Random stories from nowhere and everywhere
“Princeton, in the summer, smelled of nothing, and although Ifemelu liked the tranquil greenness of the many trees, the clean streets and stately homes, the delicately overpriced shops, and the quiet, abiding air of earned grace, it was this, the lack of a smell, that most appealed to her ... She liked taking deep breaths … Continue reading It was an overwhelmingly sweet memory
Early this month, I called my mother on her birthday. After wishing her well and chit-chatting about this and that, I told her about a recent award I just got. Unlike many previous research accolades I was awarded which were too "abstract" for her, she was actually truly interested in this one. She said, "Oh, … Continue reading “Good person award”
Standing in front of the mirror of my parents’ cabinet, I’m seeing the shadow of myself. I am definitely much older. It’s been seventeen years since I left this house for good. Now I am a different person with my own life, different than and separated from the life I had in this house. The … Continue reading Dayeuhkolot and me
After standing in line for hours, it was finally my turn. I was one of thousands of high schoolers who were queuing to register for the national entrance examination for public universities. I wished to be admitted in the best technical university in Indonesia. My very smart eldest brother, who applied to the same university … Continue reading Being Lim
Dear blog readers, As you have noticed, I have reconstructed the site and came up with a new design. This site is somewhat under construction and will be so indeterminately. I'll not explain much why and how I came to the new look. In short, I was half-asleep playing with the site and did something stupid. As … Continue reading New site, under construction, and missing posts
In case you need some "#activist" and "for #justice" pick-up lines for the #Valentine week, here are some I made for you. Enjoy Baby, I tell ya direct action beats inaction. Let me distribute my love equally all over you. Do you believe in oppression at first sight? Let me be your Wall street, babe. … Continue reading Just Valentine
Facebook asks what's on my mind. Twitter asks what I'm doing. Instagram asks what I'm seeing. Foursquare asks where I am. Social media is like an obsessive ex-boyfriend. In this place you have a profile picture and what you do is just sitting around, making friends with strangers, bragging about life you don't have, and … Continue reading [Quote] On social media
New research says that social media users tend to believe any statement that starts with "new research says". Five years ago I proposed that "coconut is mammal". After years of further in-depth observation, today I declare that "Coconut is indeed mammal: it is bony, has fur, and produces milk." In 2013, I warned those who … Continue reading Really Random Quotes
One of so many fun dialogues from today's reception. I was there as a singer. Guest (G): Madame, what a great singer you are! It was beautiful. Me (M): Thank you, you're very kind. G: Where do you usually sing? M: Nowhere... I am new to Ottawa, haven't performed that much. G: Oh? Really? What … Continue reading Professor-ing
People with PhDs shouldn't be too upset with those who get doctorates without enduring years of doctoral student' life-with-no-life. Honorary degrees are meant to be encouraging -- which means people who are awarded the degrees are encouraged to do more -- meaning they're not doing enough, yet. For example, Kermit the Frog received a Doctorate … Continue reading On Honorary Degree