New Discovery: Her Good Oldies

I’ve never found her voice so sweet and charming until I listened to her album repeatedly this time. I’ve never found her song a twirling poetry until I read the lyrics along the melody this time. Memory tricks people. It makes you feel you remember all the things; however, the image blurs and the sound fades, and what you remember might not seem what it was. What’s more, time changes, more flood of new information invades, and nothing gold can stay. The thing might never be the same. In my memory, her sound is deep as the sea which draws me to ponder; this time, I feel that her voice is like a golden bell calling wide and far, and her voice is mellow and sweet like an overturned jar of honey. I enjoy it very much.

Writing

Writing
The Intriguing Magic of Words

Writing is an art. Though my writing is definitely not an art but a practice, writing still has its rewards for me. After the talk with my instructor, I thought over what my compositions (or blog or others) mean to me. My compositions might have a special and close relationship with me. Blog is like a certain space for sharing some personal view and emotion; composition hand-out seems more like projects and works. As to the gift which compositions give me, I would say the blog provides a space for me to share a piece of life and viewpoints of others, and my own writing inspires me to reorganize and elaborate my thought into visual words.

Sometimes, the writing can even amaze the author himself/herself. Unless the final draft turns out, no one knows what it will present or what the whole picture will be. Sometimes, it is even the writing, the story that leads the author’s thinking and develops the following paragraphs. Interesting, isn’t it?

Though my writing is still immature, uninformative, and sometimes even meaningless, I will still try to keep writing, as a way to improve the use of languages and a way to enjoy the benefits which writing brings to me. Whether I will still write on the website or just keep it in the notebooks, I will try to write continuously as possible. After all, writing is the best gift of itself. Enjoy it!

New Semester

one-tenth !

Essay 2 Revision

A Case against Cell Phone Use at Elementary Schools

In this modern era, cell phone use has become very popular among youngsters. The phenomenon soon stirs up a controversial issue, that is, whether students should use cell phones at elementary schools or not. Teachers, parents, and students hold different opinions based on different concerns. In my point of view, elementary schools should restrict cell phone use by students during school time for the sake of etiquette, learning efficiency, and health.

Cell phones are used improperly by many elementary students at school. Some students see cell phones as inevitable and fancy gadgets. They have fierce competition about the newest and the most fashionable mobile phones. They treat cell phones as a fad and a token of status. Some students even phone someone nearby, simply for fun. Students easily feel restless in class while expecting a phone call. Some might even have no resistance on sending text messages, making phone calls, or playing games during class. Mobile phones go off during class, distracting both teachers and students. The interruption could annoy all participants in class and contribute to poor study quality. In this case, such behaviors are improper and rude because they influence not only themselves but the whole class. What’s worse, some students might use cell phone to do illicit behaviors. Some school banned cell phones because they were associated with drug dealing or other improper behaviors. According to Vivian S. Toy’s article, in America, “schools across the region, including the New York City public schools, have banned pagers and cell phones. A 1996 New Jersey law bans pagers in schools, and many schools apply that to cell phones.”

Carrying cell phones to school could have other negative impacts on elementary students. First, they would not fully control themselves concerning making or receiving a call. As what is mentioned above, they turn distracted easily. What’s worse, some experts find the dependence on mobile phones even has bad impacts on health. Some adolescents use cell phones at bedtime, which interrupts their sleep and makes them tired. According to Deborah Rice, Clinical psychologist Andrew Fuller says, “They actually end up with disrupted sleep and poor social habits as a result of their addiction to their mobile phone.” Lack of sleep also contributes to low moods because of the improper time of using cell phones. Therefore, people could imagine that the same problem might occur when they use cell phones in class. The extreme dependence on mobile phone could lead to different levels of distraction and emotional unrest. The anxiety of making a phone call in class could interrupt learning and cause impatience and exhaustion. If students cannot control themselves but use cell phones in class (a more formal situation), how can they control themselves in their free time such as bedtime? The overall addiction to mobile phone makes them cranky and depressed, severely affecting their social habits and behaviors.

On the other hand, indeed, there are some legitimate reasons for students to carry cell phones: when they suddenly change schedules, become sick, or encounter some unexpected events, for example. Truly, cell phones could be associated with safety. However, the odds is rather low, and most of time, students can use regular phones. In emergency, students can still easily contact the school faculty to help them solve the problem. Some students might think cell phones are important devices to build connections. It could be true, especially when lots of people have cell phones. However, students can still be in touch with their friends on the phone after school. They could enjoy more time chatting instead of struggling between lectures and phones. Students can also learn to discipline themselves and learn to know what’s proper to do under certain circumstances. As to some special cases, school authorities could have the rights to lift the ban to help and protect specific students, such as students with severe disease or injuries.

To conclude, cell phones bring people great convenience, but the negative impacts should not be ignored. In my opinion, I support elementary schools to ban cell phone use by students. In this way, they can be focused and have better achievements on learning, instead of being attached to cell phones all day long. After all, sufficient time is left for them to talk on the phone-- right after school.

Another Saga

Recently, I heard a bit of news about 007. Ian Fleming is the author of James Bond’s story. Fleming died in 1964, and the new 007 thriller, Devil May Care, is written by Sebastian Faulks.

To many people, 007 is not simply a sequence of numbers, a code, a nickname, but a legendary symbol. James Bond has built unique personal styles in readers’ or audience’s minds; though, he is only a fictional character. His charisma, quick-wit, cool-headed judgment, and stunning actions impress people a lot. Bond is always with beauties and wines around, and with novel technologies—cars, weapons…etc. However, in Fleming’s story, Bond is left brainwashed. On the occasion of Fleming’s birth anniversary, the new book of 007 might bring a different light to this popular character and a new delight to readers.

It is quite a challenge to continue this popular and legendary story of James Bond. Nevertheless, Faulks reviews Fleming’s books and writes the story for only six weeks. The story is packed with dangers and actions. People might expect the excitement of the plot and indulge in the thrill with faster and faster heart beats.

007 is a legendary figure as similar as Superman and Batman…etc. Through decades, the mass still enjoy the exciting tactics, fighting, and rescuing in the stories of heroes. No matter how impossible the heroes might be, people can free themselves in limitless imagination. Those stories have become a part of memories of our past young ages, and they continue to survive and evolve in the years to come. To our gladness, James Bond is coming back. With a new hope, let’s wait for another saga of Bond and another vodka martinis “shaken, not stirred”.

Smart Packing

Recently I have listened to a piece of news about packing. When people go traveling, the first thing they encounter is how to pack all their things in one or two luggage. To make use of every space and to pack clothes and things in efficient way often bother us. The news, then, provides us some secrets to smart packing.

In order to start on the right foot to pack things, we need to make a list first. The list is useful, especially when we have to take great quantities of things with us. With the list, we will know what to pack and what is unnecessary. A good list makes us clear about things we need and spares us lots of time instead of hesitating on selecting things. If we write down the items we need, we can check them off before we depart. With this tip, we can make sure we prepare everything with us and go on our trip without worries.

Second, wrapping clothes in right way makes a great difference. The interviewer suggests us wrap the clothes in bundles when we are packing a bag. Bundle wrapping is a useful technique that can avoid clothes getting wrinkled. Moreover, it saves lots of space—the best to know for travelers. Bundle wrapping means that we overlap the sleeves of two shirts in opposite position, put pants in the center of them, and fold them into a bundle. This method is conceived better than just folding or rolling clothes individually.

Traveling is exciting, and a well-done preparation can make traveling more wonderful. This news teaches me a new way to pack luggage smart and fast. Next time, when I go on a trip, I will certainly try what the news suggests and see how this marvelous idea works.

Garbage or Art

Recently I‘ve heard a piece of news about garbage and art. Don’t feel confused when you see these two words combined together. Right, garbage and art! Some irrelevant things—or even contrary—are connected in a creative way.

Gignac and Santora came up with brilliant ways of creating art. Originally, Gignac wanted to defend his opinion that package mattered a lot. Therefore he figured a way to convince people who thought packaging is not important, that is, packaging something which originally people wouldn’t like. Trash is just what he searched for. Accordingly, he picked trash to find his materials. Gignac put the trash in cubes and sealed them. In his artful taste and novel arrangement, the cubes turned out fancy art work. Before, it cost only 10 dollars. Now, the price rises up to 100 dollars, and the products appeal the multitude that they cannot take their eyes off the creative and experimental art work.

Art is subjective, and open-mindedness might help people close to the hall of art. Gignac and Santora keep trying new ideas and materials to explore art. They think this kind of exploration is a fun way doing art. They even sell paintings which cost the same prices as the items they draw. They test people’s notion of art, and try to change people’s preconceived idea upon things. People often neglect the extra possibilities of things, and their art work provides people to reconsider what is valuable, what is beautiful, or let’s say, what is art. The impression of things might be different to each person, and we judge things by different values. However, if we can expand our acceptance of things, we might be able to get out of the cage of our fixed notions.

Garbage or art? The difference might be subtle. The art work challenges our perspective on things. The novel, courageous, and creative experiment is a new frontier of creating and evaluating art. As for me, trying to be open-minded and trying to think outside of the box is what I need to learn from now on.

Earthquake

This week, a terrible earthquake struck China, causing lots of people injured or dead. Troops, medical groups, and disaster relief officials continue rescuing people. Natural disasters are so horrible that no one can predict that such thing happened so suddenly. It really takes calm and courage to face the disaster. Keeping Rescuing people, controlling the situation, providing supplies, and keeping an eye on the aftershocks are important for China in these harsh hours.

This 7.9-magnitude earthquake caused severe destruction in China. In SiChuan, the epicenter, the strength of the quake made many building collapse. Lots of people are buried in the ruins, struggling to get out. Lots of people were dead because of this disaster. Troops are trying to rescue people from the debris of buildings. The rescuing process is difficult, but China tries to save as many people as possible, accordingly allowing organizations in other countries to give a helping hand.

In front of natural disasters, human beings seem trivial. Compared with the destructive power of nature, humans seem helpless. Though trivial we are, humans show the goodness of human nature when facing and dealing with the disaster in front. People try to do what they can, though we cannot change the things which already happened.

This earthquake causes pain and sorrow. The situation should be in control quickly. Human beings are fragile, but strong. I hope that the strength of humanity help people free from suffering and overcome the disaster as soon as possible.

Let Go

This is another my dear song time. The song, “Let Go”, in Keri Noble’s album is a wonderful piece of work. It lyrically states out the theme of the album—letting go of pressure, expectations, and things try to make us change who we are.

The song is simple—just through its simplicity, it flows the wisdom of life. In our lives, sometimes things just don’t seem right. We might become fretted, worried, or irritated by the things in front of us. Maybe the things or the people don’t meet our expectation. We might be disappointed and depressed. However, if we can try to accept that we cannot change all the things, we might feel much better. We are human beings, and certainly we have some limitations in various aspects. We should not and could not take control over all the things. If we learn to let go the uncontrollable things, we can regain peace of mind.

Letting go is not a passive and coward attitude; instead, it takes great courage. Every encounter, conflict, and problem in our lives seems trivial to the vast world, but significant to the individuals. It’s difficult for people to let go the heavy stones on our minds or to let go the precious in our tightly-hold hands. Nevertheless, some unexpected things might happen, and the experience of loss is inevitable. We have no power to hold the moonlight, stop the running water, or reverse the sunrise. When we face the reality, letting go could be a choice, which gives us a peaceful answer.

The lyrics say, “Life doesn’t go the way that I plan/ But I think it sees better than I can/ I try to control with all my might/ But when I let go that’s when things go right/ Let go.” Learning to letting go is a lifelong lesson, and I am trying to learn how. Trying hard on things is important. Also, knowing when to let go also tests our wisdom. Little by little, I am trying to learn what to fight for or when and what to let go.

Essay 2 Draft

A Case against Cell Phone Use at Elementary Schools

In this modern era, cell phone use becomes very popular among youngsters. The phenomenon soon stirs up a controversial issue, that is, whether students could use cell phones at elementary school or not. Teachers, parents, and students hold different opinions based on different concerns. In my point of view, I support that elementary school can restrict cell phone use by students during school time, for etiquette, learning efficiency, and health sake.

Cell phones could be used improperly by elementary students at school. Some students might see cell phones as inevitable and fancy gadgets. They might have fierce competition on the newest and the most fashionable mobile phones. They might treat cell phone as a fad and a token of status. Some students might even phone someone nearby, simply for fun. Students might easily feel restless in class while expecting a phone call. Some might even have no resistance on sending text message, making phone calls, or playing games during class. Mobile phones might go off during class, distracting both teachers and students. The interruption could annoy all participants in class and contribute to poor study quality.

Carrying cell phone to school could have other negative impact on elementary students. First, they would not fully control themselves against making or receiving a call. As what is mentioned above, they turn distracted easily. What’s worse, some experts even find the dependence on mobile phones even results in teenagers’ depression. According to some experts, some adolescents use cell phones at bedtime, which interrupts their sleep and makes them tired. Therefore, people could imagine the same problem when they use cell phones in class. The anxiety of making a phone call in class could interrupt learning and cause impatience and exhaustion. The addiction to mobile phone makes them cranky and depressed, severely affecting their social habits and behaviors.

On the other hand, indeed, there are some legitimate reasons for carrying cell phone with students. For example, when they suddenly change schedules, become sick, or encounter some unexpected events. Truly, cell phone could be associated with safety. However, the odds is rather few, and most of time, students can use regular phones or contact the school faculty to solve the problems. Some students might think cell phones are important connections in relationship. It could be true especially when lots of people have cell phones. However, students can still be in touch with their friends on phone after school. They could enjoy more time chatting instead of being struggled between lectures and phones. As to some special cases, school authorities could have rights to lift the ban to help and protect specific students.

To conclude, cell phones bring people great convenience, but the negative impacts should not be ignored. In my opinion, it is better for elementary schools to set some limitations on cell phone use by students. In this way, they can be focused and have better achievements on learning, instead of being attached to cell phone all day long. After all, sufficient time is left for them to talk on phone-- right after school.

Library Tour

This week our class had a library tour. The speaker gave an introduction to some electronic databases. I think that this introduction helps a lot when students are trying to do research on different topics.

Before I simply blindly use the electronic database; however, this time I learned there are so many different websites and various searching skills. For example, I feel that the website of Ebsco has a clear index. It provides different types of research, such as title, subject, picture and so on. Also, I learned a useful skill, that is, putting a limitation on “abstract” when looking for references. In this case, I can save time from picking what I need out of lots of information. Besides, the database users can also arrange their found article by relevance or date. Before, when I browsed some databases like Cambridge, which has complicated platform, I felt that it was hard to use them in an effective way or I simply didn’t know where to start. Being frustrated, I just used the simplest function. To my surprise, the library tour this time gave me a new chance to apply the database correctly and specifically. The speaker differentiated the different functions of various databases and demonstrated well. Also, the practice right after demonstration enhanced my memory and comprehension.

Though there are lots of databases and research skills to be learned, I am glad that I learn from a useful library class. It is especially useful when I need to prepare an essay, writing papers, or simply want to know and learn from more information. I look forward to more library tours in the future. I think that abundant library resources and nice promotion and introduction to appropriate application can really benefit students a lot.

Imperfect

Recently I listen to Keri Noble’s album. The songs in the album are full of vitality. The lyrics and the melody add to each other. The expression and the emotion flows through the music naturally with a graceful touch. I especially prefer one song, “Imperfect,” which make me think.

We human are imperfect, but unique; we are no one else, but just ourselves right here and right now. The lyrics say, “It’s just me/with every single little missing and mixed up piece/ I don’t know what you wanna see but I am/individually, imperfect/incredible me” Sometimes, we may imagine what if we were someone we want to be, what if we got all things we wish to have—talent, wealth, health, love, knowledge, luck, and so on— , and we wish we are someone different, better than our original selves. I had such thought before, too. However, if things changed, maybe we are not ourselves anymore. We may never be content with what we are and what we have. We may not still be someone we liked, though that’s us who ask for such a change. No one can make sure that when all things change, whether we can still experience what we cherished, whether we can still possess what we already have and treasure, or whether we can really enjoy the changed life and selves. The fact is shown before us. We must play the hand we are dealt. We have to play our cards right.

Imperfection can be beautiful. Some critics believe that no noble architecture is without imperfection. I would like to adopt this idea upon the individuals. Each of us is imperfect, and this imperfection might even do something good to us. We are like random and formless pieces having our unique color and shape. We all have weakness, but we might find others’ advantages and our strength in some aspects. Somehow different pieces of different people—strangers and close ones alike—fit each other and together become a new piece. It’s not a perfect circle, and it will never be. Nevertheless, it has its own unique and amazing shape sparkling with ever-changing color. Though defects exist still, the magnificence remains.

Imperfection may urge us to make more efforts, to cherish what we own, and to be humble and considerate about inadequacy of others and ourselves. Perfection might be an ideal, and to pursuit it makes us keep working hard. Imperfection may not fulfill all our wishes; however, it leaves a chink for the light to shine in.

Rock and Island

Recently I ‘ve heard some nice songs. The melody and the lyrics both draw my attention. I’d like to introduce one song here. Though it is from the oldies, the song still remains its power with tenderness and strength.

Among benighted snow, when a person dwells on his loneliness and depression, how does he feel, express, or act? In Simon and Garfunkel’s song, “I am a rock,” the narrator disguises and pretends himself as a rock, which is strong and emotionless. He tries to neglect his pain, stand still, and be strong. He wishes that he was an island, a solitary, isolated self. In the middle of the braod sea, he silently bears the sea waves and tries to keep calm and steady. A rock and an island are both parts of nature. Does it means that nature do not suffer from woe and watches the up and down of human beings with an cold eye? Or does it mean that nature has an unspeakable healing power for human? Or do human affair seem little when compared with the eternity of the sublime nature? That might leave a lot of room for explaination.

A good song can surround the listeners with its unique music in extreme delight. I feel that I can repeat listening to the song all day because its music is so charming to me. Actually, I didn’t notice what the lyrics said at first. After I found the lyrics, the song seemed to mean more and has more to say. Maybe it is hard to cast away the narrator’s loneliness. The narrator and his loneliness seems to be with no expression and has nothing to express. Through this song, his solitude stays silent in pain in the pretense of pain-free rock and island.

Movie

Next Wednesday is the due of another online essay, whose title is films. It reminds me of the film, island etude, which introduces a youth’s story of traveling around Taiwan. The movie is well-acted and inspiring.

Go cycling can be either relaxing or exhausting. When it is concerned about traveling around the island, it is definitely a tough task. However, when riding the bicycle, the protagonist seems to discover the beauty of the island, which people might neglect. Therefore, enjoyment, outlet, and gain, fill the whole journey. The movie shows self-challenge and self-discovery through exploring the island. It also includes observations of some problems in Taiwan. Besides, the movie depicts the beauty in the scenery of the island as well as the wonderful inscape of the minds.

After seeing this movie, I feel like seeing more films which introduce stories in different countries. Sometimes, I am packed with what are on TV channels, which might limit me to certain kinds of movies. Maybe it’s the time for me to search for different types of movies, to listen to various languages, to know different cultures, to get to know the unique beauty of people and landscapes from different corners of the world.

Movie is a visual and auditory connection to a place, a person, a culture, a tradition, or a fad. I would like to recommend the movie, etude, to my friends, and I look forward to see more Taiwanese movies which show concerns about this beautiful island.

Yackety-yak 1

Before the narration, I have to say that I think the whole story is funny and with no importance at all. I remember once my neighbor kept a dog. Because of my favor of dogs, I always said hello to the dog whenever I went by. It was an elegant dog with beautiful fur, and it always sat quietly and leisurely in front of its keeper’s store. From time to time, I particularly went to see it as if greeting it was my pleasure to end a routine day.

I remembered that when the first time I saw the dog, I had confusion of its size. I wondered if it would become bigger or not. Somebody told me that it was in the general size of its species, and it would keep the size. However, when I passed by, I found the dog became bigger, and I started getting confused. Therefore, I jumped in conclusion that this kind of dog would get much bigger than it was. Days after, I suddenly found the dog wasn’t there anymore, and sadly thought that the keeper sent it to someone else.

Time passed. One day, I walked on the street and habitually took a glance at the shop as I usually did. To my surprise, the dog wasn’t anywhere but there. It was back being thinner than it used to be. I gladly turned to ask its owner what happened. Then, I found that the dog had given birth to two plump puppies. Before, It was fatter because of pregnancy. My observation was right (it became fatter), but all my deductions are totally wrong.

The fact of the story made me feel funny. I was glad to see the dog again and to meet its new family members. At the same time, I cannot but feel that I always believe what I see or believe what I believe is true. However, the whole story might be different to the extreme. My story of the dog might not be interesting nor serious at all, but it made me consider a little more. Thinking not much or too much, or judge too quickly might easily lead to wrong answers. Things could be complicated, and they can be simple as well. Things are just what they are, no matter whatever they are.

Food: Relish or Disaster?

There are controversial political or social issues around the world, and, though it’s rather trivial, there are still some controversies on food as well. The different reactions and opinions on food are presented in everyday life. Are we picky or do we insist on what we like to eat? Do we stick to the food we’re familiar with or would we like to try something new? Do we prefer savoring some food due to genetics, habits, religions, visual delights, olfactory pleasure, or reasons for health? Anyway, there are always topics about the stuff we cannot do without – food.

In Chinese cooking, people often add ginger, garlic, spring onion, or shallots to strengthen the smell. However, some people may dislike these spices. People avoid eating garlic especially when they want to have a talk. People who believe in some religions may avoid those spices, either. Other popular examples are bell peppers and egg plants. People who love them may think their flavor is special and excellent, the food matching with meat, soy sauce, and other food materials. However, people who dislike it may not want to taste it even a bit, owing to its appearances, smell, and the strange stimulus to their taste buds.

In different countries, the culture and tradition of food are various. Stinky Tofu may frighten foreign travelers with its unspeakable odor. Travelers might hesitate for a while to try food which they’ve never eaten, heard, or imagined before. For example, food like ants, bat soup, frog soup, or roasted dove may arouse our interests or fears alike.

Generally, food fills people’s stomachs and desires for delicacies, and in some degrees, satisfaction with their life enjoyment. Then, what is tasty, or let’s just say, what kind of food is acceptable: the question leaves different answer to each person.

Summary-Response Essay 1 Draft

Smaller Class, Bigger Profit

In “Is Anybody Listening,” David Daniels claims his opinion about the present lecture system. He argues that the traditional lecture teaching is inadequate and the students don’t work hard on learning, either. He points out that it’s difficult to “listen intelligently;” however student should try to question the professors and give some feedback. He emphasizes the importance of small classes. Daniels thinks that in small classes, the ideal of “active learning” can be realized. Students can discuss with each other and with the professor, gaining individual attention, to get the better “intellectual growth.” As far as I am concerned, small classes can fit into the educational goals and benefit both students and professors with positive influence.

Small classes can offer students a more flexible and individualized curriculum. The professor can discuss the topic of each lecture with students, choose the suitable materials for them, adjusting the pace and styles of teaching depending on the condition of the students’ absorption and comprehension. Students can also participate in lecture planning more actively and pay more attention to what they are lectured. Owing to the negotiation between two sides, students can know and get what they need to and prefer to study and work on. Professors and students can fine-tune the contents and models in class whenever they think that the traditional ones are not adequate or not enough. On the contrary, the style of a big class might not be easy to be altered because of the large numbers of students, which results in the difficulties to meet everyone’s needs.

Active interaction and feedback can be best practiced in the small classes. Students in smaller class can be assigned with essays and get close, direct, and beneficial instruction and advice upon their work. When carrying the experiments, students in small class can observe the professors demonstrate in short distance and gain detailed information as well as instruction. Students can also form small discussion groups, which are under the assistance of professors, and begin to share and clarify their idea, opinion, criticism, and research on the subjects. They can study case report claiming and absorbing information they gather, and to discuss the question and suspicion from their studying, at the same time, solving their doubts and confusion about what they study.

The establishment of small classes shows a lot of advantages in schooling, which is beneficial to both teachers and students. Students can learn what meets their needs, gaining individual attention, well instructed. Professors can understand better about the students’ response upon learning. Even though large lecture classes in the university may still have its own necessity, small classes are certainly highly recommended for some courses. In this way, both teaching and learning can attain and maintain its efficiency and quality.

Different Concept of Value

Recently I heard that a music collector was selling his humongous collection, waiting for bid of 3 million. Besides, a calligraphy of the emperor of Song Dynasty is worth 0.3 billion. I am wondering that the bid on the famous work of art in the world, such as Leonardo Da Vinci’s, Van Gogh’s…etc. I think the work is invaluable to the artist and the collectors. Therefore, people are willing to buy it on a huge expense. Due to the same reason, people may value various things differently and buy the things by some means or other.

There are collectors of different tastes all over the world, from ordinary people to the rich, from children to the elders. Some collect stamps, which of limited edition attract consumers like bees. Some collect coins, and the value of the extinct coins can rise up to several degrees. Some may collect watches, and people may hear that some rich people bought large numbers of watches that count more than 1 million NT dollars. Some may collect books, and the ones out of print or in the first print can be the favorite of the collectors. Some collect paintings, Shu Fa, CDs, clocks, lighters, model airplanes, crystals, Hello Kitty, Snoopy, miniature dolls, antiques, and so on. Maybe I can say each person has his or her own taste, and each thing could be the collection of different people.

Each person has his or her own value. No matter people buy things out of sudden impulse or after consideration, they‘ve got their own reasons. Some people may be willing to spend 3 million to buy a house, while some would like to spend it on books,CDs, etc. In fact, they both spend the same amount of money, and they get their personal favorite things. After I listened to the radio clips about the music collector, I think maybe partly because he is blind, he has keen sense of music, and the CDs have become his best companions. It’s just my hypothesis. Anyway, if I won lottery somday, maybe I would like to purchase his whole collection. Who knows? ^^

Dogs, the best friends of humans

Recently, I‘ve read several news about pets, most of which are about dogs. I am not so sure of the 100% accuracy of the reports, but I still feel surprised with the news.

Actually, that dogs save their owners is not news anymore. However, the story still touches me. An old man keeps a stray dog which his son adopted from the center of stray dogs. One day, he fell into the fish farm (I guess it is dried), and his dog ran to seek help. The old man was then rescued and sent to the hospital. The other story is that when a little girl was nearly hit by a car zooming by, her dog rushed out and got hit instead. For the girl, it was really a near escape. I am not sure whether the dog ran out accidentally or it meant to save the girl. Nevertheless, the dog’s owner decided to save it and keep it till it dies. Still, there was a dog waited for its injured owner in the mountain for more than ten days. Another dog went a long, long way to get to its former owner’s home. I’m sure that there are more and more amazing stories about these faithful dogs at each corner in the world….

The loyalty of the dogs, this warm nature, moves me a lot. May the dogs are always the best friends of human beings, and vice versa.

news of exhibitions

Recently, the news of two Taiwanese exhibitions has impressed me a lot. These exhibitions are about “betel nut beauty” and “bubble tea”, and both of the exhibitions are invited by oversea museums.

The exhibition of the culture of Taiwanese betel beauty provides me a new aspect to concern. Before, betel nut beauties are usually regarded as people related to pornography. However, these days, people tend to treat it as a unique culture and an art. It reminds me that one piece of news reported that some betel nut beauties were trained with CPR skills by the promotion of the government. It suggests me to think more thoroughly and open-mindedly over any issues.

The other exhibition called “bubble tea” is not about the exact tea. In fact, the name is given for the generosity and creativity of culture and arts, which people can see in the Taiwanese bubble tea culture. Taiwanese mix our own culture and foreign ones to create a lot new kinds of tea. The blend of drinks, cultures, and ideas, adds to the vitality of Taiwanese spirits.

In my opinion, these two pieces of news are good reminders for me. Learning from the news, I appreciate the different points of view and the excellent mixture of different cultures. These ideas both motivate us to think and practice positively and creatively.

Face to Face

Face-to-face communication is the best way to convey oneself and to understand others. Sometimes, due to time and distance, people may turn to write letters, e-mail, or make phone calls. Those types of communication also can serve the purpose, but the most efficient, direct, and clear way to communicate is no more than talk face to face.

Talking face-to-face can express the two speakers’ opinions and feeling clear. Through facial expression or some gestures, people can get more information of the speaker’s idea and even find out something beyond the words. On the other hand, if people write letters, sometimes they may misunderstand the writer’s tone because one sentence may have different indication in different interpretation.

Face-to-face communication can improve people’s relationship because of the successful thought sharing. Directly talking with people can suggest a polite and kind intention. People can understand each other better and build a solid foundation of relationship. Even when people have argument or misunderstanding, they can get the other’s point soon and directly, which make the conciliation possible.

Each form of communication has its function to connect people with one another. Among the diverse ways of communication, meeting people face to face can provide lots of advantages, such as eye contact, better understanding, misinterpret prevention. Contact people face to face can make the communication successful. Especially when people have words, it’s easier to say “I have a bone to pick with you” Fac