Back in Shanghai

I've been back in Shanghai for roughly 10 days. It's been interesting to see my family and old time friends. Every one is engaged in a different walk of like and it is only up to oneself to plot up a life plan. I am convinced that people are born to be a lone star, exploring the world in his own way. Ahh.. only love can provide the transient illusion that there is someone else in the world for us. alright enough sentiment. I am going to the U.S. consulate tomorrow for my first H1 visa. Wish me good luck! After that I think I will go to Pu tuo Shan and then Tibet for 1o days.

I wrote the following email to Bob Crandall today. Thought it was interesting at places. So here it is.

Hi Bob,How are you? I just went to visit Gordon Orr at McKinsey's Shanghai office.And he asked me to send you his greetings. He apparently enjoyed working with youin Hong Kong. In his opinion, PCCW was a great investment for Richard Lee.Gordon told me that there is an "eye-popping" list of CEOs visiting Shanghai everyyear and more or less they all come to see him at McKinsey to learn about the opportunities in China.The government is paying to renovate the facade of our house. This way the houseson our block will have a more consistent style. I don't mind the lack of personalityfor each house, but it bothers me to think all the money comes from tax revenues.Indeed, the old, intrusive tax system is wounding up a large sum of money as aresult of the booming economy. Keynes said a government can pay people to diga hole then fill it. I see that happening in front of my house: they've dug up the roads 4 times in the past a few years to put in water pipes, power lines, telephone lines andnow broadband lines. (there's about 20% BB penetration in Shanghai, but FTTH isthe next big thing on Shanghai Telecom's mind.) Well, this is more a sign of poor planningthan economic stimulus.I am going to the U.S. consulate to renew my US visa tomorrow. And after that, I thinkI will travel to Tibet. Every one else has to study or work during the day. I'm the onlyone who doesn't fit.

Canon Powershot S410

I bought this Canon digital camera from Digital E Tailer a few days ago and it finally arrived here today. I am quite excited about this new toy and have spent a good amount of time playing with it. The sales rep was a slimyball in my opinion and tricked me big time. He basically told me that my battery will only last 30mins and I need a new one that goes me a boost of 2 hours and a half. It turned out that the one he tried to sell me is of 1000mAh and the one the originally came with the camera is of 840mAh. What he told me was just a blatant lie!

Anyways, I returned the additional battery already and should get a refund soon. This doesn't in any way reduce my excitement though. I hope to take my camera out for a few good shooting sessions soon.

Tomorrow, I will represent Brookings in our softball tournament. Should be fun! Expect to see many pictures posted too as now I have my own D-Cam.

random...

Quietly, I let another week slip by without a single entry. There has not been much happening lately.. but no, this just sounds like a big excuse. I had too much to drink last Friday at Recessions. And unsurprisingly, I behaved in a very inappropriate manner and could have potentially offended Vanessa, Pablo's girlfriend.

I saw Michael Moore's Fahrenheit 911 for a second time yesterday. It was not as good as the first time. The whole Saudi conspiracy just did not make any sense, and what bothered me more is how hard Michael tried to use anecdotal evidence to support his theory. He did not need this piece to make his point and failed miserably trying to integrate it into this Bush bashing film.

Clock is ticking and now I need to really buy some presents for my family. Yes, I'm flying back in less than two weeks! I am still a little uncomfortable about the whole visa thing, but it should work out just fine. I bought a digital camera the other day and am excited about this.