昨天做晚饭时，望着院子里经过一个盛夏，累得喘不过气来的花花草草，悲从中来，无所适。
daddy 最近真是忙，要meet 一个 deadline，瞧，还活着呢，却也要meet 一枚又一枚death.
把瓶子们安顿好，想了想，捧出 Hamlet 准备以毒攻毒，结果还没看完 Act1 Scene1，困意如泰山压顶，俺顺势一倒，沉沉睡过去了，直到被加完班上得楼来的daddy 神采奕奕的声音惊醒：“咦，这么早就睡了。”睡意依然浓得化不开，一头又扎进去，直到天大亮。
效果8错，今晚接着看。
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
片断
一日上班，停好车，走下来，觉得旁边的车异样，定睛一瞧，原来是车窗没摇上，再瞧，车门根本就没锁，往里再瞧，后排座位上满满的两个car seats，这就对了，拖着两个6岁以下的孩子，他/她容易么；
看完左邻，一时兴起，又看右舍，副驾座位上扔着一本敞开的记事本，龙飞凤舞写的是密密麻麻，也是一枚狼奔之辈，只是不知道没带记事本，那天他/她会不会全乱了套。
一度公司里出现了丢车的现象，你想，几万辆车这么集中的趴着，随便往地下掏掏，就能掏着枚宝马啥的，谁能抗得住这种诱惑啊。于是security 部门发email 谆谆教导大家，一要锁好车，二不要把另一副备用钥匙扔在车里。当时我很奇怪，怎么会有这么糊涂的银呢？看来，倒真有，但不全是糊涂所致。
看完左邻，一时兴起，又看右舍，副驾座位上扔着一本敞开的记事本，龙飞凤舞写的是密密麻麻，也是一枚狼奔之辈，只是不知道没带记事本，那天他/她会不会全乱了套。
一度公司里出现了丢车的现象，你想，几万辆车这么集中的趴着，随便往地下掏掏，就能掏着枚宝马啥的，谁能抗得住这种诱惑啊。于是security 部门发email 谆谆教导大家，一要锁好车，二不要把另一副备用钥匙扔在车里。当时我很奇怪，怎么会有这么糊涂的银呢？看来，倒真有，但不全是糊涂所致。
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
我看奥运
这是一定要写的应时文章。函函也发话了，今年夏西雅图的飞行表演错过了，没关系，Olympic games 那是一定要看的。看功夫熊猫，Po 试图进入比武场看dragon warrior，妹妹指着比武场说：this is China. 姐姐妹妹对China 是很向往的。
当初申请主办权时，俺是投反对票的，well, the only problem was, nobody ever came over to collect my vote. 反对的原因很简单：人民的负担太重。后来，既然都已经开始，我当然希望顺顺当当办下去，既然已经花了那么多银子，咱不能血本无归，这是起码的成年人的常识，所以俺反对抵制。
给人们带来了很重的负担，造成很多不便的奥运，却欲成就政府的面子和虚荣，以至于西方媒体时不常提及希特勒当年办的慕尼黑奥运会，言下之意，都是为了炫耀。这是让人心很不忿的原因之一。但是想想中国政府在国际上的孤立，他很急切想要有一次机会来吐吐气，扬扬威，我很理解。
眼下北京的空气成了国际新闻首条，记得当年到北京读书，觉得天怎么这么高，这么远，这么蓝，蓝得炫目，对于习惯南方多云阴雨气候的俺，一时还很不习惯。去年回北京，在长安街头看着灰蒙蒙的天，很吃惊，脑子里回响起一首老歌，罗大佑的鹿港小镇：台北不是我的家，我的家乡没有霓虹灯。我的北京也没有这么灰蒙蒙的天。上下班的路上，望着 Mt. Rainier，一百多里外的雪山，这么清晰，听着收音机里讨论环境污染，当地政府嚷嚷污染重了，要如何如何整治，要回到90年代的水平，其实这儿的空气质量在全美是数一数二的。相比，我们太急功近利了。
关闭工厂，禁止车辆上街，都是暂时的政治手段。以后怎么办哪，我也不知道。可有一点我不明白，北京的公交以前明明是很发达的，好好发展公交，今天的空气就会好多了。我一位同事，在德国当过兵，说希望美国向德国学习，德国城市之间，城市内部都有发达的铁路系统，坐火车到另一个城市上班完全没问题，说得我很向往啥时也去德国出国考察一回。
奥运带来的正面效果是，中国与外界接触更近了一步，会发现中西方在小到接人待物，大到精神面貌世界观价值观之间的很大不同，绝对是一次正面碰撞。另一方面，对政府也是一次锻炼，知道一些厉害，希望改掉一些坏毛病，绝对不可以再倒行逆施了。回到国际大环境中，多少会牵掣一下当政，不至于太恣意妄为。算是一个开始吧，虽然很艰难。我其实不知道一党制有没有前途，有多大前途，总觉得太脆弱，没有监察督促，百姓只能指望老天开眼，送来一枚清官，过几天太平日子，这，似乎不象个solution.
不管怎样，我还是爱北京滴。
当初申请主办权时，俺是投反对票的，well, the only problem was, nobody ever came over to collect my vote. 反对的原因很简单：人民的负担太重。后来，既然都已经开始，我当然希望顺顺当当办下去，既然已经花了那么多银子，咱不能血本无归，这是起码的成年人的常识，所以俺反对抵制。
给人们带来了很重的负担，造成很多不便的奥运，却欲成就政府的面子和虚荣，以至于西方媒体时不常提及希特勒当年办的慕尼黑奥运会，言下之意，都是为了炫耀。这是让人心很不忿的原因之一。但是想想中国政府在国际上的孤立，他很急切想要有一次机会来吐吐气，扬扬威，我很理解。
眼下北京的空气成了国际新闻首条，记得当年到北京读书，觉得天怎么这么高，这么远，这么蓝，蓝得炫目，对于习惯南方多云阴雨气候的俺，一时还很不习惯。去年回北京，在长安街头看着灰蒙蒙的天，很吃惊，脑子里回响起一首老歌，罗大佑的鹿港小镇：台北不是我的家，我的家乡没有霓虹灯。我的北京也没有这么灰蒙蒙的天。上下班的路上，望着 Mt. Rainier，一百多里外的雪山，这么清晰，听着收音机里讨论环境污染，当地政府嚷嚷污染重了，要如何如何整治，要回到90年代的水平，其实这儿的空气质量在全美是数一数二的。相比，我们太急功近利了。
关闭工厂，禁止车辆上街，都是暂时的政治手段。以后怎么办哪，我也不知道。可有一点我不明白，北京的公交以前明明是很发达的，好好发展公交，今天的空气就会好多了。我一位同事，在德国当过兵，说希望美国向德国学习，德国城市之间，城市内部都有发达的铁路系统，坐火车到另一个城市上班完全没问题，说得我很向往啥时也去德国出国考察一回。
奥运带来的正面效果是，中国与外界接触更近了一步，会发现中西方在小到接人待物，大到精神面貌世界观价值观之间的很大不同，绝对是一次正面碰撞。另一方面，对政府也是一次锻炼，知道一些厉害，希望改掉一些坏毛病，绝对不可以再倒行逆施了。回到国际大环境中，多少会牵掣一下当政，不至于太恣意妄为。算是一个开始吧，虽然很艰难。我其实不知道一党制有没有前途，有多大前途，总觉得太脆弱，没有监察督促，百姓只能指望老天开眼，送来一枚清官，过几天太平日子，这，似乎不象个solution.
不管怎样，我还是爱北京滴。
出师记1
上周末，天气并不炎热，函函一反常态，吹毛求疵的跟俺较了一天的劲，你说平常过日子冲锋陷阵的，哪经得起推敲，总会给人落下把柄吧。当然，俺一般大事化小小事化了，实在不给退路，俺也会据理力争。亨，谁怕谁呀。怎么着俺也高半个头呢。
晚上，探子daddy来报：函函刚才跟我谈心了，说以前不同意妈妈说的话，只是shrug off，现在她要 fight back.
恩，还差一个季度才奔十呢，才女果然早熟。
那，俺要好好恭喜姐姐成为warrior 了, no, warrioress, warriorine, whatever.
以下是俺的算盘：
俺要精挑细选一个时间，最好是妹妹在家睡一周一次午觉的周六下午，带姐姐出门，先买些花花裙裙衫衫，再去姐姐的favorite restaurant Cheesecake Factory 午餐，当然餐后一定要有一枚cheesecake, 然后在双方气氛融恰的巅峰，先是无比仰慕的看着函函，一秒钟，再力赞伊的勇气和魄力，然后再谦虚地求问：既然都圣斗士了，那么一定有一枚金光闪闪的cause 挂在哪里了，可否拿出来兽兽呢？。。。
(warrior 配 cause, 好比红花配绿叶，天仙配牛郎，原本是天造地设的么）
哇塞，很期待耶。
顺便捎带一首歌给被闹运闹得心慌的人儿， 你们那儿看得到youtube 么？
Enya - Lord of the Rings - May it Be
晚上，探子daddy来报：函函刚才跟我谈心了，说以前不同意妈妈说的话，只是shrug off，现在她要 fight back.
恩，还差一个季度才奔十呢，才女果然早熟。
那，俺要好好恭喜姐姐成为warrior 了, no, warrioress, warriorine, whatever.
以下是俺的算盘：
俺要精挑细选一个时间，最好是妹妹在家睡一周一次午觉的周六下午，带姐姐出门，先买些花花裙裙衫衫，再去姐姐的favorite restaurant Cheesecake Factory 午餐，当然餐后一定要有一枚cheesecake, 然后在双方气氛融恰的巅峰，先是无比仰慕的看着函函，一秒钟，再力赞伊的勇气和魄力，然后再谦虚地求问：既然都圣斗士了，那么一定有一枚金光闪闪的cause 挂在哪里了，可否拿出来兽兽呢？。。。
(warrior 配 cause, 好比红花配绿叶，天仙配牛郎，原本是天造地设的么）
哇塞，很期待耶。
顺便捎带一首歌给被闹运闹得心慌的人儿， 你们那儿看得到youtube 么？
Enya - Lord of the Rings - May it Be
Thursday, July 24, 2008
关燕山
上大学时，去过几次北京郊外徒步旅游。印象最深的是和daddy去司马台长城那次。
公共汽车把我们扔在一个风尘满面的汽车站，仰头看着墙上贴的地图，观摩许久，决定了大致路线，便上路了。
是一条盘山公路，据说是当年鬼子进村时修的，柏油的路面很平整。一路走啊走，终于黄昏了，望着远远的山谷里家家户户陆续上了灯，璀璨如繁星，我们指指点点：这座村子就那么几盏灯，太小了，不去那儿，那座村子太远了，再看看，找家大一点的近一点的。
天黑下来了，山里，天尤其的黑，两人还在不紧不慢的挑三捡四，并不急着打尖。
天也凉下来了，山里，风尤其的凉。
背后传来单车的铃声，是一个小伙子正费力的蹬着车爬坡。经过我们身边，他下了车，跟我们搭话：出来旅游的啊？去哪里啊？他在山下一个招待所工作，周末回家。他叫关燕山。
三言两语后，小伙子指着左前方一处星星点点的村庄，说，那是黑山寨，我家就在那儿，不远的，下坡就到了，我爸爸妈妈出门了，到我姑姑家去吧。
我们答应了。
他蹬上车，说，我先走，要我姑姑准备点饭，我在村口等你们。
下了一个长长的土坡，走过一座小桥，桥那头关燕山和两个伙伴站在那儿聊天。跟着他进了村，家家户户的窗户都开得很大很低，大电灯泡的照着，屋子里的人在干什么，窗外路过的人都瞧得清清楚楚，很淳朴的北方农村。
关燕山的姑姑一家本来都已经睡下了，我们进屋时，一位老奶奶盘腿坐在炕上，她的腿一年前摔断了，不过看上去气色很好，身子板也硬朗，关燕山的姑姑和姑父也在炕上坐着等我们。屋子中央一张小矮桌上摆满了碟子碗筷，我们坐下来吃饭，关燕山说供销社关门了，没买着肉，就自家的一点蔬菜。饭菜很爽口，跟山里的空气一样。关燕山的姑父说，奶奶活了80多岁，还没见过水碱，山里人饮马的水都是城里人的矿泉水。
吃过饭，关燕山的姑姑带我去我的炕铺，一张简简单单收拾得干净利索的炕铺，紧挨着一扇窗户。我一觉睡到了天蒙蒙亮。山里起雾了，关燕山姑姑家是一座四合院，从后院门走出去，就是他们家的果林了。临走前奶奶塞给我们一大袋子晒干的山楂，苹果和梨，灌了满满一瓶山里的泉水。
回到学校后，给关燕山写过一次信，但没有收到回信，后来查地图，也找不到一个叫“黑山寨”的地方。
于是，关燕山在我的记忆中，成了一位聊斋里的狐仙，连他的名字都那么有仙气。
公共汽车把我们扔在一个风尘满面的汽车站，仰头看着墙上贴的地图，观摩许久，决定了大致路线，便上路了。
是一条盘山公路，据说是当年鬼子进村时修的，柏油的路面很平整。一路走啊走，终于黄昏了，望着远远的山谷里家家户户陆续上了灯，璀璨如繁星，我们指指点点：这座村子就那么几盏灯，太小了，不去那儿，那座村子太远了，再看看，找家大一点的近一点的。
天黑下来了，山里，天尤其的黑，两人还在不紧不慢的挑三捡四，并不急着打尖。
天也凉下来了，山里，风尤其的凉。
背后传来单车的铃声，是一个小伙子正费力的蹬着车爬坡。经过我们身边，他下了车，跟我们搭话：出来旅游的啊？去哪里啊？他在山下一个招待所工作，周末回家。他叫关燕山。
三言两语后，小伙子指着左前方一处星星点点的村庄，说，那是黑山寨，我家就在那儿，不远的，下坡就到了，我爸爸妈妈出门了，到我姑姑家去吧。
我们答应了。
他蹬上车，说，我先走，要我姑姑准备点饭，我在村口等你们。
下了一个长长的土坡，走过一座小桥，桥那头关燕山和两个伙伴站在那儿聊天。跟着他进了村，家家户户的窗户都开得很大很低，大电灯泡的照着，屋子里的人在干什么，窗外路过的人都瞧得清清楚楚，很淳朴的北方农村。
关燕山的姑姑一家本来都已经睡下了，我们进屋时，一位老奶奶盘腿坐在炕上，她的腿一年前摔断了，不过看上去气色很好，身子板也硬朗，关燕山的姑姑和姑父也在炕上坐着等我们。屋子中央一张小矮桌上摆满了碟子碗筷，我们坐下来吃饭，关燕山说供销社关门了，没买着肉，就自家的一点蔬菜。饭菜很爽口，跟山里的空气一样。关燕山的姑父说，奶奶活了80多岁，还没见过水碱，山里人饮马的水都是城里人的矿泉水。
吃过饭，关燕山的姑姑带我去我的炕铺，一张简简单单收拾得干净利索的炕铺，紧挨着一扇窗户。我一觉睡到了天蒙蒙亮。山里起雾了，关燕山姑姑家是一座四合院，从后院门走出去，就是他们家的果林了。临走前奶奶塞给我们一大袋子晒干的山楂，苹果和梨，灌了满满一瓶山里的泉水。
回到学校后，给关燕山写过一次信，但没有收到回信，后来查地图，也找不到一个叫“黑山寨”的地方。
于是，关燕山在我的记忆中，成了一位聊斋里的狐仙，连他的名字都那么有仙气。
对话
车上。妹妹提起一枚话题：
-- When you and daddy were young and got married, you drove to castle?
-- no, we didn't.
-- You drove to palace?
-- no, we didn't
-- You drove to concert?
-- no, we didn't even have a car.
-- You walked to castle?
-- no, we didn't.
-- You walked to palace?
-- no, we didn't.
-- You walked to concert?
-- no, we didn't.
-- Then where did you walk to?
-- home? I guess? (其实是宿舍，但又怕妹妹理解成动物园之类的地方）
-- Then you and daddy danced together?
-- hmm, we didn't.
-- You hugged each other, say YES! (妹妹的脚都急得弹了起来，踢了我的椅子背）
-- Ah, yes, we hugged each other. (or maybe, at least?)
-- When you and daddy were young and got married, you drove to castle?
-- no, we didn't.
-- You drove to palace?
-- no, we didn't
-- You drove to concert?
-- no, we didn't even have a car.
-- You walked to castle?
-- no, we didn't.
-- You walked to palace?
-- no, we didn't.
-- You walked to concert?
-- no, we didn't.
-- Then where did you walk to?
-- home? I guess? (其实是宿舍，但又怕妹妹理解成动物园之类的地方）
-- Then you and daddy danced together?
-- hmm, we didn't.
-- You hugged each other, say YES! (妹妹的脚都急得弹了起来，踢了我的椅子背）
-- Ah, yes, we hugged each other. (or maybe, at least?)
穿过三座池城
今天姐姐要在夏令营过夜，行头是鼓鼓的两大包。结果临出发前发现游泳衣丢了，统计一下，半个夏令过去了，共计丢了：lunchbox 1枚，饭盒1枚，goggle 1枚，swimsuit 1枚。roller skate somehow 不见了一根鞋带导致价值50刀的鞋子无用武之地。按照这个速度匀速发展下去，一整个夏天下来，那就是2枚 lunchbox， 2枚饭盒，2枚goggle， 2枚swimsuit， 2枚鞋带。
所以就有了8：12带妹妹出发，到A town 买了游泳衣，送到在B town的姐姐，送妹妹去C town上学，再回到C town，9:25，坐班发财。
在下高速的ramp时，看到一流浪汉已经在路口摆上摊了，平时下班回家时也天天见到他，看来，也是一位朝九晚五勤奋工作的银。想起去年圣诞在三番看Will Smith的青春励志片“pursuit of happyness "，第二天在Berkeley 校园看到不少流浪汉躺在那儿晒太阳，daddy很诡秘的问，你说，这里有没有将来也成为金融大拿的？俺坚定的摇头，nope, Will Smith这会正四处忙着呢，这就是他没有一直homeless下去的原因。hardworking 是我基本的坚定的信仰之一。（对于俺这么一个几度信仰危机的人来说，捡到一两枚信仰是多么的不易，啊。）
所以就有了8：12带妹妹出发，到A town 买了游泳衣，送到在B town的姐姐，送妹妹去C town上学，再回到C town，9:25，坐班发财。
在下高速的ramp时，看到一流浪汉已经在路口摆上摊了，平时下班回家时也天天见到他，看来，也是一位朝九晚五勤奋工作的银。想起去年圣诞在三番看Will Smith的青春励志片“pursuit of happyness "，第二天在Berkeley 校园看到不少流浪汉躺在那儿晒太阳，daddy很诡秘的问，你说，这里有没有将来也成为金融大拿的？俺坚定的摇头，nope, Will Smith这会正四处忙着呢，这就是他没有一直homeless下去的原因。hardworking 是我基本的坚定的信仰之一。（对于俺这么一个几度信仰危机的人来说，捡到一两枚信仰是多么的不易，啊。）
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Soapy Smith
Skagway 有一出show在当地上演了80多年，而拖着两花瓶，是不宜去那种烟雾嘈杂的地方的，所以当俺在Skagway 当街晃荡，瞅见一女子，浓妆艳抹，着一百年前俗艳的今天也没变成古典的裙裙，低低的胸口塞着一大把绿色的票子，提着裙角，急急地奔着时，俺立马心潮澎湃，激动嚷道：“Soapy Smith! The show!" 虽然不能尾随那姑娘去看show，但这个当地的传说是一定要搞清楚的。
站在街口，陷入了深深的沉思。到哪里去寻呢？
因为这出show是当地的一大卖点，所以但凡提及，均语焉不详。
但是，这个小镇自gold rush 之后，一直沉睡在Alaska的时间冰川里，往日痕迹依然若有若无的飘来飘去。
我看到了Red Onion Saloon, 如今变成了博物馆，望着楼上轻红纱半掩，一只风情万种的手正撩着帘子，俺不禁心潮澎湃，那里展览些什么涅？
在另一个小镇Ketchikan 见到了Dolly's House, 和倚着门抹着鲜红唇膏着鲜红裙裙的女子，伊的职业如今是导游，跟那房子一样，华丽转身，成了一博物馆，隔着小河，遥望那座嫩绿的房子和鲜艳的女郎，俺不禁心潮澎湃，那里展览些什么涅？
Again, 因两瓶子缘故，俺也不能去，否则，博学的姐姐好学的问：妈妈，这里是干什么的呀。
我也怀疑小朋友让不让进去。虽然已经是博物馆了。
在Juneau 看到了著名的至今还在热营业的Red Dog Saloon, 和把门的大胡子。
一打听，小朋友不让进，因为有bad words.
隔着红色的拦门，俺不禁心潮澎湃，那里面有什么好看好玩的？有什么烈酒烈草呢？
（嗯，这个saloon 不是上面提到的两个，尽管也叫saloon，但营业范围还是有区别的）
虽然我清晰的感觉到那个时代的legend 就在这座小镇上空飘荡，但这个幽灵禁锢在我去不了的地方，只怕是没法满足俺这枚八卦的心了。只好拿了一份Skagway当地的报纸，厚厚一叠，准备上船好好研读。
小镇不过上下左右几条简单的街，在一冷僻处，望见一气派建筑，巫性大发，去那儿看看？
这是以前的豪宅如今的博物馆，看来什么都可以转行博物哈，只须假以时日。
在那里有不少淘金时期的照片，实物，在一个角落里，扫到了一张100年前的报纸的复印件，daddy 仔细拜读，终于，我们搞清楚了Soapy Smith 之死的前前后后。
哇塞，太刺激了，简直是打RPG 游戏嘛！寻到了传说中的高级宝贝。
八卦的心很是满足。
下午坐火车去 White Pass，回来时已是晚上７：３０，正要下车，一抬头，山壁上一骷髅图像扑面而来，这不是Soapy 同志嘛，赶紧咔嚓。
这里还有狗尾一枚：
回船读捡来的报纸，是2008 夏季的，可见小镇之小，报纸论季出。居然，有Soapy Smith 重重孙的一篇长文，草草瞄完，激动地嚷道，daddy，错了，我们都错了，开枪的不是。。。而是。。。，于是大家一起八卦，唉，谋杀不谋杀的，油价都飙这么老高了，谁在乎一百年前一黑帮头子的死法呢。虽然他的重重孙还在念叨，还有专门网站，在这儿。
当地人把Soapy和打死他的人合葬了，算是了了彼此恩仇。毕竟荒蛮年代，大家的认识都不高哈。
浪淘沙。
站在街口，陷入了深深的沉思。到哪里去寻呢？
因为这出show是当地的一大卖点，所以但凡提及，均语焉不详。
但是，这个小镇自gold rush 之后，一直沉睡在Alaska的时间冰川里，往日痕迹依然若有若无的飘来飘去。
我看到了Red Onion Saloon, 如今变成了博物馆，望着楼上轻红纱半掩，一只风情万种的手正撩着帘子，俺不禁心潮澎湃，那里展览些什么涅？
在另一个小镇Ketchikan 见到了Dolly's House, 和倚着门抹着鲜红唇膏着鲜红裙裙的女子，伊的职业如今是导游，跟那房子一样，华丽转身，成了一博物馆，隔着小河，遥望那座嫩绿的房子和鲜艳的女郎，俺不禁心潮澎湃，那里展览些什么涅？
Again, 因两瓶子缘故，俺也不能去，否则，博学的姐姐好学的问：妈妈，这里是干什么的呀。
我也怀疑小朋友让不让进去。虽然已经是博物馆了。
在Juneau 看到了著名的至今还在热营业的Red Dog Saloon, 和把门的大胡子。
一打听，小朋友不让进，因为有bad words.
隔着红色的拦门，俺不禁心潮澎湃，那里面有什么好看好玩的？有什么烈酒烈草呢？
（嗯，这个saloon 不是上面提到的两个，尽管也叫saloon，但营业范围还是有区别的）
虽然我清晰的感觉到那个时代的legend 就在这座小镇上空飘荡，但这个幽灵禁锢在我去不了的地方，只怕是没法满足俺这枚八卦的心了。只好拿了一份Skagway当地的报纸，厚厚一叠，准备上船好好研读。
小镇不过上下左右几条简单的街，在一冷僻处，望见一气派建筑，巫性大发，去那儿看看？
这是以前的豪宅如今的博物馆，看来什么都可以转行博物哈，只须假以时日。
在那里有不少淘金时期的照片，实物，在一个角落里，扫到了一张100年前的报纸的复印件，daddy 仔细拜读，终于，我们搞清楚了Soapy Smith 之死的前前后后。
哇塞，太刺激了，简直是打RPG 游戏嘛！寻到了传说中的高级宝贝。
八卦的心很是满足。
下午坐火车去 White Pass，回来时已是晚上７：３０，正要下车，一抬头，山壁上一骷髅图像扑面而来，这不是Soapy 同志嘛，赶紧咔嚓。这里还有狗尾一枚：
回船读捡来的报纸，是2008 夏季的，可见小镇之小，报纸论季出。居然，有Soapy Smith 重重孙的一篇长文，草草瞄完，激动地嚷道，daddy，错了，我们都错了，开枪的不是。。。而是。。。，于是大家一起八卦，唉，谋杀不谋杀的，油价都飙这么老高了，谁在乎一百年前一黑帮头子的死法呢。虽然他的重重孙还在念叨，还有专门网站，在这儿。
当地人把Soapy和打死他的人合葬了，算是了了彼此恩仇。毕竟荒蛮年代，大家的认识都不高哈。
浪淘沙。
Monday, July 21, 2008
其实俺也会做homework
夏日炎炎，股市低迷。
一大早8：30就到了妹妹的学校，还有15分钟，于是车盘一转，拐进了学校比邻的target扫货去了，扫car seats. 确切地说是看货。
捉摸这个已有一阵子了，昨两天又狂作了一通homework，看customer review 就看了不下300篇，发现没有一个car seat 皆大欢喜的，take note: there is something money can't buy, customer's satisfaction。
论到car seat，从infant 到convertible 到 toddler 到 booster，名堂多得很。
初初敲定了Graco, Baby trend 和 Britax 三种品牌，然后就是实地考察了。
大的 car seat 好办， all the way up to Britax Boulevard Convertible, 肯定错不了了。
伤脑筋的是小的，市面上就那么几种，提篮式的infant car seat 还是得有一个，尽管几个月之后就用不上了，几经考察，candidates 落在Graco SnugRide, Graco SafeSeat Infant 和 BabyTrend Flex-Loc 身上。
本来大清早的第一次实地考察之后倾向于Baby trend，但后来一看大伙儿群起攻之其 handle very hard to release，俺赶紧地中午又跑了一趟商店实地，反复折腾那篮子，最终把它排除了。只好在Graco 内定了。
在mall放眼望去，居然清一色Graco，拉着一个中东妇女问她的SnugRide 如何，结果人家根本就不知道她这个是SnugRide，就没必要再问SnugRide 和 SafeSeat 的差别了，看了看篮子里她4个月大的baby，想想朋友的大高个，查growth chart， 找出百分比在95% 的6mon, 1yr, 3yr, 6yr 男孩子的高度，决定还是 go with SafeSeat， 能保证起码能提上8,9个月，然后再换上Britax Convertible, 这架BMW 号称能装5lb 一直到 65 lb，这样两驾马车之间就有了重叠，这是很有必要的，否则，有可能出现小的不能用了，大的还用不上的局面，到那时，俺那朋友抱着她的娃儿左也不是右也不是，还不把俺给骂死。
网上对SafeSeat 的抱怨有如下：
1。大了，--不是个issue, 俺朋友有van ;
2。重了， --其实比SnugRide 只重1，2磅，想想俺扳腕子从来就输给这位妈妈，所以伊如大力水手Popeye 的腕力正好派上用场了；
3。fabric 热了， --查9月份休斯敦的气候，average high 89，不算太热，以后就越来越凉快。俺确实不喜欢SnugRide的质地，但是商店里又找不着SafeSeat，有人说布料比SnugRide 要好多了，所以只好本着相信人民群众的眼睛的精神，相信不会差到哪里；
4。chest clip 对新生儿来说大了，-- 只好盼望娃儿长得大，长得快。
除此之外就全是优点了，就不一一例举了。毕竟4.5 star，还说得过去。
不罗嗦了，要跑步去了。
祝俺的那位朋友事事顺利。本周四验货罢。
一大早8：30就到了妹妹的学校，还有15分钟，于是车盘一转，拐进了学校比邻的target扫货去了，扫car seats. 确切地说是看货。
捉摸这个已有一阵子了，昨两天又狂作了一通homework，看customer review 就看了不下300篇，发现没有一个car seat 皆大欢喜的，take note: there is something money can't buy, customer's satisfaction。
论到car seat，从infant 到convertible 到 toddler 到 booster，名堂多得很。
初初敲定了Graco, Baby trend 和 Britax 三种品牌，然后就是实地考察了。
大的 car seat 好办， all the way up to Britax Boulevard Convertible, 肯定错不了了。
伤脑筋的是小的，市面上就那么几种，提篮式的infant car seat 还是得有一个，尽管几个月之后就用不上了，几经考察，candidates 落在Graco SnugRide, Graco SafeSeat Infant 和 BabyTrend Flex-Loc 身上。
本来大清早的第一次实地考察之后倾向于Baby trend，但后来一看大伙儿群起攻之其 handle very hard to release，俺赶紧地中午又跑了一趟商店实地，反复折腾那篮子，最终把它排除了。只好在Graco 内定了。
在mall放眼望去，居然清一色Graco，拉着一个中东妇女问她的SnugRide 如何，结果人家根本就不知道她这个是SnugRide，就没必要再问SnugRide 和 SafeSeat 的差别了，看了看篮子里她4个月大的baby，想想朋友的大高个，查growth chart， 找出百分比在95% 的6mon, 1yr, 3yr, 6yr 男孩子的高度，决定还是 go with SafeSeat， 能保证起码能提上8,9个月，然后再换上Britax Convertible, 这架BMW 号称能装5lb 一直到 65 lb，这样两驾马车之间就有了重叠，这是很有必要的，否则，有可能出现小的不能用了，大的还用不上的局面，到那时，俺那朋友抱着她的娃儿左也不是右也不是，还不把俺给骂死。
网上对SafeSeat 的抱怨有如下：
1。大了，--不是个issue, 俺朋友有van ;
2。重了， --其实比SnugRide 只重1，2磅，想想俺扳腕子从来就输给这位妈妈，所以伊如大力水手Popeye 的腕力正好派上用场了；
3。fabric 热了， --查9月份休斯敦的气候，average high 89，不算太热，以后就越来越凉快。俺确实不喜欢SnugRide的质地，但是商店里又找不着SafeSeat，有人说布料比SnugRide 要好多了，所以只好本着相信人民群众的眼睛的精神，相信不会差到哪里；
4。chest clip 对新生儿来说大了，-- 只好盼望娃儿长得大，长得快。
除此之外就全是优点了，就不一一例举了。毕竟4.5 star，还说得过去。
不罗嗦了，要跑步去了。
祝俺的那位朋友事事顺利。本周四验货罢。
Friday, July 18, 2008
Happy Friday
Bon Jovi ~ You Give Love A Bad Name
Bon Jovi ~ It's My Life
宣泄痛苦和偾世的摇滚，到了这个乐队，喜兴得令人发指。
一帮没心没肺贪玩的孩子，在盛世是很受大众宠爱的。
恩，不得不承认，天性轻快活泼，是一种天赋，简直也是。。。一种美德。
Bon Jovi ~ It's My Life
宣泄痛苦和偾世的摇滚，到了这个乐队，喜兴得令人发指。
一帮没心没肺贪玩的孩子，在盛世是很受大众宠爱的。
恩，不得不承认，天性轻快活泼，是一种天赋，简直也是。。。一种美德。
Thursday, July 17, 2008
一日
函函伏在我身边叽叽歪歪，看着蹄子愤懑的憨样，妈妈动了怜悯之心，耐心听取了前因后果，原来是被人误解了。解答这种问题我还是比较拿手的，但真正做起来，谁心里不会滴一两滴血呢。
我尽量轻描淡写道：首先，或许别人早就忘了，那你也把它忘了吧。然后你还可以跟她简单地说不是这样的，但无需解释，否则没准又生别的事端了，如果是你的朋友，她会相信你的话超过相信她自己片面的认识，这是衡量真正朋友的tip。 再其次，如果不是朋友，那你要提醒自己，做人要有点傲气，承受误解是件很痛苦的事，会伤到你的心，但是，为了那一点傲气，和少再添麻烦，这一点牺牲还是值得的，想想还有好多有趣的和美好的事等着你呢，不要浪费太多时间在这里啦。
对了还有，你不能要求所有的人都喜欢你。
（虽然妈妈可以这么以为：怎么会有人不喜欢你呢）
哎，都开始这种艰难的旅程了。世界果然复杂。不喜欢。
函函，想想你读过的一本好书，听过的一首好歌，想想空中掠过的一只飞鸟，风里飘来的一丝细雨，他们都会带你离开令你烦恼的世界。
我尽量轻描淡写道：首先，或许别人早就忘了，那你也把它忘了吧。然后你还可以跟她简单地说不是这样的，但无需解释，否则没准又生别的事端了，如果是你的朋友，她会相信你的话超过相信她自己片面的认识，这是衡量真正朋友的tip。 再其次，如果不是朋友，那你要提醒自己，做人要有点傲气，承受误解是件很痛苦的事，会伤到你的心，但是，为了那一点傲气，和少再添麻烦，这一点牺牲还是值得的，想想还有好多有趣的和美好的事等着你呢，不要浪费太多时间在这里啦。
对了还有，你不能要求所有的人都喜欢你。
（虽然妈妈可以这么以为：怎么会有人不喜欢你呢）
哎，都开始这种艰难的旅程了。世界果然复杂。不喜欢。
函函，想想你读过的一本好书，听过的一首好歌，想想空中掠过的一只飞鸟，风里飘来的一丝细雨，他们都会带你离开令你烦恼的世界。
献给昨天的200点 -- Hold on
Jon 堪称摇坛永远的阳光少年。
一首洋溢着革命乐观主义的歌。
一支快乐的乐队。
Bon Jovi ~ Livin' on a prayer
Once upon a time not so long ago
Tommy used to work on the docks
Unions been on strike
Hes down on his luck...its tough, so tough
Gina works the diner all day
Working for her man,
she brings home her pay
For love - for love
She says weve got to hold on to what weve got
cause it doesnt make a difference
If we make it or not
Weve got each other and thats a lot
For love - well give it a shot
Whooah, were half way there
Livin on a prayer
Take my hand and well make it - I swear
Livin on a prayer
Tommys got his six string in hock
Now hes holding in what he used
To make it talk - so tough, its tough
Gina dreams of running away
When she cries in the night
Tommy whispers baby its okay,
someday
Weve got to hold on to what weve got
cause it doesnt make a difference
If we make it or not
Weve got each other and thats a lot
For love - well give it a shot
Weve got to hold on ready or not
You live for the fight when its all that youve got
一首洋溢着革命乐观主义的歌。
一支快乐的乐队。
Bon Jovi ~ Livin' on a prayer
Once upon a time not so long ago
Tommy used to work on the docks
Unions been on strike
Hes down on his luck...its tough, so tough
Gina works the diner all day
Working for her man,
she brings home her pay
For love - for love
She says weve got to hold on to what weve got
cause it doesnt make a difference
If we make it or not
Weve got each other and thats a lot
For love - well give it a shot
Whooah, were half way there
Livin on a prayer
Take my hand and well make it - I swear
Livin on a prayer
Tommys got his six string in hock
Now hes holding in what he used
To make it talk - so tough, its tough
Gina dreams of running away
When she cries in the night
Tommy whispers baby its okay,
someday
Weve got to hold on to what weve got
cause it doesnt make a difference
If we make it or not
Weve got each other and thats a lot
For love - well give it a shot
Weve got to hold on ready or not
You live for the fight when its all that youve got
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
勾魂
上上个周末，也就是刚从Alaska 回来的周日晚上，听着歌做着花卷，就一首歌：The whiter shade of pale. 偶听啊听啊，你想花卷从第一次发面，捏花，第二次发面，上汽蒸，得花多长时间哪，小米抢答，偶就听了多长时间，结果死活就不明白，歌里讲的是虾米？
据查此曲播放次数最多，被８００多个艺术家唱过。那我想，这么红火，应该没什么不好懂得吧。但就是抓不到一丝影儿。
上网查吧。
作者自己都语焉不详，嗯，about two people, a relationship even. It's a memory. There was a leaving, and a sadness about it. 嗯，都废话。
有说飞机遇到飓风差点失事的，说得有鼻子有眼睛的，
有说一次摇滚音乐会的，
有说吸毒差点OD了的，
有说啥也木有，those were lyrics from the 60s！
有说俺不需要知道，歌好听就行；
有说没任何意义，歌词只是被仔细挑选使之听起来有些些迷幻神秘的味道；
有一可乐人士称２０多年前他的第一次婚礼上放过来着，也８懂。可见那个婚结的是多么的糊涂。
有说If you can remember the 60's, you weren't there.
偶被最后那句话迷倒了。
要着手钻研６０年代的米国了。
除了迷幻药，应该还能掏出些别的什么。
很期待。
据查此曲播放次数最多，被８００多个艺术家唱过。那我想，这么红火，应该没什么不好懂得吧。但就是抓不到一丝影儿。
上网查吧。
作者自己都语焉不详，嗯，about two people, a relationship even. It's a memory. There was a leaving, and a sadness about it. 嗯，都废话。
有说飞机遇到飓风差点失事的，说得有鼻子有眼睛的，
有说一次摇滚音乐会的，
有说吸毒差点OD了的，
有说啥也木有，those were lyrics from the 60s！
有说俺不需要知道，歌好听就行；
有说没任何意义，歌词只是被仔细挑选使之听起来有些些迷幻神秘的味道；
有一可乐人士称２０多年前他的第一次婚礼上放过来着，也８懂。可见那个婚结的是多么的糊涂。
有说If you can remember the 60's, you weren't there.
偶被最后那句话迷倒了。
要着手钻研６０年代的米国了。
除了迷幻药，应该还能掏出些别的什么。
很期待。
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Friday, July 11, 2008
摘桃的季节
终于来了。
姐姐说睡不着，太早了。其实是天太亮了，九点钟太阳才下班呢。
“那你去洗碗吧”daddy 合理建议；
“洗完碗，我可以再看一会书吗？”也属合理要求；
“可以，只可以看15分钟啊。”童叟无欺。
于是daddy四仰八叉瘫在床上，“要是姐姐以后天天洗碗就好喽。”
“那谁做饭哪？”俺跟进；
“要是以后姐姐做饭妹妹洗碗就好喽”daddy 继续做着糊涂的梦，楼下传来霹雳砰隆的动静。
过了15分钟，姐姐跑上楼来，焕发着劳动人民的健康活色，骄傲地，实在是谦虚的美德压也压不住啊，宣称：“我洗完了所有的碗，还有锅子，只是它很oily."
第二天，daddy 说：“今天就不要你洗碗了，带妹妹上去洗澡吧。”
姐姐很乐意的带妹妹上楼了。
厨房里一翁一媪淡定地洗完碗horse马（妹妹又要求写下她心爱的字，这回还是双语的），上得楼来，姐姐妹妹干干净净的坐在床上，姐姐正在给妹妹读书。
姐姐说睡不着，太早了。其实是天太亮了，九点钟太阳才下班呢。
“那你去洗碗吧”daddy 合理建议；
“洗完碗，我可以再看一会书吗？”也属合理要求；
“可以，只可以看15分钟啊。”童叟无欺。
于是daddy四仰八叉瘫在床上，“要是姐姐以后天天洗碗就好喽。”
“那谁做饭哪？”俺跟进；
“要是以后姐姐做饭妹妹洗碗就好喽”daddy 继续做着糊涂的梦，楼下传来霹雳砰隆的动静。
过了15分钟，姐姐跑上楼来，焕发着劳动人民的健康活色，骄傲地，实在是谦虚的美德压也压不住啊，宣称：“我洗完了所有的碗，还有锅子，只是它很oily."
第二天，daddy 说：“今天就不要你洗碗了，带妹妹上去洗澡吧。”
姐姐很乐意的带妹妹上楼了。
厨房里一翁一媪淡定地洗完碗horse马（妹妹又要求写下她心爱的字，这回还是双语的），上得楼来，姐姐妹妹干干净净的坐在床上，姐姐正在给妹妹读书。
那就来首激昂的吧
并附赠俺心仪之巴伐利亚山村之景（瞎猜的哦）。
Kelly Family ~ Who'll come with me
Who'll come with me, don't be afraid i know the way.
Who'll sing with me, don't be afraid i'll show the way.
Who'll dance with me, all through the world, don't be afraid i know the way.
We'll come with you to search the way to find your star.
Who'll come with us, don't be afraid we found the way.
Who'll come with me to reach my star don't be afraid i'll show the way.
Who'll be my friend and walk with me and sing a song.
who'll love will be will change the world and set me free.
We'll walk with you.
we'll be your friend.
We'll sing a song.
We know the way
Kelly Family ~ Who'll come with me
Who'll come with me, don't be afraid i know the way.
Who'll sing with me, don't be afraid i'll show the way.
Who'll dance with me, all through the world, don't be afraid i know the way.
We'll come with you to search the way to find your star.
Who'll come with us, don't be afraid we found the way.
Who'll come with me to reach my star don't be afraid i'll show the way.
Who'll be my friend and walk with me and sing a song.
who'll love will be will change the world and set me free.
We'll walk with you.
we'll be your friend.
We'll sing a song.
We know the way
听两首伤感的歌
忘记这个指数，那个油价，还有中西部的水，南部的火。
Moody Blues ~ Nights in white satin
Liza Veiga ~ Whiter shade of pale
更新：
俺觉得还是原版更有一番味道，尽管录制的效果并不好，毕竟40多年了。
Procol Harum 的 The Whiter Shade of Pale
Moody Blues ~ Nights in white satin
Liza Veiga ~ Whiter shade of pale
更新：
俺觉得还是原版更有一番味道，尽管录制的效果并不好，毕竟40多年了。
Procol Harum 的 The Whiter Shade of Pale
Thursday, July 10, 2008
On Michael's Island, I Rode a Boar!
Here is a story Michael the naturalist told at one of his talks at the Golden Princess about a part of his two year stay at an isolated island in Alaska:
When Michael told his Italian mother about his stay on the lonely island at Alaska, she immediately reached into her bag of Italian superstitions.
"Oh Michael," she whispered. "My eye is twitching! That surely means a death!"
Speaking of his mother, this woman was a city girl. Every Wednesday, she went to have her nails done. Every Saturday, she had her hair done. And she was never more than two miles from a mall.
Despite his superstitious mother, Michael went to his destination anyway.
One day, the Coast Guard arrived in a float plane near Michael's cabin. There was a telegraph with them. It was from his mother:
MICHAEL, I'M COMING TO YOUR ISLAND
He was surprised. Michael's island was more than a hundred miles away from the nearest shopping mall. But even the date was included on the paper.
Before his mother arrived, Michael received another telegraph:
MICHAEL, CARRY A LOADED RIFLE WITH YOU AT ALL TIMES. BOTH OF MY EYES ARE TWITCHING. THAT MEANS TWO DEATHS!
On the promised date, Michael's mother arrived in a float plane, expectantly clutching a purse.
The three days went by perfectly. Nothing went wrong, the rifle was always prepared, and they even caught a ten-pound fish together.
The third night, the two were eating spaghetti with his mother's best tomato sauce from Cicily packed in her suitcase. They drank coffee and tea together, because they didn't want to let go of each other. The next morning, Michael's mother would have to leave. Finally, they went to bed.
At 2:00 AM, Michael's mother had to go to the bathroom.
At 2:01 AM, Michael heard a blood-curdling scream.
We must hit PAUSE. Before Michael's mother arrived, a Russian introduced four wild pigs to the island. They bred faster than rabbits! Soon there were forty wild boars running around the small island.
There was also a cougar in the island. Every third night, he would come out to hunt for a juicy, fat pig or two to bring home and satisfy his carnivorous appetite.
Pigs are smart. They learned the cougar's stealthy death pattern and figured that to escape the cougar, they needed someplace to go. Somewhere that they could hide.
Unfortunately, the hiding spot was Michael's outhouse. When Michael built it, he didn't make a door. Why bother? His nearest human neighbor was twelve miles away. And it was so relaxing to sit and watch the bald eagles soar by.
It was the third night of the cougar hunt, and there were the pigs, piled up in the tiny outhouse. So Michael grabbed his gun and rushed outside. He pointed it at a pink figure standing in front of him. But he couldn't pull the trigger. That was his MOTHER standing right there! He dropped the rifle and stared at the comical sight in the light of the full moon.
His mother was holding her nightgown up to her knee on one side, like one would do when a mouse scurries by. But this wasn't a 'shoo, mousy' matter. There were pigs darting through his mother's legs.
Women and children first. The baby pigs were first to come squealing out of the outhouse. Then the mamas, the the papas. By this time, the boars were so big that Michael's mother's legs were shaking as the enormous bulk of fat and fur squeezed between her legs.
Here was an interesting totem pole with an interesting story: Woman Giving Birth To Pigs. Or rather: Woman In Frilly Pink Nightgown Giving Birth To Pigs.
No, the pigs weren't done yet. There was one more. A three-hundred pound beast with five-inch long tusks: Boarest. "Mom, run!" She couldn't. Worse, she had a mild case of jelly legs, where you legs shake like mad.
But Michael was friendly with the pigs. He called them by name and threw them excess fish for food. And big Boarest understood that the thing was a babe of the woods, and she meant him no harm at all. So he bowed his head before running out, and he didn't gore Michael's mother. But with a lowered head, he couldn't see where he was going, and he bumped the shaking pink thing. Michael watched as his mother flew into the air, and landed on the pig's back.
Who was screaming louder, his mother or the surprised pig? An animal's most sensitive parts are the nose and ears. His mother was twisting Boarest's ears like they were rope. The the boar started running crazily across the tundra before tossing off his rider.
Oh no! The grass was tall, and Michael couldn't find his mother. Then there was a flash of pink. His mother sat up, her favorite laced pink nightgown from Cicily all matted in boar hair.
When Michael and his two older brothers meet each other, they arm wrestle to see who's stronger. And their mother would always say, "You boys think you're so tough. But on Michael's island, I found a two-thousand pound boar and I rode him. I got him to turn left, then right, before I calmly dismounted. And we caught an eight-hundred pound fish together."
A few weeks ago, Michael received a call.
"Michael, I'm going to your island again. If you can get me a brown bear and saddle him up, I'm sure he would let me ride him."
When Michael told his Italian mother about his stay on the lonely island at Alaska, she immediately reached into her bag of Italian superstitions.
"Oh Michael," she whispered. "My eye is twitching! That surely means a death!"
Speaking of his mother, this woman was a city girl. Every Wednesday, she went to have her nails done. Every Saturday, she had her hair done. And she was never more than two miles from a mall.
Despite his superstitious mother, Michael went to his destination anyway.
One day, the Coast Guard arrived in a float plane near Michael's cabin. There was a telegraph with them. It was from his mother:
MICHAEL, I'M COMING TO YOUR ISLAND
He was surprised. Michael's island was more than a hundred miles away from the nearest shopping mall. But even the date was included on the paper.
Before his mother arrived, Michael received another telegraph:
MICHAEL, CARRY A LOADED RIFLE WITH YOU AT ALL TIMES. BOTH OF MY EYES ARE TWITCHING. THAT MEANS TWO DEATHS!
On the promised date, Michael's mother arrived in a float plane, expectantly clutching a purse.
The three days went by perfectly. Nothing went wrong, the rifle was always prepared, and they even caught a ten-pound fish together.
The third night, the two were eating spaghetti with his mother's best tomato sauce from Cicily packed in her suitcase. They drank coffee and tea together, because they didn't want to let go of each other. The next morning, Michael's mother would have to leave. Finally, they went to bed.
At 2:00 AM, Michael's mother had to go to the bathroom.
At 2:01 AM, Michael heard a blood-curdling scream.
We must hit PAUSE. Before Michael's mother arrived, a Russian introduced four wild pigs to the island. They bred faster than rabbits! Soon there were forty wild boars running around the small island.
There was also a cougar in the island. Every third night, he would come out to hunt for a juicy, fat pig or two to bring home and satisfy his carnivorous appetite.
Pigs are smart. They learned the cougar's stealthy death pattern and figured that to escape the cougar, they needed someplace to go. Somewhere that they could hide.
Unfortunately, the hiding spot was Michael's outhouse. When Michael built it, he didn't make a door. Why bother? His nearest human neighbor was twelve miles away. And it was so relaxing to sit and watch the bald eagles soar by.
It was the third night of the cougar hunt, and there were the pigs, piled up in the tiny outhouse. So Michael grabbed his gun and rushed outside. He pointed it at a pink figure standing in front of him. But he couldn't pull the trigger. That was his MOTHER standing right there! He dropped the rifle and stared at the comical sight in the light of the full moon.
His mother was holding her nightgown up to her knee on one side, like one would do when a mouse scurries by. But this wasn't a 'shoo, mousy' matter. There were pigs darting through his mother's legs.
Women and children first. The baby pigs were first to come squealing out of the outhouse. Then the mamas, the the papas. By this time, the boars were so big that Michael's mother's legs were shaking as the enormous bulk of fat and fur squeezed between her legs.
Here was an interesting totem pole with an interesting story: Woman Giving Birth To Pigs. Or rather: Woman In Frilly Pink Nightgown Giving Birth To Pigs.
No, the pigs weren't done yet. There was one more. A three-hundred pound beast with five-inch long tusks: Boarest. "Mom, run!" She couldn't. Worse, she had a mild case of jelly legs, where you legs shake like mad.
But Michael was friendly with the pigs. He called them by name and threw them excess fish for food. And big Boarest understood that the thing was a babe of the woods, and she meant him no harm at all. So he bowed his head before running out, and he didn't gore Michael's mother. But with a lowered head, he couldn't see where he was going, and he bumped the shaking pink thing. Michael watched as his mother flew into the air, and landed on the pig's back.
Who was screaming louder, his mother or the surprised pig? An animal's most sensitive parts are the nose and ears. His mother was twisting Boarest's ears like they were rope. The the boar started running crazily across the tundra before tossing off his rider.
Oh no! The grass was tall, and Michael couldn't find his mother. Then there was a flash of pink. His mother sat up, her favorite laced pink nightgown from Cicily all matted in boar hair.
When Michael and his two older brothers meet each other, they arm wrestle to see who's stronger. And their mother would always say, "You boys think you're so tough. But on Michael's island, I found a two-thousand pound boar and I rode him. I got him to turn left, then right, before I calmly dismounted. And we caught an eight-hundred pound fish together."
A few weeks ago, Michael received a call.
"Michael, I'm going to your island again. If you can get me a brown bear and saddle him up, I'm sure he would let me ride him."
Sunday, July 6, 2008
帽子，孩子
第一天，正午，码头。
两大行李箱，三个背包，和三人儿一溜排开，明晃晃的阳光下。
“糟了，忘记给你们带帽子了。”
“怕什么，我们有防晒油呢。”daddy 率先表态。
“妈妈，有个故事很好玩的。两个人数他们的行李，we have hats, suncreen,swimming suits, sun glasses, shoes...oh, no, kids! we forgot kids!"
我大笑，“看来，没有帽子还不是很糟的哈。”
正说着，一抬头，看见一个卖帽子的小摊，太神奇了，从检票口到cruise入口这段长长的舷梯（好像不叫这个，但俺也不知道叫哪个），就这么一个摊位，5刀一顶，干净利落（没税/已含税），还是Alaska 主题的，daddy wolf, 姐姐 salmon, 妹妹 bald eagle, me, moose.
两大行李箱，三个背包，和三人儿一溜排开，明晃晃的阳光下。
“糟了，忘记给你们带帽子了。”
“怕什么，我们有防晒油呢。”daddy 率先表态。
“妈妈，有个故事很好玩的。两个人数他们的行李，we have hats, suncreen,swimming suits, sun glasses, shoes...oh, no, kids! we forgot kids!"
我大笑，“看来，没有帽子还不是很糟的哈。”
正说着，一抬头，看见一个卖帽子的小摊，太神奇了，从检票口到cruise入口这段长长的舷梯（好像不叫这个，但俺也不知道叫哪个），就这么一个摊位，5刀一顶，干净利落（没税/已含税），还是Alaska 主题的，daddy wolf, 姐姐 salmon, 妹妹 bald eagle, me, moose.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Escape Completely
第一晚。5-course dinner 吃罢，回 stateroom，感觉身体很不适，头尤其痛得厉害，好像上船之后就开始痛了，并且愈演愈烈，这在俺令人骄傲的十几年的头痛历史上颇少见。在清晰地感觉着颅内压不断升高的同时，俺本着一年半载的神经内科医生的经验，冷静客观的给自己诊断：过度疲劳性头痛导致颅内压升高进一步致头痛恶化，大家有没听说过这样的病名啊？ 又冷静地想起了一位研究中风的专家Jill Bolte Taylor，在不幸患了颅内出血之后，写了 A Stroke of Insight，是以专家和病人的双重身份写的这本书，她是今年的Time 100 之一。
高颅内压的结果是呕吐，喷射性的。函函说吐了6次。小妮子拿起电话准备call 911，认为妈妈感染了 Norovirus. 俺躺在床上，弱弱的安慰函函：妈妈肚子感觉很正常，不应该是胃肠道的感染。
吃了advil，沉睡一宿第二天就好了。
回到家后daddy 自爆在船上第一晚嘴角也长了水泡，正犯愁恐怕要辜负这7天7夜的琼浆玉液山珍海味，不料好好吃了一顿好好睡了一觉之后，第二天水泡就消了，这在该患者的病史上也是少见的。
万恶的生活压迫，我想我不该单单指责万恶的资本主义，因为时下东西南北大家都不易。
这几天吃了玩玩了睡的腐败生活，对我等众生实在是一种逃逸。
从Michael 那儿听讲归来之后，俺的大脑似乎给装上了一道屏蔽，专门过滤stress，能从此免疫于stress，那该是俺们现代人多大的福分啊。
高颅内压的结果是呕吐，喷射性的。函函说吐了6次。小妮子拿起电话准备call 911，认为妈妈感染了 Norovirus. 俺躺在床上，弱弱的安慰函函：妈妈肚子感觉很正常，不应该是胃肠道的感染。
吃了advil，沉睡一宿第二天就好了。
回到家后daddy 自爆在船上第一晚嘴角也长了水泡，正犯愁恐怕要辜负这7天7夜的琼浆玉液山珍海味，不料好好吃了一顿好好睡了一觉之后，第二天水泡就消了，这在该患者的病史上也是少见的。
万恶的生活压迫，我想我不该单单指责万恶的资本主义，因为时下东西南北大家都不易。
这几天吃了玩玩了睡的腐败生活，对我等众生实在是一种逃逸。
从Michael 那儿听讲归来之后，俺的大脑似乎给装上了一道屏蔽，专门过滤stress，能从此免疫于stress，那该是俺们现代人多大的福分啊。
改头换面
Formal Dinner, 人人楚楚衣冠，daddy 要了咖啡，俺想着太晚了，不喝也罢，可最后一道desert 上来时，俺又想着，如果来杯咖啡，跟这道desert 很相配。但是觉得出尔反尔，太麻烦waiter 了。
姐姐说：I'll call the waiter for you, then.
言罢，高高举起一只手。另只手没闲着忙着吃。
“哦，函函，不要。”
“no, I wanna it."
"stubborn." 俺小声哼了一声。
"I'm stubborn and proud of being stubborn." 于是手窜得更高了。
"proud to be stubborn." daddy 作了最后总结。完美的。
姐姐说：I'll call the waiter for you, then.
言罢，高高举起一只手。另只手没闲着忙着吃。
“哦，函函，不要。”
“no, I wanna it."
"stubborn." 俺小声哼了一声。
"I'm stubborn and proud of being stubborn." 于是手窜得更高了。
"proud to be stubborn." daddy 作了最后总结。完美的。
讲给小米听的故事
记得某次问小米，如果让你选任何一个民族任何一段时间，你愿意落草哪里啊？
小米去了印第安部落做小公主，俺奔希腊城邦作诡辩家去了。就这莫各奔了东西。
那么这儿有一个关于Lucy 的故事讲给这位公主听，作为俺此次Alaska 之行的开篇。
Michael , a civilized young white man，到Alaska 寻找他的identity，一人在冰火孤岛生存两暑秋，当属吾辈之神人也。
一日，Lucy, Michael's native teacher，伊50？60？抑或70，无人得而知之，邀Michael 吃晚饭，Michael 摇着kayak 这就去了，Lucy 家乃临湖而架一草棚，棚底潺潺湖水流过，Michael 进得屋来，四顾棚中无一物，想来Michael 业已神人，故并不以为意，宾主二人相谈甚欢，约半时辰，Lucy 起身恭问：Are you ready for dinner? Michael 曰然也，Lucy 支开临湖窗户，左手自屉中拿出一 fish line，右手将之往窗外抖腕一抛一洒，俄顷，Lucy 左手一撸，收起fish line, 一 7，8磅三文跃然于其中，Lucy 右手自屉中再摸出一 Tlingit 小刀（很可惜忘了刀的名字，是比屠龙倚天更神气的名儿），于鱼身起落两次，置之烤箱，一刻过，Lucy 将三文端于桌上，鱼依然twitching.
小米去了印第安部落做小公主，俺奔希腊城邦作诡辩家去了。就这莫各奔了东西。
那么这儿有一个关于Lucy 的故事讲给这位公主听，作为俺此次Alaska 之行的开篇。
Michael , a civilized young white man，到Alaska 寻找他的identity，一人在冰火孤岛生存两暑秋，当属吾辈之神人也。
一日，Lucy, Michael's native teacher，伊50？60？抑或70，无人得而知之，邀Michael 吃晚饭，Michael 摇着kayak 这就去了，Lucy 家乃临湖而架一草棚，棚底潺潺湖水流过，Michael 进得屋来，四顾棚中无一物，想来Michael 业已神人，故并不以为意，宾主二人相谈甚欢，约半时辰，Lucy 起身恭问：Are you ready for dinner? Michael 曰然也，Lucy 支开临湖窗户，左手自屉中拿出一 fish line，右手将之往窗外抖腕一抛一洒，俄顷，Lucy 左手一撸，收起fish line, 一 7，8磅三文跃然于其中，Lucy 右手自屉中再摸出一 Tlingit 小刀（很可惜忘了刀的名字，是比屠龙倚天更神气的名儿），于鱼身起落两次，置之烤箱，一刻过，Lucy 将三文端于桌上，鱼依然twitching.