Sunday, January 20, 2008
The Bucket List
Ever since I saw the previews, I wanted to go see the The Bucket List, because the spirit of the movie jived with the adventure-seeking, "live life like you really want to" mentality of my generation. Basically, two terminally ill men learn that they have only 6 months to live, so they decide to go and cross off things they put on their "Bucket List" - a list of things to do before they kick the bucket. I really liked it.
And I came out of the theater with a thought about our generation. Now, I'm not trying to get cocky or anything, but I have already seen/done half of what the two guys did. With the recent discussion about traveling, I made another interesting connection in my mind.
I can only speak for myself, but I think that a part of my motivation to travel is to add another place on my own "bucket list". With the development in the transport and travel industries today, we have been empowered to move around the globe at a relatively affordable price.
And another thing about the "bucket list" mentality - it's not (just) about the numbers. It would be a lie if I said I wasn't proud of being able to travel to as many places at this age, but it's not the main satisfaction. Afterall, one can pass through a country and not see anything at all.
So what is it that drives us to go through a list of places in this world? Well, it's a whole array of factors, including: exploring new cultures, viewing the natural landscapes, learning the historical regression and progression of mankind, meeting the local people, escaping the routine and normal life, and sharing the joy of doing all this with someone you love, to name a few.
To The Bucket List's credit, it wasn't just about going to these places, but also doing something engaging at the location. I can't quite put a finger on it, but there is something very universal in all the traveling and adventure-seeking that we do. I think that there is a secret desire for a universal undertone in all cultures -- something that links all threads of society together. It may simply be that we are all seeking happiness, passion, and pathos in our lives. Our generation's travel-mongering behavior may be a tangible manifestation of that desire to communicate and feel united with the different cultures, despite all the differences (which we all appreciate).
Thursday, January 17, 2008
To sleep or not to sleep
I am suffering from a mild symptom of insomnia. This morning (or perhaps I should say yesterday morning), NPR had a segment on the perceived inverse correlation between a successful career and hours of sleep. It is a myth - not just because you have ding-dongs like me who's just burning the midnight oil without any aim or results - but also because high-powered execs and politicians are actually taking nappy-naps on the plane, trains, and automobiles.
Well that's what NPR said. In my world, sleep is only a small factor to success. If you're good, you're good. If you're well networked, you're well networked. And that's that. Frankly, the whole wear & tear on the body accumulates (even for the nap-snacking execs on their limos) - and then your body conditions itself to the new circumstances. I'm not advocating such a lifestyle in any way though, because all that travel and suitcase living loses its charm very quickly.
Oh, and the other thing that NPR mentioned was that business people today use sleep depravation as an indicator of how much worthy/capable they are. That's a bunch of BS as well - and it's frighteningly a reinforced culture. Americans can be quite ridiculous in the hours they spend working. At a certain point, there is a diminishing returns for the hours you put in. If people think that they are important because they put in their hours, I worry about their mental health. (As much as I worry about the single, young, females in Asia who stay later at the office simply so that they "look" like they are working harder and so that they can have some "me time" before going back to their home with their Mom, Dad, and siblings in a small apartment).
I think technology is the multiplier of efficiency and productivitiy. Those who can harness it well are going to be on top AND get their sleep. We do live in a world where we can have it all, right?
Well that's what NPR said. In my world, sleep is only a small factor to success. If you're good, you're good. If you're well networked, you're well networked. And that's that. Frankly, the whole wear & tear on the body accumulates (even for the nap-snacking execs on their limos) - and then your body conditions itself to the new circumstances. I'm not advocating such a lifestyle in any way though, because all that travel and suitcase living loses its charm very quickly.
Oh, and the other thing that NPR mentioned was that business people today use sleep depravation as an indicator of how much worthy/capable they are. That's a bunch of BS as well - and it's frighteningly a reinforced culture. Americans can be quite ridiculous in the hours they spend working. At a certain point, there is a diminishing returns for the hours you put in. If people think that they are important because they put in their hours, I worry about their mental health. (As much as I worry about the single, young, females in Asia who stay later at the office simply so that they "look" like they are working harder and so that they can have some "me time" before going back to their home with their Mom, Dad, and siblings in a small apartment).
I think technology is the multiplier of efficiency and productivitiy. Those who can harness it well are going to be on top AND get their sleep. We do live in a world where we can have it all, right?
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Bill Gates' Legacy at Microsoft
One of the big hypes at CES 2008 this year was Bill Gates' last speech at the convention. This was his 9th consecutive year opening the show, and he declared that it would be his last, now that he is retiring as chairman and CEO of Microsoft in July this year.
It was a flashy event all around, and Microsoft has a precedence of making their big annoucements at the CES show. And yes, they did toot their trumpets, but what was more intriguing (and entertaining) was the way Bill chose to go out - with a bang.
His self deprecating humor had everyone rolling on the floor. He made a "'little video' with a help from his friends" (see below). I can't get enough of when he falls off his pilates ball while meditating with Matthew McCoughnahey and when Jon Stewart is trying to stop Bill from making a show with him. Priceless. It's impressive that he could get so many cameos - from Jay-Z, Bono, Steven Spielberg, George Clooney to Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and Al Gore. It's good to be the chairman and CEO of Microsoft.
And the announcements...
It's been a good year for Microsoft, and their 2008 and beyond theme is "connectivity". In what Microsoft calls the "second digital decade," consumers are seeking harmonization between all the digital devices they have in their lives - in-car consumer electronics, home entertainment audio-visual equipment, video game systems, PCs, and mobile/smart phones. Gates also hinted that retailers can play in this space by providing customization kiosks at stores, which can (conveniently) connect to Microsoft Zune or MS OS enabled phone device. Now that we're digitized, it's time to connect all the gizmos together.
San Jose Mercury does a pretty decent job of describing the annoucements. I beg to differ on MS's XBox 360 statement (Wii is still a contender, and more importantly, PS3 and the Blu-Ray factor cannot be ignored). And Zune... well, every tech enthusiast says it's superior to the iPod in every way, but they have yet to crack Apple's robust branding strategy. Ford Sync (voice-activated control for music and bluetooth mobiles in new Lincoln and Mercury models) is a neat concept, but Ford needs to pull their weight if it's going to do well (and most of the new Japanese model cars in the US are going to be iPod enabled). It's not going to be an easy-breezy job, that's for sure.
Having attended a few sessions today with a sprinkle of Microsoft employees on the panel, the two forces helping MS achieve their agenda seem to be 1) the aggressive partnerships with content providers (abc, Disney, and MGM are linking up with XBox Live. And NBC is using the Microsoft Silverlight as the exclusive platform for providing contents for the 2008 Beijing Olympics) and 2) advertising (engaging more of aQuantitive and Facebook in the business). 2008 can certainly be an interesting year for Microsoft.
Robbie Bach - President of Entertainment & Devices Division - announces the MGM & XBox Live partnership.
Either way, hats off to you, Bill. He's not going to stop being involved, but he's going to cherry-pick MS projects that are more philanthropic from now on - like those involved with education and healthcare.
For tonight though, at least, he gets to be the goof-ball who gets the last laugh. To top off the speech, he makes a bet with Robbie Bach on who can play Guitar Hero better - Bach gets a Guitar Hero champion to play on behalf of him... and Gates gets Slash.
It was a flashy event all around, and Microsoft has a precedence of making their big annoucements at the CES show. And yes, they did toot their trumpets, but what was more intriguing (and entertaining) was the way Bill chose to go out - with a bang.
His self deprecating humor had everyone rolling on the floor. He made a "'little video' with a help from his friends" (see below). I can't get enough of when he falls off his pilates ball while meditating with Matthew McCoughnahey and when Jon Stewart is trying to stop Bill from making a show with him. Priceless. It's impressive that he could get so many cameos - from Jay-Z, Bono, Steven Spielberg, George Clooney to Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and Al Gore. It's good to be the chairman and CEO of Microsoft.
And the announcements...
It's been a good year for Microsoft, and their 2008 and beyond theme is "connectivity". In what Microsoft calls the "second digital decade," consumers are seeking harmonization between all the digital devices they have in their lives - in-car consumer electronics, home entertainment audio-visual equipment, video game systems, PCs, and mobile/smart phones. Gates also hinted that retailers can play in this space by providing customization kiosks at stores, which can (conveniently) connect to Microsoft Zune or MS OS enabled phone device. Now that we're digitized, it's time to connect all the gizmos together.
San Jose Mercury does a pretty decent job of describing the annoucements. I beg to differ on MS's XBox 360 statement (Wii is still a contender, and more importantly, PS3 and the Blu-Ray factor cannot be ignored). And Zune... well, every tech enthusiast says it's superior to the iPod in every way, but they have yet to crack Apple's robust branding strategy. Ford Sync (voice-activated control for music and bluetooth mobiles in new Lincoln and Mercury models) is a neat concept, but Ford needs to pull their weight if it's going to do well (and most of the new Japanese model cars in the US are going to be iPod enabled). It's not going to be an easy-breezy job, that's for sure.
Having attended a few sessions today with a sprinkle of Microsoft employees on the panel, the two forces helping MS achieve their agenda seem to be 1) the aggressive partnerships with content providers (abc, Disney, and MGM are linking up with XBox Live. And NBC is using the Microsoft Silverlight as the exclusive platform for providing contents for the 2008 Beijing Olympics) and 2) advertising (engaging more of aQuantitive and Facebook in the business). 2008 can certainly be an interesting year for Microsoft.
Robbie Bach - President of Entertainment & Devices Division - announces the MGM & XBox Live partnership.
Either way, hats off to you, Bill. He's not going to stop being involved, but he's going to cherry-pick MS projects that are more philanthropic from now on - like those involved with education and healthcare.
For tonight though, at least, he gets to be the goof-ball who gets the last laugh. To top off the speech, he makes a bet with Robbie Bach on who can play Guitar Hero better - Bach gets a Guitar Hero champion to play on behalf of him... and Gates gets Slash.
Friday, January 04, 2008
Orange Interrogation
Schipol is on my "retarded airport" list now. Whatever preconceived notion I had of Dutch efficiency was thrown out the windon.
So, okay. I had well over 1.5 hours on my layovers, but somehow did not board the plane until the very last moment. The main issue was the security check. Sure, security is tight these days, but I had to scratch my head at the way they were handling it. I was asked to kindly step aside for some questions. It went something like this:
"Hello. How are you?"
"Fine."
"Great! Where did you just come from?"
"Croatia - through Zagreb."
"Oh. Why did you go to Croatia?"
"I was there for the holiday." (Smile)
"Why?"
"Because I heard it was beautiful."
"Yes, but why?"
"Huh...?" (I'm a little thrown off by this)
"Why not Rome or Munich? Why did you have to go to Croatia? You could have gone any where."
"Well, I was reading the Lonely Planet and thought that it was a good idea." (I start getting slightly annoyed, as people are now getting rushed through the gates)
"Hm. Where did you come from?"
"The US."
"Did you go to Croatia with anybody?"
"With my friends."
"Where are they from?"
"Uh... the US."
"Where are they? Are they traveling with you?"
"No. They are still in Croatia."
"Why?"
"I have to go back early for work."
"Where are they from in the US?"
(Aaaaaarrrrrrggggg...)
"They are from Atlanta and Colorado."
"Okay, what are their names?"
"Paul XXX and Nick XXXX." (Smiling through gritted teeth)
"What do you do for a living? Who do you work for?"
I answered politely, and that was the end of the questioning.
This charade went on for at least 10 minutes. No wonder that people couldn't board these planes on time. Not to mention, it was slightly annoying that he presumed I was some bizarro for going to Croatia (or is there some Croatian drug ring lurking?). It just exhausted me to watch this guy question every other person in cue. I wished it was a lottery rather than an airport security check. Or a nickle for every time he asked "Yes, but why did you need to go there? Why not London or Barcelona?"
Dutch efficiency? - (BIG) question mark.
So, okay. I had well over 1.5 hours on my layovers, but somehow did not board the plane until the very last moment. The main issue was the security check. Sure, security is tight these days, but I had to scratch my head at the way they were handling it. I was asked to kindly step aside for some questions. It went something like this:
"Hello. How are you?"
"Fine."
"Great! Where did you just come from?"
"Croatia - through Zagreb."
"Oh. Why did you go to Croatia?"
"I was there for the holiday." (Smile)
"Why?"
"Because I heard it was beautiful."
"Yes, but why?"
"Huh...?" (I'm a little thrown off by this)
"Why not Rome or Munich? Why did you have to go to Croatia? You could have gone any where."
"Well, I was reading the Lonely Planet and thought that it was a good idea." (I start getting slightly annoyed, as people are now getting rushed through the gates)
"Hm. Where did you come from?"
"The US."
"Did you go to Croatia with anybody?"
"With my friends."
"Where are they from?"
"Uh... the US."
"Where are they? Are they traveling with you?"
"No. They are still in Croatia."
"Why?"
"I have to go back early for work."
"Where are they from in the US?"
(Aaaaaarrrrrrggggg...)
"They are from Atlanta and Colorado."
"Okay, what are their names?"
"Paul XXX and Nick XXXX." (Smiling through gritted teeth)
"What do you do for a living? Who do you work for?"
I answered politely, and that was the end of the questioning.
This charade went on for at least 10 minutes. No wonder that people couldn't board these planes on time. Not to mention, it was slightly annoying that he presumed I was some bizarro for going to Croatia (or is there some Croatian drug ring lurking?). It just exhausted me to watch this guy question every other person in cue. I wished it was a lottery rather than an airport security check. Or a nickle for every time he asked "Yes, but why did you need to go there? Why not London or Barcelona?"
Dutch efficiency? - (BIG) question mark.
Croatia ~manos y trabajos~
What do a couple of Turks, Americans, a Polish, German, Uighur Chinese, Japanese, and a Belizeian have in common? Nothing. Except a fortuitous junction in Croatia for New Year’s 2007, that is.
Happy New Year's! - from Split, with love.
I must admit, when I first decided to go on this trip, I would say, “Yeah… I’m going to Croatia… in the winter. But it’s going to be fun, because all my friends will be there.” Now, I’m a complete advocate of Croatia – it is a little-known Mediterranean secret, especially the southern coasts during winter. The sun shines bright and the sky is blue. The cold sea is broken by drops of Agean blue, a hint of the crowded beaches in Summer.
Dubrovnik
The crew - Tugba (Turkey), Kathleen (Germany), Guljahan (China), Grzegorz (Poland), Saki (Japan), Nick (US), Jam (Belize), Paul (US), Devrim (Turkey)
There were three Euro-trip virgins, and they couldn’t have had a better destination for their very first time. I’m sure it has whet their appetite for more.
Dubrovnik
When Old European cities were first built, they must have looked like Dubrovnik’s Old Town. All the stones are polished white and everything glistens like a fairy tale.
Walking around Dubrovnik's Old Town
It’s mind-boggling to think that 80% of the city was bombed and rebuilt 13 years ago. I couldn’t help but come to an eerie realization that this is the first time I ever stepped onto soil where a war happened during my generation.
A map indicating where the bombs hit streets and roofs during the war.
But back to our holiday… We struck a good balance between sight-seeing and partying, thanks to Digidy keeping us on track with the itinerary (truly a pleasure to travel with you, buddy) and to Grzegorz, who never ceased to remind us to grab a pivo (or two, or three).
Lodging was pretty easy-going, except for this one lady who complained that we were too noisy (um… we’re 9 young people coming in for the New Year’s – why rent the place out to us in the first place?). We were super lucky otherwise. For the last couple days in Dubrovnik, we had an awesome host who took us out to Montenegro and gave us some of his homemade grappa – yum! His whole family was nice and welcoming. We felt a little happier and closer to the people in Croatia.
Nikolai was an awesome guy. Great host and great grappa!
Croatia – Bosnia? – Croatia again
So we headed up the Dalmatian coast to spend our New Year’s in Split, which is a 4-hour bus ride away. We were giddy as school children with junk food scattered on the seats.
We were mildly amused to find that we had to go through Bosnia to get to Split. Suddenly, the country count went up to 2 – woot! The customs patrols scrutinized our troupe’s passports, and I’m sure they were thinking:
“Turkey. OK. Now what’s this? China? She doesn’t even look Chinese. Belize…? Now they’re screwing with my head – is that a country???”
We were certainly a strange combination traveling together.
Split
Split is a really cool city, especially because I’m a sucker for port cities. Istanbul, Hong Kong, San Francisco, Hamburg, Split – they’ve all got that certain energy of a city by the water. We took a ferry to Brac Island, which was a sleepy little town this time of the year… except for a couple of crazy tourists jumping in the sea for dares… Ballsy or insane? Your call.
New Year’s in Split
Need I say more? (Okay, power hour was a little weak. Nobody was stumbling. We need to improve on that next year).
Montenegro
Digs and Drake left their women behind (poor Guljahan and Jam had a hard enough time getting Croatian visas), so the guys (+ Saki) took off for a day trip to Montenegro (country #61 for Digs).
The funny thing is, we watched James Bond Casino Royal the night before, so we were expecting this super ritzy and expensive city where all the high-rollers, well... roll. Our expectation was countered with a beautiful mountainous landscape, fortresses, and nice beaches. We saluted the sunset with some cigars, Montenegran spirits, and tea.
Watching the sunset in Montenegro - life is good.
Epilogue
As we travel more and more, our comparative instincts kick in. At one point or another each of us said, “Croatia reminds me of so-and-so place…” It’s so interesting how we all see the same thing, yet our finders perceive slightly different images – colored by our own experiences and emotions.
I left Dubrovnik while the town was sleeping, and I saw the walls of Old Town grow smaller. The car turned around the bend and the city lights disappeared. Suddenly, a view of the crescent moon casting a soft light on the pitch black sea jumped into my eyes. Being struck unexpectedly by the beauty of the girl-next-door – that’s what winter in Croatia is like.
Happy New Year's! - from Split, with love.
I must admit, when I first decided to go on this trip, I would say, “Yeah… I’m going to Croatia… in the winter. But it’s going to be fun, because all my friends will be there.” Now, I’m a complete advocate of Croatia – it is a little-known Mediterranean secret, especially the southern coasts during winter. The sun shines bright and the sky is blue. The cold sea is broken by drops of Agean blue, a hint of the crowded beaches in Summer.
Dubrovnik
The crew - Tugba (Turkey), Kathleen (Germany), Guljahan (China), Grzegorz (Poland), Saki (Japan), Nick (US), Jam (Belize), Paul (US), Devrim (Turkey)
There were three Euro-trip virgins, and they couldn’t have had a better destination for their very first time. I’m sure it has whet their appetite for more.
Dubrovnik
When Old European cities were first built, they must have looked like Dubrovnik’s Old Town. All the stones are polished white and everything glistens like a fairy tale.
Walking around Dubrovnik's Old Town
It’s mind-boggling to think that 80% of the city was bombed and rebuilt 13 years ago. I couldn’t help but come to an eerie realization that this is the first time I ever stepped onto soil where a war happened during my generation.
A map indicating where the bombs hit streets and roofs during the war.
But back to our holiday… We struck a good balance between sight-seeing and partying, thanks to Digidy keeping us on track with the itinerary (truly a pleasure to travel with you, buddy) and to Grzegorz, who never ceased to remind us to grab a pivo (or two, or three).
Lodging was pretty easy-going, except for this one lady who complained that we were too noisy (um… we’re 9 young people coming in for the New Year’s – why rent the place out to us in the first place?). We were super lucky otherwise. For the last couple days in Dubrovnik, we had an awesome host who took us out to Montenegro and gave us some of his homemade grappa – yum! His whole family was nice and welcoming. We felt a little happier and closer to the people in Croatia.
Nikolai was an awesome guy. Great host and great grappa!
Croatia – Bosnia? – Croatia again
So we headed up the Dalmatian coast to spend our New Year’s in Split, which is a 4-hour bus ride away. We were giddy as school children with junk food scattered on the seats.
We were mildly amused to find that we had to go through Bosnia to get to Split. Suddenly, the country count went up to 2 – woot! The customs patrols scrutinized our troupe’s passports, and I’m sure they were thinking:
“Turkey. OK. Now what’s this? China? She doesn’t even look Chinese. Belize…? Now they’re screwing with my head – is that a country???”
We were certainly a strange combination traveling together.
Split
Split is a really cool city, especially because I’m a sucker for port cities. Istanbul, Hong Kong, San Francisco, Hamburg, Split – they’ve all got that certain energy of a city by the water. We took a ferry to Brac Island, which was a sleepy little town this time of the year… except for a couple of crazy tourists jumping in the sea for dares… Ballsy or insane? Your call.
New Year’s in Split
Need I say more? (Okay, power hour was a little weak. Nobody was stumbling. We need to improve on that next year).
Montenegro
Digs and Drake left their women behind (poor Guljahan and Jam had a hard enough time getting Croatian visas), so the guys (+ Saki) took off for a day trip to Montenegro (country #61 for Digs).
The funny thing is, we watched James Bond Casino Royal the night before, so we were expecting this super ritzy and expensive city where all the high-rollers, well... roll. Our expectation was countered with a beautiful mountainous landscape, fortresses, and nice beaches. We saluted the sunset with some cigars, Montenegran spirits, and tea.
Watching the sunset in Montenegro - life is good.
Epilogue
As we travel more and more, our comparative instincts kick in. At one point or another each of us said, “Croatia reminds me of so-and-so place…” It’s so interesting how we all see the same thing, yet our finders perceive slightly different images – colored by our own experiences and emotions.
I left Dubrovnik while the town was sleeping, and I saw the walls of Old Town grow smaller. The car turned around the bend and the city lights disappeared. Suddenly, a view of the crescent moon casting a soft light on the pitch black sea jumped into my eyes. Being struck unexpectedly by the beauty of the girl-next-door – that’s what winter in Croatia is like.
