閉關三日誌

感謝林淑貞老師的提醒，利用國殤日三天之長週末，完成自己止語三天的訓練。 目的並非剋期取證，也無念頭要成就十萬遍咒語。僅憑一己之私，在無壓力情況下，實行大禮拜、加上交替默誦獻曼達咒、百字明咒、以及六字大明咒。 


三日下來，體驗到止語的精髓，使我根本無暇去妄語、綺語、兩舌、惡囗，天下本無事，庸人自擾之！一個無語的世界就是一個無紛擾的清淨國土。再者，連續數百次的五體投地大禮拜的確讓我腰肩勞損，真有力不從心、齒危髮禿之歎。最後也是挺重要的一環：準備一位負責任的護關者，照料飲食起居諸鎖事，以免心中雜念紛飛，不知所止。 


出關時，但覺身輕氣爽，雖然天空仍舊是藍的，世界依然如故運轉，我衷心祝願眾生離苦得樂，早生淨土。

We Bought a Zoo (2011, Movie)

"You know sometimes all you need is 20 seconds of insane courage. Just literally 20 seconds of embarrassing bravery. And I promise you something great will come of it."  


Based on a real story of, and adapted from the book by, Benjamin Mee, who actually bought the dilapidated Dartmoor Zoo in Devon, England, and turned it into a world acclaimed zoological park. The setting has been changed from the English countryside to California. 


Overall this is a fun and lighthearted film.

Showstopper Dance Performance Competition

We've done it! Competing in Showstopper looked like a big challenge for all of us, until we received a Platinum award for our dancing category. For better or worse, it's an experience. In stead of crying over for spilled milk, we shall continue to further our skills and teamwork. Kudos, my dear dancing mates!

Here is the video clip of 'Beautiful Season': http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7OL9lxQxYc

『故宮數位時代過去與未來』特展, 洛僑中心

中國字如何演變而來, 現場視覺聲光效果, 讓大家看見漢字構形的奇妙, 一筆一畫都蘊含豐厚的中華文化, 這是在國立故宮博物院, 臺灣書院及洛僑中心共同主辦的「故宮數位畫時代 過去與未來」展示故宮數位典藏新風貌.


包括毛公鼎漢字互動裝置, 翰逸神飛影片, 唐宮狂想曲, 互動裝置等動態展區與動畫作品, 讓人充分感受互動體驗的魅力. 主要是著重在書畫藝術的部分, 就是傳統中國繪畫藝術, 包括唐人宮樂圖, 郎世寧的百駿圖, 都用數位化的方式, 能夠認識中國繪畫藝術之美.

也有播放故宮最新製作的「國寶娃娃入寶山」的一個卡通影片, 用比較有趣 童趣的方式, 直接欣賞這個具有卡通化效果趣味的電影, 對於故宮整體幾個重要代表性文物, 都有出現在這個電影裡面, 透過古代美術與現代科技, 完美結合.

The Artist (2011, Movie)

There is an amazing amount of depth to this romantic, stirring and beautiful film, and it is impressive on many levels. The irony is it will probably get overlooked by many film goers because it tells the story of the end of silent movies and this film is silent and in crisp black and white. The "Artist", George Valentin (exquisitely played by Jean DuJardin) is the egotistical, self promoting, prideful man who is also charming, funny, and someone you would probably like. But he refuses to recognize the social impact of talking films. Deserving many Oscar nods is what this film has earned. To top this all off as an extra bonus is a dog who is the Brando of animal actors.

IAI Conference, San Diego

Elegant and sunny, San Diego is truly a city with something for everyone. It was where the IAI (International Association of Identification) California Regional Conference was held this year. Tagged along with Wu-Liang, this trip essentially gave me the chance to loosen.

6 May 2012

Gami Sushi, Catamaran Resort, and Green Flash

We stopped by Julie Kenyon’s house on our way to try out my dream pointe shoe ‘D3O’. After almost one whole hour of fitting, Julie gave up on me. Either my left foot is not twisted enough for the shoe or the shoe is not meant for me, period. Too bad for a dream not coming true!

At least we awarded ourselves with a good sushi place named Gami Sushi and then rushed down to San Diego for an elegant seafood feast at Green Flash. Yummy!

Catamaran Resort sits by the Mission Bay. The property is huge, the people are friendly, and the center garden/jungle with the birds is really wonderful to wander and explore. It is like a mini zoo with ducks, coy fish, parrots, and other birds and animals roaming free within the resort. It was so peaceful and unique. And you know what; our tower building room is with beautiful ocean view!

7 May 2012

Sea World

Both of us recalled our last visit to this theme park was over 20 years ago. Therefore, we definitely would like to visit it again. We bought tickets ahead of this trip for much cheaper price and we didn't have to wait long in line to get in. We went early for every show so to get good seats but suffered from sun burn while waiting. The Shamu show was about 25 minutes long and it wasn't as good as I thought it would be. Next the dolphin show (which including birds flying and acrobats), was much better with varieties than the Shamu show. The sea lion show was funny and cute, but a disaster because one main role refused to follow orders. In between the shows, we saw aquariums, shark exhibit, sea turtles, penguins, etc.

We got on one ride which got us all wet and dried off in no time under such harsh sun. By the way, we skipped lunch due to tight schedule. Should pack some snacks next time.

Animals are great and good little mix of other fun stuff for kids but this place is not for couples.

We rewarded ourselves with another big seafood dinner at Nicks at the Beach before retiring.

8 May 2012

Pacific Beach and Mission Beach

At last, we tried out Tandem Bike to fulfill our curiosity. Boy, it was not an easy task! Taking two people to work hand in hand (or feet in feet) for this chore, and still the bike was too heavy to maneuver. We figured the bike material must play a big role. Once is enough! Strolling along both bay shores was a paradise though, if only I knew the sunburn afterwards. I really admire those bold surfers!

9 May 2012

Balboa Park

Finally, I have a whole day to myself. Deciding to visit Balboa Park again because it’s a must see when visiting San Diego! Balboa Park has it all: Education, fun and beautiful surroundings! This time, visiting the gardens in the park and exploring nice quiet places were my main goal, e.g., botanical garden, Japanese garden, rose garden, desert garden, etc.

There are lots of museums to cater to every taste, if you don’t mind walking.

10 May 2012

Safari Park

Both of us were excited since we’ve never been there. And this date happened to be their 40^th birthday! Besides, it feels good to give your money to an organization that is doing the right thing by animals... rehabilitating and helping species to survive against the odds. It’s a far more beautiful land, spacious and free place than Sea World. Unfortunately, bears and lions were out for retreat. The warning goes that you may not see as many animals as in the Zoo though.

11 May 2012

Sternwheeler Dinner Cruise

Here comes the Conference finale: a dinner cruise on the sternwheeler William D. Evans. It was like stepping into the 19^th century when majestic paddleboats plied the waterways with their cargoes of colorful passengers and their goods. We cruised aboard one of America’s most unique gathering sites, nostalgic creations from one of our nation’s most gracious moments. Gorgeous and elegant!

12 May 2012

Maritime Museum and Coronado Island

The Maritime Museum of San Diego is home to the world's oldest sailing vessel that still sails - "The Star of India".  It was a great example of an immigrant ship. In addition, there are the ship from Master and Commander (a Russel Crowe flick), a Russian submarine, an American submarine, and the art display of Paul Gaugin. We even got on the boat ‘Pilot’ for a 45 minutes cruise of the San Diego Bay.

Coronado Island is a small island town in the San Diego Bay, connected to the city of San Diego by the San Diego-Coronado Bridge. This is a beautiful community that is kept in pristine condition. We also took the chance to stroll around Hotel Del Coronado to satisfy Wu-Liang’s urge.

Yes, this trip gave us plenty of beaches, sunshine and the consequence of severe sunburn. Next time, be sure to put on sun scream every couple of hours and wear big rim hats. Other than that, it did provide me a sense of relaxation. Until next time….

Black Swan (2010, Movie)

Black Swan is about Nina Sayers (Natalie Portman), an emotionally delicate dancer who wins the lead in a contemporary interpretation of Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake.  The new interpretation requires performances as both an innocent white swan and a dark, sinister black swan with equal acuity. Director Darren Aronofsky has created a bold, scary and daring film. It hits on all marks. It is not nice. It is not pleasant. It is beautiful.