Joy, pain, time
|
Posted:Feb 11, 2010 11:06 pm
Last Updated:Jun 25, 2011 2:20 am 54610 Views
|
Joy is short.
Pain is long.
Time is permanent.
----my lookback----
Looking forward,
Wish you friends
Kong Hei Fat Choi
Xin Nian Kuai Le
and
a
very very happy, vigorous year of Tiger!
|
|
1
comment
|
|
Xmas in Guangzhou
|
Posted:Dec 28, 2009 2:26 am
Last Updated:Feb 11, 2010 11:03 pm 50795 Views
|
Yes I went to Guangzhou )gz) on xmas day. I told my travel mate, ºgo to Guangzhou, in China ppl dont celebrate xmas so we wont have the same crowd and mess as in Hong Kong and Macau.º
True or not
Outside the provincial bus station, there were a long queue waiting for taxi, but thereºs not even one Gz taxi coming. Yet nearby some taxis from other cities were pulling down, touting for customers to their respective cities.
I decicided to take metro. Metro station is right in front of the bus station.
On its ground roads and sky roads, the traffic is flowing at high speed, like water pouring down from the milky way. The countless skysrapers are the grey, solemn backdrop.
The city has expanded to mega scale, now with 5 metro lines. Itºs already 1030pm and I thought it must be quiet.
Yet...after walking down thru the long long corrida, we saw people queue b4 the ticketing machine )2 out of 3 didnt work properly that day). Humans are also like water flowing in and out of the metro. Most of them are under 40 love birds in pair, or families. Some holding gifts with a sweet smile.
That reminded me of the xmas tree in the bus station, the 1st I ever saw in my countryºs public space.
Almost 11pm and almost every train was filled up immdly. At the metro exit, vendors were selling xmas themed plastic flashes, glittering in red, yellow. Some parents were buying for their and some boys for their girls. Their faces shone with the artificial flashing.
Finally we made our way into Shamian, Guangzhouºs famous inter island hosting main consulates and many heritage western style buildings. S. Chinaºs 1st 5 star hotel White Swan is here looking over the Pearl River, dotted by exquisite restaurants and bars.
Itºs chilly in this late witer night, but throngs and throngs of people were walking leisurely on this western atmospheric island. For what, sure, for xmas!
My partner wanted to take a look at the night scene so we went out ard mid night to one of the discos at a popular plaza. There in the well lighted plaza decorated by several mega screens on the high tower,chilly wind gushed by, workers were uninstalling a huge stage. Apparently a gala show was here b4. Suddently,we heard some noise, itºs a huge group of young ppl releasing their complaint for being unable to enter the disco. Girls were in careful madeup, boys trying to look as handsome as Japanese or Korean stars.
Right at the entrace of the disco, security guards were blocking away those unhappy teens and tweens.
Thisºs a Friday night. If not for xmas, how could it be that...
Workers still worked on the unstallation, chills blew on. The night yet was never nighty. Occasionally drunk guys shouted out angrily and unintentionally. Two boys with golden dyed hair stromped on the floor with their own bodies, while their friends were trying to support them. They were drunk, fm the xmas drinking spree. The boy, collapsing on the cold marble floor, just kept repeating, ºIm sorry, sorry,sorry...º Not far, four sat on a poleºs foot, talking gently...
Amazing or sorry, China was celebrating xmas in the open for the 1st time, as Chinese media said.
When we walked back to the hotel 2pm something, through the cityºs famous shopping pedestrian street, a sport fashion shop was still lit up, carton boxes piled at doorway, waiting to be arranged onto its shelves.
Still, two guys were passing by, carrying and squeezing their drunk friend in the twoºs middle. This guy, though drunk, could walk under his friendsº support, with some soberness.
|
|
0
Comments
|
|
A lookback and look forward - on our blogging at AFF
|
Posted:Dec 23, 2009 1:24 am
Last Updated:Jun 25, 2011 2:21 am 53342 Views
|
I started blogging on Chinese FriendFinder in 2005. Today is Dec. 23, 2009 and the new year of tiger is drawing near.
I have retired more or less from the blogging scene. I regret it but it's a natural course.
I wonder, who's still blogging, incessantly?
Answer me yes then my heartfelt congratulations to you!
There were some years and months, some avid, sincere bloggers and I gathered up here. We explored in various topics ranging from love, sex, to cultural difference. Some wrote sentimental stuffs, some logical, some were fine debater, some romantic poets and nice storytellers. Some were delicate, some sharp and arbitrary with self-confidence. But all were well-meaning.
At last, some bloggers turned into friends from poignant opponents (in discussion). Oh yeah, some even developed into kind of soulmateship.
They (and you) and your blogging style and apparent character are notched in my mind. Yet thanks to the cruelty of time and aging, I can barely name them and you except one or two. But you know who I mean.
We did have some fun right? I got 50-something comments when i wanted advice on an equivalent English word for a Chinese word. And there's oasis who wrote about his quaint thoughts about girls and relationship; there's a claimant for feminism and a defendant for manhood; there's a fun-loving Nan who's also a thoughtful blogger; there's a wild minded Singaporean female...
While the past blogging is flashing back, I would like to ask. Where are you now and how are you doing? Are you still blogging?
Somehow the naturally glued blogging mini-society disintegrated from its top -- those fresh and fleshy bloggers sank into the chaotic sea of life, somewhere, somehow...
But I believe some of you are still here or there blogging, marking down your thoughts about this world and handing up the little drop of spray on internet to moisturize your own and others' heart field.
And I guess when we met over here through blogging, we were in a similar life status: we were free-minded, had time to afford and things to say, owing a purer heart, being more generous to ourselves and others...
On the contrary, one day I and you abruptly interrupted our writing and sharing, because we were meddleheaded, so busy that couldnt spare some minutes, mute and blind that we couldnt speak and see; we were mean due to the turbulent inner, being shamefully greedy materially so we were unable to share soulfully...
"You are what you write". Now that I cannot write, I believe what the mirror shows me: a blur image beyond recognition.
If you are still writing and blogging, my profound congratulations since you are nobler, for those i reasoned above.
At the turn of new year, I actually have no clear vision about my blogging. But still, same as you, I have to live it and explore. Trying my best.
Happy New Year my dear bloggers (and readers who happen to drop by)!
|
|
0
Comments
|
|
French Romantic, Chinese Sentiment and American Earnest - Which you prefer?
|
Posted:Dec 1, 2009 2:58 am
Last Updated:Dec 23, 2009 12:29 am 50522 Views
|
I prefer a melange, no? Though I've had and having bits of this and that, luckily and unfortunately.
How about you? ------- Source: Metro, Chinadaily When discussing cultural differences in love, a friend (who has ample experience) once summed it up nicely: "The French are romantic while the Chinese are sentimental."
I can't think of a better way to put it. When I was 16, studying in France for the summer, I fell in love with my 19-year-old French neighbor. Actually I fell in "like", but his sweeping romantic gestures and dramatic language - tossing "amour, amour" around all the time - whirled me up in my first French "love" affair.
His English was patchy and my French was only slightly better, but I could comprehend that the flowery lines of poetry he scribbled and the phrases he breathed while looking into my eyes intensely and managing to keep a straight face were things that would be simplycheesy in any other language.
Alas, I was young and excited by the romantic novelty, so I overlooked the little things. Like how he never offered to buy my movie ticket all summer long, nor did he bother to call or write after I left. My first French love affair ended quite abruptly after an over-the-top goodbye scene, complete with rustic country house, overgrown garden, and my lover's promises that for a "longtemps" he would see me "walking through his dreams".
When I got older, I found myself losing interest in this kind of romantic flair and craving the subtle sentiment of the Chinese. A "good Chinese man" is not one for words. Until this decade, he shuddered at words like "dear", "honey" and "love", finding them bourgeois and vapidly unrealistic. But a Chinese man will work on the little things. He will work hard.
My college Chinese boyfriend once saw me fill a glass of water to keep on the night stand before going to bed and remorsefully told me, "I'm sorry, it should be my job to take care of these things."
He meant that as his girl, I shouldn't have to look after my own comfort, especially not on a small thing like hydration. My Chinese boyfriend was never good at making romantic promises, but each time he took me to the airport he would put a thick envelop in my hand as we said goodbye. On the plane, I would open it up to find funny stories he had written to keep me entertained on board.
For years, my Chinese boyfriend nurtured our love with his countless small tenderness, like biking out on a cold day to buy a hot water bottle that kept me warm when I studied in the cold library.
This contrast between French romance and Chinese sentiment makes me wonder - what then is the American approach to love? I can best describe it as a straightforward kind of pragmatism.
Look at it with cynical eyes and you might feel that American girls have it worst. Chivalry is "out" after the feminist movement, but true equality is not yet "in". Flowery romance is not "macho" enough for the American man and sentiment is simply not practical.
My American boyfriend asked me, "Why should I get you a glass of water? Why don't you get it yourself?"
But there are plenty of good things about this "no BS" kind of love that is in between romance and sentiment.
An American man won't pledge to dream of you walking through a field of poppies every night, nor is he eager to jump on fetching your water for as long as you are alive, but he will stick by your side and try in earnest to make you happy in his straightforward way.
Romantic French, sentimental Chinese, earnest Americans
I've seen plenty of passionate French unions dissolve with the simple shrug of a shoulder and an "I fell in love with someone else" by way of explanation (Nicolas and Cecilia Sarkozy, to take a famous example).
Just as many tender loving Chinese boyfriends turn into philandering middle-aged husbands who have an unspoken free pass to "socialize" because it has become some kind of socio-economic developmental norm to do so.
Although the lead in to an American commitment and marriage can be a long awkward dance - "Is it too early to take him home for Thanksgiving?" or "When is he going to pop the question?" - once committed, the American man takes loyalty seriously (American politicians excepted).
So what of all this philosophizing about love? In the end, it's different strokes for different folks and to each his own. When I was living my global love experiment before finding my favorite cultural-romantic mutt (the husband), my good friend often advised me, "Just do what makes you happy."
True enough, whether it's romance, sentiment, or pragmatism, just go with whatever floats your boat. Live, love, and be happy!
|
|
0
Comments
|
|
15 Must-Read Books That Will Forever Change How You See the World
|
Posted:Sep 10, 2009 5:41 am
Last Updated:Jun 25, 2011 2:24 am 51544 Views
|
From Alternet By Sarah Irani, EcoSalon. Posted September 10, 2009.
To share with you[/B]
Some say print books are passé, but I still like curling up on the couch with a mind-expanding read. Here are my top picks for ecological and sustainable reading.
Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things by William McDonough & Michael Braungart. Why settle for a throwaway culture? This book inspires elegant design solutions, stating that every single product must either go back to the earth or back into industry to be made into something else. A revolutionary way of upgrading the Industrial Revolution.
Introduction to Permaculture by Bill Mollison. The classic text on permaculture design (which is not limited to gardens, but can also be used to design homes, communities and societies in general). An excellent introduction for the aspiring student or someone who just wants to know what it’s all about.
The World Without Us by Alan Weisman. What exactly would happen to the earth if human life disappeared? The author explores a few different scenarios in great detail (including a suddenly depopulated Manhattan). Absolutely addictive reading.
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life by Barbara Kingsolver. A great read for the locavores. The author spends a year eating only from her garden, or that which is locally grown or raised. A foodie’s delight, this book proves how richly one can live off the land.
Eating For Beauty by David Wolfe. Leading raw foodist David Wolfe takes that old adage “you are what you eat” to a new level. He describes how what you eat literally creates who you are, and which foods will create the most beautiful you ‒ in body and in spirit.
Lifeplace: Bioregional Thought and Practice by Robert L. Thayer, Jr. In a world gone insanely global, this book takes us deeper into the microcosm. A bioregion is defined by nature, not by politics, and having intimate connection with your home means living within that context ‒ historically, geographically and culturally.
Green Building & Remodeling For Dummies by Eric Corey Freed. Written by the founder of organicARCHITECT, this book is a comprehensive guide to green building materials and techniques, energy and water systems, and the pros and cons of everything. Check out a sample chapter here.
Gaia: A New Look at Life on Earth by James Lovelock. First published in 1979, this book sets forth the Gaia Hypothesis, stating that our planet is more than a sum of its resources, but rather a fully integrated living being, with systems of life more complex than previously imagined. I wonder what Gaia’s thinking about us now?
The Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals by Michael Pollan. Follow a McDonald’s meal back to a cornfield in Iowa. Learn about the differences between large and small organic farms. See what it’s like to hunt and gather for oneself. Food is what builds our bodies ‒ we ought to know what it takes to build our food.
Ecovillages: A Practical Guide to Sustainable Communities by Jan Martin Bang. Documenting some of the successful Ecovillages around the world, the author shows us how groups of people have come to together to live out the permaculture model in both rural and urban environments.
Cohousing: A Contemporary Approach to Housing Ourselves by McCamant, Durrett and Hertzman. If you think intentional communities are too much like communes, but typical modern housing creates too much isolation, cohousing may be the answer you’re looking for. Explore these European neighborhoods built with the aim of fostering community while simultaneously respecting each family’s personal space.
The Findhorn Garden: Pioneering a New Vision of Man and Nature in Cooperation by The Findhorn Community. The founders of Findhorn were guided to begin growing a garden (including tomatoes, roses and tropicals) on an infertile, sandy plot in cold coastal Scotland. The quality and quantity of what they grew stunned horticulturists around the world. Enjoy this photo-filled book and learn the surprising secret of their success.
Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature by Janine M. Benyus. We’ve thus far created a modern world based on artificial ideals, but nature, which runs on sunlight and creates no waste, holds the solution to many modern problems. This isn’t a “back to nature” book, but rather a book proposing thoroughly modern technologies that copy nature’s best traits.
Holistic Management: A New Framework for Decision Making by Allan Savory and Jody Butterfield. A great read for businesspeople and managers ‒ particularly those in charge of large areas of land. This book views people, economies and the environment as interconnected. Using holistic management techniques, we can make decisions that take all factors into account, for both short and long term. I’d like our government leaders to read this book.
Voluntary Simplicity by Duane Elgin. Living with less “stuff” can mean living with more purpose, balance and connection. Here’s the inspiration you need to scale back on material goods and make more room for the priceless things that money can’t buy.
Now if all these books were printed on tree-free paper (like Cradle to Cradle) with soy-based ink, we’d be another step towards true sustainability. Otherwise, the audio or e-book will suffice. However you do it, you’ll be inspired. Let us know any other books that are on your list of eco essentials.
|
|
0
Comments
|
|
The lady is a vamp - Lady Gaga Live in Macau
|
Posted:Aug 17, 2009 8:42 am
Last Updated:Jun 25, 2011 2:28 am 49899 Views
|
It's thrilling to see Lady Gaga.
How devastating is pop consumerist culture! and sexy! and fashion! and performing art! and the hunt for glamour, and vanity! and absolutely being 'self'.
Bcoz of her, audience dont mind waiting for 1.5hrs. All forget this is Summer Disco Party - Featuring Lady Gaga, it's not a Gaga feature.
We would rather hum and expel the other chick performers. And sit dryly towards a big Gaga cloth poster for 1hr. The ticket I buy at 8pm says the Party starts at 8pm.
But now's 9pm -- the organizer Venetian Macau is so sly, they know what the audience want -- we want nothing but Gaga. So they give us a huge Gaga poster, flustering there. Even no music, the whole stage is empty.
Until 9pm, sounds of complaint sweeping across the arena. Security guys appear.
Yet human beings are so lovely! They know how to kill time b4 the upcoming hot icon showing up. Some audience members start to make body waves, and then all joins. Ppl fm groud floor, 1st, 2nd upper levels also. everyone raise they hands and wave. Hoorah!
(Gee, but except in a football stadium, i never see such scene in a pop show...exhilarating! )
Still the stage in blackout, ppl start to feet-pound the ground, just to call up the Lady.
930pm, the Gaga poster bust. The stage smoky, a husky voice up...Cotai Arena immerses into an ocean of screaming excitement...
TBC
|
|
0
Comments
|
|
Nostalgia
|
Posted:Jul 28, 2009 9:04 am
Last Updated:Dec 23, 2009 1:36 am 51207 Views
|
Nostalgia is a sweep of thunder rain down pouring on the century-old rooftop;
Nostalgia is revisiting a running barefoot among the households;
Nostalgia is the sudden comeback that
grandparents have parted since some certain days;
Nostalgia is missing the enthusiasm faded away
and cherishing an unexpected visit by an alient.
...
Not even the most melodious music can wash it down, men.
|
|
0
Comments
|
|
Before and after; is there a difference?
|
Posted:Mar 24, 2009 8:40 am
Last Updated:Jun 12, 2009 3:23 am 51036 Views
|
Gg said we should join hands to publish illustration books. Swallow is charged with stories and Gigi illustrates. Why not?
Lets start now...
2007/03/17 I was a singing student back then. It's in a basement jazz bar where my teacher and the band played. I was amazed by a volunteer's performance flare, full of amusement and passion. The guy looked pro. Most of all, the song and act was fm the deep of heart. Somehow we ex name cards. A free spirit and moved, I wrote an email requesting to be his student. Silence and it's forgotten, for the good
2008/12/17 "hi,it's been a long time, hows your singing?" I didnt say anything, i almost forgot. My real teacher stopped my lessons, and the to-be took nearly one year to mention it.
Somewhere between these off-and-on dialogues, I realized a party on the beach restaurant after some crying. My family was happy and only i know the taste.
2008/12/30 Q: "Still singing? ... Happy New Year!" A: "My teacher gave me up. HNY!"
2009/02/17 "How are you? Where do you sing? wish to hear from you."
Somewhere between these, one of my best friend, after many years' singledom, got her 20y younger heartthrob in China and has since started her two cities' switches. But, happily and contently.
2009/03/15 "I am busy, but once in a while i go somewhere to relax. Where you go singing or reveling? How are the other jazzmen?"
....
Two months gone, there's no connection. Two years gone, there's no real connection.
If Uncovered, even the subjects dont know it's real face. I envied my friend's joyous smile, reddened cheeks and heartfelt fulfillment.
In between these, I pondered to build my own nest. Yet, yet, inabilities. I joked seriously to find a new wing by my side. Friends just shrugged me off.
Work, works, and thanks to that. I am filled.
Today,suddenly wanna make a call. But not available. When u even hesitated to say hi,what that implies?
2009/3/24 "I go to Tiger bar but before the band's better. We can have a drink one of these days. If you accept I'd invite you for a drink."
Muse...duke... ------------------------------------ Before and after, there's difference. And, is there difference? What and who is burying me, and my youngssoul times? I even dunno if entitled to a drink.
How will you draw? Gg? while you say u dont have time for men, and a tea pot (trouble) bf?
SX, 20090324
|
|
0
Comments
|
|
2008 Hottest Words in China
|
Posted:Mar 11, 2009 9:32 pm
Last Updated:May 20, 2024 12:14 pm 48115 Views
|
shai zhai topps the chart of 10 hottest words
在十大流行语中,“山寨”排在第一。据《咬文嚼字》考证,该词最早出于广东的“山寨手机”,此后变成了“民间”和“非正式的”代名词。将“山寨 ”选为流行语的榜首,也有向民间智慧致敬的意思。“雷”、“”、“和”、“不抛弃不放弃”、“口红效应”、“拐点”、“宅男宅女”、“不折腾”和“非诚勿扰”也都是分别成为去年的流行语之一。
Here I'd like to elaborate on those I know/remember:
1) shai zhai: originated from Cantonese where it was used to name those small scale factories who produced mobilephones copying famous brands' design cocept, literally meaning 'mountain village', now its apparent connotation is 'folk', 'informal'.Crowning shai zhai implies the salutation to folk wisdom.
2) lei: thunder, to be further checked.
3) he: harmony. This word was demonstrated in Beijing Olympics opening. It has been Chinese and Chinese govnt's focus to build a harmonious society. 'Harmony is the best' is one of the virtues our culture emphasizes and is used as a motto to deal w/ interpersonal and even international relationship. Such comes another proverb, "Courtesy first, then war. (Only after courtesy fails will war be waged.)" So said Chinese naval top officials to Americans' scandal about Chinese ship 'harrassed' American surveilance boat in S. China sea.
4) bu fang qi, bu pao qi: No give up; no abandon. This's a rephrase from a popular Beijing-made TV movie series. Premier Wen Jiabao cited this in his boosting speech in Sichuan during the disastrous earthquake aftermath.
5) kou hong xiao ying: lip stick effect - from American English, which means however low the economy is, women still buys lip sticks such pettie things to carry on a happy living. A phrase destines to lift ppl's confidence in recession time.
6) 'guai dian'
7) zai nan zai nu
buzheteng
9) fei cheng wu yao: Dont disturb if no sincerity
10)
TBC.
|
|
0
Comments
|
|
08十大流行语 (轉載)
|
Posted:Mar 11, 2009 9:00 pm
Last Updated:May 20, 2024 12:14 pm 48167 Views
|
山寨”领衔“08十大流行语”
知名语言文字杂志《咬文嚼字》3月5日公布了2008年十大流行语。“山寨”、“雷”、“”、“不折腾”等位列其中。
在十大流行语中,“山寨”排在第一。据《咬文嚼字》考证,该词最早出于广东的“山寨手机”,此后变成了“民间”和“非正式的”代名词。将“山寨 ”选为流行语的榜首,也有向民间智慧致敬的意思。“雷”、“”、“和”、“不抛弃不放弃”、“口红效应”、“拐点”、“宅男宅女”、“不折腾”和“非诚勿扰”也都是分别成为去年的流行语之一。
记者发现,流行语之所以流行,与当年的社会环境有很大关系。比如“口红效应”就产生于美国,每当经济不景气,口红反而热卖。去年金融危机,该词随之流行。
而“不折腾”一词也引起了全世界的关注,不仅一时间中国人都在说,连外国人也很重视,“buzheteng”拼音就直接成为了英文语汇。
据介绍,从2009年开始,《咬文嚼字》杂志社将在其编写的年度语文档案《咬文嚼字绿皮书》中,逐年发布上一年度的“十大流行语”。
“十大流行语”由全国语言文字专家学者从前一年社会语文生活使用中的高频词语中评议选出,并且必须符合“时尚性”“大众性”“具有新颖强烈的表达效果”这三个条件。
据上海《青年报》
|
|
0
Comments
|
|