年初的时候定下愿望，那便是今年要比去年多读些书。到了年底，发现今年反倒不如去年的阅读来得多。不过也算是看到了不少喜欢的书籍，不论是重温过去的经典还是新近发现，都感觉是极好的。接下来就把自己今年最喜爱的三位作家介绍一下。
排在第一位的当属林语堂先生。到了美国后才开始喜欢上他的，因为想借他笔下对于中国的介绍从另一种语言来了解自己的祖国。喜欢他的《吾国与吾民》，书中把中国近代社会人们的生活品性以及国人的价值观分析得很是到位，尤其因为原著是英文，也很适合推荐给喜欢中国文化的外国友人。他的《京华烟云》常被人与《红楼梦》比肩，也是长篇史诗类的巨著，书中各种人物以及历史背景都叙述得有声有色，林先生好像也说过是因为喜欢红楼梦才决意要做《京华烟云》的。我也特别推荐他的《苏东坡传》，苏东坡是林先生最欣赏的古代文人，所以书中不乏溢美之词，喜欢苏轼豁达人生态度的人应该也会喜欢。还有其他几本《生活的艺术》、《孔子的智慧》、《老子的智慧》等。个人感觉林先生的英文书籍是对于中华文化极好的传播。
另外一位推荐的是Bill Bryson, 一位西方作家。他的书籍涉猎深广，跨越他生活阅历过的美国、英国、澳大利亚，也有讲述历史的，写作笔法也很幽默，喜欢幽默类文学的人应该会喜欢他的书。I'm a stranger here my self带你领略美国和英国不同的社会风貌，充满了愉快的笔调；In a sunburned country是讲述澳大利亚的，让你了解到澳洲很多不为人知的历史，还有Notes from a small island和A short history of nearly everything.
还有一位是罗素, 一位哲学家。以前不喜欢读哲学类的书籍，觉得它们沉闷无趣，或许是阅历的影响，现在在去读，发现竟然非常喜欢，读后有种豁然开朗的快感。再加上罗素是一位非常全面的作家，他的讲述富含哲理又不失趣味，让自己情不自禁地去思考一些问题。他的巨著《西方哲学史》(A history of western philosophy)我仍在读，因为真得很长。其他的比如In praise of idleness, The problems of philosophy也都是推荐的。他有太多的书籍，只怕要一生阅读了。
Saturday, December 26, 2015
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
Steve Jobs
The biography book of Steve Jobs written by Walter Isaacson has been around for a long time since Oct 2011. I remembered being very emotional learning from the news that Jobs passed away. Back then, I've already had my first Macbook from Apple and liked using it a lot. Jobs and his company impressed the world, so his leave was a shock even though people all knew Jobs had been struggling with his health since 2004. I was eager to learn more about him and also understand why he has been so influential and why Apple is so popular. Of course, the next year I also purchased my first iPhone and again enjoyed the experience.
I didn't get to read the book until this summer, when Dave's mother Sarah bought me this book as a birthday present. I kept it with me and would read a little every day before going to bed. Sometimes the book was so intriguing that I ended up falling asleep really late. Recently I finished this book and have to admit that my attitude to the book and more importantly to Steve Jobs has also changed.
Because of my own background experience, I sometimes do not see things from the same perspective as those from journalists. I would perceive them as opinions from rich people who often do not know what is actually happening. Nevertheless, I respect those who do a reasonable job in their own position regardless of their background not only because they do things, but because I might be wrong since I do not know everything. For example, I had no idea of the presence of Apple and its great products until after I came to the US, which was July 2010. By then, Macbook, iPod, iPhone and even iPad were becoming more and more available. Unfortunately, I had not had the privilege to experience any of them.
It's only after using Apple's products that I started understanding Apple, which also helped me understand what the book is trying to convey, that Apple and Jobs really wanted to make great products.
I bought my first product from Apple, a Macbook Pro, in Dec 2010. For the first time, I realized that computers could be made so well, which was a different experience from having my old Dell computer. I liked the look, the stunning screen, the convenient multi-touchpad, the various tools for viewing photos, the music player, the iTunes which allowed me to listen to podcasts, the Mail app that allowed me to synchronize multiple accounts, the terminal command, and so many others. Later after I had my first iPhone, there was also the joy of synchronizing songs from my computer to my phone, and the iPhone was an excellent music player, way better than the MP3s that I had previously. Of course there are also things that I do not like, such as how my photos and music files are stored, how some of my Chinese files could not be identified properly (which could also be a problem with copyright issues), how Apple always likes to ask you for your ID when doing anything, etc. In the modern world where more and more open-source hardware and software are available, it is also arguable whether the closed and integrated model Apple is doing will last.
My worst relationship with Apple was when my iPhone 4S stopped working properly starting from the past summer. The battery would suddenly drop from 80% down to 20% and then the phone would shut down completely in cold weather. To make matters worse, the wifi connection on the phone once stopped working. The genius bar in the local Apple store told me that they couldn't fix it and suggested upgrading to a new one. I would love to if I'm in a better position, but I was able to fix it myself with a little advice from someone online who had the same issue. I understand that there is a lifetime for electronics, but the frequent breakdown of Apple products makes me wonder if the whole thing is necessary or simply some business trick that is aiming at boosting their sales revenue.
That being said, I think Jobs is not only visionary in making great products, but also a great businessman who understands deeply how business works. He once had the famous saying that people don't know what they want until you show them. Jobs may not be a nice guy to work with, but he was able to combine ideas (although without acknowledging other people who originally thought of the ideas) and introduce solid products that excite millions of people. For that, I admire and respect him, even though I dislike some of his ways of being a top manager.
Let us remember, not only Jobs but the products that bear his name and ideas, and eventually become our companions in our life. Still they may not be perfect, but we enjoy being friends with them and let them be part of our lives.
I didn't get to read the book until this summer, when Dave's mother Sarah bought me this book as a birthday present. I kept it with me and would read a little every day before going to bed. Sometimes the book was so intriguing that I ended up falling asleep really late. Recently I finished this book and have to admit that my attitude to the book and more importantly to Steve Jobs has also changed.
Because of my own background experience, I sometimes do not see things from the same perspective as those from journalists. I would perceive them as opinions from rich people who often do not know what is actually happening. Nevertheless, I respect those who do a reasonable job in their own position regardless of their background not only because they do things, but because I might be wrong since I do not know everything. For example, I had no idea of the presence of Apple and its great products until after I came to the US, which was July 2010. By then, Macbook, iPod, iPhone and even iPad were becoming more and more available. Unfortunately, I had not had the privilege to experience any of them.
It's only after using Apple's products that I started understanding Apple, which also helped me understand what the book is trying to convey, that Apple and Jobs really wanted to make great products.
I bought my first product from Apple, a Macbook Pro, in Dec 2010. For the first time, I realized that computers could be made so well, which was a different experience from having my old Dell computer. I liked the look, the stunning screen, the convenient multi-touchpad, the various tools for viewing photos, the music player, the iTunes which allowed me to listen to podcasts, the Mail app that allowed me to synchronize multiple accounts, the terminal command, and so many others. Later after I had my first iPhone, there was also the joy of synchronizing songs from my computer to my phone, and the iPhone was an excellent music player, way better than the MP3s that I had previously. Of course there are also things that I do not like, such as how my photos and music files are stored, how some of my Chinese files could not be identified properly (which could also be a problem with copyright issues), how Apple always likes to ask you for your ID when doing anything, etc. In the modern world where more and more open-source hardware and software are available, it is also arguable whether the closed and integrated model Apple is doing will last.
My worst relationship with Apple was when my iPhone 4S stopped working properly starting from the past summer. The battery would suddenly drop from 80% down to 20% and then the phone would shut down completely in cold weather. To make matters worse, the wifi connection on the phone once stopped working. The genius bar in the local Apple store told me that they couldn't fix it and suggested upgrading to a new one. I would love to if I'm in a better position, but I was able to fix it myself with a little advice from someone online who had the same issue. I understand that there is a lifetime for electronics, but the frequent breakdown of Apple products makes me wonder if the whole thing is necessary or simply some business trick that is aiming at boosting their sales revenue.
That being said, I think Jobs is not only visionary in making great products, but also a great businessman who understands deeply how business works. He once had the famous saying that people don't know what they want until you show them. Jobs may not be a nice guy to work with, but he was able to combine ideas (although without acknowledging other people who originally thought of the ideas) and introduce solid products that excite millions of people. For that, I admire and respect him, even though I dislike some of his ways of being a top manager.
Let us remember, not only Jobs but the products that bear his name and ideas, and eventually become our companions in our life. Still they may not be perfect, but we enjoy being friends with them and let them be part of our lives.
Friday, November 13, 2015
正在消失的中国古建筑
The following link features some of the stunning Chinese buildings around the country, some of which are popular tourist sites. Unfortunately, these buildings are gradually declining due to their impracticality to accommodate the huge population demand in China, especially in cities.
http://goo.gl/AmCqe7
http://goo.gl/AmCqe7
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Guy Fawkes Day at Ithaca
"Remember, Remember, 5th of the November..." 想必熟悉的人已经猜出来了这是个什么活动，对，是为了庆祝历史上盖伊·福克斯失败的火药阴谋，又称篝火之夜。David的舅舅和舅妈在四年多前决定选一个特殊的日子庆祝，这个能赏玩篝火的节日成了不二选择。这个季节已是深秋，篝火的温暖很合大家的心意。当然你也可以说这只是他们为了让大家团聚而制造的一个场合。
David和Mike已经连续多次为篝火做准备，从搜集木材到备好篝火，每一步都充满欢乐地完成；每一次也都会有特定的摄影师负责记录他们准备的全过程，比如这次是我在做 :) Jim家附近有一块很大的空地，附近的小树林每每都会有干枯的树枝或树干供我们使用。
周六晚上是聚会正式开始的时间，Becky为此准备了丰盛的美食和饮品，暖暖的苹果汁饮下很舒服。到来的宾客们也或多或少带了饮料，大多是啤酒（美国人民很热衷啤酒），也有不少红酒和点心。Mike的朋友Tyler带了特别美味的Scotch egg，被大家很快抢完了，Becky都没有来得及品尝。晚饭后的大部分时间，人们坐在或者站在篝火附近赏玩，抑或玩起小型的焰火，抑或畅谈人生，很是愉快。这让我想起小时候在家里，每到正月十六早上，大家都会很早起床在街上烤火取暖，俗称烤霉气，以去除一年的霉气。放烟花之时，我特别喜欢的是那种很小的sparkler，就是一种很小可以手持的烟花，拿在手里绕着圈跑就会形成亮亮的光环，很好玩儿。
This is my second time at the Guy Fawkes Bonfire Day with Dave and his family. Anna and Chris joined us for the fun celebration. We also got to see a bit of the parks and falls around Ithaca area.
Here is a little bit of history about Guy Fawkes (from wiki): Guy Fawkes, also known as Guido Fawkes, the name he adopted while fighting for the Spanish, was a member of a group of provincial English Catholics who planned the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605. He then became synonymous with the Gunpowder Plot, the failure of which has been commemorated in Britain since 5 November 1605. His effigy is traditionally burned on a bonfire, commonly accompanied by a fireworks display.
Carolyn and Alfonso made Guy Fawkes with clothes and papers, and I made a smily face for him.
David和Mike已经连续多次为篝火做准备，从搜集木材到备好篝火，每一步都充满欢乐地完成；每一次也都会有特定的摄影师负责记录他们准备的全过程，比如这次是我在做 :) Jim家附近有一块很大的空地，附近的小树林每每都会有干枯的树枝或树干供我们使用。
周六晚上是聚会正式开始的时间，Becky为此准备了丰盛的美食和饮品，暖暖的苹果汁饮下很舒服。到来的宾客们也或多或少带了饮料，大多是啤酒（美国人民很热衷啤酒），也有不少红酒和点心。Mike的朋友Tyler带了特别美味的Scotch egg，被大家很快抢完了，Becky都没有来得及品尝。晚饭后的大部分时间，人们坐在或者站在篝火附近赏玩，抑或玩起小型的焰火，抑或畅谈人生，很是愉快。这让我想起小时候在家里，每到正月十六早上，大家都会很早起床在街上烤火取暖，俗称烤霉气，以去除一年的霉气。放烟花之时，我特别喜欢的是那种很小的sparkler，就是一种很小可以手持的烟花，拿在手里绕着圈跑就会形成亮亮的光环，很好玩儿。
This is my second time at the Guy Fawkes Bonfire Day with Dave and his family. Anna and Chris joined us for the fun celebration. We also got to see a bit of the parks and falls around Ithaca area.
Here is a little bit of history about Guy Fawkes (from wiki): Guy Fawkes, also known as Guido Fawkes, the name he adopted while fighting for the Spanish, was a member of a group of provincial English Catholics who planned the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605. He then became synonymous with the Gunpowder Plot, the failure of which has been commemorated in Britain since 5 November 1605. His effigy is traditionally burned on a bonfire, commonly accompanied by a fireworks display.
Carolyn and Alfonso made Guy Fawkes with clothes and papers, and I made a smily face for him.
Guy Fawkes on our Bonfire day
Sunset view near Jim and Becky's house
Team that built the fire
On Sunday, we went for a walk around Ithaca and visited Treman, Buttermilk Falls and the Taughannock Falls. At late Fall, the leaves are all golden, making the Cayuga lake very attractive.
Treman
Taughannock
Late Fall time
Late Fall leaves
Late Fall time
Cayuga Lake
Simultaneous planking
Monday, August 24, 2015
西雅图
第一次去西雅图便喜欢上了这个城市。西雅图依山傍水，市内交通便利，街道也很开阔。我们此行的居住地点临近市中心，随时可以看到各种咖啡店。距离州立会议中心很近的Starbucks Reserve装修很古典，店里将咖啡豆的烘烤过程陈列出来，各种管道铺陈，占据了店里的大半江山。作为靠海的城市，西雅图的海鲜是有很高的美誉，我们当然也不虚此行，品尝了当地的特色——新鲜牡蛎，真可谓是人间美味！我们此行的最后一站是华盛顿大学校园，也是靠近海边，不乏美景。校园内的哥特式建筑极具现代感。附近还有一家鼎泰丰，我和David在这里尝到了在北美最好吃的Dim Sum!
The moment I saw Seattle, I fell in love with her! She's such a modern city, yet with the easiness and relaxing atmosphere of being near the coast and national parks. The streets are wide and clean, adding a spacious feeling. There are lots of coffee shops in Downtown. Starbucks Reserve Roastery and Tasting Room, near the Washington State Convention Center, is by far the largest coffee shop I've ever seen and offered the best Cappuccino! Seafood here are highly recommended. The oysters at The Walrus and the Carpenter are so fresh and delicious! University of Washington campus is right near the coast and has beautiful yet unique buildings. There is also Din Tai Fung located inside a shopping center near the campus. David and me enjoyed the best Dim Sum, with the price of an-hour long wait!
The moment I saw Seattle, I fell in love with her! She's such a modern city, yet with the easiness and relaxing atmosphere of being near the coast and national parks. The streets are wide and clean, adding a spacious feeling. There are lots of coffee shops in Downtown. Starbucks Reserve Roastery and Tasting Room, near the Washington State Convention Center, is by far the largest coffee shop I've ever seen and offered the best Cappuccino! Seafood here are highly recommended. The oysters at The Walrus and the Carpenter are so fresh and delicious! University of Washington campus is right near the coast and has beautiful yet unique buildings. There is also Din Tai Fung located inside a shopping center near the campus. David and me enjoyed the best Dim Sum, with the price of an-hour long wait!
Apartment building with trees
Downtown
Starbucks Reserve
Pike Place Market
Farmers' Market
Oysters!
University of Washington Campus
University of Washington Campus
University of Washington Campus
Din Tai Fung near UW
Dinner at Din Tai Fung
英国之行：伦敦-剑桥-湖区
这个暑假，我和David一起去了他的家乡——英国。一直对英国有着无穷无尽的幻想，直到这一刻，梦想成真了！自己最初对英国的喜爱是源于那略带矜持的大不列颠口音和这个国家厚重的历史，以及沉淀下来的经典文化印记，这次的旅行又给了更多的理由去喜欢这个优雅的国度。如今，怀念那些在伦敦街头闲逛的悠闲时光，也怀念在湖区和家人一起户外郊游，还有在牛津和剑桥品味英伦大学的古典气质，在英国小镇雨中散步。。。当然最念念不忘的是那一杯温暖的下午茶！
Oh, the lovely England! I will miss you!
Oh, the lovely England! I will miss you!
Buckingham Palace
Tower Bridge
Westminster Abbey
Big Ben
The Canon
The British Museum
David's vases
With my beautiful teapots!
Inside the cottage
Foxgloves are everywhere
Grasmere
Tadpoles
Castlerigg Stone Circle
On the day of our longest walk
Blenheim Palace
The Garden at Blenheim Palace
Bourton-on-the-Water
Inside the Norwich Castle
Norwich Castle
The hiking group
Cambridge
Trinity College
Cambridge
Punting Cambridge
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