Poem Post

I'm going to pick Langston Hughes' "Dream Deferred." I've studied Robert Frost and Maya Angelou in high school, so I am quite familiar with their poetry. I want to try something new. I don't believe I've really read anything by Hughes before. I know that he was one of the major forces during the Harlem Renaissance. From this, I assume that in the poem "Dream Deferred" he is talking about many different kinds of dreams. One of these is the African Americans' dreams for a better future and more opportunities. Another, although related to the first, is the American Dream of improving yourself and achieving whatever you want in a "free" land. Hughes probably knew how hard it was to get a job as a black person and all the obstacles that blacks faced. White people "deferred" African Americans' "dreams'" by denying their basic human rights and treating them as if they were objects or less than dirt. In this way, their dreams and aspirations become self-deprecating mirrors of what whites said they could be. Another type of dream Hughes refers to is the personal goals of each individual and the hopes we had as children being shelved because of fears of an unknown future or rejection. The ability to dream as we were children.

Hughes compares lost dreams to many images of decaying and rotting foods. Fresh food is supposed to be good for the soul, rotten food causes us to become sick and possibly might cause infections or fatal diseases. the same thing happens when we give up our dreams- they fester inside of us and we become corrupted with our own self-loathing and pity for giving up what we really wanted to accomplish. We live with the regrets of either failure, missed opportunity, and sometimes fear at what we could have been. Many dreams remain as just dreams because no one tried for it or wanted it enough to pursue them. Still other dreams fade away and are let go because they seem unrealistic or impossible to become reality. Then there are the ones that might "explode" because we kept it in too long, letting the dream fester and build itself up like a tumor that expires within its host when it becomes too large to bear. Never living up to our own expectations of what kind of life we wanted or could have lived eats away and corrodes us until there is nothing left, or until we are fed up with it and then explode merely because there is nothing to hold onto anymore. I think Hughes accomplishes his effect on his readers through his image poetry, making the audience think they're not like that, but in fact every one has let go of something they dreamed of as children. Growing up makes our dreams decay and rot, it's not just passed up chances or blowing an opportunity that destroys dreams. If we don't believe in them, then of course our dreams will corrupt us because they have no where to go to become real. So instead, they eat us up inside out.

This was a nice assignment, it gets me in touch with poetry again. I think I'm going to write some poetry on my blog, too.

Elva's Net Worth, and other news

Supposedly, she gets twice as much annual salary from her recording contract than Jolin Tsai does! I'm happy. Although, Joline gets a lot more from endorsements and other events. Anyways, they both make tons of money. I once asked my mom which one she like more, She said about the same because she doesn't really enjoy pop music, but that Elva is more elegant. :) I have to stop obsessing. Yeah it's amazing though how I can follow on her and write homework at the same time. that was such a dumb things to say.

Reaction to homosexuality in the Movies Documentary

It was very helpful to learn about homosexuality in the movies, because I think it is so marginalized. the directors and actors who choose to do these types of films should be rewarded for telling stories of this kind. Movies have a powerful effect on how we look at others and ourselves. Movies can change people's attitudes if there are more positive images of people with differences from the mainstream population on the silver screen. Educating the masses about the difficulties and stigmas that homosexuality has on modern society can produce more acceptance of real people who are homosexuals in daily life.
Seeing this documentary also gave me an idea of how there were different time periods and restrictions involved in making films with homosexuals. The fact that a lot of films get cut because of taboo subjects and not because the directors or actor didn't like it shows how the people involved higher up were conservative and didn't want to make waves or problems for themselves. I think this is why a lot of social issues get repressed and aren't talked about. the people who have a special interest in not allowing certain information get portrayed in the movies or other types of media actually benefit from keeping the truth bout a lot of subjects hidden and buried, sometimes forever. Luckily, the people involved in making movies think more liberally and get the truth out in subtle ways, if they have to. Today, though, even though there is censorship, film making is steadily acknowledging the plight of homosexuals and what their daily lives are like. I think it's interesting how the documentary sort of just glosses over bisexuality, like it's not really explored in the movies. I think that homosexuality is even hard to accept because it's not what everyone else is oriented towards, so it's even harder to understand and/or even explain bisexuality, so they (meaning basically everyone at this point) just skip it. Very few films explore this area of the human psyche, but maybe there are books about it that aren't well-known, so the subject gets disregarded as acceptable only in relation to what is known. In this case, that would be homosexuality and how it is politically correct and even trendy to explore one's sexuality today, so in addition, bisexuality is accepted too. People don't see that it doesn't matter what you're sexuality really is, it does matter though if you offend somebody with it. that's where all our problems lie today. If someone is different, then it's gotta go; the way it's been for thousands of years.
The theme in this unit is acceptance of people who are different from you, so it's important to be aware of what you say or do when around new friends or acquaintances. something might offend them if you're not careful.

Merry Christmas!

Even though there isn't widespread celebration of this holiday in Taiwan like there is in the States, I would still like to wish people happy holidays. It's a custom for me, being raised in the States and all. i miss the way they celebrate there sometimes. I always think of how nice it is to be with my family, though, during this special time. Last year, I spent Christmas probably watching movies at my friend's house in California. I don't hink we really did anything else to celebrate Christmas. Well, not that I remember of, oh well we went shopping. haha. There seems to always be shopping involved whenever I go visit friends.

I forgot to tell everyone that I haven't been feeling well. I got sick over the last weekend. Well, ok I got food poisoning. Not very interesting, I know. At least it didn't turn into the stomach flu or something incurable. One time in ninth or tenth grade I got a stomach flu and threw up for almost 2 weeks. My diet consisted of only Supau and rice rolls, with occasional seaweed. It was really bad at school. That memory I don't want to go into, it was really digusting. I don't think I've gotten a cold, though, in a year. Now I'm doing lots better. I just look tired all the time.

Christmas is coming so soon

I can hardly believe that a month is almost gone. In a few days, Christmas will come and go, then the New Year as well. It doesn't seem that time is going by fast, but when I stop to think about it there really is the feeling that time slips away silently every day. I broke one of my New Year's resolutions already. I promised myself I would post on my blog every day. Obviously, that doesn't seem to be happening. I really would like to write more, though. I haven't even written my Christmas cards.

My friend Mike just got back from the US over the weekend. I wonder when I'll have time to see him and other friends who will be coming back for the holidays.

This Feels Weird

For every birthday I've ever had, there's always something to look forward to. I think this time it's a bit different because it will be the expected. It's rather nice that my mom is flying back to Japan today to have a family birthday dinner. Just me, my brother and my mom. :) I love her. She is the pillar of our family. I'm not exaggerating, either. Mom really does everything for us. Ok, maybe not chores or housework, but she provides us with ...money. Haha. I'm so materialistic when I think about my mom. I don't know why I give her so much trouble sometimes.

It will be exciting to see Mom after a week. She's been in Japan again for a business trip. It's nice, she won a prize for the best group during the conference. I'm not telling what it is! :P I can't wait to see her.

Oh, I don't know if I should go out with my friends or not. It's a weekday. Next time, I'll plan a party or someone can help me..or someone can plan one for me :) It seems I always plan my own parties. It's fun to plan though. And not so fun when poeple call last minute saying they won't come. Pisses me off. Well that was last year. Maybe if I plan something this year it will turn out better.

Gay RIghts in Taiwan Questions

1. Not wanting to know if a son or daughter is gay or lesbian is probably one of the biggest stigmas we have in our society. I think that as a parent, the expectations and hopes for grandchildren would be a big factor in not wanting to know. Naturally, finding out must be a big shock and blow to parents who were raised in traditional societies and taught values that led to straight relationships in adult life. I think it is less about being correct about the issue than being respectful and supportive of any family member who decides they want to let the world know about their sexual preference(s). Every one has their own personal boundaries and space. Once you cross that boundary and start to humiliate or put others down, then you have also broken your own personal space. I don't think when the article was written is relevant to these kinds of issues. any time some one's rights are violated, then the whole of humanity is violated. It shows the person who insulted or acted out towards someone else does not have any respect for human beings who live on this Earth; it violates basic human understandings without which we wouldn't be able to survive-namely trust and love. So, no I don't think things have changed as much as they should have during the four years since the article was written. Maybe it seems like giant strides have been made, but not if those who really care can let go of their biases and stop fighting. If the government wants to give people rights, then they should have already done so rather than playing favorites with the media and other countries to save face. There's enough red tape for straight people, why make others who can't or don't want to live that kind of life suffer? Can't help ranting sometimes at unjust issues.

2. From what I have researched, Taiwan shelved the law because it would clash with elections and the government didn't want to look too liberal. Well the government didn't want to really do anything, because it was just for show. It should have definitely passed. I don't think it will happen anytime soon with the current president. He has enough economic and foreign issues to deal with that he won't look at the gay community's problems until the world economy gets better. So, maybe the fight will drag on until the next president or even the one after.

3. Homosexuals Better Off In Taiwan Than China Yup, I agree with what they said "politicians typically support gays before elections, then distance themselves after they are in office." It's also quite typical of American politicians, along with other governments across the board. It's hard to get ahead when people don't take one's complaints seriously. I feel terrible when others are marginalized, because I feel that I could also be mistreated or not heard in the future. It's a tough world.

Domestic violence law to include homosexuals I think I laughed during the whole article. It;s sad that homosexuals can be recognized only as "family members" and that legislators actually have to ask if they can be included in the law. What is the point of the law system if one needs to "apply for protection"? Again, I must say if legislators want to do things, they should do them right the first time. If they don't want complaints from the public, then why include clauses that only hinder the process of protecting and aiding citizens? It seems quite brainless. On the other hand, it's good they are aware it's a problem. It was amusing when the article mentioned Brokeback Mountain. Media portrayals of this issue has definitely helped in breaking down cultural barriers and ideas of different types of people. And it also helps when the director is a famous national figure, or who is now an international known figure. Common people are affected and bombarded with news, movies, and oter sorts of media almost every day. If the media of Taiwan reported homosexuals in a positive light, then that's how the public would begin to see them.

IMDB Comments on 'The Times of Harvey Milk'

Message Board Comment

Personal Review of Documentary

Ok, here is the reply to another classmate's (teresa 7533)Message Board comment I did comment on her comment, I remember, form last week. I guess I juse wasn't sure she was in our class.

This week is going to be exhausting!

Today, we're going to Taipei to see this play about the history of my mom's side's ancesotors. We (brother, me, and an uncle) have to catch the HSR at 6 PM, so I have to leave class early. On Wednesday, my mom is coming home from Japan. And finally, Thursday (12/11) is my birthday. We're going to have dinner I think and that will be it. Well, at home I might drink a little to celebrate and maybe sing karaoke. I shold ask my mom if we can get newer songs onto our karaoke machine. I'll update again later. :P

Friend's birthday today!!

Today is so nice. It's field day so we don't have classes. It's especially good bcause today is Freda'sbirthday! everbody should go wish her a good one. It's cool because we both have brothers that are in 6 grade and our birthdays are one week apart. We have lots of other stuff in common too! I'll write more later after I come back from celebrating with her.

Harvey Milk

This man knew he was going to make a deep impact in his community. I think that people like him deserve all the medals and glory, not the people who take things for granted and go through life easily. Milk gave something to people who were afraid to speak out about their beliefs and defend their way of life. In the film, I could tell that the people who were interviewed respected Harvey for his courage, enthusiasm, and most of all his firm stance on what was right and wrong. I really admire his enthusiasm and hopefulness for what he wanted to achieve. It's quite rare to find someone to selflessly fight all the obstacles that Harvey Milk did just to get to a place to bargain with his opponents.

Milk was right to fight for his rights to be openly homosexual and live the lifestyle that he did. America is supposed to be a place where people of every creed can exist in harmony with people of every other belief system. The racist Jim Crow laws and secret organizations should not have ever existed. It is a shame that most Americans think so conservatively about a lot of the main issues of today. Because this means that many groups of people with different views are denied what a lot of people take for granted-their freedom and basic human rights. It is not right to discriminate against someone that is different in any way from you. That is the way they chose to live, so it is not up to us to decide for others and impose our will of what the world should be like onto others.

The whole war in Iraq and Afghanistan, all those conflicts came from false propaganda intended to dupe the American people . It is the same idea to impose American values wherever a war is fought with American aid and then leave the country in a state of chaos afterwards. A lot of basic problems can be solved that seem complex if people just start to listen and stop fighting one another. This kind of strategy is what Harvey Milk brought to San Francisco. He was positive about what he wanted and didn't fight back with the ugly ways his opponents were using. Milk's strategy was about brotherly love and love for all the people around one's community. We need more people like Harvey Milk if we want things to start changing in a more positive, less violent and narrow minded way any time soon.

the candlelit march at night made Milk a 20th century martyr for those who needed a voice, for those who needed someone to guide the way into uncharted waters and stand up to face the unjust world. Milk is like the homosexual version of Martin Luther King, Jr. They both stood up for what they believed in-basic human rights- and went far in helping their respective causes. It was the same kind of person that created an obstacle for both King and Milk. the white conservative who discriminated and mistreated anybody he didn't understand or failed to want to understand. I don't understand what is so hard about not being open minded and accepting of other people. Is there a deficit for this kind of mutual understanding between people?

Good People

This song by Jack Johnson is pretty sweet. It's very relaxing, but talks about issues that pertain to our daily lives. I heard it on my ipod randomly and thought I should share it because it's how I feel sometimes. I wonder why we can't be happy in our own way. I think each of us wants something from those around us and we want to enforce our will on others' so much that we lose what would make us happy. The best philosopher that actually practices what he preaches is Winnie the Pooh, like what the book The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff essentially promotes. I am sad.

It’s such a shock to find out that this author is not producing books anymore.

If not for himself, he should keep writing for those aspiring writers that look up to him. Or has the amount of pain and frustration he has endured with publishers destroyed his belief in himself? I think belief is a very strong factor in a lot of decisions people make. Or else, why would an international best selling author quit the book-writing industry? Maybe he is write, though. Maybe America's cultural capital and literary history is being cut down like the rain forests in South America. Not as many people read books today as before when there wasn't a computer or TV. There are still creative writers, but maybe Hoff considers them as hiding behind weak writing to survive and not producing their better, original works.

Internet connection at Home

I hate it. Our wireless internet sucks. That is only the truth of the matter. It used to be great because we had faster and more stable connection. Now that our internet got downgraded, my computer can't connect to the internet sometimes. The feeling is hard to describe because it requires lots of adjectives not worthy of being used. My mother said it wouldn't matter, but she has had problems often too. I wonder if she will decide to change back again, even if it is a bit more expensive. C'est le merde de la vie.

Oh yeah, the reason there haven't been any Elva posts is because I haven't found anything se's doing in the past few weeks. It's really hard because there's nothing new on her blog or in the news. At least, nothing too major. I do look up interviews and stuff occasionally, but that's older material. I'm still really excited about her book, though.

1. Medical and 3. Animal Testing

1. Medical testing should be done accodring to who is going to ultimately use the product, don't you think so? It's unfair treatment to any living thing that has to be put through potentially dangerous testing who will not be using the product for their own use in the future. It is great that we have anesthetics and vaccines that have improved surgeries and disease controll, although it was at the expense of animals. I think it depends on whether there are severe side effects for medical testing. If there are, then there should be an alternative way to test medical products. Maybe like people? ALthough the moral stigmas are still there, people could volunteer to be tested on. This way, no one is being held against their will. And if no one volunteers after understanding all the risks and steps involved for the testing, then it shouldn't be tested. If it is life or death for humans, then maybe animals that are diseased should be used.

3. Animals have been used in place of the effects that humans should have experienced because they are too afraid to accept the consequences of products they think they need in daily life for too long. Oh I know, maybe it can be tested on bugs, like cockroaches. No one really likes them. If it is especially dangerous, then it's bad, if they suffer a little, then it's not that good, and if nothign is perceivable then maybe... I haven't figured out what other alternatives there are as yet. Get back to me later, I guess. I think all animals of any kind should be avoided if possible in testing cosmetics on animals.

2. Companies not mentioned on the Leaping Bunny list

MaxFactor
Revlon
L'Oreal
Aloe Vera Products
Avon
Anna Sui Beauty
Chanel
Christian Dior
Cover Girl
Crabtree & Evelyn Products
Elizabeth Arden
Estee Lauder
Guerlain
Lancome
MAC Cosmetics
Maybelline International
Neutrogena Cosmetics
Shu Uemera

At least, these are the ones I know that I didn't see. Maybe I looked at the wrong list. Are the lists for international and US different? I don't see any big differences.

Time Difference on Blog

I just realized when I went to my settings for this blog that the time zone was completely wrong. I chose Pacific Standard time, which is what they use um, I guess across the Pacific? I have no idea. Anyways, that's why all my previous posts had all these random times. So I feel really stupid and embarrassed. Good thing I changed it now or else it would be really weird if I posted things at 3 or 5 in the morning. Hahaha, that's all for now.

egg incident

Today, while preparing dinner my brother wanted me to break open an egg he said had been boiled and cooked. When I chipped open the top part, it seemed to be as he said. However, when I cracked it open with greater force, it splattered all over the front side of my sweater. Let me repeat, splattered all down the front of my WHITE sweater. Sigh, sometimes I wonder how he does things, it is always beyond me. Of course, I try to trust in him when he does things for me. He didn't mean it, but it was...interesting, to say the least. Here are pictures of the sweater as proof and me looking sad and angry.

Weekend After Midterms

The past few days, there wasn't really anything to do. I just listened to music and watched Friends. Occasionally, I'd read, too. Today, I decided to eat this huge green guava without cutting it into slices. Now, this fruit is like the size of a mini-football. I have no idea what I was thinking, I just knew that I wanted to eat the whole thing. Of course, I didn't succeed. Guavas are really sour and to eat one the size of which should have been shared with at least one other person wasn't that good of an idea, to say the least. In the end, after getting to about half, I was fed up with guava aftertaste and no one asking to help that I went and cut it up. My brother said I was insane when I told him what I was doing. Hey, I was having fun! I still have that horrible taste in my mouth, though. Talk about extreme boredom.

I want to go see Quantum of Solace, the new James Bond movie. It's been out for three weeks and I haven't gone to the movie theater yet. Maybe I'll go by myself on Thursday or something. No one seems particularly excited to see it in my family.

Oh my goodness, my mom just cut another guava and gave half to my brother. I think I'm going to be sick just by looking at it. Blrerrggg, doesn't she know there's a whole plate of cut up guava here? Good thing she is cooking hot pot, mmm. Yummy :)

Animal Police Videos

After watching the four videos, I can't help but wonder how great it is that people actually get caught for mistreating animals and go to jail for it. It msut be so hard though, to see wounded animals with chains embedded into their necks or with emaciated bodies. I also wonder what kind of training these investigators need to get to do their job. I noticed that some of them carry weapons and are dressed jsut like police officers, but some of them don't wear any special gear. I guess it depends on the case they're dealing with at the time. Of course, it's much more serious in the States to hamr animals, because it's taught at a young age that you should treat every living being with care. Their jobs are quite interesting and they make them sound like it's CSI (the show).

I think Taiwan should also have an animal services unit, or something like APSCA. Maybe there is, but they're underfunded. I don't hear much about animal cruelty cases in Taiwan, but I'm sure there are still some serious issues that police deal with once in a while. Then again, I don't watch the enws everyday so I might miss out on some of that. Sometimes though, I see animals who got rescued or something. I don't know what I'm writing...

It Sucks that We Have to Have Feelings

You know why? Because it means we are selfish. If we didn't have any negative emotions at all, imagine what people would be like. Imagine not being sad, depressed, mad, hateful, melancholy, morose, pessimism, jealousy, etc. Then, wouldn't it be easier to talk about things like world peace or animal rights or war? All that would be left would be people's compassion, love, happiness, joy, camaraderie, and selflessness for all that is around them. But. no. Instead, we get the road rage and car accidents, abused babies and dogs, murderers, psychos, suicides, the 200 threats against the president elect of America. And all for what?

More misery.

Not everything is as bad as it seems. That's what people can't seem to get over. I think our society expects us to be a certain way and we strive so hard for it we completely turn into a Bisybody (The Tao of Pooh-it's a fantastic book, if anybody wants it I'll be glad to lend it!). In other words, we become so busy that we turn into people that are irrelevant of things that could have made us happy if we hadn't had to become successful lawyers or doctors or just successful at anything. What people lose sight of is that there is more to life than being successful. They stop becoming humans with souls capable of connecting with those around them. Instead, they become happy because someone else is getting the big promotion or the perfect grades, the new house, the new car. Why do we have to follow the American Mold? It stops becoming a dream when you have to slave yourself for it. Adults always say it's too complicated, you don't understand. I don't think it's worth the trouble if you are not doing what you love or at least liking the company (people) you have to do it with. People have stopped listening to their inner self and what is good for them. That's why CEOs and other high level execs die with heart attacks right at their desks. They work their bodies into a state of utter waste. It's a sad and painful world if you work so hard but are depressed every day. Of course, the ones who can succeed and be happy with supporting families and such is fantastic. Knowing what's good and bad for you is essential, not only for your body but your soul. I don't mean soul in the religious sense. I mean the connection you share with everything else. A part of you dies when you do something to upset or damage your soul. We aren't just given life to do whatever we want, we're lent our bodies. Of course, you are still yourself and unique, but we're limited because we are immortal. So, if we want to be happy, then just be happy. Nothing else matters.

Whale Wars

I think I agree with Paul Watson and his Sea Shepherds. His tactics might lean towards wartime practices and the video we watched is biased on their side, but I think protecting whales from being hunted is the responsibility of every person who calls themselves a human being. Conservation is very important, but when dozens of species that are disappearing every day there is no on better than people like Paul Watson to engage in direct action. I mean, isn't that how Martin Luther King, Jr. thought too? If you can't negotiate with the other side, you protest. Of course, the only difference is that there is a bit of violence involved in this case. I don't think it's piracy if they use weapons that don't severely hurt or kill anybody. Piracy implies that you board a ship with guns and cutlasses prepared to sink them with cannons, then kill and/or rob them. Mainly to rob, like the pirates in the uh is it the Arabian peninsula?

I went on YouTube and saw the second episode. Then, I watched the other side's recordings. The Japanese ship treated the hostages with care, providing even bread and water. It wasn't as violent as the Sea Shepherds thought. However, I think it was quite clever to cause an international stir about the whole situation. I think awareness is the first step if you want to get anything done in these type of situations. It is ridiculous that all these nations sign treaties all day long , pass some figurehead legislation in their home countries then not deal with the people who actually violate the laws.

If anybody continues watching the series, it is quite apparent that no one intends to harm anybody. The one thing I don't agree with is Captain Watson's harassment of the Japanese ship. He does it to provoke them to do something bad, then they can have a reason to start their plan. He should have waited until they responded. I don't like the way he insulted the Japanese.

What's the point of having an international law banning whaling if there's a loophole? It's stupid. Why allow scientists to hunt whales when you can just let them alone to live out their natural lives? Someone probably provided the loophole just for Japan so they would sign the law into existence. I mean, I know it is traditional for them to hunt whales because it is part of their culture. I think it's shameful though if the Japanese have to hide their whaling operations under the name of research and science. I mean, even if it's illegal they should have the decency to say that they are doing it. If you do something wrong, you should own up to it. If they know it's wrong, it's even worse because it just means they have no hearts to care about these whales. Actually, it's not even the whale problem. Any endangered animal shouldn't even be given a loophole to be hunted, even if it's for science. The point of having laws like this is so they can be enforced on people who think the ecosystem isn't their responsibility.

I think everyone making over 100,000 dollars in the world should be required by the UN to donate to animal protection or Interpol can arrest them.

AnimalsTaiwan

This group wants to protect animals. They believe in educating the public about proper treatment of animals. The group also helps with adoptions and hurt animals. They specialize in finding new homes for stray animals, especially dogs. I think it's very nice that such a group exists. It's very interesting that there are people in Taiwan who care so much. I didn't know groups like this existed in Taiwan. I wonder if there's one in Hsinchu? I think what they do is laudable, since if there wasn't then a lot animals might be destroyed by local animal shelters when they could have been saved and adopted by caring families. I think when it's Winter vacation, I'll see if I can help there. Or maybe during summer.

Animal Rights Amendment

I think it is a positive step forward for Taiwan to pass protection laws that fine people for abusing animals. The intent is good, but I'm not sure it will deter people from abusing animals the same way as they've done before. I think that the Tiawanese government should have passed this law a long time ago because there is a lot happening that people are either too ignorant or apathetic to care. People should know about the law and the consequences that are related if they mistreat animals. I don't think many people know about the law, or if they do they don't pay any attention because they think it doesn't apply to them. That's the problem with laws and policies. Even if you do know about, it doesn't mean you'll actually do anything if someone you know does something illegal or wrong. In the case of animal rights, abuses happen every day. I think Taiwanese society is stigmatized to think that thins like suicide and bombings are more relevant to their lives than when the neighbor's cat is starved and beaten as a play toy. The news that is broadcasted doesn't mention animal rights abuses as often as murders or suicides or legislators trying to kill each other or money laundering schemes. There's not enough exposure to what animals go through that are abused. On the other hand, it could be that too much of what animal rights groups say is propagandized and sounds patronizing, so the public just ignores them.

Many adults I know don't think harming animals is illegal because they grew up in an environment where their parents hurt animals, sometimes doing that for a living. It's quite disgusting when hear them talk about animals like their objects. I hear stories of animal rights abuses that people think are normal. for instance, running over dogs on the highway or throwing them out of windows. Some of the reactions to unwanted animls are clearly a result of a very base understnading of caring about the natural environment. I think the way parents and teachers act influence their kids to an extreme, so their kids emulate the same behaviors. A lot of cultural ideas about certain topics that are wrong aren't addressed and just accepted as right. Also, the police aren't called in to investigate unless PETA or somebody who cares pushes them to do it. They are too busy with traffic accidents, suicides, murders, etc. On the news, you don't hear police officers saying they just rescued some dog from a horrible owner. No, instead they say they just arrested some crazy person who wanted to burn their boss's house down or something. It's just exasperating what some people in this country think is important. It's not anyone's fault, it's more cultural than anything else. Of course, every country has problems with animal abuse. I guess what I'm trying to say is people should be extra careful in dealing with animals because they aren't like humans who can respond with language. They need to be protected because they can't speak for themselves.

yummy

We had pizza today. I think i'm such a pig, I always eat so much. Although, they were those small Paspi ones. I haven't had pizza in a while. I miss Mexican food, too. I guess it's not real Mexican food, cuz everything I had was americanized, so the proper term should be Texmex. I wonder if they have a Taco Bell in Taiwan. I would totally go if there was one. Maybe I should make an event. Maybe like a potluck and everyone brings some homemade Mexican food. That would be really wonderful.

Oh no, I can't sign onto MSN. Something's wrong. Oh yeah. it went on again.

I have to go study....many tests this week and next week. I'll fill you in on the good news after Midterms, then.

Cheating in Class

How does cheating in this class work? Copying what your friend posts and using it as your own opinion? Or copying from websites and not giving credit to where they found the information? I think it might be because some students might not have written papers involving MLA conventions. Also, the culture in Taiwan might have different attitudes towards cheating.

If someone cheats, maybe they should do more work in order to achieve the grade they want or discuss the cheating with the teacher privately, since the student(s) might not want other people to know. I am not sure, how can you change a person's idea of what is cheating if they have thought the same way for their whole lives? Punishment can't really change permanently what has been taught or practiced since childhood. Although, it can make cheating again seem less like something they will do again.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that the form of punishment for cheaters in this class depends on the amount of cheating occurring. I think students try to work hard in this class, but their time is limited so maybe second chances should be given.

Survey about Cheating

1. Copying a few pages from Wikipedia and turning it in as your assignment. Cheating
2. Asking someone else to write a few paragraphs of your paper for you—but you still do most of it. Cheating
3. Asking someone to proofread your assignment and fix the grammar mistakes for you. Not cheating
4. Having someone read what you wrote and tell you if they can understand it or not. You take their ideas and fix what you wrote. Not Cheating
5. Using an article from an English language learning website by copying it and turning it in. Cheating
6. Finding an article online that says exactly what you were thinking, so you just turn that in. Cheating
7. Reading an article that you found online, thinking about it, and then writing a response in your own words. Not cheating
8. Doing a writing assignment for one class and then turning it in for two, three, or even more classes because you are too busy to do another writing assignment. Cheating
9. Finding some writing online, but changing some of the verbs and nouns before you turn it in. Cheating
10. Finding a paper online, but changing all of the verbs before you turn it in. Cheating
11. Copying an article that you found, but you don’t get caught so no one ever knows about it. Cheating

One Heck of a Day

Yesterday was very stressful for my family. My mom was scheduled for a business trip to Japan in the afternoon, but she couldn't find her passport the whole weekend. SHe called me during class to find it, but I treated her very badly, saying things like "Why would I know wher eyou put your things? You always lose them!" I was extremely frustrated because it seemed unfair that I had to remember things for her all the time. I realized later I was wrong and acted very immaturely and selfishly. After apologizing when I got home, I went to help find the passport again. When it still didn't turn up, my mom left to go to wrok. Everyone was in a bad mood and depressed. Well, except my brother because he had no school and played computer all day. Finally, after looking through all the folders in my room, I found her passport in an envelope we used to apply for my Taiwanese citizenship during the summer. I feel so horrible and guilty for delaying her and making everyone involved feel bad. I'm such a loser sometimes.

For this whole week, then, I have to take care of my brother. This means I have to send and sometimes pick him up from school, along with getting dinner. My dad will also be at home at night, maybe he can help, too.

Unit 2: Academic Honesty Challenge Questions

1. I think students cheat because they want better grades, but do not want to spend the time or effort in attaining them. In other cases, the classes are simply too hard and some students will rely on cheating to pass the class so they can move up into even harder classes in the area of study they want to pursue. This type of thinking inadvertently leads to a cycle of cheating that doesn't end because it becomes second nature to cheat.

In some sense, all students cheat at least once. This includes homework, tests, quizzes, etc. Most cheating that doesn't get caught is probably homework, especially in classes that aren't math related and don't need you to show your thinking or work. I remember many students in high school would find the smartest people in class and copy chemistry and physics homework, sometimes math. These were mainly because it was last minute and the work loads were heavy because our curriculum was based on the US models for high schools. And because lots of parents wanted their children to attend good universities. The pressures that parents have on their children to attend prestigious universities is probably a big reason students cheat in high school. Of course, this completely negates the purpose of attending school.

As for university, I haven't met many students who would willingly cheat. It is a more serious offense, I think, because it will affect your acceptance to graduate schools and job opportunities. Colleges expect their students to behave like young adults and understand that cheating is not an alternative to individual work and learning.

3. To deter cheating, I think teachers should make students do something that is dull and not beneficial, like peeling potatoes for five hours or cleaning all the bathrooms in the school. This way, students will learn that cheating is a waste of time and the only jobs people will be willing to give you if you get caught cheating are related to manual labor. The old methods of punishing students don't work sometimes because after suspension or a zero on an assignment, things go on the way they used to be. Schools don't imprint onto the student's mind that they did something wrong. Plus, many schools are too scared to hurt students' feelings for fear of law suits from unhappy parents saying their kid was psychologically damaged. Maybe students should be required to attend counseling after they are caught cheating. This way, students will definitely know there is something wrong with what they did. Also, maybe schools can use some psychological tricks on students, such as cameras monitoring what every student does in the test room, etc. Although, this would be expensive. Another thing to try is to make all tests on computers that only have the test paper stored on it, with each student in a soundproof cubicle that lets no light in. This, of course is really expensive to try. Real solutions to prevent cheating could involve making students separate their chairs further apart (3-4 feet) from the other person, with body searches to make sure students don't have any means of cheating before they walk into the test room. If it becomes standard, then no one will complain it violates their privacy. It would just be like airport body searches. Or, just make cheating illegal and consider a criminal offense. This means, they'll have to do community service, or go to jail, etc.

Obama won!!! Whoohooooo :) This should have been posted yesterday

It's so good to know that America's next president won't be from the GOP. I'm so relieved that Obama won. Not because of all his promises, but merely because it's someone fresh and new. Hopefully he can set a good example so that future presidents can be from other races or places. Need to go to bed now, so I'm going to cut this one off short.

Plagiarism in Other Countries

1. The standard penalty for students caught plagiarizing for the first time at Stanford University is one-quarter's suspension and 40 hours of community service. If the student is caught during the last quarter of his/her enrollment, then the student is suspended for two quarters. In addition, a Judicial Panel will review the case and evidence and decide accordingly the penalty. Sometimes expulsion is decided. The professor of the class decides the grade as an incomplete for the class, fail, or just a zero on the assignment or test that student cheated on. (website from class)

2. The six possible punishments for cheating at the University of Washington are: a disciplinary warning, a reprimand, restitution, disciplinary probation, suspension, and dismissal (expulsion). (website from class)

3. Examples of people who have lost their jobs because of plagiarism:
a. A professor from Teachers College, an affiliate of Columbia University, was fired because she copied work from three former students and colleagues. She sued the college and does not admit she plagiarized.
http://www.themaneater.com/stories/2008/10/21/professor-fired-plagiarism-sues-columbia-u/
b. The chief editorial editor for a Japanese local newspaper was fired after he confessed to copying 15 editorials from other newspapers. He said he did not know what to write for his paper as the reason he copied. http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/greenslade/2007/mar/08/japanleaderwriterfiredfor
c A high school principal was fired because he gave the same speech of a former student without attribution.
http://www.imperfectparent.com/topics/2008/05/29/high-school-principal-fired-for-plagiarism/

4. I agree with the first case because it only involved that one student and another person's work. For the second one, I disagree because the student used the exact paper as someone else and only changed it around a little. The other student must have been his/her friend. I think they should have both gotten suspended. The third case is really funny. If you go to so much trouble to cheat, why not read the syllabus first first? Plus, Stanford is a prestigious university, it doesn't make sense to cheat because you have already proved you can handle the workload by your high school grades and activities. This person was just careless. Case four seems fair. I think that dealing with plagiarism cases is problematic, because you don't know the intentions in some cases. for example, case five, the student could very well have misinterpreted the directions and forgot to cite sources properly. Maybe the student had no previous experience in writing an academic paper or the professor didn't teach how to write an academic paper. The student could have plagiarized unknowingly because maybe the professor's directions were unclear on the syllabus. Conversely, the student could have went to the professor and talked about the paper/assignment before turning it in to make sure no plagiarism had occurred an that the assignment was done properly. so, the student could have lied that he didn't know the directions, etc. For the last case, I think it's just stupid that anybody could cheat to such a degree that whole portions of websites can be found as the original text.

The essay didn't even answer the question! What is the point of going to university if you don't do your own work? It is completely unacceptable to cheat. None of the cases on the website should have occurred because you shouldn't even be allowed to attend university if you can't even understand the basic courtesy of respecting someone else's work. Of course, everyone uses sources and works by other people, you just have to cite them properly and then these types of things won't happen. No one expects you to write a Nobel Prize winning piece of work as an undergraduate. all you need to prove is that you can use and cite source properly. The only exception would probably be in a creative writing or film class that wants original ideas for scripts or poetry, etc. It is a good thing to have these cases, though because it shows that there are consequences to cheating and palgiarizing other people's work.

No real topic

What does time really mean? i really wonder why people say there's not time for relaxing, sleeping, and doing things that matter to them. Also, what about the fact that so many people don't do what they actually want to do? Doesn't this mean that we can't really pursue what we want, but are tied to the ever-tightening grasp of capitalism and economic principle? It makes me sad and sick of all the negativity and complainiing. I think that the complaining I do is somehow rubbed off from everyone around me who is alos complaining and being negative. I don;t like how it makes me feel when I become depressed and pessimistic. I feel slippery, black, and disgusting just like Venom in Spider Man. Well more like there is evil and bad thoughts oozing out of me.

Anyways, today I found out Elva posted on her blog. It has been a long time sicne she has posted on her blog. She is in China againfor some martial arts convention to perform. There are some funny ictures ofher on her blog (she jokes that her sleeping is like a martial arts move). Last week, some newpspaper said she bought red wine because she is lovesick. That is just crap, people drink wine just because they want to. Drinking doesn't always involve heavy feelings or attitudes. People drink for all kinds of reasons, including the camaraderie it creates between friends and just to wind down after a long day. We have beer, wine, and some hard liquor at my house. It doesn't mean we're drinking every day or even because we feel down. I do concede that some people do drink when they feel blue, I do too, but you can't tell from a picture that someone is buying alcohol to drown their sosrrows. If you could, then well we'd be living some other kind of life. Or you have supernatural powers! Haha, that reminds me of English Literature this morning. Our teacher was talking about the elements of the medieval romance, and of course arthurian legend is always the classic example. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, again. I feel like I've read it so many times, perhaps 3. Oh well, maybe there are some new things to be learned.

Sigh, al right, I'm going to study French and read for other classes now. See you later. Oh yeah, hope you guys like the pictures :)

I learned how to knit!!!!

My brother taught me how to knit!!! Right now I am looping a crochet through this pile of light purple yarn. As my brother would say, "Transforming a heap of messed up woolly noodles into a beautiful, high-class piece of cloth."

Through countless mistakes, such as entering the crochet into the wrong hole, making uneven stitches, and other stuff, I have a foundation of yarn! Even though it's sort of crappy, my brother is still proud of me.

Here are some pics of it:



The process of knitting it...










...and being weird.

look at my adorable brother!!!!

Being badasses together :p










The new formula for H2O:
Hyper+Happy+Outrageousness














Looks mysterious and playful. I wonder what he's thinking?
















My brother with his little people. They are paper dolls. Cute!!

Headaches that feel like bombs waiting to go off

I think that in college, it's expected to have heavy workloads. My only grievance is the hours. Getting up early is not my strong suit. I like to sleep 8-10 hours every day or else I feel like crap. It would probably help if I could sleep earlier, too. I don't like it when I get sick because I have to stay up late to do homework that is due the next day. For the last few days, I've gotten huge headaches that won't go away even with medicine. It's very disappointing when you feel sick, because you can't do anything like you used to be able to. Then, you start regretting about things you should have done earlier because it feels like you're about to do die. That about describes me from Wednesday until Friday. then today, I got my 9 hours and I feel fit as a fiddle. Funny how a great night's sleep can be so good for you, eh? that's all for now. My promised delayed pictures will be up later tonight, along with more ramblings about me and aboue Elva!

Autumn at last

Taiwan has the most interesting weather patterns I've met in all the places I have been to. Well ok Vancouver rains every day and snows, then has the most amazing sunsets during summer and fall. then it gets cold again. lol. In Taiwan, it's summer from about May until November. So there really are only like 2 seasons: 1. humid and hot 2. humid and cooler than hot oh and sometimes the occasional 3. typhoons plus random sun rain days. sun rain days are when the sun is shining at 85 degrees Farenheit and then all of a sudden a swell of water comes down right when you're lying down enjoying the perfect day. Or, if you're in a class. That's the funniest moment of high school I think. We were taking English Literture outside on the steps because we were studying poetry and wanted to have the atmosphere of being near nature or something....I can't recall exactly. Maybe it was satire. Anyhoo, right when someone mispronounces some word, everyone feels the small invading drops that fall from the sky. Someone runs out and starts dancing in the middle of the quadrangle on the way back to our classroom.Someting else happened but I can't remember because I was trying to cover what dry parts that were still left of my clothes along with my semi-drenched book and other school stuff. I guess I shouldn't have cared so much. The same thing happened during an English class I had in Rancho Santa Margarita, California. This was in middle school, 8th grade. During this sun rain, I went out of the classroom and danced in the rain with my classmates. Lmao, wow I guess you really do inhibit yourself as you get older. And isn't it ironic how both times were English casses? If it happens this year, it'll be something like a tradition that I have in every school I attend. Not a tradition...hmm it's more like sun rain luck? Hahahaha I just made that up. Ok, i have no idea what I'm talking about.

lazy: the nerd way

i really have to get on about writing if i really want to do what i said i would do previously. is that too confusing? i've been thinking about what i would write and the characters and things. i haven't written any stories or poems in a while. well a poem once in a while. not recorded, that's what i mean. i don't write it down. it just stays in my brain like an infestation of termites in the foundation of your house. haha first simile in months. i feel like such a loser these days. like i let myself down before i did anything. sometimes i have no faith in myself that i will achieve my dreams and hopes. notice how everything is in lowercase letters? that is a writing technique too! although, not very grammatically correct and probably not very acceptable in traditional english writing. but it does say a lot about the person writing. oh my god i can't believe i'm analyzing the way i write this post. i'm such a nerd.

anyways, at other times i think there's still a while before i have to actually make it all happen. but it's wrong because there might not really be 2 or 3 years to decide my future. maybe it'll all end tomorrow. maybe i really will give up and go into business, just like what my mom did. i don't like to think i'll be exactly like my mom, though. i'm not going to follow the same path because it worked for her.

i want to go back to ubc. maybe i can next year.i'm still enrolled, but not registered in classes. they even offered me residence for winter session, but it expires novemeber 2. does this count as being lost? or just really brainwrangling mad? god, there must be some sign or something. damn it, why can't it be like The Alchemist when there's a black and a white stone and when you see an omen you know exactly what your future is? paulo coehlo is a genius. i'd like to write like him someday. it's so simple, yet difficult at the same time.

am i putting myself down by being over-compulsive in asking so many questions?

i just noticed i made up a new word. brainwrangling! ha! well maybe someone else has used it as well. i'll check. :P

elva again

I think I'll just spam my own blog. I'm not really sure how, but here goes. lovelva lovelva lovelva lovelva! Hmm, I think that phrase might actually be copyrighted by her. Not sure, I'll have to look into that. I know she attended a wedding recently of one of her really good friends. She flew in from China just to get back on time. Like, she was supposed to be at this kungfu show, but she came back early from her work to attend the wedding. She;s a really good friend. Or maybe she just has lots of money and can fly around whenever she wants. Either way, that's all I know right now.

More on Elva

I am such a terrible Elva fan. I haven't posted enough about her on my blog. although, for some reason I can gossip about her all day with my brother. It is probably because I like to annoy him by talking about her incessantly. It is quite funny to see him get mad because he has such a cute face (will have a picture soon).

It doesn't seem that she is doing much lately, at least I don't hear anything new about her. I wonder how her really obsessed fans find out about events or shows she participates in beforehand. Is there like some special club or something that has a newsletter that they send all their members? Actually, I think there are fan clubs, like two of them. Hmm, I'll look into it later.

I wonder what her new book will be like. It comes out in December. Maybe I can get it as a birthday present, haha. I know her fist book was about pilates, so there probably wasn't too much about her in it. I haven't read it. I just know about it, lol. I'm not at the point where I have to know everything about her. I just watch show sometimes so I hear about things but like always too late to do anything. I feel like such a stalker sometimes. Maybe it is just my imagination, which always runs away on some crazy tangent or two. I should stop rambling, huh? YUeah, I'll have to write soemthing substantial about her later. This post got really messed up.

Female Celebrities vs. Male Celebs (Writing Topic 3)

In the media, female celebrities are exploited and sometimes exploit themselves on purpose. Commonly seen on newspapers, TV, music, movies, commercial, etc. are the 20-30 age range. These role models are involved in selling products, acting, singing, and hosting TV shows. Or, older female celebrities put makeup on to make themselves look younger; producers also use lighting techniques and digital enhancements to make stars look better as well. On the male side, lots of younger entertainers have come out recently and have always been much loved in the entertainment business, so it seems about the same. older personalities in entertainment match with older people, but some projects call for one old and one young person to be a pair. This often happens in movies mostly because it is required for the role(s) or the younger lead dropped out because of conflicting schedules.

I think if there is a gender bias in hiring certain actors or singers for certain things, it's because of that person's tealent and not neccessarily with age. Of course, age is an important factor since the target audience in most cases is much younger than adults. Mostly, products that celebrities endorse are for younger teengage audiences so using someone who is around the same age makes sense. Also, companies want to make money, so they pick younger talented people to sell tickets. I honestly don't think it's that bad, since the entertainment industry is just that. It's about entertaining people, so they might as well use good looking people. This is aside from the fact that many of the films and songs made are actually quite creative and good quality works.

A lot of how the public judges celebrities, especialy female celebs, is based on all the negative dirt and propaganda that goes around in gossip rags. Men aren't put on such a heavy stigma after doing something that's socially scorned, like taking drugs or ging out n a heavy night of partying. it's considered normal and the public forgives more easily men than women in these types of cases. Media coverage in both cases is biased because the gossips magazines also want to make moeny, just like film or music companies, so they always try to find ways to spread or expose rumors about famous people. In a way, it's kind of not fair to them but it comes with the business, so they get used to it, I guess. A lot also has to do with maager and public expectations. Once there's pressure to do certain things by the manager or fans or the reporters say something and everyone believes it, then you're bound to believe and then act accordingly. That's why some celebrities actually get caught in the act of smoking marijuana or doing crazy antic, it's because the public wants and expects it so the celebrity does it. It's psychological conditioning except no one ever sees it! We tend to see what we want to see, so we assume it's the way that celebrities really are. Obviously, it's never really possible to know unless they directly say so what he or she is going through. the old saying comes back again, you can't judge a book by it's cover until you've read the book.

What we can really judge about female and male celebrities then, is the way they dress. sure, a certain degree is also chosen by designers, managers, and peope in charge of their image. Most of the clothes for women are revealing. They want to look sexy to attract fans and look good. if you think about though, which woman under that kind of pressure from almost everyone around them doesn't want to look good? Cameras are everyhere almost 24/7, so if I was one of them I'd definitely want to hide in a bunch of cool looking clothes and make up. Plus, they're famous and rich so their life road is smooth as long as they don't do anything too stupid. If you can make 10 million USD a year and have to deal with all these kinds of pressures, wouldn't it be worth it? Lots of people only look at celebrities superficially and don't take the time to see that most celebrities work very hard to achieve the status that they have and keep on going after they reach fame and fortune because they truly love what they do. How many people can say they're satisfied with their jobs?

Writing Topic 1

Women make 85% of what men make, roughly, as one of our readings states. Statistics of women making lower than what men make as well as getting fewer promotions, less in bonuses and benefits have all contributed in what is now called the glass ceiling. Many women who want career advancement can't get it, or they're picked only as figureheads on the board of directors, for example. Why does this type of sex discrimination occur? The answer is simple: power.

Traditionally, the male breadwinner and female as homemaker roles have been passed on for generations. Women were only expected to be good wives, take care of the kids (one boy and one girl, of course, according to the American Dream), and put family over any idea to pursue a career. Men have dominated society for hundreds, if not thousands of years. Historically, men are the heroes of the country, men bring glory to the family, and men now are supposed to provide for the family. Like, Chinese history or Greek and Roman societies. All of them have famous generals or emperors; women seldom appear in the fabric of great men's lives, and if they do it is as their wives or standing behind them. Women aren't seen as the hero. Some people say it's in their blood because it has been this way for so long. Because of male patriarchy then, for it is the society that decides what people do or at least shapes it and most societies even today are male-dominated, women don't have as much experience in the public sphere. At least, that's what seems logical historically in not getting promoted as often, having a lower salary.

Actually, when women started looking for jobs most often were piece-time or part time jobs, since they were still expected to stay at home and raise the family. Isn't it true today? A double-standard of women exists. Men normally just work, but women who work also have to make sure the kids eat well, sleep early, do the dishes, the laundry, almost everything is still the same as when only men did jobs, except even more tiring. They're on double duty every day, 24-7 365.

It's not just the society that is at fault in this problem. If you look at individual women, some think it's normal that they don't get promoted or have higher earnings. Women praise men, follow them and think they're like gods in some cultures. Well, maybe not today's women, since feminism has started working it's way more and more into society. Also, some women are stigmatized by what feminism is about and what attitudes they should have about themselves. They get constantly bombarded of political correctness, equality, rights, terms that are used so loosely now by almost every faction of society. It's hard to drown out the noise and see who is really speaking and what they stand for. Not all women's rights groups are radical, and that is what women of all ages don't discern.

I think all the preaching isn't working, no matter if you're a corporate executive or a bra burning anti patriarchal feminista. If we want sexism to stop in the workplace, it has to start with the kids. If you give them a bad example, then they're going to be just like they're parents and judge people based on stereotypes that the kids have formed based on what their parents do. Behavioral learning starts early, so good parenting is really essential in creating attitudes of how to treat people. As for the people already practicing prejudiced ways of hiring, there should be a program required for top executives quarterly or every month to remind them of what women face in the workplace. If they don't see it happening or let it pass right under their noses because the managers underneath them are hiring only pretty young women or giving top salaries only to ethnic women so that they don't get sued, it's their fault and they won't even know it. No matter what, the way people think of gender equality has got to change. Traditional views of the housewife or breadwinner isn't going to fly anymore. It isn't a question of how, but when people start to see that what they're doing is wrong.

No More Dilemas

I have finally removed all the clouds and smoggy opinions from the very pressing question of what to do with my future. I don't think I should have let so many people influence what I had already decided I wanted to do when I was 14. It's really simple; all I want to do is write. I don't need to do science or business or anything else, even though those fields might be more lucrative. I want to be either a scriptwriter or and editor. Yeah, I want to do completely different things. Maybe write a couple of books, too. Mainly, though I don't want to feel like I am pressured to do what everyone else is doing. Of course, I'll still try a lot of other types of courses while I'm in university to see if I don't like anything else. I'm already to start looking up graduate programs that offer writing or creative writing. I guess that means I should start writing more than I do now. It'd very calming and satisfying to let go of your brain and create something that you didn't know you could do just by sitting and thinking about things with a paper and pencil :)

Sad About Family Tragedy

This weekend was supposed to be a good one. It ended up in a terrible tragedy that could have been prevented. My mother took my brother and I to 日月潭 (sun moon lake) on Saturday (10/18). The weather was picturesque; a calm blue sky and fluffy marshmallow clouds guided our way towards the camp site. Nothing could prepare me for what my mom told me when we were halfway there. She said that my uncle (姑丈) had died in a terrible car accident. He had been drinking and singing KTV (karaoke) with friends after work. He was very very drunk and got on his motorcycle. Then, a perfectly good human being was taken away from loved ones and friends. This man has family in China, since he is from that country. It must be terrible to lose someone close. I sat in the car shocked into silence for a long time after I heard this news. I last saw my uncle merely two months ago when my brother and I went to Kaohsiung to visit my aunt. It is very surreal to hear about people that you've seen with your own eyes perfectly fine and living. I can't believe how sudden;y this happened. I feel very deeply for my aunt because she has always been by my side throughout my life. I wish I can go comfort her soon. Maybe I will go to the funeral next weekend. I guess this is why people always say that it is important to notice your safety at all times. :(

Sigh...another week....

Often, I wonder why I put myself through college. Sometimes I feel like dropping out. It doesn't really seem like I'm doing anything important with my life right now. Everything is so vague and murky. I mean I don't know what I'm doing...

Everyone tells me that an English degree is useless and that I'll never get anywhere in life with one. Then, I say: Why the hell do they still offer it in like virtually ever college, then? They just shrug and attempt to switch topics, which ends up pissing me off even more. Why does college have to be about what you'll do in the future? Why can't it just be about learning and discovering things about yourself? 

Now, I just say I'm going to take business related classes in second semester, and people just nod politely. They say it's good I'm taking something useful in addition to English. I think it's very sad that the value of literature has depreciated so much in our modern culture (pardon the pun, if you know what I mean). It makes me depressed sometimes because I really love to study the classics and their authors. I remember in high school, to relieve stress I would either go play softball or read poetry. Maybe I "doth protest too much," but it is how I am feeling lately. 

It's confusing to find anything worthwhile to do except going to join the Peace Corps or UN and help refugees. Maybe I'll do that after I graduate from Chung Hua. I don't want to be end up trapped in a corporate world that many people are unsatisfied with but can't get out of because they need to make money. I don't just want to get a stable job and make money, that has no meaning to me.  Of course, money is important, but I think I would have to do something I love and would die if I didn't do it or else it would be a waste of time. 

Funny Website

My ex-boyfriend gave me this site today and it is really funny! There's a lot of t-shirt designs and funny sayings, although some of them are a little mean. I especially like the one about the chocolate bunnies! (My butt hurts...what?) haha. He told me I should order one, but I'm not sure, they are expensive. I don't like ordering stuff online too much though. I'm always afraid I'll get scammed.

Not much else now...Oh Elva updated her blog and it is really funny too! She puts pictures on her blog about random things that seems like a bit of a waste of time, though for her I guess it is a way to relax amid her busy schedule. /i think she performed somewhere in Taoyuan last week, but I'm not sure. I wonder if she'll ever to Hsinchu to perform. It's probably unlikely, though, since I don't think there is anywhere to hold the concert, except for in Chudong (is it a 'c' or 'j'?)where there's an outdoor stadium. Even that is a bit unlikely since it's a sports arena. Sigh, I could have gone to see her perform in August, but my brother and I had to go home because we had too much luggage and plus, I didn't know how to get to the school. Haha, but it's ok. I am planning on going to her other concert in June...hopefully I have enough money to go. Oh, does anyone want to go with me ? :)

I Got My TOEFL Scores! Well I saw them online

It wasn't too bad. I hope they come in the mail really soon, so then I can waive some classes or I'll have too much to do. Also, my TOEFL scores will make sure I can actually graduate on time. I don't know if I should say what I got here, since people might think I am bragging. I seriously don't know how I got such a high of a score, because I think at one point I actually fell asleep. It was more like nodding off for a minute or two...ha ha.

The thing I'm really mad about is that ETS still hasn't sent me the paper scores, so I can't go waive the classes yet. I hate bureaucracies, they're so inefficient! It gets on my nerves when people don't do what they say. Grrr!

Independent? Energetic?

I went to an interview with my teacher today. She (who will remain anonymous) said I seemed to be energetic, well-adjusted, and independent. That came as a kind of surprise, as I think that I only act more carefree in front of others after knowing them more. I suppose I am a bit talkative when I want to be and thus seem a bit more relaxed than new students usually are. Other teachers have said that to me too, but I never completely agree with them. For instance, my sophomore English Literature teacher once wrote a comment on my report card that I was independent and was very blunt. Well, in my journals, I suppose I am, since I don't think you should like to people for no reason. Or, for that matter, write fluff and bs your way through life, like some other students seemed to do. I guess everyone has their own insecurities.

Maybe though, I really have changed to become more adaptable to moving around. Let's see, I have moved about 3 or 4 big times that were major turning points in my life. The first time I remember was when I was 8, the year my brother was born (1997). At that time, I must have been in second grade and in the Brownies or Girl Scouts...lol not the ones you eat! We moved to make room for the new addition to our family. Of course the move after that was much more traumatic, which was to Taiwan. At that time, I felt it was very unfair to me to come live in Taiwan. I suppose middle school is not a great time for big moves, especially across great distances. We moved from California, where one gets quite used to comfort. And the other two times were going to Vancouver for college and then coming back, which seems to some people a great waste to my future opportunities. I think it is a good thing though, to be near family and loved ones, although I have to give up some things that in the long run would be better for me. I think I'll end up going to graduate school in the States, anyway, so it doesn't make much difference to me one way or the other.

I'm going to go watch MVs now, since it's long weekend! Woot!! Happy double twin day everyone ! (the few of you who actually read this thing)

Women's Rights in Taiwan: First Impression

I'm going to write something more substantial tomorrow. These are my thoughts about the article so far.

I completely agree that education is the way to go on these types of problems. Once people in Taiwan know the history of women's rights and the kinds of abuses women are victims of, it will be easier as a society to deal with rape or domestic violence more seriously. I took a women's studies course last year at UBC, actually, and it really opened up my mind to the kinds of prejudices and sexist beliefs many people still hold today in many parts of the world. Even in developed nations of the world, crimes against women occur almost every day. For instance, the women's studies center on UBC campus, a place considered liberal and open to people of all creeds and colors, was spray painted and the windows were smashed in a few times a year.

I didn't really know much of women's rights in Taiwan. since the course I took mainly talked about Canadian immigrants and places like Africa and the United States, places we hear about more often when it comes to women's rights. I think it's great that legislators are looking into better ways to handle the injustices that women face, because women's' place in society is important in maintaining the balance of everyday life. Taiwan's patriarchal society is too limiting to the young people that are looking for jobs and creating lives that the old standards of Taiwanese life cannot support. Students should be taught gender equality and take women's studies courses in college. At least, they should take one course about women's rights so that such knowledge can be available and their world view can be expanded. Maybe Taiwan's schools can't force children to learn gender equality, but social reformers should look to parents to rear their children to be aware of crimes against women and the wrong ways that men condescend women, as well as women who accept such crude behavior as normal.

Pleasantly Surprised~ I PASSED MY DRIVER'S TEST!

And on the first time too. I thought I would take 11 times like my great aunt. Ok, maybe more around 2 times. When I was taking the written portion, I swear I almost had a heart attack. Standing outside waiting for the results was the worst. Everyone is flipping through the book and staring uneasily at each other. You'd think it was their first high school dance and no one asked them to dance. Fortunately, almost everyone passed, except 3 guys. I guess they'll take it again next week. I thought it was interesting how each test has your name and ID number on it.

For the driving part, I almost fell asleep. Lol, I got up too early to study because I fell asleep reading traffic laws several times the night before. Yeah, I had insomnia for most of the night so I didn't feel extremely well. The important thing is, on Monday I'll be able to officially hold my new driver's license :P I wonder what it looks and smells like. Haha.

What do I think of the Humanities?

My English teacher in 9th and 12th grade said this to our class once: "You can tell how a good a school is by looking at how developed their humanities departments are. If their humanities are weak, don't go to that school. If they don't have any, don't even consider it!" Well, I might have modified the last part. In essence, that is what he said.

As for me, I agree with the article. Studies in the Humanities are hot right now. After graduating from college or university, many humanities majors get great job offers. I've heard of a Philosophy major from UVA that was offered over 100,00 US dollars a year as starting salary minus bonuses and stocks to be an analyst at Goldman Sachs the year before he graduated. Companies like humanities graduates because they are, as mentioned in the question, taught critical thinking skills. At many colleges and universities, the Arts Department is the biggest of the whole school. For example, UBC, my old university, has an Arts department that had maybe 10,000 or so students, not including faculty and administrators. Many doctors, lawyers, business graduates, etc. also started out as Arts or humanities majors as well. they just later changed fields later in their four years or in graduate school. Doesn't this indicate the popularity and influence of humanities studies?

In the future, humanities will start playing an important role again. I think it will because such education is broad enough to give you an understanding of not just history or sociology or English, but a mix of all the humanities subjects. Arts majors also have in-depth study of their own fields as well. In many other programs that I have heard of, lots of classes are pass or fail, so students tend to want to get extremely good grades so they can go to medical school or law school or get an MBA. However, Arts degrees tend to emphasize the learning and thinking process. I am, of course, very biased because I'm more attracted to the humanities and arts of all kinds. Other fields are also interesting, I'm sure, but they seem very dense. Some seem to be too limiting or too objective so that when you study them, you lose focus on everything else. Of course, an artist has got to eat, too. What is society without art, without knowledge of all different fields? That is probably why lots of arts majors are getting hired right out of college without a graduate degree-companies want a diverse point of view on what options they have. They also want the creative juices and analytical muscle that can inject their future projects with fresh ideas. In my opinion, the future will be focused on the Humanities and not science.

It seems I get mad often, at least for the past few weeks.

I think there must be something happening to my body. Not in a hormonal, puberty kind of way either, but more emotional. Wait, maybe emotional things occur from too many hormones too, but different hormones. I don't remember my biology or else I would've gone to medical school like I orginially planned to do. Bah, life is full of change- one of the few things more experienced people say never change, like death and taxes.

I haven't had such big mood swings since my family moved to Taiwan. Ah, I remember that summer my parents decided to uproot our fairly uncomplicated (to me it was, I was 14? It's been too long) lifestyle in California and take us to a foreign land. At least, I remember crying at my grandmother's house until all the tissues were gone from the box. And another needed to be found quickly, or the tears would never stop.

One of my friends in Vancouver was like that last year. She was lazy when she normally was driven and hardworking, didn't eat well, and constantly slept for longperiods of time, often skipping work or class. She said it had to do with a woman's body becoming able to produce children once you turn 20 or so. I'm not sure if she is right or not, but she was a chemistry and physics major. Maybe I have anemia or some other disease that is causing me to flare up randomly and childishly for no reason at all. If there is, someone let me know. I feel as if nothing really matters, no matter how many ideals and dreams you have. It's all going to get taken away from you. That's why we are supposed to appreciate and live life to the fullest and richest that we can.

Thinks deeply for a while.....

Bad Weather=Bad Headache

It's tough being small. It means that when you get into a car to drive, you have to make billions of adjustments just to see the mirrors. It also means when you get a headache, it builds and builds until it says "stop!" but you can't because you are in a big car going 80-90 km per hour on the freeway. Sigh, and then the headache goes from the head to the mouth and out comes bad things that people do not want to hear.

Mmmmm (makes whiny sound, then pouts)

Such is life. After acting out, one must introspect and apolgize accordingly. Or it would be of utmost embarrasment and shame. Especially to one's parents, if, of course, they are involved with said incidents. Do I begin to sound like Lemony Snicket (although this author may have nothing to do with my writing at all lol)? Very well, I shall desist in commenting further. Until next time~au revoir!

the Most Boring Class Ever

My mom is taking 氣功 (qigong) classes. Not the kung-fu kind, but the deep breathing plus changing your body's energy kind. I mean, I guess it wouldn't be so bad if the teacher at these meetings taught qigong practices and postures. The problem is that when we (my brother and I) get dragged along to one of the classes, the teacher always talks about random events in her own life and about her other students or her own teachers. Her voice drones on and on in this monotonous tone for what was it.....3 or 4 hours. At night too! I think she would fail to get a teacher's license. And when she teaches, or tries to teach, she says things really fast and doesn't really explain any of the text in the book at all. This is only my own opinion, although I did fall asleep 3 times. She had the windows and doors closed, and the AC was only on about half the time. I felt like I was dying from carbon dioxide poisoning.

Good thing I ran out of the room after the class was over and took a walk with my brother. Jonathan was also bored as hell (excuse the cussing which might show up more often in future posts). Good thing also that there's a typhoon too so I can 降火氣.

Anyways, I posted wrong information. Elva was in Taiwan but went to Beijing again, either yesterday or the day before. Wow I sound like a real stalker. But she said so on her blog, so I guess it's ok. I don't know what she's doing there though. Hmm, I will look into that later. But I do know she is going to have a book coming out in December :) That's also when my birthday is! Lol, maybe it will be on the same day, but that is just me being very wishful. Haha. I want to go to her concert in June too. Must save money!!! Oh and for other reasons too, I want to try to go to Vancouver to see my friends. Sigh, we'll see. Maybe next year I'll go instead, since one of my friends might come here at that time. She didn't tell me her plans yet, so I'll have to wait.

The Most Boring Class Ever....and OMG!!! I'm going to take my driving test next week!!!

I went on the road for the first time yesterday! Yes, I mean driving on the road. And we went at around 5-6 so it was ruch hour traffic. I kept griiping the wheel to tight and loked in every direction. My driving coach is really cute, he said "If you hang on so tight, your Mom will think you have anxiety issues!" He is so funny sometimes. I think I go too fast, but luckily I didn't go over the speed limit. Although there were a couple times I almost crashed into the cars in front of me. I bet the other student sitting in back was extrememly nervous hahaha. The test is next Friday!!! I hope I pass the writing part....have to get on that right away. It would be extrememly embarrassing if I fail and get my name called. But then I have to take Friday morning off. Hmm....

In other news...what is up with the weather? Isn't there a typhoon coming or something? It is sunny and summery at my house in Bao Shan. Maybe it is going to come in the afternoon or early next morning.

I also notice I didn't change my last post. I feel asleep hehehe. >< I was really mad at my brother then, but then it was all my fault because I didn't even tell him I slept past the bus stop. I jsut hung up on him and walked really in no direction at all, until I noticed I was lost. Hahaha. I went to eat by myself after that and waited for my mom to pick up my brother.

Feeling lazy but i have to do lots of readings....and eat lunch! Ok, I'll come back later and update on Elva! :) and whatever else i missed (the most boring class ever...but remind me cuz i might forget about it)

Slept Past the Bus Stop

Yeah, I did that. And then I had to walk like 3 blocks back to Hotel Royal. Then I got mad because I walked to three different restaurants and didn't find my brother. Well he was supposed to meet me at Hotel Royal but he never came. After that I just went to eat by myself.



Ok, I'll come back later when I'm not really tired and reedit this.

Still Nothing on Playing my Clarinet..but I do Know that Elva is in China

Yeah, I am too busy taking driving lessons so I cannot devote time towards practicing my clarinet. Haha, but I still have to at some point, because I bought the reeds, ten of them too! The one really cool thing about the reeds I bought is that each one is individually packaged in humidity resistant paper. Oh, and they're made in France, just like my clarinet! However, they are different brands. I think the people at Vandoren are quite creative. They say on the insert inside the package that opening the reed is like picking it up fresh from the factory in Southern France. I haven't tried it yet though, so I don't actually know...and I don't know how I would compare the difference (if there is any). Or maybe I can, I will let you know whenever I get my hands on that thing...I mean play my clarinet.

It seems that I know more of the whereabouts of Elva than playing clarinet now. I don't know what I should do...it's not healthy to be obsessed but sometimes one cannot help but admire those qualities in which we find ourselves without. She has a blog too. It's on Sina though, so it's all in Chinese. I'm not sure if people want to see it, so if you do you can ask me. More on why I like Elva later! More reading and homework to do. Ciao!

Issue That I Will Write About

Actually, I don't think my topic will be legal since constantly looking up information about a famous singer (Elva) might be considered stalking. So I think I will choose something related to one of my other hobbies. I play the clarinet. Well played, because I haven't actually played anything on it for maybe five or six years. But, I did go and buy new reeds over the weekend, so I think things will change soon. Haha, I hope sounds still come out! My instrument is probably rusting away right now. Although, I did play a little a few weks ago just to get a feeling of the old days. Yes, I do have old days! Ok, this much for now.

Someone Else's Cool Blog

Another person thinks the same way I do about Second Life! Yup, she's in my class and I read her blog (hope that's ok with her). Rachel’s Blog also talks about the pros and cons of having a virtual world that interacts in almost the same way as real life. What else...oh yeah, I thought her point on education was very interesting. I didn't think about how Second Life could have that many educational benefits in instructing students. Second Life seems more like a game to me, so vitual education didn't sound relevant.

In Class...Thinking of What to do Afterschool

Since there's no one around me that did the homework, I am sitting thinking about what I do after school. Let me tell you what goes on behind the scenes:
1. Go find my brother by taking 2 buses (there's a switch in the middle after I get downtown).
2. Take a taxi to my mom's workplace after buying some snacks.
3. Eat dinner.
4. Go to driving class.
5. Homebound

All these events take me all the way until around 10 PM every day. I can't wait to get my driver's license so that I can go home on my own and not have to run around all over town (literally) for like 5 hours. Yes, I'm exaggerating, but that's what people do when they complain. hmm, I didn't think I would end up complaining. Haha. Blogging is fun :)

Virtual Reality: Healthy to Have a 'Second Life'?

Second life is a virtual reality game that uses avatars (players create their own virtual ID) in real time. The game allows for real people to interact in different facets of Second Life's world as if the events are really occurring. For example, someone can take online courses from real universities that actually have class at the same timeas the virtual class. Lots of companies have also used Second Life to advertise and sell their products, using Second Life's own currency.

In my own opinion, the concept of Second Life is a good premise for future development of companies wanting to expand using online product placement, but the problem is whether consumers and others playing the game will actually want Second Life to be exactly the same as real life. I mean, isn't the whole point of playing games to escape reality and not to relive it again after a hard day of work? Or is Second Life really the game of the future? Personally, Second Life is only appealing in the sense that it is a novelty. Yes, it has cool graphics and you can be anybody you want with the avatar you create, but isn't real life more exciting? Virtual reality can not so easily replace the mystery and wonder of not knowing what will happen in our natural born environment.

First Day Testing! One two three

First day of blog....not much to report. Reply if you see this!