I am back to Singapore for just a little more than 2 weeks. Home, as Singapore is, the place I was born, grew up, schooled, made friends, and left for my career.
I told many that I am back for the food. The truth is, the moment I touched down, I felt like home. Of course, whenever I am meeting people, except for the very formal ones, there is a meal involved. The food engages everyone in one common activity.
Home is hard to define. Is home the place you sleep over at night, where you grew up, where your parents are, or where your friends are? All these places can be different. So where is home?
I could not exact a simple definition. However, when I was walking down the streets of Singapore, I feel every step to be real. It brings my mind to the moment I was walking. The place felt real. As if all dreams and future plans were put to a pause. This is it, my destination all along.
It was during this time where I really feel like drinking in a cafe for drinking sake. Not because I am waiting for someone, or I am meeting someone, or I need to do some work. It is just the cafe, myself, the coffee, and process of enjoying the process of drinking. The drinking itself.
To me, home is where it feels like home. It feels solid and stable. You could not say you like it or hate it. You may have both feelings, but you feel you have reached the place you should be. I think this is the same feeling why many wanted to fight for access to their home despite it in desolation.
I will leave Singapore again for California in 4 days. But I don't think California will ever feel the same.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Of writing
Writing is becoming part of my job, and rightly as a PhD student. And recently, I am writing about culture, of US and China. However, it became difficult for me to find representative materials on China, and English sources often see China relatively to democracy - their ideal in US or Europe.
So I turn my readings to Frederick Mote, Lee Kuan Yew, and Fei Xiaotong for inspiration.
After reading their perspective of Chinese societies, in some aspects Asian, I am more than convinced that Chinese, or even Asia, required some sort of justice in terms of how their societies should be viewed upon. Mainly to say, Chinese culture is not yet ready to face with full blown free market economy. People make use of every opportunities to make money, even at the expense of others. Law, often harsh ones, are often necessary to keep people in line. However, we saw less of these problems in Europe and US. People monitor their own actions, or others will monitor them.
We have to be aware, as Lee Kuan Yew often say, Europeans have 400 years to develop to the point that they are ready to adopt real great personal autonomy. On the other hand, even the most advanced Chinese societies - Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, were barely more than half a century old since their people were educated.
Culture, on the other hand, takes even more time to crystallize. When I refer to culture, i refer to social protocols that enable people to work well with one another, they when you contacted a stranger to collaborate, there will be enough trust to begin with. This is very important for knowledge economy, where collaboration between strangers often reap the greatest benefits.
However, even for Singapore, I am not sure if we are culturally equip to compete in these arenas. When i search online for names, say in a government institution, more than likely, I found department emails rather and personal contacts. People are less likely to build civic groups, attend public events, or work with a total stranger.
In such environment, Asian societies are perhaps better off, at this point, to focus on technical skills, efficiency, and hardwork. These are skills that allow one to shine even when they are working relatively alone, non-collaboratively.
Yet, when I write, I have to focus on my audience, who are mostly western. This is not wrong and rightly so. There is no point writing for Asian societies, since in the first place, a US university funded my research. I will be doing a disfavor for myself, for the university, and I am not even sure if anyone in Asia would read it. However, this means I will be writing of knowledge, of creativity, and perhaps of democracy.
At times, this upset me, however, reading Lee Kuan Yew and understanding his pragmatism and realism often bring my senses back to me. After all, it is a small world. There may be no need to differentiate between you and me.
So I turn my readings to Frederick Mote, Lee Kuan Yew, and Fei Xiaotong for inspiration.
After reading their perspective of Chinese societies, in some aspects Asian, I am more than convinced that Chinese, or even Asia, required some sort of justice in terms of how their societies should be viewed upon. Mainly to say, Chinese culture is not yet ready to face with full blown free market economy. People make use of every opportunities to make money, even at the expense of others. Law, often harsh ones, are often necessary to keep people in line. However, we saw less of these problems in Europe and US. People monitor their own actions, or others will monitor them.
We have to be aware, as Lee Kuan Yew often say, Europeans have 400 years to develop to the point that they are ready to adopt real great personal autonomy. On the other hand, even the most advanced Chinese societies - Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, were barely more than half a century old since their people were educated.
Culture, on the other hand, takes even more time to crystallize. When I refer to culture, i refer to social protocols that enable people to work well with one another, they when you contacted a stranger to collaborate, there will be enough trust to begin with. This is very important for knowledge economy, where collaboration between strangers often reap the greatest benefits.
However, even for Singapore, I am not sure if we are culturally equip to compete in these arenas. When i search online for names, say in a government institution, more than likely, I found department emails rather and personal contacts. People are less likely to build civic groups, attend public events, or work with a total stranger.
In such environment, Asian societies are perhaps better off, at this point, to focus on technical skills, efficiency, and hardwork. These are skills that allow one to shine even when they are working relatively alone, non-collaboratively.
Yet, when I write, I have to focus on my audience, who are mostly western. This is not wrong and rightly so. There is no point writing for Asian societies, since in the first place, a US university funded my research. I will be doing a disfavor for myself, for the university, and I am not even sure if anyone in Asia would read it. However, this means I will be writing of knowledge, of creativity, and perhaps of democracy.
At times, this upset me, however, reading Lee Kuan Yew and understanding his pragmatism and realism often bring my senses back to me. After all, it is a small world. There may be no need to differentiate between you and me.
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Amzanig!
Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a total mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Amzanig!
Friday, October 24, 2008
Singapore: A city without slums
'There is about 5 to 6 per cent slums in more developed countries so to have zero incidence is an achievement worth celebrating,' said Professor Banji Oyeyinka, director of the monitoring and research division.
Well, I am proud of it. There are two primary reasons for this. One, anyone can buy a house, or rent one, and 90% of Singaporeans live in state built properties. The low interest loan (2.6%) comes from the government. Two, bankruptcy act forbids anyone to take away the house.
I am pretty proud of this.
Well, I am proud of it. There are two primary reasons for this. One, anyone can buy a house, or rent one, and 90% of Singaporeans live in state built properties. The low interest loan (2.6%) comes from the government. Two, bankruptcy act forbids anyone to take away the house.
I am pretty proud of this.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
National table tennis coach Liu Guodong, who helped deliver Singapore's first Olympic medal in 48 years, on Thursday revealed this detail of the two-year deal offered to him by the Singapore Table Tennis Association (STTA). $6300/mth not including housing.
Liu, whose contract expires at the end of the year, has rejected the deal, dismissing it as insulting and insincere'.
In China, where table tennis is the national sport, national coaches can expect to earn over US$10,000 (S$15,000) each month - inclusive of rewards and bonuses,' said the source. 'Even coaches of provisional teams can earn about US$6,000 (S$9,000) per month.'
http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Sport/Story/STIStory_294096.html
Given the level of publicity and need for national pride in sports and arts, this somewhat looks like a low point. How much is our talents worth to us? As one of the NTU professor like to say in class,
"If you pay peanuts, you get monkeys loh."
Perhaps that's the message for us.
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Decline of US? In what?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7645743.stm
While John Gray sees US as in a 'decline,' "The era of American global leadership, reaching back to the Second World War, is over.."
I remembered the fascination I had of American since I was young. Disney, US army, Microsoft, and other large corporations. Our world's sole superpower. The one nation that ripped the world of bad countries. The one nation that produced great products. The one nation that treasured and loved talents. The one country that we can rely on in times of regional stability... was all these in the past?
The rise of China is indeed phenomenal. Even when China has only had their space walk forty years after US. Forty years is a long time, but it seems just like yesterday. Perhaps because forty years after, there was no more space walk on Mars, Venus, or deeper phenomenal travels towards the unknown. Although there is no doubt the US is capable of innovating better than any countries: Google, Apple, just to name a few recent sons. While China had produced similar ones thereafter, such as Baidu. They were just similar, and I have a strong suspicion that Chinese companies are continually looking for sustained US product leadership, or er... 'copyship.'
"A boss says go, but a leader says lets go." That quote reminded me of the recent war in the gulf. US had shown strength in taking unilateral actions. And the 'if you are not with us, you are against us,' mentally had certainly shifted its leadership image towards the end of a boss. Not to mention the democratically establish national propaganda news network Fox. I had since the gulf war looking at at least 3 different news networks in US, Europe, and China (or Aljazeera depending on the issue), in order to get a better sense of the world. And no doubt many countries chose to maintain silence in the time of lunacy. No one can bear the burden of the world. Yet, instead of getting these to be friends and work together, US continued to provoke countries with different regime as itself - Iran, North Korea, Pakistan, China, and recently Russia. Even in numerous occasions, sing the popular tune of the 'Crippled UN.' The world leader had long shifted its position from one that say 'lets go,' to one that say 'go.' Our leader had turned into a boss. Meanwhile, China continued to show promise in its economy, and recently intrigued the world with how it held the Olympic. And Russia, unintendedly, poked the EU and US by interfering with a former soviet country - Georgia. But again, the inability of US to act, ascertained its stretched prowess, and entanglements in its internal politics.
Today, I am not sure if there is any country that can bear the burden of world peace and stability. The only leader seemed to have faded and performed the opposite of increasing conflicts and instability. While new world powers are rising, their moral stand point and prowess are not tested. The recess of the US appeared to create a void in leadership.
Yet, I do not see that this is an end of an era. US is known to adapt quickly. Indeed, we do not see new ideas coming from the conservatives in US, only continue indulgence in its idiocyncratic beliefs. But there is a new hope in the liberals, and the coming of a new leader. The main challenge of US, apart from recovering from the war torned economy, is the rebuilding of confidence among the new world powers. That US is again one leader to be trusted and followed. Its the world's broker, military and commercial leader. That it rekindles the minds and dreams of children all over the world.
While John Gray sees US as in a 'decline,' "The era of American global leadership, reaching back to the Second World War, is over.."
I remembered the fascination I had of American since I was young. Disney, US army, Microsoft, and other large corporations. Our world's sole superpower. The one nation that ripped the world of bad countries. The one nation that produced great products. The one nation that treasured and loved talents. The one country that we can rely on in times of regional stability... was all these in the past?
The rise of China is indeed phenomenal. Even when China has only had their space walk forty years after US. Forty years is a long time, but it seems just like yesterday. Perhaps because forty years after, there was no more space walk on Mars, Venus, or deeper phenomenal travels towards the unknown. Although there is no doubt the US is capable of innovating better than any countries: Google, Apple, just to name a few recent sons. While China had produced similar ones thereafter, such as Baidu. They were just similar, and I have a strong suspicion that Chinese companies are continually looking for sustained US product leadership, or er... 'copyship.'
"A boss says go, but a leader says lets go." That quote reminded me of the recent war in the gulf. US had shown strength in taking unilateral actions. And the 'if you are not with us, you are against us,' mentally had certainly shifted its leadership image towards the end of a boss. Not to mention the democratically establish national propaganda news network Fox. I had since the gulf war looking at at least 3 different news networks in US, Europe, and China (or Aljazeera depending on the issue), in order to get a better sense of the world. And no doubt many countries chose to maintain silence in the time of lunacy. No one can bear the burden of the world. Yet, instead of getting these to be friends and work together, US continued to provoke countries with different regime as itself - Iran, North Korea, Pakistan, China, and recently Russia. Even in numerous occasions, sing the popular tune of the 'Crippled UN.' The world leader had long shifted its position from one that say 'lets go,' to one that say 'go.' Our leader had turned into a boss. Meanwhile, China continued to show promise in its economy, and recently intrigued the world with how it held the Olympic. And Russia, unintendedly, poked the EU and US by interfering with a former soviet country - Georgia. But again, the inability of US to act, ascertained its stretched prowess, and entanglements in its internal politics.
Today, I am not sure if there is any country that can bear the burden of world peace and stability. The only leader seemed to have faded and performed the opposite of increasing conflicts and instability. While new world powers are rising, their moral stand point and prowess are not tested. The recess of the US appeared to create a void in leadership.
Yet, I do not see that this is an end of an era. US is known to adapt quickly. Indeed, we do not see new ideas coming from the conservatives in US, only continue indulgence in its idiocyncratic beliefs. But there is a new hope in the liberals, and the coming of a new leader. The main challenge of US, apart from recovering from the war torned economy, is the rebuilding of confidence among the new world powers. That US is again one leader to be trusted and followed. Its the world's broker, military and commercial leader. That it rekindles the minds and dreams of children all over the world.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
News censoring in the US
In US, I saw another type of censoring. Not censoring for 'harmony' or 'good of the country,' but censoring what people do not understand, or is incoherent with what people already understood. In this event, CNN censored the entire interview with Putin regarding the events in Georgia. Contrary to previous reporting, and American image of a good-evil world, Georgia's relationship with Russia may be more complex then you think. Perhaps CNN felt that the sympathetic genes of Americans should not be activated to avoid complications.
See the actual interviews from Russia TV with English subtitles:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrQJz3NhcTg&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ye-W3pL8SAw&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqwxqjBb-u0&feature=related
See the actual interviews from Russia TV with English subtitles:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrQJz3NhcTg&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ye-W3pL8SAw&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqwxqjBb-u0&feature=related
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
US politics turn into a dirty game
"John McCain says he's about change too," Obama told a crowd. "So I guess his whole angle is: Watch out, George Bush -- except for economic policy, healthcare policy, tax policy, education policy, foreign policy and Karl Rove-style politics, we're really going to shake things up in Washington."
"That's not change. That's just calling the same thing something different. But you can put lipstick on a pig, it's still a pig. You can wrap an old fish in a piece of paper called change, and it's still going to stink after eight years."
For that, John McCain says Obama is calling Palin a pig, referring a Palin's joke that the difference between a hockey mom and a pit bull was lipstick.
(excerpt from http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/washingtondc/la-na-campaign10-2008sep10,0,311675.story)
For some reasons, feminism in US has a foothold of deep hurting proportion. And McCain and his campaigners are playing dirty game to buy the hearts of these women. I do not know what Palin can bring to the table and make gender rights fairer, but beyond that, McCain is trying to get sympathetic votes, which is as pathetic as the war in Iraq.
From my point of view, it is sad to see 'democracy' degenerating into a dirty game. To me democracy represents one thing - fairness. Therefore, every individual has equal rights and opportunity to win and become the better man. For US or the world, I think we are better off to retain the form of democracy we started out with, than to degenerate into a dirtier like of it.
"That's not change. That's just calling the same thing something different. But you can put lipstick on a pig, it's still a pig. You can wrap an old fish in a piece of paper called change, and it's still going to stink after eight years."
For that, John McCain says Obama is calling Palin a pig, referring a Palin's joke that the difference between a hockey mom and a pit bull was lipstick.
(excerpt from http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/washingtondc/la-na-campaign10-2008sep10,0,311675.story)
For some reasons, feminism in US has a foothold of deep hurting proportion. And McCain and his campaigners are playing dirty game to buy the hearts of these women. I do not know what Palin can bring to the table and make gender rights fairer, but beyond that, McCain is trying to get sympathetic votes, which is as pathetic as the war in Iraq.
From my point of view, it is sad to see 'democracy' degenerating into a dirty game. To me democracy represents one thing - fairness. Therefore, every individual has equal rights and opportunity to win and become the better man. For US or the world, I think we are better off to retain the form of democracy we started out with, than to degenerate into a dirtier like of it.
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Calming a pool of ripples
The ten days retreat was a month behind me. After spending sometime in Slovenia and Italy, the mind is again full of ripples. It is such an irony that makes practice so difficult. That the society has invented many ways of causing ripples, such as economics, fun, and competition. They aren't bad if we did not take them so seriously. But we can't. So we walked in every step with a company of dips and indulgence, causing ripples all over.
So to calm these ripples down, we meditate. And an important revelation today (though its not the first time) is I got to meditation more consistently.
So to calm these ripples down, we meditate. And an important revelation today (though its not the first time) is I got to meditation more consistently.
Monday, September 01, 2008
A month away from Irvine
Away for a month. Found myself in a place between Singapore and US: Italy - a place with a long history, so long that ruins stood unnoticed.
The thought of going to Italy wasan exotic one. It is also a popular Americans destination, judging from the number we saw in Venice and Lake Como. Beautiful to see in picture, but the journey wastiresome. I haven't spent so many days tasting hunger, thirst, and tiredness. If you think that the 15% tips 'required' in US restaurants is questionable, then you would find the 'Caputo,' or cover charges in Italy ridiculous. Our first encounter waswith a Chinese restaurant in Venice, where $24 euros order turned into $36.
So we walked to find cheaper food. We walked to find stairs to sit. We walked to find toilets. Not those that charge 0.80 - $1 per entrance. But free ones rarely exist. A subway trip costs $1 euro regardless of distance. So we kept walking. It is hard to imagine in Europe where it is supposedly social heaven, that basic needs cost so much. The obvious solution was to drink less, eat less, and just keep moving. Perhaps this is why Europeans walk a lot, and they seemingly like streets friendly to pedestrians. But I developed lesser desire to be among the gods.
Me hiding from the hot sun.
Walking, we pretended the hardships weren't there, and also invisible were the million tourists. We turned our attention to the interesting - the monuments. Endless of them. Most interesting to me is the rich history stretching up to about 2500 years ago, at the time of creation of Roman empire. You witnessed the size of the Roman city and sophistication of the arenas, baths, market place, aqueduct, and churches. As you walk, you can imagine how the people lived (your imagination supplemented by movies, books, etc).
Arena at Verona
Best of Italy? Gelato, Pasta, Pizza, and Cappuccino! I haven't know what they mean, until I tasted them there. The Gelato (real ones) are thick and tasty (not creamy). Pasta is favorful (not cheesy or tomato--eey). Pizza is thin and even, and a sip from Cappuccino catches your attention. Nothing makes your walk worth more than finding a good cafe or restaurant in Italy. When we tasted the ice cream, pasta, pizza, and coffee on our Delta flight back, we knew we are leaving Italy.
Irvine - Home sweet home.
The thought of going to Italy wasan exotic one. It is also a popular Americans destination, judging from the number we saw in Venice and Lake Como. Beautiful to see in picture, but the journey wastiresome. I haven't spent so many days tasting hunger, thirst, and tiredness. If you think that the 15% tips 'required' in US restaurants is questionable, then you would find the 'Caputo,' or cover charges in Italy ridiculous. Our first encounter waswith a Chinese restaurant in Venice, where $24 euros order turned into $36.
So we walked to find cheaper food. We walked to find stairs to sit. We walked to find toilets. Not those that charge 0.80 - $1 per entrance. But free ones rarely exist. A subway trip costs $1 euro regardless of distance. So we kept walking. It is hard to imagine in Europe where it is supposedly social heaven, that basic needs cost so much. The obvious solution was to drink less, eat less, and just keep moving. Perhaps this is why Europeans walk a lot, and they seemingly like streets friendly to pedestrians. But I developed lesser desire to be among the gods.
Me hiding from the hot sun.Walking, we pretended the hardships weren't there, and also invisible were the million tourists. We turned our attention to the interesting - the monuments. Endless of them. Most interesting to me is the rich history stretching up to about 2500 years ago, at the time of creation of Roman empire. You witnessed the size of the Roman city and sophistication of the arenas, baths, market place, aqueduct, and churches. As you walk, you can imagine how the people lived (your imagination supplemented by movies, books, etc).
Arena at VeronaBest of Italy? Gelato, Pasta, Pizza, and Cappuccino! I haven't know what they mean, until I tasted them there. The Gelato (real ones) are thick and tasty (not creamy). Pasta is favorful (not cheesy or tomato--eey). Pizza is thin and even, and a sip from Cappuccino catches your attention. Nothing makes your walk worth more than finding a good cafe or restaurant in Italy. When we tasted the ice cream, pasta, pizza, and coffee on our Delta flight back, we knew we are leaving Italy.
Irvine - Home sweet home.
Saturday, August 09, 2008
Put an end to the Human Rights argument - at least in the eastern world
I am tired of journalists whining about human rights violation. Same old story, day after day. They seem to like to search for such stories, instead of looking for real social change. Reporters are not allow to access certain places, some groups are not allowed to protest, some websites are not accessible, and so forth. Maybe it is due to the breakneck pace of articles turnaround? But I am tired. The term 'human rights' has to be more closely examine, to analyze what are eastern countries violating?
We took from wikipedia, where human rights are "Examples of rights and freedoms which are often thought of as human rights include civil and political rights, such as the right to life and liberty, freedom of expression, and equality before the law; and social, cultural and economic rights, including the right to participate in culture, the right to food, the right to work, and the right to education."
Civil and political rights
This has little concreteness since politics, which are a feature of social change, is different in every country. Try democracy today in Iraq, and you may end up with civil war. Russia opened up its market overnight and see its economy plunged into chaos. We have to be careful of civil and political move, and not every move in the 'rights' way is good.
Rights to Life and Liberty, Expression, and Equality before Law
I do not know how to untangle these from the previous since they are intimately related.
Life is vague and again different in every country. Some people wanted to be 'somebody,' some merely wanted to relax and be merry. So I guess a country that provides for all is good.
Liberty is more complicated. It maybe interpreted as the ability to do what you like. I think the US and some western countries are taken as the role model in this. But consider a Catholic who grew up in inner states may have less freedom to choose not to got to church, due to social pressure. Liberty is thus highly social-dependent. I think more than what the government can impose on its people.
Expression is surely something often referred to as violation. Considered how some western news portrayed the 'oppression' of Tibet. How they framed Iraq has an oppressed state, thus the west should bring 'freedom' to the country. How they expressed Iran, which never started a war, as a new evil. And how a US newspaper exaggerated Bush's popularity to earn votes? Express as much as you like! But do not hurt others. If you cannot control yourself from harming others, the let others control you!
Law has been said, kind of. Simply, law is expensive in some countries and prohibitive to the poor. I think law in Singapore is very equal. You will be represented, no matter what. And lawyers cannot earn so much like the US that leads to prohibitive fees. Furthermore, there is an option of mediation, which cost virtually nothing. Beat this!
Social, cultural and economic rights
All said and done, very little of so call 'rights violations,' at least after the infamous Mao's cultural revolution, infringed on these. If religion such as Buddhism is no longer correctly practiced, it is due to the people own choice and current interests. After all, I have not seen any true religion suppressed. Even Christianity can be preached in China.
Of all, these sets of rights are perhaps more respected in eastern countries than the west. Especially that of economic rights. Some US Olympians have to spend their own money for training. In China, the Olympians drew salary. Per Capita income of Singapore is now higher than US. In Singapore, I can find supper at 2am in the morning and breakfast at 4am. Buses and trains arrive every 5mins or less. In US and even some Europeans countries, such rights do not even exist. In Singapore, driving license can be processed immediately. In US, it takes up to 3 months. In Singapore, you can complain to the state about the lack of street lamps, in the US, you have to live with it. In Singapore, ministers meet with residents weekly to talk about problems. Yes you can setup an appointment with them. In US, where are the senators? I assume the only way to 'talk' with them is to organize a 500 men protest outside their office. They have a term for it - 'lobbying.'
Moving On
Chinese economy is growing at break neck pace, improving the standard of living quickly, while reporters still whining about 'rights violations.' If the journalists do care about the eastern countries, they ought to pay more attention to social change.
I do think both western and eastern system of governance has its benefits and problems. We talked about them sparingly in this blog. But you don't write so much in blogs! Western governance appears to result in more creative system. Eastern governance results in more efficiency.
I am not even sure of Chinese wanted that type of 'freedom.' I think the Chinese are practical people, they wanted another type of freedom, the one that is free from fear, hunger, poverty, and access to good life, job, education, and family. If I so condone the word, they are 'fighting' for it now. In a way of hard work and learning from the developed countries. Learning from Singapore even, in terms of developing a paternalistic society (state as a father, that help his children grow and takes care of them).
We took from wikipedia, where human rights are "Examples of rights and freedoms which are often thought of as human rights include civil and political rights, such as the right to life and liberty, freedom of expression, and equality before the law; and social, cultural and economic rights, including the right to participate in culture, the right to food, the right to work, and the right to education."
Civil and political rights
This has little concreteness since politics, which are a feature of social change, is different in every country. Try democracy today in Iraq, and you may end up with civil war. Russia opened up its market overnight and see its economy plunged into chaos. We have to be careful of civil and political move, and not every move in the 'rights' way is good.
Rights to Life and Liberty, Expression, and Equality before Law
I do not know how to untangle these from the previous since they are intimately related.
Life is vague and again different in every country. Some people wanted to be 'somebody,' some merely wanted to relax and be merry. So I guess a country that provides for all is good.
Liberty is more complicated. It maybe interpreted as the ability to do what you like. I think the US and some western countries are taken as the role model in this. But consider a Catholic who grew up in inner states may have less freedom to choose not to got to church, due to social pressure. Liberty is thus highly social-dependent. I think more than what the government can impose on its people.
Expression is surely something often referred to as violation. Considered how some western news portrayed the 'oppression' of Tibet. How they framed Iraq has an oppressed state, thus the west should bring 'freedom' to the country. How they expressed Iran, which never started a war, as a new evil. And how a US newspaper exaggerated Bush's popularity to earn votes? Express as much as you like! But do not hurt others. If you cannot control yourself from harming others, the let others control you!
Law has been said, kind of. Simply, law is expensive in some countries and prohibitive to the poor. I think law in Singapore is very equal. You will be represented, no matter what. And lawyers cannot earn so much like the US that leads to prohibitive fees. Furthermore, there is an option of mediation, which cost virtually nothing. Beat this!
Social, cultural and economic rights
All said and done, very little of so call 'rights violations,' at least after the infamous Mao's cultural revolution, infringed on these. If religion such as Buddhism is no longer correctly practiced, it is due to the people own choice and current interests. After all, I have not seen any true religion suppressed. Even Christianity can be preached in China.
Of all, these sets of rights are perhaps more respected in eastern countries than the west. Especially that of economic rights. Some US Olympians have to spend their own money for training. In China, the Olympians drew salary. Per Capita income of Singapore is now higher than US. In Singapore, I can find supper at 2am in the morning and breakfast at 4am. Buses and trains arrive every 5mins or less. In US and even some Europeans countries, such rights do not even exist. In Singapore, driving license can be processed immediately. In US, it takes up to 3 months. In Singapore, you can complain to the state about the lack of street lamps, in the US, you have to live with it. In Singapore, ministers meet with residents weekly to talk about problems. Yes you can setup an appointment with them. In US, where are the senators? I assume the only way to 'talk' with them is to organize a 500 men protest outside their office. They have a term for it - 'lobbying.'
Moving On
Chinese economy is growing at break neck pace, improving the standard of living quickly, while reporters still whining about 'rights violations.' If the journalists do care about the eastern countries, they ought to pay more attention to social change.
I do think both western and eastern system of governance has its benefits and problems. We talked about them sparingly in this blog. But you don't write so much in blogs! Western governance appears to result in more creative system. Eastern governance results in more efficiency.
"The Chinese are a proud people. They want freedom and greater rights, but they know they must fight for them from within. They know no one can grant them freedom and rights from afar."I pitied this girl whose father was hurt by cultural revolution. I do not condone that movement and I am suspicious if Mao contributed anything to China. But fight!? Since Athens, western countries really learnt how to fight. They have been fighting for centuries, even in endless crusades, senseless religious conflicts. Every democratic movements began with conflict and blood shed, almost like scripted movies. People come together. The regime do not agree at first, then violence. Eastern religions do not fight, and they are less interested in conflicts.
http://old.thejakartapost.com/detaileditorial.asp?fileid=20080809.E02&irec=1
I am not even sure of Chinese wanted that type of 'freedom.' I think the Chinese are practical people, they wanted another type of freedom, the one that is free from fear, hunger, poverty, and access to good life, job, education, and family. If I so condone the word, they are 'fighting' for it now. In a way of hard work and learning from the developed countries. Learning from Singapore even, in terms of developing a paternalistic society (state as a father, that help his children grow and takes care of them).
"But it was the removal of China from the list that drew the most attention. Was it because conditions have improved in China, because other countries have simply gotten worse – or because the Olympics will be held in Beijing this summer? Or is the US looking for ways to improve cooperation with Beijing on such issues as North Korea's and Iran's nuclear programs and the Darfur conflict in Sudan?" http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/0313/p03s05-usfp.htmlI have no doubt one day the US will acknowledge China as respecting human rights. But behold, at that time, China has perfected its paternalistic system. China is efficient and rural areas received ample education and adequate infrastructure. Chinese are wealthy and technological advance. US and Chinese are economically reliant on each other. Then the world politics will see a different staging.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Boredom and Blissfulness
I try not to write boring blogs, but sometimes it is unpreventable. Mentioning that I went somewhere and saw something, played some stuffs and it is all fun, these excites people. Mentioning what I thought about somethings, and move on to something else, I abstract some more ideas, and learn a few things, and all appeared boring. But these 'boring' stuffs are what I did in a retreat I had been.
Boredom - perhaps equates to lack of change and motion for some. But really, that level pretty much is also what happen when one feels blissful. Blissful - no need for change and motion, for one is already contented with the present moment.
It was a ten-days retreat. We wake up at 4am, sleep at 10pm. In between, we meditated for 40 mins periods, do yoga, eat, exercise, and other humanly affairs. All seem the same, except we are all looking within, meditating, ignoring wandering thoughts, reducing information to the mind, including self-generated ones.
You may think, "I think therefore I am." But you will be surprise, even when you don't want to think, you still do! We may like to change that sentence to "Thinking make us who we are," removing the subject 'I,' for we are not really in control. Thinking takes place whether we wanted, and it is not easy to calm ourselves down.
Instead of meaningless 'emptiness,' letting go of thoughts will allow us to observe our thoughts more closely. Recent thoughts fade away as days went by, replacing with older ones. Even faces that we had forgotten may resurfaces, rekindling good/bad memories, learning our history as we grew and changed. 'I' is but a composition of conditions made up of friends, family, colleagues, acquaintances, and circumstances. You learn more about yourself, why do you always act in someways? Is it good? Is it bad? Are you happy? Are people around you happy? Where is your life heading?
At the end, this retreat felt like my first, stark contrast before and after, and a lot of reflections. A feeling of rebirth. The fresh air, tender breeze, voices, sight, and touches consume the anxiety and fear. I am neither ready nor not ready to return to reality. For there is neither a need to fight nor to let go. Life goes on, just as it is.
Boredom - perhaps equates to lack of change and motion for some. But really, that level pretty much is also what happen when one feels blissful. Blissful - no need for change and motion, for one is already contented with the present moment.
It was a ten-days retreat. We wake up at 4am, sleep at 10pm. In between, we meditated for 40 mins periods, do yoga, eat, exercise, and other humanly affairs. All seem the same, except we are all looking within, meditating, ignoring wandering thoughts, reducing information to the mind, including self-generated ones.
You may think, "I think therefore I am." But you will be surprise, even when you don't want to think, you still do! We may like to change that sentence to "Thinking make us who we are," removing the subject 'I,' for we are not really in control. Thinking takes place whether we wanted, and it is not easy to calm ourselves down.
Instead of meaningless 'emptiness,' letting go of thoughts will allow us to observe our thoughts more closely. Recent thoughts fade away as days went by, replacing with older ones. Even faces that we had forgotten may resurfaces, rekindling good/bad memories, learning our history as we grew and changed. 'I' is but a composition of conditions made up of friends, family, colleagues, acquaintances, and circumstances. You learn more about yourself, why do you always act in someways? Is it good? Is it bad? Are you happy? Are people around you happy? Where is your life heading?
At the end, this retreat felt like my first, stark contrast before and after, and a lot of reflections. A feeling of rebirth. The fresh air, tender breeze, voices, sight, and touches consume the anxiety and fear. I am neither ready nor not ready to return to reality. For there is neither a need to fight nor to let go. Life goes on, just as it is.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
老李的姜还是辣的
http://www.digg.com.cn/frame.php?news_id=172047
我是新加坡在国外留学的华人，很关心中国的事情，也目睹了在我的大学里中国学生，和洛杉矶cnn大厦中国群众的情操。
起初见到了文章，我想，哦，老李说错话了。。。后来就寻找原文，在Forbes找到了。http://www.forbes.com/global/2008/0616/014_print.html
第一：“中国何时能停止把自己看成是西方的受害者”不是标题，是一个化解了矛盾后老李说见到会发生的事情。
第二：“当受西方教育的人在中国占统治地位的时候，中国人就不会把自己看成是西方帝国主义的受害者”的原文是：“China needs a large, well-educated middle class; if and when it gets it, many of them will have been educated in the West and will be familiar with the U.S. and Europe。. Then, like the educated of Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore, they will cease to view themselves as victims of Western imperialism.”
翻译过来是：“中国需要一个壮大而受过高等教育的中薪阶级。当这个情况实现的时候，许多这阶层的人将已受过西方教育，也对美欧相当了解。与日本，韩国，台湾，香港，和新加坡一样，他们将停止把自己看做西方帝国的受害者。”
看了原文，老李的姜还是辣的。
我是新加坡在国外留学的华人，很关心中国的事情，也目睹了在我的大学里中国学生，和洛杉矶cnn大厦中国群众的情操。
起初见到了文章，我想，哦，老李说错话了。。。后来就寻找原文，在Forbes找到了。http://www.forbes.com/global/2008/0616/014_print.html
第一：“中国何时能停止把自己看成是西方的受害者”不是标题，是一个化解了矛盾后老李说见到会发生的事情。
第二：“当受西方教育的人在中国占统治地位的时候，中国人就不会把自己看成是西方帝国主义的受害者”的原文是：“China needs a large, well-educated middle class; if and when it gets it, many of them will have been educated in the West and will be familiar with the U.S. and Europe。. Then, like the educated of Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore, they will cease to view themselves as victims of Western imperialism.”
翻译过来是：“中国需要一个壮大而受过高等教育的中薪阶级。当这个情况实现的时候，许多这阶层的人将已受过西方教育，也对美欧相当了解。与日本，韩国，台湾，香港，和新加坡一样，他们将停止把自己看做西方帝国的受害者。”
看了原文，老李的姜还是辣的。
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Peace in the Good Ol'Days
Where goes the day, where you walk with your friends in the park, 2hours before midnight, mosquitoes bite, but you don't really care.
When did you last sit with your friend, side by side, in the hammock, talking about friends and friendships.
When did you go out with a bunch, without caring when to go home, nor an agenda.
When do you last spending time consoling someone, who is having an exam tomorrow, whereby you are also having yours the day after.
When do you hear words of care and concern, about your happiness, and not your career.
When do you last eat your breakfast alone, in a quiet campus morning.
What did you last walk about, not knowing what will happen tomorrow, for tomorrow is not very important.
When did you wish for a friend, an unselfish giving, without wanting anything in return.
When did you last see an innocent, almost stupid behavior, from a friend, a trusted friend.
When did you last receive your card of wishes, with funny poems, colorful strokes, and shiny pastes.
When did you last get a call from a friend, when the caller has no reason why he called.
When did you last sit with your friend, side by side, in the hammock, talking about friends and friendships.
When did you go out with a bunch, without caring when to go home, nor an agenda.
When do you last spending time consoling someone, who is having an exam tomorrow, whereby you are also having yours the day after.
When do you hear words of care and concern, about your happiness, and not your career.
When do you last eat your breakfast alone, in a quiet campus morning.
What did you last walk about, not knowing what will happen tomorrow, for tomorrow is not very important.
When did you wish for a friend, an unselfish giving, without wanting anything in return.
When did you last see an innocent, almost stupid behavior, from a friend, a trusted friend.
When did you last receive your card of wishes, with funny poems, colorful strokes, and shiny pastes.
When did you last get a call from a friend, when the caller has no reason why he called.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
不明白
我们生活着，工作着，常常有用脑的时候。用脑，可以想，也可以不想。想 - 想想如何做得更好。不想 - 跟着过去做。错也无妨，反正你不是第一个。反叛的我，一般选择一者。
想，就是把现有的信息重组，分析，推理，消化成有用的道理。其实就是一种预测。
不想，就是接受已有的道理，加以精练，完美化。
想与不想，其实也不是说哪个好或不好。都是策略性的选择。一，如果某个问题还不能找到好的解决方法，就得怀疑现有方案的可行性。二，如果现有的方案已有效的解决问题，或已受到用户的肯定，那重点就在精练，完美化。
说的容易，又如何是有效的方案呢？如何能衡量。想的人，必须带着不知未来，不明白现在的观点。不知未来，未来变化无穷。不明白现在，现在含有乾坤。就这样，不断地思索，深入。不时，突然发现你知道的东西很少，不知道的尤其清楚。那你就知道你真的想了很久了。。。
想，就是把现有的信息重组，分析，推理，消化成有用的道理。其实就是一种预测。
不想，就是接受已有的道理，加以精练，完美化。
想与不想，其实也不是说哪个好或不好。都是策略性的选择。一，如果某个问题还不能找到好的解决方法，就得怀疑现有方案的可行性。二，如果现有的方案已有效的解决问题，或已受到用户的肯定，那重点就在精练，完美化。
说的容易，又如何是有效的方案呢？如何能衡量。想的人，必须带着不知未来，不明白现在的观点。不知未来，未来变化无穷。不明白现在，现在含有乾坤。就这样，不断地思索，深入。不时，突然发现你知道的东西很少，不知道的尤其清楚。那你就知道你真的想了很久了。。。
Sunday, June 01, 2008
The Future or the Present: A personal decision having an impact on a society
"What is your opinion on the future of Singapore economy?"
"Don't know ah. so chim..." (chim = complicated and deep: singapore speak)
We do not like to think very much, especially into the future. Its best left to the thinkers. To the planners and governments. They think for us. Such as building Casinos and putting 5 billion into 'Science.' We generally understand casino, since we gamble every time around Chinese New Year. But what is science? Can it be eaten?
Being a 'scientist,' I find hard to answer that question. Often time my Singapore friend will ask me, "What are you doing for you PhD?" Then I will find myself in a dilemma. I have three answers:
1. I am studying online game.
2. I am learning ethnography.
3. I am understanding the impact of technology on society.
Each of these will get a different respond:
1. Got use meh?
2. What is that?
3. Chim.
Frankly, I would rather the answer be the third, therefore, I would tell people I am trying to understand the impact of technology (online games) on society (I really mean society, not just gamers).
Nonetheless, its hard to dismiss the gross simplification of the future by Singaporeans, and I believe, many Chinese. Its not to say we do not think, but whatever is in our mind, its very 'real.' For example, what to buy when I visit Shanghai, what to eat, how to maximize expenditure while traveling, where do I get the best deal, why is this tea 10cents cheaper than the other? These are actual daily problems which we are very good at. Its hard to undercut a Singaporean!
At times, I wonder again, how do I tell a Chinese what is 'science?' I think it means sometimes very real to us right now. Can I make money out of it? How much do IBM pay for a scientist in their lab? However, hoo haa asides, I do think they mean very different things to us. 'Science' is about identifying the truth. If its the truth, you have to accept. And Chinese have been exploring the truth for a long time, for thousands of years. However, our truth may not lie very far into the future, its probably already here. Perhaps its not the way the west understood it.
"Don't know ah. so chim..." (chim = complicated and deep: singapore speak)
We do not like to think very much, especially into the future. Its best left to the thinkers. To the planners and governments. They think for us. Such as building Casinos and putting 5 billion into 'Science.' We generally understand casino, since we gamble every time around Chinese New Year. But what is science? Can it be eaten?
Being a 'scientist,' I find hard to answer that question. Often time my Singapore friend will ask me, "What are you doing for you PhD?" Then I will find myself in a dilemma. I have three answers:
1. I am studying online game.
2. I am learning ethnography.
3. I am understanding the impact of technology on society.
Each of these will get a different respond:
1. Got use meh?
2. What is that?
3. Chim.
Frankly, I would rather the answer be the third, therefore, I would tell people I am trying to understand the impact of technology (online games) on society (I really mean society, not just gamers).
Nonetheless, its hard to dismiss the gross simplification of the future by Singaporeans, and I believe, many Chinese. Its not to say we do not think, but whatever is in our mind, its very 'real.' For example, what to buy when I visit Shanghai, what to eat, how to maximize expenditure while traveling, where do I get the best deal, why is this tea 10cents cheaper than the other? These are actual daily problems which we are very good at. Its hard to undercut a Singaporean!
At times, I wonder again, how do I tell a Chinese what is 'science?' I think it means sometimes very real to us right now. Can I make money out of it? How much do IBM pay for a scientist in their lab? However, hoo haa asides, I do think they mean very different things to us. 'Science' is about identifying the truth. If its the truth, you have to accept. And Chinese have been exploring the truth for a long time, for thousands of years. However, our truth may not lie very far into the future, its probably already here. Perhaps its not the way the west understood it.
Monday, May 05, 2008
Where did my sword go?
This is an article I have written for a class. Its a reflection of 'doing science' in two different societies.
Being a Scholar Chinese thinks walking a thousand miles is better than reading a thousand texts (读万卷书不如行万里路). Little wonder my best friend repeatedly asking me what I am working on. Its natural that he is skeptical. After all he is earning a lot by engaging the business opponents in consulting. Chinese societies had segregated officials (士) into literary (文) and soldiery (武). But since Tang dynasty, all nobles, officers, scholars, martial artists, business man, and commoners carry a sword. More ornamentary than practical. It carried the meaning of supremacy in the battlefield, carrying the self and country, and righteousness (纵横沙场，立身立国，行仁仗义).
Being a scholar, I read and write a lot. But does very little work, and has practically no enemies. Furthermore, I carry no sword, not even ornamentary. However, I am learning new skills – to orate and to write. Lofland et al followed a long history of way of life inherited since the Greek and Romans. In fact, lots of orators were professional during those times, and all politicians have to learn orating. Lofland et al told us that we need to let our creative juice flow, have something to say, participate in fad and fashion of scientific discussion, be social in our writings, allow others to engage in our debate, feel strongly for what we are writing for, but remember not to let the cats out too early (Lofland et al). These are all very important skills in science. After all, “social science aims are, of course, moral aims” (Lofland et al). And being moral, you will earn the hearts and minds much faster.
Spear-like lips and sword-like tongue (唇枪舌剑) After all in US, it is more of the question, not sword, that establishes superiority. There is how I had heard a joke. In a
Its not an easy job. Spear-like lips and sword-like tongue described a situation of heated debate. Where each participant used their skilled glib of tongue PKing their opponent (PK means engaging an opponent one-on-one in a battle. An Internet term recently popularized in
Sword-like Brush Perhaps it was the nature of society that changes the way a scholar should behave. According to Lofland, a scholar is a strong writer who upholds the American principles. This cynical paper does not intend to say this is wrong. Instead, Lofland skillfully crept in much scientific basis in the midst of urging the reader to pay attention to credibility. “First, they have a responsibility for rigorous and self-critical conduct, analysis, and interpretation of the research.” Without making that assumption, it is too easy to mislead their readers towards writing a wonderful paper that cannot stand the heat of the battle. Otherwise, twenty years later when fad and fashion has changed, the book will find itself in the hands of some curious PhD students.
The real work of scholars perhaps really happens before the society begins to scrutinize their work. That is when they are accumulating a lot of data, interacting with them, and trying hard to understand the reality. Then facing the inevitable irony, leaves much knowledge behind while performing the rests of their duties – be it to fight or to write.
References
Lofland J, Snow D, Anderson L, and Lofland L. Analyzing Social Settings: A guide to qualitative observation and analysis, 4th ed. US: Thomson Wadsworth.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
China today and tomorrow
I am watching China carefully, as somehow, China has become a theme in my research. And an event happens that is worth noting.
A group of UCI chinese students gathered outside a performance hall. They are not there to demonstrate, but to prevent a demonstration from happening. To them, a group of 'ignorant' americans will gather to discrupt an olympic-related performance. According to them, this group is related to Falun Gong.
Not too long ago, Chinese across the globe are incinerated by incidents of olympic torches being snatched off by demonstrators. The most vivid case happened in France, where a torch bearer was flung off her wheelchair. It was, for many Chinese who were otherwise indifferent to their own country, an event that pull them together. One blogger said,
Cultural departure in dealing with country-wide disagreement is a major point of conflict. A western reader Xenophane replied to the protest and said,
In fact, western 'rights' do come in a package. While everyone fights for his/her own rights, it requires a system to support these actions. These include legal system for settling disagreements, a culture of friendly debate, an education that emphasize articulation, a cultured need for social involvement, and communities supporting information transparency. Arguably, neither China nor any Chinese society have all of these. Therefore, any attempt to implement such 'rights' would only topple an originally balanced system and break the country.
As I speak, an event happen in Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, where 300 professors risk their jobs as their resumes are reviewed by overseas reviewers for tenureship. They are not informed of the criteria and some had been in NTU for twenty years. The sudden change in reviewship is due to a string of implementations to adopt 'best practices' from the US. However, I feared for a mere copying of methods, without considering the cultural backdrop and infrastructure to support them.
A group of UCI chinese students gathered outside a performance hall. They are not there to demonstrate, but to prevent a demonstration from happening. To them, a group of 'ignorant' americans will gather to discrupt an olympic-related performance. According to them, this group is related to Falun Gong.
Not too long ago, Chinese across the globe are incinerated by incidents of olympic torches being snatched off by demonstrators. The most vivid case happened in France, where a torch bearer was flung off her wheelchair. It was, for many Chinese who were otherwise indifferent to their own country, an event that pull them together. One blogger said,
"I have not sing the national song for many years... And I don't even know when is the olympics in beijing... but in that moment in time, we decided to stand together."Unknowing the significance of this situation, western media are bomdarding China' s 'human rights' failures and that it should not hold the olympics. It touted on guerillanews.com , that:
"Is the unity that is being touted ‘unity’ in the sense that all peoples can come together despite their differences? Or is it ‘unity’ in the traditional Beijing sense of the word — everyone will unite under the same party line and those who don’t will be punished?"We can almost see a world of a different viewpoints that people have towards their country and their roles towards it. Without arguing for its right or wrong, I assumed here that 'freedom' and transparency is what most westerners, in the sense of Plato and Socrates decent, will believe in. Also, democracy emerges out of violence, of people revoting against 'tyranny.' Yet, Chinese wants neither violence nor do they see tyranny. China is a fast growing body that needs help, but not in the sense of overhaul in its culture and history.
Cultural departure in dealing with country-wide disagreement is a major point of conflict. A western reader Xenophane replied to the protest and said,
"My point is that the Chinese government is corrupt and violates human rights. The evidence is clear. It ranges from their restricting searches on Google.com to Ti'an Men Square to Tibet to poor environmental and labor policies. It does not detract from the people. The Chinese people are fantastic people!"But to Chinese, its people are the country. Its hard to see individual 'rights' without seeing how it impact on other people. As Phoenix, a blogger and Chinese student, think that if everyone has rights to do or act as they like, she would exercise that right and ban people from her website.
In fact, western 'rights' do come in a package. While everyone fights for his/her own rights, it requires a system to support these actions. These include legal system for settling disagreements, a culture of friendly debate, an education that emphasize articulation, a cultured need for social involvement, and communities supporting information transparency. Arguably, neither China nor any Chinese society have all of these. Therefore, any attempt to implement such 'rights' would only topple an originally balanced system and break the country.
As I speak, an event happen in Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, where 300 professors risk their jobs as their resumes are reviewed by overseas reviewers for tenureship. They are not informed of the criteria and some had been in NTU for twenty years. The sudden change in reviewship is due to a string of implementations to adopt 'best practices' from the US. However, I feared for a mere copying of methods, without considering the cultural backdrop and infrastructure to support them.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Hardcore Guild: USA?
There are certain parallels that we can draw between virtual world and real world. An example is that of rigority and demands of a society, versus its profile and success.
I am currently conducting a research in World of Warcraft. We looked at guilds in the game, and specifically two types of guilds, casual guilds and hardcore raiding guilds. Here's our description of the differences:
I am currently conducting a research in World of Warcraft. We looked at guilds in the game, and specifically two types of guilds, casual guilds and hardcore raiding guilds. Here's our description of the differences:
Casual and hardcore guild shared two commonalities, in different proportions. One they share a sense of communality. Two they allow progression in their members. In a casual guild, the former is stronger, while in a hardcore guild, the latter is stronger. These two dimensions are critical to the cohesion and dynamics of guild activities.Lets see. If you couldn't keep up with the school or your company, you have to quit or be laidoff. You have to work hard for your name and name of your institution. So how close it is to the US versus other countries? There are certain relationships between friendiness, bonding, and performance. Its a wonder if both can be well upheld in any society.
In a communal guide, members are expected of understanding and tolerance to other members. ... the environment is less stressful and demanding.
In a progression guild, guild members raise their expectation of themselves and others. ... they also expected more of others, in terms of gear, frequency of participation, and consistency.
We argued that both factors are important to any guild. However, depending on the guild management and its members, a guild can vary in both facets. In some ways, the two are inversely related. The more guild policies and demands were enforced, the less accommodating a guild becomes. However, the more accommodating a guild is, less is imposed on the performance of its members.
Passing -- the founder of RPG.
From http://www.mmorpg.com/showFeature.cfm/loadFeature/1810:
On March 4th, the world lost Gary Gygax. Considered by many to be the father of role playing games, Gygax is credited with the co-creation of Dungeons and Dragons and was co-founder of TSR, the brand that led the world of RPGs until it was purchased by Wizards of the Coast. Gygax was 69 at the time of his death and is survived by his wife and six children.
While inventing a game like Dungeons and Dragons won’t get you household name recognition, Gygax was a legend (and I don’t use that term freely) in the RPG industry and with role players worldwide. So much so that to this day one of my favorite episodes of Futurama features an animated version of Gygax. :“It’s a… *rolls dice, sees result*… pleasure to meet you.”
I grew up with D&D and had not know its inventer until today. It brings me many good and lasting memories.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Sigh and sigh and sigh
In life, there are many things that we can sigh. What do I like to sigh? Hmm... lets see:
(1) That everyone works so hard, in turn makes me work hard, and in turn making them work harder
(2) US has very few good food outlets
(3) It takes so long to establish yourself
(4) It takes so long to get to level 70 in WoW
(5) All large institutions have so much politics that everyone has very little room to manuvre
(6) I didn't meditate consistently
(7) I miss living in Singapore
(8) I couldn't find a way to do research for Singapore
(9) My table is quite messy
It does seem that there are more to complain than to cheer about. Actually, the fact is happy things open up opportunities which you would take immediately. Then they pass. Obstacles stay for a while. So they bother you much if you let them do so.
Nonetheless, if you can't solve it, its not a problem. Yes, but I still like to complain. tsk tsk...
Sigh... :p
(1) That everyone works so hard, in turn makes me work hard, and in turn making them work harder
(2) US has very few good food outlets
(3) It takes so long to establish yourself
(4) It takes so long to get to level 70 in WoW
(5) All large institutions have so much politics that everyone has very little room to manuvre
(6) I didn't meditate consistently
(7) I miss living in Singapore
(8) I couldn't find a way to do research for Singapore
(9) My table is quite messy
It does seem that there are more to complain than to cheer about. Actually, the fact is happy things open up opportunities which you would take immediately. Then they pass. Obstacles stay for a while. So they bother you much if you let them do so.
Nonetheless, if you can't solve it, its not a problem. Yes, but I still like to complain. tsk tsk...
Sigh... :p
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
PhD? Wow. Tough.
Many people ask me how am I doing. Recently, I normally say "Alive," "Tired," "Lots of work." Truly, doing a PhD in US isn't easy. There are lots of pressure point beside your own research. Every process was planned out for you, and you have to clear them, like Americans production process.
First, you have to clear about 10 subjects.
Then, there are teaching duties.
Then, there is an exam. You have to read about 53 hard papers, and then take an open-ended exam that last one week.
I think there is a bit more, but all these for now.
On top of these, there is your real goal, to do a breakthrough research and write your thesis.
Tough... its not the difficulty I guess, but more of the workload. And to some extend, which makes you ask, "Why do I have to do this?" "What's that for?"
Guess I am grumpy. Maybe not enough WoW. Oh I miss Ya Kun.
First, you have to clear about 10 subjects.
Then, there are teaching duties.
Then, there is an exam. You have to read about 53 hard papers, and then take an open-ended exam that last one week.
I think there is a bit more, but all these for now.
On top of these, there is your real goal, to do a breakthrough research and write your thesis.
Tough... its not the difficulty I guess, but more of the workload. And to some extend, which makes you ask, "Why do I have to do this?" "What's that for?"
Guess I am grumpy. Maybe not enough WoW. Oh I miss Ya Kun.
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