What the hell is happening with those planes? Another crash, yesterday?? Note to ITA: Let's look at a way that customers can purchase tickets based on aircraft type. Personally, I'd be looking at that option right about now.
You know, I used to really dislike flying. I guess I didn't really worry about flying when I was a kid (mom, is that true? Was your boy always a brave little trooper?), but for some reason that all changed when I grew up (whatever growing up I've done). Maybe it was because I didn't do so well in college physics and as a result, I didn't truly trust the concepts of "lift" and "aerodynamics"? I'd like to blame the public education system for not properly preparing me, but let's face it: I was just lazy.
Anyway, I remember my first flight as an adult, back when I was working for Lucent (those were the days!). I was flying from Manchester, NH to Detroit. It had been several years since I'd last flown, and I admit to being a little bit nervous on the ride to the airport. Nothing major. Sitting in the terminal saw a marked increase in nerves, though. By the time I boarded the plane, I was having serious misgivings about this trip. It actually got to the point where I was about ready to stand up and walk off the plane, but lucky for me, the door thumped close right beforehand. I managed to maintain my dignity and didn't freak out in front of everyone.
I think the scariest thing about flying, for me, is the total lack of control and lack of any meaningful information. Slight turbulance? Panic! The initial deceleration on approach? Panic. The plane banking into a turn? Panic. Those first few flights were not fun for me. And don't even get me started about those horrible landings, with the plane shifting side to side, and bouncing up and down. Why, if I wasn't flying first class all the time, with free wine, I don't know how I would have gotten through.
But that's all in the past. I'm fine with flying now. Of course, before my flight to Japan a few years ago, I was really wondering how I'd handle a 14 (or 17?) hour flight. I survived. The only problem now (aside from bad turbulance. I'll never enjoy that) is that I get incredibly bored and fidgety on planes. I just don't want to sit there for so long. But the actual flying is no problem anymore.
Of course, after reading about a string of Airbus... incidents? maybe flying will be just a tad more worrisome. On the other hand, it's totally out of my control, so why worry? It's not like I can just not come home. I mean, it's way to hot over here for me to stay. Too bad about that.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Please, No More People Trying to Avoid Taxes
Seriously, the lengths people will go through to avoid giving anything back to society is really amazing. I'm not naive. I've known for a long time that people can be totally self-interested and blind to any possible chance that maybe they're the beneficiary of not simply their own Herculean efforts and superior intellect, but perhaps also the efforts of anyone else in the world. But time and again I'm reading about how unfair it is that people have to pay these crushing taxes, which serve only to deny these paragons of hard work their rightful due. It's their money! How dare the government, which provides them absolutely no services or benefits of any kind, STEAL their property!
The issue is always framed the same way. It's never about trying to find a responsible way that these people can contribute to society. It's always about how they're so virtuously providing jobs for everyone else, and working so much harder for everyone else.
I just want to sit down in talk to some of these people and ask them a few questions. Specifically, I want to know why they think that the rest of us should ensure that their investments are legit, and that the companies they're investing in aren't just ripping them off (not that that would ever happen). Or why the rest of us should help pay for basic medical or scientific research which will inevitably lead to some breakthrough that will save their lives. Or why the rest of us should ensure there are police so that the rich are able to walk down the street without some thug taking his wallet? Or why the rest of us should pay to maintain roads, which benefit them in innumerable ways?
Basically, I just want to ask these assholes why they feel entitled to reap all of the benefits of our society while doing their darndest to avoid contributing to the costs in any way? If they spent as much money and effort trying to help things as they do trying to avoid pitching in with their goddamned share instead of whining, I'd be amazed. And honestly, thankful. Wouldn't that be worth it, rich people? Wouldn't it be worth paying just a few dollars to help out society, if it got you a "thank you" from me? I bet it would.
Please, I really don't want to read any more "articles" (in quotes because half the time, it's written by some barely literate blogger pumping some scam) about peoples' efforts to avoid paying ANY taxes. Luckily, tomorrow's my last day so I should be ok. Thank god.
The issue is always framed the same way. It's never about trying to find a responsible way that these people can contribute to society. It's always about how they're so virtuously providing jobs for everyone else, and working so much harder for everyone else.
I just want to sit down in talk to some of these people and ask them a few questions. Specifically, I want to know why they think that the rest of us should ensure that their investments are legit, and that the companies they're investing in aren't just ripping them off (not that that would ever happen). Or why the rest of us should help pay for basic medical or scientific research which will inevitably lead to some breakthrough that will save their lives. Or why the rest of us should ensure there are police so that the rich are able to walk down the street without some thug taking his wallet? Or why the rest of us should pay to maintain roads, which benefit them in innumerable ways?
Basically, I just want to ask these assholes why they feel entitled to reap all of the benefits of our society while doing their darndest to avoid contributing to the costs in any way? If they spent as much money and effort trying to help things as they do trying to avoid pitching in with their goddamned share instead of whining, I'd be amazed. And honestly, thankful. Wouldn't that be worth it, rich people? Wouldn't it be worth paying just a few dollars to help out society, if it got you a "thank you" from me? I bet it would.
Please, I really don't want to read any more "articles" (in quotes because half the time, it's written by some barely literate blogger pumping some scam) about peoples' efforts to avoid paying ANY taxes. Luckily, tomorrow's my last day so I should be ok. Thank god.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Transformers Review
As always (i.e., the one other time I reviewed a movie), I'll try to limit the spoilers, but no promises.
First off, let me say that in spite of all the negative (NEGATIVE!) reviews, I actually thought this movie wasn't too bad. I mean, what were those reviewers expecting? In my opinion, the only way a person should be disappointed by this movie is if it didn't have enough explosions. And it did, so mission accomplished Mr. Bay!
Now, to the review.
Pro's:
Megan Fox. I noticed they covered her tattoos. I guess they didn't poll well? Anyway, she's not the worst actress in the world. It's good to see a beautiful woman being given a chance in a movie. So many times, beautiful women are forced to stay out of the limelight, almost shunned by society. I was glad they gave her the chance to say "Here I am, and I'm not ashamed of my looks". Good for you Ms. Fox!
A lot of action. I feel that they could have cut about 95% of the dialogue and the plot would have moved along just fine. Especially all of those little one liners from the military guys. Now, I'm not anti-military at all. I appreciate their sacrifices. It's just that in this context, they should really stick to their strenght, which is shooting things. Of course, the parachute scene in the transport jet was quite well done. Probably reckless endangerment, but cool, nonetheless. I know Michael Bay is criticized for so much camera motion, which is probably fair. But it could have been worse.
Ah... I guess there's not really anything else for this category. I mean, this is the Transformers movie we're talking about here.
Cons:
Dialogue (as mentioned). As anyone who's seen the movie can attest, the dialogue was horrible. Especially the strained romance scenes. Actually, I though the mother and father were probably the best. Sure, they were total caricatures of parents, but I kind of enjoyed them.
It was a little long. Of course, this could have been addressed by removing some (most?) dialogue, though that would only save a bit of time. I did find myself glancing at my watch now and again.
Typical movie plot holes (e.g., why do the Decepticons seem so inept in almost everything?). But actually, for this movie, the subject matter is so far out there, I don't even worry about these things. It's just about looking nice, so what's the point of caring? So, this one didn't really negatively impact the experience for me.
Uh, maybe not enough Megan Fox?
All in all, I thought it was a fun movie, and frankly, I'm surprised that the critics panned it so. Again, I have no idea what they were expecting. It's Transformers, for god's sake! Let's keep everything in perspective here. Well, I guess there's probably some sort of credibility issue involved there. If a critic actually admitted that maybe, just maybe, this movie isn't supposed to be "theater", and just something fun to watch, so maybe it's ok, that critic would probably be shunned from (in? by?) polite company. Or not. What do I know?
First off, let me say that in spite of all the negative (NEGATIVE!) reviews, I actually thought this movie wasn't too bad. I mean, what were those reviewers expecting? In my opinion, the only way a person should be disappointed by this movie is if it didn't have enough explosions. And it did, so mission accomplished Mr. Bay!
Now, to the review.
Pro's:
Megan Fox. I noticed they covered her tattoos. I guess they didn't poll well? Anyway, she's not the worst actress in the world. It's good to see a beautiful woman being given a chance in a movie. So many times, beautiful women are forced to stay out of the limelight, almost shunned by society. I was glad they gave her the chance to say "Here I am, and I'm not ashamed of my looks". Good for you Ms. Fox!
A lot of action. I feel that they could have cut about 95% of the dialogue and the plot would have moved along just fine. Especially all of those little one liners from the military guys. Now, I'm not anti-military at all. I appreciate their sacrifices. It's just that in this context, they should really stick to their strenght, which is shooting things. Of course, the parachute scene in the transport jet was quite well done. Probably reckless endangerment, but cool, nonetheless. I know Michael Bay is criticized for so much camera motion, which is probably fair. But it could have been worse.
Ah... I guess there's not really anything else for this category. I mean, this is the Transformers movie we're talking about here.
Cons:
Dialogue (as mentioned). As anyone who's seen the movie can attest, the dialogue was horrible. Especially the strained romance scenes. Actually, I though the mother and father were probably the best. Sure, they were total caricatures of parents, but I kind of enjoyed them.
It was a little long. Of course, this could have been addressed by removing some (most?) dialogue, though that would only save a bit of time. I did find myself glancing at my watch now and again.
Typical movie plot holes (e.g., why do the Decepticons seem so inept in almost everything?). But actually, for this movie, the subject matter is so far out there, I don't even worry about these things. It's just about looking nice, so what's the point of caring? So, this one didn't really negatively impact the experience for me.
Uh, maybe not enough Megan Fox?
All in all, I thought it was a fun movie, and frankly, I'm surprised that the critics panned it so. Again, I have no idea what they were expecting. It's Transformers, for god's sake! Let's keep everything in perspective here. Well, I guess there's probably some sort of credibility issue involved there. If a critic actually admitted that maybe, just maybe, this movie isn't supposed to be "theater", and just something fun to watch, so maybe it's ok, that critic would probably be shunned from (in? by?) polite company. Or not. What do I know?
Friday, June 26, 2009
That Was Informative
Today I had the pleasure of joining a bunch of workmates for lunch. We went to this crowded, noisy, local restaurant. Very Chinese. They didn't even have any English menus. So you know it's authentic (I imagine. How could I tell? The menus are in Chinese. These are the jokes, people.)
Lunch was fantastic. Obviously, I had no voice in ordering, but I trusted my compatriots to get good food. Just no intestine, please. I've been told several times that it's great, but I'm not sure I can do it. We'll see, though. But I'm not responsible if I hurl all over the table. If that ruins everyone's meal, I'm not taking the heat!
As I said, lunch was fantastic. And I like to think that I impressed everyone with my chopstick-fu. Of course, Dennis (whom, incidentally, was wearing a shirt almost identical to my own. And come to think of it, the pants were similar, too. Thank god we had different ties on or else everyone would have been speaking to me in Chinese, as it'd be like we're twins!) had to show off an take double the amount of noodle that I took, but that's ok. he practiced with marbles as a kid. Really, that's how he was taught to use chopsticks. I thought it would be enough to just, you know, eat with them. But apparrently I'm not a set of Chinese parents. Who am I to judge?
The thing that really had an impact on me, though, was that everyone at the table was just casually speaking Chinese. As we would expect they would. This was the first time I've ever really been in a group of folks and been totally unable to follow the conversation. And honestly, that was kind of something I was looking forward to on my trip. Back home, it's never the case that everyone else is speaking a totally foreign language, so I'm always able to follow along. I may not be interested in anything that's being said, but I can at least follow. This experience was great because it's such a different perspective.
So, now I know what all of my Chinese / Japanese friends are going through when we're in a group, and everyone is speaking English at full speed, using all of our idioms and quirky Boston phrases. I've always tried to be aware of that, but I'm very happy that I've been able to experience it from the other side. At one point, Dennis turned to me and asked how it was for me, with everyone speaking Chinese. I told him it was quite an experience.
It's one thing to be sitting in a restaurant by myself, while everyone around me speaks Chinese. But being in a group, yet not really a part of it in some way is pretty interesting. Hopefully, this will just help me be more understanding of my Chinese and Japanese friends, and maybe Ill show a little more consideration. Who am I kidding? Is it even possible for me to be more considerate? And if you want to hear someone speak fast, talk to my brother Mark. Jesus, does he go.
Lunch was fantastic. Obviously, I had no voice in ordering, but I trusted my compatriots to get good food. Just no intestine, please. I've been told several times that it's great, but I'm not sure I can do it. We'll see, though. But I'm not responsible if I hurl all over the table. If that ruins everyone's meal, I'm not taking the heat!
As I said, lunch was fantastic. And I like to think that I impressed everyone with my chopstick-fu. Of course, Dennis (whom, incidentally, was wearing a shirt almost identical to my own. And come to think of it, the pants were similar, too. Thank god we had different ties on or else everyone would have been speaking to me in Chinese, as it'd be like we're twins!) had to show off an take double the amount of noodle that I took, but that's ok. he practiced with marbles as a kid. Really, that's how he was taught to use chopsticks. I thought it would be enough to just, you know, eat with them. But apparrently I'm not a set of Chinese parents. Who am I to judge?
The thing that really had an impact on me, though, was that everyone at the table was just casually speaking Chinese. As we would expect they would. This was the first time I've ever really been in a group of folks and been totally unable to follow the conversation. And honestly, that was kind of something I was looking forward to on my trip. Back home, it's never the case that everyone else is speaking a totally foreign language, so I'm always able to follow along. I may not be interested in anything that's being said, but I can at least follow. This experience was great because it's such a different perspective.
So, now I know what all of my Chinese / Japanese friends are going through when we're in a group, and everyone is speaking English at full speed, using all of our idioms and quirky Boston phrases. I've always tried to be aware of that, but I'm very happy that I've been able to experience it from the other side. At one point, Dennis turned to me and asked how it was for me, with everyone speaking Chinese. I told him it was quite an experience.
It's one thing to be sitting in a restaurant by myself, while everyone around me speaks Chinese. But being in a group, yet not really a part of it in some way is pretty interesting. Hopefully, this will just help me be more understanding of my Chinese and Japanese friends, and maybe Ill show a little more consideration. Who am I kidding? Is it even possible for me to be more considerate? And if you want to hear someone speak fast, talk to my brother Mark. Jesus, does he go.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
One Of My Favorite Places
is, surprisingly, a chain of bakeries here called Maxim's. It's not that the food is particularly special, because it isn't. Maybe it's kind of comfort food? I usually get a "sausage bun" which is basically a hot dog backed into a bun, or the sweat bun, which not exactly what I expected. It's only sweet on top. But it's so good. I don't think the food is great, but I do love it. Weird.
Anyway, they're all over the place in Hong Kong. Very popular. I have to admit, I hit the one in the building at work at least once, usually twice, a day. A snack when I go in, and then something for the walk home. Yes, I have no self-control.
I was talking about this place with a friend of mine last week. After I told him I loved it, he said "you really like that all the girls are pretty, right?" Yes, I admit that I do. But I really love the food! It's good stuff.
Anyway, they're all over the place in Hong Kong. Very popular. I have to admit, I hit the one in the building at work at least once, usually twice, a day. A snack when I go in, and then something for the walk home. Yes, I have no self-control.
I was talking about this place with a friend of mine last week. After I told him I loved it, he said "you really like that all the girls are pretty, right?" Yes, I admit that I do. But I really love the food! It's good stuff.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
It's So Cheap!
One of the best things here in Hong Kong (maybe THE best thing) is that food is really, really cheap. But the quality can be really, really great! Same goes for the clothes (though I really have no idea as to the quality. What do I know? I just wear it and look good. Real good. Hello, ladies.)
Last night I had the pleasure of hanging out with new friend from work, Dennis, and his friend Iris. I actually asked Dennis where I could pick up some new shirts (he's a dapper one) and he said he'd ask his friend who makes his "fashion" decisions for him. Evidently, that person is Iris.
In my quest for new clothes, we went to some place called G2000, and it's as swanky as you'd think. A little trendy, but hey, so aren't I. Right? Right?! I ended up buying a couple of dress shirts (have I mentioned that I wear a tie to work?) as well as a new pair of dress pants. I have people working on those now because evidently, people her are extremely tall and thin. I don't get it. How can a size 33 waste (I'm a tubby now) have legs that are like a 40? You know, this just reinforces gender stereotypes that say that men have to be tall and thin. How am I supposed to live up to that? I'm just as god made me, sir (anyone know what movie that line is form?) Anyway, they're working on the pants (for free!) and I'm gonna pick them up later this week.
Oh, we all had a laugh because I'm buying these new clothes, but my internship ends this week. But before I came here, I said I'd buy some new clothes, and buy them I did. It's good to accomplish one's goals.
Anyway, back to the food. After a little shopping, Dennis and Iris took me to this awesome Shanghai-ese / Chinese restaurant. This place is located in a fancy mall (there's ton's of malls here. Which is good because they're huge, and you can get around large swaths of town while staying in the a/c), and we were seated at the window overlooking the harbour (look at me, I'm British!). Beautiful view, with the lights across the bay (that'd be Kowloon). The plates were small portions (similar to tapas), and we ordered about 5 or 6. Spicey noodles, dumplings, prawns, hot pot. SO GOOD.
The restaurant had a simple, modern ambiance, great for hanging out and talking (we were there for like 3 hours). And that beautiful view. It would have been so lacking had we been seated across the way, near the kitchesn, or anywhere out of sight of the harbour.
The price? HK$317! Divide that by 7.8 (as we're all aware of the Hong Kong dollar to US dollar rate) and that's only $40.64! Total! That's like $13 a piece! How awesome is that??
Really, some of these restaurants here are such great deals. The food is amazing. The ambiance is great. And the prices are so cheap. Amazing.
Last night I had the pleasure of hanging out with new friend from work, Dennis, and his friend Iris. I actually asked Dennis where I could pick up some new shirts (he's a dapper one) and he said he'd ask his friend who makes his "fashion" decisions for him. Evidently, that person is Iris.
In my quest for new clothes, we went to some place called G2000, and it's as swanky as you'd think. A little trendy, but hey, so aren't I. Right? Right?! I ended up buying a couple of dress shirts (have I mentioned that I wear a tie to work?) as well as a new pair of dress pants. I have people working on those now because evidently, people her are extremely tall and thin. I don't get it. How can a size 33 waste (I'm a tubby now) have legs that are like a 40? You know, this just reinforces gender stereotypes that say that men have to be tall and thin. How am I supposed to live up to that? I'm just as god made me, sir (anyone know what movie that line is form?) Anyway, they're working on the pants (for free!) and I'm gonna pick them up later this week.
Oh, we all had a laugh because I'm buying these new clothes, but my internship ends this week. But before I came here, I said I'd buy some new clothes, and buy them I did. It's good to accomplish one's goals.
Anyway, back to the food. After a little shopping, Dennis and Iris took me to this awesome Shanghai-ese / Chinese restaurant. This place is located in a fancy mall (there's ton's of malls here. Which is good because they're huge, and you can get around large swaths of town while staying in the a/c), and we were seated at the window overlooking the harbour (look at me, I'm British!). Beautiful view, with the lights across the bay (that'd be Kowloon). The plates were small portions (similar to tapas), and we ordered about 5 or 6. Spicey noodles, dumplings, prawns, hot pot. SO GOOD.
The restaurant had a simple, modern ambiance, great for hanging out and talking (we were there for like 3 hours). And that beautiful view. It would have been so lacking had we been seated across the way, near the kitchesn, or anywhere out of sight of the harbour.
The price? HK$317! Divide that by 7.8 (as we're all aware of the Hong Kong dollar to US dollar rate) and that's only $40.64! Total! That's like $13 a piece! How awesome is that??
Really, some of these restaurants here are such great deals. The food is amazing. The ambiance is great. And the prices are so cheap. Amazing.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Odd...
You know, any time I try to watch a youtube clip about politics (e.g., a Sunday talk show) I get an error. This seems weird because if I'm watching other youtubes (maybe a live concert or some such. Nothing bad. Hey, it's youtube, so how bad could it be?) things usually work fine.
I don't want to go all conspiracy theory here, but is this some sort of systematic thing? I've done absolutely no research on this, and I have no idea what's up. But it just seems odd that I'm always blocked from political clips.
Which sucks because I actually do like to follow politics. Oh well. At least I can still watch Dweezil Zappa clips (don't ask. I had a song stuck in my head.)
I don't want to go all conspiracy theory here, but is this some sort of systematic thing? I've done absolutely no research on this, and I have no idea what's up. But it just seems odd that I'm always blocked from political clips.
Which sucks because I actually do like to follow politics. Oh well. At least I can still watch Dweezil Zappa clips (don't ask. I had a song stuck in my head.)
Hong Kong Park
Today I visited the Hong Kong Park. It's not particularly big, but it is beautiful.
Just a note: As in all places, young newlyweds visit the local park to take pictures. No different here, except for the hellish heat and drenching humidity. I saw a couple of couples out there today. It did not look fun for anybody. I guess the brides looked ok, but those poor guys in their black tuxes.
Anyway, on with the slide show (not really, but I like how that sounds.)
This building isn't really in the garden, but it's next door and it's pretty awesome.
Turns out you're not supposed to swim here. Well excuse me! I'm sorry was hot!
And, from a different angle. It's like I'm a doctor taking x-rays, isn't it?
At first I thought, "maybe I should wait for that cleaning lady to get out of the shot?" Then I realized that she's a person too, and why shouldn't she be in the shot? And then I realized I was so hot that I really didn't care who or what was in the shot (but she's still a person).
Huh, I guess that last blurb was kind of meaningless, huh?
This is a little Olympic... uh, monument? ... in the park. It's cute. It's a mini coliseum.
This is a shoreline they have at the edge of the pond. It's cute, too.
It's kind of like a turtle mexican standoff. Everyone was standing really still, waiting for the other guy to move. No one did. Cowards.
This was kind of nice. I was hoping it'd be a little cooler underneath (there's a path). It really wasn't.
Everyone's always walking away from me! Except that cleaning lady above. She's not ashamed to be my friend.
Just a note: As in all places, young newlyweds visit the local park to take pictures. No different here, except for the hellish heat and drenching humidity. I saw a couple of couples out there today. It did not look fun for anybody. I guess the brides looked ok, but those poor guys in their black tuxes.
Anyway, on with the slide show (not really, but I like how that sounds.)
This building isn't really in the garden, but it's next door and it's pretty awesome.
 |
| From What I did on my summer vacation |
Turns out you're not supposed to swim here. Well excuse me! I'm sorry was hot!
 |
| From What I did on my summer vacation |
And, from a different angle. It's like I'm a doctor taking x-rays, isn't it?
 |
| From What I did on my summer vacation |
At first I thought, "maybe I should wait for that cleaning lady to get out of the shot?" Then I realized that she's a person too, and why shouldn't she be in the shot? And then I realized I was so hot that I really didn't care who or what was in the shot (but she's still a person).
 |
| From What I did on my summer vacation |
Huh, I guess that last blurb was kind of meaningless, huh?
 |
| From What I did on my summer vacation |
This is a little Olympic... uh, monument? ... in the park. It's cute. It's a mini coliseum.
 |
| From What I did on my summer vacation |
This is a shoreline they have at the edge of the pond. It's cute, too.
 |
| From What I did on my summer vacation |
It's kind of like a turtle mexican standoff. Everyone was standing really still, waiting for the other guy to move. No one did. Cowards.
 |
| From What I did on my summer vacation |
This was kind of nice. I was hoping it'd be a little cooler underneath (there's a path). It really wasn't.
 |
| From What I did on my summer vacation |
Everyone's always walking away from me! Except that cleaning lady above. She's not ashamed to be my friend.
 |
| From What I did on my summer vacation |
No One In the World Knows the Suffering I'm Going Through
except, maybe, the other 10 million people here in Hong Kong. Seriously, it is so frigging hot and humid it's unreal. 90 degrees, feels like 99? Feels like at least 102 to me.
Just standing in the escalator (see earlier post about the way cool escalator running up part of the island) it's like being in a sauna. And you know what? That'd be ok if I was allowed to wander Hong Kong wearing only a towel. But I don't think anyone would appreciate that. And I'm shy.
I think Hong Kong must be really wonderful (temperature wise) in the winter, when it's more comfortable. The summer? Brutal. And no one knows the suffering I'm going through!
Just standing in the escalator (see earlier post about the way cool escalator running up part of the island) it's like being in a sauna. And you know what? That'd be ok if I was allowed to wander Hong Kong wearing only a towel. But I don't think anyone would appreciate that. And I'm shy.
I think Hong Kong must be really wonderful (temperature wise) in the winter, when it's more comfortable. The summer? Brutal. And no one knows the suffering I'm going through!
Friday, June 19, 2009
She Said I Speak "Good Chinese" (her words, not mine)
I was in a little shop today. It doesn't matter which one. The little old lady spoke barely any English, but since this is Hong Kong, I can't really hold that against her.
After I made my purchase she handed me the bag, and after a moment's thought, I said "m'goy" (or something similar). She said "you speak good Chinese".
It's almost like I'm a local...
After I made my purchase she handed me the bag, and after a moment's thought, I said "m'goy" (or something similar). She said "you speak good Chinese".
It's almost like I'm a local...
That Was Pretty Ghetto
but at the same time, awesome.
Just went to dinner with my friend Lin. He's a student at Hong Kong U, and been here about a year and a half. He knows a few places, and when deciding where to go tonight, I said I wanted something authentic. We're in Central Hong Kong, which is kind of a pricey area. Because of that, there are a lot of over-priced bars/restaurants populated with drunken ex-pats. Not exactly my scene.
We went to a place, like an open market, which during the day is a food market and at night, is a bunch of places serving food. It's pretty low-tech there, but evidently authentic.
This place was grimey, smoke-filled and loud. There were some less than savory characters around. Pretty awesome.
Thanks, Lin, for a great authentic experience.
Oh, at one point a police wagon (paddy wagon, we call them at home) rolled up and everyone started yelling, and pushing some guy forward. I think they were joking that he was wanted by the cops. But yeah, pretty awesome. I managed to make it out of there with my watch and wallet, though, so it's all good.
Just went to dinner with my friend Lin. He's a student at Hong Kong U, and been here about a year and a half. He knows a few places, and when deciding where to go tonight, I said I wanted something authentic. We're in Central Hong Kong, which is kind of a pricey area. Because of that, there are a lot of over-priced bars/restaurants populated with drunken ex-pats. Not exactly my scene.
We went to a place, like an open market, which during the day is a food market and at night, is a bunch of places serving food. It's pretty low-tech there, but evidently authentic.
This place was grimey, smoke-filled and loud. There were some less than savory characters around. Pretty awesome.
Thanks, Lin, for a great authentic experience.
Oh, at one point a police wagon (paddy wagon, we call them at home) rolled up and everyone started yelling, and pushing some guy forward. I think they were joking that he was wanted by the cops. But yeah, pretty awesome. I managed to make it out of there with my watch and wallet, though, so it's all good.
Shanghai-ese Food is Good
Today was intern-Catherine's last day (boo), and to celebrate, us interns had lunch at a very night Shanghai-ese restaurant. It was so good. Dumplings, and some sort of short ribs, and some fried rice with shrimp. It was all so good.
The food has been pretty good here in Hong Kong, but nothing super great. I mean, there's only so much noodles / soup I can eat (I won't even mention getting sick. Dammit, I just mentioned it!). Today's lunch was fantastic.
It was a little pricey, though, so not a place I'd go on a regular basis. But it was a great choice today.
Yay, Shanghai-ese food!
The food has been pretty good here in Hong Kong, but nothing super great. I mean, there's only so much noodles / soup I can eat (I won't even mention getting sick. Dammit, I just mentioned it!). Today's lunch was fantastic.
It was a little pricey, though, so not a place I'd go on a regular basis. But it was a great choice today.
Yay, Shanghai-ese food!
Why Pay for LexisNexis?
This is kind of an inside topic here, but is it really necessary for people to pay for Lexis (or Westlaw, for that matter)?
To explain to the rabble, Lexis and Westlaw are research services, which give access to pretty much any printed information. They allow you to search any legal matter, as well as pretty much all newspapers and journals. Quite powerful. But the thing is, many (most?) jurisdictions are at least getting their information online. And that means that you can search.
I haven't seen Lexis in this firm. Nor have I seen Westlaw. It's all Google and the applicable jurisdiction's site (e.g., the Hong Kong government has their laws and cases online and searchable). If you need to know a particular Hong Kong Ordinance, you log on and search. Similarly for cases.
I know Lexis and Westlaw are super powerful, but they're just not quite as valuable as they once were. After all, if all this information is free, why pay the huge costs for those services? Aggregation aside, of course.
To explain to the rabble, Lexis and Westlaw are research services, which give access to pretty much any printed information. They allow you to search any legal matter, as well as pretty much all newspapers and journals. Quite powerful. But the thing is, many (most?) jurisdictions are at least getting their information online. And that means that you can search.
I haven't seen Lexis in this firm. Nor have I seen Westlaw. It's all Google and the applicable jurisdiction's site (e.g., the Hong Kong government has their laws and cases online and searchable). If you need to know a particular Hong Kong Ordinance, you log on and search. Similarly for cases.
I know Lexis and Westlaw are super powerful, but they're just not quite as valuable as they once were. After all, if all this information is free, why pay the huge costs for those services? Aggregation aside, of course.
The Lighter Side of Working At a Law Firm
This might sound kind of weird, but one of the things I kind of like about this is reading the case files. It's like reading a novel. Now, usually these stories don't have happy endings, and it's not that I enjoy the fact that these folks are going through tough times. It's just that it's kind of interesting to see how things play out.
Reading divorce cases is probably the most interesting. You really see the underside of humanity here, because so often people act like such bastards. Some of the vindictive and mean things people do are pretty crazy. And reading the case files, which usually include emails from each party, let's you experience the crazy as it builds up, and as each side reacts to the other.
The worst part about reading these cases is that you can just imagine the poor children involved. Like kids who are forced to jet from the UK (that's in England, right?) to Hong Kong for 4 weeks in the summer, and then again in the fall. Those poor kids spending all that time in a jet/airports. How miserable must these kids be? Always bopping around meeting mom or dad. And the emails make it pretty clear that the parents bad-mouth each other in front of the kids. So now the kids getting these horror stories of the other parent. I imagine kids are pretty resilient, and they probably see through this stuff to a point, but it obviously has an impact. It's quite sad.
Then there are the personal injury cases (PI cases, as we say in the biz. Hey, that $100k I'm spending is coming in handy, huh?). Frankly, these don't bother me as much, unless there's cutting involved. I don't like to read about knife injuries. You see, I cook a lot and that could be me. Dear God, please don't let that be me. But aside from the knife-related cases, they're not too bad. Though I sympathize with the victims in these cases, I don't really feel as much of a visceral reaction as I do when reading about some poor kids being jerked around by their parents. For the PI cases, I guess I concentrate more on the sequence of events, and what I'd stress or downplay (depending on what side I'm on) if I was arguing the case. So it's more of an intellectual exercise there.
Hm, what else? Oh yeah. Never read an opinion from the British House of Lords (should I capitalize that? Didn't we fight a war to shuck the yoke of their tyranny?) Oh my God are they long-winded. They go on and on and on. And they're so pretentious. But what would I expect? They're noble and better than the rest of us. Why didn't I choose to be born to nobility? (yeah, I know they're appointed now, but remember: yoke of tyranny.) Anyway, those opinions are so looong.
But, I did read the coolest case today. It was KK Downing, founding member of Judas Priest fighting his now ex (I'm assuming) girlfriend, who claimed half of his estate. The particulars aren't important. What is important is that I read a court case about a guy in Judas Priest. I think he won. It doesn't really matter.
So, it's kind of up and down. Some of the work is more taxing, some less. Some is more fun, some less. Do I really want to be a lawyer? I don't know. I do know that I'd like to get paid for what I'm doing. I'm sure that would sway my opinion, at least a bit.
Reading divorce cases is probably the most interesting. You really see the underside of humanity here, because so often people act like such bastards. Some of the vindictive and mean things people do are pretty crazy. And reading the case files, which usually include emails from each party, let's you experience the crazy as it builds up, and as each side reacts to the other.
The worst part about reading these cases is that you can just imagine the poor children involved. Like kids who are forced to jet from the UK (that's in England, right?) to Hong Kong for 4 weeks in the summer, and then again in the fall. Those poor kids spending all that time in a jet/airports. How miserable must these kids be? Always bopping around meeting mom or dad. And the emails make it pretty clear that the parents bad-mouth each other in front of the kids. So now the kids getting these horror stories of the other parent. I imagine kids are pretty resilient, and they probably see through this stuff to a point, but it obviously has an impact. It's quite sad.
Then there are the personal injury cases (PI cases, as we say in the biz. Hey, that $100k I'm spending is coming in handy, huh?). Frankly, these don't bother me as much, unless there's cutting involved. I don't like to read about knife injuries. You see, I cook a lot and that could be me. Dear God, please don't let that be me. But aside from the knife-related cases, they're not too bad. Though I sympathize with the victims in these cases, I don't really feel as much of a visceral reaction as I do when reading about some poor kids being jerked around by their parents. For the PI cases, I guess I concentrate more on the sequence of events, and what I'd stress or downplay (depending on what side I'm on) if I was arguing the case. So it's more of an intellectual exercise there.
Hm, what else? Oh yeah. Never read an opinion from the British House of Lords (should I capitalize that? Didn't we fight a war to shuck the yoke of their tyranny?) Oh my God are they long-winded. They go on and on and on. And they're so pretentious. But what would I expect? They're noble and better than the rest of us. Why didn't I choose to be born to nobility? (yeah, I know they're appointed now, but remember: yoke of tyranny.) Anyway, those opinions are so looong.
But, I did read the coolest case today. It was KK Downing, founding member of Judas Priest fighting his now ex (I'm assuming) girlfriend, who claimed half of his estate. The particulars aren't important. What is important is that I read a court case about a guy in Judas Priest. I think he won. It doesn't really matter.
So, it's kind of up and down. Some of the work is more taxing, some less. Some is more fun, some less. Do I really want to be a lawyer? I don't know. I do know that I'd like to get paid for what I'm doing. I'm sure that would sway my opinion, at least a bit.
In Which I, Surprisingly, Defend Law School Professors
Well, maybe not defend, per se. But at least in law school they tell you exactly what they want. "I want you to research IIED, and pass in a research trail next week" (yeah, IIED. All the cool kid law students know what that means... What does that make you? Answer: smart enough to not enroll in law school. Congratulations.) My point is: when they give you an assignment, they pretty much give you alll of the relevant information. That's good because you kind of know what angle to take, and how the research should go. That's very useful.
Now let me describe a conversation I had with the principal partner yesterday (see how I insinuate how important I am? I'm not just dealing with any lawyer, I'm dealing with the principal partner. Look at me, Ma!).
Her: I want you to research which commonwealth (capital 'C'?) jurisdictions recognize same sex common-law partnerships
Me a while later: Here you go. It looks like New Zealand and Australia are the most progressive, with Canada following.
Her: Well, what about property division? They're splitting up.
Me: Oh, I guess I can go look that up.
Me a while later: Ok, it looks like blah blah blah...
Her: Well, what about child support? One partner has 2 kids.
Me: Huh. Ok, that's another piece of the puzzle. I'll check it out.
Me a while later: Well, it looks like blah blah blah...
Her: Well, the kids are actually her grandkids, so does that make a difference?
Me: Huh. Well. Is there anything else?
Her: Yeah, they're almost at 2 years. I'm pretty sure there's a time limit for dividing property and such.
Me: Ok (walk out).
Me a while later: It looks like our client is going to be paying a lot of money for a while.
It's just that all of this information would have been really relevant this morning (yesterday morning, actually, since that's when I started). But like a good TV show, each piece had to fall into place at just the right time. I could almost hear the mood music when she was about to give me another piece of info.
Oh well. I guess this is what life is like when you're wearing a tie. Yeah, I wear a tie to work becuase I like to look professional. AND I DON'T EVEN HAVE TO. What's wrong with me?
Now let me describe a conversation I had with the principal partner yesterday (see how I insinuate how important I am? I'm not just dealing with any lawyer, I'm dealing with the principal partner. Look at me, Ma!).
Her: I want you to research which commonwealth (capital 'C'?) jurisdictions recognize same sex common-law partnerships
Me a while later: Here you go. It looks like New Zealand and Australia are the most progressive, with Canada following.
Her: Well, what about property division? They're splitting up.
Me: Oh, I guess I can go look that up.
Me a while later: Ok, it looks like blah blah blah...
Her: Well, what about child support? One partner has 2 kids.
Me: Huh. Ok, that's another piece of the puzzle. I'll check it out.
Me a while later: Well, it looks like blah blah blah...
Her: Well, the kids are actually her grandkids, so does that make a difference?
Me: Huh. Well. Is there anything else?
Her: Yeah, they're almost at 2 years. I'm pretty sure there's a time limit for dividing property and such.
Me: Ok (walk out).
Me a while later: It looks like our client is going to be paying a lot of money for a while.
It's just that all of this information would have been really relevant this morning (yesterday morning, actually, since that's when I started). But like a good TV show, each piece had to fall into place at just the right time. I could almost hear the mood music when she was about to give me another piece of info.
Oh well. I guess this is what life is like when you're wearing a tie. Yeah, I wear a tie to work becuase I like to look professional. AND I DON'T EVEN HAVE TO. What's wrong with me?
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
The Most Depressing Letter I've Ever Written
Without disclosing any details, my latest substantive assignment was a little depressing. For a couple of reasons.
I was assigned the task of writing to a deceased's parents, in another country, because they have an interest in the deceased's estate, and are also entitled to joint administration of his estate. I won't bother you with the details and legalese here, so you'll just have to trust me.
Have you ever had to write a letter to parents telling them that they can have a say in how their child's estate is divied up? How does one even start such a letter? And not to mention, in the best of times the recipient probably doesn't want to read these obscure legal terms. How does it feel when the letter isn't even in a language that you understand well?
But I put all that aside and gave it a shot. I had a vague idea of what I was supposed to do, but not a strong idea. And that was borne out when I received my first draft from the responsible attorney and the red ink covered about 3 times the space that the black ink covered. I guess I missed a few details?
One of the keenest insights into law school I've heard was from a friend, I think after first year. He or she said, basically, that so long as you don't mind being embarrassed in front of a hundred and thirty or so people, you'll be fine in law school. That is, if you don't mind responding "I have no idea" to a question in front of all those people, you'll be fine. In law school, when you're asked a question, you have to understand that there is probably no answer that will elicit the response "absolutely correct". Professors generally want to focus on the reasoning as opposed to the final answer. So even a technically correct answer will result in the professor slightly tweaking the facts so that you've got to analyze every little facet of the issue. It turns out that interning has kind of a similar element: you'll pass in a draft, and just wait for the attorney to tell you how much you've missed.
It's not the worst thing. The criticism is usually pretty neutral (they just want you to write what they want written), but it's sometimes a little disheartening when I think I've done a good job and it comes back so marked up. But it's not a big deal. It's usually either simply stylistic or just something that I couldn't have known.
I obviously don't know much about intestacy law in Hong Kong, so it doesn't really bother me when I miss some elements. Or if I don't know the exact format for citing a Hong Kong Ordinance in a letter. I figure, so long as my writing is pretty close, I'll be fine.
Much like law school, you just have to roll with the punches. It's usually nothing personal, and like writing a paper in school, you've just got to figure out what the person in charge wants to read. It's as simple as that.
See how much I've learned already?!
I was assigned the task of writing to a deceased's parents, in another country, because they have an interest in the deceased's estate, and are also entitled to joint administration of his estate. I won't bother you with the details and legalese here, so you'll just have to trust me.
Have you ever had to write a letter to parents telling them that they can have a say in how their child's estate is divied up? How does one even start such a letter? And not to mention, in the best of times the recipient probably doesn't want to read these obscure legal terms. How does it feel when the letter isn't even in a language that you understand well?
But I put all that aside and gave it a shot. I had a vague idea of what I was supposed to do, but not a strong idea. And that was borne out when I received my first draft from the responsible attorney and the red ink covered about 3 times the space that the black ink covered. I guess I missed a few details?
One of the keenest insights into law school I've heard was from a friend, I think after first year. He or she said, basically, that so long as you don't mind being embarrassed in front of a hundred and thirty or so people, you'll be fine in law school. That is, if you don't mind responding "I have no idea" to a question in front of all those people, you'll be fine. In law school, when you're asked a question, you have to understand that there is probably no answer that will elicit the response "absolutely correct". Professors generally want to focus on the reasoning as opposed to the final answer. So even a technically correct answer will result in the professor slightly tweaking the facts so that you've got to analyze every little facet of the issue. It turns out that interning has kind of a similar element: you'll pass in a draft, and just wait for the attorney to tell you how much you've missed.
It's not the worst thing. The criticism is usually pretty neutral (they just want you to write what they want written), but it's sometimes a little disheartening when I think I've done a good job and it comes back so marked up. But it's not a big deal. It's usually either simply stylistic or just something that I couldn't have known.
I obviously don't know much about intestacy law in Hong Kong, so it doesn't really bother me when I miss some elements. Or if I don't know the exact format for citing a Hong Kong Ordinance in a letter. I figure, so long as my writing is pretty close, I'll be fine.
Much like law school, you just have to roll with the punches. It's usually nothing personal, and like writing a paper in school, you've just got to figure out what the person in charge wants to read. It's as simple as that.
See how much I've learned already?!
I Swear, the Lady Made Me Do It
I decided to stop by the local Wellcome (yeah, two l's) market after work. The astute reader will note that I've been eating a little better (have I mentioned that? Maybe I didn't...). I've been making a lot of salads (simple ones) and apples. I don't know why but I've been digging apples a lot the last couple of weeks.
Anyway, I went to the register, with my salad fixings and milk, and single container of ice cream. I've been trying to not snack too much but I do love me my ice cream. I figure I deserve it. After all, I am working for free over here (man, I better get a great recommendation). As she was ringing me up she said I could get another ice cream for free. I didn't notice any sale sign at the cooler, but who am I to argue? That would be rude, and I am never rude. As you know. I actually felt kind of bad getting all this ice cream, and I even actually said I didn't really need all that much more. But for some reason, she seemed kind of insistent, like she couldn't bear to let me miss out on that kind of a deal. I guess I should thank her.
So, I scampered back to the ice cream freezer and got myself a second pint. I kind of feel bad about having all this ice ceram in the freezer, but not that bad.
This might not be too exciting to you, dear reader, but if you were here in this scorching heat and drenching humidity, you'd be excited, too.
My ice cream to freezer ration is pretty high right now. And that's exactly how I like it.
Anyway, I went to the register, with my salad fixings and milk, and single container of ice cream. I've been trying to not snack too much but I do love me my ice cream. I figure I deserve it. After all, I am working for free over here (man, I better get a great recommendation). As she was ringing me up she said I could get another ice cream for free. I didn't notice any sale sign at the cooler, but who am I to argue? That would be rude, and I am never rude. As you know. I actually felt kind of bad getting all this ice cream, and I even actually said I didn't really need all that much more. But for some reason, she seemed kind of insistent, like she couldn't bear to let me miss out on that kind of a deal. I guess I should thank her.
So, I scampered back to the ice cream freezer and got myself a second pint. I kind of feel bad about having all this ice ceram in the freezer, but not that bad.
This might not be too exciting to you, dear reader, but if you were here in this scorching heat and drenching humidity, you'd be excited, too.
My ice cream to freezer ration is pretty high right now. And that's exactly how I like it.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
I Bought a Kinfe!
I've actually been pretty much lacking in kitchen utensils the last couple of weeks. Since I don't have a kitchen here, I've been relying on frozen meals and restaurants. But man cannot live on frozen foods and restaurants alone! At least this man can't.
Until now, I've only had a spoon in the house, for breakfast. And pretty much anything you can eat with a fork, you can eat with a spoon, though spaghetti would be difficult. Not an issue, though, since I have no kitchen. But I finally got off my ass and got some implements.
Last night, I... liberated... some chopsticks from a restaurant. I never like those plastic ones because they always seem so slippery. Last night we had some higher quality wooden ones, so I helped myself to a pair. Come to think of it, I should have taken two pairs. Hey, don't judge me. I'm trying to survive here! If I have to steal some chopsticks, so be it. Sure, I could buy a pair, but that's not very economical, now is it?
In addition to the new chopsticks, I just bought myself a knife. Nothing fancy, just a basic 8" chef's knife. My new plan is to start buying some fresh veggies and making myself salads for lunch. Sandwiches, too. I'm going old school.
Tonight, to celebrate my new utensils, I made myself a salad, my first in several weeks! It was very basic, just lettuce, radish and carrot mix. I bought some carrots so I went a little heavy there. With my new knife, I'm able to peel them and add some slices to the salad. I also bought some pre-cooked duck, which I'm gonna add. Look how fancy I am! Add a little thousand island dressing (99% fat free, of course) and I'm pretty happy.
It's not that I'm particularly proud of this salad. There's really no skill, creativity or effort involved. I'm just happy that I can eat salads again. Please note that the sickly green colored tray is what I've got in the room. Not my choice of presentation, but we work with what we've got (the bowl is mine)
Until now, I've only had a spoon in the house, for breakfast. And pretty much anything you can eat with a fork, you can eat with a spoon, though spaghetti would be difficult. Not an issue, though, since I have no kitchen. But I finally got off my ass and got some implements.
Last night, I... liberated... some chopsticks from a restaurant. I never like those plastic ones because they always seem so slippery. Last night we had some higher quality wooden ones, so I helped myself to a pair. Come to think of it, I should have taken two pairs. Hey, don't judge me. I'm trying to survive here! If I have to steal some chopsticks, so be it. Sure, I could buy a pair, but that's not very economical, now is it?
In addition to the new chopsticks, I just bought myself a knife. Nothing fancy, just a basic 8" chef's knife. My new plan is to start buying some fresh veggies and making myself salads for lunch. Sandwiches, too. I'm going old school.
Tonight, to celebrate my new utensils, I made myself a salad, my first in several weeks! It was very basic, just lettuce, radish and carrot mix. I bought some carrots so I went a little heavy there. With my new knife, I'm able to peel them and add some slices to the salad. I also bought some pre-cooked duck, which I'm gonna add. Look how fancy I am! Add a little thousand island dressing (99% fat free, of course) and I'm pretty happy.
It's not that I'm particularly proud of this salad. There's really no skill, creativity or effort involved. I'm just happy that I can eat salads again. Please note that the sickly green colored tray is what I've got in the room. Not my choice of presentation, but we work with what we've got (the bowl is mine)
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| From What I did on my summer vacation |
Wandering the New Territories
I'm not 100% sure about this, but evidently the New Territories are a part of Hong Kong that the British took over after they had possession of the island. I think the term "New Territories" is a translation of the Chinese character, or something. If I wasn't totally lazy, I'd look it up, but really, would the truth be any more interesting than my explanation? I agree, it wouldn't be.
Anyway, my co-interns, Catherine and Brian, decided to do a little hiking today in the New Territories. Unfortunately, fortune did not smile kindly upon us. On the way there, it started raining pretty good. We met a local friend of Catherine's up in the mountains somewhere. But we had a decision to make. Go out on a mountain during a thunderstorm, or find something else to do. Well, as discretion is the better part of valor, we decided to head down to a coastal town and get something to eat (notwithstanding the fact that we all had a little food on us, since we figured we'd just eat on the trail).
The little coastal town was ok. I've included the following for your viewing pleasure, and because I've been lazy about pictures this last week.
Here's LuLu (Catherine's friend), myself and Brian outside a little noodle shop / seafood place
And here's Brian, myself and Catherine. Wouldn't you want this crack team of soon-to-be (maybe) lawyers representing you?
Here's me in an "action shot". Man, I really look horrible in pictures. Is this really what I look like? Why has any girl ever gone out with me, again? Man, I must be funny
After hanging out at this little seaside town, we sent Lulu off on her way, and the three of us went to another town (frankly, I really can't keep these towns' names straight), close by Catherine's hometown. This location is near the coast, in kind of a sheltered cove, where there are some nice places to wander.
I'm pretty sure this one's blurry, but I'm not 100% sure. I kind of feel like there's something in focus in this one. I was just walking along snapping pics. I guess vision stabilization doesnt' work as well as I'd like. You're telling me I have to stop to take a picture?
This is a nice little jetty... Uh, jetting? out into the water.
A little wider shot, similar to that last one
Very nice walkway
I actually wanted to get a shot of this little dog, but he kept running back and forth. I think this guy thought I was taking his picture. Should I not have winked when we passed?
Our destinatio was this little dock. It was surprisingly sturdy, considering it looked like a strong breeze would knock it down. That's Brian near the end there
Looking back. Those are our backpacks
Catherine in her favorite spot. She's an avid runner, and often comes to this place to relax
And here's Brian joining Catherine for a rest
Dueling cameras. You taking a pic of me taking a pic of you (actually, I was taking a pic of the dock)
Looks solid, doesn't it?! That woman looked up after I took this pic, and didn't seem happy. What? I'm on vacation!
And on the way back, I wanted to get a pic to show some crazy apartment density. This is just an example of a part of a cluster of apartment buildings. That's a lot of people. Strangely, the train (forget the line) was mostly empty. I guess they're all taking the bus?
Even though we couldn't hike our intended route, it was still a fun day hanging out with my co-interns (plus 1 honorary intern. I think Lulu's a low level accountant type, so she can be one of us). Of course, it's still insanely hot and humid, which kind of sucks. Oh well.
Anyway, my co-interns, Catherine and Brian, decided to do a little hiking today in the New Territories. Unfortunately, fortune did not smile kindly upon us. On the way there, it started raining pretty good. We met a local friend of Catherine's up in the mountains somewhere. But we had a decision to make. Go out on a mountain during a thunderstorm, or find something else to do. Well, as discretion is the better part of valor, we decided to head down to a coastal town and get something to eat (notwithstanding the fact that we all had a little food on us, since we figured we'd just eat on the trail).
The little coastal town was ok. I've included the following for your viewing pleasure, and because I've been lazy about pictures this last week.
Here's LuLu (Catherine's friend), myself and Brian outside a little noodle shop / seafood place
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| From What I did on my summer vacation |
And here's Brian, myself and Catherine. Wouldn't you want this crack team of soon-to-be (maybe) lawyers representing you?
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| From What I did on my summer vacation |
Here's me in an "action shot". Man, I really look horrible in pictures. Is this really what I look like? Why has any girl ever gone out with me, again? Man, I must be funny
 |
| From What I did on my summer vacation |
After hanging out at this little seaside town, we sent Lulu off on her way, and the three of us went to another town (frankly, I really can't keep these towns' names straight), close by Catherine's hometown. This location is near the coast, in kind of a sheltered cove, where there are some nice places to wander.
 |
| From What I did on my summer vacation |
I'm pretty sure this one's blurry, but I'm not 100% sure. I kind of feel like there's something in focus in this one. I was just walking along snapping pics. I guess vision stabilization doesnt' work as well as I'd like. You're telling me I have to stop to take a picture?
 |
| From What I did on my summer vacation |
This is a nice little jetty... Uh, jetting? out into the water.
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| From What I did on my summer vacation |
A little wider shot, similar to that last one
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| From What I did on my summer vacation |
Very nice walkway
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| From What I did on my summer vacation |
I actually wanted to get a shot of this little dog, but he kept running back and forth. I think this guy thought I was taking his picture. Should I not have winked when we passed?
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| From What I did on my summer vacation |
Our destinatio was this little dock. It was surprisingly sturdy, considering it looked like a strong breeze would knock it down. That's Brian near the end there
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| From What I did on my summer vacation |
Looking back. Those are our backpacks
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| From What I did on my summer vacation |
Catherine in her favorite spot. She's an avid runner, and often comes to this place to relax
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| From What I did on my summer vacation |
And here's Brian joining Catherine for a rest
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| From What I did on my summer vacation |
Dueling cameras. You taking a pic of me taking a pic of you (actually, I was taking a pic of the dock)
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| From What I did on my summer vacation |
Looks solid, doesn't it?! That woman looked up after I took this pic, and didn't seem happy. What? I'm on vacation!
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| From What I did on my summer vacation |
And on the way back, I wanted to get a pic to show some crazy apartment density. This is just an example of a part of a cluster of apartment buildings. That's a lot of people. Strangely, the train (forget the line) was mostly empty. I guess they're all taking the bus?
 |
| From What I did on my summer vacation |
Even though we couldn't hike our intended route, it was still a fun day hanging out with my co-interns (plus 1 honorary intern. I think Lulu's a low level accountant type, so she can be one of us). Of course, it's still insanely hot and humid, which kind of sucks. Oh well.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Star Trek Review
Spoilers? Maybe. I'm going to try to avoid any substantive plot points in this post, but no promises I won't write something that you'd rather wait to find out on your own. You've been warned.
[Edited: Per Aaron's notes, I've misspelled Uhura as Ahora. Sorry]
I just got back from seeing Star Trek. I'll start by saying I thought the casting was great, and the visuals were fantastic. I thought they really did a great job expressing the frantic pace of the battles while still allowing the viewer to see what was happening. In some movies there's so much happening on the screen that it all kind of goes by without letting the viewer (me) really see all that's happening. Glad to say that wasn't the case here.
What surprised me most was the level of humor in this film. I really thought they were going to go the super serious route, and make everyone stuffy and serious. I was kind of expecting a slightly improve Startship Troopers. I know, how low is that expectation? I was pleasantly surprised when the writing turned out to be, with a few exceptions, quite fun. While the characters were almost charicatures of the originals, I guess that can't really be avoided. They were playing to well established types, so they had to work in the cliche lines we all expect. I thought they were a little heavy with the "I'm a doctor, dammit!" lines, but other than that, they did a great job. Not unexpectedly, they did stumble with the whole bad guy soliloquy explaining his dastardly plans. But that's not too big a deal.
One thing that kind of went over my head was how Kirk figured out the whole emerging from the black hole thing. I guess he's heard the story about his father a bunch of times, but it seemed a little fishy to me.
There were, however, some week spots. First off, the Romulan ship. For an interstellar mining ship, it seemed to have an inordinate amount of places from which people could fall into oblivion. How about some handrails? And with everyone jumping from one level to another, how long can it be until someone twists an ankle or worse? Really, that ship seemed designed to ensure a lawsuit.
Then there was the classic alien life form that somehow seemed adapted to torture humans. That's quite an evolutionary coincidence there, now isn't it? (I know, this is totally unoriginal. But it's true.) And did anyone else expect something about waterboarding during that scene? Why the hell was that guy strapped to a board in the middle of a huge puddle? I was expecting him to be either dunked under or electrocuted. Of course, with Niro standing in the water with him, electrocution seemed like a bad idea. I'm glad Niro thought of that as well.
Let's see... I kind of thought the Hoth scene was a little random. I know they had to do the introductions, but come on. Oh yeah, it was also strange that they had no one above the age of about 25 on the ship. I don't know about you, but when the captain steps out, I'd kind of like the guy driving the bus to have some relevant experience. Hey, let's give the keys to the guy who (whom?), like 2 hours ago, we were going to kick out of the academy! Even though he's shown massive insubordination, wasn't even supposed to be on the ship, and has zero experience doing anything remotely related to fighting in space. There had to have been someone on that ship who'd actually been to space before, and who maybe would have been a little less shoot-from-the-hip. Oh, and did anyone notice the tall, awkward guy from Legally Blond, before he got booted from the listening post by Uhura? He got a line, and good for him. I was afraid we'd be seeing him typecast, but obviously not so. He didn't obviously die (though I could have missed it), so hopefully we'll be seeing him in the next one. Of course, since Ahora showed him up in front of everyone, he'll probably request reasignment. Not cool, Uhura.
Another things was how Uhura was able to immediately recognize the Romulan transmission. She listened, with a single bluetooth earbud no less, for like 3 seconds and she's sure of what she heard. I guess the languages may be distinct enough, but frankly, Niro sounded just like everyone else on that damn ship (except Scotty!) so how could they tell? Come to think of it, EVERY Romulan sounded like he came from the midwest or something. Yet Uhura could tell they were Romulans... Convenient. All I can say is, I remember The Hunt for Red October, and the sonar guys in that movie (which was awesome) had those big Bose noise canceling headphones on, and even then they had to concentrate for a while before deciding what they were hearing. I guess, as Ahora said, she's got good ears. Or something. I wasn't really paying attention. Come to think of it, wouldn't there be software that could recognize Romulan? Aren't already like half way there now? It what, two hundred years in the future and we still haven't gotten voice recognition working? That's not encouraging.
All in all, a fun movie to watch. They did a good job not taking themselves too seriously, and they provided a lot of action. I'd recommend seeing it (and you all know that my recommendations are like another man's orders).
[Edited: Per Aaron's notes, I've misspelled Uhura as Ahora. Sorry]
I just got back from seeing Star Trek. I'll start by saying I thought the casting was great, and the visuals were fantastic. I thought they really did a great job expressing the frantic pace of the battles while still allowing the viewer to see what was happening. In some movies there's so much happening on the screen that it all kind of goes by without letting the viewer (me) really see all that's happening. Glad to say that wasn't the case here.
What surprised me most was the level of humor in this film. I really thought they were going to go the super serious route, and make everyone stuffy and serious. I was kind of expecting a slightly improve Startship Troopers. I know, how low is that expectation? I was pleasantly surprised when the writing turned out to be, with a few exceptions, quite fun. While the characters were almost charicatures of the originals, I guess that can't really be avoided. They were playing to well established types, so they had to work in the cliche lines we all expect. I thought they were a little heavy with the "I'm a doctor, dammit!" lines, but other than that, they did a great job. Not unexpectedly, they did stumble with the whole bad guy soliloquy explaining his dastardly plans. But that's not too big a deal.
One thing that kind of went over my head was how Kirk figured out the whole emerging from the black hole thing. I guess he's heard the story about his father a bunch of times, but it seemed a little fishy to me.
There were, however, some week spots. First off, the Romulan ship. For an interstellar mining ship, it seemed to have an inordinate amount of places from which people could fall into oblivion. How about some handrails? And with everyone jumping from one level to another, how long can it be until someone twists an ankle or worse? Really, that ship seemed designed to ensure a lawsuit.
Then there was the classic alien life form that somehow seemed adapted to torture humans. That's quite an evolutionary coincidence there, now isn't it? (I know, this is totally unoriginal. But it's true.) And did anyone else expect something about waterboarding during that scene? Why the hell was that guy strapped to a board in the middle of a huge puddle? I was expecting him to be either dunked under or electrocuted. Of course, with Niro standing in the water with him, electrocution seemed like a bad idea. I'm glad Niro thought of that as well.
Let's see... I kind of thought the Hoth scene was a little random. I know they had to do the introductions, but come on. Oh yeah, it was also strange that they had no one above the age of about 25 on the ship. I don't know about you, but when the captain steps out, I'd kind of like the guy driving the bus to have some relevant experience. Hey, let's give the keys to the guy who (whom?), like 2 hours ago, we were going to kick out of the academy! Even though he's shown massive insubordination, wasn't even supposed to be on the ship, and has zero experience doing anything remotely related to fighting in space. There had to have been someone on that ship who'd actually been to space before, and who maybe would have been a little less shoot-from-the-hip. Oh, and did anyone notice the tall, awkward guy from Legally Blond, before he got booted from the listening post by Uhura? He got a line, and good for him. I was afraid we'd be seeing him typecast, but obviously not so. He didn't obviously die (though I could have missed it), so hopefully we'll be seeing him in the next one. Of course, since Ahora showed him up in front of everyone, he'll probably request reasignment. Not cool, Uhura.
Another things was how Uhura was able to immediately recognize the Romulan transmission. She listened, with a single bluetooth earbud no less, for like 3 seconds and she's sure of what she heard. I guess the languages may be distinct enough, but frankly, Niro sounded just like everyone else on that damn ship (except Scotty!) so how could they tell? Come to think of it, EVERY Romulan sounded like he came from the midwest or something. Yet Uhura could tell they were Romulans... Convenient. All I can say is, I remember The Hunt for Red October, and the sonar guys in that movie (which was awesome) had those big Bose noise canceling headphones on, and even then they had to concentrate for a while before deciding what they were hearing. I guess, as Ahora said, she's got good ears. Or something. I wasn't really paying attention. Come to think of it, wouldn't there be software that could recognize Romulan? Aren't already like half way there now? It what, two hundred years in the future and we still haven't gotten voice recognition working? That's not encouraging.
All in all, a fun movie to watch. They did a good job not taking themselves too seriously, and they provided a lot of action. I'd recommend seeing it (and you all know that my recommendations are like another man's orders).
Have I Mentioned That I Don't Like Smokers?
I'm not saying they're bad people (but I might not not be necessarily saying that), but seriously, I think there is a very clear message being sent when people smoke in crowded areas. And that message is "screw everyone else. I want to do this and it doesn't really matter that everyone else hates it". And I'm surely not saying this is unique to Hong Kong. It's everywhere, even back home (though, not as bad back there).
I get that you have the right to smoke, and I don't really care if you do smoke. But the issue isn't whether people should be allowed to smoke (they should be). It's about not being a dick about it. In what universe is it ok to stop on a crowded sidewalk, light up a cigarette, and blow a puff of smoke at head height, into a crowd? Seriously, how did that ever become the least bit socially acceptable? Do smokers really think that that's cool? Do they even care in the slightest that they're doing that to people? And then, they just continue on walking, spewing little clouds at head height, on a crowded sidewalk as they go.
Really, this strikes me as just about the most asshole-y behavior that we accept in normal society. How in the hell did that ever become ok?!
Now, I know smokers. Some of my best friends smoke. I'm not saying they're bad people (at all times, and in all places). But please, just for a second, stop and think about what you're doing to everyone else. And let's all just be honest. It really does come down to you really don't give a shit that you're doing that to other people. At least just admit that.
I get that you have the right to smoke, and I don't really care if you do smoke. But the issue isn't whether people should be allowed to smoke (they should be). It's about not being a dick about it. In what universe is it ok to stop on a crowded sidewalk, light up a cigarette, and blow a puff of smoke at head height, into a crowd? Seriously, how did that ever become the least bit socially acceptable? Do smokers really think that that's cool? Do they even care in the slightest that they're doing that to people? And then, they just continue on walking, spewing little clouds at head height, on a crowded sidewalk as they go.
Really, this strikes me as just about the most asshole-y behavior that we accept in normal society. How in the hell did that ever become ok?!
Now, I know smokers. Some of my best friends smoke. I'm not saying they're bad people (at all times, and in all places). But please, just for a second, stop and think about what you're doing to everyone else. And let's all just be honest. It really does come down to you really don't give a shit that you're doing that to other people. At least just admit that.
More Quirks at the Law Firm
Yesterday, I finally got my password to use the printer. Yes, a password. Evidently, there's an issue with people making too many copies. Or something. I'm not really sure.
You know, with the advent of the computer, we were told that paper would become a thing of the past. No reason to print out all those pages when you can just zip them around the intertubes. Alas, they lied! We print more than ever. And evidently, someone is watching who makes all those copies.
I find this interesting, though not surprising considering the tight control over office supplies. But I have to wonder what the point is. Tracking peoples' printing? The only people that print are the underlings (like me!) who are doing the direct bidding of our superiors. If someone is printing too much, isn't that just as likely to mean that the superior is the one at fault?
The printers are right out in the open, so it's not like we can sneak in there and get an ass shot. So what's the issue? I'm really not used to this Big Brother watching over me thing. If we can't all be treated like adults, and trusted not to make too many copies or to take too many pens, then there are bigger issues.
And, do you know how long it's been since I've had to punch a time card?! Really? A time card? It's like we're doing piece-work on the assembly line. Can't we be treated like professionals (and adults!), at least a little??
All that said, I've been lucky to be getting some interesting assignments. Even though my computer can't run email and a web browser at the same time (I'm almost not even joking there), where it is running, I'm actually enjoying writing to clients and opposing counsel. Finally, I'm allowed to embrace my combative side. I wish I could say I was getting paid to embrace it, but that's sadly not the case. Sometime!
You know, with the advent of the computer, we were told that paper would become a thing of the past. No reason to print out all those pages when you can just zip them around the intertubes. Alas, they lied! We print more than ever. And evidently, someone is watching who makes all those copies.
I find this interesting, though not surprising considering the tight control over office supplies. But I have to wonder what the point is. Tracking peoples' printing? The only people that print are the underlings (like me!) who are doing the direct bidding of our superiors. If someone is printing too much, isn't that just as likely to mean that the superior is the one at fault?
The printers are right out in the open, so it's not like we can sneak in there and get an ass shot. So what's the issue? I'm really not used to this Big Brother watching over me thing. If we can't all be treated like adults, and trusted not to make too many copies or to take too many pens, then there are bigger issues.
And, do you know how long it's been since I've had to punch a time card?! Really? A time card? It's like we're doing piece-work on the assembly line. Can't we be treated like professionals (and adults!), at least a little??
All that said, I've been lucky to be getting some interesting assignments. Even though my computer can't run email and a web browser at the same time (I'm almost not even joking there), where it is running, I'm actually enjoying writing to clients and opposing counsel. Finally, I'm allowed to embrace my combative side. I wish I could say I was getting paid to embrace it, but that's sadly not the case. Sometime!
Well, That Was a Pleasant Surprise
I kind of about to run out of cash. I've gone through money a little faster than I had planned (that should be "planned", because I didn't really plan very much. I just picked a round number and bought that much Hong Kong dollarige), and this morning, I had HK$10 (ten Hong Kong dollars. Get with the program people) in my wallet. Plus about HK$28 in change, but I needed that for laundry. Since the exchange rate is about 7.8 HK$ to 1 USD (I'm not going to spell that one out for anyone), HK$38 is not a lot of money.
Now, when I was in Japan, and Europe, my debit card worked just fine. I just assumed it would work in Hong Kong. It is the finance capital of the East, right? Imagine my surprise when I tried to get cash and the machine said 'no'. Maybe I tried the wrong bank? Well, I tried HSBC, which is a pretty large international bank, and that didn't work, either. Bummer.
Luckily, I do have a couple of credit cards, but I'm not sure they even take AmEx over here. I could look it up, but I'm lazy. I know they do take MasterCard, so I just use that. But I'd really prefer to use the AmEx, because it's that cool clear/bluish tinted card with the chip. Yes, I embrace all of the latest technology (from the early 2000's). Of course, most restaurants are cash only, so that presents something of a problem. I guess I'll be eating more sandwiches for the next few weeks...
Well, the fortuitous part is that as I was putting some stuff away this afternoon, I found HK$1000. Although that's only about US$128, it does give me a little breathing room for the next few days. I'll have plenty for the metro, as well as a few meals, if I want to go out. I am, however, trying to make more things at home (though, without a kitchen, I'm extremely limited. Sandwiches, frozen food, salad, cereal), so I shouldn't burn through it too quickly. I'll see about the debit card early next week.
It was a very pleasant surprise finding that cash. See? I knew if I just sat back and waited, something good would happen.
Now, when I was in Japan, and Europe, my debit card worked just fine. I just assumed it would work in Hong Kong. It is the finance capital of the East, right? Imagine my surprise when I tried to get cash and the machine said 'no'. Maybe I tried the wrong bank? Well, I tried HSBC, which is a pretty large international bank, and that didn't work, either. Bummer.
Luckily, I do have a couple of credit cards, but I'm not sure they even take AmEx over here. I could look it up, but I'm lazy. I know they do take MasterCard, so I just use that. But I'd really prefer to use the AmEx, because it's that cool clear/bluish tinted card with the chip. Yes, I embrace all of the latest technology (from the early 2000's). Of course, most restaurants are cash only, so that presents something of a problem. I guess I'll be eating more sandwiches for the next few weeks...
Well, the fortuitous part is that as I was putting some stuff away this afternoon, I found HK$1000. Although that's only about US$128, it does give me a little breathing room for the next few days. I'll have plenty for the metro, as well as a few meals, if I want to go out. I am, however, trying to make more things at home (though, without a kitchen, I'm extremely limited. Sandwiches, frozen food, salad, cereal), so I shouldn't burn through it too quickly. I'll see about the debit card early next week.
It was a very pleasant surprise finding that cash. See? I knew if I just sat back and waited, something good would happen.
The Iron. It Does Not Work
I managed to borrow a travel iron from a friend before leaving. When she gave it to me she said "you probably want to test this first. I have no idea if it works". Well, it does not work. Now, we have to consider the possibility that I'm just not using it right. But still, you fill it with water, plug it in, press the money and put it on top of something (preferably an article of clothing). I did those things, and all I got was a tie with water all over it.
Sure, maybe this was pilot error (probably?). But it's also a slight probability that the iron just doesn't work very well. But let's face it, what were the chance that I was really going to iron my clothes that often, anyway? I did buy wrinkle-free shirts for just this occasion. And pants? Do I really care if they're not perfectly creased? I figure, it's so hot and humid here, just walking to work should do the trick. Or something. I don't really know how all that ironing works.
Ana, if you're reading this (and I know you are), you were right. I should have tried it first. I guess I'll pack it up when I leave, but if I'm going to accidentally forget anything, let's hope it's the iron and not something that works.
Sure, maybe this was pilot error (probably?). But it's also a slight probability that the iron just doesn't work very well. But let's face it, what were the chance that I was really going to iron my clothes that often, anyway? I did buy wrinkle-free shirts for just this occasion. And pants? Do I really care if they're not perfectly creased? I figure, it's so hot and humid here, just walking to work should do the trick. Or something. I don't really know how all that ironing works.
Ana, if you're reading this (and I know you are), you were right. I should have tried it first. I guess I'll pack it up when I leave, but if I'm going to accidentally forget anything, let's hope it's the iron and not something that works.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Ruling With an Iron Fist
This one will be short and sweet. But kind of an awesome story, nonetheless.
Today I needed a pen, so I approached the people who control such things and asked for one. The woman unlocked a file cabinet (normal procedure so far) and removed 2 pens for me. She then took down a 2" binder and make an entry for 2 pens! And made me sign it!!
Really? I have to sign out 2 pens? Are they going to extradite me if I don't return them? Am I not allowed to leave the country until all office supplies are accounted for?
I can understand having supplies under lock and key, but this seemed like a bit much. Dare I ask for a CDR? A DVDR? Some more yellow post-its?? When does the madness end?
You can't see it, but I'm shaking my head in disbelief right now. I'm sure you're shaking right along with me.
Today I needed a pen, so I approached the people who control such things and asked for one. The woman unlocked a file cabinet (normal procedure so far) and removed 2 pens for me. She then took down a 2" binder and make an entry for 2 pens! And made me sign it!!
Really? I have to sign out 2 pens? Are they going to extradite me if I don't return them? Am I not allowed to leave the country until all office supplies are accounted for?
I can understand having supplies under lock and key, but this seemed like a bit much. Dare I ask for a CDR? A DVDR? Some more yellow post-its?? When does the madness end?
You can't see it, but I'm shaking my head in disbelief right now. I'm sure you're shaking right along with me.
Some of the Work I've Been Doing
I'm obviously not going to discuss any specifics here, but I thought I'd share some thoughts on what I've been working on. Just in general terms, of course.
I've actually worked on a few personal injury cases here. My work has usually entailed reading the file and writing letters to people. If it's a letter to opposing counsel (see how professional I sound?!), it's usually to say why they were wrong in their previous letter. If it's a letter to a client, it's usually to update them on the case, let them know where we stand. The really fun ones are the letters to opposing counsel.
I know I've mentioned this before, but I really enjoy taking someone's argument, thinking about it, and then poking holes in it. It's not that I want to be mean. Rather, I just like the mental exercise of trying to find different ways to look at things. On one personal injury case (PI, as we say), I've gotten to spend a good amount of time formulating some ideas and arguing them. My favorite part is when I get to write "your client's denial notwithstanding, they are still liable because a, b, c". And it's really fun when they've cited a case that I can go through and say why it either 1) doesn't apply, or 2) actually helps us! It's all about how you frame the issue.
Though, I do have to admit that looking at pictures and medical reports of injuries is a little rough. Luckily, most of them aren't too graphic.
And I'll also admit that sometimes, even though my first reaction is "why is this person suing?", after thinking about it, it's usually the case that there kind of a valid reason. I mean, when someone is injured, there's gotta be someone paying the costs; hospital, lost wages, pain and suffering (though I'm not too happy about those, to tell you the truth. But money is the only way we (society) can compensate someone, so we just try our best). And the fact is, usually someone did something wrong. Driving recklessly, not providing safety devices to workers and demanding they still work. If someone has been injured, really through no fault of their own, why should they be stuck with the bills?
I agree that there's too much litigation going on. But the fact is, unless we allow people access to the courts, there will be so many people with no recourse when they've really been wronged. It's a pretty inefficient and bad system we've got, but it's better than the alternatives.
The view from the inside is pretty interesting.
I've actually worked on a few personal injury cases here. My work has usually entailed reading the file and writing letters to people. If it's a letter to opposing counsel (see how professional I sound?!), it's usually to say why they were wrong in their previous letter. If it's a letter to a client, it's usually to update them on the case, let them know where we stand. The really fun ones are the letters to opposing counsel.
I know I've mentioned this before, but I really enjoy taking someone's argument, thinking about it, and then poking holes in it. It's not that I want to be mean. Rather, I just like the mental exercise of trying to find different ways to look at things. On one personal injury case (PI, as we say), I've gotten to spend a good amount of time formulating some ideas and arguing them. My favorite part is when I get to write "your client's denial notwithstanding, they are still liable because a, b, c". And it's really fun when they've cited a case that I can go through and say why it either 1) doesn't apply, or 2) actually helps us! It's all about how you frame the issue.
Though, I do have to admit that looking at pictures and medical reports of injuries is a little rough. Luckily, most of them aren't too graphic.
And I'll also admit that sometimes, even though my first reaction is "why is this person suing?", after thinking about it, it's usually the case that there kind of a valid reason. I mean, when someone is injured, there's gotta be someone paying the costs; hospital, lost wages, pain and suffering (though I'm not too happy about those, to tell you the truth. But money is the only way we (society) can compensate someone, so we just try our best). And the fact is, usually someone did something wrong. Driving recklessly, not providing safety devices to workers and demanding they still work. If someone has been injured, really through no fault of their own, why should they be stuck with the bills?
I agree that there's too much litigation going on. But the fact is, unless we allow people access to the courts, there will be so many people with no recourse when they've really been wronged. It's a pretty inefficient and bad system we've got, but it's better than the alternatives.
The view from the inside is pretty interesting.
Somehow, I Become Even MORE Cynical
I know, hard to believe. But it's true.
So, the big boss at the firm tells me (most of them don't ask, they tell. Yeah.) that he wants me to write a short blurb about crackdowns on offshore holding companies as they relate to investments in China. Yeah, I bet you didn't know I know about that. Well, I bet you also didn't know that I wrote a blurb about Hong Kong's preferential treatment of employment rental reimbursement benefits (not allowances). See? There's all these things that I know... For some value of know.
Anyway, he asked me to look into writing the blurb, so I started doing some reading. Since the reading is from things like the Wall Street Journal and the Financial Times, you can imagine the slant towards all those righteous, hardworking business folk who just can't get a break these days. It's so tough that they're no longer allowed to hold these lucrative investments without having to pay any taxes.
Not to get too ideological here, but one thing that really pisses me off is when people and business expend so much effort avoiding taxes. They claim that it's so unfair that they have to pay such a high rate in the US or the UK or elsewhere, and it's just forcing them to "low tax" countries, where the market is allowed to "work". See, the thing that just drives me nuts is that it's such a race to the bottom. And once the shit really hits the fan, who are these people and corporations gonna cry to? Those horrible high tax first world countries.
I remember this article a while ago:
http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/johann-hari/the-dark-side-of-dubai-1664368.html
I feel for the guy getting brain cancer; that's really horrible. And I'm not glad either he or his wife are suffering. What makes me not really care about her situation, though, is that fact that she describes it as this "adult Disneyland" where you "pay no taxes". I know it's just one little element of the story, but when I was reading about those tax dodges today, my mind immediately jumped to this story. This story about how they wanted to live the high life without having to give anything back to society at all. Living tax free. Well, there's a reason that the tax free countries so easily turn into hellholes for people. Taxes truly are the price we pay for civilization (Justice Oliver Wendall Holmes, right?).
The more I read today, another thing popped out to me. Everyone referred to these tax avoidance scams as tax "management" or "planning". The only thing that mattered to these people was avoiding as much tax as possible. And frankly, that attitude is so f'ed up. It's basically just them saying "I've got mine, fuck everyone else".
Where do they think innovation comes from? Where do they think research happens?
Man, I really hope I can just go back to working on divorce, or personal injury cases. They drive me less crazy.
So, the big boss at the firm tells me (most of them don't ask, they tell. Yeah.) that he wants me to write a short blurb about crackdowns on offshore holding companies as they relate to investments in China. Yeah, I bet you didn't know I know about that. Well, I bet you also didn't know that I wrote a blurb about Hong Kong's preferential treatment of employment rental reimbursement benefits (not allowances). See? There's all these things that I know... For some value of know.
Anyway, he asked me to look into writing the blurb, so I started doing some reading. Since the reading is from things like the Wall Street Journal and the Financial Times, you can imagine the slant towards all those righteous, hardworking business folk who just can't get a break these days. It's so tough that they're no longer allowed to hold these lucrative investments without having to pay any taxes.
Not to get too ideological here, but one thing that really pisses me off is when people and business expend so much effort avoiding taxes. They claim that it's so unfair that they have to pay such a high rate in the US or the UK or elsewhere, and it's just forcing them to "low tax" countries, where the market is allowed to "work". See, the thing that just drives me nuts is that it's such a race to the bottom. And once the shit really hits the fan, who are these people and corporations gonna cry to? Those horrible high tax first world countries.
I remember this article a while ago:
http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/johann-hari/the-dark-side-of-dubai-1664368.html
I feel for the guy getting brain cancer; that's really horrible. And I'm not glad either he or his wife are suffering. What makes me not really care about her situation, though, is that fact that she describes it as this "adult Disneyland" where you "pay no taxes". I know it's just one little element of the story, but when I was reading about those tax dodges today, my mind immediately jumped to this story. This story about how they wanted to live the high life without having to give anything back to society at all. Living tax free. Well, there's a reason that the tax free countries so easily turn into hellholes for people. Taxes truly are the price we pay for civilization (Justice Oliver Wendall Holmes, right?).
The more I read today, another thing popped out to me. Everyone referred to these tax avoidance scams as tax "management" or "planning". The only thing that mattered to these people was avoiding as much tax as possible. And frankly, that attitude is so f'ed up. It's basically just them saying "I've got mine, fuck everyone else".
Where do they think innovation comes from? Where do they think research happens?
Man, I really hope I can just go back to working on divorce, or personal injury cases. They drive me less crazy.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
This One's For the Lawyers (and Wannabes)
I've finally been able to do some substantive work over here, and I kind of like it. Those of us in law school, or practicing, know how painful the citation system is in the states (look how international I am!). There are so many jurisdictions, so many reporters. The Blue Book is an exercise in anality (I just made that up!). Things are much simpler in Hong Kong, because they've got 1 jurisdiction and like 4 courts.
A typical US citation is like 244 N.E. 2d 421, 22 (1995) or something. Hey, I'm in Hong Kong and I didn't bring my Blue Book.
A typical cite in Hong King is like XXX 150/2008. That's it. I think there are a handful of substitutions for XXX, but not many. Awesome.
Anyway, here I am writing letters to opposing counsel saying why they're wrong. Aside from a simple citation system, office to office letters are pretty much like "this guy in another case hurt his leg and got $200k. We think your client's injury is less so we'll offer $100k". That's it. None of this crap we have in law school about laying out precedent, stating the holding, facts, reasoning. No spelling out exactly what negligence is, and giving a 2 page history. Evidently, in practice, they assume that the guy (or gal. We're equal opportunity on this blog.) reading the letter has also gone to law school, so why waste time with all the bullshit from law school.
As all of you who know me know, I enjoy arguing, and telling people why they're wrong. Now you may not think I'm right all the time, but that's ok. You're entitled to be wrong. Just kidding. I freely admit that I'm wrong sometimes. But I still enjoy the argument.
I admit to being a little down on the internship last week, as I was doing simple clerical work. And I could do clerical work without spending the $100k+ I'm spending on law school. So yeah, a tad frustrating. But as I've been doing some real work, it's getting better.
But I'm still stuck on that damn PIII 700MHz 256M RAM "computer". Today, the girl who used to own this machine was complaining about not being able to access some files she kept on the old machine (mine). Gentleman that I am, I turned and said "I will gladly swap this machine for that new Dell on your desktop". She missed the sarcasm, and said "no, no, it's ok. Ed (IT guy) can help me". Heh. I wasn' t really being polite there. But hey, I came off as polite! That's good. Oh, speaking of which, I've won over almost everyone (that matters. I'm not trying to befriend higher ups for obvious reasons. So long as I get a good recommendation, I'll be happy). There's just one hold out, but I'll wear him down. Maybe if he sees me laughing with the others, he'll want to join in. Hmm, maybe I have to isolate him. But that's another post.
A typical US citation is like 244 N.E. 2d 421, 22 (1995) or something. Hey, I'm in Hong Kong and I didn't bring my Blue Book.
A typical cite in Hong King is like XXX 150/2008. That's it. I think there are a handful of substitutions for XXX, but not many. Awesome.
Anyway, here I am writing letters to opposing counsel saying why they're wrong. Aside from a simple citation system, office to office letters are pretty much like "this guy in another case hurt his leg and got $200k. We think your client's injury is less so we'll offer $100k". That's it. None of this crap we have in law school about laying out precedent, stating the holding, facts, reasoning. No spelling out exactly what negligence is, and giving a 2 page history. Evidently, in practice, they assume that the guy (or gal. We're equal opportunity on this blog.) reading the letter has also gone to law school, so why waste time with all the bullshit from law school.
As all of you who know me know, I enjoy arguing, and telling people why they're wrong. Now you may not think I'm right all the time, but that's ok. You're entitled to be wrong. Just kidding. I freely admit that I'm wrong sometimes. But I still enjoy the argument.
I admit to being a little down on the internship last week, as I was doing simple clerical work. And I could do clerical work without spending the $100k+ I'm spending on law school. So yeah, a tad frustrating. But as I've been doing some real work, it's getting better.
But I'm still stuck on that damn PIII 700MHz 256M RAM "computer". Today, the girl who used to own this machine was complaining about not being able to access some files she kept on the old machine (mine). Gentleman that I am, I turned and said "I will gladly swap this machine for that new Dell on your desktop". She missed the sarcasm, and said "no, no, it's ok. Ed (IT guy) can help me". Heh. I wasn' t really being polite there. But hey, I came off as polite! That's good. Oh, speaking of which, I've won over almost everyone (that matters. I'm not trying to befriend higher ups for obvious reasons. So long as I get a good recommendation, I'll be happy). There's just one hold out, but I'll wear him down. Maybe if he sees me laughing with the others, he'll want to join in. Hmm, maybe I have to isolate him. But that's another post.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
I'm Still Here
The last few days, I haven't really felt like posting much. Work has actually been much better this week, actually working on legal stuff, as opposed to simple clerical work. I think the best thing I did was work on a response to a counteroffer for a personal injury settlement (in the biz, we call that PI). The counteroffer cited to a couple of cases, so I got on the trusty intertubes and downloaded them. As an aside, Hong Kong has a much simpler citation system than back home. Very easy to use. Probably because they've got a very small number of jurisdictions. Anyway... I found the cited case and proceeded to demolish their points.
You know, it really is true that so much of what we do in law school is bullshit. I mean, I was asked to write a quick memo about a new case. When I asked what format I should use, the lawyer said "oh, just give me bullet points". That's funny. In school, they make such a big deal out of writing this paper with the facts laid out this way, and the rule laid out that way, and then do the discussion, and then followup with a summary, blah blah blah. And here in the real world (and this is common, from what my friends working in other law firms have told me), they just want a bare outline, simply put. Law school is such a rediculous waste.
Back to Hong Kong law. The other big thing I've noticed is that in none of the documents that I've seen is there any real deep analysis. I know this is just lawyers going back and forth, and not an appellate brief or anything, but it's interesting to see that the letters are as simple as "the guy in this case was really hurt and received $x. We think we should get the same". Am I the only one who goes through the case and debunks their point by actually stating some relevant facts? Am I going to become a monster tort lawyer in Hong Kong because of my superior analytical skills? Eh, I doubt it. I'll probably receive a response tomorrow showing how all of my supposedly clever points were just wrong.
But at least work has been much better this week. I was a little concerned last week, because it was just clerical work. Now that I'm actually doing something a little more interesting, it's much better. But I'm still not happy with that PIII 700MHz machine they've got me on. I mean, come on! 256M of RAM?!
You know, it really is true that so much of what we do in law school is bullshit. I mean, I was asked to write a quick memo about a new case. When I asked what format I should use, the lawyer said "oh, just give me bullet points". That's funny. In school, they make such a big deal out of writing this paper with the facts laid out this way, and the rule laid out that way, and then do the discussion, and then followup with a summary, blah blah blah. And here in the real world (and this is common, from what my friends working in other law firms have told me), they just want a bare outline, simply put. Law school is such a rediculous waste.
Back to Hong Kong law. The other big thing I've noticed is that in none of the documents that I've seen is there any real deep analysis. I know this is just lawyers going back and forth, and not an appellate brief or anything, but it's interesting to see that the letters are as simple as "the guy in this case was really hurt and received $x. We think we should get the same". Am I the only one who goes through the case and debunks their point by actually stating some relevant facts? Am I going to become a monster tort lawyer in Hong Kong because of my superior analytical skills? Eh, I doubt it. I'll probably receive a response tomorrow showing how all of my supposedly clever points were just wrong.
But at least work has been much better this week. I was a little concerned last week, because it was just clerical work. Now that I'm actually doing something a little more interesting, it's much better. But I'm still not happy with that PIII 700MHz machine they've got me on. I mean, come on! 256M of RAM?!
Monday, June 8, 2009
What Is This, 1994?
For some reason, I have been bopping around the office here in Hong Kong, having been given three different work stations in the scant week or so I've been here. Is that a record? The office is pretty crowded, and the first week, they just put me at desks of people who were out. But that makes it difficult when I have to create files, and there is no central storage (the whole computer system here is very outdated).
So, when I arrive this morning, I'm told about my new work station. There's a monitor with a sheet of paper taped on the front. It says "student". Well, I assume that's me. Across the aisle, I spy another monitor with a paper similarly attached. This one says "Vivien". Evidently, they've kicked Vivian out of her comfortable, established work space and told her to move all of 4 feet. She seems less than thrilled with this development, and I don't really blame her. Her new desk, recently vacated by another, was covered in files and other detritus. I watched for the next 30 or 45 minutes as she moved her life 4 feet. I apologized several times. She didn't seem to blame me, but you know down deep, there's some resentment. I'll have to be extra nice (but not too nice) for a few days. I felt especially bad when she spilled her coffee cup. It sure looked like a spill proof cup to me, but obviously not. Gentleman that I am, I ran to get paper towels to help clean up. Hello, miss lady.
Soon I was comfortably ensconced in my new digs, diligently typing away, but things were running a bit slow. Let me tell you why.
Tomorrow, I think I'll ask Vivien how long she used that machine, and how was that? Did she notice anything wrong with the keyboard, or the performance? I guess she probably won't care as much as I do, but I'm still curious.
Oh, and it's got a 13" monitor. Joy.
So, when I arrive this morning, I'm told about my new work station. There's a monitor with a sheet of paper taped on the front. It says "student". Well, I assume that's me. Across the aisle, I spy another monitor with a paper similarly attached. This one says "Vivien". Evidently, they've kicked Vivian out of her comfortable, established work space and told her to move all of 4 feet. She seems less than thrilled with this development, and I don't really blame her. Her new desk, recently vacated by another, was covered in files and other detritus. I watched for the next 30 or 45 minutes as she moved her life 4 feet. I apologized several times. She didn't seem to blame me, but you know down deep, there's some resentment. I'll have to be extra nice (but not too nice) for a few days. I felt especially bad when she spilled her coffee cup. It sure looked like a spill proof cup to me, but obviously not. Gentleman that I am, I ran to get paper towels to help clean up. Hello, miss lady.
Soon I was comfortably ensconced in my new digs, diligently typing away, but things were running a bit slow. Let me tell you why.
- The keyboard had a few dead spots on it... Pretty much the whole left-hand side. Had to press extra hard (actually, it was pretty much the whole thing, but the left-hand side was worse). So even though I thought I was typing like the wind, I was missing about 10% of my letters. That lowers the accuracy a bit.
- I glanced at the yellow post-it note affixed to the side of the case. It described the system as a PIII 700MHz running WinXP, with 256Meg of RAM and a 12G hard drive. This machine did not like to have multiple apps running.
Tomorrow, I think I'll ask Vivien how long she used that machine, and how was that? Did she notice anything wrong with the keyboard, or the performance? I guess she probably won't care as much as I do, but I'm still curious.
Oh, and it's got a 13" monitor. Joy.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Do I Dress Like a Pauper?
Before the aforementioned light show, I wandered around Kowloon for the afternoon. Kowloon is kind of interesting. It's full of high-end shops (D&G, Armani), but it's also got those basement malls where there are a hundred stalls jammed in, each selling knock off watches, or luggage, or what have you. Well, as I walked through the area, every damn "tailor" accosted me, telling me how he could make me new shirts for a great price.
I understand they're trying to make a living, but the whole hard sell thing is just so annoying. If I'm standing at the intersection, waiting to cross (because I'm a law abiding citizen, and I only cross with the light. Oh, I'm also petrified of Hong Kong drivers because I'm not sure if the pedestrian actually must be avoided. The drivers certainly don't seem to care much), do they really think that I think that they're trying to be my friend, getting to know me? How long am I in Hong Kong for? Where am I from? What am I doing in the city? I finally figured out that I should just keep my ear plugs in and pretend I'm listening to music. At least then I can just walk on by with nary a shake of the head to show my disinterest.
And another thing. All these guys were such tools, with their over-gelled hair, pressed slacks and gallon and a half of calogne. Guys, I don't want to be your friend, and I don't want to have you make me a custom set of shirts. Please just leave me alone. How many people fall for the hard sale, anyway? I considered that it was just a ploy to distract me while another guy pickpockets me, but they actually seemed to be trying to get me to get shirts made. I don't know.
I understand they're trying to make a living, but the whole hard sell thing is just so annoying. If I'm standing at the intersection, waiting to cross (because I'm a law abiding citizen, and I only cross with the light. Oh, I'm also petrified of Hong Kong drivers because I'm not sure if the pedestrian actually must be avoided. The drivers certainly don't seem to care much), do they really think that I think that they're trying to be my friend, getting to know me? How long am I in Hong Kong for? Where am I from? What am I doing in the city? I finally figured out that I should just keep my ear plugs in and pretend I'm listening to music. At least then I can just walk on by with nary a shake of the head to show my disinterest.
And another thing. All these guys were such tools, with their over-gelled hair, pressed slacks and gallon and a half of calogne. Guys, I don't want to be your friend, and I don't want to have you make me a custom set of shirts. Please just leave me alone. How many people fall for the hard sale, anyway? I considered that it was just a ploy to distract me while another guy pickpockets me, but they actually seemed to be trying to get me to get shirts made. I don't know.
How Much Does That Cost, Again?
So, Hong Kong evidently has this regularly occurring light show, where they synchronize several of the office buildings, along with lasers on top and some music. It's quite a spectacle. Seriously, though, it's crazy. There are so many buildings along the harbor, and it's like each one is trying to out shine the others. Some buildings have lights cascading down the sides, some have multicolored or multihued displays, some have simple, yet elegant, highlighting. It's all really beautiful, and I imagine, quite expensive. But I don't believe anyone's ever accused Hong Kong of not spending money on austentatious displays.
Now keep in mind, I'm about 3 rungs lower than amateur when it comes to photography. I actually took about 100 pics, but most of them were blurry. I blame the confluance of hazyness and polution. I've included some of the better ones here. I also have two videos (isn't modern technology cool?!) for your enjoyment. Why, it's almost like you're seeing it through mine own eyes. Kind of like a reverse Being Kevin Donahue (Duncan, I know you get that one).
The show starts at 8:00pm and runs 15 minutes (that's until 8:15pm for you numerically challenged. You're welcome). Get to the harbor early to get a good spot. I arrived around 6:50pm and just sat around, along with a bunch of other people. There were boats pulling up in front of us and idling, which was a bit annoying. But it looks like they empty the harbor during the show. I kind of think they must temporarily sunk the boats, because it seemed like 5 seconds after the show ended, the harbor was full of boats again. Weird. Anyway...
I guess this one is around 7:20pm, as the sun had recently set. The pics don't really do justice to the contrast between the buildings and the signage. It's so vivid in real life.
And, around the same time, but a little to the right.
I'm not sure, but I think that building in the center / bottom is the convention center. I'm too lazy to look it up right now, so we'll just go with that.
And a little darker now.
This one's actually really cool. The building in the center, with the white skeleton, was great. The shading on the white lights would slide up and down the building, sometimes in different patterns. And the building just to the right had the multicolored side. Awesome.
Uh... I guess this is the railing in front of me?
This one is mid show. It's only got the white spotlights on top of the buildings. Even though it's blurry, you get the picture. Just imagine you were there, drunk, watching the show. Makes sense now, doesn't it?
Here, you can see the building with the white skeleton in mid shift.
I actually think this one came out ok.
These green lights were flailing away all over the place. I took about 3 or 4 pics, trying to capture them. They were timed to the music, so once I figured they were on every 4th beat, it was easy... Except that I'm not really certain how long my camera takes to snap the pic. But it all worked out in the end. Again, even though it's a little blurry, you can at least see all that's going on.
This guy starred in the light show (you can see it 2 pics above). I also think this was the building in Batman: The Dark Knight. remember he went to Hong Kong to capture that bad guy? And he jumped off that tall building (was it the Bank of China building?). Anyway, I think this is the building. It's kind of like I'm almost Batman... I mean, I didn't jump off the top of the building, but I was there.
All in all, quite a spectacle. Sorry I didn't get many (any?) good pics. Like I said, I'm not good at this. But I try, and we grade on a curve, right?
Now keep in mind, I'm about 3 rungs lower than amateur when it comes to photography. I actually took about 100 pics, but most of them were blurry. I blame the confluance of hazyness and polution. I've included some of the better ones here. I also have two videos (isn't modern technology cool?!) for your enjoyment. Why, it's almost like you're seeing it through mine own eyes. Kind of like a reverse Being Kevin Donahue (Duncan, I know you get that one).
The show starts at 8:00pm and runs 15 minutes (that's until 8:15pm for you numerically challenged. You're welcome). Get to the harbor early to get a good spot. I arrived around 6:50pm and just sat around, along with a bunch of other people. There were boats pulling up in front of us and idling, which was a bit annoying. But it looks like they empty the harbor during the show. I kind of think they must temporarily sunk the boats, because it seemed like 5 seconds after the show ended, the harbor was full of boats again. Weird. Anyway...
I guess this one is around 7:20pm, as the sun had recently set. The pics don't really do justice to the contrast between the buildings and the signage. It's so vivid in real life.
 |
| From Hong Kong Light Show |
And, around the same time, but a little to the right.
 |
| From Hong Kong Light Show |
I'm not sure, but I think that building in the center / bottom is the convention center. I'm too lazy to look it up right now, so we'll just go with that.
 |
| From Hong Kong Light Show |
And a little darker now.
 |
| From Hong Kong Light Show |
This one's actually really cool. The building in the center, with the white skeleton, was great. The shading on the white lights would slide up and down the building, sometimes in different patterns. And the building just to the right had the multicolored side. Awesome.
 |
| From Hong Kong Light Show |
Uh... I guess this is the railing in front of me?
 |
| From Hong Kong Light Show |
This one is mid show. It's only got the white spotlights on top of the buildings. Even though it's blurry, you get the picture. Just imagine you were there, drunk, watching the show. Makes sense now, doesn't it?
 |
| From Hong Kong Light Show |
Here, you can see the building with the white skeleton in mid shift.
 |
| From Hong Kong Light Show |
I actually think this one came out ok.
 |
| From Hong Kong Light Show |
These green lights were flailing away all over the place. I took about 3 or 4 pics, trying to capture them. They were timed to the music, so once I figured they were on every 4th beat, it was easy... Except that I'm not really certain how long my camera takes to snap the pic. But it all worked out in the end. Again, even though it's a little blurry, you can at least see all that's going on.
 |
| From Hong Kong Light Show |
This guy starred in the light show (you can see it 2 pics above). I also think this was the building in Batman: The Dark Knight. remember he went to Hong Kong to capture that bad guy? And he jumped off that tall building (was it the Bank of China building?). Anyway, I think this is the building. It's kind of like I'm almost Batman... I mean, I didn't jump off the top of the building, but I was there.
 |
| From Hong Kong Light Show |
All in all, quite a spectacle. Sorry I didn't get many (any?) good pics. Like I said, I'm not good at this. But I try, and we grade on a curve, right?
Friday, June 5, 2009
Record Breaking Traffic
And we hit 29 visits to the site yesterday! Hurray! New record. I appreciate every one of you stopping by (2 unique visitors!). We're building the army, one by one... After which we seem to have hit a wall.
Of course, it's entirely possible that I'm totally misinterpreting Google Analytics here, and I simply don't know what I'm talking about. But there is some field for which the value is 29!
Of course, it's entirely possible that I'm totally misinterpreting Google Analytics here, and I simply don't know what I'm talking about. But there is some field for which the value is 29!
My Plan Comes to Fruition
I neglected to mention that I've befriended my two co-interns, Brian and Katherine. They're both Hong Kong University law students, and local. So advantage, them. But they're both extremely friendly and nice, and it's a real pleasure to have a couple of people to share the misery with. I guess being Chinese has it's advantages, because as we were chatting today, they mentioned that Saturday is kind of an optional work day. Now, I know I missed a couple of days, but this information would have been useful before. I mentioned to another co-worker (I'm making friends!) about this lack of information exchange, and he said "yeah, that's kind of common in the Chinese work place. You just have to talk to the right people". I actually forget the exact quote, but that's pretty close. As I was saying, my co-interns had evidently talked to the right people, because they have much more information that I do. But they cheerily shared it with me, and we all laughed about being there. We'll see what happens next week.
And it turns out that there was some minor holiday / celebration a few days ago, the story of which I will totally bastardize here:
In celebration of this event, locals make dumplings. Katherine was kind enough to bring me a couple of the dumplings that her mother had made. I just ate the first one, and it was wonderful. It contained sticky rice, two types of beans, pork, shrimp, and some ingredients that she said she'd reveal to me in Monday. Yeah, that makes me a little nervous, too. Let's hope I make it to Monday. The dumpling was sincerely appreciated, and enjoyed. I will eat the second one tonight or tomorrow.
The other exciting development today was that I made a new friend (two, actually). I've been sitting at a desk normally occupied by Dennis, who was out studying for exams. He returned today, and I opened up the conversation by saying "hey, I noticed some bookmarks for guitar tab. I play a little myself". We all know how rockers stick together, so the bond was instantly formed. We chatted about music (both metal fans), and he was nice enough to point out several places in Hong Kong that I'd probably enjoy seeing. I realize that part of his enthusiasm was due to a lack of work, but still. So, now I have a new friend, and a list of hangout spots. Things sure are improving.
So maybe this wacky 6 day work week (shut up, Sam) isn't so bad after all. I mean, especially if it's optional.
And it turns out that there was some minor holiday / celebration a few days ago, the story of which I will totally bastardize here:
A long time ago (but not in a galaxy far, far away. ... Actually, that really doesn't end the nerd, does it?) a guy was unhappy that a wish did not come true, so he threw himself into a river. He was a poet and statesman, and well-respected by his countrymen (not sure about that ladyfolk). Afraid that the fish would eat his carcass, the townsfolk made dumplings, which they threw into the river, so that the fish would eat them instead.
In celebration of this event, locals make dumplings. Katherine was kind enough to bring me a couple of the dumplings that her mother had made. I just ate the first one, and it was wonderful. It contained sticky rice, two types of beans, pork, shrimp, and some ingredients that she said she'd reveal to me in Monday. Yeah, that makes me a little nervous, too. Let's hope I make it to Monday. The dumpling was sincerely appreciated, and enjoyed. I will eat the second one tonight or tomorrow.
The other exciting development today was that I made a new friend (two, actually). I've been sitting at a desk normally occupied by Dennis, who was out studying for exams. He returned today, and I opened up the conversation by saying "hey, I noticed some bookmarks for guitar tab. I play a little myself". We all know how rockers stick together, so the bond was instantly formed. We chatted about music (both metal fans), and he was nice enough to point out several places in Hong Kong that I'd probably enjoy seeing. I realize that part of his enthusiasm was due to a lack of work, but still. So, now I have a new friend, and a list of hangout spots. Things sure are improving.
So maybe this wacky 6 day work week (shut up, Sam) isn't so bad after all. I mean, especially if it's optional.
Six Day Work Week?!
Yeah, that's what they've got over here. What is this, the Middle Ages? Granted, it's only a 1/2 day, but still. Kind of ruins the weekend. And I guess it's a good thing I didn't get a visa for the mainland, as I wouldn't be able to get away for a weekend anyway.
If the USA, the powerhouse economy of the world, the shining beacon of freedom on the hill, can have a 5 day work week, I think anyone should be able to. It really is true... You don't miss those freedoms until they've been taken away. Tomorrow, I mourn the 5 day work week.
If the USA, the powerhouse economy of the world, the shining beacon of freedom on the hill, can have a 5 day work week, I think anyone should be able to. It really is true... You don't miss those freedoms until they've been taken away. Tomorrow, I mourn the 5 day work week.
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