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I like to keep up with what's going on in Taiwan. Recently, an editorial in Taipei Times referred to Secretary Colin Powell as "a sorry wreck of a once principled man." I was quite taken aback at how blunt the statement was, and though I don't agree entirely with the statement, I do see the message. The response from the State Dept. however, is one that is indicative of current US attitudes to criticism. Check the article here . The idea is that Taipei Times will now be blacklisted, and the State Dept. official in charge of Taiwan/ China affairs refuses to have any further communication with the newspaper. Similarly, we see Bush's disdain with the UN official's comments that economically well-off nations have not been generous enough with aid efforts in Asia. I understand it's important for one's self esteem to easily brush off criticism, but these guys just can't take any at all. Here's an editorial . The earthquake/ tsunami centered near A

I choose to do science because I believe that of all endeavors Man can undertake, there is none as noble and worthy as seeking the truth. I believe this spirit was manifested in me when I learned to appreciate and understand geometry in middle school. Geometry allowed one to merge mathematics with visual shapes and objects, in the sense that one could prove, given a regular hexagon, the interior angle must be 120 degrees! We could certainly measure the angle and find an agreement, but the proof is exactly what the word says, additional proof that what we perceive from our senses must be true. One could argue that it is what we sense and experience that provides legitimacy to our thought, and not the other way, but I think that's the beauty of the whole catch-22 situation---neither really provides legitimacy for the other. Rather, it's the result, the truth, when I measure 120 degrees or conclude from proof its 120 degrees, that gives our measurement and logic credibility. The u

It's been rather chilly the last few days! I was up rather late last night reading papers and some low temperature measurement techniques, particularly on how to set up an rf/microwave system for the dilution refrigerator. I was getting more excited by the minute since I finally began to get an idea on how to actually set up everything, from coaxes to the electrical circuit when the power went out. The light in the room flickered and went out, and my laptop went di-da, signaling a switch to battery power. One could almost imagine the current providing all the electricity zipping out of all the socket-connected appliances. Most importantly, the heat was gone. Looking out the window, the entire apartment complex was dark too. I knew it wasn't just my problem. I was slightly lost as to what to do. I sat on my couch for a couple minutes hoping the power would come back on. It didn't. Perhaps I should check the switchbox? I never particularly noticed where it was, and this being

I went to my first NBA game tonight! Charlotte Bobcats vs Houston Rockets! Yao Ming! McGrady! Despite having followed basketball since middle school, and vigorously idolizing several NBA stars, I never saw a game live. I'm glad I went today. The game was awesome, as the Rockets never had a full lead, and in the last four minutes a tight game developed. The Bobcats wouldn't give up, and after Yao fouled out, the Bobcats fought back to a tie and sent the game into overtime. Eventually the Rockets lost fuel, largely because TMac wasn't shootin well all night long, and lost to a better "team" team. I was up in the cheapest section and had to squint to really see the action, but the atmosphere of a live game: seeing and hearing the entire crowd cheer or taunt in unison was something I could feel throughout the entire Coliseum. I have to admit I was rooting for the Rockets, but the Bobcats deserved their win.

Back from a trip to Paris. Stopped by London while I was there. Wonderful trip. I don't want to be back. Saw an awesome and extremely modern performance at Theatre National de Chaillot called Iiris by Philippe Decoufle. Started out really weird, one thinks, what's going on? Gradually, the movements, the music, merge, the video screen behind also brings in an additional element not normally present in traditional presentations. I thought it was interesting commentary when a Chinese dancer dressed like Woody from Toy Story rode on his horse in the Chinese opera sense (with a wooden stick, if you've seen Chinese opera, you know what I mean) all the while in the background a video screen showed images of bombings and nuclear explosions and a voice repeatedly chanted "I am peace" (in French). I also had the chance to visit the Institut de France, saw their library (it's what you would dream a library to be like), and ate with the Vice President (lamb, yum). Can

I just finished reading Orson Scott Card's Speaker of the Dead , the sequel to Ender's Game (which I read in elementary school), and in the news, I read this touching story . It really hit home the message Orson was trying to send with his novel. That is, how to live and love one another. This one another may be another of your race, another of your city, your country, this earth, or perhaps, of this universe regardless of species, as long as they are living. They don't even have to be as "intelligent" as we are. For me to accept another is not so much their finally achieving a level of civilization that I recognize, but rather, that I have matured, and come to love and accept them for who they are. I do believe these dolphins are intelligent, and their behaviour with humans seems much more civilized than the way we approach them. Look, the fellow tried to get out of the circle, but after he saw the Great White, then he understood the dolphins intentions. If we f

The new Star Wars trailer is out! Have you seen it? Go to starwars.com now! This movie will bring to a close an awesome epic fantasy story that has captivated my heart and imagination (and many other people's) since I was three years old. I still vividly remember watching Return of the Jedi when it first came out in theaters (this being when I was three) and being slightly frightened by the grotesque Jabba the Hutt. But the fantasy of it all got me hooked, and this explains why Part VI (the third movie chronologically) has always been my favourite of the old trilogy. Even today, I'm quick to snatch up the newest action figure available, though I've stopped buying every single figure I see. I'm more picky and have limited my collecting to the main characters, such as Vader, Yoda, Obi-wan, etc. Besides Star Wars, I've gotten myself into all sorts of fantasy/sci-fi novels. Game of Thrones, The Wheel of Time, The Golden Compass, etc. The only stuff I read these da

So the elections are over, and Bush has been re-elected. It is somewhat disturbing that the majority of voters this election were more concerned about issues such as gay marriage, gun control, and abortion than issues such as the war in iraq, the economy, and relations with the rest of the Earth. I'm more convinced than ever that the typical American is extremely irrational, ignorant, and far too religious to the point of fanaticism. This is not an encouraging thought. So what now? Well, deal. We must face the consequences of the majority, even if it is a mob. For that is democracy, and we can only hope the self-adjusting forces of a democratic society, that is, the mean field approach (neglect extreme fluctuations), will keep the balance. I'm just worried the average has been shifted more to the right than it should be.

Tomorrow is the big day. Action packed for me certainly. I begin my days as usual at around 630-700 am. Get to office by 800 am, ready for the first class, of which I have an exam tomorrow morning. Open books, open notes---ie may not be so easy. Then another dense dose of quantum mechanics. Finally, I think I will take some time out to go vote! Exercise my right as a citizen of this democratic country. Had a discussion, somewhat heated, with my brother on iChat today. He told me of his intentions to vote for neither the Democratic or Republican candidate. Instead he will vote for Nader. I was at first somewhat appalled at his choice, but later he explained the following. He was fed up with both Bush and Kerry. Nader, however, has been sticking to his principles since he began his political career. Always opposed the war. Thus, his vote for Nader is a matter of exercising his right to voice displeasure with the two main candidates, their campaigns, and the political system in general

It's interesting how backwards America can still be. I was at the mall with several friends from physics and we were eating in the food court. We had a pretty multicultural group there, one white, one Muslim, myself and the last from India. The fellow from India has a habit of wearing flipflops everywhere, and at the moment was sitting cross-legged, barefoot in the air. We had decent food, and now it was time for desserts. I went to get a sorbet sipper, and when I returned I saw all three of them with appalled looks. Apparently, while I was away, some white lady, who was done eating, went up to my Indian friend and told him that he should "put his leg down because it might disturb some people while eating," then left. That certainly is quite appalling! I don't know whether this should be considered a racist comment, or perhaps the sight of a barefoot really does lead to the loss of appetite. But it's the mall for goodness sake. I could understand if this were som

There's nothing that feels better than knowing that you've made some progress, in work, in life, in thinking. At the moment, I'm feeling good cause I've pretty much solved a problem I was having with my samples. Just confirmed a few minutes ago that my samples no longer burn up (I'll put up some pictures perhaps in the near future) and thus, I am that much closer to having a real, working sample. I've spent the last two weeks or so trying to solve this problem, and I've jumped the hurdle. Real cool. Now I need to go home and sleep. I've been working for 18 hours straight. This night's sleep is well deserved.

News like this certainly doesn't help Taiwan's cause. When the only time a nation gets front page news coverage (front page online that is) at a major news source because of food fights in the legislature, well, it's kind of uh hem. Another reason that Taiwan news doesn't get reported as much on Reuters, NYTimes or CNN is China. These news corps are trying to avoid getting into trouble with China, and a good way to do that is to not bring up sensitive issues like Taiwan. I've recently added this to my multitude of electronics equipment: one of these ! It's soooo pretty. So coool. [droooool..]

Besides the obvious thesis topic, there are several goals I have for my PhD pursuit years. Already I have undertaken hiking every good weather weekend. North Carolina, especially within a 50 mile radius of Durham, seems to be perfect hiking country. Lots of woods, some lakes, nature everywhere. It's a great way to refresh the mind and keep the body in shape. Usually I leave around 800 am with some friends (not too many are willing to get up so early on Saturdays) and head to one of the closest state parks. We hike for about 2 to 3 hours, taking photos, talking the gamut of things. It's awesome. Next on the to do list is horse-back riding. Ever since childhood I wanted to learn how to ride a horse, and now I'm going to actually make an effort to do so. I'm sure the process may not come cheap, but this is definitely something I've always wanted to do. Perhaps this is inevitable as my name in Greek actually means "lover of horses." Sailing. I've got my

Once again, I'm the last one around. It's Sunday evening. People have gone home to prepare for another week. Me? My week has just begun. It never ended to be exact. What was that? Footsteps? A door shuts? Or is it just me? I look around, no one. Perhaps I am getting tired! But deep inside, there is a certain haughtiness that I am truly the last one around. There is a certain bonding with a place that begins to happen when you are the only one present. The silence shouts out to you. Suddenly, footsteps. They're real this time. Several chaps enter. The silence remains, but no longer am I the only one. We are all here. Such hard workers. The days are getting colder; winter is coming. It is time to go home.

This is good. Not the typical period film, but instilled with rock n roll coolness and lots of humour. I especially love watching the old ninja who can't hold his balance after jumping down the ceiling when his lord calls for him. 

The solution.

I was reading the Chinese newspaper today at Grace's Cafe and I came upon an interesting story. It goes like this. Famed scholar Ouyang Hsiu went to eat for dinner. Though famous, he certainly was not above the commons, but certainly he had eaten better, for the food at this particular restaurant was rather tasteless and bland. While finishing his meal, the owner of the restaurant was informed of the presence of such an eminent scholar, and not wanting to let such an opportunity pass itself, quickly ordered the calligraphy set (brush and all) to be brought out. The owner then with great reverence asked Ouyang but to leave a short scribble, for even that would be close to priceless. Ouyang thought for a moment, smiled, and wrote down the following poem: When finished, the owner of the restaurant shouted his praises, ordered the writing to be framed on the spot, and then proceeded to hang the work as a centerpiece for all to see. Weeks had gone by, and many had come to admire

I've been regularly reading Frank Wilczek's articles in Physics Today without ever realizing his important contributions to physics, that is until today: he won 1/3 of this year's Nobel Prize in Physics! He was one of the main contributors in the 70s to quantum chromodynamics, the theory that explains the strong force, that is interactions amongst the nucleons, or the particles that constitute the nucleus of atoms. QCD explains how quarks and gluons interact to keep matter together, without which, we would certainly not exist. Unfortunately, that's almost as much as I know about the theory, since it's high energy particle physics, which is very different from nanoscale low temperature physics...the stuff I do. Perhaps I'll take a distribution course in particle physics, so I can get a deeper physical understanding and mathematical framework for all this. I found his article in October's Physics Today to be quite profound, and in some sense, appropriat

THE GAME to get. Now if only I had a suitable computer to play the game with...hrm...I'll buy a new computer after I've accomplished several things at work/ school first. 

This is amazing! It's no wonder people complain they just don't make things like they used to.

Classic Site: Homestar Runner Everyone should know this site. By the way, I now have one of these . Way cool.

Oops. Here's the second photo, this one is Takeda Shingen, the Tiger of Kai. The previous one is Uesugi Kenshin, the Dragon of Echigo. 

Two Daimyo from the Warring States Era of Japan that I admire very much, Uesugi Kenshin and Takeda Shingen. They fought the famous battles at Kawanakajima, and the 4rth battle has been immortalized in all forms of media. The movie, "Heaven and Earth," is particularly good; it's one of my all time favourite movies ever! 

On Reuters 'Oddly Enough' page, which I read regularly, Sweden's Great Lake monster is now fair game ! Get out ye rifles and dynamite, we a monster killin go! Actually it was quite fun to read about these monster's from the deep: find out more about Sweden's no longer protected monster at http://www.storsjoodjuret.com/ . On the same note, here's stuff on Nellie , the famous Loch Ness menace! Also here's just a page on monsters ! It would be awesome if more concrete proof of these sea-creatures can be obtained. I don't doubt for a moment that there is something out there; after all, the ocean covers ~70% of the earth, and most of it unexplored to humans. It would be a dream for me to some day explore the sea, see its wonders, and feel the vibrancy of life, though vastly different from our own (as they can breathe under water and we cannot), that exists there. Perhaps we may locate a vast intelligence that has so far chosen to ignore ours. Mere specu

This is why I like the New York Times Editorials...this article (and this one ) about the recent RNC activities in NY. I agree with Mr. Krugman when he says it's scary what could happen if the Republican's control over this country tightens. I fear if the majority of this country chooses to let Bush remain in power, then it is a sure sign that the mighty U.S. is beginning to crumble. All empires must fall someday, and the higher they have risen, the harder the fall. Those who are truly patriotic must help to decelerate the inevitable, and eventually, lead the way to a new order. I will do what I can---vote!

If you're running very fast, say at or near the speed of light, can you see behind you? I am enjoying more and more my classes. I feel that the hard work I've put into physics so far is beginning to take some effect. Things are slowly coming together. All the branches are sort of becoming clearer, and I can see more precisely where the connections are. There's still a long way to go, and it doesn't look any easier, but, steady ho! In relation to physics, the department picnic was this Sunday. Our class was in charge of getting things together, bbq-ing the pounds of burgers and hot dogs (220!) we bought. It was a genuinely fun and good time. I personally enjoyed cooking; I was at the grill all day. Somehow I could feel the chef in me surface. I suppose I may have a potential career as a professional chef! Or at the least, I'm pretty good at bbq. The weather also looked kindly upon us. The downpour began the minute we all finished cleaning up and hopped into our

This is amazing. I saw this photo on chinatimes.com's photo section. The top three runners in the hundred meter men's race in the 2004 Olympics differed by just 0.01 sec! What do you think is the most prestigious competition at the Olympics? I personally think it's the 100 meter for running. The way I see it, running is something most everyone can do by virtue of their being human. Those of us who were born with the capability to walk can naturally quicken the pace to running. Even swimming is not necessarily as instinctive as running. The reason for 100 meters and not something longer has also to do with what I call "the capabilities of the norm." Long distance running requires years of training and preferably, one should be born with the right type of muscle. Not everyone can necessarily do long distance running. But everyone can certainly attempt to sprint 100 meters (whether we do it in less than 10 sec is another issue)! The results of this year's

Taiwan's baseball team at the Olympics is out. Done. No medals this time; at most 5th place. 4-3 loss to Japan in overtime. Aiiiiiii yaaah! Speaking of Taiwan, I read an article on Taiwanese efforts to obtain rights to post advertisements in NY starting on the 23rd with text stating 'Taiwan, ROC' and the following: 'UN Fair.' This is to advertise the fairness of the United Nations, especially to Taiwan, as well as to get the name of that island with 23 million people on it straight. I have sent mail to Taiwan, only to have it routed through half of China before reaching its destination. Something that definitely irks me is the recent and successful efforts by China to remove advertisements supporting Taiwan at the Olympics. I don't understand what this move achieves, other than to show what a bully China is. I also don't have much respect for organizations that cannot exercise the ideals of its charter in the face of extreme political pressure (further r

Get this, bear gets drunk on beer. Not only does he pass out, he makes a choice to get loaded on the good stuff, none of that "mass market" Busch crap! What a bear! 36 bottles! I just bought a TV . With that, I think I am ready for this .

I'm sure this is well known in the community, but I think it deserves mention, at least on my website (since it's so new, lots of stuff on here are bound to be a bit dated). This is an awesome website: Tokyo Plastic . These are the guys responsible for the drum machine, the cute little girls banging their heads on taiko drums.

I totally love flash movies. Just looking around online for them. A good place to start is The Flash Archive . Watching several of the movies, especially the ones using old nintendo/ pc games with really pixelated graphics led me to his is a pretty neat site: www.hazardlabs.com . Just seeing Megaman got me interested enough to spend some time at the site and read some of the comics. Some other interesting stuff I found tonight like missdynamite.com , which has an interactive plot since the viewer helps create the story by voting on what happens in the next episode. There's lots of creative stuff out there!

The Thinker at my Alma Mater, Columbia University. A new sculpture on campus. Columbia's mascot is a lion, and this sculpture was given as a gift in celebration of Columbia's 250th anniversary! It's quite a beautiful work of art. 

The Chapel at Duke University, my current academic institution. Mom has come to visit, so she is taking pictures of the campus. Duke is named after...Duke! Washington Duke, big on Tabako, gave land and $$ to make small liberal arts college Trinity into big conglomerate Duke. The campus really is quite pretty. The joke goes Duke wanted to give money to Princeton, but on condition they renamed it Duke. Well, they couldn't get Princeton, so they built one. But to be honest, Princeton does look prettier, but then to be honest, Princeton can't compare to Cambridge (in England). Next stop: Sarah P. Duke Gardens. Closed from Dusk till Dawn! I walked through the gardens twice every day my first year. Once in the morning to get to the department, once in the afternoon to go home. I like to think of this as my -o?C?1D. Well, it's not that special, cause it's more like a tourist attraction. But the fresh green air every morn was something.

Internet connection at home set up! Yo! I feel whole again. It's been painful these last few days without a solid, good, quick connection within waking's reach. Now I no longer need to spend hours at the office past midnight just so I can look up favourite websites, chat with family and friends, play online games, and sometimes do my research...I can do it all comfortably at home now! Yippee. Speaking of, I should be getting to the office. I don't get paid to wait at home for the cable guy to come install high speed online!

I love food! 

So I have joined.