Friday, May 8, 2009

Self-education

I need to start reading again. Not just satires or novels, but works that legitimately stimulate my mind. I'm tired of wasting away the chance to grow intellectually. Isn't that the point of education? Especially at the undergraduate level students should realize that they really don't know that much and to start taking responsibility for their self-education. Just cramming the pieces that teachers pick isn't enough.

Right now, I'm jumping straight into the fire with 5000 B.C. and other Philosophical Fantasies by Raymond Smullyan.



The philosopher Jaako Hintikka makes the delightful argument that one is morally obligated not to do anything impossible. The argument, which ultimately rests on the fact that a false proposition implies any proposition, is this: Suppose Act A is such that it's impossible to perform without destroying the human race. Then surely one is morally obligated not to perform this act. Well, if Act A is an impossible act, then it is indeed impossible to perform it without destroying the human race (since it's impossible to perform it at all!), and therefore one is morally obligated not to perform the act.

But does not the following argument (sic!) show that one is morally obligated to do everything impossible?

Suppose that Act B is such that if one performs it, then the human race will be saved from destruction. Isn't one then morally obligated to perform the act? Now suppose that Act B is impossible to perform. Then it is the case that if one performs Act B, the human race will be saved, because it's false that one will perform this impossible act and a false proposition implies anything. One is therefore morally obligated to perform every impossible act.


R. Smullyan, 5000 B.C. and Other Philosophical Fantasies, (St. Martin's Press, NY, 1983):41-42.



Speaking of fire, I hope my hand doesn't scar. I had a pretty bad back-draft throw burning ash on my first two fingers, thumb, and left half of the back of my right hand. Here's a picture that's from a few days later so it's starting to heal.



Stupid charcoal grills.

Monday, April 20, 2009

Maybe having a degree won't help you do better than McDonald's or Food Lion

So they have an internship that helps bring Chinese over to America, get them a job, and put them up in a place to live for 8-16 weeks. These are almost always undergraduate students, but they end up working at places like Disney Land, Food Lion, McDonald's, 7-11, etc.

There's nothing wrong with working at those places. However, I question the legitimacy of an agency who's best job for an internship involves selling cigarettes at gas stations or flipping burgers for hours on end. I mean, you're providing minimum-wage working opportunities for brilliant students who have worked their whole lives for the chance to attend a university in China.

Current U.S. economic situation notwithstanding, I can understand the difficulty in securing jobs for Chinese nationals. Hopefully they aren't planning on working in Michigan.







Below is a forum post by a student familiar with the internship. Sorry, but it's in Chinese. Here's the link I got it from. That's actually the google-translate version. The actual hyperlink is... broken?

第5楼 圈子 | 发送站内信 | 加为好友 | 邀请加入圈子
这个...事情还没调查清楚就发这样的通知???...到现在相关回复也没一个的说...到底这家所谓的美邦国际公司到底算什么类型的公司???中介???还是什么???有没有中介营业许可啊???...
对此,希望学校还是先给个明确的答复和实际的内容再招生吧...这样不仅对学生,对学校的名誉都有好处...最主要的是,不要光听信一面之词,还是要听听真的去过的人调查下到底是什么情况...

据个人网络上的一些了解,这家公司应该是属于有部分欺瞒的公司(仅仅是网上了解,实际情况不知道,但是,普遍没有什么好评),个人感觉可信度不高...因为想去参加的校友们还是要注意了...

另,附上网络上的一篇相关发贴:
发贴人是首都师范大学的一位学生:

关于赴美带薪实习项目——前期收费和实习企业的选择问题
今天下午参加了美邦国际在首师大举行的宣讲会,以下就谈谈关于宣讲会的内容和个人的一些看法。
⑴首先,所有内容包括实习企业和收费等情况和去年相比,没有任何变化。不过由于08赴美带薪实习项目尤其是六旗魔山项目出现了许多问题,所以关于09此项目的宣传,美邦显得更为谨慎一些,最后也针对今年六旗魔山项目出现的问题作了解释。尤其关于14000多元(即2150美元)的项目费,美邦重申不包括同学去美国的往返机票钱,同学得自行出钱解决。因此,在去美国之前同学们必须缴纳的,且固定不变的钱为
★2500元报名费+15000元项目费(2150美元)+1400元SEVIS费(200美元)+950元签证费(如果第一次被拒签,第二次签过,则为1900元)=19850元人民币(或20800元)
除此以外还有两笔费用,即住房押金和往返机票钱,试具体情况而定,但两者加起来一般也在10000元人民币左右。同时在前往美国时,每一个同学都必须随身携带一定数量的美元现金,以备不时之需,大概600~1000美元。所以,在前往美国前必须至少花费30000元人民币。
美邦本次宣讲会也强调此项目并非人人都适合,但美邦重点强调个人性格等原因。而本人认为,此项目是否适合你本人,第一要考虑的因素还是你本人及家庭的经济状况。但就今天宣讲会的情况来看,由于很多到会的同学并不了解此项目的前期收费和后期花费的详细情况,同时也受到宣讲内容以及现场气氛的鼓动,所以毫不犹豫的报了名。客观来讲,如今报名参加赴美旅游的旅行团,两周时间花费大概20000元人民币;如果找中介机构申请出国留学,一般10000多至20000元人民币。而花费30000~40000元人民币在美国工作、生活、旅游2~3个月,到底值不值,就看你个人的选择。当然,如果前期投入30000元对于你的家庭来说根本不算什么,那么本人倒是推荐这类学生参加此项目。

⑵其次,就是谈谈关于赴美实习企业的问题。
宣讲会美邦所列出的企业,同学们首先可以把“波音公司”排除,据本人了解,此项目以前确有人去过波音公司实习,但波音公司名额极少,而且好像是针对一年期实习交流项目的,而暑期实习交流项目到目前为止本人没有听说谁去波音公司,说白了只是美邦的一个噱头而已。至于其他企业,主要还是六旗、环球影城、7-11、麦当劳等,每年此项目的实习企业都会有所不同,较知名的大企业招收的交流学生较多,小的企业则较少,如黄石、大峡谷。实习企业在缴纳了14000多元的项目费后,由本人自己选择。但美邦也会针对不同的学校推荐不同的项目(带有强制性色彩)。如去年美邦对于首师大的同学,最初只给了六旗魔山和7-11两个项目,即如果在首师大报的名,只能在这两个企业中任选其一。除非你最后企业的面试没有通过,那么美邦才会为你安排别的企业面试。本人去年选择的是六旗魔山,本来已经通过了企业面试,但由于美邦和六旗之间的协调出现了问题,遂告知本人没有通过面试,准备参加在北大举行的另一个面试,企业为黄石、大峡谷等,与首师大的企业完全不同。所以今天在宣讲会上作宣传的第一个首师大女生,不知其是开始就选择了黄石国家公园,还是第一轮企业面试被淘汰后转而被黄石录用的。
其次关于美国企业的选择。无论你选择去何企业实习从事何工种,有几点是相同的,即你所从事的都是最初级也最低级的工作,无论其职位名称有多好听(如经理助理),均为收银员、清洁员、服务员等;无论任何企业在支付你工资时都遵循美国最低工资标准,每小时8美元,低于此标准视为违法,但一般也不会高于此标准,因为你所从事的工作实在是太低级。企业与企业之间较大的差别在于:企业所在地区及周边环境、工作环境、企业所提供的住宿条件及费用。下面就几个企业类型简单谈谈:

① 第一类:主题公园
以六旗魔山和环球影城为代表。这一类企业较大,招收的学生较多,可以认识来自全国各地以及台湾、甚至东欧各国的交流学生,结交很多朋友;其次主题公园一般娱乐性比较强(不过工作仍然很低级),休假之余可以尽情享受公园的娱乐设施,而作为公园的员工,还会有很多优惠政策。如六旗员工凭借员工ID卡便可不用排队而随便坐过山车,也可享受购物打折优惠。但另一方面,由于多数娱乐设施均位于户外,加上7、8两月烈日炎炎,工作会很辛苦。由于员工较多,所以相应的个人工作时间有限,意味着不能加班工作挣太多美元。而且人多矛盾和麻烦也会更多。

② 第二类:超市便利店
以7-11为代表,此类企业因为多在室内工作,没有了烈日炎炎,换来的是凉爽的空调,对于害怕晒太阳甚至皮肤容易过敏的同学,选择这类企业可以省下一笔防晒霜的钱(尤其女生);另外,由于像7-11这样的便利店多为24小时营业,因此可能有更多的工作时间挣更多美元。但由于此类工作单位一般较小,员工较少,能够结识的朋友有限(在国外工作虽然能结识很多外国朋友,但最后真正能和你一起旅游、购物的,多半还是国内的朋友),所以在这些企业工作的同学,工作结束后由于认识的大陆同学不多,所以不会去太远的地方旅游。而在六旗等主题公园工作的同学则恰恰相反,由于大陆同学朋友较多,工作期间或工作结束后大家皆以团队为单位到美国各地旅游。本人觉得和你在这些企业一起工作的美国人,一般属于美国社会的中下层阶级,抛开朋友这点不说,对于你以后出国留学等不会有太大帮助。倒是你在国外认识的来自大陆各大学的朋友,会让你觉得更加亲切,回国后的联系也会更多。

③ 第三类:美国国家自然公园
以黄石国家公园和大峡谷为代表。这类企业招收的学生不会太多。由于公园所在地区一般比较偏僻(本人虽在六旗魔山工作,但去过黄石国家公园及大峡谷旅游),一方面可以领略美国优美的自然风光;但另一方面远离都市,交通不便,无法领略美国大都市(如纽约、旧金山)的喧嚣与繁华,拿了工资也没有地方花。所以在这类企业工作的同学,工作结束后如果不去旅游也不买太多东西,那么可以带着很多美元回国。这类企业推荐给那些想远离都市嘈杂生活,亲近美国大自然并具有一定冒险精神,同时还想挣较多美元带回中国的同学。

总之,无论你在何种企业工作,如果你工作认真刻苦、加班加点,以两个月为期,那么大致可以挣3000美元左右(房租及生活费另算)。今年这个项目以六旗为例,每个同学工作两个月,扣除房租、联邦及州政府税、交通费,平均所挣工资总计在1600~2000美元,这还算是工作时间较多的,当然也和个人从事的工种有关,同一个企业,不同的职业岗位,所提供的工作时间和每小时的工资标准也是不一样的。至于今天宣讲会所说带9000美元回国的例子,个人认为有夸大的成分,属美邦的宣传需要,即便真有这样的人,也属特例,可以忽略不计。大部分同学在美国企业所挣工资除用于支付房租及日常生活费外,基本不会有太多剩余,故旅游及购物的费用需另由父母支付。
另外要注意的是:如果你所选择的企业处于较发达地区或较繁华地段(如市中心),那么生活、购物、交通会很方便,生活消费水平相应也会更高。但好地区(如白人居住区)最重要的是当地人的素质较高,治安也较好,人生安全有保障;如果居住地位置较偏僻,或是在黑人墨西哥人区(如六旗),那么治安状况会很糟。因此在选择企业时,每个同学应提前上网查一查你所选择的企业的相关情况,切记不要考虑太多关于企业工作职位或工资的问题,没有太多意义,因为无论哪个企业何种工作都是最低级的,工资也是最低标准。同学们更多应该考虑企业所在地区、工作环境及住宿条件,毕竟出国在外,最重要的还是个人安全问题。
再次,听了今天宣讲会上那个外院男生在7-11辛苦工作并最终带回3000美元工资的故事,很多同学也羡慕不已。个人建议,无论同学们在美国实习期间挣了多少美元,无论在工作结束后还剩多少美元,一来不要把大量的钱用于购物,尽管美国的商品相对于国内要便宜很多;二来更不要一分钱不花把工资全带回中国甚至以此炫耀一番,实属大脑进水、愚蠢至极!好不容易去趟美国,有时间有条件的同学,除了工作之外,相约和自己一同工作的朋友,到美国各地去走走看看,感受一下美国的社会、经济、文化、风土人情,开阔一下自己的眼界,哪怕要花费一笔钱(前期申请多的钱都出了),哪怕是跟团旅行,哪怕只是走马观花的看看,这也将会成为你一次难忘的经历,一份宝贵的阅历。有些东西是无法用钱买到的,如果只是去美国干两个月最低级的工作,挣几千美元然后立即带回中国再换成人民币,试想有何意义?!不如把钱用于结伴旅行,丰富自己的阅历。个人推荐:加州(旧金山、洛杉矶)、美国东部十三个州、美国中部(以国家自然公园为主)。以上这些地区均是美国历史最悠久、经济文化最发达、风光最秀美的地区。
以上是关于企业的选择和个人的一些建议,至于今年这个项目,则视具体企业具体情况而定。企业的选择多半会在缴纳了2150美元项目费后进行,请所有同学在选择自己实习的企业前,一定上网查询一下企业的相关情况,或向以前在此企业实习过的同学进行咨询。如7-11则最好了解你工作的店在美国的哪个州哪个地区,然后再作选择。
关于此项目面试的问题,本人会利用本周末的时间,作一个详细说明,然后于网上发布。同学如有任何问题,请联系本人QQ:823176387

原贴地址:http://www.cnubbs.cn/read.php?tid=39963

另,有该同学的经历过程,在这里附上帖子地址,就不贴上来了:http://www.cnubbs.cn/read.php?tid=39814
人与人之间就好象隔了层纱,可以看见但又看不清楚。

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Eye am having trouble seeing, but I'm looking into it.

So yesterday I had PRK eye surgery. It wasn't too bad because of all the numbing agents they put in your eye before the actual surgery. Oh, and there's Valium. The doctor said that Valium really only takes the edge off and reduces anxiety. For me... well... I don't know how to explain it. I felt kind of silly, like when you're drunk and you're more willing to do things that normally you would talk yourself out of. For example, the other two patients and I were hanging out in the waiting room until the Valium kicked in. About 15 minutes into the wait, I got up and started digging through a bag of clothes I found that had the doctor's scrubs. Then I put them on and pretended I was the doctor. Yeah, I know. So I guess that's what Valium does?

I have four eye drops that I have to put in every four hours. These anti-bacterial eye drops must have hot sauce in them, because they are the most painful eye drops I've ever used in my life. There is nothing cool and refreshing about them. It's all pain. That's the worst part of the recovery post-op. The best part is sleeping all day... but I do get bored.

Also, I have Percocet. I don't really think it does anything to me except make me really tired. Maybe because I'm not up walking around, stumbling into things and acting a fool. Because drugs like that tend to "walk away," I switched the pills with the ones in my Phenegan, an anti-nausea medicine, bottle. This way, if someone comes in and tries to take my Percocet, they'll really just be taking a bunch super-Tums. At the same time, I hope my friends don't come in here looking for something for their stomach ache and take the entire bottle of Percs. Although that would be hilarious.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Justice

"No need to ask my name to figure out how cool I am."

What a solid band. Thanks to my sick ass roommate that I steal music from.





Below is a song by Justice that uses an old Simian song "We are your friends." It's a genius video and an even better beat.

Friday, March 13, 2009

Techno Rewind

Here's three artists that come to mind when I think of techno I grew up to: Darude, Paul Oakenfold, and ATB. This is what happens when Asians feel nostalgic and dig in their collection of beats.





Wednesday, March 11, 2009

No more semester abroad... for me

So my semester abroad got pulled out from under my feet. Whatever. I'm fucking tired of dealing with shit like this. I mean, it is my fault... no one forced me to come here, and all things aside, I'm happy. All the same though, sometimes it seems like just too much shit to deal with. Oh well, it's worth it.

At least amidst all this shitty news is a few good things, namely Flowering Apple Blossom is rolling over to the States to do a semester abroad in September for 6 months. How fucking ironic would it have been if I was over in China during that semester, too? Haha... yeah.

Also, with all the stuff that's been getting me down recently, I'm having to learn to start cutting off stuff that does nothing but frustrate me. Namely, old friends who I've realized are just un-dialed phone numbers and pissed off moods to me now.

That's enough venting for now. Spring Break's in 3 days and nothing's going to ruin scuba diving in Belize for me. I'll try to put some stuff up later when I get back.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

So this is one of the skiing trips that I'm looking at for this Winter. The website says starting price is about $250 (US) per person... which is actually an amazing price. I'm just worried about rentals because I heard that renting in China is ridiculously expensive. We'll see...




4-Day Skiing Tour to Harbin

Ski in China

No matter where you are in China, there is a ski resort close by. Whether you are a beginner on the bunny slopes, or an ex-Olympian reliving your glory days we have slopes that will provide the challenge you want. Non-skiers will find plenty to explore in exotic and exciting China. The Chinese ski slopes is the perfect place to spend your winter or a weekend.

Tour Feature:

This is a 4-day exciting tour for travelling to a world of ice and snow. Fantastic snow sculptures can be found in the park, the street or even in the yard. There are many places boast ideal conditions for skiing, eg. Yabuli Helongjiang which is included in this tour. Join this tour to have a world of joys and delights.
SCHEDULES & ITINERARIES
DAY 1 ( L, )
Arrive/Harbin
Transfer via: Transport-can be arranged by us, however is not included in this quotation

On arrival at Harbin, you will be met and transferred to the hotel.

Half day trip to snow carving of the Sun Island, Siberia Tigers Park, Santa Sophia Church and Center Street; Enjoy the Ice-light in the evening.

- Sun Island: It is the recreational center for the people of Harbin. They come here to enjoy the sun during summer. When winter comes, the river freezes solid. Ice-skating becomes the rage.
- Siberia Tigers Park: The new Siberia Tiger Park was opened in 1996 on Sun Island. A large recreational district is currently under development, featuring gardens, swimming lakes, cafes, and a hunting range. The tiger reserve has been finished. The goal of the reserve is to save, study and breed these great cats in captivity and eventually release them into their natural habitat.
-Santa Sophia Church: It is jammed into an area of new construction, most notably several karaoke entertainment complexes with monumental Roman statuary mounted on their garish facades.
- Center Street: First built in 1925, Center Street is the most prosperous street in Harbin. It is also an architecture art gallery with the building in many kind of the styles such as Baroque, Eclecticism and so on.


DAY 2 (B, L, )
Harbin
Drive to Yabuli International Ski Resort..

- Yabuli International Ski Resort: Yabuli International Ski Resort is 194 km east of Harbin. Covering an area of 23 square km, Yabuli International Ski Resort is the largest ski area with best facility in China. Yabuli has a number of quality down hill and country trails, some of which are comparable with those in North America and Switzerland. In 1996, the resort hosted the 3rd Asian Winter Games successfully. The resort is not only famous as a ski resort in China but also renowned for its scenic beauty.

DAY 3 (B, )
Harbin / Harbin
Enjoy the day at your leisure.
Return to Harbin in the late afternoon.

DAY 4 (B, )
Harbin / Next destination
Half day to skiing on Songhua River, visit the Large World of Ice and Snow.
In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the airport in time for your flight.