Omega Amen - His Information

[Omega Amen]

I was finally able to put together some information about myself. This is made so that if people want to interact with me, they have a good idea of "where I am coming from." Nothing here is meant to start a debate. It is just here for other members to get a sense of who I am.

This will get edited over time when certain items need to be updated. In the future, I will also make separate posts in this thread that pertain to a certain subject (Academic Background, Anime, Video Games, etc.) for organizational/character limit reasons.

Finally, I can answer some questions, but if I refuse to comment on some, do not take it personally. If I refuse, it is probably for security reasons, or to avoid a debate (especially those forbidden as stated by CAA policy).

To start off, yes, apparently, I am the 1000th member of the CAA. There was much anticipation and cheer over this, and the credit belongs to all the members here that help made the CAA flourish before I registered. I really do not care for the spotlight, and I try to avoid it. I wonder how the reception would be when the 2000th member arrives... 10,000th member?

Okay, finally, that is out of the way. Here is some other information that maybe someone might find slightly noteworthy.

Identity
Name: ??? (I am working in the Defense/Security industry. A security clearance will be required.... To avoid inconvenience to the members/forum leaders of the CAA, I choose to remain somewhat anonymous for now.)

Siblings: I have none.

Home Residence: Florida (I was born there.)

Height: Approximately 5 feet, 11 inches

Weight: At the time of this post around mid 160s (lbs.), I prefer to be in low 170s where it was a few years ago before I suffered a torn ACL (it is completely healed and ready to go, by the way).

Hair Color: Black is my natural hair color. I will never dye/color my hair.

Hair Style: Nothing special. I never allow it to grow long.

Eye Color: Very dark brown (almost black).

Favorite Color: Black. (I also like dark shades of other colors, and white.)

"Race": Human. For those curious about my ethnic background, my mother is Chinese, and my father is white and born and raised in the USA.

Build: Medium, athletic. (I lift weights whenever I can, and I enjoy playing sports, especially basketball. I used to practice Chinese Martial Arts.)

Online Identity
Username: The username "Omega Amen" does have real significance for me. "Amen" replaced an acronym in my original online pseudonym in an effort to reflect the growth I have made the past few years. I honestly felt led to make this change. The "Omega" part has always been there. What does my username mean to me, and why do I choose it? I'll let you decide for yourself, meaning I will not discuss that.

As for addressing me in the forums here, the whole username, "Omega Amen," is preferred. Using just "Omega" is acceptable as long as no other user is listed here with a username with that word. Please do not use "OA." Personally, I have nothing against "OA." It is just that the search engine cannot search for a two-character word.

Custom User Title: I ultimately see my life as a single individual before God. The way I live my faith emphasizes individual responsibility and initiative, which is a consequence of having an individualistic, personal relationship with God.

Avatar: I am an SNK fighting game fan. For those who are not familiar with those games, this avatar is a color-edited version of Gato from "Garou: Mark of the Wolves" (sometimes referred as "Fatal Fury: Mark of the Wolves" or just "Mark of the Wolves"). Gato's Chinese martial arts style appeals to me, and his personality is somewhat similar to mine (when in my usual serious mood). I changed the color of his clothes to illustrate my wish that this character would convert to Christianity. This character means a lot to me, and I could go on and on....

Signature: It is usually composed of four links followed by three quotes. The "Current Signature Portrait" is a close-up picture of Gato. The next link points to this thread. Then the next links are one of my Bishoujo Pic Thread banners and the Bishoujo Pic Thread itself. The three quotes are ones that I find particularly insightful at the time.

Notes about my edited versions of Gato: I have edited a three color profiles of Gato (variations of the colors red, white, and black), which I plan to rotate over time. Here are the three variations: first scheme, second scheme, and third scheme. Although I do not own the character property of Gato, I did make these color variations for my purposes and to clearly identify myself online. Therefore, I ask that people please do not use Gato with my color variations for their avatars, signatures, profiles, etc. for the sake of avoiding confusion. Thank you.

Notes about Instant Messaging me: Realize that I only use a program called Gaim for instant messaging which allows me to use most IM protocols simultaneously but is limited in features for each individual IM protocol. Also, if you want to IM me, first, private message (PM) me about it. Otherwise, I will not IM with you since I would not be able to tell if you are the same person on the CAA.

Personality
Strengths (I hope): Never doubted that God exists. Self-discipline. Humility. Persistance. Patience. Driven to be excellent (in whatever I try to do). I have no problem working hard on any task or subject even if I find it unenjoyable. I take life seriously. Reasonably tolerant.

Weaknesses (I think): Somewhat cold-hearted and harsh. My comments can be very sharp. I sometimes take things too seriously.... I think that is enough for now.

What annoys me greatly: Whining. Egoism/Egotism. Hedonism.

Other notes: I am usually quiet and prefer not to speak much (except when I give a lecture). One person said that I inherited my father's calm, quiet, cool personality for my outward expression, and yet I keep my mother's intense, passionate, fighting personality brewing and flaming under my calm "veil." Hence, unintentionally, I tend to "shock" people and catch them off-guard in certain ways.

Beliefs
Religion: Christian. Frankly, I only see people as under the Christian faith or some other non-Christian faith like Islam, Buddhism, etc.

Political: On most issues, I am conservative.

Other: I have a fighter's spirit though I am reluctant to fight. I dislike to debate. I believe people need to work hard at and take their academic studies seriously, regardless of whether they like the subject or not. I am a strong believer and practitioner of "tough" love. (I am not that good with the... "cuddly" love.)

Heroes
My father and mother.

Regrets
I do not know how to speak Mandarin Chinese (or any other Chinese dialect). I wish I did so I can at least have a conversation with my mother in her native tongue.
I grew up in Florida and do not know how to swim.
I never took a course in Psychology, and by now, I feel like I should have.

Hobbies
I played the piano since I was a child until college. I was forturnate enough to study under a retired piano composer. I was very accomplished and won competitions yearly. Now I have not touched it for four years due to my work.

I used to write small stories. I read literature of all types when I can. I also like to work on building things, not just related to computer engineering. Recently, as you can tell by my banner, I have taken an interest in image editing.

I used to do Chinese Martial Arts. When I get a job, I am considering returning to it.

I also like to do physical and sports activities. I like to lift weights and play basketball when I can.

[Omega Amen]

Career/Academic Background
Career: Working for a government contractor company in computer communication networks as a computer engineer. I hope this job has meaning and can provide adequately, reliably, and consistently for a family.

College: Graduate
Georgia Institute of Technology, Master's Degree in Electrical & Computer Engineering.
Overall GPA (on a 4.0 scale): 3.37
Comment: This is a non-thesis degree.

College: Undergraduate
Georgia Institute of Technology, Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering
Overall GPA: 3.77 (Highest Honor)
Comment: When I came to Georgia Tech, I did not know how to program. I also did not touch or analyze a circuit before. I am saying this to show that with dedication and hard work, it is always possible to succeed.

High School
Overall GPA (on a 4.0 scale): 3.9138
Comment: I went through a four-year college preparation program (International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement), where the curriculum (which emphasized humanities and social sciences) is taught by former college professors giving college-level work (especially giving a college-level amount). It should be noted that this program was in a public school. I excelled in this program, but I also learned that a career path relating to humanities and social sciences would not be satisfying to me.

[Omega Amen]

Anime That I Own (and thus like a lot)
First, my all-time favorite franchise

Neon Genesis Evangelion (Platinum Edition/Director's Cut), Evangelion: Death and Rebirth, End of Evangelion

Now, the others

Azumanga Daioh
Cowboy Bebop, Cowboy Bebop: The Movie
Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex
Samurai X: Trust, Betrayal, Reflection
Serial Experiments Lain
Tenchi Muyo! OVA, Tenchi Movies: Tenchi Muyo! In Love, Daughter of Darkness, Tenchi Forever

Manga That I Own (and thus like a lot)
Neon Genesis Evangelion

[Omega Amen]

Video/Computer Games That I Own (or are arriving)
Sony PlayStation2
Capcom vs. SNK 2
Devil May Cry 3: Special Edition
Final Fantasy X, X-2. XII Collector's Edition
God of War
Guilty Gear X2
King of Fighters 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003
Marvel vs. Capcom 2
Mega Man Anniversary Collection
Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance
Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence
Sega Genesis Collection
Sonic Mega Collection Plus
Soul Calibur III
Street Fighter Anniversary Collection
Street Fighter Alpha Anniversary Collection
Suikoden III, IV, V

Sony PlayStation
Chrono Cross
Chrono Trigger
Ehrgeiz
Final Fantasy I, II, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX
Final Fantasy Tactics
Street Fighter Alpha 3
Vagrant Story
Xenogears

Nintendo Gamecube
Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem
Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance
Ikaruga
Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
Sonic Gems Collection
The Legend of Zelda: Collector's Edition
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker

PC Games
Far Cry
Half-Life
Half-Life 2, Ep. 1
Halo: Combat Evolved
Hexen II
Neverwinter Nights (with Shadows of Undrentide and Hordes of the Underdark Expansion Packs, and the Premium Modules)
Quake
Quake II
Quake III Arena (with Team Arena Expansion Pack)
SiN Episodes: Emergence
StarCraft (with Brood War Expansion Pack)
Unreal Tournament

[CDLviking]

We seem to share a lot in the personality department. Offline I'm usually very quite unless I have something to say. I hate small chat.

[Icarus]

I always enjoy getting to know people better. Thanks for posting this.

I'm a major bookworm, so someone not having read manga is almost an affront.
Thus: Manga I would recommend:

Excel Saga:Funny. Twisted, but hilarious.
GTO:Your of age, so it's a good read. Great story.
Jing, King of Bandits
Azumanga Daioh

[Ingemar]

To start off, yes, apparently, I am the 1000th member of the CAA. There was much cheer over this, and the credit belongs to all the members here that help made the CAA flourish before I registered.

Let's not forget who ushered in your arrival.

[uc pseudonym]

I belive this may be the most detailed bio I have yet seen on CAA. Thank you for providing me with greater insight into yourself.

[true_noir_chloe]

I enjoyed reading your bio Omega Amen. ^_^ I have to say I think the same way about religion as you wrote. I hope you the best in your life and endeavors, it sounds like you're very all together when it comes to education.

[Omega Amen]

Thanks to those who have read my information. Again, I am willing to answer some questions about myself in this thread.

Music That I Like

Traditional Western Classical Music: It is impossible to list the composers and styles I like here. Due to my music education, I appreciate all periods in classical music. I especially like music from Russia, Germany, Austria, and Italy (and of course other European countries). J.S. Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Puccini, and Holst come to mind. I must say I like Rachmaninoff the best... probably because I am (was) a pianist.

Jazz and Blues: I really like these styles of music, but I am ashamed that I cannot keep up with the artists. When I hear it on the radio, I just love it, but I have no idea who the people are. I mean I know about the Duke, Dizzy, Armstrong, Marsalis Brothers, B.B. King,... but I have no idea who are the current artists now. I am open to suggestions in this area of music.

Christian Rap/Hip-Hop: I actually like rap and hip-hop and think musically it is a solid and legitimate style. What I find highly objectionable is the content in secular rap, since most of it glorifies violence, degrading/objectifying women, greed, hedonism, and egoism. Recently, I just found an online streaming Christian Hip-Hop music station on the web, and I find it very refreshing and highly enjoyable.

Christian Rap/Hip-Hop artists that I find very interesting at the moment
Grits
Verbs
Mars ILL
Priesthood
Da Truth

Christian/Secular Rock (Soft/Hard/Metal/Industrial/Hardcore/whatever): I have a slightly interesting story here. From when I was a child to my freshman year in high school, I was really into keeping up-to-date with the Christian music scene. Then, from my freshman year to my last fall semester here in Georgia Tech, I just was not involved anymore and did not even listen to much music, Christian or secular. Now, I occasionally listen to an Internet Christian rock station, and I am reacquainting myself with the Christian music scene. It is like I have a void now in my Christian music memory. So, I am listing here bands that I liked in the past or have some interest in listening to more. Yes, I tend to lean towards the heavier side of this style of music.

My favorite band of all-time. It is a Christian metal/industrial band.
Precious Death

And now for the rest of the list....

Christian bands that I know and like
Circle of Dust
Klank
P.O.D.
Tourniquet
Bride
Guardian
Grammatrain
77's
Audio Adrenaline
DC Talk
Jars of Clay

Christian bands that I find very interesting at the moment
East West
Demon Hunter
Disciple
Spoken
12 Stones
Pillar
38th Parallel
Third Day
Plumb

Secular bands that I find very interesting at the moment
Creed
Evanescence
Linkin Park

[cbwing0]

Thanks for letting us get to know you better!

It looks like we have a lot in common in terms of personality, favorite video games (although I am a Capcom fan ), beliefs, etc. The only difference I can see is that I intend to pursue a career in the social sciences.

I would ask a question, but your bio is quite extensive, and I can't really think of one. Perhaps I will later.

[Omega Amen]

Movies That I Like

Kung Fu (usually Hong Kong Action) Movies: Before I became interested in anime, I was really into Hong Kong Action/Kung Fu Movies. Here is a list of the ones I liked. (Categorized by main movie star.)

Jet Li (my favorite Kung Fu movie star)
Hero
Once Upon a Time in China I, II, III
Fong Sai Yuk I, II
The Tai Chi Master
Fist of Legend
The Enforcer (a.k.a. My Father is a Hero)
High Risk
Kiss of the Dragon

Michelle Yeoh
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Supercop 2

Jackie Chan
The Legend of the Drunken Master (a.k.a. Drunken Master II)
First Strike

Other Movies: Here are the other movies that I like.

Ben-Hur
The Ten Commandments
The Passion of the Christ
Casablanca
Roman Holiday
Red Beard (an Akira Kurosawa and Toshiro Mifune film)
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
The Fellowship of the Ring
The Two Towers
The Return of the King

[AngelSakura]

Tell me, is it Omega Amen or Omega Ahmen? (In terms of pronuciation.)

[Omega Amen]

Literature That I Have Read
Most notable literature I have read was during my high school years. During college, since I took an engineering career route, I have rarely the chance to read such works since I am consumed with engineering textbooks and journals. However, I try to read when I get the chance. Expect many changes here over time.

Fiction

Novels
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
The Stranger by Albert Camus
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
Out of the Silent Planet by C.S. Lewis
Perelandra by C.S. Lewis
That Hideous Strength by C.S. Lewis
The Chosen by Chaim Potok
The Promise by Chaim Potok

Plays
Hamlet by William Shakespeare
King Lear by William Shakespeare
Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare
The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare
The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare
Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw
The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern by Tom Stoppard
Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett

Non-Fiction
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
The Question of God: C.S. Lewis and Sigmund Freud Debate God, Love, Sex, and the Meaning of Life by Dr. Armand M. Nicholi, Jr.

[Omega Amen]

After some thought, I do want to respond to a few of the comments made here.

I belive this may be the most detailed bio I have yet seen on CAA. Thank you for providing me with greater insight into yourself.

Admittedly, I wrote this starting from my first few weeks here. Whenever I thought up something to add here, I typed it out in a text file.

I felt that I should release this information now since I saw the I admire _____ because thread with so many references to myself.

I hope you the best in your life and endeavors, it sounds like you're very all together when it comes to education.

Well, thank you. As for education, honestly, I really did not like school, but I realized from an early age that education is important in my ability to adequately provide and support my family in the near future. Thus, I felt it was my responsibility to do my best in this area. Really, that is the driving force in my education endeavors. I could care less about fame in any area. I see this as fulfilling my responsibilities, and I am glad to do so.

It looks like we have a lot in common in terms of personality, favorite video games (although I am a Capcom fan ), beliefs, etc. The only difference I can see is that I intend to pursue a career in the social sciences.

For SNK and Capcom, I like Capcom's fighting games a lot as well. (I must admit that I am still somewhat of a Chun-Li fanboy.) I just prefer SNK's cast of characters, storylines (well, in fighting games there really isn't any...), and fighting systems. Still, I eagerly await the Hyper Street Fighter II: The Anniversary Edition (and hopefully, SVC: Chaos will come out for the PlayStation2).

Tell me, is it Omega Amen or Omega Ahmen? (In terms of pronuciation.)

I pronounce "Amen" as Ah-men.

[kaji]

Thanks Omega Amen, I was nice getting to know you a little better.

I also like what you have done with Gato

[Mave]

Pretty extensive write up you have there, Omega. ^_^

So you have some Chinese Ancestry! Any idea what dialect your mum speaks? I speak some Mandarin (Hua yi), a bit of Hokkien (Fu Jian) and a little Cantonese (Guang dong). But apart from that, I'm completely useless in Chinese languages. My ancestors would have been ashamed of me.

I'm really interested to know whether there are any other Chinese customs your family may have preserved. E.g: Do you celebrate Chinese new Year? Have you tried eating with chopsticks?

You speak well of your parents and education as a responsbility. That...sounds very much like a typical Chinese upbringing. I don't mean to stereotype, of course, I just have this opinion because that was how I was brought up.

Games....erm, I don't play them but I love watching my big brother play them for the graphics. ^_^

Music...I doubt that we have similar tastes. I'm not really a rock fan. I do listen to DCTalk, Jars of Clay, Switchfoot, Delirious and that Evanescence hit song was pretty cool. But I don't even know if JoC, Switchfoot or Delirious are classified as rock.

Good jobs with your grades! I used to be obsessed with getting a 4.0 for my Bachelor's but graduate school has reformed me and made me realize that grades aren't everything.

[Kinkosami]

I like Quake 2, and Quake 3 arena. Are you good? We should play online sometime. I've played StarCraft, but I'm not to crazy about it. My brother was a bit surprised because I normally like games like that.

It's kinda sad that you don't have any siblings, that would really bug me. My family is like my life. Do you ever wish you did?

I like a lot of the music you like, rock is my favorite kind. And for a music suggestion, John Reuben is a pretty good rapper, I've heard a few of his songs and like them.

I always thought that Creed was a Christian group. Aren't they? I'm almost sure...

[Little T-chan]

Wow!! Lots of info on Omega AMEN!! I'm so glad..I'm glad that I am able learn more about you!! ^_^ You're a pianist?? That's amazing!! I wanna write a big bio too....cept I keep forgetting what I wanna write about...::sigh::

[Solid Ronin]

Ah Omega has shown as the inside of the Rubix Cube that he is...interseting

[Omega Amen]

Well, I see some people have a few questions for me.... Time to respond to them.

So you have some Chinese Ancestry! Any idea what dialect your mum speaks? I speak some Mandarin (Hua yi), a bit of Hokkien (Fu Jian) and a little Cantonese (Guang dong). But apart from that, I'm completely useless in Chinese languages. My ancestors would have been ashamed of me.

When I asked my mother just a few minutes ago what Chinese dialects does she consider herself fluent in, she pointed out Mandarin and Fu Zhou (I am not sure about that transliteration there). She was born in the Hunan province, but fled to Taiwan at an early age to escape the communist takeover. She does not know Cantonese or Taiwanese at all.

I do not know any Chinese whatsoever. My mother actually wanted me to only focus on speaking and writing good, solid English (since that is the main language of the United States).

I'm really interested to know whether there are any other Chinese customs your family may have preserved. E.g: Do you celebrate Chinese new Year? Have you tried eating with chopsticks?

*thinks about it for a minute.*

Well,... we sort of observe Chinese New Year. My mother makes some Chinese desert dish... sometimes I get the red-gold envelope with some money.... Now that I think about it... we are not a family that goes around and celebrate many holidays, Chinese or not. We tend to keep things low-key. Yes, I can eat with chopsticks, though I am not very proficient since I do not use them very often. As I look in my house, I see some Chinese art and calligraphy.... I do not know.... In this household, there is not a clear and distinct classification/difference of culture. Most of the United States makes a big deal of cultural/racial differences. In this household, we do not. It is just home.

You speak well of your parents and education as a responsbility. That...sounds very much like a typical Chinese upbringing. I don't mean to stereotype, of course, I just have this opinion because that was how I was brought up.

From my personal experience, I think your opinion is derived from your upbringing in a country that is not the United States. In my experience, people born in this country whose parents are both from Far East Asian countries do not speak as well of their parents or education as I do.

While I completely understand where you got your opinion, I must state the facts in my case. My parents are my heroes because their love and marriage is the sole reason I am a Christian now. I would not have been a Christian if they did not love each other as a married couple should. Period. As for my education and responsibilities, my parents live a spartan life where they do not indulge in anything. (I cannot remember my mother buy any new dresses or fashionable clothing for herself. I am typing on a computer that we bought when I was a freshman in high school....) They did this so that they can save enough for me to get a solid education. They expect nothing in return. However, as a son, with this much love, devotion, and sacrifice shown by my parents, I consider it my duty to work as hard as I can so that I can support and provide for them when the time comes. This requires me to take my education and the responsibilites that God has laid before me seriously. There is really nothing cultural in origin about these particular beliefs. This is just the right thing to do, as far as I am concerned. In my opinion, young people need to take their education more seriously today. Frankly, I do not care whether they like it, what type of household they were raised in, whatever. They need to learn how to fulfill their responsibilities... to themselves, their families, and to everyone else.

Another observation, in my experience, Asian people consider me white (not American... I mean white), and non-Asians consider me Asian. When a person who primarily is concerned or views the world in terms of "race", I have always been part of someone else's "race," not theirs. Am I upset about that? Not at all. Because I do not view the world as such....

Games....erm, I don't play them but I love watching my big brother play them for the graphics. ^_^

I felt an artist's vibe in that statement.

But I don't even know if JoC, Switchfoot or Delirious are classified as rock.

Rock has evolved into a very inclusive label. Let's say "Soft/Pop Rock."

I used to be obsessed with getting a 4.0 for my Bachelor's but graduate school has reformed me and made me realize that grades aren't everything.

I have this personal philosophy of doing the best that I can in everything I get involved with. With school work, that usually results in A's for me. Grades are meaningful to an extent in academia. They are meaningless in the "real" world after getting a solid career job for a few years. At that point, it is about experience, skills, special achievements/positions, and contacts.

Next....

I like Quake 2, and Quake 3 arena. Are you good? We should play online sometime. I've played StarCraft, but I'm not to crazy about it. My brother was a bit surprised because I normally like games like that.

Well, I used to be decent, then my engineering education reared its ugly head. You will have to wait until August before thinking about playing with me though. As for StarCraft, I am not good at it (like most strategy games), but I love it (like most strategy games). I wish I was good in strategy games, but I never developed since I am usually by myself when I play games throughout my life.

It's kinda sad that you don't have any siblings, that would really bug me. My family is like my life. Do you ever wish you did?

My family is also my life. This family is my father, my mother, and myself. (God, Himself, is a special member of every Christian's family, of course.) My parents also originally wanted to have a daughter, but since my mother is actually very frail physically (which surprises a lot of people since she is so energetic, active, and outgoing), it was decided that I would be the only child, for the safety of my mother's health. Does this bug me? No. Do I wish for that sister sometimes? Sure I have.

I always thought that Creed was a Christian group. Aren't they? I'm almost sure...

First, I want to avoid a controversial topic of "Is Creed (or any other band) really a Christian band?" since I want this thread to stay open. This was the question I asked myself, "Do these groups say they are a "Christian band" without shame, doubt, or reservation?" In other words, do the groups clearly identify themselves with confidence, to everyone around them, that they are a Christian group? I am trying to respect what the groups consider themselves to be. That is all I am trying to do.

Thanks for the John Reuben recommendation. I will look into it when I can.

....

I detect... cuteness... overwhelming....

Wow!! Lots of info on Omega AMEN!! I'm so glad..I'm glad that I am able learn more about you!! ^_^ You're a pianist?? That's amazing!! I wanna write a big bio too....cept I keep forgetting what I wanna write about...::sigh::

Little T-chan, do realize I slowly wrote this bio over a few months. I simply kept a text file, and whenever I thought up of something to put here, I saved it in the text file. Maybe you want to try this too, if you really want to write a "big bio."

Yes, I used to be a pianist.... I have not played in four years at the time of this post.... Whenever I hear someone play the piano... I sometimes feel... I really miss it sometimes. However, I do not think being a pianist is necessarily amazing....

Okay, what else?

... Rubix Cube....

I never figured out that cube.... Plus, there apparently is an algorithm for solving it. Hmmm....

[Ingemar]

I pronounce "Amen" as Ah-men.

Calling yourself a Greek name brings the burden of Greek pronunciation. The Greek Christians did use that word, but pronounced it ah-MAYN. MAYN rhymes with "sayin' " (the colloquial Texan pronunciation of "saying," as Ashley said).

[Omega Amen]

Calling yourself a Greek name brings the burden of Greek pronunciation.

Thanks for the info., but now that I think about it, I do not even pronounce my real name properly in accordance with its originating culture. So, in my experience, I never saw that as a burden that is required to be taken.

[uc pseudonym]

I never figured out that cube.... Plus, there apparently is an algorithm for solving it. Hmmm....

I had not heard that. Do you know this algorithm, or did you merely reference that you had heard of it? Personally, I have never wanted to waste my time with one of said puzzles.

Referencing Amen: Actually, even with an English pronunciation, it should technically be pronounced "A - men." This is the proper pronunciation in every form except singing (the origination of "Ah - men"). In my mind, however, names are not required to follow standard translation rules, particularly in English. Regardless, the nuance of "Ah - men" is much better sounding, in my opinion.

[CDLviking]

Actually, I believe "Ah-men" comes from the Latin pronounciation.

[Omega Amen]

I had not heard that. Do you know this algorithm, or did you merely reference that you had heard of it? Personally, I have never wanted to waste my time with one of said puzzles.

Actually, a simple search on Google with "Rubik's Cube Solution" or "Rubik's Cube Algorithm" will show you quite a few algorithms and software solving the puzzle.

Here is one that I remembered being shown on The Screen Savers on TechTV. Just as a general note, I have only seen heuristic algorithms for the Rubik's Cube so far.

As for my pronunciation of the word "Amen," I find the Ah-men pronunciation the most euphonic. Hence, that is why I pronounce it in that fashion. That is the only reason.

[Mave]

I do not know any Chinese whatsoever. My mother actually wanted me to only focus on speaking and writing good, solid English (since that is the main language of the United States).

Funny, my parents said the exact same thing to me and my brother, coz they were planning to send us overseas to further our studies eversince we were born.

Well,... we sort of observe Chinese New Year. My mother makes some Chinese desert dish... sometimes I get the red-gold envelope with some money....

Hooray for "ang pows"! (literally means "red packets") For those who don't know this, red is considered a good luck and prosperity color for Chinese during CNYear. So by tradition, we are supposed to wear red for the first 3 days of CNY. NEVER wear black then.

As for my education and responsibilities, my parents live a spartan life where they do not indulge in anything. (I cannot remember my mother buy any new dresses or fashionable clothing for herself. They did this so that they can save enough for me to get a solid education.

My parents did exactly the same thing. Nothing fancy in the household, always conservative while spending and first priority goes to the children's education (i.e. books, extra-curriculum lessons etc). My parents always thought of me and my brother first and never indulged in themselves. And even now that we've both graduated with our B.S degrees, they're now saving money for our weddings and future investments (real estates) My parents know not when to stop sacrificing for me and my brother. I have nothing but gratitude and love for my parents.

Just like you, I do my best to make them proud of their daughter in every single thing I do. And funny thing is, my parents always tell me, "Don't work hard for us. Do it for yourself and your future." What else can I say?

Perhaps you are right, it may not be a cultural thing. But I'm glad that someone has similar principles and values.

I felt an artist's vibe in that statement.

That sounds like a compliment. I'll take it. Thanks! ^_^

Grades are meaningful to an extent in academia. They are meaningless in the "real" world after getting a solid career job for a few years. At that point, it is about experience, skills, special achievements/positions, and contacts.

I agree. I realized that my strivings for perfections are no longer focused on grades but rather on my work experience and personal skills.

Thanks for the John Reuben recommendation. I will look into it when I can.

hah, JReuben's an interesting artist. I can't say I completely like all his songs but "Doin" is pretty fun, IMO.

[Omega Amen]

I see more people have read the current state of my information thread, and have some reactions. I will comment on a few of them.

So by tradition, we are supposed to wear red for the first 3 days of CNY. NEVER wear black then.

Hmmm... I never knew that.

*thinks about the numerous times wearing black on Chinese New Year.*

....

*shrugs his shoulders.*

Oh well.

That sounds like a compliment. I'll take it. Thanks! ^_^

Yes, in a sense, it was a compliment embedded in an observation, and I am glad you took it as a compliment.

wow... looong bio...

Well, I did write this slowly over a few months, and it is continually revised and added to as time goes along. I have seen your Who's Who thread. So, yes, relative to yours, my bio is much longer.

and i never even knew that you were the 1000th member here until i read this...

Inspired from this statement, I decided to put links to threads documenting my entry into CAA as its 1000th member in my first post in this bio thread. Each underlined link leads to a different thread dealing with the matter.

@.@
o.0

While I do not fully comprehend yet the full meaning and connotations of that family of text expressions, if you have any relevant and appropriate questions, I will be glad to do my best in answering them.

[Solid Ronin]

I see more people have read the current state of my information thread, and have some reactions. I will comment on a few of them.
Hmmm... I never knew that.

*thinks about the numerous times wearing black on Chinese New Year.*

....

*shrugs his shoulders.*

Oh well.
Yes, in a sense, it was a compliment embedded in an observation, and I am glad you took it as a compliment.
Well, I did write this slowly over a few months, and it is continually revised and added to as time goes along. I have seen your Who's Who thread. So, yes, relative to yours, my bio is much longer.
Inspired from this statement, I decided to put links to threads documenting my entry into CAA as its 1000th member in my first post in this bio thread. Each underlined link leads to a different thread dealing with the matter.
While I do not fully comprehend yet the full meaning and connotations of that family of text expressions, if you have any relevant and appropriate questions, I will be glad to do my best in answering them.

One thing ya gotta love about Omega it's his throughness

[Locke]

and his good cooking!

heres a Qeuestion!: Can you skate board ?