Even though I work in IT and software development, I'm pretty old-school when it comes to using social networking tools. There's something about the younger generations who seem to have an urgent and almost obscene need to expose themselves on the web, to friends and strangers alike.
In retrospect, I don't think it has much to do with age, but rather the earnestness, to keep private life private. Even writing this journal requires conscious mental efforts in ensuring not too much private details are exposed. For those who know me, they would know the background and wouldn't need much explaining; for those who don't, why should they need to know anyways. I don't mind some general backgrounds, like ethnicity etc, but not much else.
The other day, I was reading about twitter coming out with new geolocational features, allowing tweet followers to track the twitters, every step of the way. To start with, I'm probably the last person in the world to care the mundane details and chores of friends (and strangers? forget about it). To me, those are not interactions among friends. Those are voyeuristic intrusions (and invitations by twitter users) into someone's life. To me, it's a very unhealthy development. So, it comes as no surprise that sensible individuals would reject the use of such geolocation features from twitters.
Sometimes, new product feature does not necessarily mean that I have to jump to use it. It's funny how the younger crowds on the web like to jump on board to beta-test everything that comes out, marveling it as god-send, without much afterthoughts. I wonder how many of them have considered that they can be tracked by both good and bad guys (stalkers, anyone?) alike. When you're young, there's certain sense of invincibility. They'll probably come to their senses as they mature into their 30s.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Sunday, August 16, 2009
On the Saturday mail delivery no more...
How often in our life will we be able to stay, with certainty, that something is definitely a goner? Apparently, not often enough. Such is the debate, if you can call it a debate, on whether USPS should continue delivering mails on Saturdays, or to do away with it, and save $3 billion a year?
Perhaps, before jumping to some sort of conclusion, there's soul-searching to be done. How often do I actually use the mail? What do I actually get in the mail these days, anyways? Do I really miss much, if there's no mail on Saturdays?
To start with, I actually don't check mails on Saturdays. I check my mailbox on weekdays when I go in/out, and when my mind is actively at work (and attending to things). On Saturdays, when I'm not working, I don't do alot of things that I would normally do on Monday - Friday. Checking mails is certainly one of those tasks. So, logistically speaking, I don't really know or care if the postmen come on Saturdays. Their hardwork has been wasted on me, for a very long time now.
And then, there are the contents in the mails. Every year, we took long vacation or time-off during summer, and go overseas. One of the great things about living in condo is that, you pay your dues (in the form of management fees), but when you want to be gone, you lock the door and can be gone for as long as you want. There's no maintenance to do (as in houses), no garden to attend to, no lawn to mow, no bush to trim, etc. The only catch is that, USPS would only hold mails for you for a month. If you're gone beyond one month, you would find an exploding mailbox when you're back. As we're usually gone for at least a month, that becomes a constant headache for me, so that I have to rely on (and beg for) my good neighbors to help me clean out the mailbox beyond the one-month period. And I don't like to rely on someone's charity when I'm away on vacation.
My resolution to that? I electronify everything. I've used paperless statements for all bank accounts. I get bills and invoices in email, which I can pay online, regardless of where I might be. I cancel all journal and magazine mail delivery, except Fortune, since it comes only once a month, and I like reading hardcopy of it when I go to places. And I use online subscription for other stuffs that I like to read (eg. Wall Street Journal), which I can read, wherever I am.
Mostly, these days, I get only junk mail and my periodic dose of DVD from netflix in my mail. That has dramatically cut down wasted time (having to go through, then shred all the junk mail), wasted papers (from all junk mails) for recycle but which shouldn't be printed in the first place, and I cut down my total mails by probably 70% or more. At least, even if I have to impinge on my neighbors to help me collect mails beyond one month, it won't be bags and bags of mails when I get back.
For all the abovementioned good reasons, I have to ask myself, why people are still holding onto this relics of Saturday USPS mail delivery when they hardly use it these days. Everybody get bills and pay bills online. Nobody bothers to write anymore. You either email, or text, or IM, or video conference with someone online with webcam, or send greeting cards etc to friends and family, etc. I would venture to say that, most people, like myself, hardly check mails on Saturdays.
I find that most of the comments or arguments against dropping the Saturday mail delivery to be more sentimental than rational. Those who argue to preserve it are really arguing for preserving a way of life that is fast becoming obsolete, when they refuse to face the fact that they want it more for the idea of keeping up the appearance and keeping the relics alive, rather than much real usage of it.
In a way, it's not unlike those who argue against big government in health care, and yet they are exactly the people who are already currently receiving government benefits at this very moment. It just makes very little sense, reading or listening these silly people talking about the fact that they don't want government in this and that, and they want the things exactly as they are now, when in fact what they're having now is exactly government handouts. I have very little tolerance to silly arguments like this. Ah but, this is a heavy subject for another day. :)
Perhaps, before jumping to some sort of conclusion, there's soul-searching to be done. How often do I actually use the mail? What do I actually get in the mail these days, anyways? Do I really miss much, if there's no mail on Saturdays?
To start with, I actually don't check mails on Saturdays. I check my mailbox on weekdays when I go in/out, and when my mind is actively at work (and attending to things). On Saturdays, when I'm not working, I don't do alot of things that I would normally do on Monday - Friday. Checking mails is certainly one of those tasks. So, logistically speaking, I don't really know or care if the postmen come on Saturdays. Their hardwork has been wasted on me, for a very long time now.
And then, there are the contents in the mails. Every year, we took long vacation or time-off during summer, and go overseas. One of the great things about living in condo is that, you pay your dues (in the form of management fees), but when you want to be gone, you lock the door and can be gone for as long as you want. There's no maintenance to do (as in houses), no garden to attend to, no lawn to mow, no bush to trim, etc. The only catch is that, USPS would only hold mails for you for a month. If you're gone beyond one month, you would find an exploding mailbox when you're back. As we're usually gone for at least a month, that becomes a constant headache for me, so that I have to rely on (and beg for) my good neighbors to help me clean out the mailbox beyond the one-month period. And I don't like to rely on someone's charity when I'm away on vacation.
My resolution to that? I electronify everything. I've used paperless statements for all bank accounts. I get bills and invoices in email, which I can pay online, regardless of where I might be. I cancel all journal and magazine mail delivery, except Fortune, since it comes only once a month, and I like reading hardcopy of it when I go to places. And I use online subscription for other stuffs that I like to read (eg. Wall Street Journal), which I can read, wherever I am.
Mostly, these days, I get only junk mail and my periodic dose of DVD from netflix in my mail. That has dramatically cut down wasted time (having to go through, then shred all the junk mail), wasted papers (from all junk mails) for recycle but which shouldn't be printed in the first place, and I cut down my total mails by probably 70% or more. At least, even if I have to impinge on my neighbors to help me collect mails beyond one month, it won't be bags and bags of mails when I get back.
For all the abovementioned good reasons, I have to ask myself, why people are still holding onto this relics of Saturday USPS mail delivery when they hardly use it these days. Everybody get bills and pay bills online. Nobody bothers to write anymore. You either email, or text, or IM, or video conference with someone online with webcam, or send greeting cards etc to friends and family, etc. I would venture to say that, most people, like myself, hardly check mails on Saturdays.
I find that most of the comments or arguments against dropping the Saturday mail delivery to be more sentimental than rational. Those who argue to preserve it are really arguing for preserving a way of life that is fast becoming obsolete, when they refuse to face the fact that they want it more for the idea of keeping up the appearance and keeping the relics alive, rather than much real usage of it.
In a way, it's not unlike those who argue against big government in health care, and yet they are exactly the people who are already currently receiving government benefits at this very moment. It just makes very little sense, reading or listening these silly people talking about the fact that they don't want government in this and that, and they want the things exactly as they are now, when in fact what they're having now is exactly government handouts. I have very little tolerance to silly arguments like this. Ah but, this is a heavy subject for another day. :)
Monday, August 10, 2009
On mid-summer nights' dreams...
I must admit, I have not spent as many summers in America. Most summers, we flew back to Asia to catch up with extended families, relatives, and friends. I enjoy that alot, although I don't enjoy the sub-tropical hot, and very humid weather. I would rather it rain than shine, since I drag the sun burning my skin, frying me on a hot pan like a fish.
This summer, we chose to stay put. Some of the families are not flying back to Asia either. I guess, in this economy, it's more prudent to preserve cash than to spend $20k on a long summer vacation. I must say, summer classes in Asia (at least those ones that I find more interesting, rather than the ones that don't do much) are not as much cheaper than those in America. But there's more variety in summer camps to choose from in America. The kids enjoy it more, since all summer camps here have swimming and more outdoor activities. It could also be that, since they don't speak the language in Asia, they have not enjoyed the summer programs there as much.
As to myself, one of the things I discover this summer is less tangible. There are days when it's hot and humid here too; in fact, there are more hot, humid days than I remember in those few summers when we spent here. But at night, the south-facing windows always bring in cool breeze to cool us down, so much so that I've never had to turn on the A/C (which is good for the environment too). When we were in Asia, I can't recall a single night when we could sleep without closing the doors and turn up the A/C, to deal with not only the hot, humid weather, but also the ever-annoying mosquitoes. I get less tolerable to humidity, as I get older.
And then, there are the crickets and cicadas. There are quite some trees and bushes around where we live. I was somewhat surprised by the amount of sound (or noise, depending on whether you like it or not) they made. It's also surprising that I have never paid attention to that. I've come to appreciate the cicadas and the crickets chirping.
There are so many things in life, the little details that fly by us if we don't pay attention to them. The sounds they made are beautiful. Some nights, when I was putting the kids to bed, I would sometimes roll around with them a little chit-chatting with them, and we would have the lights all off, watching the silhouette of the trees waving in the breeze in the night sky, hearing the crickets and cicadas, it's so peaceful and happy. You can almost smell the trees in breeze. It takes all the stress in life away.
This summer, we chose to stay put. Some of the families are not flying back to Asia either. I guess, in this economy, it's more prudent to preserve cash than to spend $20k on a long summer vacation. I must say, summer classes in Asia (at least those ones that I find more interesting, rather than the ones that don't do much) are not as much cheaper than those in America. But there's more variety in summer camps to choose from in America. The kids enjoy it more, since all summer camps here have swimming and more outdoor activities. It could also be that, since they don't speak the language in Asia, they have not enjoyed the summer programs there as much.
As to myself, one of the things I discover this summer is less tangible. There are days when it's hot and humid here too; in fact, there are more hot, humid days than I remember in those few summers when we spent here. But at night, the south-facing windows always bring in cool breeze to cool us down, so much so that I've never had to turn on the A/C (which is good for the environment too). When we were in Asia, I can't recall a single night when we could sleep without closing the doors and turn up the A/C, to deal with not only the hot, humid weather, but also the ever-annoying mosquitoes. I get less tolerable to humidity, as I get older.
And then, there are the crickets and cicadas. There are quite some trees and bushes around where we live. I was somewhat surprised by the amount of sound (or noise, depending on whether you like it or not) they made. It's also surprising that I have never paid attention to that. I've come to appreciate the cicadas and the crickets chirping.
There are so many things in life, the little details that fly by us if we don't pay attention to them. The sounds they made are beautiful. Some nights, when I was putting the kids to bed, I would sometimes roll around with them a little chit-chatting with them, and we would have the lights all off, watching the silhouette of the trees waving in the breeze in the night sky, hearing the crickets and cicadas, it's so peaceful and happy. You can almost smell the trees in breeze. It takes all the stress in life away.
Friday, August 7, 2009
On the first lost baby tooth of my daughter...
When kids are much younger, there are so many milestones to check. Baby's first words, first steps, first tooth, and so on. When they get older, milestones are fewer and far in between.
This morning marked my daughter's first lost baby tooth, while she's eating an apple. She's been wiggling it for weeks now. Most of her friends have had some baby teeth out already, and she can't wait till it's her turn. So, when one of her lower front teeth started getting loose, she was ecstatic. We can even see the whites from the permanent tooth that has been coming out right behind this baby tooth. For weeks now, she's been diligently drinking more than enough milk (since we told her she needs calcium for strong teeth, and for the permanent teeth to keep growing in order to come out). I guess that's her rite of passage.
So, this morning, she bit into an apple, and that first loose baby tooth came out. She was so happy. We took pictures, and cooing around the baby, marveling on that tiny tooth.
At 7, she's still innocent enough to believe in tooth fairy. A couple of years ago, my son has discovered that I'm the tooth fairy who's been swapping his teeth under the pillow with a few dollar bills, ever since he found all his lost baby teeth in a little box in my drawer. My daughter said she's going to put her baby tooth under the pillow tonight. Being the wise guy as he is now, he told her, mommy is the tooth fairy. She refuted, saying tooth fairy exists only if you believe it; hence, it won't exist for him, since he doesn't believe in it. For her, it's all a matter of faith. To that, he just rolls his eyes. I find it quite funny and amusing to watch them in action.
Way back when, before my son lost his innocence about tooth fairy, he has once remarked that he's going to ask for all his baby teeth back from the tooth fairy, so that he can sell them to the tooth fairy again, but at a much higher price! He made that remark as we were starting our business, and he discovered the law of buy-low-sell-high. :)
Although they have both pretty much grown out of it, they used to love the book series on Arthur and DW. I love them too, since they're so innocent, yet educational. We watch most of the Arthur cartoon as well. I've been glad that they can relate to Arthur and DW as brother and sister in a loving family. I think I'll keep all those books as keepsake.
This morning marked my daughter's first lost baby tooth, while she's eating an apple. She's been wiggling it for weeks now. Most of her friends have had some baby teeth out already, and she can't wait till it's her turn. So, when one of her lower front teeth started getting loose, she was ecstatic. We can even see the whites from the permanent tooth that has been coming out right behind this baby tooth. For weeks now, she's been diligently drinking more than enough milk (since we told her she needs calcium for strong teeth, and for the permanent teeth to keep growing in order to come out). I guess that's her rite of passage.
So, this morning, she bit into an apple, and that first loose baby tooth came out. She was so happy. We took pictures, and cooing around the baby, marveling on that tiny tooth.
At 7, she's still innocent enough to believe in tooth fairy. A couple of years ago, my son has discovered that I'm the tooth fairy who's been swapping his teeth under the pillow with a few dollar bills, ever since he found all his lost baby teeth in a little box in my drawer. My daughter said she's going to put her baby tooth under the pillow tonight. Being the wise guy as he is now, he told her, mommy is the tooth fairy. She refuted, saying tooth fairy exists only if you believe it; hence, it won't exist for him, since he doesn't believe in it. For her, it's all a matter of faith. To that, he just rolls his eyes. I find it quite funny and amusing to watch them in action.
Way back when, before my son lost his innocence about tooth fairy, he has once remarked that he's going to ask for all his baby teeth back from the tooth fairy, so that he can sell them to the tooth fairy again, but at a much higher price! He made that remark as we were starting our business, and he discovered the law of buy-low-sell-high. :)
Although they have both pretty much grown out of it, they used to love the book series on Arthur and DW. I love them too, since they're so innocent, yet educational. We watch most of the Arthur cartoon as well. I've been glad that they can relate to Arthur and DW as brother and sister in a loving family. I think I'll keep all those books as keepsake.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
On touch-and-go appreciation of arts...
There's an interesting article in New York Times the other day, about how people would go to museums, take quick snaps of all the artistry (paintings, sculptures, and what not), and be in-and-out in no time.
It's very true, that these days, rarely do people have time to slow down, and take the time to observe and appreciate things in life (be it arts, nature, and all). We seem to be always in a hurry. Certainly all the handy gadgetry these days, from digital camera, camera/smart phone plus texting and instant messaging capability, to laptops and netbooks that allow us to be online, 24x7.
I have always wondered if it's really necessary for me. I distinctly remember that, only some 12 years ago, during one chat with colleagues, when one guy remarked that he needed his cell phone so that he can "stand-by", I declared that I don't need or want a cell phone.
How I have corrected myself these days, when the three things I would grab before going out are keys, wallet, and my cell phone. I do admit that all on-demand capacity has allowed me to accomplish more in a compressed timeframe. Afterall, I would not have been able to work from home, while doing stock trading on the side, and monitoring the daily schedule of my household (kids, mine, and my husband's). I know I would have needed to find personal helpers to do things for me. Instead, now I can even squeeze time to run errands or do some "flash" grocery shopping, and even doing dishes (!!! imagine that !!!) During weekends, we can go out with the kids for their activities or even to the library.
But I have also found myself walking faster, talking faster, and doing everything in a hurry. Even my friends would remark that, they thought I needed to go somewhere, since I was talking so fast these days. In a way, maybe I have accustomed myself to the fast pace of the gadgets, so that I can do more with less.
It does take a conscientious effort to slow down sometimes, particularly during vacation when I'm supposed to relax and slow down some. This summer holiday, we haven't done much so far, except for the various summer camps for the kids. I do look forward to the Toronto trip in end August. I think I'm a little burnt out (what with all the study, refinancing, side ventures, work and more work), and badly need a break.
In our current state of (poor) economy, when everything is in such a flush, I guess I won't complain about being too busy. Afterall, it's better be busy than idling around.
It's very true, that these days, rarely do people have time to slow down, and take the time to observe and appreciate things in life (be it arts, nature, and all). We seem to be always in a hurry. Certainly all the handy gadgetry these days, from digital camera, camera/smart phone plus texting and instant messaging capability, to laptops and netbooks that allow us to be online, 24x7.
I have always wondered if it's really necessary for me. I distinctly remember that, only some 12 years ago, during one chat with colleagues, when one guy remarked that he needed his cell phone so that he can "stand-by", I declared that I don't need or want a cell phone.
How I have corrected myself these days, when the three things I would grab before going out are keys, wallet, and my cell phone. I do admit that all on-demand capacity has allowed me to accomplish more in a compressed timeframe. Afterall, I would not have been able to work from home, while doing stock trading on the side, and monitoring the daily schedule of my household (kids, mine, and my husband's). I know I would have needed to find personal helpers to do things for me. Instead, now I can even squeeze time to run errands or do some "flash" grocery shopping, and even doing dishes (!!! imagine that !!!) During weekends, we can go out with the kids for their activities or even to the library.
But I have also found myself walking faster, talking faster, and doing everything in a hurry. Even my friends would remark that, they thought I needed to go somewhere, since I was talking so fast these days. In a way, maybe I have accustomed myself to the fast pace of the gadgets, so that I can do more with less.
It does take a conscientious effort to slow down sometimes, particularly during vacation when I'm supposed to relax and slow down some. This summer holiday, we haven't done much so far, except for the various summer camps for the kids. I do look forward to the Toronto trip in end August. I think I'm a little burnt out (what with all the study, refinancing, side ventures, work and more work), and badly need a break.
In our current state of (poor) economy, when everything is in such a flush, I guess I won't complain about being too busy. Afterall, it's better be busy than idling around.
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