Science policy program

My system architecture prof. Crowley spoke at White House after President Obama's Science Policy Announcement.

Odor

Before Spring Break, I met one biology student at laundry room, who told me that is her first time to do laundry in the spring semester. I could not believe it until I see how many load of clothes she is doing. Lately I have been sit next to a few 'smelly' students in the class, or some students hair have been clearly standing up, I wonder if there is a ratio between stress and hygiene cleaning practice.

Now CNN has a video.

Celtics

Boston's weather is like little baby's face, one moment with rain and wind, another moment has 80+ degree. That was what we had on Tuesday. Suddenly I realized that I have not prepared summerish clothes here :( But outside blooming cherry trees totally let you forget that short moment of concerning 'what to wear'. I took time walking by Charles river, all what I could say is 'WOW', never thought this part of Cambridge/Boston beauty, which is totally stunning. A lot of boats by the river. One of my classmates asked me to take Sailing class since we all can get a sailing card here and MIT has a great collection, why not.

This afternoon I had the most disagreed talk from one of my class. The prof. has strong opinions about believing to bring manufactor back to Europe and U.S., and think regulation is the fundamental reason to drive companies' innovation. I challenged with facts of U.S. skip building plants domestically but another country. The current high tax has not helped U.S. economic development. NYTimes Friedman's column has one article about his interview with Intel CEO last month. Though we all have our own opinions, the great part of this talk, or should say the great part of MIT is to tolerate everyone's opinion and everyone will listen instead of avoiding.

Then evening my CEO perspectives class has Celtics' CEO to speak. Have to admit, even for me, a totally non-sports person, totally got fire up by his words, even want to see Celtics' place. Sports management is quite foreign to me, he really articulate well about how he transitioned himself from VC to own a basketball team, all about passion, about taking risks, trusting your guts feeling, on top of that, his wife really gave him huge support, despite they could potential lost all the deposit for purchasing the team, while other investors did not want to join. He credited to the people, let yourself surround with best people, aim high, as high as possible(do not set bar for life, but in short timer), and just hanging in there and be little longer, you will see. He started to tell us that he is not the best CEO but he learns and work hard, do not try to be one he is not.

This week I am reading book, very good one, comparing with first half-term user-center, user-driven innovation, this is quite different perspectives.

Breath in and Breath out

Have not updated blog for several weeks, just solid busy and constantly feel behind.

During Spring break, I went to Russia, mainly Moscow for a week, which was great. The moment I landed Boston, I was in the unstop clock, even busier than the time I left. Literally, I can see now is the heaviest time I have in MIT. After one week trying to catch up, especially friday to work late on papers, Saturday I was sort of on strike after finishing my reading. I need to be away from MIT campus, where should I go? search....

There is the World biggest Pillow fight in Boston on 3rd afternoon, well, I have to experience one, bring my pillow, heading to Harvard Spare, ready for a 'fight'. Really, how often can you hit someone, and still legal?? when i reached there, oh, my, I run to a group of very buff guys, asking if I could join, considering I am wearing glasses, now I am all set, throw the pillow to whoever I could see or not see... if adviser suggests that we need a break and should find a way to relief your stress, I am definitely doing that, soon, arms sore and I was out the fight.

Sunday is Eastern, for past several years I go to Dragt family to spend the day with them, join the family picture taken, oh, I miss them!! Fortunately, my Olympia friend Spee's daughter Anneke invited me to join her family to celebrate the day. She has a beautiful and cool daughter. the reason of being cool is that she does not do those screaming cry or whining sounds, not too shy, so, soon I got playing with her, feeding her(I only wonder after she has ate quite a few food, how come she is so skinny?? I asked the same question to Anneke.) and just bouncing her on my knee. I have to say, this is my best relaxing moment. What a joy to have a little one who keeps smiling face looking at you. I told Anneke that I should come here to play with Mary Lou often.

Keep breathing, I can do this!