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.

DIY--- one way to cope with inflation

Have a box full of DIY tools, ranging from an electric drill to a compact set of wrenches, screwdrivers and plumbing spare parts. They're from several visits to the local B&Q shop, where people get to buy DIY tools and replacements for their home. Last night, took out the tool box and that electric drill and put in a new set of shelf on the wall, so as to make the best use of that space. Seeing that job done, a sense of satisfaction came up. Guess will try to fix that faucet in the kitchen next time.

The Road Less Traveled

This book,"The Road Less Traveled" bluntly points out how people's will and action conflict, and how to solve this conflict. This solution is simple - to lead a disciplined life, to do things in an orderly manner and plan ahead. These suggestions are not printed in fancy writing nor accompanied with attractive pictures, but they sure present the solution to those daily questions. Good book. Share with you.

Toy-grabbing machine

This thing may look innocuous, but you can lose a fortune while playing it. With one 10$ coin, you get one chance to move a 'claw' around and pick your desired stuffed toy. But, as you may have noticed, that these 'claws' have been 'adjusted' and few can actually get what they aim for.

Though most people do realize that, still, that gambler's mentality keeps them putting coins into that slot. Also some Japanese friends told me they have somewhat the similar things in their neighborhood, but they don't think these machines present too much a challenge.

Tax season

Told students that, besides hilarious April First, holy Easter, there is one more 'big thing' that most Americans have to pay attention to - paying the tax. Oh, well, it is also time for me and people in Taiwan to get ready to fill the tax forms, either.

Noticed that some co-workers do not seem to be concerned about this big "dent" to their wallet, and asked one. They have a practical idea towards this income tax - they simply ask the treasurer to deduct certain proportion from their salary EVERY month; therefore, there is no need for them to 'squeeze' out that amount of money.

Me? Somehow managed to save some from the utility bills and daily expenses, just enough to make both ends meet. With the recent price hike, sure need to use money carefully.

small gardens

Compared with my neighbors' beautiful gardens, mine seem uncamped. This is probably because i'm busy and lazy. There are several herbs, vegetables growing in this smll square. Chillies, rosemary and mint take up most of the space. Sometimes, kids come and pluck away chillies to play with; moms get to have some mint to go with their dishes. ^_^ If had more time, perhaps will try to use the space on the roof to grow some other vegetables. It is fun to have a small patch of land available in this crowded city.