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.