Unbelievable.

Now we all know that racism isn't dead, but sometimes something comes along that just blows you away. We all remember Mel Gibson's rant, Michael Richards' (Kramer) rant, but rarely do you see racism so spelled out and so public.

A young, male Asian columnist decided to publish a piece, entitled "Why I Hate Blacks" in AsianWeek, a San Francisco paper owned by the prominent Fang family (who used to own the San Francisco Examiner). It is possibly the most offensive thing I have ever seen published in a mainstream paper.

What's most amazing about it all is that he has apparently written and published racist crap before without getting fired. He has also written columns called "Proof That Whites Inherently Hate Us" and "Why I Hate Asians," and "Why Non-Violent Protest Will Never Help Asians." (To read more about the controversy: SF Chronicle article) Apparently, those weren't quite offensive enough for anyone to care.

It just takes my breath away.

[Update: as of 2/28/07: The SF Chronicle reports that the "Editor Regrets 'Hate' Column" ...but HE HASN'T DECIDED WHETHER TO FIRE THE MORON WHO WROTE IT!!!! Yeah, that sounds like regret to me. That is one of the stupidest things I've ever heard. For the only non-stupid commentary I've seen on this topic so far, check out this column.]

On a happier note, yesterday was my birthday, and I appreciate all the wonderful well-wishes I received! Thanks to everyone!

Blahs

I am suffering from the sudden onset of winter blahs. This could have something to do with the horrible snowstormy weather. But I think it has more to do with the fact that I got violently ill yesterday.

I had a bad case of either stomach flu or food poisoning. I was at the campus health center for hours on end. Yuck. Good news is that I'm feeling much better today. Hoping to be completely back on my feet tomorrow.

Luckily, in the midst of all of the wintry misery, I can rely on my joyous memories of a lovely long weekend in paradise. Puerto Rico was gorgeous (see sample photo). I greatly enjoyed meeting people and getting a feel for the world of consulting. I can actually picture myself enjoying that type of work a great deal.

I also managed to accomplish # 36 on my list ("Try one thing that scares me or is completely out of character for me") when I went swimming under a waterfall in the rainforest. It was a blast!

By the way, I can also cross off #4 (taking 3 steps to help the environment) because I have started unplugging appliances when not in use, turning off the water while I brush my teeth, and have become a green living representative for my dorm.

I also did #10, contacting a long lost friend, since I recently got reacquainted on Myspace with a pal from junior high. I accomplished #21 ("Go to the dentist"), but I will still have to go back again. Boo. And last, I finished the particularly daunting #30, by throwing out 2 items for each 1 purchased in December. Mainly, I accomplished that by buying very, very little.

Sorry this post was so ridiculously long. I guess I have to be bedridden before I actually get on top of things.