I made a small donation to the This American Life podcast and Wikipedia today. Both of these web services make such a big difference to my life and yet they remain free to everyone. That is pretty amazing. You might consider donating to wiki and have your name on the wikipedia donor list alongside thousands(possibly a lot more) of people from all over the world. That list really demonstrates the power of the web as a platform that brings people and their resources together for something truly great.
To subscribe to This American Life on iTunes, click here.
I stumbled upon Mary Pols' blog the other day. She is a blogger, journalist and author of "Accidentally on Purpose: True Tale of a Happy Single Mother". In a post comparing blogging and writing for magazines, she said how the latter forces to write better, because she's writing for an editor. A good editor will improve her "game" like a good tennis opponent does. On another self-loathing day, I might expand this into a self-criticism about not writing and improving my game instead of hating my work. But this is not the day.
I'm now reeking of alcohol and tired. Post-gym dinners with Bern and Steph are always nice chatting sessions about life and work. Today's a little awkward because B had been having a lousy day. Luckily, some thrash-talk and a little alcohol lightened the mood and he was laughing again.
We talked a little about the fresh troops Obama will be pouring into Afghanistan. "Nothing has changed, right?" Steph was disappointed because he thought Obama would be a peacenik and end the war.
"It's the same strategy again." Personally, I feel the Americans are doing a thankless but vital job in maintaining peace in the Middle East. And I share the sympathy Tony Blankley expressed on radio recently for those statesmen who are making difficult decisions that have no consensus between the hawks and doves while trying to keep the warring factions from bombing the world out of existence. Good luck, Mr Obama, I hope you accomplish everything they give you the Nobel Prize for.
Blogging is lazy. Holiday planning is mind-boggling. Finally booked a nice Tudor-styled hotel in Cameron Highlands for my family vacation-our first! Usually I like serendipity and adventure, but I this time I'm putting in the effort so my parents don't get lost with me in Malaysia. I think I will enjoy a slow, relaxed holiday on the cool highlands with hot tea. :)
Let's end this nonsensical post with Green Day's "time of your life". Oh I can't wait for their concert here in Singapore!
