mind of your own. What are you doing, Maggie? You really want to let that man drag you up Annapuma on your honeymoon? You don't want to climb Annapuma.
Ike: Supportive? You weren't being supportive. You were being scared. Just like now. You are the most lost woman I have ever laid eyes on.
Maggie: Lost!
Ike: That's right. You're so lost you don't even know how you like your eggs.
Maggie: What!?
Ike: With the priest, you liked them scrambled. With the Dead Head, fried. With the bug guy, poached. Now it's egg whites only, thank you very much.
Maggie: That's called changing your mind.
Ike: No, that's called not having a mind of your own. What are you doing, Maggie? You really want to let that man drag you up Annapuma on your honeymoon? You don't want to climb Annapuma.
Sunday, March 27, 2005
Handkerchief
Within two weeks, I have met two new friends who use handkerchiefs. I was surprised and am still shocked. I wonder if personality has anything to do with that. A friend of mine pointed out that the sexy and mature Indiana Jones Senior uses handkerchief, too. Very fascinating…
Handkerchief to me is a distant memory. I parted with my handkerchief after elementary school:
In kindergarten, I had to put my hands and a handkerchief on the desk for my teachers to check every morning before class started. Then, if my nails were clean and I had a clean handkerchief, the teacher would stamp a red rabbit on my student handbook, otherwise, a blue rabbit. At the end of the month, if the student handbook showed all red rabbits, I would receive a prize.
A month or two ago, another friend and I were discussing the spitting habit of Asians, Chinese in particular. I found this comic by Larry Feign, one of the cartoonists that I like (especially his Lily Wong series: http://humorist.net/lilywong/). After my recent encounters, this comic popped into my mind again.
手帕
兩星期內，我連續認識了兩個用手帕的新朋友。我覺得很新奇，不知道這是否與個性有關。另一位朋友告訴我，電影中性感成熟的印第安納‧鐘斯的爸爸也用手帕呢。真令我嘖嘖稱奇…
手巾仔對我來說是很遙遠的記憶，小學以後，我已經跟我的手巾仔分別了：
在幼稚園，每天早上開課前，我們把雙手和手巾仔放在桌上讓老師們檢查。如果受指甲清潔，手巾仔又乾淨，老師就會在學生手冊上蓋個紅兔子，不然就蓋個藍兔子。如果在月尾，手冊上全都是紅兔子的話，我就會收到奨品。
一兩個月前，跟一個朋友討論亞洲人，尤其是中國人，吐痰的習慣。我找到我喜歡的漫畫家方南理的一則卡通〈我特別喜歡他的黃莉莉系列：http://humorist.net/lilywong/〉。自從最近的邂逅，這則卡通又在我的腦海重現。
Friday, March 25, 2005
Lost Pieces by Beethoven and Bach
Recently, Bach’s Wedding Cantata debuted in Tokyo. This cantata consists of Bach’s several fragmented lost pieces. The fragments resurfaced a few years ago in Japan, and a modern composer put these bits and pieces together as Bach’s Wedding Cantata BWV216.
Similar situation happened to Beethoven’s Symphony No. 10 back in the late 80s and early 90s. It was because of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 10, a long lasting friendship was born. (To this date, this symphony is still very controversial, but it is not the point here.) R, a dear friend from elementary school, moved to Perth, Australia. We communicated via letters. Sometimes, we exchanged thoughts on music appreciation as well.
One time, I received a letter from R telling me that he was looking for this one particular CD that consisted of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 10. I was a little confused since I had never heard of this extra symphony. In school, I newly met this classmate, A, who was a grade higher. Rumor had it that he was an expert in classical music. Therefore, I asked him about the No. 10 hoping that I could find the CD for R.
As expected, he said, “There is no such thing as Beethoven’s No. 10.” Even though I did not know much about it, I stood by my grounds because I trusted R’s information. I insisted that such symphony existed, and I even accused A of having an outdated catalogue. On top of other things, a new friendship was cultivated. One day, years after I came to the U.S. for college, I received a package from A. It was the Symphony No. 10! On the CD, A put a dialogue bubble sticker next to Beethoven’s statue, “Sorry, I am late.”
曾經一度遺失的貝多芬及巴哈音樂片段
最近，巴哈的婚禮短篇樂曲在東京首次演奏。這篇樂曲由巴哈的幾段曾經遺失了的樂章組成。幾年前，這些樂章在日本重現，一位現代作曲家把它們合拼在一起，成為巴哈的婚禮短篇樂曲BWV216。
早在八十年代末跟九十年代初，貝多芬的第十交響曲也是在相似的情況下出現。由於這第十交響曲，一段長久的友情就此誕生了。〈到今時今日，這交響曲仍然很具爭議性，但這不是這裡的重點。〉一位要好的小學同學R君移民到澳洲柏斯去，我們以書信來往，有時候我們更交流欣賞音樂的心得。
有一次，收到R君的信，告訴我正在找一張有貝多芬第十交響曲的唱片。我對這額外的交響曲覺得有點兒迷惑。在學校，剛剛認識了一位比我高一班的同學A君，傳說中，他對古典音樂很有研究，於是我就去請教他有關第十交響曲的事，好讓我能找到唱片給R君。
如我所料，他說：「貝多芬沒有第十交響曲的。」雖然我對古典音樂不太熟識，我堅持地信任R君的資料。我甚至投訴他的目錄不齊全及過時。加上其他種種，一段友誼就這樣成長起來。當我到美國去升大學若干年後的一天，收到一個A君寄來的郵包，內裡正是第十交響曲！唱片上有張漫畫般的對話貼紙貼在貝多芬旁邊：「對不起，我遲到了！」
Similar situation happened to Beethoven’s Symphony No. 10 back in the late 80s and early 90s. It was because of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 10, a long lasting friendship was born. (To this date, this symphony is still very controversial, but it is not the point here.) R, a dear friend from elementary school, moved to Perth, Australia. We communicated via letters. Sometimes, we exchanged thoughts on music appreciation as well.
One time, I received a letter from R telling me that he was looking for this one particular CD that consisted of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 10. I was a little confused since I had never heard of this extra symphony. In school, I newly met this classmate, A, who was a grade higher. Rumor had it that he was an expert in classical music. Therefore, I asked him about the No. 10 hoping that I could find the CD for R.
As expected, he said, “There is no such thing as Beethoven’s No. 10.” Even though I did not know much about it, I stood by my grounds because I trusted R’s information. I insisted that such symphony existed, and I even accused A of having an outdated catalogue. On top of other things, a new friendship was cultivated. One day, years after I came to the U.S. for college, I received a package from A. It was the Symphony No. 10! On the CD, A put a dialogue bubble sticker next to Beethoven’s statue, “Sorry, I am late.”
曾經一度遺失的貝多芬及巴哈音樂片段
最近，巴哈的婚禮短篇樂曲在東京首次演奏。這篇樂曲由巴哈的幾段曾經遺失了的樂章組成。幾年前，這些樂章在日本重現，一位現代作曲家把它們合拼在一起，成為巴哈的婚禮短篇樂曲BWV216。
早在八十年代末跟九十年代初，貝多芬的第十交響曲也是在相似的情況下出現。由於這第十交響曲，一段長久的友情就此誕生了。〈到今時今日，這交響曲仍然很具爭議性，但這不是這裡的重點。〉一位要好的小學同學R君移民到澳洲柏斯去，我們以書信來往，有時候我們更交流欣賞音樂的心得。
有一次，收到R君的信，告訴我正在找一張有貝多芬第十交響曲的唱片。我對這額外的交響曲覺得有點兒迷惑。在學校，剛剛認識了一位比我高一班的同學A君，傳說中，他對古典音樂很有研究，於是我就去請教他有關第十交響曲的事，好讓我能找到唱片給R君。
如我所料，他說：「貝多芬沒有第十交響曲的。」雖然我對古典音樂不太熟識，我堅持地信任R君的資料。我甚至投訴他的目錄不齊全及過時。加上其他種種，一段友誼就這樣成長起來。當我到美國去升大學若干年後的一天，收到一個A君寄來的郵包，內裡正是第十交響曲！唱片上有張漫畫般的對話貼紙貼在貝多芬旁邊：「對不起，我遲到了！」
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
April Fools’ Day
At last, the long waited spring is here. One thing about living in the northeast is the anticipation of warm weather after a seemingly never ending winter. At this point, I have had enough snow. Even though it will snow tomorrow quite heavily, at least the temperature is above 30F (about -18C).
Now that the official first day of spring has passed, April Fools’ Day is coming soon. I have an impression that only on this day of the entire year I can lie without feeling guilty. I do not know what kind of prank to play on people yet. I am sure I can come up with something that sounds possible and exhilarating. Recall the pranks I have done thus far. The most successful one was what I did last year.
I have no poker face at all. On April 1st last year, I sent out a broad email telling my friends and family that I was engaged. The reactions that I received were remarkable. Some congratulated me and inquired about my wedding date. Some even asked me who my fiancé was. Some started to speculate the various men in my life especially when they did not see me going steady with anyone. Of course, some screamed at the computer screen. I definitely caught a lot of people off guard.
愚人節
終於，等待很久的春天來到了。在東北居住唯一的期待，是隨着那沒完沒了的嚴冬後的和暖氣候。到目前為止，我已經受夠雪了。雖然明天會下大雪，最少氣溫還是在華氏三十度以上〈約攝氏零下十八度〉。
春季的第一天已經過去了，愚人節很快便來到。印象中，全年只有這天可以肆無忌彈地講大話。今年我還不知道會怎樣作弄人，但我很有信心會找到一些又有可信性又有令人興奮的玩意。回想過往的惡作劇，最成功可算是去年的那幕。
喜怒形於色的我，於去年四月一日發電郵給廣大的親朋戚友，告訴他們我訂婚的喜訊。結果反應很熱烈：有恭喜我和問我婚期的，有些問我未婚夫是誰。尤其因為我沒有傳出再拍拖的消息，更有些在猜數是否我生命當中出現過的男孩。當然，在電腦螢幕前尖叫的大有人在。去年我真的戲弄了好多人呢。
Now that the official first day of spring has passed, April Fools’ Day is coming soon. I have an impression that only on this day of the entire year I can lie without feeling guilty. I do not know what kind of prank to play on people yet. I am sure I can come up with something that sounds possible and exhilarating. Recall the pranks I have done thus far. The most successful one was what I did last year.
I have no poker face at all. On April 1st last year, I sent out a broad email telling my friends and family that I was engaged. The reactions that I received were remarkable. Some congratulated me and inquired about my wedding date. Some even asked me who my fiancé was. Some started to speculate the various men in my life especially when they did not see me going steady with anyone. Of course, some screamed at the computer screen. I definitely caught a lot of people off guard.
愚人節
終於，等待很久的春天來到了。在東北居住唯一的期待，是隨着那沒完沒了的嚴冬後的和暖氣候。到目前為止，我已經受夠雪了。雖然明天會下大雪，最少氣溫還是在華氏三十度以上〈約攝氏零下十八度〉。
春季的第一天已經過去了，愚人節很快便來到。印象中，全年只有這天可以肆無忌彈地講大話。今年我還不知道會怎樣作弄人，但我很有信心會找到一些又有可信性又有令人興奮的玩意。回想過往的惡作劇，最成功可算是去年的那幕。
喜怒形於色的我，於去年四月一日發電郵給廣大的親朋戚友，告訴他們我訂婚的喜訊。結果反應很熱烈：有恭喜我和問我婚期的，有些問我未婚夫是誰。尤其因為我沒有傳出再拍拖的消息，更有些在猜數是否我生命當中出現過的男孩。當然，在電腦螢幕前尖叫的大有人在。去年我真的戲弄了好多人呢。
Monday, March 21, 2005
The Importance of Participation
Recently, we have been given an opportunity to participate in setting new administrative policy at work. Different people have different attitudes towards this opportunity. Some choose to stay put and do nothing. Within this type, some would obediently follow the new policy. Some would criticize the end result if they do not like it. On the other hand, there are some who decide to participate.
To me, I think this is part of civil education. Growing up in a conservative Asian environment, I was taught to lay low and trust the management. Just follow the rules and do not ask any questions. This way, you are not going to lose your job. In the U.S., however, people are encouraged to question authority and to play an active role politically.
In my opinion, I have this no regret attitude. I am open to any alternatives that will improve our work. After all, striving for improvement is the way to advance in business. It is better to voice my ideas before the management finishes reshaping the way we are doing our work. It costs more if things are not done right at the beginning. If I have a chance and I do not take it, I cannot blame anyone but myself when the end results are not within my expectations. My career advisor in my previous job taught me something invaluable: “It is nothing personal. It is all business.”
參與的重要
近日，我們在公司有個設定新工作行政方針的機會。不同人對這機會抱有不同的態度。有些人甚麼都不做。在這些人中，有些會乖乖地服從新的方針，有些則會批評它的不是。另外，有一部份人決定參與改制。
對我來說，這是公民教育的一部分。在保守的亞洲環境長大的我，小時後學的是默默遵從領導層的規定。一切不用質疑，這樣便可以保着份工。在美國，人們鼔勵質疑權威和活躍地參與政治。
我有個無悔的看法。我接受任何可以改善工作的變通辦法，不斷改良是在商場上提陞的途徑。在管理層沒完成改革以前，就最好把自己的意見告訴他們。如果在開始時放針不當，要用很多錢改正。如果我不把握這機會，當結果強差人意時，那甚麼人都不能怨，只有怨自己。我以前公司的事業顧問教了我無價的一課：「不是人身攻擊，而是商業需要。」
To me, I think this is part of civil education. Growing up in a conservative Asian environment, I was taught to lay low and trust the management. Just follow the rules and do not ask any questions. This way, you are not going to lose your job. In the U.S., however, people are encouraged to question authority and to play an active role politically.
In my opinion, I have this no regret attitude. I am open to any alternatives that will improve our work. After all, striving for improvement is the way to advance in business. It is better to voice my ideas before the management finishes reshaping the way we are doing our work. It costs more if things are not done right at the beginning. If I have a chance and I do not take it, I cannot blame anyone but myself when the end results are not within my expectations. My career advisor in my previous job taught me something invaluable: “It is nothing personal. It is all business.”
參與的重要
近日，我們在公司有個設定新工作行政方針的機會。不同人對這機會抱有不同的態度。有些人甚麼都不做。在這些人中，有些會乖乖地服從新的方針，有些則會批評它的不是。另外，有一部份人決定參與改制。
對我來說，這是公民教育的一部分。在保守的亞洲環境長大的我，小時後學的是默默遵從領導層的規定。一切不用質疑，這樣便可以保着份工。在美國，人們鼔勵質疑權威和活躍地參與政治。
我有個無悔的看法。我接受任何可以改善工作的變通辦法，不斷改良是在商場上提陞的途徑。在管理層沒完成改革以前，就最好把自己的意見告訴他們。如果在開始時放針不當，要用很多錢改正。如果我不把握這機會，當結果強差人意時，那甚麼人都不能怨，只有怨自己。我以前公司的事業顧問教了我無價的一課：「不是人身攻擊，而是商業需要。」
2005 New England Flower Show (Dress)
This is one of the most elegant floral designs among this year's exhibits.
Enthusiastic Family
In the course of discharging a patient, I met a patient and her adorable family, especially her son and daughter. The patient was so upbeat and humorous that it was hard to believe that she had just undergone a brain tumor surgery. You could tell she was loved because she received many vases of beautiful flowers for her two day stay at the hospital. She said, “My friends and family sent me so many flowers. They must think that I was going to die! I am so lucky. I am going to pray for the patients here.” The children were just amazingly well behaved. However, they were not a bit shy.
The daughter first asked me if she could push her mother’s wheelchair, so I agreed to let her put her hand on one handle just to pretend that she contributed. On the way down to the hospital lobby, she was chatting with me all along telling me how she fell down the stairs, about clothing, etc., and that I looked like Mulan. (I have no idea where that came from.) Her younger brother showed me all his gadgets in his Spiderman tin box such as his surgical gloves, clown head, etc. Since they were such wonderful kids, I ended up letting them sit in separate wheelchairs while waiting for their father to drive the car to the front door. Little things made them so happy.
I particularly loved one of the patient’s comments. Even though it was the first day of spring, it was still a bit chilly. The patient desperately wanted some fresh air, so we were outdoors waiting for the ride. She told her son to zip up his jacket because it was windy. The boy was not willing to zip up claiming that he was not cold. His mother then said, “Honey, this is not a democracy here. Until you turn eighteen, you are going to listen to your mom.” Then, the boy quietly zipped up his jacket. What a powerful statement.
The daughter first asked me if she could push her mother’s wheelchair, so I agreed to let her put her hand on one handle just to pretend that she contributed. On the way down to the hospital lobby, she was chatting with me all along telling me how she fell down the stairs, about clothing, etc., and that I looked like Mulan. (I have no idea where that came from.) Her younger brother showed me all his gadgets in his Spiderman tin box such as his surgical gloves, clown head, etc. Since they were such wonderful kids, I ended up letting them sit in separate wheelchairs while waiting for their father to drive the car to the front door. Little things made them so happy.
I particularly loved one of the patient’s comments. Even though it was the first day of spring, it was still a bit chilly. The patient desperately wanted some fresh air, so we were outdoors waiting for the ride. She told her son to zip up his jacket because it was windy. The boy was not willing to zip up claiming that he was not cold. His mother then said, “Honey, this is not a democracy here. Until you turn eighteen, you are going to listen to your mom.” Then, the boy quietly zipped up his jacket. What a powerful statement.
Thursday, March 17, 2005
First Dip
I love food. Thus far, I am blessed with good metabolism. My old coworkers were amazed at how much food I could take in without gaining weight. Some were very jealous of me. I am lucky that I do not have to count calories nor care about cholesterol. Other than certain food that causes my allergies, I would eat anything. In fact, because of my food allergies, I feel strongly about food. It is absolutely no fun if I have to watch out on what I eat.
I am usually one of the first to appear near the food once it is available. I go downstairs to the cafeteria as soon as it is open just to avoid the crowd. Back in my old company, my coworkers used to tease me that nothing could come between the food and me. Whenever there is food, especially free food, you will find me there along with my big smile. Whenever there is leftover food from the client meetings, I would be the first one locating it. There is probably some sort of food detecting device implanted in my body.
Typically, my lunch is soup. The cafeteria at my office makes good soup. I particularly love its Manhattan clam chowder. One day, I had to finish up something at my desk. It took longer than expected, and I missed my usual lunch time. When I went downstairs, there were no more solids in the soup. The soup station was self served. Therefore, people could get as much solids as they want in their soup. All of a sudden, I had this realization: must have the first dip! My instinct is right.
頭啖湯
我愛食物。目前，我有良好新陳代謝的恩賜。舊同事們為我的大吃而不肥感到驚奇。有些還妒忌我呢。幸運地，我不用擔心卡路里或膽固醇。除了會引致敏感的食物，我甚麼都吃。正因為我的食物敏感，我更對食物有強烈的感覺。要我小心的選擇吃甚麼是絕對不好玩的。
當食物準備好的時候，通常我是第一個出現。當樓下的飯堂開門營業，為被免人潮，我會第一個到。在舊公司，同事們笑我跟食物的密切。每當有食物，尤其是免費的，你都可以找到一個戴着大笑臉的我。每當客人會議後有剩餘食物，我也是第一個發現的。可能，我身體內有一個會找食物的儀器。
一般來說，我的午餐是湯。公司的飯堂有好味道的湯。我尤其喜歡它的曼哈頓周打硯湯。一天，我要完成一些工作，錯過了食飯時間。當我到樓下時，湯以經沒有湯泎了。由於湯煲是自助式的，人家都撈光了湯泎。突然，我明白到甚麼叫「頭啖湯」。我的本能是正確的。
I am usually one of the first to appear near the food once it is available. I go downstairs to the cafeteria as soon as it is open just to avoid the crowd. Back in my old company, my coworkers used to tease me that nothing could come between the food and me. Whenever there is food, especially free food, you will find me there along with my big smile. Whenever there is leftover food from the client meetings, I would be the first one locating it. There is probably some sort of food detecting device implanted in my body.
Typically, my lunch is soup. The cafeteria at my office makes good soup. I particularly love its Manhattan clam chowder. One day, I had to finish up something at my desk. It took longer than expected, and I missed my usual lunch time. When I went downstairs, there were no more solids in the soup. The soup station was self served. Therefore, people could get as much solids as they want in their soup. All of a sudden, I had this realization: must have the first dip! My instinct is right.
頭啖湯
我愛食物。目前，我有良好新陳代謝的恩賜。舊同事們為我的大吃而不肥感到驚奇。有些還妒忌我呢。幸運地，我不用擔心卡路里或膽固醇。除了會引致敏感的食物，我甚麼都吃。正因為我的食物敏感，我更對食物有強烈的感覺。要我小心的選擇吃甚麼是絕對不好玩的。
當食物準備好的時候，通常我是第一個出現。當樓下的飯堂開門營業，為被免人潮，我會第一個到。在舊公司，同事們笑我跟食物的密切。每當有食物，尤其是免費的，你都可以找到一個戴着大笑臉的我。每當客人會議後有剩餘食物，我也是第一個發現的。可能，我身體內有一個會找食物的儀器。
一般來說，我的午餐是湯。公司的飯堂有好味道的湯。我尤其喜歡它的曼哈頓周打硯湯。一天，我要完成一些工作，錯過了食飯時間。當我到樓下時，湯以經沒有湯泎了。由於湯煲是自助式的，人家都撈光了湯泎。突然，我明白到甚麼叫「頭啖湯」。我的本能是正確的。
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
圓周率日(Pi Day)
今天坐在自己的桌前吃午飯跟瀏覽網站，看到一篇有關圓周率日的文章。原來，昨天〈三月十四日〉是圓周率日。以美國的日曆格式，三月十四日寫作3/14，而圓周率的小數約為3.1415926535…。不知道甚麼時候，美國大學的數學系開始公認三月十四日為圓周率日，在這天慶祝一番。
平時以為自己是書呆子的我，工作又跟數學有關，竟然不知道這個圓周率日。一方面覺得孤漏寡聞，丟臉，但另一方面又興幸自己不是真正的書呆子！為了補救我的數學尊嚴，哪我就要慶祝「圓周率穊算日」吧。「圓周率穊算日」是七月二十二日。以英國的日曆格式，這天寫作22/7，即是圓周率的大概近值。有心不怕遲嘛！
Today, I was having my lunch and surfing the net at my desk. I came across an article regarding Pi Day. Yesterday, March 14th, was Pi Day. In the American calendar format, March 14 is 3/14. Pi equals 3.1415926535… A lot of the Mathematics departments in the American universities would celebrate 3/14 as Pi Day.
I have always thought that I am a nerd. I work with math, but I did not know about Pi Day. On one hand, I feel that I am ignorant. Shame on me. On the other hand, I am glad that I am not that big of a nerd! To reclaim that I am math savvy, I am going to recognize Pi Approximation Day. Pi Approximation Day is on July 22nd. Using the British calendar format, July 22nd is written as 22/7. This is the approximate value of Pi. It is never too late!
平時以為自己是書呆子的我，工作又跟數學有關，竟然不知道這個圓周率日。一方面覺得孤漏寡聞，丟臉，但另一方面又興幸自己不是真正的書呆子！為了補救我的數學尊嚴，哪我就要慶祝「圓周率穊算日」吧。「圓周率穊算日」是七月二十二日。以英國的日曆格式，這天寫作22/7，即是圓周率的大概近值。有心不怕遲嘛！
Today, I was having my lunch and surfing the net at my desk. I came across an article regarding Pi Day. Yesterday, March 14th, was Pi Day. In the American calendar format, March 14 is 3/14. Pi equals 3.1415926535… A lot of the Mathematics departments in the American universities would celebrate 3/14 as Pi Day.
I have always thought that I am a nerd. I work with math, but I did not know about Pi Day. On one hand, I feel that I am ignorant. Shame on me. On the other hand, I am glad that I am not that big of a nerd! To reclaim that I am math savvy, I am going to recognize Pi Approximation Day. Pi Approximation Day is on July 22nd. Using the British calendar format, July 22nd is written as 22/7. This is the approximate value of Pi. It is never too late!
Sunday, March 13, 2005
我可以打中文了!
一直以來，會中文的朋友都叫我在我的電腦安裝中文輸入法。雖然小時候諗中文中學，但因為住在美國多年的關係，執筆忘字。一來電腦沒有中文，二來懶惰，要手寫中文信是天大的困難，要命呃！結果，朋友信，家書，通通都用英文寫。幸好家鄉裏的長辈會看一點點英文，通訊也不怎成問題。
今天因為要維修電腦application，連到醫院去做義工的時間也沒有。當修好一個application後，有時間剩，想起朋友們的建議，就下載了視窗的中文輸入軟件。我不會用倉頡，小時後一個比我高班的同學教我用倉頡輸入法。除了會打他的名字中的一個字外，我都不記得怎樣用倉頡了。（金、日、心、斜等於「錫」。「今日心斜」是廣東話，白話就是「今天心歪」！）
用拼音打中文比較慢，但是可以練習國語。最近認識了幾位講普通話的朋友，加上我有計劃到中國去旅行，這是時候再學中文了。然而，我相信要達到可以表達自如的程度，那要多花工夫。若要我此刻親切的告訴人家我愛他（或她），又或者罵人，都是英文比較暢快。等到一天我可以用中文把人家罵得狗血淋頭的時候，我就滿足了！
Translation:
I Can Type Chinese Now!
All along, my friends who know Chinese have been telling me to install Chinese in my computer. Although I went to a Chinese high school, since I have been in the U.S. for so many years, I have forgotten how to write much Chinese. Because there is no Chinese application in my computer, and because I am lazy, writing Chinese letters is very difficult for me. It really kills me. Therefore, letters to friends and family are all in English. Thank goodness that the elders back home know a bit of English. Communication has not been too much of a problem.
Today, I spent a lot of time fixing my computer. I did not have time to volunteer at the hospital. After I fixed that particular application, I remembered my friends’ advice. Therefore, I downloaded the Windows Input Method Editor for Traditional Chinese. I do not know Chang Jie (one of the Chinese input methods). A classmate taught me to use it before, but I could not remember a thing except for typing his name.
Using the phonetic input method is slow, but I can practice Mandarin. Recently, I have met several Mandarin speaking friends. Moreover, I plan to travel to China in the future. It is time to pick up Chinese again. However, I think it will take a lot of efforts to be able to express myself freely in Chinese. At this moment, if I need to tell someone that I love him (or her), or to yell at someone, English is much easier for me. I will be satisfied when I can scold at someone in Chinese easily without a blink!
今天因為要維修電腦application，連到醫院去做義工的時間也沒有。當修好一個application後，有時間剩，想起朋友們的建議，就下載了視窗的中文輸入軟件。我不會用倉頡，小時後一個比我高班的同學教我用倉頡輸入法。除了會打他的名字中的一個字外，我都不記得怎樣用倉頡了。（金、日、心、斜等於「錫」。「今日心斜」是廣東話，白話就是「今天心歪」！）
用拼音打中文比較慢，但是可以練習國語。最近認識了幾位講普通話的朋友，加上我有計劃到中國去旅行，這是時候再學中文了。然而，我相信要達到可以表達自如的程度，那要多花工夫。若要我此刻親切的告訴人家我愛他（或她），又或者罵人，都是英文比較暢快。等到一天我可以用中文把人家罵得狗血淋頭的時候，我就滿足了！
Translation:
I Can Type Chinese Now!
All along, my friends who know Chinese have been telling me to install Chinese in my computer. Although I went to a Chinese high school, since I have been in the U.S. for so many years, I have forgotten how to write much Chinese. Because there is no Chinese application in my computer, and because I am lazy, writing Chinese letters is very difficult for me. It really kills me. Therefore, letters to friends and family are all in English. Thank goodness that the elders back home know a bit of English. Communication has not been too much of a problem.
Today, I spent a lot of time fixing my computer. I did not have time to volunteer at the hospital. After I fixed that particular application, I remembered my friends’ advice. Therefore, I downloaded the Windows Input Method Editor for Traditional Chinese. I do not know Chang Jie (one of the Chinese input methods). A classmate taught me to use it before, but I could not remember a thing except for typing his name.
Using the phonetic input method is slow, but I can practice Mandarin. Recently, I have met several Mandarin speaking friends. Moreover, I plan to travel to China in the future. It is time to pick up Chinese again. However, I think it will take a lot of efforts to be able to express myself freely in Chinese. At this moment, if I need to tell someone that I love him (or her), or to yell at someone, English is much easier for me. I will be satisfied when I can scold at someone in Chinese easily without a blink!
Saturday, March 12, 2005
Candle Holders (Work in Process)
The picture was taken before biscuit firing. I am learning to deal with my obessive compulsive behavior. I wanted so much to have these two pieces be identical!
Platter (Work in Process)
Again, the picture was taken before biscuit firing. The piece is made of stoneware clay using the slab technique.
Wednesday, March 09, 2005
Love Stories
If you turn on the radio, the majority of the love songs are sad songs. The singers sound so miserable. Love affairs seem so painful. Throughout history, the stories about couples dying due to love are considered to be epic. For examples, there is the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, and of course, the movie Love Story in the 70s. They are all tearjerkers. Someone has to die in the story in order to make it memorable.
Let’s look at a little more positive scenario: Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles. (Well, there is still death in this situation…) Some people see it as romantic when a couple separated at youth and finally get back together after all these years. It means that the two people truly love each other despite their separate lives. Love conquers everything. It sounds beautiful and touching. I wonder if it is because of the longing and the fantasies that cause the union.
I understand that people are bound to make mistakes. We bump into the brick walls a lot (abstractly), including relationships. I admire couples who do it right at the beginning, stay together to ride out the ups and downs, and still love each other when they become very old. It involves a lot of hard work. The amazing part is their ability to follow through a commitment to keep the relationship alive and interesting. Sure, there would be setbacks. If love really conquers it all, two people can grow together. Now, that, to me, is epic!
Let’s look at a little more positive scenario: Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles. (Well, there is still death in this situation…) Some people see it as romantic when a couple separated at youth and finally get back together after all these years. It means that the two people truly love each other despite their separate lives. Love conquers everything. It sounds beautiful and touching. I wonder if it is because of the longing and the fantasies that cause the union.
I understand that people are bound to make mistakes. We bump into the brick walls a lot (abstractly), including relationships. I admire couples who do it right at the beginning, stay together to ride out the ups and downs, and still love each other when they become very old. It involves a lot of hard work. The amazing part is their ability to follow through a commitment to keep the relationship alive and interesting. Sure, there would be setbacks. If love really conquers it all, two people can grow together. Now, that, to me, is epic!
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Acting Role
I enjoy plays and movies. Scripting is fun and challenging. It requires lots of planning, observation, and of course, writing. The feeling of completing a script is very rewarding. What about the acting part? Hypothetically speaking, if you have a choice in picking any acting role and genre you want, what would you choose?
I would pick skits like those in Saturday Night Live (SNL). I do not think I am good at writing comical scripts even though some people might find me amusing at times. Therefore, it would be good to see how others write them. I have no interest in being a main character. A supporting role would be nice. Keep it light and fun. In particular, I want to act like someone that I am not. That is the whole deal with acting, right?
I remember I had such a fun time playing a flirty air head. Occasionally, I see dumb pretty girls get away with so many things. Especially in programming classes, some pretty girls did not have to lift a finger. They really capitalized their good looks. One nice smile could make the boys fall heads over heels. No, I am not bitter. I had boys help me on my homework as well, but I truly wanted to learn. Looks will go. However, I still wanted to see what it was like to be a big flirt!
I would pick skits like those in Saturday Night Live (SNL). I do not think I am good at writing comical scripts even though some people might find me amusing at times. Therefore, it would be good to see how others write them. I have no interest in being a main character. A supporting role would be nice. Keep it light and fun. In particular, I want to act like someone that I am not. That is the whole deal with acting, right?
I remember I had such a fun time playing a flirty air head. Occasionally, I see dumb pretty girls get away with so many things. Especially in programming classes, some pretty girls did not have to lift a finger. They really capitalized their good looks. One nice smile could make the boys fall heads over heels. No, I am not bitter. I had boys help me on my homework as well, but I truly wanted to learn. Looks will go. However, I still wanted to see what it was like to be a big flirt!
Sunday, March 06, 2005
Actuarial Joke
This is one of my favorites from http://members.aol.com/fcas/jokes.html:
ACTUARIAL EXAM QUESTION THAT NEVER WAS:
Iggy is deciding whether to invest $140 to take actuarial exam #2. (He has already failed the exam once, but the first $140 should be considered a sunk cost). If he passes the exam he will be able to get a job which pays $50,000 per year. Assume that this salary is to be delivered as a perpetuity receivable twice monthly for the remainder of Iggy's life. His salary will be adjusted at the end of each year to keep up with the CPI, which is currently at 9.5%. Assume this student's job prospects otherwise to be negligible (i.e., opportunity cost of capital = 0) and that the probability of his passing the exam is 1 in 400 billion. Determine whether Iggy should embark in this venture using a) the NPV method b) the discounted payback rule c) five paper clips and a stick of balsam wood.
A) Yes.
B) No.
C) Yes.
D) No, because the APV method should have been used instead.
E) A but not C (if so, explain why).
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Blue Buttoned Down Shirts
Lately, I notice a high concentration of men in our office wearing blue buttoned down shirts. The dress code at work is business casual. I wonder if there is any psychological meaning behind this.
I look up what the blue color implies. There are many different shades of blue. Royal blue represents trust and loyalty. Navy blue shows commanding authority. Blue also provides a calm, relaxed, and tranquil feeling.
Do people have the kind of personality and then pick the blue color unintentionally? Or, do people want to show others that they are trustworthy and loyal? Next time, when you walk on Wall Street, pay attention to what the men are wearing. Chances are that they will be wearing a blue shirt under a dark suit.
I look up what the blue color implies. There are many different shades of blue. Royal blue represents trust and loyalty. Navy blue shows commanding authority. Blue also provides a calm, relaxed, and tranquil feeling.
Do people have the kind of personality and then pick the blue color unintentionally? Or, do people want to show others that they are trustworthy and loyal? Next time, when you walk on Wall Street, pay attention to what the men are wearing. Chances are that they will be wearing a blue shirt under a dark suit.
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
Giving Is Better Than Taking
Why?
Self-worth: It is not because you want to collect brownie points to go to heaven. It is because it is a choice, and you know you can afford to give.
Timing: It is not because you are more superior to others. It is because you know others can benefit at the moment.
Influence: It is not because you are hoping for direct personal rewards. It is because you are hoping that maybe your act will trigger these people to give in the future.
Thus, by giving, you make the world a better place to live.
Self-worth: It is not because you want to collect brownie points to go to heaven. It is because it is a choice, and you know you can afford to give.
Timing: It is not because you are more superior to others. It is because you know others can benefit at the moment.
Influence: It is not because you are hoping for direct personal rewards. It is because you are hoping that maybe your act will trigger these people to give in the future.
Thus, by giving, you make the world a better place to live.
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