Moi Blog

2011 resolution revision 1.0

2011-01-01T09:43:00.001-08:00

1. Read To Catch A Mockingbird
2. Get back to the gym
3. Grow.

Formosa Taiwan China

2010-12-11T11:16:00.001-08:00

Finally had the opportunity to watch Formosa Betrayed. Having many friends that are Taiwanese (both aborigine and "Chinese"), the back story that encompasses this movie is one that I know and accept.

The underlying friction of 228 (er er ba) is something I want to address. It is perfectly agreeable and I believe, undisputed, that the act of suppressing the native population and killing innocent people is to be abhorred. However, it takes the form of naivete to believe that this suppression and use of force is not rampant when an unstoppable object (change) meets a static, somewhat immovable one (existing government).

I am not arguing that change should be allowed to go about without reprimand or recognition. I am arguing however, that to believe that we live in a world where change does not come at a price (steep or not) is ignorant.

I would like to say to those who point at the 228 incident (and what it symbolizes) that the fact that this history occurred, is something that we are to accept. As insensitive as that sounds, it is fact. We, who live in the U.S. currently, are blessed and see the world through our eyes. Modern history often cloaks the smutty laundry that is our past. The U.S. was formed through a multitude of violent and inhumane acts. To live in this country, formed through bloodshed, and then try to 'shame' another country for doing the same act is self-duplicitous and irresponsible. This "New World" story is one that has been, is being, and will be reenacted repeatedly.

finito

2010-06-14T11:17:00.000-07:00

Finished with my Georgetown MBA officially on May 21, 2010. A two year journey that has been truly special.

"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take."

When did I accept mediocrity?

2010-05-09T21:37:00.000-07:00

When scared, I always revert to lowered expectations. If I don't risk big, I won't lose big.

No more.

Fatness (with a F, not a Ph), Puffness (with a P, not a B)

2010-04-04T12:59:00.000-07:00

Overweight people with a Diet Coke in one hand, phone on the other, talking about how diets don't work while ordering a Caramel Macchiato with extra whip from Starbucks crack me up to no end.

Meatheads who are wider than they are tall. 5' 6" guys with biceps the size of a volleyball also make me chuckle.

Psych-OUT

2009-11-03T19:30:00.001-08:00

CIGNAPACE Yourself Please.

kick the habit...

2009-10-11T14:40:00.000-07:00

do the work. do the work. do the work.

the rest will take care of itself.

You can't be friends with everyone...

2009-09-29T06:24:00.001-07:00

Just have to accept that there are some people in life that I just can't stand...

The road to intensity

2009-07-14T07:02:00.001-07:00

20090607-DSC_2281-5
Originally uploaded by Baysideben

As a believer of the hard work = success school of thought, I came to thinking about the components of hard work, namely, while we know the synonyms or results of hardwork (time & effort, and accolades & rewards), there isn't really an 'adjective' that one's mind can easily digest.

Leave it to me, the amateur philosoph-izer extraordinaire to do so for the good of humanity. The first adjective I want to use is "intense". As defined by Webster's dictionary:

1 a: existing in an extreme degree b: extremely marked or pronounced c: very large or considerable
2 a: feeling deeply especially by nature or temperament b: deeply felt

I'll make it even simpler for you, intense or intensity is the mental state in which you feel there is a roaring, blue-flame, conflagration under your ass. One that without completion of your current task, no one will put out.

Personally, I prefer adjectives with physical action descriptors. To me, intensity means to "push". Whether work or recreation, when I know the effort I put forth would suffice, I tend to stay longer and push harder because I know at the end of the day, the results do show. These results may not appear at first, or even at all to the public, but it doesn't have to. To know that I can is an intrinsic reward, and one I cherish most.

The Power of Music (and the Mind)

2009-07-13T11:30:00.001-07:00

IMG_1970
Originally uploaded by Baysideben

Mondays are truly miserable. Therefore one should not listen to Sarah Machachlan and her Lilith Fair spawned minions (aka Sheryl Crow, Natalie Merchant, and Aimee Mann) during the first day of the work week.

If you do, you will be enervated and undoubtedly picturing yourself jumping off the proverbial bridge of mental sanity. Kiss your attempts to be productive good bye!

I'm uncool, and I'm okay with it

2009-06-30T13:58:00.001-07:00

20090606-DSC_2260-1
Originally uploaded by Baysideben
After close to 28 years of walking the path towards "old", I'm noticing the undeniable truth of aging. Beliefs once held in the naivete of youth, such as "I'll always know what's cool!", "Technology is so easy to master, why are my parents so wary of the new things.", and of course "Why do people listen to the oldies for? They sound horrible!" are cast aside because the reality of life answers those questions for us.

Given the choice between a current Top 40 headache-inducing diddy from Lady GaGa and some classic Pearljam (Yellow Ledbetter anyone?), you and I both know what I would pick within a New York minute. Heck, a choice between me the dry-heave inducing hip-hop'ish cover of a song that, in its original form was atrocious *cough* Blue *cough*, and some Johnny Cash - is no contest.

As for technology, well, case in point, Twitter? Don't need no crazy updates about people's lives. NO ONE IS THAT INTERESTING, at least interesting enough that I need play-by-play, minute-by-minute updates on who, what, where, when they saw/ate/shat/left for work. Twitter ultimately, like Facebook (of which I am guilty of using notwithstanding) provides a sense of self-delusional illusions of grandeur to individual. As if I am that interesting or COOL enough (I'm not, read below) for everyone of my "friends" to give two flying turdwads about my life.

As for cool, well, I think I never was cool nor did I ever believe I was (was there a badge given out certifying coolness back in high school or something...was it during lunch in the cafeteria? Must have missed it as I was usually out at the handball courts), so you can't lose what you never had.

fin.

D-Day aka Deadlift Day

2009-06-23T08:03:00.001-07:00

20090607-DSC_2324-12
Originally uploaded by Baysideben

What is this, I have to lift this thing? Why should I? It is so heavy. It is so static, so permanent, so complacent.

Because it is there, and there is not where I want it to be.

Regaining lost ground

2009-06-15T08:20:00.001-07:00

20090606-DSC_2264-2
Originally uploaded by Baysideben

The road to recovery is a tough one. Often times, knowing what you were once capable of and realizing how far off you are presently is both demoralizing and enervating. It can keep you from trying, from grasping that bar again and working.

I say this mentality is a fallacy. The goal of recovery should not be one of returning to past glory. It should one of reaching loftier heights. Consider it an opportunity to try again, with a clean slate. Past greatness becomes the standard, the baseline, because you've ALREADY done it. Why settle for mediocre?

The most important class I took in high school was...

2009-06-05T11:49:00.001-07:00

20090509-DSC_2097-4
Originally uploaded by Baysideben

In the year 1999, at the Bronx High School of Science, enrolled in the AP Psychology Class - Distance learning with the School of Humanities in Manhattan.

A girl sat next to me. Her name was Susie.

In memory of all those who sacrificed their most precious possession...

2009-05-25T15:11:00.001-07:00

Rolling Thunder
Originally uploaded by Baysideben

Living roughly 2 miles from the Arlington National Cemetery, the most sacred of grounds in the United States of America, I am humbled by the great gifts and responsibilities bestowed to us all by those who lay in peace there.

May we remember that war is never kind, war should be never sought, and that war holds collateral of only death.

Time flies

2009-05-19T18:00:00.001-07:00

20090516-DSC_2110-5
Originally uploaded by Baysideben

First day of my internship at the Overseas Private Internship Corporation (OPIC). Seems quite challenging and it is only the first day - hope it stays that way!

Here's to a productive and fun summer!

Holy shit, I suck

2009-05-06T01:07:00.001-07:00

20090309-DSC_1018-61
Originally uploaded by Baysideben

I can't write for my life. The final IBD PAPER IS A PERFECT EXAMPLE OF WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU PROCRASTINATE.

You create poop.

End of MBA 1st Year...almost

2009-05-02T19:23:00.001-07:00

20080830-DSC_8161
Originally uploaded by Baysideben

At the cusp of my first year here at McDonough School of Business - two exams and one bitchin' paper to overcome - I am saddened by how fast it all went by.

Work, work, work, work and then bam - finals and summer internship. I will be in D.C. for the summer unfortunately, I would rather have been in NYC.

Here's to a great first year - new friends, new stories, and new moments. May there be plenty more tomorrow!

You can never go home again...

2009-04-12T17:41:00.001-07:00

20080418-DSC_4878
Originally uploaded by Baysideben

I'm back in New York City for Easter break. Although I feel quite comfortable in the house, I can't shake the feeling that a part of me no longer 'belongs' as much here.

The pursuit for a MBA has come to the halfway point, almost. 3 more weeks of this and I will be done with my 1st Year, with 1 more to go. I will be interning at OPIC this summer, hopefully in a fulfilling role assisting with the Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development Finance group.

I am proud to state that since my embarkment on this graduate degree - I have repeatedly taken steps outside of my 'comfort' zone. I am aware that I paid a lot of money for this education, and I expect to learn the most I can from others, AND myself during this time. Going forward, I hope I can continue my excursions outside of comfort and safety in pursuit of constant challenges and experiences.

Happy Easter.

On the firing line

2009-04-03T20:09:00.001-07:00

On the line
Originally uploaded by Baysideben

This week is going to be a test. IBD Presentation next Wednesday, and IBE mid-term next Monday. Here we go.

Walking back from the Courthouse Metro after visiting the U.S. Aid building, I was waved at by a little boy on a bicycle with his dad in tow. Scary as it sounds, that was me TWENTY years ago - on a bike riding on the sidewalk.

I'm soon to be 28!

Good lord. Good lord. Good lord. Scary.

Count your blessings

2009-03-28T18:21:00.001-07:00

20090308-DSC_0846-53
Originally uploaded by Baysideben

You just can't expect everything to work out for you.

This shot was taken while we were in Playa Samara. We had rented a boat out to see dolphins but we didn't see any. Ultimately, we settled for a seagull sitting on a sea turtle and a beautiful view of the sun setting in the horizon.

Looking back on it, this sunset was worth more than a view of dolphins. That is life.

Central America: Check!

2009-03-18T17:16:00.001-07:00

20090310-DSC_1145-4
Originally uploaded by Baysideben

Spring Break 2009 was spent in Costa Rica. Landing in San Jose, driving to Playa Samara, then to Arenal. Amazing places.

Nothing beats soaking in local culture, even if it is somewhat watered down by being in touristy areas.

Food feeds the soul and also fuels the mind. I learned more from eating the local cuisine than through visual events.

Lastly, I realize that Americans, and urbanized individuals in general baby their children way too much. Kids in Costa Rica did things that would have made helmet-law creating, water wings on each arm putting, PTA-leading parent cringe.

Wanted: Haircut

2009-02-05T21:10:00.001-08:00

I need one, badly as you can see. I need a new style. Hook it up.

Here's to the tumultuous times of now.

Extinction

2009-01-26T20:30:00.001-08:00

Extinction
Originally uploaded by Baysideben

Trade policy is an example of the blind leading the blind.

Government employing hands-off markets policy is an example of "passing the buck" - The "invisible hand of markets" will solve all your problems.

On the flip side, excessive government intervention represents too many cooks ruining the soup - Even worse, its a group of untrained cooks pulled from the alleyway behind a dingy truck stop diner on the side of a off-ramp road in the outskirts of Punxatawny, PA (and no, its not Groundhog Day).

Happy Chinese New Year

2009-01-25T21:56:00.001-08:00

20090124-DSC_9929
Originally uploaded by Baysideben

Where you seek to push forward, where you find your joys, where you capture your most cherished memories - I wish you focus, determination, and foresight to realize success.

Un-stress

2008-12-23T22:51:00.000-08:00

In the middle of my much needed winter break, I've allowed my brain to rot some. Figured it was the least I could do after pushing it to overdrive in the past 5 months.

Read an actual magazine for pleasure for the first time in what seems like a long time. US News & World Report catchup reading during the morning today and I was loving it. I had forgotten what it felt like to read a physical page with words on it without a need for highlighters or a case write-up as a goal.

Decided to take more portrait shots. Unfortunately I'm only carrying around my laptop so no desktop Adobe Lightroom/DXO Optics goodness for some photo-tweaking (ergo you get the washed up image as per above).

Tomorrow is cover letter work day, and then hopefully hit the big ole city on Thursday for Christmas.

Oh and 2 days into 27 and already feeling like I should have stayed 26.

Colorful Dismality

2008-12-17T17:44:00.001-08:00

20080725-DSC_7597
Originally uploaded by Baysideben

Color scheme layout changes

Look out and seek out

2008-12-14T17:31:00.001-08:00

20081107-DSC_8597
Originally uploaded by Baysideben

Walk down this quaint path to the end,
In the fork of the road where the foot notes the slight bend,
Mr. Ginsberg waits and contemplates,
Whether the fool or the man is to end or create,
To make the air drunk with cognac,
Mr. Jack laughs as with a simple act,
Righteously cradling the edge of sane,
There the pain wanes with grandiose strain,
Understanding the words of the art,
Come, run and light those with the spark,
Ultimately, finally, unequivocally nebulous,
And at the same instance also quite incredulous,
This I write as a tribute to one Jack,
Yes, that Jack, of Kerouac.

Peace out.

Attaining the MBA: Almost 1/4 done...going the distance...

2008-12-12T14:27:00.001-08:00

Sea of ...
Originally uploaded by Baysideben

Life is defined by Milestones

Finals week approaches for yours truly yet again, and with it marks the 1/4 completion of my MBA education. I feel like my life prior to MBA has been one of laziness, half-assed'ness, and divergent interests. I have never worked this hard before, yet at the same time, never feel so rewarded for my work.

Yesterday, our family welcomed two new small members into its fold. Baby Matthew and Lydia, my second nephew and first niece.

Life waits for no one.

Do not delude yourself - I am not...

2008-11-04T19:23:00.001-08:00

20081021-DSC_8352
Originally uploaded by Baysideben

McCain had so many things right going into 2000. I am disappointed he has altered his persona and ideals so much so that he has become un-electable. I hope he had remained the man that he was then. He could have won this. The pursuit of power corrupts.

I am a Democrat, and I do not delude myself into thinking that Obama will radically, or even moderately change the US government. "Yes we can" change, but at a snail's pace. The fire that burns under our ass is not big enough yet to quicken our step. It took Bush 8 years to alter, aka absolutely and totally "ram-rod f*ck"it to its current state, and that was only through a fundamental change fueled by the tragedy of September 11, 2001.

Seeing President Bush and a Republican-dominated legislature in power for the good part of my adult life, I fear for our country if Democrats own both the legislative and executive branches of our government. Sure, change is coming, but our future history will decide whether this change was good.

Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely.

I hope Obama does not let the Democratic party run amok and ruin it all like the GOP party of the past decade.

** side note

Every single network reporter is grabbing any african-american near him/her and asking them how they "feel". The rest of us folk can appreciate the advance of civil rights too man!

I hope Sarah Palin does decide to try to lead the GOP party. SNL needs material!

The ball keeps rolling...

2008-10-28T13:21:00.001-07:00

20081021-DSC_8436
Originally uploaded by Baysideben

So keep your eye on it.

Attaining the MBA Degree : 1/8 done

2008-10-21T16:47:00.001-07:00

20081021-DSC_8390
Originally uploaded by Baysideben

Looking back on it, what a crazy 7 weeks it has been.

A race to the finish, but it was only the beginning...

Will you love me when I'm 64?

2008-10-12T07:33:00.001-07:00

20080725-DSC_7587
Originally uploaded by Baysideben

Here's a note to McCain, you were screwed from the onset.

For the last 7 years since 9/11, we have been distracted by the message of "gonna git you sucka". Now, as other distractions loom far greater within, Iraq, Afghanistan, and even Bin Laden have lost critical mass in the American radar. This may not be a smart thing to do, but when did Americans care for intelligence? We elected (well, not me, but enough idiots) G.W. as the people's champion for the last 8 years. We embrace mediocrity, even if we do not formally condone it.

The American people want to be loved, and John McCain is as huggable as a irate, genetically-altered, super-intelligent grizzly with 12 rounds and a sawed-off shotgun.

Death Row Meal - Addendum

2008-09-29T17:20:00.001-07:00

20080420-DSC_5124
Originally uploaded by Baysideben

I would like to add this "company sandwich" (literal translation from Cantonese) to the death row menu. Tastes like hot sex.

Found in Hong Kong, street vendors, on the walk-down from my brother's flat in the mid-levels to Central.

Ingredients: Buttered toast, chicken cutlet, ham, egg, condensed milk, mayo, tomato, chinese ham, and awesomenitude.

Fried fish = crazy delicious

2008-09-25T21:58:00.001-07:00

20080726-DSC_7713
Originally uploaded by Baysideben

If I was on death row, my last meal would be Quarterback Crunch Ice cream from Baskin Robbins and Fish n' chips from Pajo's in Vancouver, BC.

Laking 101

2008-06-23T11:44:00.001-07:00

20080621-DSC_6619
Originally uploaded by Baysideben

The lesson is: Don't eat enough food that you feel like a week of atonement will not suffice.

Behind the camera...

2008-05-16T21:32:00.001-07:00

20080423-DSC_5538
Originally uploaded by Baysideben

This shot was taken near the Times Square shopping center in Hong Kong during my trip.

What stood out to me about this shot is that what I'm doing is the same as what he's doing. He's capturing an instance.

Hong Kong-My Return

2008-05-04T16:13:00.001-07:00

20080418-DSC_4880
Originally uploaded by Baysideben

My last time back was 2000. I went back this time with a wee bit of wisdom, understanding and most importantly, a job (ie. cash to spend). What a difference that makes.

Hong Kong is a great city, filled with savory food, rambunctious people and fantastic experiences. I will be back.

Post-processing will mess your mind up

2008-03-22T08:49:00.001-07:00

Not following a 'path', not having something I "have to do" on the weekends these past couple of weeks, I've decided to spend more time learning the fine art of tweaking photos.

I've seen some great stuff done out there, and when the photographer is so kind as to show the before & after pictures, it really is insane how much can be done to "amp" the pictures.

This puts into question on how good these photographers are I see on Flickr. Befuddled!

I like it RAW and hardcore...

2008-02-27T18:42:00.001-08:00

Smelly Shoes
Originally uploaded by Baysideben

After close to a year of amateur photography work, I've decided to finally take out the old and jump into the new. Old being JPEG and new being RAW.

For my upcoming vacation to Hong Kong, Bangkok and Macau, I'll be shooting in all RAW.

Soylent Green is RAW!!!

hand in the cookie jar

2008-02-24T14:34:00.001-08:00

hand in the cookie jar
Originally uploaded by Baysideben

Shots make the world a far more colorful place.

If only everyday could be like this.

Get me out there!!!

2008-02-15T20:09:00.001-08:00

20080210-DSC_4254-1
Originally uploaded by Baysideben

Thousands of people packed like sardines in a can to watch a parade consisted of one senator, one "pageant" queen, a bunch of people dressed as lions and one Hong Kong actress...

Having a camera definitely has pushed me out to take advantage of living in the Big Apple.

What you lookin' at sucka?

2007-11-09T15:50:00.001-08:00

What you lookin' at sucka?
Originally uploaded by Obeny81

look at yourself, look at this baby. yes, you are obsolete...

the 1st posting

2007-10-26T17:49:00.000-07:00

Let's see how far we get with this shall we?