民國卅五年日本戰敗後的第二年，許多被徵調至南洋服役的台灣兵士，集中在新加坡的兵營中等待遣返，四月十九日，兩位年青人悄悄地潛越日本養殖場的三層鐵絲網，脫下內衣充當漁網，撈取了孵化約五天的「帝士魚」苗數百尾，放入帶來的鳳梨空罐之中，連跑帶衝地回到營內，仔細一算還賸下約一百尾…。這兩位膽大又有遠見的年青人就是吳振輝先生與郭啟彰先生。
郭啟彰在入睡前小心翼翼地把這些寶貴魚苗裝入水桶，放在營門角落，以便次日攜返台灣，不料卻被晚歸的台灣同鄉誤以為是髒水倒入水溝，經人告知才驚覺，在同伴的協助之下，好不容易才從水溝中捉到活魚苗20尾。第二天上船時再計算只有16尾。
從新加坡至基隆10天航程中，郭啟彰以自己配給的生活用水，為魚苗換水，細心照顧，輾轉回到旗津老家時，只活存13尾。這13尾魚苗5雄、8雌就是台灣吳郭魚的鼻祖。
繁殖期會在池底挖碟形的巢來產卵，雌魚會利用口孵卵，並照顧小魚到可以獨立生活為止。
產卵期：自３月中旬起至10月中旬，呈間歇性生殖。
吉利慈鯛Tilapia zillii ( Gervais )俗稱：吳郭魚、南洋鯽。
Monday, June 27, 2011
Friday, June 24, 2011
第二型糖尿病
第二型糖尿病的患者，
若每天只攝食六百卡路里熱量，如此持續八周時間，糖尿病病情是可以逆轉消失的。
第二型糖尿病又稱成人型糖尿病，主要因為體內胰島素分泌不足，或身體細胞對胰島素產生抗性，造成血糖過高所引起。
英國新堡大學（Newcastle University）的最新研究發現，維持低卡路里飲食，可降低胰臟和肝臟內的脂肪含量，使胰島素分泌恢復正常。
這項研究的對象是11名過去四年中被診斷出第二型糖尿病的患者，他們每天僅攝取六百卡路里，持續兩個月時間，只食用液態低糖飲料和澱粉質蔬菜。在節制飲食一周後，研究人員發現這些病患的空腹血糖濃度全都回復正常。對胰臟的核磁共振造影（ＭＲＩ）結果也發現，病患胰臟內脂肪含量從八％左右下降至更正常的六％。
結束節制飲食之後，研究對象即恢復正常飲食，並接受有關健康飲食的建議。經過三個月，11人中有七人不再出現第二型糖尿病症狀。該研究結果發表於《糖尿病學》期刊。
若每天只攝食六百卡路里熱量，如此持續八周時間，糖尿病病情是可以逆轉消失的。
第二型糖尿病又稱成人型糖尿病，主要因為體內胰島素分泌不足，或身體細胞對胰島素產生抗性，造成血糖過高所引起。
英國新堡大學（Newcastle University）的最新研究發現，維持低卡路里飲食，可降低胰臟和肝臟內的脂肪含量，使胰島素分泌恢復正常。
這項研究的對象是11名過去四年中被診斷出第二型糖尿病的患者，他們每天僅攝取六百卡路里，持續兩個月時間，只食用液態低糖飲料和澱粉質蔬菜。在節制飲食一周後，研究人員發現這些病患的空腹血糖濃度全都回復正常。對胰臟的核磁共振造影（ＭＲＩ）結果也發現，病患胰臟內脂肪含量從八％左右下降至更正常的六％。
結束節制飲食之後，研究對象即恢復正常飲食，並接受有關健康飲食的建議。經過三個月，11人中有七人不再出現第二型糖尿病症狀。該研究結果發表於《糖尿病學》期刊。
慈善組織
「慈善組織」的定義，是源於十九世紀英國普通法，把慈善歸為4大類，
分別為濟貧、促進教育、推廣宗教及可令社會得益但非屬以上任何一類的慈善宗旨）；
這個定義不能再滿足現代的需要，參考法令，再把別類歸為13大類，
即濟貧；促進教育；推廣宗教；促進健康；拯救生命；推動公民意識或小區發展；
推展藝術、文化、傳統遺產或科學；促進宗教和諧或種族和諧；促進平等及多元化；
推動環境保護或改善；
對因年幼、年老、健康欠佳、殘疾、經濟困難或其它不利條件而有需要者提供濟助；
促進動物福利；及可令社會得益的任何其它宗旨。
分別為濟貧、促進教育、推廣宗教及可令社會得益但非屬以上任何一類的慈善宗旨）；
這個定義不能再滿足現代的需要，參考法令，再把別類歸為13大類，
即濟貧；促進教育；推廣宗教；促進健康；拯救生命；推動公民意識或小區發展；
推展藝術、文化、傳統遺產或科學；促進宗教和諧或種族和諧；促進平等及多元化；
推動環境保護或改善；
對因年幼、年老、健康欠佳、殘疾、經濟困難或其它不利條件而有需要者提供濟助；
促進動物福利；及可令社會得益的任何其它宗旨。
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
高等教育的「塑化」問題
台灣虛胖的高等教育長期一直在「塑化」台灣的未來，卻引不起媒體與政府的重視。
今天開南大學風暴，有四分之一教師連署要求校長下台，因為校長要嚴格執行「限期升等條款」，不升等就解聘，以維持該校的競爭力。這是整個台灣所面臨的問題，而不是開南大學單獨的問題。「有權力者就該負責」，政府才是應該負責任的源頭。
台灣的高等教育長期虛胖表現在幾方面：大學數量多達164所，以人口密度算堪稱全球第一，但是「七分可以上大學」也為台灣貼上標籤；博士年產數以千計，碩士數以萬計，但是急功近利，速成卻貶值；師資也虛胖，擁有正教授與各類頭銜者比比皆是，但是認真治學、受人敬重的「真教授」非常有限。少子化以及「生不如死」的年代逼近（去年台灣出生168k，死亡140k），大學目前年招生不到300k學生，危機早就浮現。
虛胖的高教首先「塑化」的是高教的品質，沒有教授敢嚴格要求學生，「此校不留人，自有留人校」；只有沒人報名的大學，沒有畢不了業的大學；接著「塑化」的是高中職教育，許多中學不再堅持畢業的學科要求，因為即使毫無程度的中學生都會有大學錄取；再其次「塑化」的是社會的樸實風氣；滿街博士、碩士，高等教育「普及」假象，當然也就更「強化」了官員「逃避棘手問題」的心態。
「輔導退場與轉型」是政府多年以來面對高等教育過剩束手無策的口頭禪。近十年來還允許公私立專科或學院，為了升格大學增設許多「重複」、「低成本」系所；招不到學生就以「改名」應付；去年還增設國立金門大學，政府的作為使問題一再惡化；但是沒有人知道，如果繼續任由市場決定，「公立大學躺著幹，私立大學剉咧等」，只剩下「吃皇糧」的大學將會是國家的災難。
全世界多數民主與先進國家無不以擁有私立高等教育的比例為傲；如果台灣倒閉的都是私立大學，剩下公立大學（一流到末流都有），不僅是國家財政無法負擔，社會也毫無公平正義可言。筆者認為高等教育的「塑化」問題，嚴重程度絕對超過石門水庫潰壩或高鐵停駛對台灣的影響。
今天開南大學風暴，有四分之一教師連署要求校長下台，因為校長要嚴格執行「限期升等條款」，不升等就解聘，以維持該校的競爭力。這是整個台灣所面臨的問題，而不是開南大學單獨的問題。「有權力者就該負責」，政府才是應該負責任的源頭。
台灣的高等教育長期虛胖表現在幾方面：大學數量多達164所，以人口密度算堪稱全球第一，但是「七分可以上大學」也為台灣貼上標籤；博士年產數以千計，碩士數以萬計，但是急功近利，速成卻貶值；師資也虛胖，擁有正教授與各類頭銜者比比皆是，但是認真治學、受人敬重的「真教授」非常有限。少子化以及「生不如死」的年代逼近（去年台灣出生168k，死亡140k），大學目前年招生不到300k學生，危機早就浮現。
虛胖的高教首先「塑化」的是高教的品質，沒有教授敢嚴格要求學生，「此校不留人，自有留人校」；只有沒人報名的大學，沒有畢不了業的大學；接著「塑化」的是高中職教育，許多中學不再堅持畢業的學科要求，因為即使毫無程度的中學生都會有大學錄取；再其次「塑化」的是社會的樸實風氣；滿街博士、碩士，高等教育「普及」假象，當然也就更「強化」了官員「逃避棘手問題」的心態。
「輔導退場與轉型」是政府多年以來面對高等教育過剩束手無策的口頭禪。近十年來還允許公私立專科或學院，為了升格大學增設許多「重複」、「低成本」系所；招不到學生就以「改名」應付；去年還增設國立金門大學，政府的作為使問題一再惡化；但是沒有人知道，如果繼續任由市場決定，「公立大學躺著幹，私立大學剉咧等」，只剩下「吃皇糧」的大學將會是國家的災難。
全世界多數民主與先進國家無不以擁有私立高等教育的比例為傲；如果台灣倒閉的都是私立大學，剩下公立大學（一流到末流都有），不僅是國家財政無法負擔，社會也毫無公平正義可言。筆者認為高等教育的「塑化」問題，嚴重程度絕對超過石門水庫潰壩或高鐵停駛對台灣的影響。
臺北市免費無線上網
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「Taipei Free 臺北市免費無線上網服務」採用 Wi-Fi 技術規格，目前絕大多數的上網裝置，例如智慧型手機、平板電腦或筆記型電腦等均支援此連線方式。申請「Taipei Free 臺北市免費無線上網服務」方法相單簡易，使用者只要上 www.tpe-free.taipei.gov.tw/newaccountstep1.php 輸入行動電話號碼，系統即會發送四位數認證碼到您的手機，在完成輸入簡訊認證碼、自訂密碼及電子郵件後，帳號即新增完成。服務初期臺北市政府將提供平均速率 512Kbps 的下傳頻寬，方便使用者外出時可以上網收發訊息，即時瀏覽生活資訊；但基於整體網路系統的優化考量，將暫時不提供多媒體影音網站瀏覽的服務。
臺北市政府資訊處規劃表示，將在 7 月 1 日以前提供「Taipei Free 臺北市免費無線上網服務」室內公共場所的免費無線上網服務、10 月 1 日以前則開放室外公共場所的免費無線上網服務啟用。其中室內公共場所，包括臺北市政府市政大樓、12 個區行政中心、市立圖書館及各分館、市立聯合醫院各院區、臺北捷運車站及捷運地下街等場所；室外公共場所則包括臺北市境內主要幹道、住商區域及人口密集區之公共場所，透過「熱點」（Hotspot）方式提供服務。
Monday, June 20, 2011
艾米什Amish
“黄昏时候，有个青年，徘徊在我家门前。……”
艺术是历史的见证。听到《有谁知道他》这支熟悉的前苏联民歌，女儿对我说，那样的意境再也不会有了。可不是吗，现在人们大多住进了高层公寓，即使是农村的单门独宅，也是密密麻麻地挤在路旁。谁要是在别人家的门前徘徊来去，不被人认作疯子才怪。如果倾慕或相约，打一个电话就行了，连写信付邮都大可以省去。经济发展和技术进步，就是这样“摧枯拉朽”般地改变着人们的生活方式。难怪艺术家咏唱，“什么时候，哇鸣蝉声都成了记忆”，“什么时候，身旁的人已不再熟悉”，惊问“是我们改变了世界，还是世界改变了我和你？”
的确，我也曾经以为，就社会而不是个人而言，经济的力量几乎不可抗拒。前几年在美国到艾米什部落看过，却感到也许要重新认识。
几度出访，已经看了许多东西，却还是想再多看一些。1994年访美，在密歇根州立大学认识了在美国一家航空公司任职的路西小姐。只因为是来自国内的同一个校园，相逢何必曾相识。很快，路西知道我对森林和海滩的兴趣远在博物馆和大剧院之上，就安排我和学生小高小甄，一起去看艾米什部落。
我们从密歇根州的首府兰兴出发，向着印第安纳州驶去。一小时以后，从州际高速公路上转下来，再走十分钟，在限速每小时45英里的乡间公路的外道上，就看到一些黑色的马车。“这就是艾米什！”路西说。他们男性戴一样的麦杆草帽，黑色的皮靴，黑色的裤子，黑色的外套，里面是白色的衬衣。妇女着黑色长袍，头上是白色的纱巾。黑与白，就这么两种基色。马车则都是一个样子，全身是黑的颜色。只有车厢下很好的减震弹簧和尾部红三角的反光警告牌，折射出一点前现代的痕迹。
我们去看艾米什人的一场拍卖，拍卖的全是耕作机具。艾米什人除了不开汽车以外，耕作也全靠马拉农具。一架犁耙，比成年人张开双臂的跨度还宽，用两匹高头大马牵引。扫描宽度足有两米宽的播种机，有许多手动杠杆控制的机关，算得上颇为复杂，但是同样不用动力机器。艾米什人把电视看作邪恶，艾米什家庭不装电话机。
大约在300年前，这些艾米什（Amish） 人为逃避宗教迫害，从欧洲的德国瑞士一带，迁徙到北美来。至今，艾米什部落的宗教活动，仍然保留着当初躲避迫害时形成的做法：他们没有教堂，每次在不同的家庭做礼拜。虽然因为现处宗教环境的宽松，礼拜地点已经不必着意保密，但是轮流在各家做礼拜的习俗，却作为传统成了艾米什部落社会的重要特征。事实上，正是宗教，把艾米什人依部落紧密地维系在一起。
美国是移民的国家，是多种族的国家。如果不算方言，美国可能还是双语居民最多的国家。在殖民地时代，在现在美国版图的不同地方，除了土著印第安语以外，曾经社会规模地使用过英、西班牙、法、德、荷、瑞典、俄等七种殖民地语言，后面三种作为美国的社区语言，现已不复存在。以后，又有意大利语，葡萄牙语，汉语，菲律宾语，日本语，朝鲜语等移民语言，俱成气候。西班牙语是美国最大的少数民族语种，非英语家庭有四成讲西班牙语。
问艾米什人的语言，他们说是达奇（Dutch）。 这容易引致外人混淆，因为英文字典上 Dutch的首义是荷兰的、荷兰人和荷兰语。但是拿一本好一些的英文字典看下去，就可以找到德语的意义。最主要的则是，艾米什人自己说，他们讲的是“德国人的语言”。因为最先是在美国宾夕法尼亚州一带聚居，艾米什人曾经被美国人称为“宾州德语人”。至今沿用 Dutch的另一种说法，是他们当初离开欧洲大陆的港口，就是荷兰的（Dutch）鹿特丹。
艾米什部落男女分工明显，真个是男耕女织。盖房子最热闹，可以说是聚居部落的节日，但是出场的只有男性。由于出行只用马车而不是骑马，所以大部分艾米什人终生的活动范围不超过二、三十英里。这样一来，艾米什人的群落特征非常明显。宗教领袖就是部落的精神首领。
在这样的宗教和文化背景下，读者自然会想象艾米什的家庭可能比较大。事实正是这样。据统计，平均每个艾米什家庭养育七个孩子。这样的人口增长速度，加上艾米什部落单调的生产方式，就使得土地变得紧张。两百年来，美国联邦政府曾一再拨给艾米什人新的领地。现在，如果你在美国地图上横跨宾夕法尼亚、俄亥俄、印第安纳和伊利诺斯四个州的北部画一条纬度相同的水平线段，那么艾米什部落大体就分布在这个线段的附近，总人口有十多万人。这是我的一个地理几何发现。对于外国游客来说，“最近的”艾米什部落，离纽约大都市只有一个多小时的车程。
这么保守的生产和生活方式，却能够支持数以十万计的人口生存繁衍，这首先得益于美国人少地多，土壤肥沃，风调雨顺。就生活方式而不是社会风尚的进化程度而言，艾米什和美国主流社会的差异，比意大利人，汉人，韩人，日本人以至黑人都大。但是，艾米什保守的群落特征，使得他们自我封闭，与世无争，并不对任何别的社会成员形成任何威胁和竞争。这是和其他一些聚居的少数民族差异颇大的地方。
离开发达的现代文明只有几英里路，居然可以封闭自持，实在叫人难以想象。但是，事实就是这个样子。对待日新月异并且唾手可得的技术进步，他们只有当认准不致损害其基本的社会结构时，才接受最起码和最必要的变化，但是他们不会作为美国主流文化技术的拥有者。首先是语言，他们讲他们的传统德语，只学简单的不得不与外界交往的有限的英语。此外，现在艾米什人在紧急的时候可以坐公共汽车，甚至可以租用汽车，但是规定无论如何不得自己驾驶。在紧急的时候，还可以借用邻居非艾米什人的电话，但是不得自己拥有电话。艾米什的孩子只受八年初等教育，内容主要只限于三项含 R的训练，即读READING，写WRITING，和算术ARITHMETIC。在艾米什部落，学校作为家庭的延伸，主要功能是延续艾米什文化。至于电视以及一切更先进的东西，都与他们的教义正面冲突，被认为是邪恶的根源。当然，艾米什人不能离婚。
有趣的是，政府方面不但没有力图对艾米什部落进行什么文明改革，反而网开一面，允许他们自在自为。例如，美国的小学教师都必须通过政府认可的考试取得资格，但是艾米什部落的教师却得以豁免，允许自主决定。
1993年五月，一辆卡车在公路上撞死了五个艾米什孩子，媒介连日在电视广播和《纽约时报》等报刊详细报道。最后，司机被判十年徒刑。这在只认规章不认人的美国，实在是很不寻常的结局。
考察了两天，由于读者容易设想的道理，我们只能在不太近的距离之外，拍了很有限的若干照片。回到大学，通过电脑检索，找到一批关于艾米什的专著。约翰·霍普金斯大学出版社，是艾米什研究文献的重要出版者，1993年的《艾米什》一书，着重从宗教的角度进行论述。纽约一家出版社1994年出版的书《与自然同步：农务美国梦》，则着重从农业和日常生活方面开展研究。这些书都有一些十分珍贵的照片。
联想到我们十几年来的经济、社会发展，只要财富约束允许，谁经得起电视电话、楼房汽车的诱惑？要说原来的文化差异、文明差异和意识形态差异，我们离世界工业文明的主流要更远得多。不错，有一些艾米什孩子最终离开了生育他们的部落家园，但是比例只有大约七分之一。黑颜色现在偶尔可以用深蓝或暗花来代替，但是不超出深暗和土白两色基调的格局。艾米什部落何来如此几近顽固的惯性或免疫力？
就大的分化而言，300 多年来，艾米什只变生出一个规模大体相仿的部落，就是米诺奈茨（Mennonites）。米诺奈茨部落和艾米什部落，一直睦邻友好相处。事实上，我们对艾米什部落的这次探访，“大本营”就设在路西小姐熟悉的一户米诺奈茨农家。前面说的在艾米什部落的拍卖，也是米诺奈茨人组织的。米诺奈茨朋友带我们猎鹿、钓鱼，和我们打乒乓、开派对。他们有电话、开汽车，使用联合收割机等机引农具，但是家里不会有电视机。派对上当然没有卡拉OK。特别是，米诺奈茨人和艾米什人一样，普遍饮用井水。
经济利益真的像一些人设想的那么具有支配社会角色的力量吗？也许值得再多看看，再多想想，才能形成足以说服自己的事理。阿尔弗莱德·马歇尔在《经济学原理》开篇中说，影响人类行为的因素很多，但是只有两种力量最持久，并且最普遍地发生作用，一个是经济的力量，一个是宗教的力量。我们的无神论的教育，是否也应该给宗教以更大的注意。
艺术是历史的见证。听到《有谁知道他》这支熟悉的前苏联民歌，女儿对我说，那样的意境再也不会有了。可不是吗，现在人们大多住进了高层公寓，即使是农村的单门独宅，也是密密麻麻地挤在路旁。谁要是在别人家的门前徘徊来去，不被人认作疯子才怪。如果倾慕或相约，打一个电话就行了，连写信付邮都大可以省去。经济发展和技术进步，就是这样“摧枯拉朽”般地改变着人们的生活方式。难怪艺术家咏唱，“什么时候，哇鸣蝉声都成了记忆”，“什么时候，身旁的人已不再熟悉”，惊问“是我们改变了世界，还是世界改变了我和你？”
的确，我也曾经以为，就社会而不是个人而言，经济的力量几乎不可抗拒。前几年在美国到艾米什部落看过，却感到也许要重新认识。
几度出访，已经看了许多东西，却还是想再多看一些。1994年访美，在密歇根州立大学认识了在美国一家航空公司任职的路西小姐。只因为是来自国内的同一个校园，相逢何必曾相识。很快，路西知道我对森林和海滩的兴趣远在博物馆和大剧院之上，就安排我和学生小高小甄，一起去看艾米什部落。
我们从密歇根州的首府兰兴出发，向着印第安纳州驶去。一小时以后，从州际高速公路上转下来，再走十分钟，在限速每小时45英里的乡间公路的外道上，就看到一些黑色的马车。“这就是艾米什！”路西说。他们男性戴一样的麦杆草帽，黑色的皮靴，黑色的裤子，黑色的外套，里面是白色的衬衣。妇女着黑色长袍，头上是白色的纱巾。黑与白，就这么两种基色。马车则都是一个样子，全身是黑的颜色。只有车厢下很好的减震弹簧和尾部红三角的反光警告牌，折射出一点前现代的痕迹。
我们去看艾米什人的一场拍卖，拍卖的全是耕作机具。艾米什人除了不开汽车以外，耕作也全靠马拉农具。一架犁耙，比成年人张开双臂的跨度还宽，用两匹高头大马牵引。扫描宽度足有两米宽的播种机，有许多手动杠杆控制的机关，算得上颇为复杂，但是同样不用动力机器。艾米什人把电视看作邪恶，艾米什家庭不装电话机。
大约在300年前，这些艾米什（Amish） 人为逃避宗教迫害，从欧洲的德国瑞士一带，迁徙到北美来。至今，艾米什部落的宗教活动，仍然保留着当初躲避迫害时形成的做法：他们没有教堂，每次在不同的家庭做礼拜。虽然因为现处宗教环境的宽松，礼拜地点已经不必着意保密，但是轮流在各家做礼拜的习俗，却作为传统成了艾米什部落社会的重要特征。事实上，正是宗教，把艾米什人依部落紧密地维系在一起。
美国是移民的国家，是多种族的国家。如果不算方言，美国可能还是双语居民最多的国家。在殖民地时代，在现在美国版图的不同地方，除了土著印第安语以外，曾经社会规模地使用过英、西班牙、法、德、荷、瑞典、俄等七种殖民地语言，后面三种作为美国的社区语言，现已不复存在。以后，又有意大利语，葡萄牙语，汉语，菲律宾语，日本语，朝鲜语等移民语言，俱成气候。西班牙语是美国最大的少数民族语种，非英语家庭有四成讲西班牙语。
问艾米什人的语言，他们说是达奇（Dutch）。 这容易引致外人混淆，因为英文字典上 Dutch的首义是荷兰的、荷兰人和荷兰语。但是拿一本好一些的英文字典看下去，就可以找到德语的意义。最主要的则是，艾米什人自己说，他们讲的是“德国人的语言”。因为最先是在美国宾夕法尼亚州一带聚居，艾米什人曾经被美国人称为“宾州德语人”。至今沿用 Dutch的另一种说法，是他们当初离开欧洲大陆的港口，就是荷兰的（Dutch）鹿特丹。
艾米什部落男女分工明显，真个是男耕女织。盖房子最热闹，可以说是聚居部落的节日，但是出场的只有男性。由于出行只用马车而不是骑马，所以大部分艾米什人终生的活动范围不超过二、三十英里。这样一来，艾米什人的群落特征非常明显。宗教领袖就是部落的精神首领。
在这样的宗教和文化背景下，读者自然会想象艾米什的家庭可能比较大。事实正是这样。据统计，平均每个艾米什家庭养育七个孩子。这样的人口增长速度，加上艾米什部落单调的生产方式，就使得土地变得紧张。两百年来，美国联邦政府曾一再拨给艾米什人新的领地。现在，如果你在美国地图上横跨宾夕法尼亚、俄亥俄、印第安纳和伊利诺斯四个州的北部画一条纬度相同的水平线段，那么艾米什部落大体就分布在这个线段的附近，总人口有十多万人。这是我的一个地理几何发现。对于外国游客来说，“最近的”艾米什部落，离纽约大都市只有一个多小时的车程。
这么保守的生产和生活方式，却能够支持数以十万计的人口生存繁衍，这首先得益于美国人少地多，土壤肥沃，风调雨顺。就生活方式而不是社会风尚的进化程度而言，艾米什和美国主流社会的差异，比意大利人，汉人，韩人，日本人以至黑人都大。但是，艾米什保守的群落特征，使得他们自我封闭，与世无争，并不对任何别的社会成员形成任何威胁和竞争。这是和其他一些聚居的少数民族差异颇大的地方。
离开发达的现代文明只有几英里路，居然可以封闭自持，实在叫人难以想象。但是，事实就是这个样子。对待日新月异并且唾手可得的技术进步，他们只有当认准不致损害其基本的社会结构时，才接受最起码和最必要的变化，但是他们不会作为美国主流文化技术的拥有者。首先是语言，他们讲他们的传统德语，只学简单的不得不与外界交往的有限的英语。此外，现在艾米什人在紧急的时候可以坐公共汽车，甚至可以租用汽车，但是规定无论如何不得自己驾驶。在紧急的时候，还可以借用邻居非艾米什人的电话，但是不得自己拥有电话。艾米什的孩子只受八年初等教育，内容主要只限于三项含 R的训练，即读READING，写WRITING，和算术ARITHMETIC。在艾米什部落，学校作为家庭的延伸，主要功能是延续艾米什文化。至于电视以及一切更先进的东西，都与他们的教义正面冲突，被认为是邪恶的根源。当然，艾米什人不能离婚。
有趣的是，政府方面不但没有力图对艾米什部落进行什么文明改革，反而网开一面，允许他们自在自为。例如，美国的小学教师都必须通过政府认可的考试取得资格，但是艾米什部落的教师却得以豁免，允许自主决定。
1993年五月，一辆卡车在公路上撞死了五个艾米什孩子，媒介连日在电视广播和《纽约时报》等报刊详细报道。最后，司机被判十年徒刑。这在只认规章不认人的美国，实在是很不寻常的结局。
考察了两天，由于读者容易设想的道理，我们只能在不太近的距离之外，拍了很有限的若干照片。回到大学，通过电脑检索，找到一批关于艾米什的专著。约翰·霍普金斯大学出版社，是艾米什研究文献的重要出版者，1993年的《艾米什》一书，着重从宗教的角度进行论述。纽约一家出版社1994年出版的书《与自然同步：农务美国梦》，则着重从农业和日常生活方面开展研究。这些书都有一些十分珍贵的照片。
联想到我们十几年来的经济、社会发展，只要财富约束允许，谁经得起电视电话、楼房汽车的诱惑？要说原来的文化差异、文明差异和意识形态差异，我们离世界工业文明的主流要更远得多。不错，有一些艾米什孩子最终离开了生育他们的部落家园，但是比例只有大约七分之一。黑颜色现在偶尔可以用深蓝或暗花来代替，但是不超出深暗和土白两色基调的格局。艾米什部落何来如此几近顽固的惯性或免疫力？
就大的分化而言，300 多年来，艾米什只变生出一个规模大体相仿的部落，就是米诺奈茨（Mennonites）。米诺奈茨部落和艾米什部落，一直睦邻友好相处。事实上，我们对艾米什部落的这次探访，“大本营”就设在路西小姐熟悉的一户米诺奈茨农家。前面说的在艾米什部落的拍卖，也是米诺奈茨人组织的。米诺奈茨朋友带我们猎鹿、钓鱼，和我们打乒乓、开派对。他们有电话、开汽车，使用联合收割机等机引农具，但是家里不会有电视机。派对上当然没有卡拉OK。特别是，米诺奈茨人和艾米什人一样，普遍饮用井水。
经济利益真的像一些人设想的那么具有支配社会角色的力量吗？也许值得再多看看，再多想想，才能形成足以说服自己的事理。阿尔弗莱德·马歇尔在《经济学原理》开篇中说，影响人类行为的因素很多，但是只有两种力量最持久，并且最普遍地发生作用，一个是经济的力量，一个是宗教的力量。我们的无神论的教育，是否也应该给宗教以更大的注意。
Sunday, June 19, 2011
零排放極音速運輸
花不到3小時就從巴黎飛到東京嗎？你期盼超高音速「協和式飛機」（Concorde）時代到來嗎？
飛機製造商空中巴士（Airbus）的母公司歐洲航太防衛公司（EADS）已經有了答案--1架從一般跑道起飛，可在大氣層上方飛行的極音速噴射機。
這架與日本共同研發的飛機主要是考量商業市場而設計，它能搭載50至100名旅客。
歐洲航太防衛公司今天推出的「零排放極音速運輸」（Zero Emission Hypersonic Transportation, Zehst）火箭飛機概念計畫，寄望到大約2050年，從巴黎飛往東京的航程時間只有兩個半小時。
該公司技術長波蒂（Jean Botti）說：「我想像未來的飛機就像Zehst。」這項計畫在巴黎國際航空展（Paris International Air Show）開幕前夕於布傑機場（Le Bourget）宣布。
這種低污染飛機利用自海草提煉的生物燃油，推動一般引擎起飛，飛到高空再切換至火箭引擎。
火箭引擎由氫氣和氧氣驅動，只會排出水蒸氣，把飛機推進至32公里巡航高度，現在的客機則只能推進至大約10公里高度。
波蒂說：「這不會造成污染，因為是在平流層中飛行。」
飛機製造商空中巴士（Airbus）的母公司歐洲航太防衛公司（EADS）已經有了答案--1架從一般跑道起飛，可在大氣層上方飛行的極音速噴射機。
這架與日本共同研發的飛機主要是考量商業市場而設計，它能搭載50至100名旅客。
歐洲航太防衛公司今天推出的「零排放極音速運輸」（Zero Emission Hypersonic Transportation, Zehst）火箭飛機概念計畫，寄望到大約2050年，從巴黎飛往東京的航程時間只有兩個半小時。
該公司技術長波蒂（Jean Botti）說：「我想像未來的飛機就像Zehst。」這項計畫在巴黎國際航空展（Paris International Air Show）開幕前夕於布傑機場（Le Bourget）宣布。
這種低污染飛機利用自海草提煉的生物燃油，推動一般引擎起飛，飛到高空再切換至火箭引擎。
火箭引擎由氫氣和氧氣驅動，只會排出水蒸氣，把飛機推進至32公里巡航高度，現在的客機則只能推進至大約10公里高度。
波蒂說：「這不會造成污染，因為是在平流層中飛行。」
Thursday, June 16, 2011
sms
AEAP – As Early As Possible
ALAP – As Late As Possible
AWGTHTGTTA – Are We Going To Have To Go Through This Again
B4YKI – Before You Know It
BRB – Be Right Back
BRT – Be Right There
CWYL – Chat With You Later
C-P – Sleepy
CYT – See You Tomorrow
E123 – Easy as One, Two, Three
------------------------
100 parents need to know
------------------------
8 - Oral sex
1337 - Elite -or- leet -or- L337
143 - I love you
182 - I hate you
1174 - Nude club
420 - Marijuana
459 - I love you
ADR - Address
AEAP - As Early As Possible
ALAP - As Late As Possible
ASL - Age/Sex/Location
CD9 - Code 9 - it means parents are around
C-P - Sleepy
F2F - Face-to-Face
GNOC - Get Naked On Cam
GYPO - Get Your Pants Off
HAK - Hugs And Kisses
ILU - I Love You
IWSN - I Want Sex Now
J/O - Jerking Off
KOTL - Kiss On The Lips
KFY -or- K4Y - Kiss For You
KPC - Keeping Parents Clueless
LMIRL - Let's Meet In Real Life
MOOS - Member Of The Opposite Sex
MOSS - Member(s) Of The Same Sex
MorF - Male or Female
MOS - Mom Over Shoulder
MPFB - My Personal F*** Buddy
NALOPKT - Not A Lot Of People Know That
NIFOC - Nude In Front Of The Computer
NMU - Not Much, You?
P911 - Parent Alert
PAL - Parents Are Listening
PAW - Parents Are Watching
PIR - Parent In Room
POS - Parent Over Shoulder -or- Piece Of Sh**
pron - porn
Q2C - Quick To Cum
RU/18 - Are You Over 18?
RUMORF - Are You Male OR Female?
RUH - Are You Horny?
S2R - Send To Receive
SorG - Straight or Gay
TDTM - Talk Dirty To Me
WTF - What The F***
WUF - Where You From
WYCM - Will You Call Me?
WYRN - What's Your Real Name?
zerg - To gang up on someone
2nite - Tonight
AWGTHTGTTA - Are We Going To Have To Go Through This Again
banana - code word for penis
B4YKI - Before You Know It
BRB - Be Right Back
BRT - Be Right There
CWYL - Chat With You Later
CYT - See You Tomorrow
DIAF - Die In A Fire
DOC - Drug Of Choice
E123 - Easy as One, Two, Three
EM - Excuse Me
EOD - End Of Day -or- End Of Discussion
FAH - F***ing A Hot
FB - F*** Buddy -or- FaceBook
FOAF - Friend Of A Friend
GLBT - Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender - also seen as LBGT
HBU - How Bout You?
HUYA - Head Up Your Ass
I&I - Intercourse & Inebriation
IDGI - I Don't Get It -or- I Don't Get Involved
IMEZRU - I Am Easy, Are You?
IMNSHO - In My Not So Humble Opinion
J/C - Just Checking
kitty - code word for vagina
L8R - Later
LD - Long Distance -or- Later Dude
LMK - Let Me Know
LOL - Laughing Out Loud -or- Lots Of Love
N-A-Y-L - In A While
NAZ - Name, Address, Zip (also means Nasdaq)
NM - Never Mind -or- Nothing Much -or- Nice Move
OLL - OnLine Love
OMW - On My Way
OTP - On The Phone
QT - Cutie
RN - Right Now
ROTFL - Rolling On The Floor Laughing
RU - Are You?
SITD - Still In The Dark
SMEM - Send Me E-Mail
SMIM - Send Me an Instant Message
SO - Significant Other
SOHF - Sense Of Humor Failure
SWDYT - So What Do You Think?
TOM - Tomorrow
TS - Tough Sh** -or- Totally Stinks
TTFN - Ta Ta For Now
ur - you are
WFM - Works For Me
------------------------
50 popular
------------------------
2moro - Tomorrow
2nite - Tonight
BRB - Be Right Back
BTW - By The Way
B4N - Bye For Now
BCNU - Be Seeing You
BFF - Best Friends Forever
CYA - Cover Your Ass -or- See Ya
DBEYR - Don't Believe Everything You Read
DILLIGAS - Do I Look Like I Give A Sh**
FUD - Fear, Uncertainty, and Disinformation
FWIW - For What It's Worth
GR8 - Great
ILY - I Love You
IMHO - In My Humble Opinion
IRL - In Real Life
ISO - In Search Of
J/K - Just Kidding
L8R - Later
LMAO - Laughing My Ass Off
LOL - Laughing Out Loud -or- Lots Of Love
LYLAS - Love You Like A Sister
MHOTY - My Hat's Off To You
NIMBY - Not In My Back Yard
NP - No Problem -or- Nosy Parents
NUB - New person to a site or game
OIC - Oh, I See
OMG - Oh My God
OT - Off Topic
POV - Point Of View
RBTL - Read Between The Lines
ROTFLMAO - Rolling On The Floor Laughing My Ass Off
RT - Real Time
THX or TX or THKS - Thanks
SH - Sh** Happens
SITD - Still In The Dark
SOL - Sh** Out of Luck
STBY - Sucks To Be You
SWAK - Sealed (or Sent) With A Kiss
TFH - Thread From Hell
RTM or RTFM - Read The Manual -or- Read The F***ing Manual
TLC - Tender Loving Care
TMI - Too Much Information
TTYL - Talk To You Later -or- Type To You Later
TYVM - Thank You Very Much
VBG - Very Big Grin
WEG - Wicked Evil Grin
WTF - What The F***
WYWH - Wish You Were Here
XOXO - Hugs and Kisses
-------------------------
50 in Business
-------------------------
AFAIC - As Far As I'm Concerned
ASAP - As Soon As Possible
BHAG - Big Hairy Audacious Goal
BOHICA - Bend Over Here It Comes Again
CLM - Career Limiting Move
CYA - Cover Your Ass -or- See Ya
DD - Due Diligence
DQYDJ - Don't Quit Your Day Job
DRIB - Don't Read If Busy
EOD - End Of Day -or- End Of Discussion
EOM - End Of Message
EOT - End Of Thread (meaning: end of discussion)
ESO - Equipment Smarter than Operator
FRED - F***ing Ridiculous Electronic Device
FUBAR - F***ed Up Beyond All Recognition (or Repair)
FYI - For Your Information
GMTA - Great Minds Think Alike
HIOOC - Help, I'm Out Of Coffee
IAITS - It's All In The Subject
IANAL - I Am Not A Lawyer
KISS - Keep It Simple Stupid
LOPSOD - Long On Promises, Short On Delivery
MOTD - Message Of The Day
MTFBWY - May The Force Be With You
MYOB - Mind Your Own Business
NRN - No Reply Necessary
NSFW - Not Safe For Work
NWR - Not Work Related
OTP - On The Phone
P&C - Private & Confidential
PDOMA - Pulled Directly Out Of My Ass
PEBCAK - Problem Exists Between Chair And Keyboard
PITA - Pain In The Ass
QQ - Quick Question -or- Cry More
RFD - Request For Discussion
RFP - Request For Proposal
SBUG - Small Bald Unaudacious Goal
SME - Subject Matter Expert
SNAFU - Situation Normal, All F***ed Up
SSDD - Same Sh** Different Day
STD - Seal The Deal -or- Save The Date -or- Sexually Transmitted Disease
SWAG - Scientific Wild Ass Guess -or- SoftWare And Giveaways
TBA - To Be Advised
TBD - To Be Determined
TWIMC - To Whom It May Concern
TIA - Thanks In Advance
WIIFM - What's In It For Me
WOMBAT - Waste Of Money, Brains And Time
WTG - Way To Go
YW - You're Welcome
---------------------
50 for newbie
---------------------
@ - The "at" sign or "@" symbol is now such an integral part of the Internet, it deserves...
access - To log on to the Internet, where you can browse information, view Web sites, retrieve...
acronym - Derived from the first letters of a phrase, acronyms are meant to make the phrase...
any key - Newbies take heed: If a tech support person or a computer manual directs you to "hit...
avatar - A digital "actor" or icon that represents who you are and where you are in the virtual...
B2B - An acronym that describes business-to-business relationships or applications. Many...
back button - One of the buttons at the top of a Web browser. By clicking on it, you "go back" to...
blog - A Web site (or section of a Web site) where users can post a chronological, up-to-date...
bookmark - A direct link to an often visited site, saved in your browser for easy access. Bookmarks...
browser - A program used to view, download, upload, surf, or otherwise access documents (for...
cell phone - A mobile telephone that uses wireless technology, it is considered indispensable for...
chat or chatting - A form of interactive online communication that enables users to have real-time conversations...
computer - A device that runs programs for displaying and manipulating text, graphics, symbols,...
connectivity - The state of being connected to the Internet or to another type of computer network,...
debbie - A name for someone who is even newer than a newbie.
download - To transfer a file or files from one computer to another, for example, from a server...
e-commerce - Simply put, it means conducting business online. Selling goods, in the traditional...
e-mail or email - E-mail is mail that's electronically transmitted by your computer. As opposed to snail...
encryption - The process of protecting information as it moves from one computer to another. Passing...
FAQ - A list of questions and answers related to a Web site, newsgroup, software, or any...
file extension - The group of letters after a period or "dot" in a file name. The extension indicates...
gaming - It means "playing a game." Gaming also refers to the gaming industry as a whole, which...
handheld device - A computer or communications gadget that you can carry around with you, such as a...
hardware - The electronic components, boards, peripherals, and computer equipment that make up...
instant messaging - A technology that gives users the ability to identify people online and to exchange...
Internet - The most important technological innovation of our generation, the Internet is actually...
ISP - A company that provides users access to the Internet. Before you can connect to the...
login or log in - The act of connecting to or accessing a remote computer system, network, server, or...
netiquette - The code of conduct and unofficial rules that govern online interaction and behavior,...
newbie - Someone who is new to the Internet or new to computers in general. "Newbie" is sort...
newsgroups - A newsgroup is a forum for sharing information. Each one is an area on the Internet...
noob - There is controversy surrounding this word. Traditionally a noob, unlike a newbie...
OSP - A company that provides customer-only content to subscribers of its service. For example,...
P2P - In computer terms, a "peer" is an actual computer that exists on a network at the...
password - A combination of letters and other symbols needed to login to a computer system or...
phishing - An online scam in which the perpetrator sends out a large number of legitimate looking...
RTM or RTFM - Proper netiquette on newsgroups calls for users not to post newbie questions that...
search - The process of locating information on the Internet, whether it is to be found on...
SHOUTING - Chatters and people who post on Usenet will often tell others to stop shouting. It's...
sig file - A short statement at the end of an e-mail message. It identifies the sender and provides...
silver surfer - An adult, generally 50 years of age or older, who frequently surfs the Web and spends...
smiley or smileys - :-) A smiley is a sequence of typed characters that creates a rough picture of something,...
snail mail - Regular postal mail, as in, "through rain, snow, sleet, or hail. . . ." The obvious...
social networking - On a broad level, it is an online community of people who are socializing with each...
software - A set of instructions that tells a computer how to execute functions and tasks. Software...
tech support - A place you call when you have questions about computer hardware or software. The...
texting - The act of typing and sending a brief, electronic message (less than 160 characters)...
troll - Online it originally meant the act of posting a message in a newsgroup (and later...
URL - An acronym/term that describes the location and access method of a resource on the...
Web site - A place on the World Wide Web that's comprised of files organized into a hierarchy....
--------------
50 tech terms
--------------
404 - Originally a technical term for Not Found 404 (which is an error message seen on a...
411 - Online jargon, also known as text message shorthand, used primarily in texting, online...
86 - Online jargon, also known as text message shorthand, used primarily in texting, online...
age - Actually it is "-age" which is a suffix used in slang to exaggerate a word and give...
anime - An artistic and sensual type of Japanese animation. On the Internet, one can find...
back button - One of the buttons at the top of a Web browser. By clicking on it, you "go back" to...
bandwidth - The technical definition of "bandwidth" involves the difference between two frequencies...
biobreak - An office friendly way of saying that one needs to take a bathroom break.
brain dump - To empty one's brain of any and all information relating to a particular subject....
cached out - Slang for extremely tired, as in, "wiped out."
cookies - A funny name for a noun that describes a small piece of information about you (about...
cryptic - Primarily used as slang, it refers to anything that is hard to read. For example,...
dead-tree version - Slang for a printed document or publication, as opposed to an electronic version.
deep dive - Slang for exploring a subject in-depth. For example, "We did a deep dive on that market...
defrag - To optimize your hard drive, usually with a program that "cleans it up" and makes...
delete - To remove a file or erase information.
down time - This expression refers to lost production time due to a broken machine and its operator...
eye candy - Slang for extra graphics (or images) included on a Web page with the intent of making...
Film at 11 - With reference to TV commercials for the late local news, it's a sarcastic phrase...
Google - Founded in 1998 by Larry Page and Sergey Brin, two Stanford Ph.D. candidates who developed...
hot spot - In the world of IT this term refers to places that have wireless Internet connections....
huge pipes - Slang for a high-bandwidth Internet connection.
interface - In a general sense, it is the portion of a program that interacts between a user and...
just-in-time (JIT) - Traditionally, this phrase describes a compiler that turns Java bytecode, for example,...
legacy media - Media that is considered "old," such as radio, television, and especially newspapers....
McLuhanism - A term for a catchy phrase or slogan coined by Marshall McLuhan, popular writer and...
meatspace - Slang for the real world, as opposed to cyberspace.
mommy-save - Slang for the act of indiscriminately clicking 'Save' without first choosing an appropriate...
morph or morphing - From the term "metamorphosis," it is to turn one thing into another. It most commonly...
multitasking - The simultaneous execution of more than one task. For example, a computer that launches...
navigate - The act of moving around the Web by clicking on hypertext links (or paths) that take...
opt-out - Any time a user requests to be removed from any kind of online program, he or she...
PDFing - An example of a word morphing, this term once described the process of turning a document...
photoshopped - A play on the word "Photoshop," the software graphics program created by Adobe, it...
PING or ping - Traditionally this term refers to an Internet program used to determine whether a...
plug-and-play - A standard for add-in hardware that requires it to identify itself on demand (see:...
plugged-in - Slang for wired, or being connected.
radar screen - In modern jargon, this refers to the range of interests that a company or individual...
rant-and-rave - To speak on and on about something you feel passionate for. Users often rant-and-rave...
robot - Traditionally, it's a device that can move and react to sensory input. Robots are...
scaleable or scalability - Refers to the ability of hardware or software or even a brand, to adapt to increased...
shelfware - Slang for software that is so worthless it remains in the shrink-wrapped box on the...
showstopper - Slang for anything that has the potential to halt the shipment or to stop the launch...
spammin' - Slang for speaking aimlessly on a mishmash of topics, or to stuff someone's brain...
surf or surfing - To browse or look at information on the Web by pointing and clicking and navigating...
thread - Originally it referred to a chain of postings on a single subject in a newsgroup....
TMI - Online jargon, also known as text message shorthand, used primarily in texting, online...
unplugged - Slang for being not connected. The opposite of wired. It also refers to acoustic music...
user - A term that defines the online audience, it also refers to anyone who uses a computer....
yoyo mode - The state in which a computer rapidly alternates several times between being up and...
-------------------------
50 funniest
-------------------------
all your base are belong to us - An incoherent line from a Japanese video game called Zero Wing by Sega Genesis, it...
angry garden salad - Slang for a poorly designed Web site GUI with incorrect code behind it (so that if...
assicons - A funny take on emoticons, "assicons" (like boobiecons) involve another body part....
boobiecons - Another funny take on emoticons, "boobiecons" (like assicons) involve another body...
cappuccino cowboy - A nickname for a person who just has to have a Starbucks coffee or other type of roadie...
chillaxin - Slang for chilling and relaxing, as in "What up? Not much, just chillaxin."
chips and salsa - Chips refers to computer hardware. Salso refers to software. For example you may hear...
cluster funk - When a multitude of things go wrong on a computer system, at the same time, because...
cornea gumbo - A visually noisy or over-designed Web site, usually with too many graphics and too...
crapplet - A badly written or totally useless Java applet, as in, "I just wasted thirty minutes...
dancing baloney - Gratuitous animated GIFs and other Web special effects that are used to impress clients....
digital doppelganger - Another name for your online persona, for example, the founder of NetLingo's "digital...
double geeking - When you use two computers at the same time. "Triple-geeking" is using three computers...
easter egg - A hidden element written into a program or placed on a Web site. Basically, it is...
eating your own dog food - When a computer company uses its own software for internal projects, it is said to...
echo chamber - Traditionally, an "echo chamber" describes a group of media outlets that tend to parrot...
fat finger - To make an error in typing, as in, "Oops, I didn't see that misspelling. I must have...
flame war - When an online discussion degenerates into a series of personal attacks against the...
fortune cookie - An inane, witty, or profound comment that can be found around the net. When you come...
fram - Slang for spam sent to you by your friends or family.
gingerbread house - Slang for a company that hires NCGs, places them in high-pressure positions, but pays...
grok - To "get it" or to understand something so completely that you absorb it and practically...
hairball - Any tangled mess. Often refers to poorly written computer code with Microsoft's name...
ID10T - An acronym, actually an expression, used among tech support personnel to disguise...
meatloaf - Unlike spam, which is unsolicited commercial e-mail (UCE), meatloaf is unsolicited...
middle school dance - Slang for a situation in which two pieces of equipment are both waiting for the other...
ohnosecond - The fraction of time it takes to realize you've just goofed; for example, right after...
open your kimono - Silicon Valley slang for revealing your business idea to someone after he or she signs an NDA.
PITA - As in, "What a PITA," it is an acronym used primarily in texting, online chat, instant...
plonk - To kill (or filter-out) a particular person's messages from the newsgroups you read....
POTATO - This is what's known as a hilarious acronym to describe "People Over Thirty Acting...
prairie dogging - In geek speak it is slang for when someone yells or drops something loudly in a cube...
rasterbator - A designer who's become a compulsive digital manipulator or Photoshop abuser, as in...
router droppings - The inclusions added to e-mail messages when a server or recipient cannot be found....
salmon day - Workplace slang that refers to the experience of spending an entire day swimming upstream...
scribe tribes - Netizens who publish their journals, diaries, and daily ramblings on the Web and organize...
script kiddies - In general, this is slang for people who find tools on the Internet and use those...
seagull manager - A manager who flies in, makes a lot of noise, craps over everything, and then leaves.
shareware girl - Office jargon for the coolest girl in the company, the one that all the programmers...
Siliconia - Nicknames for cities and areas with a heavy concentration of high-tech firms. "Siliconia"...
spam - An e-mail message sent to a large number of people without consent, also known as...
splog - "Splogs" are amateur blogs with mostly stolen content that are published by spurious...
time porn - Popular entertainment in general. Traditionally this term referred to TV shows like...
turklebaum - Based on a phony e-mail message about a fellow named Turklebaum (who allegedly died...
velveeta - To cross-post to an excessive number of newsgroups.
walled garden - A favorite term by those in the industry, a "walled garden" refers to certain Web...
wallhumper - Office slang for a person who raises their hip in an effort to swipe their electronic...
warez - This word is considered by many users to be a catchall term for software which includes...
word-of-mouse - Gossip or information spread via the net, usually through e-mail, blogs or newsgroup postings.
zen mail - E-mail messages that arrive with no text in the message body.
ALAP – As Late As Possible
AWGTHTGTTA – Are We Going To Have To Go Through This Again
B4YKI – Before You Know It
BRB – Be Right Back
BRT – Be Right There
CWYL – Chat With You Later
C-P – Sleepy
CYT – See You Tomorrow
E123 – Easy as One, Two, Three
------------------------
100 parents need to know
------------------------
8 - Oral sex
1337 - Elite -or- leet -or- L337
143 - I love you
182 - I hate you
1174 - Nude club
420 - Marijuana
459 - I love you
ADR - Address
AEAP - As Early As Possible
ALAP - As Late As Possible
ASL - Age/Sex/Location
CD9 - Code 9 - it means parents are around
C-P - Sleepy
F2F - Face-to-Face
GNOC - Get Naked On Cam
GYPO - Get Your Pants Off
HAK - Hugs And Kisses
ILU - I Love You
IWSN - I Want Sex Now
J/O - Jerking Off
KOTL - Kiss On The Lips
KFY -or- K4Y - Kiss For You
KPC - Keeping Parents Clueless
LMIRL - Let's Meet In Real Life
MOOS - Member Of The Opposite Sex
MOSS - Member(s) Of The Same Sex
MorF - Male or Female
MOS - Mom Over Shoulder
MPFB - My Personal F*** Buddy
NALOPKT - Not A Lot Of People Know That
NIFOC - Nude In Front Of The Computer
NMU - Not Much, You?
P911 - Parent Alert
PAL - Parents Are Listening
PAW - Parents Are Watching
PIR - Parent In Room
POS - Parent Over Shoulder -or- Piece Of Sh**
pron - porn
Q2C - Quick To Cum
RU/18 - Are You Over 18?
RUMORF - Are You Male OR Female?
RUH - Are You Horny?
S2R - Send To Receive
SorG - Straight or Gay
TDTM - Talk Dirty To Me
WTF - What The F***
WUF - Where You From
WYCM - Will You Call Me?
WYRN - What's Your Real Name?
zerg - To gang up on someone
2nite - Tonight
AWGTHTGTTA - Are We Going To Have To Go Through This Again
banana - code word for penis
B4YKI - Before You Know It
BRB - Be Right Back
BRT - Be Right There
CWYL - Chat With You Later
CYT - See You Tomorrow
DIAF - Die In A Fire
DOC - Drug Of Choice
E123 - Easy as One, Two, Three
EM - Excuse Me
EOD - End Of Day -or- End Of Discussion
FAH - F***ing A Hot
FB - F*** Buddy -or- FaceBook
FOAF - Friend Of A Friend
GLBT - Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender - also seen as LBGT
HBU - How Bout You?
HUYA - Head Up Your Ass
I&I - Intercourse & Inebriation
IDGI - I Don't Get It -or- I Don't Get Involved
IMEZRU - I Am Easy, Are You?
IMNSHO - In My Not So Humble Opinion
J/C - Just Checking
kitty - code word for vagina
L8R - Later
LD - Long Distance -or- Later Dude
LMK - Let Me Know
LOL - Laughing Out Loud -or- Lots Of Love
N-A-Y-L - In A While
NAZ - Name, Address, Zip (also means Nasdaq)
NM - Never Mind -or- Nothing Much -or- Nice Move
OLL - OnLine Love
OMW - On My Way
OTP - On The Phone
QT - Cutie
RN - Right Now
ROTFL - Rolling On The Floor Laughing
RU - Are You?
SITD - Still In The Dark
SMEM - Send Me E-Mail
SMIM - Send Me an Instant Message
SO - Significant Other
SOHF - Sense Of Humor Failure
SWDYT - So What Do You Think?
TOM - Tomorrow
TS - Tough Sh** -or- Totally Stinks
TTFN - Ta Ta For Now
ur - you are
WFM - Works For Me
------------------------
50 popular
------------------------
2moro - Tomorrow
2nite - Tonight
BRB - Be Right Back
BTW - By The Way
B4N - Bye For Now
BCNU - Be Seeing You
BFF - Best Friends Forever
CYA - Cover Your Ass -or- See Ya
DBEYR - Don't Believe Everything You Read
DILLIGAS - Do I Look Like I Give A Sh**
FUD - Fear, Uncertainty, and Disinformation
FWIW - For What It's Worth
GR8 - Great
ILY - I Love You
IMHO - In My Humble Opinion
IRL - In Real Life
ISO - In Search Of
J/K - Just Kidding
L8R - Later
LMAO - Laughing My Ass Off
LOL - Laughing Out Loud -or- Lots Of Love
LYLAS - Love You Like A Sister
MHOTY - My Hat's Off To You
NIMBY - Not In My Back Yard
NP - No Problem -or- Nosy Parents
NUB - New person to a site or game
OIC - Oh, I See
OMG - Oh My God
OT - Off Topic
POV - Point Of View
RBTL - Read Between The Lines
ROTFLMAO - Rolling On The Floor Laughing My Ass Off
RT - Real Time
THX or TX or THKS - Thanks
SH - Sh** Happens
SITD - Still In The Dark
SOL - Sh** Out of Luck
STBY - Sucks To Be You
SWAK - Sealed (or Sent) With A Kiss
TFH - Thread From Hell
RTM or RTFM - Read The Manual -or- Read The F***ing Manual
TLC - Tender Loving Care
TMI - Too Much Information
TTYL - Talk To You Later -or- Type To You Later
TYVM - Thank You Very Much
VBG - Very Big Grin
WEG - Wicked Evil Grin
WTF - What The F***
WYWH - Wish You Were Here
XOXO - Hugs and Kisses
-------------------------
50 in Business
-------------------------
AFAIC - As Far As I'm Concerned
ASAP - As Soon As Possible
BHAG - Big Hairy Audacious Goal
BOHICA - Bend Over Here It Comes Again
CLM - Career Limiting Move
CYA - Cover Your Ass -or- See Ya
DD - Due Diligence
DQYDJ - Don't Quit Your Day Job
DRIB - Don't Read If Busy
EOD - End Of Day -or- End Of Discussion
EOM - End Of Message
EOT - End Of Thread (meaning: end of discussion)
ESO - Equipment Smarter than Operator
FRED - F***ing Ridiculous Electronic Device
FUBAR - F***ed Up Beyond All Recognition (or Repair)
FYI - For Your Information
GMTA - Great Minds Think Alike
HIOOC - Help, I'm Out Of Coffee
IAITS - It's All In The Subject
IANAL - I Am Not A Lawyer
KISS - Keep It Simple Stupid
LOPSOD - Long On Promises, Short On Delivery
MOTD - Message Of The Day
MTFBWY - May The Force Be With You
MYOB - Mind Your Own Business
NRN - No Reply Necessary
NSFW - Not Safe For Work
NWR - Not Work Related
OTP - On The Phone
P&C - Private & Confidential
PDOMA - Pulled Directly Out Of My Ass
PEBCAK - Problem Exists Between Chair And Keyboard
PITA - Pain In The Ass
QQ - Quick Question -or- Cry More
RFD - Request For Discussion
RFP - Request For Proposal
SBUG - Small Bald Unaudacious Goal
SME - Subject Matter Expert
SNAFU - Situation Normal, All F***ed Up
SSDD - Same Sh** Different Day
STD - Seal The Deal -or- Save The Date -or- Sexually Transmitted Disease
SWAG - Scientific Wild Ass Guess -or- SoftWare And Giveaways
TBA - To Be Advised
TBD - To Be Determined
TWIMC - To Whom It May Concern
TIA - Thanks In Advance
WIIFM - What's In It For Me
WOMBAT - Waste Of Money, Brains And Time
WTG - Way To Go
YW - You're Welcome
---------------------
50 for newbie
---------------------
@ - The "at" sign or "@" symbol is now such an integral part of the Internet, it deserves...
access - To log on to the Internet, where you can browse information, view Web sites, retrieve...
acronym - Derived from the first letters of a phrase, acronyms are meant to make the phrase...
any key - Newbies take heed: If a tech support person or a computer manual directs you to "hit...
avatar - A digital "actor" or icon that represents who you are and where you are in the virtual...
B2B - An acronym that describes business-to-business relationships or applications. Many...
back button - One of the buttons at the top of a Web browser. By clicking on it, you "go back" to...
blog - A Web site (or section of a Web site) where users can post a chronological, up-to-date...
bookmark - A direct link to an often visited site, saved in your browser for easy access. Bookmarks...
browser - A program used to view, download, upload, surf, or otherwise access documents (for...
cell phone - A mobile telephone that uses wireless technology, it is considered indispensable for...
chat or chatting - A form of interactive online communication that enables users to have real-time conversations...
computer - A device that runs programs for displaying and manipulating text, graphics, symbols,...
connectivity - The state of being connected to the Internet or to another type of computer network,...
debbie - A name for someone who is even newer than a newbie.
download - To transfer a file or files from one computer to another, for example, from a server...
e-commerce - Simply put, it means conducting business online. Selling goods, in the traditional...
e-mail or email - E-mail is mail that's electronically transmitted by your computer. As opposed to snail...
encryption - The process of protecting information as it moves from one computer to another. Passing...
FAQ - A list of questions and answers related to a Web site, newsgroup, software, or any...
file extension - The group of letters after a period or "dot" in a file name. The extension indicates...
gaming - It means "playing a game." Gaming also refers to the gaming industry as a whole, which...
handheld device - A computer or communications gadget that you can carry around with you, such as a...
hardware - The electronic components, boards, peripherals, and computer equipment that make up...
instant messaging - A technology that gives users the ability to identify people online and to exchange...
Internet - The most important technological innovation of our generation, the Internet is actually...
ISP - A company that provides users access to the Internet. Before you can connect to the...
login or log in - The act of connecting to or accessing a remote computer system, network, server, or...
netiquette - The code of conduct and unofficial rules that govern online interaction and behavior,...
newbie - Someone who is new to the Internet or new to computers in general. "Newbie" is sort...
newsgroups - A newsgroup is a forum for sharing information. Each one is an area on the Internet...
noob - There is controversy surrounding this word. Traditionally a noob, unlike a newbie...
OSP - A company that provides customer-only content to subscribers of its service. For example,...
P2P - In computer terms, a "peer" is an actual computer that exists on a network at the...
password - A combination of letters and other symbols needed to login to a computer system or...
phishing - An online scam in which the perpetrator sends out a large number of legitimate looking...
RTM or RTFM - Proper netiquette on newsgroups calls for users not to post newbie questions that...
search - The process of locating information on the Internet, whether it is to be found on...
SHOUTING - Chatters and people who post on Usenet will often tell others to stop shouting. It's...
sig file - A short statement at the end of an e-mail message. It identifies the sender and provides...
silver surfer - An adult, generally 50 years of age or older, who frequently surfs the Web and spends...
smiley or smileys - :-) A smiley is a sequence of typed characters that creates a rough picture of something,...
snail mail - Regular postal mail, as in, "through rain, snow, sleet, or hail. . . ." The obvious...
social networking - On a broad level, it is an online community of people who are socializing with each...
software - A set of instructions that tells a computer how to execute functions and tasks. Software...
tech support - A place you call when you have questions about computer hardware or software. The...
texting - The act of typing and sending a brief, electronic message (less than 160 characters)...
troll - Online it originally meant the act of posting a message in a newsgroup (and later...
URL - An acronym/term that describes the location and access method of a resource on the...
Web site - A place on the World Wide Web that's comprised of files organized into a hierarchy....
--------------
50 tech terms
--------------
404 - Originally a technical term for Not Found 404 (which is an error message seen on a...
411 - Online jargon, also known as text message shorthand, used primarily in texting, online...
86 - Online jargon, also known as text message shorthand, used primarily in texting, online...
age - Actually it is "-age" which is a suffix used in slang to exaggerate a word and give...
anime - An artistic and sensual type of Japanese animation. On the Internet, one can find...
back button - One of the buttons at the top of a Web browser. By clicking on it, you "go back" to...
bandwidth - The technical definition of "bandwidth" involves the difference between two frequencies...
biobreak - An office friendly way of saying that one needs to take a bathroom break.
brain dump - To empty one's brain of any and all information relating to a particular subject....
cached out - Slang for extremely tired, as in, "wiped out."
cookies - A funny name for a noun that describes a small piece of information about you (about...
cryptic - Primarily used as slang, it refers to anything that is hard to read. For example,...
dead-tree version - Slang for a printed document or publication, as opposed to an electronic version.
deep dive - Slang for exploring a subject in-depth. For example, "We did a deep dive on that market...
defrag - To optimize your hard drive, usually with a program that "cleans it up" and makes...
delete - To remove a file or erase information.
down time - This expression refers to lost production time due to a broken machine and its operator...
eye candy - Slang for extra graphics (or images) included on a Web page with the intent of making...
Film at 11 - With reference to TV commercials for the late local news, it's a sarcastic phrase...
Google - Founded in 1998 by Larry Page and Sergey Brin, two Stanford Ph.D. candidates who developed...
hot spot - In the world of IT this term refers to places that have wireless Internet connections....
huge pipes - Slang for a high-bandwidth Internet connection.
interface - In a general sense, it is the portion of a program that interacts between a user and...
just-in-time (JIT) - Traditionally, this phrase describes a compiler that turns Java bytecode, for example,...
legacy media - Media that is considered "old," such as radio, television, and especially newspapers....
McLuhanism - A term for a catchy phrase or slogan coined by Marshall McLuhan, popular writer and...
meatspace - Slang for the real world, as opposed to cyberspace.
mommy-save - Slang for the act of indiscriminately clicking 'Save' without first choosing an appropriate...
morph or morphing - From the term "metamorphosis," it is to turn one thing into another. It most commonly...
multitasking - The simultaneous execution of more than one task. For example, a computer that launches...
navigate - The act of moving around the Web by clicking on hypertext links (or paths) that take...
opt-out - Any time a user requests to be removed from any kind of online program, he or she...
PDFing - An example of a word morphing, this term once described the process of turning a document...
photoshopped - A play on the word "Photoshop," the software graphics program created by Adobe, it...
PING or ping - Traditionally this term refers to an Internet program used to determine whether a...
plug-and-play - A standard for add-in hardware that requires it to identify itself on demand (see:...
plugged-in - Slang for wired, or being connected.
radar screen - In modern jargon, this refers to the range of interests that a company or individual...
rant-and-rave - To speak on and on about something you feel passionate for. Users often rant-and-rave...
robot - Traditionally, it's a device that can move and react to sensory input. Robots are...
scaleable or scalability - Refers to the ability of hardware or software or even a brand, to adapt to increased...
shelfware - Slang for software that is so worthless it remains in the shrink-wrapped box on the...
showstopper - Slang for anything that has the potential to halt the shipment or to stop the launch...
spammin' - Slang for speaking aimlessly on a mishmash of topics, or to stuff someone's brain...
surf or surfing - To browse or look at information on the Web by pointing and clicking and navigating...
thread - Originally it referred to a chain of postings on a single subject in a newsgroup....
TMI - Online jargon, also known as text message shorthand, used primarily in texting, online...
unplugged - Slang for being not connected. The opposite of wired. It also refers to acoustic music...
user - A term that defines the online audience, it also refers to anyone who uses a computer....
yoyo mode - The state in which a computer rapidly alternates several times between being up and...
-------------------------
50 funniest
-------------------------
all your base are belong to us - An incoherent line from a Japanese video game called Zero Wing by Sega Genesis, it...
angry garden salad - Slang for a poorly designed Web site GUI with incorrect code behind it (so that if...
assicons - A funny take on emoticons, "assicons" (like boobiecons) involve another body part....
boobiecons - Another funny take on emoticons, "boobiecons" (like assicons) involve another body...
cappuccino cowboy - A nickname for a person who just has to have a Starbucks coffee or other type of roadie...
chillaxin - Slang for chilling and relaxing, as in "What up? Not much, just chillaxin."
chips and salsa - Chips refers to computer hardware. Salso refers to software. For example you may hear...
cluster funk - When a multitude of things go wrong on a computer system, at the same time, because...
cornea gumbo - A visually noisy or over-designed Web site, usually with too many graphics and too...
crapplet - A badly written or totally useless Java applet, as in, "I just wasted thirty minutes...
dancing baloney - Gratuitous animated GIFs and other Web special effects that are used to impress clients....
digital doppelganger - Another name for your online persona, for example, the founder of NetLingo's "digital...
double geeking - When you use two computers at the same time. "Triple-geeking" is using three computers...
easter egg - A hidden element written into a program or placed on a Web site. Basically, it is...
eating your own dog food - When a computer company uses its own software for internal projects, it is said to...
echo chamber - Traditionally, an "echo chamber" describes a group of media outlets that tend to parrot...
fat finger - To make an error in typing, as in, "Oops, I didn't see that misspelling. I must have...
flame war - When an online discussion degenerates into a series of personal attacks against the...
fortune cookie - An inane, witty, or profound comment that can be found around the net. When you come...
fram - Slang for spam sent to you by your friends or family.
gingerbread house - Slang for a company that hires NCGs, places them in high-pressure positions, but pays...
grok - To "get it" or to understand something so completely that you absorb it and practically...
hairball - Any tangled mess. Often refers to poorly written computer code with Microsoft's name...
ID10T - An acronym, actually an expression, used among tech support personnel to disguise...
meatloaf - Unlike spam, which is unsolicited commercial e-mail (UCE), meatloaf is unsolicited...
middle school dance - Slang for a situation in which two pieces of equipment are both waiting for the other...
ohnosecond - The fraction of time it takes to realize you've just goofed; for example, right after...
open your kimono - Silicon Valley slang for revealing your business idea to someone after he or she signs an NDA.
PITA - As in, "What a PITA," it is an acronym used primarily in texting, online chat, instant...
plonk - To kill (or filter-out) a particular person's messages from the newsgroups you read....
POTATO - This is what's known as a hilarious acronym to describe "People Over Thirty Acting...
prairie dogging - In geek speak it is slang for when someone yells or drops something loudly in a cube...
rasterbator - A designer who's become a compulsive digital manipulator or Photoshop abuser, as in...
router droppings - The inclusions added to e-mail messages when a server or recipient cannot be found....
salmon day - Workplace slang that refers to the experience of spending an entire day swimming upstream...
scribe tribes - Netizens who publish their journals, diaries, and daily ramblings on the Web and organize...
script kiddies - In general, this is slang for people who find tools on the Internet and use those...
seagull manager - A manager who flies in, makes a lot of noise, craps over everything, and then leaves.
shareware girl - Office jargon for the coolest girl in the company, the one that all the programmers...
Siliconia - Nicknames for cities and areas with a heavy concentration of high-tech firms. "Siliconia"...
spam - An e-mail message sent to a large number of people without consent, also known as...
splog - "Splogs" are amateur blogs with mostly stolen content that are published by spurious...
time porn - Popular entertainment in general. Traditionally this term referred to TV shows like...
turklebaum - Based on a phony e-mail message about a fellow named Turklebaum (who allegedly died...
velveeta - To cross-post to an excessive number of newsgroups.
walled garden - A favorite term by those in the industry, a "walled garden" refers to certain Web...
wallhumper - Office slang for a person who raises their hip in an effort to swipe their electronic...
warez - This word is considered by many users to be a catchall term for software which includes...
word-of-mouse - Gossip or information spread via the net, usually through e-mail, blogs or newsgroup postings.
zen mail - E-mail messages that arrive with no text in the message body.
Friday, June 10, 2011
唐崇荣牧师
唐崇榮牧師生於1940年中國福建，3歲喪父，9歲隨母移居印尼泗水，12歲時，在計志文牧師的奮興會中把自己獻給 神。此後常讀聖經，在學校作見證，帶領同學參加主日學。
求學過程中受無神論、進化論、唯物辯證法……等思想所影響，滿心嚮往「改變世界，振奮人心」的共產主義。17歲那年是他信仰危機與轉機的關鍵時刻，神親自解答了他心中許多的疑惑問題。他深受感動，並以事奉的生命來回應上帝的呼召。後來，放下教書的工作，進入印尼瑪琅聖經學院受裝備。畢業後，在教會牧會，並兼任瑪琅聖經學院神學與哲學講師，達廿年之久。
唐牧師目前是雅加達歸正教會的主任牧師、印尼歸正神學院的院長，也是一位佈道家、神學講師；除了設立了唐崇榮國際佈道團事工外，在美國首府華盛頓還成立了基督教廿一世紀歸正學院。
唐崇荣牧师定期在新加坡、香港、台北、吉隆坡，及雅加达五个城市巡回举办讲经大会。
近九年间，已讲完《希伯来书》、《雅各书》、基督徒感情的圣化专题以及《创世纪》与《出埃及记》，深受各地信徒的好评。
唐牧师预计以4至5年时间讲完《约翰福音》后，终止国际巡回讲经的工作。
求學過程中受無神論、進化論、唯物辯證法……等思想所影響，滿心嚮往「改變世界，振奮人心」的共產主義。17歲那年是他信仰危機與轉機的關鍵時刻，神親自解答了他心中許多的疑惑問題。他深受感動，並以事奉的生命來回應上帝的呼召。後來，放下教書的工作，進入印尼瑪琅聖經學院受裝備。畢業後，在教會牧會，並兼任瑪琅聖經學院神學與哲學講師，達廿年之久。
唐牧師目前是雅加達歸正教會的主任牧師、印尼歸正神學院的院長，也是一位佈道家、神學講師；除了設立了唐崇榮國際佈道團事工外，在美國首府華盛頓還成立了基督教廿一世紀歸正學院。
唐崇荣牧师定期在新加坡、香港、台北、吉隆坡，及雅加达五个城市巡回举办讲经大会。
近九年间，已讲完《希伯来书》、《雅各书》、基督徒感情的圣化专题以及《创世纪》与《出埃及记》，深受各地信徒的好评。
唐牧师预计以4至5年时间讲完《约翰福音》后，终止国际巡回讲经的工作。
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
弦論, 八元數, 宇宙維度, 10維
八元數解開宇宙維度 科學人雜誌: 文／巴艾茲（John C. Baez）、伍爾達（John Huerta）翻譯／翁秉仁
19世紀發明後就被人淡忘的數系，也許可以簡單告訴我們宇宙為什麼是10維。
我們從小就開始學數，先從計數開始，繼而學習加、減、乘、除四則運算。
不過數學家知道，學校所教的數，只是眾多可能數系之一。
例如在理解幾何學和物理學時，其他的數也很重要，而其中最古怪的數系之一就是八元數(octonion)。
自1843年誕生以來，八元數被大多數人忽略了，但是在過去20-30年，八元數卻在弦論中佔有奇特的重要性。
如果弦論真的可以正確描述宇宙，
那麼八元數或許可以解釋宇宙的維度。
以虛為實
八元數並非第一個後來用於研究宇宙的純數學結構，也不是第一個有特別用途的另類數系。
為了清楚說明，先讓我們回到最簡單的數：學校教的、數學家稱為實數的數系。
所有實數的集合構成直線，因此實數整體是一維的；
或者反過來想，因為描述直線上的點需要一個實數，所以直線是一維的。
16世紀之前，實數是世上僅有的數系。
不過到文藝復興時期，有企圖心的數學家試圖解出更複雜的方程式，甚至還舉行比賽，看誰能解出最困難的問題。
當時，義大利身兼數學家、醫生、賭徒與占星家的卡丹諾(Gerolamo Cadano)引入-1的平方根，
做為他求勝的秘密武器。
卡丹諾不顧旁人的指摘，即使問題的答案通常是實數，也大膽地在冗長的計算中運用這個神秘的數。
卡丹諾並不知道這個技巧為什麼有用，他只知道這樣做可以得出正確答案。
1545年，卡丹諾將想法出版，也開啟了為期數百年的爭議：-1的平方根是真實存在？或者只是一項技巧？
約100年之後的思想家笛卡兒(RenéDescartes)提出裁決，語帶貶抑地稱它為
“虛幻”(imaginary)的數，這個虛數現在記成i。
雖然如此，數學家跟隨卡丹諾的腳步，開始運用形如 a+bi的複數，其中a和b是普通的實數。
1806年左右，瑞士業餘數學家阿爾岡(Jean-Robert Argand)宣揚以複數來描述平面的觀點。
用a+bi描述平面點的方法很簡單，a表示這個點的橫向位置，b表示縱向的位置，這樣就可以將複數視為平面上的點。
不過阿爾岡想得更深入，他還說明了如何將複數的四則運算，解釋成平面上的幾何操作。
為了理解這些幾何操作，我們先從實數來暖身。
在實數線上做加、減，就是往右或往左移動；而乘、除一個正實數，相當於將實數線做伸縮。
例如乘以2，是將直線放大2倍；而除以2，則是縮小2倍，也就是將各點間的距離縮減2倍；
若乘以-1，則是將直線左右翻轉。
類似的想法也可以用到複數，只是多了一些變化。
將平面上一點加上a+bi，相當於將該點往右(左)移動a，再往上(下)移動b。
而乘以一個複數，則是除了將平面放大或縮小之外，還多了平面的旋轉。
其中特別的是，乘以i相當於將平面逆時針轉1/4圈，因此將1乘以i再乘以i，
相當於將平面轉了半圈，也就是從1轉到-1。
最後，除法是乘法的相反，因此除以一個複數，是將放大換成縮小，或是反過來將縮小換成放大，然後再反方向旋轉。
大部份對實數能做的操作，對複數也都能做，而且事實上還做得更好，卡丹諾就深得箇中三昧，
因為在複數中我們能解的方程式比限制在實數時還多。
如果二維的數系能提供我們更大的計算威力，那麼何不考慮更高維的數系呢？可惜，擴張沒那麼簡單。
高維數系的秘密在過了數十年後，才被一位愛爾蘭數學家揭開，然後到了兩個世紀之久後的
現在，我們才開始理解它們的威力。
漢米爾頓的煉金術
1835年，時年30歲的愛爾蘭數學兼物理學家漢米爾頓(William Rowan Hamilton)
發現了用實數對來處理複數的方法。
當時的數學家多半採用阿爾岡提倡的a+bi寫法來表達複數，不過漢米爾頓注意到，
複數a+bi也可以用兩個實數a與b的某種特別記法來表示，例如實數對(a,b)。
這種記法在處理複數的加減法時特別容易，只要將對應位置的實數做加減就好了，
同時漢米爾頓也研究出處理複數乘除法時，比較複雜的運算規則，並藉此保持了阿爾岡所發現的美好幾何意義。
在發明這個具有幾何意義的複數代數系統之後，漢米爾頓嘗試了非常多年，
想要發明更大的三元數(a,b,c)代數系統，希望它能在三維幾何裡扮演類似複數的角色，結果卻帶給他無盡的挫折。
漢米爾頓曾經在給兒子的信中寫道：“每天早上……當我下樓吃早餐時，你和年幼的弟弟威廉，總會習慣問我：
『那個，爸，今天你把三元數乘起來了嗎？』當時的我也總是傷心地搖搖頭，不得不回答你們：
『還不行，我只會做加法和減法。』”當時的漢米爾頓並不知道，他給自己的這項挑戰在數學上是不可能完成的。
漢米爾頓在尋找的是一個可以做加、減、乘、除的三維數系，其中的難處在於除法。
可以做除法的數系稱為可除代數(division algebra)。
直到1958年，才有三位數學家證明了一個懸宕幾十年的驚人事實：
可除代數的維度只有四種可能：一維(實數)、二維(複數)、四維與八維。
因此除非漢米爾頓改變遊戲規則，否則根本不可能成功。
1843年10月16日，漢米爾頓自己找到了解決方法。
當時他正和太太走在愛爾蘭都柏林的皇家運河畔，準備到愛爾蘭皇家學院去開會。
途中漢米爾頓突然心血來潮想到：在三維空間中，如果他想要描述旋轉與伸縮，不能只用三個數，他需要第四個數。
於是漢米爾頓創造了形如a+bi+cj+dk的四元數(quaternion)，其中i、j、k都是-1 的平方根，彼此並不相等。
後來他回憶說：“在那一剎那，我腦中的電路突然中斷，迸出的火花就是i、j、k的基本方程式，此後我一直應用著它。”
當時，漢米爾頓還上演了數學史上知名的破壞文物大戲，他當下就將這個方程式刻在身邊
布魯罕橋(Brougham Bridge)的石頭上。
雖然橋上的真跡已經湮滅，但是原址現在有一塊石板以文字記錄著這項發現。
我們需要用到四維空間才能描述三維空間的變化，乍聽之下似乎很奇怪，不過的確是如此。
因為其中有三個數要用來描述三維空間中的旋轉：
用開飛機來想像最容易解釋，為了定向，我們需要控制機身和水平面的夾角，稱為俯仰角(pitch)；
其次我們也需要像開車一樣控制左右轉角，這是偏航角(yaw)；
最後還有控制機翼與水平面夾角的滾轉角(roll)。
第四個數則是用來描述伸縮的程度。
漢米爾頓以他的餘生專研四元數，並發現了許多實際的應用。
今日在實際應用時，四元數已被較簡單的向量形式取代，大致上可以想成是少了第一個數的特殊四元數：ai+bj+ck。
不過四元數仍然有其長處：它可以比較有效率地在電腦上表示旋轉，也適用於其他需要類似效果的應用上，
譬如太空船使用的姿態控制系統，或者電玩遊戲中的繪圖引擎。
19世紀發明後就被人淡忘的數系，也許可以簡單告訴我們宇宙為什麼是10維。
我們從小就開始學數，先從計數開始，繼而學習加、減、乘、除四則運算。
不過數學家知道，學校所教的數，只是眾多可能數系之一。
例如在理解幾何學和物理學時，其他的數也很重要，而其中最古怪的數系之一就是八元數(octonion)。
自1843年誕生以來，八元數被大多數人忽略了，但是在過去20-30年，八元數卻在弦論中佔有奇特的重要性。
如果弦論真的可以正確描述宇宙，
那麼八元數或許可以解釋宇宙的維度。
以虛為實
八元數並非第一個後來用於研究宇宙的純數學結構，也不是第一個有特別用途的另類數系。
為了清楚說明，先讓我們回到最簡單的數：學校教的、數學家稱為實數的數系。
所有實數的集合構成直線，因此實數整體是一維的；
或者反過來想，因為描述直線上的點需要一個實數，所以直線是一維的。
16世紀之前，實數是世上僅有的數系。
不過到文藝復興時期，有企圖心的數學家試圖解出更複雜的方程式，甚至還舉行比賽，看誰能解出最困難的問題。
當時，義大利身兼數學家、醫生、賭徒與占星家的卡丹諾(Gerolamo Cadano)引入-1的平方根，
做為他求勝的秘密武器。
卡丹諾不顧旁人的指摘，即使問題的答案通常是實數，也大膽地在冗長的計算中運用這個神秘的數。
卡丹諾並不知道這個技巧為什麼有用，他只知道這樣做可以得出正確答案。
1545年，卡丹諾將想法出版，也開啟了為期數百年的爭議：-1的平方根是真實存在？或者只是一項技巧？
約100年之後的思想家笛卡兒(RenéDescartes)提出裁決，語帶貶抑地稱它為
“虛幻”(imaginary)的數，這個虛數現在記成i。
雖然如此，數學家跟隨卡丹諾的腳步，開始運用形如 a+bi的複數，其中a和b是普通的實數。
1806年左右，瑞士業餘數學家阿爾岡(Jean-Robert Argand)宣揚以複數來描述平面的觀點。
用a+bi描述平面點的方法很簡單，a表示這個點的橫向位置，b表示縱向的位置，這樣就可以將複數視為平面上的點。
不過阿爾岡想得更深入，他還說明了如何將複數的四則運算，解釋成平面上的幾何操作。
為了理解這些幾何操作，我們先從實數來暖身。
在實數線上做加、減，就是往右或往左移動；而乘、除一個正實數，相當於將實數線做伸縮。
例如乘以2，是將直線放大2倍；而除以2，則是縮小2倍，也就是將各點間的距離縮減2倍；
若乘以-1，則是將直線左右翻轉。
類似的想法也可以用到複數，只是多了一些變化。
將平面上一點加上a+bi，相當於將該點往右(左)移動a，再往上(下)移動b。
而乘以一個複數，則是除了將平面放大或縮小之外，還多了平面的旋轉。
其中特別的是，乘以i相當於將平面逆時針轉1/4圈，因此將1乘以i再乘以i，
相當於將平面轉了半圈，也就是從1轉到-1。
最後，除法是乘法的相反，因此除以一個複數，是將放大換成縮小，或是反過來將縮小換成放大，然後再反方向旋轉。
大部份對實數能做的操作，對複數也都能做，而且事實上還做得更好，卡丹諾就深得箇中三昧，
因為在複數中我們能解的方程式比限制在實數時還多。
如果二維的數系能提供我們更大的計算威力，那麼何不考慮更高維的數系呢？可惜，擴張沒那麼簡單。
高維數系的秘密在過了數十年後，才被一位愛爾蘭數學家揭開，然後到了兩個世紀之久後的
現在，我們才開始理解它們的威力。
漢米爾頓的煉金術
1835年，時年30歲的愛爾蘭數學兼物理學家漢米爾頓(William Rowan Hamilton)
發現了用實數對來處理複數的方法。
當時的數學家多半採用阿爾岡提倡的a+bi寫法來表達複數，不過漢米爾頓注意到，
複數a+bi也可以用兩個實數a與b的某種特別記法來表示，例如實數對(a,b)。
這種記法在處理複數的加減法時特別容易，只要將對應位置的實數做加減就好了，
同時漢米爾頓也研究出處理複數乘除法時，比較複雜的運算規則，並藉此保持了阿爾岡所發現的美好幾何意義。
在發明這個具有幾何意義的複數代數系統之後，漢米爾頓嘗試了非常多年，
想要發明更大的三元數(a,b,c)代數系統，希望它能在三維幾何裡扮演類似複數的角色，結果卻帶給他無盡的挫折。
漢米爾頓曾經在給兒子的信中寫道：“每天早上……當我下樓吃早餐時，你和年幼的弟弟威廉，總會習慣問我：
『那個，爸，今天你把三元數乘起來了嗎？』當時的我也總是傷心地搖搖頭，不得不回答你們：
『還不行，我只會做加法和減法。』”當時的漢米爾頓並不知道，他給自己的這項挑戰在數學上是不可能完成的。
漢米爾頓在尋找的是一個可以做加、減、乘、除的三維數系，其中的難處在於除法。
可以做除法的數系稱為可除代數(division algebra)。
直到1958年，才有三位數學家證明了一個懸宕幾十年的驚人事實：
可除代數的維度只有四種可能：一維(實數)、二維(複數)、四維與八維。
因此除非漢米爾頓改變遊戲規則，否則根本不可能成功。
1843年10月16日，漢米爾頓自己找到了解決方法。
當時他正和太太走在愛爾蘭都柏林的皇家運河畔，準備到愛爾蘭皇家學院去開會。
途中漢米爾頓突然心血來潮想到：在三維空間中，如果他想要描述旋轉與伸縮，不能只用三個數，他需要第四個數。
於是漢米爾頓創造了形如a+bi+cj+dk的四元數(quaternion)，其中i、j、k都是-1 的平方根，彼此並不相等。
後來他回憶說：“在那一剎那，我腦中的電路突然中斷，迸出的火花就是i、j、k的基本方程式，此後我一直應用著它。”
當時，漢米爾頓還上演了數學史上知名的破壞文物大戲，他當下就將這個方程式刻在身邊
布魯罕橋(Brougham Bridge)的石頭上。
雖然橋上的真跡已經湮滅，但是原址現在有一塊石板以文字記錄著這項發現。
我們需要用到四維空間才能描述三維空間的變化，乍聽之下似乎很奇怪，不過的確是如此。
因為其中有三個數要用來描述三維空間中的旋轉：
用開飛機來想像最容易解釋，為了定向，我們需要控制機身和水平面的夾角，稱為俯仰角(pitch)；
其次我們也需要像開車一樣控制左右轉角，這是偏航角(yaw)；
最後還有控制機翼與水平面夾角的滾轉角(roll)。
第四個數則是用來描述伸縮的程度。
漢米爾頓以他的餘生專研四元數，並發現了許多實際的應用。
今日在實際應用時，四元數已被較簡單的向量形式取代，大致上可以想成是少了第一個數的特殊四元數：ai+bj+ck。
不過四元數仍然有其長處：它可以比較有效率地在電腦上表示旋轉，也適用於其他需要類似效果的應用上，
譬如太空船使用的姿態控制系統，或者電玩遊戲中的繪圖引擎。
Monday, June 6, 2011
困住反氫原子1000秒
科學家表示，他們成功困住並貯存反氫原子，時間長達破紀錄的16分鐘。這項驚人的科技突破有助於科學家深入了解反物質的奧秘。
研究人員在實驗室中創造超導磁場「磁瓶」，用於鎖住反氫原子。日內瓦歐洲核子研究組織（CERN）ALPHA研究團隊發言人韓斯特表示：「我們可以困住反氫原子1000秒，時間長到足以展開研究，即使目前能夠捕捉的數量不多。」研究刊登於《自然物理學》期刊。
科學家認為，將近140億年前大霹靂讓宇宙誕生時，產生等量的物質與反物質，後來彼此相互碰撞，釋出能量並相互消滅。問題是既然一開始兩者數量相同，為何在相互碰撞中只有物質留下來，反物質幾乎全部消失？這種不對稱狀態是粒子物理學最大謎團之一。利用氫原子進行低能量實驗，可能是邁向解答的關鍵步驟。
反物質和物質碰撞會產生大量能量，在知名作家丹布朗的小說《天使與魔鬼》中，一個秘密激進組織就是將偷來的反物質放在磁瓶中，充當毀滅性武器。
研究人員在實驗室中創造超導磁場「磁瓶」，用於鎖住反氫原子。日內瓦歐洲核子研究組織（CERN）ALPHA研究團隊發言人韓斯特表示：「我們可以困住反氫原子1000秒，時間長到足以展開研究，即使目前能夠捕捉的數量不多。」研究刊登於《自然物理學》期刊。
科學家認為，將近140億年前大霹靂讓宇宙誕生時，產生等量的物質與反物質，後來彼此相互碰撞，釋出能量並相互消滅。問題是既然一開始兩者數量相同，為何在相互碰撞中只有物質留下來，反物質幾乎全部消失？這種不對稱狀態是粒子物理學最大謎團之一。利用氫原子進行低能量實驗，可能是邁向解答的關鍵步驟。
反物質和物質碰撞會產生大量能量，在知名作家丹布朗的小說《天使與魔鬼》中，一個秘密激進組織就是將偷來的反物質放在磁瓶中，充當毀滅性武器。
Sunday, June 5, 2011
World population is projected to reach 7 billion on 31 October 2011
UNITED NATIONS, New York—World population is projected to reach 7 billion on 31 October 2011, according to the 2010 Revision of World Population Prospects, the official United Nations population projections prepared by the Population Division of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs and released today.
UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is planning a series of activities to engage partners and the general public to underline the significance of this population milestone.
“A world of 7 billion is both a challenge and an opportunity,” said UNFPA Executive Director, Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin. “Globally, people are living longer, healthier lives and choosing to have smaller families. But reducing inequities and finding ways to ensure the well-being of people alive today – as well as the generations that follow – will require new ways of thinking and unprecedented global cooperation,” he said.
“In particular,” said Dr. Osotimehin, “the population projections underscore the urgent need to provide safe and effective family planning to the 215 million women who lack it. Small variations in fertility – when multiplied across countries and over time – make a world of difference. We must invest the resources to enable women and men to have the means to exercise their human right to determine the number and spacing of their children.”
The projections also remind us that it is vital to create opportunities for young people who constitute a majority in many of the least developed countries where much of the population increases are expected, added Dr. Osotimehin. “When young people can exercise their right to health, education and decent working conditions, they can improve the capacities of their nations to escape poverty,” he said.
Dr. Osotimehin noted that the greater longevity projected for all regions, coupled with low fertility in many countries, means that many countries will be confronting the challenge of ageing populations. “We should plan in advance for the health care and social safety nets of the elderly at the same time we support the largest generation ever of youth,” he said.
UNFPA will kick off a series of activities related to the population milestone of 7 billion people on World Population Day, 11 July. At that time, UNFPA and several partners, including National Geographic, will launch a social media campaign to engage individuals and groups on different issues related to a world of 7 billion. These will include urbanization, women’s empowerment and environmental sustainability.
UNFPA is also planning a 7-day countdown, starting on 24 October, United Nations Day, and leading up to the birth of the 7 billionth baby a week later. Events will culminate in the launch of this year’s The State of World Population report, which will analyze challenges and opportunities presented by a world of 7 billion.
UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is planning a series of activities to engage partners and the general public to underline the significance of this population milestone.
“A world of 7 billion is both a challenge and an opportunity,” said UNFPA Executive Director, Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin. “Globally, people are living longer, healthier lives and choosing to have smaller families. But reducing inequities and finding ways to ensure the well-being of people alive today – as well as the generations that follow – will require new ways of thinking and unprecedented global cooperation,” he said.
“In particular,” said Dr. Osotimehin, “the population projections underscore the urgent need to provide safe and effective family planning to the 215 million women who lack it. Small variations in fertility – when multiplied across countries and over time – make a world of difference. We must invest the resources to enable women and men to have the means to exercise their human right to determine the number and spacing of their children.”
The projections also remind us that it is vital to create opportunities for young people who constitute a majority in many of the least developed countries where much of the population increases are expected, added Dr. Osotimehin. “When young people can exercise their right to health, education and decent working conditions, they can improve the capacities of their nations to escape poverty,” he said.
Dr. Osotimehin noted that the greater longevity projected for all regions, coupled with low fertility in many countries, means that many countries will be confronting the challenge of ageing populations. “We should plan in advance for the health care and social safety nets of the elderly at the same time we support the largest generation ever of youth,” he said.
UNFPA will kick off a series of activities related to the population milestone of 7 billion people on World Population Day, 11 July. At that time, UNFPA and several partners, including National Geographic, will launch a social media campaign to engage individuals and groups on different issues related to a world of 7 billion. These will include urbanization, women’s empowerment and environmental sustainability.
UNFPA is also planning a 7-day countdown, starting on 24 October, United Nations Day, and leading up to the birth of the 7 billionth baby a week later. Events will culminate in the launch of this year’s The State of World Population report, which will analyze challenges and opportunities presented by a world of 7 billion.