The tragic news hits me today that Tyler Clementi, an 18-year-hold Rutgers freshman killed himself after his roommate secretly broadcasted his same-sex encounters live on the web (story: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/30/nyregion/30suicide.html?hp).
This is no isolate event. A string of gay bullying tragedies occurred recently, including the suicide of 13-year-old Asher Brown from Houston on September 23. Billy Lucas, a 15-year-old from Greensburg, Indian, hung himself after being bullied for years by classmates who suspected that he was gay. (story: http://www.opposingviews.com/i/update-ca-anti-gay-bullying-victim-dies-following-suicide-attempt).
This exactly underlines the fact gays live in such a hostile environment in U.S. These cultural prejudices and anti-gay bullies makes growing up an especially challenging process for gay teens. That's why the gay rights battle should be fought not only in economic terms but also on cultural/societal grounds. How many more lost lives are needed to wake up the "mainstream"?
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
A few more photos at the proud festival
The American Idol performer (Frenchie Davis) sang while another performer danced around her.
Someone from the audience stepped up and dance to Frenchie's song.
A moment at lover's arms.
the two male dancers posed for guests.
A dynamic performer broke a sweat performing for us.
A male dancer.
I have to say I loved my telephoto lens more.
A few more photos
A newly wed couple who were both volunteers.
Adopted kid?
Our eloquent and humorous host. A star host in a local gay club.
DE Proud Festival
Johnz and I went to the Delaware Proud Festival at the Rehoboth Beach, two hours from our home. The weather could not be better, with blue sky and autumn breezes. The festival was held at the parking lot of a beach park (of course with access to the beach). It is small but nonetheless full of festivity. Two American idol alums performed at the festival and a few drag queens. This was the first time I watched an outdoor drag shows at day time. People were so happy so were we. As night fell, we went back to the beach. We decided to take a stroll on the sand beach holding our hands. This was one of the few places where we felt comfortable holding hands at public. Neon lights of the many shops on the boardwalk were still flashing but most people except a few brave kids avoid the darker beach. So we had the beach all to ourselves, and the waves bathed in the moon light.
Our stay at the Hampton Inn was much better than the last time but our trip only got better the next day. We visited a couple at their beach house and they took us to spend the afternoon at the north beach. Finally, we got to enjoy the comfort of beach chairs and umbrellas. Our friends taught us how to handle the waves -- jump if it is not too high, go under otherwise. Unfortunately, I gave up early on because I was buried by two powerful waves before I knew the tricks. Our hosts also took us to a leisurely hike at the beach park to the bird sanctuary with sightings of deers, yellow-legs, egrets. Before we separated, they treated us with a wonderful dinner at their favorite restaurant (which was a short walk from their house & from the beach). The three-course dinner was so well-presented and rich in flavor (I ordered the mozzarella cheese salad, crab cakes, and Tiramisu, most were locally made). We enjoyed ourselves thoroughly at the dinner and throughout the two days despite this was our second visit to the Rehoboth beach -- we first met our friends/hosts during the first visit.
two volunteers
We stayed for a short while at Poodle Beach , only to find that the festival was hold elsewhere
I stole a shot of this young man at the other side of the tent (but we're not that close; this is because of the telephoto lens that i have).
Our stay at the Hampton Inn was much better than the last time but our trip only got better the next day. We visited a couple at their beach house and they took us to spend the afternoon at the north beach. Finally, we got to enjoy the comfort of beach chairs and umbrellas. Our friends taught us how to handle the waves -- jump if it is not too high, go under otherwise. Unfortunately, I gave up early on because I was buried by two powerful waves before I knew the tricks. Our hosts also took us to a leisurely hike at the beach park to the bird sanctuary with sightings of deers, yellow-legs, egrets. Before we separated, they treated us with a wonderful dinner at their favorite restaurant (which was a short walk from their house & from the beach). The three-course dinner was so well-presented and rich in flavor (I ordered the mozzarella cheese salad, crab cakes, and Tiramisu, most were locally made). We enjoyed ourselves thoroughly at the dinner and throughout the two days despite this was our second visit to the Rehoboth beach -- we first met our friends/hosts during the first visit.
two volunteers
We stayed for a short while at Poodle Beach , only to find that the festival was hold elsewhere
I stole a shot of this young man at the other side of the tent (but we're not that close; this is because of the telephoto lens that i have).
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
回国杂记
我有三年没有回国了。回去也是为了感受一下国内的新变化。 我觉得变化最大的是当属国内经济水平（相对于我们国外人士）的水涨船高。首先人民币对美元的汇率从三年前的将近八到现在的6.8，一下子让手里的美元显得寒酸 （其实我走的匆忙，手上带了20美元都不到）。 更让人感到寒酸的是消费习惯，这次回去让我相信国内中产阶级以上之出手大方程度绝非我们之可比。
拿我亲戚来打个比方，IPAD刚出他就让我给他带一台回去，而且是最好的3G版。我自己连个IPHONE都没有。另一个做贸易的亲戚告诉我说她多年的贸易经验告诉她中国人的钱好挣，美国回来的小家子气的很。我所接触的条件稍微好一点的社会人士好像消费方面都不算计的，尤其是讲排场上面。不光是他们比以前富有了（中国的富人太多了），还有两个原因让他们相对奢侈：一个是中国人喜欢讲排场，面子上的东西越贵越能彰显身份。小气在生意场和官场上乃一大忌。第二是公款吃喝，官家自不必说（大官小官都是公款吃喝而且一个比一个奢华）。单就学校的教授就比我们舒服的多。科研经费剩下的就可以当工资发给自己（当然不是全部）。一个仪器费用重复报多个项目也说不定。请吃饭肯定不是自己掏钱。交通费什么的拿个发票就当科研经费报了。话别人的钱，有什么节约的必要？没本事的自己买单，有本事找人来买单。关键是大家各个都挺精明挺有本事的 （那最后谁买单了？）。
餐馆碰上的一场婚礼。人说这这也就是二婚的排场
现在比以前不同的是国内东西之贵。不仅各式高档产品贵，而且上学贵，住房贵，旅馆贵，连好一点的餐饮也是昂贵的让人望而却步（自己不掏腰包的除外）。这么说起来，美元又不值钱，奢侈品又便宜，消费观念又抠门，生活又安逸，跟中国相比整个就是一个城乡对比。俺们就是来美国大农村的下乡知青。
会议用餐（有五粮液可惜俺不喝）
为富不仁。我所接触到的中国新贵，似乎有一种高人一等的气质，把贫穷一些的人看作是second class citizen。觉得他们没有什么本事被剥削是活该，就应该对他们区别对待，他们不值得被尊重。他们用优胜劣汰的达尔文主义来为自己的主张辩护。连我同学之中这样看问题的也比比皆是。他们喜欢站在国计民生的高度上统筹规划地看问题，而结果是通常劣势人群的利益和机会往往就被统筹了。
普华永道的大楼
还有就是民族主义。国家强盛了，腰杆硬了，对于资本主义“列强”更是视为邪恶轴心又怕又想惩之而后快。我碰到一个有军队背景的人就有这样的鹰派想法。
我还也听到多人抱怨中国经济的交易成本太高了，浪费很多的精力和财力到交易成本上。具体这种社会成本是什么我还没有仔细点了解。只是听说上海世博会为了造成繁荣景象给很多市民发免费门票和交通费鼓励他们去参观。
但是也有一些惊人的成就，比如淘宝网的交易量占到国民生产总值的1%。 北京的地铁线路一下子多出来好多条，空气也好多了。 上下班的时候人潮汹涌，不可思议的很。
中关村
地铁中的人群
还有有趣的事情就是广告媒体之发达： 北京出租车有的会在后面装灯箱打动态的文字广告，“王老吉冰茶。。。”。小区的电梯，公车里的液晶电视，手机的短信广告。似乎比起国外来，广告更是无处不在。
还有有趣的事情是生意来的快去的也快。我们连着发现两个机票代理点明明一年前还在那里，怎么一转眼就了无踪影了呢。被社会发展的大潮冲走了吗？
还有一个笑话。某官员团体到澳洲出共差，吃遍了当地最好的中西餐馆都感到失望。最后不禁问，你们不是澳洲鲍鱼的产地吗？为什么不拿来给我们吃？知情者笑了，说我们的鲍鱼都出口到你们国家赚取外汇了。最后还是大使馆的官员了解中国国情： 给他们专门定了一个首长级别的宴席，在那里出现了又大又鲜的澳洲鲍鱼。这才让出差之团队感到真正留了一次洋。
北京的麦当劳
拿我亲戚来打个比方，IPAD刚出他就让我给他带一台回去，而且是最好的3G版。我自己连个IPHONE都没有。另一个做贸易的亲戚告诉我说她多年的贸易经验告诉她中国人的钱好挣，美国回来的小家子气的很。我所接触的条件稍微好一点的社会人士好像消费方面都不算计的，尤其是讲排场上面。不光是他们比以前富有了（中国的富人太多了），还有两个原因让他们相对奢侈：一个是中国人喜欢讲排场，面子上的东西越贵越能彰显身份。小气在生意场和官场上乃一大忌。第二是公款吃喝，官家自不必说（大官小官都是公款吃喝而且一个比一个奢华）。单就学校的教授就比我们舒服的多。科研经费剩下的就可以当工资发给自己（当然不是全部）。一个仪器费用重复报多个项目也说不定。请吃饭肯定不是自己掏钱。交通费什么的拿个发票就当科研经费报了。话别人的钱，有什么节约的必要？没本事的自己买单，有本事找人来买单。关键是大家各个都挺精明挺有本事的 （那最后谁买单了？）。
餐馆碰上的一场婚礼。人说这这也就是二婚的排场现在比以前不同的是国内东西之贵。不仅各式高档产品贵，而且上学贵，住房贵，旅馆贵，连好一点的餐饮也是昂贵的让人望而却步（自己不掏腰包的除外）。这么说起来，美元又不值钱，奢侈品又便宜，消费观念又抠门，生活又安逸，跟中国相比整个就是一个城乡对比。俺们就是来美国大农村的下乡知青。
会议用餐（有五粮液可惜俺不喝）为富不仁。我所接触到的中国新贵，似乎有一种高人一等的气质，把贫穷一些的人看作是second class citizen。觉得他们没有什么本事被剥削是活该，就应该对他们区别对待，他们不值得被尊重。他们用优胜劣汰的达尔文主义来为自己的主张辩护。连我同学之中这样看问题的也比比皆是。他们喜欢站在国计民生的高度上统筹规划地看问题，而结果是通常劣势人群的利益和机会往往就被统筹了。
普华永道的大楼还有就是民族主义。国家强盛了，腰杆硬了，对于资本主义“列强”更是视为邪恶轴心又怕又想惩之而后快。我碰到一个有军队背景的人就有这样的鹰派想法。
我还也听到多人抱怨中国经济的交易成本太高了，浪费很多的精力和财力到交易成本上。具体这种社会成本是什么我还没有仔细点了解。只是听说上海世博会为了造成繁荣景象给很多市民发免费门票和交通费鼓励他们去参观。
但是也有一些惊人的成就，比如淘宝网的交易量占到国民生产总值的1%。 北京的地铁线路一下子多出来好多条，空气也好多了。 上下班的时候人潮汹涌，不可思议的很。
中关村
地铁中的人群还有有趣的事情就是广告媒体之发达： 北京出租车有的会在后面装灯箱打动态的文字广告，“王老吉冰茶。。。”。小区的电梯，公车里的液晶电视，手机的短信广告。似乎比起国外来，广告更是无处不在。
还有有趣的事情是生意来的快去的也快。我们连着发现两个机票代理点明明一年前还在那里，怎么一转眼就了无踪影了呢。被社会发展的大潮冲走了吗？
还有一个笑话。某官员团体到澳洲出共差，吃遍了当地最好的中西餐馆都感到失望。最后不禁问，你们不是澳洲鲍鱼的产地吗？为什么不拿来给我们吃？知情者笑了，说我们的鲍鱼都出口到你们国家赚取外汇了。最后还是大使馆的官员了解中国国情： 给他们专门定了一个首长级别的宴席，在那里出现了又大又鲜的澳洲鲍鱼。这才让出差之团队感到真正留了一次洋。
北京的麦当劳
马里兰新居
国内回来就径直来到仔仔的新居。到现在已有数周。细想起来工作上建树不多,汗。倒是在改善人居环境上进境不小。移走了客厅的杂物，又悬挂了若干视频，使它看起来赏心悦目。厨房的器具也都各自找到了他们的家。地下室从原来堆满了箱子到现在宽敞干净。仔仔装好了utility shelf给杂物找到了归属。 新买的去湿器让原来潮湿阴凉的地下室变得干爽起来。对于夏天炎热的天气，地下室是个避暑的好去处。正好我们的无线网络和电脑也都在地下室。两张书桌可以让两个学习娱乐。还有一大片供仔仔操练的空间。
最大的成就当属修好了空调漏水的问题。经我观察发现漏水的是一个地面的盒子。经调查取证，查明了此盒的身份是用于把冷凝水抽走的泵（condensate pump)。它应当在水位到达一定高度时自动抽水。但它不能正常启动导致水漏到地面上。但我有注意到踢它一脚之后它就启动一段时间，说明这个泵没有坏掉。我的解决办法异常简单：我在下面垫了一点东西，结果它就能正常工作了。
下一个project是把各个衣橱再装上customizable shelf。再setup 好地下室的床。还要购置一个跑步机。这样就能在地下室舒服的工作和休息而不用担心炎热的天气了。
墙上挂了我从国内带来的十字绣《梅兰竹菊》
最大的成就当属修好了空调漏水的问题。经我观察发现漏水的是一个地面的盒子。经调查取证，查明了此盒的身份是用于把冷凝水抽走的泵（condensate pump)。它应当在水位到达一定高度时自动抽水。但它不能正常启动导致水漏到地面上。但我有注意到踢它一脚之后它就启动一段时间，说明这个泵没有坏掉。我的解决办法异常简单：我在下面垫了一点东西，结果它就能正常工作了。
下一个project是把各个衣橱再装上customizable shelf。再setup 好地下室的床。还要购置一个跑步机。这样就能在地下室舒服的工作和休息而不用担心炎热的天气了。
墙上挂了我从国内带来的十字绣《梅兰竹菊》
Monday, March 8, 2010
需要tips.
准备有空做一点(中国)同志出柜方面的研究 （也是为了迎接9月的CRN Conference），如果大家有什么资料/线索/文章的请在此提供，或者发email给我。 嘻嘻，说你呢，这个blog没有几个读者。
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