Fireproof (Movie, 2008)

Putting Out House Fires, Reigniting Passions

This is a film of a firefighter who decides to take a 40 day Love Dare to save his marriage. “Fireproof” may not be the most profound movie ever made, but it does have its commendable elements, including that rarest of creatures on the big (or small) screen: characters with a strong, conservative Christian faith who don’t sound crazy.

It’s never clear what attracted these two to each other in the first place. But the cast of mostly amateurs (Mr. Cameron of “Growing Pains” being the exception) is surprisingly good.

Among those caring-for-marriage tips are some that anyone could use to improve any type of relationship, with or without the God part.

The Animatrix (2003, Movie)

The brothers W (both Warner and Wachowski) have given fans like us a rare treat: “The Animatrix.”

“The Animatrix” is a series of short films, under ten minutes each, set in the universe of The Matrix. Some of these films are presented as background to the features. Others are obvious devices to plant plot points for the upcoming release of “The Matrix Reloaded.” Still others are stand-alone stories simply set in the world of this future history.

The shorts include Final Flight of the Osiris, The Second Renaissance, Kid's Story, Program, World Record, Beyond, A Detective Story and Matriculated. The only story that really supplemented the core storyline of The Matrix is the first (The Final Flight of The Osiris). Each has its own voice and vision, playing in and around the familiar Matrix universe.

Seattle Trip

This is meant to be a mini-reunion with three other high school buddies, Louise Fu (劉東光), Sandy Teng (甘錦露) and Linda Yang (楊治財). It's been 36 years since our graduation and little chance has spent in gathering. I suppose Seattle will be a good choice since two of us reside there, and better yet, the first visit for me. In addition, I had a chance to hook up with my ex-colleagues Linda and Tom Liu.

LAX Airport

Surprisingly, there was no line in Virgin America counters, neither TSA hassles. What a champ!

Virgin America

As a caveat I would say that Virgin America is a fairly new airline, and it just so happens to have the best cabin slash in-flight features we have seen on an airline. The Virgin America experience is good and fun and modern, but the backbone of quality service is not there. Be prepared to swap terminal since they don't have permanent terminals yet. That's what happened to me on my return flight in Seattle Airport.

Seattle Airport

Sea-Tac is a very efficient airport. On my return day, I was through check-in and security in 5-10 minutes, which gave us plenty of time to explore the new shops and restaurants in the central terminal just past the main security checkpoint. That was the reason for us to leave early to have a 'bagel breakfast' at the terminal.

Louise's Home in Sammamish

Shortly after we arrived, Louise, T.R. (符子榮) and me joined a neighborhood BBQ. They prepared stir-fried vegetables, fruits and a half-way done flan. There were plenty of food contributed by their friendly neighbors. I guess it's a must to build a good neighborhood watch relationship nowadays. Their house is a very modern 10-year old house in a quiet neighborhood, with 5 bedrooms and a den. Definitely, it's a convenience for both of the couple working from home. They moved here a year ago. I love the spacious cabinets and cupboards in the kitchen. I believe it's in demand for every house wife. Not to mention how neatly Louise keeps every utensil in proper orders. Comments: roomy and cozy.

Ferry Ride to Bremerton

Dear Louise got up early and drove me to Pier 52 to catch 7:35 AM ferry. Do you know that it's free from Bremerton to Seattle and costs $6.70 from Seattle to Bremerton? The views were amazing, and the feel of the wind blowing and the cold air made me feel alive!

Bremerton

Tom and Linda Liu picked me up at 8:35 AM sharp at the Bremerton terminal. Bremerton is a naval base and shipyard in Kitsap County. Kitsap Peninsula is a world of small wonderfully independent towns that dot over 300 miles of western Puget Sound and Hood Canal shoreline. Linda and I haven't seen each other since we departed Transamerica in 2000 due to the outsource action. They purchased a house in Seabeck four years ago. She is as demure and sincere as before.

Seabeck

Seabeck, an historic mill community, once a bustling seaport that dwarfed Seattle in population and size, has few traces remaining of its early logging years. A general store, restaurant, gallery, dockside pizza place, post office and the Seabeck Conference Center dot the waterfront now.

We visited the nearby Scenic Beach State Park which has beautiful scenery at this waterfront on Hood Canal. The view of the mountains is something to behold. The park offers picnic areas, tent sites, restrooms - amongst other amenities. It is quiet and serene.
Then we did a short hike in Guillemot Cove Nature Reserve which is a 184 secluded acres of woodsy, winding trails, where the trees seem to have personalities. Took House Trail west to a rocky, shell-covered beach—and views of the Olympics across the Hood Canal.
From here wind down out of Seabeck to the Seabeck-Holly Road and continuing south along miles of wooded roads that twist and bend like a spiral. Notice how few cars along the way. Passing through Holly (don't blink or you'll miss it). We took a couple pictures to prove our footsteps.

Silverdale

We browsed through Silverdale via driving. Silverdale and the surrounding area began an exciting transition in 1971 when the U.S. Navy's announcement that it would be building its Trident Submarine Base at nearby Bangor. Swedish immigrant stepped ashore from a rowboat and admired the beautiful yet rugged wilderness in the 1890's, knowing that this was a very special place. It's a quiet small town.

Poulsbo

Next stop: Poulsbo. There are such peaceful walks and so many beautiful Norwegian style stores to see. We happened to enjoy a flea market by the sea. There was even a Chinese artist present who developed porcelain art from his own painting. What a delight.

Forest Theater

After a light lunch, we headed toward the mysterious Kitsap Forest Theater to see the show 'High Button Shoes'. What a fun afternoon escape. We strolled down the forested trail to the unique and magical outdoor open theater. This lively and lovable musical left us laughing. We even took a peek back at the Model T era as the stage bursts with bathing beauties and even a dancing gorilla! Thanks to Tom and Linda for such a wonderful treat.

Ferry back to Seattle

Bid farewell to my dear friends Tom and Linda before boarding the ferry back. Remember it's free! Sandy already stood at the terminal shooting a picture of me. What a glorious welcome! I met Albert (鄧文昌), a humorous character. We headed straight to Louise's house.

Dinner Feast at Louise's house

Finally, I got to meet Linda (楊治財) and 陳立予, plus Verna (志雯) and Ryan (志翔). They just got off their Alaska Cruise 2 days ago. Four family members plus me all sat down at Louise's dinner table to enjoy the delicious treat. Louise and T.R. prepared mussels, steamed oysters, baked salmon, salad with nuts, corns, buffalo burgers, cucumber pickles, brown rice, 滷豆腐干, 綠豆湯, plus the mixed fruits with champagne grapes brought by Sandy. Not to mention the required element, wine. We shared those ancient, yellowish pictures brought by Linda and me. Everyone just couldn't believe how well preserved they are.

However, it's quite a challenge to name other classmates, even with bets. Sandy promised us to make an album for those precious high school memories.

Mount Rainier

I was the guest to Linda's family tour for the next two days. Today our target is Mount Rainer. 立予 drove us through the north entry and we took a loop trail after a simple lunch at the Visitor Center. Frozen Lake give its name to the trail route we took from Sunrise this particular day. It was nice to see the ice that melted to form the lake. It is protected because it is the main water source for residents. On the way back, we saw a serene Shadow Lake.

Since Linda hurt her shoulder while doing house chore yesterday, we had to stroll slowly. Therefore, it took us 3 hours for 3 mile trail. By the time we hit McDonald's at 7:00 PM, and arrived home at 9:00 PM. Everyone was exhausted, especially 立予.

Pike Place Market and West Seattle

It's supposed to be a 'lighter' day for our driver 立予. We visited Pike Place Market and the first Starbucks Coffee. Pike Place Market, an open-air shopping haven and Seattle Institution, is a must-see for first time visitor alike. It has gorgeous views of the harbour, it's crowded and noisy, as you would expect in a downtown market. The one thing you don't see a lot of are locals carrying a lot of produce. This leads me to believe that Pike Place is essentially a tourist attraction. We missed the famous Fisherman throwing the fish though. I got myself a unique pot of 'spoon rest' with 'Pike Place' engraved. One of the highlights was our stop at the original Starbucks, America's most popular coffeehouse, is Seattle's biggest claim to fame. I was glad to see that Verna was not the only coffee nut. We got a few cups after waiting in the long line. What a great place to shop and spend the day.

After tasting Greek yeeros in the market, we headed Pier 55 to try out the famous Elliott Bay Water Taxi to visit West Seattle. Despite the name, the Taxi has more in common with a bus--it's operated by Metro and services West Seattle (from Seacrest Park near Alki Beach) to downtown Seattle for a low fare of $3 and $1 with transfer. While the shuttle was designed for commuters, it's a great opportunity for tourists to get out on the water with no charge. Commuters will like it for the quick commute to downtown--just 10 minutes. Too bad that we were tight on schedule and unable to get off the bus for 'Sleepless in Seattle' spot on Alki Beach. Even missed the chance to visit where Sandy works.

Banquet at Sandy's House in Sammamish

Another yummy treat hosted by Sandy and Albert, plus two sous-chefs Stephanie and Teresa. We had Salmon, quiche, tomato, zucchini, noodles, tiramisu, peach pie, herbal tea, wine, etc. Sandy is such a well organized hostess and Albert a supportive host who made every guest at home. We spent some quality time at the back yard adjacent to the golf course, talking about the possibility of reuniting again next year. Maybe we can pursue more old buddies to join us for precious moments.

Adios

Time is always so limited when it comes to say goodbye. It is short alright, but sweet. Thanks to Linda Liu, 劉東光, 甘錦露, 楊治財 and their families, who made my trip beautiful and memorable. This is the most treasurable four days since my retirement. I'll be back to Seattle, my friends!

僧侶與哲學家 (The Monk and the Philosopher: A Father and Son Discuss the Meaning of Life) (Book, 1999)

「僧侶與哲學家」是一本父子的對話錄。父親是巴黎大學的哲學教授，著名的文學家，法蘭西學院的院士。兒子是一名巴黎大學的分子生物學博士，成績最優等，指導教授是諾貝爾獎得主。這個兒子被認為是法國自然科學界的明日之星，但在取得學位不久，跟隨達賴喇嘛出家去了。法國知識圈對於這對父子充滿好奇，在這對父子暌違二十餘年之後，法國一家出版社讓他們重逢，父子有了很精彩的對話。「僧侶與哲學家」就是這本精彩的對話錄。譯者是著名的劇作家賴聲川教授，與這名僧侶有深交。

書中以哲學家父親與僧侶兒子的對答貫穿全文，從而搭起東西文化的橋樑。在受過科學訓練、而後轉向佛法修行的兒子說明中，父親企圖找出以理性思維瞭解佛法的途徑，讓讀者揮別佛教是消極、虛無、被動、無為的刻板印象，瞭解佛教具有的人文、社會、政治、科學、哲學層面，而能關照佛法的核心，破除西方加諸佛教的不當神秘主義色彩。

兩人在書中對談的另一重點，是當代汲汲探索的科學與心靈關係。僧侶兒子強調，佛法不是宗教性的教條，而是一種心靈的科學；它也不是純然的知識哲理，更是一種個人內在轉換的實踐。佛法和科學一般要追尋真理，然而佛法的真理教導心靈，才是真正的完美智慧。

正如書尾所說，在這場對談中，僧侶兒子想做的是「分享和解釋」，哲學家父親想做的卻是「分析和比較」。當我們跟隨著不同文化背景的父子進行佛法的追尋時，也正以自己的方式踏上了心靈之旅。

Movie Magic by California Philharmonic

The Music Center's Walt Disney Concert Hall is a marvel. Superstar architect Frank Gehry designed not only s strikingly beautiful building, but also one of the most acoustically superior venues in the world. Cal Phil at Walt Disney Concert Hall concert is the centerpiece of an enriching and rewarding day trip.

Great music came alive! B.A. and I enlivened our Sunday afternoon with Maestro Vener, the orchestra and some of the greatest music ever written. Like the silver panels of Walt Disney Concert Hall, our spirits swooped, soared and sparkled as the music resounds around and within us.

With music from movies 2001: A Space Odyssey, The Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers, Gone With The Wind, Amadeus, Casablanca, The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button, Memoirs Of A Geisha, they allowed us to beat summer's heat in style.

Furthermore, the violist Mr. Armen Anassian brought us the fire and passion of great performances and the chilling excitement in Korngold's Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 35, that is true artistry.

Half Day at Huntington Library

We took this opportunity to have fun with little sister Desiree and her family, plus Mom of course.

B.A. and I visited a 'Downstream: Colorado River Photographs of Karen Halverson' exhibition. Karen is an accomplished landscape photographer who has spent more than 20 years exploring the American West. Along the Colorado River, we spotted a series of historic images we have been, e.g., Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, etc.

In addition, the exhibition of 'Samuel Johnson: Literary Giant of the 18th Century' is amazing. Legendary as a writer, moralist, and conversationalist during his lifetime, Samuel (1709-84) achieved fame with the publication of his Dictionary of the English Language in 1755. A l0t of valuable manuscript are in display.

The quick lunch was spent at the fairly new Chinese Garden. I have to say the food there is a big disappointment. Don't try it unless you really have to.

Geoengineering

If we don’t cut fossil fuels fast enough, global warming may get out of hand. Some scientists say we need a plan B: a giant sunshade that would cool the whole planet.

Some call it hubris; others call it cool reason. But the idea that we might combat global warming by deliberately engineering a cooler climate—for instance, by constructing some kind of planetary sunshade—has lately migrated from the fringe to the scientific mainstream. We are already modifying climate by accident, say proponents of geoengineering; why not do something intentional and intelligent to stop it? Hold on, say critics. Global warming shows we understand the Earth too little to engineer it without unintended and possibly disastrous consequences. Both sides worry that facts on the ground—rising seas melting ice, failing crops—may cut short the geoengineering debate. “If a country starts thinking it’s in their vital interests to do this, and they have the power, I find it hard to imagine them not doing it,” says Ken Caldeira, a climate expert at the Carnegie Institution.

Caldeira is talking about the easiest, cheapest form of geoengineering: building a sunshade in the stratosphere out of millions of tons of tiny reflective particles, such as sulfate. Planes, balloons, battleship guns pointed upward—there is no shortage of possible delivery vehicles. And there is little doubt you could cool Earth that way, because volcanoes already do it. After Mount Pinatubo erupted in the Philippines in 1991, launching ten million tons of sulfur into the stratosphere and spreading a sun-dimming haze around the planet, the average temperature dropped by about a degree Fahrenheit for a year. With carefully designed particles, geoengineers might make do with a fraction of that tonnage—though because they fall out of the stratosphere, the particles would have to be delivered continually, year after year. Still, says Caldeira, the sulfate scheme would be “essentially free compared with the other costs of mitigating climate change.”

If we put up a sunshade without restraining emissions and the sunshade later fails, the climate accident would become a train wreck: The global warming we’d been masking would come rushing at us all at once. That might be the worst unintended consequence of geoengineering, but there could be others—damage to the ozone layer, perhaps, or an increase in drought. If CO2 keeps rising, though, we may face greater emergencies. And what once seemed insane hubris just might become reality.

—Robert Kunzig