a tower of cranes [pics]
As we were driving from Berkeley into San Francisco, we met with some dense fog around the maze. As we started to climb the bay bridge, I saw the container cranes peaking over the low hanging flog. Like a scene from Star Wars, it felt like that were slowly marching towards the rebels on the planet Hoth.
Learn how to pronounce Scotch whiskey terms with Evernote Peak
If you're just beginning to learn how to drink scotch, one of the pain points I get when I order is the fear of completely butchering the name of the Scotch. Like ordering at an ethnic restaurant, I usually succumb to my inner demons and point to the Scotch I want to try.
While you'll most likely get the courage to order by name after the second or third drink, here's a little digital flashcard tool to give you necessary courage at drink number one.
You'll need an iPad2, free evernote peak app, and a smart cover.
Download the shared evernote notebook from this link and import it into evernote peak: https://www.evernote.com/pub/somaroovin/scotchpronounciations
Sláinte (pronounced: slán-jah)
Sources: Esquire.com, Scotchdoc, Maltmadness
Eating guide for Dim Sum virgins [visualization]
An old, but fun decision tree for navigating Saturday morning dim sum:
Things to do in Montevideo #1: Asado, Perfection in Simplicity [Uruguay]
Things to do in Montevideo, Uruguay
Typically, when I travel, I don't get the chance to really soak in the culture. For 21 days, I'll be in Montevideo, Uruguay thanks to the IBD project. I've been staying in Pocitos, which is a nice part of town within walking distance to the beach. A couple things I definitely recommend if you come to Montevideo:
- Go watch a proper football game. We saw an exhibition game of Uruguay v. Israel.
- Go out at night. The night starts at 2AM. Most people take a nap after work on Friday before they head out.
- Eat a Chorizo. Just not at the stadium. They say that there is a reason there are no stray dogs around the stadium. I made this mistake and spent 4 days in the hotel.
- Try a Milanesa. So much is fried here, just give it a shot. It's a cross between a Tonkatsu and a Chicken friend steak.
- Try Mate, the original wing-maker. It's a complicated process to get some caffeine. But when in Montevideo, you'll see people walking around with a thermos of hot water and a mate at all times of the day.
My winter vacation…
Cross posted on the Berkeley MBA Student Blog:
They say that time waits for no one and it won't wait for me. What seemed like for long weeks have quickly sped by as I start for my second semester at Haas.
Berkeley, CA
A little known fact: Berkeley has a low-cost, fairly broad student health insurance plan (SHIP). Under SHIP, we not only enjoy $5 copay for eye exams, but also 50% discount on Lasik. Following my last final, I walked across the street from Haas to the UC Berkeley School of Optometry. The next couple days were a bit dark.
Taipei, Taiwan
A week later, got onto a plane and headed to Taiwan. My wife and I got married right before school started and I wanted to take her to Taipei to meet the rest of my family. While in Taipei, I was able to connect with Haas alumni. I was amazed at the loyalty of the alumni that they were willing to go out of their way to meet a stranger. I learned more about what consulting, technology, financial services was like in Taiwan.
Shanghai and Beijing, China
On the 5th, I flew from Taipei to Shanghai to meet up with 59 other Haas MBAs (combination of Full Time and evening/weekend) on a 10 day China Trek. Treks are entirely student run and five of my classmates put together a truly memorable trek.
Read more here.
What are you planning to do when you retire? [Retirement Activities]
Forgive me if this is common knowledge, but why is it that when people reach a certain status here in the bay area, they open up a winery?
I wonder what I would do if I made it big. Open a winery? Ha.
Maybe open up a cheese shop, or a whiskey distillery. What would you do?
Driving Range Connections [Golf]
What do you do when you're picking up someone at the airport and at the last minute, their flight gets delayed?
Well make sure to pack an club or two and drop by the Burlingame Golf Center. It's a lot better than cruising the airport or baking in the cellphone lot. Burlingame golf center is only 5 minutes away from the airport and worth checking out.
Be careful when looking for the place. The turn into the parking lot is right next to the 101 on ramp. I almost made an unnecessary loop the first time I went. On the flip side, it's great, because its insanely easy to get back onto the freeway for your airport pickup!
I dropped by the other day on a lark; I think I'll be going "early" from now on when I have to pick up somebody at the airport!
Burlingame Golf Center
250 Anza Blvd
Burlingame, CA 94010
(650) 548-2447
Do Re Mi [Choreographed Flash Mobs]
I went to my first Bring Your Own Big Wheels (BYOBW) event last weekend on potrero hill and left a happy, happy customer. While there, I heard of DJ Amandeep Jawa's Flash Dance events (Flash Mob + Dance Party).
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SF seems a bit zany and irreverent. I can't wait till I get a tweet from deepasaurus for the next dance party.
On a related tangent, have you seen what happened at Antwerp's Central Train Station in Belgium:
Obama and Me [Presidential Similarities]
It's nice to see that Obama is also a bit depressed that BSG is now over. Maybe I can pick up gardening.