I've been living in the Bay Area for over 6 years now and have had my fair share, (perhaps more than fair share) of excellent Dim Sum experiences. There's Koi Palace in Daly City, Hong Kong Flower Lounge in Milbrae, Loon Wah in Cupertino, and good old Ming's down the street in East Palo Alto. I've been to a few joints in Milpitas and Sunnyvale, so I figured I was well versed in what were the 'best' dim sum restaurants in the South Bay.
I have much to learn.
My new favorite place is now Hong Kong Saigon Seafood Harbor Restaurant (where I've basically put the following into my Yelp review). Yes, a 10 syllable, mouthful of a restaurant. Located in Sunnyvale, this place is inexpensive, pushy, rude, and dirty. And I love it all. By noon the place is packed, families and friends are chattering to each other, and the food is pushed around by pushy ladies who hawk the dishes like it's some sort of competition to get rid of them as fast as possible. The su mai is fresh, the pork buns are soft, and the pork spare ribs, oh my, the pork spare ribs are amazing! Once you enter the restaurant, it's like you're in Hong Kong all over again.
For any first timers - if you call ahead 15 minutes, you can get a number for a table. This is a highly valuable piece of paper that grants you eventual entrance into dim sum heaven.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Friday, February 08, 2008
Go see Persepolis
What, 95% on Rotten Tomatoes isn't enough for you?
I majored in history, and even though my Middle Eastern history is a bit dusty, I found Persepolis to be a very compelling perspective on the Islamic Revolution and Iran's history in the 70s and 80s. I encourage you all to learn more about Iran's history - for starters, check out the Wikipedia entry. Read it before you watch the movie for a better understanding.
Even if you don't, the characters of Persepolis are very real contrasted with the simple animation. It's dramatic, funny, and heartwarming. And props to the Aquarius, for screening Persepolis and Juno at the same time!
I majored in history, and even though my Middle Eastern history is a bit dusty, I found Persepolis to be a very compelling perspective on the Islamic Revolution and Iran's history in the 70s and 80s. I encourage you all to learn more about Iran's history - for starters, check out the Wikipedia entry. Read it before you watch the movie for a better understanding.
Even if you don't, the characters of Persepolis are very real contrasted with the simple animation. It's dramatic, funny, and heartwarming. And props to the Aquarius, for screening Persepolis and Juno at the same time!
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Disneyland, Google Style
Monday through Wednesday, Googlers from the West Coast offices headed down to Anaheim for a visit to place of a 'million dreams.' Suffice it to say, it was an incredible experience. I got to go on rides I had gone on over 10 years ago - including Space Mountain, Matterhorn, and Star Tours. And, I got to ride the new rides - California Soarin', California Screamin', Buzz Lightyear, and Indiana Jones. From 8pm-1am, the park was open only to Googlers, with our very own fireworks show and no waits in the lines. I'm still recovering from a long day of travel to get back. More details to come...
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Why the internet is so dangerous (or awesome)
I won't go into specifics, for fear of reprisal from co-workers, but I want to remind us all that anything you say or write can end up on the internet and if you don't control the content, will stay there forever. Old blogs, random comments or forum posts, can all come back to be embarrassing web pages associated with your name. It's like, a permanent record. Not so cool.
So anyway, the reason I'm noting this is because at the behest of a co-worker and some snooping, I found some random Urban Dictionary definitions, Google AdWords sponsored listings for various queries, a MySpace page, YouTube videos, a Xanga, and a brand new website by my co-workers. Kind of incriminating them, but really interesting for me, since it really shed some light on what the people I work with are outside of the job. Or, what they were like before working at Google.
But, the title of this post was about why the internet is so dangerous and awesome. It's dangerous for obvious reasons, but awesome in that I got a good laugh out of all of the funny defitions one of my co-workers used for his own nickname. So face it, if your name is on a webpage, it's gonna be indexed and placed in Google search results. Instead of screaming libel, we might as all get a good laugh out of it.
So anyway, the reason I'm noting this is because at the behest of a co-worker and some snooping, I found some random Urban Dictionary definitions, Google AdWords sponsored listings for various queries, a MySpace page, YouTube videos, a Xanga, and a brand new website by my co-workers. Kind of incriminating them, but really interesting for me, since it really shed some light on what the people I work with are outside of the job. Or, what they were like before working at Google.
But, the title of this post was about why the internet is so dangerous and awesome. It's dangerous for obvious reasons, but awesome in that I got a good laugh out of all of the funny defitions one of my co-workers used for his own nickname. So face it, if your name is on a webpage, it's gonna be indexed and placed in Google search results. Instead of screaming libel, we might as all get a good laugh out of it.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Reality Check for East Palo Alto
When I told my co-workers that I lived in East Palo Alto for the first time, they were all surprised; some asked if I thought I was safe while others jokingly asked if I had ever been shot at. I've realized that it's not the best neighborhood, but I've found it pleasant. No problems with neighbors (they even have some nice children who run up and down the street) and I have my own bedroom/bathroom all to myself. Rent is cheap and I have ample parking in our driveway or the street.
Well, so much for that.
This weekend, MLK weekend, of all weekends, East Palo Alto was hit with three major crimes. A murder. A vandalism of an elementary school. A shoot-out leaving one man wounded. All, just a few blocks from where I live.
It's pretty scary stuff. I drive by the intersection everyday where the murder occurred. Last Thurdsay, I recall seeing police cars and paramedics at a blocked off area of the road where it all happened, probably an hour after the murder. To think, if I had left one hour earlier, I could have been caught at the intersection when the drive-by happened. But, what baffles me is that the next day, at that same intersection, life is back to normal. Kids are playing out in the streets. People walking around like nothing happened.
People move on. Life has to go on, or nothing would be normal.
The question, I am currently confronted with, is if I can or should continue to live here. I have the means to move out. Should I fear for my own safety? I'm not completely certain of my decision yet, but I'm willing to stick things out until my contract ends in August. My understanding is that these crimes have been committed by people outside of EPA. My housemate mentioned that some people are getting out of jail and settling old scores. If it's a one-off thing, then I think I'll be okay. If it keep up, however, I think I would seriously consider moving.
Well, so much for that.
This weekend, MLK weekend, of all weekends, East Palo Alto was hit with three major crimes. A murder. A vandalism of an elementary school. A shoot-out leaving one man wounded. All, just a few blocks from where I live.
It's pretty scary stuff. I drive by the intersection everyday where the murder occurred. Last Thurdsay, I recall seeing police cars and paramedics at a blocked off area of the road where it all happened, probably an hour after the murder. To think, if I had left one hour earlier, I could have been caught at the intersection when the drive-by happened. But, what baffles me is that the next day, at that same intersection, life is back to normal. Kids are playing out in the streets. People walking around like nothing happened.
People move on. Life has to go on, or nothing would be normal.
The question, I am currently confronted with, is if I can or should continue to live here. I have the means to move out. Should I fear for my own safety? I'm not completely certain of my decision yet, but I'm willing to stick things out until my contract ends in August. My understanding is that these crimes have been committed by people outside of EPA. My housemate mentioned that some people are getting out of jail and settling old scores. If it's a one-off thing, then I think I'll be okay. If it keep up, however, I think I would seriously consider moving.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Reworking my tags
When I first started this blog, I thought about tagging posts with whatever subject they were about. I never really thought much about organization - that maybe if I just wrote enough, there would be enough overlap. From a readers' perspective, however, everything was too specific that the purpose of tags - which I believe to be some simple organization based on a common theme or subject, was lost.
So, I've spent some time going over my old posts and decided on the following tags from hereon out:
Biking - road and mountain
Blog - posts related to updating this blog...like this one!
Books/Magazines
Check this out - news articles or video clips I recommend you take a look at
Food - for posts related to restaurants I've recently eaten at
Games - Xbox360 and other stuff
Google - stuff about the greatest search engine ever
History - at one point I was a history major
Travel - places I've been/want to go to
Meta - personal life related posts aka the 'Dear Diary' stuff
Music - live bands or recordings
Photography - pictures I've taken
Politics - various political related posts
Prius - since I drive one, maybe this will have some future use
Sports - self explanatory
Television/Movies
Uncategorized
Work - things related to working
I'll be adding a tag area to the right side navigation of my blog, in case you're ever interested in sorting posts based by each tag.
So, I've spent some time going over my old posts and decided on the following tags from hereon out:
Biking - road and mountain
Blog - posts related to updating this blog...like this one!
Books/Magazines
Check this out - news articles or video clips I recommend you take a look at
Food - for posts related to restaurants I've recently eaten at
Games - Xbox360 and other stuff
Google - stuff about the greatest search engine ever
History - at one point I was a history major
Travel - places I've been/want to go to
Meta - personal life related posts aka the 'Dear Diary' stuff
Music - live bands or recordings
Photography - pictures I've taken
Politics - various political related posts
Prius - since I drive one, maybe this will have some future use
Sports - self explanatory
Television/Movies
Uncategorized
Work - things related to working
I'll be adding a tag area to the right side navigation of my blog, in case you're ever interested in sorting posts based by each tag.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Sunday, February 10, 2008
New Dim Sum Place!
I've been living in the Bay Area for over 6 years now and have had my fair share, (perhaps more than fair share) of excellent Dim Sum experiences. There's Koi Palace in Daly City, Hong Kong Flower Lounge in Milbrae, Loon Wah in Cupertino, and good old Ming's down the street in East Palo Alto. I've been to a few joints in Milpitas and Sunnyvale, so I figured I was well versed in what were the 'best' dim sum restaurants in the South Bay.
I have much to learn.
My new favorite place is now Hong Kong Saigon Seafood Harbor Restaurant (where I've basically put the following into my Yelp review). Yes, a 10 syllable, mouthful of a restaurant. Located in Sunnyvale, this place is inexpensive, pushy, rude, and dirty. And I love it all. By noon the place is packed, families and friends are chattering to each other, and the food is pushed around by pushy ladies who hawk the dishes like it's some sort of competition to get rid of them as fast as possible. The su mai is fresh, the pork buns are soft, and the pork spare ribs, oh my, the pork spare ribs are amazing! Once you enter the restaurant, it's like you're in Hong Kong all over again.
For any first timers - if you call ahead 15 minutes, you can get a number for a table. This is a highly valuable piece of paper that grants you eventual entrance into dim sum heaven.
I have much to learn.
My new favorite place is now Hong Kong Saigon Seafood Harbor Restaurant (where I've basically put the following into my Yelp review). Yes, a 10 syllable, mouthful of a restaurant. Located in Sunnyvale, this place is inexpensive, pushy, rude, and dirty. And I love it all. By noon the place is packed, families and friends are chattering to each other, and the food is pushed around by pushy ladies who hawk the dishes like it's some sort of competition to get rid of them as fast as possible. The su mai is fresh, the pork buns are soft, and the pork spare ribs, oh my, the pork spare ribs are amazing! Once you enter the restaurant, it's like you're in Hong Kong all over again.
For any first timers - if you call ahead 15 minutes, you can get a number for a table. This is a highly valuable piece of paper that grants you eventual entrance into dim sum heaven.
Friday, February 08, 2008
Go see Persepolis
What, 95% on Rotten Tomatoes isn't enough for you?
I majored in history, and even though my Middle Eastern history is a bit dusty, I found Persepolis to be a very compelling perspective on the Islamic Revolution and Iran's history in the 70s and 80s. I encourage you all to learn more about Iran's history - for starters, check out the Wikipedia entry. Read it before you watch the movie for a better understanding.
Even if you don't, the characters of Persepolis are very real contrasted with the simple animation. It's dramatic, funny, and heartwarming. And props to the Aquarius, for screening Persepolis and Juno at the same time!
I majored in history, and even though my Middle Eastern history is a bit dusty, I found Persepolis to be a very compelling perspective on the Islamic Revolution and Iran's history in the 70s and 80s. I encourage you all to learn more about Iran's history - for starters, check out the Wikipedia entry. Read it before you watch the movie for a better understanding.
Even if you don't, the characters of Persepolis are very real contrasted with the simple animation. It's dramatic, funny, and heartwarming. And props to the Aquarius, for screening Persepolis and Juno at the same time!
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Disneyland, Google Style
Monday through Wednesday, Googlers from the West Coast offices headed down to Anaheim for a visit to place of a 'million dreams.' Suffice it to say, it was an incredible experience. I got to go on rides I had gone on over 10 years ago - including Space Mountain, Matterhorn, and Star Tours. And, I got to ride the new rides - California Soarin', California Screamin', Buzz Lightyear, and Indiana Jones. From 8pm-1am, the park was open only to Googlers, with our very own fireworks show and no waits in the lines. I'm still recovering from a long day of travel to get back. More details to come...
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Why the internet is so dangerous (or awesome)
I won't go into specifics, for fear of reprisal from co-workers, but I want to remind us all that anything you say or write can end up on the internet and if you don't control the content, will stay there forever. Old blogs, random comments or forum posts, can all come back to be embarrassing web pages associated with your name. It's like, a permanent record. Not so cool.
So anyway, the reason I'm noting this is because at the behest of a co-worker and some snooping, I found some random Urban Dictionary definitions, Google AdWords sponsored listings for various queries, a MySpace page, YouTube videos, a Xanga, and a brand new website by my co-workers. Kind of incriminating them, but really interesting for me, since it really shed some light on what the people I work with are outside of the job. Or, what they were like before working at Google.
But, the title of this post was about why the internet is so dangerous and awesome. It's dangerous for obvious reasons, but awesome in that I got a good laugh out of all of the funny defitions one of my co-workers used for his own nickname. So face it, if your name is on a webpage, it's gonna be indexed and placed in Google search results. Instead of screaming libel, we might as all get a good laugh out of it.
So anyway, the reason I'm noting this is because at the behest of a co-worker and some snooping, I found some random Urban Dictionary definitions, Google AdWords sponsored listings for various queries, a MySpace page, YouTube videos, a Xanga, and a brand new website by my co-workers. Kind of incriminating them, but really interesting for me, since it really shed some light on what the people I work with are outside of the job. Or, what they were like before working at Google.
But, the title of this post was about why the internet is so dangerous and awesome. It's dangerous for obvious reasons, but awesome in that I got a good laugh out of all of the funny defitions one of my co-workers used for his own nickname. So face it, if your name is on a webpage, it's gonna be indexed and placed in Google search results. Instead of screaming libel, we might as all get a good laugh out of it.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Reality Check for East Palo Alto
When I told my co-workers that I lived in East Palo Alto for the first time, they were all surprised; some asked if I thought I was safe while others jokingly asked if I had ever been shot at. I've realized that it's not the best neighborhood, but I've found it pleasant. No problems with neighbors (they even have some nice children who run up and down the street) and I have my own bedroom/bathroom all to myself. Rent is cheap and I have ample parking in our driveway or the street.
Well, so much for that.
This weekend, MLK weekend, of all weekends, East Palo Alto was hit with three major crimes. A murder. A vandalism of an elementary school. A shoot-out leaving one man wounded. All, just a few blocks from where I live.
It's pretty scary stuff. I drive by the intersection everyday where the murder occurred. Last Thurdsay, I recall seeing police cars and paramedics at a blocked off area of the road where it all happened, probably an hour after the murder. To think, if I had left one hour earlier, I could have been caught at the intersection when the drive-by happened. But, what baffles me is that the next day, at that same intersection, life is back to normal. Kids are playing out in the streets. People walking around like nothing happened.
People move on. Life has to go on, or nothing would be normal.
The question, I am currently confronted with, is if I can or should continue to live here. I have the means to move out. Should I fear for my own safety? I'm not completely certain of my decision yet, but I'm willing to stick things out until my contract ends in August. My understanding is that these crimes have been committed by people outside of EPA. My housemate mentioned that some people are getting out of jail and settling old scores. If it's a one-off thing, then I think I'll be okay. If it keep up, however, I think I would seriously consider moving.
Well, so much for that.
This weekend, MLK weekend, of all weekends, East Palo Alto was hit with three major crimes. A murder. A vandalism of an elementary school. A shoot-out leaving one man wounded. All, just a few blocks from where I live.
It's pretty scary stuff. I drive by the intersection everyday where the murder occurred. Last Thurdsay, I recall seeing police cars and paramedics at a blocked off area of the road where it all happened, probably an hour after the murder. To think, if I had left one hour earlier, I could have been caught at the intersection when the drive-by happened. But, what baffles me is that the next day, at that same intersection, life is back to normal. Kids are playing out in the streets. People walking around like nothing happened.
People move on. Life has to go on, or nothing would be normal.
The question, I am currently confronted with, is if I can or should continue to live here. I have the means to move out. Should I fear for my own safety? I'm not completely certain of my decision yet, but I'm willing to stick things out until my contract ends in August. My understanding is that these crimes have been committed by people outside of EPA. My housemate mentioned that some people are getting out of jail and settling old scores. If it's a one-off thing, then I think I'll be okay. If it keep up, however, I think I would seriously consider moving.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Reworking my tags
When I first started this blog, I thought about tagging posts with whatever subject they were about. I never really thought much about organization - that maybe if I just wrote enough, there would be enough overlap. From a readers' perspective, however, everything was too specific that the purpose of tags - which I believe to be some simple organization based on a common theme or subject, was lost.
So, I've spent some time going over my old posts and decided on the following tags from hereon out:
Biking - road and mountain
Blog - posts related to updating this blog...like this one!
Books/Magazines
Check this out - news articles or video clips I recommend you take a look at
Food - for posts related to restaurants I've recently eaten at
Games - Xbox360 and other stuff
Google - stuff about the greatest search engine ever
History - at one point I was a history major
Travel - places I've been/want to go to
Meta - personal life related posts aka the 'Dear Diary' stuff
Music - live bands or recordings
Photography - pictures I've taken
Politics - various political related posts
Prius - since I drive one, maybe this will have some future use
Sports - self explanatory
Television/Movies
Uncategorized
Work - things related to working
I'll be adding a tag area to the right side navigation of my blog, in case you're ever interested in sorting posts based by each tag.
So, I've spent some time going over my old posts and decided on the following tags from hereon out:
Biking - road and mountain
Blog - posts related to updating this blog...like this one!
Books/Magazines
Check this out - news articles or video clips I recommend you take a look at
Food - for posts related to restaurants I've recently eaten at
Games - Xbox360 and other stuff
Google - stuff about the greatest search engine ever
History - at one point I was a history major
Travel - places I've been/want to go to
Meta - personal life related posts aka the 'Dear Diary' stuff
Music - live bands or recordings
Photography - pictures I've taken
Politics - various political related posts
Prius - since I drive one, maybe this will have some future use
Sports - self explanatory
Television/Movies
Uncategorized
Work - things related to working
I'll be adding a tag area to the right side navigation of my blog, in case you're ever interested in sorting posts based by each tag.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
