Thursday, April 29, 2010
Lucy said, "I love fried chicken!"
Yesterday a student came to the library with her 4 years old daughter, Lucy. Lucy is the most cutest kid I have seen for a long time. She has a fat cheek, blue big eyes and culy hair. She is such an adorable girl! Her mother introduced me, "Here is Anna!" Lucy gave me a big bear hug! Her mother then said, "Anna has a pet chicken." Lucy got excited by the word "chicken" and shouted, "I love fried chicken!" - Oh, I love LUCY!! She must be very hungry at that moment!
Never judge a book by it's "appearance"!
As a librarian, I was very skeptical when the graphic novels became part of the public library's collection about 10 years ago. Especially I grew up in a society where comic books and graphic novels are considered "bad reading materials." - Comic books literallly are considered "ban books" when I weas a child. Those book usually are circulated secretly among kids and are absolutely NOT allowed to bring to school. However time passed and things changed. The graphic novels collection became a major part of public library and popular for the library patrons. I started reading "openly". Then I realized that some of those books actually are very well written and very informative. Some of those books, in my opinion, should be on "MUST READ LIST." Here are some of my recomendations and you can make you own judgment! - Never judge a book by it's "look"!
(1) Burma Chronicles by Guy Delisle - exploration of Asian life.
(2) Palestine by Joe Sacco - a first-hand account of the conflict between Palestine and Israel.
(3) Pyongyang: a journey in North Korea by Guy Delisle - two month adventure in North Korea.
(4) Shenzhen: a travelogue from China by Guy Delisle - exploration of Chinese custom and geography.
(5) Waltz with Bashir: a Lebanon War story by Ari Folman - a soldier's story druing Israel's war in Lebanon.
(6) Alan's War: the memories of G.I. Alan Cope - a memoir of a young soldier...
(7) The Photographer: Into war-torn Afghanistan with doctors without borders - documentary graphic novel.
(8) A Drifting Life by Yoshihiro Tatsumi - slice-of-life stories about emotional crisis.
(9) Abandon the old in Tokyo by Yoshihiro Tatsumi
(10) Barefoot Gen series - a series about the life before and after Hiroshima atomic bomb in the WWII.
(11) Persepolis: The story of a Childhood by Marjane Satrapi - an autobiography - a story of a young girls's life under the Islamic Revolution.
(12) American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang - humorous stories which depicts and create a masterful commentary about race in the United States
It is impossible to have a "complete list" BUT... try one and you will surprise yourself how enjoyable and informative graphic novels can be.
(1) Burma Chronicles by Guy Delisle - exploration of Asian life.
(2) Palestine by Joe Sacco - a first-hand account of the conflict between Palestine and Israel.
(3) Pyongyang: a journey in North Korea by Guy Delisle - two month adventure in North Korea.
(4) Shenzhen: a travelogue from China by Guy Delisle - exploration of Chinese custom and geography.
(5) Waltz with Bashir: a Lebanon War story by Ari Folman - a soldier's story druing Israel's war in Lebanon.
(6) Alan's War: the memories of G.I. Alan Cope - a memoir of a young soldier...
(7) The Photographer: Into war-torn Afghanistan with doctors without borders - documentary graphic novel.
(8) A Drifting Life by Yoshihiro Tatsumi - slice-of-life stories about emotional crisis.
(9) Abandon the old in Tokyo by Yoshihiro Tatsumi
(10) Barefoot Gen series - a series about the life before and after Hiroshima atomic bomb in the WWII.
(11) Persepolis: The story of a Childhood by Marjane Satrapi - an autobiography - a story of a young girls's life under the Islamic Revolution.
(12) American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang - humorous stories which depicts and create a masterful commentary about race in the United States
It is impossible to have a "complete list" BUT... try one and you will surprise yourself how enjoyable and informative graphic novels can be.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Book: Things That Must Not Be Forgotten: A Childhood in Wartime China.
Written by Michael david Kwan, Things That Must Not Be Forgotten was published (US Publication) just two weeks before Mr Kwan suffered a heart attack and passed away. - he was able to give readers a memorable story but was unable to read the critics with his own eyes... it is so sad.
Kwan was born during the wartime China to a wealthy family as a "mixed race" child, a Chinese father and a Swiss mother. It is an autobiography but it is also a book for anyone who is interested in Chinese culture, the Japanese invasion and occupation of China, and the contemporary Chinese history - this book was told with a very rich and in-depth hictorical background. Those facts might or might not be found in a Chinese history textbook!
Kwan was born during the wartime China to a wealthy family as a "mixed race" child, a Chinese father and a Swiss mother. It is an autobiography but it is also a book for anyone who is interested in Chinese culture, the Japanese invasion and occupation of China, and the contemporary Chinese history - this book was told with a very rich and in-depth hictorical background. Those facts might or might not be found in a Chinese history textbook!
Friday, April 23, 2010
Book: The Bitter Sea by Charles N. Li
The term "bitter sea" 苦海 might not be making any senses to the readers who are not familiar with Chinese culture. In Chinese the phrase 'bitter sea" means living with a broken life. For instance, the book titled Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens is commonly translated as 《苦海孤雛》. The direct English translation of this Chinese title will literally be The orphan of the bitter sea.
The Bitter Sea tells a personal story of a boy growing up in a very unusual Chinese family during the turbulent tiimes of World War II and the Chinese civil war between National and Communist Parties in the late 1940s. It is an autobiogrpahy, yet the story rbrings readers to a fascinating historical journey. It is another MUST read book on my recommednation list.
The Bitter Sea tells a personal story of a boy growing up in a very unusual Chinese family during the turbulent tiimes of World War II and the Chinese civil war between National and Communist Parties in the late 1940s. It is an autobiogrpahy, yet the story rbrings readers to a fascinating historical journey. It is another MUST read book on my recommednation list.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Cataloguing: MARC 505 field
Why the cataloguers add the details contents of the items in the 505 field? The answer is simple. With the 505 field information, readers can have a quick information about the book when they look up the book via OPAC. And they will be able to determine whether it is the right book for their needs. As a librarian, I found the 505 field is very useful, especially for the technical and medical materials. Sometimes book title does not tell you what the book is about. The 505 field is a tool to know the book by first glance. Unfortunately some OCLC and Library of Congress records do not necessarily contain 505 field; thus library cataloguers have to add the 505 field after downloading the record.
Cataloguing: accuracy and consistency
Every library cataloguers know how important to keep the library records accuracy and consistency. No one will argue that the western materials are much easier than the non English items, especially when the cataloguer deals with Chinese, Japanese, or Korean materials. Take the author field as an example. The 100 field (author field) can be very complicated when it is "dealing" with Chinese author's name. Due to the origin of the author, the same Chinese character can be romanized in many ways.
Library of Congress and OCLC adopted and utilized the Pinyin for all Chinese items for over a decade. But in term of consistency and accuracy, it is still a "long way to go." It is a tough one. Personally I don't think using the Pinyin is the best practice. In doing so, it will lose or reflect the originality. If Ii were the author, I do not want to have my name "spelled " wrongly. Here is a very good example:
Family name 黃:
Mainland China - Pinyin: Huang
Hong Kong - Cantonese romanization: Wong
Singapore and southeast Asia: Ong
It also can be recognized as Wang
I agree that consistency is very important. But the originality is equally signicant in the work of cataloguing.
Library of Congress and OCLC adopted and utilized the Pinyin for all Chinese items for over a decade. But in term of consistency and accuracy, it is still a "long way to go." It is a tough one. Personally I don't think using the Pinyin is the best practice. In doing so, it will lose or reflect the originality. If Ii were the author, I do not want to have my name "spelled " wrongly. Here is a very good example:
Family name 黃:
Mainland China - Pinyin: Huang
Hong Kong - Cantonese romanization: Wong
Singapore and southeast Asia: Ong
It also can be recognized as Wang
I agree that consistency is very important. But the originality is equally signicant in the work of cataloguing.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Graduate Admission: Decline or defer?
APRIL - it is the time of year when thousands and thousands of graduate schools sent out their acceptance/rejection letters. Someone asked me at the library what I will do if I received more than one offer and is struggling to choose bewteen two prestige schools. Most students I talked to say that they will "go for" the fundings or the one program which is the best fit for their personal research interests. But that's not what I intentionally to address here. It is VERY IMPORTANT that after you choose the one you will be attending, DON'T decline the offer from others. Try to apply for DEFER ADMISSION. In doing so, you are not shutting down your options immediately. In case something happen, and you still have "other door" waiting for you next year. And the students who are on the waitlist will have a chance to get in as well. In most cases, graduate schools allow the applicants to defer admission for one year.
-Any thoughts??
-Any thoughts??
Book: Forgiving your cheating but dead husband?
Perfection: A Memoir of Betrayal and Renewal by Julie Metz
Julie Metz found out that her marraige is NOT as perfect as she thought after her husband passed away. Her husband had a two-year long affair with another woman in the same town six months after his dead. What make me astonished is that the author herself started a relationship with a young artist almost immediately after her husband's funneral. I do not like this book - the betrayal, the lies, the loss, and the irresponsibility attitudes. However I do impressed by the author's candidness, including her own "inappropriate" behavior - I know it is arguable issue for some readers because she had the affair with a man AFTER her husband deceased. But I still strong believe that it is a very inappropriate behavior - don't forget she has a six years old daughter! I have to admit that it is hard for me to put down this book as I followed Julie's true story. It is because it is well-written and the story is very moving. - a real life story,
It is hard to forgive others mistakes but quite easy to forgive our own mistakes. - human nature.
Julie Metz found out that her marraige is NOT as perfect as she thought after her husband passed away. Her husband had a two-year long affair with another woman in the same town six months after his dead. What make me astonished is that the author herself started a relationship with a young artist almost immediately after her husband's funneral. I do not like this book - the betrayal, the lies, the loss, and the irresponsibility attitudes. However I do impressed by the author's candidness, including her own "inappropriate" behavior - I know it is arguable issue for some readers because she had the affair with a man AFTER her husband deceased. But I still strong believe that it is a very inappropriate behavior - don't forget she has a six years old daughter! I have to admit that it is hard for me to put down this book as I followed Julie's true story. It is because it is well-written and the story is very moving. - a real life story,
It is hard to forgive others mistakes but quite easy to forgive our own mistakes. - human nature.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Book: Memoirs of a Geisha and Miyako Odori - 都をどり｜祇園甲部歌舞会
In 1997 Arthur Golden published a bestselling book, Memoirs of a Geisha. The book attracts me not because it transports the readers to a different time and magical foreign land, Kyoto Japan. It is because the scenes in the books actually match the street and life style in Kyoto. That recollected my memory of the Japan's old capital Kyoto, where I had spent for a little while in the early 1990s. The story of Memoirs of a Geisha, as suggested by the title, is a memoir of a geisha, but is written by a Westerner! Then a few years later, I found there are books written about geisha and written by geishas appearing to the book pubishing market, such as, Geisha of a Gion, which is written by a geisha named Mineko Iwasaki in 2003 and A Geisha's Journey: My Life as a Kyoto Apprentice by Naoyuki Ogino in 2008. If you like those books, you might want to read John Gallagher's Geisha: A Unique Qorld of Traition, Elegance and Art (2008).
I found all those book are very fascinating because readers are taken to peek into the geisha's world of tradition, and as well the Japanese traditional art and culture.
April is the month of Miyako Odori festival in Kyoto. What is Miyako Odori? The Miyako Odori is also called “Dances of the Old Capital.” It is a series of dances performed in Kyoto, Japan every year in the month of April. These dances depict traditional Japanese art and culture. Along with dances, the Miyako Odori also features displays of Japanese art, such as paintings, historic kimono, and flower arrangements, along with formal performances of the tea ceremony and Japanese music, etc.
http://www.miyako-odori.jp/miyakoodori/english.html
http://www.miyako-odori.jp/
I found all those book are very fascinating because readers are taken to peek into the geisha's world of tradition, and as well the Japanese traditional art and culture.
April is the month of Miyako Odori festival in Kyoto. What is Miyako Odori? The Miyako Odori is also called “Dances of the Old Capital.” It is a series of dances performed in Kyoto, Japan every year in the month of April. These dances depict traditional Japanese art and culture. Along with dances, the Miyako Odori also features displays of Japanese art, such as paintings, historic kimono, and flower arrangements, along with formal performances of the tea ceremony and Japanese music, etc.
http://www.miyako-odori.jp/miyakoodori/english.html
http://www.miyako-odori.jp/
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Vatican Library and its Secret Archive Collection
I just finished Dan Brown's Angels & Demons last night - it is very unusual for me. I don't like fiction, especially the bestselling science and mystery fictions. The story of Angels & Demons is NOT particularly interesting. However as I was reading the book, I found myself "tracing" the "Earth, Air, Fire, and Water" theory throughout the book. I just cannot put it down once I started reading it. The theory reminds me the ancient Chinese "Five Elements" 五行 - Metal (金), Wood (木), Water (水), Fire (火), and Earth (土). The Five Elements were understood as different types of energy, rather than the Western notion of different kinds of material. The Chinese Five Elements play a significant role in Chinese astrology and as well as Chinese geomancy known as feng shui (風水).
This book also makes me very curious about the Vatican Secret Archive Collection. I surfed the web. Voila! It is actually NOT as "secrecy" as you thought. Surprise! Surprise! - Here is the link:
http://www.vatican.va/phome_en.htm
I also found out that the Vatican Library currently is being rebuilt and will be reopened in September 2010.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/6901606.stm
http://www.vaticanlibrary.va/home.php?pag=newsletter_art_00024&ling=eng
This book also makes me very curious about the Vatican Secret Archive Collection. I surfed the web. Voila! It is actually NOT as "secrecy" as you thought. Surprise! Surprise! - Here is the link:
http://www.vatican.va/phome_en.htm
I also found out that the Vatican Library currently is being rebuilt and will be reopened in September 2010.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/6901606.stm
http://www.vaticanlibrary.va/home.php?pag=newsletter_art_00024&ling=eng
Friday, April 16, 2010
Un livre de ma ville natale! - Book title: "Gweilo"
Gweilo: Memoirs of a Hong Kong Childhood by Marth Booth
I picked up this book at the airport on my trip back home in November 2005. The title "Gweilo" is an old term the Hong Kong residents called the White European. I learned this term from a very young age and knew that is NOT a very nice word. As a young child, I was prohibited to mention that word at home or at schools. I am so surprised that someone actually uses the "Gweilo" as the book title. That's how the book caught my attention at the airport bookstore.
Marth Booth was seven years old when he moved from England to Hong Kong in the 1950s. This book gave a glimpse of Hong Kong in the fifties from the eyes of a seven-year old Martin. The charm of this book lies in fact that it is full of colonial and Cantonese culture. Most important the scenarios and experiences in the book closely match the stories I heard from my older brothers and sisters. - well written and genuine.
I would love to listen the author's own narrative story. Unfortunately it is quite impossible because this book was published after Mr Booth passed away.
I picked up this book at the airport on my trip back home in November 2005. The title "Gweilo" is an old term the Hong Kong residents called the White European. I learned this term from a very young age and knew that is NOT a very nice word. As a young child, I was prohibited to mention that word at home or at schools. I am so surprised that someone actually uses the "Gweilo" as the book title. That's how the book caught my attention at the airport bookstore.
Marth Booth was seven years old when he moved from England to Hong Kong in the 1950s. This book gave a glimpse of Hong Kong in the fifties from the eyes of a seven-year old Martin. The charm of this book lies in fact that it is full of colonial and Cantonese culture. Most important the scenarios and experiences in the book closely match the stories I heard from my older brothers and sisters. - well written and genuine.
I would love to listen the author's own narrative story. Unfortunately it is quite impossible because this book was published after Mr Booth passed away.
Book: The Butcher and the Vegetarian
The Butcher and the Vegetarian: One woman's Romp throught a World of Man Meat, and Moral Crisis by Tara Austen Weaver
Many people go vegetarian for health reasons. For most people, it is definitely not easy to do so. How about one is forced to change from a vegetarian to a meat eater by one's medical doctor? It is even harder!Tara was raised a vegetarian and was recommended meat-eating for her suffering health by her physician in her 30s. She doesn't even know how and where to buy meat, not mentioning how to cook meat. I found this book is very informative. The title "caught" my attention first, then when I flipped throught the pages, I was so eager to read because of its fascinating story and fantastic writing.
Many people go vegetarian for health reasons. For most people, it is definitely not easy to do so. How about one is forced to change from a vegetarian to a meat eater by one's medical doctor? It is even harder!Tara was raised a vegetarian and was recommended meat-eating for her suffering health by her physician in her 30s. She doesn't even know how and where to buy meat, not mentioning how to cook meat. I found this book is very informative. The title "caught" my attention first, then when I flipped throught the pages, I was so eager to read because of its fascinating story and fantastic writing.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Looking for a good little book to read?
Looking for a book to read but do not have too much time? A small book? Try this one! - it is only 192 pages.
Still Life with Chickens: Starting Over in a House by the Sea by Catherine Goldhammer
We all know that life is unpredictable. Our lives are full of "surprises," up and down, good and bad. How do we cope with the "turmoils" in our lives? Some of us may choose to "suffer"; some of us may simply leave our home and rebuild their lives "somewhere";some of us may try to get over the stress by changing our life styles - We all need "something" to put the past behind our backs. Catherine Goldhammer chose a very very unigue way to rebuild her life - CHICKENS!! Setting in a running down house with her teenage daughter and leanred how to raise six chickens at the south shore of Massachusetts. What makes this book very intersting is that most people have never thought of chickens as possible pets (except me!) I love this book not only because this books relates to my own experience - raise chickens as pets, but also I enjoy the funny, humorious, and insightful descriptions of author's "life with chickens". - a wonderful charming little book.
Still Life with Chickens: Starting Over in a House by the Sea by Catherine Goldhammer
We all know that life is unpredictable. Our lives are full of "surprises," up and down, good and bad. How do we cope with the "turmoils" in our lives? Some of us may choose to "suffer"; some of us may simply leave our home and rebuild their lives "somewhere";some of us may try to get over the stress by changing our life styles - We all need "something" to put the past behind our backs. Catherine Goldhammer chose a very very unigue way to rebuild her life - CHICKENS!! Setting in a running down house with her teenage daughter and leanred how to raise six chickens at the south shore of Massachusetts. What makes this book very intersting is that most people have never thought of chickens as possible pets (except me!) I love this book not only because this books relates to my own experience - raise chickens as pets, but also I enjoy the funny, humorious, and insightful descriptions of author's "life with chickens". - a wonderful charming little book.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
National Poetry Month: an exhilarating poem by Su Shi 蘇軾 .....雪泥鴻爪
Life is short and unpredictable. We are so "small" and insignificant, comparing to the universe. Our life is just a flock of geese who left their footprints on the soil. When it rains, the prints disappear without trace.
《和子由澠池懷舊》Remembrance by Su Shi 宋 ‧ 蘇軾
人生到處知何似？ To what extent can our lives on earth be likened?
應似飛鴻踏雪泥。 Like a flock of geese,
泥上偶然留指爪， alighting on the white snow.
鴻飛那復計東西。 Leaving a trace of their footprints.
老僧已死成新塔， The old monk buried and a pagoda was erected,
壞壁無由見舊題。 The old verse was seen on the ruined wall.
往日崎嶇還記否， Remember the old uneven roads?
路長人困蹇驢嘶。 It's long and tiresome for travelers.
《和子由澠池懷舊》Remembrance by Su Shi 宋 ‧ 蘇軾
人生到處知何似？ To what extent can our lives on earth be likened?
應似飛鴻踏雪泥。 Like a flock of geese,
泥上偶然留指爪， alighting on the white snow.
鴻飛那復計東西。 Leaving a trace of their footprints.
老僧已死成新塔， The old monk buried and a pagoda was erected,
壞壁無由見舊題。 The old verse was seen on the ruined wall.
往日崎嶇還記否， Remember the old uneven roads?
路長人困蹇驢嘶。 It's long and tiresome for travelers.
Messages from far far away....子曰 :有朋自遠方來,不亦樂乎 !
It makes me so happy this morning! - I got several unexpected email messages from far far away, including Sweden, Wisconsin, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Japan! Especially someone I haven't heard for more than two years!!!!!
子曰 :有朋自遠方來,不亦樂乎 ! (《論語 》Analects 1:1 by Confucius)
Friends from far away, isn't it a happy thing (in life)?
子曰 :有朋自遠方來,不亦樂乎 ! (《論語 》Analects 1:1 by Confucius)
Friends from far away, isn't it a happy thing (in life)?
Humorous and touching: For Better of For Worse collection
For Better of For Worse is a comic strip collection by Lynn Johnston that started in September 1979. The latest on, "Just a Simple Wedding" was published in March 2009. - The upcoming new one, Somthing Old, Something New, will be published in Novemebr 2010.
The strip is set in the fictious Toronto-area suburban; it chronicles the lives of a Canadian family, the Pattersons and their friends. It is seen in newspapers throughout Canada and the United States.
I picked up the latest book of this series from the new books shelf at the Wisconsin Rapids McMillan Public library in the Winter of 2007. First, I saw the title of the series, then when I flipped over the pages, I just couldn't put it down. Then I "traced" back to all the older series. It is simply because the books collect moments from the Pattersons' lives - real life stories.
The strip is set in the fictious Toronto-area suburban; it chronicles the lives of a Canadian family, the Pattersons and their friends. It is seen in newspapers throughout Canada and the United States.
I picked up the latest book of this series from the new books shelf at the Wisconsin Rapids McMillan Public library in the Winter of 2007. First, I saw the title of the series, then when I flipped over the pages, I just couldn't put it down. Then I "traced" back to all the older series. It is simply because the books collect moments from the Pattersons' lives - real life stories.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Jorge Cham's PhD student comic strip collection
I accidentially "discovered" these comic strip when I looked for books related to PhD research, graduate student's academia life. Once I started reading the first one, I just couldn't put it down. Then I found myself to look for the second, and then the third one, and so on - it is incredible funny and so REAL. It reminds me the good old days when I was a graduate student decades ago.
(1) Piled Higher and Deeper: a graduate student comic strip collection
(2) Scooped! The third piled higher and deeper comic strip collection
(3) Life is tough and then you graduate: the second piled higher and deeper comic strip collection
(4) Academic stimulus package: piled higher and deeper comic strip collection
I highly recommend these books to anyone who is planning or attending to graduate school.
(1) Piled Higher and Deeper: a graduate student comic strip collection
(2) Scooped! The third piled higher and deeper comic strip collection
(3) Life is tough and then you graduate: the second piled higher and deeper comic strip collection
(4) Academic stimulus package: piled higher and deeper comic strip collection
I highly recommend these books to anyone who is planning or attending to graduate school.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Library Board members must read books ...
Working at public library surely is full of "surprises"! If you are a member of Library Board, PLEASE READ the following books:
(1) Quiet, please: Dispatches from a Public Librarian by Scott Douglas.
(2) Free for all: Oddballs, geeks, and ganstas in the public library by Don Borchert
(3) What would Dewey do?: an unshelved collection by Gene Ambaum and Bill Barnes
(4) Library Mascot cage match: an unshelved collection by Bill Barnes and Gene Ambaum
(5) Book club: an unshelved collection by Bill Barnes
(6) Read responsibly: an unshelved collection by Bill BArnes
(7) Frequently asked questions: an unshelved collection by Bill Barnes
(8) Reader's Advisory: an unshelved collection by Gene Ambaum
(9) Dewey: The small-town library cat who touched the world by Vicki Myron
Books are listed in no particular order.
Enjoy your reading!!!
(1) Quiet, please: Dispatches from a Public Librarian by Scott Douglas.
(2) Free for all: Oddballs, geeks, and ganstas in the public library by Don Borchert
(3) What would Dewey do?: an unshelved collection by Gene Ambaum and Bill Barnes
(4) Library Mascot cage match: an unshelved collection by Bill Barnes and Gene Ambaum
(5) Book club: an unshelved collection by Bill Barnes
(6) Read responsibly: an unshelved collection by Bill BArnes
(7) Frequently asked questions: an unshelved collection by Bill Barnes
(8) Reader's Advisory: an unshelved collection by Gene Ambaum
(9) Dewey: The small-town library cat who touched the world by Vicki Myron
Books are listed in no particular order.
Enjoy your reading!!!
Online research resources: Internet vs. Databases
Again, again and again... students at the library told me that, "Oh No! I cannot use Internet as my research resources" when I show them how to log on and access to the college library's online databases.
OK.. online databases are NOT considered as "Internet resources". Here are major characteristics of databases:
(1) Online database is NOT a website. It is usually ONLY accessible to subscribers with a username and password - libraries subscribe to several and provide free access to their librray users.
(2) Online databases are collections of data presented in a searchable, online format, for instance, they provide academic full-text articles/publications in an electronic format.
(3) The online databases usually provide publications that are over 20 yerars old - most libraries keeop their print publications from one to five years old.
(4) The database information is reviewed and published - trustworthy.
Still confused? - Go to your lirbary and talk to your librarians!!!
OK.. online databases are NOT considered as "Internet resources". Here are major characteristics of databases:
(1) Online database is NOT a website. It is usually ONLY accessible to subscribers with a username and password - libraries subscribe to several and provide free access to their librray users.
(2) Online databases are collections of data presented in a searchable, online format, for instance, they provide academic full-text articles/publications in an electronic format.
(3) The online databases usually provide publications that are over 20 yerars old - most libraries keeop their print publications from one to five years old.
(4) The database information is reviewed and published - trustworthy.
Still confused? - Go to your lirbary and talk to your librarians!!!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Romantic love and life of 徐志摩: Bound Feet & Western Dress: A Memoir
Bound Feet & Western Dress: A Memoir
Written by Pang-Mei Chang
In this exquisite memoir, Chang Yu-i, the daughter of a distinguished Chinese family, recreates her life for her American-born grandniece, Pang-Mei, a Harvard student who is conflicted about her identity. Yu-i, born in China in 1900 during the Boxer Rebellion, tells the story of her tumultuous life: her arranged marriage to a famous poet, Xu Zhimo 徐志摩.
Here is my "book review":
"I learned about what it was like to be born a woman in China at the turn of the twentieth century when I was at high school. However, this book provides much in-depth information about the old Chinese customs-especially the role of Chinese women at the turn of the century. This book is filled with conflicts of traditional Chinese values vs. Western values. I admire Chang Yuyi's courage to tell her own story to her great-niece, Pang-Mei who took the time to write the story. Hsu Chi-Mo (Yu-i's ex-husband) was one of my famous writers since I was at junior high school. I read all poems, collected works, letters, essays, and diaries, etc. I was so fond of his romance with Luk Siu-Man. I learned that he had a "trouble marriage," however, it is the first time I am able to read about the other side of his life through his ex-wife, Chang Yu-i. Through this book Yu-I unveiled the "dark-side" of a famous scholar to the whole world. It is a great book. I enjoyed it very much. "
Written by Pang-Mei Chang
In this exquisite memoir, Chang Yu-i, the daughter of a distinguished Chinese family, recreates her life for her American-born grandniece, Pang-Mei, a Harvard student who is conflicted about her identity. Yu-i, born in China in 1900 during the Boxer Rebellion, tells the story of her tumultuous life: her arranged marriage to a famous poet, Xu Zhimo 徐志摩.
Here is my "book review":
"I learned about what it was like to be born a woman in China at the turn of the twentieth century when I was at high school. However, this book provides much in-depth information about the old Chinese customs-especially the role of Chinese women at the turn of the century. This book is filled with conflicts of traditional Chinese values vs. Western values. I admire Chang Yuyi's courage to tell her own story to her great-niece, Pang-Mei who took the time to write the story. Hsu Chi-Mo (Yu-i's ex-husband) was one of my famous writers since I was at junior high school. I read all poems, collected works, letters, essays, and diaries, etc. I was so fond of his romance with Luk Siu-Man. I learned that he had a "trouble marriage," however, it is the first time I am able to read about the other side of his life through his ex-wife, Chang Yu-i. Through this book Yu-I unveiled the "dark-side" of a famous scholar to the whole world. It is a great book. I enjoyed it very much. "
National Poetry Month: Contemporary Chinese Poet: Xu Zhimo 徐志摩
One of my favorite Chinese contemporary poet is Xu Zhimo 徐志摩 (January 15, 1897-November 19, 1931). He was an early 20th century poet who educated in the "Western world". He promoted the form of Chinese modern poetry. His poems have impressed a lot of people, especially the teenagers in China. His poems are touching and meaningful. Here is one of his famous peoms - it is also one of my favorite ...
徐志摩的《再別康橋》
Farewell Cambridge (Say Goodbye to Cambridge Again)
輕輕的我走了，正如我輕輕的來；
I leave softly, gently, Exactly as I came.
我輕輕的招手，作別西天的雲彩。
I wave to the western sky, Telling it goodbye softly, gently.
那河畔的金柳，是夕陽中的新娘；
The golden willow at the river edge; Is the setting sun's bride.
波光裏的豔影，在我心頭蕩漾。
Her quivering reflection, Stays fixed in my mind.
徐志摩的《再別康橋》
Farewell Cambridge (Say Goodbye to Cambridge Again)
輕輕的我走了，正如我輕輕的來；
I leave softly, gently, Exactly as I came.
我輕輕的招手，作別西天的雲彩。
I wave to the western sky, Telling it goodbye softly, gently.
那河畔的金柳，是夕陽中的新娘；
The golden willow at the river edge; Is the setting sun's bride.
波光裏的豔影，在我心頭蕩漾。
Her quivering reflection, Stays fixed in my mind.
National Library Week - Let's READ and ENJOY!
The National Library Week is April 11-17!! The theme of this year is: "communities thrive @ your library" - The American Library Association has created very good sites for book lovers and as well the information of the National Library Week.
For the book lovers: http://www.ilovelibraries.org/nationallibraryweek/
For the National Library Week fact sheet: http://ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/pio/mediarelationsa/factsheets/nationallibraryweek.cfm
For the book lovers: http://www.ilovelibraries.org/nationallibraryweek/
For the National Library Week fact sheet: http://ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/pio/mediarelationsa/factsheets/nationallibraryweek.cfm
Friday, April 9, 2010
National Poetry Month: 伊勢物語
From the book: Ise monogatari 《伊勢物語》
(Translated by Helen Craig McCullogh)
風ふけば Is he journeying?
おきるしらなみ alone in the dead of night
たつた山 across that mountain
夜はにやきみが whose name recalls waves at sea
ひとりこゆらむ rising when the tempest blows?
(Translated by Helen Craig McCullogh)
風ふけば Is he journeying?
おきるしらなみ alone in the dead of night
たつた山 across that mountain
夜はにやきみが whose name recalls waves at sea
ひとりこゆらむ rising when the tempest blows?
National Poetry Month: Chinese Poet Li Bai 李白
《靜夜思》 Thoughts in the middle of the Night
Written by Li Bai (701-762; Tang Dynasty)
床前明月光 The moonlight comes throught the window over my bed
疑是地上霜 It is so bright; it might be the frost on the ground
舉頭望明月 I raise my head to behold the moon, ... then
低頭思故鄉 I lower my head -- I am homesick
This poem depicts the loneliness of the poet who had homesick while serving his duties far away from his hometown.
Written by Li Bai (701-762; Tang Dynasty)
床前明月光 The moonlight comes throught the window over my bed
疑是地上霜 It is so bright; it might be the frost on the ground
舉頭望明月 I raise my head to behold the moon, ... then
低頭思故鄉 I lower my head -- I am homesick
This poem depicts the loneliness of the poet who had homesick while serving his duties far away from his hometown.
My father's Chinese Paintings 黃 鶴 屏 老 師 紀 念 館
My father passed away for a few years. He is "gone" but his paintings are living FOREVER!
Here are some of his paintings which I would ike to share to anyone who love Chinese paintings. -
http://hpwong.com/
Here are some of his paintings which I would ike to share to anyone who love Chinese paintings. -
http://hpwong.com/
East-Asian Library in Leuven Belgium 比利時東亞圖書館
Leuven Belgium!! - Katholieke Universiteit Leuven - Oost-Aziatische Bibliotheek! - I spent my summer there last year. It's surely a life time experience! The library is gorgeous and the people are VERY nice. I LOVE Leuven! - it has the most beautiful medieval building in the world. The magnificent town hall - Grote Market (Market Square) - The Great Beguinage - The University Library (Flemish Renaissance style) - Katholieke Universieit (especially the main hall of the University) - Saint Michaels Church ...
http://bib.kuleuven.be/bibc/lsin/_english/index.htm
http://www.kuleuven.be/english/
http://www.trabel.com/leuven/leuven.htm
http://bib.kuleuven.be/bibc/lsin/_english/index.htm
http://www.kuleuven.be/english/
http://www.trabel.com/leuven/leuven.htm
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