The State of the Union speech

Just finally “covered” the State of the Union speech, and basically all I can say is… nothing. If you live under a rock, you know George W. would pull the driver on the War on Terrorism/Iraq and other issues having a blurb. We know everyone’s position that Bush is using the war for oil (Even Bush said America is greed in oil) and setting “their” government. Well, look what happening in the Middle East: a split among religious groups, government, power, greed, etc. It has gotten worse in the Middle East and the Hamas victory last week was the big middle finger to not only the U.S., but for the people who think they are weak. Our problem in the states is everyone believes were not only bullies, but dictators and is a cult that the Bush administration believes democracy always works. We have soldiers fighting for oil which now serves as a cash cow for oil companies and making record profits. The sad part about it is the Democrats don’t have the conviction to take a stand because they want to be centered and impress both sides. On the foreign side, it’s nothing new but the same argument that will maybe last for a long time.

On the domestic side, he didn’t say that much except healthcare and education. Well, he opened the can of worms because social security, healthcare, and the huge deficit are in a deep ditch and the Democrats can take advantage in the midterm elections. With Bush using this as bullet points, he is opening up a change in Congress in November.

Honestly, the speech serves as a one-trick pony and that is the War on Terrorism. It is persuasive because of win-lose mentality effect on ourselves, but after its all done, would the US be in a big hole with numerous domestic and possibly foreign issues in the next ten years? That question remains to be seen. All I can say is lookout for China.

Very poignant moment

I read the message boards just to see what I missed (Usually I go to Television Without Pity and Alt.Fan.Letterman). I came to the Late Late Show thread and mention about a one of a kind monologue by Craig Ferguson (who should replace Letterman after he retires). It was about his father, who passed away last week, and told stories about going to America, Scotland, Craig’s son, and Robert (Craig’s father) last days. I listen to it on the net and it was very heartbreaking and touching. What I like about this episode is that Craig honored his father and he was in control of his show. Showbiz people would give at least 5 minutes, but Ferguson took the whole show and made us feel we are part of the family. This was the same thing last summer when Don Geronimo’s (aka Mike Sorce) wife, Freda, was killed in a car accident. It was more than 75 minutes of hearing the true personality and how Freda change him and telling very sad stories about telemarketers asking for Freda and still asks Freda in bed. If you live in the DC area, this was a huge story and the incident unusually reunited the DC personalities. Let’s be honest; in radio, everyone will take a cheap shot to create ratings and rivals, but at that time, no one took a shot (Well until Howard started the Sirius bandwagon, it went back to normal). The reason I’m comparing the two because they spoke from the heart, where the industry relies on deception for the viewer or listener. Blogs are easy because you’re anonymous to everyone and the writing might sound good, but what if you sounded too good? (The James Frey approach). I have the potential to show off big words and tell my fantasies about girls (Your stretching it). But, I’m more honest in my blogs because it’s actually a relaxation to me. Although no one is required to read it, it’s a sense of relief for me that I said it. Also, I wouldn’t mind doing it on-air, just don’t restrict me on a script. I usually get nervous when everything is scripted. I love to wing it and talk about my life from family, friends, weird sightings, etc. At least I would have the creditability that this is really me, not a tone down version of me.

Also, those two segments remind me about my family. I can tell you my parents are very paranoid of what I’m going to do. I feel nervous because there is no margin for error (based on reaction). Although my parents are very paranoid and strict as I mention before, but when Craig told a story that his father watches Looney Tunes, it was very similar to my father who like the very old school cartoons and not the current crop. My parents can be easily entertain (one time saw my father watching a Lifetime movie) and that is fun because it was new to them. I like to conclude first that my parents are still alive and well. It seems I’m writing an obituary, but I am not. Finally, if you do meet my family, your going to have a unique experience (just don’t impress them with gifts), but if you don’t want to meet with my family, your lost.

Happy Vietnamese New Year

Ok, it is actually called Chinese New Year, but as I mention before about communism in China, it will be always called Vietnamese in our household. Coincidentally, a lot of Far East Asians are successful now with Tiger winning, Hines Ward in the Super Bowl, Apollo Ohno in the upcoming Olympics, and of course The Vietnamese Clan that make up a quarter of the poker craze (ok, I made that number up), this is a good time for us Far Easterners. I remember one time when I was eight years old when my aunt and uncle (don’t tell me which one, I have millions apparently in the family tree) gave me $100. That’s right, one hundred dollars. Then, my parents gave it back because it was “too much” and there was nothing I can do with that dearth of money in his age. Well they’re right; I would say I would own Chuck E. Cheese for $100. But the money would come to good use. On second thought, I would still give it to my parents since they had to buy groceries and other stuff, so it would serve no purpose of keeping it. Anyway, this is a fun time since this is the period where we have New Years, the Super Bowl and Fat Tuesday before lent season (which I will write about on Fat Tuesday). This is probably the day or period my family cares a lot the most because it shares a focus on who we are and what is important how we came and every family member cleans up. Again, Happy New Year to all and hope your year is prosperous (Year of the Dog).

Your typical day

Well, lets began in the morning. I picked up lottery tickets for my family for the Powerball drawing tomorrow worth around $135 Million. Don’t let me down lady luck. That’s it for the morning.

In the afternoon, I went back to NPR to meet up with the staff again for their internship fair. Just hoping a lot more George Mason students go in so I can start the Tracy Tran tree (similar to the Bill Belichick, where I was made them stars, literally I was the first George Mason student to go to NPR). It was a great feeling again, seeing the potential interns and the old staff. I always love to go back to memory lane because these people took a risk at hiring me and both sides enjoyed the experience. I might not want to come back every year, but from time to time, I want to see not only the staff, but the other interns I worked with, although I’m very slow to develop a relationship at first hand. The only sad part is that NPR will only do HR interns for the summer semester. Now, I have to wait who replacing The Prodigy at the HR department.

After that, I went to the second half of work and everything went crazy. Not to go in the deep end, but it will take a long time to settle in since the last person who held my job basically gave me an idea of not to file. But I can say I rebuild the department with someone else and looks good on the resume. Point for me!

After work, I did “spring cleaning” for Vietnamese New Year (yes, its suppose to say Chinese, but were not communists). At the end of day, the house actually smells like strawberries and lemons.

First Week Assessment

This week was my first week in the real world. I got to say it was hectic because this was a new position for Counterpart and me learning Counterpart, as well as tax season is beginning. At least I passed one week, unlike the other two temp jobs I had, where I had jobs for one and two days, respectively. The people are very nice, very friendly, and very diverse. The location is perfect with shops, restaurants and the Improv surrounding the building. So far, so good. But to relieve from the pressure, I am not going to do a weekly assessment of work, just the good parts.

Washington D.C. is back

I have been a sports fan all my life. I was always a homer liking every local sports team in this area.

(Except when you saw Michael Jordan in the Chicago Bulls uniform, you drool like a little puppy.)

True.

Anyway, with the signing of Al Saunders as the new offensive coordinator for the Washington Redskins (Tracy, do you think people read this blog will know who the hell Al Saunders is?) Do I have any readers yet? (Good point)
Trust me, this is a big move and will bring back to the hey days of Washington back.

With Joe Gibbs back, The Skins are respected and feared (Both Gibbs and Snyder). A Super Bowl run is not only a chance, its there for the taking in the next 3 years.

The Washington Wizards are a respectable team, although they are struggling at .500. At least, there’s excitement now with young players from Gilbert Arenas and Caron Butler and the smooth Antwan Jamison. This used to be the doormat in the East, but not anymore.

This year, expect the Capitals to stink, but they have the 3rd biggest superstar in DC (Behind Gibbs and Arenas) in Alexander Ovechkin. Did you see that goal against the Phoenix Coyotes (Also know as where Wayne Gretzky is coaching)? We have a trifecta.

Wait, there’s more. The Nationals are a summer relief and finally I can watch TV (or go to a game) this summer. Sadly, the DC Council has to play the race card to not get the baseball stadium done. This is more of an oxymoron because baseball is diverse with many different nationalities. Baseball managers and front office people are more diverse than any sport. I understand the number of blacks playing baseball is around 5 %, but here is an opportunity for everyone to take advantage, including awareness in urban areas that baseball is cool. Instead they worried suburbanites will rule the area. First, that’s a load of crap and second, you can open a business and they are more job opportunities out there for anyone. So, if you want to play the race card and hide the fact it’s based on the mayor race this November, you can all go to hell.

Did I mention we have the four time MLS champion DC United with Freddy Adu? (Can I get a… please you think that will have a reaction).

Also of note, the city has change with new Metro stops and the development of Northeast DC and Marion Barry is back!

(Ok, now you’re drinking the same Kool-Aid as Barry. Let me tell you that isn’t the kids Kool-Aid for sure.)

But I can proudly say I am a proud Washington DC native.

(Traitor!!! Your from Northern Virginia you suburbanite hump)

Actually, I’m a suburban Washington DC native. (You got to be kidding me!)

The event that started it all

It was eighth grade and the middle school was holding its Economics Fair. I teamed with Aaron, my best friend since kindergarten. We teamed up and we did the Cat in the Hat theme (That was popular in that time) and basketball. We decide how much we were going to sell it for and make a profit. We agreed that our family would do the sewing and Aaron’s family would do the advertising and had leftover cloth.

At first, it was difficult than expected. We were doing a basketball game, and it was hard to shoot at first and it was funny. Eventually, it worked out but the main problem was in sight. Few days before the event, my father worked hard on the hats all night and seemed that he had it right. The problem was Aaron showed my father what he wanted to do and clearly shoed his plans. My father made solid hats, not stripes. It discounted what we were advertising. So, I had to come to plan B and I became manager (cash flow, baby). I admit, that was very selfish of me, but I didn’t want to disappoint dad. But still, I helped out Aaron on the project.

On the day of the event, Aaron finally saw the final product and clearly was disappointed that it was solid. He had his good face on the day event and clearly wasn’t motivated of selling the product. He called me up after the event and vented his frustration. On the night event, Aaron didn’t come, which I was mad because it’s where the huge crowd is, but he took it like everything failed.
I was mad, but my dad was pissed off about Aaron’s no show.

My father and I had a long talk and understand it was bad. I called Aaron, but he didn’t answer. The next day, my father pulled a Marion Berry and told me that Aaron should not be trusted and you should disregard anything with him. I was pretty upset and the event wasn’t a success but we were (very) young and we can learn from this. My dad believes that Aaron was the devil and believes he was using me for his own good. To this day, my father still believes that Aaron is the devil.

Overall, everyone made a mistake:
Aaron should of check in with us if the process was running smoothly. He also should have come to the night event, where it was crowded and should give me a reason.
I should have been in more control of the situation and I was very greedy and arrogant that everything will work.
My father should stop this “feud” and do a truce to Aaron now. He also should of listen to both of us of what were doing and act like he can do, when he didn’t. (Kobe-Shaq did it; the Hatfield-McCoy’s did it, why not us?)

From that moment, I joined Aaron on a couple of group projects (doing it very carefully), still talk during lunch in high school and college. Today, Aaron and I went to different directions and haven’t spoken since my graduation last May.

Love-Frustrating Relationship

Here’s what I believe in: The reason I was born is been staged by God. He selects what makes the most interesting scenario and determines what personality will play. Also, I believe god has the timing down to an exact science to handle any situation. It could be a man of good faith into a criminal family or the happiest family you know of producing one bad apple.

Let me first to say I love my parents and brothers. They taught me how to grow and look for any roadblocks. But, their methods I question. My dad is more of an authoritarian figure and you can say he’s a perfectionist. He wants the exact situation to happen. He believes there is no margin of error and worries that something will go wrong. Any false move and goodbye. My mother is the same way, but more quirky and believes religion solves anything. My oldest brother, Nate, is more of my father’s side a good son and why not, he was the first to come out of the three and believes in “optimizing” a decision. My middle brother, TK has the personality of both a cool person and my dad, and likes to nose around a little. Me, I’m looser in decisions and believe in experimenting and doing new things. Also to note, my brothers were born in the 1970s and I was the one hanging in the 1980s. My whole family is either very conservative or center-right (pending on the topic), while I am a liberal and the only “democrat” in the family.

Why I’m discussing this because today, I was looking for an umbrella at my house and couldn’t find the medium umbrella. My parents then all got pissed because one, we don’t have a medium umbrella anywhere and two, that we’re stuck with the small umbrella and the big umbrella. I believe in a person’s comfort, but my father lashes out that I select the wrong umbrella. It was a half-hour discussion on UMBRELLAS. He’s worried that with a big umbrella, I was going to injure people and endanger someone. He repeated over and over. Now with my experience, I know he is going to repeat it again and just want to get off the story. He still continues with the pros and cons of umbrellas and was dead serious. He should have told me to buy a poncho since it doesn’t injure anyone.

Now I know what your saying is why don’t you fight back? Well, I am never the argumentive type and won’t win in a debate, except sports and media topics, so I ignore the way out of left filed stuff people tell me. Also, I believe something will happen that will change for good for me (Oh, now your been selfish). Another thing is I’m not the most persuasive person in the world and would change it by action, not words. If it works, great; if it doesn’t, try again.

Back to the story, then he tries to teach a lesson on me that you have to learn from your mistakes (Check, got it), but you must watch your superiors to do it and follow them and don’t think your idea is going to work (WHAT?!) That’s why they hired me for ideas, and from that instant, I’m stuck between a worthless discussion and a worthless conversation. I know I made mistakes, but some mistakes = your greater doom? I’m think they want to terrified me to never do it again, but that is my style of trying something different (Thanks short attention span). Then, when I got home, all is fine like the Beavers (Might sound Twilight Zone-ish, but its true).

That was the story of today and let me onto a secret. The only reason I am open towards my friends and colleagues is because in my view, I know you don’t care about my story. You might care, but I’m doing this to release myself. The reasons I’m afraid to say anything is from each different individual. If I were to tell:

Mom & Dad – Boom! Goes the dynamite
Nate – He’ll care and understand but mostly will stand with our parents’ side.
TK – Similar to dad, but a little more caring but with the high pitch and emotion, the perception still resembles.

Another thing is they tell me that I am fat and overweight and start to lose weight, and I agree (Damn urges). Telling me to walk on a treadmill, do sit-ups and push-ups inside the house, ok. But, they don’t let me take a walk outside or hang with friends because of danger and my house is not the best for workouts (The treadmill is facing a wall and there is limited room for sit-ups and push-ups) Now again your thinking, take charge and do it on your own, don’t listen to them, do what is best. Well, that might be a great idea, but two things are wrong about it: the family would call the police that I runaway (I’m not kidding) and if I would to rebel, I honestly would rebel life including my career and friends and I would don’t give a crap about anyone and anything. There are some instances to rebel, but if I would be a complete rebel, I wouldn’t have the lifestyle I’m having, which I pretty much love.

If you put all the pieces together, yes I still do live with my parents but understand this: it’s for financial purposes that I’m still living with my parents and that’s a responsibility I don’t mind to take. Look, all these stories say you hate your family. Not even close. It might be frustrating at times, but they raise me to conquer all challenges and look for direction and settle in. That is all they wanted, granted, they wanted their own version but they’re stuck. The problem is its more of a generational gap that I, alone have different sets of methods than the whole family, but I think God created me is to understand that life is precious, don’t take anything for granted. I know I ‘m going to mistakes but I know I can learn from it, I just prefer my method better and just let it go (Consider this calling the Larry Brown (control freak)-Flip Saunders (open it up) control group). There might be ups and downs, but in the end it will be all worth it.

Second try

Hello everyone,

Actually, this would be my third blog posting. The other two came from MySpace, but I stopped using it because I realize a month ago that MySpace is owned by News Corporation and the ruthless egomaniac, Rupert Murdoch. I don’t mine people buying other companies, I just don’t like people want to buy everything for power (i.e., GE and FOX).

Anyway, this is my debut blog for this site and basically there’s nothing special; just my thoughts on my life and the world around me (boo-hoo). If you want to know me personally, you can check my short profile here or if you have a Facebook account, I’m there as well (find Facebook to be the best, but the double searches are a pain).

The reason I’m doing a blog because I actually have a life starting Tuesday as an HR Assistant in downtown DC, so I can reflect more. If I were doing a blog while unemployed, I would sound like a guy hating the world because “THE MAN” can’t see talent and there’s a bounty on me for some reason like the secret agent is watching me (Damn, you watch too much Boondocks, dude). After over 50 attempted interviews (lost count), someone has taking me under their wings to help thier company grow. It is a great opportunity for me (or could be a curse) to take advantage and rise to the top. Now that I got a job, I have reason for anger and spite since I’m an insider (but not yet; I’m in a happy zone now).

Now, I am off to step 2 in my 12-steps of world domination (Step 1: Intern experience; step 2: Find a real job; steps 3-12: I don’t know yet, but I’ll make it up and publish in my memoirs around 15 years down the road). I’ll be blogging more and see what is really ticking me off, so don’t expect a blog a day everyday. In a selfish way, wish me luck.

Side note: If you see italics, that’s my mainstream alter ego. It doesn’t have a name yet, but I’m thinking calling it Tony K. since I’m borrowing his style of writing (You better hope he doesn’t see it or your bankrupt). Thanks.