Daylight Saving Time – 2008

Today, the clock had been adjusted one hour forward from 2.00 AM to 3.00 AM in most of the States in America as Daylight Saving Time for this year is in effect. Now, until Sunday November 2, 2008, the time zone that I live in (Pacific Standard Time – PST) would be changed into Pacific Daylight Time which is 7 hours behind the coordinated universal time (UTC-7). Thus, now, I am 14 hours behind the time in Bangkok.

Daylight Saving Time has never been practiced in Thailand so it might sound complicated for those who are not used to it. Anyway, it is a sign for the Spring which I am pretty much looking forward to. The cherry blossom trees in my neighborhood have started blooming. I can’t hardly wait for the warmer season to come.

Remarkable Quote on Cultural Dimensions

As I did some researches for my report at school, I came across a very good book called “Masculinity and Femininity: The Taboo Dimension of National Cultures” by Geert H. Hofstede, a renown Dutch anthropologist whose main works involve the cultural and organizational behaviors. As the title stated, the book discussed about one of five Cultural Dimensions proposed by Hofstede; Masculinity and Femininity. I will not describe the detail here as it is the objective of this post. (Those who are interested in the Cultural Dimensions may find a concise description at the following link: Clearly Cultural.) When I finished reading this book, I was so impressed with the closing remark of the book that I decided to share it with everyone here. The text is clear by itself and need no explanation.

“Nations in the world have become more and more interdependent, and violence has become a less and less effective way of resolving international problems. There is no substitute for listening to and talking with others, and for trying to understand the reasoning and motives of people whose mental programs differ. This means understanding one’s own mental programs, including the taboos of one’s culture, because taboos that some hold and others do not indicate values gaps to be bridged for a common future”

If you are interested in this book, you may check it out at your local library or take a preview on line at Google by clicking here.

Happy Halloween

Trick or treat!

The picture above was taken at the 7th Annual ETM (Engineering and Technology Management department at Portland State University) Potluck (where everyone brings a dish to share for the dinner) on Saturday, October 27, 2007 – 4 days before Halloween. I was dressed up like a wizard. Being in the United States, I wish I had a chance to enjoy the Halloween night with all the candy giving and dress-up party. Unfortunately, today I had a late night class that finished around 10.00 PM and by the time I got home, I felt exhausted. So, I just updated my blog here for the record that my first Halloween in the United States was not an enjoyable experience, not because of the tradition itself, but because of the situation and the mood I was.

I am looking forward to more enjoyable Halloween next year.

Macy’s Downtown Portland Grand Re-Opening

 

Last Friday, I had a chance to join the grand re-opening of Macy’s department store in downtown Portland. Macy’s is a big fashion and home apparel department store chain which claimed the historic spot at Meier & Frank Square in Portland, replacing the original Portland-based Meier & Frank department store in 2006. Shortly after the name’s change, Macy’s announced a temporary closing of the store at the end of the year for renovation and it has just re-opened on October 26, 2007 after almost ten months of absence. The store is fully renovated with cozy feeling and modern look, while keeping all beloved historical ornaments intact.

The highlight of the grand re-opening ceremony is a giveaway of 3,000 Macy’s commemorative ceramic bags filled with delicious Franco® Hazelnut chocolates and Macy’s Gift Card that could be worth $5, $10, $25, $50, $100 or even $500. I waited in line along with other eager Americans who seemed to be excited about the gift card more than anything else. Well, when the time came, it was somehow chaotic but eventually I survived and, guess what, I was lucky enough to receive a $50 Macy’s Gift Card. Hooray! The celebration continued inside the store with free palatable cakes and apple-cider drink and I enjoyed shopping with my free $50 gift card. It’s my lucky day!

 

Related Links

• Macy’s Official Website

Thai Snack Party at PSU – October 13, 2007

 

Last Saturday, Thai Student Association of Portland State University held a small party gathering all Thai students and alumni together. Never have I known that there are so many Thai students here at PSU. In fact, the association has been inactive for quite some times until our lovely newly elected president (by unanimous vote) came in. Thus, from next year, we will see some exciting and enjoyable events such as the famous “Thai Night” and some field trips. I am looking forward to all the events.

Check out more pictures and captions in Thai at Jao-Yung Ying’s blog. I took the above picture from there. Thanks for the picture.

HUGO – XY or XX?

 

Check out the new fragrances from HUGO – HUGO XY and HUGO XX, with the unique concept focusing on human nature using the difference between men and women’s chromosomes. The official print ad and TV advertising shows male actor/model Jonathan Rhys Meyers fighting in the boxing ring with female model Bette Franke, so passionately and intimately that you could easily imagine what will happen next. The official website of the fragrances has the couple’s fighting scene as a background with suitable music. It’s enjoyable to watch. You could also request a free sample of the fragrance if you reside in the country listed in “Free Sample” link. As the web site is rich in content, you should connect via high-speed internet to ensure smooth and enjoyable experience of the web site.

The URL of the web site is as follow: http://hugo-xyxx.com/

Farewell, Brownie

 

Just a moment ago, I called home to check if everything is fine and, unexpectedly, I had just been informed that my dog “Brownie” at home was dead this morning. He was a cute little Poodle that our family got from a friend 3 years ago since he was a puppy. He went along well with everyone in the family, including a cat “Tiger” we had a long time ago. It’s always enjoyable to play with him and see him sleep relaxingly with Tiger, quite an unusual sight seeing a dog and a cat at peace together.

I am deeply sadden to hear this news that I just had to write about him in this blog. At least, it would be his little space of obituary. Rest in peace, Brownie. May you find your way to dog’s heaven. We will always miss you.

Party in the Park

Today I had a chance to join one of the biggest events for the Fall term at Portland State University called “Party in the Park.” It was held at the South Park Blocks of the university with lots of student and university organizations joining the event. There were free foods (that’s great!) and enjoyable live music (that’s even greater.) The weather was nicely sunny thus it’s just fun to hangout and had a lunch literally in the park.

In the evening, I also had a chance to attend the International Student President’s Welcome Reception at Simon Benson House Alumni & Visitor’s Center. The unique building of the center used to be a house of Simon Benson, a successful Norwegian American businessman who contributed tremendous amount of his wealth to the city of Portland, building school and giving a land for public park, just to name a few. His house was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983 and later was saved from the city condemnation and moved to the place it is today.

All in all, it’s another enjoyable and informative day for me in Portland, getting to know many new people and places. I am sure there are a lot more of Portland for me to explore and I am looking forward to checking them out.

Happy Birthday to Me

 

Yeah, the 24th of August is my birthday. You wouldn’t normally see people write Happy Birthday for themselves but I would do. Especially this year as I turned 30! There is a saying that age is nothing but a number. However, for me, 30 did mean something. Yesterday I could say I was twenty-something but from today till another decade I will have to say I am thirty-something. Do your math and that is a huge number. This year there will be more changes for me. Come next month, I will have to go to the States to further my study for Ph.D. (For those who still don’t know, read this post >>> America, Here I Come.) Thus, it’s another big journey away from home and being a student again after so many years of working. A lot of events, either happy or sad, have happened so far in my life and I am certain that there are lots more that life has to offer. Come rain or shine, I would definitely take it and enjoy my life as it’s the best I could do and I will do my best.

Looking back years from now, I would have this entry as my personal reminder of who I was and what I have become. Well, generally, I regarded birthday as another day like everyday except the fact that everyone around you who cares could remember the day and wishes you a blessing. I am always felt overwhelmed with joy and rupture for that best wishes because it came from everyone I loved and that made me who I am.

Happy Birthday to Me!!!

Transformer Personality Test

 

It seems that almost all of my friends had taken this Transformer personality test and posted their results online. So, here is mine. I am 68% Optimus Prime and this is what the quiz has to say about being Optimus Prime.

Optimus Prime

Optimus Prime is the heroic leader of the Autobots. He is the personification of courage, strength, and integrity. His personal motto is that “Freedom is the right of all sentient beings.”

Like Optimus Prime, you are good by nature. But beware because mischievous thoughts sometimes tempt you. You are inspiring, confident, and a natural leader. The Autobots have chosen well. In addition, you use technology when you need to, but you do not embrace the latest trends.

Like all personality test, some are true and some are not. Well, no one knows you better than yourself.

You could see more results at Aoyoyo, Pradt, Udomdog, Nut or try for yourself at Transformers Quiz.