Ryu's Blog

Reading:

The History of Western Philosophy-Bertrand Russell

Browse through several topics. Feel it a bit dry and heard from a friend that it’s biased. Will see whether I can stick with it till the end.  If not, I’ll probably get a copy of Descartes or Hume’s works to read.  Russell’s book makes me wonder whether one has to know history to know philosophy.

Freakonomics—Steven Levitt & Stephen Dubner.

An economist uses economic tools to analyze things in everyday life.  Read a few chapters.  An interesting read to see how others apply economics theory to understand things.  It may give me more motivation in studying economics, and perhaps I’d want to apply what I learn to analyze things around me as well.

Tons of other economics and econometric textbooks that you wouldn’t want to know about.

Movies:

Final Fantasy VII Advent Children & Last Order

Nice computer graphic as well as the usual great music composed by Nobuo Uematsu.  It reminds me of the time I spent playing the game. I’ve had a fascination in many of the RPG’s (role playing game) world: the adventures, possibilities, freedom, and sense of purpose that the characters have or discovered. Perhaps that’s why I was willing to spend long time playing those games in the past; just to be able to live in those kind of constructed world and lifestyle vicariously (I guess it’s not much different from reading a novels). I think video games are just another medium like TV, movies, or novels and will provide more possibilities for learning and entertainment as technology advanced.

Social Gatherings:

Lots of gatherings with friends lately, which is good as I get to know many of them better and tasted many delicious foods they cooked.  Love the Thai curries and salads prepared by the very nice Thai friends, the mulled wine (a traditional European warm wine drink during Christmas), Danish rice pudding, and lots of goodies prepared by Jesper, and the great Chinese dinners Jia Xao made.  It’s good to meet all these great friends here.