2006.9.16 PUCL party at Sheryl's home

No more cytometry today!!






West Lafayette Open 2006 Gram Slam Badminton Tournament at Sherryl Stadium Court

2006 Summer internship in St.Louis

I was enrolled in NIH-funded T32 Predoctoral Clinical Training Program working for Infectious Disease division, Medical School, Washington University. Nice place...






The last day in St.Louis: Cardinals' Busch Stadium:

Huge rally against Taiwan's Chen -- from CNN

Dear my friends, don't try to guess what color I am because besides blue and green, my blood is red. I love my country Taiwan because, if there is any reason, in my body, there is blood from my grand father. He gave his whole life and love to this country as a soldier since 1920. He is my hero not because the battle he won but because of the loyalty to this country. Some friends thought I am blue because of my parents' background while others thought I am more like green. Please don't ask me simply since I have no answer. I have no answer not because I don't love my country but don't think it is necessary to choose one. The only question I ask myself is: "when a war happens in Taiwan Strait, where am I?"

In the States, I am clearly identified as Taiwanese. Whenever some misunderstanding Taiwan as a part of China exists, I am always the first one to jump for defense. Clearly I told my friends Taiwan is an independent country from China.

However, I am not always without an answer. This time if I am asked for my opinion, I am glad to see that happens, if

1. most people thought A-bian is disqualified not only because he ran out of credits but also because of absence of ability to lead Taiwan into a better and stronger countiry and

2. if A-bian's set-down can set a good example for the future.

I have no time or interest in further discussing this issue and secondly, there are too many discussions and analyses much more professional than mine. No matter what will happen, I will keep telling my friends I am from Taiwan and I love there.

News from CNN:

TAIPEI, Taiwan (Reuters) -- Tens of thousands of people opposed to Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian took to the streets on Saturday in response to calls for weeklong demonstrations aimed at unseating the scandal-plagued leader.

The rally, one of the largest to date, saw a steady flow of people streaming in during the day to the site in front of the presidential palace before the event began in the late afternoon. Observers put the crowd at between 30,000 and 50,000 when the demonstration officially began in the late afternoon, but TV reported the crowd was up to 80,000. Campaigners had said they expected between 240,000 and 300,000.

Organizers said the mass protest was triggered by public frustration over a series of scandals involving Chen's family and officials in his administration. On Saturday Chen returned to his hometown in the southern county in Tainan, meeting his supporters and praying for his political survival.

"Everything we do, we do it for Taiwan's democracy and freedom ... We cannot let people destroy this," Chen told his supporters in Tainan, responding to the protest in Taipei. Chen and his wife have been questioned over the use of the presidential office's state affairs budget, while son-in-law Chao Chien-ming has been charged with insider training. Several high-level officials have also stepped down prematurely this year due to a series of corruption scandals.

Chen's office has said the president would neither step down nor meet the crowd. He rejects the allegations of corruption and says he did not pocket any money from the state affairs budget. Taiwan's financial markets have come under pressure this week in the run-up to the protest, organized by the "Million Person Depose Bian" movement led by Shih Ming-teh, former chairman of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party.

In Taipei chants of "A-bian step down," a reference to Chen's nickname, broke out occasionally, and people wore shirts with similar themes and waved balloons in the shape of a thumbs-down. "On September 9, we stand here, we sit here, to call on A-bian to step down," said Shih.

"Brothers and sisters, today is a moment in history. The people of Taiwan are watching, the world is watching. They are looking to see if we have the resolve to make A-bian step down." On Friday, about 4,000 people demonstrated in Taipei to express support for Chen, who was elected in 2000 and 2004, and for Taiwan's independence from China. China regards self-ruled Taiwan as a breakaway province.

Tennis Legend - Andre Agassi

The legend is Andre Agassi.

September 4th in US open, Agassi ended his 21-year tennis career with 61titles (60 are singles), in a lost to Benjamin Becker, 25, who won his 5th carrer game. After Pete Sampress retired at 2003, I seldom care or even watch tennis. Idon't even know who Roger Federer is. (Roger Federer is looking for his 3straight US open title this week.)

In wikipedia, it says in the last paragraph of the section, "2006: The end of an era", "On September 03, 2006 Andre Agassi's illustrious and champioship filled tenniscareer came to an end. Benjamin Becker of Germany (ranked 112th), the 2004 NCAAMen's Single's Tennis Champion, dispatched the American legend 7-5, 6-7, 6-4,7-5 in the third round of Agassi's 21st US Open. Agassi leaves the sport witheight Grand Slams and 60 titles. He was saluted with a standing ovation by thespectators at Arthur Ashe stadium while he delivered a heartfelt, tearfulgood-bye to all the fans who supported and carried him throughout his legendarycareer."

The whole court was occupied by his fans including his 2-year old daughter and4-year old son who has no idea what was going on, many of whom were crying whenthe game came to the end when young Becker served a game-winning ace. I believethey cried not because of the lost but their dream, "the legend who livesforever", is just a dream. Agassi was deeply touched by the crowd and weeping.

After speechless for 10 mins, he finally stood up with his famous kiss to thefans again and again, saying, "The scoreboard says I lost today, but whatscoreboard doesn't say is what it is I have found. Over the last 21 years Ihave found loyalty; you have pulled for me on the court and also in life."Looking around the sold-out seats, he continued, "I have found inspiration.You have willed me to succeed, sometimes even in my lowest moments. And I havefound generosity. You have given me your shoulders to stand on to reach for mydreams; dreams I could never have reached without you. Over the the last 21years I have found you and I will take you and the memory of you with me fordifferent. I think in fans' hearts, the legend lives forever.

If you haven't gotten a chance to watch the game, you won't wanna miss them: