Mentality of a single during holidays

Some of you probably has experienced what I have experienced recently, as the 2009 New Year Eve is fast approaching - the loneliness and isolation which you would otherwise not feel if Eve is not imminent. Truly, we are all social beings and with prolonged isolation we would all be looking for somewhere to belong and be a part of. That is why we humans have evolved to congregate, to socialize and to do things as a whole. And, with the advent of technology, this evolution is now taking place in the virtual world. In nature, it is often much easier and less stressful both physically and mentally to survive in a group than as an individual. This hypothesis can be easily proven by the great civilizations that only bestow upon a complex society of highly stratified and diverse social structure, which would only occur if people gather together, as compared to hunter gatherer type of foraging bands. Members of a privileged civilization are often easier to survive when it comes to enduring through life or couping with disasters; whereas, individuals often fall when it comes to the testament of time. This is sole the reason why singles like me feel a sense of isolation and loneliness during the holidays, why we frantically make phone calls minutes before the day is about to end, so the next day may end with the warm presence of friends and families. None of us are immune but some may be less sensitive than others. We all envy at those with immunity yet we know their fallacy and vulnerable entity as time surpasses.

For that, I wish you all a Happy New Year 2009, and may your dream, resolution and goal come true!

Six lives in a new China

An excellent, albeit short, 6-part series from CSM on the impact of China's economic reform after 30 years. China has truly changed for better or for worse, and let's just hope that one day, the change may not only be superficial but something which is more serious, such as enabling greater human rights and closing in the gap between the rich and the poor.

1. An entrepreneur agrees: 'To get rich is glorious'
2. Free expression grows in China (just don't talk politics)
3. A Westerner grows up in China
4. A Chinese peasant goes to town on capitalism
5. Earnings wither in the Chinese countryside
6. Pastor's private worship puts him under public scrutiny
China's Communist Party cautiously celebrates its reforms

Cross strait security

With the all out opening of trade, via air and sea, in the recent weeks across the Formosa Strait, and the panda politics this week, the true intention of the People's Republic of China and its politburo has yet to unfold. Despite what may seem like a "gesture of good will" and a "great leap forward" on closing in the two opposite political spectrum between the arch rivals, the question of the unification is still a very sensitive issue. It seems by the free exchange of trade and tourism, the hostility of a militaristic take over long envisioned by the P.R.C. may long be forgotten. Yet, what the P.R.C. failed to realize is the tenacity and resilience of the Taiwanese and its current government, Kuomintang, when it comes to the sovereignty of the Republic of China. Especially after the Japanese occupation and the retreat of K.M.T. to Taiwan in 1949, resisting thought control and uprooting the restriction on unequivocal human rights were and still are the two most important issues which Taiwanese relentlessly strive to uphold, albeit the often clash of violence, accusations, mass demonstrations and riots beseeching the reigning government. So, if China really is for a peaceful reunification it has to sincerely showcase its benevolence to the people of Taiwan, not undermining the issue with threat, accusation, defamation, imprisonment and execution of the many human rights advocates in China. To further showcase its goodwill, China should one day in the near future relinquish the thousands of missiles aiming to strike at Taiwan and ease up the dry and meaningless threat to the pro-independence group in Taiwan, whose only intention is to let the millions of voices to be heard at the international arena. Only when there is foreseeable peace could Taiwan unconditionally embrace the true unification.

We are all hoping for a peaceful reunification, but given the horrible track record of the current totalitarian regime in China, who would believe anything it says without the suspicion of a much more harmful and sinister intent? The Republic of China was built on the foundation of unequivocal rights and it shall stay that way until the end of the time.

Merry Christmas, you're working

That's my Christmas this year and perhaps the next if I ever decide to continue down the road of no return, i.e., the Ph.D. program. Merry Christmas, you're working for those hard working graduate students. :)

Cheers!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year '09

I wish you all a pleasant, fulfilling and merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Cheers to you all, and may you find solace and comfort in the reunion of families, relatives, friends and colleagues during this wonderful holiday season.

Cheers!

speed_demon

The environmental impact of a raging Big Red Machine

Overgrowth, and overly exerted, these are the current trends of the ever-so-thirsty industrial might of China. Unfortunately, the over razing of its farmlands, together with deforestation, water contamination, air pollution and over population, foretells an impending disaster brewing slowly in the background, one that would eventually unleash hell to the inhabitants of the "Middle Kingdom." Let's just hope the Chinese government can slowly adjust and compromise for the better, and not let the overwhelming growth and hollow capitalism stifle the souls of its next generations.

I strongly believe China do have a chance to be better, to alleviate its environmental disasters, looming social crisis, and to overcome the corruption entwined in a one-party system, if it is willing. Although being scrutinized from all international fronts, China has the privilege to witness what other industrial mights can't - the consequence of an industrial society and its impact on land, air and sea. These are what other powers, e.g., Great Britain, USA and European Union, can never dream of, let along relive in. China, on the other hand, has the full knowledge of the consequences and can alter its course if needs be, and that is why it should not disregard the experience of others, but learn from their mistakes and improve upon them.

Here, I list below a series of major articles from the New York Times on the environmental impacts and tolls of a booming China. Enjoy!

Part I: The Overview
Part II: China's Water Crisis
Part III: The Activist
Part IV: Three Gorges Dam
Part V: Energy Rules
Part VI: Wildlife Threatened
Part VII: Polluting Trucks
Part VIII: Farming Fish
Part IX: Two Steel Towns
Part X: A Green Olympics?

Of course, these are one-year-old articles, but most of what they said are still very true and will likely be current until China starts cleaning up its acts. :)