The 1st Annual New York Sephardic Music Festival

今年當全球正在狂歡度過聖誕節並迎接2006年來臨的同時, 散居世界各地的猶太人更是盡情的在慶祝屬於他們自己為期八天的節日﹕光明節(Chanukah 12/24-12/31). 全世界除了以色列外猶太人口最多的地方--紐約市, 自然也是四處可見一些傳統猶太裔文化的慶祝活動. 而且今年有個很特別的音樂節慶叫做 Sephardic Music Festival.

所謂Sephardi 是指住在西班牙跟葡萄牙, 及那些在15世紀末從這兩個當時歐洲強權國家遷徙到中東, 北非等地域的猶太人. 他們說一種共同的語言叫做 Ladino (結合西班牙語跟西伯來語), 幾百年下來後, 因為語言, 宗教及地域關係形成一種sephardic culture. 今年一些在紐約頗活躍的西裔猶太音樂人在紐約發起第一次有組織性的音樂節, 除了比較傳統民族性音樂的節目之外, 這次活動發起人Erez, a.k.a. DJ Handler (也是紐約音樂廠牌 Modular Mood Record的老闆) 跟 DJ Equal 有high翻天的表演. 另外, 紐約爵士鋼琴名人 Uri Caine 也在12/29在紐約下東城著名的實驗音樂表演重鎮 TONIC和爵士鼓鬼才 Ben Perowsky同臺演出. Uri Caine跟台灣還頗有淵源. 2000年時曾經和DJ Olive與創作才女雷光夏在台灣舉辦"出軌"巡迴音樂會. Uri Caine 在2003年雷光夏的專輯" 時間的密語" 也有跨刀演出.

我去了29號那場音樂會, 節目開始後只見Uri Caine 雙手就像是兩隻互相追逐的蝴蝶一般在鋼琴鍵上此起彼落, 除了豎起耳朵專心聆聽外, 眼睛也得目不轉睛的盯著才能跟得上他的雙手. 相對於Uri的專注, Ben 則好像都一副吊兒啷噹的樣子. 看他手忙腳亂的打鼓, 耳朵聽到的卻是和鋼琴旋律搭配極佳的鼓點, 讓人有忍不住也想手足舞蹈的衝動. 後來還請了一位大概是來自中東的female special guest 唱起傳統的sephardic music. 紅色昏暗的燈光跟女主唱千迴百轉的唱腔又仿彿將時空帶到葉門夜晚的小酒館裡面(雖然她是唱西伯來文). 讓現場的聽眾們多了幾分醉意.

雖然是慕Uri Caine之名而來, 偶爾當一下猶太人, 其實也蠻有意思的.

Ready Freddie

Ready Freddie! 是每當已故的Queen前主唱Freddie Mercury在台上喊著Are you ready for “a crazy little thing called love”? 台下成千上萬的觀眾一致的回答. 上星期天Queen跟2005年才加入的新主唱Paul Rodgers (前Bad Company主唱) 在New Jersey的Meadowland開啟了睽違23年的美國現場演唱會(另一場將在LA的Hollywood Bowl演出). 我沒去﹗

對我來說, 理由很簡單. Without Freddie, Queen has no “King” anymore.

當然這樣說對那些曾經嘗試或被考慮接替Freddie成為Queen新主唱的眾歌手們很不公平. 只是當你從小看Queen的Live錄影帶, 被Freddie Mercury誇張卻不做作的肢體語言, 不能再緊的緊身褲給震攝住, 當然, 更被Freddy如呼吸般一樣簡單自然, 忽而陰柔忽而狂野, 流轉圓暢的唱腔給吸引住. 其實Freddy早已將他的靈魂注入每一首Queen的歌曲了. 打賭一塊錢, 星期天在演唱會現場的人, 不論是聽到Paul唱Another one bites of dust, I want it all 或是Bohemian Rhapsody腦子裡的聲音跟影像一定是Freddie Mercury的. 果然, 從報導得知當Paul Rodgers也唱到: Are you ready for a Crazy Little Thing Called Love時, 台下觀眾齊聲高喊﹕“Ready Freddie!” 好笑的是該樂評用“臉部抽蓄”(wince) 來形容Paul Rodgers當時臉部瞬間表情. 這說明了 Nobody will never, ever replace Freddie Mercury, Period.

如果唱“rock and roll”的不是Robert Plant, 唱“Jenny’s got a gun”的不是Steve Tylor, 這些歌聽起來會還是一樣的感覺嗎﹖80年代跟Iron Maiden齊名的德國Speed Metal團Helloween在年輕主唱Michael Kiske離開後, Keeper of the seven keys的Keeper也就不見了. 當然Queen的元老Brian May, Roger Taylor, 吉他跟鼓的solo 也應該還是可以讓大家聽得熱血沸騰. 不過無法改變的是只要一提起Queen, Freddie Mercury那緊身衣打扮及消瘦的臉頰馬上會浮現腦海. 聽搖滾樂以來就夢想有天能夠聽Queen現場演唱會, 沒想到我就輕易的pass過這千載難逢的機會. 畢竟如果台上不是Freddie Mercury---搖滾界公認20世紀最偉大主唱, 實在沒辦法說服自己是在聽Queen. 嗯, 去租個Queen的Magic Tour DVD比較實在吧﹗

NY loves NOLA

再過幾天就是紐約911四週年了. 但今天的紐約最熱衷的事情不是要如何紀念緬懷四年前的慘痛記憶. 而是在未來兩週裡, 在紐約各地個表演場所甚至酒吧都可以看到紐約客在為受到卡崔娜颶風蹂躪後的紐奧良災民募款. 其中最有代表性的是由非洲裔超級名模Naomi Campbell發起的在即將展開的'流行週"中捐出走秀所有所得的活動. 對坎貝兒來說, 紐奧良意義重大. 她15歲時找到生平第一份模特兒的工作就是在紐奧良, 也開啟了她日後成為世界超級名模的路. 據紐約媒體報導坎貝兒在這次'流行週"走一場秀的價碼是5萬美金. 她計劃接下6場左右的秀. 之後將全部所得捐給紅十字會代為處理.

老牌喜劇演員"天才老爹-Bill Cosby"則將在林肯中心主持一個爵士樂的慈善義演晚會除了在紐約的公共電視台PBS現場傳播外現場錄製的CD也會義賣. 當今爵士樂壇最知名的如Wynton Marsalis, Petr Cincotti, Elvis Costello 跟Diana Kradll等都將同台表演. 另外在曼哈頓, 布魯克林超過12家以上的大小有現場演奏爵士, 藍調的酒館也都將捐出他們部份所得供做賑災之用. 如果說紐奧良是爵士樂發源地, 那說紐約市是爵士樂發光發熱的地方一點都不為過. 而一些外百老匯及喜劇俱樂部也都有共襄盛舉的相關活動.

對紐約客來說, 不管是要慶祝狂歡, 還是要紀念緬懷, 喝酒是少不了的. 現在連募款更是變成了酒友們下班去喝兩杯的正當理由. "Save New Orleans cocktail Hour" 將在911隔天下午5到7點展開. 每點一杯10美元的紐奧良式的調酒意味著就會有部份酒資捐給那些因為這次天災在紐奧良失去工作或家園的"餐飲業相關的員工". 夠義氣吧﹗

我想此時紐約客的心情應該是很複雜的. 911之痛其實還歷歷在目, 並未走遠. 面對這次颶風為美國南部所帶來的災難更能將心比心, 伸出援手. 畢竟不管是人禍還是天災, 失去家園, 親人的痛苦是沒有人願意去經歷的. New York loves New Orleans, truly!

Looking for a new New Orleans

Canal Street 變成名符其實的都市運河, French Quater 宛如威尼斯, Bourbon Street 上只見一群人從附近被破窗而入的商家"滿載而歸"的拿著他們的戰利品走出來. 從這些電視畫面完全不能想像這個原本大家都想來大啖美國南方美食, 聆聽正統爵士樂, 探訪法國殖民時期古蹟的"Big Easy", 現在變成一座惡水上的鬼城.

曾經兩次來到紐奧爾良, 每次總不免俗的要去逛紀念爵士大師路易. 阿姆斯壯公園, 到Preservation Hall坐在連椅子都散發出爵士味的角落裡聽"The Band"一場滿是靈性的演奏. 駐足街上與老黑人的黑管獨奏的音樂神遊, 或是花個一兩塊美金看在你面前表演流暢踢踏舞的小孩. 即使不是在二月的嘉年華會時, 仍然可以在入夜候看到酒過三巡的金髮辣妹裸胸索取男生手中各式珠鏈的春光. 而"美食"這兩個字跟紐奧爾良是分不開的. 生蠔, 小龍蝦, 鱷魚肉及有著特殊香味的法式混美國南方料理(cajun food)保證讓你精氣神十足. 又有誰會忘記那 Cafe Du Monde 奶香四溢的Cafe Au Lait及鬆軟香甜的Beignets? French Quarter是全美唯一可以拿著酒精飲料在街上大搖大擺邊走邊喝的地方. Strawberry Daiquiri, Pina Colada, Hurricane 等各種熱帶雞尾酒任君挑選. 市區走累了, 那搭叮噹車沿途欣賞市郊的千萬豪宅吧. 或是到有"南方哈佛"之稱的杜蘭大學(Tulane University)感受一下學術氣息. 在紐奧爾良一切就是都可以如其匿稱"Big Easy"一樣的隨性.

如今一場颶風讓將這些代表紐奧爾良的景像摧毀殆盡. 取而代之的是如去年印尼亞齊省海嘯過後的殘破. 芝加哥在二十世紀初發生了幾乎燒毀全市的大火災. 經過後人的重建, 不久後即成為屹立在密西根湖畔的一個偉大都市. 我相信"新"奧爾良一定會再回來的. 以美國南方黑人樂天知命, 隨遇而安的個性很快就能把那Big Easy的精神找回來. Preservation Hall仍將座無虛席, 路易阿姆斯壯的故事會繼續流傳. 街頭跳踢躂舞的小孩又會笑容可掬在觀光客面前獻藝. 或許那時候隨性慣了的紐奧爾良人在Bourbon Street上賣的那些雞尾酒會多一種叫做卡崔娜的調酒吧.

Where are you?

It's been 16 years.
Actually it's been more like 21 years since you were gone.

Would life be any different if you were still here? Better or worse?

Then, I was too young to tell what's gonna change.
Now, I am old enough to feel the vacancy that will never be filled

Where's that figure? Where is that hand?

Question Mark

I ask: ???????
You reply: !!!!!!!

I then ask: ????????????
You then answer: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I keep asking: ????????
You keep answering: !!!!!!!!!!

In the end, we both:
...............................................................................

emotionally drained

Tears are about to flood
Heart is pumping hard
Muscle tone keeps on raising up
Zillions of things flash thru my brain
Yet no expression on my face

why bother

I've cried before
My heart's been hurt not too long ago
My body's been weakened also
And my brain has been close to explode

When I think of death, I see peace
While I'm in darkness, I feel soothed
Spreading depression, emotionally drained

Please don't leave me a stinky bag of human skin
Let ash to ash, dust to dust

numb

over and over and over again
repeat after repeat after repeat
going on and on and on
circling round and round and round

Earth circle around the sun like this
Moon circle around the earth like this
I circle around you like this
you circle around me like this

over and over and over again
repeat after repeat after repeat
going on and on and on
circling round and round and round

I preach to you over and over again
You repeat the argue after argue after argue
Life is going on and on and on
Blood is still circling round and round and round

Finally it gets worn
Finally it get torn
Finally it gets numb

Yet, here it goes

over and over and over again
repeat after repeat after repeat
going on and on and on
circling round and round and round

lonely soul

Feeling so small.
Small enough to fit in a tiny test tube.
Small enough to fly with the dust which was swirled way up in the sky.
Small enough like a lonely soul dangling in the wind

When you feel lonely, you shrink.

As I was waiting for R train.
I saw those mice seem to lead a more meaningful life than I do.
They are not lonely.

Biggest city, smallest being
Alive but not existing
Feel but no sensation

Days like this
Nights like this
Life like this

亂

有時候, 迷惑著. 愛到底是一個信念, 是一個承諾. 還是像吃喝拉撒睡一樣的一種習慣?
也有時候, 氣餒了. 所有的堅持, 所有的樂觀, 就是無法解開別人心中情緒的死結.
這個別人, 我的最愛.

熱浪侵襲紐約, 颱風橫掃台灣.
兩顆心, 承受著前所未有的風暴.

尋找一種引力, 能將所有的不平衡, 不協調, 不安定, 拉到一種動態平衡.
或許來點DHPG, 讓所有神經細胞synchronizedly discharge.
變成節奏明快的tango.

思念

化我的思念, 为白云片片
飘过平原, 飘过高山
飘到你的头顶窗前
默默的投给你我那爱的诗篇
一千遍一万遍

化我的思念, 为蓝星点点
闪在黑夜, 闪在凌晨
闪在你的眉睫梦境
轻轻的弹给你我那爱的琴键,
一千遍一万遍

化我的思念, 為山花朵朵,
开满山谷, 开满丘陵
开满你的发鬓庭园
暗暗地寄给你我那爱的书简
一千遍一万遍

How cute are they? These two tots are really irresistable!

Intelliegence and Behavior

A giant step for a tiny researcher like me! I have been recruited to be a reviewer of a new online scientific journal named "Intelligence and Behavior". It's really an honor to me! That means my work all these years have been recognized and the most importantly get some respect. I know it will be a huge challenge and won't be easy for me. With hard work I hope my career can take off from here and the sky is the limit. This should be the best birthday present for me!

王建民 vs 明尼蘇達雙城隊

這星期天早上七點(台北時間), 王建民將在明尼蘇達雙城隊主場出賽. 這將是王建民的第七次出賽及第六次先發. 也是繼上星期天在紐約對紅襪隊出場中繼四又三分之二局後另一場非常重要的比賽. 在星期天以前王建民戰績是三勝一敗, 表現算是傑出, 但仍有球評認為王建民並還沒接受強隊的試煉. 真正實力還難以斷言. 而在星期天的中繼表現則是受到大聯盟名人堂的前紅人隊二壘手喬, 摩根對王建民實力的肯定. 認為王在大聯盟的前途將非常看好. 即將遭遇的雙城隊是最近三年蟬聯美聯中區冠軍的年輕隊伍. 陣中雖然沒有巨砲型選手¸但從一到九棒, 幾乎每個人都能打能跑. 如果能壓制雙城隊機關槍型的火力對王建民的身價則又會大漲不少. 這場比賽對王建民的一大考驗是如果有球員上壘時¸王如何牽制住跑壘員, 不被盜壘. 另一個對王建民的測試則是場地因素. 雙城隊的球場是人工草皮. 滾地球的彈跳速度比一般天然草皮要快得多. 王建民是個滾地球型的投手. 在此球場好處是一旦壘上有人¸打者打出滾地球後, 如果落點在內野防守球員附近則很容易導致雙殺. 壞處則是如果球打穿越內野守備時很容易就跑到全壘打牆形成二壘以上的長打. 因此王建民如何與捕手配球將是非常的關鍵(如果能出現較多的三振會比較有利). 當然洋基隊的守備也必須要挺住才行. 王建民唯一敗投就是在人工草皮的球場(坦帕灣的純品康納球場), 那場比賽中王投得不算差. 但是被打出不少場地因素的安打而失分. 洋基隊的投手教練跟王建民自己一定也知道這個因素. 屆時王表現如何, 就拭目以待吧﹗

持續進步的王建民

王建民的第三勝延續了他登上大聯盟以來的一貫表現. 即“有效率的投球!” 對底特律老虎隊一戰, 6又1/3局裡總共只投出77球, 其中包括50個好球. 總教頭托瑞跟和王建民搭檔的捕手波沙達都同聲稱讚說看王建民投球真是個很棒的過程. 他們並指出在王建民的內心裡似乎都自己有一套計劃該如何來對付打者或因應緊急狀況. 這從王建民分別在第四局及第六局在兩人上壘後均能夠讓後面的打者擊出結束該局的雙殺打可以證明. 在第四局已經失一分時, 一二壘有人, 一出局的情況下, 王建民面對強力左打楊格時, 投出一球媲美洋基終結者瑞維拉最拿手的切球, 球進好球帶後微偏向左打者的內角, 讓楊格打出一個二壘方向普通的滾地球導致雙殺. 危機解除. 同樣的在第六局上, 在一三壘有人一出局的情況下面對老虎隊的明星捕手伊凡, 羅德里格斯時, 則祭出自己最在行的伸卡球. 結果羅德里格斯打出一支往游擊手基特的滾地球, 洋基隊長在接到球之後自己先踩二壘再快傳一壘完成雙殺的守備. 這兩次危機的解除真的表現出王建民跟其他一般菜鳥新秀不一樣的特質. 不容易自亂陣腳. 尤其是在隊友發生失誤的情況下(第六局). 所以當王建民在七局上遇到類似一三壘有人一出局的情況下, 總教頭托瑞上來將王換下(此時王只投77球)去讓我有點驚訝. 因為原本接下來要面對的打者卡洛斯, 皮納的打擊率還不到兩成. 教練應該有信心讓王建民對付他才是. 所幸洋基隊的牛棚跟隊長基特的美技防守保住了王建民的勝果. 同時這也是王建民連續兩場比賽沒有投出任何四壞球保送打者, 表示他的控球更加精準. 縱觀王建民上大聯盟以來五場投球的表現, 幾乎每場都有令人雀躍的進步. 相信這將讓洋基隊管理高層及球迷們更難捨得將王建民交易出去.

王建民二連勝﹗

跟五天前同樣的戲碼, 但這次換在西雅圖的Safeco球場上演﹕王建民 vs 西雅圖水手隊 part II. 當然結果也是一樣﹗紐約洋基隊6, 西雅圖水手隊3. 王建民先發六又三分之一局, 被擊出六支安打, 無保送, 投出4K, 失三分獲得二連勝. 但這次勝投對王建民的意義遠超過上個星期在紐約主場的比賽. 第一, 這是王第一次在客場贏得勝利, 西雅圖的球迷在美國來說是有名的死忠的﹗他們的團結可從對艾力克斯-羅德里格斯(A-Rod) 每次上場時震耳欲聾的噓聲得知( A-Rod 是前水手隊培養出來的明星游擊手, 2000年時推掉水手隊給他的新合約, 接受德州遊騎兵隊十年兩億五千萬美元天價的合約而變成西雅圖的“全民公敵”). 而王建民能在客場第一局下就丟兩分的情況下之後連續解決17名水手隊打者, 直到第七局才又被連續擊出兩支二壘安打失一分後才退場, 並且整場沒有投出任何保送. 這絕對是大聯盟頂級的演出﹗第二, 水手隊今年戰積不佳, 是因為先發投手陣容不強. 但該隊的打線絕對是一流的. 鈴木一朗不需多介紹, 而開季至今還在適應美聯投手的重砲打者貝爾崔(去年國聯全壘打王)跟賽克森, 已經逐漸回溫. 並且在上個週末對去年冠軍波士頓紅襪隊的三連戰中贏得兩勝. 其氣勢正要轉旺. 結果星期一遇到王建民除了第一跟第七局之外, 水手隊的打擊完全被王封鎖﹗王建民成功的將洋基隊的連勝戰積推至九場. 也讓紐約球迷球評們更相信王建民是“貨真價實” 的大聯盟投手( real deal)﹗

縱觀王建民星期一對水手隊的表現, 有幾點必須提一下. 第一, 有了前一場勝投的結果,王建民顯然更信任老將捕手佛萊厄提的配球. 從第二到第六局的投球非常流暢. 放得很開. 第二, 從這場比賽中可看見王對自己的快速球更有信心. 也逐漸增加快速球在他球路上的比重. 洋基隊的教練一直不認為王建民是個強力型投手, 之前三場比賽王建民也的確沒將他的速球淋漓盡致的發揮出來. 當然這與他初上大聯盟的心理壓力有關. 而這場比賽不時看到王建民投出94英哩的快速球. 更有飆出95英哩的. 王在第六局對付最後一位打者賽克森時以一記94英哩, 偏內角並且有點上飄的快速球讓該右打者揮棒落空三振出局就是他對自己的速球更有信心的經典之作﹗第三, 王建民對左打者的畏懼似乎又減少了一些. 這跟他的伸卡球投的越來越順也有極大的關係. 洋基總教頭托瑞在賽後說﹕“他(王建民) 就是直接衝著打者投球”, “王看起來一點都不像是只在大聯盟投過四場的菜鳥投手”. 就是也看到王建民的進步跟沉穩. 第四, 王建民在七局下先解決一名打者之後連續被敲出兩支二壘安打失一分後退場. 其最大原因, 也是王以後要調適自己的功課, 是如何讓自己在較長的休息情況下(big innings, “大局”, 自己球隊進攻大量得分時) 不讓手臂冷掉及心理的穩定性. 因為在七局上半洋基一輪猛攻, 從1:2落後到5:2領先, 總共打了九個人次. 這個比較長的休息反而打亂了王建民投球的節奏, 可能也讓他的身體稍微冷下來一點. 所以他下半局的伸卡球下沉的不夠而變成合打者的好球帶中間的的球. 才被擊出安打. 對一個滾地球型投手如王建民來說, 保持投球的節奏非常重要﹗而洋基打線現在正熱, 可能常常會有“大局”出現. 王必須注意休息時身體狀態的維持.

雖然現在已經有謠傳洋基將用王建民當籌碼來換回七度賽揚獎得主老將克萊門斯. 但王建民頭四場的表現已經清楚的讓整個大聯盟看到這位來自台灣的年輕新秀的前途不可限量. 轉不轉隊, 王建民已經在大聯盟激烈的競爭中為自己贏得一席之地了﹗

(台灣棒球)歷史是在這裡被創造的﹗Baseball histories were made here!

Yankees Wang! The Yankees Wang! ” 這是擔任紐約洋基隊比賽轉播(play by play) 電台的著名播報員 約翰, 史特寧 (John Sterling) 於前天洋基的終結者瑞維拉在九局上解決西雅圖水手隊最後一位打者後的歡呼. 咋聽之下¸覺得怪怪的. 因為John在每次洋基隊贏球之後的“註冊商標” 用語是慷慨激昂的喊出﹕“Yankees win! The Yankees win!” 怎麼會變成“Yankees won! The Yankees won! ” 呢? 原來John是將這場比賽的勝利向“王”建民致意啊﹗當一個在美國大聯盟職棒轉播界非常受到尊敬的播報員將他註冊商標的結尾語轉成對一位來自台灣的年輕小伙子的致意, 不難了解王建民投三場的表現是如何的讓洋基人印象深刻與喜愛﹗

個人有幸住在紐約, 所以王建民兩場在洋基主場的先發都能到現場觀看. 雖然現場看球氣氛熱鬧. 但很多精彩鏡頭的重播或球評對球員的評論是無法從現場比賽而得知的. 所以我都會另外帶著收音機, 同時看比賽也同時聽評論. 更能知道棒球人士對王建民表現的評價如何. 加上在客場的一場, 三場比賽下來, 紐約球評們對王建民都是稱許有加. 其中最受用的不外乎洋基隊的總教頭托瑞對王建民球路的描述. 他說﹕ “王還不算是個強力型投手(球速動輒95英哩以上), 但王的快速球則是非常“刁鑽”(sneaky), “尾勁”(late movement) 很好”. 懂棒球的人都知道, 這種快速球的尾勁是教不出來的. 因為投手自己也無法百分之百確定球進好球帶後會如何跑. 對打者來說, 原本看似是直直進來的好球, 大棒一揮, 卻都無法打到球心. 通常只能打出滾地球. 這也是為什麼王建民三場比賽下來, 還沒有被敲出全壘打的主因. 另一位在洛磯隊的台灣投手曹錦輝擁有97, 98英哩速球的能力, 但他速球的尾勁沒王建民的刁鑽. 對大聯盟的打擊好手來說要打中不是太難. 所以曹在剛上大聯盟時, 時常飆出95, 96英哩的快速球卻還是被敲全壘打. 不過曹錦輝在轉成洛磯隊的終結者(closer) 之後, 更懂得搭配不同球速的球路 (以86, 87英哩的滑球配上95, 96英哩的速球) 讓打者難以保持揮棒時身體的平衡. 表現也是漸入佳境.

回過頭來看王建民, 除了他尾勁刁鑽的速球之外, 最讓隊友及教練稱許的是他臨危不亂的穩定情緒. 和他的速球一樣, 這也是教不來的. 和王建民搭檔兩次的洋基老經驗捕手佛萊厄提就說﹕他從沒見過像王建民一樣能夠在遭遇亂流時還能如此沉穩的新秀. 這對洋基隊來說, 真是一股清新的氣息啊﹗

王建民所取代的原本先發投手, 賈瑞萊特, 大概還要近一個月的時間才有可能歸隊. 在那之前, 如果沒有其他變動的話, 王將分別先在西雅圖客場先發(5/16 美國時間), 然後回到紐約在客場遭遇大都會隊(5/22, 一年一度的紐約地鐵大戰 subway series), 而月底將在主場面對洋基隊的世仇波士頓紅襪隊 (5/29). 再沒有任何球季中的其他大聯盟比賽能比連續面對大都會及紅襪隊給王建民更大的震撼教育. 洋基隊對這兩隊的系列戰甚至在開季之前早就銷售一空﹗屆時將有超過五萬多人的球迷擠爆球場來觀看王建民出賽. 這對王來說才是今年球季最關鍵的比賽. 因為等萊特歸隊之後, 王建民最可能的命運還是暫時被送回小聯盟3A的快艇隊. 等到九月正規球季到尾聲時, 球隊可以將原本25人的大聯盟球員上限擴充到40人時再被征召上來. 如果王建民在面對大都會隊及紅襪隊的表現能有像頭三場的水準的話. 第一, 洋基將會“捨不得” 在季中將王建民當作籌碼交易出去, 第二, 將可以確定王建民明年, 2006, 在洋基隊至少能排第五先發的地位, 取代今年是合約最後一年的凱文布朗.

陳金鋒, 曹錦輝, 是台灣棒球員來美國大聯盟打拼的先行者, 都是台灣的驕傲﹗但洛杉磯道奇隊跟科羅拉多洛磯隊在美國大聯盟職棒的歷史是無法跟紐約洋基隊相比擬的. 而洋基球場(Yankees Stadium) 更是被形容為美國棒球的聖殿(Cathedral of Baseball). 洋基死忠的球迷也敢自豪的說“歷史是在這裡(洋基球場)被創造出來的﹗(Histories were made here)” 如今, 台灣人成功的新歷史也在這著名的洋基球場被王建民創造出來﹗國人要繼續給這些在海外為台灣, 為自己奮鬥的球員支持鼓勵, 讓這些台灣之光繼續發光發熱﹗

Taiwan On!

Wow! That's the only word I can say after witnessing Chien-Ming Wang's performance on last Saturday. I guess so did the editor of New York post! Here is the front page of Sunday's New York Post sport section:


What's the better advertisement of Taiwan than this?

People were amazed how calm and poise Wang was on the pitcher hill. Couldn't smell any nervousness of a rookie. Really wish Wang can establish his role in Yankees rotation. Even that means I have to save more bucks for the coming games that he may pitch for the Yankees! I bet it definitely worthy!

Wow! Can't wait for tomorrow coming soon enough! Even I only got two seats in the upper deck. Actually I should feel lucky cuz there probably no more tickets left for tomorrow's game now. Maybe it's a coincidence, maybe it's meant to be! I bet Chien-Ming Wang will surprise the hell out of sold-out crowd tomorrw with a stunning major league debut!

Gotta make a poster to show my support to our countryman! Hope the cameraman can catch me during the game! :p

a weekend of two extremes

What a gorgeous weekend in NYC! Temperature was in the 70s, Crowds were all ove the streets. Nice brunches at Popover and in Chinatown. Street fair and lots of sunshine!



Can't beat that, right? No! Cuz Yankees sucked over the weekend! They were swept by the Orioles. So far Yanks are 1-5 against Os. That's the total losses of Yanks to O's all last year. What's going on here? Hello!? Is anybody home? I know it's still early but just the way they played so far. It's really unwatchable!

One thing keeps coming to my mind is the "Back to The Future" movie. In that movie, The long suffered and cowardly George (Marty's dad) took a swing at big bad Biff in the end. Biff lost his balls all of a sudden and it turned the thing around totally. I put that analouge to Yankees loss last year to the hated Redsox in the playoff. It's like after that historical punch on the face by Bosox, Yankees suddently loss their aura or mystic. That really bothers me a lot!

A-Rod now almost becomes the public enemy No.1 among Yankees fans. Bullpen can't get any worse. Starting pitchers are not consistent....I am loosing it! Ah~~~~~~~

A-Rod or A- Rust

A-Rod in a early season slump? Come on! The higheset paid baseball player ever didn't match his performance with his salary in the early season. Jim Kaat apparently saw what I have seen. He said A-Rod's swing seems a little bit slower than a couple of years ago. That' quite obivious to everyone I think. He can no longer catch up those high fastballs as he did when he was with Rangers or Mariners. His swing is too long and flat. He can't hold up for those sliders either. Don't get me worng, A-Rod is still a great player. but maybe he is not as great as what he used to be now. Richie Sexon seems to hit the ball better than A-Rod, so does Adrian Beltre. Yet they are not even half the salary of A-Rod's. Alex should understand and realize that with his salary on his back for the rest of his career he won't be viewed as any other great players. He is supposed to be the greatest of all time! Pick it up, A-Rod. All Yankees fans really expect you to perform like what your salary worths! We still believe you have that ability in you. So pick it up, man! From against Bosox tonight!

Drifting mind

I missed Mat's thesis defense today! I am so bad! Instead of going to his after-defense party, I have to stay in my lab and eat my box-lunch. That's not too bad anyway. The weather in NY is still gorgeous. Feel like to walk around the street after work everyday. Must be nice.

The cook book thing has its own outline already. Thanks to Tree Jr. It may come out sooner than later. Well, hopefully.

Can't help looking outside the window. Can't spot any cloud in the sky at all. Just pure blue (no political implication!). Ok, gotta work. See ya!

Chef Deco

Since Daisy came here, everything seems smooth so far. Now there are two mouths waiting to be fed everyday, suddently I turn myself into a chinese food chef. I have been cooking 9 different "chinese dishes" for 3 dinner already. That's more than what I have made in about 5 years. Usually I prefer having western food for my meal, and I love to cook those italian dishes. Daisy told me that what a waste I am not to be a real cook. Well, I do wish one day I can have my own restaurant. The hit of the restaurant will be a Ph.D. in Pharmacology masters in European cusines. Sure enough that to cook and to do experiment have a lot in common. Protocol is recipe; incubation for 30 minutes is a perfect analogue to simmer for 30 minutes. I really appreciate the chance that Daisy's arrival helps me polish my skill of cooking. I don't know when my dream will come true but I do know it will definitely happen! Deco's Bistro. Yeah, You bet that's the name!

A-Rod, pick it up, would you?

Come on! A-Rod! It could've and should've been a big save for Mo if not for your stupid error on the 3rd base. Instead there came a 5-run 9th inning for Bosucks. Yeah, you contributed to one run with a homer. Still you owe Yankees fans 4 runs all because of that error! Go home and be remorsed!

A concern.

Maybe Mo is getting to the age where every power pitcher has to face. It seems Redsox has his number more and more. He can't be a superman forever. Even if he has a great season this year, his age won't go backward anyway. Yankees better start thinking and planning who will fit this pair of big big shoes. Matsui is really earning his next big contract. 6 for 9, 2 hrs and 5 rbi for first two games. Totally out of chart. A-Rod is still not showing his great ability yet. It seems to me that he might lose a step or two in his swing. especially to those high fastballs. Strike out a little bit more than people expect. Hopefully Yanks can sweep Redsox tomorrow. Even though it still can't ease the frustration I got from the ALCS last year, A clean sweet will mean Empire really starts striking back.

Quote of the day: "I'm a human being. I bleed. I'm not a machine," .......Mo. Rivera



I gotta control my temper better now. Where does my patience go?

Today I thought I got a brilliant idea that I should write a English learning book called "Learn English while reading cook book". What a great idea of me ! :p People in Taiwan are more and more internationalized. they can accep more and more different cusines from all over the world. Many people may even want to cook those food by themselves instead of going some inauthentic and expensive restaurants in Taiwan. If I can write a cookbook gathering mainly Italian, midterranean and some American food incorporating vocabularies of ingridients and recipies and some special terms for cooking. Also introduce some of famous restaurants in NYC and their famous dishes. I think that book will be a hit!



Well, talk is cheap! Now walk the walk!

1 down and 161 to go!

Hooray! Finally, finally! Baseball season has started! The grand Matsui came out with a bang! Randy was Randy. Tino was the man of the night. Still a lot of bitter taste in the mouth from last year's big choke! Hopefully Chien-Ming Wang can replace useless Kevin Brown sooner than later!

This afternoon I asked myself what was I doing all this for? Or more precisely, is selecting fabric for curtain what I should be good at? Or cooking italian food should be a routine for me? How about knowing all those cheap bargains and sample sales? Well, I am no gay, ok? Just wondering what am I made of. I think everything comes for a reason. God equipped me with a variety of abilities only to be ready for meeting the love of my life! And she will be here tonight!

April 4th the Children's Day, we the children are the happiest....:p



Quote of the day: Next champion for Bosox: 2090 (it takes every 86 years to win one!)

Alright! Seems everything is set. Better move my ass out of my cozy bed!

Raining all day!

Don't feel like to go out so play around with my blog to get more familiar with

Here we go!

Two days before my new life will start, a friend inspired me with an idea that I should start writing down everything that might happen in the future. So here I am and here we go!