I'm Satired Of This

I feel the old customs of standardized testing are dated and ineffective.  Times are changing so why shouldn't the grad school system of aptitude testing change as well?  The new college graduate is computer savvy, well-spoken, and nothing like the old world breed of graduate school applicants.  We are adept problem solvers and masters of technology. 

I realize that to change entire formulas of standardized tests is impractical and unrealistic.  So, I propose the various boards take baby steps.  For example, and specific to my scenario, the DAT (Dental Aptitude Test) is a standardized test of 4 sections.  One of these sections is a perceptual test that gauges the applicants ability to visualize 3D images and solve puzzles.  The conventional test has a bunch of ridiculously shaped objects and holes and the test takers must match the correct silhouette to the original shape.  I propose that each testing station be assigned a classic 1989 original Game Boy and a copy of Tetris.  Everybody would have 30 minutes to score as high as possible.  It tests the visual and mental capabilities of the test takers and their ability to perform under pressure.  Strategy and manual dexterity will never have been so accurately tested.  The other sections regarding natural sciences, reading comprehension, and quantitative reason may stay the same for the time being, but to see action taken towards revising various portions of the test would be a vast improvement and reassurance that the institution of standardized tests is keeping up with the evolving student.

Four Loko: The Embodiment of College Life in a Convenient 23.5oz can

Making its debut in 2005, Four Loko was a heavily caffeinated alcoholic energy drink produced by three Ohio State University alumni: Chris Hunter, Jeff Wright, and Jaisen Freeman.  These model citizens had a dream: to capture the essence of the college ideal, can it, and sell it to future collegiate generations to come for a reasonable $2.50.

Seeing this drink I had an epiphany about being at a University.  There are two sides to collegiate life each conveniently represented by two very different beverages.  One side of the coin shows its face during the work week where young adults all across the nation are worked to the brink of insanity.  The other side is queued by the beginning of the weekend.

Allow me to begin with the former.  Days are spent note taking in lecture halls and nights are spent combing through textbooks.  Simply put, hopes of a successful and comfortable future loosely rests in the ability of these students to ingest ungodly amounts of caffeine on a daily basis.  However, coffee's reign over the world of artificially induced vigor has been belittled by a more potent and diabolical energy drink.  Here's a colorful analogy.  Coffee is a lot like Frank Sinatra; classy, mild-mannered, and subtly useful as appropriate pick me up when one feels lethargic.  The common energy drink like Monster, Red Bull, Full Throttle, Amped, Nos, and Rockstar, would be like 50 Cent: loud, gaudy, overly potent, and severely detrimental to the growing body.

Once the work week comes to a close and the American college student no longer needs to spend late nights awake reading and writing, late nights are spent awake drinking and partying.  The liquid life-force that allows us to party hardy? Alcohol.

So, what was Four Loko and why was it important?  Four Loko was essentially any one of these common energy drinks combined with malt liquor.  I know, genius.  Did this drink completely disregard any concern for the consumers well-being? Yes.  Is mixing alcohol (a depressant) with caffeine (a stimulant) a bad idea?  Yes. Unfortunately for us, the F.D.A has banned the production of original Four Loko.  All the caffeine, taurine, and guarana has been taken out.  What is left is essentially beer.  A dream has been stomped on yet again by the Man.  These three boys captured the idea of intellectually growing, experiencing profound things, and entering the real world with a brightly colorized aluminum can harboring some of the most detrimental and unnatural fluids to ever hit the lips of young Americans and the government won't let them share that with the rest of the world anymore.  Shame on you F.D.A.  You've "protected" the young, naive citizens of America from further illness.  I hope you're proud of yourselves.

The City of Angels

Monday, 9pm:
Slamming the door behind me and bracing my back up against it as if I were running away from the zombie horde of some post-apocalyptic nightmare, I had a sudden epiphany about the city I called home.  While catching my breathe, I realized the subtle irony of the nickname given to Los Angeles: The City of Angels. 
Pause. 
You may think at this point that this post is going to be a cynical yammering about how every person I came across today was unpleasant, rude, or in some way undeserving of the title "human being".
You're right.
Unpause.

Monday morning started off in a nonchalantly pleasant manner.  I had just wrapped up a good night's rest and was greeted by my childhood friends who I now called roommates.  We joked and chatted over breakfast while the calming voice of Josh Elliot recapped the weekend's highlights on Sportscenter.  I packed my messenger bag and headed to the garage where I found my car boxed in by an unfamiliar black BMW seven-series.  A neatly placed scrap of paper in his front windshield read: (almost illegibly) "call if need me to move",
then 10 digits.  Irked, because I had to go back upstairs where my phone could get reception, I took a deep breathe and went back to my apartment.  After about 10 minutes and 5 miscalls, an Asian man with a heavy accent answers the phone curtly.  I explain to him that I owned the blue Honda Pilot he had graciously trapped in the stall and requested he promptly back out so I could go to school.  Long story short, he moves and "forgets" to apologize.  Obstacle cleared.
As a bonus pick-me-up, while waiting to make a left out of the garage, a middle aged man with an uncanny resemblance to Pat Morita from The Karate Kid yelled at me to "WATCH IT!".  Of course, it was my fault for sitting there idly for an entire minute while signaling and not his absorption into his Blackberry that startled him.  That one might be on me.

I'm about 1 hour into the start of a brand new week and already I begin to question how long I could last before involuntarily punching someone in the throat. 

Proceeding.  Classes go smoothly, thank God.  Lunch time rolls around and I opt to indulge in a nice meal at Chipotle.  On my way out, I'm greeted by a homeless African American lady who asks for spare change.  Nothing wrong with that.  Except when I apologize for not having any loose change on me she decides to heckle me about being stingy.  Wide-eyed and shocked, the only thing I can muster to defend myself with is "I've given you money before..".  A bad move on my part, for this opened Pandora's box.  I was lectured for about 30 seconds on why I might think she wouldn't need to eat everyday or something along those lines.  I was more concerned by the Chipotle patrons sitting outside and staring at me being chastised by this woman than her actual argument.  I see her point now though.  I SHOULD be the one to provide her with daily meals.. afterall why shouldn't a 22 year old college student financially support a woman he doesn't know?

The bulk of my day passes without any more unfortunate interactions until a heavily tattooed man at Seven-Eleven asked me "What the *%$# I was staring at".  I wanted to reply with "this month's issue of Vogue behind you", but I realized that would probably only further provoke him and embarrass myself in the process.  I opted with a respectful "nothing man, I'm cool".  Upon completing my transaction with the store clerk I sprinted to my car like a NFL draftee doing the 40-yard dash at the combine, and hauled gigantic ass back home.  Finally within the safety of my own apartment I couldn't help but laugh at the severely misleading nickname "City of Angels".  Walking into my room I realized what a beautiful blog post this would be and... voila!

Death of a King

One of my favorite places to look for blogging inspiration or maybe just a good laugh is the yahoo news home page.  Luckily for you and I, yahoo news has pulled through once again and served both those purposes.  Today’s breaking story: a giant, red stag is murdered days after its appearance in a British newspaper.

His name was the Emperor of Exmoor.. which I had a hard time refraining from laughing at right off the bat.  People are furious that he was killed but how do you expect a one-of-a-kind red stag called THE EMPEROR OF EXMOOR, NOT to be killed.  I've never been hunting in my life and even I'm jealous I didn't shoot that deer in the face.  The 12 year old king of beasts was gunned down days before mating season was to begin.  "There is a moral and ethical code about this — you don't shoot the best beast before they have had a chance to mate." Peter Donnelly articulated my sentiments perfectly.

He was his own worst enemy: what did he expect growing 9 feet tall? He had every big game enthusiast in the world drooling.  My first thought was how people obsess over animals that are cute, overly sized, or in any way unique and the death of such an animal turns into a murder mystery.  I'm no animal rights activist, but people should realize we kill and harvest domesticated animals in obscene numbers.

In any case, the quotes from the article were funny to me: "With a set of antlers such as this deer had, it was basically going to kill him in the end," said Richard Austin, the photographer whose images appeared in newspapers

"He was his own worst enemy, I suppose," Austin told the BBC. "Growing that big and that huge and that magnificent, he was a definite target."  The deer slipped up when presented with this photo-op.  Carelessness always kills the best of us.

The only thing we can hope is that the Emperor went out like a champ; that some guy looking like Van-Pelt from Jumanji shot him with class and skill; that the Emperor's head and antlers are adorning the living room of his Spanish style villa.  Worst case scenario would probably be like the Emperor being hit with a mortar launched from the back of some guy's pickup truck or gunned down with an uzi or AK.  Whatever way you went out Emperor, just know that you were too beautiful for this world... and too beautiful not to be shot and sent to a taxidermist.

Open Post: Thoughts for Today

I just watched “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” for the first time and it kicked my ass. It was a pleasant ass-kicking however.  It left a very unique taste in my brain; a flavor kind of like the way a city smells after rain, that earthy, cold, wet-cement smell that's neither good nor bad.  F.Y.I., that was me blatantly trying to be poetic. I promise I'll limit myself to doing that once per post.  I knew it wasn’t going to be Ace Ventura Pet Detective, but I really didn’t expect to be mentally schooled by a movie starring Jim Carey.  Anyhoo, you can imagine after playing a few rounds of Madden 2011 and eating a nice, humble mexican meal how sobering that movie can be (given you’ve seen it).  If you haven’t seen it I highly recommend it.  It’s kind of funny how I inadvertently pulled an emotional 180 on myself.  

Anyways, speaking of Mexican meals, that reminds about a yahoo home page story about the new chief of police in Guadalupe, Mexico a town near drug cartel capital Juarez.  After a series of murders and assassinations of police officials and mayors in recent years, the town had only one applicant for the job: Marisol Valles Garcia.  She is a 20 year old criminology major still in college. Wow. 

First of all, to have applied as chief of police in a town where the Mexican drug cartel openly admits to “tightening their grasp on the country” is the most gangster thing I have ever heard of.  Secondly, to be a female college student and undertake this responsibility is amazing.  Deeming it “admirable” would be an insult to her.  This is like the ultimate act of standing up to a bully.  Except in this case, the bully is a well organized, well funded, and vicious international drug operation.  Good luck Marisol, we’re rooting for you. 

Blogging Soul Mate

Girlnextdoor is someone I found off delicious.com who I fell in love with immediately.  Some could say it was love at first bookmark.  What caught my attention was her interest in travelling abroad.  She has several sites bookmarked about being a study abroad student, going to Southeast Asia, and doing volunteer work in Haiti.  She has 37 pages of bookmarks ranging from rallying support of providing Haiti with technology and communication to The Tonight Show with Conan O’ Brien Twitter tracker.  She’s been actively bookmarking since November of 2005 and continues to bookmark sites liberally. Flipping through her pages in chronologic order, her bookmarks seem to evolve with current trends and news which tells me she stays plugged into current events.  Moreover, girlnextdoor seems extremely concerned with web 2.0 agendas and current trends in social media networks.  For example, she bookmarked the importance of twittering as a business major.  Girlnextdoor seems down-to-earth and smart.  I can’t help but imagine how creepy this blog post would seem to her if she were ever to come across it.  If you do see this someday, girlnextdoor, you had me at “Conan O’Brien Twitter Tracker” and I hope to be as adept of a bookmarker as you seem to be.

Comments Left on Other Blogs

First comment left on this blog:
http://deshcalling.blogspot.com/2010/09/looming-us-chinese-naval-rivalry.html

Concerning China’s growing influence in the world, this post has me thinking about U.S.-China relations in a new light.  First off, this new Anti-ship ballistic missile seems like a big deal.  The fact that China felt it needed such technology at the current moment makes one suspicious about their motives in South East Asian waters.

With all the information you’ve provided in this blog post, I can’t help but parallel our situation (our as in the rest of the world aside from China) with that of the 1996 film “Independence Day”.  China, the technologically advanced and ambitious alien race, seems to be setting in place chess pieces in anticipation of world domination.. or perhaps just naval domination.  Regardless, when taking into account China’s interest in controlling the South China sea and recent militaristic developments, I’m curious/nervous to see if a U.S. naval presence will make much difference for Taiwan’s security and as a naval hegemony.  This development’s got other countries spooked as well.  Australia, Japan, and South Korea all seem to be getting their shit together in fear that China will roll over them someday with 1000 mile range ballistic missiles.. maybe the United States should do something about it as well; like contacting Jeff Goldblum, Will Smith and Bill Pullman.

Second comment left on:

http://chinhdangvu.blogspot.com/

First off, China has to be aware of the message it’s sending to the rest of the world.  They practically have their Asian neighbors sweating bullets and looking over their shoulders for a sudden mass invasion.  And obviously they know of the U.S. working with military forces in Japan, South Korea, and Thailand.  So does a lack of clarification on China’s part about their motives mean that everybody’s concerns are justified? 

There doesn’t really seem to be a good way out of this whole situation for the U.S. either. We seem to be putting ourselves in a position where China and the U.S. will butt heads either militaristically or economically.  The bottom line is that China’s making their way up the global food chain as a superpower second only to the U.S.  They’re eventually (if it hasn’t already happened) going to reach a point where they can demand certain things from weaker countries.  Say for instance, a bunch of islands off the coast of Thailand. Oh wait.. they’ve already claimed ownership to that already.  China’s finally gotten a taste of super-power and they’re licking their lips.  It’s a good thing we have Hillary Clinton on our side to appease the situation.  But just in case China doesn’t see any reason to listen to Hillary, I think we may have a very sticky political situation on our hands in the near future.

Something we should all be afraid of:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSPtz7wVDHI

Paper 2 Final Proposal

Research Proposal

Background and Significance:

As China’s influence over various cultures and the global economy grow, so have worldwide sentiments about this expansion.  While the United States still holds claim to being the most powerful nation in the world, many fear that China’s military and economy will surpass that of the U.S.’s in the forthcoming decades.  Over the last century, China has moved in a very definitive direction, making advances in technology and establishing itself as an essential provider of various services and products.  Putting itself on the “grid” so to speak, China has developed substantial ties to its internationally affiliated countries.  Specifically, China and the United States share a relationship that has evolved into a very unique and complicated give and take. 

Although few can deny China’s impending influence on American society, many argue that the consequences of China’s uncontrolled influence far outweigh the benefits.  Unethical business ethics, stealing jobs from native citizens, and an undesired mixing of cultures are a few topics addressed in this controversy of a growing Chinese influence. 

Review of Research:

Many articles that I have read and reviewed discuss China’s perpetual influence all around the world from telecommunication to textile and clothing.  People are concerned about the implications this gradual progress will have on the United States holding its title as the strongest nation in the world.  In the article titled: U.S. Lawmakers Wary of Chinese Telecom Firm”, the author discusses the consequences of China’s bidding on global telecommunication contracts as a risk to national security and wealth (Minnick, 22). While at a similar time, somewhere completely different in the world, others are facing very different problems with Chinese expansion.  As a Chinese population grows in Prato, Italy, the notorious textile industry of China is destroying the image of Italian made brands.  This article, “Stitched in Italy, by Chinese; Newcomers Redefine a Label”, is a clear-cut example of poor Chinese business ethics and monopolization.  There are ample studies conducted on current and past Chinese business models; however, rarely has a study been done that observes these models as an adverse consequence on culture.

One of the biggest aspects of this paper will be to study the processes and tolls of immigration on American society.  I will look at case studies like that of Joseph and Mary Tape from “Melting Pot” and account for the psychological tolls immigrating can have on refugees.  The physical and emotional tolls that immigrating into a foreign country can have are directly observable as a detriment to health.  The study done by Irene Chung, titled "Changes in the Sociocultural Reality of Chinese Immigrants: Challenges and Opportunities in Help-Seeking Behavior” is an amazing resource into this study.  She collects data and gives input on the strains many Chinese immigrants are still facing today.  Cultural shock and the overwhelming guilt of failure prove to push many Chinese immigrants towards suicide.  On the other side of the coin, many are taking interest into the Chinese psyche as a means to understanding their business methods.  “Managing in ethnic Chinese communities: Culture, institutions, and context” looks into various factors that shape Chinese culture in America and how local business owners can learn from these immigrants.  A huge portion of this paper focuses on the desire of various countries to keep Chinese immigrants out of their countries.  The U.S. is no stranger to these sentiments, and the paper “The Great Immigration Debate” by Patricia Smith provides legitimate arguments and examples of legislation aimed at accomplishing this. Finally as a means to provide an argument contrary to that of recognizing China’s growing influence on the rest of the world and its seemingly unhindered expansion, “The China Dream; Why the Middle Kingdom isn't really taking over the world.” Is an argument designed to calm these fears of apparent imperialism and unmatched greed.

Statement of Purpose:

Aside from addressing the political implications of Chinese expansion and history, I aim to account for a more personal study on Chinese immigrants.  Being a second generation Chinese-American I find it hard to relate to all the first generation immigrants that came here a century ago and who continue to come into America.  I’m curious to see how sentiments towards a Chinese presence in America and globally has changed over the past few decades.  Have ethnocentric sentiments towards a Chinese presence been completely eradicated or merely masked? 

Questions and Expectation:

How have Americans changed their views on local Chinese influence both culturally and economically? When presented with case studies such as the example in “Stitched in Italy, by Chinese: Newcomers Redefine a Label” how will people view the global influence via cheap Chinese labor?  How have things changed for Chinese immigrants in America compared to the boom in the early 1900s?  I anticipate mixed responses as long as my survey group is large enough and spread out.  Some will view Chinese expansion with resentment and disdain while others will deem it completely fair and understandable.  As for the question concerning a change in the journey from China to America, I think most sources will point to the journey as becoming easier both physically and psychologically.  More resources are available to current immigrants, especially with a well established Chinese community in most major cities on the west coast. 

Methodology:

Previously written books and journals will paint a picture of the past; however, I will aim to research current thoughts and emotions on this subject.  I could create a web-based survey with short answer questions or questions with qualitative response options such as: “strongly agree” “mildly agree” “no opinion” “disagree” and “strongly disagree”.

Annotations:

1.       Tepper, Anderson. "Melting Pot." New York Times. 18 Sept. 2010. Web. 27 Sept. 2010. <http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/19/books/review/Tepper-t.html>.

“Melting Pot” is a recount and case study on two Chinese immigrants, one boy and one girl, who separately immigrated into San Francisco and marry.  Each of their stories is very different from one another, but still characteristic of the hardships Chinese immigrants endured during the late 19^th century.  The boy, Joseph Tape, flees China to start a new life in America where he works his way up the economic ladder.  The girl, later to be known as Mary Tape, is transported into San Francisco via a steamship along with packets of tea and silk.  She begins her life of “freedom” in a brothel at age eleven but is later rescued by Protestant missionaries.  The article is dramatic and paints a vivid image of life for Chinese immigrants.  “Anti-coolie” and “yellow peril” were terms and sentiments widespread during that era.  Americans were fearful that Chinese immigrants were stealing jobs away from them.  This provoked violence and disdain.  The paper is an excellent resource into giving insight on how some successful Chinese immigrants came to help others like them immigrate into the United States. 

2.       Donadio, Rachel. "Stitched in Italy, by Chinese: Newcomers Redefine a Label." The New York Times [New York] 13 Sept. 2010: 1. Print.

A recent boom of the Chinese population in Prato, Italy has sparked serious concern in both Prato and surrounding Italian cities.  Since the 1980s, there has been a definite decline in the “made in Italy” quality claim.  Chinese industry workers, notorious for a “fast fashion” economy, are marring the Italian brand name.  The Chinese have proven to be adept in dodging tax laws and abiding to the same rules other Italian businesses adhere to.  However, even local police authority Domenico Savi admits that the Chinese are simply better at “playing the game” than the local Italian businesses owners are.  Chinese immigrants both legal and illegal, are leaving a formidable footprint on the local culture.  Prato locals fear that the Italian culture with soon be diluted with Chinese influence as already represented by Chinese signs and Chinatowns.  This article is an excellent examination of the Chinese influence on a global scale. 

3.       Chung, Irene. "Changes in the Sociocultural Reality of Chinese Immigrants: Challenges and Opportunities in Help-Seeking Behavior." International Journal of Social Psychiatry 56 (2010): 436-47. Print.

This was a psychological survey conducted in 2010 by Irene Chung who proceeded to interview 31 Chinese immigrants who had attempted suicide.  She was interested in finding the factors that instigated these suicide attempts and how they were connected to the lifestyles of these immigrants.  She found various similarities that stood out such as: language barrier, social isolation, spousal abuse, lack of community resources, sense of personal failure and lack of financial resources for medical treatment.  This study gives insight into the psychological difficulties immigrating into the U.S. poses for foreigners with no family, friends, or clue as to what they are doing. 

4.       Smith, Patricia. "The Great Immigration Debate." The New York Times [New York] 6 Sept. 2010: 12-18. Print.

America has been a beacon of hope and freedom to the rest of the world since its secession in 1776.  Characterized by its “melting pot” population, the very thing that has made the U.S. what it is, now presents itself as a major issue.  This article talks about the adverse consequences uncontrolled immigration has on our nation.  The U.S. has been blamed for having lax immigration laws and weak border patrol.  Unauthorized immigration poses societal problems from alleged increased crime to illegal employment.  Patricia Smith provides a legitimate argument against rampant immigration while still staying rational and understanding of its contribution to American society.  This resource can be helpful in my paper concerning past and present legislation, as well as providing another opinion on immigration.

5.       Lowell, Waverly B. Chinese Immigration and Chinese in the United States: Records in the Regional Archives of the National Archives and Records Administration. Washington, DC: National Archives and Records Administration, 1996. Print.

This is an in depth account of Chinese immigration into the United States from 1882 to 1943; the most controversial period of time for Chinese-Americans.  This book is an excellent resource if one is concerned with chronology and legislation on Chinese immigration.  One section deals specifically with previous district court records that deal with peculiar cases.  For example, in a district court in Michigan, 20 Chinese immigrants were allowed citizenship pending their renouncement of “allegiance and fidelity” to the Emperor of China.  What is noteworthy and contradictory, is the fact that this was allowed during a time where Chinese exclusion laws were enforced.  For a paper that aims to research all the factors influencing Chinese immigration both past and present, this book should prove to be invaluable.  The book provides many parallels between reasons for immigrating over the span of a century.  Modern immigrants are faced with many of the same obstacles and feelings of resentment as they did during the early to mid nineteen hundreds.

6.       Managing in ethnic Chinese communities: Culture, institutions, and context

Asia Pacific Journal of Management Volume 27, Number 3, 341-354, DOI: 10.1007/s10490-010-9218-4

7.       Shambaugh, David. A New China Requires a New US Strategy. Vol. 109. Philadelphia, 2010. Print. Current History.

8.       U.S. Lawmakers Wary of Chinese Telecom Firm

WENDELL MINNICK. Defense News. Springfield, Va.: Sep 6, 2010. pg. 22

9.       The China Dream; Why the Middle Kingdom isn't really taking over the world.

Ioannis Gatsiounis. Newsweek. (International ed.). New York: Aug 16, 2010. Vol. 156, Iss. 7

10.   America's Experts: Race and the Fictions of Sociology
Stephanie Li. MELUS. Los Angeles: Fall 2010. Vol. 35, Iss. 3; p. 237

Research Project Idea

How is China's industrial growth and cultural expansion influencing other nations, specifically the United States.  Have sentiments regarding Chinese immigration changed much since the early to mid 1900s?  Although legislation like the Anti-Coolie Act and Chinese Exclusion Act have been reversed, do we see similar bills trying to be passed today?  The primary concern seems, in our day and age, that the United States will fail to be the most powerful nation in the world giving way to an over populated, over industrious, and over zealous China.  I think it's fair for people to be afraid of this rapid change.  I for one AM chinese (well Chinese-American), and I fear for this idea postulated by the masses that China will one day "take over" like a swarm of locusts or something. 

Sample Annotation

PAINFUL PAST ON DISPLAY; Chinese American Museum remembers Angel Island

Maria L. La Ganga. Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles, Calif.: Jul 19, 2010. pg. AA.1

“Painful Past on Display; Chinese American museum remembers Angel Island” is a powerful article written for the Los Angeles Times in honor of a new exhibit on display at the Chinese American museum in Los Angeles.  The author focuses on a few specific case studies to provide the reader with a general idea of what the time period was like for immigrating Chinese.  The starvation, incessant interrogations, and horrid living quarters are a few things mentioned in the article to attempt to paint a picture of what the Chinese immigrants experienced.  A true grasp of the horrible experiences could only have been achieved via actual participation; however, the museum provides a respectable window into the lifestyle of those seeking a better life in the U.S.  Talking about a particular individual Charles Wong, who immigrated into California via Angel Island, the author focuses on the life changing implications photographs taken from the exhibit had on Mr. Wong.  It invoked suppressed memories and brought back feelings of guilt about his long dead brother who failed to immigrate alongside his family.  This article would be an excellent source for writing about Chinese American history and the gateway Angel Island represented into Californian citizenship.