What If Your Country Become Homeless Tomorrow? – I.O.U.S.A


My initial purpose to watch this film was solely for the extra credit in my Econ class although I was alittle intrigued that this documentary film was put on the screen as well as any other Hollywood movies. However, after the film, I’m really glad that I watched it.

The film is about the reality of the United States’ huge deficit, which most of the people are unaware of. $8.7 Trillion. That is just too far amount beyond my imagination. It is 264% of GDP. And it’s still growing.

Imagine the United States as one big family. Under president George W. Bush administration, which is like a bad parenting, by Tax cuts and money supply (which causes high inflation), American citizens have become like spoiled kids given credit cards. They have no idea about the family’s financial situation and they spend money as much as they want. Consequently, it caused subprime issues already. Like any other normal family, there’re only two ways to decrease their deficit. 1) Increase their revenue. 2) Decrease their spending. With all the deficit they already had, simply, they could not afford tax cuts. And 911, Iraqi War, and Hurricane Katrina happened, which resulted in huge adds on spending. What is going to happen when Baby Boomer generation retires? Can we take care of them with this debt?

Until I saw this truth, I thought American people are very rich. Luxury cars, gorgeous house, expensive lifestyle (gym, foods, gas, and etc.), traveling for weekends, and extravagant tastes (designer’s clothes, upper scale furniture, and etc.). I’ve seen many people from any other countries, but I feel American people have the most luxurious lifestyle. Maybe it is a time for us to review our lifestyle and to be back to the old style; spend alittle and save money for the future.

P.S. I couldn’t tell what I.O.U.S.A stands for. If anybody knows…?

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Pink Definitely Still Does Rock!! – So What


I felt so out-of-date and dumb when I found out that everyone else already knows this song and they all love it before I fell in love with this song. Pink has been writing such good songs for the last few years. Her lyrics are so honest and direct. Her songs’ melody is quite catchy also. That brings people’s enthusiasm, and makes people fall in love with her songs. Plus, she also shows her personality alot in her music video too, and makes me laugh when I am watching it. It would be kinda cool to have a grandma like her.

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What’s Your Neighborhood’s Walk Score – Walkscore.com


Even though I’ve been more like a public transit rider than a city walker, walkability is still the important factor when I decide a place to live. This website, Walkscore.com tells you the walkability score of your neighborhoods by just inserting the address you want to search. The degree of walkability, “walkscore” is measured in the scale of 100. The higher the number you get, the more walkability in the neighborhood.  However, some flaws in Walkscore.com is that the “quality” of the neighborhood isn’t into consideration.  Walkscore primary depends on ”quantity;” how many stores, parks, restaurants, in the neighborhood.  Apparently, 24 hours grocery stores are preffered to stores that close at 7pm. 

Also, Walkscore.com provides ranking of cities in the United States in terms of walkability.  Thankfully San Francisco has been ranked in the highest.  However, although I believe that San Francisco has been one of the most walkable cities in naiton, I am highly suspicious about the result.  San Francisco’s public transportation system, Muni has been said the worst metropolitan transit system in the United States.  Some parts between in the neighborhoods are actually very far or dangerous to walk by yourself.  Compared to New York and other cities, steep hills in San Francisco force you to wear walking shoes and sneakers unless you drive a car. 

If they put these quality issues into consideration, I think this website would be very useful.  I love the idea of walkable city.  And I would like them to keep on promoting that.  It may possibly lower the crime rate, improve public transit (=less car dependency), and solve obesidy. 

Find out your neighborhood’s walk score.

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The Japanese Office


I have to say they did such a great job. It’s even funnier, if you understand Japanese. Too bad, they didn’t put captions. Also, I wanted them to show more real weird things in Japanese office.  For example, in summer, people at company office in Japan set the room temperature at exactly 28 celsius degree, which is 82.4 degree in farenhight because the temperature is considered “healthy.”  Of course, in Japanese humid and hot weather, 28 degree is simply “warm” rather than comfortable.  I think everybody knows it, but nobody complain saying “Shikataganai” meaning “Nothing we can do about it.” So, sometimes in Japan, convenience stores like 7Eleven can be more comfortable environment than company office…

I think I’m gonna start watching the show again.

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I’m Yours – Jason Mraz


For all this time, shamefully, I had thouhgt Jason Mraz was kinda shaky artist. Don’t get me wrong. I knew he was a very talented artist since the very first time I listened to his song, Remedy about half a decade ago. But for all this time, in my perception of him, Jason Mraz was like John Mayer with a skater boy atitude. After I heard this song, I soon became a fan of new Jason Mraz. This type of song is more suitable for him, I think. I hope he keeps this chill attitude (after all, he’s 31 now.)
This is going to be a great summer tune this year as well as Leavin’ by Jesse McCartney. I already listened like a million times, and keep humming when I’m not listening. Very relaxed, and I’m not sure the location that he went on a trip to in this music video, but it looks great. It makes me even more want to go back to Hawaii again… I’m yours!

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