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58 years' Revolution at China
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Safty drive
在美国吃了罚单，教你如何轻松搞定
拿了罚单就要去上Traffic School, 很是烦人的.....请各位保存这份帖子，以备不时之需（我朋友去年email给我的，没当回事，谁知道上个月用上了....)。
个人经历，和各位分享一下，目前最便宜，快捷的Online Traffic School
http://www.gototrafficschool.com, $14.50 轻松在家搞定，使用以下的Promotion code还可以节省$2 XD7E-A57F 。各位刚拿了罚单的朋友，快去看看吧，简单注册一下，不要关闭你的电脑，熬过6小时40分（加州法律规定的）后直接take final exam，就搞定了。附送一份加州的考试答案供参考（他们一般都不换题目，只是改变一下题目顺序而已）这个网站还有中文的书可以买回家看，然后再去上网考试（不用受六小时的限制），不过价格稍微贵些。
good luck! www.6park.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ www.6park.com
Review the Correct Answers
1. Because children might be playing behind parked vehicles without a driver’s knowledge, you should make a practice of:
honking your horn before driving
checking your mirrors carefully
driving slowly through parking lots
√ walking behind and around your vehicle to check for them www.6park.com
Explanation:
Because children might be playing behind parked vehicles without a driver’s knowledge, you should make a practice of walking behind and around your vehicle to check for them.
2. _______ paint on a curb allows you to stop long enough to load and unload people or objects. Drivers of non-commercial vehicles must stay with their vehicles.
White
√ Yellow
Green
Blue www.6park.com
Explanation:
Yellow paint on a curb allows you to stop long enough to load and unload people or objects. Drivers of non-commercial vehicles must stay with their vehicles.
3. At an uncontrolled four-way stop, if two or more vehicles arrive at the same time, __________ has the right-of-way.
neither driver
the driver to the left
√ the driver to the right
both drivers www.6park.com
Explanation:
At an uncontrolled four-way stop, if two or more vehicles arrive at the same time, the driver to the right has the right-of-way.
4. Unless otherwise posted, limits are set at ________ for residential zones and business districts.
√ 25 mph
30 mph
35 mph
45 mph www.6park.com
Explanation:
Unless otherwise posted, limits are set at 25 mph for residential zones and business districts. In areas where there are many pedestrians, driveways, and intersections, the speed limit must be lowered to ensure safety.
5. You are NOT allowed to make U-turns:
on two-way streets
from left turn lanes
√ in front of fire stations
unless a sign permits it www.6park.com
Explanation:
You are not allowed to make U-turns in front of fire stations.
6. You may drive to the left of a yellow line when:
overtaking a vehicle that is parked or going slower than your vehicle
turning left at an intersection or into a driveway or side road
the right side of the road is closed or obstructed
√ all of the above www.6park.com
Explanation:
You may drive to the left of a yellow line when overtaking a vehicle that is parked or going slower than your vehicle; turning left at an intersection or into a driveway or side road; or when the right side of the road is closed or obstructed. You may also drive to the left of a yellow line when carpool lanes direct you to do so (but then always enter and exit at designated spots).
7. _________ occurs when a thin film of water builds up between the tires and pavement and makes steering and braking practically impossible.
Velocitation
Highway hypnosis
√ Hydroplaning
Skidding www.6park.com
Explanation:
Hydroplaning occurs when a thin film of water builds up between the tires and pavement and makes steering and braking practically impossible.
8. When someone tries to pass you, both the law and safety require you to:
pull over
maintain your speed and lane position
√ allow him or her to pass
accelerate www.6park.com
Explanation:
When someone tries to pass you, both the law and safety require you to allow him or her to pass. The law is clear about this, and it is also the safe thing to do.
9. _________ refers to speeding without realizing it.
Highway hypnosis
√ Velocitation
Road rage
Inertia www.6park.com
Explanation:
Velocitation refers to speeding without realizing it. It is easy to do as you mirror the pace of vehicles in the fast lane, and you may not notice your speed creeping up.
10. Driving with an expired license, unsafe lane changes, and failing to stop at a stop sign are given __________.
√ one point
two points
three points
four points www.6park.com
Explanation:
Driving with an expired license, unsafe lane changes, and failing to stop at a stop sign are given one point.
11. Statistically, the everyday motor vehicle is the number ___ cause of death among people ages 15-30 in the United States.
√ 1
2
3
5 www.6park.com
Explanation:
Statistically, the everyday motor vehicle is the number 1 cause of death among people ages 15-30 in the United States: more deaths occur as a result of unsafe driving than from any other cause.
12. ____________ are the most frequent victims of collisions between vehicles and pedestrians.
The handicapped
Women
Children
√ The elderly www.6park.com
Explanation:
The elderly are the most frequent victims of collisions between vehicles and pedestrians, with 38% of their deaths occurring at intersections. That’s often because their ability to see and hear, and to react and move swiftly has deteriorated.
13. Liability insurance protects you against:
claims from an uninsured motorist
claims if you are not at fault in a collision
√ claims if you are at fault in a collision.
all of the above www.6park.com
Explanation:
Liability insurance protects you against claims if you are at fault in a collision.
14. The majority of pedestrian fatalities occur:
at intersections
in cross-walks
√ when a pedestrian suddenly runs across the path of a vehicle
in parking lots www.6park.com
Explanation:
The majority of pedestrian fatalities occur when a pedestrian suddenly runs across the path of a vehicle, because motorists do not expect to have to stop at these locations.
15. ______________ is an extra lane that permits a vehicle to reach freeway speeds.
√ An acceleration lane
A shoulder
A carpool lane
A passing lane www.6park.com
Explanation:
An acceleration lane is an extra lane that permits a vehicle to reach freeway speeds.
16. _______ paint on a curb means no stopping, standing, parking, loading, or unloading.
White
Yellow
Green
√ Red www.6park.com
Explanation:
Red paint on a curb means no stopping, standing, parking, loading, or unloading. The one exception is that a bus may stop at a red zone marked for buses.
17. _______ of all wrecks occur within 25 miles of home.
One-quarter
√ Half
Two-thirds
Three-quarters www.6park.com
Explanation:
Half of all wrecks occur within 25 miles of home. That is why it is important to wear your safety belt at all times, even if you are not going far.
18. After completing your pass, you should return to your lane:
√ when you can see both headlights of the vehicle you just passed in your rearview mirror
as soon as possible
when you are one car-length ahead of the vehicle you just passed
when you see oncoming vehicles approaching www.6park.com
Explanation:
After completing your pass, you should return to your lane when you can see both headlights of the vehicle you just passed in your rearview mirror.
19. To prove your identity at the Department of Motor Vehicles, you may take:
your tax returns
√ your birth certificate
a telephone bill
your social security card www.6park.com
Explanation:
To prove your identity at the Department of Motor Vehicles, you may take your birth certificate.
20. The Basic Speed Law:
establishes a 55 mph speed limit.
provides the minimum speed limits for vehicles.
allows drivers to drive at any speed they reasonably believe to be safe under the circumstances.
√ requires that drivers reduce their speed if driving conditions make it unsafe to follow posted speed limits. www.6park.com
Explanation:
The Basic Speed Law requires that drivers reduce their speed if driving conditions make it unsafe to follow posted speed limits.
21. A Class ____ license allows you to ride any motor bike.
C
MC
√ M1
2 www.6park.com
Explanation:
A Class M1 license allows you to ride any motor bike.
22. All new residents of California must have a valid California driver license within:
5 working days
1 week
√ 10 days
30 days www.6park.com
Explanation:
When you make your home in California or take a job here, you must get a California driver license within 10 days.
23. A _____ limit applies when traveling near school zones where children are outside or crossing the street.
10 mph
20 mph
√ 25 mph
35 mph www.6park.com
Explanation:
A 25 mph limit applies when traveling near school zones where children are outside or crossing the street. As they are less predictable, slow down and give children wider space to maneuver. If there is not a safe way to steer clear of the children, stop and allow them to pass.
24. When backing up, keep your foot __________ while you shift your vehicle into reverse gear.
√ on the brake
on the accelerator
on the floorboard
none of the above www.6park.com
Explanation:
When backing up, keep your foot on the brake while you shift your vehicle into reverse gear.
25. When you come upon a stopped school bus with flashing red lights, you must stop. If you fail to do so, you may be fined up to:
$200
$1,500
√ $1,000
$450 www.6park.com
Explanation:
Remain stopped as long as the red lights on a school bus are flashing. Failure to do so may result in a fine of up to $1,000 and your driving privilege could be suspended for a period of one year.
26. If your vehicle stalls in the middle of the roadway, you should:
turn on your headlights
√ move off the roadway as quickly as possible
immediately call for help
try to get someone to assist you www.6park.com
Explanation:
If your vehicle stalls in the middle of the roadway, you should move off roadway as quickly as possible.
27. Diamond lanes are reserved for vehicles with:
children
the elderly
√ two or more people
four or more people www.6park.com
Explanation:
Diamond lanes are reserved for vehicles with two or more people. Vehicles in these lanes are exempt at certain on-ramps from stopping at timed entrance lights.
28. Ice tends to form in shady areas, as well as:
on freeways
on the shoulder of the road
on railroad crossings
√ on bridges and overpasses www.6park.com
Explanation:
Ice tends to form in shady areas, as well as on bridges and overpasses, which, being more exposed to the cold air, tend to freeze before other road areas. Approach these areas with caution.
29. _________ indicate the center of a two-way road used for two-way traffic.
White lines
Medians
Orange cones
√ Yellow lines www.6park.com
Explanation:
Yellow lines indicate the center of a two-way road used for two-way traffic.
30. On a three-lane highway that designates one lane of traffic for each direction, the middle lane is used for:
emergency vehicles
regular through traffic
parking
√ vehicles making left turns or passing www.6park.com
Explanation:
On a three-lane highway that designates one lane of traffic for each direction, the middle lane is used for vehicles making left turns or passing. Unless specified, the middle lane is not used for regular through traffic.
31. Do not reverse around a corner when your visibility is limited or blocked:
ever
at night
√ unless you have someone else directing you
if pedestrians are present www.6park.com
Explanation:
Do not reverse around a corner when your visibility is limited or blocked unless you have someone else directing you.
32. If one of your front tires blows out, the first thing you should do is:
engage your emergency brake
√ hold the steering wheel firmly on a straight course
steer your vehicle off the roadway
shift to a lower gear www.6park.com
Explanation:
If one of your front tires blows out, the first thing you should do is hold the steering wheel firmly on a straight course.
33. It is legal to carry an open (unsealed) container of alcohol in your vehicle if:
it is in the back seat
it is in the glove compartment
√ it is in the trunk
all of the above www.6park.com
Explanation:
The container must be full, sealed, and unopened if it is in the front seat. Otherwise, it must be put in the trunk or a place where passengers don’t sit. Keeping an opened container of an alcoholic drink in the glove compartment is specifically against the law.
34. At intersections without marked crosswalks, who has the right-of-way?
the vehicle on the right
the vehicle that arrives first
bicyclists
√ pedestrians www.6park.com
Explanation:
At intersections without marked crosswalks, pedestrians have the right-of-way.
35. When the road gets rough with potholes, bumps, mud clumps, and loose sand or gravel, you should __________ to retain control of your vehicle.
√ slow down
pull over
shift to a lower gear
ride your brakes www.6park.com
Explanation:
When the road gets rough with potholes, bumps, mud clumps, and loose sand or gravel, you should slow down to retain control of your vehicle.
36. If your vehicle begins to overheat while climbing a hill, you should:
turn on the air conditioning
shift to a lower gear
√ turn on the heater
accelerate www.6park.com
Explanation:
If your vehicle begins to overheat while climbing a hill, you should turn on the heater.
37. In which of the following situations should you refrain from passing another vehicle?
the driver is slowing down and/or indicating a right turn
the driver is looking at street signs
the driver is traveling at or close to the speed limit
√ all of the above www.6park.com
Explanation:
You should refrain from passing another driver when the driver is slowing down or indicating a right turn, the driver is looking at street signs, or the driver is traveling at or close to the speed limit.
38. The high accident rate of large trucks is caused in large part by ________.
√ fatigue
speeding
weather conditions
equipment malfunctions www.6park.com
Explanation:
The high accident rate of large trucks is caused in large part by fatigue.
39. When you see animals on the road, you should:
honk your horn
flash your headlights
√ slow down and be prepared to stop
accelerate www.6park.com
Explanation:
When you see animals on the road, you should slow down and be prepared to stop. Give them space?they can be unpredictable.
40. Large trucks take _________ to stop than other vehicles traveling at the same speed.
√ a longer time
a shorter time
the same amount of time
very little time www.6park.com
Explanation:
Large trucks take a longer time to stop than other vehicles traveling at the same speed. The average passenger vehicle traveling at 55 mph takes about 230 feet to stop. However, a large truck traveling at the same speed can take more than 400 feet to stop.
41. The Administrative Per Se Law means:
√ the DMV has the power to suspend or revoke your license based on the results of alcohol or drug tests taken or your refusal to take such tests.
the DMV has the power to confiscate your vehicle based on the results of alcohol or drug tests taken or your refusal to take such tests
you have the right to speak to an attorney before submitting to an alcohol or drug test
you can be arrested and put in jail based on the results of alcohol or drug tests taken or your refusal to take such tests. www.6park.com
Explanation:
The Administrative Per Se Law means the DMV has the power to suspend or revoke your license based on the results of alcohol or drug tests taken or your refusal to take such tests.
42. A truck takes ________ to accelerate and brake than does a car.
less time
the same amount of time
√ more time
almost as much time www.6park.com
Explanation:
A truck takes more time to accelerate and brake than does a car.
43. Headlights should be switched on by law no later than:
6:00 p.m.
sunset
dusk
√ 30 minutes after sunset www.6park.com
Explanation:
Headlights should be switched on by law no later than 30 minutes after sunset. Dusk light provides general illumination, but important details can be lost unless you switch your lights on in time.
44. If you have a green light, it is __________ to enter an intersection if your way through it is blocked.
your right
safe
to your advantage
√ against the law www.6park.com
Explanation:
Even if you have a green light, it is against the law to enter an intersection if your way through it is blocked, because this prevents vehicles in the cross street from proceeding when the lights change.
45. Placing your foot over the brake so that you can brake in less time is called ________ the brake.
riding
√ covering
pumping
tapping www.6park.com
Explanation:
Placing your foot over the brake so that you can brake in less time is called covering the brake.
46. Implied consent means that drivers agree in advance to take a blood alcohol concentration test:
only if ordered by a judge
only on the advice of an attorney
if an accident has occurred
√ whenever they drive in California www.6park.com
Explanation:
Implied consent means that drivers agree in advance to take a blood alcohol concentration test whenever they drive in California.
47. Which of the following is an unsafe area to drive?
in another vehicle's blind spot
side-by-side another vehicle
in clusters of vehicles
√ all of the above www.6park.com
Explanation:
It is unsafe to drive in another vehicle’s blind spot, side-by-side another vehicle, or in clusters of vehicles.
48. Two-lane, undivided highways have a speed limit of ______.
35 mph
45 mph
√ 55 mph
65 mph www.6park.com
Explanation:
Two-lane, undivided highways have a speed limit of 55 mph.
49. Which of the following is a permitted use of your horn?
√ you reasonably believe safety would be compromised without sounding the horn
you need to inform another driver that the traffic light has changed
you see a friend driving by
another driver is impeding your path of travel www.6park.com
Explanation:
Any driver who reasonably believes safety would be compromised without sounding his or her horn should do so. No other use of the horn is permitted.
50. California law requires those under ___________ to wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet while operating a bicycle or riding on one as a passenger.
12 years of age
16 years of age
√ 18 years of age
21 years of age www.6park.com
Explanation:
California law requires those under 18 years of age to wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet while operating a bicycle or riding on one as a passenger
拿了罚单就要去上Traffic School, 很是烦人的.....请各位保存这份帖子，以备不时之需（我朋友去年email给我的，没当回事，谁知道上个月用上了....)。
个人经历，和各位分享一下，目前最便宜，快捷的Online Traffic School
http://www.gototrafficschool.com, $14.50 轻松在家搞定，使用以下的Promotion code还可以节省$2 XD7E-A57F 。各位刚拿了罚单的朋友，快去看看吧，简单注册一下，不要关闭你的电脑，熬过6小时40分（加州法律规定的）后直接take final exam，就搞定了。附送一份加州的考试答案供参考（他们一般都不换题目，只是改变一下题目顺序而已）这个网站还有中文的书可以买回家看，然后再去上网考试（不用受六小时的限制），不过价格稍微贵些。
good luck! www.6park.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ www.6park.com
Review the Correct Answers
1. Because children might be playing behind parked vehicles without a driver’s knowledge, you should make a practice of:
honking your horn before driving
checking your mirrors carefully
driving slowly through parking lots
√ walking behind and around your vehicle to check for them www.6park.com
Explanation:
Because children might be playing behind parked vehicles without a driver’s knowledge, you should make a practice of walking behind and around your vehicle to check for them.
2. _______ paint on a curb allows you to stop long enough to load and unload people or objects. Drivers of non-commercial vehicles must stay with their vehicles.
White
√ Yellow
Green
Blue www.6park.com
Explanation:
Yellow paint on a curb allows you to stop long enough to load and unload people or objects. Drivers of non-commercial vehicles must stay with their vehicles.
3. At an uncontrolled four-way stop, if two or more vehicles arrive at the same time, __________ has the right-of-way.
neither driver
the driver to the left
√ the driver to the right
both drivers www.6park.com
Explanation:
At an uncontrolled four-way stop, if two or more vehicles arrive at the same time, the driver to the right has the right-of-way.
4. Unless otherwise posted, limits are set at ________ for residential zones and business districts.
√ 25 mph
30 mph
35 mph
45 mph www.6park.com
Explanation:
Unless otherwise posted, limits are set at 25 mph for residential zones and business districts. In areas where there are many pedestrians, driveways, and intersections, the speed limit must be lowered to ensure safety.
5. You are NOT allowed to make U-turns:
on two-way streets
from left turn lanes
√ in front of fire stations
unless a sign permits it www.6park.com
Explanation:
You are not allowed to make U-turns in front of fire stations.
6. You may drive to the left of a yellow line when:
overtaking a vehicle that is parked or going slower than your vehicle
turning left at an intersection or into a driveway or side road
the right side of the road is closed or obstructed
√ all of the above www.6park.com
Explanation:
You may drive to the left of a yellow line when overtaking a vehicle that is parked or going slower than your vehicle; turning left at an intersection or into a driveway or side road; or when the right side of the road is closed or obstructed. You may also drive to the left of a yellow line when carpool lanes direct you to do so (but then always enter and exit at designated spots).
7. _________ occurs when a thin film of water builds up between the tires and pavement and makes steering and braking practically impossible.
Velocitation
Highway hypnosis
√ Hydroplaning
Skidding www.6park.com
Explanation:
Hydroplaning occurs when a thin film of water builds up between the tires and pavement and makes steering and braking practically impossible.
8. When someone tries to pass you, both the law and safety require you to:
pull over
maintain your speed and lane position
√ allow him or her to pass
accelerate www.6park.com
Explanation:
When someone tries to pass you, both the law and safety require you to allow him or her to pass. The law is clear about this, and it is also the safe thing to do.
9. _________ refers to speeding without realizing it.
Highway hypnosis
√ Velocitation
Road rage
Inertia www.6park.com
Explanation:
Velocitation refers to speeding without realizing it. It is easy to do as you mirror the pace of vehicles in the fast lane, and you may not notice your speed creeping up.
10. Driving with an expired license, unsafe lane changes, and failing to stop at a stop sign are given __________.
√ one point
two points
three points
four points www.6park.com
Explanation:
Driving with an expired license, unsafe lane changes, and failing to stop at a stop sign are given one point.
11. Statistically, the everyday motor vehicle is the number ___ cause of death among people ages 15-30 in the United States.
√ 1
2
3
5 www.6park.com
Explanation:
Statistically, the everyday motor vehicle is the number 1 cause of death among people ages 15-30 in the United States: more deaths occur as a result of unsafe driving than from any other cause.
12. ____________ are the most frequent victims of collisions between vehicles and pedestrians.
The handicapped
Women
Children
√ The elderly www.6park.com
Explanation:
The elderly are the most frequent victims of collisions between vehicles and pedestrians, with 38% of their deaths occurring at intersections. That’s often because their ability to see and hear, and to react and move swiftly has deteriorated.
13. Liability insurance protects you against:
claims from an uninsured motorist
claims if you are not at fault in a collision
√ claims if you are at fault in a collision.
all of the above www.6park.com
Explanation:
Liability insurance protects you against claims if you are at fault in a collision.
14. The majority of pedestrian fatalities occur:
at intersections
in cross-walks
√ when a pedestrian suddenly runs across the path of a vehicle
in parking lots www.6park.com
Explanation:
The majority of pedestrian fatalities occur when a pedestrian suddenly runs across the path of a vehicle, because motorists do not expect to have to stop at these locations.
15. ______________ is an extra lane that permits a vehicle to reach freeway speeds.
√ An acceleration lane
A shoulder
A carpool lane
A passing lane www.6park.com
Explanation:
An acceleration lane is an extra lane that permits a vehicle to reach freeway speeds.
16. _______ paint on a curb means no stopping, standing, parking, loading, or unloading.
White
Yellow
Green
√ Red www.6park.com
Explanation:
Red paint on a curb means no stopping, standing, parking, loading, or unloading. The one exception is that a bus may stop at a red zone marked for buses.
17. _______ of all wrecks occur within 25 miles of home.
One-quarter
√ Half
Two-thirds
Three-quarters www.6park.com
Explanation:
Half of all wrecks occur within 25 miles of home. That is why it is important to wear your safety belt at all times, even if you are not going far.
18. After completing your pass, you should return to your lane:
√ when you can see both headlights of the vehicle you just passed in your rearview mirror
as soon as possible
when you are one car-length ahead of the vehicle you just passed
when you see oncoming vehicles approaching www.6park.com
Explanation:
After completing your pass, you should return to your lane when you can see both headlights of the vehicle you just passed in your rearview mirror.
19. To prove your identity at the Department of Motor Vehicles, you may take:
your tax returns
√ your birth certificate
a telephone bill
your social security card www.6park.com
Explanation:
To prove your identity at the Department of Motor Vehicles, you may take your birth certificate.
20. The Basic Speed Law:
establishes a 55 mph speed limit.
provides the minimum speed limits for vehicles.
allows drivers to drive at any speed they reasonably believe to be safe under the circumstances.
√ requires that drivers reduce their speed if driving conditions make it unsafe to follow posted speed limits. www.6park.com
Explanation:
The Basic Speed Law requires that drivers reduce their speed if driving conditions make it unsafe to follow posted speed limits.
21. A Class ____ license allows you to ride any motor bike.
C
MC
√ M1
2 www.6park.com
Explanation:
A Class M1 license allows you to ride any motor bike.
22. All new residents of California must have a valid California driver license within:
5 working days
1 week
√ 10 days
30 days www.6park.com
Explanation:
When you make your home in California or take a job here, you must get a California driver license within 10 days.
23. A _____ limit applies when traveling near school zones where children are outside or crossing the street.
10 mph
20 mph
√ 25 mph
35 mph www.6park.com
Explanation:
A 25 mph limit applies when traveling near school zones where children are outside or crossing the street. As they are less predictable, slow down and give children wider space to maneuver. If there is not a safe way to steer clear of the children, stop and allow them to pass.
24. When backing up, keep your foot __________ while you shift your vehicle into reverse gear.
√ on the brake
on the accelerator
on the floorboard
none of the above www.6park.com
Explanation:
When backing up, keep your foot on the brake while you shift your vehicle into reverse gear.
25. When you come upon a stopped school bus with flashing red lights, you must stop. If you fail to do so, you may be fined up to:
$200
$1,500
√ $1,000
$450 www.6park.com
Explanation:
Remain stopped as long as the red lights on a school bus are flashing. Failure to do so may result in a fine of up to $1,000 and your driving privilege could be suspended for a period of one year.
26. If your vehicle stalls in the middle of the roadway, you should:
turn on your headlights
√ move off the roadway as quickly as possible
immediately call for help
try to get someone to assist you www.6park.com
Explanation:
If your vehicle stalls in the middle of the roadway, you should move off roadway as quickly as possible.
27. Diamond lanes are reserved for vehicles with:
children
the elderly
√ two or more people
four or more people www.6park.com
Explanation:
Diamond lanes are reserved for vehicles with two or more people. Vehicles in these lanes are exempt at certain on-ramps from stopping at timed entrance lights.
28. Ice tends to form in shady areas, as well as:
on freeways
on the shoulder of the road
on railroad crossings
√ on bridges and overpasses www.6park.com
Explanation:
Ice tends to form in shady areas, as well as on bridges and overpasses, which, being more exposed to the cold air, tend to freeze before other road areas. Approach these areas with caution.
29. _________ indicate the center of a two-way road used for two-way traffic.
White lines
Medians
Orange cones
√ Yellow lines www.6park.com
Explanation:
Yellow lines indicate the center of a two-way road used for two-way traffic.
30. On a three-lane highway that designates one lane of traffic for each direction, the middle lane is used for:
emergency vehicles
regular through traffic
parking
√ vehicles making left turns or passing www.6park.com
Explanation:
On a three-lane highway that designates one lane of traffic for each direction, the middle lane is used for vehicles making left turns or passing. Unless specified, the middle lane is not used for regular through traffic.
31. Do not reverse around a corner when your visibility is limited or blocked:
ever
at night
√ unless you have someone else directing you
if pedestrians are present www.6park.com
Explanation:
Do not reverse around a corner when your visibility is limited or blocked unless you have someone else directing you.
32. If one of your front tires blows out, the first thing you should do is:
engage your emergency brake
√ hold the steering wheel firmly on a straight course
steer your vehicle off the roadway
shift to a lower gear www.6park.com
Explanation:
If one of your front tires blows out, the first thing you should do is hold the steering wheel firmly on a straight course.
33. It is legal to carry an open (unsealed) container of alcohol in your vehicle if:
it is in the back seat
it is in the glove compartment
√ it is in the trunk
all of the above www.6park.com
Explanation:
The container must be full, sealed, and unopened if it is in the front seat. Otherwise, it must be put in the trunk or a place where passengers don’t sit. Keeping an opened container of an alcoholic drink in the glove compartment is specifically against the law.
34. At intersections without marked crosswalks, who has the right-of-way?
the vehicle on the right
the vehicle that arrives first
bicyclists
√ pedestrians www.6park.com
Explanation:
At intersections without marked crosswalks, pedestrians have the right-of-way.
35. When the road gets rough with potholes, bumps, mud clumps, and loose sand or gravel, you should __________ to retain control of your vehicle.
√ slow down
pull over
shift to a lower gear
ride your brakes www.6park.com
Explanation:
When the road gets rough with potholes, bumps, mud clumps, and loose sand or gravel, you should slow down to retain control of your vehicle.
36. If your vehicle begins to overheat while climbing a hill, you should:
turn on the air conditioning
shift to a lower gear
√ turn on the heater
accelerate www.6park.com
Explanation:
If your vehicle begins to overheat while climbing a hill, you should turn on the heater.
37. In which of the following situations should you refrain from passing another vehicle?
the driver is slowing down and/or indicating a right turn
the driver is looking at street signs
the driver is traveling at or close to the speed limit
√ all of the above www.6park.com
Explanation:
You should refrain from passing another driver when the driver is slowing down or indicating a right turn, the driver is looking at street signs, or the driver is traveling at or close to the speed limit.
38. The high accident rate of large trucks is caused in large part by ________.
√ fatigue
speeding
weather conditions
equipment malfunctions www.6park.com
Explanation:
The high accident rate of large trucks is caused in large part by fatigue.
39. When you see animals on the road, you should:
honk your horn
flash your headlights
√ slow down and be prepared to stop
accelerate www.6park.com
Explanation:
When you see animals on the road, you should slow down and be prepared to stop. Give them space?they can be unpredictable.
40. Large trucks take _________ to stop than other vehicles traveling at the same speed.
√ a longer time
a shorter time
the same amount of time
very little time www.6park.com
Explanation:
Large trucks take a longer time to stop than other vehicles traveling at the same speed. The average passenger vehicle traveling at 55 mph takes about 230 feet to stop. However, a large truck traveling at the same speed can take more than 400 feet to stop.
41. The Administrative Per Se Law means:
√ the DMV has the power to suspend or revoke your license based on the results of alcohol or drug tests taken or your refusal to take such tests.
the DMV has the power to confiscate your vehicle based on the results of alcohol or drug tests taken or your refusal to take such tests
you have the right to speak to an attorney before submitting to an alcohol or drug test
you can be arrested and put in jail based on the results of alcohol or drug tests taken or your refusal to take such tests. www.6park.com
Explanation:
The Administrative Per Se Law means the DMV has the power to suspend or revoke your license based on the results of alcohol or drug tests taken or your refusal to take such tests.
42. A truck takes ________ to accelerate and brake than does a car.
less time
the same amount of time
√ more time
almost as much time www.6park.com
Explanation:
A truck takes more time to accelerate and brake than does a car.
43. Headlights should be switched on by law no later than:
6:00 p.m.
sunset
dusk
√ 30 minutes after sunset www.6park.com
Explanation:
Headlights should be switched on by law no later than 30 minutes after sunset. Dusk light provides general illumination, but important details can be lost unless you switch your lights on in time.
44. If you have a green light, it is __________ to enter an intersection if your way through it is blocked.
your right
safe
to your advantage
√ against the law www.6park.com
Explanation:
Even if you have a green light, it is against the law to enter an intersection if your way through it is blocked, because this prevents vehicles in the cross street from proceeding when the lights change.
45. Placing your foot over the brake so that you can brake in less time is called ________ the brake.
riding
√ covering
pumping
tapping www.6park.com
Explanation:
Placing your foot over the brake so that you can brake in less time is called covering the brake.
46. Implied consent means that drivers agree in advance to take a blood alcohol concentration test:
only if ordered by a judge
only on the advice of an attorney
if an accident has occurred
√ whenever they drive in California www.6park.com
Explanation:
Implied consent means that drivers agree in advance to take a blood alcohol concentration test whenever they drive in California.
47. Which of the following is an unsafe area to drive?
in another vehicle's blind spot
side-by-side another vehicle
in clusters of vehicles
√ all of the above www.6park.com
Explanation:
It is unsafe to drive in another vehicle’s blind spot, side-by-side another vehicle, or in clusters of vehicles.
48. Two-lane, undivided highways have a speed limit of ______.
35 mph
45 mph
√ 55 mph
65 mph www.6park.com
Explanation:
Two-lane, undivided highways have a speed limit of 55 mph.
49. Which of the following is a permitted use of your horn?
√ you reasonably believe safety would be compromised without sounding the horn
you need to inform another driver that the traffic light has changed
you see a friend driving by
another driver is impeding your path of travel www.6park.com
Explanation:
Any driver who reasonably believes safety would be compromised without sounding his or her horn should do so. No other use of the horn is permitted.
50. California law requires those under ___________ to wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet while operating a bicycle or riding on one as a passenger.
12 years of age
16 years of age
√ 18 years of age
21 years of age www.6park.com
Explanation:
California law requires those under 18 years of age to wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet while operating a bicycle or riding on one as a passenger
Saturday, September 29, 2007
How to enjoy your life? Dr. Randy Pausch is giving you the answer.
癌症末期教授的动人演讲：人生应该怎么过？（视频） 2007-09-29 14:45:10
http://news.wenxuecity.com/messages/200709/news-gb2312-462942.html
Randy Pausch，47岁，是在拥有全美最好计算机科学系（CS）的Carnegie Mellon大学做虚拟实景（virtual reality）的一位教授。周前，在Carnegie Mellon为即将退休的教授开辟的《最后的讲座》（The Last Lecture）作了一场极其生动感人的演讲。他和其他即将退休的教授的差别在于他还年轻，但他即将死于胰腺癌，他能否活到今年圣诞节的概率只有50%。对Pausch来说，这场演讲真的是一场残酷至极的人生最后一场的演说。
人生最后一场演说，Pausch左手仍紧握著摇控器，语调依然抑扬顿挫，声音依然清脆宏亮，表达依然清晰明了，除了身体躯干被癌症折磨瘦得与常人不同以外，其他所有部份，都看不出他是个癌症末期病人。Pausch在演讲中展示他自己的断层扫瞄照片，指著那黑白的影像说，看，上面大约有十个肿瘤吧！接下来他马上提高声调：假如观众今天是要来看他自艾自怜，那大家肯定是要失望了！他说，“我比大部份的你们都还要健康（in a better shape）！”说著，他竟就扑倒在地上，做起伏地挺身，还用左右单臂撑起身体。演讲台上我们看到的不是一位癌症末期的病人。我们看到的是一位生龙活虎，思维敏捷，幽默有加的名校教授。
Pausch对听众讲：“这场演讲，是献给我的孩子们的。”他去世后，将遗下三个儿子，最大的才五岁，最小的才一岁。因此，这场演讲的题目为《真正实现你的童年梦想》（Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams）。好像是一个父亲在说给自己儿子听的话，Pausch说，他最感谢他父母当年让他随便在自己房间的墙上涂鸦，后来那整面墙都画满了数学公式；他和其他孩子一样，脑子充满梦想，小时候想要在玩乐园里赢得超大型的毛娃娃，想当NFL球员，想当库克船长，想写一篇World Book的内容，想加入迪士尼工作并设计迪士尼乐园的云宵飞车。和其他人不同的是，就算儿时梦想再荒唐，他后来竟然还是实现了大部份。他在大学时代真的冒名申请参加了NASA的无重力模拟，后来也参与过迪士尼游乐场的设计；尽管他终究无法成为库克船长，却用电脑做了一个虚拟的Star Trek司令舱。然後Pausch还将他赢来的那些比人还高的玩具大娃娃一一请人抱上舞台，当场送给大家。
但Pausch的观点不是停在怎样实现童年梦想上。像他那样一昧追梦，肯定撞墙。Pausch也在萤幕上显示出了一些他所收过的拒绝信，并且好几次播放出一面咖啡色的砖墙。他指著这座看起来好硬，撞起来一定很痛的砖墙，说：
“这面墙，总是为了某个目的才在那边的。”
“它逼我们证明，我们有多么渴望墙后面的宝藏！”
“这座墙其实不是拿来阻挡我们的，而是帮我们阻挡其他人的！”
Pausch在提到他的事业时说，“我做的事情，常常走在前面，有时失败，就变成众矢之的。”他穿上一件人家送他的背上插满了弓箭的背心来比喻这件事情。今天，Pausch已成了全美国最有建树的虚拟实景技术的研究者，他共同创造了Alice软件，目前已达100万套下载，就连现在，病魔即将带走了他，但他仍坚持的说，别怀疑，他一定会在Alice中继续活著。更让人感动的是，他也提到，有时候，帮助别人完成梦想，远比自己完成梦想还要有趣。Pausch还奉劝大家，要多多容忍身边那些让你生气的人。有些人让你生气，但只要你有耐心，等久一点，“他们好的一面往往会好得让你惊奇！”
演讲快结束时，Pausch说了一句简短有力的激励话来为这场演讲作总结。Pausch说，这场演讲，其实并不是关于你该如何达成梦想，而是关于你该如何过人生（lead your life）。“如果你用正确的方式过你的人生，命运（karma）会自己照顾自己┅。” “你的梦想，自己会来找你。”
一个即将离开这个世界的人往往会开始写点东西，对于活著的人而言，这些话语不只是生命的歌曲，让人感动一下而已。它们是人的声音，却可比拟为天上传来的天籁。这些人和我们活在同一个世界，有同样的思考方式，不同的是，他们现在碰到了生命极度危急的状况，也就在此时，他们对我们共同拥有的生命，有了一些我们平时怎么想都想不完整的领悟，让他们的智慧瞬间被推高到人类的极限。
过去几年,我到中国旅行了多次。在中国社会中我看到的主流意识倒着实让我觉得有必要给国人推荐这段描述一位即将死亡的教授如何看待死亡，恐惧，成就，社会，宽容，和人生的意义等话题的精彩演讲。
人无论如何总是要走向死亡的。问题是我们得接受现状并能自得其乐。死亡并不就是衰败，而是成熟。接近死亡并不一定是坏事，有其积极的一面，人一旦找到了生活的意义，就不会想回到从前去，只想往前走。这种乐观和态度是听Pausch演讲的感受。Pausch对死能坦然面对，他让我们觉得大多数人都生活在梦境中，并没有真正地在体验世界，一直处于浑浑噩噩的状态，做著自以为该做的事。而当人意识到自己快要死去时，看问题的眼光也就不同了。一旦人学会了怎样去死，也就学会了怎样去活，就不会迷于名利之中，很多为此而付出时间和精力的事就不再显得那么重要了，也许会让出空间来满足精神上的需求。
中国文化中有股力量，就是看破红尘。在我看来，看破红尘是消极的态度。看破红尘虽然有正面的意义，也就是超脱自清的一面，但它消极的态度其实并非人类享受幸福的真谛。如何又超脱自清，又积极向上呢？Pausch的演讲给出的药方是积极参与，努力工作。我们所说的“超脱”并不是不投入到生活中去，而是要完全投入进去，要接受所有的感情，包括失败的痛苦，让自己去感受这些经历，充分地体验，明白什么是痛苦，什么是悲伤后，然后才能彻底走出来。如果逃避这些感情，就永远超脱不了，因为会始终心存恐惧，害怕痛苦，害怕悲伤，害怕必须承受的伤害，这就无法超脱出来。
Pausch强调对人对己都采取宽容态度，他强调要原谅别人，也要原谅自己，不要陷在遗憾的情绪中无法自拔，也不要犹豫，任何事只要现在做起就不会为时已晚,很多事一旦错过就没机会挽回。
Pausch的演讲极其精彩。让我们遗憾的的是这将是他的最后一场演讲。最后一场？如此让我们感动的演讲，如此充满智慧和教诲的演讲怎能让它是最后一场？
http://news.wenxuecity.com/messages/200709/news-gb2312-462942.html
Randy Pausch，47岁，是在拥有全美最好计算机科学系（CS）的Carnegie Mellon大学做虚拟实景（virtual reality）的一位教授。周前，在Carnegie Mellon为即将退休的教授开辟的《最后的讲座》（The Last Lecture）作了一场极其生动感人的演讲。他和其他即将退休的教授的差别在于他还年轻，但他即将死于胰腺癌，他能否活到今年圣诞节的概率只有50%。对Pausch来说，这场演讲真的是一场残酷至极的人生最后一场的演说。
人生最后一场演说，Pausch左手仍紧握著摇控器，语调依然抑扬顿挫，声音依然清脆宏亮，表达依然清晰明了，除了身体躯干被癌症折磨瘦得与常人不同以外，其他所有部份，都看不出他是个癌症末期病人。Pausch在演讲中展示他自己的断层扫瞄照片，指著那黑白的影像说，看，上面大约有十个肿瘤吧！接下来他马上提高声调：假如观众今天是要来看他自艾自怜，那大家肯定是要失望了！他说，“我比大部份的你们都还要健康（in a better shape）！”说著，他竟就扑倒在地上，做起伏地挺身，还用左右单臂撑起身体。演讲台上我们看到的不是一位癌症末期的病人。我们看到的是一位生龙活虎，思维敏捷，幽默有加的名校教授。
Pausch对听众讲：“这场演讲，是献给我的孩子们的。”他去世后，将遗下三个儿子，最大的才五岁，最小的才一岁。因此，这场演讲的题目为《真正实现你的童年梦想》（Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams）。好像是一个父亲在说给自己儿子听的话，Pausch说，他最感谢他父母当年让他随便在自己房间的墙上涂鸦，后来那整面墙都画满了数学公式；他和其他孩子一样，脑子充满梦想，小时候想要在玩乐园里赢得超大型的毛娃娃，想当NFL球员，想当库克船长，想写一篇World Book的内容，想加入迪士尼工作并设计迪士尼乐园的云宵飞车。和其他人不同的是，就算儿时梦想再荒唐，他后来竟然还是实现了大部份。他在大学时代真的冒名申请参加了NASA的无重力模拟，后来也参与过迪士尼游乐场的设计；尽管他终究无法成为库克船长，却用电脑做了一个虚拟的Star Trek司令舱。然後Pausch还将他赢来的那些比人还高的玩具大娃娃一一请人抱上舞台，当场送给大家。
但Pausch的观点不是停在怎样实现童年梦想上。像他那样一昧追梦，肯定撞墙。Pausch也在萤幕上显示出了一些他所收过的拒绝信，并且好几次播放出一面咖啡色的砖墙。他指著这座看起来好硬，撞起来一定很痛的砖墙，说：
“这面墙，总是为了某个目的才在那边的。”
“它逼我们证明，我们有多么渴望墙后面的宝藏！”
“这座墙其实不是拿来阻挡我们的，而是帮我们阻挡其他人的！”
Pausch在提到他的事业时说，“我做的事情，常常走在前面，有时失败，就变成众矢之的。”他穿上一件人家送他的背上插满了弓箭的背心来比喻这件事情。今天，Pausch已成了全美国最有建树的虚拟实景技术的研究者，他共同创造了Alice软件，目前已达100万套下载，就连现在，病魔即将带走了他，但他仍坚持的说，别怀疑，他一定会在Alice中继续活著。更让人感动的是，他也提到，有时候，帮助别人完成梦想，远比自己完成梦想还要有趣。Pausch还奉劝大家，要多多容忍身边那些让你生气的人。有些人让你生气，但只要你有耐心，等久一点，“他们好的一面往往会好得让你惊奇！”
演讲快结束时，Pausch说了一句简短有力的激励话来为这场演讲作总结。Pausch说，这场演讲，其实并不是关于你该如何达成梦想，而是关于你该如何过人生（lead your life）。“如果你用正确的方式过你的人生，命运（karma）会自己照顾自己┅。” “你的梦想，自己会来找你。”
一个即将离开这个世界的人往往会开始写点东西，对于活著的人而言，这些话语不只是生命的歌曲，让人感动一下而已。它们是人的声音，却可比拟为天上传来的天籁。这些人和我们活在同一个世界，有同样的思考方式，不同的是，他们现在碰到了生命极度危急的状况，也就在此时，他们对我们共同拥有的生命，有了一些我们平时怎么想都想不完整的领悟，让他们的智慧瞬间被推高到人类的极限。
过去几年,我到中国旅行了多次。在中国社会中我看到的主流意识倒着实让我觉得有必要给国人推荐这段描述一位即将死亡的教授如何看待死亡，恐惧，成就，社会，宽容，和人生的意义等话题的精彩演讲。
人无论如何总是要走向死亡的。问题是我们得接受现状并能自得其乐。死亡并不就是衰败，而是成熟。接近死亡并不一定是坏事，有其积极的一面，人一旦找到了生活的意义，就不会想回到从前去，只想往前走。这种乐观和态度是听Pausch演讲的感受。Pausch对死能坦然面对，他让我们觉得大多数人都生活在梦境中，并没有真正地在体验世界，一直处于浑浑噩噩的状态，做著自以为该做的事。而当人意识到自己快要死去时，看问题的眼光也就不同了。一旦人学会了怎样去死，也就学会了怎样去活，就不会迷于名利之中，很多为此而付出时间和精力的事就不再显得那么重要了，也许会让出空间来满足精神上的需求。
中国文化中有股力量，就是看破红尘。在我看来，看破红尘是消极的态度。看破红尘虽然有正面的意义，也就是超脱自清的一面，但它消极的态度其实并非人类享受幸福的真谛。如何又超脱自清，又积极向上呢？Pausch的演讲给出的药方是积极参与，努力工作。我们所说的“超脱”并不是不投入到生活中去，而是要完全投入进去，要接受所有的感情，包括失败的痛苦，让自己去感受这些经历，充分地体验，明白什么是痛苦，什么是悲伤后，然后才能彻底走出来。如果逃避这些感情，就永远超脱不了，因为会始终心存恐惧，害怕痛苦，害怕悲伤，害怕必须承受的伤害，这就无法超脱出来。
Pausch强调对人对己都采取宽容态度，他强调要原谅别人，也要原谅自己，不要陷在遗憾的情绪中无法自拔，也不要犹豫，任何事只要现在做起就不会为时已晚,很多事一旦错过就没机会挽回。
Pausch的演讲极其精彩。让我们遗憾的的是这将是他的最后一场演讲。最后一场？如此让我们感动的演讲，如此充满智慧和教诲的演讲怎能让它是最后一场？
Friday, September 28, 2007
Ten things need to be done before 35 years old
35岁前应做好的十件事
35岁是青春的后期，35岁以后是收获的季节，如果你没有资格说这句话，你将会憎恨自己。所以在35岁以前，在烂漫蓬勃的青春年华里，你最好把下面十件事做好。 www.6park.com
第一，学会本行业所需要的一切知识并有所发展。已故零件大王布鲁丹在他35岁时，已经成为零件行业的领袖，并且组建了年收入达千万美元的海湾与西部工业公司。每个人在年轻时都可能有过彻夜不眠、刻苦攻读，这在20岁甚或30岁都没有问题，但到了35岁，就不应该再为学习基本技能而大伤脑筋了。35岁之前是一个人从事原始积累的阶段，35岁之后就应该勃发了。 www.6park.com
第二，养成个人风格。在35岁以前，找出你所喜欢的，不论是衣着或是爱好，哪怕是与众不同的小习惯也好。20岁、30岁时你可以不断尝试、不断改变，但是到了35岁，你便要明确地建立个人风格。一位男士或女士在事业中途改变自己的形象，就会让人觉得很不可靠。你喜欢穿西装吗？好！就把西装当作你的商标吧！办公桌上摆些鲜花会令你工作更有效率吗？那就每天都摆些鲜花吧！ www.6park.com
第三，在感情生活方面平和安定。在攀登事业的高峰时，如果私人生活不愉快，陷入感情危机，对你会产生很大的干扰，甚至会逐渐令你对别的事物失去兴趣。那些在35岁之前私人生活已经平和安定的人，一般都比生活动荡不安的人有更大的机会获得成功。因此，如果你想结束一段没有结果的恋情，或者你想和女友结婚，那就赶快行动吧，免得把问题拖到生命的第35个春秋。在35岁以后，你应该专注地看着你对事业的投资开始获利。 www.6park.com
第四，明白自己的短处。承认有些事情你的确做不好，或者不愿做。如果你讨厌数字而喜欢创作，那就不要因为待遇高或顺从别人的期望而强迫自己做数字工作。在35岁之前，一定要投入你所喜爱、所擅长的那种工作。否则，35岁之后必然会有一段郁郁不乐的日子。而且，真正的成功可能因为活力的消退而丧失。 www.6park.com
第五，知道自己的长处。你应该知道自己擅长什么，并且清楚你所喜欢做而又做得比别人好的事情。不管你目前担任什么样的角色，知道自己的长处对成功都很重要。 www.6park.com
第六，储备辞职另谋生路的钱。在这个多变的职业世界里，你也许不会永远在一个地方工作，或者永远在一个位置上淋漓尽致地发挥自己，当你感到无法施展时，你很可能会想到辞职，或者开辟第二职业，如果你事先储蓄了足够的钱，你便有了一个安全的后盾。 www.6park.com
第七，建立人际关系网。如果到了35岁你仍未建立起牢固的人际关系网，那你就有麻烦了。这个人际关系网包括你的朋友、亲人，最低限度包括所有可以互相帮助的人。这些人有的是你的同事，有的受过你的恩惠，有的你倾听过他们的问题，有的你和他有着相同的爱好。人际关系网不是一朝一夕就能建立起来的，它需要几年甚至十几年的培养。一个人在事业上、生活上的成功其实如同一个政党的成功，你要有许多人散布在适当的地方，你可以依赖他们，他们也可以依赖你。 www.6park.com
第八，学会授权他人。许多人不肯或不能这样做，因此始终被钉在从属的职位上。授权他人是成功的一半，一个事无巨细，不能将工作授权别人的人，注定会遇到极大的障碍。到了35岁，你最好已成为这方面的专家。换言之，你懂得挑选合适的人并信任他们。 www.6park.com
第九，学会在什么时候三缄其口。因说话不小心而自毁前程的人，比因为任何其他原因丧失成功的人都多。要学会保持沉默而且看起来机智——别人自然以为你知道的比实际还多。别讲别人的闲话，别谈论你自己的大计，守口如瓶所赢得的声誉，远比讲人闲话所带来的东西更加珍贵。你在事业上越成功，这一点就越重要。 www.6park.com
第十，对人要忠诚。如果你到了35岁仍未能建立起坚如磐石的忠诚信誉，这一缺点将会困扰你一生。不忠诚的恶名必然会使你在事业上到处不受欢迎。你不能靠暗箭伤人爬到事业的顶峰，而要靠在早期树立起来的真诚刚直和不可动摇的声誉。35岁以前，忠诚只是投资；35岁以后，你会作为一个可以信赖的人收到忠诚的回报。
35岁是青春的后期，35岁以后是收获的季节，如果你没有资格说这句话，你将会憎恨自己。所以在35岁以前，在烂漫蓬勃的青春年华里，你最好把下面十件事做好。 www.6park.com
第一，学会本行业所需要的一切知识并有所发展。已故零件大王布鲁丹在他35岁时，已经成为零件行业的领袖，并且组建了年收入达千万美元的海湾与西部工业公司。每个人在年轻时都可能有过彻夜不眠、刻苦攻读，这在20岁甚或30岁都没有问题，但到了35岁，就不应该再为学习基本技能而大伤脑筋了。35岁之前是一个人从事原始积累的阶段，35岁之后就应该勃发了。 www.6park.com
第二，养成个人风格。在35岁以前，找出你所喜欢的，不论是衣着或是爱好，哪怕是与众不同的小习惯也好。20岁、30岁时你可以不断尝试、不断改变，但是到了35岁，你便要明确地建立个人风格。一位男士或女士在事业中途改变自己的形象，就会让人觉得很不可靠。你喜欢穿西装吗？好！就把西装当作你的商标吧！办公桌上摆些鲜花会令你工作更有效率吗？那就每天都摆些鲜花吧！ www.6park.com
第三，在感情生活方面平和安定。在攀登事业的高峰时，如果私人生活不愉快，陷入感情危机，对你会产生很大的干扰，甚至会逐渐令你对别的事物失去兴趣。那些在35岁之前私人生活已经平和安定的人，一般都比生活动荡不安的人有更大的机会获得成功。因此，如果你想结束一段没有结果的恋情，或者你想和女友结婚，那就赶快行动吧，免得把问题拖到生命的第35个春秋。在35岁以后，你应该专注地看着你对事业的投资开始获利。 www.6park.com
第四，明白自己的短处。承认有些事情你的确做不好，或者不愿做。如果你讨厌数字而喜欢创作，那就不要因为待遇高或顺从别人的期望而强迫自己做数字工作。在35岁之前，一定要投入你所喜爱、所擅长的那种工作。否则，35岁之后必然会有一段郁郁不乐的日子。而且，真正的成功可能因为活力的消退而丧失。 www.6park.com
第五，知道自己的长处。你应该知道自己擅长什么，并且清楚你所喜欢做而又做得比别人好的事情。不管你目前担任什么样的角色，知道自己的长处对成功都很重要。 www.6park.com
第六，储备辞职另谋生路的钱。在这个多变的职业世界里，你也许不会永远在一个地方工作，或者永远在一个位置上淋漓尽致地发挥自己，当你感到无法施展时，你很可能会想到辞职，或者开辟第二职业，如果你事先储蓄了足够的钱，你便有了一个安全的后盾。 www.6park.com
第七，建立人际关系网。如果到了35岁你仍未建立起牢固的人际关系网，那你就有麻烦了。这个人际关系网包括你的朋友、亲人，最低限度包括所有可以互相帮助的人。这些人有的是你的同事，有的受过你的恩惠，有的你倾听过他们的问题，有的你和他有着相同的爱好。人际关系网不是一朝一夕就能建立起来的，它需要几年甚至十几年的培养。一个人在事业上、生活上的成功其实如同一个政党的成功，你要有许多人散布在适当的地方，你可以依赖他们，他们也可以依赖你。 www.6park.com
第八，学会授权他人。许多人不肯或不能这样做，因此始终被钉在从属的职位上。授权他人是成功的一半，一个事无巨细，不能将工作授权别人的人，注定会遇到极大的障碍。到了35岁，你最好已成为这方面的专家。换言之，你懂得挑选合适的人并信任他们。 www.6park.com
第九，学会在什么时候三缄其口。因说话不小心而自毁前程的人，比因为任何其他原因丧失成功的人都多。要学会保持沉默而且看起来机智——别人自然以为你知道的比实际还多。别讲别人的闲话，别谈论你自己的大计，守口如瓶所赢得的声誉，远比讲人闲话所带来的东西更加珍贵。你在事业上越成功，这一点就越重要。 www.6park.com
第十，对人要忠诚。如果你到了35岁仍未能建立起坚如磐石的忠诚信誉，这一缺点将会困扰你一生。不忠诚的恶名必然会使你在事业上到处不受欢迎。你不能靠暗箭伤人爬到事业的顶峰，而要靠在早期树立起来的真诚刚直和不可动摇的声誉。35岁以前，忠诚只是投资；35岁以后，你会作为一个可以信赖的人收到忠诚的回报。
A joke today!
Love at First Sight
A man was eating in a fancy restaurant, and there was a gorgeous woman eating at the next table. He had been checking her out all night, but lacked the nerve to go talk to her. Suddenly she sneezed and her glass eye went flying out of its socket towards the man. With lightning quick reflexes, he caught it in mid-air.
''Oh my gosh, I am so sorry,'' she said as she popped her eye back in the socket. ''Let me buy you dinner to make it up to you.''
They enjoyed a wonderful dinner together and afterwards the woman invited him back to her place for a drink. They went back to her house, and after some time, she took him into her bedroom and began undressing him. The couple had wild, passionate sex many times during the night. The next morning when he awoke, she had already gotten up and brought him breakfast in bed.
The guy was amazed and said ''You know, you are the perfect woman. Are you this nice to every guy you meet?''
''No, she replied. "You just happened to catch my eye!''
A man was eating in a fancy restaurant, and there was a gorgeous woman eating at the next table. He had been checking her out all night, but lacked the nerve to go talk to her. Suddenly she sneezed and her glass eye went flying out of its socket towards the man. With lightning quick reflexes, he caught it in mid-air.
''Oh my gosh, I am so sorry,'' she said as she popped her eye back in the socket. ''Let me buy you dinner to make it up to you.''
They enjoyed a wonderful dinner together and afterwards the woman invited him back to her place for a drink. They went back to her house, and after some time, she took him into her bedroom and began undressing him. The couple had wild, passionate sex many times during the night. The next morning when he awoke, she had already gotten up and brought him breakfast in bed.
The guy was amazed and said ''You know, you are the perfect woman. Are you this nice to every guy you meet?''
''No, she replied. "You just happened to catch my eye!''
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Great job have done to my bloger today!
Hi, my friend,
Today, my bloger seems look like have more imformation to you now, right?
Today, my bloger seems look like have more imformation to you now, right?
Energy research lights up: Energy from water!!!!!!
Interview: Energy research lights up
26 September 2007
http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/News/2007/September/26090701.asp
Daniel Nocera tells James Mitchell Crow about his research into harnessing solar energy to make fuel from water
Dan Nocera is W M Keck Professor of Energy and Professor of Chemistry at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, US. His research covers the basic mechanisms of energy conversion in biology and chemistry, in particular the sunlight-powered splitting of water into oxygen and hydrogen fuel
Could you briefly describe your own research?
My research is pretty easy to describe: water + light = oil. It is literally to figure out how to get light to act on water to split it into hydrogen and oxygen, which you can then use as a fuel.
Are there many groups working on this problem?
There are other groups working on it, but not enough, and that's what holds solar back. The way that science works, and this is what makes it beautiful, is that a discovery can come from anywhere. So if you want to up the ante in terms of discovery, you want to have as many people working on the problem as you can. There's a lot of really bright young people who could be working on it, but they don't because the money isn't there for them. I wish I had 150 competitors, because that's in the end how this problem will get solved.
The ITER experimental fusion reactor is having $12 billion and 30 years invested to try to solve the fusion problem - would that money have been better spent on water splitting?
Well, there's always bias in energy research, so of course I wish there was more money in my area. I would rather go with water splitting and photovoltaics (PV), because we know how to do this already, we have the technology - people have built photovoltaics that work at over 20 per cent efficiency, and 18 per cent efficient systems for water splitting - but they're just too costly. So the big difference between ITER and solar is, scientifically, with solar we already know how to do it and we know there's no show-stopper [that would prevent us from reaching our goal]. What I worry about with ITER is there could be a lot of show-stoppers. So, being conservative, I would say to go with PV and solar.
"What I worry about with ITER is there could be a lot of show-stoppers. So, being conservative, I would say to go with PV and solar"
- Dan Nocera
But we practically spend no money on research in the world, especially on this problem. You should be able to run ITER and do all this other stuff, because the problem is too compelling to ignore it. My guess is it won't be the environment, it will be geopolitics and energy security that will turn people to this problem, and then the money will start flowing.
What do you see as the main hurdles to water splitting becoming a viable energy solution?
There are two keys - one is you have to make photovoltaics cheaply, so you can mass-manufacture rather than have to make them a panel at a time. The second thing to figure out is the reaction chemistry on how to split water to hydrogen and oxygen. We don't know how to do that yet, even though plants do it every day. We can do the hydrogen part pretty well, but we still have no idea how to get the oxygen out - and you want to do that because you want a closed thermodynamic cycle. You want to be able to give somebody a gallon of water in the desert, make hydrogen and oxygen, and then have it recombine in a fuel cell to get water back again. It's going to take a concerted effort, we're going to need theoreticians, computational scientists, molecule builders - we really need to come together to make this happen. And there's no question these collaborations are forming; a spirit in the community is forming.
You mentioned that plants have already mastered water splitting - shouldn't we just let them get on with it, and collect the biofuels?
Well, here's the key with plants - their theoretical limit of energy conversion is 10 per cent efficiency. Practically, the best stuff people hope to see some day is 2-3 per cent efficiency out of a plant. With solar PV, people walk in the door expecting 10 per cent efficiency - so they're starting off at the theoretical limit of a plant, and they expect to top out at 20-25 per cent efficiency. So that's the big difference, and the reason why I chose this problem and I didn't become a biofuels person. It's simple maths, you want to go where the ceiling is highest.
Are you optimistic that we'll solve these problems?
I know science will get there - we already know how to do it, it's just a question of doing it cheaply. And that's not easy, it's going to take massive new discoveries to make it cheap, but we can do it, I'm sure of it.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Keep Chinese Close, But English Closer
走出语言困境：Keep Chinese Close, But English Closer 2007-09-15 14:34:25
(http://blog.wenxuecity.com/blogview.php?date=200709&postID=20029)
Have been thinking to write something on the subject of how to improve English, yet not so sure if I am qualified to take on such a heavy topic as I consider my own English a failure – living in an English-speaking country for over a decade, I still find myself in awkward situations from time to time with my English skills, in particular, I always feel intellectually handicapped whenever write in English. Nevertheless, there are certain things, lessons or whatever to be called, that might have characteristics of generalization in terms of language learning and can be shared, and might shed some light for other people’s study.
I am pretty sure that many of us, if not all of the overseas Chinese living in a English country, are constantly struggling between two language systems: in an English-speaking country, we’re entitled and forced to use an alien language, or you’re taking risk of being thrown out the main-stream society, just like some of the Chinese-Americans in Chinatown whose lifetime language commitment is Cantonese. On the other hand, as a Chinese who was born and brought up in Chinese language setting, we all have a “genetic” tendency to find cultural comfort in employing our own mother tongue – it’s an effortless mental process when we speak Chinese; we take a pleasure to read Chinese because the pictographic characters could soothe our mind, to say the least; it won’t pose a linguistic challenge when we write in Chinese, and so forth. In sum, we’re inclined to use the language we were born with; unfortunately the language adds little weight to our survival skills in a society where people speak different language.
In the classic movie, The Godfather II, there is a line, a very famous one if not the most in the movie history, by the young godfather Michael Coreleone, “Keep your friends close, but your enemy closer,” a family-teaching passed onto him from his father, the old godfather, Vito Coreleone. Admiring the sophisticated life philosophy articulated in this simple line, I think it would be also a great metaphor to our English study situation here, as a figure of speech. So, how to balance this equation of English and Chinese? The answer is: Keep your Chinese close, but your English closer. Please allow me to explain how.
It should be fairly easy for us to “keep Chinese close”. Our brains are wired with Chinese to begin with and further reinforced by the education we received back to the Chinese society. Even in a foreign country, we can always find someone who shares the language and with whom we can communicate – nowadays you can probably find Chinese almost in every single corner on this planet, thanks to our people’s survival instinct; we can always call China, talking to family and friends; and we can browse the Chinese-based websites such as Wenxuexity, reading and writing in Chinese. Once again, Chinese is one heritage that we’re born with, not something you could cut it off and walk away from it; rather, it’s something in our blood and you will have to keep it close.
Now, what about English? In what way to keep it closer? Before we move on any further, I would like to make a disclaimer referring back the classical line in The Godfather II. When I say “keep English closer”, I by no means treat English as an “enemy.” The only reason we say “to keep it closer” than Chinese is because it is our second language, and therefore it is something out there alien for us to conquer. To do so, we’ll have to know what we deal with and how; so to speak, to keep it closer.
In order to command a language, one has to immerge himself/herself into it, like swimming in the ocean. It might sound like a cliché talk and easy said than be done. But here are several things, based upon my personal experience, that could help one on the way to be a good swimmer in the ocean of English language. I would like to address these issues starting with a specific question -- no offense to anyone whatsoever, thus to make it more measurable, by which you can see where you fit, and how close you are to your English study.
How often do you read English book? Once a year? Once a month?
Reading is the most fundamental thing to do in terms of improving English skills. If you open any textbook or ask anyone who has good command of language as to how to advance with your study of English, it/he/she will no doubt tell you to read as much as you can. It seems we just can not stress enough how important reading is.
To be specific, reading a book each month might sound too much to do as opposed to one book a year which is too less. How about one book every other month? If you could do this, you will finish reading six books each year; and that means you will read close to one million English words each year if each book averages, let’s say, 150,000 words. Out of this one million words, if you just could remember one percent, it will amount to 10,000. I would say that’s a quite accomplishment; let alone through reading you will also gradually learn grammatical structures, idiom usage and knowledge, etc. The more you read, the better your English skills will be. Speaking and writing definitely benefit a great deal from reading. Unless you have a family library, the local library may be the most convenient reading source. Plus, as a taxpayer, it would be a waste if you don’t take the advantage of the community service when you can.
How often do you listen to radio?
One time a guy, who majored in English in China and just came over to the US, asked me about how to polish his English, as he was baffled when he talked to the locals. I told him listening to radio might help since he as a student did not have much time to read in addition to his study. He seemed distained and scoffed at the idea. “What? Are you kidding? I don’t even listen to radio when I was in China!” I don’t blame on him for saying so. In the age of information exploration when the new media mushrooms in the light speed, radio seems out of fashion for certain people. But, neither does it means it’s out of picture, nor it diminishes its importance to learn English.
As a traditional media, radio still proves to be one of most efficient and accessible tools. You can turn it on in the morning while you’re eating your breakfast; you can listen to it when you drive to & from work, or on a trip – at least it provides a pastime when you’re stuck in a traffic jam; with an earpiece, you can even listen to radio when you’re out jogging or taking a stroll. How convenient could that be!
Beyond its easy accessibility, radio brings you an immense world of information as listening materials. To keep it as a fun instead of a forced task, you’ll have to find something that interests you. Besides the news that all the stations carry, there’s wide range of syndicated talk shows you can choose from, such as Fresh Air by Terry Gross, Dr. Laura Schlessinger, Rush Limbaugh Show (not that I like his opinions, but respect his English), Sean Hannity Show, to name a few. Technically, I’d suggest listening to one or two station/show to start with, especially when you’re listening-wise not skilled enough to handle variety of accents, styles and terminologies. Once you’ve got familiar with one show, you can then move on exploring more topics.
Do you write in English? If yes, how often?
Let’s face it, unless you’re a professional writer or in an occupation that requires a lot of writing, most of us probably won’t have much time to sit down racking our brains on an English essay, as we all have work to do, family and friends to be with and all kind of personal things to tend. However, writing is just as important as reading, to not just improve your English to handle daily conversation, but, one step up, to enhance your English on a professional, educated level. Comparing to reading and listening, writing is a much more complex process. That said, it means you can speak English as good as you can, but that does not necessarily means you will automatically have good command of writing skill. When write, you have to think, ponder on your thoughts in English, and organize the thoughts in a logical fashion, and then find proper words, terminologies to express them. Through writing, not only you can have solid grasp of the meaning, the nuance of each word, but also learn different way of expressions by using different grammatical structures. Of course writing does not have to be lengthy and impeccable, you can just write down a short paragraph or even a sentence for sake of practice. Over time, your writing proficiency will grow as your practice accumulates.
Related to the above, when you write an email at work or to a friend, do you just treat it as a routine? or an opportunity to practice your English?
As mentioned before, we hardly have time to sit down writing English just for practice since we all live in a bustled, fast-paced society. However, nowadays email becomes something that on a daily basis we can not escape from, either at work or at home. And more importantly, it actually poses an occasion for English writing practice. Even for business emails at work, you can either put it in a blunt language; or you can choose to elaborate in a more sophisticated and diplomatic way that will yield a better result, and in return your writing skill will advance before you’re even aware of.
When you watch TV, do you pay attention to the captioning?
In our society, TV has become an inseparability of people’s daily life. We get news from TV each day that keeps us updated with what’s going on nationally and internationally; we’re entertained by watching the diversity of TV shows; and we can even get educated from some special TV programs. But for a foreigner, TV can also pave another road for your English study. Unless you can completely understand the language, the best way to catch up with the plot and story is to closely follow the captioning on your screen. In doing so, you can utilize caption-reading to help your listening in case there are issues of vocabulary and mis-hearing; thus put your understanding in sync with the development of the characters and story. With captioning, the drawback is that it may sacrifice your visual enjoyment. But, it will definitely facilitate your language study, and in a long run your eyes will be eventually freed from the caption once your listening gets better.
The issues above we’ve discussed are just my personal experience and opinions that I wanted to share with the forum. Hope it will help; if not, at least a further discussion on the topic is expected.
Last, but not the least, learning a language is not an easy task, but a lifetime commitment; It is a hard work plus proper methodologies, not an overnight magic; It is an odyssey that you will have to go through without taking any short-cut.
So, let’s work on it, shall we?
(http://blog.wenxuecity.com/blogview.php?date=200709&postID=20029)
Have been thinking to write something on the subject of how to improve English, yet not so sure if I am qualified to take on such a heavy topic as I consider my own English a failure – living in an English-speaking country for over a decade, I still find myself in awkward situations from time to time with my English skills, in particular, I always feel intellectually handicapped whenever write in English. Nevertheless, there are certain things, lessons or whatever to be called, that might have characteristics of generalization in terms of language learning and can be shared, and might shed some light for other people’s study.
I am pretty sure that many of us, if not all of the overseas Chinese living in a English country, are constantly struggling between two language systems: in an English-speaking country, we’re entitled and forced to use an alien language, or you’re taking risk of being thrown out the main-stream society, just like some of the Chinese-Americans in Chinatown whose lifetime language commitment is Cantonese. On the other hand, as a Chinese who was born and brought up in Chinese language setting, we all have a “genetic” tendency to find cultural comfort in employing our own mother tongue – it’s an effortless mental process when we speak Chinese; we take a pleasure to read Chinese because the pictographic characters could soothe our mind, to say the least; it won’t pose a linguistic challenge when we write in Chinese, and so forth. In sum, we’re inclined to use the language we were born with; unfortunately the language adds little weight to our survival skills in a society where people speak different language.
In the classic movie, The Godfather II, there is a line, a very famous one if not the most in the movie history, by the young godfather Michael Coreleone, “Keep your friends close, but your enemy closer,” a family-teaching passed onto him from his father, the old godfather, Vito Coreleone. Admiring the sophisticated life philosophy articulated in this simple line, I think it would be also a great metaphor to our English study situation here, as a figure of speech. So, how to balance this equation of English and Chinese? The answer is: Keep your Chinese close, but your English closer. Please allow me to explain how.
It should be fairly easy for us to “keep Chinese close”. Our brains are wired with Chinese to begin with and further reinforced by the education we received back to the Chinese society. Even in a foreign country, we can always find someone who shares the language and with whom we can communicate – nowadays you can probably find Chinese almost in every single corner on this planet, thanks to our people’s survival instinct; we can always call China, talking to family and friends; and we can browse the Chinese-based websites such as Wenxuexity, reading and writing in Chinese. Once again, Chinese is one heritage that we’re born with, not something you could cut it off and walk away from it; rather, it’s something in our blood and you will have to keep it close.
Now, what about English? In what way to keep it closer? Before we move on any further, I would like to make a disclaimer referring back the classical line in The Godfather II. When I say “keep English closer”, I by no means treat English as an “enemy.” The only reason we say “to keep it closer” than Chinese is because it is our second language, and therefore it is something out there alien for us to conquer. To do so, we’ll have to know what we deal with and how; so to speak, to keep it closer.
In order to command a language, one has to immerge himself/herself into it, like swimming in the ocean. It might sound like a cliché talk and easy said than be done. But here are several things, based upon my personal experience, that could help one on the way to be a good swimmer in the ocean of English language. I would like to address these issues starting with a specific question -- no offense to anyone whatsoever, thus to make it more measurable, by which you can see where you fit, and how close you are to your English study.
How often do you read English book? Once a year? Once a month?
Reading is the most fundamental thing to do in terms of improving English skills. If you open any textbook or ask anyone who has good command of language as to how to advance with your study of English, it/he/she will no doubt tell you to read as much as you can. It seems we just can not stress enough how important reading is.
To be specific, reading a book each month might sound too much to do as opposed to one book a year which is too less. How about one book every other month? If you could do this, you will finish reading six books each year; and that means you will read close to one million English words each year if each book averages, let’s say, 150,000 words. Out of this one million words, if you just could remember one percent, it will amount to 10,000. I would say that’s a quite accomplishment; let alone through reading you will also gradually learn grammatical structures, idiom usage and knowledge, etc. The more you read, the better your English skills will be. Speaking and writing definitely benefit a great deal from reading. Unless you have a family library, the local library may be the most convenient reading source. Plus, as a taxpayer, it would be a waste if you don’t take the advantage of the community service when you can.
How often do you listen to radio?
One time a guy, who majored in English in China and just came over to the US, asked me about how to polish his English, as he was baffled when he talked to the locals. I told him listening to radio might help since he as a student did not have much time to read in addition to his study. He seemed distained and scoffed at the idea. “What? Are you kidding? I don’t even listen to radio when I was in China!” I don’t blame on him for saying so. In the age of information exploration when the new media mushrooms in the light speed, radio seems out of fashion for certain people. But, neither does it means it’s out of picture, nor it diminishes its importance to learn English.
As a traditional media, radio still proves to be one of most efficient and accessible tools. You can turn it on in the morning while you’re eating your breakfast; you can listen to it when you drive to & from work, or on a trip – at least it provides a pastime when you’re stuck in a traffic jam; with an earpiece, you can even listen to radio when you’re out jogging or taking a stroll. How convenient could that be!
Beyond its easy accessibility, radio brings you an immense world of information as listening materials. To keep it as a fun instead of a forced task, you’ll have to find something that interests you. Besides the news that all the stations carry, there’s wide range of syndicated talk shows you can choose from, such as Fresh Air by Terry Gross, Dr. Laura Schlessinger, Rush Limbaugh Show (not that I like his opinions, but respect his English), Sean Hannity Show, to name a few. Technically, I’d suggest listening to one or two station/show to start with, especially when you’re listening-wise not skilled enough to handle variety of accents, styles and terminologies. Once you’ve got familiar with one show, you can then move on exploring more topics.
Do you write in English? If yes, how often?
Let’s face it, unless you’re a professional writer or in an occupation that requires a lot of writing, most of us probably won’t have much time to sit down racking our brains on an English essay, as we all have work to do, family and friends to be with and all kind of personal things to tend. However, writing is just as important as reading, to not just improve your English to handle daily conversation, but, one step up, to enhance your English on a professional, educated level. Comparing to reading and listening, writing is a much more complex process. That said, it means you can speak English as good as you can, but that does not necessarily means you will automatically have good command of writing skill. When write, you have to think, ponder on your thoughts in English, and organize the thoughts in a logical fashion, and then find proper words, terminologies to express them. Through writing, not only you can have solid grasp of the meaning, the nuance of each word, but also learn different way of expressions by using different grammatical structures. Of course writing does not have to be lengthy and impeccable, you can just write down a short paragraph or even a sentence for sake of practice. Over time, your writing proficiency will grow as your practice accumulates.
Related to the above, when you write an email at work or to a friend, do you just treat it as a routine? or an opportunity to practice your English?
As mentioned before, we hardly have time to sit down writing English just for practice since we all live in a bustled, fast-paced society. However, nowadays email becomes something that on a daily basis we can not escape from, either at work or at home. And more importantly, it actually poses an occasion for English writing practice. Even for business emails at work, you can either put it in a blunt language; or you can choose to elaborate in a more sophisticated and diplomatic way that will yield a better result, and in return your writing skill will advance before you’re even aware of.
When you watch TV, do you pay attention to the captioning?
In our society, TV has become an inseparability of people’s daily life. We get news from TV each day that keeps us updated with what’s going on nationally and internationally; we’re entertained by watching the diversity of TV shows; and we can even get educated from some special TV programs. But for a foreigner, TV can also pave another road for your English study. Unless you can completely understand the language, the best way to catch up with the plot and story is to closely follow the captioning on your screen. In doing so, you can utilize caption-reading to help your listening in case there are issues of vocabulary and mis-hearing; thus put your understanding in sync with the development of the characters and story. With captioning, the drawback is that it may sacrifice your visual enjoyment. But, it will definitely facilitate your language study, and in a long run your eyes will be eventually freed from the caption once your listening gets better.
The issues above we’ve discussed are just my personal experience and opinions that I wanted to share with the forum. Hope it will help; if not, at least a further discussion on the topic is expected.
Last, but not the least, learning a language is not an easy task, but a lifetime commitment; It is a hard work plus proper methodologies, not an overnight magic; It is an odyssey that you will have to go through without taking any short-cut.
So, let’s work on it, shall we?
Today is mid-autumn festival!
Today is the second Mid-Autumn Festvial I spent at United State. Time is going fast, I still remember that last year my wife learned to how to make mooncake at a church. But today, just me alone with my second Mid-Autumn festival, Fortunately, One of my friends invited me to have dinner tonight with his familiy and spend the Mid-Autumn Festival together, which definitely make me feel better and be away from lonely. In fact, the the round shape of mooncake means happiness and family gather. Sometimes, I am thinking that what is most important to me. Career? or Familiy? Maybe I need to look back, and do not need to care about so much things out of myself.
Happy Autumn Moon Festival to All of us. :)
Mid-Autumn Festival
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Mid-Autumn Festival
The Mid-Autumn Moonfestival is also celebrated in Chinese communities like the San Francisco Chinatown
Chinese name
Traditional Chinese: 中秋節
Simplified Chinese: 中秋节
[show]Transliterations
Mandarin
- Hanyu Pinyin: Zhōng qiū jié
Min
- Min-nan POJ: Tiong-Chhiu-Chiat
Yue (Cantonese)
- Jyutping: zong1 tsau1 zit3
Japanese name
Kanji: 月見
Kana: つきみ
[show]Transliterations
- Romaji: Tsukimi
Korean name
Hangul: 추석
Hanja: 秋夕
[show]Transliterations
- Revised
Romanization: Ch'usǒk
Vietnamese name
Quoc Ngu: Tết Trung Thu
Chu Nom: 節中秋
Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations in Victoria Park, Hong Kong.
Mooncake is often eaten during the festival.The Mid-Autumn Festival (Simplified Chinese: 中秋节; Traditional Chinese: 中秋節; pinyin: zhōngqiūjié), also known as the Moon Festival, is a popular East Asian celebration of abundance and togetherness, dating back over 3,000 years to China's Zhou Dynasty. In Malaysia and Singapore, it is also sometimes referred to as the Lantern Festival or "Mooncake Festival", which is just the same as "Mid-Autumn Festival" but with different names.
The Mid-Autumn Festival falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month of the Chinese calendar (usually around mid- or late-September in the Gregorian calendar), a date that parallels the Autumn Equinox of the solar calendar. This is the ideal time, when the moon is at its fullest and brightest, to celebrate the abundance of the summer's harvest. The traditional food of this festival is the mooncake, of which there are many different varieties.
The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the two most important holidays in the Chinese calendar (the other being the Chinese Lunar New Year), and is a legal holiday in several countries. Farmers celebrate the end of the summer harvesting season on this date. Traditionally, on this day, Chinese family members and friends will gather to admire the bright mid-autumn harvest moon, and eat moon cakes and pomeloes together. Accompanying the celebration, there are additional cultural or regional customs, such as:
Eating moon cakes outside under the moon
Putting pomelo rinds on one's head
Carrying brightly lit lanterns
Burning incense in reverence to deities including Chang'e
Planting Mid-Autumn trees
Lighting lanterns on towers
Fire Dragon Dances
Shops selling mooncakes, before the festival, often display pictures of Chang'e floating to the moon.
Contents [hide]
1 Origin
2 Stories of the Mid-Autumn Festival
2.1 Houyi and Chang'e
2.1.1 Houyi, the archer
2.1.2 Houyi, the builder
2.2 The Hare - Jade Rabbit
2.3 Overthrow of Mongol rule
2.4 Vietnamese version
2.5 Korean Version
3 Dates
4 References
5 See also
6 External links
[edit] Origin
The custom of celebrating the moon (called Xi yue in Chinese) for both the Han Chinese and minority nationalities, can be traced as far back as the ancient Xia Dynasty and Shang Dynasty of China (20th century BC-1060s BC). In the Zhou Dynasty (1066 BCE-221 BCE), the people celebrated the Mid-Autumn Festival to worship the moon.
The practice became very prevalent in the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE) that people enjoyed and worshipped the full moon. In the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), however, people started making round moon cakes, as gifts to their relatives in expression of their best wishes of family reunion. At night, they came out to watch the full moon to celebrate the festival. Since the Ming (1368-1644), and Qing Dynasties (1644-1911), the custom of Mid-Autumn Festival celebration has become unprecedentedly popular.
[edit] Stories of the Mid-Autumn Festival
[edit] Houyi and Chang'e
While Westerners may talk about the "man in the moon", the Chinese talk about the "woman in the moon". The story of Chang'e and her flight to the moon, is familiar to every Chinese citizen, and a favourite subject of poets. Unlike many lunar deities in other cultures who personify the moon, Chang'e lives in the moon. Tradition places Houyi and Chang'e around 2170 BC, in the reign of the legendary Emperor Yao, shortly after that of Huang Di.
There are so many variations and adaptations of the Chang'e legend that one can become overwhelmed and utterly confused. However, most legends about Chang'e in Chinese mythology involve some variation of the following elements: Houyi, the Archer; Chang'e, the mythical Moon Goddess of Immortality; an emperor, either benevolent or malevolent; an elixir of life; and the Moon:
[edit] Houyi, the archer
There are at least four variations to this story where Houyi was an archer.
Version 1: Houyi himself was an immortal, while Chang'e was a beautiful young girl, working in the Jade Emperor's (Emperor of Heaven) (玉帝 pinyin:yùdì) Palace as the attendant to the Queen Mother of the West (wife of the Jade Emperor), just before her marriage. One day, Houyi aroused the jealousy of the other immortals, who then slandered him before the Jade Emperor. Houyi and his wife, Chang'e, were subsequently banished from heaven, and forced to live by hunting on earth. He became a famous archer.
Now at this time, there were 10 suns that took turns to circle the earth — one every 10 days. One day, all 10 of the suns circled together, causing the earth to burn. Emperor Yao, the Emperor of China, commanded Houyi to shoot down all but one of the suns. Upon the completion of his task, the Emperor rewarded Houyi with a pill that granted eternal life, and advised him: "Make no haste to swallow this pill; first prepare yourself with prayer and fasting for a year". Houyi took the pill home and hid it under a rafter, while he began healing his spirit. While Houyi was healing his sprit, Houyi was summoned again by the emperor. Chang'e, noticing a white beam of light beckoning from the rafters, discovered the pill, which she swallowed. Immediately, she found that she could fly. At that moment, Houyi returned home, and, realizing what had happened, began to reprimand her. Chang'e flew out the window into the sky.
With bow in hand, Houyi sped after her, and the pursuit continued halfway across the heavens. Finally, Houyi had to return to the Earth because of the force of the wind. Chang'e reached the moon, and breathless, she coughed. Part of the pill fell out from her mouth. Now, the hare was already on the moon, and Chang'e commanded the animal to make another pill from it, so that she could return to earth to her husband.
As of today, the hare is still pounding herbs, trying to make the pill. As for Houyi, he built himself a palace in the sun as "Yang" (the male principle), with Chang'e as "Yin" (the female principle). Once a year, on the 15th day of the full moon, Houyi visits his wife. That is why, that night, the moon is full and beautiful. [2]
This description appears in written form in two Western Han dynasty (206 BCE-24 CE) collections; Shanhaijing (Classic of the Mountains and Seas, a book of travels and tales), and Huainanzi (scientific, historical and philosophical articles, named for the Prince of Huai). [3]
Version 2: Another version, very similar to the above story, had it that the Emperor of Heaven, moved by the people’s suffering caused by the 10 scorching suns, sent the archer, Prince Houyi, from heaven to help Emperor Yao bring order. Houyi, with his wife, Chang'e, descended to earth, carrying a red bow and white arrows given him by the Emperor of Heaven.
Version 3: The earth once had ten suns circling over it, each taking turn to illuminate the earth. One day, however, all ten suns appeared together, scorching the earth with their heat. Houyi, a strong and tyrannical archer, saved the earth by shooting down nine of the suns. He eventually became King, but grew to become a despot.
One day, Houyi stole the elixir of life from a goddess. However, his beautiful wife, Chang'e, drank it in order to save the people from the her husband’s tyrannical rule. After drinking it, she found herself floating, and flew to the moon. Houyi loved his divinely beautiful wife so much, he did not shoot down the moon.
Version 4: Another version, however, had it that Chang'e and Houyi were immortals living in heaven. One day, the ten sons of the Jade Emperor transformed into ten suns, causing the earth to scorch. Having failed to order his sons to stop ruining the earth, the Jade Emperor summoned Houyi for help. Houyi, using his legendary archery skills, shot down nine of the sons, but spared one son to be the sun. The Jade Emperor was obviously displeased with Houyi’s solution to save the earth. As punishment, he banished Houyi and Chang'e to live as mere mortals on earth.
Seeing that Chang'e felt extremely miserable over her loss of immortality, Houyi decided to journey on a long, perilous quest to find the pill of immortality so that the couple could be immortals again. At the end of his quest, he met the Queen Mother of the West, who agreed to give him the pill, but warned him that each person would only need half a pill to regain immortality.
Houyi brought the pill home and stored it in a case. He warned Chang'e not to open the case, and then left home for a while. Like Pandora in Greek mythology, Chang'e became curious. She opened up the case and found the pill, just as Houyi was returning home. Nervous that Houyi would catch her, discovering the contents of the case, she accidentally swallowed the entire pill, and started to float into the sky because of the overdose. Although Houyi wanted to shoot her in order to prevent her from floating further, he could not bear to aim the arrow at her. Chang'e kept on floating until she landed on the moon.
While she became lonely on the moon without her husband, she did have company. A jade rabbit, who manufactured elixirs, also lived on the moon.
Version 5: In a popular school version, Houyi was a lazy boy who did nothing but to practice his archery. He practiced day and night until he became the greatest archer in the world. One day, the 10 suns all assembled around the earth. Their presence destroyed all vegetation, and hundreds of thousands were perishing. The emperor, who was desperate, offered his crown to anyone who could shoot down the suns. Houyi answered his call. He shot down 9 of the suns, and as he pulled his bow to shoot the last one, the emperor stopped him. Saying the earth must leave 1 sun. Houyi then became the emperor. He was pampered to the extent that he wanted to be emperor forever. He called his advisors to look for a way to make him immortal. His advisors found a way. They found a recipe for the Pill of Immortality. It required 100 adolescent boys to be ground into a biscuit like pill. Every night he was supposed to ground 1 boy. On the hundredth night, his wife Chang'e could not bear to watch her husband become the tyrannical dictator for eternity. She prayed to Xi Wang Mu for help. She stole the pill, with Houyi shooting arrows at her, and flew to the moon grabbing a rabbit to keep her company.
[edit] Houyi, the builder
Houyi, a famous builder, built a beautiful jade palace for the Goddess of the Western Heaven (also called the Royal Mother). In appreciation, she gave Yi a special pill that contained the magic elixir of immortality. But with it, came the condition and warning that he may not use the pill until he had accomplished certain self-purification.
His wife, Chang'e, was a beautiful but inquisitive woman. One day, she discovered the pill, and without telling her husband, swallowed it. The Goddess was very angry, and as a punishment, banished Chang'e to the moon where, according to the legend, she can be seen at her most beautiful, on the night of the bright harvest moon. This holiday is always celebrated during the time when the moon is at its fullest. Children gather around, climbing hills and mountains to be able to see the moon so their wish can be granted
[edit] The Hare - Jade Rabbit
A depiction of Chang'e and the Jade RabbitAccording to tradition, the Jade Rabbit pounds medicine, together with the lady, Chang'e, for the gods. Others say that the Jade Rabbit is a shape, assumed by Chang'e herself. You may find that the dark areas to the top of the full moon may be construed as the figure of a rabbit. The animal's ears point to the upper right, while at the left are two large circular areas, representing its head and body. [1]
In this legend, three fairy sages transformed themselves into pitiful old men, and begged for food from a fox, a monkey, and a hare. The fox and the monkey both had food to give to the old men, but the hare, empty-handed, jumped into a blazing fire to offer his own flesh instead. The sages were very thankful for the meat and ate it but the sages were so touched by the hare's sacrifice and act of kindness that they let him live in the Moon Palace, where he became the "Jade Rabbit".
[edit] Overthrow of Mongol rule
According to a widespread folk tale (not necessarily supported by historical records), the Mid-Autumn Festival commemorates an uprising in China against the Mongol rulers of the Yuan Dynasty (1280–1368) in the 14th century. As group gatherings were banned, it was impossible to make plans for a rebellion. Noting that the Mongols did not eat mooncakes, Liu Bowen (劉伯溫) of Zhejiang Province, advisor to the Chinese rebel leader Zhu Yuanzhang, came up with the idea of timing the rebellion to coincide with the Mid-Autumn Festival. He sought permission to distribute thousands of moon cakes to the Chinese residents in the city to bless the longevity of the Mongol emperor. Inside each cake, however, was inserted a piece of paper with the message: "Kill the Tatars on the 15th day of the Eighth Moon" (八月十五殺韃子).[citation needed] On the night of the Moon Festival, the rebels successfully attacked and overthrew the government. What followed was the establishment of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), under Zhu. Henceforth, the Mid-Autumn Festival was celebrated with moon cakes on a national level.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Frightening new maps of U.S. coastal areas to be inundated by global warming
These maps correspond with a one meter rise in sea level -- the amount of sea level rise scientists predict will occur whether or not we cease emitting carbon today, on account of all the warming the earth has yet to do in order to reach equilibrium with the amount of C02 we've already put into the atmosphere.
http://blog.sciam.com/index.php?title=frightening_new_maps_of_u_s_coastal_area&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1&ref=rss
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Let us think about the biofuels..
Biofuels could boost global warming, finds study
21 September 2007
Growing and burning many biofuels may actually raise rather than lower greenhouse gas emissions, a new study led by Nobel prize-winning chemist Paul Crutzen has shown.1 The findings come in the wake of a recent OECD report, which warned nations not to rush headlong into growing energy crops because they cause food shortages and damage biodiversity.
Crutzen and colleagues have calculated that growing some of the most commonly used biofuel crops releases around twice the amount of the potent greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N2O) than previously thought - wiping out any benefits from not using fossil fuels and, worse, probably contributing to global warming. The work appears in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics and is currently subject to open review.
'The significance of it is that the supposed benefits of biofuel are even more disputable than had been thought hitherto,' Keith Smith, a co-author on the paper from the University of Edinburgh, told Chemistry World. 'What we are saying is that [growing many biofuels] is probably of no benefit and in fact is actually making the climate issue worse.'
"What we are saying is that growing biofuels is probably of no benefit and in fact is actually making the climate issue worse"
- Keith Smith
Crutzen, famous for his work on nitrogen oxides and the ozone layer, declined to comment before the paper is officially published. But the paper suggests that microbes convert much more of the nitrogen in fertiliser to N2O than previously thought - 3 to 5 per cent or twice the widely accepted figure of 2 per cent used by the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
For rapeseed biodiesel, which accounts for about 80 per cent of the biofuel production in Europe, the relative warming due to N2O emissions is estimated at 1 to 1.7 times larger than the quasi-cooling effect due to saved fossil CO2 emissions. For corn bioethanol, dominant in the US, the figure is 0.9 to 1.5. Only cane sugar bioethanol - with a relative warming of 0.5 to 0.9 - looks like a viable alternative to conventional fuels.
Some previous estimates had suggested that biofuels could cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 40 per cent.2
Global picture
The IPCC's N2O conversion factor is derived using data from plant experiments. But Crutzen takes a different approach, using atmospheric measurements and ice core data to calculate the total amount of N2O in the atmosphere. He then subtracts the level of N2O in pre-industrial times - before fertilizers were available - to take account of N2O from natural processes such as leguminous plants growing in forests, lightning, and burn offs.
Assuming the rest of the N2O is attributable to newly-fixed nitrogen from fertilizer use, and knowing the amount of fertilizer applied globally, he can calculate thecontribution of fertilizers to N2O levels.
The results may well trigger a rethink by the IPCC, says Smith. 'Should we go along the road of adding up the experimental evidence for each of the processes or are we better off using the global numbers?'
Critical reception
But other experts are critical of Crutzen's approach. Simon Donner, a nitrogen researcher based at Princeton University, US, says the method is elegant but there is little evidence to show the N2O yield from fertilized plants is really as high as 3-5 per cent. Crutzen's basic assumption, that pre-industrial N2O emissions are the same as natural N2O emissions, is 'probably wrong', says Donner.
One reason he gives is that farmers plant crops in places that have nitrogen rich soils anyway. 'It is possible we are indirectly increasing the "natural" source of N2O by drawing down the soil nitrogen in the world's agricultural regions,' he explains.
Others dispute the values chosen by Crutzen to calculate his budget. Stefan Rauh, an agricultural scientist at the Instituteof Agricultural Economics and Farm Management in Munich, Germany, says some of the rates for converting crops into biofuel should be higher. 'If you use the other factors you get a little net climate cooling,' he said.
Meanwhile, a report prepared by the OECD for a recent Round Table on Sustainable Development questions the benefits of first generation biofuels and concludes that governments should scrap mandatory targets.
Richard Doornbosch, the report's author, says both the report and Crutzen's work highlights the importance of establishing correct full life-cycle assessments for biofuels. 'Without them, government policies can't distinguish between one biofuel and another - risking making problems worse,' said Doornbosch.
21 September 2007
Growing and burning many biofuels may actually raise rather than lower greenhouse gas emissions, a new study led by Nobel prize-winning chemist Paul Crutzen has shown.1 The findings come in the wake of a recent OECD report, which warned nations not to rush headlong into growing energy crops because they cause food shortages and damage biodiversity.
Crutzen and colleagues have calculated that growing some of the most commonly used biofuel crops releases around twice the amount of the potent greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N2O) than previously thought - wiping out any benefits from not using fossil fuels and, worse, probably contributing to global warming. The work appears in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics and is currently subject to open review.
'The significance of it is that the supposed benefits of biofuel are even more disputable than had been thought hitherto,' Keith Smith, a co-author on the paper from the University of Edinburgh, told Chemistry World. 'What we are saying is that [growing many biofuels] is probably of no benefit and in fact is actually making the climate issue worse.'
"What we are saying is that growing biofuels is probably of no benefit and in fact is actually making the climate issue worse"
- Keith Smith
Crutzen, famous for his work on nitrogen oxides and the ozone layer, declined to comment before the paper is officially published. But the paper suggests that microbes convert much more of the nitrogen in fertiliser to N2O than previously thought - 3 to 5 per cent or twice the widely accepted figure of 2 per cent used by the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
For rapeseed biodiesel, which accounts for about 80 per cent of the biofuel production in Europe, the relative warming due to N2O emissions is estimated at 1 to 1.7 times larger than the quasi-cooling effect due to saved fossil CO2 emissions. For corn bioethanol, dominant in the US, the figure is 0.9 to 1.5. Only cane sugar bioethanol - with a relative warming of 0.5 to 0.9 - looks like a viable alternative to conventional fuels.
Some previous estimates had suggested that biofuels could cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 40 per cent.2
Global picture
The IPCC's N2O conversion factor is derived using data from plant experiments. But Crutzen takes a different approach, using atmospheric measurements and ice core data to calculate the total amount of N2O in the atmosphere. He then subtracts the level of N2O in pre-industrial times - before fertilizers were available - to take account of N2O from natural processes such as leguminous plants growing in forests, lightning, and burn offs.
Assuming the rest of the N2O is attributable to newly-fixed nitrogen from fertilizer use, and knowing the amount of fertilizer applied globally, he can calculate thecontribution of fertilizers to N2O levels.
The results may well trigger a rethink by the IPCC, says Smith. 'Should we go along the road of adding up the experimental evidence for each of the processes or are we better off using the global numbers?'
Critical reception
But other experts are critical of Crutzen's approach. Simon Donner, a nitrogen researcher based at Princeton University, US, says the method is elegant but there is little evidence to show the N2O yield from fertilized plants is really as high as 3-5 per cent. Crutzen's basic assumption, that pre-industrial N2O emissions are the same as natural N2O emissions, is 'probably wrong', says Donner.
One reason he gives is that farmers plant crops in places that have nitrogen rich soils anyway. 'It is possible we are indirectly increasing the "natural" source of N2O by drawing down the soil nitrogen in the world's agricultural regions,' he explains.
Others dispute the values chosen by Crutzen to calculate his budget. Stefan Rauh, an agricultural scientist at the Instituteof Agricultural Economics and Farm Management in Munich, Germany, says some of the rates for converting crops into biofuel should be higher. 'If you use the other factors you get a little net climate cooling,' he said.
Meanwhile, a report prepared by the OECD for a recent Round Table on Sustainable Development questions the benefits of first generation biofuels and concludes that governments should scrap mandatory targets.
Richard Doornbosch, the report's author, says both the report and Crutzen's work highlights the importance of establishing correct full life-cycle assessments for biofuels. 'Without them, government policies can't distinguish between one biofuel and another - risking making problems worse,' said Doornbosch.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
"Shuishou" Sailor
I am trying to tanlate the song "Shuishou" to Englsih. If you have good translation, please tell me. Your advice is acknowledgable.
水手
(Sailor)
编:ansen
苦涩的沙吹痛脸庞的感觉
像父亲的责骂母亲的哭泣
永远难忘记
It is so hard to forget the feel as the saline sand on the beach fly to hit your face, what is like father's blame and mother's weeping in your mind.
年少的我喜欢一个人在海边
I like to stay aside the sea
卷起裤管光着脚丫踩在沙滩上
Curling up the pants, walking on the beach with naked foot.
总是幻想海洋的尽头有另一个世界
Always be deaming that there is another wonderful world at the end of the sea
总是以为勇敢的水手是真正的男儿
Always be thinking brave sailor is a real man
总是一副弱不禁风孬种的样子
Always be extremely delicate behavior
在受人欺负的时候总是听见水手说
I always keep sailor's word in my mind as I stand tease from others
他说风雨中这点痛算什么
He said this means nothing
擦干泪不要怕至少我们还有梦
Wipe your tear away, Do not scare, at least we have dreams
他说风雨中这点痛算什么
He said this means nothing
擦干泪不要问为什么
Wipe your tear away, do not ask why.
长大以后为了理想而努力
Strive for ideality as grown up
渐渐的忽略了父亲母亲和
故乡的消息
Little by little, Overlook your parent's advice and news from your hometown
如今的我生活就像在演戏
Now, life to me is like a game
说着言不由衷的话戴着伪善的面具
say what I do not want to say with insincere mask
总是拿着微不足道的成就来骗自己
Alway take the insignicant achievment to cheat myself
总是莫名其妙到一阵的空虚
Alway feel alone without rhyme or reason
总是靠一点酒精的麻醉才能够睡去
Just fall into sleep with help of alcohol
在半睡半醒之间仿佛又听见水手说
As like sailor is singing in my dream.
他说风雨中这点痛算什么
He said it is nothing in the storm
擦干泪不要怕至少我们还有梦
Wipe your tear away, Do not scare, at least we have dreams
他说风雨中这点痛算什么
擦干泪不要问为什么
Wipe your tear away, do not ask why.
(music)
寻寻觅觅寻不到活着的证据
I can not find the proof of life
都市的柏油路太硬踩不出足迹
there is no footprint after walking over the rigid blacktop road at city
骄傲无知的现代人不知道珍惜
The innocent modern people do not know how to cherish life
那一片被文明糟踏过的海洋和天地
只有远离人群才能找回我自己
在带着咸味的空气中自由的呼吸
耳畔又传来汽笛声和水手的笑语
永远在内心的最深处听见水手说
他说风雨中这点痛算什么
擦干泪不要怕至少我们还有梦
他说风雨中这点痛算什么
擦干泪不要问为什么
A little bit hard to do,,:) have a rest
I finally made the decision today!
I felt so relax today. i finally made the decision. Since I chose the way to go forward,I will keep going and strive for my dream.
I try to choose a nice backgroud music for the post,and express my think today, finally i chose this song "shuishou" (sailor), which encouraged so many pepole to go forward. Sometimes it can give you powder as enjoying it. Help you to go through every trouble.
As a sailor, you do not scare the wide sea and ferocity wave! what the hell thing can make you be afraid of ? Nothing.
Fighting,,,,Fighting,,,,
Sunday, September 16, 2007
SOMETIMES, IT IS SO HARD TO MAKE A DESICION!
SOMETIMES, IT IS SO HARD TO MAKE A DECISION FOR EVERYONE. I READ THIS STORY INVOLUNTARY TODAY. OF COURSE, I AM NOT AS GREAT AS THEM. BUT "NO REASON FOR BACKING TO YOUR HOME COUNTRY, ONLY STAYING HERE NEED A REASON" IMPRESSED ME DEEPLY.
彭桓武
理论物理学家
彭桓武，理论物理学家，中国科学院院士。
1915年10月出生于吉林长春，祖籍湖北麻城。1937年6月清华大学物理系研究生肄业。
翌年赴英国爱丁堡大学理论物理系，师从著名物理学家马克斯·玻恩（Max Born），从
事固体物理、量子场论等理论研究。1940年和1945年分获哲学博士和科学博士学位。
1941年8月后，曾两度在诺贝尔物理学奖获得者薛定谔（Erwin Schrödinger）任
所长的爱尔兰都柏林高等研究院理论物理研究所从事研究工作。1945年与玻恩共同获得
英国爱丁堡皇家学会麦克杜加尔－布列兹班奖。1947年回国，先后担任过云南大学、清
华大学、北京大学、中国科技大学教授，并参与创办中国科学院近代物理研究所。1955
年当选为中国科学院学部委员（院士）。历任中国科学院近代物理研究所研究员、副所
长，二机部第九研究院副院长、中国科学院高能物理所副所长、中国科学院理论物理所
所长等职。1948年被选为爱尔兰皇家科学院院士。
从20世纪50年代中期开始，彭桓武参与和领导了我国原子能物理和原子弹、氢弹以及战
略核武器的理论研究和设计。他在中子物理、辐射流体力学、凝聚态物理、爆轰物理等
多个学科领域取得了重要成果，对分子结构提出过新的处理方法，在量子多体问题研究
中提出了自洽场的推广理论，并为中国核事业培养了一批优秀人才。曾荣获国家自然科
学奖一等奖、国家科技进步奖特等奖、何梁何利基金科学与技术成就奖。1999年获“两
弹一星功勋奖章”。
☆ 他们拿56块钱的工资就创造了奇迹
在“两弹一星”功勋科学家中，彭桓武的名字最好地诠释着这个群体在学术圈内的声名
卓著和学术圈外的默默无闻。从20世纪40年代末回国之后，他的名字与新中国在核反应
堆、原子弹、氢弹、核潜艇和基础物理上的辉煌成就紧密地联系在一起。他是中国科学
院近代物理研究所的建所人之一；他培养了中国第一批反应堆理论与反应堆计算人才；
他是核潜艇动力方案的领导者；他领导和参加了原子弹设计方案的制定；他领导和参加
了氢弹的原理设计和试验；他参加了我国第一次地下核试验的理论领导工作；他培养了
周光召、黄祖洽等一大批中国原子能科学研究的中坚力量。但一直以来，彭桓武把自己
隐藏在普通人群之中，被很多人看作一个“怪老头”，以致与他订交半个多世纪的挚友
钱三强多次感叹：彭桓武默默地做了许多重要工作，但很少有人知道。著名生物化学家
邹承鲁说：彭桓武先生才是真正的大家。
☆ 轰动是因为这个研究处在物理学的前沿
隐身在集体协作帷幕后面的彭桓武，在献身中国核武器事业之前，就已经是师出名门、
广受赞誉的年轻物理学家了。1938年，23岁的彭桓武考取中英庚款留学资格，来到爱丁
堡大学，投师于德国理论物理学家,量子力学的奠基人之一马克斯??玻恩门下。彭桓
武是玻恩的第一个中国学生。在玻恩的指导下，彭桓武于 1940年和1945年分获爱丁堡
大学哲学博士和科学博士学位。玻恩和爱因斯坦有着30多年的交谊。在给爱因斯坦的信
中，玻恩数次提到这位得意的中国学生。1941年，经玻恩推荐，彭桓武前往爱尔兰都柏
林高等研究所做博士后研究，在著名科学家埃尔温??薛定谔领导的理论物理所工作。
不久，帮助量子化学的创始人之一W.海特勒进行介子理论方面的研究。
据《薛定谔传》，薛定谔在给爱因斯坦的一封信中这样描述彭桓武：简直不敢相信，这
个年轻人学了那么多，知道那么多，理解得那么快。
1941年8月至1943年7月，彭桓武和海特勒、哈密顿合作，发表了一系列综合了介子场的
若干成果，对宇宙线理解进行较系统的解释，称为HHP理论。 HHP理论，是以三位作者
姓名的头一个字母命名，其主要工作出自彭桓武。这一理论发展了量子跃迁几率的理论
，用能谱强度首次解释了宇宙线的能量颁布和空间分布。在这个理论中已经出现了后来
被称为戴森（Dyson）方程的方程。随着HHP理论名扬国际物理学界，彭桓武的名字也广
为同行所知。当时身在法国的钱三强曾说，连我这个不搞理论的人都知道HHP理论，可
见彭桓武他们这个工作在当时的名气。
1945年，彭桓武与玻恩因为关于场的量子力学与统计力学的一系列探索性工作，共同获
爱丁堡皇家学会的麦克杜加尔-布列兹班奖。1948年，在薛定谔和海特勒的推荐下，彭
桓武当选爱尔兰皇家科学院院士，时年33岁。当时，彭桓武已经回国，正执教于云南大
学。直到中美建交后的70年代，彭桓武收到爱尔兰皇家科学院的院刊时，才知道自己30
年前就已经是它的会员了。
☆ 等到国家荣辱摆在你身上，那个动力比原来就大得多了
1947年彭桓武代表云南大学前往比利时参加“大学教授会议”，之后，绕道法国巴黎看
望钱三强、何泽慧夫妇。钱三强是彭桓武在清华大学物理系的同学，日后同被誉为中国
原子弹的元勋。钱三强当时已经获得了博士学位，在巴黎大学居里实验室和法兰西学院
原子核化学实验室从事原子核物理研究工作，是法兰西国家科学研究中心研究员和研究
生导师。两人在1939年相识，并从此开始了长达半个世纪的友谊。那时候，美国已经在
日本投了原子弹，彭桓武与钱三强心照不宣地相约：回祖国大干一场！当时的都柏林，
找一个到中国的轮船座位十分困难。无奈之下，彭桓武写信请在英国海军部工作的一个
科学家朋友布莱克特帮忙，在一条英国的运兵船上找了个舱位。
1949年，彭桓武回到北京，暂住在清华大学的老师叶企荪家，与先期到达这里的钱三强
重逢。此后，两人共同筹建中国科学院近代物理研究所，发展原子能事业，培养科研人
才。多年以后，当有人问起彭桓武，当年已在英国学术界有了极高的声誉与地位，为何
还要选择回国时，彭桓武说：回国是不需要理由的，不回国才需要理由。
☆ 我的博士毕业论文还没做完
彭桓武自幼体弱多病，读小学和私塾花了7年时间。彭桓武经常在家翻看父亲书柜里的
书，养成了自学的习惯。1931年，只有半年高中学历的彭桓武主要通过自学考入清华大
学。在清华大学，彭桓武严格遵循着主修物理、选修化学、旁听数学的学习计划，生活
紧张而有序。清华6年，他和王竹溪、林家翘、杨振宁被称为 “清华四杰”。彭桓武的
清华生活，由于日寇的入侵被迫中断。60年后，八十多岁的彭桓武写了一篇论文，当作
自己的毕业论文，还清华大学周培源导师的债。 1940年，彭桓武完成了自己在英国
爱丁堡大学的博士论文，论文得到了导师玻恩教授的赞赏，并获得哲学博士学位。但是
，彭桓武对自己的论文并不满意，他说，我的论文只做了一半。玻恩说，如果都做了，
就不能只给你哲学博士，还要给你科学博士了。直到现在，彭桓武还在为那剩下的一半
论文劳作。第二年8月，经马克斯??玻恩推荐，彭桓武到爱尔兰都柏林高等研究所做
博士后研究，在著名科学家埃尔温??薛定谔领导的理论物理所中工作。在彭桓武与玻
恩告别时，玻恩说，薛定谔没有学生。到都柏林后，彭桓武才逐渐明白玻恩这句话的深
层含义。原来，薛定谔思虑深沉严密，对一个问题在没想清楚前是不会跟别人说的，一
旦想清楚后再说，便十分严谨和正确，因而无从激发学生的创造性。而玻恩则让学生尽
量独立思考，多创造性地做研究工作。这后来也成为了彭桓武的为师之道，就是要多激
发学生的创造性潜能。
☆ 当年看《三国演义》也是，诸葛亮死了以后我就不看了
在清华的第一年，彭桓武每周有三天第四节无课。他就利用这段时间进书库，挑选要借
的书。每次总凑满三册，这是借书规定的上限。借的书大多与上的课无关。当时的借书
期限一般是两个星期，少数需要精读的才续借一次。那一年里，16岁的彭桓武读了英译
本的康德《纯粹理性批判》和《实用理性批判》，罗素的散文集，怀特海的逻辑著作。
第二年夏天，他每天上午都要到图书馆老阅览室去，从靠墙的一个书柜中，取出先秦诸
子丛书，连续浏览。这时的彭桓武，已经在四年前读完了《史记》，两年半前浏览过达
尔文的《物种起源》和汤姆逊《科学大纲》的中译本，刚学完了大学一年级的数学、物
理和化学，看过几本英文哲学书，年龄已十六七，正是个人认识世界的关键时期，所以
对诸子的观点不无思辨，有时晚上还在宿舍写心得。在先秦诸子学说中，他比较认同荀
子的唯物观“天行有常，不为尧存，不为桀亡”。后来，曾专门借荀子精读，并假设该
书章节在流传中有位置错乱，为之试作更正。他还对“道心维微，人心维危。维精维一
，允执厥中”这16个字作科学认识论的理解。若干年后他才体会到这里面包含着中西文
化的根本差异，而他从选物理系时起则更强调科学地认识物质世界这方面。
英伦十年，未改彭桓武书生本色。他中西兼容，融古今于一炉。雅好诗词，淡定情怀。
很难单向度定义他到底是以学术为志业的西方式知识分子，还是天下滔滔，独善其身的
狂狷之士。晚年，彭桓武辞去了兼任的各种职务，只保留了一张北京图书馆的图书证。
☆ 科学家最高的追求也无非就是做工作
彭桓武祖籍湖北麻城，父亲彭树棠，母亲陈思敬。父亲留给他的，是一首《七律??咏
雪》：“本来明月是前身，玉骨冰肌别有真。百尺寒光能彻地，一毫余热不因人。方圆
自在都无相，潇洒风流总出尘。何事洛阳裘万丈，袁安原不厌清贫。”
彭桓武43岁结婚，62岁那年爱妻离世，后来惟一的儿子也远赴美国求学。此后的二十多
年，彭桓武独自一人，过着简朴的生活。80岁的时候，即1996年，他以自己独有的方式
设立了一个特殊的奖项：彭桓武纪念赠款。第一位获赠的，是一位曾经的合作者、因伤
早退的黄毅英。彭桓武在赠款信中这样说：“黄毅英同志：您好！彭桓武纪念赠款将于
1996年10月-11月首次举行。赠款对象为（暂定）彭桓武个人认为在核方面与他合作的
工作中值得纪念的合作者。今年初办，只赠一位，希望明年能赠两位。在我多忘的记忆
中首先浮出脑海的便是您，希望您能接受这次纪念赠款（不是奖，也不评）。款暂定为
每人三万元人民币，已经准备好，现特商定寻求一个合适的时间，请您乘便来中关村一
晤，并同去福利楼工商银行办理转账（我提取活期您再同时存入，利用通存通兑免得动
用现钞）。您最好带一同伴来以减少您的劳累。时间在电话上商定更好，因为我有时还
要出去有事。”
时隔4年，彭桓武纪念赠款又增添了新的项目，他在给黄毅英的信中这样说：“黄毅英
同志：您好！报告您一个消息，彭桓武纪念赠款，从2001年开始，将增加一项医疗补助
报销，专为过去和未来的纪念赠款获得者，由于公费医疗改革，个人负担份额加重而新
设立的。因为银行利率已几次降低，赠款和补助报销均以基金本金支付，用完即结束，
所以补助报销金额，根据实际情况，不作任何限制。北京人请20、21、22日电话告知我
数目，23日我将准备好，电话联系待取。长期病号或外地人可协商简化手续。”
黄毅英的女儿回忆说：我妈是1958年开始工作，到她1960年回来的时候人已病得很厉害
。那时候我大概上小学一年级，所以在我的记忆里，就是我一上小学我妈就开始病。她
在北京三院看病，没有任何一个大夫能说出来她是什么病。彭老通知我们领赠款的时候
，我还特别奇怪。蔡荣业先生告诉我，彭老希望把他得到的奖金同一些跟他合作过的同
事分享。这些人都是早期参加核方面工作，健康受到过损伤，此后被人们忘记了的。任
何奖、任何纪念都绝对不会轮到他们头上。彭老的赠款不需要跟任何人商量，彭老决定
是谁就是谁，然后彭老第一个纪念款就给了我妈。
主持人：您在1995年的时候获得了何梁何利基金科学与技术成就奖，奖金是100万港币
，我想可能这也是您一生中获得的数额最多的奖金了。
彭桓武：对！这100万港币到明年就要报销完了。
主持人：您把它全部捐赠了？
彭桓武：全部赠了，纪念赠款明年就结束了。本来应该到后年，不过依照我现在的身体
状况，我想把后年的提前到明年，两届一块给。
主持人：这100万对普通人来说，意味着舒适的生活，但对您来说……
彭桓武：对我来说没用。我生活足够了，加不加这100万都一样。因为我一个人用不了
那么多钱。像我现在，大夫给我限制，每天只许吃这么多东西，一天只许吃一个鸡蛋，
吃两个鸡蛋都不行，那个钱有什么用？！
主持人：现在已经有将近三十五位科技工作者获得了这笔赠款，分到他们每个人手里的
是三万块钱。您想通过它来表达您对这些同志的什么敬意呢？是想用来解决他们生活上
的实际困难吗？
彭桓武：没那个意思，就是表示纪念而已，纪念当初合作过、工作过的人。
主持人：您知道黄毅英先生已经去世了吗？
彭桓武：这一次她病我都不知道，我的消息不灵通。上一次病时我让蔡荣业送了两万块
钱医疗补助，她自己也不要，我只好自己送去了。上次她出院后我以为她没事了，这回
她又病我还不知道。她的工作是搞核潜艇的时候参加原子能所的大协作。每回她都带头
做报告，工作也做得很好，所以我对她有印象。
主持人：看起来您是一个很固执很克制的人，但是谈到您的同事，您很难克制住自己的
感情，看来您是一个习惯于把感情藏起来的人。您的老伴儿去世快30年了，您一个人做
菜、洗衣服，5年、10年我们能理解，但30年如此，您不觉得孤独吗？
彭桓武：不孤独，我有理论物理陪伴我，不孤独！如果实在难受我就写诗，升华过去。
所以我的诗里有三分之一是写我的老伴儿。这是心理学的措施，转移注意力，干事去就
完了，就没功夫去想这些废话了。
主持人：您为国家做了这么多，留给自己的是什么呢？
彭桓武：留给自己的就是乐趣呀，做事的乐趣！
主持人：您最终追求的是什么？
彭桓武：追求什么？科学家的追求还是做工作。王淦昌临死前我见他最后一面，他就说
，“我能做的都做了，再有工作我也做不了了”。就是这样，就是要做工作。科学家最
高的追求也无非就是做工作。
彭桓武
理论物理学家
彭桓武，理论物理学家，中国科学院院士。
1915年10月出生于吉林长春，祖籍湖北麻城。1937年6月清华大学物理系研究生肄业。
翌年赴英国爱丁堡大学理论物理系，师从著名物理学家马克斯·玻恩（Max Born），从
事固体物理、量子场论等理论研究。1940年和1945年分获哲学博士和科学博士学位。
1941年8月后，曾两度在诺贝尔物理学奖获得者薛定谔（Erwin Schrödinger）任
所长的爱尔兰都柏林高等研究院理论物理研究所从事研究工作。1945年与玻恩共同获得
英国爱丁堡皇家学会麦克杜加尔－布列兹班奖。1947年回国，先后担任过云南大学、清
华大学、北京大学、中国科技大学教授，并参与创办中国科学院近代物理研究所。1955
年当选为中国科学院学部委员（院士）。历任中国科学院近代物理研究所研究员、副所
长，二机部第九研究院副院长、中国科学院高能物理所副所长、中国科学院理论物理所
所长等职。1948年被选为爱尔兰皇家科学院院士。
从20世纪50年代中期开始，彭桓武参与和领导了我国原子能物理和原子弹、氢弹以及战
略核武器的理论研究和设计。他在中子物理、辐射流体力学、凝聚态物理、爆轰物理等
多个学科领域取得了重要成果，对分子结构提出过新的处理方法，在量子多体问题研究
中提出了自洽场的推广理论，并为中国核事业培养了一批优秀人才。曾荣获国家自然科
学奖一等奖、国家科技进步奖特等奖、何梁何利基金科学与技术成就奖。1999年获“两
弹一星功勋奖章”。
☆ 他们拿56块钱的工资就创造了奇迹
在“两弹一星”功勋科学家中，彭桓武的名字最好地诠释着这个群体在学术圈内的声名
卓著和学术圈外的默默无闻。从20世纪40年代末回国之后，他的名字与新中国在核反应
堆、原子弹、氢弹、核潜艇和基础物理上的辉煌成就紧密地联系在一起。他是中国科学
院近代物理研究所的建所人之一；他培养了中国第一批反应堆理论与反应堆计算人才；
他是核潜艇动力方案的领导者；他领导和参加了原子弹设计方案的制定；他领导和参加
了氢弹的原理设计和试验；他参加了我国第一次地下核试验的理论领导工作；他培养了
周光召、黄祖洽等一大批中国原子能科学研究的中坚力量。但一直以来，彭桓武把自己
隐藏在普通人群之中，被很多人看作一个“怪老头”，以致与他订交半个多世纪的挚友
钱三强多次感叹：彭桓武默默地做了许多重要工作，但很少有人知道。著名生物化学家
邹承鲁说：彭桓武先生才是真正的大家。
☆ 轰动是因为这个研究处在物理学的前沿
隐身在集体协作帷幕后面的彭桓武，在献身中国核武器事业之前，就已经是师出名门、
广受赞誉的年轻物理学家了。1938年，23岁的彭桓武考取中英庚款留学资格，来到爱丁
堡大学，投师于德国理论物理学家,量子力学的奠基人之一马克斯??玻恩门下。彭桓
武是玻恩的第一个中国学生。在玻恩的指导下，彭桓武于 1940年和1945年分获爱丁堡
大学哲学博士和科学博士学位。玻恩和爱因斯坦有着30多年的交谊。在给爱因斯坦的信
中，玻恩数次提到这位得意的中国学生。1941年，经玻恩推荐，彭桓武前往爱尔兰都柏
林高等研究所做博士后研究，在著名科学家埃尔温??薛定谔领导的理论物理所工作。
不久，帮助量子化学的创始人之一W.海特勒进行介子理论方面的研究。
据《薛定谔传》，薛定谔在给爱因斯坦的一封信中这样描述彭桓武：简直不敢相信，这
个年轻人学了那么多，知道那么多，理解得那么快。
1941年8月至1943年7月，彭桓武和海特勒、哈密顿合作，发表了一系列综合了介子场的
若干成果，对宇宙线理解进行较系统的解释，称为HHP理论。 HHP理论，是以三位作者
姓名的头一个字母命名，其主要工作出自彭桓武。这一理论发展了量子跃迁几率的理论
，用能谱强度首次解释了宇宙线的能量颁布和空间分布。在这个理论中已经出现了后来
被称为戴森（Dyson）方程的方程。随着HHP理论名扬国际物理学界，彭桓武的名字也广
为同行所知。当时身在法国的钱三强曾说，连我这个不搞理论的人都知道HHP理论，可
见彭桓武他们这个工作在当时的名气。
1945年，彭桓武与玻恩因为关于场的量子力学与统计力学的一系列探索性工作，共同获
爱丁堡皇家学会的麦克杜加尔-布列兹班奖。1948年，在薛定谔和海特勒的推荐下，彭
桓武当选爱尔兰皇家科学院院士，时年33岁。当时，彭桓武已经回国，正执教于云南大
学。直到中美建交后的70年代，彭桓武收到爱尔兰皇家科学院的院刊时，才知道自己30
年前就已经是它的会员了。
☆ 等到国家荣辱摆在你身上，那个动力比原来就大得多了
1947年彭桓武代表云南大学前往比利时参加“大学教授会议”，之后，绕道法国巴黎看
望钱三强、何泽慧夫妇。钱三强是彭桓武在清华大学物理系的同学，日后同被誉为中国
原子弹的元勋。钱三强当时已经获得了博士学位，在巴黎大学居里实验室和法兰西学院
原子核化学实验室从事原子核物理研究工作，是法兰西国家科学研究中心研究员和研究
生导师。两人在1939年相识，并从此开始了长达半个世纪的友谊。那时候，美国已经在
日本投了原子弹，彭桓武与钱三强心照不宣地相约：回祖国大干一场！当时的都柏林，
找一个到中国的轮船座位十分困难。无奈之下，彭桓武写信请在英国海军部工作的一个
科学家朋友布莱克特帮忙，在一条英国的运兵船上找了个舱位。
1949年，彭桓武回到北京，暂住在清华大学的老师叶企荪家，与先期到达这里的钱三强
重逢。此后，两人共同筹建中国科学院近代物理研究所，发展原子能事业，培养科研人
才。多年以后，当有人问起彭桓武，当年已在英国学术界有了极高的声誉与地位，为何
还要选择回国时，彭桓武说：回国是不需要理由的，不回国才需要理由。
☆ 我的博士毕业论文还没做完
彭桓武自幼体弱多病，读小学和私塾花了7年时间。彭桓武经常在家翻看父亲书柜里的
书，养成了自学的习惯。1931年，只有半年高中学历的彭桓武主要通过自学考入清华大
学。在清华大学，彭桓武严格遵循着主修物理、选修化学、旁听数学的学习计划，生活
紧张而有序。清华6年，他和王竹溪、林家翘、杨振宁被称为 “清华四杰”。彭桓武的
清华生活，由于日寇的入侵被迫中断。60年后，八十多岁的彭桓武写了一篇论文，当作
自己的毕业论文，还清华大学周培源导师的债。 1940年，彭桓武完成了自己在英国
爱丁堡大学的博士论文，论文得到了导师玻恩教授的赞赏，并获得哲学博士学位。但是
，彭桓武对自己的论文并不满意，他说，我的论文只做了一半。玻恩说，如果都做了，
就不能只给你哲学博士，还要给你科学博士了。直到现在，彭桓武还在为那剩下的一半
论文劳作。第二年8月，经马克斯??玻恩推荐，彭桓武到爱尔兰都柏林高等研究所做
博士后研究，在著名科学家埃尔温??薛定谔领导的理论物理所中工作。在彭桓武与玻
恩告别时，玻恩说，薛定谔没有学生。到都柏林后，彭桓武才逐渐明白玻恩这句话的深
层含义。原来，薛定谔思虑深沉严密，对一个问题在没想清楚前是不会跟别人说的，一
旦想清楚后再说，便十分严谨和正确，因而无从激发学生的创造性。而玻恩则让学生尽
量独立思考，多创造性地做研究工作。这后来也成为了彭桓武的为师之道，就是要多激
发学生的创造性潜能。
☆ 当年看《三国演义》也是，诸葛亮死了以后我就不看了
在清华的第一年，彭桓武每周有三天第四节无课。他就利用这段时间进书库，挑选要借
的书。每次总凑满三册，这是借书规定的上限。借的书大多与上的课无关。当时的借书
期限一般是两个星期，少数需要精读的才续借一次。那一年里，16岁的彭桓武读了英译
本的康德《纯粹理性批判》和《实用理性批判》，罗素的散文集，怀特海的逻辑著作。
第二年夏天，他每天上午都要到图书馆老阅览室去，从靠墙的一个书柜中，取出先秦诸
子丛书，连续浏览。这时的彭桓武，已经在四年前读完了《史记》，两年半前浏览过达
尔文的《物种起源》和汤姆逊《科学大纲》的中译本，刚学完了大学一年级的数学、物
理和化学，看过几本英文哲学书，年龄已十六七，正是个人认识世界的关键时期，所以
对诸子的观点不无思辨，有时晚上还在宿舍写心得。在先秦诸子学说中，他比较认同荀
子的唯物观“天行有常，不为尧存，不为桀亡”。后来，曾专门借荀子精读，并假设该
书章节在流传中有位置错乱，为之试作更正。他还对“道心维微，人心维危。维精维一
，允执厥中”这16个字作科学认识论的理解。若干年后他才体会到这里面包含着中西文
化的根本差异，而他从选物理系时起则更强调科学地认识物质世界这方面。
英伦十年，未改彭桓武书生本色。他中西兼容，融古今于一炉。雅好诗词，淡定情怀。
很难单向度定义他到底是以学术为志业的西方式知识分子，还是天下滔滔，独善其身的
狂狷之士。晚年，彭桓武辞去了兼任的各种职务，只保留了一张北京图书馆的图书证。
☆ 科学家最高的追求也无非就是做工作
彭桓武祖籍湖北麻城，父亲彭树棠，母亲陈思敬。父亲留给他的，是一首《七律??咏
雪》：“本来明月是前身，玉骨冰肌别有真。百尺寒光能彻地，一毫余热不因人。方圆
自在都无相，潇洒风流总出尘。何事洛阳裘万丈，袁安原不厌清贫。”
彭桓武43岁结婚，62岁那年爱妻离世，后来惟一的儿子也远赴美国求学。此后的二十多
年，彭桓武独自一人，过着简朴的生活。80岁的时候，即1996年，他以自己独有的方式
设立了一个特殊的奖项：彭桓武纪念赠款。第一位获赠的，是一位曾经的合作者、因伤
早退的黄毅英。彭桓武在赠款信中这样说：“黄毅英同志：您好！彭桓武纪念赠款将于
1996年10月-11月首次举行。赠款对象为（暂定）彭桓武个人认为在核方面与他合作的
工作中值得纪念的合作者。今年初办，只赠一位，希望明年能赠两位。在我多忘的记忆
中首先浮出脑海的便是您，希望您能接受这次纪念赠款（不是奖，也不评）。款暂定为
每人三万元人民币，已经准备好，现特商定寻求一个合适的时间，请您乘便来中关村一
晤，并同去福利楼工商银行办理转账（我提取活期您再同时存入，利用通存通兑免得动
用现钞）。您最好带一同伴来以减少您的劳累。时间在电话上商定更好，因为我有时还
要出去有事。”
时隔4年，彭桓武纪念赠款又增添了新的项目，他在给黄毅英的信中这样说：“黄毅英
同志：您好！报告您一个消息，彭桓武纪念赠款，从2001年开始，将增加一项医疗补助
报销，专为过去和未来的纪念赠款获得者，由于公费医疗改革，个人负担份额加重而新
设立的。因为银行利率已几次降低，赠款和补助报销均以基金本金支付，用完即结束，
所以补助报销金额，根据实际情况，不作任何限制。北京人请20、21、22日电话告知我
数目，23日我将准备好，电话联系待取。长期病号或外地人可协商简化手续。”
黄毅英的女儿回忆说：我妈是1958年开始工作，到她1960年回来的时候人已病得很厉害
。那时候我大概上小学一年级，所以在我的记忆里，就是我一上小学我妈就开始病。她
在北京三院看病，没有任何一个大夫能说出来她是什么病。彭老通知我们领赠款的时候
，我还特别奇怪。蔡荣业先生告诉我，彭老希望把他得到的奖金同一些跟他合作过的同
事分享。这些人都是早期参加核方面工作，健康受到过损伤，此后被人们忘记了的。任
何奖、任何纪念都绝对不会轮到他们头上。彭老的赠款不需要跟任何人商量，彭老决定
是谁就是谁，然后彭老第一个纪念款就给了我妈。
主持人：您在1995年的时候获得了何梁何利基金科学与技术成就奖，奖金是100万港币
，我想可能这也是您一生中获得的数额最多的奖金了。
彭桓武：对！这100万港币到明年就要报销完了。
主持人：您把它全部捐赠了？
彭桓武：全部赠了，纪念赠款明年就结束了。本来应该到后年，不过依照我现在的身体
状况，我想把后年的提前到明年，两届一块给。
主持人：这100万对普通人来说，意味着舒适的生活，但对您来说……
彭桓武：对我来说没用。我生活足够了，加不加这100万都一样。因为我一个人用不了
那么多钱。像我现在，大夫给我限制，每天只许吃这么多东西，一天只许吃一个鸡蛋，
吃两个鸡蛋都不行，那个钱有什么用？！
主持人：现在已经有将近三十五位科技工作者获得了这笔赠款，分到他们每个人手里的
是三万块钱。您想通过它来表达您对这些同志的什么敬意呢？是想用来解决他们生活上
的实际困难吗？
彭桓武：没那个意思，就是表示纪念而已，纪念当初合作过、工作过的人。
主持人：您知道黄毅英先生已经去世了吗？
彭桓武：这一次她病我都不知道，我的消息不灵通。上一次病时我让蔡荣业送了两万块
钱医疗补助，她自己也不要，我只好自己送去了。上次她出院后我以为她没事了，这回
她又病我还不知道。她的工作是搞核潜艇的时候参加原子能所的大协作。每回她都带头
做报告，工作也做得很好，所以我对她有印象。
主持人：看起来您是一个很固执很克制的人，但是谈到您的同事，您很难克制住自己的
感情，看来您是一个习惯于把感情藏起来的人。您的老伴儿去世快30年了，您一个人做
菜、洗衣服，5年、10年我们能理解，但30年如此，您不觉得孤独吗？
彭桓武：不孤独，我有理论物理陪伴我，不孤独！如果实在难受我就写诗，升华过去。
所以我的诗里有三分之一是写我的老伴儿。这是心理学的措施，转移注意力，干事去就
完了，就没功夫去想这些废话了。
主持人：您为国家做了这么多，留给自己的是什么呢？
彭桓武：留给自己的就是乐趣呀，做事的乐趣！
主持人：您最终追求的是什么？
彭桓武：追求什么？科学家的追求还是做工作。王淦昌临死前我见他最后一面，他就说
，“我能做的都做了，再有工作我也做不了了”。就是这样，就是要做工作。科学家最
高的追求也无非就是做工作。
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Organic Food? a questtion for me today.
Organic foods are produced according to certain production standards. For crops, it means they were grown without the use of conventional pesticides, artificial fertilizers, human waste, or sewage sludge, and that they were processed without ionizing radiation or food additives.[1] For animals, it means they were reared without the routine use of antibiotics and without the use of growth hormones. In most countries, organic produce must not be genetically modified.
Increasingly, organic food production is legally regulated. Currently, the United States, the European Union, Japan and many other countries require producers to obtain organic certification in order to market food as organic.
Historically, organic farms have been relatively small family-run farms[2] — which is why organic food was once only available in small stores or farmers' markets. Now, organic foods are becoming much more widely available — organic food sales within the United States have grown by 17 to 20 percent a year for the past few years[3] while sales of conventional food have grown at only about 2 to 3 percent a year. This large growth is predicted to continue, and many companies are jumping into the market.[4]
Types of organic food
Mixed organic bean sproutsSee also: Organic farming for information on the production of organic food.
Organic foods can be either fresh or processed, based on production methods.
[edit] Fresh food
Fresh, "unprocessed" organic food, such as vegetables and fruits are purchased directly from growers, at farmers' markets, from on-farm stands, supermarkets, through speciality food stores, and through community-supported agriculture (CSA) projects. Unprocessed animal products like organic meat, eggs, dairy, are less commonly available in "fresh" form.
In Australia, organic eggs must be from free-range hens, rather than from battery chickens[5]. Animals for the organic market may not be fed growth hormones or drugs such as steroids or antibiotics.
[edit] Processed food
Often, within the same supermarket, both organic and conventional versions of products are available, although the price of the organic version is usually higher (see modern developments). Most processed organic food comes from large food conglomerates[6] producing and marketing products like canned goods, frozen vegetables, prepared dishes and other convenience foods.
Processed organic food usually contains only organic ingredients, or where there are a number of ingredients, at least a minimum percentage of the plant and animal ingredients must be organic (95% in Australia). Any non-organically produced ingredients must still meet requirements. It must be free of artificial food additives, and is often processed with fewer artificial methods, materials and conditions (no chemical ripening, no food irradiation, and no genetically modified ingredients, etc.).
They may also be required to be produced using energy-saving technologies and packaged using recyclable or biodegradable materials when possible.[5]
[edit] Identifying organic food
At first, organic food comprised mainly fresh vegetables. Early consumers interested in organic food would look for chemical-free, fresh or minimally processed food. They mostly had to buy directly from growers: "Know your farmer, know your food" was the motto. Personal definitions of what constituted "organic" were developed through firsthand experience: by talking to farmers, seeing farm conditions, and farming activities. Small farms grew vegetables (and raised livestock) using organic farming practices, with or without certification, and the individual consumer monitored.
Consumer demand for organic foods continues to increase, and high volume sales through mass outlets, like supermarkets, is rapidly replacing the direct farmer connection. For supermarket consumers, food production is not easily observable, and product labelling, like "certified organic", is relied on. Government regulations and third-party inspectors are looked to for assurance.
A "certified organic" label is usually the only way for consumers to know that a processed product is "organic".
[edit] Legal definition
The National Organic Program (run by the USDA) is in charge of the legal definition of organic in the United States and does organic certification. It administers the Organic Seal to products and producers that meet strict requirements.Main article: Organic certification
To be certified organic, products must be grown and manufactured in a manner that adheres to standards set by the country they are sold in:
Australia: NASAA Organic Standard.
Britain: Organic Farmers and Growers Organic Standards and the Soil Association
Canada: Canada Gazette, Government of Canada.
Japan: JAS Standards.
United States: National Organic Program (NOP) Standards.
Sweden: KRAV
In the United States, the Organic Food Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C.A. § 6501-22) required that the USDA develop national standards for organic products.[7] The regulations (7 C.F.R. Part 205) are enforced by the USDA through the National Organic Program under this act. These laws essentially require that any product that claims to be organic must have been manufactured and handled according to specific NOP requirements. A USDA Organic seal identifies products with at least 95% organic ingredients.
[edit] Motivations
Main article: Motivations for organic agriculture
Defining the benefits of organic food has largely been left to word of mouth, occasional media coverage, and the promotional efforts of organic advocates. Even though many large food and beverage corporations, like Kraft Foods, have rapidly moved to acquire significant stake in both fresh and processed organic products,[8] the specific sales points of "organics" go largely unmentioned on product packaging and in advertising.
These comparisons need to be evaluated with care because neither conventional nor organic farming practices are uniform.
[edit] Environmental impact
In several surveys that have looked at smaller studies to build an overall comparison between conventional and organic systems of farming a general agreement on benefits has been built. In these surveys[9][10] it has been found that:
Organic farms do not release synthetic pesticides into the environment — some of which have the potential to harm local wildlife.
Organic farms are better than conventional farms at sustaining diverse ecosystems, i.e., populations of plants and insects, as well as animals.
When calculated either per unit area or per unit of yield, organic farms use less energy and produce less waste, e.g., waste such as packaging materials for chemicals.
See "Organic FAQs" in the journal Nature for more details.[11]
One study found a 20% smaller yield from organic farms using 50% less fertilizer and 97% less pesticide.[12] Studies comparing yields have had mixed results.[13] Supporters claim that organically managed soil has a higher quality[14] and higher water retention. This may help increase yields for organic farms in drought years. One study of two organic farming systems and one conventional found that, in one year's severe crop season drought, organic soybean yields were 52% and 96% higher than the conventional system and organic maize yields were 37% higher in one system, but 62% lower in the other.[15] Studies are also consistent in showing that organic farms are more energy efficient.[16]
One study from the Danish Environmental Protection Agency found that, area-for-area, organic farms of potatoes, sugar beet and seed grass produce as little as half the output of conventional farming. [17]
[edit] Pesticides and farmers
For those who work on farms, there have been many studies on the health effects of pesticide exposure.[18] Even when pesticides are used correctly, they still end up in the air and bodies of farm workers. Through these studies, organophosphate pesticides have become associated with acute health problems such as abdominal pain, dizziness, headaches, nausea, vomiting, as well as skin and eye problems.[19] In addition, there have been many other studies that have found pesticide exposure is associated with more severe health problems such as respiratory problems, memory disorders, dermatologic conditions,[20][21] cancer,[22] depression, neurologic deficits,[23][24] miscarriages, and birth defects.[25] Summaries of peer-reviewed research have examined the link between pesticide exposure and neurological outcomes and cancer in organophosphate-exposed workers.[26][27]
However, some argue that farmworkers and their families can be protected from the effects of pesticides through the use of genetically-modified crops. Whereas organic farms use no artificial pesticides, genetically-modified crops often require less or no pesticide spraying and reports by think-tanks like the Hudson Institute have shown a reduction in pesticide usage and environmental footprint.[28][29] However, genetically-modified crops are the subject of controversy on their own.
[edit] Pesticide residue
A study published in 2002 showed that "Organically grown foods consistently had about one-third as many residues as conventionally grown foods."[30][31]
Monitoring of pesticide residues in the United States is carried out by the Pesticide Data Program (part of USDA, which was was created in 1990. It has since tested over 60 different types of food for over 400 different types of pesticides - with samples collected close to the point of consumption. Their most recent results found in 2005 that:
“ These data indicate that 29.5 percent of all samples tested contained no detectable pesticides [parent compound and metabolite(s) combined], 30 percent contained 1 pesticide, and slightly over 40 percent contained more than 1 pesticide. ”
—USDA, Pesticide Data Program[32]
Several studies corroborate this finding by having found that that while 77 percent of conventional food carries synthetic pesticide residues, only about 25 percent of organic food does.[33] [34] [35] [36]
While the studies by the USDA have shown that conventional food contains more synthetic pesticide residues, studies in Canada show a different picture. Annual and comprehensive Canadian government studies by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency consistently find that only about 10 percent of conventionally farmed food carries any pesticide residues at all. [37] [38] [39] [40] [41] [42] [43] [44]
The Canadian studies are relevant because samples of all foods sold in Canada are included in the annual testings — whether farmed in Canada or in the United States or some other country. (A large amount of food that is sold in Canada is imported from the USA, including about 90 percent of all organic food sold in Canada.)
A study published by the National Research Council in 1993 determined that for infants and children, the major source of exposure to pesticides is through diet.[45] A recent study in 2006 measured the levels of organophosphorus pesticide exposure in 23 schoolchildren before and after replacing their diet with organic food. In this study it was found that levels of organophosphorus pesticide exposure dropped dramatically and immediately when the children switched to an organic diet.[46] However, the fact that diet is the major source of pesticide ingestion does not mean that pesticides are ingested at amounts that could ever prove harmful;[citation needed] modern pesticides biodegrade into harmless components in the body;[citation needed] and food residue limits established by law are set specifically with children in mind and consider a child's lifetime ingestion of each pesticide.[citation needed]
Yet, the potential health effects of pesticide residues found in food are virtually nonexistent[citation needed]. Modern analytical chemistry is capable of detecting such small quantities of a substance — even a single molecule — that a "positive" result is meaningless. Many scientists in 1990 thought that such residues are without effect.[47]
Pesticides are subjected to a battery of tests before they can be approved by the EPA [2] and "residue tolerances" are established above which produce exceeding these tolerances cannot be sold. These tolerances take into account the maximum amount of any pesticide that anyone could ever ingest in an entire lifetime, from all possible food sources, assuming a worst case scenario.
Scientists do know exactly where pesticide go, exactly when and how they break down and where their metabolites go.[citation needed] They conduct numerous metabolism studies — analyzing blood, urine, exhaled breath, fat tissue and so on — for the initial chemical and all metabolites related to each pesticide. In fact, every molecule of a pesticide’s metabolites is tracked to its final destination. Using what is called metabolic analysis, a radioactive label or marker is attached to every molecule of the pesticide before testing. This allows scientists to follow every molecule through the body to see how many leave in feces or in urine, and how many settle in body organs and for how long. Radioactive testing is so stringent that scientists really do know where every molecule of a pesticide and its metabolites ultimately ends up. [48] [49]
In fact, very few pesticides ever make it all the way through such rigorous testing to approval. Compare prescription medicines — which we ingest deliberately — with pesticides. Only one drug out of every 5,000 makes it all the way from lab to pharmacy. [50] [51] But after an average 9.1 years of testing, only one active pesticide ingredient is ultimately approved for every 140,000 that are first synthesized. [52]
Furthermore Lois Swirsky Gold and Bruce Ames argue :"Whereas public perceptions tend to identify chemicals as being only synthetic and only synthetic chemicals as being toxic, every natural chemical is also toxic at some dose," and have shown that 50% of all natural chemicals in food gave a positive test as a carcinogen when tested in rodents, casting doubt on any link of food residues and cancer risk.[53]
Author Thomas DeGregori argues that at the heart of the organic food movement are feelings of anti-technology and anti-modern science[54] and points out that it is modern science, after all, that has increased the life expectancy of many people and helps to feed the world's growing population.
There is controversial data on the health implications of certain pesticides. The herbicide Atrazine, for example, has been shown in some experiments to be a teratogen, even at concentrations as low as 0.1 part per billion, to emasculate male frogs by causing their gonads to produce eggs — effectively turning males into hermaphrodites.[55] However, Anthony Trewavas and numerous other scientists such Bruce Ames and Lois Swirsky, have put forth that concerns about residues are greatly over-stated and that naturally occurring chemicals offer the same or greater risks.[56][57]
In fact, weight-for-weight, pesticide residues are less toxic than numerous other chemicals found everywhere, such as salt, caffeine,[58] or vitamin B6.
Organic farming standards do not allow the use of synthetic pesticides, but they do allow the use of specific pesticides derived from plants. The most common organic pesticides, accepted for restricted use by most organic standards, include Bt, pyrethrum, and rotenone. Some organic pesticides, such as rotenone, have high toxicity to fish and aquatic creatures with some toxicity to mammals including humans. [59]
The United States Environmental Protection Agency and state agencies periodically review the licensing of suspect pesticides, but the process of de-listing is slow. One example of this slow process is exemplified by the pesticide Dichlorvos, or DDVP, which as recently as the year 2006 the EPA proposed its continued sale. The EPA has almost banned this pesticide on several occasions since the 1970s, but it never did so despite considerable evidence that suggests DDVP is not only carcinogenic but dangerous to the human nervous system — especially in children.[60]
[edit] Taste
A 2001 study by researchers at Washington State University concluded, under judgement by a panel of tasters, that organic apples were sweeter. Along with taste and sweetness, the texture as well as firmness of the apples were also rated higher than those grown conventionally. These differences are attributed to the greater soil quality resulting from organic farming techniques compared to those of conventional farming.[61]
A small study looking at processed organic foods, found participants could not differentiate organic and conventional varieties of a rice cakes or vitabrits.[5]
[edit] Nutritional value
Some studies have shown higher nutrient levels in organic fruit and vegetables compared with conventionally grown. However, due to the difficulty with designing such experiments, the evidence is not considered conclusive.[5]
Most studies show that organic food is better for you because it lacks harmful dyes and hormones[citation needed], however, some studies — including a 2002 meta-analysis, which is a review of all past studies on the subject — found no proof that organic food offers greater nutritional values, more consumer safety or any distinguisable difference in taste. [62] [63] [64] [65]
[edit] Criticisms
Newer non-organic practices, particularly no-till agriculture, which relies on herbicides to clear the land, offer considerable improvements in energy efficiency. Anthony Trewavas argues that the sustainability of organic agriculture is less than that of conventional agriculture (see Trewavas (2000)[66][67]).
Soil benefits: Trevavas also argues that many of the soil benefits of organic agriculture have been demonstrated to be due to crop rotation, which is not an exclusively organic strategy (see Trewavas (2000) cited above).
Land usage: Organic food growers lose a significantly larger portion of their crops to pests, mold, etc, and therefore require significantly higher land usage to generate the same amount of product. One study shows that a crop of organic tomatoes, for example, would use approximately 642% more land than one grown via conventional methods.[citation needed]
Organic farming could deepen world hunger: Experts, including Greenpeace cofounder Patrick Moore, PhD[citation needed], agree that to feed an expected 9 billion people by 2050, farm output must triple. [68] Without greater productivity, that would require 108 percent of Earth’s land area. Higher conventional yields are the answer, stresses Moore. However, when Badgley et al. conducted a meta-analysis of 293 organic vs. conventional yield comparisons, they found that the ratio of organic yields to conventional yields for the food categories included ranged from 0.988 for meat products to 2.080 for fruits. The authors concluded that not only could organic agriculture support the current global population, but a significantly larger population than now exists, while possibly even reducing the agricultural land base.[69]
yet Avery points out that more than 100 of the critical 133 "developing world" studies cited by Badgley et al. were not organic; that they double, triple, and even quintuple counted yields from the same studies; failed to cite unfavorable organic yields; and cited "high" organic yield ratios that were significantly lower than average non-organic crop yields. [70]
John Kent, Lecturer in Agricultural Protection, from the School of Agriculture at Charles Sturt University in Australia supports the idea that organically grown food is not as sustainable, arguing that while organically grown food certainly has its place in today's free market, the world population could not be fed with pesticide-free agriculture.[citation needed]
[edit] Cost
Critics claim that organic food is more expensive than conventional food and thus too highly priced to be affordable to persons on a lower income. Organic products typically cost 10 to 40% more than similar conventionally produced products.[71] Processed organic foods vary greatly in price when compared to their conventional counterparts. An Australian study by Choice magazine in 2004 found processed organic foods in supermarkets to be 65% more expensive, but noted this was not consistent. Some products were more than twice the price (such as chocolate), others were similarly priced (jam).[5]
Prices may be higher because organic produce is produced on a smaller scale, and may need to be milled or processed separately.
[edit] Commercialization
Organic food began as a small movement with farmers rejecting the use of conventional farming practices. With the market share of Organic food outpacing much of the food industry many big companies have moved into this market. With these large companies, and with the creation of a legal certification framework (2002 in the US), there is worry that the very definition of organic food will change from what it used to be.[72]
[edit] History
Main article: History of organic farming
Modern agriculture, utilizing large amounts of artificial chemical inputs, monocultures, and intensive farming methods, is a recent phenomenon. Indeed, one could argue that almost the entire history of agriculture consists of what would be now termed "organic farming".
Rising consumer awareness of organic methods began in the 1950s with the promotion of organic gardening. In the 1960s and 1970s, one effect of a growing grassroots concern with environmental issues was the appearance of more elaborate approaches to organic food, including food-buying co-ops and dedicated organic producers. In the 1970s and 1980s, private sector organic certification and development of regulations at the governmental level began around the world. In the 1990s, formal organic certification began to be legislated in various countries, and this trend continues to today. During the same period, the organic food market experienced a sustained surge in growth, expanding at around 20% a year (exceeding the rest of the food industry by a factor of at least 10). Organic baby food is popular too, sales of which increased 21.6 percent in 2006, while baby food overall has only grown 3.1 percent in the same year.[73] The first years of the 21st century saw multinational food corporations taking major stakes in the organic market, and this has dramatically increased the variety, availability and falling cost of processed organic food.[citation needed]
[edit] Modern developments
The prices for organic food have been, and continue to be, higher than their conventional counterparts. This is because farmers who grow organic food have to meet stricter quality standards to have their products certified organic. More labor is required to achieve this, bringing up the cost.
Since the 1980s there has been a growth trend in supermarkets that carry large volumes of organic food. This includes Whole Foods Market in the US, and Waitrose in the UK. With large volume sales, these retailers have been bringing the price of organic food down.
In the United States the pressure to bring the cost down will vastly increase soon because in 2006, Wal-Mart, the largest grocery retailer, announced plans to increase the amount of organic food available in its stores.[74] Both conventionally grown and organic versions of certain products will be available, but Wal-Mart intends to keep the price of the organic versions to no more than 10% over the price of the conventionally grown counterparts.
Because of Wal-Mart's size and business practices, their move into selling organic food has some people worried.[75] Specifically, the increase in demand for organic food will require that more organic produce be imported.[76] Secondly, the push to lower prices might "virtually guarantee that Wal-Mart's version of cheap organic food is not sustainable".[77]
[edit] Related movements
Various alternative organic standards are emerging. They generally bypass formal certification, which can be expensive and cumbersome, and provide their own definition of organic food. One such, the Authentic Food standard, proposed by leading US organic farmer Eliot Coleman, includes criteria that are incompatible with current agribusiness: =
Fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, eggs and meat products are produced within a 50-mile radius of their place of their final sale.
The seed and storage crops (grains, beans, nuts, potatoes, etc.) are produced within a 300-mile radius of their final sale.
Only traditional processed foods such as cheese, wine, bread and lactofermented products may claim, "Made with Authentic ingredients."[78]
Some are also implementing new approaches to defining and buying food. Community-supported agriculture (CSA) is one such approach, that cuts out all the middlemen by having consumers partner with local farmers. CSA members prepurchase "shares" in a season's harvest, and pick up their weekly portions from distribution sites. Thus, consumers provide direct financing for farms, participate in the risks and rewards of annual growing conditions, and participate with farmers in distribution networks.
CSA is one example of "buying locally," which is often valued by both the organic food consumer and producer. Generally speaking, locally-grown seasonal food can be brought to market more quickly than food that has to be transported long distances, and therefore can be better tasting and to some degree more nutritious by virtue of its freshness. Additionally, the act of buying foods that are locally-grown benefits local farmers and other employers. This local food approach is seen as a direct investment in one's own community and a way to reduce economic dependence.
Organic food is also often linked with the fair trade movement, based on the principle that social and environmental sustainability are inextricably interdependent.
[edit] Facts and statistics
Organic Seals
United States
Japan
Germany
Australia
Greece
While organic food accounts for 1–2% of total food sales worldwide, the organic food market is growing rapidly, far ahead of the rest of the food industry, in both developed and developing nations.
World organic food sales were US $23 billion in 2002.[79]
The world organic market has been growing by 20% a year since the early 1990s, with future growth estimates ranging from 10-50% annually depending on the country.
In the United States, where organic food is federally regulated by the National Organic Program:
"Organic products are now available in nearly 20,000 natural food stores and 73% of conventional grocery stores, and account for approximately 1-2% of total food sales in the U.S." — Feb 2003[80]
Two thirds of organic milk and cream and half of organic cheese and yogurt are sold through conventional supermarkets.[81]
In the European Union, organic food is regulated by the EU-Eco-regulation
Austria:
The government has created incentives so that within the next few years, 10% of its food will comprise locally grown organic foods. [citation needed]
Germany:
Baby food is almost exclusively organic, and over 30% of bread baked in Munich is organic.[3]
Italy:
Existing legislation calls for all school lunches to be organic by 2005. [citation needed]
Poland:
Since May 2004, products of certified organic farms in Poland are allowed to carry the EU organic farming label, but it is not obligatory. This sign certifies that a given product was produced according to the EU 2092/91 organic farming regulation and therefore can be freely traded and marketed on the whole Common Market. In 2005 already 168,000 ha of land were under organic management. The value of the organic market in Poland is estimated at Eur 50 million (2006). [4]
UK:
By January 2005, 686,100 ha of land was managed to organic standards. Organic food sales increased from just over £100 million in 1993/94 to £1.21 billion in 2004 (an 11% increase on 2003). [5]
In Cuba:
After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1990, the government converted the entire country to organic agriculture, and currently organic agriculture is the mainstream and many pesticides are not permitted by law. [6] However, Cuba defines "organic" differently from many countries and encourages genetically engineered crops, particularly those with enhanced nutritional content and vaccines from GMO plants. [7][8]
Increasingly, organic food production is legally regulated. Currently, the United States, the European Union, Japan and many other countries require producers to obtain organic certification in order to market food as organic.
Historically, organic farms have been relatively small family-run farms[2] — which is why organic food was once only available in small stores or farmers' markets. Now, organic foods are becoming much more widely available — organic food sales within the United States have grown by 17 to 20 percent a year for the past few years[3] while sales of conventional food have grown at only about 2 to 3 percent a year. This large growth is predicted to continue, and many companies are jumping into the market.[4]
Types of organic food
Mixed organic bean sproutsSee also: Organic farming for information on the production of organic food.
Organic foods can be either fresh or processed, based on production methods.
[edit] Fresh food
Fresh, "unprocessed" organic food, such as vegetables and fruits are purchased directly from growers, at farmers' markets, from on-farm stands, supermarkets, through speciality food stores, and through community-supported agriculture (CSA) projects. Unprocessed animal products like organic meat, eggs, dairy, are less commonly available in "fresh" form.
In Australia, organic eggs must be from free-range hens, rather than from battery chickens[5]. Animals for the organic market may not be fed growth hormones or drugs such as steroids or antibiotics.
[edit] Processed food
Often, within the same supermarket, both organic and conventional versions of products are available, although the price of the organic version is usually higher (see modern developments). Most processed organic food comes from large food conglomerates[6] producing and marketing products like canned goods, frozen vegetables, prepared dishes and other convenience foods.
Processed organic food usually contains only organic ingredients, or where there are a number of ingredients, at least a minimum percentage of the plant and animal ingredients must be organic (95% in Australia). Any non-organically produced ingredients must still meet requirements. It must be free of artificial food additives, and is often processed with fewer artificial methods, materials and conditions (no chemical ripening, no food irradiation, and no genetically modified ingredients, etc.).
They may also be required to be produced using energy-saving technologies and packaged using recyclable or biodegradable materials when possible.[5]
[edit] Identifying organic food
At first, organic food comprised mainly fresh vegetables. Early consumers interested in organic food would look for chemical-free, fresh or minimally processed food. They mostly had to buy directly from growers: "Know your farmer, know your food" was the motto. Personal definitions of what constituted "organic" were developed through firsthand experience: by talking to farmers, seeing farm conditions, and farming activities. Small farms grew vegetables (and raised livestock) using organic farming practices, with or without certification, and the individual consumer monitored.
Consumer demand for organic foods continues to increase, and high volume sales through mass outlets, like supermarkets, is rapidly replacing the direct farmer connection. For supermarket consumers, food production is not easily observable, and product labelling, like "certified organic", is relied on. Government regulations and third-party inspectors are looked to for assurance.
A "certified organic" label is usually the only way for consumers to know that a processed product is "organic".
[edit] Legal definition
The National Organic Program (run by the USDA) is in charge of the legal definition of organic in the United States and does organic certification. It administers the Organic Seal to products and producers that meet strict requirements.Main article: Organic certification
To be certified organic, products must be grown and manufactured in a manner that adheres to standards set by the country they are sold in:
Australia: NASAA Organic Standard.
Britain: Organic Farmers and Growers Organic Standards and the Soil Association
Canada: Canada Gazette, Government of Canada.
Japan: JAS Standards.
United States: National Organic Program (NOP) Standards.
Sweden: KRAV
In the United States, the Organic Food Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C.A. § 6501-22) required that the USDA develop national standards for organic products.[7] The regulations (7 C.F.R. Part 205) are enforced by the USDA through the National Organic Program under this act. These laws essentially require that any product that claims to be organic must have been manufactured and handled according to specific NOP requirements. A USDA Organic seal identifies products with at least 95% organic ingredients.
[edit] Motivations
Main article: Motivations for organic agriculture
Defining the benefits of organic food has largely been left to word of mouth, occasional media coverage, and the promotional efforts of organic advocates. Even though many large food and beverage corporations, like Kraft Foods, have rapidly moved to acquire significant stake in both fresh and processed organic products,[8] the specific sales points of "organics" go largely unmentioned on product packaging and in advertising.
These comparisons need to be evaluated with care because neither conventional nor organic farming practices are uniform.
[edit] Environmental impact
In several surveys that have looked at smaller studies to build an overall comparison between conventional and organic systems of farming a general agreement on benefits has been built. In these surveys[9][10] it has been found that:
Organic farms do not release synthetic pesticides into the environment — some of which have the potential to harm local wildlife.
Organic farms are better than conventional farms at sustaining diverse ecosystems, i.e., populations of plants and insects, as well as animals.
When calculated either per unit area or per unit of yield, organic farms use less energy and produce less waste, e.g., waste such as packaging materials for chemicals.
See "Organic FAQs" in the journal Nature for more details.[11]
One study found a 20% smaller yield from organic farms using 50% less fertilizer and 97% less pesticide.[12] Studies comparing yields have had mixed results.[13] Supporters claim that organically managed soil has a higher quality[14] and higher water retention. This may help increase yields for organic farms in drought years. One study of two organic farming systems and one conventional found that, in one year's severe crop season drought, organic soybean yields were 52% and 96% higher than the conventional system and organic maize yields were 37% higher in one system, but 62% lower in the other.[15] Studies are also consistent in showing that organic farms are more energy efficient.[16]
One study from the Danish Environmental Protection Agency found that, area-for-area, organic farms of potatoes, sugar beet and seed grass produce as little as half the output of conventional farming. [17]
[edit] Pesticides and farmers
For those who work on farms, there have been many studies on the health effects of pesticide exposure.[18] Even when pesticides are used correctly, they still end up in the air and bodies of farm workers. Through these studies, organophosphate pesticides have become associated with acute health problems such as abdominal pain, dizziness, headaches, nausea, vomiting, as well as skin and eye problems.[19] In addition, there have been many other studies that have found pesticide exposure is associated with more severe health problems such as respiratory problems, memory disorders, dermatologic conditions,[20][21] cancer,[22] depression, neurologic deficits,[23][24] miscarriages, and birth defects.[25] Summaries of peer-reviewed research have examined the link between pesticide exposure and neurological outcomes and cancer in organophosphate-exposed workers.[26][27]
However, some argue that farmworkers and their families can be protected from the effects of pesticides through the use of genetically-modified crops. Whereas organic farms use no artificial pesticides, genetically-modified crops often require less or no pesticide spraying and reports by think-tanks like the Hudson Institute have shown a reduction in pesticide usage and environmental footprint.[28][29] However, genetically-modified crops are the subject of controversy on their own.
[edit] Pesticide residue
A study published in 2002 showed that "Organically grown foods consistently had about one-third as many residues as conventionally grown foods."[30][31]
Monitoring of pesticide residues in the United States is carried out by the Pesticide Data Program (part of USDA, which was was created in 1990. It has since tested over 60 different types of food for over 400 different types of pesticides - with samples collected close to the point of consumption. Their most recent results found in 2005 that:
“ These data indicate that 29.5 percent of all samples tested contained no detectable pesticides [parent compound and metabolite(s) combined], 30 percent contained 1 pesticide, and slightly over 40 percent contained more than 1 pesticide. ”
—USDA, Pesticide Data Program[32]
Several studies corroborate this finding by having found that that while 77 percent of conventional food carries synthetic pesticide residues, only about 25 percent of organic food does.[33] [34] [35] [36]
While the studies by the USDA have shown that conventional food contains more synthetic pesticide residues, studies in Canada show a different picture. Annual and comprehensive Canadian government studies by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency consistently find that only about 10 percent of conventionally farmed food carries any pesticide residues at all. [37] [38] [39] [40] [41] [42] [43] [44]
The Canadian studies are relevant because samples of all foods sold in Canada are included in the annual testings — whether farmed in Canada or in the United States or some other country. (A large amount of food that is sold in Canada is imported from the USA, including about 90 percent of all organic food sold in Canada.)
A study published by the National Research Council in 1993 determined that for infants and children, the major source of exposure to pesticides is through diet.[45] A recent study in 2006 measured the levels of organophosphorus pesticide exposure in 23 schoolchildren before and after replacing their diet with organic food. In this study it was found that levels of organophosphorus pesticide exposure dropped dramatically and immediately when the children switched to an organic diet.[46] However, the fact that diet is the major source of pesticide ingestion does not mean that pesticides are ingested at amounts that could ever prove harmful;[citation needed] modern pesticides biodegrade into harmless components in the body;[citation needed] and food residue limits established by law are set specifically with children in mind and consider a child's lifetime ingestion of each pesticide.[citation needed]
Yet, the potential health effects of pesticide residues found in food are virtually nonexistent[citation needed]. Modern analytical chemistry is capable of detecting such small quantities of a substance — even a single molecule — that a "positive" result is meaningless. Many scientists in 1990 thought that such residues are without effect.[47]
Pesticides are subjected to a battery of tests before they can be approved by the EPA [2] and "residue tolerances" are established above which produce exceeding these tolerances cannot be sold. These tolerances take into account the maximum amount of any pesticide that anyone could ever ingest in an entire lifetime, from all possible food sources, assuming a worst case scenario.
Scientists do know exactly where pesticide go, exactly when and how they break down and where their metabolites go.[citation needed] They conduct numerous metabolism studies — analyzing blood, urine, exhaled breath, fat tissue and so on — for the initial chemical and all metabolites related to each pesticide. In fact, every molecule of a pesticide’s metabolites is tracked to its final destination. Using what is called metabolic analysis, a radioactive label or marker is attached to every molecule of the pesticide before testing. This allows scientists to follow every molecule through the body to see how many leave in feces or in urine, and how many settle in body organs and for how long. Radioactive testing is so stringent that scientists really do know where every molecule of a pesticide and its metabolites ultimately ends up. [48] [49]
In fact, very few pesticides ever make it all the way through such rigorous testing to approval. Compare prescription medicines — which we ingest deliberately — with pesticides. Only one drug out of every 5,000 makes it all the way from lab to pharmacy. [50] [51] But after an average 9.1 years of testing, only one active pesticide ingredient is ultimately approved for every 140,000 that are first synthesized. [52]
Furthermore Lois Swirsky Gold and Bruce Ames argue :"Whereas public perceptions tend to identify chemicals as being only synthetic and only synthetic chemicals as being toxic, every natural chemical is also toxic at some dose," and have shown that 50% of all natural chemicals in food gave a positive test as a carcinogen when tested in rodents, casting doubt on any link of food residues and cancer risk.[53]
Author Thomas DeGregori argues that at the heart of the organic food movement are feelings of anti-technology and anti-modern science[54] and points out that it is modern science, after all, that has increased the life expectancy of many people and helps to feed the world's growing population.
There is controversial data on the health implications of certain pesticides. The herbicide Atrazine, for example, has been shown in some experiments to be a teratogen, even at concentrations as low as 0.1 part per billion, to emasculate male frogs by causing their gonads to produce eggs — effectively turning males into hermaphrodites.[55] However, Anthony Trewavas and numerous other scientists such Bruce Ames and Lois Swirsky, have put forth that concerns about residues are greatly over-stated and that naturally occurring chemicals offer the same or greater risks.[56][57]
In fact, weight-for-weight, pesticide residues are less toxic than numerous other chemicals found everywhere, such as salt, caffeine,[58] or vitamin B6.
Organic farming standards do not allow the use of synthetic pesticides, but they do allow the use of specific pesticides derived from plants. The most common organic pesticides, accepted for restricted use by most organic standards, include Bt, pyrethrum, and rotenone. Some organic pesticides, such as rotenone, have high toxicity to fish and aquatic creatures with some toxicity to mammals including humans. [59]
The United States Environmental Protection Agency and state agencies periodically review the licensing of suspect pesticides, but the process of de-listing is slow. One example of this slow process is exemplified by the pesticide Dichlorvos, or DDVP, which as recently as the year 2006 the EPA proposed its continued sale. The EPA has almost banned this pesticide on several occasions since the 1970s, but it never did so despite considerable evidence that suggests DDVP is not only carcinogenic but dangerous to the human nervous system — especially in children.[60]
[edit] Taste
A 2001 study by researchers at Washington State University concluded, under judgement by a panel of tasters, that organic apples were sweeter. Along with taste and sweetness, the texture as well as firmness of the apples were also rated higher than those grown conventionally. These differences are attributed to the greater soil quality resulting from organic farming techniques compared to those of conventional farming.[61]
A small study looking at processed organic foods, found participants could not differentiate organic and conventional varieties of a rice cakes or vitabrits.[5]
[edit] Nutritional value
Some studies have shown higher nutrient levels in organic fruit and vegetables compared with conventionally grown. However, due to the difficulty with designing such experiments, the evidence is not considered conclusive.[5]
Most studies show that organic food is better for you because it lacks harmful dyes and hormones[citation needed], however, some studies — including a 2002 meta-analysis, which is a review of all past studies on the subject — found no proof that organic food offers greater nutritional values, more consumer safety or any distinguisable difference in taste. [62] [63] [64] [65]
[edit] Criticisms
Newer non-organic practices, particularly no-till agriculture, which relies on herbicides to clear the land, offer considerable improvements in energy efficiency. Anthony Trewavas argues that the sustainability of organic agriculture is less than that of conventional agriculture (see Trewavas (2000)[66][67]).
Soil benefits: Trevavas also argues that many of the soil benefits of organic agriculture have been demonstrated to be due to crop rotation, which is not an exclusively organic strategy (see Trewavas (2000) cited above).
Land usage: Organic food growers lose a significantly larger portion of their crops to pests, mold, etc, and therefore require significantly higher land usage to generate the same amount of product. One study shows that a crop of organic tomatoes, for example, would use approximately 642% more land than one grown via conventional methods.[citation needed]
Organic farming could deepen world hunger: Experts, including Greenpeace cofounder Patrick Moore, PhD[citation needed], agree that to feed an expected 9 billion people by 2050, farm output must triple. [68] Without greater productivity, that would require 108 percent of Earth’s land area. Higher conventional yields are the answer, stresses Moore. However, when Badgley et al. conducted a meta-analysis of 293 organic vs. conventional yield comparisons, they found that the ratio of organic yields to conventional yields for the food categories included ranged from 0.988 for meat products to 2.080 for fruits. The authors concluded that not only could organic agriculture support the current global population, but a significantly larger population than now exists, while possibly even reducing the agricultural land base.[69]
yet Avery points out that more than 100 of the critical 133 "developing world" studies cited by Badgley et al. were not organic; that they double, triple, and even quintuple counted yields from the same studies; failed to cite unfavorable organic yields; and cited "high" organic yield ratios that were significantly lower than average non-organic crop yields. [70]
John Kent, Lecturer in Agricultural Protection, from the School of Agriculture at Charles Sturt University in Australia supports the idea that organically grown food is not as sustainable, arguing that while organically grown food certainly has its place in today's free market, the world population could not be fed with pesticide-free agriculture.[citation needed]
[edit] Cost
Critics claim that organic food is more expensive than conventional food and thus too highly priced to be affordable to persons on a lower income. Organic products typically cost 10 to 40% more than similar conventionally produced products.[71] Processed organic foods vary greatly in price when compared to their conventional counterparts. An Australian study by Choice magazine in 2004 found processed organic foods in supermarkets to be 65% more expensive, but noted this was not consistent. Some products were more than twice the price (such as chocolate), others were similarly priced (jam).[5]
Prices may be higher because organic produce is produced on a smaller scale, and may need to be milled or processed separately.
[edit] Commercialization
Organic food began as a small movement with farmers rejecting the use of conventional farming practices. With the market share of Organic food outpacing much of the food industry many big companies have moved into this market. With these large companies, and with the creation of a legal certification framework (2002 in the US), there is worry that the very definition of organic food will change from what it used to be.[72]
[edit] History
Main article: History of organic farming
Modern agriculture, utilizing large amounts of artificial chemical inputs, monocultures, and intensive farming methods, is a recent phenomenon. Indeed, one could argue that almost the entire history of agriculture consists of what would be now termed "organic farming".
Rising consumer awareness of organic methods began in the 1950s with the promotion of organic gardening. In the 1960s and 1970s, one effect of a growing grassroots concern with environmental issues was the appearance of more elaborate approaches to organic food, including food-buying co-ops and dedicated organic producers. In the 1970s and 1980s, private sector organic certification and development of regulations at the governmental level began around the world. In the 1990s, formal organic certification began to be legislated in various countries, and this trend continues to today. During the same period, the organic food market experienced a sustained surge in growth, expanding at around 20% a year (exceeding the rest of the food industry by a factor of at least 10). Organic baby food is popular too, sales of which increased 21.6 percent in 2006, while baby food overall has only grown 3.1 percent in the same year.[73] The first years of the 21st century saw multinational food corporations taking major stakes in the organic market, and this has dramatically increased the variety, availability and falling cost of processed organic food.[citation needed]
[edit] Modern developments
The prices for organic food have been, and continue to be, higher than their conventional counterparts. This is because farmers who grow organic food have to meet stricter quality standards to have their products certified organic. More labor is required to achieve this, bringing up the cost.
Since the 1980s there has been a growth trend in supermarkets that carry large volumes of organic food. This includes Whole Foods Market in the US, and Waitrose in the UK. With large volume sales, these retailers have been bringing the price of organic food down.
In the United States the pressure to bring the cost down will vastly increase soon because in 2006, Wal-Mart, the largest grocery retailer, announced plans to increase the amount of organic food available in its stores.[74] Both conventionally grown and organic versions of certain products will be available, but Wal-Mart intends to keep the price of the organic versions to no more than 10% over the price of the conventionally grown counterparts.
Because of Wal-Mart's size and business practices, their move into selling organic food has some people worried.[75] Specifically, the increase in demand for organic food will require that more organic produce be imported.[76] Secondly, the push to lower prices might "virtually guarantee that Wal-Mart's version of cheap organic food is not sustainable".[77]
[edit] Related movements
Various alternative organic standards are emerging. They generally bypass formal certification, which can be expensive and cumbersome, and provide their own definition of organic food. One such, the Authentic Food standard, proposed by leading US organic farmer Eliot Coleman, includes criteria that are incompatible with current agribusiness: =
Fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, eggs and meat products are produced within a 50-mile radius of their place of their final sale.
The seed and storage crops (grains, beans, nuts, potatoes, etc.) are produced within a 300-mile radius of their final sale.
Only traditional processed foods such as cheese, wine, bread and lactofermented products may claim, "Made with Authentic ingredients."[78]
Some are also implementing new approaches to defining and buying food. Community-supported agriculture (CSA) is one such approach, that cuts out all the middlemen by having consumers partner with local farmers. CSA members prepurchase "shares" in a season's harvest, and pick up their weekly portions from distribution sites. Thus, consumers provide direct financing for farms, participate in the risks and rewards of annual growing conditions, and participate with farmers in distribution networks.
CSA is one example of "buying locally," which is often valued by both the organic food consumer and producer. Generally speaking, locally-grown seasonal food can be brought to market more quickly than food that has to be transported long distances, and therefore can be better tasting and to some degree more nutritious by virtue of its freshness. Additionally, the act of buying foods that are locally-grown benefits local farmers and other employers. This local food approach is seen as a direct investment in one's own community and a way to reduce economic dependence.
Organic food is also often linked with the fair trade movement, based on the principle that social and environmental sustainability are inextricably interdependent.
[edit] Facts and statistics
Organic Seals
United States
Japan
Germany
Australia
Greece
While organic food accounts for 1–2% of total food sales worldwide, the organic food market is growing rapidly, far ahead of the rest of the food industry, in both developed and developing nations.
World organic food sales were US $23 billion in 2002.[79]
The world organic market has been growing by 20% a year since the early 1990s, with future growth estimates ranging from 10-50% annually depending on the country.
In the United States, where organic food is federally regulated by the National Organic Program:
"Organic products are now available in nearly 20,000 natural food stores and 73% of conventional grocery stores, and account for approximately 1-2% of total food sales in the U.S." — Feb 2003[80]
Two thirds of organic milk and cream and half of organic cheese and yogurt are sold through conventional supermarkets.[81]
In the European Union, organic food is regulated by the EU-Eco-regulation
Austria:
The government has created incentives so that within the next few years, 10% of its food will comprise locally grown organic foods. [citation needed]
Germany:
Baby food is almost exclusively organic, and over 30% of bread baked in Munich is organic.[3]
Italy:
Existing legislation calls for all school lunches to be organic by 2005. [citation needed]
Poland:
Since May 2004, products of certified organic farms in Poland are allowed to carry the EU organic farming label, but it is not obligatory. This sign certifies that a given product was produced according to the EU 2092/91 organic farming regulation and therefore can be freely traded and marketed on the whole Common Market. In 2005 already 168,000 ha of land were under organic management. The value of the organic market in Poland is estimated at Eur 50 million (2006). [4]
UK:
By January 2005, 686,100 ha of land was managed to organic standards. Organic food sales increased from just over £100 million in 1993/94 to £1.21 billion in 2004 (an 11% increase on 2003). [5]
In Cuba:
After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1990, the government converted the entire country to organic agriculture, and currently organic agriculture is the mainstream and many pesticides are not permitted by law. [6] However, Cuba defines "organic" differently from many countries and encourages genetically engineered crops, particularly those with enhanced nutritional content and vaccines from GMO plants. [7][8]
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