Let's face it -- English is a crazy language. There is no egg in eggplant nor ham in hamburger; neither apple nor pine in pineapple. English muffins weren't invented in England or French fries in France. Sweetmeats are candies while sweetbreads, which aren't sweet, are meat.
We take English for granted. But if we explore its paradoxes, we find that quicksand can work slowly, boxing rings are square and a guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a pig.
And why is it that writers write but fingers don't fing, grocers don't groce and hammers don't ham? If the plural of tooth is teeth, why isn't the plural of booth beeth? One goose, 2 geese. So one moose, 2 meese? One index, 2 indices?
Doesn't it seem crazy that you can make amends but not one amend, that youcomb through annals of history but not a single annal? If you have a bunch of odds and ends and get rid of all but one of them, what do you call it?
If teachers taught, why didn't preacher praught? If a vegetarian eats vegetables, what does a humanitarian eat? If you wrote a letter, perhaps you bote your tongue?
Sometimes I think all the English speakers should be committed to an asylum for the verbally insane. In what language do people recite at a play and play at a recital? Ship by truck and send cargo by ship? Have noses that run and feet that smell? Park on driveways and drive on parkways?
How can a slim chance and a fat chance be the same, while a wise man andwise guy are opposites? How can overlook and oversee be opposites, whilequite a lot and quite a few are alike? How can the weather be hot as hell one day and cold as hell another.
Have you noticed that we talk about certain things only when they are absent? Have you ever seen a horseful carriage or a strapful gown? Met a sung hero or experienced requited love? Have you ever run into someone who was combobulated, gruntled, ruly or peccable? And where are all those people who ARE spring chickens or who would ACTUALLY hurt a fly?
You have to marvel at the unique lunacy of a language in which your house can burn up as it burns down, in which you fill in a form by filling it out and in which an alarm clock goes off by going on.
English was invented by people, not computers, and it reflects the creativity of the human race (which, of course, isn't a race at all). That is why, when the stars are out, they are visible, but when the lights are out, they are invisible. And why, when I wind up my watch, I start it, but when I wind up this essay, I end it.
一位英语老师寄给我的。
2008年2月26日星期二
顽固的坚持, 另类的成长
The campcraft competition preliminaries for the boys was held last Saturday @ HTA.
It was not easy for me, especially when I am playing the role of a teacher to this bunch of outstanding young men. Everyone has their strengths and temperaments. There are silent workers who are always the last to go during trainings, ensuring that the patch of balding ground is always free from debris. There are also the natural leaders. They are eloquent, daring, sometimes 'cocky'. They have friends who will accept their suggestions despite some disagreements, all for the valueable comradeship developed over the years. There are also jokers around to inject laughters and also some learners who would silently observe and absorb as much knowledge as they could. One thing for sure, I know these students can proudly tell their fellow friends that they are the MEN of HCINPCC for the campcraft competition 2008.
For the 1st time, I saw dejection and disappointment on some faces. But, I also saw great strengths of friendship working its magic on every individuals. Long-stashed doubts of their commitment was crushed at that very moment. I knew they care! (Yeah, I was indeed doubtful and upset @ one point in time when hearsays of captains' lack of faith in their team reached my ears)
Now, either we go into the finals, or we don't.
If we don't, never forget the days you slogged your guts out at the field. Remember the breeze and the friendship built.
If we do, I will cherish even more this bonus and strengthen one another, together.
It was not easy for me, especially when I am playing the role of a teacher to this bunch of outstanding young men. Everyone has their strengths and temperaments. There are silent workers who are always the last to go during trainings, ensuring that the patch of balding ground is always free from debris. There are also the natural leaders. They are eloquent, daring, sometimes 'cocky'. They have friends who will accept their suggestions despite some disagreements, all for the valueable comradeship developed over the years. There are also jokers around to inject laughters and also some learners who would silently observe and absorb as much knowledge as they could. One thing for sure, I know these students can proudly tell their fellow friends that they are the MEN of HCINPCC for the campcraft competition 2008.
For the 1st time, I saw dejection and disappointment on some faces. But, I also saw great strengths of friendship working its magic on every individuals. Long-stashed doubts of their commitment was crushed at that very moment. I knew they care! (Yeah, I was indeed doubtful and upset @ one point in time when hearsays of captains' lack of faith in their team reached my ears)
Now, either we go into the finals, or we don't.
If we don't, never forget the days you slogged your guts out at the field. Remember the breeze and the friendship built.
If we do, I will cherish even more this bonus and strengthen one another, together.
2008年2月19日星期二
2008年2月18日星期一
圆梦的小熊
还记得前阵子给我学生上课时，介绍了《圆梦的小熊》这首歌曲。终于找到了创作人的灵感泉源。这是作词人在看了下面的这篇序之后，将其故事改写成为歌词。
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
Carol 谢，《寻找快乐的红苹果》的作者，在序中有一个故事。
我所知道的「快樂」……
文╲Carol 謝
因為從事的是出版這樣的文化事業，心靈活動的機會很多，我對一些事情、一些現象，自然也是想很多。這一兩年來，我最常想的是「快樂」。
「快樂」這個議題時下很流行。很多作家出書教人怎樣生活才會快樂，自己也賺版稅賺得很快樂；很多書只要書名冠上「快樂」兩個字，通常銷量都不至於太差。
我常想的是：這麼多人要快樂，而，快樂的真正面貌到底是什麼？很多教人快樂的專家都大聲宣揚──「做自己、別管別人的一些有的沒的」。老實說，我也很想做自己，卻覺得「做自己不必然就會快樂」。我想問題就是現在很多專家教人做自己都是說：要善待自己啦、不要被人當傻瓜啦、要聰明一點……
這樣的做自己太霸氣了，真的就會快樂嗎？
快樂應該是柔軟的、善意的、體貼的、溫馨的感覺，一點都不需要衝撞、爭奪，很自然就從心底湧現。
前一陣子我收到一封朋友轉來的mail，已經傳過很多人了，標題是「傳遞一個心願」，如果你時常跟朋友用mail交換心情，或許你也收過。
故事是說－－
一個日本小女孩和她爸爸都生病了，兩人都病得很嚴重。爸爸自己都快要死了，還安慰他的小女兒說：「等病好一點，我就帶妳一起去環遊世界旅行喔！」
可是，爸爸不久就死了。小女孩很傷心。不過想起爸爸環遊世界的計畫還沒有實現，她就想了一個辦法要幫爸爸完成心願。她把她的小熊當成爸爸，然後在小熊的身上寫下自己和爸爸的名字，希望拿到小熊的人，可以帶小熊走一段，然後交給下一個旅行的人，繼續帶著小熊走下去。
就這樣小熊被一個傳過一個，前一個人傳給後一個人，不論認識與否、不論國籍語言，只是舉手之勞的攜帶小熊走一段旅程，完成傳遞的心願。
後來一個電視節目的製作單位把小女孩請到節目中來，讓小女孩接聽一個從德國打來的電話，讓對方親口告訴小女孩，小熊已經旅行了十七個國家，目前正在德國旅行，小熊很乾淨，還多了很多裝飾品，應該是沿途帶小熊旅行的人陸續為他加的。小熊平安，所以爸爸、女兒也平安。環遊世界的旅行會繼續走下去，請小女孩放心。
小女孩聽完電話，感動得跪下來。哭著感謝電話中的陌生人，還有替她實現心願的製作單位。
小女孩的氣色很差，看來也好像快要不行了。但是，她的眼淚是快樂的。
你知道我為什麼要說這個故事吧？
做自己，很好，也沒有錯。
但是，「做自己＝快樂」？值得想想。
爸爸、小女孩，還有那些帶小熊旅行的陌生人，誰都沒想過自己，想的都是別人。但是，他們得到了快樂。
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
Carol 谢，《寻找快乐的红苹果》的作者，在序中有一个故事。
我所知道的「快樂」……
文╲Carol 謝
因為從事的是出版這樣的文化事業，心靈活動的機會很多，我對一些事情、一些現象，自然也是想很多。這一兩年來，我最常想的是「快樂」。
「快樂」這個議題時下很流行。很多作家出書教人怎樣生活才會快樂，自己也賺版稅賺得很快樂；很多書只要書名冠上「快樂」兩個字，通常銷量都不至於太差。
我常想的是：這麼多人要快樂，而，快樂的真正面貌到底是什麼？很多教人快樂的專家都大聲宣揚──「做自己、別管別人的一些有的沒的」。老實說，我也很想做自己，卻覺得「做自己不必然就會快樂」。我想問題就是現在很多專家教人做自己都是說：要善待自己啦、不要被人當傻瓜啦、要聰明一點……
這樣的做自己太霸氣了，真的就會快樂嗎？
快樂應該是柔軟的、善意的、體貼的、溫馨的感覺，一點都不需要衝撞、爭奪，很自然就從心底湧現。
前一陣子我收到一封朋友轉來的mail，已經傳過很多人了，標題是「傳遞一個心願」，如果你時常跟朋友用mail交換心情，或許你也收過。
故事是說－－
一個日本小女孩和她爸爸都生病了，兩人都病得很嚴重。爸爸自己都快要死了，還安慰他的小女兒說：「等病好一點，我就帶妳一起去環遊世界旅行喔！」
可是，爸爸不久就死了。小女孩很傷心。不過想起爸爸環遊世界的計畫還沒有實現，她就想了一個辦法要幫爸爸完成心願。她把她的小熊當成爸爸，然後在小熊的身上寫下自己和爸爸的名字，希望拿到小熊的人，可以帶小熊走一段，然後交給下一個旅行的人，繼續帶著小熊走下去。
就這樣小熊被一個傳過一個，前一個人傳給後一個人，不論認識與否、不論國籍語言，只是舉手之勞的攜帶小熊走一段旅程，完成傳遞的心願。
後來一個電視節目的製作單位把小女孩請到節目中來，讓小女孩接聽一個從德國打來的電話，讓對方親口告訴小女孩，小熊已經旅行了十七個國家，目前正在德國旅行，小熊很乾淨，還多了很多裝飾品，應該是沿途帶小熊旅行的人陸續為他加的。小熊平安，所以爸爸、女兒也平安。環遊世界的旅行會繼續走下去，請小女孩放心。
小女孩聽完電話，感動得跪下來。哭著感謝電話中的陌生人，還有替她實現心願的製作單位。
小女孩的氣色很差，看來也好像快要不行了。但是，她的眼淚是快樂的。
你知道我為什麼要說這個故事吧？
做自己，很好，也沒有錯。
但是，「做自己＝快樂」？值得想想。
爸爸、小女孩，還有那些帶小熊旅行的陌生人，誰都沒想過自己，想的都是別人。但是，他們得到了快樂。
2008年2月17日星期日
过去的几天的校内活动，虽然是疲劳轰炸，但也算颇充实。
星期三、四：为了一项新春活动而忙着一些琐碎的事。节目的道具、音响器材的敲定等都是我的分内工作。后来发现原来logistics一词也包办许多额外工作——舞台总监、崔场、舞台设计、伙食确认等等等。幸亏之前也做过类似的SK，（感谢学生们教会我的新词汇）否则，早就崩溃了。
Conclusion: If I decide not to teach, I can be a competent SK warrior too. :)
星期五：借音响器材、荧屏、投影机等；之后又与Jesca 和 Andrew 在池畔餐馆匆匆吃了一顿相当荤的午餐，就赶着带学生到体育场去，支持我校排球队打入四强的西区比赛。回来后，赶着去参加新春活动的彩排，还来不及梳洗一番，又赶着去会见家长。忙到8点才总算松了一口气。
Conclusion: I need to stock up my instant noodles.
星期六：8点报到，就忙着舞台设计，场地布置。节目开始了又忙后台的舞台总监、崔场、场务的工作。中间又得亲自到食堂去催促包办伙食的摊位立即将食物送上来。等表演结束后，大家一涌而出时，还以为可以先喘口气时，亲爱的同事善意提醒我快点找学生把舞台的装饰全部拿下来。哇！（其实，很多时候，老师是可以自己亲历亲为的，无需每一件事都要学生去做。还有，许多时候，应该懂得relax的。工作的喜悦来自心态的调整。）
2点前赶到历史博物馆，会见 FOM 的义工，洽谈博物馆向导培训课程的细节。博物馆活动6点结束后，便赶回学校参加学警的团年饭。（这是一个全新的体验。这次的相聚让我看到了同事的活泼的一面，也看到学生疯狂的时刻，更看见主办的学生的辛劳。虽然幕后工程庞大，大家付出许多，但我认为这些付出是十分值得的。毕竟，大家的确是快乐的。）回到家里，已经是凌晨1点……
Conclusion: I NEED A MASSAGE!
星期三、四：为了一项新春活动而忙着一些琐碎的事。节目的道具、音响器材的敲定等都是我的分内工作。后来发现原来logistics一词也包办许多额外工作——舞台总监、崔场、舞台设计、伙食确认等等等。幸亏之前也做过类似的SK，（感谢学生们教会我的新词汇）否则，早就崩溃了。
Conclusion: If I decide not to teach, I can be a competent SK warrior too. :)
星期五：借音响器材、荧屏、投影机等；之后又与Jesca 和 Andrew 在池畔餐馆匆匆吃了一顿相当荤的午餐，就赶着带学生到体育场去，支持我校排球队打入四强的西区比赛。回来后，赶着去参加新春活动的彩排，还来不及梳洗一番，又赶着去会见家长。忙到8点才总算松了一口气。
Conclusion: I need to stock up my instant noodles.
星期六：8点报到，就忙着舞台设计，场地布置。节目开始了又忙后台的舞台总监、崔场、场务的工作。中间又得亲自到食堂去催促包办伙食的摊位立即将食物送上来。等表演结束后，大家一涌而出时，还以为可以先喘口气时，亲爱的同事善意提醒我快点找学生把舞台的装饰全部拿下来。哇！（其实，很多时候，老师是可以自己亲历亲为的，无需每一件事都要学生去做。还有，许多时候，应该懂得relax的。工作的喜悦来自心态的调整。）
2点前赶到历史博物馆，会见 FOM 的义工，洽谈博物馆向导培训课程的细节。博物馆活动6点结束后，便赶回学校参加学警的团年饭。（这是一个全新的体验。这次的相聚让我看到了同事的活泼的一面，也看到学生疯狂的时刻，更看见主办的学生的辛劳。虽然幕后工程庞大，大家付出许多，但我认为这些付出是十分值得的。毕竟，大家的确是快乐的。）回到家里，已经是凌晨1点……
Conclusion: I NEED A MASSAGE!
2008年2月12日星期二
2008年2月10日星期日
教书日子的记录
The birth of this blog is due to the very fact that my MSN space does not allow me to add the CBox. This is especially frustrating when I like some new gimmick, and I don't get it on my blog.
So, this appears!
我偶尔会喜新厌旧的……
I shall make it a point to jot something w.r.t. my school life here. Ok! I TRY. No promise made.
So, this appears!
我偶尔会喜新厌旧的……
I shall make it a point to jot something w.r.t. my school life here. Ok! I TRY. No promise made.
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