倫敦奧運

台灣這屆奧運1銀1銅，相較於台灣2000年以前的成績也不算太差了。而南韓這屆亮眼的成績(目前12金7銀6銅)，可能才是最讓大家氣餒的。其實一個國家只要願意投入大量資金，要在奧運衝刺一下獎牌數目，也非難事。不過，我覺得雖然大家抱怨歸抱怨，人們心裡是不情願花這個錢的。再來，台灣社會的基本氛圍(公平原則)也不可能讓政府像南韓一樣集中資源在少數的運動項目。話說回來，我不支持以獲獎數目為導向的政策或政府。因為奧運獎牌的數目與國民平均的體能素質沒有直接的關係。平均地增進國民的健康，比追求看來風光的數字更重要。

最後，來看一下印度這個大國的表現吧。印度目前一銀四銅，以其國力人口，這豈只是差強人意而巳。不過人家不在乎啊。前陣子看了"三個傻瓜 Three Idiots"，發現印度的教育體制和台灣頗為相似的，一樣地對成績分數的追求過於汒目。不過，不同的是，印度對體育競賽的漠視倒是心口一致，我覺得這也是一種忠於自我的聰明與可愛吧。

Trip to Aroggne

It takes two and half hours from UIUC to Argonne by car, but by train I spent eight hours.

Departing 10:14 from terminal Champaign, Amtrak is by far the best choice commuting between Champaign and Chicago. I happened to met Conner with his bike also on his way to Chicago. He is actually leaving States a few days later.

We arrived at Union Station at one O'clock and then we went to MacDonald for lunch. This one on Ohio St. is undoubtedly the most luxurious one on planet. Conner left around two. Hanging out with my magazine until five o'clock, then I walked back to Union Station to take Metra.

When I were standing in front of Union Station staring at the time schedule of trains, a black man approached and said if I need some help. I kind of hesitated and said I just took a look at these schedules. I said that without even turning around to look at him. He said " Just trying to help, I mean you no harm." and left.

I felt bad actually afterward because maybe he really just wanted to help and I acted like I am afraid of him to begging me for money. Although it happened to me several times that they did so, I should not have behaved this way. From now on, I should always presume they are just kind and then we'll see.

Anyway, I took Metra to Argonne. This train is also cozy and kind of old-fashioned.

At six o eight, I arrived at Lemont station 10 min. southern to Argonne.

New York coincidence

I wanna wake up in a city, that doesn’t sleep
And find I’m king of the hill - top of the heap

If I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere

It’s up to you - new york, new york

Song of Frank Sinatra, the best one to represent this big apple.

It's New York where anything could happened.

Chia-Wei and I were lucky to have his friend, Lin, providing accommodation in Harlem near Columbia University.

Unbelievably it so happened that the roommate of Lin is found to be the roommate of Chia-Wei in senior high. How unlikely this is.

And in the evening of New Year's Eve I were wandering alone along 8 Ave seeking a crack to sneak into Time Square. It's snow raining, not too cold yet not too comfortable. Chia-Wei and Lin had been in Time Square long since 2 o'clock, which is too crazy for me to follow. I took a break in a square in front of a building where I bumped into a classmate of mine in college. Gladly accompanied, we counted down the year together in the Broadway and 57th where Time Square was sparkling far in the end.

After visiting NYC, I think life there would not be too cozy. It's crowed and dirty in general. On the other hand, one could enjoy himself/herself by the best entertainments there, luxurious or not. What's the catch? Money, undoubtedly.

People come to New York City to go after success but leave after they succeed. Maybe that's why it's so dirty. It's home to nobody and nobody care. A temporally residence only it is. Wealthy dirty of a kind.

Three months passed

It's been three months since I had posted my last article on blog.

Three months ago, I passed the Doctor candidate qualifier exam. I believe that would be the last important written exam of my life. I also wondered if that was my most hard-studying summer ever.

This summer vacation is composed of three stages.

The first stage is the first month of it. I went back Taiwan living with my families.

The second stage began from my coming back to USA and continued through the Friday two days before the vacation ended. It's qualifier preparation days.

The third stage only had one weekend. My summer break finally started and came to an end.

And another three months passed. Time flies.

night without computer

Since I wasted too much time with computer, I decided left my laptop in office over night.

After dinner, about 7 thirty, I went back to my room. Instead of sitting down and turning on the screen immediately, I idled for a while. It seemed to me that I am kind of lost.

Nothing came cross my mind, I lied down on bed.

Gosh, what's the meaning of getting rid of computer if I just slept over the night instead. So, should I throw away my bed as well?

Finally, I made up my minding studying the qualifier material. Not until 9 o'clock, I can't stand doing this. My patience is getting short. I grabbed a novel.

Ten thirty, I stopped to exercise.

I did do a lot of things tonight. Without a computer, I felt the leisure and freedom of using time. A little bit bored, though.

戒咖啡第二天

感覺今天對咖啡的慾望消弱了不少

肚子也比較正常了

但雖然是這樣說

下午還是有偷喝一罐可樂來解饞

計劃上禁咖啡的天數是兩天

所以從明天開始我要回復咖啡咽的日子

戒咖啡一天

由於肚子不舒服一陣子了

昨天決定不管如何都不能再喝咖啡了

也不能喝茶

果然，「戒」是不容易的

一整天一直冒出各種念頭、藉口：

「戒咖啡應該循序漸進。先從早上不喝咖啡好了……下午喝可以吧」

「不然Latte好了，Latte比較沒那麼刺激」

……

最後還是都忍住了

恭禧