「人生虛無，一切到最後都化為塵土，當XXX是要『證明自己在世上存在過』」。
瞄Yahoo新聞時，看見以上句子，抓破頭皮思量何故香港報紙會有存在主義的報導，還要在港聞版！細心看，原來上述句子是某Game模冠軍，只有十六歲的應屆會考生金慧君（金金）的「勝利宣言」，而XXX等於模特兒。
這個金金，看照片，姿色只是一般口靚模矣。可是，詞鋒卻非比尋常。左一句「人人都有虛榮心，她會順其自然而不加克制」；右一句「『口靚』字分拆開來的『口』、『青』跟『見』代表口才、青春與見識」。小聰明遠勝一眾口靚模、甚至藝人。此姝看來大有前途。
話說回來，存在應是每個人都要探討的問題。只是，香港人一般忙碌，忙搵食忙抄股忙上網忙叫雞，終日忙這忙那。會找時間思考存在的人，幾近沒有。看大學哲學系成了入大學的「救生圈」便知道了。其實，在畸形的香港，存在意義更值得研究。存在，就僅只是為了出風頭，為了層樓，為了LV袋，為了Rolex Submariner？
當然，滿足便是了。到最後，結局還不是一樣？
2009年12月31日 星期四
2009年12月30日 星期三
LXB, the Dissident - 20091230
Mr Liu Xiao Bo, commonly called by his acronym LXB, was jailed 11 years for the charge of subversion. The tipping point was the propaganda of "Charter 08".
The content of "Charter 08" is anything but creative. It just reinstates some common values that any democratic state has been sharing for a hundred years, and makes a gist on the tragic development of modern China. Strangely, this kind of utterance could be framed as subversive.
http://www.2008xianzhang.info/chinese.htm
As cited in the "Charter 08", China is a signatory of two international human rights conventions. Paradoxically, China's violation on human rights could easily be seen in everywhere of any scale at any time. Just flash black at the "events" in Tibet and Urumqi. And obviously, LXB's sentence is the biggest joke to human right. By imprisoning LXB, China has substantiated what "Charter 08" says, no matter inadvertently or not. However, by protecting the interest of the Communist party, Chinese Officials would sacrifice any other things. Rule of law is always a mirage in China.
By repeatedly testing the demon and embracing sufferance, LXB has become a saint of modern China.
The content of "Charter 08" is anything but creative. It just reinstates some common values that any democratic state has been sharing for a hundred years, and makes a gist on the tragic development of modern China. Strangely, this kind of utterance could be framed as subversive.
http://www.2008xianzhang.info/chinese.htm
As cited in the "Charter 08", China is a signatory of two international human rights conventions. Paradoxically, China's violation on human rights could easily be seen in everywhere of any scale at any time. Just flash black at the "events" in Tibet and Urumqi. And obviously, LXB's sentence is the biggest joke to human right. By imprisoning LXB, China has substantiated what "Charter 08" says, no matter inadvertently or not. However, by protecting the interest of the Communist party, Chinese Officials would sacrifice any other things. Rule of law is always a mirage in China.
By repeatedly testing the demon and embracing sufferance, LXB has become a saint of modern China.
2009年12月29日 星期二
習慣 - 20091229
清晨，
摘下毛巾，把塵埃從桌面、相框、沙發以至玻璃
抹掉，晚上重複。
下班，
穿上跑鞋，自路口跑到學校、公園、橋頭，再跑到
對岸，翌日重複。
相信，習慣是千奇百怪的
愛好。如教徒把持
十誡，
年復一年。
摘下毛巾，把塵埃從桌面、相框、沙發以至玻璃
抹掉，晚上重複。
下班，
穿上跑鞋，自路口跑到學校、公園、橋頭，再跑到
對岸，翌日重複。
相信，習慣是千奇百怪的
愛好。如教徒把持
十誡，
年復一年。
2009年12月28日 星期一
Nostalgia - 20091228
After a short visit to my nominal hometown Shajing (沙井) last Friday, I could not help confirming that the word "nostalgia" would be vanished in China.
According to Wikipedia, "nostalgia" describes a longing for the past. Generally speaking, homesickness would be its synonym.
Though never a resident in Shajing, I went back there not unusually in my young age, for the sake of ancestors reverence and new year celebration. The change of Shajing in these 20 years is horrendous. I just wonder how could people adapt to those new stuffs in every bit of their daily life.
The living environment has been demolished and rebuilt. In the past, many of the people were farmers or fishermen. However, thanks to development, many of the farmlands have been changed to factories. Without any concept of environmental conservation, the toxic substance excreted from factories has been lavishly polluting Shajing's land and sea. Thus, seafood was inedible and the quality of their famous oyster was dubious. As such, the then farmers and fishermen have changed their mode of living. Generally, most of them are unemployed and living under the sumptuous subsidy provided by the province. Some of the others would become sales or proprietors. Living premises have been changed from 2-storey houses to state-of-art apartments.
The mode of transportation has been turned-upside-down. In the past, the vogue was riding the robust Phoenix bicycles. Now, even motorcycles would be laughed off by those saloon car owners. The by-product of boost in cars is smog round-the-clock.
Entertainment is a new found addict to Shajing's people. When they were still engaged in the primary industry, they had no luxury for entertainment. Watching movies would be their annual event. Now, everybody immerses in the flesh market. Prostitutes could be found in each and every street corner. Women indulge in message and spa.
Thus, if somebody lost his sense 20 years ago, and have been waken up today, he could find no hint of recollection in his so called hometown.
BTW, below is the official website of Shajing!
http://www.shajing.gov.cn/
According to Wikipedia, "nostalgia" describes a longing for the past. Generally speaking, homesickness would be its synonym.
Though never a resident in Shajing, I went back there not unusually in my young age, for the sake of ancestors reverence and new year celebration. The change of Shajing in these 20 years is horrendous. I just wonder how could people adapt to those new stuffs in every bit of their daily life.
The living environment has been demolished and rebuilt. In the past, many of the people were farmers or fishermen. However, thanks to development, many of the farmlands have been changed to factories. Without any concept of environmental conservation, the toxic substance excreted from factories has been lavishly polluting Shajing's land and sea. Thus, seafood was inedible and the quality of their famous oyster was dubious. As such, the then farmers and fishermen have changed their mode of living. Generally, most of them are unemployed and living under the sumptuous subsidy provided by the province. Some of the others would become sales or proprietors. Living premises have been changed from 2-storey houses to state-of-art apartments.
The mode of transportation has been turned-upside-down. In the past, the vogue was riding the robust Phoenix bicycles. Now, even motorcycles would be laughed off by those saloon car owners. The by-product of boost in cars is smog round-the-clock.
Entertainment is a new found addict to Shajing's people. When they were still engaged in the primary industry, they had no luxury for entertainment. Watching movies would be their annual event. Now, everybody immerses in the flesh market. Prostitutes could be found in each and every street corner. Women indulge in message and spa.
Thus, if somebody lost his sense 20 years ago, and have been waken up today, he could find no hint of recollection in his so called hometown.
BTW, below is the official website of Shajing!
http://www.shajing.gov.cn/
2009年12月26日 星期六
沙井一遊 - 20091226
趁聖誕節，媽碰巧休息，昨天與妹同返家鄉沙井，探外祖父母。他們都很好，尤其阿公雖然九十開外，精神飽滿依舊，聲如洪鐘，小個子仍如靈猴般健步如飛。成為人瑞，指日可待。
已經兩、三年沒有返沙井了。從前，每逢新歲，例必回鄉過節。只是，呆在那改建為偽西班牙式的故居，只是三數天，例牌的麻將卡拉OK腳底按摩，也足可悶死人了。因此，自兼讀法律學位始，便藉口溫習，不回鄉了。媽與妹也是受益人。今學位已得，但不回鄉過年之習定必繼續下去。
回顧昨日的行程。早上九時三刻自上水乘火車到羅湖，人頭湧湧。在火車上，一個七、八十歲老人拉著一小車行李，在人郡中橫衝直撞，也真叫人肝火。十時十五分，在媽引領下在商業城飲茶。食物沒甚了了，用了八十元，也合理。後到樓下等旅遊巴回沙井。竟碰見了我媽的細佬！這個舅父，為人縮骨，多年沒見，除身形暴脹，沒啥分別。他回鄉渡兩天聖誕假，所以昨天整日也在左右。
旅遊巴十一時半開車，我們十二時四十五分已到外公家。沿路所見，幢幢新公寓開滿遍地，和香港沒兩樣。只是，空氣更差，整個深圳也被一襲灰色籠罩。就是沙井，也驚見大量樓高廿層的apartment。沙井有那麼多人嗎？和外祖父母寒喧一會，便到附近的「港式」茶餐廳吃午飯。點了一個五餸餐，另為外婆點一碟豉油王炒麵。看外婆鯨吞那碟炒麵，吃個不亦樂乎，媽也份外開心。吃過午餐，信步回外公家，發覺從前常光顧的燒雞翼小販檔不見了，取而代之是童裝商販，有一絲失落。大約二時，阿姨吃完「歸伙」酒（乍聽以為是甚麼龜婆酒！）回來，和我們匯合。無業的她，開著Nissan轎車，載大伙兒到她裝修中的新居參觀。
阿姨的新居正正是那些apartment！她的靚屋巧合座落十八樓C座。屋很大，起碼千尺以上，供她夫婦和女兒三人同住。只是那個主人套房，已經大過一般香港斗室的客廳。裝修西化，可見開放式廚房。聞說此樓價十多萬，裝修費十萬上下。只是，我姨長年無業，姨丈亦只是月入數千打工仔，錢從何來？原來，那些大陸原居民，每年也有分紅數萬。那些錢，是村長賣地予商人如廠家所獲。所以，從前的魚塘和稻田，早已變成不同的工廠了。而青磚瓦頂的舊居，就在村長們威迫利誘下給「發展」掉了。
看完靚屋，阿姨和她朋友「紅毛」，帶我們去推拿按摩。「紅毛」也是典型的無業闊太，當天做完按摩後，便和丈夫及另一對夫婦驅車往蛇口的「中森名菜」吃壽司。說回按摩店，位於一個叫「又一城」的商場內。地下一層已經廢棄多時。行過一堆雜物，搭升降機上四樓。門打開，原來別有洞天！按摩店新開業，非常乾淨。不知「紅毛」在哪兒弄到優惠，一行五人的服務皆免費。我選了推拿。男師傅左推右按，舒服透了的我則睡了幾回。六時許，到一飯店吃飯。骨頭見紅的新鮮雞最是可口，冷伴的河粉也新奇。至八時，阿姨駛我們到皇崗口岸。汽車左穿右插，誤往長安方向，幸妹發覺，提醒阿姨重入正軌。至九時五十分到達摩登的入境大樓，有驚無險。乘落馬州線返回上水，小意外是我們把外公贈送的蠔豉遺留在火車廂內。
鄉愁者，在今天不斷拆故居，趕建apartment的大陸，已經沒有了。
已經兩、三年沒有返沙井了。從前，每逢新歲，例必回鄉過節。只是，呆在那改建為偽西班牙式的故居，只是三數天，例牌的麻將卡拉OK腳底按摩，也足可悶死人了。因此，自兼讀法律學位始，便藉口溫習，不回鄉了。媽與妹也是受益人。今學位已得，但不回鄉過年之習定必繼續下去。
回顧昨日的行程。早上九時三刻自上水乘火車到羅湖，人頭湧湧。在火車上，一個七、八十歲老人拉著一小車行李，在人郡中橫衝直撞，也真叫人肝火。十時十五分，在媽引領下在商業城飲茶。食物沒甚了了，用了八十元，也合理。後到樓下等旅遊巴回沙井。竟碰見了我媽的細佬！這個舅父，為人縮骨，多年沒見，除身形暴脹，沒啥分別。他回鄉渡兩天聖誕假，所以昨天整日也在左右。
旅遊巴十一時半開車，我們十二時四十五分已到外公家。沿路所見，幢幢新公寓開滿遍地，和香港沒兩樣。只是，空氣更差，整個深圳也被一襲灰色籠罩。就是沙井，也驚見大量樓高廿層的apartment。沙井有那麼多人嗎？和外祖父母寒喧一會，便到附近的「港式」茶餐廳吃午飯。點了一個五餸餐，另為外婆點一碟豉油王炒麵。看外婆鯨吞那碟炒麵，吃個不亦樂乎，媽也份外開心。吃過午餐，信步回外公家，發覺從前常光顧的燒雞翼小販檔不見了，取而代之是童裝商販，有一絲失落。大約二時，阿姨吃完「歸伙」酒（乍聽以為是甚麼龜婆酒！）回來，和我們匯合。無業的她，開著Nissan轎車，載大伙兒到她裝修中的新居參觀。
阿姨的新居正正是那些apartment！她的靚屋巧合座落十八樓C座。屋很大，起碼千尺以上，供她夫婦和女兒三人同住。只是那個主人套房，已經大過一般香港斗室的客廳。裝修西化，可見開放式廚房。聞說此樓價十多萬，裝修費十萬上下。只是，我姨長年無業，姨丈亦只是月入數千打工仔，錢從何來？原來，那些大陸原居民，每年也有分紅數萬。那些錢，是村長賣地予商人如廠家所獲。所以，從前的魚塘和稻田，早已變成不同的工廠了。而青磚瓦頂的舊居，就在村長們威迫利誘下給「發展」掉了。
看完靚屋，阿姨和她朋友「紅毛」，帶我們去推拿按摩。「紅毛」也是典型的無業闊太，當天做完按摩後，便和丈夫及另一對夫婦驅車往蛇口的「中森名菜」吃壽司。說回按摩店，位於一個叫「又一城」的商場內。地下一層已經廢棄多時。行過一堆雜物，搭升降機上四樓。門打開，原來別有洞天！按摩店新開業，非常乾淨。不知「紅毛」在哪兒弄到優惠，一行五人的服務皆免費。我選了推拿。男師傅左推右按，舒服透了的我則睡了幾回。六時許，到一飯店吃飯。骨頭見紅的新鮮雞最是可口，冷伴的河粉也新奇。至八時，阿姨駛我們到皇崗口岸。汽車左穿右插，誤往長安方向，幸妹發覺，提醒阿姨重入正軌。至九時五十分到達摩登的入境大樓，有驚無險。乘落馬州線返回上水，小意外是我們把外公贈送的蠔豉遺留在火車廂內。
鄉愁者，在今天不斷拆故居，趕建apartment的大陸，已經沒有了。
2009年12月24日 星期四
Christmas in HK - 20091224
Christmas Eve again. So today, everybody should be hilarious.
Most of the ladies maximize their imagination to present the best side of themselves. While lined up for the train to office, most of the female acquaintances were a little bit different. Make-up has been put on, shiny skirts and black stockings replaced all the daily trousers and jeans. Every woman seemed to be as luminous as Christmas lighting, though few of them were overpowered. On the contrary, men are as dull as ever.
In the office, female colleagues are dispatching sweeties as Christmas gift. I have received homemade brownie, cookies and chocolate. If I were endowed a sweet tongue, I would have been very happy. Also, as an inborn paranoid, sometimes, I would suspect the motive of our lovely colleagues. Would they lose face if everybody is giving out but themselves? Anyway, in the joyful day, benefit of the doubt should be given.
Christmas carols fill in each and every street corners. All the boys and girls, called by the Almighty, gather together, sing free karaoke in the open area. Generally an "earsore", we have to put up with this kind of noise pollution for a few days. Hong Kong, the city of shopping mall, is also programmed with cliche songs, like Last Christmas would repeat endlessly in any arcade. Sadly, being an atheist, I could never feel the solemnity of God inside the church, in person.
At the end of the day, the best I could get in this Christmas, are a pair of nice jeans, together with some rest.
Most of the ladies maximize their imagination to present the best side of themselves. While lined up for the train to office, most of the female acquaintances were a little bit different. Make-up has been put on, shiny skirts and black stockings replaced all the daily trousers and jeans. Every woman seemed to be as luminous as Christmas lighting, though few of them were overpowered. On the contrary, men are as dull as ever.
In the office, female colleagues are dispatching sweeties as Christmas gift. I have received homemade brownie, cookies and chocolate. If I were endowed a sweet tongue, I would have been very happy. Also, as an inborn paranoid, sometimes, I would suspect the motive of our lovely colleagues. Would they lose face if everybody is giving out but themselves? Anyway, in the joyful day, benefit of the doubt should be given.
Christmas carols fill in each and every street corners. All the boys and girls, called by the Almighty, gather together, sing free karaoke in the open area. Generally an "earsore", we have to put up with this kind of noise pollution for a few days. Hong Kong, the city of shopping mall, is also programmed with cliche songs, like Last Christmas would repeat endlessly in any arcade. Sadly, being an atheist, I could never feel the solemnity of God inside the church, in person.
At the end of the day, the best I could get in this Christmas, are a pair of nice jeans, together with some rest.
2009年12月23日 星期三
造冬 - 20091223
昨日冬至，晚上在家造冬。菜很豐富，伴以紅酒相得益彰。
常說「冬大過年」，這話在我家碰巧適用。為了避開新年無謂工夫，我們不回大陸渡歲已有三載。過年時，家中食物和平日分別不大，反正在街已吃了過多的煎炸食物，淡淡素素的住家飯其實更好。相反，造冬的晚飯一般大菜。
像昨夜，媽媽老闆早為她買了貴菜，如雞、石斑及日本對蝦。皆美味。此外，媽友人「高佬」送她加州紅酒一支。此紅酒不是高價貨，看那鐵樽蓋便知道。像一般的美國物品，此酒以量取勝 - - - 足有1.5公升，比平常紅酒倍之。酒味略甜，似葡萄汁多於似酒，但也不致難喝。不知是為了幹掉那酒，還是掃光餸菜，最後悉數進肚。肚子撐滿酒菜，剩下的一窩冷飯惟有留待今晚抄之。
可惜，冬至對我們都市人的意義，除了吃一餐外，似乎便沒有其他了。譬如，還有香港人會在冬至祭祖嗎？即便吃湯圓的，也是少之又少了。
常說「冬大過年」，這話在我家碰巧適用。為了避開新年無謂工夫，我們不回大陸渡歲已有三載。過年時，家中食物和平日分別不大，反正在街已吃了過多的煎炸食物，淡淡素素的住家飯其實更好。相反，造冬的晚飯一般大菜。
像昨夜，媽媽老闆早為她買了貴菜，如雞、石斑及日本對蝦。皆美味。此外，媽友人「高佬」送她加州紅酒一支。此紅酒不是高價貨，看那鐵樽蓋便知道。像一般的美國物品，此酒以量取勝 - - - 足有1.5公升，比平常紅酒倍之。酒味略甜，似葡萄汁多於似酒，但也不致難喝。不知是為了幹掉那酒，還是掃光餸菜，最後悉數進肚。肚子撐滿酒菜，剩下的一窩冷飯惟有留待今晚抄之。
可惜，冬至對我們都市人的意義，除了吃一餐外，似乎便沒有其他了。譬如，還有香港人會在冬至祭祖嗎？即便吃湯圓的，也是少之又少了。
2009年12月22日 星期二
Rehab - 20091222
The Tiger Woods saga is everlasting. According to some snippets, Elin, Tigress-at-the-moment, was furious that Tiger refused to check into a rehab to get professional help for his sex addict.
This kind of news is nonsense.
First, who would be naive enough to believe the actual effectiveness of rehab? There are so many failure examples. Amy Winehouse and Pete Doherty are the most prominent duo. So many of the celebs simply treat rehab as hotel. The genuine purpose of entering a rehab is to save their public image, nothing more or less. In addition, I always suspect that rehab is a by-product of the legal system. We could see that checking into rehab could mitigate the sentence, for the sake of regret showboating.
Second, Elin was rumoured to be considering to file a divorce against Woods. Elin was reported to pursue half of Tiger's shares, as well as the custody of their children. If the rumour is true, then the case would be put into a family court. Would Elin get a better chance to win her case, if Tiger is substantiated as a unremorseful sex addict? The answer is crystal clear and thus, there is no way Elin would get angry for Tiger's refusal for medical advice.
By rejecting sex therapy, Tiger's indomitable spirit bolstered, to me.
This kind of news is nonsense.
First, who would be naive enough to believe the actual effectiveness of rehab? There are so many failure examples. Amy Winehouse and Pete Doherty are the most prominent duo. So many of the celebs simply treat rehab as hotel. The genuine purpose of entering a rehab is to save their public image, nothing more or less. In addition, I always suspect that rehab is a by-product of the legal system. We could see that checking into rehab could mitigate the sentence, for the sake of regret showboating.
Second, Elin was rumoured to be considering to file a divorce against Woods. Elin was reported to pursue half of Tiger's shares, as well as the custody of their children. If the rumour is true, then the case would be put into a family court. Would Elin get a better chance to win her case, if Tiger is substantiated as a unremorseful sex addict? The answer is crystal clear and thus, there is no way Elin would get angry for Tiger's refusal for medical advice.
By rejecting sex therapy, Tiger's indomitable spirit bolstered, to me.
2009年12月21日 星期一
舒國治 - 20091221
上星期在家撿些舊書看，隨手選了舒國治的《門外漢的京都》。翻了兩頁，沒啥印象；妹曰：「書是你買的？」心中嘀咕：「不是凡京都的都是你買的嗎？」最後沒有定案。
文字有些古樸，心中暗喜，後到城大借了舒國治的《台北小吃札記》、《理想的下午 : 關於旅行也關於晃蕩》及《臺灣重遊》。一口氣在一星期內看完。皆甚好，只比陳雲的略多丁點雜質。
在《台北小吃札記》裡，舒國治提倡以「目測法」選食店。「目測法」者，觀其店東面目，察其店舖氛圍，眼順則可靠。此外，食物選擇愈少，品質愈可信賴。很是認同。一般而言，食店歷史愈久，食物愈扎實。廣成便是一例。看餐桌久經擦拭，鐵桌邊原有光芒稜角，漸變成現有暗啞圓鈍。經千錘百鍊的幾項食品，如牛肉通粉、蛋治，雖是簡單，你有幾何在別店吃得稱心？如牛肉沒醃成腐肉，蛋沒煎成死熟者，沒有一、二。
且看台北小吃之多之精奇，非香港能望其項背。無他，如胡椒餅者，誰個店家能造炭火烤爐烹之？即是有心，食環署的官僚也叫你心死。再者，香港吸血鬼地主們也不容忍蠅頭小利之生意。所以，看書所滋生之口水也只好硬吞下肚。
舒國治也是一奇漢子。台灣人，而立之年後始到美國流浪，一去七載。繼而返台。沒有朝九晚五正職，途說每年賺夠二萬美元生活費便全職過生活。由是觀之，台灣之包容及變化較香港大。人在香港，如效舒國治，會被受冷笑指責，如不事生產，對社會沒貢獻云云。面子尤關，誰個能笑對「寄生蟲」污名？
文字有些古樸，心中暗喜，後到城大借了舒國治的《台北小吃札記》、《理想的下午 : 關於旅行也關於晃蕩》及《臺灣重遊》。一口氣在一星期內看完。皆甚好，只比陳雲的略多丁點雜質。
在《台北小吃札記》裡，舒國治提倡以「目測法」選食店。「目測法」者，觀其店東面目，察其店舖氛圍，眼順則可靠。此外，食物選擇愈少，品質愈可信賴。很是認同。一般而言，食店歷史愈久，食物愈扎實。廣成便是一例。看餐桌久經擦拭，鐵桌邊原有光芒稜角，漸變成現有暗啞圓鈍。經千錘百鍊的幾項食品，如牛肉通粉、蛋治，雖是簡單，你有幾何在別店吃得稱心？如牛肉沒醃成腐肉，蛋沒煎成死熟者，沒有一、二。
且看台北小吃之多之精奇，非香港能望其項背。無他，如胡椒餅者，誰個店家能造炭火烤爐烹之？即是有心，食環署的官僚也叫你心死。再者，香港吸血鬼地主們也不容忍蠅頭小利之生意。所以，看書所滋生之口水也只好硬吞下肚。
舒國治也是一奇漢子。台灣人，而立之年後始到美國流浪，一去七載。繼而返台。沒有朝九晚五正職，途說每年賺夠二萬美元生活費便全職過生活。由是觀之，台灣之包容及變化較香港大。人在香港，如效舒國治，會被受冷笑指責，如不事生產，對社會沒貢獻云云。面子尤關，誰個能笑對「寄生蟲」污名？
2009年12月20日 星期日
Even a Win - 20091220
Mark Hughes was sacked as the manager of football club Manchester City, after their 4-3 victory against Sunderland. Roberto Mancini replaces Hughes' hot seat.
Nowadays, football managers are comparatively young. Most of them are previously footballers, Hughes is one of those. Unfortunately, among these pre-matured footballer-turn-managers, very few could be described as successful. Maybe Josep Guardiola is one of the exceptions.
Hughes skill to manage a big squad has never been proved. Before joining Manchester City, Hughes had a short successful stint in Blackburn Rovers, a medium-size team. However, managing a big team is a different animal.
The ability to tame different talents is the key. Taking Manchester City as an example. This rich team, has signed so many expensive stars in so short a period of time. Adebayor, Bellamy, Tevez, Robinho . . . none of them could be described as of easy character. Hughes strength is dubious.
Given no spectacular track record as a manager to back himself up, and never a superstar himself as a football player, Hughes fate is more or less like Kevin Keegan, or even worse.
Nowadays, football managers are comparatively young. Most of them are previously footballers, Hughes is one of those. Unfortunately, among these pre-matured footballer-turn-managers, very few could be described as successful. Maybe Josep Guardiola is one of the exceptions.
Hughes skill to manage a big squad has never been proved. Before joining Manchester City, Hughes had a short successful stint in Blackburn Rovers, a medium-size team. However, managing a big team is a different animal.
The ability to tame different talents is the key. Taking Manchester City as an example. This rich team, has signed so many expensive stars in so short a period of time. Adebayor, Bellamy, Tevez, Robinho . . . none of them could be described as of easy character. Hughes strength is dubious.
Given no spectacular track record as a manager to back himself up, and never a superstar himself as a football player, Hughes fate is more or less like Kevin Keegan, or even worse.
2009年12月18日 星期五
準老師 - 20091218
報載，教育學院學生於聖誕派對大玩不文遊戲。男生以雙腳夾緊紙包飲品，揤出飲料；女生口叼紙杯，接收「貨物」。如常地，事情經facebook與大眾分享。一位教育界人士坦言相關遊戲過火，質疑這批學生將來是否仍有資格為人師表。
當然，這些遊戲惡俗依舊。只是，如此無傷大雅的事情，又是否值得在港聞版A2報導？
年少輕狂，是想當然的事情。廿歲男女，情慾旺盛，在聖誕佳節扭作一團，合情合理。現今社會，文化普遍低落，就是準教師，難道你要他們在聖誕派對吟詩作對，文化沙龍？沒可能吧。那鳥東西某某，孔子上身，就這些無聊遊戲，無限上綱，以「道德」與教學資格掛勾，實在噁心。難道要完人才能為人師表？那麼，以炒股賭馬為樂的老師，又是否要人間蒸發？
評訂老師資格，縱看知識，橫看質素。課餘活動，只要合法，干卿鳥事？
當然，這些遊戲惡俗依舊。只是，如此無傷大雅的事情，又是否值得在港聞版A2報導？
年少輕狂，是想當然的事情。廿歲男女，情慾旺盛，在聖誕佳節扭作一團，合情合理。現今社會，文化普遍低落，就是準教師，難道你要他們在聖誕派對吟詩作對，文化沙龍？沒可能吧。那鳥東西某某，孔子上身，就這些無聊遊戲，無限上綱，以「道德」與教學資格掛勾，實在噁心。難道要完人才能為人師表？那麼，以炒股賭馬為樂的老師，又是否要人間蒸發？
評訂老師資格，縱看知識，橫看質素。課餘活動，只要合法，干卿鳥事？
2009年12月17日 星期四
10 Changes - 20091217
Mick McCarthy, manager of Wolverhampton Wanderers, was under fierce criticism, for the decision of using 10 reserves as starters in yesterday's game against Manchester United. Eventually, Wanderers lost 3-0.
Among the jeers, Arsene Wenger made one of the loudest noise. Wenger said they are now competing Red Devils with 37 games instead of 38 this season. The Gunners got a 1-1 draw with Burnley. Wenger argued that McCarthy did not act "in good faith" for the club.
McCarthy's decision is not without ground. As a team with resources too limited, Wanderers' ultimate aim is to fight for a seat to stay in the Premier League. The schedule of competition is so packed that, 3 games are to be completed in a week. With a win against Tottenham on the first game, and the third game to be held on this Sunday with Burnley, a team in the same class with Wolves, McCarthy decided to focus on that game, and virtually hoisted white flag against Man U.
I do not see Wenger's argument stands. Simply speaking, he put his boys as starters in the League Cup. Could he be described as acting in bad faith? No. Simple economics concept: everything is scarce, every decision has opportunity cost. By grouping the best 11 to fight against Burnley and avoid the Don Quixotic hope of beating Red Devils, McCarthy is acting in the best faith for his employer.
Let see the result after this weekend.
2009年12月16日 星期三
狗米 - 20091216
友人家經營的雜貨店即將易手。言談間，得知原來有種米喚「狗米」。
狗米者，粗糙也，香味遜也。貨源中國，因質次味寡，是故客人買之以餵狗，久而久之，渾號約定俗成。
得悉狗米一物，當下莞爾。心思有三：其一者，原來家犬，除了剩菜骨頭，還吃狗米。要服侍「忠實朋友」，實費功夫。香港地，人甚求其，一般打工仔女，下班回家，大多出外用膳。為了愛犬，原來「無飯夫妻」還會買狗米，炊狗飯，狗兒也真箇幸福。其二者，狗米替代物極多極便，環保者選殘羹，一般懶人選狗餅。就是狗餅，也豐儉由人。高鈣低脂，各適其色。因此，超重肥狗，一街也是。卻原來，麻煩狗米還有市場。其三者，狗米實合現代人脾胃。看官都市人，著重健康者日多，為了高纖，偶吃紅米大有人在。紅米者，本賤價物，披上高纖外衣後，升價十倍。廉價狗米，大可有樣學樣，如再改個好名字，例如「久米」，即吃了命可更長久者，一登龍門，近在咫尺。
罷了。饞嘴輩如我，若為健康，迫嚼那些硬東西，如紅米狗米者，未瘦牙齒也先磨掉了。再者，高纖食物，選擇大把，何若如此作賤自己？因此，硬東西還是留給畜生吧。
狗米者，粗糙也，香味遜也。貨源中國，因質次味寡，是故客人買之以餵狗，久而久之，渾號約定俗成。
得悉狗米一物，當下莞爾。心思有三：其一者，原來家犬，除了剩菜骨頭，還吃狗米。要服侍「忠實朋友」，實費功夫。香港地，人甚求其，一般打工仔女，下班回家，大多出外用膳。為了愛犬，原來「無飯夫妻」還會買狗米，炊狗飯，狗兒也真箇幸福。其二者，狗米替代物極多極便，環保者選殘羹，一般懶人選狗餅。就是狗餅，也豐儉由人。高鈣低脂，各適其色。因此，超重肥狗，一街也是。卻原來，麻煩狗米還有市場。其三者，狗米實合現代人脾胃。看官都市人，著重健康者日多，為了高纖，偶吃紅米大有人在。紅米者，本賤價物，披上高纖外衣後，升價十倍。廉價狗米，大可有樣學樣，如再改個好名字，例如「久米」，即吃了命可更長久者，一登龍門，近在咫尺。
罷了。饞嘴輩如我，若為健康，迫嚼那些硬東西，如紅米狗米者，未瘦牙齒也先磨掉了。再者，高纖食物，選擇大把，何若如此作賤自己？因此，硬東西還是留給畜生吧。
2009年12月14日 星期一
Silvio Berlusconi - 20091214
Silvio Berlusconi, the 73-year-old Italian prime minister, and owner of the football club AC Milan, was assaulted by a 42-year-old man with a record of mental illness. The attacker threw a statuette towards Mr Berlusconi's face, resulted in a broken nose, as well as two knocked-off teeth.
This piece of news was amusing. I believe most of the people would not feel sorry for the notorious Berlusconi, given that the old man is prone to crime. Outrageously admitted a series of extra-marritial affairs, together with endless rumours on bribery, the Divinity finally casted the punishment on the Italian PM, through that little statue. Mrs Berlusconi should be happy.
This old guy is always loathsome. Even in his 70's, Mr Berlusconi is still trying to be a dandy. With that overtly dyed thin hair, always fixed with gel, and the skin as puckered as a turkey, he is an overdone old chap. However, Mr Berlusconi's testosterone level is still so high that, not only as lewd as ever, he is always obsessed with power. His PM seat, somehow overturned at some time, was regained by some dubious means. This calculating old stuff, could still walked out of his car to show off his blood after the attack, knows how to play trick with the mass. To me, he is more a disgusting dilettante.
Regarding the attack, in the sense of conspiracy theory, it could be an organized one. The controversial Berlusconi is never lack of enemies. So, if someone who could arrange some insane to make out the plan, their legal liability could easily be exempted. The attacker, because of insanity, could never have the mens rea to substantiate the charge, and may be sent back to the psychic clinic. In addition, nobody would treat any words from the insane as serious and thus, the real planner is quite save, too.
This piece of news was amusing. I believe most of the people would not feel sorry for the notorious Berlusconi, given that the old man is prone to crime. Outrageously admitted a series of extra-marritial affairs, together with endless rumours on bribery, the Divinity finally casted the punishment on the Italian PM, through that little statue. Mrs Berlusconi should be happy.
This old guy is always loathsome. Even in his 70's, Mr Berlusconi is still trying to be a dandy. With that overtly dyed thin hair, always fixed with gel, and the skin as puckered as a turkey, he is an overdone old chap. However, Mr Berlusconi's testosterone level is still so high that, not only as lewd as ever, he is always obsessed with power. His PM seat, somehow overturned at some time, was regained by some dubious means. This calculating old stuff, could still walked out of his car to show off his blood after the attack, knows how to play trick with the mass. To me, he is more a disgusting dilettante.
Regarding the attack, in the sense of conspiracy theory, it could be an organized one. The controversial Berlusconi is never lack of enemies. So, if someone who could arrange some insane to make out the plan, their legal liability could easily be exempted. The attacker, because of insanity, could never have the mens rea to substantiate the charge, and may be sent back to the psychic clinic. In addition, nobody would treat any words from the insane as serious and thus, the real planner is quite save, too.
2009年12月13日 星期日
波係圓架！ - 20091213
昨天，香港足球隊奇蹟地奪得東亞運金牌；同晚，阿士東維拉一搔廿七年之癢，作客奧脫福擊敗曼聯。
港隊於奪金路上，先後戰勝南韓、朝鮮，最後於決賽打跨日本，絕對實至名歸。美中不足是於小組賽敗於「最討厭的球隊」中國腳下。儘管沒有場場追看，靠於圓方內的百老匯電視前所觀看的大半小時所感，一眾港男確是充滿拚勁，令人耳目一新。 不知和聘用南韓教頭金判坤有否關係？而港隊於分組賽曾以四比一大破南韓，未知金教頭生命又會否受威脅？
足球有它獨有的魔力。說也奇怪，在圓方這麼高檔次的商場內，竟然有過百人駐足百老匯電視屏幕前，肉緊的追看一場技術平庸的足球決賽。在那堆「即興觀眾」中，男人固然多，女人亦不少，連西人也有一、兩個。在比賽中，女人的尖叫次數遠比男人多。到了射十二碼，不論男女，心情都一樣：香港射失，噢！日本射門被救，yeah！到了香港的最後一輪，左腳仔把球冷靜的射進龍門的右方，連鬼佬也一起「yes」了！
一個足球，廿二球員，創造傳奇一刻；一部電視，上百觀眾，剎那心思一樣。
港隊於奪金路上，先後戰勝南韓、朝鮮，最後於決賽打跨日本，絕對實至名歸。美中不足是於小組賽敗於「最討厭的球隊」中國腳下。儘管沒有場場追看，靠於圓方內的百老匯電視前所觀看的大半小時所感，一眾港男確是充滿拚勁，令人耳目一新。 不知和聘用南韓教頭金判坤有否關係？而港隊於分組賽曾以四比一大破南韓，未知金教頭生命又會否受威脅？
足球有它獨有的魔力。說也奇怪，在圓方這麼高檔次的商場內，竟然有過百人駐足百老匯電視屏幕前，肉緊的追看一場技術平庸的足球決賽。在那堆「即興觀眾」中，男人固然多，女人亦不少，連西人也有一、兩個。在比賽中，女人的尖叫次數遠比男人多。到了射十二碼，不論男女，心情都一樣：香港射失，噢！日本射門被救，yeah！到了香港的最後一輪，左腳仔把球冷靜的射進龍門的右方，連鬼佬也一起「yes」了！
一個足球，廿二球員，創造傳奇一刻；一部電視，上百觀眾，剎那心思一樣。
2009年12月11日 星期五
Use of Land - 20091211
Today I attended a hearing in the Small Claims Tribunal. While waiting for my case to be called, another case was amusing enough to be recorded down.
The claimant was the owner of an apartment, whilst the defendant was the administration office of that estate. The claimant had parked his car in a lot, inside the estate, which he subsequently discovered was an official land. For the time being, the claimant continuously paid parking fee to the administration office until he found out the ownership of that plot of land. The claimant sued for the recovery of the parking fee spent.
Since the case was adjourned before the default judgment of mine had been obtained, its result was unknown. However, the claim was a good shot.
Laymen would presume that all the land inside an estate would be administered by the related estate developer. Nevertheless, if people have some knowledge to land law, they would realize that different pieces of land would be subjected to different restriction of use, say public open area have to be reserved in a private estate.
Turn back to the case I've heard. The administration office later posted "No Parking" notice in that parking lot. This notice could serve nothing but ridicule. The owner of this place was the government, and any action could only be taken by officials, and nobody else.
The claimant was the owner of an apartment, whilst the defendant was the administration office of that estate. The claimant had parked his car in a lot, inside the estate, which he subsequently discovered was an official land. For the time being, the claimant continuously paid parking fee to the administration office until he found out the ownership of that plot of land. The claimant sued for the recovery of the parking fee spent.
Since the case was adjourned before the default judgment of mine had been obtained, its result was unknown. However, the claim was a good shot.
Laymen would presume that all the land inside an estate would be administered by the related estate developer. Nevertheless, if people have some knowledge to land law, they would realize that different pieces of land would be subjected to different restriction of use, say public open area have to be reserved in a private estate.
Turn back to the case I've heard. The administration office later posted "No Parking" notice in that parking lot. This notice could serve nothing but ridicule. The owner of this place was the government, and any action could only be taken by officials, and nobody else.
2009年12月10日 星期四
骨灰龕 - 20091210
這陣子，私營骨灰龕堂的合法性鬧得熱烘烘，討論饒有趣味，眾生相收盡眼簾。
最討厭當然是立法會議員的咀面。民主黨李華明，在立法會辯論其間，說這麼多私營龕堂政府也不規管，說不過去。真好笑，租一個小格子也要規管？人家買賣雙方也未哼半句，一直相安無事。好了，為爭見報，又苦無驚人觀點，李議員便使出絕招 - - - 賴政府。其實，這些簡單合約法問題，有千百渠道處理，如法庭、消委會、甚至仲裁等，何須政府插手？
最精明是龕堂商人。他們挑戰法律灰色地帶，就公眾衛生及市政條例第一一八條「人類遺骸」的定義鑽營。法例列明，在「非墳場的地方」埋葬「人類遺骸」，即屬犯法。甚麼是「人類遺骸」？骨頭，是；殘肢，是；那麼，骨灰也是嗎？要看法庭對法例的闡釋了。當然，立法會議員那麼大義凜然，也可以提案修例，趕絕奸商。
http://www.legislation.gov.hk/blis_ind.nsf/76544F70F760CCBD482564840019D2F7/80B7A4EDE06D07C5482565720014B70F?OpenDocument
最有遠見還是鄧小平。著人把骨灰撒入大海，好處多不勝數。一來避免日後遭人鞭屍，二來不用為龕堂合法性憂心，三來骨灰也可滋養海洋。儘管後人在春秋二祭時，可能因欠缺供奉實體而若有所失；但是，瑕不掩瑜，何況時間可沖淡一切呢。
最討厭當然是立法會議員的咀面。民主黨李華明，在立法會辯論其間，說這麼多私營龕堂政府也不規管，說不過去。真好笑，租一個小格子也要規管？人家買賣雙方也未哼半句，一直相安無事。好了，為爭見報，又苦無驚人觀點，李議員便使出絕招 - - - 賴政府。其實，這些簡單合約法問題，有千百渠道處理，如法庭、消委會、甚至仲裁等，何須政府插手？
最精明是龕堂商人。他們挑戰法律灰色地帶，就公眾衛生及市政條例第一一八條「人類遺骸」的定義鑽營。法例列明，在「非墳場的地方」埋葬「人類遺骸」，即屬犯法。甚麼是「人類遺骸」？骨頭，是；殘肢，是；那麼，骨灰也是嗎？要看法庭對法例的闡釋了。當然，立法會議員那麼大義凜然，也可以提案修例，趕絕奸商。
http://www.legislation.gov.hk/blis_ind.nsf/76544F70F760CCBD482564840019D2F7/80B7A4EDE06D07C5482565720014B70F?OpenDocument
最有遠見還是鄧小平。著人把骨灰撒入大海，好處多不勝數。一來避免日後遭人鞭屍，二來不用為龕堂合法性憂心，三來骨灰也可滋養海洋。儘管後人在春秋二祭時，可能因欠缺供奉實體而若有所失；但是，瑕不掩瑜，何況時間可沖淡一切呢。
2009年12月9日 星期三
Divine Punishment - 20091209
A caring officer, Ms Chan, worked for a caring home in Sheung Shui, was convicted of common assault. The crime was so hideous that, the defendant smeared faeces and smacked a 65-year-old patient who suffered from dementia.
The attitude of Ms Chan was outrageous. She categorically denied those allegations, supported by three witnesses. In addition, the defendant was depicted to be so rude that she would address any lodger as "PK". Regarding the witnesses statement, Ms Chan simply said it was fabrication.
Nevertheless, the soundbite of the case was uttered by the Magistrate, Mr Symon Wong. Mr Wong was obviously so abhorred by defendant's vice, and commented in his judgment that Ms Chan would be punished by the Divinity (必遭天譴).
Being the judge of a secular court, Mr Wong could let the justice be done by sticking to the rule of law. Given the maximum penalty of common assault is a one-year imprisonment, no matter how sentimentally disgusting the process of the crime be, Mr Wong could not override the law. Understanding the constraint he faced, Magistrate Wong might have his bad wishes against Ms Chan slipped out of his mouth, and turn to God inside a law court.
Get down to earth please.
The attitude of Ms Chan was outrageous. She categorically denied those allegations, supported by three witnesses. In addition, the defendant was depicted to be so rude that she would address any lodger as "PK". Regarding the witnesses statement, Ms Chan simply said it was fabrication.
Nevertheless, the soundbite of the case was uttered by the Magistrate, Mr Symon Wong. Mr Wong was obviously so abhorred by defendant's vice, and commented in his judgment that Ms Chan would be punished by the Divinity (必遭天譴).
Being the judge of a secular court, Mr Wong could let the justice be done by sticking to the rule of law. Given the maximum penalty of common assault is a one-year imprisonment, no matter how sentimentally disgusting the process of the crime be, Mr Wong could not override the law. Understanding the constraint he faced, Magistrate Wong might have his bad wishes against Ms Chan slipped out of his mouth, and turn to God inside a law court.
Get down to earth please.
2009年12月8日 星期二
濕地公園 - 20091208
這兩日，天色時陰時雨。幸虧上班，室外天氣是好是壞，也沒甚麼分別。回想星期日，在陽光燦爛的下午到濕地公園一遊，仍覺十分寫意。
其實，這次已經是第二次到濕地公園了。可是上一次到來，公園還未對外開放，我們只能在四周游走，最記得那個入口上方的斜草坪。所以，實則上，星期日是我第一次進入濕地公園遊覽。
成人入場費才三十元，便宜極了。買了票，步行至閘口，將票根插入卡槽，成功進入。濕地公園主要分成兩個部分：室內的小展館及戶外的公園。
先到公園。棄鱷貝貝，因緣際會，由山背河移居至濕地公園的獨立屋，山雞變鳳凰。可恨此蠢物不感恩，任憑遊人如何招引，牠故我依然，只懶洋洋的橫攤著晒太陽，動也不動。我們也不理牠，沿路慢步，觀賞花鳥蟲魚。可能香港不斷有太多的新景點，所以即使是星期天，人也不算太多。最奇怪是竟然看到一對新人在園內拍結婚照！可憐石屎森林，要找戶外場景拍照絕不容易。公園面積不算大，繞場一周需兩小時。園內東西一般美好：荷花、蟹仔、雀仔、樹 . . . 如果是天水圍居民，買一個annual pass，便可隨時隨地從水泥屋陣躲入陽光樹林了。
再行展館。劃分成餐廳、精品店及展覽廳。餐廳是大家樂，食品和外邊沒兩樣，環境卻是第一流。超高樓底，落地玻璃，環抱水天一色。價格縱是稍高，亦無大礙。精品店都是一般的毛娃娃貝貝、黑面琵鷺等，無甚看頭。至於展覽廳，主要在水族館部分徘徊。只是看到彈塗魚在把玩沙粒，吃完又吐，已經非常過癮了。行畢，離開公園，不需再次把入場卷插入卡槽，只消停在閘口，自動感應器便會「芝麻開門」了。
走出濕地公園，再走上斜草坪，又見到那對新人，另加一群姊妹。看見一標語，會心微笑，曰：請勿在草地野餐。心想，還能在那裡野餐？如此大片草地，如此開闊天空，不准野餐，也算是暴殄天物吧。
2009年12月7日 星期一
Life, Daunting - 20091207
Greg Oden, the NBA 1st draft in 2007, of Portland Trail Blazers, broke his left patella yesterday. Across the Atlantic Ocean, at the same time, Jimmy Bullard, the star of Hull City, injured his left knee badly, in the English Premier League game against Aston Villa.
Injury is a part of athletes life. However, Oden and Bullard are especially unfortunate. Both of them have just recovered from a serious one. When they thought that the plague was over, a new one was contracted.
Oden, with the enormous body, is expected to be providing the defence Portland yearns for. If a healthy Oden is playing on court, combining the attack provided by the All-star guard Brandon Roy, Portland could be a very dangerous team in the Western Conference of NBA. However, the realization of this dream has to be postponed for another year, subject to Oden's full recovery from the fracture.
Bullard's case was even more heartbreaking. A late-comer to the football world, Bullard raised to fame by showing his star quality in Fulham in his late 20's. Just returned from a 9-month injury, Bullard's exceptional performance helped turning Hull City in form. Before he sprained his knee, Bullard was just honoured the player of the month in November. Sadly, bad luck was casted again on the 31-year-old.
So, life is cruel. No matter how hard you fight against adversity, it could vanquish your tiny resistance, so effortlessly.
Injury is a part of athletes life. However, Oden and Bullard are especially unfortunate. Both of them have just recovered from a serious one. When they thought that the plague was over, a new one was contracted.
Oden, with the enormous body, is expected to be providing the defence Portland yearns for. If a healthy Oden is playing on court, combining the attack provided by the All-star guard Brandon Roy, Portland could be a very dangerous team in the Western Conference of NBA. However, the realization of this dream has to be postponed for another year, subject to Oden's full recovery from the fracture.
Bullard's case was even more heartbreaking. A late-comer to the football world, Bullard raised to fame by showing his star quality in Fulham in his late 20's. Just returned from a 9-month injury, Bullard's exceptional performance helped turning Hull City in form. Before he sprained his knee, Bullard was just honoured the player of the month in November. Sadly, bad luck was casted again on the 31-year-old.
So, life is cruel. No matter how hard you fight against adversity, it could vanquish your tiny resistance, so effortlessly.
2009年12月6日 星期日
東亞運 - 20091206
東亞運動會於昨晚正式開幕。吊詭地，有部分賽事於更早時間已經展開，香港亦已奪兩面金牌。
從來不會祈望香港能搞一個有創意的運動會。不過，辦一個暢順的東亞運，香港總不會令人失望吧？可惜，暫時所見，事與願違。
首先，賽事之初，賣票安排實貽笑大方。要觀賞比賽，觀眾竟然不能在場地現場買票！一個低級官員「解釋」，如在新伊館看比賽，到通利琴行買入場卷也只是箭步之遙，不會造成不便云云。真搞笑，東亞運好醜也是區域賽事，日本南韓大陸人鬼知甚麼是城市電腦售票網？就算上水師奶，要摸到新伊館已不是易事，還要「遺返」她到通利？太不近人情了吧。經傳媒口誅筆伐，政府才從善如流，安排現場賣票。
此外，閒日比賽高掛著「貴賓席」標籤的空櫈觸目皆是。記者訪問入場觀眾感想，市民稱，「貴賓席」空櫈佔據最有利位置；而她們購票所得位置太差太遠，根本看不出甚麼鳥來。官僚主義越發根深柢固，市民大眾更見疏離。其實，籌辦這個甚麼鬼東亞運的資金便是公帑，貴賓不是普羅大眾還有誰？
還雄心壯志的說要搞亞運，不要開玩笑了。
從來不會祈望香港能搞一個有創意的運動會。不過，辦一個暢順的東亞運，香港總不會令人失望吧？可惜，暫時所見，事與願違。
首先，賽事之初，賣票安排實貽笑大方。要觀賞比賽，觀眾竟然不能在場地現場買票！一個低級官員「解釋」，如在新伊館看比賽，到通利琴行買入場卷也只是箭步之遙，不會造成不便云云。真搞笑，東亞運好醜也是區域賽事，日本南韓大陸人鬼知甚麼是城市電腦售票網？就算上水師奶，要摸到新伊館已不是易事，還要「遺返」她到通利？太不近人情了吧。經傳媒口誅筆伐，政府才從善如流，安排現場賣票。
此外，閒日比賽高掛著「貴賓席」標籤的空櫈觸目皆是。記者訪問入場觀眾感想，市民稱，「貴賓席」空櫈佔據最有利位置；而她們購票所得位置太差太遠，根本看不出甚麼鳥來。官僚主義越發根深柢固，市民大眾更見疏離。其實，籌辦這個甚麼鬼東亞運的資金便是公帑，貴賓不是普羅大眾還有誰？
還雄心壯志的說要搞亞運，不要開玩笑了。
2009年12月4日 星期五
Minaret Ban - 20091204
Switzerland had recently conducted a referendum on the prohibition of constructing minaret, a symbol of Muslim architecture. Unexpectedly, the ban was approved, with about 58% voters went for it.
The plaque of Islamophobia is so wide-spread around the world. Even Switzerland, carrying the symbol of neutrality all along, could not be exempted. According to perception, all the stuff in Switzerland is healthy. Federer, Rolex, Alps etc. Switzerland is always immaculate and well-liked. However, the referendum pricked the bubble. The signal of hatred has been handed down.
Democracy is surely not without deficiency. Historically, democracy has been utilized by the autocratic regimes for control and censorship, quite often. Most prominently, the cleansing of Jews under the Nazi Germany was permitted by the public. Even in our everyday life, the machine of democracy has been operated along the officialdom. The eradication of keeping backyard poultry after SARS in Hong Kong is an example.
To fulfill democracy in the genuine sense, tolerance is the key. For every decision to be made by balloting, the sufferance of minority is predetermined. Thus, to minimize the polarization resulted in any decision to be made, paradoxically, the fewer issues on the agenda, the lesser the acrimony.
Sadly, even Switzerland is now against tolerance and go for legislation, the freedom we could enjoy dwindles.
2009年12月3日 星期四
現形 - 20091203
老虎活士早前於零晨時份，在住所附近慢速「炒車」。事後，活士被抖出浪接浪的緋聞。
貴為高球壇，甚至整個體育界最炙手可熱的人馬，昔日老虎的新聞，除了高球，便是高球。他的私生活極度低調，平常絕不會在娛樂版看到他的影子。於是，大家也希冀老虎的一切也和他的球技一樣高，譬如道德。
可惜，老虎終於現形了。他的婚外情對象，至今為止，不是「名媛」，便是侍應。這顯示，老虎，和北伐港男一樣，也只是一頭飢不擇食的野獸罷了。從照片看，她們都是一些極庸俗的女子；此外，那些「情慾短訊」，內容也異常粗鄙，甚麼令你虛脫的。樂觀想，老虎也只是貫徹他對女人的口味吧 - - - 平民化。「老虎乸」依蓮未嫁前，只是一個保母。
真可惜，王廸絲的名言又應驗了：「十個男人九個嫖，仲有一個在動搖！」。
貴為高球壇，甚至整個體育界最炙手可熱的人馬，昔日老虎的新聞，除了高球，便是高球。他的私生活極度低調，平常絕不會在娛樂版看到他的影子。於是，大家也希冀老虎的一切也和他的球技一樣高，譬如道德。
可惜，老虎終於現形了。他的婚外情對象，至今為止，不是「名媛」，便是侍應。這顯示，老虎，和北伐港男一樣，也只是一頭飢不擇食的野獸罷了。從照片看，她們都是一些極庸俗的女子；此外，那些「情慾短訊」，內容也異常粗鄙，甚麼令你虛脫的。樂觀想，老虎也只是貫徹他對女人的口味吧 - - - 平民化。「老虎乸」依蓮未嫁前，只是一個保母。
真可惜，王廸絲的名言又應驗了：「十個男人九個嫖，仲有一個在動搖！」。
2009年12月2日 星期三
Stay or Depart? - 20091202
Doctor Gao (高耀潔) introduced her new book《血災：10000封信》 in US instead of China. By keeping the numerous catastrophic precedents in mind, like 譚作人's investigation of the Sichan Earthquake, doctor Gao's decision could not be described as inexpedient.
Chinese intellectuals are always pathetic. Except some of the very special time, say 春秋戰國 and 魏晉南北朝, the element of "independency" could hardly be discovered in their blood. Intellectuals are usually annexed to the aristocracy. Thus, if you are not working for those holding the power, distinctive sufferance will be followed. As we can see, two of the just pass-away giants, 楊憲益 and 王世襄, were tormented badly during the cultural revolution.
Thus, as doctor Gao insisted that the figure of AIDS patients should be well beyond the official-uttered 740,000, she was challenging her mother nation. If she did not depart for US, the label of subversion would have been casted on her. The efficient legal system of China would hand down and execute any judgment they like, by defying all overseas protest.
By renouncing the devil, doctor Gao made the right decision. To raise the genuine concern of AIDS patients in China to the world, in the expenses of her own, doctor Gao is the real hero and patriot. She deserves the Noble peace prize than the present laureate, so much more.
Chinese intellectuals are always pathetic. Except some of the very special time, say 春秋戰國 and 魏晉南北朝, the element of "independency" could hardly be discovered in their blood. Intellectuals are usually annexed to the aristocracy. Thus, if you are not working for those holding the power, distinctive sufferance will be followed. As we can see, two of the just pass-away giants, 楊憲益 and 王世襄, were tormented badly during the cultural revolution.
Thus, as doctor Gao insisted that the figure of AIDS patients should be well beyond the official-uttered 740,000, she was challenging her mother nation. If she did not depart for US, the label of subversion would have been casted on her. The efficient legal system of China would hand down and execute any judgment they like, by defying all overseas protest.
By renouncing the devil, doctor Gao made the right decision. To raise the genuine concern of AIDS patients in China to the world, in the expenses of her own, doctor Gao is the real hero and patriot. She deserves the Noble peace prize than the present laureate, so much more.
2009年12月1日 星期二
龍門酒樓 - 20091201
龍門酒樓，生於一九四九年，卒於二零零九年，活了一整個甲子。今起，傳統食店，又少一家。
位處鬧市灣仔莊士敦道，比鄰修頓球場，人聲頂沸。曾於附近供職，常於午膳時間往來龍門左右，惜過其門不入也。今以四億二千萬圓出售全棟物業，實非經營酒家微利可比。再者，春蛋燒賣、大包等賤物，背負高膽固醇及脂肪之污名，俗人敬而遠之。尤有甚之，此等下欄貨色，製作繁複，如金錢雞者，實以冰糖醃肥豬肉，待以一、兩天，繼而與枚頭及雞肝串起，以炭火烤熟。試問有誰個傻蛋會花此等時間烹之？既缺鍾期，也乏易牙。
反而，龍門的兄弟龍鳳茶樓，小時偶有光顧。座落旺角山東街，佔地數層。富裕人家往「茶王廳」，我家當到普通大廳。老婦推著點心車四處兜售，皆為傳統食品，舉目不見如炸多春魚等邪物。咸點如蝦餃雞札，甜點如白糖糕芝麻糕，條理分明，星羅棋布。那時，最覺新奇是茶水奉之以焗盅，以盅蓋刮走泡沫，想是令茶更滑。實效不明，惟此舉引發之觸感、以致聲音，不復見矣。可恨龍鳳比龍門消失更早，而我家到旺角飲茶之習亦一去不返。
於點心紙風行之今天，懷舊也只好「想」當年矣。難道要待官辦的甚麼鬼古物古蹟甚麼署去把歷史殘喘苟延下去嗎？
位處鬧市灣仔莊士敦道，比鄰修頓球場，人聲頂沸。曾於附近供職，常於午膳時間往來龍門左右，惜過其門不入也。今以四億二千萬圓出售全棟物業，實非經營酒家微利可比。再者，春蛋燒賣、大包等賤物，背負高膽固醇及脂肪之污名，俗人敬而遠之。尤有甚之，此等下欄貨色，製作繁複，如金錢雞者，實以冰糖醃肥豬肉，待以一、兩天，繼而與枚頭及雞肝串起，以炭火烤熟。試問有誰個傻蛋會花此等時間烹之？既缺鍾期，也乏易牙。
反而，龍門的兄弟龍鳳茶樓，小時偶有光顧。座落旺角山東街，佔地數層。富裕人家往「茶王廳」，我家當到普通大廳。老婦推著點心車四處兜售，皆為傳統食品，舉目不見如炸多春魚等邪物。咸點如蝦餃雞札，甜點如白糖糕芝麻糕，條理分明，星羅棋布。那時，最覺新奇是茶水奉之以焗盅，以盅蓋刮走泡沫，想是令茶更滑。實效不明，惟此舉引發之觸感、以致聲音，不復見矣。可恨龍鳳比龍門消失更早，而我家到旺角飲茶之習亦一去不返。
於點心紙風行之今天，懷舊也只好「想」當年矣。難道要待官辦的甚麼鬼古物古蹟甚麼署去把歷史殘喘苟延下去嗎？
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