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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