These past few years, I’ve been reading lots of blogs and participating in forums in which the posts are being contributed from around the world. It’s interesting to hear about all the cultural differences (and surprising similarities) among the countries. One particular thing that has struck me in the past couple months is that I have seen the word ”Jap” come up in normal conversations/threads. In the States, this term’s usage is rare and pretty much confined to racist remarks towards people of Japanese ancestry. It goes back to WWII, and the propaganda used to depict the Japanese enemy. But, you know, in some parts of the world, it is a common, generic term to describe something Japanese. So, even though I cringe a little when I see the word, I realize that no ill intent is meant. Just a cultural difference, I tell myself.
    |
2008 Feb 08
2008 Feb 07
Gung Hay Fat Choy! I’m part Chinese, so my family celebrates! But not really too much because we aren’t very culturally aware...I suppose it’s typical of American-born Asians. However, red envelopes can be seen in the hands of our kids, and we love going to see the Chinese New Years festivities. 2008 Feb 06
My running has been very sporadic lately. Well, more specifically, I run maybe once a week at best. I really need to start being more consistent. The problem is just scheduling a set time every or every other day. I should start my 5am three-mile run again, but it’s kinda cold in the mornings. Yeah, excuses! Oh, and my bike sits idle in the garage. I love riding it, so I should just get off my butt and at least go around the neighborhood with it. Again, this means going out after hours, or early in the morning. Maybe 9 o’clock night ride would be good.  I ordered a phone for my mom yesterday, and added it my T-Mobile family plan. She is getting the Samsung t439, which seems pretty cool. In fact, I am wanting to ditch my Razr for it! It’s got an mp3 player and SD card slot. I think it’s really neat. Samsung makes some good, reliable phones, so I am happy to get my mom this one. I wonder if it will fit in the coin pocket of Levis jeans… that is one of the requirements for any phone that I would consider. 2008 Feb 05
The Nissan Cube is coming to the US in 2009! I love this car. It’s kind of goofy, like a Scion xB, but not nearly as dumpy looking. They drove a cool blue Cube around in the dorama Kuitan. It’s too bad I will be driving the Odyssey at the time the Cube comes stateside, but maybe it’ll be time to make a trade? Check out a nice little review of the Cube at LA Times.com, and another at Wired’s Autopia. [photo from LA Times] The new Sony dSLR lineup looks pretty nice, with live-view and tiltable lcd. I still love my 7D and won’t upgrade from it just yet, but I like the direction Sony is going! The Alpha 700 is pretty sweet, though. I checked it out at Yodobashi and also at Precision Camera here in Austin. 2008 Feb 04
In 2009, Texas will move from 6-digit to 7-digit license plates. But what is exciting is that there is possibly a new design! All you Texans head on over to the TXDOT website and cast your vote for the new design. BTW, for you non-residents, the “My Texas” design is the current plate, just with 7 digits. I think I am going for Traditional Texas. Makes me want to eat BBQ. |
