星期六, 2月 20, 2010

太陽出來了

這個春節的外出行程,全被寒氣逼人的天氣改掉-也袛能一連數日,在家中客廳電視前招待來訪的親戚。還好,今天"太陽公公"終於出現了,全家老小(其實是小朋友為主)也能一起到附近的景點出遊。用力的吸了口新鮮的空氣,真好;在山頭上,觀看遠山綠意和山下街景(也要時時盯著跑來跑去、玩的不亦樂乎的小朋友)。順便到廟裏頭參香拜拜,在午後人群中向神明們說聲謝謝-謝謝你們去年保佑家中大小平安、學校學生求學順利;也希望諸位神明,在這一年多幫我看望著遠方的家人。

星期三, 2月 10, 2010

The day we put away differences


was a day when our national baseball team fought their way up against formidable foes in international baseball games. Blue and green mixed together to support one goal: winning the baseball game for our country. This will explain why many people feel very frustrated to see young star players indicted for their long-term involvement in underground sports gambling.

The day we put away our difference was gone.

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2010/02/11/2003465723

星期四, 2月 04, 2010

北上公差


這回的教學研習沒在中部辦,選了北部的場次;一早就搭車上台北,板橋新車站內是全新的內裝和動線,和之前老車站截然不同;早晨八點的陽光中,通勤族們加快腳步奔向各方,是朝氣十足的車站。

轉搭公車時,還遇到舊識-也是出公差(她是科內召集人)。這回研討會的內容,全是用心準備的,沒人袛是上台唸唸稿子交差了事;資訊內容也蠻新的 peer conferencing/ techniques involved in raising learners' awareness towards certain aspects in writing. 學了不少可以分享的好方法和新鮮的程序組合。

先前曾在台北工作過一段時間,中央圖書館內的多樣服務是我的最愛;但深深覺得台北不適合成家、養孩子,因為台北的生活步調又急又快,忙完一天後是很空洞的疲累。現在,會議結束,在回台中路上幫家裏的人帶了些她們愛吃的 croissant 和三明治。台北,拜拜,我要回家了。

星期一, 1月 25, 2010

Life is a process of becoming

Life is a process of becoming, a combination of states we have to go through. Where people fail is that they wish to elect a state and remain in it. This is a kind of death.

Anais Nin, "Winter of Artifice" US (French-born) author & diarist (1903 - 1977)

This quote came from a bank of its kind where one may find glimmering lights of wisdom or wits in moments of doubts or anguish. There are moments in life when words couldn't fly because they might sound coarse, blunt and ego-centric; so good to find someone wiser to utter the best part of language - to communicate without causing unpleasant feelings or unnecessary confrontations. Gee, wish someone had told me this when i was 16. Just for you.

星期六, 1月 16, 2010

好吃的葱餅


週末兼差結束後,奉令到逢甲買美味的小吃;<大腸包小腸>和<當歸鴨>都是家人指定要吃的。在這家新近出現的<廖家宜蘭蔥餅>攤前,看到都是長長的人潮,生意好像很好,按[人潮=美味指標]之原則,加入排隊,1個就要 40元 大洋,等上快半小時才買到,不過,yummy 真的是滿口的鮮美葱味。

地址:台中市西屯區逢甲路26號 (葛萊美唱片行外)
電話:0930-302175

原来你们台湾是这样子的呀

聊著聊著,突然來了這麼一句"原来你们台湾是这样子的呀 "....後頭接著一大長串的問句,裏頭的字句,都是回憶中的重要關鍵字--228事件、美麗島事件1990三月學運等等...。奇了?你怎麼這麼清楚,丟過來一個書名 我们台湾这些年 - 哎,這一本[台灣簡史],一票子的大陸同胞,最近可捧在手上看著呢。

星期四, 12月 31, 2009

星期六, 12月 12, 2009

床前霜明月光

月入我人間,陰晴圓缺
天上宮闕卻,愛恨情仇

床前霜明月光,自訴何時還, 滿園蛙鳴月光。

星期日, 12月 06, 2009

有聲兒童繪本

前一陣子收到的訊息中,有個網站提供很棒的線上有聲兒童繪本,恰好家裏的姐姐很喜歡看,爸媽也可隨書本中的角色,提供經驗給小朋友來學習如何在不同的場合,來回應不同的題目。其實,商店裏書架上有許多的讀本;但要如何選擇小朋友也愛看的,實在很難決定。有了網路版後,爸媽和小朋友的選擇能更有共識。設立這網站的人,真是佛心來著。

http://children.cca.gov.tw/garden/

most saught-after 7-11 incentive items

Their marketing specialists do know what they are doing. Kids and adults alike all can't get enough of these small toys.

星期日, 11月 08, 2009

how a kid gets his free cellphone

So Jim, to his classmates astonishment, carelessly let his cellphone lie on the pavement and walked away. A wager was on - Jim would 'ditch' his phone and get a brand new one in one week - for free; otherwise, he would pay for cold drinks for all. Walla! A week later, Jim brandished his new acquisition, an i-phone, to all's admiration.

How? On the very same day when Jim left his phone, an unsuspecting junior later picked that windfall and insert his sim card inside, never knowing this new-found cellphone, like so many others, had a built-in serial number and would reveal its location via the network. Police informed this junior's parents for their child's foolishness. Junior got a good lashing and his parents sent the latest i-phone to this street-smart proprietor as a friendly gesture and to stop the ensuing legalities.

星期一, 10月 26, 2009

社論-美國牛肉vs.庶民自主管理

社論-美國牛肉vs.庶民自主管理

  • 2009-10-27
  • 中國時報

 生猛的美國牛肉再度大舉扣關入台,如今看來其勢難擋;這股力量所及,上至總統府、國安會的決策單位,下至衛生署、農委會等執行單位,都被衝撞的人仰馬翻難以自圓其說。但好在台灣民眾自主意識強烈,加上地方政府、民間團體串聯結盟,成為保障國人食品安全的最後屏障。

 在民進黨執政時代,美國政府就不斷嘗試敲開台灣關卡,要求在純牛肉之外,帶骨、內臟、絞肉等牛肉產品入台。但當時的民進黨政府守住底線,沒有再開放進口門檻。如今馬政府大舉開放美牛進口項目,照政府不公開的說法,是和利益交換有關。譬如說,要和美國展開「台美貿易暨 投資架構協定」(TIFA)談判作準備、要爭取美國部長級官員訪台、要軍購、要平衡外界屢屢質疑馬政府向中國過度傾斜等等。如果大舉開放美國牛肉進口,真 的能達到這些目的,那麼,基於國際經貿現實與國家整體利益考量,開放美國牛肉進口就是利益權衡的問題,沒有絕對的對錯。而且,是可以理性討論的。

 爭議的解決,應該回到「安全與否」的原點。衛生署應該就進口美國牛肉的理由、各國開放比較、食用風險評估、消費安全糾紛、民眾申訴、管理方式與罰則等各方面,準備完整詳細的資料對民眾說明,這是處理重大且爭議性高議題的基本動作。

 但馬政府處理這個問題的方式,實在草率粗疏到令人無法置信。先是衛生署長在一個非正式的場合,以答覆媒體詢問的方式,三言兩語就說出這個 事關重大的開放決定。第二天,一夕之間,實際負責談判的衛生署副署長竟然舉行正式記者會,完全推翻署長前一天的發言內容。最要命的是,開放項目竟然包括被 視為高風險的牛內臟、絞肉等部分。

 訊息一出,舉國大譁。之後,只見總統府發言人、行政院長紛紛出來滅火、解釋,衛生署長楊志良也從最先的「不能接受」,一百八十度大轉彎改 口為「美國才是喪權辱國」云云。這個過程,讓人看到政府各相關部門的協調、溝通徹底失聯,行政中樞倒像已經先得了大腦錯亂的狂牛症。

 美國牛肉安不安全、能不能吃,其實不必官員上演吃丁骨牛排、喝牛雜湯的「賭命秀」來向民眾保證安全,政府應該做的是,面對即將進口的第一 批美國牛肉,我們有沒有確實赴美稽查?對未來更多的進口項目,政府應該要求美方建立食品生產履歷制度,從飼養、宰殺、包裝各環節標明資料,盡可能的提供最 多相關資訊,讓站在牛肉攤前或面對菜單而徘徊猶豫的民眾,有所抉擇。

 但到今天,衛生署除了提出會嚴格稽查、不定期赴美檢查等空洞的說法之外,看不到太多具體作為。中央政府既已失能,可喜的是,地方政府和民 間團體主動補位。目前最新的發展是,台北市長郝龍斌首先「發難」,要結合餐飲業者和肉品進口商,宣示自清,絕不用美國牛內臟、絞肉。並且,針對牽動全國家 長敏感神經的學童營養午餐,優先把關管制。他的呼籲,立即得到台中市、高雄縣市等地方首長的響應。面對來自狂牛症的威脅,地方政府的反應與作為,顯然比強 調「庶民經濟」的中央政府,更貼近民意。

 事實上,在最近幾起消費事件中,例如,炸油酸價事件、強酸足膜事件,都是地方政府主動稽查而發現問題。衛生署、農委會等食品安全相關單位固然有人力、資源的限制,但面對重大民生食品安全問題,其實是沒有任何理由和藉口卸責,專業表現更不應該如此不堪。

 簽訂全球性的經貿架構協議是馬政府、也是各國政府的主流施政方向,台灣無法自外於與其它國家的經貿談判,但要談判,就有得失取讓。當政府 無法向談判國家說NO的時候,人民及地方政府可以發揮更多的自主意識,並由市場機制達到制衡與自保。這一波的美國牛肉進口風波,未嘗不是替「庶民經貿談 判」開了一個口,未來還有得發揮。

星期日, 10月 25, 2009

An Industrious Cricket

Once upon a time, an industrious cricket, Fiddler of the woods, had this brilliant idea of bringing part of nature to those who lived out in that miserable concrete jungle. Besides, the economic benefits could be enormous since new-age and natural recordings had been popular as antidotes against the monotonous paces of city life, and certainly no one could outplay cricket's tune so well as the Fiddler did. So it and its friends bade farewell to one another and here went our Fiddler, with a noble course mixed with some monetary motives.

Jumping high and low, quick and slow, this cricket reached the outskirt of Techvile. One particular household came to our little friend as the perfect start for its debut - a well-trimmed, vast lawn that could encompass huge audience (don't step on it, the proprietor would suit you for trespassing), satellite dish that could broadcast this performance around the world (that's the receiving end, my poor friend), lights from everywhere (part of anti-burglar system) that could emphasis the sharp contrast between the Fiddler's minute body and its outstanding dexterity, and apparently, on the porch there was an eager audience with torch lights waiting tonight's show. Perfect!

And so with great expectation the cricket ran towards its audience. "Oh, boy, see how I'm gonna change the world!" the cricket thought. And before one could say the word," cricket," a giant foot came down with a terse curse "damn roach!" and left a flat, squashed bug behind.

Ever wondered why the world sometimes disagrees with you?



"If things are coming your way, you're in the wrong way; By the way, here comes the ambulance, make way."


Thu Nov 11 12:26:50 1999

星期六, 10月 24, 2009

Buyers, Be Ware

One day, Little lion came to its father and asked for permission to buy one particular popular commodity.

"Dad, please," pleaded the cub.

Looking at this little thing, Lion answered in a soft, loving tone:

"Not only is this "so-and-so" drink ad belittling of your independent thinking with its subliminal messages, but also negative to your pocket money, hazardous to your health. In short, they don't show the true price tag; it's simply a scheme!"

"But, Dad, in your pomp and fanfare speech yesterday, you just told how wonderful it would be for lambs to have a lion leader; efficiency, normality, and prosperity have all been your words. Has this congeries of beautiful words all been part of a bigger scheme?"

Now roar the Lion did, "Children aught to have ears and no mouth! And remember who brings fresh, cheap meat on the dinner table! Get back to your room; you're grounded!"

星期日, 10月 18, 2009

一笑解千愁

一笑解千愁

上課時,偶爾會由校園的某一間教室傳來哄堂大笑;下課後,走廊操場上,滿是跑來跑去的學生;除了藍天綠地,整個校園都是開心的笑聲。剛開始,覺得很稀奇.....什麼事可以笑的如此開心。

下課鈴響後,一群群男生拿著小礦泉水瓶,當水槍射來射去的;女生則是三五成群的開小組會議;他們不能帶電動玩具或其它奇奇怪怪的東西來學校,可他們就有辦法自己找樂子,玩的不亦樂乎。

有時,三五個認識的學生(暑假期間代一班網頁製作)就這麼跑來你面前吱吱喀喀的笑個不停,光淨著傻笑,啥也不說,像是花果山上的猴子;其實在班導師面前,這些猴崽子轉眼間變為人類,中規中距有板有眼的,叫人不禁氣結。

可是,那笑容好貼心,好像一把蒸氣熨斗,把心裏頭的不平和臉上的皺折全給擺平舒坦開來;也讓人禁不住想提筆寫下來,和你分享。

那種笑容呀?嗯....該怎麼說呢?就好像家裏淘氣的弟弟妹妹,合力把你架住了,然後拿根羽毛猛在你腳丫子底下搔呀搔的那種笑法 - 明瞭眼前這些人打從心裏頭喜愛你,而你也愛他們的那種幸福感覺。

愁蝕骨,笑解憂來!跟我們一起大笑!要露出你的牙齒,從肚子發聲,把眉毛平平舒展在臉上,讓眼裏頭裝滿笑意喔!

傍晚時刻

傍晚時刻

 


最近剛搬家,典型的學生公寓,位於繁華巿集一旁,用完晚餐,走在回住所的路上,一個右轉,就由繁華明亮的大街轉入一個....蠻70年代的舊街道。

街旁的小超商,理髮店,腳踏車修理店,有點拙,有點克難;柏油路還有點濕,二三頑童,興高采烈的踩踏著一灘灘水,嬉鬧奔跳而過。

經過午後雷陣雨的一陣猛力刷洗,即使時處黃昏時刻,街燈二三仍可以看到街頭巷尾的輪廓,如炭筆所勾勒,很簡單的那種線條。

步調嘛....不是那種早上七時八刻趕著上班上學的那種兵荒馬亂,或是炎炎午後,那種白亮亮的空曠荒蕪;大氣中,是挺適合散步的那種慢拍子。

這時,夜涼空氣中飄浮著淡淡花香,約莫是街上那棵花樹已然盛開若有機會,定要家門前也來架上棚架,種幾株大紅木槿,淡雅朝顏。

這街道,左側是水泥透天厝,右邊有黑磚木板紙門和式屋卻也沒遮掩什麼,清清白白的門戶敞開;走過去,客廳擺設,餐桌上今晚的菜色,一攬無遺 - 正是那坦胸露肚,臥東床的無拘束。

有些人家正是用餐時,扒一口飯,夾一口菜,看著電視上的人生悲歡,正閒聊著些什麼呢。

能碰上這個太平歲月.......真好。

那還不肯走的雨順著雨簷滴滴達達的;
悠悠哉哉的拖鞋也叭達叭達的回應著。

這個傍晚,這份感動.........與你分享:)

 

2000年6月21日

Run! Fire Chariot!


Treading on the line,
Where sea and land divide;
Thinking in the light,
Where body and soul collide;

Runners coming by,
On waves of April;
See how they run,
So enchanted, so calm;
Ah, spirits of fighter,
Striving for better, higher;

Marvel Mother's Might,
Honor Father's Pride,
Burning bright, burning right,
Chariot of life, Chariot of life.

走在海灘上,大海與大地的分界線上,
偶然一波浪緩緩帶上一張電影海報。

那海報上頭,有一群穿單衣,短褲的外國人,
在海灘上ㄘ牙裂嘴、互不相讓的向前衝刺,
是"火戰車",奧斯卡金像獎榜上有名。


想去晨跑。

思潮間,又飄上那一座閒置的空軍機場跑道。
灰白色的水泥跑道,兩旁是碧海藍天相思綠;
海風,由跑道的一端呼呼地狠狠刮向另一頭。


冬天,東北季風冷冽,每日清晨五千公尺晨跑;
腳步轟隆隆向前衝,呼吸聲,也有吐出的白煙;
是Fire Chariot, 每個跑者都是火戰車,向前衝;
心頭一片空白,全心全意,心無雜念向前奔騰。


終點愈近,肌肉和肺部,拉扯更劇,想停下來;
可這金色晨光,風,大海與藍天,是如此嬌艷!

.........

碧海藍天綠地,是如此美麗、是如此煽惑動人!
Run!
Fire Chariot, 盛讚那生命中全然的力與美!

2000/08/24

中秋月夜


也不知道是什麼時候或是由那個社區開始的,台灣上上下下的人都開始在中秋節那一天把烤肉用具端出來,開始烤肉。最樂的應該是小朋友吧--有的吃,又有的玩。

星期六, 10月 10, 2009

糗很大大大大大~~~

曾有人說,跟著一群小朋友玩一整天這種工作,會讓你內外都年輕。凡事都有正反兩面,前頭這事也不例外。前幾天中午,忙完桌上的作業批改,正準備午休,辦公室內響起了一個很引人注目的電話鈴聲-這位女主角在電視廣告上,強調"童顏巨乳"。她那支廣告絶對是衛道人士投反對票的年度十大之一。這電話鈴聲愈來愈大聲,全辦公室內的女同事們(對,袛有偶是男的),將關切的目光全鍞定我這方向。Oh, my God~~~~,那個嗲聲嗲氣的手機來電答鈴,居然來自我的桌下,書包內那支手機。

原來是有個欠扁的小鬼,居然將偶手機答鈴暗自設定成這個"變態才會用"的鈴聲。更慘的是,在眾人灼灼目光下,手機上居然還顯示[二次來電未接]。真是糗到一個程度了。不過,也因為這檔蠢事,上課時可以拿來逗學生開心。也真是一笑解千愁,那天下午,心頭一些煩人的事全忘了。

天涼好個秋

Cooling air from the cold front quickly takes away that sultry summer. Trees around the city respond with bright, cheerful colors. And kids in school are fervently preparing for the School Day, throwing away their midterms behind them.