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.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
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.
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.
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.
Monday, December 8, 2008
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
Thursday, December 4, 2008
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.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
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?
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?
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
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.
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.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
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.
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.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
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.
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.
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.
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