Wednesday, March 31, 2010

What is the first thing that pops into your mind when you think of Singapore?

So a couple weeks ago, I was having a slight debate with a few of my Singaporean friends regarding the world's perception of Singapore - what is the first thing people think of when they think of Singapore?

My guess was that most American, specifically mid-westerners, wouldn't know too much about Singapore, and what they did know would probably be based on two things: Banned Chewing Gum and Caning (from the infamous American kid in the 90s who got caught spray painting cars). My argument was that if Singapore did something as simple as just lift the "ban" on selling chewing gum - they would be more successful in attracting foreign talent from developed western countries. No matter how silly the chewing gum ban may seem, I see it as a symptom of the fundamental authoritarianism that exists in the gov't here.

So the results of the survey came out a little more random that I thought - I didn't get many "chewing gum" or "caning" responses like I anticipated but the responses were very much varied and interesting. There was about 70 total responses:




When focusing only on Nebraskans, the results are highly skewed towards neutral and negative. I think a lot of this is due to Nebraskans having absolutely no clue what to think about when someone mentions Singapore.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Philippines and Fulbrighters

It was a busy last couple weeks as I headed to Manila for a Fulbright Conference and presented my research.



Afterwards, my fellow Fulbrighter Lauryn and I took a trip to Malapascua on the northern edge of Cebu Island. Pictures are here. Plus a few videos a I took on the way there:

Me chillin' and waitin for a Mango shake in a beautiful resort on the island.


Our awesome bus ride complete with interesting smoke coming from the wheels.


Little kids on the island making their own fun!

Monday, March 8, 2010

Quick Survey

Ok, so I have a very easy favor to ask of everyone - please take ten seconds and fill out this two question survey:  http://goo.gl/AvPU

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Lots of Work to do! Such a nice day outside! Dilemma?

With my project in full swing after a 3:45AM EnergyPlus conference call last week and fifteen million other obligations which I have committed myself to, I have a lot of stuff to work on this weekend.

But it's sooo nice outside! Probably around 75F, sunny, and breezy. Dilemma? Nope: