Disqus - Latest Comments for Jeff from LA

Re: Marmalade Playtime And Things Like That

Jeff from LA — Fri, 18 May 2007 03:08:50 -0000

Just wanted to drop in and say hi. I found your blog as a result of Kenny's entry about the two of you mountain climbing, and probably will stick around because you have one of the more cheerful blogs around.

Anyway, just wanted to let you know that you now have at least one American reader (i.e. LA = Los Angeles). Oh and you're coming to school in the U.S? Would you mind me asking which university?

Re: Marmalade Playtime And Things Like That

Jeff from LA — Tue, 22 May 2007 03:13:14 -0000

Nah, I didn't think that. I just wasn't sure if LA meant something else in Malaysia, so I wanted to clarify. Because in America, it can mean either Los Angeles or Louisiana.

Re: Boss, Kira!

Jeff from LA — Thu, 24 May 2007 01:55:16 -0000

Good luck with the SATs. You should come to California, its the one place you could enjoy all the comforts of Malaysian food and Asian culture. I have to put a plug in for LA in particular as well.

Re: A Mild Malaise

Jeff from LA — Wed, 30 May 2007 02:21:44 -0000

My guess is that Martian memorized a similar list of vocab words to the one that you are going through, so he just happened to know the definitions of those terms. I mean, how else would he know the meanings behind the words "vituperative" or "truculent," since its unlikely he will have the opportunity to use those words on a daily basis. (I'm assuming he doesn't have a boss that believes in verbal abuse).

Anyway, don't worry, I think you have a fine grasp of the English language.

Re: A Mild Malaise

Jeff from LA — Wed, 30 May 2007 18:21:11 -0000

I actually meant that he memorized a list of words that happened to include the ones you listed, but I will accept your explanation of his being well-read instead.

Moreover, I have a more general question for people in general regarding Malaysian universities. Kenny Sia recently included a post discussing how beautiful SEGi College Malaysia's campus is and many of the commenters mentioned how they wished they had gone there instead because of how nice the facilities were. However, what I found to be odd was that very few of the commenters seemed to care about the academic prestige of the school. I also thought it was quite odd that they decided to invite a blogger to help advertise for their school.

Were these commenters just joking or nonrepresentative of Malaysians in general, or does the comfort of the school grounds/environs play a large role in how people decide where to go to school?

Re: A Mild Malaise

Jeff from LA — Thu, 31 May 2007 21:11:17 -0000

No, sadly enough I am not Malaysian, although I have great respect for Malaysia. I am an ABC.

Re: Foon Ying Kwong Lam

Jeff from LA — Thu, 31 May 2007 21:19:08 -0000

All I can say is, when I looked at that math problem, I was just glad that I'm a lawyer and will never have to deal with math again.

Re: The Meow Experiment

Jeff from LA — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 01:33:00 -0000

This was one of the funniest blog posts I've read in a while.

Plus you must be pretty popular, considering you can think of 50 people to message off the top of your head.

Re: McEnvironment

Jeff from LA — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 18:45:57 -0000

You take 3 showers a day? Why? Is it really that humid in Malaysia?

Re: McEnvironment

Jeff from LA — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 00:47:10 -0000

I agree with hw, in the US, the gov't pretty much forces us to either recycle or pay for it. All plastic bottles, i.e. soda bottles, milk bottles, etc. have a redemption value, i.e. a recycling tax put on it which you can get refunded if you recycle the bottle afterwards. It adds up pretty fast too, since its about U.S. $.08 each bottle in CA, and I love to buy bottled water in packs of 36.

Also another smart thing our local community does is that we are given two trash cans - a regular trash can and a recycling can to use, so it makes it somewhat easier to recycle, i.e. you can just leave your recyclables to be picked up on the curb, just like your regular trash.

On the other hand, we still have very far to go. Plastic shopping bags are still common at groceries. Many people are too lazy to walk the few feet extra to find a recycling can instead of using the trash can, but hopefully things are slightly improving.

Good for you for being environmentally conscious though and for bringing up this interesting topic.

Re: These Shoes Would Be Perfect For Prom

Jeff from LA — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 23:43:46 -0000

Sounds like good times. I'm glad you were able to look back with such excitement at your high school years.

I'm confused at the Malaysian education system though. So you graduate HS at age 16/17? What do you do for the one/two years before you apply for college? Or do Malaysians start college at 17?

Plus it sounds like you are quite a distinguished student.

Re: These Shoes Would Be Perfect For Prom

Jeff from LA — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 23:48:33 -0000

I also am a bit curious about the term "Hongkie." Do Malaysians look down on people from HK, or is there a certain stereotype associated with being from HK?

And don't worry, I'm not from HK, so I wouldn't be offended even if it had a negative connotation.

Re: These Shoes Would Be Perfect For Prom

Jeff from LA — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 15:29:14 -0000

I must admit I'm a bit surprised by all the outcry over the brown hair. It looks fine to me. I mean if you dyed your hair the same pink color as this website, that would one thing, but a lighter brown doesn't seem all that controversial to me.

Re: These Shoes Would Be Perfect For Prom

Jeff from LA — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 15:31:00 -0000

Oh and since I see Elisha Cuthbert every time I open this page, I've always wanted to ask, do you watch 24 at all (since she's one of the characters)?

Re: The Opposite Of Travel

Jeff from LA — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 19:56:16 -0000

I think I always used to be a perfectionist until I got into law school. It was super stressful, but it helped me get some successful results, i.e. I was able to qualify for a top-tier law/graduate school. However, when I was there I realized that perfectionism was going to drive me crazy. Now I've changed my philosophy to always put in the greatest amount of effort that I can and don't worry about the results as much. As long as I knew I put the work in, and did my best effort, I'm happy.

Also, you must have quite a few frequent flier miles with all those flights you take, ;)......

Re: Towelwrapped

Jeff from LA — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 20:59:49 -0000

Hmm, I don't know if its just the pic, but Kelvin looks quite a bit older than the two of you.

Re: Towelwrapped

Jeff from LA — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 02:23:05 -0000

I'll have to agree with Gin that the pink dress really looks great on you. No wonder you love pink. (I'm typing this while trying to hide from my roommates the fact that I'm on a very, very pink site).

Re: Towelwrapped

Jeff from LA — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 01:02:34 -0000

Sorry, Kelvin if I made you feel old. Its just that when I started reading the entry I had this mental image of a 20-something guy, so when I saw the picture I was a bit surprised. It was more of my own fault than anything - I should read more carefully between the lines.

And I have no problems with hanging out with older people, as a semi-young (24 year old) lawyer, I hang out with older people all the time. (US lawyers tend to be older on average since lawyers have to go through 7 yrs of college.) For example, at the law firm I worked at in law school, the next youngest lawyer at the firm was old enough to have been my dad.

Re: Towelwrapped

Jeff from LA — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 01:05:49 -0000

Actually, I should clarify that a bit. Its not 7 years of straight college to become a lawyer (lest I scare everyone away from law). Its 4-5 years of undergraduate study, and 3 years of graduate study at a law school.

Re: Towelwrapped

Jeff from LA — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 16:54:45 -0000

I was not saying that Pinkpau should change the color of her site, she has the right to make it whatever color she wishes.

Also, I think pink is less gender-oriented to Asian guys living in Asian countries. When I was in HK/Taiwan, it wasn't entirely uncommon to see guys wearing pink.

In America, its pretty rare to see a guy with a pink shirt on unless he "plays for the other team" or he just moved here from another country. Not that there's anything wrong with guys wearing pink, of course.

Re: The Story Of Martian And I

Jeff from LA — Sat, 07 Jul 2007 03:51:16 -0000

Young love. How beautiful. I'm happy for you Su Ann!

Re: The Story Of Martian And I

Jeff from LA — Sat, 07 Jul 2007 03:51:44 -0000

Now I feel I need to ask Martian for some tips.

Re: Conduit Road

Jeff from LA — Sun, 08 Jul 2007 04:05:30 -0000

I was busy trying to figure out earlier why your blog has become one of my favorite personal blogs. While thinking about it earlier, I really struggled to put down a reason as to what traits made your blog unique. However, this post cleared it up for me.

First, you've become one of my favorite bloggers because you are undoubtedly one of the most upbeat and sincere bloggers around. Its not that you don't suffer from doubts and difficulties, but that you always have the most positive spin on everything.

Second, I love the fact that you are just as nostalgic about everything as I am. You have a great ability to realize change is coming and always remember to enjoy everything while it lasts. That is a lesson I wish more young people like us would learn.

Finally, you are really great at drawing the reader into your life. Your writing style allows readers to feel that they know you, that they understand what motivates you. As a reader, I can't help but feel that if we ever met, you would be the type of person that I would like as a friend.

Keep it up Su Ann. You are more amazing then you know.

Re: Conduit Road

Jeff from LA — Sun, 08 Jul 2007 23:52:48 -0000

When do you decide where you're going to school in the U.S.? I want to put in a plug for my alma mater when you start thinking about it.

Re: Conduit Road

Jeff from LA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 17:16:17 -0000

I went to the University of Southern California for law school and I love their school spirit. The common saying is that "you're a Trojan for life," i.e. you always feel a bond with every other person that went to the school.

The university is pretty decently ranked in the US, 27th in the US and 54th in the world in the Shanghai Jiao Tong World Rankings. The school is particularly strong in the areas of law, architecture, cinema, communication, and business.

There are a lot of clubs, service groups, and other activities on campus. There is a significant percentage of Asians, and a very diverse student body. We have undergrad and grad students that come from over 100 nations.

Finally, LA is the place to be if you're Asian. We have great weather, i.e. 80 degrees Fahrenheit all year round. We have great beaches, a diverse culture, and amazing restaurants with cuisine from many different countries.

Anyway, if you're primarily considering schools based on prestige, the most authoritative source for college rankings is the U.S. News and World Report College Rankings.

Re: quaintly.net » A Right Kerfuffle

Jeff from LA — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 01:29:41 -0000

Its so funny to see HK through your eyes (and photos). The perception that I have had when visiting HK was of a completely different place, busy, crowded and noisy. I guess it was the one place that I never really learned to appreciate. I'm glad you were able to show me the more beautiful side of HK.

Re: quaintly.net » A Right Kerfuffle

Jeff from LA — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 01:31:40 -0000

Plus I'm sorry to hear about your bad Friday the 13th, missing two flights does not sound like fun.

Oddly enough, I refuse to believe in Friday the 13th, and nothing bad has ever happened to me so far on the 13th. It may be that my refusal to believe in it protects me somehow because my friends are always complaining about bad things happening to them on the 13th.

Re: quaintly.net » We Want More

Jeff from LA — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 00:04:24 -0000

It seems so cool that there was such a diverse crowd at the Rainforest Music Festival. Is that pretty common for music concerts?

Re: And This Is Vienna

Jeff from LA — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 20:11:22 -0000

Vienna looks amazing, I want to go now. Also, how did you guys communicate language wise, did you just use English? Did most people understand English relatively well?

Re: All Of These Things In One Breath

Jeff from LA — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 18:57:12 -0000

Su Ann, the type of girls who enjoy acting dumb and pretending they are beautiful get the worst punishment imaginable in the end, they get stuck with the type of boyfriends/husbands that actually desire stupid, superficial company. These are usually the bfs/husbands that cheat on their wives because they have no respect for their spouses.

Re: All Of These Things In One Breath

Jeff from LA — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 13:12:10 -0000

I agree that men should not desire women who act like pretty accessories. However, I wouldn't extend that stereotype to all men either. Most of my male friends and I agree that a pretty airhead would drive all of us crazy. The type of guys who like pretty airheads are usually either airheads themselves or jerks. Unfortunately, there may be a lot of such guys around.

Re: And This Is Vienna

Jeff from LA — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 03:59:51 -0000

Hmm, have you tried using Mozilla Firefox (an alternative browser) to load the Facebook page? It could be a problem with Internet Explorer.

Re: Malaysian Student Leaders Summit

Jeff from LA — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 04:15:56 -0000

Wow, you must be pretty well-connected to be able to get in on as influential a symposium as this one seems to be. How did they choose the student-participants?

Also, I wish that we would have some equivalent symposium in the U.S. where significant political/corporate leaders would speak on the leading issues of the day.

Re: Malaysian Student Leaders Summit

Jeff from LA — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 04:28:47 -0000

I also feel that it is truly sad that the VC of UM feels that it is necessary to censor and restrict the freedom of speech of its students. If no one protested injustices, no one would know about them, and if no one learned of them, who would fight against them? Also how can students develop independent thought if they are forced to conform to the viewpoints that are "accepted by the university." I am glad that you guys were smart and brave enough to boo her.

Re: Malaysian Student Leaders Summit

Jeff from LA — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 17:59:20 -0000

*threadjack alert*

Su Ann, you also need to see the Bourne Ultimatum. It is really a well-filmed thinking man's thriller.

Re: Malaysian Student Leaders Summit

Jeff from LA — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 01:40:23 -0000

I'm not sure the fact that German, Italian, and French professionals do not speak English is an excuse for others not to learn English. These professionals can function perfectly in their own home countries while being unable to speak English, but if they wish to engage in international business, or work outside their countries, they must be able to speak at least a minimum amount of English.

As business becomes more globally interconnected, the inability of French, German, or Italian professionals to speak English will put them at a greater and greater disadvantage. It is true that not everyone in the world speaks English, but excluding Chinese, English is becoming more and more the lingua franca of the modern world.

Re: Malaysian Student Leaders Summit

Jeff from LA — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 01:41:47 -0000

Of course, by this, I definitely do not mean that everyone should be required to speak English, merely that in today's world, it can definitely be economically advantageous to do so.

Re: You’re Gonna Be The One Who Saves Me

Jeff from LA — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 16:52:51 -0000

I agree with Kenny, it is pretty hilarious that everyone ignored most of your post and focused on your swimsuit.

However, I have to say that I envy you because you still have so many great college years left. College really is one of the most unique and fun times of your life. Even grad school really isn't the same.

Plus I thought it was kind of interesting to hear that your friend is going to Des Moines, Iowa (Drake) for school. Let's just say that she won't be seeing a lot of Asians out there.

Re: I Heart KL

Jeff from LA — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 04:47:31 -0000

I can answer that Aimee, its because good food rules, ;)........

Honestly, though, Su Ann, you and I think alike. The only thing that really matters in a description of a location is whether there are good restaurants nearby.

I just wish I had some way to get to KL. Hmm, I'll have to check out how much those round-trip tickets from LAX to KL cost.

Re: Always Your Favourite Girl

Jeff from LA — Sat, 25 Aug 2007 20:20:20 -0000

*threadjack*

I noticed that your right hand panel says that you just saw Bourne Ultimatum. How did you like it?

Re: Not So Happy Merdeka

Jeff from LA — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 01:53:57 -0000

As an outsider looking in, I am wondering how the Malaysian education system works. Why are their separate educational schools and tracks for Malays, Indians, and Chinese? How did this practice start? Does the fact that these three groups are separated when young lead to greater separation when older?

Re: Chasing Teddy Bears

Jeff from LA — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 12:26:42 -0000

I almost think that Jackie Chan deserves to be lonely after he put us thru that terrible Rush Hour 3 movie. The movie trailer was funnier than that movie. That was the biggest waste of US $10 that I've spent in a long time.......

Re: Chasing Teddy Bears

Jeff from LA — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 12:28:00 -0000

I also think that a pajama theme is really just an awesome theme for a party. I'm sure it makes for a more relaxed atmosphere than at most parties.

Re: The Lonely Plastic Plant

Jeff from LA — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 03:01:42 -0000

Hang in there Pinkpau! The SATs and college apps are stressful for everyone so don't worry. You're far from the only one that is worried about how they'll do on the tests and which school they're going to end up at.

I don't know if it'll help any but my personal philosophy is to put in my best effort and then not worry about the result. It helped me get through the competitive gauntlet that was law school. I'm sure you will be happy wherever you go. So don't worry too much and you'll be fine.

Re: The Lonely Plastic Plant

Jeff from LA — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 03:08:53 -0000

Of course, I'm not saying in any way that it is easy to stop worrying. The fact that you care so much is one of the things that has made you into such a good student.

Re: Who’s Lexie?

Jeff from LA — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 00:54:39 -0000

I'm sorry that life is treating you so poorly Pinkpau. Don't worry though, the good days are not that far away.

Re: My First Birthday Gift This Year

Jeff from LA — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 01:49:44 -0000

Happy Pre-Birthday, Su Ann! Enjoy your last year as a teenager!

Anyway, live it up on your b-day, and tell us how it goes.

Re: My First Birthday Gift This Year

Jeff from LA — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 02:07:40 -0000

Oh and Pinkpau, I sent you a Facebook invite, but forgot to attach a message with the invite saying that it was from me, so if you see an invite from a Jeffrey at USC, that would be from me. Feel free to not add me if you don't want to, its not a big deal either way.

Re: HAHAHAHAAHAHAHA

Jeff from LA — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 02:09:44 -0000

Re: HAHAHAHAAHAHAHA

Jeff from LA — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 23:22:57 -0000

That wikipedia entry is soooo awesome. You need to create one too, Pinkpau.

Re: Pink Icing and Turning 19

Jeff from LA — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 01:39:38 -0000

That looked like an amazing party. I'm glad you had so much fun.

(Oh and you need to change your blog profile to "Pinkpau is Su Ann. 19. ;)......)

Re: Pink Icing and Turning 19

Jeff from LA — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 22:36:18 -0000

Lol. I had no intention on raining on your parade. So if I did so, I apologize. I always thought that the age all girls wanted to be was 21 (i.e. we even have a large chain of stores in the US called Forever 21), but I guess maybe they want to be 18 now.

Anyway, don't worry, you can be 18 for as long as you want, =).

Re: The Judiciary Issue

Jeff from LA — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 14:46:56 -0000

Su Ann, I am really proud of you for taking a stand against this corrupt judiciary. The judiciary's responsibility is to provide a check against the corruption and injustice perpetrated by the other branches of government, and that is simply impossible when the judges receive their positions through the same type of corruption they are supposed to prevent.

I think the sad thing though is that from reading the comments, everyone feels so disenfranchised by the system that they don't feel as if they can really do anything. On the other hand, I am super proud of you for not giving into apathy.

Re: The Judiciary Issue

Jeff from LA — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 20:05:34 -0000

Man, that post by blue is really impressive in its "diversity" of references. I really would not have expected to hear about "Star Wars," "Rocky," a quote from John F. Kennedy (he refers to RFK instead, but it was actually JFK who made the statement in his 1961 inaugural address), George W. Bush, and Malaysian politicians in one paragraph.

Blue, I'm guessing you must be a Malaysian studying and/or working in the U.S.?

Re: The Judiciary Issue

Jeff from LA — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 20:11:09 -0000

Referring to your comment about it being wrong to hate Americans solely because of Bush, sadly that it is a really common occurrence in the world today.

While traveling in Asia, I don't know how many times people would become enraged when they found out I was American and tell me that I should talk with "my Mr. Bush" about this and that.

I always thought it was funny that people thought that simply because I was American, I shared all of the same beliefs as our president. There is a reason why President Bush has a 28% approval rating in America. Its because 72% of Americans hate him.

Re: Hamsapness and Halloween

Jeff from LA — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 17:33:32 -0000

Giving talks to HS students about your pursuit of an American education? I'm surprised they would have you speak before you actually had a chance to start your American education. But I'm guessing they only had you speak on the application process itself. I'm sure that process (of applying to study in the US) must be grueling and even more stressful.

You should do a post one day on what the process of applying to a US college is like.* I've always been interested in what it is like to apply to a foreign country for school, since it is so uncommon for US students to do it.

(Some people might wonder why I said college instead of "university." It is because in the U.S., the two terms are interchangeable, and in fact, you should always use the term college instead (e.g. where did you go for college?). If you actually went to a 2-year college instead of a university, you would instead say that you went to a "community college" instead of "college.")

Re: Hamsapness and Halloween

Jeff from LA — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 17:34:19 -0000

Oh and that party looked like a lot of fun. I'm happy to see that Halloween is spreading around the world.

Re: Hamsapness and Halloween

Jeff from LA — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 02:52:28 -0000

UCLA????? No, I went to USC. (Warning: UCLA insults to follow) You shouldn't go to a cheap state school like UCLA, you get what you pay for with UCLA. Also, you're only a (UCLA) Bruin for 4 years, but you're a (USC) Trojan for life.

I'm just joking around, but USC and UCLA have a heated rivalry going. We both insult the other school and its students as much as possible.

UCLA is a really good school though. However, if you're talking about academic reputation, Berkeley is definitely better. If I were you, I'd definitely go to Berkeley over UCLA if I got into both.

Re: We Know What We Want

Jeff from LA — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 02:15:17 -0000

I'm very proud of you Pink Pau. I'm glad you're fighting for the future of your country. Your hard work and the work of those like you will be remembered by generations of Malaysians to come!

Re: D’lish Desserts

Jeff from LA — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 19:19:58 -0000

Those desserts just look ridiculously good at such a reasonable price. The only places like that in LA are incredibly expensive.

This makes me want to visit Malaysia now.

Re: D’lish Desserts

Jeff from LA — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 02:09:32 -0000

That's a really nice offer of you, Pinkpau. If you ever do end up in LA, you should send me an email, and I'll have to show you the good places to eat. I have to admit that I'm not even close to as knowledgeable about the right places to eat in LA as you are to the places in Malaysia though.

Re: Being A Blogger Does Not Make You King Of The World

Jeff from LA — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 13:34:35 -0000

Please, please, please recommend a few blogs that you enjoy. I've been meaning to ask you to provide a list of quality blogs for some time but I keep forgetting to do so.

As for your complaints about the quality of the writing, and the inability of many bloggers to use proper grammar, I completely agree. One of the reasons I enjoy your blog (and Kenny's as well) is because of your ability to use proper English. There are fewer things that are more off-putting than reading blogs with typos all over and random sentence structure.

On the other hand, I think it is hilarious that some bloggers are acting like divas, even with low web traffic. Perhaps they are having some difficulty realizing that web traffic does not necessarily equal popularity or success in real life.

Re: Being A Blogger Does Not Make You King Of The World

Jeff from LA — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 01:24:36 -0000

Seriously, Mr. Evans/"older", you sure don't have any sense of humor do you?

I find that far more offensive than PinkPau's use of the f word. To understand what that means you have to realize that I have never used any form of profanity in my life, not even in a moment of anger - something I doubt that you can claim.

My bigger problem with you is that you seem to assume that simply because of your older age, that that age gives you the authority to condescend to others. Age alone means nothing if it is not accompanied by experience and maturity, neither of which you have shown much of here. I can say this from personal experience because as a 24 year old attorney, I have to deal with immature and insecure older attorneys and clients all the time.

Finally, I am disgusted by your attempts to promote self-censorship by others. Unless you haven't noticed, this blog was created to present the experiences and thoughts of the author. It is completely inappropriate for you to ask her to refrain from sharing her experiences or for you to judge her without knowing her. Has your life been lived in such a perfect way that you can judge others? I am reminded of the phrase "he who is without sin, cast the first stone."

If you are offended, the solution is simple, please leave and never return.

Re: We Were Meant To Live For So Much More

Jeff from LA — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 14:25:05 -0000

I loved that story about the cabbie driver! Besides the fact that it was such a cute story, I loved it because I always love to talk to all of my cab drivers. I can never understand people who get a cab ride and then sit there in silence the whole time. You never expect it but they almost always turn out to be good family people with an interesting life story (even when they don't look like it at all).

Re: We Were Meant To Live For So Much More

Jeff from LA — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 02:15:53 -0000

SongJun: You are absolutely right, cab drivers usually have amazing stories. I guess its because they're one of the few people who get to deal with people from all walks of life, rich and poor, young and old.

Re: We Were Meant To Live For So Much More

Jeff from LA — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 02:29:59 -0000

Regarding the Hindraf rally, I'm shocked to hear that the gov't brought up sedition charges against some of the organizers of the protest. It also seems that the police seem to enjoy using water cannons and batons on peaceful protesters given that they used them only a few weeks ago during the other peaceful rally that occurred.

I also think this quote is quite disturbing (the source is the Associate Foreign Press (AFP):

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi defended the response to the protest -- a rare event in Malaysia -- saying it could have turned violent if police had not intervened.

"Don't abuse the freedom that has been given to you," he said, adding that the rally and another mass demonstration held earlier this month calling for electoral reforms had tested the government's patience.

Did he really just say "don't abuse the freedom that has been given to you"........I didn't realize that freedom was a privilege that the government could give you whenever it felt like it and take it away whenever it didn't. Any freedom that can be so easily taken away is no freedom at all.

Either way, I hope you guys keep up the hard work until things really change.

Re: We Were Meant To Live For So Much More

Jeff from LA — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 02:30:53 -0000

Just in case anyone wanted to double-check my source, here's the link:

http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hR_uhy8lmO1...

Re: We Were Meant To Live For So Much More

Jeff from LA — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 15:31:11 -0000

Interestingly enough, I actually don't know if cabs in LA are expensive. I've ridden in cabs everywhere else, out of the country, other parts of the US but never in LA. When I'm in LA, I always drive my own car or else call a friend to pick me up.

I suspect that they might be expensive just because everything in LA is really far away, i.e. its usually a long drive.

If you plan on visiting LA, I would actually recommend that you try to get a friend to pick you up if you have any people that you know well in LA. Plus you shouldn't feel bad about asking a friend in LA to pick you up since everyone in LA does it. My friends ask me to pick them up all the time.

If you feel guilty about having them pick you up you should tell them that you'll pay for gas/take them out to dinner in exchange. It'll probably be cheaper than hiring a cab.

Re: We Were Meant To Live For So Much More

Jeff from LA — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 15:36:13 -0000

Oh and if you ever decide to visit LA, you might want to ask me first whether a certain location is in a good/bad area because LA, like any major metropolitan area, has some very safe and some very unsafe areas, so you have to decide carefully where you are going to stay.

Re: We Were Meant To Live For So Much More

Jeff from LA — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 14:22:10 -0000

Ok, cool. Don't worry about not applying to USC, you sounded stressed enough with all the deadlines. I hope you still go to school in CA though. Those people that end up going to school in the Midwest or the South always amaze me because I was born in the US and I could still never live in those places.

Re: We Were Meant To Live For So Much More

Jeff from LA — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 14:23:50 -0000

Pinkpau, I knew you attended Taylor's College so I randomly decided to read the Wikipedia entry on Taylor's and I noticed this hilarious line (I copied and pasted it exactly as it is in the entry):

In the South Australian Matriculation (SAM) programme 30% of Taylor's students score in the top 10% of the total SAM population in the entire world and 60% scores the top 20% but it's due to the aisan kia-su attitude not the teaching quality.

I think its awesome that the Wikipedia entry refers to the "aisan kia-su attitude." I don't see that phrase in Wikipedia too often. It makes it even better that whoever wrote it even spelled Asian wrong.

Re: We Were Meant To Live For So Much More

Jeff from LA — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 14:24:56 -0000

Please note that I'm only making fun of the person that wrote that entry, not your school. Your school sounds incredibly prestigious from the Wikipedia entry.

Re: College Woes

Jeff from LA — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 03:36:29 -0000

Wow, that is an impressive list of schools. You must have truly incredible grades and SATs.

Good luck. I'm surprised you didn't apply to any West Coast schools, but besides that I can't argue with your list, those are all very strong schools academically and I'm sure you'll have a good experience at any of them.

Re: College Woes

Jeff from LA — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 03:57:22 -0000

Oh and don't worry Pinkpau. You'll love college and I'm sure you'll love the US. It'll be different than everything that you're used to, but sometimes that's the best part, just exploring a completely different way of life. Oh and since you love American music, you can go to as many concerts as you want out here.

You also have to visit LA sometime even if you don't come to school out here. The East Coast is a wonderful place but the West Coast is a different experience altogether.

Re: College Woes

Jeff from LA — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 03:57:50 -0000

You'll have to send me an email if you ever come out to LA.

Re: We Were Meant To Live For So Much More

Jeff from LA — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 13:43:03 -0000

songjun, I'm the biggest believer in free speech, but I have to say that allowing unlimited free speech impinges on the freedoms and rights of others.

For example, allowing someone to scream "fire" in a crowded theater could cause great injury to others if people panic and everyone pushes, shoves and tramples one another. Another example is hate speech. If the leader of a hate group rallies a group together and announces to all of them - now go find a Christian or a Muslim and beat them to death, and they go to do that, that injures others' rights and freedoms.

I think the proper goal of democracy is to allow unlimited freedom as possible where those freedoms do not injure the freedoms or rights of another. Where those freedoms do injure the rights of another, we have to analyze what is more important to the overall society, the individual's freedom or the freedom of others not to be injured by that individual's decision.

Re: College Woes

Jeff from LA — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 18:11:26 -0000

Lol, poor PinkPau, it sounds like you're getting swamped by college advice. That's why I'm going to refrain from giving any here.

I'll just wait until you go to grad school, ;)............

Re: College Woes

Jeff from LA — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 12:07:23 -0000

Jasmine, a round of applause for you for bringing up football as a consideration for college. There is nothing that brings a school together like a good football team.

There are just so many things I love about the college football experience. For example, I love the sheer incredible noise of 92,000 (yep, ninety-two THOUSAND) USC fans filling the stadium every Saturday and yelling and cheering at the top of their lungs. I love having absolutely no voice by the end of the games because I have been screaming for 4 straight hours. I love high-fiving and hugging random strangers when we score. It almost brings a tear to my eye to see people everywhere decked out in school colors as far as the eye can see, an ocean of cardinal and gold. I love being able to talk to anyone with even the remotest connection to USC and say "so how about our football team this year" and be able to talk with them for hours.

None of my friends who went to a school without a good football team can even remotely understand why the college football experience is so amazing, but it has definitely been one of the greatest aspects of my college experience.

Re: College Woes

Jeff from LA — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 22:44:25 -0000

Well, if you do like the advice, I would advise you to visit the schools that you get accepted to. Visit the campus, tour the surroundings areas and decide which area you would like to live in for 4 years.

I know it will be really expensive to tour the schools you're accepted to, but since they all seem to be East Coast schools, you should try to get them all at once.

Also, while you're there, see if you can talk to any students to see how they honestly feel about the school, whether they are stressed out, whether there are a lot of fun activities to do on campus, etc.

Since they are all strong academic schools, this will help you differentiate which are good schools that it would be fun to be at and which ones which are great academically but terrible socially.

Re: People

Jeff from LA — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 01:25:25 -0000

See, 68 posts of people telling you they love you. Don't you feel better now, ;)........

Re: Leave Me, Sore Throat!

Jeff from LA — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 13:35:51 -0000

I'm so glad that you're feeling better about everything, =). I was worried about you for a while there.

Its so funny how huge Reeses Peanut Butter Cups are in Asia. You're only the 3rd Asian blog that I've read extolling the virtues of Reeses Peanut Butter Cups. I guess when you really can't have something it makes it so much better. Here, where you can get them at any grocery store, I guess we take them for granted.

Don't worry about school. You'll get into the schools you applied to. And even if for some insane reason you don't, that means you can apply to USC and come here so I can see you, lol. (I'm just kidding). But don't worry, I don't think there's even a small chance you won't get into at least one of those schools.

Finally, I love how you're just as much of a Facebook whore* as I am.

*I normally don't use language like that, but the term "Facebook whore" has been turned by common usage into a phrase that's does not retain its original offensive meaning. I apologize if I offend anyone for using it.

Re: Displacement

Jeff from LA — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 12:21:51 -0000

You should feel honored. I loved that quote that you found so much that I put it up on my Facebook profile, even citing that you found it.

Also, I'm glad that you realize that you have such a great group of friends. Many people take their wonderful friends for granted, which is a terrible waste.

Re: Hello CR and CM

Jeff from LA — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 12:24:40 -0000

I have to say that I read all of your posts, emo or not, but I have been tempted in the past to skip past your comments off ones. Why? Because when I read the emotional posts, I have this strong tendency to want to react to them, either by leaving a comforting comment or by expressing some other emotion triggered by the post. However, when I see that comments are off, I feel limited in my ability to express my reaction to the post and feel robbed of this means of expression. Thus, I appreciate your new willingness to open up comments after an "emo" post.

Re: Hello CR and CM

Jeff from LA — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 12:25:31 -0000

So, in other words, I have left an "emo" comment to an "emo" post. How fitting, ;).

You're awesome, Pinkpau! (Just because).

Re: Anger Antidotes and Surprises

Jeff from LA — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 13:27:06 -0000

What a beautiful entry. I am so happy for you that you have someone that makes you so happy and that comforts you when you're angry or upset.

On the other hand, I'm impressed, how has the man earned so much money already. What does he do?

Plus, Martian, you need to get this girl to London! She's leaving for the US in less than a year, so you better make as many good memories as you can in this short time.

Re: Anger Antidotes and Surprises

Jeff from LA — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 02:17:57 -0000

I'm sure commenter 84 is kidding, but I'm still creeped out by that comment.

Re: Anger Antidotes and Surprises

Jeff from LA — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 14:17:36 -0000

Here's another vote for taking PinkPau to London!

Re: To Be Young Always

Jeff from LA — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 13:35:46 -0000

Wow, that event looked like a lot of fun.

Were you joking about the fact they had you speak about your toenails, or did you really speak about your toenails? How did that come up? Oh and what other topics did you address when you were speaking?

Re: To Be Young Always

Jeff from LA — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:40:57 -0000

I think its hilarious that there are no less than 4 (5 including mine) separate comments on how eccentric NicoleKiss's fashion sense is (considering she's in only 2 of the pics). I was forced to go back and review the picture of her dress after seeing all the comments.

Re: To Be Young Always

Jeff from LA — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:41:30 -0000

As always though, I admire your fashion sense. You always have good taste in clothes.

Re: To Be Young Always

Jeff from LA — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 18:53:18 -0000

Su Ann, how much has your readership increased in the last 6-8 months? Because I remember when I used to read your blog and you rarely had more than 25-30 comments, and now you easily get double to triple that number of comments.

Its very impressive how much your traffic's increased. I guess its because any time anyone has a chance to read your blog, they realize just how amazing it is.

Re: quaintly.net » These Things In Point-Form

Jeff from LA — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 19:57:07 -0000

Lol, Skyler, I hope you were making fun of all the commenters that go FIRST!!!11!!, otherwise you should be ashamed of yourself.

Pinkpau, the news of the SMS-ing bus driver causing an accident is so sad. I hope that lawsuit brings the bus company to its knees for allowing such rampant negligence in its drivers. Now I'm nervous about taking the buses in Malaysia if I ever visit.

Oh and Pinkpau, don't be so sad/mad. You have great friends, a bf that adores you, and a devoted fanbase. You should take comfort in that.

Re: It’s So Mudah To Spend A Million Dollars On Loved Ones

Jeff from LA — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 13:18:28 -0000

Pinkpau, did you just do a advertising post? I don't mind if you have advertising posts, you should be able to make money out of your work, but please don't become like Kenny.

With Kenny, I think he only does advertising posts these days, I'm not sure if he writes anything else. With his posts, its almost like every other paragraph is sponsored by a different company. Like paragraph 1 is brought to you by LG life is good," paragraph 2 is brought to you by our wonderful sponsors at Sony. Its why I don't really read him that much any more.

So please don't become like Kenny, I will be so sad.

Re: It’s So Mudah To Spend A Million Dollars On Loved Ones

Jeff from LA — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 20:42:10 -0000

Cool. I agree that the key is moderation and keeping it interesting. Another alternative is to label your commercial posts (just like you label your emo posts) so that readers know how to differentiate the two. I'm glad you agree that over-commercialization is an issue and are willing to address it.

I also appreciate that you're willing to address the concerns of your readers. That's what separates you from all the other bloggers.

To be clear, the reason I brought up commercialization in posts is not because I am against commercialization per se. I believe you have every right to earn money from your intellectual property and your hard work posting for the blog, compiling your ideas, and sharing your personal experiences.

The problem with over-commercialization is that the main reason to read a personal blog is the feeling of a connection with the author of the blog, a belief that the blogger is willing to share his or her ideas, his or her genuine feelings and experiences with the reader. As the blogger begins to receive more and more opportunities to post on behalf of sponsors, the reader begins to wonder how genuine and open are the bloggers' reactions to products or places or restaurants. It is at the moment that readers begin having to always guess when a post is solely from the blogger versus when it exists because of a sponsor's input, then what was once a personal blog has become an impersonal and commercial blog, no different than any other commercial website.

Plus I didn't really intend to single out Kenny, there are many other bloggers who are far more commercialized than him.

Re: It’s So Mudah To Spend A Million Dollars On Loved Ones

Jeff from LA — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 15:01:25 -0000

Ok, Pinkpau, don't be mad (even if I know that you should be mad at me). I believe you. You have always been honest and sincere and I know you know when to draw the line. I may not be your longest reader, but I have tried my best to be a loyal reader for as long as I have been following your blog.

Anyway, to address your points:

1. No, I wasn't just randomly making up an abstract hypothetical problem. There are at least 4 or 5 Malay/Singapore blogs that I no longer read because they became over-commercialized. (I'm not going to mention their names because its probably unfair to single them out on a public forum but I could tell you them if you wanted.) Since I really really love reading your blog I was a bit nervous because I was a little nervous that it might happen to your blog as well.

2. Also, a product review by someone without a financial interest versus one with a financial interest is very different. Let's say I told you I loved my Canon digital camera and told you why I loved the camera and you knew I wasn't getting paid anything to say that. You would probably pay more attention to my praise of the camera than if you knew that Canon paid me to praise it or gave me the camera for free, right? That is true even if I liked the camera already before I got paid to review it, you would still treat the advice differently.

Anyway, I'll stop bringing up further points now because I believe everything you said. I shouldn't even have addressed those two, but I'm a lawyer, I'm sorry, I can't help it. I'm terrible, I know. Oh well, if you ever need legal advice in America (such as if you start a business), I probably owe you some free advice, lol.

The most important thing is, this is your blog and despite any concerns I might have as a reader, you should feel free to do whatever you want with your blog. I'm just a beneficiary of your excellent writing and hard work.

Re: This Post Is Not A Joke

Jeff from LA — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 14:41:36 -0000

I agree with you PinkPau. The main way you can tell whether a country or a majority religion/culture believes in peace, freedom, and tolerance is by examining the way that dominant culture/society treats minority groups. A religion that denigrates other religions or discriminates against other religions is not one that truly believes in peace or tolerance.

Re: The Valentine’s Day On Which I Chose The Better Gift

Jeff from LA — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 14:25:58 -0000

So did you end up going to see Juno? Its a really cute movie. I really liked it.

Re: The Snail Experiment

Jeff from LA — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 15:52:58 -0000

What a cute experiment! Its been a while since you've done something like this. Its kind of funny how everyone reacts in a very similar way when you give them a snail. I thought people would react more differently, but I guess people are more similar than you expect.

Re: All These Unexpected Things

Jeff from LA — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 22:52:57 -0000

I'm very sorry to hear that you had your bag snatched. That must be quite a frightening experience.

I'm very happy, however, to hear that the opposition in Malaysia managed to get more than one-third of the seats. Hopefully, they'll be able to work together to fight the corruption in the current regime.

Re: How To Save A Turtle

Jeff from LA — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 17:17:44 -0000

Bravo! Pinkpau, good for you for taking a stand in defense of these wonderful animals and in the environment. I'm so glad to see that at least one person is using their celebrity to defend an important cause. You're my hero, ;).

Plus, this post is near and dear to my heart because I've always loved turtles. I hope people stop the practice of eating turtle meat or turtle eggs.

Re: Kunming and Holey Pants

Jeff from LA — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 17:55:28 -0000

So you don't speak Chinese, Pinkpau? For some reason, I always thought you did. Then do you mainly just use English?

You're also smart to get as much traveling done in Asia while you can, because it will be a lot more expensive to head back when you get out here.

I also think its funny that you're going to be living in a cold place now (Pennsylvania), after having grown up in Malaysia. However, I hear there are a lot of Asians at UPenn, so I'm sure you won't have a problem adjusting.

Re: God’s Gift To Mankind Is The Internet

Jeff from LA — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 20:32:54 -0000

I'm so glad you recommended Achmed the Dead Terrorist. One of my friends sent me a link before but I never got around to watching it. After you reminded me, I finally watched it. It is absolutely hilarious.

Speaking of funny youtube videos, you should check this one out: http://youtube.com/watch?v=mji82PQTYeo . Its really short, but very funny. Its about an old lady getting revenge on a rude driver. I also posted it on Facebook.

Plus I'm so envious that you have internet. I used to, but it got expensive, so I canceled it. Its ridiculous that 3G internet is way cheaper in Asia than in the US. We have the most backwards wireless of any developed country. Its pretty embarrassing that we have the world's largest economy but such crappy internet.

Re: Banana Cakes In Ringha

Jeff from LA — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 05:20:25 -0000

What an amazing place. I always love places where people still live simply and close to nature. That room you guys stayed in also looks amazing.

Studying with Eeyang? What are you studying? Unless you already know what you want to major in, I have no idea how you can study before getting to college.

Re: 19 Going On 20

Jeff from LA — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 02:19:28 -0000

Don't worry too much Pinkpau. I can kind of understand what you feel. I graduated from college when I was 18, and when I was 19, I moved halfway across the world to Taiwan for 2 years. I didn't speak the language and I didn't know anybody there. I was born and raised in America, and I had never lived in Asia before. My family was back home in the US and I missed them. It was really kind of a scary experience at the time.

However, looking back, it was probably one of the greatest experiences I've had in my life. I made tons of friends. I learned about a new culture. I picked up a new language. Most importantly, however, I found out who I really was because I was able to be away from the pressures of family and friends. I also found out who my true friends were back home because they kept in touch with me even though I was so far away.

I'm sure it looks daunting right now, but in 4 years, you will have many new friends, will have picked up a cool American accent (or maybe not so cool), will know who your true friends are, and most importantly, you will know who you really are and what you really want. So don't worry too much. I'm sure it will be a good experience and a lot of fun.

Re: 19 Going On 20

Jeff from LA — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 23:02:07 -0000

Well, I can speak Mandarin well enough to get around. I understand everyone and they understand me, but my American/Canto accent means that people can easily tell that I'm not a native speaker.

Since you don't speak Chinese, is English your primary language? Do you speak Malaysian as well? I also wonder what you sound like.

Re: Unpacked and Dazed

Jeff from LA — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 20:16:06 -0000

UPenn is a great school, don't get me wrong, but Columbia is amazing. Its always been one of my dream schools. One of my best buds from law school went there and he always had stories about what a good time he had there. Also, New York is so much better than Pennsylvania.

However, I do know that you mentioned UPenn was your dream school, so if you've always wanted to go there, don't let me convince you otherwise. Moreover, if you really ARE interested in business, its a good idea. One of my buds went to Wharton there and it has helped him throughout his career. I wouldn't go there just for the b-school if you weren't sure you were interested in business.

Also, I know that it would help that there's a bigger Malaysian community at UPenn, but please don't be one of those students who only hangs with people from their own country. Many Asians from abroad who study here are only willing to hang out with other people from their country and never really mingle with people of other nationalities. I think it is such a waste because we could learn so much from them.

Re: Unpacked and Dazed

Jeff from LA — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 20:16:48 -0000

Also, you are lucky to have two such great choices. I'm sure that you will be very happy at whichever of the two you pick.

Re: Emoe

Jeff from LA — Sun, 04 May 2008 00:19:38 -0000

I'm excited to hear that you're going to Columbia. I'm sure you'll have a lot of fun.

Also, I agree, Iron Man was amazing. I got to go today and I really enjoyed it. Yay for good superhero movies! (I unabashedly sound like a 3rd grader, lol).

Re: I Heart Reflections Bangkok!

Jeff from LA — Tue, 13 May 2008 22:01:50 -0000

Reflections really seems like an amazing place to stay. I had no idea they had such cute hotels in Bangkok. I'll definitely have to try it when I visit Bangkok. One of my old law school buddies keeps telling me to go visit her so I really should go.

How do you find these cute places to stay, by the way? I am always impressed at your ability to find great hotels everywhere you travel.

Re: Lessons in the Duality of Reality

Jeff from LA — Fri, 16 May 2008 20:15:57 -0000

I love your economic risk/benefit analysis of the value of friends.

I think that in my personal experience, the key with friends though is realizing which ones you can really trust and rely on. I hang out with a lot of different friends on a frequent basis, but there's a much smaller circle of friends that I know I can rely on when things get tough. There are friends you have fun with and friends that are like family.

The part where things can get really bad is if you treat a friend who only is worthy of hanging out with as a friend that you can rely on. That's where people really get hurt. Unfortunately, you usually can't tell which type of friend they are until you have to rely on them.

Re: Lessons in the Duality of Reality

Jeff from LA — Sun, 18 May 2008 18:04:42 -0000

Su Ann, you are an all-star for still taking the time to respond to every commenter even when your posts commonly get dozens and dozens of responses. Its yet another reason why everyone loves to follow your blog.

Re: Over The Long Weekend

Jeff from LA — Mon, 19 May 2008 23:54:05 -0000

Greenie's almost correct. Some brands use the same adapter. For example, Dell is good about this. Unfortunately, if you have a Sony VAIO like me, they keep changing their adapters with each generation of laptop they come out with, so you have to find someone who has a laptop of the same generation as you. I know this because I have 2 VAIO laptops and the adapter for one laptop does not work for the other one.

If you can find some way to claim warranty though, I would really try hard to do that. If your computer is less than one year old, you are probably still under manufacturer warranty.

Re: Over The Long Weekend

Jeff from LA — Mon, 19 May 2008 23:55:01 -0000

Also regarding the half-crying part of your entry - you sound like you need a hug, so:

*Hug*

Re: Things To Do With Instant Messengers

Jeff from LA — Fri, 23 May 2008 11:58:30 -0000

I love how all of your friends are so easily fooled by those pictures. The first girl with the puppy kind of looks like you (although you are prettier) but the second girl doesn't look like you at all. I really don't know how they confused you with the second girl.

I'm also a fan of people's random responses to your status updates. You should post the other ones too if you ever find them.

I'm sad that David Archuleta lost because he was a friend of a buddy of mine. Oh well, since I don't really watch American Idol, it wasn't that big a deal.

Re: Things To Look Forward To

Jeff from LA — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 22:59:36 -0000

Once again, I have to say that you are my hero for being a fan of Death Cab! To be honest, I had no idea that American indie rock had spread to Asia. How did you find out about Death Cab?

You also need to try The Postal Service's "Give Up" album, Ben Gibbard's side project. I'm sure you've probably already heard "Such Great Heights," but if you haven't, its amazing.

Re: Things To Look Forward To

Jeff from LA — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 17:41:49 -0000

Yeah, all of a sudden I can start posting again. I'm not sure why. I guess your blog doesn't hate me any more.

I have a couple of albums from Taking Back Sunday, "Tell All Your Friends" and "Where You Want to Be." Are you a big fan?

Re: The Homecoming

Jeff from LA — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 22:22:56 -0000

Su Ann, I am always impressed by your writing. Not because of your style or your structure, but because of the poignancy of your writing. You allow the reader to truly step into your shoes and understand the emotion that drives your posts. That is a skill that very few people today possess.

As an attorney, I deal with many individuals whose very livelihood depends on their ability to utilize written language to express their ideas and convince others. As such, I have met many good writers, but you are a superb one.

Referring to your post, I am guessing that you are referring to your father. The sad thing is that Asians of previous (and perhaps current) generations often lack the ability to communicate affection. We rarely say "I love you," we don't compliment one another enough, and we often fail to share our true feelings with those we love. I'm sure he (whether it be your father or not) really does love you, even if it is very difficult for him to communicate that love to you.

Re: Early Morning Peanut Butter Cup-Induced Commentary

Jeff from LA — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 15:43:36 -0000

Just because its in Singapore doesn't mean you can't go, does it? Or is it hard to get to Singapore from where you live?

That is pretty evil of Singapore to steal away Death Cab though. Oh well, once you're in NY, you won't have to worry about things like that happening.

Re: Attitudes and Absences

Jeff from LA — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 19:19:59 -0000

I understand exactly what you mean. The Asian education system does its best to eliminate any last vestiges of individuality out of its students. I remember when I agreed to volunteer teach a couple of English classes when I was in Asia. The kids all seemed scared to death of participating, raising their hand, or even doing anything except stare down at their desks. I was really surprised at how intimidated/meek all of the students were.

I've always been glad that I grew up in America because I've always loved to challenge the conventional wisdom. I'm sure that in Asia I would probably have been deemed a troublemaker. I'm so glad that you're coming to the US for college so that you won't have to worry about teachers trying to pick on you any more.

Re: Optrex

Jeff from LA — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 15:37:22 -0000

Don't let the world get you down Pinkpau! The world is suffering from many problems, and it always has, but the important thing is to focus on doing things we can to help alleviate those problems.

Love is knowing that no matter how bad your day is, no matter what is going wrong in your life, that at the end of the day, there will be someone there to hold you, comfort you, and bring you peace.

When you're happy, everyone is there for you, but when you're unhappy/moody/depressed, only the people who really care for you stick around.

Re: Ladybugging Part 2

Jeff from LA — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 15:31:23 -0000

Sperm whale?

Re: Rainforest World Music Festival 2008 and Other Things

Jeff from LA — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:56:40 -0000

Your dad is just like mine. My dad always cracks lame jokes that makes him laugh like crazy but which none of us kids ever think is that funny.

Su Ann, you shouldn't worry too much about the friends that you can't fully trust/rely on and just focus on the good times with the ones that you can trust. When you go abroad to school, there's going to be a natural filtering process. The ones that are truly good friends will keep in touch with you and those are the ones you're really going to miss. The others will disappear. At least, that's what my experience was like when I moved to Asia for a couple of years after college.

So really, you don't have to worry about the friends that offend you, don't treat you well because after you leave for the US, its unlikely you'll have to deal with them very much ever again.

Re: The Dark Knight and Martian’s Birthday

Jeff from LA — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:41:37 -0000

I just saw the Dark Knight as well. That movie was incredible. Heath Ledger's performance is really Oscar-worthy. He was the center of attention in every scene he was in without trying.

I was also impressed with how they based the story around the duality of good and evil and how complicated both are.

Last, I agree with you, the Bat-gear/Bat-tech is great. I really want a Bat-bike. That thing was awesome. Especially when it flipped over the huge truck.

Re: Wong Wenqi Is Weird!

Jeff from LA — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 12:15:09 -0000

Your friend is so cute. Completely random/quirky friends are awesome. I have a friend that has a personality just like her, except that she's not really shy.

This post was really enjoyable. I think you should have this type of post become a recurring theme (i.e. Meet Friend X of Pinkpau) and give each of your close friends their own profile.

Re: Randomosity

Jeff from LA — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 14:07:45 -0000

Lol @ your description of the US embassy interviewers.

I'm so happy you're finally coming to America.................but so sad that you're going to be on the exact opposite end of the country. Tell me if you ever get a chance to come to LA.

As for the laptop, I like my Sony better than my bro likes his Dell laptop. However Dell's tech support is way better than Sony's. With Sony, I always wait for hours and have to call some stupid long-distance number. They're probably not too different in reliability is my guess.

Re: Pinkpau’s Guide to Hong Kong

Jeff from LA — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 17:22:10 -0000

You are to be applauded for a very comprehensive guide to HK. I love how you begin by describing it as almost a brief and incomplete description of Hong Kong, when it turns out to be almost encyclopedic.

Your description was also very accurate. It brought back to mind many of my memories of visiting HK (I'm an ABC, but my parents are from HK).

Whenever you decide to retire from being the Prime Minister/President of Malaysia, you could always make a living creating a line of books for tourists called "the Definitive Pinkpau's Guide to [Place X]."

Re: The Last Leg Of Things

Jeff from LA — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:33:14 -0000

Welcome to the US!

I know you're already beginning the process of missing everyone, but remember, absence makes the heart grow fonder. You'll be able to cherish your time with your friends even more when you see them in the future. Most importantly, by the time you come back home next, you'll have a bunch of new friends.

Oh and good for you for being brave enough to go half-way across the world for school. I always wanted to do it, but I never was organized enough to accomplish it.

As for the expats, I hope you don't see them as proper representatives of Americans. They always manage to send the most ethnocentric white people abroad. When I was in Asia, I hated every last white person I met there. If I had to judge white people based only on expats, I'm sure I would have a very negative view of white people.

Re: The Last Leg Of Things

Jeff from LA — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:35:08 -0000

Of course, perhaps once you're in the US, there will be a lot of things that you miss about Malaysia as well or think that Malaysia does better, so maybe you'll understand the expats attitude better.

Re: The Last Leg Of Things

Jeff from LA — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 03:07:22 -0000

Pinkpau, you should feel loved. Look at all the commenters who are here to wish you good luck and good friends that are going to miss you when you leave.

Re: What It Means To Be Malaysian

Jeff from LA — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 00:37:05 -0000

Su Ann, there's no need to sugarcoat things, because that will just affect your credibility with them. Rather, what you should do is give them both the good and the bad. You can tell them about the bad drivers, etc. but then also share with them all of the wonderful things that you love about your country. Give them the whole picture and I'm sure it will be fine.

I mean I was born in the US and I lived my whole life here, but when I lived in Asia I loved it as well and I still miss it. Your discussions of Malaysia have really incited a desire in me to visit Malaysia even though you talk about the good and the bad of Malaysia (i.e. corruption, everything). So don't worry about sugarcoating anything, share with them your love for your country and they will come to see it as you see it - a wonderful place that produces wonderful people.

Re: Things I Learnt About College And NYC Part 1

Jeff from LA — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 00:47:01 -0000

About the safety thing, big cities (NY/LA/Chicago) are all pretty dangerous for a girl walking alone at night. Walking with friends is always a smart thing to do. Of course, girls in the US always go together to do everything so I think that they might not notice it as much. I'm sure dormmates/friends will always be willing to go with you if you ever need to get around.

College students in the US always dress super casual, so I'm not surprised that they roll around in their pajamas. Cal Berkeley used to be famous for the naked guy that they had who attended all his classes in the nude (Berkeley is a bit more extreme than most).

I think its funny that you're worried about tanning. I've noticed that white people are always worried about being pale, Asian people are always worried about turning too dark. (Also I'm sure you would never do this, but never call a white person pale/pasty to their face, many white people consider it offensive.)

Referring to other people's advice about getting a debit card versus a credit card: In many ways a debit card is not as good as a credit card. With a credit card, if its ever stolen, then you are not responsible for the items that are purchased with the stolen credit card. With a stolen debit card, you might be responsible for the items that a thief purchases if you don't report the loss of the card if you don't report the loss within a day or two. Also, having a credit card and paying it off every month helps you build your super important "credit score."

However, if you might be tempted to buy things with a credit card that you don't actually have the money for, then a debit card might be the way to go.

Whether you go with a debit card or credit card, you probably need a bank account. Look for a bank with free checking/no fees banking for students. Your university probably has a credit union with free checking, if not Bank of America has free checking accounts for students, and I'm sure other banks have such accounts as well.

Re: I Am Speechless

Jeff from LA — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 17:11:58 -0000

That's ridiculous that journalists can be detained under the ISA for doing their job. What explanation is the government giving for using the ISA to detain the journalist?

Re: A Little Bit Of Home

Jeff from LA — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 14:09:44 -0000

After reading about the part where you and your Malaysian/SIngapore friends discuss all of the interesting Americanisms that you've noticed, I'm curious. What are all of the interesting or maybe irritating Americanisms that you've noticed?

Or is that the topic of a future post?

Re: Twentieth

Jeff from LA — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 01:07:31 -0000

I know I wished you happy b-day on Facebook already, but once again:

HAPPY B-DAY!

Re: Twentieth

Jeff from LA — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 04:45:07 -0000

Lol, wow, its so funny to finally hear your voice for the first time. In many ways you sound both very similar and very different to the way I always expected you to sound like (not that I can actually articulate any of those expectations).

I also think its cool that you already use NYer slang like "how it all went down." On the other hand, I'm not a NYer and I still like to use that phrase sometimes.

Re: The Martian Surprise and Birthday Gifts

Jeff from LA — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:27:57 -0000

Sweatlee, I still cannot believe that the explanation you came up with was AN ABORTION. Lol, you crack me up so much. You are my hero.

Honestly though.........an abortion?

Re: This Is A Salty Popcorn Zone

Jeff from LA — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 17:09:43 -0000

I knew you would enjoy life in America =). I'm happy that you're settling in well over here.

Re: Untitled

Jeff from LA — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 02:03:08 -0000

I'm feeling pretty happy. Then again, I almost always feel pretty happy, so I guess today is no different than most days.

How about yourself? I hope midterms aren't getting you down.