12/29/2006

A strange question to ask...

I came across this article the other day. The headline says: Few in Hong Kong support Taiwan's independence. The article indicates a high percentages of Hong Kong people disagree with Taiwan's attempt of independence. I found it hilariously ridiculous but somehow it reflects the mixed feeling of Chinese toward Taiwan.



Hong Kong, as a lost-n-found territory of China, was and still is a model for the one China, two system concept. It is depicted and presented as the blueprint for the possible promising future under the Chinese star flag. Hong Kong and Taiwan have long been closely-monitoring and competing with each other in both economics and political wise.



But why it sounds so wrong when this so-called GLOBAL MONITOR, Angusreid, post an article of the polls of Hong Kong people's opinion toward the future of Taiwan?



First, it is a far cry to ask Hong Kong peoples' opinion about the future of Taiwan. Historically, Taiwan has retrieved from the Japanese colonization for more than 50 years. Plus the prior 50 years under colonization, Taiwan and China are politically separated for more than 100 years.



Taiwan is not another state like the British colonized Hong Kong before 1997, bears an EXPIRING DATE in its future.



Do the Hong Kong people enjoy the life back to the mother country? Maybe we should check out the figures of immigration before and after 1997 and the frequency of large-scale protest for democracy.



Do the polls stands for anything?



Yes, it is either Hong Kong people jealous of the freedom in Taiwan, or the news article is a make-up farce, which doesn't seem rare in the international news coverage.



How do Taiwanese see Hong Kong?



We pray for them.









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12/28/2006

christmas-boxing day-picnic day....

來補寫一下這幾天發生的事.
聖誕節當天韋恩家族幾乎全到了,到了拆禮物的時間,大家就全擠進entertaining room裏等著被"唱名".今年是由韋恩當聖誕老公公,Van做"散財"童子.負責把禮物送到大家手上.
雖然人多房間小擠的很,也另有一番溫馨.w送我個挺貴重的禮物,是一台ipod nano, 老實說我早有預感了,但仍是很驚喜! 哇,我終於也趕上潮流了!
後來接著boxing day放假一天,我們也閒散度日.昨天韋恩不甘不願的早起去上班,一個小時後打電話說, "哎呀今天不用上班,今天是我們公司的picnic day!"真可愛,還有野餐日!
我們於是邊吃早餐邊看電視,突然看到跑馬燈出現台灣發生7級地震,一人死亡的消息.趕忙打電話回家,爸爸說昨晚燈搖的很厲害,但一切平安. 不過當地煤體是報5級.怎麼差這麼多啊?

所以我們就去看新房.這裏的房地產是地和房可以分開賣的.也就是若你有地,那麼若喜歡某家公司蓋的房(有樣品屋可以看),就可以只買房.
昨天去的樣品屋"村",大概有10多棟供人參觀.我們就這麼一棟一棟的逛.也是挺有意思.
...再過23天就要回國嘍!

12/22/2006

希望學校的年終聚餐也可以這樣....幻想啦.

上星期六,w忙完私事後,已經近5點多,我們得在6:20分趕到circular quay的6號碼頭看來是很困難.w的公司辦年終聚餐,今年比較特別,是在船上辦.
我在第一次來雪梨時有坐過一次Captain Cook Cruises(circular quay著名的觀光船業者),我們由於晚到,所以沒得選位子,最後坐在大老闆旁邊.大老闆和夫人對台灣都有親身經驗.老闆是約5年前到過台北,他說看到台北的交通後回來雪梨就覺得不該再抱怨了.這點我倒同意,w也常抱怨這裏的交通,但是我倒覺得唉呀跟台北和其他台灣大型都會區的交通比起來,雪梨已經是井然有序了!
老闆夫人則是在15年前去過台北,那時外國人在台灣稀少,我打趣的問她,"那你一定是注目焦點了!" 她說對啊,一堆孩子跟著她逛士林夜市! 對外國人來說,故宮仍然是相當特別的景點,她說她去過4次,每看不厭.
我說: Ah, yes, Lucky we shipped those treature out from China, right?
我跟她說最近故宮才換新裝整修完畢,可以再去看看已經變很多的台北!

在船上辦公司聚餐的確帶給人新的體驗,用新的角度看平常很熟悉的景色.回港時還剛好趕上市裏放的煙火,很特別的一晚.

我不禁想到離台前參加的學校尾牙.地點是在田園景色中的...貨櫃屋小吃店.我還記得那時搭同事的車走在鄉間小徑時還幻想,哇在田園景色下用餐真是不錯! 沒想到在貨櫃屋前停下! 我真的懷疑校長是怎麼回事? 我們真的要在貨櫃屋裏吃尾牙嗎?

天啊, 師範體系的人品味會差到這種地步嗎? 至於席間還有狗兒們在用餐場所穿梭不息的種種,就不多說了...

突然想到台北的藍色公路,要是也能用心營造這樣的氣氛,相信民眾是會很捧場的.台灣的觀光業真要跟澳洲人學一學啊!

12/19/2006

Say excuse me if you want us to move...

昨天在KOOKAI逛街時碰到一件事讓我氣了很久.
事情是這樣的,有對母女站在一整架的衣服旁,我伸手取靠近她們身邊的衣物.這時那位媽媽咕嚕咕嚕的說了一句就走開,我想了1分鐘才辨識出她剛剛說什麼-
Say excuse me if you want us to move.
老實說我實在是覺得莫明奇妙,又沒碰到她們,也沒擋到她們的路,怎麼會是我要說借過???

I felt extremely furious, intimidated, discriminated...ah....I should have chase them and ask them again what's their problem? Do I need her to lecture me when to say excuse me??? What a bi***! 啊實在好生氣!!!

我忍不住和w說我若是在自己的國家是絶對不會受這種莫明奇妙的氣.真是....w後來也只好試著轉移我的注意力,說每個國家總是有這種心態偏差的人.我問若他是我,會怎麼回應?
他說他會有2種回應.

1就是追過去問..Excuse me, are you talking to me? What's your problem?

2. 就是笑笑回答, ah, yes, ma'am, EXCUSE ME.嗯, 若有下次我還會再加一句, you are setting a great example for your daughter, eh?

講完後我還是很生氣....

懸崖邊的貴族??

偶然看到蔣家第4代出書的新聞.還真覺得有趣.
書名是懸崖邊的貴族.從兩兄弟在榮總病房陪父親走完人生的最後一段開始.
蔣家在台灣的功過在歷史上自有評斷,倒是自封為貴族也是挺有意思.
台灣社會從來沒有明顯的階級制度,自然也不會有貴族平民之身份.若是在日本社會還可以理解,甚至在民國以前的中國社會貴族也是有其血統根據的.
不知道蔣家的"貴族血統"由何而來? 更正確的字眼應該是the priviledged吧?
說直點就是軍閥後裔,兩兄弟選擇遠離政治開創新格局是好事,但是把過去的軍桿子特權美化成落漠的貴族還真有點可笑...
但是最讓我受不了的是這一篇中時的報導.這個中時記者不知道是在採訪還是在追星? 連"寬邊眼鏡,齊耳的半長髮,遮掩不住貴族氣質"之類的字眼都寫的出來,我實在看不出她和一般的fans有什麼不一樣? 台灣從來沒有君主立憲的歷史, 她從何觀察出所謂的"貴族氣質"? 這種新聞素養還不如去寫羅曼史比較恰當.總之實在噁心透了.....

12/18/2006

我們的11天行程#2 Dubbo Zoo




從家出發到Dubbo zoo真是一段漫長的旅程,對於從台灣頭到尾只要4小時的我們來說,到Dubbo zoo已經算是台灣全島single trip再往回走一點兒了.全程大約快5個小時.從還算繁榮的小鎮風光到一望無際的田野,枯木和越來越乾熱的天氣,我才開始慢慢體會澳洲的outback是什麼樣子.
剛開始有一點點小小的後悔選dubbo zoo這個行程,爸媽只待11天,要在2天內來回dubbo實在太趕了.只怪我當初也沒和w好好商量,又沒查清楚車程.不過,這一路上仍有新鮮的經歷.還好不是我開車,w開車技術實在太好,常常車上只有他一個人醒著...真可憐
比起在hunter valley住的billabong moon,我們在dubbo住的country apartment實在差太多了.我和w都有點生氣被網路上的照片誤導.網站上的照片照的是老闆他們自己的住房,房客住的就像是motel般的平房,雖說乾淨,但是我若事先知道是motel style的再怎麼便宜我也是不會去住的.我們4個人花170,還是爸媽的房間明亮寬敞,要不會覺得真是對不起他們來這麼遠受罪.我們的房間就小小的,又陰暗.雖有大窗,但顧及privacy根本不可能打開窗廉.總之我是很不喜歡這樣的設計.是不是billabong moon給我的印象太好了呢? 也許吧!
我們在dubbo去參觀了dubbo zoo,我們有4個人所以乾脆租了輛golf car( $65),後來才發現也可以自己開車入園,真呆啊!
Dubbo很熱很熱,但是可以近距離的看動物們倒是也挺新鮮.w很會誘導動物,總是手上一把草就可以把動物們引誘過來給我們好好瞧瞧.園內很大,感覺比taronga zoo還大很多.所以動物們的生活空間還不錯.
回程時我們去wellington cave.先看到這個非常讚的路邊裝置藝術.我和w都超級喜歡,不知道將來我們的圍牆可否也做出同樣的效果?

Wellington cave對我來說也是新鮮的經歷,爸媽則在布拉格和荷蘭都看過更大型的鐘乳石洞穴.據導覽說,這個洞穴曾經一度被做為佈道的地方.我問w這樣會不會讓他有興趣上教堂?
他馬上回答...no.
這一路上我們還經過orange, bathurst等小鎮.w小時候和爸爸跑貨運時曾經經過這些小鎮,數十年後原本荒涼的小鎮都發達起來了,對w來說也是一個新的感受.

12/15/2006

我們的11天行程#1-hunter valley




爸爸媽媽來小住11天,我們也因此小玩了一下.雖然事先有做功課,但是仍有意外的驚喜/訝.
我們先去hunter valley的billabong moon住了一晚.爸媽很讚嘆澳洲的田園景色,同時也有些狐疑怎麼沿路上都不見半個人影.對地小人稠的台灣來說,澳洲的outback真是荒涼的可以.我們是週間去的,所以各酒莊的人都少的可以,也因此少了些品酒的機會和樂趣.但是billabong moon的住宿品質就讓爸媽很欣賞.

我也是在網路上找到,憑直覺就這麼訂了房間.我訂的是billagong cottage.看照片上是一棟面湖的獨棟建築,內有2間套房.billabong這個字聽起來別有韻味,我覺得這也是澳洲英語特別的地方.原住民的語言唸起來就是不一樣.我和爸爸解釋billabong是臨水的意思.爸爸查了字典,中文翻譯是"死水潭",真是有些難聽啊!翻譯真是一間學問,在澳洲billabong是指在雨季後所形成的水潭,對於在荒涼的野外行走的旅人來說,billabong就像沙漠中的oasis一樣吧!
這是我第一次住這種cottage,我們4個人都很喜歡.面湖的平房在日出和日落時都很美.週間價格310一晚包括早餐和白酒與cheese盤.我覺得billabong的主人很聰明,提供早餐的食材不會精準的計量有幾個人就提供幾份.打開冰箱時w還有點懷疑的問我,"你確定我們不用另外付冰箱裏的食物嗎?" 由於我們都不是食量大的人,所以早餐的食材還用了2餐.外頭還有個bbq rack,我們就這麼烤了起來.當然是w當廚師嘍!


可愛的是bbq rack旁還有個小涼亭,而且還有紗窗(很重要,面湖雖美但蚊子可毒的很).我們就在小涼亭裏用餐.
隔天就這麼走走停停的到各酒莊,還有hunter valley gardern,挺美的,但有點熱,沒什麼樹蔭.而且門票小貴,我們4個人花了70幾!!約台幣2000! 才門票也!!
嗯,推薦hunter valley的billabong moon,很棒哦!

12/01/2006

和公僕對話

沒想到要在畢業後5個月才拿個到畢業證書.這事關每個月近一萬的敍薪,於是我開始搞清楚狀況..到現在還沒個結果,但今天下午打電話回台灣與一個縣政府的人事的對話真是讓我感概,怎麼還有這樣的公務員這麼沒概念,真的是還以為自己仍處在"父母官"的那種時代.她大概還以為我是去求她的...
事情是這樣的,我預定12月中參加fareware ceremony,這是給無法參加正式畢業典禮的國際學生參加的.也因此,為了保險起見,我還是email給graduation unit詢問了一下何時會拿到畢業證書.沒想到答案出乎意料之外,得等到明年4月份畢典結束後才會寄發. (為什麼呢? 我猜想是因為學校裏有2 semester, 3 semester的學生,所以學校會等所有學生都畢業才發證書?)
影響:
明年2月復職,本應2月開始以新的薪級敍薪,現在等於得等到5月才能改敍,中間差3個月,每月上萬的損失讓我有點不甘心.
再email給graduation unit說明我的情況,回應是可以給letter of course completion和transquipt做為證明.letter of course completion是只有在學業成績等相關表現獲得大學學業審議委員認可後才能發出的,會載明始畢業年/全程以英語授課等資訊.
有些心理準備這樣不會過關.先打到教育部國際文教處問 國外學歷認證 的問題.處裏小姐回答是這方面業務交由地方政府決定. 但她告訴我相關法條的參閱, 也去全國法規資料庫下載了.
再打到縣教育局問, 接的那個小姐說是由學校人事認定(??人事權限這麼大?)但她也說是以 大學辦理國外學歷採認辦法 規則.打了好幾通電話才找到學校人事,她的反應也不令我意外, 說是不可以,但我說明我的疑惑,請她向上級單位釋疑.
後來接到她的email答案是否定,她並附上縣府人事的連絡方式.
再打電話找縣府的人事,我先自我介紹了一下,並跟她說明我的情況,然後唸了一下我覺得法條中不太清楚的地方,還沒講完,她就打斷,被她打斷好幾次我也實在有些火,耐著性子再跟她說我的立場-
人事: 你不用唸法條給我聽, 你們學校人事已經告訴我情況了,畢業證書沒有就是不行.
我: 但是我的情況是我的確畢業了,學校會先開一個證明證明我畢業,在法條中的....有提到國外學歷認證若有疑慮可以送請教育部協助認定
人事:你不用講那麼多, 反正就是不行
我: 國外學歷畢竟有時情況和國內學歷不同,所以才會增加特別的條文解釋不是嗎?
人事: 又不是只有你一個人去取得國外學歷?
我:(差點要發火了) 這跟我問你的問題有什麼關係? 你是公務人員嗎? 我可以理解你和我對法條的認知立場不一樣,但是你應該要尊重我為自己爭權益. 在國外學歷認定方面的確有灰色地帶是須要更高機關做解釋的.要不怎麼會有這一段關於國外畢業證書等文件"若認定有疑義者,各機關學校應依本要點規定查證及認定,必要時經敘明疑義並檢附相關證件或文件,得送請教育部協助認定."? 我希望你能尊重這一點.
人事:(安靜了下來, 口氣也好多了)
...討論了一下後,我說明若她這方面認定有不同,我應該走什麼程序向更高主管機關申請解釋.
她不置可否的說我不敢給你保證啦!
真的很沒常識,我要她保證幹嘛? 我不要她的personal opinion,我要的是法條上的解釋,真的是狀況外.白目一個.
小娗叫我別氣了,我不會生氣,下午到最後讓那人事不敢再隨便插嘴就扳回一城.
殊不知這種公務員鬼態度只會讓我更窮追猛打.

So Republic of China means Taiwan? Why??

This is a real conversation took place in Ikea.
We've been visiting Ikea frequently recently. Every now and then W would come up something just to test or to annoy me. I'm not sure if it is what he refers as "to nuture my sense of humour"..

W: Hey, this is made in Taiwan!
A: Huh? That's rare?? (so I closely inspect the bottom of a vase) No, People's Republic of China is China! PRC is not Taiwan!
W: So what is the name again?
A: ( I knew he was mocking but can't help get annoyed by this...) Republic of China.
W: So Republic of China means Taiwan, and People's Rublic of China is China? They both have China in the name but neither of them say anything about Taiwan? Why?
A: ehhhhhhhhhhhh

11/30/2006

烤肉!!

烤肉實在沒什麼新鮮,至少來澳洲前我是這麼想的.
烤肉為澳洲的傳統之一,但是我也是最近才開始烤...而且連續烤了4天.
真的是 樂 此 不 疲!! 我也愛上烤肉了!
怎麼會開始烤肉呢? 首先是為了整理客房,韋恩開始蓋工作室, 就這麼裏裏外外的整理下來,久不見天日的烤肉架終於出現了!!
之所以愛上烤肉原因很簡單, 1是省了洗那麼多碗盤/清理廚房 2 是烤肉是他的事....哈哈順理成章他要負責. 3 是澳洲家家戶戶的院子大,放個超大的烤肉架也不會感覺擁擠礙眼, 4 是烤肉真的有獨特的風味呢! 而且我也發現澳洲牛肉不像我印象中在台灣買的有腥味, 比在台灣買的澳洲牛好吃多了!

11/29/2006

Taiwan in the eyes of a foreigner

I came across this article about Taiwan from David's blog. After reading too much negative news coverage from the mainstream media in Taiwan, I found it quite refreshing to learn Taiwan from the eyes of a foreigner.

It would be a very tough question to answer if somebody ask you to define the Taiwanese culture. Yes, culturally, Taiwan and China share the same historical background but no, politically we are closer to the U.S. than the Chinese. So what's the core spirit of Taiwanese culture? What makes Taiwan different other than the strong capability in computing business?

The author of the article has a rather interesting description about Taiwan,

"...Taiwan is much more; a small island with lots of soft power. Above all, it
is a hybrid culture, in many respects even liberal with gay rights to boot, that
successfully mixes the civilizational attributes of America, China and Japan, which occupied it for 50 years. Indeed, it is the only country in the Asian region not consumed with anxiety over Japan rewriting its constitution, still doing massive business with China and sticking with America all at the same time."

I like the last part of the paragraph, which pinpoint the tolerance of the Taiwanese civic society. Contrary to some domestic opinion leaders question over the injustice of justice department in the investigation of the first family, the author sees the other side of the story, the independent jurisdiction, which is exactly what makes Taiwan so much different from China. I guess that's why the Chinese media stopped the large news coverage over this case since the Chinese public might asked, would the same thing happen in China?

11/27/2006

Spareroom Renovation




爸媽12月初要來這裏小住11天.很開心! 為了迎接他們,我們最近非常忙碌.W的貼心和才華也在這時展現.從蓋工作室,搬運,重新油漆粉刷,買家具,組裝等等都一手包辦.雖然我也有小小的貢獻勞力,但和他比較起來實在不算什麼! 週末時整理到凌晨3點才休息.週日晚上終於大致完成, 兩個人忍不住頻繁出入客房admire the room. 我覺得他實在入錯行了,應該去當室內設計師或是property renovator才對啊!


比較起來,現在的客房比主臥好看多了! 看來下個目標是整修主臥.這也讓我想到台灣家裏的書窩,w第一次看到我的臥室時大吃一驚,他說那整一面牆書真是有點恐怖.回國後一定要開始出清!


11/18/2006

The U2 concert pics


The news said that it is illegal for the fans(those who pay for the concert tickets) to take picture or filming the concert now. Those who do might face legal suit in the future. Well, personally I really think this protection of copyrights has gone a little big too far...But that was a great night to remember.

11/13/2006

The word you can't say in the relationship

朋友寄來他們慶生的影片和歌曲.對我這個愛哭鬼很有催淚效果.現在正在聽 沿海地帶.老實說我對這個歌手-弦子一點認識都沒有,但在異鄉聽到熟悉的語言總是有點安慰的效果.
昨天和遠在挪威的M通話,實在很難想像負10度的低溫生活.更難想像the city girl做農事的樣子.Love can change the face of a person. M總是我的朋友裏面很有哲理的一位.這個新婚的女生,昨天說了一句話讓我有些慚愧-
This is the word you can't say in a relationship. Once you start evaluating
things with how much you sacrifice, you don't equal yourself with your partner

那個字就是Sacrifice嘍!我突然想到我和w吵架時,也老是愛搬出這個字來彰顯自己所做的犠牲..最近和w相處還算愉快,大概是快離開了,我們都開始明白天天見到面的機會也不多了.
哎呀,邊寫邊聽朋友寄來的催淚歌不知不覺的就越寫越...



11/11/2006

Singing in the rain--The U2 concert

昨天行程滿滿.早上和w一起出發到學校,途中接到H的通知說他不能去MARTHA家取回腳架的零件了,我聽他口氣有些沮喪,才知道他的FLATMATE 昨晚發生了一些事情,他得在今天幫忙搬家.好吧,看來只好我去取了.老實說這一堂VIDEO PRODUCTION課下來,我實在有些受不了H的行事作風,但是每個人個性不同,也只好多多忍耐.
沒想到倒楣事一件件來,先是搭錯了火車,最後發現自己落腳在HAWKSBURRY RIVER火車站,放眼望去只有我和樹上黑鳥幾隻,站務人員說下一班半小時才來.....天啊..於是整個早上就在換火車之間耗盡.又想到H如此輕易ESCAPE就有點氣
還好之後把小組作業都整理好交出,下午2點多和W約好一起回家準備換裝參加晚上的U2演唱會
入夜後還真是有些涼意.但是BONO等人一出場,整個TELSTRA STADIUM的氣氛都熱了起來,偌大的oval stadium可是全部packed呢!我和W雖有座位,整場演唱會下來坐不到幾分鐘,因為大家都太HIGH了站著聽.
可惜我一向不是U2的歌迷,只認識其中2首歌,不太能一起嘶喊.倒是看到前排的一位中年LADY整場熱烈扭動身軀,還有她身旁的一位70餘的老先生也是幾乎整場站著聽呢!
演唱會開始時就下著綿綿小雨,我很喜歡英文在這裏的用詞: sprinkling..很有詩意的感覺.這場演唱會是w送我的生日禮物.很喜歡.

11/05/2006

感傷:一個偉大的人過世了

有些驚訝的得知前法務部長陳定南過世了. 我有些感傷.怎麼這麼有才華又有操守的人生命卻這麼短暫?好笑的事,我還是無意間去逛Michael Turton 's blog時才看到這個消息.
最近台灣發生的事讓我開始有些擔心2008後的台灣是什麼樣子? 總統被起訴對台灣的國際地位是幸也是不幸,幸的是台灣的民主和司法體系畢竟在這個方面被證實是成功且獨立的,不幸的是,這樣的民主成就能持續多久?如果把總統被起訴與換黨做做看化上等號,好不容易開始轉型的台灣,會走上什麼方向?
早上我有些難過的和W說了一些台灣最近發生的事情,他很直接的說,到底你們國家有多少人和你一樣關心這個問題?如果這只是你-安妮小姐的看法,也就是,只是少數人的意見,那麼民主制度就是服從多數,到時變成中國的一省,那也是在民主的機制下決定的,不是嗎?
But.....ah...I HATE HIM SAYING THAT...!!!!!
還記得前陣子和一個朋友在線上碰到,她忍不住提到台灣司法如何不公,不值得信賴等等..不知道她現在看到總統被起訴的新聞後,是不是會對台灣的司法有信心一點?
今天雪梨這裏陰雨綿綿,難得又濕又冷...

11/04/2006

和T做採訪+週五報告

最近天氣又轉涼了,讓我想到7月時去墨爾本的天氣,也是有些陰陰的.早上和來自Ethiopia的T約好在NSW ART GALLERY採訪.這是最後一段的採訪了,我已經開始覺得這個GROUP PROJECT IS A PAIN IN THE NECK...但是仍然很高興和T聊聊天,他已在澳洲待了14年,目前也正在和M學FILM MAKING.老實說我對非洲的認識真的說不上二句,對Ethiopia印象,甚至全非洲的印象大約就是難民,骨瘦如柴的兒童等等.他說了Ethiopia總共有80個以上的ethnic groups,15個states,最後一次的饑荒發生在數十年前,所以國際間對Ethiopia的印象其實是很落伍的.這讓我想到台灣的國際印象似乎也是如此,還記得申請赴澳時體檢被一檢再檢的惡夢,也是因為在大部份的medical textbooks裏,台灣仍列在TB疫區裏.但是這也早已於事實不符了.
來澳洲以後,更深刻的感覺台灣的幸與不幸.幸福的是台灣並沒有花太大的流血衝突換取目前的成就,不幸的是世界上沒有那一個國家和台灣一樣面臨這麼詭異的國際地位.
星期五終於完成最後一個報告,我選擇的是發展台灣的教育輸出的相關ADVERTISING& CAMPAIGN,尤其是華語海外教育.雖然與政治無關,但是OBJECTIVE難免和台灣目前的國際地位有關.我特別強調-International recognition is one of the best protection for Taiwan's independent status.只見一個中國女生的臉色很難看.韋恩說我雖然措辭溫和沒有任何形容詞,只陳述事實,但是的確是有點stab the Chinese govenment in the eye. 不過老實說,我覺得應該給他們多一點教育才行! 我常常很驚訝為何那麼多學傳播的人仍然會這麼相信新聞管制?甚至懷疑所謂政治犯,西藏問題都是國際媒體製造出來的?
在準備這個報告時,我也和Nardia討論了很久.她是法籍Jewish,做的題目是Palastanian image awareness.我們馬上感到惺惺相惜.大概某種程度來說,Palastan和台灣的命運很相似吧.她給我看一張Palastan近50年的領土變化圖,很嚇人.從50年前的一大片,到目前只有一個圖釘大的國土.我問她那人都跑那去了? "散落到世界各地去了.."
每個國家都會面對不同的問題,但是像這樣的故事總是讓我覺得有點悲傷.


終於可以上傳圖片了,這是去航空展的照片

10/28/2006

Interview Martha

今天去採訪Martha Mollison.之前和她去過Mount Tomah的植物園做側寫.今天去她家完成專訪.我一直覺得Martha的個性非常迷人.也許就是因為她是這麼一個people person所以她的community video film making才會這麼的成功.當然,成功的定義每個人都不一樣.對Martha,最佳的回饋應當就是看到自己協助種下的果實真的發芽長大.她的工作性質相當特別,是community video worker,她以接案的方式到各個部落或是社區拍攝並教部落成員們扛起攝影機,學會用自己的話,以自己的perception為部落/社區說故事.當然,這種工作在film making industry算是少數族群,但是我很欣賞她的創意和堅持.
第一次到她家,我也好奇的東看看西看看,她有隻大狗和3隻雞,每天都會下蛋呢!我想大概是free range的關係雞們都心情很好吧:-)房子是她先生設計建造的,廚房有skylight,顯的特別明亮,望出去就是她的花園,除了雞欄之外就是一塊塊的蔬果和藥草園.我們下午吃的蛋糕就是home grown的,蛋是她的雞生的,桑梓是她家桑梓樹結的果.真是自給自足啊.

10/22/2006

The busy weekend

最近家事很多,前幾個星期才參加完韋恩姪子的婚禮,昨天又去參加姪子babe的滿周歲受洗儀式.和天主教的受洗儀式不太一樣.牧師落落長的唸了大概快5頁的宣言,然後頒發證書分別給babe,父母和教父母.
兩方家族都到了不少人,教父,教母和現場的人都一起見證這個babe正式踏入這個世界.儀式是在mittagong的Lake of Alexandra舉行的.當天非常冷.還好我雖然穿著涼涼的洋裝搭了一雙靴子,看到在場的女生都瑟縮的直發抖.Barbeque的火也一直都不大不小的,大概是太冷又太餓,我連吃了3個sausage roll,回程時不停的burping...實在非常討厭.
實在很想趕快回溫,但是之後又一群人去韋恩姪子家.他家的位置真的是前不著村後不搭店.沿路景觀相當棒.和韋恩的房子一樣,姪子家的房子很小但院子很大...老實說有點小亂,不過,大概有了babe後也很難保持整潔吧?從他的廚房望出去可以看到約500公尺遠的下方有另一戶人家, 房子相當漂亮,隱居在此也很不錯.
韋恩的家庭大概真的屬於異數.同班的Eva來自西班牙,她就說像韋恩家這麼緊密的澳洲家庭是極少數的.嗯,我不知該高興還是怎樣,有時真想逃哇!
還好星期天我們去Richmond看航空展,據說每年的Air Show都相當精采.由於展場是當地的air base, 入場前還有數十個軍人駐守檢查背包行李等,氣氛有些些緊張, 大概是因應反恐行動吧.各式aircraft的特技表演都相當不錯.只是其間拖的時間太長了...
說到這裏,不知這是我個人的習性,還是台灣人的民族性,韋恩說我太沒耐性.總是動不動就問, 還有多久才到某某地? 現在在那裏?...等等等等.

10/13/2006

My first sultana cake!

每次到了每個月都會來的那個禮拜,我就會開始頻繁的進出廚房.一下做個三明治,一下烤個吐司,一下吃碗cereal(在晚上十點半),總之就是吃個不停.
今天也不例外,雖然不太舒服,但是韋恩去弟弟家,我又想懶散一下,包完水餃後沒多久,就想想做個蛋糕好了.
食譜是Nop給我的,她上次做carrot cake味道挺不錯,我也想自己來做做蛋糕.
沒想到真的做成了!天啊,我來這裏除了學歷更上一層樓外,廚藝也精進不少也..意想不到
沒想到蛋糕這麼容易做!我和韋恩有時在外面吃個咖啡點心,隨隨便便就500元...嗯,我該在這裏開個35元咖啡店的...

critical thinking媒體識讀

Poynter看到這一篇有關媒體識讀的文章,我覺得其中提到的觀點讓我印象挺深刻的.在讓人眼花撩亂的媒體新聞/評論節目中,怎麼對這些information有自己的critical thinking? 我一直覺得這是台灣較須加油的一環,尤其是在教育單位裏.如果老師自己都沒有這個awareness,老師又怎麼傳達這樣的觀念給孩子? Dr. Roy Peter Clark 在Oprah Winfrey的節目中有一段話我很認同,
“We have to figure out what the world looks like from all these different points of view. This requires skepticism, which is a great democratic virtue, but not cynicism.”

Skepticism和Cynicism,一個是對媒體特質的awareness, 能比較不同立場媒體的報導並做理智的判斷.Cynicism則是犬儒式的質疑,不問證據,不用理智,迴避辯論,很遺憾,台灣似乎較多Cynicism,較少Skepticism. 我很喜歡Dr. Roy Peter Clark對這兩者的詮釋:
A skeptic doubts knowledge. A cynic doubts moral goodness. The cynic says, "All politicians are liars," or "All journalists have a hidden bias." The skeptic says, "That doesn't sound right to me. Show me the evidence."

上學期針對Oprah Winfrey的book club寫了一篇文章,所以對她開始有些較深入的認識.有些人批評她以self-help的方式引導大眾閱讀經典名著其實是將自己的觀點意識輸入大眾的腦袋,名意上是藉著閱讀解放大眾的心靈,實際上仍是一種控制的手段. 我倒覺得這控制大眾思想的工具大概也不差她的book club這一個吧!沒有她的book club,社會大眾是否就免於被無形有形的工具控制?這似乎也是過於簡單化了.

不管對Oprah Winfrey個人的評價如何,她觀察社會現象並創造議題的能力將她和一般脫口秀主持人做了一個分明的切割.以下節錄Dr. Roy Peter Clark在她最近的一個話題-Truth in America的部份內容:
1. Freedom of expression means nothing if you lack the means to express yourself.

2. Recognize the power of framing as a communication device. People may be telling you the truth, but only a part of the truth. They may be framing events to focus on some themes, but not others. In the immigration debate, for example, the "safety of our borders" is a frame, but so is "America opens its arms to immigrants," and so is "there are jobs in America that Americans will not do."

9. A key value of journalism is to make important things (like health care) interesting for the public. Beware of attempts to make interesting things, such as lurid crimes, seem important -- when they are not.

11. Prefer people who want to have a vigorous conversation to those who want to shout at each other.

12. Be not seduced into thinking that every hot-button issue requires to you be on one side or the other. There may be a middle ground. Don't be afraid to be puzzled or uncertain about an issue. It's OK to be working to make up your mind.

10/11/2006

Happy Birthday, Taiwan

As scheduled, I went to the Taiwanes National Day Party last night. I havn't been to any similar occassions before. I don't know any one there, either. While waiting for something to do, I met another girl who immigrated to AU. when she was 12. It's nice to talk Chinese once in a while. I miss the language.

I also met several interesting people that night. Two gentlemen from the hospitality business. One of them lived in Taiwan for three years since 1985. He used to work for the airlines, now he starts his business in AU. Another one is from Hungary, Budapast (is that the right spelling? :-P). We have quite a long chat. The gentleman from Hungary looks a lot like one of the lectures I admire at school. He suggests that I should give him a ring after the party.
hmmmmmmm...
I'd love to. I want to know the possibility of working in the hospitality business here.
However, I still have trouble of deciphering people's real intentions behind the words. As a woman, I love the feeling of being flattered. However, as a person with a partner, accepting this invitation doesn't seem like a good idea.

I also noticed several things in the ceremony. The Director of General doesn't seem like familiar enough with the English script when she made the toast. It is kind of boring and embarassing to hear she pauses several times without proper reasons. I also think they should do more work on how to presenting Taiwan's strength and characters instead of just a luxurious setting.

But then again, it's always easy to criticize. In general, I made the right decision to skip the class and join this party.

10/09/2006

台灣生日快樂

終於渡過開學以來最忙的2個月,我的影片也在今天下午終於編輯好.雖然不甚滿意,但我是新手嘛,對這堂課也不期望得到distinction,倒是有了些點子可以用在日後的教學檔案裏.明天要去參加台北經濟文化辦事處的國慶酒會,我自願去當招待.
感覺有點好笑,以前在國內從沒去參加過任何和國慶有關的event,倒是出國後比較有動機去參與.
諷刺的事,很多有關台灣的事,是來這裏以後才因為大量的閱讀和research 才對自己的原鄉有更深刻的了解.大概也是因為這樣,才在國慶的時候更有感觸吧!
剛剛去search了一下明天要招待的賓客背景資料,嗯,第一次做"receptionist",還挺新鮮的!

10/06/2006

Thredbo滑雪行ski trip



好久沒寫啦!好不容易在2個星期內趕完4份作業,今天終於可以鬆口氣!寫一下前陣子的thredbo滑雪行.
We're very priviledge to make up the last snow in Thredbo. It's not that I havn't seen snow before, but it is truely poetic and refreshing to see snow falling and covering everything in white. This is my very first ski attempt. Before we left for this ski trip organized by our uni gym, Norp told me to be careful since it is a rather dangerous kind of sport.
Well, yes, but luckily I made it back in one piece. :-)
We stayed there for two nights. We were quite shocked when we learned that the accomodation is actually dormitary styled. So Wayne spent another 80 to upgrade us to a double room.
To walk with the ski boots is a funny experience. The boots are so heavy and protective that it is nearly impossible to walk in usual way. Everyone walks like some mobs with legs outwarded in chinese eight (外八字怎麼講啊?).
I had difficulty of stoping and picking myself up in the first day. Luckily it doens't hurt to fell on the snow. Otherwise I'll have some real bad marks on my butts. I've fell for almost 20 times in the first day. At the end I really wish I can just lay there without having to struggle to get up!
But I seemed to pick up the skill a little bit in the afternoon. I can make a small turn when skiing down the hill. I can pick myself up and stop when I want to.
I felt a great sense of achievement for that!
Wayne said skiing is such a difficult sport to learn, so once you pick up the skill, you don't forget that. Good, coz I think i'll try that again somewhere sometime next year!!

9/15/2006

Art afterhours



昨晚和韋恩一起去Art Gallery of NSW,他們最近有個活動art after hours.我們昨天去聽的小型音樂會是由Sydney Conservatorium of music擔任表演的,品質相當不錯.尤其是第一回,由William Barton擔任主角的演奏我很喜歡. 據主持人介紹, Barton是很有經驗的 Didgeridoo的player,同時也是composer.他和另外3個Violinist, 加上一個演奏Cello,一起合奏Sacred Song.我一直對Didgeridoo的印象是有些單調的樂器,但是昨晚的演奏的確跳脫一般江湖賣藝式的Didgeridoo的印象.另外二回則是Flute表演,笛子這種樂器跟我一向絶緣,就沒什麼太大的感覺.這場音樂會是在一個較小型的硔型空間舉行,牆面上就是正在展期中的畫作,整個空間營造的很有味道.我也注意到這應該是Art Gallery找錢的方式之一,Ernst & Young是露名唯一贊助商.台灣的美術館不知道有沒有這樣多重利用空間的點子,相信對台灣的"叫罵空氣"會有所幫助.昨晚我和韋恩都各有一項戰利品,韋恩買了一幅日本仕女圖複製畫,我則買了這個tea towel:-)

ps.天啊! Optus的寬頻比台灣的撥接還慢,上傳圖片等了5分鐘畫面還是白的....:-<

9/07/2006

Job interview

Although I've got the "Steel Bowl" as a primary school teacher, I'm still very much interested in learning the survival skill in the office. I have numerous experience of interview, some of them turned out to be wonderful, while others remain the embarassing moments in my life.
I believe work interview is an art of quick thinking and presentation, it is also a chance to examine how much you know yourself.
I came across this article and found it very thought-provoking. Exception below is the part I found interesting. You can check the original article by click on the link above. Some of them are rather tricky!!

4. Do you consider yourself successful?You should always answer yes and briefly
explain why. A goodexplanation is that you have set goals, and you have met some
and areon track to achieve the others.
7. What have you done to improve your knowledge in the last year?Try to include improvement activities that relate to the job. A widevariety of activities can be mentioned as positive self-improvement.Have some good ones handy to mention.
8. Are you applying for other jobs?Be honest but do not spend a lot of time in this area. Keep the focuson this job and what you can do for this organization. Anything else isa
distraction.
10. Do you know anyone who works for us?Be aware of the policy on relatives working for the organization. Thiscan affect your answer even though they asked about friends notrelatives. Be careful to mention a friend only if they are well thoughtof.
11. What kind of salary do you need?A loaded question. A nasty little game that you will probably lose if you answer first. So, do not answer it. Instead, say something like,That’s a tough question. Can you tell me the range for this position?In most cases, the interviewer, taken off guard, will tell you. If not,say that it can depend on the details of the job. Then give a widerange.
12. Are you a team player?You are, of course, a team player. Be sure to have examples ready.Specifics that show you often perform for the good of the team ratherthan for yourself are good evidence of your team attitude. Do not brag,just say it in a matter-of-fact tone. This is a key point.
examples.

8/28/2006

就這麼斷了

下午去買墨水匝和運動內衣.發現比較之下台灣的服務業真是無微不至到一種境界.
我到Myer的內衣部逛,拿了2件就到試衣間換.和台灣不同的是,這裏的服務小姐不會主動來問你穿的是否合適,似乎也不會主動協助檢查內衣是否合適.在台灣被服務慣了的我,很不習慣呀!
更糟糕的是,當我要換穿上自己的內衣時,肩帶就這麼"啪"的一聲斷了!!!!!
只好硬著頭皮按鈴(試衣間裏有個鈴)請小姐來,跟她說明原因後,她有些驚訝,大概也有點好笑.
也因此沒得貨比三家,只好馬上穿上新內衣..

8/24/2006

記者和抗議群眾有什麼不一樣?

在msn上看到這則小消息.有點感觸.
不知道某報是那報? 記者回去後報社會如何處置? 記者的行動代表的是自己的還是報社的言論? 記者要總統下台基本上就是個大笑話.雖說不管再公正的媒體都有特定的立場,但是如此"明示"自己的立場的記者,實在有失新聞素養.不管總統該不該下台,這似乎不應該是由記者來決定的? 更何況是利用自己的身份做抗議.那記者和抗議群眾有什麼不一樣?

記者當面要陳總統下臺 【2006/8/24】
  
總統陳水扁下午出席「台灣精品金質獎」頒獎典禮,發生一段小插曲,前往採訪的某報記者,在陳總統致詞結束後,走到陳總統面前,拿起一個紙版,上面寫著大大的「阿扁下台」,並高喊兩聲「阿扁下台」,結果立即被一群安全人員架住,被請出去,陳總統面無表情的離開,而這名記者,則在安全人員盤問後,被釋放。
新聞來源:中廣

兩個呆子去吃韓國料理

昨晚韋恩帶我去別人曾帶他去的韓國餐廳用餐.這家韓國餐廳是自己動手做的那種.
服務生先點好了火,桌上有一個圓圓的大烤盤.
我們點了marinated beef and pork bbq.上菜後我們兩呆在那兒不知所措.
wateriess先上了5盤,我"認"的出那是小菜,正準備開動時,韋恩突然說,那不用煮嗎?
我遲疑了一下,....嗯...這五盤應該就是小菜嘛...但不知是怎的我居然還想了一下,不管餓死了,吃了第一口確定是熟食...就是小菜嘛!!
接著上了二盤生肉,然後...我們兩個呆呆的望著那二盤...
"你覺得我們是要直接把肉放上烤盤嗎? 還是她還會再拿什麼東西過來?"
"喂,我是第一次來也,你應該比我知道規距吧? 你上次怎麼做的?"
"上次我同事點不同的菜也!...上次我們就捲來捲去..."
講到這兒我已經不想和他討論下去了...什麼捲來捲去的...
我直接把兩團牛肉放上烤盤.2分鐘後服務生來了,
我猜她是強忍著笑意說:
you are supposed to spread that roll.
啥? I don't even know that's spread-able!
原來旁邊放的大剪刀是這個用途! 因為那個spread-able的牛肉捲實在很長!我們兩個七手八腳的剪好後已經有點累了...
接著服務生又送來了一盤青菜..生的...怪了,青菜要這樣也用烤的嗎?
我們兩又想了很久....

8/21/2006

Baked Potatoe

韋恩和我都非常愛吃一種墨西哥料理,週末兩個人又忍不住外食了一下.(我們正在存錢準備去滑雪,所以決定降低外食率) 我仔細觀察了一下那個土耳其女生怎麼做這道料理,回家仿效了一番...哈哈還挺成功的呢!
我先用水煮熟potatoe,大概要煮半小時左右才會熟透,要記得用筷子等東西插一插確定它熟透了.熟透後可以輕易的用奶油刀劃十字就可以劃開potatoe了.抹一些奶油上去,若你有準備肉醬,淋上一匙肉醬,再加上適量(我都加一大匙啦)的sour cream,灑一點蔥末. da la...這個在隨隨便便的小吃店也要8塊錢呢!-----相當於快200塊台幣呢...
吃在澳洲真是貴啊...

8/12/2006

Lonely Planet的台灣旅遊介紹

昨天晚上在SBS看到DISCOVERY製作的台灣旅遊專輯.在電視上看到熟悉的街道和市容,突然有些奇怪的感覺.不但如此,更勾起我對台灣料理的懷念,又開始嘴饞了.除此之外,讓我印象深刻的是,裏頭居然有五子哭墓團的介紹.這部份連我都覺得十分新奇.
但是,要是我是節目製作人,我是不會選擇這部份做為"台灣印象"的,一方面這實在和大多數的人的生活經驗相差太遠,一方面大概也是我覺得這個風俗實在不是挺好.
隔天的國際關係的課剛好就講到國家的image PR和其影響的因素.我就想到這種旅遊頻道對國家形象的影響.
有時一個國家的奇風異俗雖不能代表該文化,但在媒體求新異的情況下,distinguish變成一個文化是否有新聞價值的標準,而stereotype也許就是因應而生.
嗯...也許這可以做為我的研究問題呢:-)

8/09/2006

祝我生日快樂

那天韋恩在填Australia Census Day的資料時,猛然發現自己離30初頭的年紀越來越遠了!當然這也不是新鮮事,只是那個數字仍然相當...嗯....provoking.我開始檢視自己到目前為止的成就
1.有房沒? 沒有
2. 有車沒? 沒有,還在跟爸爸借車開
3. 結婚沒? 沒有
4. 有小孩沒? 當然也沒有
5. 出國進修沒? 嗯...正在進行式,總算在離開學校數年後開始實踐自己的夢想.
生日當天,我仍照常去學校的健身房,所以一身"勁裝".韋恩和我約好在big w見面,big w大概就相當於大潤發吧,在那兒買生活用品還不錯,但要我在那裏買衣服..我還是有堅持的.這點他大概還沒學到,居然開始逛女裝部!! 天啊! 我趕快表明立場,我不在這裏買衣服的啦!
---但心裏卻暗暗的跳了一下.我的middle class階級意識似乎越來越常跳出來說: 你真的要和這個"不是很有錢"的人在一起嗎?
...我不是material girl,但想想自己的花費的確也不是很普羅.也許這就是自己存款一直未能顯著提昇的原因.
不過,當天晚餐韋恩的確破費流血很多.他說學校附近有個餐廳,接近門口時我才猛然想起,糟了,我一身運動衣褲要進去那種地方啊? Stamford是一家看起來約4星以上的飯店. 雖然這裏較沒有dress code,但這一身運動打扮仍然有點奇怪.我把很運動的外套留在車上,韋恩打趣的說,就當做我是剛慢跑回來的房客吧!
我們用餐的地點是Parrot room.韋恩先幫我點了orange vodka,沒辦法,對我這種沒酒量的人來說,這算是小孩子的飲料吧?! 可是很好喝也...

半杯後我已經開始有些頭昏腦脹...

還好可以開始用餐了,要不我大概會跟個酒鬼一樣東倒西歪.
餐點是buffet式,冷盤很多.有些口味挺新鮮,但是熱食的部份我不是很喜歡. The chicken is a little over cooked. 但是甜點就很棒了! 大概這才是他們最擅長的! 我連吃了3個杯子布丁呢!!!!

還好當天有運動....

8/03/2006

Tough choice

I'm having trouble of choosing the right courses that fit in my schedule AND to provide concrete learning experience. Yes, there are still courses here that don't reflect the MA level. But here's the question again, if all the courses come in professional standard, how much time do I left to enjoy my stay here?
Thinking....

8/01/2006

和主播共進午餐

這標題很PR吧! 嘻嘻! 不過是真的.
昨天是下學期的第一天上課,早上9點開始,教授來自中國.講話相當慢.我有些無聊的開始隨便亂畫.但是還是在課堂上遇到有趣的人.
她走進教室時我就注意到她了, "Where have I seen this face?"終於想起來她就是SBS的其中一位主播嘛! 那天韋恩還特別跟我說她的眼睛和我很像-就是都有金魚眼啦! (可惡!) 下課後我問她是否在SBS工作, 果然就是她! 她是中國和印尼混血, 原本是主修政治的. 來MQ以part-time的方式修Int'l Communication. 我們一起吃午餐,聊聊台灣和澳洲新聞和政治的不同. 很有趣. 她說澳洲這裏可以聽到很多左翼的聲音, 的確和我的觀察接近. 來澳洲後才發現, 台灣大概是對美國最友善的一個國家了!

我收到信呢!

最近幾天收到幾封朋友的信,好開心! JR是我第二份工作的前輩..嗯...這個用字好像不對...老闆?...好像也不對,反正就是senior copywriter啦! 雖然我對他的第一印象是古怪(現在大概還是有點這個味道), 但是想想自己也不是那麼 不古怪. 離開那個工作後, 我和當時認識的3個朋友, 包括JR, 都一直年年一起過重要的日子. 韋恩曾笑著問我, 你那群朋友是怎樣? 為什麼每個都沒partner? 只限單身嗎? (無言)
算算到現在也快8年了吧?很神奇的是我們4個仍然保持聯絡. 順著JR的留言去看他的小說創作, 很有意思! 大家可以去看看呂如中-我過我的日子!
昨天在作菜時(我已經變煮飯婆了),韋恩又怪聲怪調的在旁邊講類中文的外星語,原來是收到遠在荷蘭的Mia寄來的明信片. Mia終於完成學業,要載譽歸國了!! Mia加油哦! 回台灣還有得拼呢! 希望你不會碰到和我一樣的困境!

墨爾本的移民牆

在墨爾本的south bank區,有一個很有趣的地方. 沿著河岸走上橋,左側立著一面面的玻璃牆, 大約有數十面吧! 牆上寫的是根據國家做分類的移民背景. 我本來以為台灣又會被歸化到中國去, 沒想到台灣自己也有一面牆! 好高興...
照的實在不清楚, 只有國名依稀可見. 牆上顯示的資料很簡單, 就是各移民的母語, 估計人口數等, 以及地圖顯示移民祖國和澳洲的地理相關位置.
雖然澳洲多少有種族問題,但是似乎多元族群對澳洲來說,仍然是正向多於負向. Posted by Picasa

7/27/2006

童言童語

這是上星期六去Featherdale zoo拍的,我和韋恩及小朋友Van一起去.Van昨天說了一句讓我捧腹大笑的話,和大家分享一下:

昨晚我正在幫韋恩按摩,Van也好奇的按了按爸爸的臂膀, 她觀察我的按摩手功很久後...說:

It's like playing the play-doh!

我當場笑翻了,小朋友的想像力真是超級驚人! 當然,韋恩對自己被比喻成play-doh並不怎麼高興就是了... Posted by Picasa

7/26/2006

他說他們不算oz*她說他們不是Taiwanese

最近中東情勢緊張,澳洲這裏的電視台也是整天報不停黎巴嫩的戰況.被以色列軍方炸過的民宅,當地居民的恐慌,擁有澳洲國籍急切想返回僑居地的黎巴嫩人臉上的焦急等等都被不斷的重覆播放.每次播到澳洲記者採訪澳籍黎巴嫩人時,韋恩就開始在旁邊碎碎唸: Who told you tuys to go to the war zone? Now we are going to pay for your trips?! Don't bring your war here! blah blah blah...
這種情緒,我感覺似曾相識.去年底在Cronulla發生的種族暴動,使的土生土長的oz和移民社會間的衝突浮上表面.尤其是中東背景的移民與澳洲社會的格格不入,在媒體報導上看的很清楚.他們的多妻制,漠視澳洲當地legal system等等履履成為新聞素材.
我和已移居美國多年的朋友在線上也聊到這個話題,她問我oz不認同lebannese是真正的澳洲人是不是就和外省人不被認同是台灣人一樣?
我呆了一下.從小對這個議題就相當敏感的我,試著中立的說:It's a touchy issue, isn't it? But the situation here is not quite the same like Taiwan. 不過,這的確是一個很有趣的聯想.
下線後我開始思考她的聯想,我的直覺反應是: huh? Isn't that the other way around? 應該是"外省人不認同自己是台灣人吧?"但其實就連這一句也是過度狹化.看看國民黨裏有多少"河洛人",而民進黨裏有多少"外省人"就知道用省籍分類是行不通的.
同樣是生長在台灣,我和她對台灣的想法卻是這麼的不同.我想我們都背負著上一代的故事和鄉愁,要說對錯也實在很不人性.但也是因為這樣,這兩派的人無法對話,因為沒有理解彼此的"故事"和"包袱".
昨天我看了一段短片, 主講人是一個Lebannese American.因為有這樣特別的背景,她對這兩方的複雜情結更有其獨到的切入點.身為一個photographer,她太知道影像對人們的衝擊.對於2003開始的Iraq war, 她對當時一面倒的媒體報導的想法讓我想到台灣近年來的藍綠大戰-

How are people going to communicate with each other when they are getting
completely different messages ?

How are people supposed to have a common understanding and know how to
move together to the future?


套在台灣的政治環境裏,這不也是成立的嗎?

7/25/2006

一等賞茶莊

一等賞001
一等賞001,
originally uploaded by crystalannie.tw.
很想念可愛的Jo,把出國前去一等賞茶莊照的片子拿出來回味一下. Jo 現在已經被照片裏的還大隻了.真想念她的小肥手腳和小胖肚..babe實在很迷人啊!
最近開始用Google reader訂閱喜愛的blog文章,實在相當方便好用! 我一向對presentation skill很有興趣,一方面是自己在public speeching功力欠佳,一方面也是著迷於許多專業演講人"說書"的本事. 我還記得上學期最後一堂intercultural communication,有一位來自伊朗的同學講cultural shock時,他只用幾張簡單的圖表穿插他自己觀察伊朗和澳洲不同的風俗民情,15分鐘的報告一點都不冷場,而且他完全沒有看稿!
Chris Brogan 寫的這篇14 tips for communicating ideas列出七個重點提醒presenter:

1. Learn more than one way to present your idea.
2. Practice pitching your idea on friends, strangers, supportive and hostile listeners.

這點大概所有要上立院備詢的官員都得練這個功吧!
3. Tailor the way you talk about your idea to the person you’re talking with.

我還記得有一次做媒體寫作課的報告時,因為自己太投入找到的資料了,和小組成員一起討論時,她們幾乎聽不懂我在講什麼,原因就是我沒有把資料換成概念來present.好險有了這個pre-presentation,才趕緊做修正.
4. Check in. Are they following? Let them ask questions.

據我的觀察,大部份的亞洲與歐洲學生都不太會留時間給聽眾問問題..大概也是想省掉麻煩吧:-p
5. Use your audience’s words to explain your idea. You can correct misunderstandings later.
6. Allow “white space” around the ideas. Don’t overwhelm them with content.

7. Try to close with actions, even if that’s to get the person to critique the idea better than, “Oh, that sounds neat.”聽來很有趣,但是怎麼做?對我這個缺乏表演戲胞的人,還是有點困難.

我很喜歡他對presentator 的mindframe的比喻.他說你要假設自己和相要present的對象同搭一部電梯,一路上你只有60秒的時間發表你的想法,這時你就要思考:

1. What are the BARE BONES of the idea?
2. How few words can you use, and still get meaning across? (example: we fill up your ipod).
3. Can you use “crossover” ideas. “Like TV and Radio, only two-way.”
4. What is most confusing? Can you change it?
5. Would a picture help?
6. How much can be explained later without hurting the conversation now?
7. What’s your next sentence, after this new, distilled one?

對我而言,這7頁守則更有提醒的作用.希望下學期的presentation會做的更好!

7/20/2006

Ideas that would make Taiwan more beautiful!
在墨爾本看到這一面木製柵欄.柵欄的另一邊是火車鐵軌.
加上這一道柵欄後,無形中把不是很有美感的鐵路設施美化的許多.台灣的鐵路是不是也能美化一下門面呢?
 Posted by Picasa
看Michael Turton寫的一篇 We are all Taiwanese的文章與相關的comment,不禁讓我聯想到目前在媒體上非常盛行的亂編文化.似乎隨便編個謊言在媒體上公開亂講,不必提證據,也不必回應有沒有證據,只要我編的夠刺激就不必經過檢驗.當然,邱毅不必擔心,還有很多人和他一樣奉行亂編不用負責,張雅琴就是其中一個.
對於吳淑珍的身體狀況,不論是心向那一邊的台灣人都應該有所警惕.曾經在那個年代,說真話會禍延家人.對於這樣的一個歷史事件,身為新聞專業人員的張雅琴更應該謹慎處理.但她卻編了個歷史上從未發現的新事證: 「廿三年前,吳淑珍遭遇一場車禍,…肇事司機外傳是一位扁迷…」。

當然,三立新聞部未對此做回應. 我也想學Turton對所有亂編的政治和媒體人物說:
Citation, please.

7/19/2006

下台後的前副總統高爾

TED是一個鼓勵科技與藝術原創的社群組織, TED 代表的是Technology Entertainment Design. 每一年 TED 都會舉辦為期4天的會議.討論的主題不單是科技,娛樂與設計,實事上,只要是和我們居住的這個地球有關的議題,都在TED的討論範圍內.
我在這個網站上看了許多很有趣的演講,他們的影片品質很不錯,其中前副總統高爾針對全球溫室效應的環保議題所做的演講,非常有趣詼諧.他在演講中也不忌諱開開自己選戰失敗的玩笑,但語氣溫和不失君子風範.最重要的是,他整理出幾項可以從個人與企業出發的環保作為供聽眾參考,也呼籲不管是民主或是共和黨都能一起為改善CLIMATE CRISIS努力.

I'ts not a political issue. ...The republican here...you have more influence
than some of us democrats. This is an opportunity to connected to ideas here
and bring more coherence here. So we are one.

對於高爾這番演講,我有些感觸.一樣是副總統,一樣是選戰失敗,一樣敗的很不甘心.但是高爾的風度和學識讓他更有風采.他的政治舞台也許不在了,但是他對環保議題的關心與實際的行動實踐卻更證明政治家的價值.

Formosa Betrayed
昨天好玩的到敦煌書局網站post自己的另一個blog-Annie's corner.沒想到馬上就在敦煌的網站上被大大的批了一番,只因為自己寫的最近2篇文章有提到自己對台灣目前的感想.老實說我看了那些留言只有淡淡的笑笑.怎麼這些人的行事風格都這麼類似?
只顧著以粗暴的語言和髒話潑婦罵街式的指控,卻提不出證據佐證自己的說法.遺憾的是,這樣的人還真不是少數.
昨晚放Formosa Betrayed預告片給韋恩看.他看了後有點不解的問那裏值得我流淚?我只好說: 你不懂啦! 說真的,那個外國人會理解台灣人的心酸呢? 從葡萄牙人到國民黨政府戰敗來台,台灣人從來沒有參與決定自己命運的權利.只能眼睜睜的看著別人在自己的土地上插上別人的旗幟.
預告片的風格挺好萊塢的,希望台灣的故事能讓越來越多人知道.記得在墨爾本旅行時遇到的那個瑞士女生完全不知道有台灣這個國家.我只好說..Uh...it's close to Japan.
韋恩笑我說...你怎麼不說 it's close to China哩? 對也!我當然的回答也是脫口而出,就是沒想到台灣的另一邊...嗯........有意思.

7/18/2006

APT打電話道歉
本來寄出第二封回應APT的信後,我也不想再搭理這件事了.但是剛剛接到APT行銷副總的電話著實讓我有些驚訝.
她除了再次道歉外,並詢問是否有機會補償我們.一向心軟的我,碰到這種話題總是說不出也想不出個敲他們一筆的方法,只要求她寄一封官方正式文件向我們道歉.
掛下電話後,我很高興自己窮追不捨的態度終於逼的他們認錯.
雖然如此,那位副總仍然逼重就輕,直到我再次提醒她我們付了錢還被放鴿子是等同於breach a contract,她才又忙著再度道歉.
很高興這件事有個完滿的句點,雖然APT道歉也是不乾不脆的,但是至少還算明快.

7/14/2006


畢業了!

不是我畢業,是泰國同學Penny 和 Elle畢業了.我和泰國人似乎很合的來.較常聯絡的朋友中, 泰國人佔多數.
除了中國學生,泰國學生在這裏的比例也挺高的.那天Elle教我3種泰國人互相打招呼的方式..我的天,還真是很古典... Posted by Picasa
走在墨爾本市街上發現一隻小銅狗,好可愛呀! 嘴巴這麼尖,不知道是什麼品種的狗?
墨爾本的棋盤市都市設計很適合自己亂晃.反正不會找不到路回家啦!
真想帶小銅狗去Yarra Valley河岸走走:-)
 Posted by Picasa
原來抱怨專線那麼難找是有原因的!
今早邊吃早餐邊看technorati發現一個有趣的blog-CSR: customer service report.其中有一篇文章名為How to fix your trip. 詳列出若旅途中不幸遭到人為疏失而產生的意外插曲,你該如何和"債主"打交道.
他詳列出10大file a complain的原則.我也交叉比對一下他的建議和這次的APT事件.其中有一點我很能認同, 就是保持理性.在開始寫信前先深呼吸一口氣,不要讓怒氣引導自己寫作的風格.另外還有一點就是,避免威脅的口氣.客服處每天處理的抱怨信件太多了,語帶威脅只會讓自己的抱怨信件更不見天日.還好,這兩點我都做到了.:-)
他的另一篇文章提到有許多公司特意的將高階主管EMAIL埋在網站深處或是用各種名號扮裝讓顧客"找不到人抱怨".這點讓我想到當初試圖找官方的抱怨專線時也dig了好一陣子才找到.原來...這也有可能是刻意的安排?
昨天把給APT的回信寫好了,內容如下.

G’day, ..............,
How are you? Thank you for the follow-ups and the communication with the APT. While we understand the “hiccups” are inevitable, we do not see their serious reflection over this incident. Instead, the letter seems to imply that we should hold the responsibility of missing the bus.
We’d like to emphasize once again that we wait on the right side of the hotel (In fact, there are only two sides we can wait. How hard can it be to find us?). We were there 10 minutes earlier. We stay in the same spot for over 50 minutes. We did not move. And most importantly, we don’t have any “language difficulties” to understand the pick-up place and time written on our recipient.
We are glad to learn that APT care about their customers. However, they didn’t explain the reason of why they fail to contact us by mobile, hence we already paid full fee two days ago. They also fail to offer a constructive suggestion when we contact them, instead, the lady who picked up the phone on that morning blamed us for this incident!
We sincerely hope that APT can start taking responsibility of such “hiccups”. You never know how these “hiccups” can ruin a wonderful vacation.
Thanks again for your efforts!
Annie Tsai

7/13/2006

APT的回應
昨天收到墨爾本INFORMATION DESK轉寄來的APT的信.這封信是針對我和Noporate寫的complain letter所做的回應.內容不外乎再次重申APT對顧客的承諾及他們的獲獎紀錄云云.對於我們提出的疑惑(例如為何沒有先電話聯絡顧客)並沒有做回應.其中有一段還對這件事的起因做了歸納
Sometimes our pickup coaches and our passengers miss their
connection due to many reasons: passengers waiting in the wrong place,
passengers late, language difficulties, coaches late and passengers move
away etc. When this does occur our drivers must contact our office before
they can be given permission to leave the pick up point. The driver looks
for the passenger, checks with the receptionist/concierge and then checks
with APT office.

看到這裏我不禁苦笑了一下,他列出的原因中4項有3項是肇因於顧客.其中有一項還是Language difficulties! 對於他們事先收了顧客的錢卻未履約,有顧客手機紀錄卻未聯絡的事未做任何澄清與回應.我除了轉寄信件給Noporate之外,也告訴她我要再寫一封信才會罷休.她顯然是覺得澳洲官方處理事情的態度從這件事情上就看的出來一些端倪,也勸我就算了吧!
很想把APT的信貼出來,不過似乎這樣有違著作權法.因為剛剛要貼時注意到EMAIL末端有一小段警告文字:-P 總之,我今天就要寫封回信,讓他們知道我們可不是被哄大的!

7/10/2006




澳洲好平哦...
有天站在家附近的SHOPPING CENTRE前等韋恩,忍不住就開始想,在這麼平坦的國家,大概很少有被從高樓跳下自殺的人壓死的新聞吧? 我在想什麼啊?
不過,這裏平坦的LANDSCAPE我倒很喜歡,感覺空曠很多.
昨天下午去完拍賣會後韋恩問我有沒有去過Brooklyn.當然沒有啊,我還沒去過美國哩!不過韋恩說的是雪梨的brooklyn,我們沿著brooklyn到hawksburry一路開下去...好....美...
我還在網路上找到一個網站是可以標示出相關位置與road direction的,很好用哩! 圖上粉色highlight表示起始點.
Hawkesburry的小港口很乾淨可愛.港口旁停著一艘艘各式不同的船.港口相當乾淨,是看夕陽的好地方! 他們還在港口的一個角落規劃了一個天然泳池,照片裏的柵欄是幹嘛的呢?是為了KEEP THE SHARKS AWAY!! WOW....




小型拍賣會
昨天去韋恩爸媽家吃蛋糕喝茶後,我們就開始出發到處晃晃.在路途中發現一個看來並不起眼的小倉庫前擺著auction today的海報.我們決定下車去看看.前院佈置的挺可愛的.不過一進去之後才驚訝的發現自己闖入一場正在進行的拍賣會.
主持人正在描述一把吉他,另一角落有個小姐拿起吉他用手勢介紹,介紹完後開始喊價.我從來沒參加過拍賣會,事實上我以為蘇士比=拍賣會,不是一般百姓會參加的.:-p真呆啊
不算太大的倉庫裏除了有斆序的堆放著各式拍賣品外,還有約20個左右等著出價的買主.拍賣品從看來非常古老的枱燈到刻著中國詩詞山水畫的木櫃,種類繁多.很有意思!
我們決定參加下星期的拍賣會!

7/07/2006

This is my letter to the City Government of Melbourne.
Hello,
We both are international students studying in Sydney and wanted to enjoy our holidays in Melbourne for 6 days. The trip was great as we saw many beautiful and interesting touristy sites. Unfortunately, there was an unpleasant incident during our stay in Melbourne which should not have occurred.
We booked three travel packages through the Information Centre located in the Federation Square on 27/6/2006. We were informed of the time (8:15 am.) and venues (Friendly BackPacker on King Street and Little Burke) to be picked up. Of course, we fully paid in cash during the time we booked and got very excited to go on the excursions. The first and third trips went well, but the second trip (on 29/6/06) did not because neither a bus nor a tour guide showed up at the venue and the time we were informed. As a matter of fact, we were right there 10 minutes before the pick-up time. Fortunately, we have a considerate and responsible eyewitness from Fee, an employee at Melbourne Connection Hostel where we stayed during our first three nights. Fee was on duty that morning and checked us out around 8:05. Right afterward we went across the street to wait for the tour bus.
We waited until 8:45 and started to get nervous because the tour bus delayed. One of us went back to the Melbourne Connection and asked Fee for help, so she made a phone call to APT (Australia Pacific Tour) to find out what went wrong. The outcome turned to be awkward and rather ridiculous (we have to say). APT claims to be the best travel agency in Melbourne, but its professional responsibility for customers did not reveal to us. They said it was our fault not to be there on time; the bus driver drove around the block twice. Therefore, they could not do anything about it. Thankfully, Fee was in our shoes since she knew we were there waiting and waiting for the bus, and the bus never passed by on that day. Fee tried to negotiate for us on the phone which did not seem simple because of APT’s attitude. To shorten it, we had to go for another trip that we didn’t plan for; otherwise, we would lose the money and our day would be spoiled.
What really bothers us though is that they never try to contact us since we left them our mobile phone number when we booked. Please note that we already paid full fee for that trip two days ago.
We found this incident left us a really bad image toward Melbourne. We cannot understand how the travel agent can take the money beforehand and still leave their customers without even trying to contact them. The Information Centre also failed to positively respond to the tourists’ complaints.
We really appreciate the atmosphere and cultural heritage in Melbourne. But we also like to contribute our experience for your reference. There are rooms to improve in regards to the service quality. We certainly hope this incident doesn’t reflect the cultural heritage of Melbourne. And we really can’t share our stories in Melbourne without warning our friends to watch out for such misshapenness.
And once again, we ’d like to emphasize that Fee working for Melbourne Connection helped us a lot, more than the help we got from the Information Centre.
Thank you for your time of processing our complaints. We would like to know if this can make a difference for the beautiful Melbourne city.
Sincerely,
Pei Jin Tsai
Noparat Tananuraksakul
The feedback from the City Government of Melbourne
As I mentioned in my last post, Noporate and I decided to file a complain to the Melbourne City. We did. After a not-so-easy searching for the chanels for complains, I finally find the email address. I wrote an email detailing our experience and stressed how much we love Melbourne and hoping our contribution can somehow better the city.
We received two emails from the city of Melbourne. One of the email seems very sincere:

Hi Annie....as someone passionate about Australia's tourism industry, it saddens me to receive feedback such as your dreadful experiences. On the bright side however, we don't get to know about these issues until people like yourselves take the time to bring it to our attention. So, thank you very much for your informative email, and we are now in a position to act to rectify.

.....I hope this has not been the experience of too many others.

Both letters also stressed that they are going to act on this problem. However, Noporate and I are very skeptical that we'll ever hear from the Melbourne City Government again. But, still, instead of taking the s*it, I want to raise the question and make them see. If everyone of us make the effort of acting on injustice, I believe we're shaping the history in a positive way!

7/06/2006

原本Annie's Corner看來十分雜亂,所以把英語教學和其他分割.A room with a view就是"其他"啦! 我想在這裏寫寫和英語較無關的想法.抵澳快半年了,雖然有在地人男朋友陪伴讓我少了很多適應上的困難,但也更因此接觸到許多更深層的文化衝突.雖然還不到crash的地步,但也讓我掉淚了幾次.:-)

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