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    28 November

    Bids to rein in watchdog set to backfire

    It’s no surprise for government anywhere in the world not to enjoy the watchdog role of the press, but those as daring as the one in Dongguan of South China’s Guang Dong province are few and far between.

     

    The city’s Party publicity department, the overseas of the local media, announced recently that it would issue a special journalist certificate in order to facilitate the work of the reporters.

     

    The move, which some think is aiming to block the journalists deemed unfriendly by the local gov’t, a gross violation of journalists’ rights to do their work.

     

    That must be highly unexpected by the Dongguan officials responsible for the publicity work. Dongguan is by no means innovative in this regard. Just six months ago, Yunnan Provincial Higher People’s Court assigned passes to a selected group of 14 journalists for special access to its court system.

     

    That also triggered(触动,引发) strong protests from the press, because by granting such a privilege to a selected group, the Yuannan Higher Court has actually denied the majority of the journalists’ rights stipulated by the law.

     

    Both actions had challenged the authority (权威) of the General Administration of Press and Publicationthe sole gov’t institution in the country to issue a press card. The untold message of Yunan and Dongguan is equally clear. If you are not cooperative, you might never get such a pass.

     

    In the past few years, the growing role of watchdog played by the news media, esp the new organizations from other cities and provinces has already become a big headache for many local officials.

     

    It’s not difficult to tell how upset some officials are when their policies and practices are criticized by the news media. The images of their cities that they try to build for years have been tarnished(失去光泽), casting a possible shadow on their career in climbing the official hierarchy.

     

    The latest examples would be about how law enforcement officials in Shanghai used questionable entrapment on illegally operated taxis, how a gov’t dept in Xi’an, Shanxi province, vowed to ban an estimated 30,000 garbage collectors from picking recyclable in trashbins. And how tourism officials in Yangshuo, Guangxi, pretended unaware of the precarious balloon services, which killed a number of Dutch tourists recently.

     

    Ironically, criticism and debate of such policies and practices are often much more heated in the media outside Shanghai, Xi’an and Yanghsuo, as local news media are becoming more mindful about confronting local gov’t.

     

    While many officials still like to offer various edicts to the local news organizations, they are troubled by the face that criticism from outside their jurisdiction is out of control. Therefore, the idea of producing a special press pass should come as no surprise. (…come up with more soon)

    10 September

    天堂

     

    给你一个故事,希望你能喜欢这个故事并希望它能为你带来好运。

     

    一天,一个盲人带着他的导盲犬过街时,一辆大卡车失去控制,直冲过来,盲人当场被撞死,他的导盲犬为了守卫主人,也一起惨死在车轮底下。

     

    主人和狗一起到了天堂门前。

     

    一个天使拦住他俩,为难地说:“对不起,现在天堂只剩下一个名额,你们两个中必须有一个去地狱。

     

    主人一听,连忙问:“我的狗又不知道什么是天堂,什么是地狱,能不能让我来决定谁去天堂呢?

     

    天使鄙视地看了这个主人一样,皱起了眉头,她想了想,:“很抱歉,先生,每一个灵魂都是平等的,你们要通过比赛决定由谁上天堂。

     

    主人失望地问:“,什么比赛呢?

     

    天使说:“这个比赛很简单,就是赛跑,从这里跑到天堂的大门,谁先到达目的地,谁就可以上天堂。不过,你也别担心,因为你已经死了,所以不再是瞎子,而且灵魂的速度跟肉体无关,越单纯善良的人速度越快。

    主人想了想,同意了。

     

    天使让主人和狗准备好,就宣布赛跑开始。她满心以为主人为了进天堂,会拼命往前奔,谁知道主人一点也不忙,慢吞吞地往前走着。更令天使吃惊的是,那条导盲犬也没有奔跑,它配合着主人的步调在旁边慢慢跟着,一步都不肯离开主人。天使恍然大悟:原来,多年来这条导盲犬已经养成了习惯,永远跟着主人行动,在主人的前方守护着他。可恶的主人,正是利用了这一点,才胸有成竹,稳操胜券,他只要在天堂门口叫他的狗停下就可以了。

    天使看着这条忠心耿耿的狗,心里很难过,她大声对狗说:“你已经为主人献出了生命,现在,你这个主人不再是瞎子,你也不用领着他走路了,你快跑进天堂吧!”

     

    可是,无论是主人还是他的狗,都像是没有听到天使的话一样,仍然慢吞吞地地往前走,好像在街上散步似的。

     

    果然,离终点还有几步的时候,主人发出一声口令,狗听话地坐下了,天使用鄙视的眼神看着主人。

     

    这时,主人笑了,他扭过头对天使说:“我终于把我的狗送到天堂了,我最担心的就是它根本不想上天堂,只想跟我在一起……所以我才想帮它决定,请你照顾好它。

     

    天使愣住了。

     

    主人留恋地看着自己的狗,又说:“能够用比赛的方式决定真是太好了,只要我再让它往前走几步,它就可以上天堂了。不过它陪伴了我那么多年,这是我第一次可以用自己的眼睛看着它,所以我忍不住想要慢慢地走,多看它一会儿。如果可以的话,我真希望永远看着它走下去。不过天堂到了,那才是它该去的地方,请你照顾好它。

     

    说完这些话,主人向狗发出了前进的命令,就在狗到达终点的一刹那,主人像一片羽毛似的落向了地狱的方向。他的狗见了,急忙掉转头,追着主人狂奔。满心懊悔的天使张开翅膀追过去,想要抓住导盲犬,不过那是世界上最纯洁善良的灵魂,速度远比天堂所有的天使都快。

     

    所以导盲犬又跟主人在一起了,即使是在地狱,导盲犬也永远守护着它的主人。

     

    天使久久地站在那里,喃喃说道:“我一开始就错了,这两个灵魂是一体的,他们不能分开……”
      

      最后,我要说:这个世界上,真相只有一个,可是在不同人眼中,却会看出不同的是非曲直。这是为什么呢?其实,道理很简单,因为每个人看待事物,都不可能站在绝对客观公正的立场上,而是或多或少地戴上有色眼镜,用自己的经验、好恶和道德标准来进行评判,结果就是——我们看到了假象。
      

    "
    友谊的幸福之一,是知道了可以向谁倾吐秘密。"如果你收到了这封信,是因为有人在默默的祝福你,因为你也爱你身边的一些人。如果你总说太忙,不能将这封信转寄出去,老是说:"改天再寄。"你将永远都不会去做这件事的。所以,不要找借口,静心的看看这篇古老印度来的故事,然后决定为你的朋友们作一些事,从传寄这封信开始。当你说:"你是我的好朋友"时,请认真的说出来。当你道歉时请看着对方的眼睛。

     

      永远不要嘲笑别人的梦想。不要随便给一个人定性。说话时要慢,思想时要快。

      打电话的时候请你微笑,对方一定感觉得到。

     

    这是一个朋友转发给我的信。常常收到类似的让我继续转发的邮件,号称如果这样做了就会发财之类,通常我会把自己作为终点,但是这封信打动了我,因为它说:"收到了这封信,是因为有人在默默的祝福你,因为你也爱你身边的一些人"。带着爱的,一切将如愿以偿。

     

    这是一封给你送上好运的信,它始于新英格兰。此信的复制由南非教区主教索尔安东尼起草并由维尼乌拉发出,已经绕地球转了十次。现在好运已降临到你身上,只要你照办,将此信网址复制2O份分别寄给亲朋好友或QQ上的朋友,使它在界各地周转,你将在四天内交到好运,这不是在开玩笑,不需要寄钱,因为幸运是无代价的。

     

      你看到了吗?我在默默的祝福你。*^_^*

     

    10 August

    彼岸花开

    彼岸

     

    这是谁和谁立下的毒誓?
    如此凄凉

    有人说它能唤醒人前世的记忆

    有人说它的红铺天盖地的席卷整个世界

    有人说它无尽的美丽揪起了人内心最脆弱的地方

    ……

     

     

    现在的生活,有一部分(生活的状态可以无联系的分割成及部分)过的是一种类似老年的生活,或者准确地说,就是安详,沉稳并且悠闲自在,虽然还没有那种让自己的生活纯粹悠闲起来的实力,可这在我看来仅仅是一种心态问题,于琐碎生活并无关联,不管富裕或拮据;若硬要将其联系起来,那么也就开始变得不安详、沉稳并且悠闲自在了。

     

    昨天在去超市的路上,偶然发现了一种原来北京也可以生长的“彼岸花”。花的名字很好听,琢磨起来落到笔下,也觉得甚是美丽,可是开口说“彼岸花”却觉得有点矫情,还是叫它“石蒜”吧。以前歌中唱过,片中演过,书中写过,原以为如此神秘的花,如今竟出现在平常生活中,多多少少觉得有点惊奇。那时候所得知的“彼岸花”,神乎其神,生于沼泽或墓地,是传说中冥界的象征,叶落花开,花不见叶,生生相错,美丽凄凉。被过度神话的花朵,一度使我迷惑世间是否真正存在这样一种神秘的植物,是否只存在于那一个个色彩斑斓,流传已久的神话故事中?如今这样生生地,鲜亮地出现在眼前,那么必然要占为己有的。花店的老板娘倒也慷慨,送了我个廉价的塑料花盆,拿回家洗洗干净,然后拿着小铲子和塑料袋去花园里挖土。栽种的时候小心翼翼,争取不要伤到它那娇嫩的小根。待栽好了,就摆在阳台;一共六株,其四盆栽,其二水植。值得庆幸的是转栽到我这里并没有使它们蔫枯,现在看来依然那么生机勃勃,火一样红,血一样浓。隔了一天,我又它们分别困了水,清晨起来淅淅沥沥喷洒几下,然后搬来把小凳,悠哉地泡壶绿茶,看着大理石台上的形态各异的花朵,赏心悦目之极。

     

    这看上去类似老年人的生活,在我以为,这样的状态是任何年龄段的人都可以拥有并享受的。只不过能有幸拥有这种生活状态的, 唯以老年人居多,所以一旦被提起,便立刻联想到“老年”二字。就这样的每天抽出2~3个小时,过一过所谓的“老年人生活”,对于我们年轻人来说,也未尝不是一件乐事。

     

    关于“彼岸花”的神秘传说,我也查到了许多,其中一个说的是,很久很久以前,在城市的边缘开满了大片大片的彼岸花,也就是后来的曼珠沙华。守护彼岸花的是两个花妖,一个叫曼珠,另一个叫沙华。他们守护了几千年,却从来没有彼此见过一面,都为是花开的时候看不到叶子,有叶时却没有花,叶存时,花未开,花开时,叶已逝,就这样, 花与叶两不相见,生生相错。他们疯狂地想念的彼此,并被这种痛苦折磨着。终于有一天,他们决定违背神的旨意,偷偷地见一次面。那一年的曼珠沙华红艳艳地开着,被惹眼的绿色无声地衬托着,格外的妖冶绚丽。神发现后,一怒怪罪下来,作为惩罚,下了一条诅咒,命曼珠与沙华打入轮回,永远不能在一起,生生世世在人间受此折难。于是,曼珠沙华又被称作“彼岸花”,意思是开在天国的花朵,妖艳而悲伤,像一双双伸向天堂祈祷的手掌,为了一句誓言而彼此守护,生生世世。

     

    25 May

    领略大师-Ennio Morricone 光影音乐会

    4aac0e41x6a823db74cd8&690
           
           我珍贵的周末两天。要做的已经安排好。
         
            昨晚,来到人民大会堂,看那位我敬仰的、已经81岁的老头莫里克纳。我不知道他下次什么时候会来
    中国。但我清楚,也许这是我一生唯一一次能见到他。虽然在他的电影音乐里我已经与他相遇多次。
            他一生的将近500部电影原声。很多声音,在写字的时候,电影开场的时候,可以轻易的判断出来。眼泪会轻易的流出来。
           他是有史以来最伟大的电影音乐作者。我怀着私心希望他能长留于世。
    这就是好东西的魅力吧。心甘情愿的为它流眼泪,你甚至不用看过电影。试试他的音乐你就知道了。
           好音乐是人人都能听懂、可以轻易的穿透心魄的眼泪。
    音乐真是神奇的力量,你可以完全不懂,可一样被打动。它真是世界的语言。
           很多情况下,人会觉得这样的感受对于艺术来说是矫情的,那是因为不是所有的艺术家都能做到这一点。正如能体会到这一点的也并不是所有观者。我还记得马斯洛的“需要层级理论”,而共鸣是一种非常高要求高水平的体验,那真的是可遇而不可求。

            我带着一份憧憬的心情去迎接这位我所无限崇敬的电影音乐大师。感谢他给我的所有关于音乐的美好享受和对电影给予的崇高理想。我做好所有的准备让自己悲伤。我和所有人一样,愿意选择轻松、愉悦、诙谐、搞笑,但有些时候,我在拼命的花钱让自己感受痛苦,我想,昨晚以及之前的晚上,一定有人在人民大会堂流泪,为这份长久的感动落泪。为我热爱的这位81岁高龄的老人。他满头白发。

          他会在那里挥舞着指挥棒。他的
    意大利莫里克纳乐团。那些曲子是他写的。那500部电影一一闪过。整个人生一一闪过。
    10 May

    “Women better fund managers than men”

     

    Women better fund managers than men

    Poll finds most in the industry believe females are more suited for the job.

     

    Females traits – such as risk aversion and attention to detail – make women better fund managers than men.

     

    According to the poll by Ignites Europe, the majority of asset management professionals believe that women hold the upper hand when ti comes to asset management.

     

    Men do not possess the skills needed to match the success of their female counterparts, say two-thirds of professionals.

     

    A female respondent to the poll from a US-based fund house, who wants to remain anonymous, says women make better managers because the are more methodical, loyal and consistent.

     

    She say: Decisions of risk are weighted appropriately with other factors like compensation and the next career move. The do not ignore gut feelings.

     

    To generalize, then men go shopping, their approach is that of a hunter who must conquer; so portfolios tend to reflect behaviour of a herd – ignoring their instincts.

     

    She adds: By contrast, when women go shopping they are goal-oriented and approach it as an experience. The benefits are that women tend to invest more time to spot trends and independently use multiple senses to determine value before they make a decision

     

    A female professional at French asset management house agrees. Women are less impulsive and more thorough, she says.

     

    This comes as figures released last week by French fund association AFG identified that equity funds managed by women have produced more consistent results than those managed by men, over a five-year, three-year and one-year period.

     

    The results show that although female-led funds are rarely among the top performers, they are less frequently found among those products at the bottom of the performance league table and are much less volatile than those funds run by men.

     

    The women involved in the AFG findings claim their success is the result of a lack of ego. However, a male respondent from a global asset management house, believes the differentiator is one of risk tolerance, not gender. A man who is risk-aware will outperform a woman who is not over time, he says.

     

    Some even suggest the economic crisis will benefit women in the long run as they have lower levels of risk appetite.

     

    I dont believe women are represented enough at the moment, it seems to me that women sometimes approach risk in a different way to men, and in some cases they may choose not to take risks that are as great.

     

    In the current environment, this is what is needed. Women are strong negotiators and understand the bigger picture without being swayed by short-term financial gains. She adds.

     

    However, others believe comparing men and women does not reflect the reality of the workplace any more.

     

    Sophie Horsfall, co-fund manager of F&Cs Global Climate Opportunities fund, says the polls results are irrelevant because many women will always have worked as a part of a mixed sex team.

     

    Most fund managers work as part of a team where they will have support analysts and an alternate manager on their fund. So even if they are the lead manager, they have a team who help them in the work that the do, she says.

     

    All fund managers have different styles and I really dont think it comes down to what sex the fund manager is.

     

    However, Ms Horsfall acknowledges that there are some firms where women could come up against the glass ceiling and where it might be more difficult if the cant necessarily put in tall the hours that are needed for the job.  

     

    26 April

    A Romantic Break for One

     

    Since childhood I have liked the feeling of being the only person in the world doing what I’m doing. Silly, I know.

     

    “Mum, do you think I am the only person in the world at this moment who is asking if I’m the only person in the world who at this moment who is asking if I’m the only person in the world who at this precise moment…”

     

    The patience of my nearest and dearest can still move me to tears.

     

    I love Melvin, a Donald O’Connor and Debbie Reynolds musical from 1953, brims with sunny innocence. It tells the story of a chorus girl who longs to be a star and, well, loves an awkard fellow named Melvin. It’s a gentle screwball comedy with cheerful songs and impassioned speeches such as: Melvin:”I’d do anything for you! I’d rod a bank, I’d take a rocket to the moon, anything! Just ask me!”

     

    Judy: “Put me on the cover! My picture, on the cover of the magazine!”

     

    Melvin: “Judy, I said I’d kill myself or take a rocket to the moon, but don’t ask the impossible!”

     

    Debbie Reynolds is particularly memorable when plucked from the obscurity of the chorus and given a part playing a football that soars and swoops when kicked in a big song and dance soccer number. I am watching Melvin in preparation for seeing Reynolds in cabaret at the Caryle in New York in early June. I don’t expect her to sing “Good morning” from Singing in the Rain while capering over an upturned sofa – she is in her mid-70s after all – nor to dive and soar like a dancing human football, but I have heard tell that Reynolds anecdotes are spectacular, and her voice still charming and sweet.

     

    I love these one-woman shows performed by Hollywood or Broadway ambassadors of a certain age. I collect their stories as if they were my own. I’ll never forget Betty Barret singing “I’m Still Here” at the Pizza on the Park in her 80s. in her delightful two-act showcase she almost apologized for being as well balanced as she was. She had a strong marriage from the start, which saved her from the horrors of the casting couch, she said, she generally played the heroine’s best friend, not the lead, and that took the pressure off to some extent, she added.

     

     

    How these calm tales contrasted with Elaine Stritch’s adventures. In her one-women show, beautiful written by John Lahr, she recounts how she never, ever allowed herself more than two drinks before going on stage. Never, eve. That was the rule, and you just didn’t break it, but when you find yourself shopping for glasses in the vase department…

     

    The Debbie Reynolds cabaret will kick off a romantic mini-break I am planning for myself, alone. It is actually a work trip but it hoverson the horizon like a gorgeous mirage. Even the flight is a thrilling prospect. With seven hours to myself on the plane I could probably finish my novel and plan another, working out complex strategies for improving my character. Plot the future careers of my children and create a Christmas shopping spreadsheet. It’s never too early. I’ve barely given getting any further away. It’s time to seize the carpet, as my friend Simon says.

     

    I always like to overachieve in the air. I think it’s something about the high altitude that inspires and motivates, as you arrive in New York close to the hour special, free, doubled and utterly ripe for development. I sometimes think it’s a shame I work from home, because my inner commuter is mighty organized. Debbie Reynolds will be just about the first person I see after landing. I will head to her show straightaway and salute her like the old friend she almost is.

     

    Perhaps, I’ll ask if I’m the only person in the world right now who knows, and can recite, the entire script of I love Melvin.

    01 March

    Moneypenny

    It helps to be 12,000 miles away from home when you have to think the hitherto unthinkable. You can get over the sleepless nights and through the boxes of tissues that, if you have any heart, you will need, and your employees won’t see the bags under your tear – stained eyes. “If you don’t bleed emotionally when you do this, then you are not human – that’s what I tell my managers,” said one of the chief executives of a FTSE 100 company with whom I shared all this.

    Well, by the time I returned to the UK, I had survived the rapids of emotional turmoil and entered a calm sea of objectivity. I discussed my plan with my senior team, and took their advice. And it helped that halfway through my thought processes, I learned that I too had been sacked. The editor of The Field e-mailed me to let me know that after a 15-month stint as a columnist, he would not be requiring my services any more. The March issue, for which I had already filed, would be my last. No boxed of tissues for him, I am sure. And he didn’t even do me the courtesy of pretending it was because he needed to cut costs. No, I was too controversial. Me?

     

    Well, the Lovely Lucinda is not too controversial. But sadly she is not essential either. I can no longer justify the luxury of having a PA when I am making cuts elsewhere. So, back to rescuing my own BlackBerry from cabs and running my own diary. I did it once and I am sure I will manage it again. But it didn’t make the decision any easier.

     
    11 January

    青花的美在于只用两种颜色, 就勾勒出市井繁情~

     
    家,对于我, 就是个简单的居所,  一开灯就有温馨的感觉,能让你忘却一天的疲劳, 安安静静地沉浸在甜美,舒适的氛围里, 呼吸自由的空气。
    04 January

    The Wishes in Winter

     
    The fierce north wind and the bleakness are not the whole story of winter. The winder is made lifelike by the cold red nose, the whilte vapor with the breath, the beautiful ice crystal in the window, as well as the giggles of the children playing  in the snow of course. It's a seaon for the self-relfection. Just summarize and taste the year bygone, and freeze in all the grievousness, depression, and sorrowfulness forever!
     
    Taster Forever
     
    The sweetness of Hāagen-Dazs can make the children stop crying. The deliciousness of the goose liver is the taste of happiness that can disdolve in the mouth. The happiness intertwined in the lips and teeth, just like the French-styled kiss, cherishing the everlasting aftertaste.
     
    Frgrance Color
     
    Winter is a season full-bodied, massive and full of aftertaste. Just like tge conversation between the flamboyant jewelry and the perfume: the combination of resplendent colors and the aromatic fragrance, being perfect in both!
     
    A Marvelous Trip
     
    Not matter what kind of gifts; they shall not be comparable to a marvelous New Yeqr trip full of pleasant surprises. Star Trek, marine Venture, Fairytale World......in the pleasant laughter, the curiosity of the children got satisfied. 
     
    Nice Decorations ofr a Luxurious Warm Winter
     
    It suddenly got clod in this winter, with the former slick and shing wood floor or the clear and nappy floor tile doubled such colndess: it's time to find a passionate companion for the slightly hardended floor.The carpet, is the gentle angel! "whom you are seelomg for thousands of times among big crowds" in the cold winter. Extend the flocky carpet in the floor of the parlor, bedroom or the study, you can either sit or lay at any time, without noticing the coldness of the early winter, and instead, the romantic flowery cozy feeling will make the room "get warmer"!
     
    The Most..
     
    Surfing in Monaco, skiing in Switzerland, racing in Dubai, diving in the beach of Key Largo, where is your plan.....
     
    16 November

    Office 新宠 - 不织布

       prod_20071207153451_0all the the OL\'s in my place are fansy about a new hand-game called Skittch - DIY, 女孩子们一个个用自己的巧手缝制出精美可爱的布偶玩具,或送人,或全做办工作摆设。这种新的布偶DIY玩具,咋一看,很想小时候手工课上做的‘布贴’,就是用一针一线一点一点地缝出来的。

      最早在办公室开发这种玩具的是小马同学,因为男朋友要过生日,决心亲手封一个草莓蛋糕当生日礼物,送给男友。当时,同屋的其他姐妹听了都还嗤之以鼻,冠名‘幼稚’。等成果一出好奇心和积极性一并被调动起来,纷纷网上采购,一个个跃跃欲试,平时不懂一针一线的,居然以此买下来一年的工作量,苦练飞针走线的看家本领。  大部分人也是要缝来送给爱人和亲人的,偏偏是这种东西, 只能背着男朋友/老公做, 否则一旦知道了,就达不到最后‘惊羡’的效果了。想来平常大家都加班到很晚,回家根本没时间,毫不容易周末有时间,又都是和男朋友,家人在一起,所以很难动手。于是,我们的‘班主任’想了个注意,利用中午吃完饭的时间, 大伙一all the the OL\'s in my place are fansy about a new hand-game called Skittch - DIY, 女孩子们一个个用自己的巧手缝制出精美可爱的布偶玩具,或送人,或全做办工作摆设。这种新的布偶DIY玩具,咋一看,很想小时候手工课上做的‘布贴’,就是用一针一线一点一点地缝出来的。

      最早在办公室开发这种玩具的是小马同学,因为男朋友要过生日,决心亲手封一个草莓蛋糕当生日礼物,送给男友。当时,同屋的其他姐妹听了都还嗤之以鼻,冠名‘幼稚’。等成果一出,大家的好奇心和积极性一并被调动起来,纷纷网上采购,一个个跃跃欲试,平时不懂一针一线的,居然以此买下来一年的工作量,苦练飞针走线的看家本领。  大部分人也是要缝来送给爱人和亲人的,偏偏是这种东西, 只能背着男朋友/老公做, 否则一旦知道了,就达不到最后‘惊羡’的效果了。想来平常大家都加班到很晚,回家根本没时间,毫不容易周末有时间,又都是和男朋友,家人在一起,所以很难动手。于是,我们的‘班主任’想了个注意,利用中午吃完饭的时间, 大伙一起在pentry,切磋技艺,缝缝补补,有说有笑的,发挥巧娘的出色技艺。
     
    20 September

    The Art of Fragrance

     
      红玫瑰  As a creator of CHANEL Perfume, Jacques Polge dedicated to the search for a scent which responds to the needs and desires of women today, and helps them to achieve their own individuality.
     
          'My creative work involves transforming my perceptions of the world, the impressions received through the senses, so as to develop a unique fragrance, which will arouse new and surpring emotions. I explore the many possible combinations of the constituent elements in order to arrive at the ideal olfactory accord, a harmony that will allow beauty to be revealed in all its mystery.'礼品盒
     
      彩虹 At CHANEL, perfume is an extension of the art of the couturier, revealing the innermost dimension of femininity. Perfume is poetry of fashion, its slient and secret mirror.
                                                                     
                                                                   
     

    香调:清新花香调

     
       红心Perfumers, who are known as "Noses", are chosed in various ways, each company having a different procedure. Of course, the major criterion is a good nose and this is determined by a seris of odor evaluation tests. Prospective perfumers are given a series of identified chemicals, numbering from 20-30 and is asked to study them for a short time. They are then given the same chemicals coded and asked to indentify them. There are differences of opinion regarding how manya potential perfumer must identify, but 75%-80%, would be considered appropriate.
     
       The candidates remain apprentices for a minimum of 6 years and may never make the grade at all but, if they do, they become full-fledged perfumers and then can move up the ranks, depending on the success of their creations.
     
      Perfumers are held in the highest esteem in the perfume industry and there is the final say as to whether or not a fragrance is acceptable. The premary requesite for becoming a Nose is a keen olfactory sense. It is not enough for the perfumer to be able to distinguish between the fragrance of a rose and a tulip, but his sense of smell must be so acute and he can detect in a mixture of 100 or more ingredients the precise amount of the various substances that have contributed to the formula. He must not only be able to recongnize various raw materials but must have the capacity and srtistry to blend them harmoniously. He must be able to tell, for instance, whether the labdanum is from Greece or Corsica; whether the oil of ylang-ylang comes from Madagascar or Manila; tell the difference between oils of the same species of plant cultivated in different countries, and which type will achieve a particular result. The Nose has his counterpart in the wine industry where the shilled expert can tell in an instant the region, type of grape, and vintage of the wine he is sampling.
     
       A truly great perfumer is not created in a hurry. Massproduced fragrances may be blended from a standard formula in a short time, but the original creation of a beautiful perfume may take years to accomplish. If the Nosehas a picture in mind that he wishes to translate into secent he will spend many weeks and months over it, surrounded by myriad of bottles, vilas, jars, each filled with precious essential oils and other materials.
                                                                                  
     
       During the blending he is constantly testing his formula. As he works, he dips long slender blotters into the solution and puts them aside to try. At intervals these trips are sniffed, to determine what should be added to perfect the composition and to round out the fragrance.
     
       Just as a painter spreads paint over his canvas and then steps back to view it critically chekcing upon whether more light is needed in an area, or a bit more blue needs tov e added to the purple, so does the prefume artist make his tests. Perhaps a minute quantity of jasmine to give smoothness, or slightly heavier note to add more character to an otherwise too light scent.
     
       During the buliding of the perfume it is tested frequently, and under varying conditions. Is it the same in the early morning as it is in the dusk of the evening? Is the scent altered by weather conditions? There and many other checks are made before the prefume is considered a finishe product.
     
    30 August

    法国人yu 咖啡文化(二)

        
                 法国人去咖啡馆不单单是为了喝咖啡,他们更多的是去那里放松身心。普通百姓喜欢凑热闹,聚会或聚餐,哪里人多就喜欢去哪里,无怪乎在法国的普通餐馆中,服务生大多会把第一批客人安排在靠窗的桌边,然后点上一支蜡烛。夜色降临时分,外边的客人会不由自主地被餐厅内摇曳的烛光、隐约的人影所吸引,去分享室内温软的空气。
          
          无论你是一个学问深邃的哲学家,还是失意的文人,潦倒的艺术家
    放学下课的学生,只要一杯热咖啡或其他饮料,你就可以在那里放松自己。当然,邀上几个朋友、同事或同学坐在那里谈天说地,交流思想,讨论功课,书写作业也无不可。一些孤独落寞的人,常会以此来消磨难耐的时光,寻找心灵的慰藉。法国人崇尚自由,平等,浪漫常被浓缩在着不足百米见方的咖啡馆中。
     
    25 August

    法国人yu咖啡文化

       
         法国有句谚语:“un jour sans fromage, c’est comme un jour sans soleil.意思是说:对于法国人而言,如果哪天少了奶酪,那天就没有了阳光。而我却觉得,如果哪天他们的生活里少了咖啡,那他们一定会比没了阳光和奶酪还要更无精打采。法国人的日常生活离不开咖啡,咖啡对他们来说,不仅仅是一种饮品,它隐含着丰富的文化内涵。遍布城市与乡村的咖啡馆是法国生活方式的一种标志。
     
        如果有一天你去法国观光旅行,在五光十色、车水马龙的香榭丽舍大道,蔚蓝色的地中海岸,或外省清净冷僻的街道,看到那些或富丽堂皇,或古朴雅致,或斑驳简陋的咖啡馆,建议你不妨进去坐一下,感受一下那里的环境和氛围。法国人曾对外国游客作过个调查,被问及巴黎最吸引客人的东西是什么时,许多人的回答不是卢浮宫,埃菲尔铁塔等脍炙人口的名胜,而是散落在巴黎大街小巷的咖啡馆。有人曾把咖啡馆比作是法国的骨架,说如果拆了它们,法国就会散架。徐志摩也说过:“如果巴黎少了咖啡馆,恐怕会变得一无可爱。”
         
        对于多数法国人来说,最奢侈,最享受的莫过于在一个阳光明媚的午后,溜达至步行到一个露天咖啡馆,要一杯热咖啡,对着马路坐下,在弥漫着咖啡芳香的阳光下,漫不经心,望着悠闲而过的各式行人。那份闲时惬意无言以表,只有亲临体会才会有一份属于自我的感受。(先写到这儿吧,困了。。。)晚安:)
    04 July

    经典口误!(转)

    1、男朋友一脸甜蜜的说:我请你吃阿迪达斯(哈跟达斯)。。。。。
    2、老婆在厨房洗水果时惊呼:“哎呀,有个长桃的虫子!”
    3、一次文艺晚会,主持人上台报幕:下面请欣赏:新疆歌舞,掀起你的头盖骨!毛骨悚然! !!!!
    4、老虎不发猫,你当我是病危呀!
    5、我们宿舍一个人喝多了要去尿尿然后带出一句冷话:尿喝多了,酒就特别多.
    6、买橘子,老板:一块五一斤。我:太贵了,五块钱三斤吧。老板:不行不行。
    7、初中文艺晚会,抢答题环节。 女主持:“大家注意了,不要抢的太快。等我说完开始在举手” 然后开始念题目,说,“现在开。。。” 这时候,一个选手就抢答了。主持人就说“这位同学太着急了一点。我‘始’还在口里,你怎么就抢了”
    8、同学的高中同学(一男生)走进面馆很酷把头发一甩:“老板,2两葱不要米线!”完了还加一句:“多下点米线啊!”老板:“你到底是要米线还是要葱?”
    9、有一次寝室里同学的老妈打电话过来 我习惯说“他不在”,但是这一次我想说
    的的是“已经出去了” 结果说出来是:“他已经…不在了”
    10、gg递给我一根冰糕,我咬一口大叫:“烫死我了!”
    11、和我姐姐去李宁买鞋,我姐一开口:“小姐,这鞋多少钱一斤?”
    12、高中时每人发个胸牌。。一次来检查前,班主任跑到教室大声喊,大家快把胸 罩戴起来,来查拉。。 全场鸦雀无声。。。
    13、上学时周末回家,晚饭后烟瘾犯了,打算借口去散步。在门口换鞋时,老爸问我干吗去?我随口说了句:“去散个烟!”结果老爸从我身上搜出一包555,狠狠K了我一顿。
    14、高中有一老师姓江,酷似罗家英(演大话西游唐僧的),我去问他问题,脱口而出:“唐老师,这题……”
    15、有一老师大概通宵麻将,见黑板没擦,大怒:“今天谁做庄啊?黑板都不擦!”
    16、老师留下作业,我不会做就抄别人的,然后去办公室交作业,看见老师说:“我抄完了!”
    17、我宿舍一个同学的高中同学打电话来,他说找某某,我说不在,接着说了声谢谢
    18、以前别人来我阿姨家作客,刚进门的。刚好我阿姨要去上厕所。她连忙招呼客 人说:“你们坐哈坐哈,我去厕所给你们倒点茶喝!”
    19 原来想说“我是铁打的!”结果说了一句:“我是打铁的!”沉默了一阵后,反应过来,纠正说:“铁是打我的!”
    20 一片冰心在夜壶
    21 和女友说,晚上我们一起数星星,数月亮
    22 妻子责备地问:你连你奶奶的名字都不知道? 丈夫受屈地答:我咋知道,我死时奶奶才七岁。 妻惊讶:什么?
    丈夫忙改口:不不,是奶奶七岁时我才死!!!
    23、大学军训时,教官大吼一声说:用你们的旁光(余光)对齐~~~~偶们想笑又不敢 笑,那个难过呀....25、我们单位早上上班有车子接送的,因为车子不大,有一次,一mm上车后没座位,坐我旁边的一男同事忙站起来,热情的和她打招呼说到:“某某,你坐我屁股上吧!”我当时一直狂笑到下车

    转载:北京高考零分作文(结尾抬高笑了)

     
     

    终于懂了什么叫笑喷了~^.^
      
      题目:"细雨湿衣看不见,闲花落地听无声"是唐朝诗人刘长卿在《别严士元》中的诗句。曾经有人这样理解这句诗:1、这是歌颂春天的美好意境。2、闲花、细雨表达了不为人知的寂寞。3、看不见、听不见不等于无所作为,是一种恬淡的处世之道。4、这种意境已经不适合当今的世界……根据你的看法写一篇作文。题目自拟,体裁不限。字数800以上。
      
      
      
        盛夏,夜,深夜。
      
        景山山颠。
      
        山上有人,两个人,一男一女。
      
        这两人就是当今武林名声最响的两位杀手,男的名秋细雨,女的叫叶闲花,江湖人称"细雨闲花"。
      
       诗人刘长卿曾用"细雨湿衣看不见,闲花落地听无声"来描述这两个可怕的杀手。细雨湿衣,湿衣的是鲜血;闲花落地,落地的是人头。这两人杀人来无影去无踪,如果他们想杀你,当你还没看到他们人影没听到他们声音的时候,你就已经死了。
      
        秋细雨三天前接到一份帖子,指名要杀叶闲花。事成之后,不但有三百万两冥币,更可以让他在"红楼梦中人"选秀节目中担任曹雪芹的角色!
      
        但是杀死叶闲花比杀死比尔还要难得多。
      
        江湖中没有一个人清楚叶闲花的武功来历,性格脾气,但是每个人都知道叶闲花的故事。
      
        叶闲花有一双迷人的大眼睛,据说她曾一动不动地瞪死过赵薇和高圆圆,而那一年她才十七岁。
      
        叶闲花声音有如黄莺般幽婉醉人,传说听过她说话后林志玲身体酥麻了整整一年,你说要不要命?
      
        叶闲花轻功独步武林,踏雪无痕,落地无声,号称超过当年青翼蝠王韦一笑。有人见她上星期在高速公路上偷了刘翔奥运会入场证,刘翔追出一万公里最后被活活累倒。
      
        一般人听到叶闲花的故事早就吓得去买尿不湿了,但是秋细雨没有去买。
      
        秋细雨不是一般人。
      
        他知道,杀人不但要靠技术,还要拼人品!
      
        秋细雨很镇定,他正用一把指甲刀修整着手指甲,他的手指修长有力。
      
        他要等待,等待对方先沉不住气。高手相争,不允许一丝一毫的失误,先沉不住气的人就会露出破绽。
      
        致命的破绽!
      
        因此秋细雨一言不发,只是静静地玩弄着指甲刀。
      
        没想到叶闲花更是好整以暇,自己悠然自得地涂口红,喷香水。
      
        秋细雨只好先发制人,道:"你知道我找你出来是为什么。"
      
        叶闲花温柔道:"在我们动手之前,不能先谈谈么?"
      
        秋细雨道:"我是来杀人的,不是来聊天的。"
      
        叶闲花道:"你有把握杀我?"
      
        秋细雨道:"我从不做没有把握的事情。"
      
        叶闲花道:"我要提醒你一件事。"
      
        秋细雨道:"你说。"
      
        叶闲花道:"百晓生作杀手谱,小女子是杀手榜排名第一,阁下区区第二,你真能杀得了我么?"
      
        秋细雨道:"我也要提醒你一件事。"
      
        叶闲花道:"你说。"
      
        秋细雨道:"论杀手实力,我本在你之前,只是那次排名百晓生采用了短信投票系统,中国''人数过于庞大才让你得了第一。"
      
        叶闲花的脸色一变,道:"我更要提醒你,我的粉丝团叫'花粉',不叫''!"
      
        秋细雨道:"我最后要提醒你,你的那些'花粉'全都是。还有,我们已经跑题了。"
      
        叶闲花道:"我们这样拼命厮杀,你难道不怕麻烦么?"
      
        秋细雨道:"你以后再也不用怕麻烦了,天下只有一种人永远不怕麻烦,死人!"
      
        叶闲花道:"这么说你非逼我出手不可?"
      
        秋细雨没有回答,他已不用回答。
      
        秋细雨道:"亮兵器!"
      
        叶闲花道:"我用刀。"
      
        秋细雨道:"你用刀?刀在何处?"
      
        叶闲花道:"我就是刀!"
      
        叶闲花露出甜甜的笑容,忽然间褪下了自己的衣服,全身上下只剩下蕾丝比基尼和黑色丝袜。
      
        叶闲花的脸美得让人窒息,再配上这样的身材,这样的服饰,充满了一种原始的诱惑力。
      
        她的眼睛会说话,她的媚笑会说话,她的手,她的胸膛,她的腿……她身上每分每寸都会说话。
      
        她知道,只要是个不瞎的男人,现在肯定会被她迷得神魂颠倒。
      
        秋细雨是个男人,而且是个不瞎的男人。
      
        可他现在却偏偏好像瞎了一样,完全无动于衷。
      
        他知道,美丽的女人是一把刀,当你沉醉的时候,刀就会切进你的胸口。
      
        秋细雨沉吟道:"我只想问你一件事。"
      
        叶闲花娇笑着:"请讲。"
      
        秋细雨道:"大夏天的,穿这么少你不怕蚊子叮啊?"
      
        叶闲花沉默了半晌,幽幽地道:"你一定以为刚才我在喷香水,是不是?我告诉你,我喷的是六神花露水!"
      
        叶闲花又道:"不过这不是普通的六神,是我特别提炼的药水,无色无味无毒,不过却会慢慢扩散在空气中,闻到它的人会四肢麻痹不能动弹。"
      
        秋细雨一惊,忽然觉得身体已经麻木不听使唤,不由得一身汗。
      
        叶闲花又道:"你以为我和你扯淡是因为我害怕,以为我脱掉衣服是想色诱你,其实这都是为了拖延时间让药水能扩散到你周围。"
      
        秋细雨面上不动声色,道:"难道你自己不怕药水的厉害?"
      
        叶闲花得意地道:"一开始我涂的口红就是解药,所以我仍然可以自由行动。"
      
        叶闲花逼视着秋细雨,问道:"现在你还认为你能杀了我么?"
      
        秋细雨道:"我能。"
      
        叶闲花道:"你不能动而我能动,你却能杀了我,这不是很好笑么?"
      
        秋细雨道:"是很好笑,但是你一定会被我杀死。"
      
        叶闲花道:"为什么我会被你杀死?"
      
        秋细雨忽然反问道:"飞刀能不能杀人?"
      
        叶闲花道:"好像能。"
      
        秋细雨道:"我有没有手?"
      
        叶闲花道:"的确有。"
      
        秋细雨道:"我手上有没有刀?"
      
        叶闲花道:"你手上好像只有指甲刀。"
      
        秋细雨道:"足够了。"
      
        叶闲花道:"足够了?"
      
        秋细雨道:"我有手有刀,就能置人死地。"
      
        叶闲花道:"指甲刀也能杀人?实在可笑!"
      
        秋细雨道:"以前江湖中有七十三个人觉得我这把指甲刀很可笑。"
      
        叶闲花道:"现在呢?"
      
        秋细雨道:"现在人都已死了,死在这把刀下。"
      
        叶闲花道:"你的手还能动?"
      
        秋细雨道:"你要不要试试?"
      
        叶闲花脸上的笑容渐渐凝固,忽然间,她已出手!
      
        一招"冒牌九阴白骨爪"直逼秋细雨天灵盖,这一招她已练过七年四个月零二十九天,她完全有把握相信没有任何人可以抵挡得了这一招。
      
        可这一次她错了。
      
        刀光一闪,"盗版小李飞刀"已插入她的咽喉。
      
        她到死也不相信,一把指甲刀可以要了她的命!
      
        闲花终于落地!
      
        三个时辰后,药水的药效渐渐淡去,秋细雨终于可以动弹了。
      
        望着叶闲花的尸体,秋细雨道:"虽然你已经死了,但是我还要告诉你两件事。第一,我一直用甲刀修整着手指甲是为了调整手和刀之间的同步率,说白了就是找手感。第二,我杀你的真正目的不是为了钱或者名利。"
      
        一边说,秋细雨一边从叶闲花衣服的口袋里搜出了刘翔的奥运会入场证。
      
        秋细雨坚定地说:"我爱北京,我要看奥运!"

    原帖摘自 天涯来吧

    27 June

    夏日午后

      静の海阔天空
            搬了来躺椅,在阳台架起了小圆桌,沏一壶绿茶,从书架上捡起一本曲谱,晒着太阳懒洋洋地阳台上翻阅,累了就撂下书,闭眼小憩一会儿。不知什么时候,手突然扫到了一团毛茸茸的东西,不用猜,准时大宝宝悄悄地蹭过来了,晃着她那大大的尾巴,好像很高兴终于有人肯打理她了,不一会儿,小妞也扭扭嗒嗒地过来凑热闹,从脚面一路爬到我的大腿,最后转了个圈,原地卧倒!
          今天足足在外面跑了一圈,先是去看了老师,趁着快过端午了,给她老人家捎了粽子,是俺亲手包的,呵呵说来有意思,昨天从商场买了4斤江米,2把竹叶和马连,在家和老爸溜溜报了一下午,分4种馅儿,有蜜枣,红豆沙,香肠和腊肉。整整忙活了一下午,看着满满2锅的战果,心里这叫一个满足!每年我们都会包很多,之后就分给亲戚朋友,大家一块乐一乐,这个节就这么忙碌而又快乐地过了。说道看老师,我们都习惯尊称她为‘先生’,别看83高龄,说起话来,思路清晰,谈吐幽默,每回去她家,我们都海阔天空地神侃一通,之后就言归正传开始了严格的口传心授学习,李老师还戏称之为:‘死去活来’。今天讲了2出西施的段子,分别是头场的西皮慢板和末场的游湖-二六。其中有2个大腔,讲究归印归韵,字正腔圆,别看就这2个字,可是费了我牛劲儿了。连唱了8,9遍才算基本搞定。本以为可以过关了,没想临走时,先生轻轻甩了一句:下礼拜来了,上来我先检查这段儿。晕~~

         匆匆赶上车,直奔天桥,本来决定今天买几盆花回家,收拾收拾后种到院子里,虽然过了芒种,按说已经错过了最好的栽花时节,可我偏偏不信,想试试,一来这几天突发奇想地很想种花,习惯了窗外的常绿盆景,偶尔便甚是怀念那色彩艳丽,缤纷俏立的娇叶了。于是便有了今天下午接近疯狂的‘采花狂’一幕。卖花的商贩,自然是美得不亦乐乎。一边忙着帮我装兜,一般不断殷勤地推荐他家其他品种给我。挑啊挑,直到我感觉眼睛被这艳丽的色彩灼得刺痛,抬头看谁都是粉红色的,这场艳丽的‘丛中飞’才算告一段落。

        当我抱着满满1怀的战利品返回时,琴社的小q跑出来,把我半路截住,估计他是被一簇长腿满世界乱跑得缤纷植物给吓出来的。嘿嘿
      09 June

      家庭经典语录

      congratulations

      病句片~

      打岔大王-奶奶:

       

      1.喜鹊是益虫!(搭配不当)
      2.‘...下午能修电视。’
        ‘ ...什么?瞎子能修电视?(表达不清)’

      幽默片~

      晕晕乎乎-老爸:

      1.‘我能赐您一张名片么?’(逻辑混淆)
      2.‘看你,甩了我一水腿!!’(本末倒置)
      3.‘--哇!什么东西这么臭?’
         ‘--你妈在和臭豆腐PK’
      4.某日,老爹指着毛毛大声嚷嚷道:‘徐文,你别咬着它’!!晕~

       

       

      03 May

      Parents obsess over so-called flaws

      男孩在此,摘录一篇文章,讲述父母与孩子之间的小故事,与大家分享!女孩

       

      足球 Parents obsess over so-called flaws

      John Rosemond

      Today's parents believe in psychology, a predominant paradigm of which is behavior modification; therefore, today's parents tend to believe that behavior, any behavior, can be modified by properly manipulating reward and punishment. That was in fact the Utopian view of B. F. Skinner, the author of modern behavioral psychology. Skinner did not put any stock in the notion of a unique, shared human nature. He reasoned that if there was nothing fixed in the makeup of the species, there was nothing fixed in the behavior of an individual of the species. Criminals were criminals only because the rewards and punishments in their lives had steered them blindly into criminal behavior. Likewise, different rewards and punishments could turn them into responsible, law-abiding citizens.

      This came to mind recently in the course of counseling the parents of a 12-year-old boy who was, by their description, unmotivated. He was capable of better grades, they said, but seemed content with mediocre work. Over the years, they had used every conceivable combination of rewards and punishments to light a fire under him, all to no avail. Almost as an afterthought, they told me he was kind-hearted, respectful, and well-mannered.

      I doubted I could come up with a motivational strategy they had not already tried, I said. Could they accept that perhaps they were not the appointed agents of change concerning this issue-that their son would solve this problem when he decided to solve it, and that he might not make that decision until much later in his life, if ever? Could they not be content with a child who was kind and respectful? I pointed out that a truly successful life is built on good character, not good grades. The father wrote me back, saying that he and his wife were so taken aback by my response that his wife had nearly gone into premature labor with their fifth child. He sounded serious, but perhaps this was tongue-in-cheek. I still don't know.

      Contented does not describe today's parents. By and large, they seem determined to find things about their kids that need to be changed. Indeed, some children have acquired problems that warrant such efforts, but it is the rare parent these days who is content with a child who is "good enough." The child's flaws-whether social, academic, or personality-become the stuff of obsession. In order to confirm that his parents are doing a first-rate job, he needs to make good grades, make friends easily, be less temperamental/more demonstrative, be more conscientious/less the perfectionist, be more assertive/less assertive, more thoughtful/less introspective, and so on. If it isn't one thing, it's another.

      "But we don't want him to grow up like this," object the parents of the not-good-enough child.

      So what if he does? Besides, if he does not grow up with this flaw, then he will grow up with another one. It's the law. Some flaws your parents can help you come to grips with and overcome while you are still a child, and some they cannot. Overcoming some flaws requires taking full responsibility for them and resolving to do whatever it takes-adult attributes, both.

      But, as I suggested several paragraphs ago, I suspect there's more to this than meets the casual eye. I suspect the not-good-enough child is regarded by many parents as evidence that they are not good enough either; that in the court of public opinion, they will be judged guilty by a jury of their peers.

      In 1936, Munro Leaf wrote The Story of Ferdinand, a timeless children's story about a young Spanish bull who prefers to sit and smell flowers than participate in the aggressive play of his peers. Nonetheless, in a case of mistaken identity, he is recruited to the bullfights. When he makes his much-anticipated debut, he is overcome by the smell of the flowers being worn by the women in the crowd and no amount of goading will provoke him to fight. The book ends with Ferdinand back in his childhood field, smelling the flowers.

      In the estimation of the bullfight promoters, Ferdinand wasn't good enough. He didn't make the grade. But in the end, he lived a long and happy life.

      *About the Author: John Rosemond has written nine best-selling parenting books and is one of America's busiest and most popular speakers, known for his sound advice, humor and easy, relaxed, engaging style. In the past few years, John has appeared on numerous national television programs including 20/20, Good Morning America, The View, Bill Maher's Politically Incorrect, Public Eye, The Today Show, CNN, and CBS Later Today.

      12 April

      Around The World: Making Europe Affordable This Summer


      Around The World: Making Europe Affordable This Summer

      If you’re planning to travel to Europe this summer, you’ve probably realized that you may have to rethink your budget. Airfares are up due to the rise in fuel costs, and the value of the U.S. dollar has declined drastically against the Euro and other currencies.

      When you look to book, you’ll find that bargains are scarce. But instead of abandoning your destination dreams, look for ways that you can cut costs and, hopefully, realize your plans.

      How?

      First of all, look for discounted airfares. These usually have many restrictions, including advance booking requirements, and they tend to sell out quickly. Before booking, compare ticket prices on all airlines that fly from your home airport to your desired destination. You may discover that an airline you’ve never considered flies to or connects through the city of your choice, and offers cheaper tickets. Discount fares are usually sold out quickly, so decide on your travel dates and book as soon as possible.

      Secondly, scout for alternative lodging. Doing this successfully can be your biggest budget saver.

      Forget about staying at big name hotels. The luxury brands have budget-busting rates that begin at around $600 for their most modest rooms, and even hotel chains that used to be considered in the mid-price range now charge at least $300 to $400 for their least desirable rooms. If you’re at all budget-challenged, these rates are prohibitive.

      Instead, turn to the moderately priced Europe-based hotel chains that are popular with traveling Europeans. These are not well known in the U.S., but are perfectly pleasant, comfortably furnished, quite clean and usually very well situated for sightseeing. What do they charge for a room? Most are priced at $200 or less per night. That’s not exactly cheap, but compared to the other rates, it’s a bargain.

      How do you find them? Browse the Internet or ask your travel agent to suggest them. To help you get started, here’s a list of some reliable brands:

      Ibis (www.ibishotel.com) has more than 600 properties located primarily in France and Germany. This is the budget brand belonging to Accor, the French hospitality giant. The hotels vary greatly in their standards and amenities, so do a little background check on each one before booking it. In general, you’ll find that the rooms are quite small, but the average overnight room rate is 100 Euros, or roughly $150 per night. In Paris, where hotel accommodations are always at a premium, you can get a room at Ibis Gare du Nord Lafayette (conveniently near the Eurostar train terminus at the Gare du Nord) for as little as $130 per night. You’ll find that hard to beat.

      Intercity Hotels (www.intercityhotel.de) is the budget brand for the better known Steinberger Hotel Group and has multiple properties in German cities (in Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg and Munich, for example) and Austrian cities (in Vienna, primarily), as well as several hotels in Switzerland, The Netherlands and Italy. The hotels are centrally located, usually near the train station and with easy access to tourist sites. Rooms tend to be small but are comfortably furnished, many with queen-size beds. Rates start at about 100 Euros per night.

      Easyhotels (www.easyhotel.com), located in the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Hungary), is a rapidly expanding chain that offers no frills accommodations for less than $100 per night. No frills means that rooms are a bit like closets and some have no windows--but they all have flat screen TV, go figure--and you get but one towel per person, and no maid service. Well, that’s not quite true--you can get maid service and more towels for an extra fee. But if you don’t mind making your own bed, and don’t plan to hang out in your room, you’ll find these hotels pleasant enough and conveniently located, usually within walking distance from the train station.

      Premier Inns (www.premierinn.com) has about 500 hotels scattered across the United Kingdom. Properties in London are centrally located, within walking distance of train or underground stations. In other cities, they may be on the outskirts of town, but all located near public transportation. And all are reasonably priced at around 65 to 80 pounds (about $130 to $170) per night. Rooms are a bit larger than they are at most budget hotels, and you can choose a king or queen size bed. The chain recently refurbished most of its properties, upgrading with new mattresses provided by Hypnos (mattress purveyor to the Queen--so you can have a queen size bed fit for a Queen to about $130 per night!).

      Thon Hotels (www.thonhotels.com), a Norwegian hotel chain, has two categories of reasonably priced properties. Thon’s “Budget Hotels” are the cheapest, while the “City and Conference Hotels” are a bit more expensive. Still the chain offers great value--especially in Norway, a country Americans find incredibly expensive, where rates at the Thon Hotel Astoria in Oslo start at a mere 895 kroner (about $170 per night. Rates are even more affordable in Brussels, where Thon Hotel Brussels City Centre offers double rooms for 95 Euros (about $140) per night.

      Again, with these smaller chains, quality can vary from property to property--as it does with better known brands. So check Internet chat boards for comments before booking. But looking for these moderately-priced accommodations can make it possible for you to take that trip to Europe this summer.

      The third way to cut expenses is to eat on the cheap. You can save by buying your staples in local grocery stores. Many of the hotels offering bargain prices don’t offer breakfast (which is often included in European hotel rates), but you can stock up on yoghurt, granola and other morning munchies and spare yourself the expense of a sit down breakfast in an expensive café. And, you can make your own sandwiches for a brown bag lunch. Also, ask the hotel staff for suggestions of cheap nearby eateries, where you’ll find not only tasty sustenance but a memorable slice of local life.

      30 March

      The Girl in a Swing

       
       
      How do you like to go up in a swing,
         Up in the air so blue?
      Oh, I do like think it the pleasantest thing
         Ever a child can do!
       
      Up in the air and over the wall,
         Till I can see so wide.
      Rivers and trees and cattle and all
         Over the countryside -
       
      Till i look down on the gardon green,
          Down on the roof so brown -
      Up in the air I go flying again,
           Up in the air and down!
       
                               Robert Louis Stevenson