千种风情千种树

Question the Metro Expresslane Program in LA County

2012-12-15T19:04:00.000-08:00

Los Angeles County’s first toll lane has been open on the 110 Freeway since November 8th, allowing drivers with FasTrak accounts to cruise past traffic in the express lane (https://www.metroexpresslanes.net/en/home/index.shtml). After several friends of mine got fined without proper use of Metro Expresslane, I began to examine the design of the program in more details. My conclusion: Metro Expresslane is ridiculous. It just squeezes extra money from taxpayers with public road.

First, it pushes occasional carpoolers away from using carpool lane and makes 110 more jammed in general. In order to get the transponder, you will pay an initial fee of $40.00 and pay $3.00 "maintenance fee" each month thereafter no matter you use it or not. Occasional carpoolers cannot bother to buy the transponder, and will use other lanes. This simply worsens 110 traffic jam.

Second, there is no justification for the the $40.00 unfront fee apart from the cost to make the card. If I am frequent carpooler and theoretically pay no toll fee, I don't understand why should I deposit such large amount with CalTrans. There is no clear information whether you can get any money back if you cancel your transponder. Since you are actually depositing money with CalTrans, they should theoretically pay you interest if you use the Metro Expresslane for carpooling only.

Third, it really hurts travelers to Los Angeles from other states. Los Angeles Airport, as the largest airport in west coast, attracts tens of thousands of travelers and visitors on business purpose everyday. 110 is the only highway connecting LAX and downtown. As a result a lot of travelers and visitors from other cities and states cannot use carpool lanes. Even worse, since Metro Expresslanes is not known to those travelers and visitors, we should expect many travelers and visitors will get fines and penalties. If I were one of them, I must consider LA as the most unfriendly city if I got tickets just off the plane at LAX.

Fourth, the cost to maintain such a system is unclear. Ther is the initial investment to implement those equipments and hire people to sell transponders. To use the transponder, you need to manually switch to one, two or three person mode. If you forget to do that, sorry, fines. It is also not unclear how to enforece the policy, say if I set the transponder to 2 even if I am driving solo. If they have camera that can tell how many person in each car, why bother to use the tranponder in the first place?

I am strongly suspicious whether the Metro Expresslane in its current state will improve 110 traffic and benefit LA drivers. A more reasonable change to current program will be: only sole drivers who want to use the express lanes need to buy and display a transponder. All other carpoolers, frequent or occansional do not need to have transponder to use carpool lane just as before. If this change implemented, my first three concerns will be resolved. Otherwise I strongly urge to terminate the Metro Expresslane program in its current state as soon as possible.

Yellowstone Trip Travel Log

2011-06-11T22:35:00.000-07:00

Finally, I made the trip to Yellowstone. Hurray!!!

June 1: Salt Lake City

Bingham Canyon Copper Mine

12800 South State Route 111 Bingham Canyon, UT

Great Salt Lake State Park

Located about 16 miles west of Salt Lake City.
From I-80, take Exit 104 to the marina.

LDS Temple Square
50 West North Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84150-0001

The Mormon missionaries there are very friendly and eager to tell you about their church and the architectures. There are only four or five buildings in the Temple Square, but we spent almost the whole afternoon there.

Utah State Capitol Building
120 State Capitol, 350 N. State Street, SLC, UT 84114

This building looks like the United States Capitol. Not only Chinese local officals are copycats :-).

June 2: SLC to Yellowstone and Grand Teton

Salt Lake City to Grand Teton

I-15N --> McCammon --> US-30N --> Soda Spring --> Idaho SH-34N --> US-89N

We have planned to go through I-15N and US-89N to Grand Teton National Park, but missed the entrance to US-89N. Therefore we took an unconventional route via US-30N and Idaho State Highway 34N. This proved an happy accident. The scenery along these two state highways are spectacular, including vast wheat field, forests, ranches, bushes, scattered lakes and creeks. It is so beautiful that we are not quite surprised when we actually entered Grant Teton. There is no gas station for about one hundred miles along Idaho Highway 34. So fill your tank if you decide to follow this way.

Grand Teton National Park

Jackson Hole --> Moose Junction --> Teton Park Road --> Jenny Lake +Inspiration Point Trail --> Teton Park Road --> Teton Park Road --> John D. Rockefeller Hwy --> Yellowstone South Entrance

Jenny Lake is small but lovely lake. We hiked around the south rim of the lake but did not made it to Inspiration Point due to heavy snow. But we saw two moose on the trail and we were just two meters away from those moose. Mooses have a long face. I nicknamed them "donkey deer".

In Grand Teton, there are two roads from south to north. The above line is West Line, which is the canonical route to visit Grand Teton. Someone also highly recommends the East Line, which follows US-191 (Wyoming Centenial Seneric Hwy). It starts from Moose Junction, passes Oxbow Bend Turnout, Snake River Overlook, Schwabacher Landing and Mormon Row and finally joins the Teton Park road to JDR highway. These two routes make a circle inside the Teton Park. If you have enough time or decide to pass Grand Teton twice, you may try both lines.

Lodging and Dining
Grant Village; Grant Village Dining Room
Grant Village: General Store and Mini Store; Grant Village Restaurant

(307) 242-3400 ‎

June 3: Old Faithful Area and Norris Area

I will mark those points of interest, which are worth visiting but we have not been able to visit, in italic character.

Lake Area: West Thump Geyser Basin

The West Thump Geyser Basin is close to our lodge at Grant Village and makes our first stop at Yellowstone National Park. There are some small hot springs in this area and some of them are even located in the Lake. They are cute, but do not spend too much time, you will have plenty of time to enjoy hot springs, geysers and the sulphur "boiled-egg" smell in other area of the park.

From West Thump to Old Faithful

Isa Lake, Craig Pass, Kepler Cascades, Lone Star Geyser

Old Faithful Area: Upper Geyser Basin

It is helpful to get park news from the visitor center and the eruption time of the Old Faithful Geyser. There are two trails here, the 1 mile Geyser Hill Loop Trail and Observation Point Loop Trail. Along the Geyser Hill Loop trail, you are able to observe many geysers in close distance, such Beehive geyser and lion geyser. There is even a Chinese geyser but it is very small. We joked it looks like Chinese hot pot. The Observation Point Loop Trail gains about 200 ft. in elevation to a prominent overlook providing a great view of the Upper Geyser Basin. It starts Firehole River footbridge behind Old Faithful Geyser.

Old Faithful Area: Midway Geyser Basin

The name of Midway Geyser Basin sounds ordinary but this place is undoubted the best because the Grand Prismatic Spring is located in this area. It is the largest and most beautiful hot spring. This is the last place you want to miss in Yellowstone National Park. First take the broadwalk to observe the spring in a near distance. Next we hiked to the hill behind the spring. The trailhead is easy to miss. Leave the designated parking area at Midway Geyser Basin and drive towards Old Faithful direction for two or three miles where you will see an informal parking area near the Firehole river. From there, cross a steel bridge and hike towards Grand Prismatic for 1 mile. You will notice informal trails up to the top of those hills. On top of the hill, you will see the grand view of the Grand Prismatic. It is amazing.

Old Faithful Area: Lower Geyser Basin

3 Mile Firehole Lake Drive: Great Fountain geyser, White Dome geyser. In the end of the drive, there is Fountain Paint Pots. You may walk the short Fountain Paint Pot Trail.

From Lower Geyser Basin to Norris District
First you will pass Madison river, the best place to see bisons. There are lots of them grazing on the grassland along Madison River. Sometimes there is heavy traffic because of bisons crossing the roads. After we saw so many bison here, we were no longer excited about the appearance of any other bison thereafter.

Next, you will pass Artist Paint Pots Trail. The Yellowstone park official website says it is "overlooked yet wonderful short hikes". However it is not that good in my opinion. Maybe we just saw too much hot springs and mud pots.

Norris Geyser Basin

Back Basin Trail: Steamboat Geyser is the most powerful geyser in Yellowstone and able to throw hot spring up about 100 meters. But it erupts irregularly. The last time it erupted is in 2005.

Porcelain Basin Trail: we did not walk this one because it looks similar to the above Back Basin Trail.

From Norris Geyser Basin to Canyon Area

Ice Lake Trail is 3.5 miles east of Norris on the Norris-Canyon road. But it was closed when we were there.

Old Faithful Inn

We stayed at the Old Faithful Inn in the night. The building, completed in the year of 1904, is a masterpiece of wood. The three-floor house is constructed out of wood shingles and keeps the colour and texture of the original material. It has a huge lobby and a big stone fireplace. In the night, with the lights on and guests sitting leisurely around the fireplace, I felt the most unique atmosphere in whatever place I have stayed. Even if you cannot reserve a room in this place, it is still worth walking, just to feel the feel.

June 4: Yellowstone Canyon

From Lake Area to Yellowstone Canyon:

Natural Bridge Trail: We could not make the trail due to heavy snow.

Fishing Bridge: There you will see picturesque view of the Yellowstone river and the Yellowstone Lake. Especially, in the early June when there is still snow near and far, it is quite pretty and reminds me the scenery of Mirror Lake at Yosemite National Park.

Pelican Creek Trail: it is said it is a good place to see bears because bears hunt trout in the creek but we could not go there.
Mud Volcano: There is broad walk trail along which you will see some mud pots.

Heyden Valley: That's the place to see wild animals, such as elks, bisons and bears in the morning or during twilight. If you are serious about observing wild animals, you should definitely bring telescopes because they are often far away. With help of other people's telescope, we saw a bald eagle feeding a calf, two black bears and some elks.

Yellowstone Canyon

This was the highlight of out second day at the Yellowstone. Along there are extensive trails and observation points along both rims of the Canyon. We first explored the South Rim. We hiked arduously in the snow along the trail from Upper Falls to Uncle Tom's Trail to Artist Point. I were amazed by the grand view of the canyon even in the middle of the trail. The north cliff shows the distinct colour of yellow (possibly due to the sulphur minerals) and red. I guess that's why Yellowstone National Park got its name. Finally when we got the Artist point where you have the best view of the Canyon and the Low Fall. It is just beyond speech.

Next we drove along the North Rim and stopped at each observation point. Inspiration Point is worth pointing out. We saw the nest of a bald eagle in a stone column in the Canyon. Again there were some seats facing the Canyon. Let me quote my friend's comments: it is like watching a 3D movie sitting there.

In the night, we stayed at Canyon Lodge: N 44 44.063 W 110 29.385

June 5: Mammoth Area and Tower Area

From Norris Area to Mammoth Area

Along the river from Norris to Mammoth Area, it is also good place to see wild animals, for example bisons and bears. In the morning of June 6, we saw grizzly bears feeding on a calf. A little earlier, some visitors actually saw the bears hunting on their truck.

Sheepeater Cliff: This cliff is very special. It is made of columnar stones. The stones are so neatly stacked that it looks almost man-made.

Mammoth Area

The colourful terraces here are landmarks of Yellowstone National Park. Frankly speaking the terraces are not as amazing as you see in photos, however it is still beautiful enough. I really appreciated the joint work of hot springs and sulphur-phile bacteria. Along the Lower Terraces Trail, you are able to appreciate those landscapes and bacterial colonies closely.

Originally, visitors are able to explore the Upper Terraces through the Upper Terrace Drive, but it is recently closed due to earth activity. It is however accessible by walk. We hiked the Drive. Luckily there were few people and we were able to enjoy the beauty, the serenity, a bunny and a blue bird there.

If time permits, you may also would like to hike three hours to the Bunsen Peak, where you can overlook the Mammoth Terraces. Also Beaver Ponds Loop Trail is recommended.

From Mammoth Area to Tower Area

The road between Mammoth Area and The Tower Area is the least-mentioned in Yellowstone and it is even not in our original plan. But We got some unexpected bonus when we decided to try it. We saw an elk and two black bears in close distance in the afternoon. If you are going to see wild animals, besides Hayden Valley and Mammoth Area, this road is also worth a try.

Petrified Tree and Specimen Ridge: Close to Tower Fall, we turned into a valley, which a tomb of dead trees due to earth heat. Of particular interest, the million-years old Petrified tree still stands because its organic material are replaced by minerals.

The Road to Tower Fall is craved out of a cliff. It feels formidable driving there.

Tower Area

The main attraction at Tower Area is the Tower Fall. There is short bur quite steep trail down to the bottom of valley. It is a lovely place there. A river flows smoothly, washing colourful pebbles in the river bed. Above, the cliff shows distinct layers of light yellow soil and dark brown rocks.

Beartooth Highway 212

Out of Northest Gate, it leads to the "most beautiful" Beartooth Highway 212. But unfortunately, it was due to adverse weather. Why do we have so much snow this year :-( ??

Boiling River

Want a hot tub in Yellowstone? Boiling River is about 2-3 miles north of Mammoth Terraces and in the midway to North Entrance. It is permitted to enjoy a free and natural hot tub here. However it is closed due to rapid waterflow when we got there.

Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel

We stayed at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel this night. This is a interesting small village. Mule deers, with their distinct white buttocks, leisurely walks or stays in the lawns and streets. We could see them even through our hotel window.

June 6: Home! Sweet Home!

Mammoth Area --> Madison Junction --> West Yellowstone --> I-20 W --> I-15S --> Salt Lake City

Open Letter on Recent Racial Discrimination Incident at UCSD

2011-05-22T00:50:00.000-07:00

Dr. K---- posted his personal apology on the inappropriate comments in his lab website ( http://kubiak.ucsd.edu/letter.php):

Please accept my personal and sincere apologies for the insensitive language recently found on my laboratory's website. I find the language offensive and I am embarrassed by the poor judgment exhibited in posting the offending language. Although I was unaware of the existence of this page until it was brought to my attention, I accept full responsibility. I have taken steps to remove the offending language and will arrange for appropriate training for my research group and me relative to the UCSD Principles of Community.

----. K---.
Professor,Chemistry & Biochemistry

A snapshot of Dr. K---'s apology letter is available at https://s3.amazonaws.com/twitpic/photos/large/305804015.png?AWSAccessKeyId=AKIAJF3XCCKACR3QDMOA&Expires=1306293416&Signature=VrQ2Q0yYMZtijjChKd13kt41HAI%3D
-----
Updated May 23, 2011

It is not my intent to criticize anyone particularly but to promote the public awareness of racial issues on campus when I wrote this open letter.

For my Chinese friends, I am proud of those who stood out during this incident, especially RoamingGhost, who wrote the first version of this letter and contacted the President of UC and the Chancellor of UCSD. For any friends from other ethic groups, I would like to emphasize that the C word is as offensive to Chinese as the N word to African-Americans and the K word to Jews. Do not use it. Additionally, any racial discrimination issues are serious. You must be responsible for what you say. Try to communicate before you complain. Try to be considerate with other ethnic groups.

I will keep my promise and am willing to bring this letter down or at least remove Dr. K---'s name when I see the formal apology of Dr. K----.

Here is an apology from UC San Diego: http://physicalsciences.ucsd.edu/

An apology for insensitive comments on Professor K----'s research lab website
On behalf of President Mark Yudof, Chancellor Marye Anne Fox, and the UC San Diego community we are truly disappointed by the insensitive and offensive language that appeared on the website of Professor ------ K-----.

This language does not conform to our commitment to the UCSD Principles of Community. We have communicated today with Professor K----- who has ensured that the offending language has been removed and he will provide a formal, written apology. This apology will be posted on Professor K-----’s website. Further, we have asked the Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination (OPHD) to review the matter. Please accept our sincere apologies on behalf of the University.

Suresh Subramani
Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

Mark Thiemens
Dean, Division of Physical Sciences

---------
Updated May 23, 2011

I would like to highlight the comment of an anonymous reader who is familiar with Dr. K----. I am willing to believe this reader: this incident is due to misunderstanding instead of Dr. K----'s true intention.

It is not my intention to critic anyone particularly but to promote the public awareness of racial issues on campus. If I receive any formal explanation of Dr. K---- or representatives of Dr. K----- or UCSD, I am willing to bring this letter down and looking forward to a smooth resolution.

I see what you've written and I'm sure it will be removed once brought to their attention.

Professor K----- is one of the biggest proponents of acceptance of all races and diversity on campus. I had him in CHEM 6C and I can attest that he never made any sort of inappropriate comments in class and he was always very respectful and supportive of all students in class and outside of class in his office hours in addition to being a brilliant man and excellent teacher.

Also, I think anyone who's ever worked in a lab (I did this past summer) knows professors don't have time to make, edit, and monitor frivolous details like their own site. I think from the context of the snapshot you have, it's obvious the lab rules there are satirical. I think that term shouldn't be used but I, as an Asian-American, do not find it offensive, especially since it's an old general term and not equivalent to the N word. Instead of writing an open letter and creating controversy, why didn't you just e-mail him personally?

He is a very responsive person and I'm sure he would have removed it immediately once it was brought to his attention, just like any other professor at school.

Also, to bring more attention to his true character, I know he and his wife donated millions to support students' educations at UCSD from an article I found googling him. Don't throw out accusations and make assumptions without knowing someone.

------------
This open letter is adapted from a letter by RoamingGhost at http://www.mitbbs.com/article_t/Military/35811421.html

I am writing to bring to the public attention a racial discrimination incident at the University of California, San Diego.

Dr. ----- -. K-----, a faculty member in the Dept. of -----, openly states that "3.Don't believe anything the Chinaman says." in his lab's website (http://-----.ucsd.edu/labrules.php). As any well-educated people should have known, the C word is as offensive to Chinese as the N word to African Americans and the K word to Jews. It is really shocking that Dr. K----- uses the C word and attacks the integrity of Chinese people, openly and officially in the university-hosted website. As a Chinese, I am deeply uncomfortable with Dr. K-----'s statements and feel disappointed that UCSD even allows such incident from happening.

The fact that this incident happens in a publicly funded lab at a prestigious university is shameful. What concerns me even more, racial discrimination seems a widely spread issue on the UC campuses. For example, Alexandra Wallace, a UCLA student, posted racially discriminatory video clip to Youtube not long ago. The UC system obviously fails to fulfill its responsibility to educate its faculty members and students on racial issues.

I hope that UCSD takes immediate action to deal with Dr. K----- inappropriate and seemly racial discriminatory statements and demand Dr. K-----'s apology to the Chinese students community. I believe the UC system will learn from this unfortunate incident and take the education of racial issue more seriously. I would also like to see more friendly communications between different ethnic groups on campuses so that we together make the UC campus a better place.

The webpage mentioned in this letter is archived in Google Cache at
http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:e7DW-P-AlsUJ:kubiak.ucsd.edu/labrules.php+http://kubiak.ucsd.edu/labrules.php&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&client=firefox-a&source=www.google.com

The webpage is also archived by Internet Archives:
http://web.archive.org/web/20090503020539/http://kubiak.ucsd.edu/labrules.php

A snapshot of the webpage on May 21, 2011 is shown below.
http://kubiak.ucsd.edu/labrules.php

Why the New Gmail Interface Is Wrong?

2010-08-11T01:11:00.000-07:00

The new gmail interface is imposed on all gmail users today. Personally I really hate this new design. The engineers try to FIX SOMETHING THAT IS NOT BROKEN and they make it worse.Here is why I think the new gmail interface redesign is wrong this time.

1. The release of a new design should be based on users' feedback
In the traditional google culture, any design decision should be based on statistics from users' feedback. When they want to test a new feature, they first make it available to a small group of users. In the test phase, there is usually an option that enables you to SWITCH BACK easily. Therefore if most users keeps the new feature, it suggests users like the new feature, and then the engineers make it accessible to a more general group of users. It is like mutation and selection in biology as described by Darwin. If you remember the history that gmail kept the Beta label for five years: this is the right altitude.

But this time the gmail team IMPOSE the new interface to users. Even worse, if you do not like it, you can not switch back. My personal observation is that there is something wrong with the Google's culture and they become very arrogrant. Maybe you still remember the initial release of Buzz.

2. The Big Ugly Useless "Compose mail" Button
One of the revolutionary feature of gmail is the use of keyboard shortcut in a webmail. When you want to create a new mail, you instinctively press c in the keyboard and who bother moving figures away to the mouse?

3. The Contacts Interface that Clutters the Sidebar

I like the search functionality in the old interface so much that I can not like anything in the new design. It feels cool to use it when you see dynamically updated result when you type in your search keywords. But in the new interface, the google team seems forgetting the word "SEARCH", instead they use the old style of ordered list of contacts. When you have hundreds of contacts, you can bear to turn twenty pages of lists of contacts? The old 3 column view makes full use of screen but the new sidebar design simply clutter the sidebar. In my opinion, the sidebar is where most used links that are fixed so that you are able to easily find the right link. When there are tens of entries there, it is disaster. Finally let's come to individual's column, in the new design, the big note box occupies half of the screen. Fairly speaking this is not terribly wrong. But you just want to find a peron's phone or email, why should we leave half of your screen blank. What's more, in the old interface, there is a link to either write a mail to the individual or call him or her. But how could you do that quickly in the new one. If you have not feel what I say, go to Google Voice's contact interface before they ruin it as well.

4. Pop-up style of Task List

Again this is about the full use of wide screen display.

If this post make sense to you, please go to leave a post at Gmail Help Forum and make the voice of us heard.

Help Wikipedia approach the perfect

2009-12-04T18:18:00.000-08:00

Help Wikipedia approach the perfect: every digit counts.

Long Distance Relationships

2009-11-19T20:20:00.000-08:00

Today I presented a paper in our weekly journal club. My topic is about the Hi-C technique used to mapping the long-range interactions between genomic loci. I adapted a short love poem to describe the long distance relationships between chromatic elements.

Original Version

Though miles lie between us,
We're never far apart,
For friendship doesn't count the miles,
It's measured by the heart

My version

Though millions of basepairs may lie between us,
We're never far apart,
For chromatic interaction doesn't count the basepairs,
It's measured the 3D structure

It may requires some biological knowledge to tell the meaning, here are the slides of my presentation. [slides]

GIMP Expo

2009-10-10T09:17:00.000-07:00

I am practising GIMP. Here are some of my work.

Used in an academic presentation about personal genomics and smithlab at USC http://smithlab.cmb.usc.edu/

(These works are based on material from the internet and for personal use only)

Will Apple be a Great Company

2009-05-27T22:35:00.001-07:00

The title seems bombastic and I don't have a plan write a complete paper with this title. It came into my mind when I read the book From Good to Great.

There are plenty of evidence supporting that Apple is great companies. It looks like a superstar among technology companies. Macintosh transformed the way we use computers; iPod changed the way we enjoy music; iPhone redefined what a cellphone should be. With all these innovations, Apple brings continuous revenues for investors. It is a great success in terms both of technology and profitability. No one company has ever attracted so much attention since 1970s.

It seems no doubt that Apple was and is a legendary company, however our question now is "will Apple be a great company"? The past success of Apple should give substantial credit to its founder Steve Jobs. His pesonal vision dominated the development of Apple. His influence was so profound that Apple suffered ten years loss during Jobs was out. Luckily, Steves returned and Apple re-emerged.

However, there is a mounting danger that Apple has to face. Steve suffers from health problems and eventually Apple has to evolve without Steve someday. Jim Collins reported in his research of so-called "good to great" companies that great companies usually benefited from so-called "level 5 leaders", who "build enduring greatness through a blend of personal huminity and professional skills" and "set up their successsor for even greater success in the next generation".

While Steve Jobs himself is a superstar leader, he seems to fail to set up a sustainable development framework for his successors. When Jobs announced in Janary he would leave for a period, the stock price of Apple plumpted several points. Investors and analysists shared the concern the Apple without Jobs will not be as successful as it is now. Apple's situation looks like that of Kingdom of Shu of the Three Kingdoms period in the history China. When the founder of Shu, Liu Bei, was alive, Shu was able to recruit great people and eventually held the
Xichuan district. But once Liu Lei was dead, the Kingdom of Shu collapsed within a generation.

What will be the fate of Apple in the future? Apple still have time to find an answer but the time seems very limited.

Yosemite Trip Schedule

2009-03-19T10:33:00.000-07:00

I just came back from Yosemite National Park and my heart is still lingering in the scenery of Yosemite. Here is our schedule. I hope it is helpful when you are also planning a trip to Yosemoite during spring break.

The trip lasts two nights and three days, from Saturday to Monday (March 14th - March 16th). The following schedule is very relaxed and we may add more activities when we have the energy.

Saturday:
7:00AM Go to LAX to pick up the car.
Link http://www.thrifty.com/
LOS ANGELES AIRPORT, CA, USA (LAX)
5440 W. CENTURY BLVD
LOS ANGELES, CA UNITED STATES 90045
(877) 283-0898

8:30AM Leave LA

12:00PM Fresno County Blossom Trail
Website: http://www.goblossomtrail.com/
Fresno County Office of Tourism
2220 Tulare Street, 8th Floor
Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 262-4271

This part is not worth an intentioned stop. Actually you can see many trees in blossom along highway #99.

1:00PM Continue to Yosemite Southern Entrance
The scenery along highway #41 is fantastic. You will see ranches, flowers and tree decorated hills.

2:30PM Mariposa Grove
Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mariposa_Grove
http://picasaweb.google.com/songkaiyuan/YosemiteNationalPark#5180785567499148434
In Mariposa Grove, we will see one of the tallest trees in the world: the giant sequoia. The road to Mariposa Grove is closed, so be ready for a hiking about 6miles.

6:30PM Go to our lodge
link: http://www.yosemitelodging.com/
http://www.yosemitelodging.com/studios.html
Yosemite's Four Seasons Office
7519 Henness Circle
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
209 372-9000 / 800 669-9300

6:00PM check in & dinner & night life
We played a new board game, Bang!, this time. It is very interesting.

Sunday
8:00AM Get ready to today's activities

8:30AM Tunnel View

9:00AM - 5:00PM Yosemite Valley
The exact places and time depends on our interest. Here are some interesting places:
Bridalveil Fall
Merced River
Yosemite Village
Anwahneechee Hotel
El Captain (Hiking)
Yosemite Fall (Hiking)
Mirror Lake (Hiking)

5:30PM Go back to the four seaons lodge
6:30PM Dinner & night life

Monday
8:00AM Get ready to today's activities

10:30AM - 3:30PM Hetch Hetchy
Link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hetch_Hetchy_Reservoir
http://picasaweb.google.com/songkaiyuan/YosemiteNationalPark#5180776427808741506

Hetchy Hetchy is sometimes called small Yosemite Valley. It is very sceneric. We will have a hiking there.

4:00PM Going back for LA
We can directly do back to LA along route 99 or if time avaiable, we may go to Highway #1
and finish our trip with the scenery of pacific coast.

11:00PM Home! Sweet home LA!

Wakling cup

2008-11-11T00:01:00.000-08:00

This is a gift from my former housemate Crisanto. He is a really fun guy and very artistic. Unfortunately when I wanted to know more of this man, he left LA for Michigan.

Book Review: The Call of the Wild

2008-10-20T20:20:00.000-07:00

Image source: http://www.hautman.com/jim.html

Some phrases have the mysterious power to arouse the deep hidden feelings in your heart. "The call of the wild" is one of them. Since the first time I heard about this phrase at junior high school, it has been carved in my memory. From time to time it comes into my mind, sometimes when I am actually longing for the wildness, sometimes when I need to made decisions in front of uncertainties. The phrase is not only associated with adventure, deserts, mountains, forest, rivers, breast, but also associated with freedom, courage and ambition.

This phrase has been inspired and excited me since then. But it is not until now that I read the novel with the same name. This novel is authored by Jack London. The story is set in Alaska during the Gold Rush. The main character, a dog named Buck, who was raised in Santa Clara Valley as a domestic dog, was accidentally abducted to Alaska where he served as a toil dog. From the original world of love and peace to the world of fang and club (fight and blood), the hidden instinct of his ancestors emerged and finally Buck returned to a pack of wolves, living a life of his ancestors in the great plain of Alaska.

Besides this theme of Buck's struggle, I am more impressed by another theme: the process of a man growing up and adapting to the society. From this view of point, it talks about friendship, loyalty, loneliness, work ethic and determination.

We can interpret Buck's life at Judge Miller's mansion as a man's childhood. It is a troubleless time. As Pink Floyd describes in "The Thin Ice", "mom loves her baby, daddy loves you too". Parents carefully protects you from any dark side of the society.

Then after you grow up and have to face this world by yourself.

You meet different persons. Some of them are your classmates, some your colleagues, some your supervisors. You will discover various facets of humanity.
[to be continued]

The dog book

the cat book

Swimming Diary

2008-09-19T23:50:00.000-07:00

Progress:
2008-12-02
OK. my swimming lesson this semester is over this week. I had a great time in the pool. I swam one hour every workday for the whole semester. This semester was stressful and I got some precious relief in the water.

I am preparing for the finals. Here is a link to swimming jargon: http://www.ccbswordfish.org/?p=swimming_vocab
A book on swimming training http://tiny.cc/Oq0t9

2008-11-17
Today I picked up sidestroke. I can do well on the left side, but usually leaped backward too much on the right side.

2008-11-14
I did not swim as much as before because the course work is heavy; Additionally, we switch to winter time now, as a result it is already dark when PED pool opens. I cannot see clearly.

I swam one hour this noon. I have mastered some basic skills; now I need to focus on balance and endurance.

2008-11-01

"Michael Phelps & me"

2008-10-29
Four full freestyle laps! Hurry!

2008-10-22
A remarkable progress: I somehow learned to breathe in freestyle, though it seemed awkward, un-orchestrated, and lack of rhythm. I was really excited when I suddenly found myself swimming across half lap.

Also I began to practice breaststroke.

Keep swimming! Floating Rock!

The amazing beauty of dolphin kicking: just like a fish

2008-10-15
"A rock got such a good score!"
Thank you, William!
I should be practitioner, but not be satisfied with being a theorist

2008-10-14
It was an busy and depressing week last week because of midterms and homeworks. I didn't swim as often as before.

Now I am preparing for the swimming course midterm. Here are some notes:
1. History of Swimming
Founder of Red Cross swimming program: Wilbert E. Longfellow
Dominant swimming stroke used in Europe in the 16th century: breaststroke

2. Survival Swimming

H.E.L.P
Short for Heat Escape Lessening Posture.

Keep your legs together
Press both arms against your upper body
Keep your head out of the water

This position protects core area of the body from rapid heat loss.

Disrobing

Disrobe yourself of your shoes, socks, pants, belt, shirt, hats, etc. Inflate trousers for shirts as a floating device.

Riptides
Riptides, or rip currents, are long, narrow bands of water that quickly pull any objects in them away from shore and out to sea. They are dangerous but are relatively easy to escape if you stay calm. Do not struggle against the current. Most riptide deaths are not caused by the tides themselves. People often become exhausted struggling against the current, and cannot make it back to shore. Do not swim toward shore. You will be fighting the current, and you will lose. Swim parallel to shore, across the current. Generally speaking, a riptide is less than 100 ft. wide, so swimming beyond it should not be too difficult.If you cannot swim out of the riptide, float on your back and allow the riptide to take you away from shore until you are beyond the pull of the current. Rip currents generally subside 50 to 100 yards from shore.Once the riptide subsides, swim parallel to shore and then back to shore.

Boating Safety&Equipment
emergency signal
navigation aids: compass, GPS,
life jacket
navigation lights
communication equipment: radio, cellphone, flares
first aid kit
alternative power: paddles, oares
protective clothing: enough warm clothing
Reference: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/equipment

Sculling
Sliding the hands back and forth through the water creates a force perpendicular to the direction of the movement. This action is know as sculling. In chest-deep water, put your hands out in front of you with your fingers straight and close together. Turn your palms out and sweep your hands and forearms out to the side beneath the surface, then turn your palms in and sweep back to the center. If you scull continuously, you'll be tracing an elongated figure eight. Sculling is used extensively in back float.

Alternate breathing
Breathing every third stroke, you alternate breathing on opposite sides

Hypoxic Breathing
Breath control swimming such as underwater swimming or breathing every fifth or seventh stroke in Front crawl.

negative split

Swimming a Negative Split means that the second half of the distance is swum at a faster pace than the first half. For example, the following set:

1x 600: Negative Split

asks you to swim the second 300 yards at a faster pace and time than the first 300 yards. The idea is to control your pace at the beginning of the swim so that you have the energy necessary to swim faster at the end of the swim.

flutter kick
In swimming (either front crawl or backstroke), the legs are extended straight out in line with the body and then moved up and down, the one leg kicking downwards as the other leg moves up again. The legs are separated to not enhance wingtip vortices. The toes point in the direction of motion to mimic a hydrofoil. The knees are slightly bent to adjust the angle of attack.
http://www.alexandriamasters.com/articles/flutter.htm

2008-10-02
Now I can finish a complete lap by backstroke, but made little progress in freestyle. The main obstacle is breathe. I gradually learn to lean my head to one side to take a breathe, but when my head gets into the water again, my nose feels very uncomfortable. So I have to grab the curb to take another breathe. This makes me a little bit of frustrated.

But I must say I really enjoy swimming. I go to the pool every workday. My muscle is becoming more powerful and I forget all worries and unhappiness in water. Sometimes I go to the deep water area, take a deep breathe and then immerse myself completely in the water. I hope to learn to how to thread the water soon.

2008-09-22
able to do 12-laps of kicking in the 25-yard pool without much difficulty.
able to swim freestyle across the lap with two or three stops
tried to do backstroke and can do few yards. The key point is to lean your head back and to straighten your body

But still don't learn how to breathe in freestyle. If you do, you can say you are able to swim now. Pay attention to the following points: 1) exhale all air out through the nose when you need to breathe . 2) rotate your head to the right side when right arm stroke back. 3) keep kicking and keep balance; 4) inhale quickly and deeply with the mouse

Also you need to learn to threading water so that you will be able to practice in deep water.

Keep the good work!

Learning Material:
1. Treading Water: Mastering Egg Beater

2. Total Immersion Swimming Lesson

Resources from mitbbs swimming board
http://www.mitbbs.com/article_t/Swimming/31163149.html

"Good Boy"

2008-09-07T17:59:00.000-07:00

Here is my car, a Honda Accord of the year 2000. I bought this car about two months ago and gradually began to enjoy this big toy.

Many people are concerned my safety. Especially Laoyifu, who is an experienced driver, called me specially to teach me how to drive safely. His teachings includes: don't drive when you can't calm down; pay your full attention when driving; don't drive with a slippers on; and practice more before driving in freeway . I should feel guilty in regards to the last piece of advice because I mistakenly drove to the freeway on the very first day. I felt a little bit of scared at first; but fortunately there was a heavy traffic at that time as a result the speed was not that fast. I managed to leave the freeway few minutes later. Now I feel more comfortable when driving, both local and freeway, after two months' practice . I would like to thank all people who care about me. As far as now I am all right.

I have driven it to several places around Los Angeles, such as Santa Monica, Getty Center, Six Flags, Chinatown and Huntington Beach. It makes my world even bigger. I love it, good boy!

Live As You'll Die Today

2008-07-27T19:02:00.000-07:00

Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today.
- James Dean

Goodbye to Randy Pausch!

It was a coincidence, but it became more meaningful if I linked those two things together.

Yesterday, I first came to know the quotation in the beginning of this post:"Dream as if you'll live forever; live as if you'll die today". At the time I was wondering in Target aimlessly. I just bought a car and drove myself to this super market. It made me feel excited and powerful to control this big toy. But on the other hand, I had a strong feeling I should do something more meaningful. The first year of my PhD life seemed so flat. There was nothing noticeable and I am not sure what I should do in the future. Then I went by the picture & frame section, a poster with a white-black portrait of a serious man attracted my eyes: there were a line saying "Dream as if you'll live forever; live as if you'll die today" and the man was James Dean.

This morning I heard of the death of Randy Pausch in New York Times: Randy Pausch, 47, Dies; His ‘Last Lecture’ Inspired Many to Live With Wonder. I expected this result when I first heard of Randy Pausch: miracles seldom happens in real life. Randy was a virtual reality pioneer, a computer scientists and a professor at CMU. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in Aug. 2006; then he gave a series of lectures called "The Last Lecture" in the year of 2007, which inspired many people thanks to the internet. His most memorable lecture was about his childhood dreams and how he achieved them. If he had ever heard of James' words, he must have a better understanding of it.

It's Cherry Picking Time

2008-06-23T22:23:00.000-07:00

It is cherry picking time in Calif. The most popular place near L.A. that has lots of cherry orchards.

Leona Valley (Website http://www.cherriesupic.com/ ) There is a report about this orchards in L.A. Daily News

CHERRY PICKING TIME: It's the season to load up on fresh cherries. For a fun family outing, head to the cherry orchards in the Leona Valley from June 6 through the end of the month.

Although more than two dozen orchards allow consumers to pick their own fruit, times and days vary. Most places provide all the equipment you'll need, including buckets, bags and containers.

Prices likely will average about $2 a pound if you pick your own (a few orchards also sell picked cherries). Take cash since some growers don't take credit cards. Ask if you can taste-test varieties to find the cherry you like the best.

If you go, make the trip worthwhile and pick plenty as the cherries will last two to three weeks in the refrigerator and are easily frozen whole with stems attached for a snack long after the season is over.

To get to the Leona Valley from the San Fernando Valley, take the Antelope Valley Freeway (14) north and exit at Palmdale Boulevard. Go left (west) 10 miles on Palmdale Boulevard to 90th Street and look for the cherry orchard signs. For more information, call the Leona Valley Cherry Growers Association hotline at (661) 266-7118.

The annual cherry parade starts at 10 a.m. June 14 on 90th Street west at Leona Avenue and goes north to Elizabeth Lake Road where it proceeds east. Plan to arrive early in the morning, before the roads close.

There is link to the relatively newly updated information about Leona Valley http://www.chowhound.com/topics/528281

The second place is Beaumont Valley http://www.bcvparks.com/ This place seems to charge a higher fee and is not as popular as Leona Valley.

Finally, I find this website PickOnYourOwn.org http://www.pickyourown.org/CAla.htm

Song Qiang Goes to the Moon

2008-05-05T19:14:00.000-07:00

I am Song Qiang and I approve this message: Song Qiang goes to the moon in late 2008. Sorry I can't tell the exact date, which is a top secret presently. I understand that it's not Apr. 1st today. This is a serious message. In case you still suspect, here is the certificate from NASA

Accompanying Song Qiang, Qiang Song and 宋强 will travel in the same spacecraft: Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter.

Song Qiang feels it a great honor to be able to go to the moon. He said :"That is one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind". He sincerely invites all of you to join this travel. If you, like Song Qiang, has a forever lasting Moon dream, why not come along? Click here: NASA's First Step Back to Moon

Memo: Name Certificate # Song Qiang 580152 Qiang Song 579931 宋强 579827

USC Safety Chart

2008-04-28T19:56:00.000-07:00

Exactly Speaking, the title should be USC unsafety chart.

The following map shows the distribution of criminal activities around USC area. The data is based on DPS crime alerts since Aug. 16, 2007. From the map we can see four hot spots and one noticeable line. The four spots are W 37th St. & Vermont, Orchard & Jefferson, W 30th St. & McClintock, W. 27th St. & Hoover. The most dangerous line is Hoover St. from USC gate 4 to Adam Blvd.

These hot spots may be explained by the criminals' behavior. They often linger around certain spots. Once they find a right target, they attack and flee. The above spots are hubs from USC campus to students' residence, so it is easy for them to find a target there. And They can easily escape in main streets by car. It's rare that they wait around your residence or break into your residence because its risk is too high for them. So, it matters most on the way from the campus to your residence, and less where you live.

I will update this map when new incident occur (I hope not). You can bookmark this map with this url .

View Larger Map

Disclaimer of Warranty.
THERE IS NO WARRANTY FOR THE MAP AND INFORMATION ABOVE. IT INTENDS TO BE USEFUL, BUT FOLLOW IT AT YOUR OWN RISK

Body Worlds: Our Bodies and Respect for Life

2008-04-19T20:58:00.000-07:00

Configuration of the Arteries of the Head and Brain

On Friday afternoon, I went to California Science Center to see the Body Worlds exhibition. The single fact that the work on display are real human corpse make this exhibition the most special one. Before I continue, I would like to introduce the plastination technique. Basically, more than 50% percent weight of our body are water and lipid. Soon after one is dead, anatomist injects a kind of chemicals into the body, which replace the water and lipid. After this treatment, the chemicals polymerizes and solidifies, thus keeping the shape and microscopic structure of the body. It doesn't decay any more even exposed to air. Dr. Gunther von Hagens invented this technique in 1970s. It was initially used for anatomy teaching, and obviously it's scientifically good.

And then Dr. Hagens explores this controversial art form. He makes the bodies posing different postures as they are alive. So, there are runners, warriors, dancers, torchbearers, horse riders, etc. But their muscle and bones are naked. You can also see nerves, arteries and veins. You see with your own eyes the internal structure of human body. But they have not find a ideal way to keep the texture and shape of skin. When you face these plastinationed bodies, they look like sculptures at first glance. But they are real human corpses. That's why this exhibition impressive.

That's also why they have an emotional impact on the audiences. Actually similar exhibitions are not allowed some cities. Though my education in biology tells that human body can in fact be reduced to basic elements, such as carbons and nitrogens, I felt strongly that they are humans, who were alive like me no long ago. This feeling made me tired; I quickly finished this supposedly 3-hour tour in two hours.

I am not religions; I don't believe in the next life. What I am concerned is how to show our respect for life. In most culture, after one man is dead and his/her body is buried to ground; we believe they can return to the nature in this way. I ask myself whether do you like to be plastination-ed or buried or burned after you die. Well, it will be interesting to let my body perpetuate than to let the body decay in the earth or burned to ashes, it hurts me that my body will be peeled, cut and displayed. So, I haven't made up my mind.

References:
1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body_worlds
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plastination
3. http://www.bodyworlds.com/en.html
4. There are many related videos in youtube.com, just search "body worlds"

Speak with Respect

2008-04-19T00:18:00.000-07:00

The photo shows I stood in front of CNN's Hollywood office on Saturday Apr. 19, 2008. Many people (some estimated 2000~5000) gathered, among which there are Taiwaneses waving flags of China Republic and people from San Diego and Arizona. We, waving Chinese flags and singing Chinese songs, shouted again and again "CNN Liar" and "Cafferty Fire". I saw some Mexicans and black people saluting our demonstration. For the first time, I felt the strong sense of being a Chinese. Though it was not as exciting as I expected, it was worth memorizing.

Here I would like to state two points: 1) why I am angry at CNN and Jack Cafferty; and 2) my thoughts about speech freedom and press freedom.

The first point is straightforward. CNN reported Tibet incident inaccurately. For example it used a picture from Nepal to report what happed in China. Jack Cafferty commented on April 9 on CNN’s political programme, that "I think they're basically the same bunch of goons and thugs they've been for the last 50 years." Though CNN later made a statement saying Cafferty's comments aimed at Chinese government and CNN apologized to those who understood otherwise. But this explanation hardly stands if you listened to Cafferty's comments yourself. I guess Jack Cafferty actually aimed directly at those Chinese people protecting Olympic torch in San Francisco. The number of Chinese people involved in that activity and the passion they showed was astonishing. Besides, Jack Cafferty is jealous with favorable balance of China-US trade. So he attacked the whole Chinese people indeed. Therefore, our demand that Jack Cafferty himself apologize publicly and resign is justifiable.

As for the second point, I admit that we take advantage of the right of free speech and free demonstration in America, which we cannot have in mainland China now. Similar demonstration against CCTV or People's Daily is highly probably prohibited in the name of "harmony" there. In the long run, we Chinese should advance towards the right of free speech and free demonstration. However, the way and the pace they fight for that right should be decided by Chinese people, not by foreign medias. Anyway China is a complicated society with big historical burden, we can only gain the political rights and learn the political skills to use our political rights gradually if we don't want to see blood; certainly we don't. America's model of free speech and free demonstration, though not perfect (see how Jack Cafferty abuses his rights), may be an example for us. At least, I believe those who stood in front of CNN office today will appreciate the value of free speech and free demonstration.

I just noticed that CNN itself reported this event (see http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/04/19/cnn.china/index.html). At this point, I appreciate CNN's courage and frankness, though it may also be a tactic to restore their public image.
[updated Apr. 20, 2008]

I am going to attend the demonstration protesting CNN's inaccurate report on Tibetan incident and Jack Cafferty 's insulting remark against Chinese people. The above is my banner. I just made it myself with whiteboard and pen. It's simple but I hope it conveys my meaning:"If you value freedom of speech, then SPEAK WITH RESPECT".

I love the following quote

The fact that you can possess a gun doesn't mean you can shoot anyone in the campus. Similarly, the fact that you have freedom of speech does not equal to you can insult others.

Tibetan Protests Attack Olympic Torch Holder, Who is a disabled female in wheelchair

2008-04-08T02:19:00.000-07:00

As a Chinese, I personally wish the Olympic torch relay will unite people of different belief. I hope it leads to a "journey to harmony" . However, you have the freedom of speech and the right of demonstration. I respect that; indeed your voices are heard. But, take care: don't turn a legal demonstration into a violent turmoil; don't do anything as shown in the following video again (if you choose not to watch this, I call tell you, in this video, Tibetan protestants attacked the Olympic torch holder, who is a disabled female in wheelchair). don't add to our hatred. What happened yesterday makes me worried 'cause you know hatred makes peaceful resolutions more hopeless.

And follow Dalai Lama's teaching (cited from Statement of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to All Tibetans)

8. The hosting of the Olympic games this year is a matter of great pride to the 1.2 billion Chinese people. I have from the very beginning supported the holding of these Games in Beijing. My position on this remains unchanged. I feel the Tibetans should not cause any hindrance to the Games. It is the legitimate right of every Tibetan to struggle for their freedoms and rights. On the other hand, it will be futile and not helpful to anyone if we do something that will create hatred in the minds of the Chinese people. On the contrary, we need to foster trust and respect in our hearts in order to create a harmonious society, as this cannot be built on the basis of force and intimidation.

Homecoming

2008-03-31T01:40:00.000-07:00

First I announce I will go back to China this summer. I will stay there for nearly one month: from May 9th to June 6th. I am happy for I will see my family soon and can enjoy the leisurely life at home.

When counting down the days before leaving, I clearly realized that I have been in America for nearly one year. One question came to my mind:"how do you sum up the past year?" In the first glance, the year 2007 was unusual . I graduated from USTC in July and then came to United States, a country many people dreamed of coming to. I started a new life here and of course there were inevitably excitement and challenges though some challenge may seem a small piece of cake. I became acquainted with many people. While studying at USC computational molecular biology program, I allowed myself considerable freedom to enjoy America. Santa Monica, Laguna Beach, Las Vegas, San Diego, San Francisco, Yosemite: I went to some many places (I myself can't believe it!)

However, I feel that I don't have a clear memory of the past year. It seems strange but that's my true feeling. I know I was really excited or disappointed when somethings was happening. For example, the joyful feeling was really from the bottom of my heart when I first saw the beauty of San Diego bay; but that feeling became so distant now that I hardly recall. Maybe my limited memory can't hold so many things. Or it is still too early to give a summary of the past year: the meaning of many things will become clear when we look backward from a longer time scale.

Anyway, I am planning to go back home now. Yesterday a very old song suddenly came into my mind. The last time I listened to this Song dates back to about eight years ago when we still used cassette tape player. That song is Sailing by Rod Stewart.

And the lyrics

SAILING
I am sailing, I am sailing,
Home again cross the sea.
I am sailing, stormy waters,
To be near you, to be free.

I am flying, I am flying,
Like a bird cross the sky.
I am flying, passing high clouds,
To be with you, to be free.

Can you hear me, can you hear me
Thro the dark night, far away,
I am dying, forever trying,
To be with you, who can say.

Can you hear me, can you hear me,
Thro the dark night far away.
I am dying, forever trying,
To be with you, who can say.

We are sailing, we are sailing,
Home again cross the sea.
We are sailing stormy waters,
To be near you, to be free.

Oh lord, to be near you, to be free.
Oh lord, to be near you, to be free,
Oh lord.

Happy New Year of the Rat

2008-02-08T14:27:00.001-08:00

Thank you, uncle!

Wish You Were Here

2008-01-03T01:20:00.000-08:00

Even if you are a man, it may make you in tears when you listen to Wish You Were Here alone in deep night. For the first time I felt alone in this strange place. I miss badly family, friends and an uncertain "she". I followed Pink Floyd and sang "wish you were here" again and again.

Wish you were here Lyrics
Pink Floyd

How I wish, how I wish you were here.
We're just two lost souls
Swimming in a fish bowl,
Year after year,
Running over the same old ground.
Have we found
The same old fears.
Wish you were here.

And do you know I was singing to you? I guess we are two souls hoping to approach each other, at least I hope so. But I don't know you enough. You made me sometimes happy and some times nervous. I want to take care of you with my whole heart, but real life is full of cheating and betray. How I wish you could show a signal to get me out of all worries; however you face the "same old fears".

Mom, you know I was also singing to you. You made me assured. You loved me without reservation. It is some kind of happiness. I wish you were here. It will come true soon, I promise, mom.

Laguna Beach

2007-11-12T19:26:00.000-08:00

Laguna Beach 2007

MCB program at USC holds an annual retreat at Laguna Beach. This year we stayed in Laguna Beach from Friday evening to Sunday morning. Most time was used for presentations and poster exhibition. Only Saturday afternoon was free time.

We went to the beach first. You can see smooth sandy beach as well as rocky shore here. People surf or take a sunbath on the sandy beach. I cannot swim or surf, so I only walk on bare foot, feeling the sand moving under my skin. Looking west, the immerse pacific ocean shined under the afternoon sunshine. Lots of seagulls were flying above the sea and sometimes they landed on the beach. They were not afraid of people, leisurely walking near you.

There was more fun in the rocky shore. The waves constantly licked the rock. Many shells attached to the rock. We found a piece of rock, which is completely covered by shells. In some place, sea anemones quietly rest in small pools of water. If you touch them with your figure, they will quickly crouching their body.

Later we drove along Pacific Coast Highway to the downtown of Laguna. I bet Pacific Coast Highway is one of most beautiful roads in the world. With blue sea on one side and elegant Spanish-style cabins on the other side, no wonder our driver said:'it feel like playing Need for Speed"。 There are many galleries in downtown of Laguna Beach. I really like Laguna's artistic style.

Halloween@Hollywood

2007-11-01T01:55:00.001-07:00

Halloween@West Hollywood 2007

Halloween was a great festival. Hundreds of thousand of people from all around poured into West Hollywood, making Los Angeles' traffic more jammed. We talked about pumpkins, costumes and candies in the car, but my heart had flied to Hollywood.

We exited the freeway. As we got nearer, we began to see people dressing up in the street. We cannot help shouting out: "Look! Ghost" or "lovely rabbit!" or "hot girls!". Actually, everything was striking in the eyes of a new-comer to Halloween.

Especially when you walked in a miles-long boulevard , which was filled with 30,000+ persons dressing up.

(for more pictures, go to my album http://picasaweb.google.com/songkaiyuan/Halloween2007 )

Among such a bravo crowd, I regret I myself didn't dress up. Besides eyes, your ears were struck with high-volume music. You had a impulse to sing and dance. We all some times wish to forget work and study. Halloween is such a fun that you can behave innocently like an child, and you can fulfill the dream of being a star-in Hollywood.

References
my album http://picasaweb.google.com/songkaiyuan/Halloween2007
Jing's blog post http://witchejing123.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!9735172B2B16AA57!371.entry
Jing's album http://witchejing123.spaces.live.com/photos/cns!9735172B2B16AA57!333/
Pei's album http://picasaweb.google.com/zhangpei511/2007_10_31HollywoodHalloween
Halloween in wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halloween