by Cathy Peng
Have you sensed anything different this semester in NTU? Indeed, the dormitory cafeterias during meal times are more crowded than ever and there are students everywhere on campus at night taking courses. Where do all these people come from? The answer lies in the sign in front of the old library building that says “National Chi-Nan University’s (NCNU) Temporary Office in Taipei”. The fact is after the terrible 9/21 earthquake, three main buildings at NCNU, including the administration center, the general classroom building and one of the student dormitories, were severely damaged. However, the NCNU students need a place to study. Consequently, beside some special departments located now at Taiwan Normal University and Cheng-chi University, most departments have moved to NTU. Three reasons might explain why they chose NTU as their temporary office instead of other available universities. First of all, NTU has the most resources in the country. Secondly, a lot of NCNU’s professors are actually borrowed from NTU and the environment is more familiar to them. Last but not least, NTU is far away from the earthquake-stricken area, which gives students and professors a sense of security. So here they are, ready for an unknown future. The idea of moving to NTU was suggested by The Ministry of Education after the classrooms at NCNU were destroyed. However, complex and perplexing questions followed, such as when the students would take their courses and what is to happen to all their activities. The most important principle is not to disrupt NTU’s regular schedule. Therefore, NCNU students have to go to school at night and during the weekends, which is exactly like a night school. Furthermore, they are not allowed to use NTU’s Computer Center and Audio-Visual Center because these two places cannot accommodate so many people. Even so, the situation is not that bad. They can still use all the other facilities, such as the library, student activity centers, sports fields, etc. Nevertheless, the above are only facts on the surface. We should be more concerned about how NCNU students feel. Although some of the students’ homes are in Taipei and it would only be more convenient for them to study in NTU, most of them have homes around the country and there are no dormitories for them, which force them to rent houses in Taipei. The cost of living in Taipei is high and a foreign environment is not easy to adjust to. All these problems become harsh challenges for NCNU students. Contrary to popular opinion, these hurdles are not easy to overcome. Its no wonder students from other universities say, “We’d rather stay at our school instead of going to NTU, even if it seems somehow better!” What exactly do the students of NTU and NCNU, respectively, think about this situation? For NCNU students, they don’t really have a choice but to try to adjust themselves to present condition. For the students of NTU, however, there seem to be two different reactions. Some students think it’s no problem to have more students on campus as long as it doesn’t disturb their routine. Moreover, they believe that more sympathy should be given for them because they have no “home” to stay in anymore. Others think differently. Because they worked so hard to enter NTU, it’s not fair that now other students can simply listen to NTU courses and use the resources as much as they like. When asked about NCNU’s future, no one has a definite answer. Although their former president Jia-tong Lee claimed that they will go back to Puli before February 21, 2000 (which is when their six-month lease of NTU buildings expires), no one can guarantee that Puli classrooms will be repaired and safe enough to study in by then. Currently, there are only two or three university staff staying in Puli cleaning up the debris. And the reconstruction project has just gotten started. “We want to go back!” said one of NCNU students anxiously, “But that is not something we can control.”
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by Vovo Chen
Imagine squeezing yourself to fit into a kindergarten-sized desk and chair, shared with 200 students in a tiny classroom. If you are thinking this is some famous professor’s class, you’re wrong! This is where people come each year to make their college dreams come true. It’s a special kind of cram school, part of the unique culture of Taiwan. Students here are not primarily high school graduates who have failed the entrance examination; some of them are from vocational school or junior college, some come from abroad and have no school to attend, and still more have been expelled from college and have to go through the torture all over again. But all of them are here to prepare for the J.C.E.E. I have a friend who recently began such a life in a cram school, and every day he would tell me jokes about what was happening in his class. “Life is so dull there. The pace is too slow. Endless exams create a lot of pressure,” he began. “Cheer up,” I said, “you’ll get through it.” So let me tell you the latest news about the guy who sits next to me,” he went on. “Remember that guy I told you about who spits into a plastic bag every few minutes? I finally ventured to ask him why, and he told me that it was just a habit he started in his senior year in high school. He doesn’t know why either. And he came to tell me today that he quit doing it after I said something. I was happy to hear this, but even as he spoke I saw him take out a tissue to spit on.” I was speechless. Then my friend went on: “Cram school is crowded with so many different kinds of people. You have to see the same faces the whole day for an entire year. It’s better to get along with everyone as soon as possible, but sometimes the person next to you happens to be a little weird. I guess there’s nothing to do about it. One of my friends in a cram school happened to have a classmate who had really stinky feet. The girl’s feet stank so much that nobody could put up with it. Sometimes she would even take off her shoes, and the rest of the class would just have to suffer or to buy deodorizer to keep themselves alive.” I shrugged a little, but I was not surprised. This could happen to anybody, anywhere, I thought. “I am not exaggerating, and that’s not the worst thing! It’s impossible to ask people just to change something they have been doing for so long. The only thing you can do is to accommodate yourself to the class and the sooner the better.” After he finished his story, he went right back to his studying. He had too much homework for tomorrow’s class so he couldn’t tell me another tale. Inevitably he’d complain a little, but the thought of entering college would always sustain him to go on. by Vovo Chen
Have you ever wandered around the baseball field wishing that you were one of the players? But don’t think you’re qualified to be on the team? Or maybe you already play but are depressed by your poor performance. Don’t worry! Try softball, and you’ll find all the pleasure of playing this wonderful game. In Taiwan, softball is still not very prevalent, but it’s already popular throughout Canada, Cuba, Japan, and the U.S. According to the American Encyclopedia, the total number of softball players and fans in the U.S. has reached 120 million. Most people in Taiwan are not very familiar with softball since it’s still not very popular. In fact, softball is similar to baseball in many ways. It was originally an indoor baseball game, commonly played in winter by people who wanted to keep in shape. It was first introduced in the U.S. in the early nineteenth century. One can enjoy it as much as baseball regardless of one’s age or gender. It had many different names at the beginning, such as army ball, kitten ball, recreational ball, playground ball, and was finally given the name softball in 1926. Later on, in the 1950’s, softball became an international sport. If you are familiar with baseball, you already know how to play softball. The rules are basically the same; only the way of pitching is different. In softball, the pitcher throws in an under-handed motion while a baseball pitcher throws the ball over-hand. The softball is also bigger and softer than a baseball, and the ball field is smaller. As a result of the bigger size of the ball, it is much easier to hit, and the average player won’t be so frustrated about not being able to hit the ball. The ball size also reduces the possibility of finger injuries when catching a ball without wearing a glove. Since the distance between the bases is much shorter than on a baseball field, a runner can more easily touch base without being considered out so often. Compared with baseball, softball might appear to be too easy not not enough of a competition. But you’re wrong to think so. It seems that hitting a bigger ball is easier, but unless you hit the very center of the ball it won’t fly as far as you might expect. You might not need a strong arm like that of a baseball player, but you do need skills, which require frequent practice. Furthermore, softball is a team game. It takes every player’s effort in order to win a game. An outstanding player will not be successful if he or she cannot cooperate with the whole team. I’m a baseball fan, too. I enjoy watching it as much as playing it, though I’ve never really had a chance. Not until I joined the softball team did I finally realize the fantastic magic about baseball. Sitting in the stands watching the ball is one thing but playing is another. If you enjoy the spirit of teamwork like me, you might just as well join a softball team. Get out of your seat and get started! Then my friend went on: “Cram school is crowded with so many different kinds of people. You have to see the same faces the whole day for an entire year. It’s better to get along with everyone as soon as possible, but sometimes the person next to you happens to be a little weird. I guess there’s nothing to do about it. One of my friends in a cram school happened to have a classmate who had really stinky feet. The girl’s feet stank so much that nobody could put up with it. Sometimes she would even take off her shoes, and the rest of the class would just have to suffer or to buy deodorizer to keep themselves alive.” I shrugged a little, but I was not surprised. This could happen to anybody, anywhere, I thought. “I am not exaggerating, and that’s not the worst thing! It’s impossible to ask people just to change something they have been doing for so long. The only thing you can do is to accommodate yourself to the class and the sooner the better.” After he finished his story, he went right back to his studying. He had too much homework for tomorrow’s class so he couldn’t tell me another tale. Inevitably he’d complain a little, but the thought of entering college would always sustain him to go on. by Crystal Shih
Did I really win? How much?” “Give me five more tickets!” Someone scratches their ticket even while holding money to buy more. The lottery whirlwind has invaded Taiwan again. From 1 December the central goverment has instituted a “commonwealth lottery” on the first day of every month. 50% of its profits are meant to be used for public welfare projects, 45% in citizen annuities, and 5% for health insurance. In addition, because of the 921 earthquake, 44% of profits in the first three months will go to devastated areas. This lottery gives buyers two opportunities to win prize money. First one can win up to NT 2,000,000 instantly. Even if you don’t win anything, don’t be disappointed. Hold on to the ticket and check at the end of the month to see if you have won a “lucky prize,” as much as NT 500,000. The lottery is similar to the present uniform invoice system, but the probability of winning a prize in the new lottery – about 40% – has attracted thousands of people. For some it’s just for fun; others have a dream of winning a large fortune. No wonder people will buy even 100 tickets at a time. The government gives priority to disadvantaged people to be sales agents for lottery tickets, including the handicapped, aboriginal people, and people from low-income families. A disabled sales agent commented, however, that a package of 500 tickets only brings NT 4,000, including tax. “We have to register first to sell lottery tickets, and when the tickets are sold out we must wait ten days to register the next batch. It’s difficult to make a living this way.” According to the government, selling the lottery can be regarded as an avocation rather than a vocation for the disadvantaged. Nevertheless, the banks that also sell lottery tickets are great rivals. This also leads to many complaints from disadvantaged people. Considering that one of the intentions of the lottery is to help these people, we should choose them when we want to buy tickets. Have you ever bought lottery tickets? Why not buy one, just for fun or to help the victims of the earthquake? Just remember to buy them at the stands of disadvantaged people! by Ying-ying Shih
Have you noticed that a kind of ring-shaped bread has recently invaded many bakeries and cafes? If you think they are some distant relatives of doughnuts, then you are mistaken. Although without the dazzling appearance of glazed doughnuts, these mysterious rolls have a unique flavor which no other bread in this world could compare with. This special type of bread, an indispensible member of the American diet, is called the bagel. In order to fully appreciate bagels, let’s first learn about their origin. In 1683, as the legend goes, the Polish king Jan Sobieski sucessfully defended Austria from Turkish invasion. A Viennese baker wanted to pay tribute to the king, and since the king was known as a great horseman, the baker decided to shape the dough into a circle resembling a stirrup. The German word for stirrup is beugel. So now it’s all made clear to us. The bagel is not only a tasty “stirrup” of bread but also an icon of freedom. In fact, there are also great amounts of folklore about bagels: because of their round shape, they are thought to be symbolic of unending life or of good luck. Bagels are also considered a gift for women in childbirth in Poland. After the Eastern European Jewish immigrants brought them to the U.S. in the early 1900s, bagels became closely associated with New York and Chicago, cities with large Jewish populations. Today, New York is still synonymous with the source of quality bagels. It’s no wonder that almost every bakery making bagels claims to have an NY connection. Despite various versions of the bagel’s birth, there is only one way to produce its incomparable taste. Bagels are made of the traditional bread ingredients: sugar, salt, yeast, and flour, with the addition of gluten flour to make the dough elastic and chewy. Before baking, the yeast dough has to be boiled for several minutes so that it puffs up in the water and rises no more during baking. This is the secret to bagel’s crispy surface and tender interior. Yet this isn’t the only flavor bagels can offer. Nowadays bagel makers have developed a complete selection to satisfy everyone’s need, ranging from the more traditional flavoring of nuts and spices to fruits, chocolate chips, cheese, and whole wheat. The ways to prepare bagels are also as diverse as the flavor. The question of “to toast or not to toast” has always been a dilemma to bagel aficionados. Besides, bagels are often sliced into two halves and filled with a variety of toppings. Some people go for the more orthodox choice–cream cheese. Some prefer lox, jam or butter, while there are still others who use bagels as an all-purpose bread product for sandwich. Of course we couldn’t leave out the opinions of the bagel purists, who maintain that well-baked bagels need no superfluous ornament. My first encounter with bagels took place in Japan years ago. At that time, bagels were still unknown in Taiwan but had already captured the appetite of many Japanese. I was impressed by their lovely shape and the varieties they had. Even without knowing its name, I knew this bread was going to taste good, and indeed, it did not disappoint me. Years later, we finally have bagels in Taiwan. Whether they are called ??, ??, or ????, they all represent the matchless flavor of bagels. However, not all ring-shaped breads can qualify as true bagels. To pass the aesthentic and taste test, a bagel has to be shiny on the outside and compact on the inside. So far, the best bagel I have tasted in Taipei is the blueberry bagel in Starbuck’s café. It is not only elastic but also a bit sticky, which provides good workout for your cheeks and teeth. It is generously made into a large ring which is enough to prepare you for a day’s hard work. Besides, the heating service in the café further brings out the best of the bagels. If you would like to choose from a more complete selection, Marco Polo bakery, with more than eight flavors freshly made every day, will be your best choice. For those who haven’t tasted this magic bread, hurry to your nearest bakery to get a bite. Although it is classified as a breakfast food, I recommend that it should be enjoyed whenever and wherever you like. However, people who don’t have good gums might need to refrain from the temptation of bagels or they might risk losing their teeth. But then, after all, it’s still worth a try. To find out more about bagel legends, bagel poems, the battle between bagels and doughnuts, Bagel Safety Information, etc. Just search for “bagel” on the web and you’ll find out everything you want to know about this lovely circle of life. by Anne Elizabeth Sheu
Do you believe in reincarnation? What if God came down from Heaven one day and asked you, “Would you rather be a man or a woman in another life?” What would your answer be? Most people have, at some time or other in their lives, pondered over this hypothetical question. Silly as it is, what if God really posed this question to you? Would you give a noncommittal shrug and say offhandedly, “Whatever suits you, O Savior”? Would you cast your eyes down and smile impishly, “I think women have more fun”? Or would you, like me, narrow your eyes and answer with the utmost conviction, “I’d much rather be a man, if you please”? Although it is undeniable that society is fast changing and the traditional role of women is outdated, it seems that fundamentally, we are still stuck with the same old stereotypes of the housewife. A recent survey directed at co-ed students in Ivy League colleges showed that a majority of the students surveyed had no desire to step out of the boundaries of the traditional housewife. Getting married, having a baby, raising the baby, having more babies—all these were the standard replies of the women when inquired as to the reason for being contented just to stay at home. The results seem strange when all these women are academically superior students and, if given half a chance, are capable of excelling professionally as well. However, even if these women had opted for a professional life over the role of the housewife, it is by no means assured that they will find a satisfying job. More often than not, even highly motivated women will find themselves mired in the muddy waters of a secretarial job. While these service jobs prove invaluable to society, they are not exactly what these women had hoped for in a career. You may argue that for the past ten years or so, business management has been a hot career choice for proactive women. However, these managerial jobs are often mere fronts; the scepter is still gripped firmly in the man’s hand. And how exactly is the woman supposed to feel when she is passed over (for the third time) for that long-hoped-for promotion or raise in favor of a man less qualified? Men, however, have things considerably easier. Most of us instinctively think of men as the doers, the shakers, the movers of the world. They don’t just dabble in the murky waters of temporary jobs—No! they get out, build a career, and inevitably end up making a difference in things that “really matter.” In a setting where insensitivity is an asset and when philandering is nothing out of the ordinary, men are constantly reminded that they are busy taking care of crucial matters and their trivial shortcomings should be forgiven (or at least overlooked and/or excused). Down on the home front, men are no less worshiped. Pampered and coddled within an inch of their lives by their faithful, 24-hour-available, pretty little wives, men enjoy the same treatment they receive from their secretaries at work. Because he has been out earning a living for his family, he doesn’t expect to participate in domestic drudgework — the never-ending housework, the something–I–made- especially–for-you meals, the dealing with colicky babies, and of course we mustn’t forget the keeping-track-of-those- dammit!-disappearing-socks job. If, by chance, a man evades the attractiveness of wedlock, he is never continually harassed like a woman is. The Bachelor vs. Old Maid competition is clearly a no-win situation. Men are applauded for sacrificing the comfort of family and home and instead, striving to achieve greater glories on the battlefront of the working world. Women, on the other hand, are criticized for “not knowing their role in life.” Even in Taiwan, in this modern age, old maids are sneered at or, what’s much worse, pitied. No one believes a woman when she states that she didn’t get married because she wanted to be independent; malicious gossips disdainfully conclude that there must be something wrong with a woman who can’t catch a husband. Although more and more women are standing up and asserting their rights to be treated equally, the positive effects are not very obvious. Women have struggled for professional and domestic recognition in an unrelenting environment with disappointing results. The women’s movement has always had strong opposition; significant change is frightening to most because it threatens the hierarchies of society and also the very traditions handed down from generation to generation. It is almost as if women can only seek equality within a system that is entirely replaced. While this may not be possible as of yet, we can at least start to acknowledge the need for an alternative social structure, don’t you think? But do I really have the choice of being either a man or woman in my afterlife? I guess I’d like to be called Christopher… What do you think?? by Eric Hsu
This is a weird novel. In the novel by Patrick Süskind kind, a young boy, recounts his childhood. He liked to climb trees and fell in love with a girl in his class. He learned how to play piano and how to ride a bike. Except for Mr. Summer, this would have been an ordinary childhood. All the people in the village knew Mr. Summer, who always ran from village to village with his empty backpack and his long, odd walking-stick. But no one knew why this mysterious man did so. Gradually, people forgot his existence. When some day Mr. Summer disappeared, others did not notice it at all. Only the young boy knew where Mr. Summer had gone. But he kept it secret. In this story, the daily life of the young boy is contrasted with the peculiar behavior of Mr. Summer. And the narration combines the comic and the tragic. At first, the story is amusing and cheerful. Yet, in the end, the atmosphere becomes increasingly sad and melancholy. Thus, the novel in all seems strange and unusual, and even a little weird. Some people will like it and others won’t. But it’s just a novel. What counts is only that it can bring pleasure to its readers. It is not so important whether all readers have the same judgment. This book has been translated into Chinese. Yet if your German is good, it is worthwhile reading the book in German. It can even improve your German. Besides, there are also very beautiful and imaginative illustrations, which you can appreciate with relish. Book Information~ Patrick Süskind, Die Geschichte von Herrn Sommer, Zürich: Diogenes, 1991 by Esther Haung
Let me win. But if I can’t win, let me be brave in the attempt.” The Special Olympics’ pledge straightforwardly states the attitude of all children and adults with mental or physical disabilities. The organization’s goal is to let mentally handicapped people have the opportunity to prove that they have the same mental and physical capabilities of others, and be accepted and respected by society. As a nonprofit organization founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the first International Special Olympics Games were held at Soldiers’ Field, in Chicago, in 1968. Since then, the International Special Olympics Games (winter and summer) have been held every two years, and millions of children and adults with mental disabilities have participated. The Games include twenty-six ordinary Olympic events, such as tennis and figure skating. The organization hopes that all participants gain courage, self-confidence, physical fitness, and the experience of sharing a joyful moment with their families and friends. Unlike the Olympic Games, which emphasize the result of an athlete’s performance, the Special Olympic Games pay more attention to the process of achieving a goal. The results are not as important to handicapped people compared with overcoming their disabilities. People with mental handicaps require greater effort to acquire new knowledge, or to learn a new physical skill. Therefore, the Special Olympics have organized athletic training programs for people in need. These programs are located all over the world, including Taipei, which is called the Chinese Taipei Special Olympics program. The Chinese Taipei Special Olympics program is located at the Chung-Shan Football Stadium, which is a convenient place for giving physical training and holding activities. The Chinese Taipei team has participated in five of the Special Olympic Games and the athletes accomplished a tough task. Not only did they win medals, they also won honor for the country and overcame their mental handicaps. In order to participate in the Special Olympics, a person must be at least eight years of age and must have a handicap handbook issued by local hospitals. However, these few fortunate athletes are scarce among countless others who do not have the slightest chance to participate in the program. Taiwan’s program needs more support not only from the government, but also from the public. Although the Chinese Taipei Special Olympics program publishes newsletters, sponsors training programs and various activities, the organization’s biggest problem is a lack of volunteers and financial aid, even though it is the only organization officially authorized by the International Special Olympics Committee. Helping out as a volunteer or donating some money would be a great help to the organization. But the most important thing is to encourage handicapped people to overcome their disabilities. What they need most is people’s respect and encouragement. by Anne Elizabeth Sheu
Have you noticed a distinct change of atmosphere in our department lately? The difference is hard to miss, and as bracing as a breath of fresh air blowing through a stuffy compartment. Among other things, innovative policies, restructured curriculums, and more effective tutorial systems are being introduced into the department. All this is made possible by the perseverance and determination of a special person. With the utmost enthusiasm, the Department of Foreign Languages and Literature welcomes a newly elected Chair, Professor Han-liang Chang. The tightly-shut door of the DFLL Chair’ office on the first floor of Liberal Arts Building, just two doors down from the department office, is henceforth replaced by a mere screen. When asked if this is meant to encourage DFLL members to drop in for a friendly chat and a cup of his fragrant flower herbal tea, Professor Chang hastens in his assurance, “I receive my colleagues and students on a daily basis. Anyone can walk right in, with or without an appointment.” This seems to typify the stimulating new policy of accessibility and open-mindedness of the department. Perhaps the one of the most unique things about Professor Chang is his educational background. “I’m very proud to say that I was almost exclusively locally trained,” he states. Both his undergraduate and graduate Alma Mater is NTU, which may seem surprising, given the inclination of most students to go abroad the first chance they have. Only upon receiving his doctoral degree in comparative literature did Professor Chang go on to complete his postgraduate studies at John Hopkins University. Knowledgeable in various fields of study, Professor Chang has also taught at the graduate level in Prague, Athens, Manchester, and the U.S. These experiences contribute to his broad scope and perspective. Overflowing with ideas and plans, Professor Chang points out, “since I decided to run for the Chair, [it shows] I really want to do something constructive for the department.” And already, the mills of reformation have started grinding out results. New policies such as the simplifying of the administrative system, integrating course taking and the writing of dissertations for graduate students, and restructured curriculums and better coordination among instructors ensure that courses are taught much more effectively. Moreover, there will be changes in the present tutorial system (????). In order to provide proper guidance to students regarding community life on campus and coping with academic pressures, the new system would call for advisors to meet their advisees on a more frequent basis. Although delighted with the overall aptitude of DFLL students, there are still a few improvements many professors would like to see. Professor Chang remarks pensively, “students in other countries raise a lot of questions but not in Taiwan. Their academic performance is above average, but they should be successful as social beings as well.” “Every year there are one hundred and twenty thousand applicants in the Joint College Entrance Examination and for most of them, their first choice is NTU. Our students are very good in terms of their background and I’m very proud of them. But perhaps students should show more concern for others and what others think. This unconcern for others may be true not only of our students, but also the entire younger generation. Am I talking as if I were a very old man?” Professor Chang laughs. When asked if he had any advice for undergraduate students upon their impending graduation, Professor Chang takes a minute to ponder and replies seriously, “It all depends on individuals. [For students who want] to do advanced studies, they have two options: one is going abroad and the other is studying here in Taiwan, just as I did. The DFLL has a fairly good MA program and I would encourage our best students to stay here and study for at least two or three years. After that, they can consider doing a higher degree of doctoral study abroad. It really depends on what you want to study; if what you want to study isn’t available here, then go abroad, by all means.” “As for what I recommend about our MA program, we have a strong program in English and American literature studies. Our faculty is impressive and we have specialists in almost all fields; therefore, we can provide good academic advice to ensure students’ progress.” However, Professor Chang indicates that there are also disadvantages of graduate study in Taiwan. For instance, even part time work is prohibited in most schools abroad. But in the more liberal society of Taiwan, graduate students are rarely full-time students, the fact of which could hinder their studies. “Students must be very responsible persons for our graduate program,” he emphasizes. A good command of language is the basis of all study, Professor Chang asserts. He advises students to learn English well, which would, in turn, greatly facilitate studies in whatever field they wish to pursue. More importantly, students should gain as much exposure as possible to general education, which trains us on how to use our minds, how to argue, and how to exercise good reasoning. For this, Professor Chang strongly suggests students to take a course in logic, as critical analytical thinking is an invaluable asset not only for graduate school, but also beyond. Besides restructured courses and better tutorial systems, another good piece of news for DFLL students can be found in Professor Chang’s positive statement, “I would like to support all student activities. If you feel the need of more scholarships or funding for speech or writing contests, all you have to do is write a proposal; if it is feasible, I will contact our alumni and establish it. This department has limited financial resources, but we can make good use of them to encourage students and award them for their special achievements. Are you exhilarated by your new prospects in the DFLL? If you are all fired up with excitement, don’t hesitate to take advantage of the sign on the Chairman’s office door, Shalom, which means, “welcome” in Hebrew. Professor Chang will generously make time for you amidst his demanding schedule; he will be more than happy to answer any questions you have and consider any constructive suggestions or comments! Again, all of us in the department express a hearty welcome to our new Chair and wish him the very best of luck in his endeavors! by Crystal Shih
Would you lend money to a person you’ve never seen? I’m talking about cyber crime. On the BBS, a 19-year old girl pretended to be a graduate student of Taiwan University, and she borrowed money from her new boyfriends. Later, she changed her phone number so she couldn’t be contacted anymore. What’s incredible is that the victims (more than five of them) had never even seen her. The girl claimed a beautiful model’s picture as her own. Because of her sweet voice on the telephone, her victims believed that she was the girl in the picture. One of them even broke up with his girlfriend of more than ten years. Another thought he was going to marry her. After this event went public, some people commented that they thought the girl was fat, and that therefore she was forced to do such terrible things. Others said that the men were stupid; one of them was even an advanced medical student at NTU. But the real focus of the crime is the net itself: it has become a tool for committing crimes. If the suspect hadn’t pretended to be a beautiful girl, these men wouldn’t have entered the snare so easily. Many people hope they can meet a beautiful girl or a handsome boy on the net. These men wanted to have a romance with a beautiful girl, and this “beautiful girl” showed an interest in them. They couldn’t resist. But it’s correct to say that the victims only cheated themselves. People have fantasies about unseen things. These men seem to idealize things too much. They hadn’t tried to make sure the girl of the picture really existed but blindly believed according to their illusions. They thought they were lucky enough to meet their Ms. Right, a beautiful girl with a good educational background – even though she always made excuses for not agreeing to meet them for a date. Or perhaps they just chose to see the better side of things regardless of the doubtful signs. The girl, in other words, used the net to her advantage. On the net, nobody knows your real name or background. One can say anything one wants without having to take responsibility for it. Hence, you can tell others you are a cute high school girl even if you are a blowsy housewife in her forties. Moreover, “she” might even be a man in reality. There are many cyber crimes recently. A man used the net to seek female employees. When they met to discuss the job in detail, he put sleeping pills in their drinks and raped them. Another man sold stolen electrical equipment. Cyber crime is becoming more and more common all the time. Of course, we cannot stop people from committing crimes. However, we can prevent ourselves from becoming the victims. First, we should keep our attitudes simple. If we mean to find a beautiful girl or a handsome boy on the net, we are likely to be fooled by others. Next, we should be very careful. Before we take any action, we had better think a while. Do we know that person well enough to trust him/her? Check out a person first. If he or she has nothing to hide, there won’t be any problem with giving information. In a word, we must cultivate the ability to protect ourselves. At least, don’t give others opportunity to make you the victim of cyber crime. |
Authors
The Taida Student Journal has been active since 1995 with an ever-changing roster of student journalists at NTU. Click the above link to read about the authors Archives
May 2024
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