I haven't been here for a while, but I am glad to see the fools have been philosophising steadily in my absence.

I know next to nothing about the education disparities in urban schools, therefore I am especially convinced of my beliefs on the issue. While it's a stereotype that Asian families place heavier emphasize on education then the average American families, there is probably some truth to it. Another reason may be that a lot of Asian families are recent immigrants. Being immigrants can be a difficult and isolating experience. Coming to a strange new country, without sure means of support, can arouse a feeling of precariousness to their existence in this society. I think this shared experience can bind a family closer, not in the touchy-feely way, but unite them in the common purpose of family survival and success. Of course, this is before the kids discover the American way and abandon their studies to become roadies and grunge poets.

I actually have an American flag credit card. Not due to some wild surge of patriotism on my part, it was just the default. So far the only person who commented on it was a motel owner in a tiny California town along the I-5. She was an desiccated old woman, who upon seeing it, remarked ironically, "How patriotic."

I didn't watch the Friends Finale. Though the characters are likable, over the years they really started to annoy me with their antics and all the permutations of sleeping arrangements. I think "Joey" is going to suck. Because Joey is the stupid one of the group and most of his comedy is based on his stupidity. As a part of an ensemble this may work but when he gets pushed to the center stage the "Do-something-dumb-then-look-confused" schtick will get old really fast.

And while we are philosophising about sitcom, how about Frasier. I thought it easily was the best comedy on TV for a long time until Niles and Daphne went all kissy-kissy and deflated one of the show's main driving forces. I mean, who want to see unrequited love fulfilled? Bad choice.

I will say Yay also but it's really up to you. I guess the question is, does carrying a flag around on your credit card count as "flaunting." Or better yet, are you planning on doing any shopping in the middle east anytime soon.

So it's the 50th anniversary of Brown vs. Board of Education today, and in honour of that day, instead of studying, I spent like an hour watching a documentary on CNN about the achievement gap in education today. The theory that some are bandying about is that the notion of outlawing "separate but equal" schools actually did a disservice to the black community in the long run. Then, they made some interesting contrasts between the academic achievement of inner city blacks with that of inner city Asian Americans, with predictable results. Of course, this is all a case of comparing apples and oranges, but I'm wondering, especially with the teacher/psych people around, what everyone thinks is the root of this gap? Obviously, there's no simple answer, but they interviewed a Chinese professor at Howard University (?!!?) who said we can't group blacks and Asians in the same group cuz Asians were never slaves. I mean..fine, fair enough, but there must be more to it than that? I mean, fine Asians weren't slaves in turn of the century San Francisco, but they didn't exactly have it easy either.

Finally, its been 15 years since Chang won the French Open!?! Man, I feel old!

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2004/tennis/05/14/michael.chang/index.html

Yay or Nay:

I was informed a few weeks ago that my Discover card would be upgraded to a "Platinum" card. I thought it would be something simple, like what Chris has. I finally received the card today, and it's design is the US flag. I'm thinking of turning it down, or at least get something less cliche. Those who love this country aren't necessarily the ones who flaunt it.

Hello all. I've updated the template at last, now that blogger has finally put up some new ones so hopefully this is an improvement on the crap layout I had up before.

I did see the Friends' finale. I have to admit that while I also took a hiatus from watching the show, I did start watching it more often in the last year or two. I thought the finale was alright, as far as television show finales go. It was better than the Seinfeld finale I think, which is probably the only comparable episode in terms of hype. I am rather curious to see where the new show Joey goes. Will it be horrible, or will it be the next Frasier?

Finally, I've started contemplating purchasing a heavy bag for my apartment when I get back there to take up boxing as a conditioning/cario workout. Any thoughts? Anyone have any experience with boxing?

Happy Slope Day Everybody! Man, does time fly by or what? It's times like these, and watching the Friends finale, sniff sniff, that make me nostalgic for the old times in the Townhouses and Collegetown Court and of course, Chris, Dickson Hall. HA!

In any event, I'm out in Vancouver right now. It's really nice. Mountains fill out the skyline and the weather is fantastic. The people here though, are kind of weird, like they're looking at you waiting for you to say something when you're the one waiting for them to say something. I mean, I'd think I'm the weird one except this has never happened with such regularity as in the last week!

Also, this west coast time business is a little unnerving. I mean, by the time I get home, all the east coast sporting events are over! And what's one supposed to watch after the Lakers game finish at like 10pm?!?!?!