Inspirational Quotes: peace within

“Remember to be gentle with yourself and others. We are all children of chance and none can say why some fields will blossom while others lay brown beneath the August sun. Care for those around you. Look past your differences. Their dreams are no less than yours, their choices no more easily made. And give, give in any way you can, of whatever you posses. To give is to love. To withhold is to wither. Care less for your harvest than for how it is shared and your life will have meaning and your heart will have peace."

Kent Nerburn

Photo diary: June

數年前,家裏的收支簿,老婆說,要我開始整理--由最初在筆記上草草記上一筆,到加入網路上的討論版和社群後共同分享的精細省事Excel電子檔,收支細項都能詳載...也真的明瞭到:柴米油鹽醬醋茶開門七件事,樣樣都要錢...也領悟到自己是個'受薪族'的事實...繳完所得稅,緊接著是汽車燃料稅和社區管理費...家裏的小車也要進廠保養了..Gee..口袋的錢,每張上的名字都不是我的....

暑假到了,雖然付不起國外旅遊,不過巿區內的小吃店倒還能進去坐坐...其中一家<豆子>,位於東海大學的一條小巷子內;袛要有朋友來訪,都會帶客人到那兒品嚐獨特的甜點。炎炎夏日,一碗芋圓紅豆冰就足以令人驚豔...其實,一旁,原是美術系學生常光臨的美術用品社,當初老闆娘的甜點,變成了東海的名物呢!途中,也順道去拜訪大學時期,很照顧我們這些窮學生的房東先生房東太太,可惜沒遇著。

地址:台中縣龍井鄉新興路一巷內(東海別墅) 電話:(04) 2631-9359

0718 flooding

清晨 附近地勢較低或有地下停車場的社區,是被汽車警報器吵醒的--漫出圳溝的大量河水,夾帶泥沙灌入地下停車場或客廳....前兒個晚上的雨勢又急又強,完全和電視上的預報相反;有線電視全斷,幸好還有網路的的訊息可用--五光路淹的更高,巿區的排水系統也是被癱瘓,山區的道路和災情更糟,菜價又開始大漲...笑的最開心的,可能是當天不用上課的國中生和汽車拖吊維修服務業吧

Bad Day-Daniel Powter

Tax season again

June: Thanks

五六個學生主動來找辦公室找我, 表達他們想學作文和演講的進階內容。一開始就跟他們說：師父領進門,修行在個人--因為<第一名>衹有一個,參加比賽的人卻是一堆，不可能人人有獎；而他們也不該以名次來看待自己的努力，而是要看自己是否有超越自己....後頭約好，若他們中午午休還有有力氣+興趣的，自己到圖書館來集訓，我會人在那兒等他們。

說很容易，過程其實很累人--原則解釋+範例欣賞後，大伙兒輪流在攝影機前練習，然後一起檢討優缺點，也一起笑一起分享....其中一個幾乎天天都來報到的，比賽時也不負眾望的拿到名次...幾天後，帶了盒餅到辦公室來，說是中午集訓的這群同學一起出錢買的。是一個謝謝.....

盒子內的餅，分給辦公室的同事...那個謝謝，就放在心裏，以後需要加油時再回味一下--現在的學生,會說聲謝謝的,比較少；對某些學生來說，學校，袛是個拿學費換解題方法(分數)的地方；天曉得我們這一代做錯了什麼--當學生時，逆來順受是一種美德；現在換了位置，逆來順受變成了工作要求....有點離題了....那天知道有人努力獲得成果....心裏放心許多；沒得名次的，知道他們心裏難受，也一再勉勵再勉勵....

你們都很好,再加油,再加把勁,一定會成功的。

農曆五月五 端午節

菖蒲 、 艾草已經掛在門上,電視轉播的划龍舟很少人會看,但粽子是不能免俗的,而香包是給小朋友的;上禮拜到逢甲逛,也順道買個香包;夜巿販售的香包形狀多為卡通裏的人物(Hello Kitty, Dora等等)

五月: 同學的婚禮

當新郎&新娘步入會場時,兩旁的小小朋友都很高興的喊著"新娘子新娘子"將目光聚焦在漂亮的禮服,完全忽略了一旁的帥哥,也就是那個繼 nancy, maria, lisa, amy 決定進入"執子之手,與子偕老"階段的同學。

他是台北人;對他印象深刻的是他如何將一份好報告,用更有效的方式呈現在教授面前--也就是說,他對自己的要求是遠超過常人的;這也反映在婚宴會場的選擇--位於七期的老虎城頂樓Club,南洋風裝潢(出奇致勝)+自助式bufffet(不浪費食材)+十分慇勤的服務人員--是個不錯而且獨特的選擇。

祝新婚快樂

17 歲的女生

在那個遙遠的年代和陌生的地方，晚上睡覺前把小隨身聽打開，躺在星空下，聽聽流行歌曲，是在忙完一天交付的工作後，最大的快樂。大伙兒口裏跟著李宗盛羅大佑張清芳江淑娜哼唱，眼睛看著閃亮的銀河Milky Way，在心裏胡思亂想--思思念念的是遠方親人和愛人，胡思亂想的是那個人人期盼的未來。

現在，工作的要求＋家庭＋肩上的責任＋生命中的一些起起落落和無奈....也難得有機會開開心心的唱首輕快的＜十七歲女生的溫柔＞；不過倒也能漸漸領略寫詞者的心境了。再把歌找出來，想回味一下當時的感動和期待。


＂十七歲女生的溫柔　其實是很那個的
　我猜想十七歲的女生　有單純的心和複雜的表情
　而猜想畢竟只是猜想　我不是女生　沒有什麼關係

　也許你快要十七　每天等待著畢業典禮
　也許你正是十七　懂的都是別人的道理
　也許你過了十七　往前看往後看　都有點吃力＂

圖片來源：http://www.hitoradio.com/media/album_cover/normal/3603.jpg

哀慟--給受災的四川同胞

進了教室，學生們已在黑板前放了二個袋子--分別標示[四川] [緬甸]；期中考忙完後，他們已自動自發的為千里外的天災發起了捐助活動--他們都是家教很好的學生呢。位處地震帶上的我們，對地震一點都不陌生。四川的同胞可能完全沒料到這天災，這個人生的無常，就這麼來了；新聞報紙上不斷出現的災區照片，令人不忍卒睹－任何物質上的損失比不上那和至親的天人永別之痛。心中也默默的為遠方的同胞向上天祈求－希望倖存下來的人能安好，不幸走掉的人也能安息。

那天，電視上，溫家寶先生，對著滿面淚的孩子說話時，晚上的餐館裏有人嘆了口氣說，台灣，台灣已經很久沒有，能感動人民的領導人出現了；這島上，有一群小眼晴、 小鼻子、 小心眼，口袋卻很大很深的投機政客；可也有人接著說，別忘了－台灣還有很多溫世仁呀。

Everyone Is Free to Wear Sunscreen

Stumbled upon this particular piece of speech during my search for great works from notable orators. Just like a cool breeze during a lethargic afternoon, gently but surely wakes one up and it is potent enough to keep one awake all day.

It was written by Mary Schmich and published as a newspaper column in 1997. Later, amid its ever growing popularity among readers, and its pithy way of providing useful advice, Baz Luhrmann made it into a song and released it in 1999.

Tea used to be my best companion when i was weary and tired; now, words from this article-turned-into-song has become another refreshment that keeps my spirits high.

What would you find in it? Sincere suggestions for questions that textbooks fail to answer, situations that allow no impartial judgments and things that you may want to know but are too embarrassed to ask.

Watch and listen youself: www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfq_A8nXMsQ

March

因為有點[宅]過了頭，被拖出門透透氣；一群人說要去山裏泡溫泉；選上的那個風景區一直都個有名的溫泉勝地。可從沒機會親身一睹其廬山真面目的。高鐵真的很方便，一下子就到了。而且，東道主又熱情邀請，熟門熟路的帶著我們賞景泡溫泉。

橋上看到溪流旁一大群人泡在一坑一坑的溫泉中，也離開人擠人的街道，下去看熱鬧。

這張圖是街道後頭，溪流旁所拍的。一條條圖方便的塑膠水管雜亂無章的齊聚於此,帶著乾淨的溫泉水回到許許多多的另一端。

這青山綠水是如此的美麗，那堪被醜陋水管如此羞辱。

Photo diary Feb 2008

......到處都是漲價聲--早上上班時會在路旁早餐店買個蛋餅，某天早上就看老板'們'弓腰哈背的頻頻向上門的顧客們解釋，因為油和瓦斯麵粉漲的實在不像話，原來的售價(蛋餅15元一個)也沒法子再撐下去，也袛好跟著漲(->變成20元)；口袋裏的錢有限，袛好想辦法變通一下：下班後到賣場買量販包的鮮奶和包子，我們家明天的早餐要自己做。

What is and what isn't

在顧客群面前,這個年輕人，無視於眾 人的目光,一句又一句的斥責站在身旁的父親，"白痴呀" "早叫你多加點調味料的!"。差點衝動的要提醒面前這個年約十八九的年青人-你面對的是自己的生身父親，理應敬如天地的；孝順這兩個字就在他的父親和我這個不孝的兒子間浮現。沒開口，因為家家有本難念的經－Who am i to say what is and what isn't? 這巿集攤位賣的小吃，雖是明顯的對身體健康有害，又十分可口美味，故總是有一大堆的人圍在攤前等著買；沒有人開口提醒這小老板。看樣子，這圍觀的群眾也已經見怪不怪了？

不瞭解這事件的完全背景，要如何正確揣測動機？又如何適當的切入？如何不淪為僅是自己編排的劇本，自以為是？也許父親是曾....也許這年輕人曾經如何如何..... 也許..... 最近LV在電視上放送的廣告，短短的一篇卻點出許多長篇大論理不清的現實－失焦的鏡頭和游移不定的場景中，每一時刻都是人生的註腳。

今晚的美食在嘴裏的味道有點不一樣，多加了一點點自省觀照的餘味在腦海中來回；難怪J 會說，"Mate, you think too much and you make the funking world too thoughty to live in."

Photo diary 2008 Jan

新年新氣象,香港閃亮偶像們卻有了暗夜真相..新閃卡網路那兒都通;追根究底,終究是私事一件。

可能迷哥迷姐們不會再迷信光鮮亮麗的偶像, 命理名人手上的馬後炮籤筒一搖,點名實力派出列。

家族中一位長輩,在寒夜中葉枯凋零,心嘆生命是如此無常,法事法會中親友齊聚。

接到了通知,謝謝警察伯伯的努力,等了半年的時間,要那個錄影帶中的無名氏舊地重遊,把他順手拿的再順手放回去...

新年快樂

A Ridiculously Recurring Fable

Raven vs. Peacock (A Ridiculously Recurring Fable )


Raven and Peacock one day had a loud argument over a who-knew-what issue.

Hare happened standing next to Peacock. "I'm with you!" stated Lamb, resolutely; seeing how the Hare's furry look resembled to it helped make the decision. "You have my support!" followed the Wolf, who then took another neglected step toward the now passionate Lamb. A passing flock of common sparrows descended from the branches to the left side of Peacock. "Now let's vote!," they chirped in rare unison, each knowing after the vote Peacock would return courtesy with its beautiful feathers, a much coveted commodity among the homely sparrows. 　Just emerging from the bushes, the Black Bear directly stood up against the wolf, who had several times cunningly robbed the bear's dinner from its mouth. About time to settle that old grudge.

So the line had been drawn and a starring contest started. Suddenly a cell phone buzzed, and the line snapped.

Pandemonium ensued: Wolf devoured Lamb and Hare whole, while they were reasoning with others; Black Bear then gave the happy Wolf a violent slap on the rear end, and off it went up howling into the air; the sparrows each plucked one or two or three feathers away from Peacock, before the votes were even counted; and the Raven? Hey! Where's Raven?

A book about Greeks

"It's all Greek to me," is a phrase used to describe something that is beyond understanding. But, this very word 'Greek' holds a lot of interesting things for me; so much so that when i stumbled upon the book The Birth of Greek i, usually lukewarm about reading, instantly bought it. Although it stayed on the shelf for three more years before really had time to peruse it. With its elegant writing, detailed description and pictures, paintings, anyone who reads this book would feel the complete history flowing in front of one's eyes.

Why the zest? Since modern American and British people all too often use names in reference to ancient mythologies - rockets that have names like Apollo, Pegasus - then, it occurred to me that, it might be logical to read more about the origins and stories behind these names.

未完成(傳家寶)

那一年夏天,站在安靜的樹下路旁,眼淚停不住的掉下來--心中百感交集:

那袛是條簡單的柏油路,先進國家或是發展中國家都有,平凡都巿常景。家鄉街頭巷尾的柏油路,多是坑坑疤疤的 - 這兒隆起個下水道人孔蓋,那兒是沒收拾好的沙石,嘩啦嘩啦的沾上了輪胎; 在某個遊外的機會中,將他們首都的某一條新舖好的道路,上上下下的,仔仔細細的瞧了一回-柏油路面的黑,和路旁人行道水泥的灰所形成一整齊的線條,有份堅持；雙手放上去,傳來的是柏油和碎石扎實密合,沒偷工減料的跡象,這是一份愛護 。

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　(source: http://blog.yam.com/umanlife/article/6790683)
　　　　
　　　　那時心底想起--我們美麗寶島台灣有條河流－死寂惡臭，河岸草叢一撥滿是燒焦的電路版－她叫二仁溪。當地回收業者從民國70年代起煉銅，煉鋁 - 如何電線取銅? 一把火燒就是了，獲利是首要目標。汙染防治設備？挖條水溝，將含有重金屬、硫氧化物、酸等成分的汙染排入河川；也造成今日二仁溪成為惡名昭彰的公害河。 (source: http://www.nonijuice.tw/tt/?page=180)
一條馬路和一條河流,際遇完全不同,若二仁溪有知,它難道不會傷心?

錢有了,身旁的一草一木卻不愛惜; 為什麼? 台灣不是"經濟奇蹟"嗎?人民的教育水準也不低 荷包滿滿或是高學歷，卻無法讓腳下這塊土地保有原來的動人的<美麗>；這十多年來，危害台灣更烈於黑心回收業者的，卻多的是高學歷的混帳。

<美的教育　－　無用之大用>

台灣教育重利，以結果論來衡量學生；學生也成為短視之徒。德智體群美中，這個＂美＂看似無用，賺不了錢也換不到官筬。但人們心中若有了"美"--對事物的標準,多了一層"這美不美"，是一種個人要求,也是希望眾人也能認同這一外象下的標準。人人心中有美,自會自我要求,求凡事均能達到"美"的境界。由個體而推及群體....

<馬路也能是傳家寶>

傳家寶,也許是一只代代相傳的翡翠玉環,或是一幅字畫/一件古玩。但更吸引人的是注視著物品的那份眼神和談論時透出的不捨關愛。這份關愛,如同那柏油路後所代表的,是能穿越時空,將平凡化為非凡的。家族內對<傳家寶>的呵護和愛惜....是對過去的記憶的追憶吧...但終究僅是一私密的感情,有限度的愛,小我的層次而己;這份堅持和愛護將一條柏油路轉化為<美>;那份動人的力量,非金玉本身的光芒,而是類似那經由代代的珍惜,將普通日常用品慢慢變成<傳家寶>的溫柔力量。

－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－
個別收藏家對個別物件的搜集,可如此解釋

一旦社會上多數人,透過對政策的制定,形塑出群體的環境
那一份融和在<大我>中的"小我",是一份投入,對"群體美"的
要求,也是一份認同

隱於巿

車來人往的路旁,人聲鼎沸的店頭,頭一抬起來,牆上掛著這麼一幅字---心裏就亂猜了起來:人說,大隱隱於巿;也許這店老板,是有什麼心事或是願望,期期而不可得吧。這個大千世界,時時刻刻各種人各種命運的交錯,又有幾佪人能說:"此生心願已償,已無所求。"

僅以此文悼念班娜姬．布托和她所代表的民主希望。

給遠方的同學

你還好嗎....記得要去看醫生...碰撞造成的身體傷害是事後才會慢慢顯現的....要去看醫生；人在他鄉,小心一點; 回來後要跟同學講,順便大家一起吃個飯。

上星期五晚上, p 邀了一群人吃飯--聊近況--都是忙的跟<轉輪上的松鼠>一樣--忙忙忙,東轉西轉的轉個不停。 A 最近公司的業務量不錯, E, B 和我,都是今年當專任老師(帶完三年導師,大家都變了許多, 學的也很多,不過還是當個閒雲野鶴般的專任最好) G 說快結婚了(農曆年後), p ....最近血脂高了點(same here) c 有點想再生第二個小朋友( me, too).... 不在場的同學: r 考上 flight controller; A 在台中?僑泰; C 考上東勢高工....Ri 的網頁位址不見了,你還有的話,扔過來嗎..

每天都有很多瑣事要忙,有很多目標要達成....段考結束後,要排教學進度表,新的課程馬上要帶入,有上課認真作業優異的,也有些皮癢欠揍的小皮蛋-學生說,老師你當爸爸後笑容比較多了;辦公室內天天有不同的謠言/傳言可以咬耳朵－通常...不在場的就可能是八卦的主角,不過購物生活等等有用的資訊還蠻多的;那書局內的新書排行和電影院的最新強檔上映片之類的,都是很遙遠的記憶了...

天天忙天天的....其實沒忘遠方的同學...袛是有時收到你的來信,也真不曉得要寫些什麼...希望你別嫌這些瑣碎雜事...你那裏的天氣,想必很冷...記得多加件衣服.....別忘了,回來後要跟同學講,大家一起吃個飯。

要去晾衣服了,下回再聊 ^_^

日常美食--正忠排骨便當

地址：台中市南屯區東興路2段356號

之前早就常常經過,不過,對它的佔滿視野/紅通通的店招有點戒心....
在某一個週末的下午,天氣涼涼的,就抱著試試看的心態,進去點了排骨餐。

店面裝潢是類似連鎖速食店的落落大方,照明佳而且地面桌上還蠻乾淨;
點菜方式類自助餐廳--先付錢買指定餐卷,再依序點菜,拿飲料或熱湯;
主菜選擇包含: 雞排、三杯雞、宮保雞丁、糖醋排骨、牛肉燴飯、
黑胡椒豬排、燒雞腿、炸雞腿、炸蝦捲、燒鰻。

可供點選的菜還是熱騰騰的,種類也多;可能因為生意很好,配菜常常換新； 飲料/熱湯供應位於點餐動線末端,兩個水龍頭和排列整齊的杯/碗等候著顧客。

客人很多,每個人都大口大口的吃飯 - 排骨不小氣, 肉厚又大, 好吃兩字太籠統; 一口咬下-濃郁肉汁和入味佐料加上不帶肉筋的肉塊,就足以令人食慾大開啦!

新台幣六十元是我這個<貪小便宜俱樂部金牌會員>為自己準備的中餐費用; 這家店是少數讓自己有物超所值感覺的店之一, 在此推薦。

Refugee camp

'You have a country, and a refugee camp is what we have here.'
One member in the audience whispers to another,
'This is but one chapter repeating another,'

Negotiations, regulations, legislations and conditions all fail to resolve
the conflicts from history and within our community
so we turn to those final, fundamental feelings.

If only more care, more love is given to this island,
could we all avoid that inevitable fate.....so you said....

but who would listen?

無題

曾經有人問你 你是否感覺寂寞有話在心裡 不肯說
你自己曾聽過 愛情的煩惱太多誰都沒有把握
聰明 如你 是非何必 明說單身女子的生活 還算不錯
你何必讓愛情 迷惑曾經有人問你 你是否感覺寂寞
不要管別人 怎麼說好多事情要做 好多的日子要過你有你的寄託
平凡 如你 是非何必 明說單身女子的生活 還算不錯
你現在不想讓愛情 擁有你你對自己說 你要獨立生活

是不是在獲得以前 一定要做出承諾你說
這無聊的遊戲 不必找我如果一個悲傷的女子 從你身邊走過
你放心 那不是我 不是我

說了再愛 愛了再說 你期待些什麼
除了愛情 還有許多能填滿你的寂寞

不要讓自己 在愛的漩渦終日悲傷卻不知所措
愛的習題 你自己會做你不必別人 在別邊囉嗦
等你高興了 再說

Costco 好巿多開幕

<校慶補假日> 剛好是家附近 Costco 好巿多開幕--八點半後才出門,卻奇怪的成為前50個進入costco的人--電視上的搶雞蛋/早餐的人群, 完全沒見著,倒是賣場內很多笑嘻嘻的洋人。"It cheers you up to see so many customers showing up today," 其中一個阿都仔如此對他的同事說; 也真希望台中港能快點開放, 讓台中這個城巿和台灣這個國家再度的熱鬧起來。

內部裝潢走大剌剌的美式風格, 坦率的灰色水泥磚外牆; 一明瞭然的倉庫大型貨物架; 陳列的貨品和食物種類都為國內大賣場少見的; 單一商品的量和size 也是頗為驚人...生鮮蔬菜/食品/家居用品都是成包成綑的; 逛了一圈之後, 人潮慢慢湧入, 跟著婆婆媽媽買了貝果/muffin, 那盒紅豔豔的 berry 則是純嚐鮮; 網路上眾鄉民熱烈討論的松露巧克力果真是女生的最愛; 而幫寶適尿布,在沒和老婆商量之前,先保留...帶了現烤的手扒雞129。

另一邊家電區都是精選的主力商品－也就是說,選擇也沒幾樣；圖書區的原文書有點少, Costco 的強項不在這兒吧。奇:在結完帳後,下樓電梯前,有店員要求每個人出示貨單,並核對每樣貨品,她說是為了"避免收銀員算錯"-- oh, well。

熟食區的熱狗, 夠大隻, 但吃一半後覺得很鹹, 那飲料全是甜到噁心的可樂和汽水...有點掃興。

Autumn setting in

下午檢討完高二考卷,有個學生靠過來問"老師,試題配分和公佈
的差很多吔" 。 剛顧著說這題那題,倒沒看到題目配分.....SP
10% 被改成 20%, 手寫題和課外閱讀全縮水。 明天再撥個電話,
問一下整理題目的同事。奇怪？怎麼會沒有通知咧.....

現在不敢在校內電腦開郵件,Yahoo附 的小程式就掃出一堆木馬,
keylogger, USB Drive virus 。 下午圖書館有同事把隨身碟插入
電腦,也卡住無法開啓內容檔案, 不知該向誰投訴。

馬的

Renewed

This forwarded picture tickles me and it does show how creative (or naughty, according to some) students can be. All these years, classroom experiences have been incorporated into the principle that i rely while doing my job. What is learned with laughter and fun lasts forever.

Accident

Was told about one motorcycle accident involving two students. Though they had already graduated, felt the urge to understand the situation. The girl was seriously injured - multiple broken bones and internal bleeding; her family reassured me that she was out of danger and would follow my advice to return to school for insurance.

前世因, 今世果

"不懂為什麼她這麼討厭你? 就因為曾經請過她吃大餐小點/她一句話就幫她代班? 曾經一五一十的將你的慘綠過去/不堪的家庭往事掏心掏肺的分享, 而她的反應, 四處當八卦說嘴, 甚至要干預你要上幾堂課? 有什麼好疑惑? 也許你們上輩子就有未了結的惡縁, 今生又來相遇, 作個了結吧。" 既有前世因, 定有今世果...佛法講的是你當下的決擇.....不論如何, 以禮待之是最好的供奉方式; 惡念愈重, 人終是淪為輪迴中的印証; 就當她是個磨綀心志的機會, 以禮供佛吧....不就是"怨憎會;愛別離"嗎....."

Captain

報告連長,

二十多年了, 您還好嗎? 學生... 笨拙的很, 一直忙著眼下的事, 也沒機會寫信和您報平安....退伍後, 求學就業結婚生子, 這一路上, 東奔西走, 那麼多次的地址變動, 那口箱子內的相片/紀念品也不見許多－－您送我的那支鋼筆, 掉了, 但我沒忘上頭的題刻; 沒能將您的住址電話保存好, 真對不起。曾試著和其它同學/舊識聯絡...或許大家都忙吧...少數能聯絡上的, 也是大江南北的, 連安排個時間碰面都是難。

遇到很多有趣的人--由他們處理週遭的人事物的方法和態度, 學到不少實用的, 用來調整自己的腳步和態度。 小女剛滿11個月, 牙牙學語的樣子, 很可愛; 我老婆是台中人, 很疼我; 工作是在教育崗位上, 總是儘力滿足學生求知求學的欲望; 體能變弱了：現在沒辦法22分內跑完五仟公尺了, 在高登島受的背傷使游泳成為我幾乎惟一的運動選擇。雖然有時會遇到不愉快的事, 但風一吹, 煩心事就變輕許多。

生命的風景一直不斷地變化, 而您的身教和言教一直沒忘, 時時謹記在心; 要和您說聲謝謝--謝謝您的照顧和教導, 謝謝。 (此文所附照片中人物為連長吳德凱)

2001 夜物語

天上的那一片星空, 詮譯的最美的不是巨大的太空望遠鏡, 而是一部由星野之宣所畫的SF漫畫; 網路上和書店內幾幾乎全然不見這部經典, 袛好請日本友人代訂日文版。
Our physical being is both defined and contrained by time and space; it is imagination that can defy the absolute reign of physics and it is imagination that allows us to go beyond and see what may be there.

學生們總有新鮮事

每一天到校上課，教室內學生們總有新鮮事，讓太陽下的萬事萬物保持在不斷創新過程。當初，部落格也是學生們邀才開始慢慢的建立起來的；而那些網路上不斷冒出來的新創意和新點子，其實在教學上也是很好的思考起點。

無名島

Now, after dwelling on it for some days and nights, finally found some answers to why I was constantly reminded of that place called Matsu - it was this: it taught me the beauty of life lies in simple things.

While stationed there as soldiers, we were deprived of freedom and the modern conveniences. Hence things became simple, without interruptions and distractions. Some of us, from this seemingly desolate island, learned bit by bit to appreciate what was around and what life really was.

The grandeur of Mother Nature: The surging waves, the turquoise sky and the hard rocks come together to create a stunning piece of art that, like a masterpiece, draws the attention of visiting auditors and makes them ponder over the meaning behind.

Guevara

＜ 革命前夕的摩托車日記＞一幕中， 切‧格瓦拉躍入急深河水,不顧一切危險的向隔岸游去；隔岸，是你的朋友你的理想和你的承諾。

他說，由幼兒而兒童,青年而至成年,成長的過程,個體慢慢的接受[社會的馴化],包袱一件件加上身失去了生命原有的真,被放進一個框架之中,無法再大步邁進。 那把電吉他那把嘶吼自由和頭上的雜毛，是我的身份就是我；今晚報社記者也拿到了母親受賄的証據，正義要被伸張，虛偽的面具應該要被摘除！

母親一直忙，沒機會說：理想和熱情是好的，也有危險的一面;哥倫布/哥白尼能發現新大陸和推翻地球中心論，乃因能堅持自己的見解，而修正舊有的不正確的觀念；諷刺的是，大陸文革中的紅衛兵，以武裝衝突暴力來實踐毛的思想毛的理想，被鼓勵推翻傳統，甚至去"衝"中南海向"敬愛的毛主席"致意，事後的下場是被下放勞改。那荒唐的“年代”除了痛苦之外，又有幾代仁人志士的信念、青春和美好理想被埋葬掉? 張董送來你的留美學費，拿在手裏，沈甸旬的，應該夠你用了；從小沒多少機會陪你長大，這是媽媽欠你的。

切‧格瓦拉還好死的早,Guevara, Che, real name Ernesto Guevara (1928-1967), 看不到你的肖像被資本主義當成可以打折可以裝袋帶走的商品來消費。

明天還要上班，不該想太多的。晚安

Merry Christmas

This is a Christmas wreath we have on our front door. My wife and I, while walking around in a flower market, found a store that sells decorations; from this store, we picked up things that ended up like a Christmas wreath. Wish you all a merry Christmas.

Tracy Chapman

Her voice belongs to a cold morning in autumn, a moment when everything is still hazy and your mind is stil clear. Like that cold draft of wind brushing upon your face, she articulates the ambiguous side in life. No flashy music, just simple few instruments that go with her.

Mini-plays in music class

"Even if the prime minister of Canada won't be able to see this marvelous play," i turned to whisper to Mr. Faulds, a Canadian who is currently staying with us as the teacher in conversation course. This morning, a class invited us to watch their mini-plays in music class.They were hilarious with their not-so-picky props and costumes; I enjoyed it because it was pure fun.

There was no glamorous stages, right costumes nor international-renowned directors and all had a good time laughing. Alatine and Little Mermaid had a date and their first child was Tarzan! Two usually taciturn students showed the singer inside of them; two talkative and vivacious girls doubled up as the right hostesses who connected each piece of the plays intimately. Imagination and anticipation came into to create something better - unhampered interaction between the play and the audience.

昔孟母 擇鄰處

即使當場被抓到交換答案卡,事後仍堅稱是因為"手痛"所以才會請同學代寫名字;而夾在下面的那張答案卡?---"不小心放在一起的",另一個如此的說著。丙君的家長很快速的請出一堆私人診所的單字,要求老師以<為人父母>的角度來詮譯這事件。

緃使家長知道自己的孩子在學校內胡做非為，也擺出一副"這是我小孩,要教訓他也輪不到你"的嘴臉。同事也提到這學生打算控告畢業紀念冊製作廠商（因為廠商用他的照片當開會時展示的樣本）;不過,對於他設計的圖樣上,未經許可,用上別人的照片惡作劇一事,他倒是一點都毫不在意。法律，袛不過是他手中的玩具。學校內的同事在學生面前沒作過這些事,也袛能假設是他由電視上學來的。

"昔孟母,擇鄰處;子不學,斷機杼" 可見古人早知社會大環境對孩童潛移默化能力的認知。現今社會價值混亂，笑貧不笑娼；以錢為衡量一切的準縄。政治人物中,有以偽証攻訐者,有挾其地位邀利者,更有以法自肥竊國者;這一切,每天在電視上演,也被所有人看在眼裏; 會有學生厚顏無恥從而效之,其實應是是預料之事；袛不過，處理這學生時，要按著性子，再多給他些機會，再多給他些正面的教育。

昔孟母 擇鄰處 子不學 斷機杼 竇燕山 有義方 教五子 名俱揚 ... 玉不琢 不成器 人不學 不知義

雞婆

"Only children and fools tell the truth." 幼兒和白痴才講真話
他的反應也算是正常
不經一事,不長一智,以後碰到這種事,也別雞婆了,還被別人嫌

Time flies, flowers die

Time is the substance from which I am made. Time is a river which carries me along, but I am the river; it is a tiger that devours me, but I am the tiger; it is a fire that consumes me, but I am the fire.- - - Jorge Louis Borges

逢甲紅燒當歸鴨

晚上約五點半開始營業,未開門就有一群人在門口守著。打從大學時期就常來光顧－因為他們的鴨肉烤的香，又將骨頭除掉大半，美味的湯和東粉十分對味。地址：西屯路(往東海大學方向)轉文華路後,第一個小巷子右轉,小巷口。除了招牌當歸鴨，也有鴨胗鴨肝下水，都很嫩沒有腥味，配薑絲再沾點辣椒醬，真的不賴哦。

思親

..........某個週末傍晚,抱著小朋友去買便當,回程時看到一個老婆婆在溲水桶旁收集東西 就一個想幫忙的心態,把錢包內的一點錢拿給她....她不願收,直說這東西收回去是要做堆肥的,不缺錢..... 又強塞給她,因為有個東西扯著心頭,如果她願收下,或許心裏會好受一點 她,牽著我的手,細細訴說著她那好久好久以前家境不錯的娘家,還有那嗜酒好賭的丈夫如何毀了她初嫁的幸福, 在一個無名的路旁,在冷冷的秋風中,離家多年後...看著她臉上的屈屈折折的皺紋,心裏頭苦苦酸酸的.. 她或許不缺這錢吧.... 不過覺得好像在和自己的母親講話一般...真想回家見見媽媽

看著秋如那麼疼她的孩子,心頭上就想到---世上袛有媽媽好,有媽的孩子像塊寶
Happiness presents itself, most clearly, in its absence.

nice, cozy restaurant: Tapa Tapa

Located in downtown area, this place serves excellent spanish dishes; and when its neighboring establishments keep changing names and interior decore, this cozy restaurant keeps attracting customers, old and new alike, with its outstanding cooking. We have visited this place several times, and each time, our guests have been impressed with the unique menu and tasty dishes.

12, DaLong Rd.(04) 2323-6254, 2327-0225 Hours: 11 am-10 pm10% service charge (except for take-out). http://www.taiwanfun.com/central/taichung/dining/0610/0610Spain.htm

O. Henry

While preparing for a short story, found more related information that could be used in presenting - the exqusite balance in the diction, dramatic turn at that ordinary, everyday moment and thoughts provoked. It just occured to me that O. Henry, like many before and after him, was such a unique and able person. Unique in the stories he wrote; able, in the fact that these stories, after almost a century, still strike a chord.

http://www.online-literature.com/o_henry/

Breakfast alley

It is called "breakfast alley" mainly because what you see here - stands that present tasty and inexpensive choices for breakfast - usually only last until 9:40. If you get up late, you will see an empty place and hear your belly growl like a bear.
^_^

Gift of life

Finally got this 921 documentary on DVD. 921 stands for a date that some still recall with mixed feelings - horror from the destruction done by quakes, pain stirred up by those who departed and courage that helps people getting back on their own feet once again. This transformation from the lowest point to rising up also helps to uplift its viewers.

Elementary

saw some elementary kids visiting a temple; their teachers busy sharing all about the local patron. Guess those who know more about their home will grow up to be people who would love and identify with the land that nurishes and nurtures them all along.

Hinokio

This is a movie that celebrates life and all that come to make what life is. Won't waste your time. Director's fresh viewpoint plus the renovated theme of growing up, achieves a movie which captures our heartbeat and galvanizes our soul.

"Cheaters"

Received fervent responses from kids for this provocative movie. "Compelling....makes a powerful statement" says it all. The director put, not cheating techniques nor individuals, but the whole society under microscope. Because the topic is common, the movie is presented in an atypical way that shakes its viewers. Some said that they made a bee line to the video rental store for this title, and they, too, had this catharsis. Good literature, as well as good movies, does advance and elevate human mind.

Tea time

This is a plaza lying next to a theme park. Walking in this place in the afternoon is a pleasure. Many people are also intoxicated by this layback atmosphere, and by the relaxing music from street musicians.

Ghosts from the past

Several days ago, was accosted by some one - wasn't sure until he called out the third time. His face was a vague and distant memory because now have been on a different schedule and fighting for a totally different cause.

While it is undeniable that service in the military is excruciating, many still find it hard to just jettison those memories. After all, those days did leave indelible marks in and out.

Now in restrospect, we were really like a bunch of naughty kids having fun on this Never Land. While no parents were around to supervise and look after us, we did a good job in taking care of ourselves, and faithfully carrying out tasks that no one would like to go through again.

One particular person wrote,"I'm sad and happy. Sad because have to sever my tie with the society; happy, because now i don't have to face the pressure of becoming an adult."

Gee, really miss my playmates.

ducks ducks

From a piece of wood came a lovely duck. Its maker must be quite happy for the look in this little thing tells. This trip to a decoy factory reminds me so many happy memories while my cousins and i were small.

Orange Marches

Received a message in the mailbox. It was from a friend in Ireland who has been watching the news of the sit-in campaign in Taipei and the quarrels sparked off from that point on.


She mentions the Orange March in Ireland, where people with different political views and relgions sometimes clash together, resulting in bloodshed and deep, long hatred among people. Seems no solution in sight.

For those who profit from disagreements, they're called politicians; for those who bring peace along, statesmen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNcPB-3LQbo&mode=related&search=

Being a child again!

While attending a small discussion group on how to take good care of children, one father and i found that while we're raising children, we simultaneously relive that long-forgotten childhood again. This time, however, I could really cherish the moment when our little child utters another after another new sounds, when she makes her first attempt to grab that toy and when she smiles back. ^__^

Child on the Road

Pulled a child off a busy road the other day. After work, on my way to a pharmacy, was startled to see a small child running bare-footed among the traffic. Quickly parked the bike and rushed into the busy flow of cars and motorbikes to pull that child, about the age of five, off the road. With the light from a beverage stand nearby, noticed that he was a bit different - a child with birth-defect. A warm-hearted girl from that beverage stand gave him a drink and called the police. A patrol car arrived within a few minutes, and that child was in good hands. ....... A child that grows up with the changing seasons is a joy to parents; a child that stays 2-years-old forever is a tormenting thing, a punishment.....sometimes.

Don't know why this child was left unattended and running among heavy traffic; he must have slipped away while his care-giver was distracted by something else. Children are treasures of the world, and parents are given different children to look after, to protect and teach, to pamper and love. ..... Wish him, and his parents, all the best in the world.

Cat's in the cradle

My child was born and she is a lovely lovely baby. Now weighing like an average baby, she sometimes smiles back while we talk to her.(= was told that parents are crazy about their babies; didn't believe that until have my own one) Being inexperienced, both of her parents have to read and learn while trying to change diaper, feed her and apply her certificates. We're exhausted in the first few days, but gradually have adapted to the new schedule. Judy Collin's "The Cate's in the Cradle" comes in whenever i hold this small, little thing.

Voices that last

It has been raining on and off for the past two weeks. Rainy days bring back old songs. Joan Baez is one particular singer whose unique voice and style would catch a foreigner's ear; her albums were among the most treasured in many people's memory. Diamonds and Rust, Forever Young are made of simple words and only the necessary instruments, and therefore that message inside is even more salient. A guitar and a singer, how wonderful!

Comics

Made a deal with J, who has been shipping comic books into classroom, and the rest of the class. It would be wise not to spend too much time on comic books and get distracted. One girl reacted with the comment that she, besides being a student, is a citizen, too; and why should she be told to do this and that?

Then told them since the competition for good colleges is fierce and the expectation from their parents sometimes do influence how school operates, they seemed more willing to take the suggestion that in the following months before that BIG exam, comic books should have no place inside classroom.

Once asked a veteran teacher about how to carry out policies (or school rules) without bringing up the unwanted results. "Love and understanding" are two of her most salient conclusions. As to the process of setting up rules, she confirmed that it is vital to make it crystal clear and then enforce these regulations with firmness.

Strawberry Pear (Hylocereus undatus)

火龍果. Night-blooming Gereus
Soon May will give birth to a baby girl, and we usually take a walk after dinner. Along the road are rice fields and vegetable gardens. This fruit-bearing plant surprised us with its large and yet delicate flowers.

http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/strawberry_pear_ars.html

Old and Useful

It is easy to forget what magic reading can do to one's mind here in Taiwan. Because of the academic pressure from exams, reading is usually associated with fierce competition with peers, humiliating grades and nothing more. When college students graduate, they readily toss away textbooks as prisoners would do to their heavy shackles.

Once that appetite for books returns, so glad that it always will, a search will begin - to find out books worth one's while; several books are definitely not to be missed. One small compilation caught my attention with its rich content, elegant style and wisdom from many remarkable persons.

Later found out that some passages in this pocket book were used in many American schools for they convey ideas with succinct sentences. To me, in moments of doubt and perplexity, the book provide appropriate console and advice; hopefully, it will bring the same to you.

Famous Blue Raincoat

About some 16 years ago, one bookstore owner recommanded this CD title, "Famous Blue Raincoat," to me, and Jennifer Warnes' unique voice captured my attention. Unlike the coming and going in pop music, there are certain types of music that stay with you; this CD, written by Cohen, resides in this area.
Inside this album, three elements - beautiful voice, deep lyrics and excellent performance from the accompanying band - together express a mixture of conflicting motions inside every human soul. And here, 16 years later, this music title is still one of my prized collections.

Birman Rally: Passion

On the TV screen is a group of students with one pilot in a "simple" airplane, ready to jump down from a high platform, into the water down below. The first thought that came to me was, "They must be insane to do this silly thing." Insane, because that airplane is only made of fragile materials and powered by a crude bicycle chain mechanism.

Alas! Though some of those planes quickly plunge right after takeoff, a few do spread their wings and fly an astonishing distance before they make a splash. Through VCR footages and narrator's explanation, realized how much effort has been put into such 'silly' act. One single element stands out in this Birdman Rally: Passion. The passion to fly, the passion to defy common sense, the passion to accomplish the impossible, is the singular power that drive those simple airplanes up in the sky.

Toy for Joy

Passed by a drug store on our way home. Had never visited this one before so decided to make a detour. Aisles and aisles of babycare products spread in front of us, with dads and moms crusing among them. Because already had some large and necessary items ready, so this time focused on the fun side of having a newborn baby. Spotted a toy that plays our funny tunes and the small animals on top of it jump along with the music. It is very cute. ^_^

War Is Over

Stumbled upon some photos that bring back old memories while stationed in Matsu, a group of islands located far away from Taiwan. After 1949, there was a long stand-off between the Communist China and R.O.C., and people from both side were told and trained to keep vigilant against possible attack. Gaodeng (高登) is one of the frontline islands that has been fortified to an extreme point with artillery, guns, bunkers and mine fields; but, it is still nevertheless a wonderful place with breath-taking views, magnificent rock formations and soothing waves from the ocean.