A Trip with Low Returns

-->March 8^th

       

      If it were not the EEA annual conference was held in Boston, I couldn't participate in it. I flew to Boston one day prior to the conference day. As usual, I kept awake for the early flight departing at 9am. I was tired while arriving the hotel by subway.

      Boston Park Plaza is a well-known historical hotel located in the old Boston area. However, its service was quite disappointing. I booked a room with a king size bed one month ago, but the hotel gave me a room with double twin beds. The one-night cost $185 didn't include a breakfast and the Internet connection. No refrigerator in the room. What bothered me the most was I have to call room service for a razor and a toothbrush or they are not available.

Crabtree Valley Mall

      I like Crabtree Valley Mall on weekdays. There are some people, but not so noisy. The shopping mall is bright, clean and spacious. Each brand has its own store. Most stores sell apparel and accessary. If getting tired, customers can have a cup of soft drink in the food court. 

Food Court

明心見性

"混口飯吃罷了。"他緩緩地吐出一口煙，到微涼的空氣中。
一個月前左右，就在Jim離開Raleigh前幾天，他是這麼說的。

很難相信，此話出自一個辭去工作，賣掉台北房子，帶著妻子遠渡重洋來留學的人。不想靠報章雜誌和網路的資訊進行所謂的"經濟預測"，面對心中的理想，他選擇了這條路。最終，相信他會走入學術界，即使有機構開出更高的價碼。"混口飯吃"不過是一時的喪氣話。相反的，Jim則是對學術界失望，似乎是打死都不走這條路了。

A dump behind the lab. Older Joe, Steve and younger Joe always take a break and smoke here. The lab is itself a dump.

I Have a Nightmare

(I wrote this article at risk)

Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Almost everyone knows him even if she isn't an American or doesn't live in the US. His fight against racist discrimination succeed in the level of the law. Those ones whom he cared about eventually get their civil rights promised by the Constitute. They can walk in the US territory like other white people. To repay sufferings imposed on their ancestors, their employment and education opportunities are highly protected, especially in public institutions. His story is inspiring to other minority groups? No, absolutely not.

Two Holidays

Dec. 25th 2011 Real Christmas

I went to Professor Moody Chu's home for Christmas dinner. There are several guests in the party tonight. Professor's daughter studying in Boston came home for the holiday. Professors' prepare lot of food to feed guests. Bread, rib, tofu rolls and more homemade cuisine. After dinner, his daughter played piano and we sang hymn to praise Jesus and God. I'm not a christian, but I admire the region that leads their whole family from hardship to success. And of course their achievement should attribute to the professor and his wife's efforts. 

Someone's home

大江大海

書    名：大江大海
作    者：龍應台
出版社：天下雜誌

這幾日較早回家。上網想找人聊天，又怕打擾人家上班。於是看看閒書和玩DQ6。這兩樣東西本是計畫耶誕節到新年期間，校園關閉時打發時間用的。DQ6進度已經推入中盤，但這本書早早用了幾個夜晚將它看完。

流水帳