wah!

This picture in a nearby museum in The Hague is so funny and quirky and cute.

....

Soon we will know who our next President will be. Obama '08

as in a dream

Brussel's old town square was amazing tonight.

...but the real story of the weekend is Luxembourg.

Too tired to really write for now, so I wanted to post this picture first.

----
The problem with these dream-like states I find myself in is that I am very happy in them. I feel so at peace when I am "transported" by these almost unreal surroundings. Sometimes I wish there was another universe I could just escape to, just for a little while. I have no reason to be unhappy in my life, and for all practical purposes I am very content... but sometimes I feel like I am floating, drifting through the motions... things are not vivid... it is hard to explain.

Learn Chinese Online -- for free!

South Park: Butters looks soooo funny ahaha

When I was younger: I hated Chinese Saturday school. I hated Ming Yuan summer school (well, at least the learning part. and the humiliating daily trek to the local park to get the free lunch-- so Asian!). I slacked my way through Mandarin in high school.

When I was... less... younger: I really want to improve my Chinese!! I have hit a plateau, so sad. But I do try to keep it up. I have developed a good group of learning tools, the latest of which I found only recently. And now I want to share them with... whoever it is that might read this ^_^

My favorite resources for learning Chinese online [for free]:

1. Chinese Pod: http://chinesepod.com/
This is a popular web broadcast program out of Shanghai. It's free to download their iPod lessons, which they put out daily. There are varying levels, from beginner to advanced. It's a great format as they have one native speaker and one non-native speaker basically just conversing about the day's lesson. The approx. 12 minute lessons are easy to listen to during your commute, work out, etc. For more serious learners, they offer vocabulary sheets, lessons, and other guidance for a fee.

2. Chinese Reading World: http://chinesereadingworld.org/
This is an awesome free website put on by the University of Iowa. They have a TON of lessons at beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels. It's hard to find so many free decent-quality lessons online. They provide the lesson, vocabularly list, pre-test questions, and post-test questions. They even "time" you to give you a score of how your reading speed compares to a native speaker. It requires an email sign-up, but it's quick, easy, and spam-free. It gets even better when used with...

3. NJStar: http://www.download.com/NJStar-Communicator/3000-2279_4-10038407.html
I don't remember where I got my program from but here is a link to a free download. NJStar is a Chinese writing program. Chinese Reading World has their lessons in this format. They also have it in HTML, but when you use NJStar you can hover over words and it will define them for you. Also, it's cool to have a Chinese writing program. I do pin yin entry but I think they have the other methods too.

4. Chinese Pera-kun: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/3349
Okay this is my latest find. It's an awesome Firefox add-on that basically does for websites what NJStar does for files. You just turn on the program through right-click, then when you hover over Chinese words, it defines it for you in a pop-up. For people like me who can read maybe half of any given sentence, this puts reading Chinese online within reach. I think it's the easiest and quickest way to learn Chinese for me, actually. I use it with...

5. China Daily Newspaper Online: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/hqzx/
I only made a superficial search, but this is the best designed major Chinese newspaper website I found. Which is not saying much. Reading news is the best use of time for me, as I can learn the most often used vocabulary. I will look for new websites sooner or later.

Chinese Pera-kun in action on China Daily

6. To be added: A good website that streams K dramas with Chinese subtitles hahah


6/3/2009 UPDATE:

Having purchased an iPhone earlier this year, I wanted to add to this post my two favorite Chinese dictionaries:
1) iCED Chinese Dictionary- Free
2) Qing Wen- $4.99

I tried all the free Chinese-English dictionaries and these two are the best, in my opinion. The reason I still have both on my iPhone is because iCED provides definitions of each word in a phrase, which I like, while Qing Wen has a better search layout and the ability to make vocab lists. Qing Wen was free when I downloaded it, but it is certainly worth the $4.99-- it even has audio pronounciations for each word! Imagine when those Chinese-English translators used to cost $100...

What I love most about these apps is that through the iPhone, you can use the Chinese language keyboard to actually write in the character you are looking for-- the recognition is very good as long as you know your key stroke order. These are amazing apps, especially considering the price. They're very helpful with studying but also while out and about reading restaurant menus, signs, etc.

I will update with screenshots when I get the chance. In the meantime, search "chinese dictionary" on your iTunes app store and check out these apps!


And an extra link for those with fobby parents: http://mymomisafob.tumblr.com/
Super funny! ^_^

Gospel Stand

My picture uploads aren't working on the other post, so here are some in a new post:



This is wood and marble pulpit in the Ghent Cathedral that I was talking about in my last post. I love it.

I'm generally a big fan of Baroque/Rococo styles. I prefer the flowing, natural look to the statuesque, formal models. Although, it's more that I love to see it... but I wouldn't want a style so complicated and ornate for my own place ;)

It's amazing to see how well the two mold together, as if carved out of one piece.

The snake and the apple tree...

In Bruges

"Two weeks? In f*ckin Bruges?"

This past Sunday, my friend and I took a day trip to see Ghent and Bruges in Belgium. In "preparation" for Bruges, he had me watch the Colin Farrell movie, "In Bruges." It was actually a decent introduction to the city (and where I got this line from... it's so much better in an Irish accent). I am not a fan of Colin Farrell but I found the dialog of the movie to be great. Very inappropriate and quotable (okay most of the good parts in this trailer..). Parts of the story were a little too far-fetched for me to allow me to enjoy the movie, but I found myself thinking about the movie's meaning for long after we finished.

In any case, both towns are very charming and worth visiting. I wish we had more time in each, but it was a good introduction. Ghent's city center appears to have a massive church/cathedral on every other block. For a small city, that was impressive. The old church was fantastic, with one of the most beautiful pulpits I have ever seen. It was made out of wood and marble, and the sculpture just had a very natural yet ethereal style to it.

Bruges is a well-preserved medieval town-- practically the entire city center is a UNESCO world heritage site. For me, this meant it departed slightly from the narrow buildings that I had become accustomed to, but it still has many similarities with the other Belgian and some Dutch towns. Canals and all.

I love the color gradient on the vine-covered tower....

Church of the Holy Blood-- supposedly Jesus Christ's actual blood is contained here.

Amsterdam: first impressions

It seems as though when Amsterdam is mentioned, two things come to most people's minds: legal drugs and the red light district. Amsterdam was one of the few major European cities I hadn't visited prior to this trip. I have to admit that these were the things that characterized the city to me.

In reality, Amsterdam is a uniquely amazing city that one can enjoy without either of these things. I wish its reputation relied on its beautiful canals, charming architecture, and extensive art scene. Much like the rest of Holland, it's such a refreshing place to be in. Of course, the presence of the drug and sex scene is undeniable, but there is so much more to this city.



A unique sight: an designer's showcase in the Old Church; the church was simultaneously under construction. An interesting meeting of emerging artists, construction equipment, and stained glass windows.

Both of these pictures were taken in The Dam, the main square in Amsterdam

The Holland Trifecta: canals, "well-mannered" architecture, and bikes. Okay, true, I am missing tulips and windmills in this equation... but those are more outside the big cities :)

My guidebook called the style "well-mannered" architecture, meaning that the distinctions lie in the details. The buildings are similar in shape and size due to past regulations, but the subtlety in the different designs make the effect even more charming.

ICJ: Georgia v. Russia

Today I attended the public sitting at the ICJ where the Court read its decision on provisional measures in the Georgia v. Russia case. I'd been anticipating this day, as I think it is quite interesting and I have been spending a lot of time researching the matter.

Although the Georgia v. Russia conflict is complicated and has many facets, the actual case was somewhat specific. Courts first and foremost need jurisdiction to hear the case. The incriminating evidence can be staring in the judge's face, but he won't be able to do anything about it if he does not have jurisdiction over the person and the subject matter. Georgia brought the case under Article 22 of the Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which basically allows ICJ referrals in cases of disputes over the meaning/scope/interpretation of the convention if negotiations do not solve the issue. Georgia used CERD as a way to get ICJ jurisdiction; the convention itself is not actually the most relevant/applicable instrument to the conflict.

Russia of course contested this with various rather technical arguments. For instance, Article 22 has language that seems to say 'negotiation first, and if that fails, then ICJ referral'; Russia contended that Georgia never even attempted negotiations over CERD, and thus failed to meet a pre-condition of Article 22. In my opinion, from a legal standpoint, Russia had strong arguments. But of course international sympathy is with Georgia, and the ICJ has a strong history of issuing provisional measures in conflict cases like this one. It was interesting to consider what the Court would do.

Well today the Court handed down its order. It found that it had prima facie (basically 'on its first appreance') jurisdiction under CERD. It was not convinced by Russia's arguments otherwise. It also found that there was risk of irreparable harm and urgency in the matter (the other two requirements for PMs), which is not surprising considering the risk of physical harm and displacement of Georgians, South Ossetians, Abkhazians, etc.

The vote was very close, 8-7, split down what looked like how much of world issues get split: USA, UK, New Zealand, France, Germany, Japan, etc on one side, and China, Russia, and developing countries on the other.

The order was addressed to both countries, which was not what Georgia requested of course, but I think this was just to try to appease to everybody. The provisional measures that were ultimately granted were basically that both sides must refrain from and prevent to the extent possible any actions that would violate international law. Of course there were more details, but that was the gist.

I couldn't help but feel like a high school model UN club could have come up with this solution. Of course, it's the most PC and most balanced outcome, but yes of course both sides must not violate international law. There weren't any specifics, and I can see this measure being wide open to future litigation over its interpretation and application.

The International Court of Justice really just ended up looking to me like an arbitrator/moderator. I don't know what I was expecting, but I came away with a sense of weakness in international law. I guess it was meaningful that ICJ found that it had jurisdiction-- an outcome that potentially has much greater implications for future cases rather than the current case. And as another person noted, the fact that two countries at war have a legal outlet to bring their case to is a pretty amazing modern situation in itself.

heartwarming

It is a little cliche of me, but the image of older couples in love really makes me happy. I see many cute white-haired couples holding hands here, and it is one of the sweetest, simplest things to see.

These were both taken in Amsterdam, which I will write about next.

Apenheul, aka Monkey Land!

Over the weekend, we went to this great monkey zoo in Holland called Apenhuel. It has really nice set ups for the monkeys (and some apes), even letting small monkeys roam free! I was disappointed that the monkeys didn't care about us more though-- they just ignored us :( I thought they'd be climbing all over me and I'd be plotting my takeover of the world ala Beastmaster.

monkey-proof bag!

This was actually a rather big monkey to be roaming freely. What was interesting was that even though they clearly CAN roam past their "enclosures," they didn't. Some monkeys veered toward the very edge (as it did here), but didn't go further... almost as if there was an invisible or mental barrier.

these spider monkeys were so tiny, so numerous, and so cute!

monkey fight!

momentary content

Kinderdijk in the Netherlands-- a UNESCO heritage site. One of my favorite places that I've visited in Europe. The sunset, the few scattered people, the wide expanse of land... it makes me feel at ease in a way I rarely can. One of those fleeting feelings I wish I could hold on to.

Patriotism

I try not to talk politics too often, but the strong feelings this election cycle arouse in me are hard to suppress.

I am fairly vested in this election, if only because I have been reading every election-related article published since late August (before that, I followed the Clinton-Obama drama, but not as closely). And perhaps because I think the road before us diverges wildly between the two candidates.

As evident from my past posts, I am very much an Obama supporter, and am unbelievably frustrated by the tactless, gimmicky, and I would argue often fraudulent campaign that McCain runs. Adding to the normal hypocrisies found on both sides of politics is the problem that McCain is someone who acts as though Honor is something he exclusively owns in this election. I was upset with the Palin pick due to her positions, narrow mindedness, her lack of experience and knowledge, and--worse-- her lack of humility at this last fault. Adding insult to injury is the completely transparent use of her for political McCain's gain (not only to pander to the ultra conservatives and women, but also to pick someone who they so obviously expect to embody the "criticisms" the McCain camp had for Obama-- aka traits they felt they lacked).

But I was distracted, perhaps as planned, by my dislike of the VP pick and McCain's little games. Although I still believe it is important due to McCain's health and age, it is less about Palin's ignorance and hypocrisy than it is about the GOP itself. She will be their puppet.

It is hard for me to accept how many Americans support McCain-Palin.

First of all, while I support the idea of having choices among political ideologies, I have many issues with the conservative brand. For example, a much-loved issue is abortion. I could tell myself, well, it's understandable that people will have differing views on this. And I think that is true. However, the difference is when these viewpoints are carried into politics and policy, one imposes their beliefs on everybody, whereas the other lets one choose how to believe.

Another issue is the economy. While I can understand that many people will prefer absolute minimal government regulation in the name of working free markets, I think recent events tell us that this is not the way forward. It may sound great in an economic textbook, but I can tell you that "greed," "corruption," "ignorance," and "stupidity" are not variables in the neat economic formulas provided in those pages. Not to mention a host of other unknowns. And for those who could care less about helping those who were "too stupid" to succeed on their own, they fail to recognize that 2) we are NOT all born equal, and 2) improving the welfare of others leads to greater prosperity for all-- and I don't mean just warm fuzzy feelings, I mean wealth and business and stability and safety and all these things that should matter to even the most selfish of people. While over-bearing governmental regulation can stifle growth (and is subject to its own problems), it is by no means as black and white as conservatives seem to believe.

Patriotism

Thinking about how things appear black and white to the conservative world (granted there are exceptions), I came to think about patriotism. "Patriotism" is another issue that conservatives seem to have monopolized as their own. They've got it, apparently we don't. I suppose that that is where this fantasy that the GOP is better at protecting our security comes from-- they love our country and will fight to protect it, liberals clearly do not and will let our country perish in defeat.

The Republican base seem to believe that America is invincible, perfect. They treat our country almost as they treat the god to their religion, and they the pure followers. Against us? You're the devil incarnate. With us? We will see no wrong in you. Black and white. We are without fault, you are without virtue. Case in point: Russia v. Georgia. Pride in ignorance. Outrage at criticism.

The problem is that one's country is NOT like one's god. It is not infallible, blameless, spotless. It is not something that will just keep giving glory, glory, glory, all as long as you believe blindly in it. One can not close their eyes to criticisms of their country and of themselves, simply denouncing critics as freedom-haters, idiots, etc.

America, or any country, is less like one's god and more like one's child. Someone you love unabashedly, but can see room for improvement. Someone you are completely loyal to, but can accept that some things need to be changed. It needs nurturing, proper guidance, and a support base that is rational and open-minded.

Wanting one's country to change the wrongs in its ways... to strengthen its domestic foundations... to always improve on its best attributes... to nurture the respect of and from other rational players... I consider that patriotism.

I am proud to be an American. Even today, in the midst of the domestic and international crises caused by this administration. I'm still glad to be American. I take issue when people have gone so far to the other side of the spectrum that they righteously declare, "America sucks," "I need to move to another country-- a country that does not hate intelligence and rationalism"... all while sitting in their nice homes, full from too much food, and reading books filled with abundant uncensored knowledge. That is also failing to recognize the immense opportunities and freedoms living in America has provided. I can't deny that there have been times where I have felt completely exasperated and angry with the government's domestic and foreign policy, or ridiculed what I felt was the complete ignorance and petty ways of members of the general public. But to denounce America as a country is no way to take care of the home.

I am by no means even close to being an expert on these things... many of my criticisms and observations are faults I sense around me, as well as in me. It's just that when I step back and look at the situation... this is what I think. And maybe today I may be so bold as to say that this country would be a better place if more people felt this way.


I hope that Obama wins this election. I hope for it possibly more than I've hoped for anything else in my life. It's not even so much that I am entranced by his charms, or think that he is, experience-wise, the most qualified candidate... and I disagree with several of his specific positions. It's more that in him I see someone who is better at appreciating all sides of the picture, someone who seeks help when he needs it, someone who is not afraid to seek out people who are actually more intelligent than he is, someone with a moral conviction not tied to blind faith and superiority... someone who loves America as something to care for in an interconnected world, not something to worship in ignorant isolation. And, more importantly, he represents a party who is much closer to these traits than the GOP.

We can brush off a loss as "no big deal, there's 2012!" or we can see it as an absolute tipping point in history. I sometimes wish Obama's campaign platform was, "Save America."

Brussels Preview

m
.... hahah

I have internet again!

Den Haag of course

went to Mauritshuis, where the Girl with a Pearl Earring is

Side shot of Binnenhof

Little cafe off Binnenhof-- the car matches the shop perfectly :)

The Peace Palace at a different angle

I love Den Haag

Interesting architectural details on the Fred


The Hague's "skyline" :)

I didn't grow up at a time/place when "Oriental" was used offensively, but it's still funny

The "McKroket"-- a beef/cheese/potato croquette with a mustard sauce. Yum! :P

Random casinos here and there... they are pretty clean and nice, like a chain store but a chain casino.