Posted 10:54 PM by Andy
Nostalgia. I miss Penny Hardaway. Anfernee was unique in his court vision, fluid playing style, and freak athleticism. For a brief 3-year span in the mid-nineties, he dominated the NBA with his unparalleled skills. There are better passers like Kidd and Nash, there are better scorers like Mike, better dunkers like Dominique and Vince, and plenty of better shooters in the league, but there will never be another player with his creativity and play-making prowess. Here's my tribute to the man whose career was derailed by injuries.

Brought up in small town Memphis
Didn't know my life would be a tempest
Grandma called me Penny, like a cent
My stature rose like Clinton for president
Drafted by Orlando in '93, left school for the lottery
Vision like Earvin, my future was certain
Moves like Air, opponents didn't have a prayer
Took my team to the Finals in '95
Beat Mike and Pip in their prime
Got my pad on South Beach
Championship ring within reach
All-NBA 3 years straight, now it's time to get paid
Negotiate my new contract, give me the max forget Shaq
Diesel bolted for LA, before he teamed up with D Wade
Spike Lee impersonating me for my Nike line
Tyra pagin' me for wine and dine
Til a freak accident ruptured my knee
My game and Penny's fame soon would cease
Balled with the Suns in my comeback to the court
Dealt to the Knicks for Charlie Ward
Rode the pine at Madison Square Garden
Behind chumps I could once dissect, pardon
Me for the pride, but it's been a long ride
Could've been the heir apparent
Now I'm just a rich ex-baller like Allan Houston

Posted 12:37 AM by Andy
Social Scene. My social life is in such a sad state that I'm beginning to question my commitment to China. I know I'll stay at least another year since that's how long I feel I'll need to understand the nuances of this Internet industry. I still meet new people, but maybe it's because I'm older now, it's difficult for me to be impressed or awed by someone. In retrospect, I've been lucky to have been graced with the presence of 5 special women during my first 30 years of life. They have made indelible impressions on me and are exceptional in their own ways. Of the 5, I'm related to one by blood. Four are Christian. Three are spoken for. Two have the same first name. One is smarter than I am. They will all change the world every single day. Two have the perfect blend of rationality and heart. One is extremely sarcastic. One is extremely emotional. One is completely unruffled by anything. I have seen 3 of them cry. Every other girl that I have met pales in comparison because they have set the bar so high. I'll go to the grave thankful for having known them.

Nevertheless, to pass the time, I still am meeting new folks. From recent memory, here they are. Victoria, a law student from LA with natural elegance and beauty. She was flanked by four guys when I saw her. Naturally, I talked to all her friends to gain entrée to her. Elena, a tall Shanghainese college student majoring in international business. She served me a drink, I asked her about the view out of the Shangri-La hotel and exchanged contact info. Xiao, a student who is on my rotation as my language partner for Shanghainese. Eri, a Japanese girl newly transplanted here and working at SMIC. She'll be my Japanese language partner. Theresa, a Taiwanese-American who is now living in Japan and is a flight attendant for Northwest. I can't claim credit for this acquaintance since Simien is going out with her and managed to develop this over the friendly skies. Shelly, another college student with triple majors in architecture, German, and economics. Peggy, a LA native who hops between Shanghai and Cali for her parents' stationery company. Crystal, a PR rep from Cupertino who I have seen at various party scenes and knows some of my friends. I sat next to her in worship service yesterday so we chatted a bit. Annie, a cute girl from Chongqing who I have mad respect for but not much else in terms of positive emotions. I talked to her for 6 hours the first time I met her, and I was completely fooled by her sweet innocent charm. The first time I call her afterwards she snaps, “I don't like you. Don't call me ever again.” That was the most direct stiff-arm I have ever received in my life. Big props to her. This week I will meet Cecilia, a Shanghainese girl I met online and also Angel if she is free. I'll also vet Ruby and Evangel to see which of them will be good partners for Shanghainese learning.