The French radio is now playing one of my old time favorites, “Every breath you take” by Police. Just getting ready to hit the sack and suddenly heard this song, I feel some sort of mellow tickling pinch in the heart. After all, this song had accompanied me many days overseas. Sting is still the best to me!!
Eventually fall is here; the weather has apparently cooled down quite a bit. I didn’t have to struggle to go to work this morning because it just felt so comfortable outside. Lunch was delicious: chicken, bean sprouts, greens, and NO rice! Yeah, I’ve been eating less rice. In fact, I never really like rice believe it or not. On the country, I miss French baquettes. Hmm, the freshly baked bread at the bakery every noon made my day in Paris. But I am still not used to eating dessert, always think it’s too sweet…
This week shall be an eventful journey to me. I will post more details later. Anywho, I feel very relaxed and enjoy staying in my comfy room. Only one thing that worries me is my books. I really don’t know how I’m going to do with them when I move next year. I can’t send them back to my parents’ home because they had thrown all my old books away. I was taken aback when I found that out last week. But again, I will never read those books, so why being upset? I suppose I will ask some second-hand bookstore to come and get my books when the time approaches…Nonetheless, I will never give away my Norwegian novels…
Laurent Voulzy’s “Derniers Baisers” is playing now and I’m ready to sign off…
Monday, October 30, 2006
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Queen Bee
Queen Bee
There is a little story about her
Submissive temperament is a curse
Diligently serving the one she loves
Never asking anything beyond the globe
Hives are decked
Cacti are placed
Every corner is another dose of blur
Parrots in a cage
Paintings on the wall
All lie in the revenge of betrayal
The beauty of queen bee
No one really knows
The sting is definitely a poisonous blow
To the one that made her seriously hurt…
There is a little story about her
Submissive temperament is a curse
Diligently serving the one she loves
Never asking anything beyond the globe
Hives are decked
Cacti are placed
Every corner is another dose of blur
Parrots in a cage
Paintings on the wall
All lie in the revenge of betrayal
The beauty of queen bee
No one really knows
The sting is definitely a poisonous blow
To the one that made her seriously hurt…
Written by Jerski Bjorksen
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Brain Plasticity
If a person’s brain didn’t receive enough stimulation before the age of three, then it would basically lose its functionality as opposed to those who had it. For instance, if a child was secluded for 10 years without any contact of human language, he or she might not be able to acquire a language even being exposed to linguistic training afterward.
However, my speculation is the plasticity of adult brain and its possibility to acquire a second language. Would it be possible for an adult to learn a foreign language like a child? Supposedly, an individual who did obtain the necessary linguistic stimulation and development of neurons for the language skills, he should be able to acquire another language with native-like fluency. The current theory suggest that a person will not be able to learn a second language if he passes the critical period, especially with the issue of accent. If our brain is being able to be manipulated, then there is no reason that one cannot acquire his second language well.
Is it possible we invent a certain device with electrodes to stimulate our brain so as to make a person acquire a foreign language more easily? If so, what kind of areas should we focus on stimulating? What about a person’s psychological factor, determination, and will power? Can we narrow down to a specific frequency in terms of applying the aforementioned factors to influence our brain’s acquisition of new skills? Would playing a positive and encouraging pep message via audio devices during our sleep help to enhance the brain activities? I’m intrigued to conduct such a research and find out whether this method would improve a person’s second language acquisition.
However, my speculation is the plasticity of adult brain and its possibility to acquire a second language. Would it be possible for an adult to learn a foreign language like a child? Supposedly, an individual who did obtain the necessary linguistic stimulation and development of neurons for the language skills, he should be able to acquire another language with native-like fluency. The current theory suggest that a person will not be able to learn a second language if he passes the critical period, especially with the issue of accent. If our brain is being able to be manipulated, then there is no reason that one cannot acquire his second language well.
Is it possible we invent a certain device with electrodes to stimulate our brain so as to make a person acquire a foreign language more easily? If so, what kind of areas should we focus on stimulating? What about a person’s psychological factor, determination, and will power? Can we narrow down to a specific frequency in terms of applying the aforementioned factors to influence our brain’s acquisition of new skills? Would playing a positive and encouraging pep message via audio devices during our sleep help to enhance the brain activities? I’m intrigued to conduct such a research and find out whether this method would improve a person’s second language acquisition.
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Rain
Rain
Steam of coffee arises
From a mahogany table
White daisies in a blue pot stand
As a centerpiece of a delicate board
Ink paper and photos
Pile up a macabre allusion
Enlarged are black pupils
Shrunk are rigid nerves
Story unfolds
With autumn rain so cold
Superstition and whacky anecdote
Science and rationale
All tug in a red bowl
Mixed feelings tumble
Like droplets of tears
Flooding a parched basin
Desperate for moisture
On an island absolutely remote
Steam of coffee arises
From a mahogany table
White daisies in a blue pot stand
As a centerpiece of a delicate board
Ink paper and photos
Pile up a macabre allusion
Enlarged are black pupils
Shrunk are rigid nerves
Story unfolds
With autumn rain so cold
Superstition and whacky anecdote
Science and rationale
All tug in a red bowl
Mixed feelings tumble
Like droplets of tears
Flooding a parched basin
Desperate for moisture
On an island absolutely remote
Written by Jerski Bjorksen
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Do I care
Medical tourism seems a soon-to-be trend in many countries. For instance, there is a big five-star-hotel-like hospital in Bangkok where many Americans and Europeans would rather travel thousands of miles to have surgeries. Those kinds of hospitals market high-quality facilities, good doctors, and the most important is the cost can be a lot of cheaper should one have to undergo the same operation in the United States or developed European nations.
I thought that was an interesting strategy to promote medical treatments. However, running hospital is no longer just a philanthropic matter, it is also a money-driven thing in our era. Then, one might speculate how many doctors or nurses out there still maintain high work ethic and the original mission as a medical professional-saving life in their hectic job. Of course, medical tourism is definitely a great idea to attract people from all over the world; and I can see in the near future there will be medical tourism in Taiwan as well.
T. gave me “La Sombra Del Viento” the other night. I was very happy to have this book in its original language, Spanish. “The Shadow of the Wind” is definitely one of my favorites; and one that I spent 7 hours straight reading it. I have started reading it in Spanish, which is an interesting thing to do. Too bad, I didn’t have more chance getting together with T. Oh, well, such is life, isn’t it?
Again, I heard one of my colleagues talking about his love affair and other things accidentally after I had tutored R Chinese the other day. Well, do I care? NO! First, I don’t know this colleague that well. Second, people tend to say shitty things when drinking too much. R and I just looked at each other and smiled. Are love and relationship really important in our life? Maybe. But I don’t think one can pester his or her friends with this kind of issue, let alone some acquaintances.
I thought that was an interesting strategy to promote medical treatments. However, running hospital is no longer just a philanthropic matter, it is also a money-driven thing in our era. Then, one might speculate how many doctors or nurses out there still maintain high work ethic and the original mission as a medical professional-saving life in their hectic job. Of course, medical tourism is definitely a great idea to attract people from all over the world; and I can see in the near future there will be medical tourism in Taiwan as well.
T. gave me “La Sombra Del Viento” the other night. I was very happy to have this book in its original language, Spanish. “The Shadow of the Wind” is definitely one of my favorites; and one that I spent 7 hours straight reading it. I have started reading it in Spanish, which is an interesting thing to do. Too bad, I didn’t have more chance getting together with T. Oh, well, such is life, isn’t it?
Again, I heard one of my colleagues talking about his love affair and other things accidentally after I had tutored R Chinese the other day. Well, do I care? NO! First, I don’t know this colleague that well. Second, people tend to say shitty things when drinking too much. R and I just looked at each other and smiled. Are love and relationship really important in our life? Maybe. But I don’t think one can pester his or her friends with this kind of issue, let alone some acquaintances.
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Foreign Hometown
Finally I went back to visit Taidong after four years. I thought I would be overwhelmed by seeing the familiar streets, houses, and other things; but everything was at the same time so foreign to me.
That was the very first time I felt that my hometown was a new place to me. I went to get my new ID card and spent some time riding the beat-up scooter around the town. I subconsciously landed on the street where the chapel is located. There I saw some new rocks lying around the old coconut trees.
I then swung by J and M’s company. They were surprised to see me and so was I to them. Many have moved away and so much has changed and we are no longer young. The evening was deadly quiet; and I thought I heard the sound of waves from the Pacific. I totally forgot how tranquil it could be in Taidong.
The day before I came back to Taipei, I spent a few minutes at the beach, looking at the blue ocean and Green Island lying afar. The County Government has converted the beach into a park. It apparently attracts many people during the weekends. I still prefer the untouched beach, a place full of my childhood memory, typhoon holidays, and many watermelons floating in the sea after typhoons hit the island…
On my way back to Taipei, I penned down another poem…
Half yellow half green
Lies my natural carpet of dream
Mountains on the left
Ocean on the right
A train leaves everything behind my back
Hippocampus fires
Familiar images of past
Scooter wanders on quiet paths
Air remains fresh
People still laugh
Yet my heart no longer aches
Should I rejoice
Or feel sad
For all seems so foreign to my winding mind
In this city of wind and sand…
Written by Jerski Bjorksen
That was the very first time I felt that my hometown was a new place to me. I went to get my new ID card and spent some time riding the beat-up scooter around the town. I subconsciously landed on the street where the chapel is located. There I saw some new rocks lying around the old coconut trees.
I then swung by J and M’s company. They were surprised to see me and so was I to them. Many have moved away and so much has changed and we are no longer young. The evening was deadly quiet; and I thought I heard the sound of waves from the Pacific. I totally forgot how tranquil it could be in Taidong.
The day before I came back to Taipei, I spent a few minutes at the beach, looking at the blue ocean and Green Island lying afar. The County Government has converted the beach into a park. It apparently attracts many people during the weekends. I still prefer the untouched beach, a place full of my childhood memory, typhoon holidays, and many watermelons floating in the sea after typhoons hit the island…
On my way back to Taipei, I penned down another poem…
Half yellow half green
Lies my natural carpet of dream
Mountains on the left
Ocean on the right
A train leaves everything behind my back
Hippocampus fires
Familiar images of past
Scooter wanders on quiet paths
Air remains fresh
People still laugh
Yet my heart no longer aches
Should I rejoice
Or feel sad
For all seems so foreign to my winding mind
In this city of wind and sand…
Written by Jerski Bjorksen
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Old Town Old Memory
Recently I used Swiss as a topic for some of my classes. It was interesting to read cities I had lived in before. I can’t believe it’s over ten years since I first set a foot on that beautiful country.
“Look! It’s snow on the ground!” Some of my friends shouted. I recalled the very first day we arrived at the Zurich airport, and the freezing cold weather did not seem to cool down our excitement about that foreign land.
I posted an entry discussing Vevey a while back. It’s my favorite city in Switzerland. The nostalgic feel I sensed while wandering through old cobble streets and lovely antiques shops and bookstores was something I would never forget. I remember well that I spent many afternoons at a nice little bookshop browsing books, wondering which French textbook I should purchase. Back then, I wish I could speak French as Vevey is a French-speaking region. I longed for communicating with people and local friends in that melodious tongue.
After my intraining at Hotel du Parc, I actually could speak some French. One day, I went down to the downtown and shopped for myself. I was happy that I could use French to tell the clerk I needed some tofu. Yeah, it was tofu because my French roommate liked soy products a lot…
When will I return to Switzerland again? I am not sure at all but I hope this day will arrive soon. I want to live there and feel the familiar fresh air, something I thought I had already breathed long before I went over there. Sort of bizarre, right?
And of course, I would love to visit my alma mater in Le Bouveret. I had some many wonderful and eventful memories studying at that prestigious hotel school. To me, it is always an honor telling others I did study hotel management in my youth although I never really worked in hospitality industry…
What I learned were multicultural differences, team work, negotiation, and many great examples from the devoted teachers. Those were irreplaceable elements on my path to a more wholesome personality and mature life later in life.
“Look! It’s snow on the ground!” Some of my friends shouted. I recalled the very first day we arrived at the Zurich airport, and the freezing cold weather did not seem to cool down our excitement about that foreign land.
I posted an entry discussing Vevey a while back. It’s my favorite city in Switzerland. The nostalgic feel I sensed while wandering through old cobble streets and lovely antiques shops and bookstores was something I would never forget. I remember well that I spent many afternoons at a nice little bookshop browsing books, wondering which French textbook I should purchase. Back then, I wish I could speak French as Vevey is a French-speaking region. I longed for communicating with people and local friends in that melodious tongue.
After my intraining at Hotel du Parc, I actually could speak some French. One day, I went down to the downtown and shopped for myself. I was happy that I could use French to tell the clerk I needed some tofu. Yeah, it was tofu because my French roommate liked soy products a lot…
When will I return to Switzerland again? I am not sure at all but I hope this day will arrive soon. I want to live there and feel the familiar fresh air, something I thought I had already breathed long before I went over there. Sort of bizarre, right?
And of course, I would love to visit my alma mater in Le Bouveret. I had some many wonderful and eventful memories studying at that prestigious hotel school. To me, it is always an honor telling others I did study hotel management in my youth although I never really worked in hospitality industry…
What I learned were multicultural differences, team work, negotiation, and many great examples from the devoted teachers. Those were irreplaceable elements on my path to a more wholesome personality and mature life later in life.
Monday, October 16, 2006
Fantasy
Fantasy
Mirror Mirror on the wall
Fairy tales told by pretty dolls
Palace magic and lots of gold
Ran out from a blue crystal ball
Who stole the zombie on the road
Causing a devilish and hunting spell
Who hid the ugly voodoo wolf
Making the empty heart
Pound with a super blow
Take it or leave it
Choose it or ditch it
Life can easily fail
From suicidal thought
Once taking upon the load
Don’t regret where you will eventually go
Listen carefully with hope
Story can turn into everlasting love
Fantasy
Without it
Mind will be bored
And we can’t write fantabulous poems
Mirror Mirror on the wall
Fairy tales told by pretty dolls
Palace magic and lots of gold
Ran out from a blue crystal ball
Who stole the zombie on the road
Causing a devilish and hunting spell
Who hid the ugly voodoo wolf
Making the empty heart
Pound with a super blow
Take it or leave it
Choose it or ditch it
Life can easily fail
From suicidal thought
Once taking upon the load
Don’t regret where you will eventually go
Listen carefully with hope
Story can turn into everlasting love
Fantasy
Without it
Mind will be bored
And we can’t write fantabulous poems
Written by Jerski Bjorksen
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Reticence
Reading “Scientific American” on the metro is one of my favorite things to do during my travel to work. It gives me some sort of inner peace. Funny to say that, I always think one must find something to do even just riding a bus for 10 minutes. At times, I would do eye exercise, motioning my eyes up and down or back and forth or in the forms of alphabets…
A week has passed; and the reticence in me also has emerged again. I didn’t even want to speak a word for the entire day. Perhaps I usually speak too much at work, teaching students or helping others. In the book “Memes”, it talks about how one seems not to be able to shut down thought because brain fires neurons all the time. Maybe when doing meditation, one can “freeze” or empty his or her thought. But I have to say I don’t really agree with that argument because I can stay “blank” for more than 2 minutes without any words, events, or anything in mind. Well, one thing interesting is I will hear voice I don’t pay attention to when I think of something…
It is time for me to pay a visit to my parents. I’ve decided to go back this week. What I’ve missed most about hometown is the blue sky and ocean. I know I will feel the streets are big and the air is fresh. A train ride will allow me to sink in and do some personal reflection on my recent research projects and interests. I can’t wait for the week to end…
A week has passed; and the reticence in me also has emerged again. I didn’t even want to speak a word for the entire day. Perhaps I usually speak too much at work, teaching students or helping others. In the book “Memes”, it talks about how one seems not to be able to shut down thought because brain fires neurons all the time. Maybe when doing meditation, one can “freeze” or empty his or her thought. But I have to say I don’t really agree with that argument because I can stay “blank” for more than 2 minutes without any words, events, or anything in mind. Well, one thing interesting is I will hear voice I don’t pay attention to when I think of something…
It is time for me to pay a visit to my parents. I’ve decided to go back this week. What I’ve missed most about hometown is the blue sky and ocean. I know I will feel the streets are big and the air is fresh. A train ride will allow me to sink in and do some personal reflection on my recent research projects and interests. I can’t wait for the week to end…
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Selfish
Sitting in a blue seat on the metro, I glanced over the Tamshui River across the mangroves. A fisherman’s hat with shades under the balmy sun reflected on the seemingly tranquil water near the boat. A child’s laughter echoed in my ears and I thought I saw a phantom in the middle of day…
Textmessaging several times a night didn’t make any difference, did it? When you fall in love with someone, you would probably get up at midnight dressing up and looking yourself in the mirror and wondering how the next date would be. Question is-are you willing to sacrifice a lot to be in love? Can you manage to change your lifestyle just to embrace another person’s variation in life? It’s not easy to break a mold when we come to a certain age, is it? When was the last time you tried t0 change yourself to be with someone you loved?
Neuroanatomy, the chemical substances, and all sorts of diagrams and illustrations flashed back and forth in my mind. Damn it! I still can’t get rid of the image of the person I met. Poems I wrote, essays I composed, and emotion I suppressed all conjured up a giant jigsaw puzzle for Christmas! Suddenly I recall a letter I penned down a long while back. Someone had forgotten to tie the yellow ribbon on my oak tree in the far-away Swiss garden. I collected a beautiful wine label especially for an old friend I miss a ton.
Sighing and sighing within the last ten minutes just might as well drive me crazy. Wait, maybe I am selfish because I can turn off the signals all at once if I really want to now. Do I want to? Yes, I sure do. Sorry I don’t think I can give my all to only an individual after having been through many highs and lows in life. I will set you free so as to set myself free too…
Textmessaging several times a night didn’t make any difference, did it? When you fall in love with someone, you would probably get up at midnight dressing up and looking yourself in the mirror and wondering how the next date would be. Question is-are you willing to sacrifice a lot to be in love? Can you manage to change your lifestyle just to embrace another person’s variation in life? It’s not easy to break a mold when we come to a certain age, is it? When was the last time you tried t0 change yourself to be with someone you loved?
Neuroanatomy, the chemical substances, and all sorts of diagrams and illustrations flashed back and forth in my mind. Damn it! I still can’t get rid of the image of the person I met. Poems I wrote, essays I composed, and emotion I suppressed all conjured up a giant jigsaw puzzle for Christmas! Suddenly I recall a letter I penned down a long while back. Someone had forgotten to tie the yellow ribbon on my oak tree in the far-away Swiss garden. I collected a beautiful wine label especially for an old friend I miss a ton.
Sighing and sighing within the last ten minutes just might as well drive me crazy. Wait, maybe I am selfish because I can turn off the signals all at once if I really want to now. Do I want to? Yes, I sure do. Sorry I don’t think I can give my all to only an individual after having been through many highs and lows in life. I will set you free so as to set myself free too…
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Revenge
Revenge
Slashed by a bayonet
Water changed to potion
Sorcery evoked magnet
On the blue jazz ocean
Little robins flapped
Black veils slapped
Ripples of revenge raced
To the white pines across
Why must man react
Like a snake with evil intent
If death is not an end
Who will really repent
After all was carefully planned
Life still found its way to regain…
Slashed by a bayonet
Water changed to potion
Sorcery evoked magnet
On the blue jazz ocean
Little robins flapped
Black veils slapped
Ripples of revenge raced
To the white pines across
Why must man react
Like a snake with evil intent
If death is not an end
Who will really repent
After all was carefully planned
Life still found its way to regain…
Written by Jerski Bjorksen
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Martha Curtis
Martha Curtis’ case about memories brought me another prospective in the area of adult language acquisition. According to the study, Martha suffered severe brain damage, thus a series of relentless seizures, which hindered her violin performance on stage.
Luckily, after undergoing three surgeries, she was able to play music again without disturbance; and to the doctors’ great surprise, she didn’t lose any memory related to her musical knowledge. In addition, she could memorize things better!
Doctors concluded that she suffered brain damage at an early age, measles at 3, and had practiced violin since she was young. Therefore, her brain had probably rewired its musical memory and recruited other areas so as to replace the role of the problematic right temporal lobe.
This definitely made me excited because it indicated that people can train their brain to acquire skills they desire to have even though there is some cerebral impairment. The question is: is it the same for both young children and adults?
Martha apparently started practicing violin at a very young age; what about adults, having certain cerebral degeneration, that still want to study a second language? Can they acquire it as their first language? If an individual doesn’t show severe linguistic problems in his mother tongue, shouldn’t it be presumably feasible to learn another language well?
Again, practice plays a critical role; but how much is enough? And is there any other efficient way to let long-term potentiation (LTP), a process that makes memories become encoded, work better in language acquisition? Is it possible to devise specific equipment to facilitate this? What would be a great brain exercise device for language learning?
I can’t wait to have chance collaborating with some experts and explore this fascinating world of brain and language!
Luckily, after undergoing three surgeries, she was able to play music again without disturbance; and to the doctors’ great surprise, she didn’t lose any memory related to her musical knowledge. In addition, she could memorize things better!
Doctors concluded that she suffered brain damage at an early age, measles at 3, and had practiced violin since she was young. Therefore, her brain had probably rewired its musical memory and recruited other areas so as to replace the role of the problematic right temporal lobe.
This definitely made me excited because it indicated that people can train their brain to acquire skills they desire to have even though there is some cerebral impairment. The question is: is it the same for both young children and adults?
Martha apparently started practicing violin at a very young age; what about adults, having certain cerebral degeneration, that still want to study a second language? Can they acquire it as their first language? If an individual doesn’t show severe linguistic problems in his mother tongue, shouldn’t it be presumably feasible to learn another language well?
Again, practice plays a critical role; but how much is enough? And is there any other efficient way to let long-term potentiation (LTP), a process that makes memories become encoded, work better in language acquisition? Is it possible to devise specific equipment to facilitate this? What would be a great brain exercise device for language learning?
I can’t wait to have chance collaborating with some experts and explore this fascinating world of brain and language!
Monday, October 09, 2006
Wisdom
Wisdom
The beginning of a universe
A door ajar
Influx of thought and microbe
Flood
An arid planet
They later call
The Earth
Desert decorated with oases
City filled with sleepless seeds
Twist
A philosophical shock
Civilization across
Continents and oceans afar
Where is your niche
What is your belief
Fame and affluence
Wisdom and health
Which one will you choose
If tomorrow is the end of all
Who will you remember the most
If memory can only carry one soul
The beginning of a universe
A door ajar
Influx of thought and microbe
Flood
An arid planet
They later call
The Earth
Desert decorated with oases
City filled with sleepless seeds
Twist
A philosophical shock
Civilization across
Continents and oceans afar
Where is your niche
What is your belief
Fame and affluence
Wisdom and health
Which one will you choose
If tomorrow is the end of all
Who will you remember the most
If memory can only carry one soul
Written by Jerski Bjorksen
Betel Nut Charm
Gingerly walking into the dim-lighted house, Aaron saw his father was in the rocking chair without any motion. He slid his steps and came next to the chair and gently lifted the right hand’s forefinger to feel whether there was still breath from the old man.
“Thank goodness, he is still alive!” Alan thought.
For many years, he had to check his father’s vital sign right after coming back from school, just feared that the bedridden man would someday stop heartbeats all of a sudden.
“We can’t have this baby,” cried the mother.
“What do you mean?” The father inquired angrily.
“What do I mean? What would the neighbors think? You’re 67 years old and I’m 59!”
“So? We have 7 children anyway.”
“You think you’re Pablo Picasso? Shame on you! You can’t even paint a freaking cabbage, let alone do something grand. I’ve spent all of my life planting the stupid eggplants and YOUR lame asparaguses! And look at us, still penniless and living under a leaking roofed house without a proper stove!”
“That’s not fair you said that! I’ve tried all I can to raise this family. And look at the kids, they’re all married and leading a life they want.”
“Yeah, only to escape from this hell!”
“What the fuck is wrong with you today?”
“What the fuck is wrong with YOU, not me?”
“I am not going to keep this baby,” sobbed the mother incessantly.
“Well, it’s too dangerous for an abortion at your age. We can keep the baby and then give him or her to the market owner across the street…”
“Congratulations, Madam! You just gave birth to a healthy and handsome baby boy!” said the young nurse while handing over the baby to Mrs. Lee.
Taking the baby into her bosom and stroking the fine and blackish hair of the red- faced baby, Mrs. Lee started crying out loud. The nurse was taken aback and said:
“What’ wrong? Is something wrong with the baby? He is not what you expected to see?
“No, I…I… just cannot believe I could still have a baby at such an old age. And I…don’t know what others would say about this, ‘An old clam makes a young pearl.’ What a dishonor to the entire Lee’s kin!”
…To Be Continued.
“Thank goodness, he is still alive!” Alan thought.
For many years, he had to check his father’s vital sign right after coming back from school, just feared that the bedridden man would someday stop heartbeats all of a sudden.
“We can’t have this baby,” cried the mother.
“What do you mean?” The father inquired angrily.
“What do I mean? What would the neighbors think? You’re 67 years old and I’m 59!”
“So? We have 7 children anyway.”
“You think you’re Pablo Picasso? Shame on you! You can’t even paint a freaking cabbage, let alone do something grand. I’ve spent all of my life planting the stupid eggplants and YOUR lame asparaguses! And look at us, still penniless and living under a leaking roofed house without a proper stove!”
“That’s not fair you said that! I’ve tried all I can to raise this family. And look at the kids, they’re all married and leading a life they want.”
“Yeah, only to escape from this hell!”
“What the fuck is wrong with you today?”
“What the fuck is wrong with YOU, not me?”
“I am not going to keep this baby,” sobbed the mother incessantly.
“Well, it’s too dangerous for an abortion at your age. We can keep the baby and then give him or her to the market owner across the street…”
“Congratulations, Madam! You just gave birth to a healthy and handsome baby boy!” said the young nurse while handing over the baby to Mrs. Lee.
Taking the baby into her bosom and stroking the fine and blackish hair of the red- faced baby, Mrs. Lee started crying out loud. The nurse was taken aback and said:
“What’ wrong? Is something wrong with the baby? He is not what you expected to see?
“No, I…I… just cannot believe I could still have a baby at such an old age. And I…don’t know what others would say about this, ‘An old clam makes a young pearl.’ What a dishonor to the entire Lee’s kin!”
…To Be Continued.
End
After German class, I headed to the BBQ but no one was there yet. Then T and J came over and we went for a drink, thus began the evening’s journey.
It’s my second time to see T, seemed a very nice guy. J was a nice girl too. Wish the best for both of them…
A Russian investigative reporter was assassinated in her apartment building, causing a lot of attention worldwide. Allegedly she was killed due to her critics on the Russian government; and President Vladimir Putin’s tightened press freedom is under severe criticism as well. What I see is people have democracy rooted in Russia and they demand to remain free in speech. It’s a basic right being a citizen in a democratic country, isn’t it? The precious thing is no matter what or who controls a person, he can always have thoughts that are not being totally constrained. I too think the assassination was a heinous act.
Another day is going to pass; I’m ready to do paper work for my research. It will be fun conducting experiments on the neuroscience-related issues. What I perceive toward language acquisition needs more proof in an empirical setting. I'm determined to come up with something significant so as to benefit many others.
Got a textmessage from C, which wasn’t what I really expected but good enough. I guess I can move on and have no regret of whatsoever. I guess I’ve dealt with this matter well. It was a wonderful experience anyway.
Clare and I went to the movie “The Devil Wears Prada”. I have to say it’s a good movie although the subject matter isn’t something novel. A college graduate landed on a new job at a famous fashion magazine corporation in which the boss was notoriously bossy and “devilish”. But I like the plot that stated the novice finally chose what she actually wanted for life. It reminded me of my own career path. I could’ve led a life of businessman but I just ditched it after having seen what happened in many aspects in the field. It could be a great job for millions of people; yet to me it’s not. I’m glad I have chosen what my heart told me to do.
Now, I’m on my way to another new voyage. I can fully focus on this goal until my last breath on this planet, and I will never give it up no matter what lies ahead of me. I guess only God knows when I am supposed to leave this world, so the rest is up to me!
I know I get what I want as long as I plan to do it. Along the way over the past few decades, I have also learned many lessons regarding life in general. What do you want for your life? I would like to be a lover of wisdom, just like what I read in “The Rule of Four”…
It’s my second time to see T, seemed a very nice guy. J was a nice girl too. Wish the best for both of them…
A Russian investigative reporter was assassinated in her apartment building, causing a lot of attention worldwide. Allegedly she was killed due to her critics on the Russian government; and President Vladimir Putin’s tightened press freedom is under severe criticism as well. What I see is people have democracy rooted in Russia and they demand to remain free in speech. It’s a basic right being a citizen in a democratic country, isn’t it? The precious thing is no matter what or who controls a person, he can always have thoughts that are not being totally constrained. I too think the assassination was a heinous act.
Another day is going to pass; I’m ready to do paper work for my research. It will be fun conducting experiments on the neuroscience-related issues. What I perceive toward language acquisition needs more proof in an empirical setting. I'm determined to come up with something significant so as to benefit many others.
Got a textmessage from C, which wasn’t what I really expected but good enough. I guess I can move on and have no regret of whatsoever. I guess I’ve dealt with this matter well. It was a wonderful experience anyway.
Clare and I went to the movie “The Devil Wears Prada”. I have to say it’s a good movie although the subject matter isn’t something novel. A college graduate landed on a new job at a famous fashion magazine corporation in which the boss was notoriously bossy and “devilish”. But I like the plot that stated the novice finally chose what she actually wanted for life. It reminded me of my own career path. I could’ve led a life of businessman but I just ditched it after having seen what happened in many aspects in the field. It could be a great job for millions of people; yet to me it’s not. I’m glad I have chosen what my heart told me to do.
Now, I’m on my way to another new voyage. I can fully focus on this goal until my last breath on this planet, and I will never give it up no matter what lies ahead of me. I guess only God knows when I am supposed to leave this world, so the rest is up to me!
I know I get what I want as long as I plan to do it. Along the way over the past few decades, I have also learned many lessons regarding life in general. What do you want for your life? I would like to be a lover of wisdom, just like what I read in “The Rule of Four”…
Friday, October 06, 2006
Again
I looked at my wristwatch: 5:37 am! Damn it! What have I done again? Sprang to my feet, I briskly grabbed my backpack and headed home. The street was still asleep, only some early risers were jogging on the sidewalk.
It’s another forty-minute walk; the heck with that I insisted it anyway! I wanted to feel fresh air before the sun showed its face on this chilly morning. After coming back to the apartment, I took a quick shower and rinsed away the disgusting cigarette smoke stained all over me. Wait, I have to take off my contacts too. Shit, almost forgot that again…
Soon as I hit the sack, my exhausted body sank into a world of oblivion. Thought I slept long enough but only was awaken by the goddamned noise downstairs! I yelled: Fuck! Can’t you guys take a day off? It’s Moon Festival TODAY! Stop the fucking hammer and the stupid construction work! Perhaps it was just a coincidence or they actually heard my howling protestation, the noise vanished. I glanced over my alarm o’clock which showed: 9:38 am. Shit! I needed more sleep…
Somehow, I entered a familiar milieu, a place I lived for two years back in the States.
“K. kept coming out to ask whether you’re home or not,” said J.
“Didn’t she know I was out tonight?”
“She did. But she just wanted to talk to you. It made me sad, you know? I think the entire family has missed you very much”
“So have I,” said with my trembling body.
Six hours passed since I went out last night.
“Hey, you’re finally back! I’m sorry I know you’re out with friends, but…” said K.
“I know, J has told me all about it already. I’m sorry too…”
Out of the blue
The front gate and the kerosene lamps aligned the Victorian house kept magnifying at the back of my retinas until I clearly saw Robbie’s and Eric’s drawings stuck on the window panes. I thought the time had stopped for eternity.
As I blinked for moisturizing my eyes, I realized that was a dream, a vivid one again. I couldn’t hold my tears back-cascade hit me hard. I cried out loud and was afraid someone else in the apartment would hear it. I didn’t know why that came over me. I guess I truly miss my friends across the Pacific Ocean. They are always in my memory and have an important spot in my heart as well.
Love, I think I understand it better. My heart was full because I saw the person I like again yesterday evening…
It’s another forty-minute walk; the heck with that I insisted it anyway! I wanted to feel fresh air before the sun showed its face on this chilly morning. After coming back to the apartment, I took a quick shower and rinsed away the disgusting cigarette smoke stained all over me. Wait, I have to take off my contacts too. Shit, almost forgot that again…
Soon as I hit the sack, my exhausted body sank into a world of oblivion. Thought I slept long enough but only was awaken by the goddamned noise downstairs! I yelled: Fuck! Can’t you guys take a day off? It’s Moon Festival TODAY! Stop the fucking hammer and the stupid construction work! Perhaps it was just a coincidence or they actually heard my howling protestation, the noise vanished. I glanced over my alarm o’clock which showed: 9:38 am. Shit! I needed more sleep…
Somehow, I entered a familiar milieu, a place I lived for two years back in the States.
“K. kept coming out to ask whether you’re home or not,” said J.
“Didn’t she know I was out tonight?”
“She did. But she just wanted to talk to you. It made me sad, you know? I think the entire family has missed you very much”
“So have I,” said with my trembling body.
Six hours passed since I went out last night.
“Hey, you’re finally back! I’m sorry I know you’re out with friends, but…” said K.
“I know, J has told me all about it already. I’m sorry too…”
Out of the blue
The front gate and the kerosene lamps aligned the Victorian house kept magnifying at the back of my retinas until I clearly saw Robbie’s and Eric’s drawings stuck on the window panes. I thought the time had stopped for eternity.
As I blinked for moisturizing my eyes, I realized that was a dream, a vivid one again. I couldn’t hold my tears back-cascade hit me hard. I cried out loud and was afraid someone else in the apartment would hear it. I didn’t know why that came over me. I guess I truly miss my friends across the Pacific Ocean. They are always in my memory and have an important spot in my heart as well.
Love, I think I understand it better. My heart was full because I saw the person I like again yesterday evening…
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
October Rain
I had a conversation with A last night, talking about Wang Chieng-Ming. Obviously he is the pride of Taiwan and makes our country better known to the Americans. Fox News even showed where Taiwan is located and pointed out Wang’s hometown, Tainan.
I know many people are crazy about baseball and would do anything to see Wang play for the Yankees. I remember when I was little, my family would gather in front of the beat-up TV watching live broadcasting of baseball games. It was a huge craze back then because our national team was brilliant and had won many world championships.
Ironically, our government has been trying to let people recognize Taiwan’s sovereignty yet hasn’t been able to accomplish something significant. Wang Chieng-Ming’s performance, on the other hand, has pushed Taiwan to the top of a hill and let the world know more about us. Twenty-first century is indeed a Chinese era, I believe. But are we ready to embrace that? What can all of us do to wear the “crown”?
Okay, I met someone I like the other day. It sure made me distracted for a couple of days. However, my rationality came back and I just moved on again. What can I say? I was never really interested in love-pursuing type of thing. To an even greater extent, I have to admit I did not spend any time doing that in my teenage days whereas every one else seemed to go on dates. I devoted my youth to my religion and was so into letting others understand my beliefs.
Do people really need to get married or be in a relationship? If someone doesn’t have a wife or husband, is it that sinister? I don’t think so! There are many things a person can achieve; and marriage is definitely not a must to every one. To some people, it is better off not to get married although we all long for being cared for or loved by another individual. Don’t take me wrong though. I’m not a misogamist. I heartily wish the best for those who have found their true love; but if you don’t, it’s not the end of the world, either!
Will I see this person I met again? I’m not sure. Somehow, a poem I wrote back in the military days popped up in my head. “October Rain” it is.
October Rain
October rain
Full of fragrance
Something is in your eyes
Something is in our fate
Pearl tears drop on a plate
Heart beats race to my face
Red and afraid
Mind is outside the cloud gate
October rain
Is like an old friend
Healing my pain
On a blue aeroplane
Who says only the sun entertains
October rain can also dance
Amazing grace
Written by Jerski Bjorksen
I know many people are crazy about baseball and would do anything to see Wang play for the Yankees. I remember when I was little, my family would gather in front of the beat-up TV watching live broadcasting of baseball games. It was a huge craze back then because our national team was brilliant and had won many world championships.
Ironically, our government has been trying to let people recognize Taiwan’s sovereignty yet hasn’t been able to accomplish something significant. Wang Chieng-Ming’s performance, on the other hand, has pushed Taiwan to the top of a hill and let the world know more about us. Twenty-first century is indeed a Chinese era, I believe. But are we ready to embrace that? What can all of us do to wear the “crown”?
Okay, I met someone I like the other day. It sure made me distracted for a couple of days. However, my rationality came back and I just moved on again. What can I say? I was never really interested in love-pursuing type of thing. To an even greater extent, I have to admit I did not spend any time doing that in my teenage days whereas every one else seemed to go on dates. I devoted my youth to my religion and was so into letting others understand my beliefs.
Do people really need to get married or be in a relationship? If someone doesn’t have a wife or husband, is it that sinister? I don’t think so! There are many things a person can achieve; and marriage is definitely not a must to every one. To some people, it is better off not to get married although we all long for being cared for or loved by another individual. Don’t take me wrong though. I’m not a misogamist. I heartily wish the best for those who have found their true love; but if you don’t, it’s not the end of the world, either!
Will I see this person I met again? I’m not sure. Somehow, a poem I wrote back in the military days popped up in my head. “October Rain” it is.
October Rain
October rain
Full of fragrance
Something is in your eyes
Something is in our fate
Pearl tears drop on a plate
Heart beats race to my face
Red and afraid
Mind is outside the cloud gate
October rain
Is like an old friend
Healing my pain
On a blue aeroplane
Who says only the sun entertains
October rain can also dance
Amazing grace
Written by Jerski Bjorksen
Misty Eyes
Misty Eyes
Intoxication simmers
In a pot of disguise
Long island and Bloody Mary
Disclose
The deepest feeling
With cigarette smoke in misty eyes
Is it solitary mind
Or love at first sight
Bustling streets sleep
Yet my soul is reluctant to imply
Baseball game to catch
Research to study
My heart is not empty in the neon light…
Written by Jerski Bjorksen
Intoxication simmers
In a pot of disguise
Long island and Bloody Mary
Disclose
The deepest feeling
With cigarette smoke in misty eyes
Is it solitary mind
Or love at first sight
Bustling streets sleep
Yet my soul is reluctant to imply
Baseball game to catch
Research to study
My heart is not empty in the neon light…
Written by Jerski Bjorksen
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Moon Festival
Mother called me the other day, asking me whether I wanted to go back to Taitung for the Moon Festival. I said no because I didn’t plan to do that but will probably go back the week after.
Since this traditional holiday is one of the three most important festivals for Taiwanese, I sure would like to spend it with my family. But time has changed; it is no longer a must-do-it thing for many people nowadays.
I went to an interview this afternoon at a college. They were looking for English teachers that could help their students to improve English learning. In the interview, I felt sad because our English education is totally a flop! Many college students can’t even write a decent sentence, let alone a good essay. It always makes me wonder what went wrong in our educational system and language pedagogy.
Is it really that hard for people to acquire a second language? Chinese is regarded one of the most difficult languages in the world. If a person is capable to learn this language, it is, to me, not supposed to be that hard to learn another language. What do Chinese speakers’ brain activity look like when they are learning English? Is it the same as other non-native speakers? What about comparison to native speakers?
I am not saying what kind of mission I’m taking up myself; at least it is my goal to find out a better way to help Asian students to learn English with more ease and efficiency. I believe there must be a way or two to delve into this seemingly mysterious phenomenon and do some research.
In the end, I hope learning is to reach a “full circle”, a perfect symbolic representation of the Moon and a reunion of family. Learning should make people become better and smarter and happier, just as spending a relaxing holiday with your close ones…
Since this traditional holiday is one of the three most important festivals for Taiwanese, I sure would like to spend it with my family. But time has changed; it is no longer a must-do-it thing for many people nowadays.
I went to an interview this afternoon at a college. They were looking for English teachers that could help their students to improve English learning. In the interview, I felt sad because our English education is totally a flop! Many college students can’t even write a decent sentence, let alone a good essay. It always makes me wonder what went wrong in our educational system and language pedagogy.
Is it really that hard for people to acquire a second language? Chinese is regarded one of the most difficult languages in the world. If a person is capable to learn this language, it is, to me, not supposed to be that hard to learn another language. What do Chinese speakers’ brain activity look like when they are learning English? Is it the same as other non-native speakers? What about comparison to native speakers?
I am not saying what kind of mission I’m taking up myself; at least it is my goal to find out a better way to help Asian students to learn English with more ease and efficiency. I believe there must be a way or two to delve into this seemingly mysterious phenomenon and do some research.
In the end, I hope learning is to reach a “full circle”, a perfect symbolic representation of the Moon and a reunion of family. Learning should make people become better and smarter and happier, just as spending a relaxing holiday with your close ones…
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