This weekend is conference weekend. For those of you who don't know about it, the General Conference is the semiannual conference that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has. For more details please check www.mormon.org or http://www.lds.org/general-conference?lang=eng. You might find information on Wikipedia just in case you want to see different views of it.
I don't want to write too much about it. Not that I don't want to write about it, but I don't think it's appropriate to post thoughts that still might immature.
As always, President Uchtdorf's talk is my favorite. Maybe because we share somewhat similar childhood, his words always touch me. Since I won't write anything premature about the conerence down, here are a few pieces of my thoughts about his talk today.
First, this talk is for me. Of course every conference talk is for every individual, as the Lord said Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you (Matt 7:7). However, when I'm enraged by the ongoing political fiasco and sexist behavior among some members, I need to have more empathy rather than making quick judgment.
Second, this talk helps me to bless others. I'm trying to figure out how to approach an inactive friend.
I need to learn more about this friend, myself, and the gospel. I knew this wasn't simple, but now I've learned there's more to prepare.
The Heavenly Father knows my needs, and always answers my prayers. Now that I received His message, I will have to work hard to follow His guidance. I'm grateful for the Lord and His gospel. I know this is His church, a church full of people who are imperfect but strive to be perfect. And I say these things His name, even Jesus Christ.
Saturday, October 5, 2013
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Racial Sensitivity
America is a very racially sensitive country. It's great when openly racism is generally unacceptable with the exception of Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson. But there should be a fine line beteween self-awareness and self-censorship. So here's a story.
Yesterday on a basketball forum there was a post about Jemery Lin. At one point people started to tell jokes about him. One guy said something like "if he can't make the team he can still be the team accountant". And this is when things turned bad. People just ganged up on him because it's racist.
Is the joke racist? I don't know. Call me an idiot but I honestly don't see the connection between Asian/Chinese/Taiwanese and accountant. I mean it's true many Asians are in the finance sector but it's more of an accomplishment rather than old scar like Asians being restaurant workers. Moreover being an accountant really isn't that much of an Asian thing, Asians prefer to be docters and dentists, nor that accountant is an Asian dominated profession, so calling it racism or stereotype is at least groundless. Plus Lin did receive his econ degree from Harvard. So I posted a comment saying take it easy on this guy, I'm Asian and I think that's funny. Well, it didn't end in the way I wanted.
To my surprise, within seconds somebody jumped on me. To make it even a bigger surprise, the person was an Asian. I mean normally Asians are racist but nevertheless don't buy this Jesse Jackson style hoax. So this guy jumped in and educated me how bad it was because if it's racist to one minority it's racism against all minorities. But again, like others who bashed the poor jokester he didn't even bother to explain why calling a Harvard ecno graduate could be a team account has to be racist.
Here's my take on this childrish crusade. First of all I don't believe a colorblind society. People have different cultural backgrounds. How often do we see an Amish IT engineer? There are economic differences. Many Chinese and Indians came to the U.S. for higher education, and get advanced degrees from prestigious universities, thus their kids have a higher chance to achive academic success. And there are physical differences. African Americans generally have better atheism, and readheads get sunburned easily. These differences exist and will alway exist in one way or another. People will make calls based on these facts, like you pass the ball to a strange black guy at a pick up game, or ask a math question to an Asian student, or ask the redhead for sunscreen, and you might never ask the Amish guy to fix your internet. Of couse you don't always make the right call, but this is how we human think: we predict things based on our experiences. We can't pretend these things don't exist. And as long as we don't have a malice intent, and we fix the mistake everytime we make a bad call, we are fine.
Now going back to the original joke. Just becaue it might be racist so you think it has to be racist is stupid, especially when the possible racism is far from obvious and there's easily another take on the joke. And any chastising based on this groundless accusation is just as bad as racism. It's an inquisition. The history of Spanish Inquistion tells this over sensitivity is from the victim attitude. Just like the Spanish Inquistion brought nothing but disasters, such racial over sensitivity only feeds race-baiters like Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton. And as long as those race-baiters exist, there will be no racial equality and harmony.
Yesterday on a basketball forum there was a post about Jemery Lin. At one point people started to tell jokes about him. One guy said something like "if he can't make the team he can still be the team accountant". And this is when things turned bad. People just ganged up on him because it's racist.
Is the joke racist? I don't know. Call me an idiot but I honestly don't see the connection between Asian/Chinese/Taiwanese and accountant. I mean it's true many Asians are in the finance sector but it's more of an accomplishment rather than old scar like Asians being restaurant workers. Moreover being an accountant really isn't that much of an Asian thing, Asians prefer to be docters and dentists, nor that accountant is an Asian dominated profession, so calling it racism or stereotype is at least groundless. Plus Lin did receive his econ degree from Harvard. So I posted a comment saying take it easy on this guy, I'm Asian and I think that's funny. Well, it didn't end in the way I wanted.
To my surprise, within seconds somebody jumped on me. To make it even a bigger surprise, the person was an Asian. I mean normally Asians are racist but nevertheless don't buy this Jesse Jackson style hoax. So this guy jumped in and educated me how bad it was because if it's racist to one minority it's racism against all minorities. But again, like others who bashed the poor jokester he didn't even bother to explain why calling a Harvard ecno graduate could be a team account has to be racist.
Here's my take on this childrish crusade. First of all I don't believe a colorblind society. People have different cultural backgrounds. How often do we see an Amish IT engineer? There are economic differences. Many Chinese and Indians came to the U.S. for higher education, and get advanced degrees from prestigious universities, thus their kids have a higher chance to achive academic success. And there are physical differences. African Americans generally have better atheism, and readheads get sunburned easily. These differences exist and will alway exist in one way or another. People will make calls based on these facts, like you pass the ball to a strange black guy at a pick up game, or ask a math question to an Asian student, or ask the redhead for sunscreen, and you might never ask the Amish guy to fix your internet. Of couse you don't always make the right call, but this is how we human think: we predict things based on our experiences. We can't pretend these things don't exist. And as long as we don't have a malice intent, and we fix the mistake everytime we make a bad call, we are fine.
Now going back to the original joke. Just becaue it might be racist so you think it has to be racist is stupid, especially when the possible racism is far from obvious and there's easily another take on the joke. And any chastising based on this groundless accusation is just as bad as racism. It's an inquisition. The history of Spanish Inquistion tells this over sensitivity is from the victim attitude. Just like the Spanish Inquistion brought nothing but disasters, such racial over sensitivity only feeds race-baiters like Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton. And as long as those race-baiters exist, there will be no racial equality and harmony.
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Do We Need a God?
Do we need a god at all? This isn't a simple question at all. Anyone who says yes or no is undoubtedly making a huge mistake here.
First from a religious view point. Almost all modern day religions believing essential loving gods. As a Latter-day Saint I believe in the Father sent his Only Begotten to sacrifice for us, and the Spirit is always here for us. We can choose to accept or deny Him but no matter what we receive His unconditional love. So do we need God? It's like oxygen which we need but we rarely "need" it.
Then from an atheist view point. On one hand there's no god so we don't need something that doesn't exist, on the other hand god as an cultural aspect certainly has its values for humanity, good or bad. So do we need god? The answer here is even more complex.
Bottom line, religious people don't need a god because god's love doesn't change and it's never too late to "need a god"; atheists need a god because it doesn't hurt to practice some cultural activities that bond the society; to be fair add agonists/deists don't really care so need or not doesn't make a difference.
Believing the possible existance of gods or otherwise, whether or not we need a god is beyond te question itself. The question really should start as what god is. And this is where all the people can come together share something in common. Atheism believes god is what people make stories up when trying but unable to interpret the universe. Theism believes human can either become god or be with to god. Knowing atheism believes human can eventually learn infinite knowledge, and theism believes almighty all knowing god, people basically have the same goal here, which is to become god-like.
So needing a god or not shouldn't divide people at all. We keep it on individual level in term of communication. We share our beliefs to better understand each other.
Do we need a god? I know I need God. I believing a loving and forgiving God who will give anyone a second chance. So if you don't need a god now isn't a big deal, not that I don't care, but I believe that God has a plan for everybody quick and unrighteous judgment isn't in His plan for any of us. After all, we forgot about Him for over 1700 years but He still gave us one more try.
Some thoughts after reading Doctrine and Covenants chapter 1.
First from a religious view point. Almost all modern day religions believing essential loving gods. As a Latter-day Saint I believe in the Father sent his Only Begotten to sacrifice for us, and the Spirit is always here for us. We can choose to accept or deny Him but no matter what we receive His unconditional love. So do we need God? It's like oxygen which we need but we rarely "need" it.
Then from an atheist view point. On one hand there's no god so we don't need something that doesn't exist, on the other hand god as an cultural aspect certainly has its values for humanity, good or bad. So do we need god? The answer here is even more complex.
Bottom line, religious people don't need a god because god's love doesn't change and it's never too late to "need a god"; atheists need a god because it doesn't hurt to practice some cultural activities that bond the society; to be fair add agonists/deists don't really care so need or not doesn't make a difference.
Believing the possible existance of gods or otherwise, whether or not we need a god is beyond te question itself. The question really should start as what god is. And this is where all the people can come together share something in common. Atheism believes god is what people make stories up when trying but unable to interpret the universe. Theism believes human can either become god or be with to god. Knowing atheism believes human can eventually learn infinite knowledge, and theism believes almighty all knowing god, people basically have the same goal here, which is to become god-like.
So needing a god or not shouldn't divide people at all. We keep it on individual level in term of communication. We share our beliefs to better understand each other.
Do we need a god? I know I need God. I believing a loving and forgiving God who will give anyone a second chance. So if you don't need a god now isn't a big deal, not that I don't care, but I believe that God has a plan for everybody quick and unrighteous judgment isn't in His plan for any of us. After all, we forgot about Him for over 1700 years but He still gave us one more try.
Some thoughts after reading Doctrine and Covenants chapter 1.
Thursday, August 29, 2013
This Bizarre World
It's impossible to list all the bizarre things in this world, nor that I'm trying to. Here's just one little example. Remember back in the days when tech support actually had engineers on the line? Seems like forever ago, but really no earlier than 5 years ago I talked to engieers on phone and computer via tech support lines. Everytime I described the problem or my request, the tech support immediately knew that I was technology literate, and within a few minutes we would get things down.
It's no longer the case. Now all you get from calling tech support is some "trained" CSR to answer you questions. But for heaven's sake, you don't train some random people a few days and expect they can accomplish anything. It's just absurd. Since today's tech support is full of people who know nothing but get a quick training and think they are engineers, they think everybody is dumber than they were before. So not only I have to listen their stupid "solutions", but also I need to use layman's terms to explain where the problems are, and hope they can ask their supervisor, hopefully a real engineer, to get the answers.
Let me give an example. I was having some problem with Live Calendar on my phone a while ago. I had an answer but just needed to verify it (hoping I was wrong), so I called AT&T. It took me 5 minutes to explain that it's not a calendar app downloaded from the market, but Live Calendar on Windows Phone. But still the first solution the person gave me was to download a different app, which I guess that's the first answer on the handbook he was reading. The whole mess lasted another 20 minutes, yeah I had time that day, I finally lost patience and asked him to transfer my call to somebody who knows what he/she's doing. Then another person who didn't know what he was doing, and I had to repeat everything, but that time I got a Microsoft number. I called it, still the same thing, except the guy asked his supervisor, and that real engineer had the answer for me, which was the initial guess I had. All I needed was a simple line of "yes, there's nothing you can do with the current version but hopefully the next update would fix the bug" or "no, actually there is a way to fix it", but it took talking directly to 2 morons and indirectly to 1 engineer to get the 5-minute-answer.
This makes me appreciate my other experience more. I missed an important call one day. The cellphone tower was down so failed to connect my phone to the network. I was enraged so I called AT&T. Just for the record, I was still polite. The CSR apologized transferred me to tech support so that they could find out the reason and prevent it from happening again. The tech support girl asked me the issue (here's another thing), and I explained. I asked her if there's solar flair, which she checked and said no. She studied web engineering so she had enough knowledge to do the job as well as to know that I'm not an idiot. So while she gave me a few possible causes, and I ruled out them all. Now there's only one answer, which was the tower was down. She checked, bingo. She told me how to be registered with the other tower, mission accomplished.
So here this other thing I really hate. Now you get to be transferred at least 1 or 2 times beore talking to the right person, and between each transfer they can never provide any information to the next person. Like that Live Calendar thing, the second person I talked to thought I was having trouble with some random calendar app. It's either the first agent failed to diliver the message, or the second agent couldn't comprehend, or both.
There's a reason why you need engineers to do certain things, you just can't replace them. But people seems never learn. And this is just one example of how bizarre this world has become. True it doesn't seem like a big deal, but it really is. Under the name of cost control or anything else fancy, they put unqualified people to do professional jobs that eventually cost the whole society more. We have a horse show host to run FEMA, a cellphone salesman to be the Secretary of Defense, and a politician with 0 executive background to run the country. These are all the same mentality, and people wonder why we are in a mess. Now that's bizarre.
It's no longer the case. Now all you get from calling tech support is some "trained" CSR to answer you questions. But for heaven's sake, you don't train some random people a few days and expect they can accomplish anything. It's just absurd. Since today's tech support is full of people who know nothing but get a quick training and think they are engineers, they think everybody is dumber than they were before. So not only I have to listen their stupid "solutions", but also I need to use layman's terms to explain where the problems are, and hope they can ask their supervisor, hopefully a real engineer, to get the answers.
Let me give an example. I was having some problem with Live Calendar on my phone a while ago. I had an answer but just needed to verify it (hoping I was wrong), so I called AT&T. It took me 5 minutes to explain that it's not a calendar app downloaded from the market, but Live Calendar on Windows Phone. But still the first solution the person gave me was to download a different app, which I guess that's the first answer on the handbook he was reading. The whole mess lasted another 20 minutes, yeah I had time that day, I finally lost patience and asked him to transfer my call to somebody who knows what he/she's doing. Then another person who didn't know what he was doing, and I had to repeat everything, but that time I got a Microsoft number. I called it, still the same thing, except the guy asked his supervisor, and that real engineer had the answer for me, which was the initial guess I had. All I needed was a simple line of "yes, there's nothing you can do with the current version but hopefully the next update would fix the bug" or "no, actually there is a way to fix it", but it took talking directly to 2 morons and indirectly to 1 engineer to get the 5-minute-answer.
This makes me appreciate my other experience more. I missed an important call one day. The cellphone tower was down so failed to connect my phone to the network. I was enraged so I called AT&T. Just for the record, I was still polite. The CSR apologized transferred me to tech support so that they could find out the reason and prevent it from happening again. The tech support girl asked me the issue (here's another thing), and I explained. I asked her if there's solar flair, which she checked and said no. She studied web engineering so she had enough knowledge to do the job as well as to know that I'm not an idiot. So while she gave me a few possible causes, and I ruled out them all. Now there's only one answer, which was the tower was down. She checked, bingo. She told me how to be registered with the other tower, mission accomplished.
So here this other thing I really hate. Now you get to be transferred at least 1 or 2 times beore talking to the right person, and between each transfer they can never provide any information to the next person. Like that Live Calendar thing, the second person I talked to thought I was having trouble with some random calendar app. It's either the first agent failed to diliver the message, or the second agent couldn't comprehend, or both.
There's a reason why you need engineers to do certain things, you just can't replace them. But people seems never learn. And this is just one example of how bizarre this world has become. True it doesn't seem like a big deal, but it really is. Under the name of cost control or anything else fancy, they put unqualified people to do professional jobs that eventually cost the whole society more. We have a horse show host to run FEMA, a cellphone salesman to be the Secretary of Defense, and a politician with 0 executive background to run the country. These are all the same mentality, and people wonder why we are in a mess. Now that's bizarre.
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Piers Morgan's Problem
Piers Morgan is a brilliant guy. He frequently makes many very good points if you actually listen to what he says. Of course he's very biased with an agenda, and people like that no matter left or right, usually are hated by the majority of people. But Piers Morgan has a huge problem, which is he always tries to outsmart his interviewees. It's impossible to do that because he's talking to those people about issues in their very own areas that they excelled.
His attitude isn't unique. One common saying is "I don't know too much about that, but...". Anybody with common sense can tell the sentence should end at "I don't know to much about that" because you just don't comment on things you don't understand. But it's hard to put away our pride to admit our own ignorance, or even simply shut up. I'm trying to stop using it, unless for jokes.
We all have pride. I see it as inflated self esteem and confidence. That's one thing we'll have live with in this life. It's just like every other thing we want to do perfect but we can't. After all, Wilt Chamberlain only won 2 titles, and Michael Jordan didn't bring Wizzards to the Playoffs. But it doesn't mean we don't try to overcome it. The more we fail, the more we try, the more closer to the Lord we are. Just don't let pride rule us, just don't be like Piers Morgan.
His attitude isn't unique. One common saying is "I don't know too much about that, but...". Anybody with common sense can tell the sentence should end at "I don't know to much about that" because you just don't comment on things you don't understand. But it's hard to put away our pride to admit our own ignorance, or even simply shut up. I'm trying to stop using it, unless for jokes.
We all have pride. I see it as inflated self esteem and confidence. That's one thing we'll have live with in this life. It's just like every other thing we want to do perfect but we can't. After all, Wilt Chamberlain only won 2 titles, and Michael Jordan didn't bring Wizzards to the Playoffs. But it doesn't mean we don't try to overcome it. The more we fail, the more we try, the more closer to the Lord we are. Just don't let pride rule us, just don't be like Piers Morgan.
Delay
I was gonna write something big today but I just wrote a long letter so I'll take a break. I think it's the first time I actually want to, have time and things to write but end up as not writing.
Anyways, I was gonna write about racism but I'll see what I feel like writing tomorrow. Now I'm gonna read some scriptures. If you are interested you can find all the things I write from here.
Anyways, I was gonna write about racism but I'll see what I feel like writing tomorrow. Now I'm gonna read some scriptures. If you are interested you can find all the things I write from here.
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
The GOP is Dead, Taking Conservatism Along
I read some researches on Americans' political affiliation back a few weeks ago, and there were some interesting numbers. There are 40% of Americans self-identify as conservative, 35% as moderate, only 21% are liberal. Meanwhile, 31% of Americans are Democrat, 27% are Republican, with 40% indenpendent.
When there are almost twice as many conservatives as liberals, the GOP just can't win an election when the economy was that bad. Let's break the two sets of numbers. In term of political ideology, giving the popular vote as 51.1% to 47.2% in favor of Democratic Party, if all conservatives voted for the GOP candidates, only 20% of moderates were on Republican's side. In term of party affiliation, the GOP lost 13% of American population while the Democratic Party gained 10% , and the two parties broke even among the indenpendents.
To make it clear, the recent elections and polls show a cold fact: to the GOP winning the moderates/indenpendents is no longer a concern, instead keeping its own grand has become the priority. That's why I say the GOP is dead. Thus, there is a vacancy of representation of conservatism.
Bed time. Next one will be on how sick the GOP is.
When there are almost twice as many conservatives as liberals, the GOP just can't win an election when the economy was that bad. Let's break the two sets of numbers. In term of political ideology, giving the popular vote as 51.1% to 47.2% in favor of Democratic Party, if all conservatives voted for the GOP candidates, only 20% of moderates were on Republican's side. In term of party affiliation, the GOP lost 13% of American population while the Democratic Party gained 10% , and the two parties broke even among the indenpendents.
To make it clear, the recent elections and polls show a cold fact: to the GOP winning the moderates/indenpendents is no longer a concern, instead keeping its own grand has become the priority. That's why I say the GOP is dead. Thus, there is a vacancy of representation of conservatism.
Bed time. Next one will be on how sick the GOP is.
Monday, August 12, 2013
On Us, or Him?
Do we believe that we are saved by grace of Jesus Christ, or by our work? While we have the standard answer which is we are saved by the grace of the Lord, culturally many believe it's more about our work. To me it's almost like many of us take Moisah 16:10,11 out of context. But right before these two verses, in verse 9 it states He brings eternal life to the earth. To make it clear, it's because of Him we are able to have a chance to have eternal life or damnation according to how we practice our free agency. Indeed He suffered in Gethsemane for us so we don't need to suffer. So it's not like the unspoken cultural belief that whether or not we are saved is depended on ourselves, but fully on Him. We only do is the last piece, which is to accept it or not.
While we overlook He's role in the atonement, which is ironic, we also take Him granted. How many times do we, do I, ask Him for things when I don't even do the least amount? Like pray for safety then speed like running away from Vietnam.
Well, I'm not trying to make myself or others feel unworthy, it's Satan's job, but rather pointing it out as a reminder so I'll do better in the future. And there are a few things I've already started doing. Like if my prayer isn't sincere I'll say it again immediately, or only ask things that I've tried my part. I'm sure there's plenty that I can improve, and I'll always need to improve. So every so often I'll read the scriptures and take notes, then ask the question of how I can do better. A year from now, as I keep doing it, I'll be a different but better person.
While we overlook He's role in the atonement, which is ironic, we also take Him granted. How many times do we, do I, ask Him for things when I don't even do the least amount? Like pray for safety then speed like running away from Vietnam.
Well, I'm not trying to make myself or others feel unworthy, it's Satan's job, but rather pointing it out as a reminder so I'll do better in the future. And there are a few things I've already started doing. Like if my prayer isn't sincere I'll say it again immediately, or only ask things that I've tried my part. I'm sure there's plenty that I can improve, and I'll always need to improve. So every so often I'll read the scriptures and take notes, then ask the question of how I can do better. A year from now, as I keep doing it, I'll be a different but better person.
Friday, August 9, 2013
Identity Crisis
I was watching some Don Lemon's news clicps on YouTube, and the phrase cultural identity caught me. After a quick thought, I found that I'm in some serious identity crisis, or not.
My college major was history, and I plan to further pursue it. I watch NBA and College Football, even played basketball. I'm a huge political junkie. I listen to country. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I'm not a big fan of rice. All these things, though sound like jokes, are not Chinese at all.
A "practical" major, not caring too much about sports and politics, K-pop or J-pop, atheist/Buddhist/Chinese Protestant church, and rice, on top of that, marrying a Chinese wife. These are the expected Chinese things to do.
I can still pull some stereotypical Chinese thing out. I have an accent. I'm good at math, tested out 200 level math before starting college in the States. I'm good at physics, probably can still go get a physics degree anytime in my life. Nevertheless, do these things really matter?
I understand Chinese history and culture better than 98% of Chinese people, if not more. I also know far more Chinese characters than almost all college graduates who ain't experts of the field in China. Though haven't been writing for a long time, I'm still an upscale writer in Chinese by professional standard. I can probably still read Old and Classical Chinese without using dictionaries, which most Chinese major collage graduates in China can't even dream of.
So while I don't seem to be a Chinese, I'm indeed more Chinese than not only the Chinese in the U.S., but mass majority of Chinese in China. But people don't really care about that. Indeed I've been called banana, meaning yellow skin outside but white inside, many times. Here comes up the question of what determines my Chinese-ness.
This is just absurd, because if I were living China right now and still acted the same way - of course I'd be using Chinese a lot more than English but I only use the appropriate language to the audience - the term banana would never come across people's mind. Thus the conclusion comes, it's really not I'm having an identity crisis but the people who label me are having one. They are afraid of losing their cultural uniqueness because they don't understand the culture therefore they can't hold it other than voluntarily or/and involuntarily fit into the stereotypes. Sad? Yes.
My college major was history, and I plan to further pursue it. I watch NBA and College Football, even played basketball. I'm a huge political junkie. I listen to country. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I'm not a big fan of rice. All these things, though sound like jokes, are not Chinese at all.
A "practical" major, not caring too much about sports and politics, K-pop or J-pop, atheist/Buddhist/Chinese Protestant church, and rice, on top of that, marrying a Chinese wife. These are the expected Chinese things to do.
I can still pull some stereotypical Chinese thing out. I have an accent. I'm good at math, tested out 200 level math before starting college in the States. I'm good at physics, probably can still go get a physics degree anytime in my life. Nevertheless, do these things really matter?
I understand Chinese history and culture better than 98% of Chinese people, if not more. I also know far more Chinese characters than almost all college graduates who ain't experts of the field in China. Though haven't been writing for a long time, I'm still an upscale writer in Chinese by professional standard. I can probably still read Old and Classical Chinese without using dictionaries, which most Chinese major collage graduates in China can't even dream of.
So while I don't seem to be a Chinese, I'm indeed more Chinese than not only the Chinese in the U.S., but mass majority of Chinese in China. But people don't really care about that. Indeed I've been called banana, meaning yellow skin outside but white inside, many times. Here comes up the question of what determines my Chinese-ness.
This is just absurd, because if I were living China right now and still acted the same way - of course I'd be using Chinese a lot more than English but I only use the appropriate language to the audience - the term banana would never come across people's mind. Thus the conclusion comes, it's really not I'm having an identity crisis but the people who label me are having one. They are afraid of losing their cultural uniqueness because they don't understand the culture therefore they can't hold it other than voluntarily or/and involuntarily fit into the stereotypes. Sad? Yes.
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Religious and Anti-Religious Fanatics
Before bashing on the fanatics, there are some facts I have to list.
First, the United States is not a Christian nation. The First Amendment simply states the separation of church and state. And some of the most prominent Founders were Deists. Putting these two pieces together, it's almost impossible, unless you bring Rush Limbaugh or some other lunatics, to draw the conclusion that the U.S. is a Christian nation. Yes, we have a strong, and worth to be proud of, Christian culture, but Christian nation is too far from the truth.
Islam is NOT a violent religion. In the past I believed otherwise but as now I've overcome the bias, I can see the truth. The history of Islam isn't any worse than Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, or even Daoism. Remember 1996 Atlanta bombing? Or is Denmark shooting easier to remember? Both Christian extremists. Oklahoma City bombing, the worst terrorist attack prior to 9/11, was committed by a group of anti-establishment extremists whom had very similar aganda as the Tea Party. And of course we have PETA and Greenpeace. The list can go on and on, and almost every religious/ideological group at one point or another embraced terroism.
Atheism isn't innocent of persecution. I'm not here to use overused examples like Hitler, leave that to his lover Glenn Beck, or Mao. Pythagoras, one of the earlist and most prominent atheists in ancient world, was responsible for killing Hippasus only because the latter discovered irrational number which challenged Pythagoras' theory. This happened hundreds of years before the first religious persecution, 16 hundred years before the Inquisition , 23 hundred years before any of the Witch-hunt movements.
Now move to the fanatics. I'm a man with low standards, so many will have the honor to be qualified as fanatics according to my standard.
Is atheism any better than theism, or vice versa? A yes will put you in the fanatic category. While I'm religious, I can't stand any claim of my faith, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, is in the earthly-sense of "better" than other faiths or ideologies. To me, stating my religion is better is simply the denial of exaltation, and rejection of the grace of the Lord by taking everything in our hands. Gospel is for everybody, and everybody has more than one chance to accept it. If we believe in eternal life, which we do, we can't judge anybody based on the mortal life he/she has. Meanwhile, atheism is just another philosophical belief. The difference is theism believes the gods are almighty, but atheism believes science is almighty. Attacking theism and calling it backwards is just as pathetic as the everlast debate between Catholicism and Protestantism.
Are there faith-based groups of people, atheists and theists, persecuted in today's United States? A yes answer will also give you a fanatic label. Calling things like "being mocked", "they misunderstand my belief", "they don't hang out with me", or "they don't hire me" persecution is nothing more than showing your own stupidity. Hippasus was persecuted, Galileo and Copernicus were persecuted, Jesus Christ was persecuted, Joseph Smith was persecuted, religions in general in Soviet Union, China, and other communist countries are/were persecuted. Don't defile the word martyr by overusing the word persecution.
So with my loose requirement, anybody who is lack of commonsense but not willing to learn, who ignores stone cold facts, is a fanatic. Thus, the entire human race at least at some point of our lives are fanatics. The difference is some of us, like me, try to improve ourselves, but some, like Rush Limbaugh, are happily to be fanatics and tirelessly to attack sane people.
So why are we all, for the least, partially fanatics? Because we are humans, greedy humans. We want to always be right, be successful, be respected. But that's not enough. We want to monopolize knowledge, success, admiration, and many other things. It's just our nature. Though we constantly try to overcome this weaknes, believe me even Rachel Maddow tries, we fail all the time. So everytime we fail, we turn fanatics. There's nothing to be ashamed about, George Washington had slaves, Benjamin Franklin was a womanizer, Abraham Lincoln appointed his friends to lucrative positions, so in a sense we fanatics are far better than those folks.
Hey, there are fanatics who believe my faith but that doesn't hurt my faith. The Gospel of Jesus Christ itself is the truth, just we humans don't, and can't, understand the fullness of it. If you are interested, please go to Mormon.org to find out more. Again, you might meet some people who ain't that pleasant, but we humans make mistakes all the time. So if that happened or when it happens, please forgive them and not miss the good messages.
First, the United States is not a Christian nation. The First Amendment simply states the separation of church and state. And some of the most prominent Founders were Deists. Putting these two pieces together, it's almost impossible, unless you bring Rush Limbaugh or some other lunatics, to draw the conclusion that the U.S. is a Christian nation. Yes, we have a strong, and worth to be proud of, Christian culture, but Christian nation is too far from the truth.
Islam is NOT a violent religion. In the past I believed otherwise but as now I've overcome the bias, I can see the truth. The history of Islam isn't any worse than Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, or even Daoism. Remember 1996 Atlanta bombing? Or is Denmark shooting easier to remember? Both Christian extremists. Oklahoma City bombing, the worst terrorist attack prior to 9/11, was committed by a group of anti-establishment extremists whom had very similar aganda as the Tea Party. And of course we have PETA and Greenpeace. The list can go on and on, and almost every religious/ideological group at one point or another embraced terroism.
Atheism isn't innocent of persecution. I'm not here to use overused examples like Hitler, leave that to his lover Glenn Beck, or Mao. Pythagoras, one of the earlist and most prominent atheists in ancient world, was responsible for killing Hippasus only because the latter discovered irrational number which challenged Pythagoras' theory. This happened hundreds of years before the first religious persecution, 16 hundred years before the Inquisition , 23 hundred years before any of the Witch-hunt movements.
Now move to the fanatics. I'm a man with low standards, so many will have the honor to be qualified as fanatics according to my standard.
Is atheism any better than theism, or vice versa? A yes will put you in the fanatic category. While I'm religious, I can't stand any claim of my faith, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, is in the earthly-sense of "better" than other faiths or ideologies. To me, stating my religion is better is simply the denial of exaltation, and rejection of the grace of the Lord by taking everything in our hands. Gospel is for everybody, and everybody has more than one chance to accept it. If we believe in eternal life, which we do, we can't judge anybody based on the mortal life he/she has. Meanwhile, atheism is just another philosophical belief. The difference is theism believes the gods are almighty, but atheism believes science is almighty. Attacking theism and calling it backwards is just as pathetic as the everlast debate between Catholicism and Protestantism.
Are there faith-based groups of people, atheists and theists, persecuted in today's United States? A yes answer will also give you a fanatic label. Calling things like "being mocked", "they misunderstand my belief", "they don't hang out with me", or "they don't hire me" persecution is nothing more than showing your own stupidity. Hippasus was persecuted, Galileo and Copernicus were persecuted, Jesus Christ was persecuted, Joseph Smith was persecuted, religions in general in Soviet Union, China, and other communist countries are/were persecuted. Don't defile the word martyr by overusing the word persecution.
So with my loose requirement, anybody who is lack of commonsense but not willing to learn, who ignores stone cold facts, is a fanatic. Thus, the entire human race at least at some point of our lives are fanatics. The difference is some of us, like me, try to improve ourselves, but some, like Rush Limbaugh, are happily to be fanatics and tirelessly to attack sane people.
So why are we all, for the least, partially fanatics? Because we are humans, greedy humans. We want to always be right, be successful, be respected. But that's not enough. We want to monopolize knowledge, success, admiration, and many other things. It's just our nature. Though we constantly try to overcome this weaknes, believe me even Rachel Maddow tries, we fail all the time. So everytime we fail, we turn fanatics. There's nothing to be ashamed about, George Washington had slaves, Benjamin Franklin was a womanizer, Abraham Lincoln appointed his friends to lucrative positions, so in a sense we fanatics are far better than those folks.
Hey, there are fanatics who believe my faith but that doesn't hurt my faith. The Gospel of Jesus Christ itself is the truth, just we humans don't, and can't, understand the fullness of it. If you are interested, please go to Mormon.org to find out more. Again, you might meet some people who ain't that pleasant, but we humans make mistakes all the time. So if that happened or when it happens, please forgive them and not miss the good messages.
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Trayvon Martin, School Bus Beating, and Moral Policing
Moral policing becomes a fashion statement when the the moral standard of a society is in the gutter. Language on TV has gone wild but nobody seems to care, instead they spend all their time make Trayvon Martin a martyr, or pointing fingers at the school bus driver in Florida.
Zimmerman is clearly a police wannabe, but nowhere near crazy nor that he's racist. The only thing he did wrong was getting out of his car, which was more of putting himself in danger but not unlawful at all. Every account, no matter where from, pointed out one and only plausible explanation: Martin surprise attacked Zimmerman and beat him down. This, along with Zimmerman's record of helping blacks multiple times, and Martin's bad history, suggest that the last thing Trayvon Martin could be was a martyr or vicitm of racism.
And here comes the 64-year-old school driver called authorities, kept the surveillance camera on, and told the 3 thugs to stop, but he is still criticize by many because he didn't physically intervene. As someone with plenty experience of fights/breaking fights, I find this for the least stupid. I couldn't handle more than one person in the situation of breaking a fight/beating without actually hurting someone when I was in my physical prime. And I was a great fighter, the mob fight type not ESPN type. So I can't imagine how terrible it would end had the old driver tried to physically confront the thugs.
But the moral police don't care. They believe the driver had to threat his own safety to stop the beating, the same people who don't even do anything when basic cable changed its language policy. How can they require others to be heroes but meanwhile they don't even try to be a decent citizen themselves?
This society is in danger. I'm not saying that in Fox News' tone. What shows more of how rotten the society is than the fact that we have moral police, but we don't have people to conserve clean TV channels for children. Well, maybe religious/anti-religous fanatics. I'll save that chapter for the next time.
Zimmerman is clearly a police wannabe, but nowhere near crazy nor that he's racist. The only thing he did wrong was getting out of his car, which was more of putting himself in danger but not unlawful at all. Every account, no matter where from, pointed out one and only plausible explanation: Martin surprise attacked Zimmerman and beat him down. This, along with Zimmerman's record of helping blacks multiple times, and Martin's bad history, suggest that the last thing Trayvon Martin could be was a martyr or vicitm of racism.
And here comes the 64-year-old school driver called authorities, kept the surveillance camera on, and told the 3 thugs to stop, but he is still criticize by many because he didn't physically intervene. As someone with plenty experience of fights/breaking fights, I find this for the least stupid. I couldn't handle more than one person in the situation of breaking a fight/beating without actually hurting someone when I was in my physical prime. And I was a great fighter, the mob fight type not ESPN type. So I can't imagine how terrible it would end had the old driver tried to physically confront the thugs.
But the moral police don't care. They believe the driver had to threat his own safety to stop the beating, the same people who don't even do anything when basic cable changed its language policy. How can they require others to be heroes but meanwhile they don't even try to be a decent citizen themselves?
This society is in danger. I'm not saying that in Fox News' tone. What shows more of how rotten the society is than the fact that we have moral police, but we don't have people to conserve clean TV channels for children. Well, maybe religious/anti-religous fanatics. I'll save that chapter for the next time.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Christ Bosh
Criticism against Christ Bosh has never stopped. The biggest question is that if it's Big 3 or just Big 2. This really isn't a fair argument. And it's wrong in so many different ways.
First of all, it's unfair to compare any player of this generation with LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. These two can retire today and still be HOFers when they reach the time requirement. In the past 20 years probably only Shaquille O'Neal and Tim Duncan are on the same level after their first 10 years of career. Even Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett had proved themselves that well in their first 10 years.
Second, Christ Bosh sacrifices the most in the team. When LeBron and D-Wade have to make minor adjustments, or Ray Allen has to be a bench player, Bosh is the only player on the team who needs to fundamentally change his game. He can't hold the ball, dribble, and constantly attack the rim anymore. Bosh is mostly a jump shooter and cutter nowdays. Plus, he isn't even playing his position at all! One major reason he struggled in ECF and Finals is he couldn't give any pressure offensively due to the fact that he's No. 3 choice in Heat's offense.
Third, people don't see how much Bosh does. Offensively, he needs to pick it up anytime when LeBron and Wade are in trouble. Defensively, he plays against player bigger than him every night. In Heat's system, he's the person to protect the rim, to bate opponents' big men out. And he does these things in the way he has never played in his whole life.
Ultimately, Bosh has done a good job so far. He still is an All Star every year. Even in the series against Indiana he at least stood against the whole flock of big men over half of the time. In the Finals he played against the greatest power forward and successfully executed his duty.
Besides basketball life, Bosh is the kind of player the league no longer has. I love LeBron, and I'm the biggest D-Wade fan, but Bosh is just classy. If anybody ever seen Bosh's interviews he/she'd know what I'm talking about. Players today are just ghetto, they can't even make a sentence right. The worst thing is, they think it's cool. Look at Kobe in his early years, and look at him now, the articulated young man is gone, leaving a "gangster" there. But Bosh is different, him and Duncan, along with another maybe 3 players, are the extincting species who can give a decent speech when asked almost any question.
No more words is needed, just appreciate and respect Chris Bosh.
First of all, it's unfair to compare any player of this generation with LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. These two can retire today and still be HOFers when they reach the time requirement. In the past 20 years probably only Shaquille O'Neal and Tim Duncan are on the same level after their first 10 years of career. Even Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett had proved themselves that well in their first 10 years.
Second, Christ Bosh sacrifices the most in the team. When LeBron and D-Wade have to make minor adjustments, or Ray Allen has to be a bench player, Bosh is the only player on the team who needs to fundamentally change his game. He can't hold the ball, dribble, and constantly attack the rim anymore. Bosh is mostly a jump shooter and cutter nowdays. Plus, he isn't even playing his position at all! One major reason he struggled in ECF and Finals is he couldn't give any pressure offensively due to the fact that he's No. 3 choice in Heat's offense.
Third, people don't see how much Bosh does. Offensively, he needs to pick it up anytime when LeBron and Wade are in trouble. Defensively, he plays against player bigger than him every night. In Heat's system, he's the person to protect the rim, to bate opponents' big men out. And he does these things in the way he has never played in his whole life.
Ultimately, Bosh has done a good job so far. He still is an All Star every year. Even in the series against Indiana he at least stood against the whole flock of big men over half of the time. In the Finals he played against the greatest power forward and successfully executed his duty.
Besides basketball life, Bosh is the kind of player the league no longer has. I love LeBron, and I'm the biggest D-Wade fan, but Bosh is just classy. If anybody ever seen Bosh's interviews he/she'd know what I'm talking about. Players today are just ghetto, they can't even make a sentence right. The worst thing is, they think it's cool. Look at Kobe in his early years, and look at him now, the articulated young man is gone, leaving a "gangster" there. But Bosh is different, him and Duncan, along with another maybe 3 players, are the extincting species who can give a decent speech when asked almost any question.
No more words is needed, just appreciate and respect Chris Bosh.
Monday, July 22, 2013
Long Term Goal
I am going to get a physics degree when I get a tenure position in a university or retire. Well, these two things are pretty close: you won't lose your tenure or retirement, which means I'll have plenty of time to spend on one of the three things I always love but can't do it for living.
So here are the second and third goals. I'll play basketball till my doctor tells me to stop. I'll one day be a freelance photographer for National Geographic.
So here are the second and third goals. I'll play basketball till my doctor tells me to stop. I'll one day be a freelance photographer for National Geographic.
Saturday, July 20, 2013
This is How I See Gun Debate
The current gun debate is in a dead end. It's not about self-defense. While gun does protect us from, let's say Mike Tyson, a Glock doesn't do you to much good when facing an AR-15. It's not about the Thomas Jefferson quote about protecting the people from tyrants. Whosoever thinks people with shotguns have a chance against M1A2 and B-2 is the king of morons. It's not even about how we can't change the Constitution, the 18th and 21th Amendments are still sitting there. The core issue is while doing no harm, whether or not people have the right to choose their life styles. Like it or not, having guns, likewise singing, drinking, smoking, collection, are things you can argue being useless and under certain circumstance being disturbing. But there are people who find in need in those things and can somehow manage to not bother others. So if we respect the existing gun culture in this country, we shouldn't let anyone take away the right to own firearms. Meanwhile, some people's obsession shouldn't be the reason why we don't allow gun regulations, like there are regulations regarding activities listed above.
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Recent Thoughts
I really should've written more often but things just kept on coming and kept giving me excuses to not write. And this one was meant to be here yesterday.
Before starting anything, why do so many Russians read my blog? I'm indeed honored but meanwhile just wanna know what I is attracting the Russian population. Oh by the way, to the ones who read my blog for whatever reason, thank you. It's more of a open journal so I'm willing to share what I believe and essentially who I am.
I've had some rants recently, or more like all the time. This isn't my first time digging into the topic of evolution. The U.S. is a strange place, not that I don't love it, which has probably the largest well educated population who deny the theory of evolution. And it seems like there's probably even larger portion people of my faith, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who don't believe in the theory of evolution.
I've said it and I say it again: it's totally fine what scientific theory one believes, or one doesn't believe any scientific theory at all. Or, one has different view on what scientific theory is. Science, and religion, and any other theory/philosophy, are the lenses that we human beings use to interpret our observation. One thing both theists and atheists believe is that we, humans, can't hold the whole truth. Thus while we are using the right lenses, religion or science or both, our natural inability limits us to reach the whole truth. It doesn't mean we give up, but only means we try even harder.
One reason I admire Brigham Young is that he realized, openly admitted, but was never ashamed nor discouraged of, his imperfections. He kept preaching after saying "I have known many times I have preached wrong." Acknowledging we humans, from the prophet of God to me, constantly make mistake helps me to better tolerant the ideas that I don't understand.
I was confused many times because the scientific theories and the gospel of Jesus Christ contradicted each other when I was about to accept the gospel. Eventually I realized it's not science and gospel don't coexist but rather I don't want to embrace both of them. As I stated before, both science and religion are the lenses we use to observe this world. While we have scriptures as one gift from God, our intelligence is another gift from the Father. Indeed we oftentimes need to use our intelligence to understand the scriptures even though we make mistakes all the time, like Elder Bruce R. McConkie. It's true the scriptures never directly mention evolution or the big bang, but it never says they're wrong either. Cars are not mentioned but we still drive them. There's a reason why the Father doesn't make the scriptures encyclopedia. In addition there's a reason why He doesn't make us understand the scriptures completely. They are the same reason, the reason why we are here on the earth, to exercise our free agency. So if I deny scientific theories, or the goespel, just because I can't comprehend them, I'm missing out the purpose of this life.
But again, it's just me. Everyone can, and should, choose what he/she believes as long as it's for the right reason, or even it's the wrong reason. To me, I'm blessed to be able to understand some science so I won't give up this privilege. Others might have different blessings so they don't have to think the same way as I do. Or maybe the blessing I have isn't having the knowledge, I could be wrong about evolution and the big bang, but the blessing of always having an open heart to new ideas. It doesn't matter. What matters is I'm on this earth to access my free agency and learn as much as I can, and try to reach my full potential.
Again, this is my understanding. If you are interested in what I believe please go to www.mormon.org, I guarantee you won't get the whole truth of the universe because only the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost have them. But you WILL reach the door to the whole truth, to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Before starting anything, why do so many Russians read my blog? I'm indeed honored but meanwhile just wanna know what I is attracting the Russian population. Oh by the way, to the ones who read my blog for whatever reason, thank you. It's more of a open journal so I'm willing to share what I believe and essentially who I am.
I've had some rants recently, or more like all the time. This isn't my first time digging into the topic of evolution. The U.S. is a strange place, not that I don't love it, which has probably the largest well educated population who deny the theory of evolution. And it seems like there's probably even larger portion people of my faith, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who don't believe in the theory of evolution.
I've said it and I say it again: it's totally fine what scientific theory one believes, or one doesn't believe any scientific theory at all. Or, one has different view on what scientific theory is. Science, and religion, and any other theory/philosophy, are the lenses that we human beings use to interpret our observation. One thing both theists and atheists believe is that we, humans, can't hold the whole truth. Thus while we are using the right lenses, religion or science or both, our natural inability limits us to reach the whole truth. It doesn't mean we give up, but only means we try even harder.
One reason I admire Brigham Young is that he realized, openly admitted, but was never ashamed nor discouraged of, his imperfections. He kept preaching after saying "I have known many times I have preached wrong." Acknowledging we humans, from the prophet of God to me, constantly make mistake helps me to better tolerant the ideas that I don't understand.
I was confused many times because the scientific theories and the gospel of Jesus Christ contradicted each other when I was about to accept the gospel. Eventually I realized it's not science and gospel don't coexist but rather I don't want to embrace both of them. As I stated before, both science and religion are the lenses we use to observe this world. While we have scriptures as one gift from God, our intelligence is another gift from the Father. Indeed we oftentimes need to use our intelligence to understand the scriptures even though we make mistakes all the time, like Elder Bruce R. McConkie. It's true the scriptures never directly mention evolution or the big bang, but it never says they're wrong either. Cars are not mentioned but we still drive them. There's a reason why the Father doesn't make the scriptures encyclopedia. In addition there's a reason why He doesn't make us understand the scriptures completely. They are the same reason, the reason why we are here on the earth, to exercise our free agency. So if I deny scientific theories, or the goespel, just because I can't comprehend them, I'm missing out the purpose of this life.
But again, it's just me. Everyone can, and should, choose what he/she believes as long as it's for the right reason, or even it's the wrong reason. To me, I'm blessed to be able to understand some science so I won't give up this privilege. Others might have different blessings so they don't have to think the same way as I do. Or maybe the blessing I have isn't having the knowledge, I could be wrong about evolution and the big bang, but the blessing of always having an open heart to new ideas. It doesn't matter. What matters is I'm on this earth to access my free agency and learn as much as I can, and try to reach my full potential.
Again, this is my understanding. If you are interested in what I believe please go to www.mormon.org, I guarantee you won't get the whole truth of the universe because only the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost have them. But you WILL reach the door to the whole truth, to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Immigration
The immigration debate shows how stupid the GOP and some of its followers are. Why? They have no commonsense. It's something that anybody with IQ of 90 can understand. But to my surprise, there are so many people fail this IQ test.
Let's start with the easiest question: who can catch and deport that over 11 million illegal immigrants? The answer is nobody.
So we move on. We pretend these 11 million people are deported. Who can, or how can, secure the border? Building the 700-mile-wall and leaving almost 1300 miles of the border open isn't gonna work. Even a complete wall would not help. I'm Chinese so I know it, my ancestors built the Great Wall and it did absolutely nothing. Plus not all illigal immigrants are from Mexico.
The next question requres a bit o education. How do these 11 million people survive in the States? They take the jobs that Americans don't want to do. For example the ones waiting outside of Home Deport. These skilled workers take $10/hour and normally do a pretty good job. Are they stealing Americans' jobs? No. Tell me any skilled workers would take $10/hour to do hard labor. Without these illegal workers many people won't start their little constructions at home, and Home Deport will suffer from buiness shrinkage. So not only these people don't steal jobs from Americans, they actually accelerate the economy.
Now let's go back to the principles. Should people abide the law? Of course. But when there are 11 million people breaking the law, and there are even more people, maybe 110 million, directly or indirectly support these people's action, you know there's must be something wrong.
Then what's wrong? I say most people don't want to break the laws. It's an accurate guess. So why would these 11 million people break the laws, and another possibly far more than 11 million people directly and knowingly purchase services from them and by doing so also break the laws? Because some of them are bad laws.
The U.S. market needs many skilled and unskilled workers to take low-paying jobs, but the current laws won't grant these needed workers a visa. While the U.S. has the demand of workers and the potential workers are willing to come to the U.S. but can't find a leagal way, they become illegal immigrants.
Do you know an average Indian IT specialist, many of them Ph.Ds, needs to wait 9 years to get a green card? Do you know when the U.S. needs financial specialists many Chinese with advanced degrees from the most prestigious universities have to go back to China because they can't get H-1B visa to stay? Or even many who have visa eventually go back to China because they can't bear the long waiting for green card?
We have bad, bad, stupid laws here and that's the problem. On one hand, people want to come to the States and the States need these people; on the other hand, they can't.
Let's guess what would happen if we had a different system. Let's say every year we gave same amount short term visas to people who want to find jobs in the U.S. as the approximation illegal immigrants intering the country each year. They could get long term visas if they could find jobs and pay taxes within 30 days. If they paid taxes for over 10 years they could apply for green card, and eventually citizenship. How many people would be illegal immigrants? Probably a lot less. Would the country be flooded by immigrants? According to capitalism it wouldn't.
Well, we know that won't happen because of many good and bad reasons, nevertheless we should at least try to change those bad laws a bit. But no, Republicans don't want to. They want to make bad laws worse! The sad part is that the Democrats ain't any better. All they want is getting an amnesty to buy votes then make things worse so they can prepare for the next amnesty.
So this nation is in some serious trouble. Both parties just want to jump off the cliff, the difference is one wants to hit the ground head first and another wants foot first, which both end inevitable death.
Last but not the least, Reagan at least tried to make things work. Bush 43 tried also, but nobody listened to him.
Let's start with the easiest question: who can catch and deport that over 11 million illegal immigrants? The answer is nobody.
So we move on. We pretend these 11 million people are deported. Who can, or how can, secure the border? Building the 700-mile-wall and leaving almost 1300 miles of the border open isn't gonna work. Even a complete wall would not help. I'm Chinese so I know it, my ancestors built the Great Wall and it did absolutely nothing. Plus not all illigal immigrants are from Mexico.
The next question requres a bit o education. How do these 11 million people survive in the States? They take the jobs that Americans don't want to do. For example the ones waiting outside of Home Deport. These skilled workers take $10/hour and normally do a pretty good job. Are they stealing Americans' jobs? No. Tell me any skilled workers would take $10/hour to do hard labor. Without these illegal workers many people won't start their little constructions at home, and Home Deport will suffer from buiness shrinkage. So not only these people don't steal jobs from Americans, they actually accelerate the economy.
Now let's go back to the principles. Should people abide the law? Of course. But when there are 11 million people breaking the law, and there are even more people, maybe 110 million, directly or indirectly support these people's action, you know there's must be something wrong.
Then what's wrong? I say most people don't want to break the laws. It's an accurate guess. So why would these 11 million people break the laws, and another possibly far more than 11 million people directly and knowingly purchase services from them and by doing so also break the laws? Because some of them are bad laws.
The U.S. market needs many skilled and unskilled workers to take low-paying jobs, but the current laws won't grant these needed workers a visa. While the U.S. has the demand of workers and the potential workers are willing to come to the U.S. but can't find a leagal way, they become illegal immigrants.
Do you know an average Indian IT specialist, many of them Ph.Ds, needs to wait 9 years to get a green card? Do you know when the U.S. needs financial specialists many Chinese with advanced degrees from the most prestigious universities have to go back to China because they can't get H-1B visa to stay? Or even many who have visa eventually go back to China because they can't bear the long waiting for green card?
We have bad, bad, stupid laws here and that's the problem. On one hand, people want to come to the States and the States need these people; on the other hand, they can't.
Let's guess what would happen if we had a different system. Let's say every year we gave same amount short term visas to people who want to find jobs in the U.S. as the approximation illegal immigrants intering the country each year. They could get long term visas if they could find jobs and pay taxes within 30 days. If they paid taxes for over 10 years they could apply for green card, and eventually citizenship. How many people would be illegal immigrants? Probably a lot less. Would the country be flooded by immigrants? According to capitalism it wouldn't.
Well, we know that won't happen because of many good and bad reasons, nevertheless we should at least try to change those bad laws a bit. But no, Republicans don't want to. They want to make bad laws worse! The sad part is that the Democrats ain't any better. All they want is getting an amnesty to buy votes then make things worse so they can prepare for the next amnesty.
So this nation is in some serious trouble. Both parties just want to jump off the cliff, the difference is one wants to hit the ground head first and another wants foot first, which both end inevitable death.
Last but not the least, Reagan at least tried to make things work. Bush 43 tried also, but nobody listened to him.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
A Few Things
It's been a few days since last time I posted. I know I shouldn't have so here I'll make it up.
First I'll say it again, 2013 NBA Finals is the best series in over two or even three generations of players. Twenty years from now people will still be talking about it.
Second, last week a a friend had a very thoughtful on her Facebook. As I was about to make a comment some people left real idiotic remarks so of course I jumped in.
I won't get into more details here but it all started as the person's comment represented Mormon culture's view on females and he expressed it in the least respectful way. I've said it many times but it's never enough so I say it again: many LDS people, including females, are sexists.
There are a large number of girls attend college just so they can get married. I dated a girl like that and of course it didn't end up in the way she wanted. These girls ain't alone, they are from a culture that doesn't value females in the way it should be. To these girls, and more importantly to the ones who brainwash them in the first place, education never is something females should pursue. What they don't understand is that when Brigham Young said "You educate a man, you educate a man. You educate a woman, you educate a generation.", he meant Women are the foundation of the Latter-day Saints community, thus without educated women the whole generation would grow without the appreciation of education.
And also the attitude towards women choosing careers outside of family is backwards. If we take a look at history, the early Latter-day Saints women never stayed in kitchens and bedrooms full time. They were involved in the community in all aspects. However nowdays people no longer appreciate them and want to make them professional-wives-and-mothers-only material.
There are so many people misunderstand the gospel. I'm no expert in this department but one thing I do know is that men and women are equal beings. Wives should obey their husbands because husbands not because men should dominate women but because men hold priesthood. Priesthood is a responsibility as well as a role in God's plan not some rank put men above women.
Third, my mom is a great woman. It should be first but I'm blogging it in a chronic order and it's the third thought I had over the days.
One main reason I'm a feminist is because of my mom. As a wife, she sacrificed her potential political path for the best of the family. As a mother, she's always there every single time the family needs. I don't see too many full time housewives can be nearly as good as her, while she is also a successful doctor. You don't have to be a full time housewife in order to excel motherhood. Indeed being a full time housewife doesn't guarantee you to be a great mother at all.
Being a feminist doesn't have to be the radicals we see in recent decades. We can be the classical feminists, like Henrik Ibsen, to believe while there are gender differences both genders are equal and should not be ruled out to make their own choices as long as they don't contradict the physical attributes of genders.
Do I believe male and female are different? Never doubted it. Do I believe there are certain things one gender just can't do? Absolutely. Does that mean females, or males, doesn't have the agency to choose when it's not beyond their physical abilities? Heck no. Things are just easy like that, but there are always idiots don't understand it. I'm grateful for my mom who prevented me to be that kind of idiot by showing me the greatness of females.
First I'll say it again, 2013 NBA Finals is the best series in over two or even three generations of players. Twenty years from now people will still be talking about it.
Second, last week a a friend had a very thoughtful on her Facebook. As I was about to make a comment some people left real idiotic remarks so of course I jumped in.
I won't get into more details here but it all started as the person's comment represented Mormon culture's view on females and he expressed it in the least respectful way. I've said it many times but it's never enough so I say it again: many LDS people, including females, are sexists.
There are a large number of girls attend college just so they can get married. I dated a girl like that and of course it didn't end up in the way she wanted. These girls ain't alone, they are from a culture that doesn't value females in the way it should be. To these girls, and more importantly to the ones who brainwash them in the first place, education never is something females should pursue. What they don't understand is that when Brigham Young said "You educate a man, you educate a man. You educate a woman, you educate a generation.", he meant Women are the foundation of the Latter-day Saints community, thus without educated women the whole generation would grow without the appreciation of education.
And also the attitude towards women choosing careers outside of family is backwards. If we take a look at history, the early Latter-day Saints women never stayed in kitchens and bedrooms full time. They were involved in the community in all aspects. However nowdays people no longer appreciate them and want to make them professional-wives-and-mothers-only material.
There are so many people misunderstand the gospel. I'm no expert in this department but one thing I do know is that men and women are equal beings. Wives should obey their husbands because husbands not because men should dominate women but because men hold priesthood. Priesthood is a responsibility as well as a role in God's plan not some rank put men above women.
Third, my mom is a great woman. It should be first but I'm blogging it in a chronic order and it's the third thought I had over the days.
One main reason I'm a feminist is because of my mom. As a wife, she sacrificed her potential political path for the best of the family. As a mother, she's always there every single time the family needs. I don't see too many full time housewives can be nearly as good as her, while she is also a successful doctor. You don't have to be a full time housewife in order to excel motherhood. Indeed being a full time housewife doesn't guarantee you to be a great mother at all.
Being a feminist doesn't have to be the radicals we see in recent decades. We can be the classical feminists, like Henrik Ibsen, to believe while there are gender differences both genders are equal and should not be ruled out to make their own choices as long as they don't contradict the physical attributes of genders.
Do I believe male and female are different? Never doubted it. Do I believe there are certain things one gender just can't do? Absolutely. Does that mean females, or males, doesn't have the agency to choose when it's not beyond their physical abilities? Heck no. Things are just easy like that, but there are always idiots don't understand it. I'm grateful for my mom who prevented me to be that kind of idiot by showing me the greatness of females.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Finals!
Here comes game 6 and there's just so much about and beyond the game. First of all, this is by far the best finals series in at least 16 years. Second, I know Tim Duncan will retire if he wins this season so I want him to leave as a winner but meanwhile I want him to lose so he might play another a year or two. Third, Wade finally is playing normal even though his knee is still bothering him, a man like that deserves another ring.
And there's more. There are 6 future Hall of Fame players and 1 Hall of Fame coach, plus 1 or 2 players on the edge. Also both teams have great managers. Last time that happened was in 1980s, and it won't happen in the next I don't even know how many years. This will be remembered as a legend.
And there's more. There are 6 future Hall of Fame players and 1 Hall of Fame coach, plus 1 or 2 players on the edge. Also both teams have great managers. Last time that happened was in 1980s, and it won't happen in the next I don't even know how many years. This will be remembered as a legend.
Monday, June 17, 2013
Is China the Exception?
Throughout history countries except the oil countries that reached $6,000 GDP per capital has transformed to somewhat democratic society. When the Chinese official claim GDP per capital was $6100, some speculate the real number is lower. Nevertheless, China is on the edge of reaching this theoretical transition point. But is China the exception?
On one hand, China's middle class is growing, making the voice of pursuit of democracy loader. On the other hand, due to China's imbalance of development, the silent majority doesn't feel nearly the same way as the middle class feels. Furthermore, the ruling class controls 90% of country's economy, almost the entire government, and the military. Which compare to countries that made through the democratic transition, China has the weakest force pushing forward and the strongest force pushing against. In addition, China's regime over the years has successfully built the ideological system that things like democracy, freedom, and liberty, or even election are believed to be bad by many if not majority of its people. Under such circumstance, China's democratic transformation will be harder than many can, or want to, imagine.
But ultimately, will China ever become a democracy? The question isn't as silly as it sounds. Believe or not, China is special: for example, out of all early civilizations, China is the only one that didn't develop a religion. Will history repeat itself making China the only modern country that won't have democracy? Well, I'll hold this tought and come back to check it in 15 years. Hopefully Blogger still exists.
On one hand, China's middle class is growing, making the voice of pursuit of democracy loader. On the other hand, due to China's imbalance of development, the silent majority doesn't feel nearly the same way as the middle class feels. Furthermore, the ruling class controls 90% of country's economy, almost the entire government, and the military. Which compare to countries that made through the democratic transition, China has the weakest force pushing forward and the strongest force pushing against. In addition, China's regime over the years has successfully built the ideological system that things like democracy, freedom, and liberty, or even election are believed to be bad by many if not majority of its people. Under such circumstance, China's democratic transformation will be harder than many can, or want to, imagine.
But ultimately, will China ever become a democracy? The question isn't as silly as it sounds. Believe or not, China is special: for example, out of all early civilizations, China is the only one that didn't develop a religion. Will history repeat itself making China the only modern country that won't have democracy? Well, I'll hold this tought and come back to check it in 15 years. Hopefully Blogger still exists.
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Jackie Chan's Dirty Laundry
Jackie Chan is quite popular in the West, but very controversial in Chinese speaking regions. He's voted as the most untrustworthy person in Hong Kong, unwelcome in Taiwan, and despised by many in China. Here's the tip of the iceberg:
- Chan got married and had his son in 1982, but he claimed as single until 2003 in order to keep his market value high. For almost 20 years he let his wife and son live in the U.S. hiding while he rarely visited. Chan admitted that he didn't even know when his son went to middle school.
- While lying about his marital status, Chan had numerous mistresses. One of his mistresses, believing he was single, had his daughter but he never visited or even admitted. When the scandal was exposed, Chan said in press conference that what he did was "any man would do" instead of apologizing. Furthermore, till today he hasn't paid his daughter and her mother a penny nor has he visited them.
- Chan is famous of not using stunt man, but again he lied.
- In order to please Communist Party of China to reach is dream of becoming a politician, Chan called Taiwan's democracy a joke, claimed Hong Kong should forbid demonstration, even said all ethnic Chinese should be controlled opposed to having freedom and liberty.
- He's connected to mafia.
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Mormons and Persecution
Many Mormons love talking about how they are persecuted. Persecution is a big part of Mormon history, but is it still a big issue today? Probably not.
Mormons are powerful. Mormons have much higher rate graduating from high school, college, going to grad school, getting medical degrees, and PhDs. Mormons are much wealthier than average Americans. So is the LDS church, it's the richest church in the U.S. On top of that, there are many Mormon politicians including a GOP presidential candidate. Not to mention the majority of Mormons in America are white. If this group of people is the target of constant persecution, then nobody in the country is safe.
Then why do so many Mormons think they are persecuted?
First let me say it again, persecution is a big part of Mormon history. The early Saints were kicked out of there lands many times and eventually moved from New York to Utah. At one point of time there was almost a war between Utah and the U.S. known as the Utah War. The memory of persecution is still haunting Mormons today.
Second many Mormons are originally from Utah or have once lived there. While directly or indirectly having the memory of being the mass majority and getting everything in the Mormon way, it has to be unsatisfying when they have to make compromise.
Being a Mormon myself, I have to say that I'm tired of hearing people describe how they are "persecuted" when there's really nothing. So people joke about our religion. So what? It's not like we don't do the same thing. So some people don't treat missionaries nice. But how many of us treat salesmen nicely? In addition, how many missionaries treat investigators respectfully (by respectfully I mean the recipients feels so)? From my personal experience, 5 out of 11 missionaries talked to me were not.
It's true people intentionally or unintentionally do or say things make we Mormons uncomfortable, but they probably feel the same way as well. And that's no persecution at all. The Lord was persecuted. If you don't receive somewhat similar treatment then you are not persecuted.
Seriously, let's forget about that bitterness. Have a good attitude, have some sense of humor, or even be a bit cynical. There are many things we can just laugh at or ignore. There's really no need to remember and carry them as our burdens. If you are reading it and you are not a Mormon, next time if a Mormon accuse you saying you are "persecuting" him/her, just ignore that idiot.
Mormons are powerful. Mormons have much higher rate graduating from high school, college, going to grad school, getting medical degrees, and PhDs. Mormons are much wealthier than average Americans. So is the LDS church, it's the richest church in the U.S. On top of that, there are many Mormon politicians including a GOP presidential candidate. Not to mention the majority of Mormons in America are white. If this group of people is the target of constant persecution, then nobody in the country is safe.
Then why do so many Mormons think they are persecuted?
First let me say it again, persecution is a big part of Mormon history. The early Saints were kicked out of there lands many times and eventually moved from New York to Utah. At one point of time there was almost a war between Utah and the U.S. known as the Utah War. The memory of persecution is still haunting Mormons today.
Second many Mormons are originally from Utah or have once lived there. While directly or indirectly having the memory of being the mass majority and getting everything in the Mormon way, it has to be unsatisfying when they have to make compromise.
Being a Mormon myself, I have to say that I'm tired of hearing people describe how they are "persecuted" when there's really nothing. So people joke about our religion. So what? It's not like we don't do the same thing. So some people don't treat missionaries nice. But how many of us treat salesmen nicely? In addition, how many missionaries treat investigators respectfully (by respectfully I mean the recipients feels so)? From my personal experience, 5 out of 11 missionaries talked to me were not.
It's true people intentionally or unintentionally do or say things make we Mormons uncomfortable, but they probably feel the same way as well. And that's no persecution at all. The Lord was persecuted. If you don't receive somewhat similar treatment then you are not persecuted.
Seriously, let's forget about that bitterness. Have a good attitude, have some sense of humor, or even be a bit cynical. There are many things we can just laugh at or ignore. There's really no need to remember and carry them as our burdens. If you are reading it and you are not a Mormon, next time if a Mormon accuse you saying you are "persecuting" him/her, just ignore that idiot.
Friday, June 14, 2013
Abuse of Language
Nowdays abuse of language has become a fashion. One thing that I really can't stand is "two wrongs don't make a right".
First of all, there are times when two wrongs don't make a right. For example when a dog bites you, you don't bite the dog back. But when that happen I guarantee you there's nobody giving the "two wrongs don't make a right" lecture.
Second, is it wrong when you want to take an eye for an eye? It's even in the Good Book and it's one very basic principle of all laws in history, which is one key element to keep peace and justice amount us humans.
So here comes the third, why do some people make the judgement when you do anything back to the wrong doing it must be the second wrong? Is it wrong to slap a person who's sexually harassing you? Or is it wrong to fight against Japan when Pearl Habor was attacked?
Honestly, when someone says "two wrongs don't make a right" is when the person can't find any actual reason to protect the person who violates others from being punished. And this is abuse of language, in the worst possible way. You only say it when A flips at B with no reason and B shoots A in response. It's "two rights don't make a right "when and only when the victim of the original wrong doer is either delivering much larger damage in return when the circumstance doesn't justify it, or is doing something anti-human like biting a running dog to take the revange.
So people, next time come up with better excuses, or at least make a better analogy.
First of all, there are times when two wrongs don't make a right. For example when a dog bites you, you don't bite the dog back. But when that happen I guarantee you there's nobody giving the "two wrongs don't make a right" lecture.
Second, is it wrong when you want to take an eye for an eye? It's even in the Good Book and it's one very basic principle of all laws in history, which is one key element to keep peace and justice amount us humans.
So here comes the third, why do some people make the judgement when you do anything back to the wrong doing it must be the second wrong? Is it wrong to slap a person who's sexually harassing you? Or is it wrong to fight against Japan when Pearl Habor was attacked?
Honestly, when someone says "two wrongs don't make a right" is when the person can't find any actual reason to protect the person who violates others from being punished. And this is abuse of language, in the worst possible way. You only say it when A flips at B with no reason and B shoots A in response. It's "two rights don't make a right "when and only when the victim of the original wrong doer is either delivering much larger damage in return when the circumstance doesn't justify it, or is doing something anti-human like biting a running dog to take the revange.
So people, next time come up with better excuses, or at least make a better analogy.
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
The Good Ol' Days
It's common to talk about the good ol' days during the recession, but really there's no good ol' days. In all aspects today is the best time except soft drugs use. We humans believe that we are capable of accomplishing anything yet we think the best days have pased. How ironic?
Or maybe this is how things turn bad: we never believe we can march forward though the fact says otherwise. And once we give up, once we lose faith in humanity, we face the inevitable damnation.
Or maybe this is how things turn bad: we never believe we can march forward though the fact says otherwise. And once we give up, once we lose faith in humanity, we face the inevitable damnation.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Confucius, Tzun Tzu, and Richard Nixon
Confucius say 君子不立于危墙之下。
The translation says "gentleman is not to stand under the dangerous wal." Obviously this isn't a good translation. The true meaning is a gentelman (nobleman, wise man, or woman of course) doesn't put him/herself in dangerous situation.
Tzun Tzu say 故善战者，立于不败之地，而不失敌之败也。
Hence the skillful fighter puts himself into a position which makes defeat impossible, and does not miss the moment for defeating the enemy.
Great minds think alike. Confucius' philosophy is to not get into losable situation. Tzun Tzu's philosophy is to always be in the unbeatable position. Richard Nixon wrote 1999: Victory Without War. Forget about Watergate, let's pay some respect to Nixon whom was one of the greatest strategists, if not the greatest, during Cold War. When other great leaders like Harry Truman were attracted to not lose or others like Ronald Reagan were planning how to win, Nixon had already made the free world unbeatable.
What's said is today, over 10 years after 1999 or 20 years after the Cold War, people still don't listen to Nixon. It's really not how militarily or economically strong made the U.S. win the Cold War, but rather the Soviet people decided to "be like the Americans" tore down the Berlin Wall and Iron Curtain. So we don't need to democratize the Middle East, North Korea, and China. All we need to do is welcoming these countries to the international society, and showing them how to succeed. The people, or even the leaders will make the best choice.
Let's use China as an example. Today's China is world's factory. Can China afford the price of being the threat to the world? The first thing to happen if China ever cross the line would be the collapsing of its economy. Before the Red China rulling the universe the Chinese people would overthrow the regime.
But politicians don't see it. They only see big slogans that can help them win elections. So they say no to foreign aid, just let China and Russia aid countries struggling between democracy and totalitarianism. So they say no to investing in China, just let China have a complete independent economy. So they say no to military spending, just let China catch up.
China is too big to be rejected. If Washington D.C. doesn't change its policies, a new Cold War will start within the next 10 years. I don't doubt the free world will win again just as it did multiple times in history, but why do you have to fight a war, cold or hot, when there's a chance to win without war? People, don't be stupid.
The translation says "gentleman is not to stand under the dangerous wal." Obviously this isn't a good translation. The true meaning is a gentelman (nobleman, wise man, or woman of course) doesn't put him/herself in dangerous situation.
Tzun Tzu say 故善战者，立于不败之地，而不失敌之败也。
Hence the skillful fighter puts himself into a position which makes defeat impossible, and does not miss the moment for defeating the enemy.
Great minds think alike. Confucius' philosophy is to not get into losable situation. Tzun Tzu's philosophy is to always be in the unbeatable position. Richard Nixon wrote 1999: Victory Without War. Forget about Watergate, let's pay some respect to Nixon whom was one of the greatest strategists, if not the greatest, during Cold War. When other great leaders like Harry Truman were attracted to not lose or others like Ronald Reagan were planning how to win, Nixon had already made the free world unbeatable.
What's said is today, over 10 years after 1999 or 20 years after the Cold War, people still don't listen to Nixon. It's really not how militarily or economically strong made the U.S. win the Cold War, but rather the Soviet people decided to "be like the Americans" tore down the Berlin Wall and Iron Curtain. So we don't need to democratize the Middle East, North Korea, and China. All we need to do is welcoming these countries to the international society, and showing them how to succeed. The people, or even the leaders will make the best choice.
Let's use China as an example. Today's China is world's factory. Can China afford the price of being the threat to the world? The first thing to happen if China ever cross the line would be the collapsing of its economy. Before the Red China rulling the universe the Chinese people would overthrow the regime.
But politicians don't see it. They only see big slogans that can help them win elections. So they say no to foreign aid, just let China and Russia aid countries struggling between democracy and totalitarianism. So they say no to investing in China, just let China have a complete independent economy. So they say no to military spending, just let China catch up.
China is too big to be rejected. If Washington D.C. doesn't change its policies, a new Cold War will start within the next 10 years. I don't doubt the free world will win again just as it did multiple times in history, but why do you have to fight a war, cold or hot, when there's a chance to win without war? People, don't be stupid.
Monday, June 10, 2013
Hard Things to Do
Keeping on doing small things might be the hardest thing ever. For instance, it's hard to keep blogging when I don't have much to blog about.
Anything that's self control related is hard. It's always this internal battle of what should or shouldn't do. Self control doesn't always win, and even when it wins it's not always right. And this makes me wonder why do I try that hard to go towards the wrong direction.
Now it sounds kind of blue. So let me lighten up a bit. Heat won big tonight, or last night. I was talking about how from game 4 or 5 there would be big wins/loses then bang, I was wrong, it came a lot earlier. Again, both teams are great teams with multiple future HOFers. So my guess was in the frist at least 3 games they would test each other so there would be close games. When later both teams would have a chance to play on their paces and win big. Well, I was wrong. So here's another hard thing to do: prection.
Anything that's self control related is hard. It's always this internal battle of what should or shouldn't do. Self control doesn't always win, and even when it wins it's not always right. And this makes me wonder why do I try that hard to go towards the wrong direction.
Now it sounds kind of blue. So let me lighten up a bit. Heat won big tonight, or last night. I was talking about how from game 4 or 5 there would be big wins/loses then bang, I was wrong, it came a lot earlier. Again, both teams are great teams with multiple future HOFers. So my guess was in the frist at least 3 games they would test each other so there would be close games. When later both teams would have a chance to play on their paces and win big. Well, I was wrong. So here's another hard thing to do: prection.
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Gun Control, and Rants
Rants first.
a. Sometimes I wonder why I waste time on this idiocracy. b. There are things I don't wanna deal with and I'm not going to.
Gun control.
We need gun control, otherwise why don't we drive M1A2s and fly F-22s since they are more entertaining and better self-defense weapons? We don't need to ban guns by any means either. Switzerland where is incredibly safe holds nerely as many guns per capital as the U.S. What we need is simply better gun control laws. If we have strick background checking laws, 20% killers of the mass shootings wouldn't have guns in the first place. Meanwhile, if we don't leave schools defenseless, far less kids would've been killed.
If American and American people can forget the stupid pride and selfishness to learn from Switzerland, we probablly won't see mass shootings anymore. Here are a few things can protect us from the bloodshed.
a. Sometimes I wonder why I waste time on this idiocracy. b. There are things I don't wanna deal with and I'm not going to.
Gun control.
Many people have no clue controlling and banning gun are two different things. Besides their stupidity, special interest groups' deception contributes such phenomenon. Both sides lie to support their arguments. And here are some lies and misconceptions these special interest groups repeatedly use.
- Guns don't kill people, people killpeople.
Wrong. Guns do kill in a sense. If someone with cold weapons like swords or even bows and crossbows went to a high school and attacked the kids, unless it's a Spartan or Amazon, otherwise the casualties would be much fewer. - Gun rights are correlated to human rights.
Nazi Germany loosened Weimar Republic's gun law, though it did forbidden Jews to keep their weapons. In other words, while Germans had their guns but lost their rights, Jews in Germany lost their guns and lost their rights. So there's no equal mark between guns and rights. Similar cases include Chinese had guns but no rights under Mao, now they don't have guns but are having more and more rights; or Warsaw Ghetto Uprising where guns didn't help a little. Add a sidenote, ever since governments have things like tanks and planes, your rifles ain't protecting your from tyranny anymore. - Guns are for shooting people.
Guns shoot anything from paper planes to your neck-broken horse. And shooting people can be a good thing when you are saving your own and other people's lives. - Mass shootings don't target gun free zons.
There's not a single case that shooter picked the place because it's gun free doesn't mean gun free zons don't attract killers. Nobody chooses a place where the killing will be immediately stopped for mass shooting, unless the person wants a skirmish.
We need gun control, otherwise why don't we drive M1A2s and fly F-22s since they are more entertaining and better self-defense weapons? We don't need to ban guns by any means either. Switzerland where is incredibly safe holds nerely as many guns per capital as the U.S. What we need is simply better gun control laws. If we have strick background checking laws, 20% killers of the mass shootings wouldn't have guns in the first place. Meanwhile, if we don't leave schools defenseless, far less kids would've been killed.
If American and American people can forget the stupid pride and selfishness to learn from Switzerland, we probablly won't see mass shootings anymore. Here are a few things can protect us from the bloodshed.
- Background check on any firearm transactions including gun shows and private sales. People who shouldn't have guns will have less access to guns, and it doesn't affect responsible citizens.
- Basic lessons for every gun owners. There will be far less accidents.
- Instead gun free zones put gun stricked zones. Provide professional trainings for the people who want to carry guns to places like schools.
Friday, June 7, 2013
Back Injury
Back hurts. It's something you'll never get rid of once you get it. Just like many other things...
Finals, Game One
A bit disappointed, not because the game.
Here's the game.
Both teams played well. Great defense and rebound. The Spurs had great ball movement with only 4 turnovers. Tim Duncan, the greatest power foreward ever played this game, was the reason of why the team kept up with the Heat in the first 3 quarters. Tony Parker had 0 turnover and a big shot by the end of the game. Gregg Popovich showed that he's not only the best coach in the league but also a competitor of the greatest coach of all time.
Heat had great game till the 4th quarter. A few reason caused the lose. First of all, LeBron had the ball too long. Although had good stats, 18, 18, 10, he had a big turnover in the 4th quarter. And because he had the ball too long, other players were not able to be involved as much as they should be. D-Wade almost disappeared, other players became nothing but jump shooters. Second, Lebron made some bad calls. Case one: he drove in then passed the ball out to Bosh and Bosh missed the 3. It would be great had Bosh made the 3, but LeBron shouldn't have passed the ball in the first place. If he took the shot, it would be an easy layup, or even better, he would've forced Duncan to foul and it would be the 5th foul. Case two: the last play, he caught the ball and passed to Wade in the paint when there's 5 seconds left and down by 4, which the only sane option was a catch-and-shoot 3. Third, Wade should take the lead but it's either he didn't step up or Erik Spoelstra decided to let LeBron have full control of the ball, it didn't happen. I understand Wade hasn't been even 80% of him but he was the best offensive player and closer of the night so it should be him attacking the rim not LeBron dribbling around. Fourth, Ray Allen. He was spotless untill the fourth quarter. One turnover and one missed free throw. The turnover was from dribbling and it happens almost 1 out of 3 times when Allen dribbles. I just don't understand why he's ever allowed to dribble. Fifth, Erik Spoestra. Why Bosh didn't attack when Duncan's in foul trouble? Why Allen was allowed to dribble? Why did LeBron over-dribble? Why didn't put Wade on Parker early? (He put LeBron on Parker but first it was too late, second it's a bad call because it would lose rebound, though didn't happen because Parker made the shot.) Where's the timeout when the momentum first changed?
But overall, gerat game. No matter how it end, it's gonna be a epic series.
Here's the game.
Both teams played well. Great defense and rebound. The Spurs had great ball movement with only 4 turnovers. Tim Duncan, the greatest power foreward ever played this game, was the reason of why the team kept up with the Heat in the first 3 quarters. Tony Parker had 0 turnover and a big shot by the end of the game. Gregg Popovich showed that he's not only the best coach in the league but also a competitor of the greatest coach of all time.
Heat had great game till the 4th quarter. A few reason caused the lose. First of all, LeBron had the ball too long. Although had good stats, 18, 18, 10, he had a big turnover in the 4th quarter. And because he had the ball too long, other players were not able to be involved as much as they should be. D-Wade almost disappeared, other players became nothing but jump shooters. Second, Lebron made some bad calls. Case one: he drove in then passed the ball out to Bosh and Bosh missed the 3. It would be great had Bosh made the 3, but LeBron shouldn't have passed the ball in the first place. If he took the shot, it would be an easy layup, or even better, he would've forced Duncan to foul and it would be the 5th foul. Case two: the last play, he caught the ball and passed to Wade in the paint when there's 5 seconds left and down by 4, which the only sane option was a catch-and-shoot 3. Third, Wade should take the lead but it's either he didn't step up or Erik Spoelstra decided to let LeBron have full control of the ball, it didn't happen. I understand Wade hasn't been even 80% of him but he was the best offensive player and closer of the night so it should be him attacking the rim not LeBron dribbling around. Fourth, Ray Allen. He was spotless untill the fourth quarter. One turnover and one missed free throw. The turnover was from dribbling and it happens almost 1 out of 3 times when Allen dribbles. I just don't understand why he's ever allowed to dribble. Fifth, Erik Spoestra. Why Bosh didn't attack when Duncan's in foul trouble? Why Allen was allowed to dribble? Why did LeBron over-dribble? Why didn't put Wade on Parker early? (He put LeBron on Parker but first it was too late, second it's a bad call because it would lose rebound, though didn't happen because Parker made the shot.) Where's the timeout when the momentum first changed?
But overall, gerat game. No matter how it end, it's gonna be a epic series.
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Gay Marriage
As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I believe that "marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God." But what about something which isn't ordained of god, like gay marriage? I'm not saying Mormons should support gay marriage because I won't, but meanwhile I don't think the legalization is the end of the world, and here are 3 biggest reasons:
So this is where I stand: I believe marriage should be between a man and a woman, and I will do anything to advocate this idea. However I accept and respect people's choice, whether it's their personal lives or how they access their constitutional rights.
Here's a wild guess. As more and more states are legalizing gay marriage and potentially on national level as well, the church will give a guideline of how we should deal with it. There won't be any change but just some clarification, though it will surprise many people.
- The First Amendment establishes separation of church and state as one principle of this country. The Fourteenth Amendment's Equal Protection Clause could be used to support gay marriage. Therefore if the majority of Americans (as recent poll show 63%) support gay marriage and constitutionally banning gay marriage is a discrimination (the Supreme Court hasn't said anything yet), according to the 12th Article of Faith we have no choice but obeying and honoring the law.
- Similar incident has happened. The church was one of the biggest support of prohibition because the Word of Wisdom. But the 21st Amendment eventually was ratified, even in Utah, and the there wasn't a revelation telling the Saints to rebel. What if history repeated itself?
- The higher law exists for a reason. Most people don't live by the higher law though everybody eventually will, but it's not something has to be done in this life, just like baptism. So while we do missionary work and try to let more people accept the gospel (even for a bit), we should allow people to fail, as we all do, and not judge them. The Lord will give everybody a second chance when He feels it's the best time whether or not it's this life.
So this is where I stand: I believe marriage should be between a man and a woman, and I will do anything to advocate this idea. However I accept and respect people's choice, whether it's their personal lives or how they access their constitutional rights.
Here's a wild guess. As more and more states are legalizing gay marriage and potentially on national level as well, the church will give a guideline of how we should deal with it. There won't be any change but just some clarification, though it will surprise many people.
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Change
I need a change. I've been in this state of stagnation long enough that a change is not merely a good idea but fairly necessary. No details but a major transition is needed, and this time I'm even not against going to the East. New environment, excitement, or just anything different will be great. Seriously, I'm writing this down.
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
June 4th
June 4th, 1989, Tiananmen Square. Here's Phillip Morgan's The Blood is on the Square.
A song was heard in China
in the city of Beijing.
In the spring of 1989
you could hear the people sing.
And it was the song of freedom
that was ringing in the square,
the world could feel the passion of
the people gathered there.
Oh children, blood is on the square.
For many nights and many days,
waiting in the square.
"To build a better nation"
was the song that echoed there.
"For we are China's children,
we love our native land,
for brotherhood and freedom
we are joining hand in hand."
Oh children, blood is on the square. Then came the People's army
with trucks and tanks and guns.
The government was frightened
of their daughters and their sons.
But in the square was courage and
a vision true and fair,
the Army of the People would not harm
the young ones there.
Oh children, blood is on the square. On June the 3rd in China,
in the spring of '89,
an order came from high above
and passed on down the line.
The soldiers opened fire,
young people bled and died,
the blood of thousands on the square
that lies can never hide.
Oh children, blood is on the square. For four more days of fury
the people faced the guns.
How many thousands slaughtered
when their grisly work was done?
they quickly burned the bodies
to hide their coward's shame,
but blood is thick upon their hands and
darkness on their names.
Oh children, blood is on the square. There are tears that flow in China
for her children that are gone.
There is fear and there is hiding,
for the killing still goes on.
And the iron hand of terror can
buy silence for today,
but the blood that lies upon the square
cannot be washed away.
Oh children, blood is on the square.
A song was heard in China
in the city of Beijing.
In the spring of 1989
you could hear the people sing.
And it was the song of freedom
that was ringing in the square,
the world could feel the passion of
the people gathered there.
Oh children, blood is on the square.
For many nights and many days,
waiting in the square.
"To build a better nation"
was the song that echoed there.
"For we are China's children,
we love our native land,
for brotherhood and freedom
we are joining hand in hand."
Oh children, blood is on the square. Then came the People's army
with trucks and tanks and guns.
The government was frightened
of their daughters and their sons.
But in the square was courage and
a vision true and fair,
the Army of the People would not harm
the young ones there.
Oh children, blood is on the square. On June the 3rd in China,
in the spring of '89,
an order came from high above
and passed on down the line.
The soldiers opened fire,
young people bled and died,
the blood of thousands on the square
that lies can never hide.
Oh children, blood is on the square. For four more days of fury
the people faced the guns.
How many thousands slaughtered
when their grisly work was done?
they quickly burned the bodies
to hide their coward's shame,
but blood is thick upon their hands and
darkness on their names.
Oh children, blood is on the square. There are tears that flow in China
for her children that are gone.
There is fear and there is hiding,
for the killing still goes on.
And the iron hand of terror can
buy silence for today,
but the blood that lies upon the square
cannot be washed away.
Oh children, blood is on the square.
And here's PBS Frontline The Tank Man:
This is a picture of a photo of a soldier proudly celebrating after the massacre:
Monday, June 3, 2013
Thoughts After Feeling Disconnected
Church was great today. There were some really good testimonies but I just felt disconnected. So instead I read an Ensign article on Mountain Meadows Massacre and kind went through the studies I did allover again. It's incredible how things went all wrong way and caused such a terrifying and long lasting tragedy. As I'm writing this post now, I even think Brigham Young was somewhat responsible for the event, not he was involved on any level.
I remember when I did the study, one discussion was why the saints followed the order to slaughter the defenseless emigrants. And one obvious answer came up: they followed their church leaders. So if President and Governor Young ever felt that appointing the ecclesiastical leaders as local authorities (mayors, militia leaders, and others) would give the saints the impression of whatever those local authorities did was inspired, he might have reconsidered those appointments. I mean John D. Lee, Isaac Haight, William Dame as ecclesiastical leaders didn't have the priesthood key to make the order, but as local authorities they had all powers to command. But since they were both, people automatically assumed they made the order as ecclesiastical leaders when they didn't even take the time to wait for Brigham Young, the prophet, to make the final decision.
We humans can easily give up humanity when there's a higher cause. For religious people, like the saints in Mountain Meadows Massacre, it's easy to justify the injustice when it's under supreme being's name. Atheists are no exceptions, the greater good, like communism or nationalism, does the same thing to them. Depends on our beliefs we interpert such behavior in different ways, but we all agree it's when we give up to take our own responsibilities we give up our humanity. When we yell whatever slogans, for God, for the Third Reich, for communism, or anything, we let the -isms take charge but not our minds and hearts. So here goes back to the very basic: no good comes out when we give up our minds and hearts. This is why Jesus told us to think, ask, and ponder but not just blindfold ourselves and follow during his sermon on the mount.
I remember when I did the study, one discussion was why the saints followed the order to slaughter the defenseless emigrants. And one obvious answer came up: they followed their church leaders. So if President and Governor Young ever felt that appointing the ecclesiastical leaders as local authorities (mayors, militia leaders, and others) would give the saints the impression of whatever those local authorities did was inspired, he might have reconsidered those appointments. I mean John D. Lee, Isaac Haight, William Dame as ecclesiastical leaders didn't have the priesthood key to make the order, but as local authorities they had all powers to command. But since they were both, people automatically assumed they made the order as ecclesiastical leaders when they didn't even take the time to wait for Brigham Young, the prophet, to make the final decision.
We humans can easily give up humanity when there's a higher cause. For religious people, like the saints in Mountain Meadows Massacre, it's easy to justify the injustice when it's under supreme being's name. Atheists are no exceptions, the greater good, like communism or nationalism, does the same thing to them. Depends on our beliefs we interpert such behavior in different ways, but we all agree it's when we give up to take our own responsibilities we give up our humanity. When we yell whatever slogans, for God, for the Third Reich, for communism, or anything, we let the -isms take charge but not our minds and hearts. So here goes back to the very basic: no good comes out when we give up our minds and hearts. This is why Jesus told us to think, ask, and ponder but not just blindfold ourselves and follow during his sermon on the mount.
Sunday, June 2, 2013
A Few Things About Sports
Bayern Munich finally won the treble. Honestly it should've happened long time ago, multiple times.
German football is reaching its peak again, hopefully they win the comming World Cup and European Championship.
I've always been a fan of Magic Johnson but never liked Michael Jordan as a person. Both of them are great basketball players with charming personalities. But there is one difference: Magic has the courage and decency to admit his problem and fix it, Michael doesn't.
After tested HIV positive, Magic confessed that he had affairs with other women, and apologized to the public. More importantly, he confessed and apologized to his wife first. Ever since then, Magic did all he could to help people who have or might have the same challenge he once had.
Michael is the opposite. As a compulsive gambler he never admitted it's a problem to him. He had been cheating on his then wife for years but never regretted or even bothered to pretend to regret it.
Miami Heat played terribly tonight. Besides D-Wade's injury and Bosh can't keep up with Pacers' big men, Ray Allen is the true problem. Allen needs to adjust in order to truly contribute to the team, something he never learned in his career.
China has the world's worst sports journalists.
German football is reaching its peak again, hopefully they win the comming World Cup and European Championship.
I've always been a fan of Magic Johnson but never liked Michael Jordan as a person. Both of them are great basketball players with charming personalities. But there is one difference: Magic has the courage and decency to admit his problem and fix it, Michael doesn't.
After tested HIV positive, Magic confessed that he had affairs with other women, and apologized to the public. More importantly, he confessed and apologized to his wife first. Ever since then, Magic did all he could to help people who have or might have the same challenge he once had.
Michael is the opposite. As a compulsive gambler he never admitted it's a problem to him. He had been cheating on his then wife for years but never regretted or even bothered to pretend to regret it.
Miami Heat played terribly tonight. Besides D-Wade's injury and Bosh can't keep up with Pacers' big men, Ray Allen is the true problem. Allen needs to adjust in order to truly contribute to the team, something he never learned in his career.
China has the world's worst sports journalists.
Friday, May 31, 2013
Some Rants
Two weeks ago they were Bulls fans, now they are Pacers fans, but they call Heat fans bandwagons.
From 1994 to 2002, Germany national football (soccer) team ended up 5th, 7th, and 2nd in World Cup, plus won 1996 European Championship, but they called German football weak during those years.
Michael Jordan is a roll model but other self centred narcissist compulsive gambler cheating figures are bad examples.
There are websites called blackpeoplemeet.com, asiandating.com, and people think that's fine. But when you hear there's also whitepeopledate.com, all of a sudden you wonder if it's racist.
Asians are minorities but get nothing but crap, except when you make a mathematical error people automatically change their right answers.
Christians tend to use the Lord's name in vain more than pagans.
Buddhism indeed is an atheistic religion.
For a long time it's vforbidden to say "for Mother Russia" in Russia.
This world is weird. I have to be weirder to survive.
From 1994 to 2002, Germany national football (soccer) team ended up 5th, 7th, and 2nd in World Cup, plus won 1996 European Championship, but they called German football weak during those years.
Michael Jordan is a roll model but other self centred narcissist compulsive gambler cheating figures are bad examples.
There are websites called blackpeoplemeet.com, asiandating.com, and people think that's fine. But when you hear there's also whitepeopledate.com, all of a sudden you wonder if it's racist.
Asians are minorities but get nothing but crap, except when you make a mathematical error people automatically change their right answers.
Christians tend to use the Lord's name in vain more than pagans.
Buddhism indeed is an atheistic religion.
For a long time it's vforbidden to say "for Mother Russia" in Russia.
This world is weird. I have to be weirder to survive.
Thursday, May 30, 2013
No Money to Countries That Burn American Flags
Really? This needs extended amount of stupididy for one to make this statement.
Teddy Roosevelt didn't think so. After the Boxer Rebellion when American flags were burnt and Americans were killed, not only he didn't seek revenge, but also he didn't take the indemnity. Teddy Roosevelt made the indemnity as scholarship for Chinese students to study in the U.S. In addition, he sent aid to China. Many Western countries followed his example. As the result, the once anti-West China became close to the West till the Communist Party took over. Had Harry Truman not decided to stop aiding China because "the Chinese didn't like us", China wouldn't have fell to communist. Today China would still be the closest ally of the U.S., and there would no Korean War or Vietnam War.
Luckly the fall of China woke Harry Truman up. He re-industrialized Germany and Japan, the two countries did far more than burning Amerian flags. He also aided Greece when over half of the country was communist and burnning American flags were nothing extraordinary. Under Truman Marshall Plan didn't exclude France which totally betrayed America. From that day, though there have been ups and downs, these countries have always been America's allies.
There's a reason why it's foreign aid not foreign reward. You send aid to the ones in need. They might be in jeopardy, like some poorest countries; they might have emergency, like earthquake in Japan; or, they might need to understand what America stands for, like the countries that burn American flags. And ultimately the aids are going to be repaid just like every other time in history.
Teddy Roosevelt didn't think so. After the Boxer Rebellion when American flags were burnt and Americans were killed, not only he didn't seek revenge, but also he didn't take the indemnity. Teddy Roosevelt made the indemnity as scholarship for Chinese students to study in the U.S. In addition, he sent aid to China. Many Western countries followed his example. As the result, the once anti-West China became close to the West till the Communist Party took over. Had Harry Truman not decided to stop aiding China because "the Chinese didn't like us", China wouldn't have fell to communist. Today China would still be the closest ally of the U.S., and there would no Korean War or Vietnam War.
Luckly the fall of China woke Harry Truman up. He re-industrialized Germany and Japan, the two countries did far more than burning Amerian flags. He also aided Greece when over half of the country was communist and burnning American flags were nothing extraordinary. Under Truman Marshall Plan didn't exclude France which totally betrayed America. From that day, though there have been ups and downs, these countries have always been America's allies.
There's a reason why it's foreign aid not foreign reward. You send aid to the ones in need. They might be in jeopardy, like some poorest countries; they might have emergency, like earthquake in Japan; or, they might need to understand what America stands for, like the countries that burn American flags. And ultimately the aids are going to be repaid just like every other time in history.
How Much I've Changed
No details. If I were the person I used to be, I would've seriously beaten this one person. Instead I didn't even say a word. Another case, I would've said something harsh to this other person who really deserved it, which now I don't even bother to waste my time. In both cases I'm not even trying to keep calm, but rather not care at all. The only reason I'm writing it is because I asked myself this random question a few minutes ago: when's the last time I got into a fight?
I would never guessed this had I been asked before. There are more than just that. I used to be a good basketball player, maybe division II or even lower division I level, now I can barely play. I'm more indecisive than ever. And other good or not so good changes. As I'm having these random thoughts, I realize how unpredictable life is.
I appreciate it. Unpredictability doesn't stop me from trying new things but makes me think before doing things. The more I think, the more I respect my life. Once I started to respect my life, I started thinking the meaning of it. Then I had the urgency to learn the purpose of my life, and once I reached that point I turned to the truth, the gospel of Jesus Christ.
All these things are miracles. Miracles don't have to be something come out of blue and make no sense whatsoeer. They might not be something we will initially appreciate. Miracles are the things in our lives that shape us into who we are. The more I accept miracles, the clearer I know the purpose of my life.
So going back to how much I've changed. I've no idea. I don't even know how much I appreciate these changes. But I accept them, and try to understand them. Seriously, once I learned what miracles are it became too hard to not accept them.
I would never guessed this had I been asked before. There are more than just that. I used to be a good basketball player, maybe division II or even lower division I level, now I can barely play. I'm more indecisive than ever. And other good or not so good changes. As I'm having these random thoughts, I realize how unpredictable life is.
I appreciate it. Unpredictability doesn't stop me from trying new things but makes me think before doing things. The more I think, the more I respect my life. Once I started to respect my life, I started thinking the meaning of it. Then I had the urgency to learn the purpose of my life, and once I reached that point I turned to the truth, the gospel of Jesus Christ.
All these things are miracles. Miracles don't have to be something come out of blue and make no sense whatsoeer. They might not be something we will initially appreciate. Miracles are the things in our lives that shape us into who we are. The more I accept miracles, the clearer I know the purpose of my life.
So going back to how much I've changed. I've no idea. I don't even know how much I appreciate these changes. But I accept them, and try to understand them. Seriously, once I learned what miracles are it became too hard to not accept them.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Why the GOP Can't Win Elections Anymore?
When I was a little kid in China, Ronald Reagan was my American Hero. I learned that he's the leader of free world before I understood what freedom was. From then my heart always belongs to conservatism. Nothing hurts me more than seeing my childhood hero's party can no longer win a national election. How did this happen?
Is it stupidity? People as selective groups don't think or vote for their interest. Farmers who receive more government subsidy than any other people, yet they are predominantly. Cilicon Valley is full of free market economy beneficiaries but it's Democratic Party's strong base.
It's not the only irony in the country. In 1996 the GOP wanted health care but the Democratic Party didn't, now they have switched sides. Reagan's name has never been more sacred today, but Republicans now are using anything to fight against amnesty which Reagan fought for in 1986. Meanwhile the Democrats have changed their view from against to support amnesty. This list can go on and on.
When both parties share the same level of stupidity, there are signs suggest something is going on beyond stupidity. In the recent 2 elections 3 swing states have turned blue, youth and females are leaning towards the Democratic Party than ever before, Asians and Hispanics who share the same values as traditional GOP voters now are predominatly Democrats. ,more and more conservatives now identify themselves as independents. These things are screeming one sentence: the GOP has no future if it doesn't change!
So what's wrong?
First, the GOP successfully changed last presidential election's topic from economy to gay marriage and abortion. It almost seemed like the GOP couldn't care less about the worst recession since the Great Depression because they wanted to manage people's bedroom activities.
Second, the GOP supported the Arizona ID law but opposed background check for all firearm purchases. In what universe it makes sense when guns have more rights than humans?
Third, well, ain't those two crazy enought for you? Ok then. How about claimming to deport 11 million illegal immigrants? Different people have different views so don't waste time to talk about the cause of illegal immigration or the effect of it. Just think this way: how's that possible to catch 11 million people?
The craziness of the GOP and some of its strong supporters is the tie breaker. Because of this, the election is no longer between two dummies but between a retard a lunatic. When it's between to retards people actually spend time try to find a less stupid one, but between a retard and a lunatic is always a no brainer: you never wanna let a bunch of maniacs take control of the country.
Is it stupidity? People as selective groups don't think or vote for their interest. Farmers who receive more government subsidy than any other people, yet they are predominantly. Cilicon Valley is full of free market economy beneficiaries but it's Democratic Party's strong base.
It's not the only irony in the country. In 1996 the GOP wanted health care but the Democratic Party didn't, now they have switched sides. Reagan's name has never been more sacred today, but Republicans now are using anything to fight against amnesty which Reagan fought for in 1986. Meanwhile the Democrats have changed their view from against to support amnesty. This list can go on and on.
When both parties share the same level of stupidity, there are signs suggest something is going on beyond stupidity. In the recent 2 elections 3 swing states have turned blue, youth and females are leaning towards the Democratic Party than ever before, Asians and Hispanics who share the same values as traditional GOP voters now are predominatly Democrats. ,more and more conservatives now identify themselves as independents. These things are screeming one sentence: the GOP has no future if it doesn't change!
So what's wrong?
First, the GOP successfully changed last presidential election's topic from economy to gay marriage and abortion. It almost seemed like the GOP couldn't care less about the worst recession since the Great Depression because they wanted to manage people's bedroom activities.
Second, the GOP supported the Arizona ID law but opposed background check for all firearm purchases. In what universe it makes sense when guns have more rights than humans?
Third, well, ain't those two crazy enought for you? Ok then. How about claimming to deport 11 million illegal immigrants? Different people have different views so don't waste time to talk about the cause of illegal immigration or the effect of it. Just think this way: how's that possible to catch 11 million people?
The craziness of the GOP and some of its strong supporters is the tie breaker. Because of this, the election is no longer between two dummies but between a retard a lunatic. When it's between to retards people actually spend time try to find a less stupid one, but between a retard and a lunatic is always a no brainer: you never wanna let a bunch of maniacs take control of the country.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Tips
I saw this one Rexburg waitress whining about how BYU-I students never tipped. Sorry I just made this harsh comment but seriously, if all you want is people leaving at least a dollar tip, you are no good waitress. Here are the two things I learned about how to get good tips, hopefully somehow she sees it.
First, always sincerely smile at people. People notice when you smile, and they smile back. From now on their food and drinks don't magically appear on the tables but it's you who makes that happen. Meanwhile smiling sincerely meaning you pay attention on the people, so sometimes you know their needs without them asking. I remember once at a restaurant in Vancouver, BC., I addjusted my backpack a tiny bit and glanced around the doorway. The hostess led us in didn't see it but the other hostess whom had her sight stayed at us for a split second noticed what I was doing, and offered to take care my backpack, which she didn't have to. This hostess got a bigger tip than the butler, not because she's hotter, but because she cared.
Second, always communicate. After the sincer smile depending on how well you can read people you somewhat learn you customers. Simple things such as nstead saying "how are you guys" you ask if they are enjoying the weekend. You don't necessarily need to start a dialogue unless the customers do so, but something more than mechanical greedings always make people happier.
These are small sweet things that everyone can do but most people don't do. I worked as a waiter for a while and never ever had any not positive outcome. Tips were always good, or better than what my co-wokers had. When the restaurant was busy and customers had unexpected delays they never lost their patience, as contrary to my colleagues had experienced. And the best part is there were numerous times I heard the whispers of "he's so nice" when I turned and walked away from the table.
Up till this point I'm more of bragging my awesomeness. But here comes the thoughts.
No. 1. People appreciate the smallest efforts we put in.
No. 2. Small things are so valuable is because most people most time, I'm no exception, don't put in the efforts.
First, always sincerely smile at people. People notice when you smile, and they smile back. From now on their food and drinks don't magically appear on the tables but it's you who makes that happen. Meanwhile smiling sincerely meaning you pay attention on the people, so sometimes you know their needs without them asking. I remember once at a restaurant in Vancouver, BC., I addjusted my backpack a tiny bit and glanced around the doorway. The hostess led us in didn't see it but the other hostess whom had her sight stayed at us for a split second noticed what I was doing, and offered to take care my backpack, which she didn't have to. This hostess got a bigger tip than the butler, not because she's hotter, but because she cared.
Second, always communicate. After the sincer smile depending on how well you can read people you somewhat learn you customers. Simple things such as nstead saying "how are you guys" you ask if they are enjoying the weekend. You don't necessarily need to start a dialogue unless the customers do so, but something more than mechanical greedings always make people happier.
These are small sweet things that everyone can do but most people don't do. I worked as a waiter for a while and never ever had any not positive outcome. Tips were always good, or better than what my co-wokers had. When the restaurant was busy and customers had unexpected delays they never lost their patience, as contrary to my colleagues had experienced. And the best part is there were numerous times I heard the whispers of "he's so nice" when I turned and walked away from the table.
Up till this point I'm more of bragging my awesomeness. But here comes the thoughts.
No. 1. People appreciate the smallest efforts we put in.
No. 2. Small things are so valuable is because most people most time, I'm no exception, don't put in the efforts.
Sunday, May 26, 2013
The Road Not Taken
Today at a church interview my Elders Quorum President asked how satisfied I was with my life. I put betwen 5 to 7. I've never had 10 in my life, rarely 9 or even 8, so really I'm just in my normal state. But this question triggered something I've been thinking lately: the road not taken.
Life is like a labyrinth which birth is its entrance, and death is its exit birth. The nice thing about the life labyrinth is we can find the exit no matter which road we take. In addition, most people in this labyrinth don't want to reach the exit too soon. So indeed the more we spin in it the better it gets.
It's how I take the road not which road I take makes the difference. Lemuel took the same road from Jerusalm to the promised land as Nephi but had a complete life as the prophet. I can be doing the very same thing but have very different reasons. I can even be doing the very same thing for very same reason but have very different attitudes. These are the things really matter when I reach the exit of my life labyrinth.
There's nothing wrong to think about the road not taken, especially when I know in the parallel universes I have taken all the roads. But at the end of the day how I'm going to take the next step is what really matters.
Life is like a labyrinth which birth is its entrance, and death is its exit birth. The nice thing about the life labyrinth is we can find the exit no matter which road we take. In addition, most people in this labyrinth don't want to reach the exit too soon. So indeed the more we spin in it the better it gets.
It's how I take the road not which road I take makes the difference. Lemuel took the same road from Jerusalm to the promised land as Nephi but had a complete life as the prophet. I can be doing the very same thing but have very different reasons. I can even be doing the very same thing for very same reason but have very different attitudes. These are the things really matter when I reach the exit of my life labyrinth.
There's nothing wrong to think about the road not taken, especially when I know in the parallel universes I have taken all the roads. But at the end of the day how I'm going to take the next step is what really matters.
Here I Blog, Again
Untitled Documents is my first blog's first formal title. The name is sort of funny: one day I finally decided to get a real title for my blog then my laziness hit me so instead of making something creative I used the most suitable title since most of my blog entries were untitled.
Despite never spent time to name it, I took good care of my blog. I blogged daily, interacted with readers, really put some thoughts on the blog. Being who I was, the blog inevitably became very political and that didn't please the Chinese government. As a result my blog was blocked by the Great Firewall for a long time. Most of my readers never came back, not even when my blog was unblocked.
I deleted some unimportant personal stories here.
Later I got back with my old girlfriend and we were seriously planning to get married. She convinced me to keep a blog together, and that's how I stopped my first blog. A while later our relationship died so did that co-blog. I never went back to start my old blog again. It was too old that I no longer felt connected to it.
Here I blog again, and I keep the old title. We live in the era which we suffer from mass information. We see, hear, and experience so many things every minute that we don't care about them anymore. Indeed while we are living in the Information Age really we are living in the age of constant short term memory loss. There's no difference between something happened 3 days ago and 3 decades ago, so having a title or not will change its fate. Who am I kidding? Even in this big bang of information everything here is unique. Indeed they are so unique that they don't need titles so that they can be forgotten, but they can be remembered as they are untitled.
Despite never spent time to name it, I took good care of my blog. I blogged daily, interacted with readers, really put some thoughts on the blog. Being who I was, the blog inevitably became very political and that didn't please the Chinese government. As a result my blog was blocked by the Great Firewall for a long time. Most of my readers never came back, not even when my blog was unblocked.
I deleted some unimportant personal stories here.
Later I got back with my old girlfriend and we were seriously planning to get married. She convinced me to keep a blog together, and that's how I stopped my first blog. A while later our relationship died so did that co-blog. I never went back to start my old blog again. It was too old that I no longer felt connected to it.
Here I blog again, and I keep the old title. We live in the era which we suffer from mass information. We see, hear, and experience so many things every minute that we don't care about them anymore. Indeed while we are living in the Information Age really we are living in the age of constant short term memory loss. There's no difference between something happened 3 days ago and 3 decades ago, so having a title or not will change its fate. Who am I kidding? Even in this big bang of information everything here is unique. Indeed they are so unique that they don't need titles so that they can be forgotten, but they can be remembered as they are untitled.
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