We were looking for an apartment, and have narrowed down to two.
We began to think about how furniture layouts for the new apartment should be. For a reference, I am reading a book about Feng Shui ("Feng Shui your life" by Jayme Barrett, to be exact). Feng Shui is something like a guide for housing and interior decoration, a system by ancient Chinese. Actually it is much more than that. Notion of Feng Shui had a huge impact on ancient Asia, as the Chinese had the most advanced civilization at the time. Old Japanese capital city Kyoto was designed based on the Feng Shui system, for example. But I only use this interior guide aspect for now.
Some parts of the Feng Shui system just sound like a bunch of superstitions, which I don't necessarily dislike.
For example, they introduce a notion of Bagua (octagram). You divide your residence in 9 areas (3x3); front-right, front-center, front-left, middle-right, center, middle-left, rear-right, rear-center, and rear-left. Each area ("energy center") corresponds to an aspect of your life; helpful people, career, knowledge and wisdom, creativity and children, health and well-being, family, love and relationships, fame, and wealth and prosperity.
You don't want to have a bathroom in, say, rear-left of your house (wealth and prosperity area) because your money and fortune would go down the drain.
At first it sounded hilarious. But when I gave it a thought, I realized that this Feng Shui system can be quite beneficial. Aforementioned 9 aspects of our lives are all important aspects. If we think about them every time we move, it is like a regular checkup for life.
Also, they emphasize the use of colors and the symbolic meaning. By following the Feng Shui suggestions, you will live in a very colorful, nice-looking residence.
They don't like clutters, and emphasize the flow of energy. It's not unlike the notion of modern ergonomics.
[Ergonomics is the study of designing equipment and devices that fit the human body, its movements and its cognitive abilities. ...Ergonomics is concerned with the ‘fit’ between the user, equipment and their environments. (by Wikipedia)]
Sure, I kind of like it. I'll follow the suggestions and see how the room looks. One of the possible apartments has the bathroom in the love and relationships area. Phew. We should be careful. Might have to buy a night light to counter the draining power. But other than that, we are good. Haha.
June 26, 2012
June 21, 2012
Dance: "So You Think You Can Dance" show
I love the show. I'm not necessarily a very loyal watcher, but I do watch the show when my schedule agrees.
The show is a reality show on TV. It is basically for young dancers in teens-twenties who want to be a professional dancer (e.g. dance in Broadway, music videos and live tour). I'm assuming the winning, or even being among the finalists, is a huge boost to the contestant's career as a dancer.
The producers have auditions in several major cities. In the round one, contestants show their dance (solo or with a partner), and if they can impress the judges/producers, they can advance. In the round two, they (usually) test contestants' ability to dance with choreography and with a partner. Contestants may have to go through some other rounds, and (usually) 20 finalists are selected to compete for the "America's favorite dancer" title, which is decided by the judging and by viewer's voting (the format can change). I don't think there is much room for favoritism in the process and it looks quite fair. Overall the show is somewhat like a long extended version of "A Chorus Line".
The audition format alone can tell you what it takes to be a professional dancer; who shows his/her dance for entertainment purpose in the dance industry to the broad audience. Your dance should be impressive, you need to be able to pick up choreography quick, and you need to be able to dance with a partner.
Certainly it's not for everyone. There are other ways to dance professionally, but here we are talking about the show business. A part of the dance world is very elitist world. Anything professional above a certain level requires this strictness, this sense of the quest for the best.
Last night's show (aired 6/20/12) alone showed many very talented dancers. I was amazed by the dances by some. In a dance, when a girl paused in a beautiful posture, I uttered "Wow". I watch the show because I want to have the "Wow" moment. It was funny the judging choreographer was like salivating while watching her dance.
They are still airing the audition process. There are many good dancers who do not necessarily conform to the professional dancer-selection process. The producers would point out that he/she is not for the show. But I am still entertained by their dances.
Thunder, a professional basketball team based in OKC, is playing NBA finals against Miami Heat. Tonight is the game 5, with Heat leading 3-1. Of course I'm cheering for OKC where I live. I got to go. The game will start.
The show is a reality show on TV. It is basically for young dancers in teens-twenties who want to be a professional dancer (e.g. dance in Broadway, music videos and live tour). I'm assuming the winning, or even being among the finalists, is a huge boost to the contestant's career as a dancer.
The producers have auditions in several major cities. In the round one, contestants show their dance (solo or with a partner), and if they can impress the judges/producers, they can advance. In the round two, they (usually) test contestants' ability to dance with choreography and with a partner. Contestants may have to go through some other rounds, and (usually) 20 finalists are selected to compete for the "America's favorite dancer" title, which is decided by the judging and by viewer's voting (the format can change). I don't think there is much room for favoritism in the process and it looks quite fair. Overall the show is somewhat like a long extended version of "A Chorus Line".
The audition format alone can tell you what it takes to be a professional dancer; who shows his/her dance for entertainment purpose in the dance industry to the broad audience. Your dance should be impressive, you need to be able to pick up choreography quick, and you need to be able to dance with a partner.
Certainly it's not for everyone. There are other ways to dance professionally, but here we are talking about the show business. A part of the dance world is very elitist world. Anything professional above a certain level requires this strictness, this sense of the quest for the best.
Last night's show (aired 6/20/12) alone showed many very talented dancers. I was amazed by the dances by some. In a dance, when a girl paused in a beautiful posture, I uttered "Wow". I watch the show because I want to have the "Wow" moment. It was funny the judging choreographer was like salivating while watching her dance.
They are still airing the audition process. There are many good dancers who do not necessarily conform to the professional dancer-selection process. The producers would point out that he/she is not for the show. But I am still entertained by their dances.
Thunder, a professional basketball team based in OKC, is playing NBA finals against Miami Heat. Tonight is the game 5, with Heat leading 3-1. Of course I'm cheering for OKC where I live. I got to go. The game will start.
June 18, 2012
Dance: Body-type and reference
We had a West Coast Swing (WCS) dance party last Saturday. I was talking with my wife about how to improve the dance. She is interested in WCS and hoping to improve her dance.
Like Salsa and Argentine Tango, WCS is basically a social dance and have been danced for fun or for entertainment by most. It is relatively recent event that they developed national amateur contest circuit, introduced and organized point system and many started to see the dance as a contest/show dance for themselves.
A fun thing about WCS circuit is that there are champions with many different body types. It makes a good contrast to certain performance-oriented dances. If we see a professional ballet company for example, we see dancers with relatively uniform, idealized "Dancer's body". Not too fat, not too bodybuilder-muscular. Lean, proportional and limber "right-sized and -shaped" people you will see there.
Reflecting the social dance origin, there are many "ordinary" looking people in WCS circuit. I think it is wonderful.
My wife has lean body type with long limbs. The body type looks good as a dancer, and it is strength. A potential weakness for the people with that body type is that if they allow the frame to give too much, they can look weak and fragile. The motion will start losing precision and the response delayed. So I am asking her to work on her frame. In WCS most of the time the follower follows her hand, so coordinating entire body movement to the hand movement is very important. Short and stocky dancers usually don't have the issue. They tend to have different weakness and strength.
Good news for my wife is that there are some WCS champions who have similar (or even skinnier) body type. They can be her reference. I am asking her to watch YouTube and learn what they are doing. What works and what not. After all, they are champions and their dance can guide others.
To me it doesn't make great sense if you try something that is far out of your natural strength. Dancers with fuller body can have good presence, but for them trying to move like small and agile dancers would be a pain. "Know yourself".
I'm sure you can find your champions, too.
Like Salsa and Argentine Tango, WCS is basically a social dance and have been danced for fun or for entertainment by most. It is relatively recent event that they developed national amateur contest circuit, introduced and organized point system and many started to see the dance as a contest/show dance for themselves.
A fun thing about WCS circuit is that there are champions with many different body types. It makes a good contrast to certain performance-oriented dances. If we see a professional ballet company for example, we see dancers with relatively uniform, idealized "Dancer's body". Not too fat, not too bodybuilder-muscular. Lean, proportional and limber "right-sized and -shaped" people you will see there.
Reflecting the social dance origin, there are many "ordinary" looking people in WCS circuit. I think it is wonderful.
My wife has lean body type with long limbs. The body type looks good as a dancer, and it is strength. A potential weakness for the people with that body type is that if they allow the frame to give too much, they can look weak and fragile. The motion will start losing precision and the response delayed. So I am asking her to work on her frame. In WCS most of the time the follower follows her hand, so coordinating entire body movement to the hand movement is very important. Short and stocky dancers usually don't have the issue. They tend to have different weakness and strength.
Good news for my wife is that there are some WCS champions who have similar (or even skinnier) body type. They can be her reference. I am asking her to watch YouTube and learn what they are doing. What works and what not. After all, they are champions and their dance can guide others.
To me it doesn't make great sense if you try something that is far out of your natural strength. Dancers with fuller body can have good presence, but for them trying to move like small and agile dancers would be a pain. "Know yourself".
I'm sure you can find your champions, too.
June 12, 2012
Science: Information business
When we work, we generate or provide something of value. Someone else sees the value, and pay for it with his money (or with his own service or product). This is the very basic form of business.
However, sometimes it is not quite as simple or easy to see. I am a scientist. I work. But what I eventually generate as a result of my work is basically a piece of information. The information is valuable to some people, so this business goes on. This actually is a unique form of business.
Unfortunately, information generated by scientists tend to be considered useless by many. Too bad. And probably it is a reason people commonly believe scientists are not the richest people in the world.
The thing is that the value of information differs greatly depending on who evaluates it. For example, information for a new Apple product under development (top secret stuff) may be extremely valuable to someone in the industry, but is useless for me.
Some information is (or can be) immediately useful. Others are not. We scientists put serious thoughts about what information we should pursue to generate.
So that's science as information business.
Come to think of it, what is other business focusing on generating information? Fiction writers. They don't even have to do experiments like scientists, nor require evidence. Brain, pen and paper, that's all it takes. Minimum startup cost with potentially huge return. Try next Harry Potter or Fifty shades of Grey. It's like a lottery. If you don't write, or buy a ticket, you will not win.
A few days ago, an acquaintance asked me how to write a book. He said, "I went to many places and have many stories. Others asked me to write a book. But I don't know how". My answer was, "Sure, just write. Sit down and start writing". I hope he follows this advice. There is no other way as I see it.
However, sometimes it is not quite as simple or easy to see. I am a scientist. I work. But what I eventually generate as a result of my work is basically a piece of information. The information is valuable to some people, so this business goes on. This actually is a unique form of business.
Unfortunately, information generated by scientists tend to be considered useless by many. Too bad. And probably it is a reason people commonly believe scientists are not the richest people in the world.
The thing is that the value of information differs greatly depending on who evaluates it. For example, information for a new Apple product under development (top secret stuff) may be extremely valuable to someone in the industry, but is useless for me.
Some information is (or can be) immediately useful. Others are not. We scientists put serious thoughts about what information we should pursue to generate.
So that's science as information business.
Come to think of it, what is other business focusing on generating information? Fiction writers. They don't even have to do experiments like scientists, nor require evidence. Brain, pen and paper, that's all it takes. Minimum startup cost with potentially huge return. Try next Harry Potter or Fifty shades of Grey. It's like a lottery. If you don't write, or buy a ticket, you will not win.
A few days ago, an acquaintance asked me how to write a book. He said, "I went to many places and have many stories. Others asked me to write a book. But I don't know how". My answer was, "Sure, just write. Sit down and start writing". I hope he follows this advice. There is no other way as I see it.
June 5, 2012
Life/Dance: Slam Dunk
"Slam Dunk" is a Japanese Manga (graphic novel). It is about a high school freshman guy who joins a basketball team for a girl, finds his love for basketball, meets rivals and friends,wins and loses matches, and grows through all the experience. It was a wildly popular Manga in early 90s, along with other famous titles like "Dragon ball","Yu-yu hakusho" and "Inu-yasha".
Some time ago I realized that some people in internet are taking all the trouble translating full bunch of these Japanese Mangas to English and making them available for free.
I thought I quit reading Mangas after coming to the US in 1998. I thought of the time I spent for reading them while in Japan. It was a lot of time, believe me. But after a decade of Manga-less life, out of a bit of nostalgia and curiosity, I picked up a few titles and started reading them.
It was amazing to know how fuzzy or accurate my memories can be. The translators were overall doing very good job. Sure, there are some funny or creative translations, but mostly they are fine.
Okay, back to the "Slam Dunk". I didn't really remember the story or which team won the match or who did what, and it helped to keep my interest. After a few sleep-deprived nights, I finished reading all 31 volumes. It was a real page-turner.
In a scene, the captain of the basketball team had the freshman rookie guy (who never played basketball until then) practice basics. Dribbling in place for a week. Of course it's boring and frustrating. The rookie almost quit. But later, right before an important tournament, he willingly took on 20,000 shooting practice to improve his scoring ability. The practice did not immediately make him a shooting genius, but he figured his success rate is highest when he positions himself at 45 degree on the right from the basket. By practicing, you learn a lot about yourself. Then... ok I hate to be a spoiler.
That reminded me of my own high school days. Somehow we had time for those ridiculous things.That also reminded me of how important basics are for any sport. Of course dancing included.
Most people dance for recreation, for fun. It's fine. But if you are serious about getting better, consider working on basics in a focused manner, just like the basketball guy dribbling the ball for a week. I respect dancers who use the word "training". It shows they are serious, and the result definitely shows on the dance floor.
Some time ago I realized that some people in internet are taking all the trouble translating full bunch of these Japanese Mangas to English and making them available for free.
I thought I quit reading Mangas after coming to the US in 1998. I thought of the time I spent for reading them while in Japan. It was a lot of time, believe me. But after a decade of Manga-less life, out of a bit of nostalgia and curiosity, I picked up a few titles and started reading them.
It was amazing to know how fuzzy or accurate my memories can be. The translators were overall doing very good job. Sure, there are some funny or creative translations, but mostly they are fine.
Okay, back to the "Slam Dunk". I didn't really remember the story or which team won the match or who did what, and it helped to keep my interest. After a few sleep-deprived nights, I finished reading all 31 volumes. It was a real page-turner.
In a scene, the captain of the basketball team had the freshman rookie guy (who never played basketball until then) practice basics. Dribbling in place for a week. Of course it's boring and frustrating. The rookie almost quit. But later, right before an important tournament, he willingly took on 20,000 shooting practice to improve his scoring ability. The practice did not immediately make him a shooting genius, but he figured his success rate is highest when he positions himself at 45 degree on the right from the basket. By practicing, you learn a lot about yourself. Then... ok I hate to be a spoiler.
That reminded me of my own high school days. Somehow we had time for those ridiculous things.That also reminded me of how important basics are for any sport. Of course dancing included.
Most people dance for recreation, for fun. It's fine. But if you are serious about getting better, consider working on basics in a focused manner, just like the basketball guy dribbling the ball for a week. I respect dancers who use the word "training". It shows they are serious, and the result definitely shows on the dance floor.
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