Every office is busy on holding Christmas Party.
As a reasonable participant, you do not expect for anything more than food and drink. Some lucky guys would get prizes, they are nevertheless the minority. No matter the privileged ones or the rest, they tend to have the same afterthought. Complain. All the people would have the united comment on the lousy food. The one who gets the gift would jeer at its uselessness. Anyway, who is short of hand cream?
Christmas is now such a universal festival that even pagans are so fond of. We like exchanging gifts with friends. We like devouring sumptuous food with beloved ones. Gain seems to be destined. However, even the Pope reminded us that, there are many things beyond "consumerism" in the Yuletide.
What is the main theme of Christmas? While we are skimming those electronic Christmas cards, it would be nice to have a second thought on the word "grace" before we delete them. Take Christmas party as an example. Not to mention how routine it is, some people must be there to make it happen. Most of them are assigned, they have their own business to take care of. So, it would be gracious to appreciate what they have done, on top of the mundane stuff that all of us have to deal with.
Or the complainants just stand out and arrange a wonderful party for us next time, no?
2011年12月28日 星期三
2011年12月21日 星期三
台中遊 - 20111219
十二月十日至十三日，一行六人，到台中旅遊四天。天氣先苦後甜，好壞參半。出奇地，整個旅程也算愉快。
十二月十日(星期六) - 清涼、微雨
由香港乘長榮航空飛機先抵台北，再轉搭接駁巴士到台中。上午十時起飛，下午兩時三十分到。何不直飛台中？緣因航班疏落，時間不佳也。
到酒店check-in。雖是剛翻新，看看格局，便知此酒店的正業是「爆房專用」。房間小，雙人床更小；沒有衣櫃，只有掛鉤數棵，另送安全套一個。也罷，至少肉眼看也算乾淨。到街上胡亂吃了碗牛肉麵，再隨便吃些甜點，然後依照我們「導遊」的指示，到彩虹村一遊。是次行程，由R一手策劃，固戲謔之「導遊」。彩虹村很細，只有寥落數戶。屋子牆身、行人道滿佈繪畫。畫技雖稚嫩，有點似曾灶財墨寶，難保不登龍門。搞這麼多花臣，彩虹村可以成功保留了，不似對岸菜園村。
後到逢甲夜市。有一小插曲。話說，我們從彩虹村走出來，想乘巴士往夜市。豈料附近交通疏落，不見巴士站。後到便利店，誤打誤撞下得知，原來便利店有電召的士服務，也是幸運。到逢甲夜市，真體驗到「遊人如鯽」之況。可幸天氣涼，否則大熱天時，濕肩不斷的摩擦著臭汗，剎是嘔心。買的東西老土；小吃雖多，沒留下深刻印象。夜市還是師大的好。
之後到「春水堂」飲珍珠奶茶。此店號稱珍珠奶茶鼻祖。食品可以，店子裝修靚。那些實木中式傢俱，佈滿三層樓，本也。
十二月十一日(星期日) - 凍、雨
早上，到「爆房酒店」附近小店吃過普通早餐後，乘的士到清境。Check-out時，看到賓藉男女鬼祟check-in三小時，那麼早便要？一路上，下著微雨，也有少許擔憂。山路是否崎嶇？也是可以。
山上有不少酒店。都是一些模仿歐洲建築的屋子，就算再漂亮，造價再高昂，也只是「世界之窗」，沒有靈魂。例如有一間叫「老英格蘭」的，側聞建築費上十億台幣。我們嘗試到那裏吃下午茶，可是服務時間已過。服務生態度一流，儘管我們不能幫襯，還熱心的為我們召車。從門外看，裝潢華麗，氣派非凡。可惜，「世界之窗」就是「世界之窗」。
整天下著雨，天色欠晴。所以，清境之美，也只能夠想像。我們到過一間紙品主題店；「小瑞士花園」則過其門而不入。在附近的小廣場，吃過小店的「大腸包小腸」，喝過7-11的綠茶latte，都美味。尤其後者，為何香港的便利店沒有類似東西呢？小廣場內，有二個賽德克族人作音樂表演，玩結他的技藝極嫻熟，玩鼓的低調。每完一曲，拍掌者小貓三兩，大家忙購物吧？後到「青青農場」，雨不斷洒，地斜路滑，除了見到一堆堆的羊及一顆顆圓粒羊糞外，乏善可陳。
因「老英格蘭」關門，輾轉間，我們返回酒店附近的小店吃午餐，時間已近五時。普通小吃，但肌腸轆轆，濕濕凍凍，暖燙腸胃便好。
晚上往浸溫泉。濕寒了一整天後，泡一個熱騰騰的浴，最是舒暢。吃一頓便飯，回酒店休息。此酒店是一間小木屋，我們一行六人，攤分三張睡床，共臥一室，突兀在所難免。不過，眼皮沉重，就算鄰床鼻鼾大作，影響也有限。
十二月十二日(星期一) - 暖、時晴時雨
早上在酒店吃一般早餐。「導遊」訂了車，到埔里及日月潭遊玩。
司機姓林，是一個五十多歲的男子。他著我們喚他叔叔。林叔叔非常健談好玩。除了在車上為我們介紹不同景點外，林叔叔還訴說自己的身世，及調侃自己老婆。林叔叔是嘉義人，當兵三年，是陸軍特種步隊成員。退役後，到台中打工，在百貨公司化妝專櫃邂逅林太。林叔叔非常著重整潔。一身西裝背心，結緊領帶，一絲不苟。下山路段泥濘滿佈，下山後，林叔叔立即到加油站沖洗車子。可以看到，軍紀一直影響著林叔叔。
「導遊」安排我們先到一巧克力店參觀。抵店前，林叔叔叮囑我們不要買太多東西，因為價錢不低。都依他的，我只喝了一杯免費咖啡。稍後，到埔里酒廠參觀。酒廠歷史悠久，由日治時期，經過戒嚴國營階段，走到現在面向市場競爭，艱難也。在酒廠的展覽館內，看到人手填寫的記事本，字體工整有力，非我輩電腦輸入者可比。
林叔叔領我們到附近一地道餐廳吃午餐。那些魯肉飯、米粉、菊花肉……真是古早美味！這店光顧的都是本地人，食物價錢平到笑。再想想香港的客導遊，甚麼阿珍，唉。
午膳畢，到日月潭。天氣轉好，既暖且有日照。日月潭真漂亮。四周山巒高低起伏，崇山峻嶺披掛著一襲白色輕紗，份外瀟洒。潭中央有一小島，面積因地震愈變愈小，下次到訪，未知能否復見？
買船票四處遊玩。到玄光寺。大陸遊客極多。他們登陸台灣後，就是要圍堵她。在佛門清靜地，一般插隊的、喧嘩的，比比皆是。有一刁民，手指夾煙，濃痰張口便往地吐，討厭極了。回到登船起點，上廁所，發現尿兜上方有不同的箴言，黑格爾的、尼采的，任君選擇。於我等忙到「屙尿都唔得閒」的香港人來說，台灣人的文藝腔及閒情逸緻實在匪夷所思。
回台中吃馳名的「鼎王」火鍋。途中見到兩所不同門派的便利店均掛著販賣「開運年菜」的標語，問林叔叔，和我們的盆菜是否一般東西。林叔叔說，年尾時，家家戶戶收爐了便訂年菜吃。兩岸形式不同，精神可一樣。抵店，裝潢比「春水堂」更有型。那超高的樓底不是香港的店可比擬。門口那些流水燈，簡約的現代主義裝飾，還有那個精緻的銅鍋 . . . 一切乾淨亮麗。東西頗好吃，最出色是那些餚湯的鴨血及酸菜。把白飯泡在麻辣湯裏，洒下大把蔥花，直是極品。值得一提是，此店的尿兜內有一堆乾冰，不解。
是夜，終於可於一舒適寬敞的酒店休息一晚。
十二月十三日(星期二) - 暖、陰
在酒店吃過豐富早餐後，往買手信。先到甲店買太陽餅，不便宜也。臨回酒店，在附近的乙店補購鳳梨酥及太陽餅，價錢平多了。乘的士往大巴站，胖胖的司機看到乙店的膠袋，偷笑幾下，然後徐徐的告訴我們，「太陽堂」雖則多如雨後春筍，正宗的只在某處，你們的是A貨。然後便兜生意，著我們下回到台中找他，必有好介紹云云。
也沒所謂吧。台灣有的，最多也是塑化劑，吃了令人膠膠的，總好過強國數不盡的毒物。再者，無論甲店乙店，我的同事都吃得津津有味……
乘大巴回台北。在電視發現，那個常在《天才衝衝衝》出現的小鍾，原來有戲拍，還是男一！哈哈。
回航順暢。肚子餓得把飛機餐內所有東西殺個片甲不留。抵港六時許，還趕上巴士回家，真好。
十二月十日(星期六) - 清涼、微雨
由香港乘長榮航空飛機先抵台北，再轉搭接駁巴士到台中。上午十時起飛，下午兩時三十分到。何不直飛台中？緣因航班疏落，時間不佳也。
到酒店check-in。雖是剛翻新，看看格局，便知此酒店的正業是「爆房專用」。房間小，雙人床更小；沒有衣櫃，只有掛鉤數棵，另送安全套一個。也罷，至少肉眼看也算乾淨。到街上胡亂吃了碗牛肉麵，再隨便吃些甜點，然後依照我們「導遊」的指示，到彩虹村一遊。是次行程，由R一手策劃，固戲謔之「導遊」。彩虹村很細，只有寥落數戶。屋子牆身、行人道滿佈繪畫。畫技雖稚嫩，有點似曾灶財墨寶，難保不登龍門。搞這麼多花臣，彩虹村可以成功保留了，不似對岸菜園村。
後到逢甲夜市。有一小插曲。話說，我們從彩虹村走出來，想乘巴士往夜市。豈料附近交通疏落，不見巴士站。後到便利店，誤打誤撞下得知，原來便利店有電召的士服務，也是幸運。到逢甲夜市，真體驗到「遊人如鯽」之況。可幸天氣涼，否則大熱天時，濕肩不斷的摩擦著臭汗，剎是嘔心。買的東西老土；小吃雖多，沒留下深刻印象。夜市還是師大的好。
之後到「春水堂」飲珍珠奶茶。此店號稱珍珠奶茶鼻祖。食品可以，店子裝修靚。那些實木中式傢俱，佈滿三層樓，本也。
十二月十一日(星期日) - 凍、雨
早上，到「爆房酒店」附近小店吃過普通早餐後，乘的士到清境。Check-out時，看到賓藉男女鬼祟check-in三小時，那麼早便要？一路上，下著微雨，也有少許擔憂。山路是否崎嶇？也是可以。
山上有不少酒店。都是一些模仿歐洲建築的屋子，就算再漂亮，造價再高昂，也只是「世界之窗」，沒有靈魂。例如有一間叫「老英格蘭」的，側聞建築費上十億台幣。我們嘗試到那裏吃下午茶，可是服務時間已過。服務生態度一流，儘管我們不能幫襯，還熱心的為我們召車。從門外看，裝潢華麗，氣派非凡。可惜，「世界之窗」就是「世界之窗」。
整天下著雨，天色欠晴。所以，清境之美，也只能夠想像。我們到過一間紙品主題店；「小瑞士花園」則過其門而不入。在附近的小廣場，吃過小店的「大腸包小腸」，喝過7-11的綠茶latte，都美味。尤其後者，為何香港的便利店沒有類似東西呢？小廣場內，有二個賽德克族人作音樂表演，玩結他的技藝極嫻熟，玩鼓的低調。每完一曲，拍掌者小貓三兩，大家忙購物吧？後到「青青農場」，雨不斷洒，地斜路滑，除了見到一堆堆的羊及一顆顆圓粒羊糞外，乏善可陳。
因「老英格蘭」關門，輾轉間，我們返回酒店附近的小店吃午餐，時間已近五時。普通小吃，但肌腸轆轆，濕濕凍凍，暖燙腸胃便好。
晚上往浸溫泉。濕寒了一整天後，泡一個熱騰騰的浴，最是舒暢。吃一頓便飯，回酒店休息。此酒店是一間小木屋，我們一行六人，攤分三張睡床，共臥一室，突兀在所難免。不過，眼皮沉重，就算鄰床鼻鼾大作，影響也有限。
十二月十二日(星期一) - 暖、時晴時雨
早上在酒店吃一般早餐。「導遊」訂了車，到埔里及日月潭遊玩。
司機姓林，是一個五十多歲的男子。他著我們喚他叔叔。林叔叔非常健談好玩。除了在車上為我們介紹不同景點外，林叔叔還訴說自己的身世，及調侃自己老婆。林叔叔是嘉義人，當兵三年，是陸軍特種步隊成員。退役後，到台中打工，在百貨公司化妝專櫃邂逅林太。林叔叔非常著重整潔。一身西裝背心，結緊領帶，一絲不苟。下山路段泥濘滿佈，下山後，林叔叔立即到加油站沖洗車子。可以看到，軍紀一直影響著林叔叔。
「導遊」安排我們先到一巧克力店參觀。抵店前，林叔叔叮囑我們不要買太多東西，因為價錢不低。都依他的，我只喝了一杯免費咖啡。稍後，到埔里酒廠參觀。酒廠歷史悠久，由日治時期，經過戒嚴國營階段，走到現在面向市場競爭，艱難也。在酒廠的展覽館內，看到人手填寫的記事本，字體工整有力，非我輩電腦輸入者可比。
林叔叔領我們到附近一地道餐廳吃午餐。那些魯肉飯、米粉、菊花肉……真是古早美味！這店光顧的都是本地人，食物價錢平到笑。再想想香港的客導遊，甚麼阿珍，唉。
午膳畢，到日月潭。天氣轉好，既暖且有日照。日月潭真漂亮。四周山巒高低起伏，崇山峻嶺披掛著一襲白色輕紗，份外瀟洒。潭中央有一小島，面積因地震愈變愈小，下次到訪，未知能否復見？
買船票四處遊玩。到玄光寺。大陸遊客極多。他們登陸台灣後，就是要圍堵她。在佛門清靜地，一般插隊的、喧嘩的，比比皆是。有一刁民，手指夾煙，濃痰張口便往地吐，討厭極了。回到登船起點，上廁所，發現尿兜上方有不同的箴言，黑格爾的、尼采的，任君選擇。於我等忙到「屙尿都唔得閒」的香港人來說，台灣人的文藝腔及閒情逸緻實在匪夷所思。
回台中吃馳名的「鼎王」火鍋。途中見到兩所不同門派的便利店均掛著販賣「開運年菜」的標語，問林叔叔，和我們的盆菜是否一般東西。林叔叔說，年尾時，家家戶戶收爐了便訂年菜吃。兩岸形式不同，精神可一樣。抵店，裝潢比「春水堂」更有型。那超高的樓底不是香港的店可比擬。門口那些流水燈，簡約的現代主義裝飾，還有那個精緻的銅鍋 . . . 一切乾淨亮麗。東西頗好吃，最出色是那些餚湯的鴨血及酸菜。把白飯泡在麻辣湯裏，洒下大把蔥花，直是極品。值得一提是，此店的尿兜內有一堆乾冰，不解。
是夜，終於可於一舒適寬敞的酒店休息一晚。
十二月十三日(星期二) - 暖、陰
在酒店吃過豐富早餐後，往買手信。先到甲店買太陽餅，不便宜也。臨回酒店，在附近的乙店補購鳳梨酥及太陽餅，價錢平多了。乘的士往大巴站，胖胖的司機看到乙店的膠袋，偷笑幾下，然後徐徐的告訴我們，「太陽堂」雖則多如雨後春筍，正宗的只在某處，你們的是A貨。然後便兜生意，著我們下回到台中找他，必有好介紹云云。
也沒所謂吧。台灣有的，最多也是塑化劑，吃了令人膠膠的，總好過強國數不盡的毒物。再者，無論甲店乙店，我的同事都吃得津津有味……
乘大巴回台北。在電視發現，那個常在《天才衝衝衝》出現的小鍾，原來有戲拍，還是男一！哈哈。
回航順暢。肚子餓得把飛機餐內所有東西殺個片甲不留。抵港六時許，還趕上巴士回家，真好。
2011年12月8日 星期四
Carnival - 20111208
Being "volunteerized", I helped out in a carnival.
The carnival was a localized one. There was a big stage, together with some game booths, as the whole set up. We could encounter no seducing Samba dancer, absolutely not. Instead, I saw lots of little girls, their mothers and grandmas. It was a lovely function for families. Under the cloudless blue sky, there was no better way to enjoy the warm sunbeam in a cool winter day.
We decorated our booth at 10:30am. Being given a short notice to become volunteers, I, together with several colleagues, made some childish stuff to furnish our cubicle. The backdrop was a reminiscence of any primary school production. Nevertheless, to distinguish our amateurish skill from those children, we invited a colleague to write some calligraphy to embellish our lacklustre product. It helped.
People popped up around noon. The game of our booth, designed by colleagues in another section of our department, was a "ha-ha". To use a fishing rod alike stick, with the end fastened a toy car but bait, player had to lead the car through a simple maze and park it in the right place. Silly enough, I thought. The punishment cast upon me immediately, and continuously. The queue did not dismantle until the last second. I wondered whether my service was that good, or the game was that interesting.
Serving people was a funny way to meet all walks of life. Children were generally lovely, though some did not laugh much. Many people visited our booth repeatedly. Ok, boys and girls love kawaii gadgets, I understand. But, several middle-aged men came and gone and came again, just to get some more pencils and erasers, was quite head-scratching. I maintained smiling, and I was proud of my professionalism.
The event finished smoothly at 5pm. In addition to some time-off, I got some souvenirs which my teammates acquired. Thanks them.
The carnival was a localized one. There was a big stage, together with some game booths, as the whole set up. We could encounter no seducing Samba dancer, absolutely not. Instead, I saw lots of little girls, their mothers and grandmas. It was a lovely function for families. Under the cloudless blue sky, there was no better way to enjoy the warm sunbeam in a cool winter day.
We decorated our booth at 10:30am. Being given a short notice to become volunteers, I, together with several colleagues, made some childish stuff to furnish our cubicle. The backdrop was a reminiscence of any primary school production. Nevertheless, to distinguish our amateurish skill from those children, we invited a colleague to write some calligraphy to embellish our lacklustre product. It helped.
People popped up around noon. The game of our booth, designed by colleagues in another section of our department, was a "ha-ha". To use a fishing rod alike stick, with the end fastened a toy car but bait, player had to lead the car through a simple maze and park it in the right place. Silly enough, I thought. The punishment cast upon me immediately, and continuously. The queue did not dismantle until the last second. I wondered whether my service was that good, or the game was that interesting.
Serving people was a funny way to meet all walks of life. Children were generally lovely, though some did not laugh much. Many people visited our booth repeatedly. Ok, boys and girls love kawaii gadgets, I understand. But, several middle-aged men came and gone and came again, just to get some more pencils and erasers, was quite head-scratching. I maintained smiling, and I was proud of my professionalism.
The event finished smoothly at 5pm. In addition to some time-off, I got some souvenirs which my teammates acquired. Thanks them.
2011年12月1日 星期四
Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club - 20111201
Somehow, I got a chance to have a lunch in the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club.
Most of the Hong Kongers have a fleeting impression to the Club. We vaguely know that it is located near the busy Causeway Bay, as we could see so many yachts anchored around the entrance of the Cross-Harbour Tunnel. Yet virtually nobody would have been there. We are neither their privileged members, nor we are in that class.
To go to the club, you should have your own vehicles, otherwise by taxi. There is a narrow road, just situated next to the packed way through the Kowloon Peninsula, which leads you to the noble place. Once arrived, I wondered whether I was still in Hong Kong, or somewhere else.
The Club is one of the last salutes to Maugham's time. Christmas is coming, everywhere is under decoration. Nevertheless, I have never seen a genuine Christmas tree, at the height of nearly 3-storey, likes the one in the Club's entrance. We are used to those plastic and LED trees. And the outdated wording "Royal", which was firmly held above the gate, has nearly been sanitized in Hong Kong after the changeover. Seeing the old thing, my blood was thickened.
I was placated by the serene atmosphere. In a sunny noon, around the autumn time, sauntering through this colonial place was more relaxing than any Osim stuff. The restaurant was on the 2/F. We walked up a spiral staircases, with all the simple and old sketches and pictures hang on the wall. I suspected some were from Chinnery. Once stepped in the restaurant, the scene was even more breathtaking. The unhindered harbour view was right in front of me. And the structure was smartly-built. It was a circular mansion, so one could view the Victoria harbour as wide as it gets. After all, rich guys get the best stuff.
As it was a business lunch, I did not eat much, even though it was a semi-buffet. Oysters were especially fresh and tasty. However, the portion of the main course could not even satisfy a crying baby's appetite.
After the lunch, my colleague told me that the Club was located in the "Kellett Island", to be exact. I learnt another new thing.
Most of the Hong Kongers have a fleeting impression to the Club. We vaguely know that it is located near the busy Causeway Bay, as we could see so many yachts anchored around the entrance of the Cross-Harbour Tunnel. Yet virtually nobody would have been there. We are neither their privileged members, nor we are in that class.
To go to the club, you should have your own vehicles, otherwise by taxi. There is a narrow road, just situated next to the packed way through the Kowloon Peninsula, which leads you to the noble place. Once arrived, I wondered whether I was still in Hong Kong, or somewhere else.
The Club is one of the last salutes to Maugham's time. Christmas is coming, everywhere is under decoration. Nevertheless, I have never seen a genuine Christmas tree, at the height of nearly 3-storey, likes the one in the Club's entrance. We are used to those plastic and LED trees. And the outdated wording "Royal", which was firmly held above the gate, has nearly been sanitized in Hong Kong after the changeover. Seeing the old thing, my blood was thickened.
I was placated by the serene atmosphere. In a sunny noon, around the autumn time, sauntering through this colonial place was more relaxing than any Osim stuff. The restaurant was on the 2/F. We walked up a spiral staircases, with all the simple and old sketches and pictures hang on the wall. I suspected some were from Chinnery. Once stepped in the restaurant, the scene was even more breathtaking. The unhindered harbour view was right in front of me. And the structure was smartly-built. It was a circular mansion, so one could view the Victoria harbour as wide as it gets. After all, rich guys get the best stuff.
As it was a business lunch, I did not eat much, even though it was a semi-buffet. Oysters were especially fresh and tasty. However, the portion of the main course could not even satisfy a crying baby's appetite.
After the lunch, my colleague told me that the Club was located in the "Kellett Island", to be exact. I learnt another new thing.
2011年11月17日 星期四
Recycle - 20111116
This morning, I visited an enterprise which specialized in recycling.
The company was located in Fanling. It hided in the back-end corner of the industrial area. We had to spend some time to check it out. It was a 5-storey building. At the G/F, loads of cardboard, mixed up with those abandoned scrap paper, were piled up high to be further processed. A moment later, a young man F greeted us, and rendered the introduction of their business in the following hour.
The building was no short of CCTV. It was equipped in the collection point, to ensure safe transfer of waste to the shredding place, which was situated on the 2/F. The entrance of 2/F was password-protected. There was an air-conditioned room, where delegates of the contracting parties could monitor the whole shredding process. Waste was to be demolished by 3 machines. It could not only devour paper but also other funny stuff. We witnessed the nirvana of confiscated goods from the Custom. In addition to these 3 monsters, there were other novel machines. Like the one to devastate hardisk. The whole area was under camera-surveillance.
F then gave us a briefing on the 5/F. It was the office area of the company. Its decoration, which was nice and neat, was a great contrast to other floors. We learnt the company's business in the comfortable board room. It was listed, with the capacity to handle the whole logistics chain to convert waste to usable things. The company could recycle scrap paper to tissue, which was produced by their own factory in China. Other decomposed waste would be sold to respective recyclers. Nothing would be wasted.
In 2 years time, the company would be moved to Tseung Kwan O, with its business expanded. Hereafter, residents there would see more heavy vehicles commuting around.
The company was located in Fanling. It hided in the back-end corner of the industrial area. We had to spend some time to check it out. It was a 5-storey building. At the G/F, loads of cardboard, mixed up with those abandoned scrap paper, were piled up high to be further processed. A moment later, a young man F greeted us, and rendered the introduction of their business in the following hour.
The building was no short of CCTV. It was equipped in the collection point, to ensure safe transfer of waste to the shredding place, which was situated on the 2/F. The entrance of 2/F was password-protected. There was an air-conditioned room, where delegates of the contracting parties could monitor the whole shredding process. Waste was to be demolished by 3 machines. It could not only devour paper but also other funny stuff. We witnessed the nirvana of confiscated goods from the Custom. In addition to these 3 monsters, there were other novel machines. Like the one to devastate hardisk. The whole area was under camera-surveillance.
F then gave us a briefing on the 5/F. It was the office area of the company. Its decoration, which was nice and neat, was a great contrast to other floors. We learnt the company's business in the comfortable board room. It was listed, with the capacity to handle the whole logistics chain to convert waste to usable things. The company could recycle scrap paper to tissue, which was produced by their own factory in China. Other decomposed waste would be sold to respective recyclers. Nothing would be wasted.
In 2 years time, the company would be moved to Tseung Kwan O, with its business expanded. Hereafter, residents there would see more heavy vehicles commuting around.
2011年11月14日 星期一
Retirement - 20111114
Somehow, I attended a dinner to celebrate the retirement of a colleague, S. It is normal to see colleagues' departure. Overwhelmingly, they quit for a better one. To meet someone like S, who is so devoted to his job, is rare as hell.
S worked in the same company for 42 years. His final post was as a driver cum office assistant. So, it could be concluded that he did more or less the same stuff in the past four decades. Driving, labouring, driving, labouring . . . Who the nowadays teenagers could accept the same monotonous fate? It is hard to imagine. But if no young boy is willing to succeed S, would office be paralyzed?
The job was stable yet mundane, S met his other half, Y, in the company. So, here was the reward. Y retired six months ahead of S. By then, I was yet to be here. Not to mention Y, I scarcely had any encounter with S. However, in the dinner, I could see that S and Y was a pair of good match. When people urged Y to kiss S, Y, at the age of 60, complied with the mass request. It was not a common scene in the Chinese society.
In the dinner, there were many office minnows. They might not be the most outstanding employees, some of them did possess talents that may not worth a penny in office. Like the MC. He is a driver by job. At leisure, he could be the king of dance. His waist was as soft as snake. Others could be heavy drinkers. And the atmosphere was ecstatic.
The entry fee of $250 wasted not a pence.
S worked in the same company for 42 years. His final post was as a driver cum office assistant. So, it could be concluded that he did more or less the same stuff in the past four decades. Driving, labouring, driving, labouring . . . Who the nowadays teenagers could accept the same monotonous fate? It is hard to imagine. But if no young boy is willing to succeed S, would office be paralyzed?
The job was stable yet mundane, S met his other half, Y, in the company. So, here was the reward. Y retired six months ahead of S. By then, I was yet to be here. Not to mention Y, I scarcely had any encounter with S. However, in the dinner, I could see that S and Y was a pair of good match. When people urged Y to kiss S, Y, at the age of 60, complied with the mass request. It was not a common scene in the Chinese society.
In the dinner, there were many office minnows. They might not be the most outstanding employees, some of them did possess talents that may not worth a penny in office. Like the MC. He is a driver by job. At leisure, he could be the king of dance. His waist was as soft as snake. Others could be heavy drinkers. And the atmosphere was ecstatic.
The entry fee of $250 wasted not a pence.
2011年11月12日 星期六
A Festival? - 20111111
Oh, today is 11/11/11, people take it as an auspicious sign, and celebrate.
Many lovers tie their knots. After 09/09/09 and 10/10/10, two wonderful dates for marriage, here is another golden pick. A lawyer said he had the earliest booking for witnessing wedding made two years before. If it is true, I would be amazed at the planning. While we see so many causal relationships around the corner, there is still serious one, with patient and such a good vision to see that the happy ending could be seen in two years time. It is touching. For people who miss out this chance, they could still get the job done on 12/12/12, which in Cantonese means everything is definitely easy.
The love ones laugh, the single ones also want some fun. In China, bachelors name today the "tube festival". It is quite suspicious what would be done to celebrate this "festival". I mean, the US Navy by chance visits HK right now. Pubs and clubs in Wanchai get extra clients. Together with the boost of those hungry men, women of the city should be thankful.
So, everybody is happy, no matter the reason. Good, huh.
Many lovers tie their knots. After 09/09/09 and 10/10/10, two wonderful dates for marriage, here is another golden pick. A lawyer said he had the earliest booking for witnessing wedding made two years before. If it is true, I would be amazed at the planning. While we see so many causal relationships around the corner, there is still serious one, with patient and such a good vision to see that the happy ending could be seen in two years time. It is touching. For people who miss out this chance, they could still get the job done on 12/12/12, which in Cantonese means everything is definitely easy.
The love ones laugh, the single ones also want some fun. In China, bachelors name today the "tube festival". It is quite suspicious what would be done to celebrate this "festival". I mean, the US Navy by chance visits HK right now. Pubs and clubs in Wanchai get extra clients. Together with the boost of those hungry men, women of the city should be thankful.
So, everybody is happy, no matter the reason. Good, huh.
2011年11月8日 星期二
Life Without Principles - 20111107
The movie was picked yesterday. We watched it in the Broadway Hollywood.
Until last Saturday, I still thought that the movie theatre belonged to Golden Harvest. It changed hands without creating much sound. The theatre house was ordinary. The seats were not particularly comfortable. There was no head rest. I changed my posture throughout the whole movie. To make thing worse, the middle-age lady sitting next to me, laughed and talked to her friends intermittently, had a bad breath.
It was a typical Johnny To's film. The director told the story skillfully. Some of the metaphors were crystal clear. Say, the stabbed man, while driving his car, kept on turning in a dead end. And the Pandora box alike drawer was another example. So, the film was lucid and fluid.
In To's movies, we always encounter experienced actors who have already sank into oblivion. This time, the surprise was Ms Lo Hai-loi. It was nice to see those familiar faces. They could act. Lo Hoi-pang's performance was especially impressive.
Nevertheless, the story was usual enough. To deflect for $5 million? Foreseeable. Stealing from a horrible dead man? Not a bad option.
Until last Saturday, I still thought that the movie theatre belonged to Golden Harvest. It changed hands without creating much sound. The theatre house was ordinary. The seats were not particularly comfortable. There was no head rest. I changed my posture throughout the whole movie. To make thing worse, the middle-age lady sitting next to me, laughed and talked to her friends intermittently, had a bad breath.
It was a typical Johnny To's film. The director told the story skillfully. Some of the metaphors were crystal clear. Say, the stabbed man, while driving his car, kept on turning in a dead end. And the Pandora box alike drawer was another example. So, the film was lucid and fluid.
In To's movies, we always encounter experienced actors who have already sank into oblivion. This time, the surprise was Ms Lo Hai-loi. It was nice to see those familiar faces. They could act. Lo Hoi-pang's performance was especially impressive.
Nevertheless, the story was usual enough. To deflect for $5 million? Foreseeable. Stealing from a horrible dead man? Not a bad option.
2011年11月3日 星期四
The Brethren - 20111102
Another legal thriller by John Grisham. I spent so much time to finish it off because it was not particularly splendid.
Three judges-turn-inmates, called the Brethren, by writing advertisement in gay magazine as bait, tried to hook those rich guys who could not come out. It was called the "Angola scam". They got the biggest prize, a US president candidate. This candidate was cherry-picked by the head of CIA, in order to initiate some sort of third world wars when he was elected. So, CIA picked the rotten cherry, and have to handle the Brethren.
Surprisingly, the Brethren outwitted CIA, got out of the prison as well as rewarded with an enormous amount of money. To make the story more ridiculous, the Brethren lived to the very end, emigrated to Monte Carlo, and started the Europe version "Angola scam". It was a little bit too happy as an ending.
However, I like one thing about the story, is that one of the CIA agents queried the Brethren were rich enough to stop working. The Brethren said they just had to keep themselves busy. Idle is evil.
Three judges-turn-inmates, called the Brethren, by writing advertisement in gay magazine as bait, tried to hook those rich guys who could not come out. It was called the "Angola scam". They got the biggest prize, a US president candidate. This candidate was cherry-picked by the head of CIA, in order to initiate some sort of third world wars when he was elected. So, CIA picked the rotten cherry, and have to handle the Brethren.
Surprisingly, the Brethren outwitted CIA, got out of the prison as well as rewarded with an enormous amount of money. To make the story more ridiculous, the Brethren lived to the very end, emigrated to Monte Carlo, and started the Europe version "Angola scam". It was a little bit too happy as an ending.
However, I like one thing about the story, is that one of the CIA agents queried the Brethren were rich enough to stop working. The Brethren said they just had to keep themselves busy. Idle is evil.
2011年10月29日 星期六
Three Idiots - 20111019
I watched Three Idiots alone on Saturday.
This time, Broadway The One was picked. Located at the 10/F of a shopping arcade, the theatre house was small. It was a reminiscence of APM's auditorium. Seats were leather-covered. It looked luxurious yet a bit too stiff. The house was quite full.
It was a Bollywood film. I did not have any idea about it until some day my colleague said it was "very good". And coincidently, I had spare time to kill last Saturday morning. The movie lasted for three hours, which suited my need.
I found it superb. The film told some simple thoughts. Like we should stick to our belief rather than live to meet others' needs. And the director represented these cold doctrines by ridiculously funny examples. The "all is well" rule is particularly touching. By shouting so, a guard with night-blindness soothed people's unsettled hearts. Most of us are born to be cowardice, we need placebo to give us some guts to walk against the wind.
Some of the songs and scenic views in the movie made me associated with Tagore. The simplicity was fascinating.
This time, Broadway The One was picked. Located at the 10/F of a shopping arcade, the theatre house was small. It was a reminiscence of APM's auditorium. Seats were leather-covered. It looked luxurious yet a bit too stiff. The house was quite full.
It was a Bollywood film. I did not have any idea about it until some day my colleague said it was "very good". And coincidently, I had spare time to kill last Saturday morning. The movie lasted for three hours, which suited my need.
I found it superb. The film told some simple thoughts. Like we should stick to our belief rather than live to meet others' needs. And the director represented these cold doctrines by ridiculously funny examples. The "all is well" rule is particularly touching. By shouting so, a guard with night-blindness soothed people's unsettled hearts. Most of us are born to be cowardice, we need placebo to give us some guts to walk against the wind.
Some of the songs and scenic views in the movie made me associated with Tagore. The simplicity was fascinating.
Double Nine - 20111006
According to I-Ching, six and nine are a pair of paradox. Six represents Yin, whilst nine symbolizes Yang.
Yesterday was the lunar 9/9. Chinese call it the "Double Yang Festival". Traditionally, we would go hiking, and visit tombs of our late relatives. It is interesting to see why we go for the "yangest" day. Maybe we are so keen to get rid of our beloved ones.
But now, for most of the people, "double nine" is just another ordinary day off. When I went jogging, I saw so many recreational cyclers. The chance of being knocked down was not lower than any sunny Sunday.
Around the time, there was a case of judicial review on a particular use of land. Businessmen argued that they could build shrines in the land in contest for settlement of deceased cremated ashes. They even branded their company "The Shrine". However, the court thought otherwise. The presiding judge ruled that the structure was columbarium rather than shrine. Approval from the authority has to be sought to build columbarium.
It is hideous. Those greedy guys, to make money out of dead ones, shifts the sin to others alive. It was such a big taboo to move cremated bodies around. By turning a deaf ear to the devil, the developer makes buyers suffer.
Yesterday was the lunar 9/9. Chinese call it the "Double Yang Festival". Traditionally, we would go hiking, and visit tombs of our late relatives. It is interesting to see why we go for the "yangest" day. Maybe we are so keen to get rid of our beloved ones.
But now, for most of the people, "double nine" is just another ordinary day off. When I went jogging, I saw so many recreational cyclers. The chance of being knocked down was not lower than any sunny Sunday.
Around the time, there was a case of judicial review on a particular use of land. Businessmen argued that they could build shrines in the land in contest for settlement of deceased cremated ashes. They even branded their company "The Shrine". However, the court thought otherwise. The presiding judge ruled that the structure was columbarium rather than shrine. Approval from the authority has to be sought to build columbarium.
It is hideous. Those greedy guys, to make money out of dead ones, shifts the sin to others alive. It was such a big taboo to move cremated bodies around. By turning a deaf ear to the devil, the developer makes buyers suffer.
Pedantic - 20111003
We watched Midnight in Paris last Saturday. This time, out of convenience, we chose AMC Festival Walk.
While watching the movie, a bunch of audiences, suspected mainlanders, were sitting (or squatting?) on the staircases instead of their marked seats. After some quarries, they seemed to be evicted.
The comedy was about nostalgia. In Woody Allen's portrait, golden age was a concept of relative. Contemporary people may be of the thought that 1920's is the perfect time to live in. But, guys in 1920's would like to be in 1890's. Funny observation.
And the movie itself was funny enough. However, there was a pre-quisite to have fun, that was, to know those celebrities in the past. Luckily, I have read A Movable Feast and a book on Van Gogh, and could get hold of the plot. The joke on Trotsky was especially tickling.
The word "pedantic" was sexily spoken by Carla Bruni. It was a funny word. Living for so long, we more or less came across pedantic people. Overwhelmingly men, most of them are dilettantes. It is usually annoying to meet them, unless they really know something. Woody Allen himself is a good example of benign pedantry.
Woody Allen is an America director with Continental substance. The montage in the opening, lasted for 5 minutes, though a beautiful exhibition of Paris, was a real challenge to audience nurtured by fast food. Traditionally, European films used to tell story by picture than language. But now, even long shots are sacred cows, montage should be off topic.
While watching the movie, a bunch of audiences, suspected mainlanders, were sitting (or squatting?) on the staircases instead of their marked seats. After some quarries, they seemed to be evicted.
The comedy was about nostalgia. In Woody Allen's portrait, golden age was a concept of relative. Contemporary people may be of the thought that 1920's is the perfect time to live in. But, guys in 1920's would like to be in 1890's. Funny observation.
And the movie itself was funny enough. However, there was a pre-quisite to have fun, that was, to know those celebrities in the past. Luckily, I have read A Movable Feast and a book on Van Gogh, and could get hold of the plot. The joke on Trotsky was especially tickling.
The word "pedantic" was sexily spoken by Carla Bruni. It was a funny word. Living for so long, we more or less came across pedantic people. Overwhelmingly men, most of them are dilettantes. It is usually annoying to meet them, unless they really know something. Woody Allen himself is a good example of benign pedantry.
Woody Allen is an America director with Continental substance. The montage in the opening, lasted for 5 minutes, though a beautiful exhibition of Paris, was a real challenge to audience nurtured by fast food. Traditionally, European films used to tell story by picture than language. But now, even long shots are sacred cows, montage should be off topic.
Sales - 20110923
Thanks to the invention of powerpoint, we hear a lot of presentation. The only purpose to conduct a presentation is to persuade the audiences to adopt your view. However, in Hong Kong, we could rarely be moved. Hong Kongers are poor presenters. We are shy. In front of a large crowd, we twist our tongues, tremble our hands, sweat and stiffen our backs. We waste our time, both to convince and be convinced.
On Wednesday, I attended two seminars. One was conducted by a local commissioner of some sort, the other was in charge by an American CEO of an insurance broker. The contrast was so great. A chasm. The American vanquished easily.
To be fair, the local guy was not that bad. His presentation should be above the average Hong Kongers. The commissioner spoke in English clearly. He held no cue cards. Nevertheless, the powerpoint was a bit too causal. And his tone was flat enough to make ones loss their minds after 15 minutes. Without the subsequent comparison of the gweilo, it would still be a so-so talk. Easily forgettable ones.
The gweilo was evil. He was a footnote of charisma. Anything we could associate with an exemplary presentation, the gweilo possessed. Power, humour, body movement . . . Throughout the talk, ladies were tickled continuously. Laughter here, laughter there. By cloning those "top ten list" of talk shows into the presentation, it made more fun to listen. If I had the authority to choose broker, I would have opted for them. Lucky for our company.
That's why we were cheated repeatedly by those Americans. They are experts of cajole.
On Wednesday, I attended two seminars. One was conducted by a local commissioner of some sort, the other was in charge by an American CEO of an insurance broker. The contrast was so great. A chasm. The American vanquished easily.
To be fair, the local guy was not that bad. His presentation should be above the average Hong Kongers. The commissioner spoke in English clearly. He held no cue cards. Nevertheless, the powerpoint was a bit too causal. And his tone was flat enough to make ones loss their minds after 15 minutes. Without the subsequent comparison of the gweilo, it would still be a so-so talk. Easily forgettable ones.
The gweilo was evil. He was a footnote of charisma. Anything we could associate with an exemplary presentation, the gweilo possessed. Power, humour, body movement . . . Throughout the talk, ladies were tickled continuously. Laughter here, laughter there. By cloning those "top ten list" of talk shows into the presentation, it made more fun to listen. If I had the authority to choose broker, I would have opted for them. Lucky for our company.
That's why we were cheated repeatedly by those Americans. They are experts of cajole.
Hong Kong Club - 20110921
Every country has their mythical buildings. Hong Kong Club is one of those in the SAR. Adjacent to the old Legislature, Hong Kong Club has always been one of the symbol of power. It was the club for British, and the very few selected Chinese. So, grassroot likes me would bypass it very quickly when we cris-crossed in Central.
The situation may be different after the changeover, bit by bit. Some years ago, a colleague by then told me that she had lunch in Hong Kong Club, thanks to her boss privileged status. So, the door of that mysterious place was widened. And yesterday, even I could have a chance to go there to join a breakfast briefing, organized by the British Chamber of Commence.
I arrived at 1 Jackson Road at 7:50am. Thanks to my boss reminder, I was in jacket and tie. When the automatic door opened, a male receptionist directed me automatically to the Harcourt Suite. Obviously my face was nobody enough. I walked up the spiral staircase. The Harcourt Suite was on the right hand side. Some Gweilos were there, both the organizers and participants. A few Chinese could be spotted. I got my buffet breakfast. Usual stuff. I sat between my boss and a man with an AP watch. I looked at mine reflectively, which was a Seiko. It was 8:20am.
The briefing started. A perplexing topic rendered by an ordinary presenter with a set of perfunctory powerpoint. In the meantime, a young man in T-shirt and chinos, with a blazer on, came in late. He was one of the participants. The talk finished at 9:20am. I went to the washroom. The urinal was Armitage Shanks. I associated those used in public estates.
When I left, I saw the vice president of HKU, who attended another meeting there, was picked up by his chauffeur in an old Toyata.
So, Hong Kong Club was like this. I had a very hybridized feeling to it.
The situation may be different after the changeover, bit by bit. Some years ago, a colleague by then told me that she had lunch in Hong Kong Club, thanks to her boss privileged status. So, the door of that mysterious place was widened. And yesterday, even I could have a chance to go there to join a breakfast briefing, organized by the British Chamber of Commence.
I arrived at 1 Jackson Road at 7:50am. Thanks to my boss reminder, I was in jacket and tie. When the automatic door opened, a male receptionist directed me automatically to the Harcourt Suite. Obviously my face was nobody enough. I walked up the spiral staircase. The Harcourt Suite was on the right hand side. Some Gweilos were there, both the organizers and participants. A few Chinese could be spotted. I got my buffet breakfast. Usual stuff. I sat between my boss and a man with an AP watch. I looked at mine reflectively, which was a Seiko. It was 8:20am.
The briefing started. A perplexing topic rendered by an ordinary presenter with a set of perfunctory powerpoint. In the meantime, a young man in T-shirt and chinos, with a blazer on, came in late. He was one of the participants. The talk finished at 9:20am. I went to the washroom. The urinal was Armitage Shanks. I associated those used in public estates.
When I left, I saw the vice president of HKU, who attended another meeting there, was picked up by his chauffeur in an old Toyata.
So, Hong Kong Club was like this. I had a very hybridized feeling to it.
Hakka Cuisine and Else - 20110914
Yesterday, I had both my lunch and dinner on Hakka cuisine.
There are many Hakka people in Hong Kong. It was not uncommon to find their food here. The most heard dish should be "Baked Salty Chicken". However, the cuisine becomes less popular. Hakka cuisine is renowned to be heavy and oily. Hong Kongers have completed their transaction from farmers to clerks. Most of us need not to labour to survive. We rarely sweat.
With one day off, I accompanied my mum to go to Shenzhen. Though already a place full of post-modern architectures, some of their choices for food were still traditional. Like Hakka cuisine. Those fresh flesh of pigs and live chicken were still lovely. And I was particularly fond of the meat mash. With all the ingredients very finely chopped and mixed, the meat mash was delicious.
I tried the railway from Shenzhen to Futian too. With more than twenty stops, it took an hour to travel from one end to the other. It was smooth and quiet. The railway, administered by MTR corp, was a reminiscence to ours. There were LCD TVs to display news and stuff. I watched a long clip on how Djokovic defeated Nadal to clinch his first US Open. While traffic congestion was such a norm above the soil, it was not a bad option to go underground.
But, it would even be better to stay in Hong Kong.
There are many Hakka people in Hong Kong. It was not uncommon to find their food here. The most heard dish should be "Baked Salty Chicken". However, the cuisine becomes less popular. Hakka cuisine is renowned to be heavy and oily. Hong Kongers have completed their transaction from farmers to clerks. Most of us need not to labour to survive. We rarely sweat.
With one day off, I accompanied my mum to go to Shenzhen. Though already a place full of post-modern architectures, some of their choices for food were still traditional. Like Hakka cuisine. Those fresh flesh of pigs and live chicken were still lovely. And I was particularly fond of the meat mash. With all the ingredients very finely chopped and mixed, the meat mash was delicious.
I tried the railway from Shenzhen to Futian too. With more than twenty stops, it took an hour to travel from one end to the other. It was smooth and quiet. The railway, administered by MTR corp, was a reminiscence to ours. There were LCD TVs to display news and stuff. I watched a long clip on how Djokovic defeated Nadal to clinch his first US Open. While traffic congestion was such a norm above the soil, it was not a bad option to go underground.
But, it would even be better to stay in Hong Kong.
Overheard 2 - 20110912
Yesterday morning, I watched Overheard 2 in Kowloon Bay MCL.
The movie theatre has been renovated some years ago. Then, still a cinema under UA, I've been there once. The impression was next to nothing. But the reformed theatre was of fine quality. The screen was big, seats soft, and aisles were wide enough to avoid accidental kicking and nuisance. I trust it would be visited more frequently.
It was not a sequel of Overheard. Other than the combination of crew and the three main actors, other elements were of no connection. The film was tense, no time for pissing was allowed. To make the storyline more complete, there could be some more touch-ups on the background of Daniel Wu. Maybe the film has already been lasted for 2 hours, and the producer may be of the thought that it was the tipping point for our concentration to collapse.
As usual, Daniel Wu successfully seduced all the ladies, whilst Lau rendered the best performance. Louis Koo faced a difficult and embarrassing dilemma. He could never beat Wu and Lau in respective senses. The ladies were quite unimportant. The elder supporting actors performed deftly. However, it was unamusing for Kong to speak foul language repeatedly. Cheap trick. And it was stupid for the singer-turn-actor Lau to feign cool. Wu was here. And even Koo was there.
All in all, the film was a good piece of entertainment.
The movie theatre has been renovated some years ago. Then, still a cinema under UA, I've been there once. The impression was next to nothing. But the reformed theatre was of fine quality. The screen was big, seats soft, and aisles were wide enough to avoid accidental kicking and nuisance. I trust it would be visited more frequently.
It was not a sequel of Overheard. Other than the combination of crew and the three main actors, other elements were of no connection. The film was tense, no time for pissing was allowed. To make the storyline more complete, there could be some more touch-ups on the background of Daniel Wu. Maybe the film has already been lasted for 2 hours, and the producer may be of the thought that it was the tipping point for our concentration to collapse.
As usual, Daniel Wu successfully seduced all the ladies, whilst Lau rendered the best performance. Louis Koo faced a difficult and embarrassing dilemma. He could never beat Wu and Lau in respective senses. The ladies were quite unimportant. The elder supporting actors performed deftly. However, it was unamusing for Kong to speak foul language repeatedly. Cheap trick. And it was stupid for the singer-turn-actor Lau to feign cool. Wu was here. And even Koo was there.
All in all, the film was a good piece of entertainment.
Causalities - 20110906
After mistakenly announcing the death of former president Jiang Zemin on 6 July, SVP and VP in charged of the news broadcast in ATV resigned yesterday. It took two months to drag them down.
It was rumoured that the false alarm was rang by the chairman of ATV. And the chairman's will overrode editorial independence. As stated by the SVP, he could not stop the coverage, which was an understatement of the prevalence of the big boss.
However, it was interesting to see ATV's coverage on the SVP's departure. He was labeled as "the conscience of news". What a big name. By sacrificing the press autonomy, as well as its leaders, the news section got a piece of big yet wrong news. But, where is the element of conscience?
And, with that kind of emotional label added on their beloved leader and publicly announced, neutrality conceded.
Everybody loses.
It was rumoured that the false alarm was rang by the chairman of ATV. And the chairman's will overrode editorial independence. As stated by the SVP, he could not stop the coverage, which was an understatement of the prevalence of the big boss.
However, it was interesting to see ATV's coverage on the SVP's departure. He was labeled as "the conscience of news". What a big name. By sacrificing the press autonomy, as well as its leaders, the news section got a piece of big yet wrong news. But, where is the element of conscience?
And, with that kind of emotional label added on their beloved leader and publicly announced, neutrality conceded.
Everybody loses.
Tiger Talk - 20110905
When TVB humiliates, ATV repeats, and Cable and Now TV blackmails, could we still find some reasonable stuff on TV to watch? Phoenix could be a scarce pick.
On an ordinary Sunday afternoon, as lunch was yet to come, I flipped through TV channels. Bored by recurring news, and scared by the rubbish movie in Jade (千機變), Tiger Talk in the Phoenix was inadvertently switched to. The show was on Putonghua. Normally I would bypass it at once. However, after hopping to the present job, which PTH was an unexpectedly usual medium, I decided to stand by the show, for a while.
I got hooked. The programme was like this. A rich Chinese, X, together with her daughter, run a so-called charity fund to help Africans, were doubted of using the fund as a facade to make money. X and Y appeared in the show as more-or-less defendants. In addition, there were some experts to challenge X, as well as a string of audiences.
The show was funny. Undoubtedly it was a copycat of some sorts. Nevertheless, the production was at least serious. Experts were rightly deployed. I was impressed by a pundit from the media. He was sarcastic. The audiences were strangely reasonable. Even though X and Y were negatively percepted, personal attacks were controlled. Most of the participants were eloquent and able to utter their views clearly. And X and Y were brave.
The show was smart. It was such a good platform for people to vent their anger in a society lacks freedom. In contrast, it was particularly sad to compare it with City Forum, which was full of silly exchanges.
Hong Kongers have freedom, yet are too lazy to utilize.
On an ordinary Sunday afternoon, as lunch was yet to come, I flipped through TV channels. Bored by recurring news, and scared by the rubbish movie in Jade (千機變), Tiger Talk in the Phoenix was inadvertently switched to. The show was on Putonghua. Normally I would bypass it at once. However, after hopping to the present job, which PTH was an unexpectedly usual medium, I decided to stand by the show, for a while.
I got hooked. The programme was like this. A rich Chinese, X, together with her daughter, run a so-called charity fund to help Africans, were doubted of using the fund as a facade to make money. X and Y appeared in the show as more-or-less defendants. In addition, there were some experts to challenge X, as well as a string of audiences.
The show was funny. Undoubtedly it was a copycat of some sorts. Nevertheless, the production was at least serious. Experts were rightly deployed. I was impressed by a pundit from the media. He was sarcastic. The audiences were strangely reasonable. Even though X and Y were negatively percepted, personal attacks were controlled. Most of the participants were eloquent and able to utter their views clearly. And X and Y were brave.
The show was smart. It was such a good platform for people to vent their anger in a society lacks freedom. In contrast, it was particularly sad to compare it with City Forum, which was full of silly exchanges.
Hong Kongers have freedom, yet are too lazy to utilize.
2011年8月30日 星期二
A Most Wanted Man - 20110830
Just finished reading A Most Wanted Man, a novel written by John Le Carre.
The book was bought in the Book Fair, bundled with two other Grisham's. Three stuff costed a mere $118. What a bargain. Comparing with Grisham's exciting thriller, Le Carre's is slight as water.
Though there are no less gritty remarks, the writing is prone to stillness. Le Carre wasted little time on expanding the emotional connection among the three protagonists. The English subtleness is an ocean apart to American's exposure. It could be difficult to tell who's better. Mood rules. So, while riding on a bus, after a hard day work, Le Carre's plain dialogues could be quite a sedative.
I crawled to the end, and was amazed at the twist. Le Carre masterfully rigged the plot, by trapping readers to assumed that the most wanted man would be the poor young man. It only told how wrong you were in page 489, when there were only 2 pages left to cross the finishing line. What a perfect demonstration of writer's talent. In Hong Kong, when any nobody could publish a book in a tiny amount of $20,000, I guess it is a kind of blasphemy to writing.
And the novel propelled me to look up what extraordinary rendition is. It is just an euphemism of state lynching by Uncle Sam. By circumventing the legal framework, US "kidnaps" those suspected overseas terrorists and conducted interrogation in some countries with looser standard on human rights. Suspects are likely to be tortured. Obviously, there would be wrong-snatched innocent civilians who suffered. Nevertheless, it could hardly tell whether the method is right or wrong. We love peace. However, if we give too much peace to terrorists, our peace shrinks.
So, the traditional Chinese wisdom shines again. "Gentlemen stay away from kitchen".
The book was bought in the Book Fair, bundled with two other Grisham's. Three stuff costed a mere $118. What a bargain. Comparing with Grisham's exciting thriller, Le Carre's is slight as water.
Though there are no less gritty remarks, the writing is prone to stillness. Le Carre wasted little time on expanding the emotional connection among the three protagonists. The English subtleness is an ocean apart to American's exposure. It could be difficult to tell who's better. Mood rules. So, while riding on a bus, after a hard day work, Le Carre's plain dialogues could be quite a sedative.
I crawled to the end, and was amazed at the twist. Le Carre masterfully rigged the plot, by trapping readers to assumed that the most wanted man would be the poor young man. It only told how wrong you were in page 489, when there were only 2 pages left to cross the finishing line. What a perfect demonstration of writer's talent. In Hong Kong, when any nobody could publish a book in a tiny amount of $20,000, I guess it is a kind of blasphemy to writing.
And the novel propelled me to look up what extraordinary rendition is. It is just an euphemism of state lynching by Uncle Sam. By circumventing the legal framework, US "kidnaps" those suspected overseas terrorists and conducted interrogation in some countries with looser standard on human rights. Suspects are likely to be tortured. Obviously, there would be wrong-snatched innocent civilians who suffered. Nevertheless, it could hardly tell whether the method is right or wrong. We love peace. However, if we give too much peace to terrorists, our peace shrinks.
So, the traditional Chinese wisdom shines again. "Gentlemen stay away from kitchen".
2011年8月23日 星期二
Another New Yorker - 20110823
"Start spreading the news, I'm leaving today . . . " New York, New York is always a song of fascination, especially from the golden voice of Frank Sinatra. It belongs to the past, the good old days.
F is an old pal. He is going to pursue his postdoctoral research in Columbia University. The Big Apple, and the Ivy League. He would soon be a New Yorker, in the top echelon. Knowing someone like F would make others' eyes glitter at once and hearts sour while taking a second thought.
A de facto intellectual who would fiercely contests the label, F carries the right ingredient to be a New Yorker. F is an earnest man. He candidly admitted that he had no planning for his future, including his unbearably long-life relationship with L. It was nice to hear some rare truths, when we are nowadays so numb to cheap and fake gibberish like "in five years, I would love to be the section manager and double my salary". In contrast, F's wardrobe is quite different from the Ivy League. He is all-the-way T-shirt, jeans plus sneakers. I guess he at least has to buy a pair of penny loafer, in order to be a true Columbian.
We shared similar taste on music. We went for Suede's concert in Form Five (or Four?). Sadly, the guitarist was Oakes. I would still like to see Butler's playing The Asphalt World. We learnt to play guitar. Thanks to the lousy tutor, we played clumsily then. We shared some similar views on religion. Nevertheless, I wonder how he could tolerate those preachings. We like watching football. F is a fan of the Reds, whilst my favourite team is their archrival. I particularly enjoy watching the Red Devils crushing them in the Anfield. Though Anfield will be no more Anfield.
We rarely met in recent years, my reason was sheer laziness. So, while getting his phone call, I was a bit surprise. We had lunch. Paying attention to F's taste, and also nostalgia, I suggested to go to McDonald. We went Dutch. The food was off topic, and we did some very nice chattings. I found no change of him at all, except the receding hairline, albeit slightly. And our next gathering is indefinite.
"If I can make it there. I'll make it anywhere. It's up to you, New York, New York . . ."
F is an old pal. He is going to pursue his postdoctoral research in Columbia University. The Big Apple, and the Ivy League. He would soon be a New Yorker, in the top echelon. Knowing someone like F would make others' eyes glitter at once and hearts sour while taking a second thought.
A de facto intellectual who would fiercely contests the label, F carries the right ingredient to be a New Yorker. F is an earnest man. He candidly admitted that he had no planning for his future, including his unbearably long-life relationship with L. It was nice to hear some rare truths, when we are nowadays so numb to cheap and fake gibberish like "in five years, I would love to be the section manager and double my salary". In contrast, F's wardrobe is quite different from the Ivy League. He is all-the-way T-shirt, jeans plus sneakers. I guess he at least has to buy a pair of penny loafer, in order to be a true Columbian.
We shared similar taste on music. We went for Suede's concert in Form Five (or Four?). Sadly, the guitarist was Oakes. I would still like to see Butler's playing The Asphalt World. We learnt to play guitar. Thanks to the lousy tutor, we played clumsily then. We shared some similar views on religion. Nevertheless, I wonder how he could tolerate those preachings. We like watching football. F is a fan of the Reds, whilst my favourite team is their archrival. I particularly enjoy watching the Red Devils crushing them in the Anfield. Though Anfield will be no more Anfield.
We rarely met in recent years, my reason was sheer laziness. So, while getting his phone call, I was a bit surprise. We had lunch. Paying attention to F's taste, and also nostalgia, I suggested to go to McDonald. We went Dutch. The food was off topic, and we did some very nice chattings. I found no change of him at all, except the receding hairline, albeit slightly. And our next gathering is indefinite.
"If I can make it there. I'll make it anywhere. It's up to you, New York, New York . . ."
2011年8月16日 星期二
Standing Up - 20110816
During the past few days, somehow, I had to conduct short talk in two occasions.
When was my first experience to speak in front of a crowd? Maybe in secondary school days. I could still remember, in Form Four, we had to speak in front of our classmates during the Chinese lesson. The topic was a free pick. I chose to share my view on the ten dollars coin, which was then a new creature. The memory is still vivid. I was obviously as tense as hell, since it was my maiden voyage. I could still visualize my classmates' laugh when I was making some stupid jokes. Just the good old days.
Later, being an undergraduate, presentation was as usual as having lunch. Feigning professional, we need props, and I got my first set of suit in year two. Cheap grey ones, but tailor-made, and I still wore it for job interview some days ago. Environmental friendly enough, yet it did not bring me luck. Though we did a lot of presentation for some silly topics, I could hardly remember any of those, except the one on Hong Kong style restaurant, which was completed with some of my good friends. We had a good time on that project.
Then, on job, the opportunity for presentation was very scarce. Until now.
During the first minute of my first talk, I tried very hard to placate my shaking voice. It's ok. Throughout the whole twenty minutes, I just made one mistake that I forgot one case which was prepared to be shared. It was already a miracle. And then, take two was by far better.
So, it takes time to familiarity. And it is good that nowadays boys and girls could have their chance for presentation as early as in primary school. Practice makes perfect.
When was my first experience to speak in front of a crowd? Maybe in secondary school days. I could still remember, in Form Four, we had to speak in front of our classmates during the Chinese lesson. The topic was a free pick. I chose to share my view on the ten dollars coin, which was then a new creature. The memory is still vivid. I was obviously as tense as hell, since it was my maiden voyage. I could still visualize my classmates' laugh when I was making some stupid jokes. Just the good old days.
Later, being an undergraduate, presentation was as usual as having lunch. Feigning professional, we need props, and I got my first set of suit in year two. Cheap grey ones, but tailor-made, and I still wore it for job interview some days ago. Environmental friendly enough, yet it did not bring me luck. Though we did a lot of presentation for some silly topics, I could hardly remember any of those, except the one on Hong Kong style restaurant, which was completed with some of my good friends. We had a good time on that project.
Then, on job, the opportunity for presentation was very scarce. Until now.
During the first minute of my first talk, I tried very hard to placate my shaking voice. It's ok. Throughout the whole twenty minutes, I just made one mistake that I forgot one case which was prepared to be shared. It was already a miracle. And then, take two was by far better.
So, it takes time to familiarity. And it is good that nowadays boys and girls could have their chance for presentation as early as in primary school. Practice makes perfect.
A Lovely Route - 20110801
After moving to Shatin, I explored some new paths for jogging. Naturally, Shing Mun River would be the starting point, which is one of the hot picks for joggers. The reason is quite obvious, in such a packed place like Hong Kong, running paths are scarcely as smooth, vehicle-free and scenic as it. Another example I could think of is in Tai Po.
In the past, I had several touches on the Race Course side of the River. Now, living on the other end, I run there more often. Last Friday, I did a returned trip from the Riverside Regal Hotel to Kam Fung Court, situated besides the Ma On Shan Promenade. The total distance is around 12 km.
The view along the Ma On Shan Promenade was amazingly beautiful. At its entrance, the opposite landscape of Ma Liu Shui was already quite something. With lightings scattered among the old and new structures of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and a boat slowly riding into Shing Mun River, causing the water waves into some infinite parallel lines, night was especially serene. Since weather was not that stable, and there were occasional showers, the Promenade was quiet. It added more joy to the run. In 5 minutes, the view emerged, Shing Mun River became Tolo harbour. Water met the opposite ground with the enormous Pat Sin Leng. The eight dull peaks hung highly in the darkness. Black varied, liked ink.
The return trip was rather exciting. When I was running outside the Sport Academy, the occasional shower turned to eruption. All my sweat was washed away by rain. My trainers and socks were soaked in flood. Eyesight was reduced to 2 metres. The additional weigh and blurry vision made me crawl. It was an interesting way to cool down the body heat. The pouring was short-live. It stopped in 10 minutes.
Backed home, I did some noodles, with mushrooms, and gigantic amount of spring onions as toppings, for dinner. It was such a good way to refill the empty tank.
In the past, I had several touches on the Race Course side of the River. Now, living on the other end, I run there more often. Last Friday, I did a returned trip from the Riverside Regal Hotel to Kam Fung Court, situated besides the Ma On Shan Promenade. The total distance is around 12 km.
The view along the Ma On Shan Promenade was amazingly beautiful. At its entrance, the opposite landscape of Ma Liu Shui was already quite something. With lightings scattered among the old and new structures of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and a boat slowly riding into Shing Mun River, causing the water waves into some infinite parallel lines, night was especially serene. Since weather was not that stable, and there were occasional showers, the Promenade was quiet. It added more joy to the run. In 5 minutes, the view emerged, Shing Mun River became Tolo harbour. Water met the opposite ground with the enormous Pat Sin Leng. The eight dull peaks hung highly in the darkness. Black varied, liked ink.
The return trip was rather exciting. When I was running outside the Sport Academy, the occasional shower turned to eruption. All my sweat was washed away by rain. My trainers and socks were soaked in flood. Eyesight was reduced to 2 metres. The additional weigh and blurry vision made me crawl. It was an interesting way to cool down the body heat. The pouring was short-live. It stopped in 10 minutes.
Backed home, I did some noodles, with mushrooms, and gigantic amount of spring onions as toppings, for dinner. It was such a good way to refill the empty tank.
2011年7月20日 星期三
A Hot Day - 20110706
There are no less opportunities for Hong Hongers to walk on highways and roads, legally. We could stay in the centre of Salisbury Road to watch firework. We could crawl along the Lantau Link upon the Hong Kong Marathon. We could gear up in Central for the Rat Race. All these events remind us that we are the proprietors of this city. Cars could give way to us if needed.
Last Friday, the same thing happened again.
Under the blitzing sun, everybody was sweating like dogs. Wearing T-shirt and short pants, my chest and back still kept on dripping water droplet. The other two hundred thousands would be of no difference. Thanks to police control, the pack waited indefinitely and strolled a while alternately. Flags were flying all the way. The most prominent ones were from a party, allegedly to be of "people power". Its black and gold slogans waved along the crowd. I was a bit amazed by its unexpected size. Maybe there were so many discontented people could relieve their anger in so few channels.
Along the road, different parties solicited for monetary support. Form was so congenial. However, there was a distinguishing one which resembled the "snail-apartment" and placed the fake officials in it to vent their anger. Quite funny, and hopelessly useless. The rally was peaceful, and there were some spices in front of the Southorn Playground. "Mad Dog" was barking and slurring. Police stopped the crowd. It could hardly tell who's the culprit.
I did not march to the Lower Albert Road. Instead, I went dinner in Wanchai. My effort was unlikely counted by the Police, nevertheless, someone was watching, I believe.
Last Friday, the same thing happened again.
Under the blitzing sun, everybody was sweating like dogs. Wearing T-shirt and short pants, my chest and back still kept on dripping water droplet. The other two hundred thousands would be of no difference. Thanks to police control, the pack waited indefinitely and strolled a while alternately. Flags were flying all the way. The most prominent ones were from a party, allegedly to be of "people power". Its black and gold slogans waved along the crowd. I was a bit amazed by its unexpected size. Maybe there were so many discontented people could relieve their anger in so few channels.
Along the road, different parties solicited for monetary support. Form was so congenial. However, there was a distinguishing one which resembled the "snail-apartment" and placed the fake officials in it to vent their anger. Quite funny, and hopelessly useless. The rally was peaceful, and there were some spices in front of the Southorn Playground. "Mad Dog" was barking and slurring. Police stopped the crowd. It could hardly tell who's the culprit.
I did not march to the Lower Albert Road. Instead, I went dinner in Wanchai. My effort was unlikely counted by the Police, nevertheless, someone was watching, I believe.
2011年7月2日 星期六
Handbag - 20110622
At 7pm, an ordinary Tuesday, the train compartment was as jostling as ever. I was one of the sardines rushing back home for dinner. Most of the surrounding fish, after a hard day work, were salted. While being bombarded towards the inner space, I discovered three distinguished ladies.
The three ladies, to say the very least, were in their late 30s. Consistently war-printed, wearing jeans and stepping on high heels, the trio seemed chic. They took high-end handbags. One preferred Fendi, whilst the other two got Hermes. Both Hermes were Kelly bags, black and brown respectively. Interestingly, both Kelly bags were unbuckled, the leather straps were proudly let loose.
They were obviously mainlanders, and down-to-earth ones. After their whirlwind visit to Canton Road, Hong Kong's economy was boosted. Undoubtedly, the trio were very rich. Nevertheless, they did not mind packing in the same compartment with salted sardines. They did not forget their root. The trio mingled with the crowd, no matter how good their lives were. I was obliged to have a glance at their extravagance.
Once stepped out of the Shatin Station, Hermes could only be seen in Milan Stations.
The three ladies, to say the very least, were in their late 30s. Consistently war-printed, wearing jeans and stepping on high heels, the trio seemed chic. They took high-end handbags. One preferred Fendi, whilst the other two got Hermes. Both Hermes were Kelly bags, black and brown respectively. Interestingly, both Kelly bags were unbuckled, the leather straps were proudly let loose.
They were obviously mainlanders, and down-to-earth ones. After their whirlwind visit to Canton Road, Hong Kong's economy was boosted. Undoubtedly, the trio were very rich. Nevertheless, they did not mind packing in the same compartment with salted sardines. They did not forget their root. The trio mingled with the crowd, no matter how good their lives were. I was obliged to have a glance at their extravagance.
Once stepped out of the Shatin Station, Hermes could only be seen in Milan Stations.
Land Registry - 20110629
This morning, I went to the Land Registry in Admiralty to do some land searches.
Admiralty is a place of some memories to me. I worked there for some years. The enormous PP, with all the famous brandings in it, is sight-attracting and yet loathsome. I just discovered that, Peking House has moved to the opposite shop which was then occupied by a Thai cuisine. Decoration of the new shop is nice. With the white wall paper of conclaved graphic cleanly hung on the wall, and all the starched table clothes, and red wood, it is quite classy. Lane Crawford is to be replaced by Harvey Nicholls. Church's has also moved to another unit. Mall is the same one, the mood has changed.
Then I reached Queensway Government Offices. Though I worked next to it, I'd never entered this building. Its design and notice suck. The labyrinth-like structure is divided into lower and higher block. Due to convenience I went into lower block which is connected to PP. Eventually I discovered that the Land Registry is on the 19/F floor of higher block. Strangely, there is no linkage between the two blocks. I had to get out of the lower block, took miles of divided escalators, and took another trip of lift to reach my destination. At least 15 minutes passed. Smart enough. Though it tries very hard to mimic a commercial building, its essence is governmental. While waiting for one of the lifts to 19/F, I was surpassed by some of the late comers. There was no lane to wait lift. Nobody cared.
The Land Registry is very modern. A ticket machine allocated me to a designated cubicle. The lady serving me was nice. The land registration system is quite something. We could access to the history of transaction, charges and stuff of the land we want to know through a computerized system. Around 30 minutes, copies of deed and related document were on my hand. However, fee was not cheap, nine pieces of document amounted to $1,000.
It was a funny morning.
Admiralty is a place of some memories to me. I worked there for some years. The enormous PP, with all the famous brandings in it, is sight-attracting and yet loathsome. I just discovered that, Peking House has moved to the opposite shop which was then occupied by a Thai cuisine. Decoration of the new shop is nice. With the white wall paper of conclaved graphic cleanly hung on the wall, and all the starched table clothes, and red wood, it is quite classy. Lane Crawford is to be replaced by Harvey Nicholls. Church's has also moved to another unit. Mall is the same one, the mood has changed.
Then I reached Queensway Government Offices. Though I worked next to it, I'd never entered this building. Its design and notice suck. The labyrinth-like structure is divided into lower and higher block. Due to convenience I went into lower block which is connected to PP. Eventually I discovered that the Land Registry is on the 19/F floor of higher block. Strangely, there is no linkage between the two blocks. I had to get out of the lower block, took miles of divided escalators, and took another trip of lift to reach my destination. At least 15 minutes passed. Smart enough. Though it tries very hard to mimic a commercial building, its essence is governmental. While waiting for one of the lifts to 19/F, I was surpassed by some of the late comers. There was no lane to wait lift. Nobody cared.
The Land Registry is very modern. A ticket machine allocated me to a designated cubicle. The lady serving me was nice. The land registration system is quite something. We could access to the history of transaction, charges and stuff of the land we want to know through a computerized system. Around 30 minutes, copies of deed and related document were on my hand. However, fee was not cheap, nine pieces of document amounted to $1,000.
It was a funny morning.
Vintage - 20110628
At 64, George Lam held three consecutive music concerts, with the theme "vintage", in Hong Kong Coliseum. This sole piece of fact is worthy of praise.
I watched the second one on 18 June. While entering into the stadium, it was funny to note that most of the audiences were in their 40s or 50s. I felt young again. The show, with all four stages opened, was fully occupied. Unlike other concerts, laser beam could only be spotted sporadically. Mature people tend not to play toy.
The show kicked off at 8:30 pm. It developed according to timeframe, from 70s to now. Obviously, Lam had his golden time in 70s to late 80s, songs then comprised a heavier portion of the concert. Though Lam could attain his senior citizenship in a mere year or so, he could still perform with a staggering quality. Rhythm, pitch and power, Lam had hardly made any mistake. It was especially stunning to hear those rappings. Nowadays, many talentless people claim themselves rappers. It is a sheer disguise. They should have their faces reddened if they have come to this concert. And even more amazingly, the show finished at 11:30 pm.
According to a hit advertisement, it claimed that even the sharpest sword would get rusty one day. To me, Lam's blade was still quite intact. Even if it is going to be oxidized, Lam would be sharper than those freshly manufactured toy knifes.
I watched the second one on 18 June. While entering into the stadium, it was funny to note that most of the audiences were in their 40s or 50s. I felt young again. The show, with all four stages opened, was fully occupied. Unlike other concerts, laser beam could only be spotted sporadically. Mature people tend not to play toy.
The show kicked off at 8:30 pm. It developed according to timeframe, from 70s to now. Obviously, Lam had his golden time in 70s to late 80s, songs then comprised a heavier portion of the concert. Though Lam could attain his senior citizenship in a mere year or so, he could still perform with a staggering quality. Rhythm, pitch and power, Lam had hardly made any mistake. It was especially stunning to hear those rappings. Nowadays, many talentless people claim themselves rappers. It is a sheer disguise. They should have their faces reddened if they have come to this concert. And even more amazingly, the show finished at 11:30 pm.
According to a hit advertisement, it claimed that even the sharpest sword would get rusty one day. To me, Lam's blade was still quite intact. Even if it is going to be oxidized, Lam would be sharper than those freshly manufactured toy knifes.
Helpless - 20110627
Human beings are pompous yet forgetful. We usually believe that everything could be kept under control. Our will power is lion. Say, the Chinese officials trust they could solve the problem of water shortage by the grand architecture, Three Gorges Dam. We could change the world.
The good feeling prevails until some catastrophes occur. 911, Sichuan earthquake etc., just to name a few. No matter they are man-made or natural. Only by then, we are reminded that human beings are as tiny as nano, and helpless as willow. And last night, I was totally defeated by the loosened tape in my bathroom.
On Sunday's morning, water started dripping. The situation was fine, just like the normal ones we encounter. I called the landlord twice in day time. She somehow did not picked up the call. Since the dripping was not that bad, we left it out.
Unexpectedly, the scale of dripping expanded. At night, it became virtually a tiny flow. AT 11pm, I called the landlord the third time. She finally answered, but told me to seek help from the agent. Damnit. I tried to turn off the water supply. It could not be completely done, even the estate office has offered help to fasten the tape at the top floor. There was still dripping of water until the present moment, I guess.
So, stuff like water leakage could not be easily stopped. We should be more humble, more frequently.
The good feeling prevails until some catastrophes occur. 911, Sichuan earthquake etc., just to name a few. No matter they are man-made or natural. Only by then, we are reminded that human beings are as tiny as nano, and helpless as willow. And last night, I was totally defeated by the loosened tape in my bathroom.
On Sunday's morning, water started dripping. The situation was fine, just like the normal ones we encounter. I called the landlord twice in day time. She somehow did not picked up the call. Since the dripping was not that bad, we left it out.
Unexpectedly, the scale of dripping expanded. At night, it became virtually a tiny flow. AT 11pm, I called the landlord the third time. She finally answered, but told me to seek help from the agent. Damnit. I tried to turn off the water supply. It could not be completely done, even the estate office has offered help to fasten the tape at the top floor. There was still dripping of water until the present moment, I guess.
So, stuff like water leakage could not be easily stopped. We should be more humble, more frequently.
2011年4月6日 星期三
Estate Agent - 20110406
Somehow, I met two estate agents recently. Their service were quite different.
The first one was a young man, A. As a representative from one of the market leaders, it was expected that A would be formally dressed. Maybe it was a Sunday, so A took a short-sleeve shirt without tucking it into his jeans. He was a rather cool and quiet person, and I guess he could earn much money if his manner could be progressed. For example, A could try to hold door for his clients. No matter his performance, the products introduced were much worse.
Then I came across B, a middle-age man. B was an agent of a small shop. Although he was also causally dressed, with sweater and jeans, like the usual neighbor we could easily imagined, B was a cheerful guy. He seemed to be familiar with the area he was introducing, and was not shy to tell some of the obvious weaknesses of the products. Even so, the things I've seen were far better than Sunday's ones.
The conclusion is, if we want service, we should go for the smaller shops.
The first one was a young man, A. As a representative from one of the market leaders, it was expected that A would be formally dressed. Maybe it was a Sunday, so A took a short-sleeve shirt without tucking it into his jeans. He was a rather cool and quiet person, and I guess he could earn much money if his manner could be progressed. For example, A could try to hold door for his clients. No matter his performance, the products introduced were much worse.
Then I came across B, a middle-age man. B was an agent of a small shop. Although he was also causally dressed, with sweater and jeans, like the usual neighbor we could easily imagined, B was a cheerful guy. He seemed to be familiar with the area he was introducing, and was not shy to tell some of the obvious weaknesses of the products. Even so, the things I've seen were far better than Sunday's ones.
The conclusion is, if we want service, we should go for the smaller shops.
2011年4月5日 星期二
吃印象 - 20110404
本地一眾日式連鎖料理集團罕有的連成一線，登報稱，店舖絕大部分食材非來自日本，試圖安食客之心。
核幅射的影響真箇巨大，害得這些一直艱苦經營「和風」的店子，為保人客，寧可把「日本形象」打個粉碎。
撇開甚麼欺騙不談，也要佩服這些料理集團的「媽屐亭」。那個Ricky san，不停上電視，月旦日本食物，說日語，一派和風掌門的身段；後不住競投吞拿魚王，豪奪日本一，屢挫架仔氣焰，耀我中華光輝；近來更時常贊助電視劇集，營造和吃盛世。久而久之，其集團食店俱大排長龍，要親炙一件板長手握壽司，非等上一頭半個小時不可。
我等蟻民，真的能分辨正宗和食與「日式」料理嗎？Ricky san告訴我們，不能。否則，核幅射前，也不會每天都有長長人龍，在等吃那些心目中從築地即日新鮮運港的食材。
事實上，我們吃的，只是印象；整個過程，是self-fulfilling prophecy。
核幅射的影響真箇巨大，害得這些一直艱苦經營「和風」的店子，為保人客，寧可把「日本形象」打個粉碎。
撇開甚麼欺騙不談，也要佩服這些料理集團的「媽屐亭」。那個Ricky san，不停上電視，月旦日本食物，說日語，一派和風掌門的身段；後不住競投吞拿魚王，豪奪日本一，屢挫架仔氣焰，耀我中華光輝；近來更時常贊助電視劇集，營造和吃盛世。久而久之，其集團食店俱大排長龍，要親炙一件板長手握壽司，非等上一頭半個小時不可。
我等蟻民，真的能分辨正宗和食與「日式」料理嗎？Ricky san告訴我們，不能。否則，核幅射前，也不會每天都有長長人龍，在等吃那些心目中從築地即日新鮮運港的食材。
事實上，我們吃的，只是印象；整個過程，是self-fulfilling prophecy。
2011年3月31日 星期四
Capri and Sorrento - 20110331
While on a very occasional hotpot gathering with my girl friend's pals, one of the ladies said she would go to Capri and Sorrento for holiday in June.
Capri is such an enigmatic place. There are so many stories associated with it. Maugham's The Lotus Eater, Bryson's Neither Here Nor There . . . The place is at least an imaginary paradise to reader like me. It worths wondering whether the place is that beautiful, that someone would sacrifice his belongings for a reclusive life there. And even the sarcastic Bryson cannot stop praising it. The only problem is, it is too far away.
Regarding Sorrento, most of us would have mixed feeling with it. If we are asked what "Sorrento" is, the overwhelming answer would be the same naming estate in TST, rather than the lovely Italian town. Could it be treated as a certain kind of cultural difference, or a form of "East meets West"? The answer could not be easily told.
When so many places are "untravelable", like Japan, Philippines, Thailand . . . , it is fortunate to be affordable to go to Italy, in the sense of time and finance.
Capri is such an enigmatic place. There are so many stories associated with it. Maugham's The Lotus Eater, Bryson's Neither Here Nor There . . . The place is at least an imaginary paradise to reader like me. It worths wondering whether the place is that beautiful, that someone would sacrifice his belongings for a reclusive life there. And even the sarcastic Bryson cannot stop praising it. The only problem is, it is too far away.
Regarding Sorrento, most of us would have mixed feeling with it. If we are asked what "Sorrento" is, the overwhelming answer would be the same naming estate in TST, rather than the lovely Italian town. Could it be treated as a certain kind of cultural difference, or a form of "East meets West"? The answer could not be easily told.
When so many places are "untravelable", like Japan, Philippines, Thailand . . . , it is fortunate to be affordable to go to Italy, in the sense of time and finance.
2011年3月30日 星期三
一平安 - 20110329
昨午，有點空閒，獨自到一平安吃了碗拉麵。既可大快朵頤，亦可支持日本。
抵店，只十二時初，人客小貓三倆。坐在吧枱前，享受難得閒適。日本客人有二，皆中年漢，分別獨個兒拿著獨賣新聞，靜靜坐下看報用膳。日藉女侍應也不多招呼，明顯是熟客。不知是心理作用還是甚麼，日漢都愁眉深鎖。在幽暗燈光下，氣氛更爵士。
點餐，不用看餐牌。對我來說，一平安那碗什錦拉麵實是唯一選擇。兩片叉燒出奇香滑，兩件腩肉更是豐腴。配角糖心蛋半隻、芽菜木耳各一撮、蔥花一把、紫菜一塊，和麵條拌在濃綢豬骨湯裏，剎是銷魂。
埋單，七十多塊錢，當然貴。不過，這種偶一為之的奢侈，還是需要的。猶其是在災難、蠢材交替出現的日子，我們還要為自己加油。
希望人如店名。
抵店，只十二時初，人客小貓三倆。坐在吧枱前，享受難得閒適。日本客人有二，皆中年漢，分別獨個兒拿著獨賣新聞，靜靜坐下看報用膳。日藉女侍應也不多招呼，明顯是熟客。不知是心理作用還是甚麼，日漢都愁眉深鎖。在幽暗燈光下，氣氛更爵士。
點餐，不用看餐牌。對我來說，一平安那碗什錦拉麵實是唯一選擇。兩片叉燒出奇香滑，兩件腩肉更是豐腴。配角糖心蛋半隻、芽菜木耳各一撮、蔥花一把、紫菜一塊，和麵條拌在濃綢豬骨湯裏，剎是銷魂。
埋單，七十多塊錢，當然貴。不過，這種偶一為之的奢侈，還是需要的。猶其是在災難、蠢材交替出現的日子，我們還要為自己加油。
希望人如店名。
Twins - 20110328
One of my best friends just became the father of twin girls. Amazing.
Nowadays, we are not short of news about twins, triplets or so. Thanks to technological advancement, as well as the tendency of late marriage, more couples could get babies at older age, by implantation. Getting pregnancy via unnatural way could increase the chance of resulting in multiple embryos. Nevertheless, my friend is an exception, as he is still strong and young enough to have a pair of identical offspring, naturally.
It is hard to imagine how baby twins be nurtured. When one cries, the silent other would be contaminated. Feeding one baby is already a tiring job, and to tackle two at the same time is simply torture. Changing diapers is a similar beast, with an even more heartbreaking end-product. And there are endless comparable things to count, if ones want to.
No matter how daunting it looks, all my best wishes are with my buddy and his wife and twins.
Nowadays, we are not short of news about twins, triplets or so. Thanks to technological advancement, as well as the tendency of late marriage, more couples could get babies at older age, by implantation. Getting pregnancy via unnatural way could increase the chance of resulting in multiple embryos. Nevertheless, my friend is an exception, as he is still strong and young enough to have a pair of identical offspring, naturally.
It is hard to imagine how baby twins be nurtured. When one cries, the silent other would be contaminated. Feeding one baby is already a tiring job, and to tackle two at the same time is simply torture. Changing diapers is a similar beast, with an even more heartbreaking end-product. And there are endless comparable things to count, if ones want to.
No matter how daunting it looks, all my best wishes are with my buddy and his wife and twins.
2011年3月27日 星期日
雷曼原則 - 20100325
自從迷你債券泡沫爆破後，衍生了一個討厭的族群，曰「雷曼苦主」。
這些人，宣稱被銀行欺騙，買下雷曼債券。及後雷曼倒閉，債券變成廢紙，有「雷曼苦主」因而損失百萬計財產。為了討回金錢，「雷曼苦主」無所不用其極：遊行、集會、示威等是平常事。最離譜是，「雷曼苦主」成天在不同銀行門口搞事，如有市民到銀行，披麻帶孝的他們便大叫「有客到」，何其賤格。
不過，賤格歸賤格，有銀行真的屈服，以高折讓價贖回迷債。由是觀之，只要夠惡、夠人多、夠無賴，縱然多無理，願望也可能達成，妄稱之為「雷曼原則」。
現在，「雷曼原則」有廣泛使用之勢。有的成功，有的仍須努力。例子：力爭政府六千元「獎金」的新移民；或盲搶鹽後，想將居奇不成的囤積品退貨的人等等。
甚麼尊嚴呀、願賭復輸呀，都無關宏旨了。
這些人，宣稱被銀行欺騙，買下雷曼債券。及後雷曼倒閉，債券變成廢紙，有「雷曼苦主」因而損失百萬計財產。為了討回金錢，「雷曼苦主」無所不用其極：遊行、集會、示威等是平常事。最離譜是，「雷曼苦主」成天在不同銀行門口搞事，如有市民到銀行，披麻帶孝的他們便大叫「有客到」，何其賤格。
不過，賤格歸賤格，有銀行真的屈服，以高折讓價贖回迷債。由是觀之，只要夠惡、夠人多、夠無賴，縱然多無理，願望也可能達成，妄稱之為「雷曼原則」。
現在，「雷曼原則」有廣泛使用之勢。有的成功，有的仍須努力。例子：力爭政府六千元「獎金」的新移民；或盲搶鹽後，想將居奇不成的囤積品退貨的人等等。
甚麼尊嚴呀、願賭復輸呀，都無關宏旨了。
Evil Money - 20110324
"Money is the root of all evil". The proverb is proved so right, once again. This time, mainland immigrants are the whistle-blowers.
Our rich government, in order to offload some of its asset, by trial and error, decided to pay each and nearly every adult $6,000. Originally, a group of people would be left out from the scheme, that is, the non-permanent HK citizens. Swift enough, mainland immigrants cry out the so-called unfair treatment. And for the sake of harmony, our besieged government agreed to pay $6,000 to those noise makers, on the condition that the beneficiaries are poor ones.
It is real unfortunate. The saga reveals the incompetence of our government, the insatiable greediness of mainland immigrants and the contradiction between us.
The swaying attitude adopted by the government could earn nothing but woes from everybody. It is a joke to get so many thumbs down by spending hundreds of billions of money.
Our Chinese brothers are dubbed as locust. Wherever they go, everything would be gone. They would not let go any benefit. They just don't care how disgusting their image are casted. They have already occupied the pantheon of selfishness.
Our rich government, in order to offload some of its asset, by trial and error, decided to pay each and nearly every adult $6,000. Originally, a group of people would be left out from the scheme, that is, the non-permanent HK citizens. Swift enough, mainland immigrants cry out the so-called unfair treatment. And for the sake of harmony, our besieged government agreed to pay $6,000 to those noise makers, on the condition that the beneficiaries are poor ones.
It is real unfortunate. The saga reveals the incompetence of our government, the insatiable greediness of mainland immigrants and the contradiction between us.
The swaying attitude adopted by the government could earn nothing but woes from everybody. It is a joke to get so many thumbs down by spending hundreds of billions of money.
Our Chinese brothers are dubbed as locust. Wherever they go, everything would be gone. They would not let go any benefit. They just don't care how disgusting their image are casted. They have already occupied the pantheon of selfishness.
2011年3月21日 星期一
神諭 - 20110321
據說，日本大地震，可能是報應。
東京都知事石原慎太郎說，日本人沉迷私慾，遭受天譴，海嘯是上天對日本的洗滌。及後，群起攻之，石原撤回言論。雖則如此，我們也零星聽到類似東西，論者包括基督徒。
天譴論其實漏洞多多，最明顯是沒有邏輯。它是譩測。引發地震和海嘯的原因，當和形而上的東西，例如神，扯上關係，就永遠不能驗證真偽。如李天命說，這些觀點，連假都不如。
另外，如果天譴是建基於沉迷私慾；那麼，為甚麼受蹂躪的地區，是日本相對貧窮，及老人與少年聚居的東北部呢？天如要懲罰沉迷私慾者，理應是東京受襲才對吧。上天為甚麼要「試煉」垂垂老者及天真小孩呢？
沉迷迷思，還不如沉默吧。
東京都知事石原慎太郎說，日本人沉迷私慾，遭受天譴，海嘯是上天對日本的洗滌。及後，群起攻之，石原撤回言論。雖則如此，我們也零星聽到類似東西，論者包括基督徒。
天譴論其實漏洞多多，最明顯是沒有邏輯。它是譩測。引發地震和海嘯的原因，當和形而上的東西，例如神，扯上關係，就永遠不能驗證真偽。如李天命說，這些觀點，連假都不如。
另外，如果天譴是建基於沉迷私慾；那麼，為甚麼受蹂躪的地區，是日本相對貧窮，及老人與少年聚居的東北部呢？天如要懲罰沉迷私慾者，理應是東京受襲才對吧。上天為甚麼要「試煉」垂垂老者及天真小孩呢？
沉迷迷思，還不如沉默吧。
2011年3月15日 星期二
哈日的層次 - 20110315
日本大地震，引發恐怖海嘯，情境駭人。房屋遭沖毀，汽車沒頂，還有走避不及的市民被吞噬。
除了零星無賴幸災樂禍，香港人普遍對日本人寄予同情。日本民族的質素尤其使人刮目相看。災難後，新幹線停駛，市民便默默的排隊等巴士；便利店開門，沒有人趁火打劫，囤積居奇，市民只選購必須品，店子開門個半小時後還有點貨賣；外國人急了，日本人還有餘力幫忙。陳志雲說：「遇到莫名其妙的事，不要驚、不要亂、不要放棄」。日本人做到了。比較一下地鐵稍延便屌晒鬼的香港人，更不用說大陸人，正常人能不哈日嗎？
不是地震，也不知道香港人對日本地理的熟悉。正如李純恩在專欄說，香港人懂日本多過中國。仙台青森函館岩手，如數家珍；甚麼湖南河北陝西山東，一竅不通。雖然就品味計，未必是壞事；但被外人知道，還是會被看輕的。儘管香港愛國同胞甚眾。
無論信不信神，也應該為日本人祈禱。
除了零星無賴幸災樂禍，香港人普遍對日本人寄予同情。日本民族的質素尤其使人刮目相看。災難後，新幹線停駛，市民便默默的排隊等巴士；便利店開門，沒有人趁火打劫，囤積居奇，市民只選購必須品，店子開門個半小時後還有點貨賣；外國人急了，日本人還有餘力幫忙。陳志雲說：「遇到莫名其妙的事，不要驚、不要亂、不要放棄」。日本人做到了。比較一下地鐵稍延便屌晒鬼的香港人，更不用說大陸人，正常人能不哈日嗎？
不是地震，也不知道香港人對日本地理的熟悉。正如李純恩在專欄說，香港人懂日本多過中國。仙台青森函館岩手，如數家珍；甚麼湖南河北陝西山東，一竅不通。雖然就品味計，未必是壞事；但被外人知道，還是會被看輕的。儘管香港愛國同胞甚眾。
無論信不信神，也應該為日本人祈禱。
2011年3月8日 星期二
Intuition - 20110308
While reading the news highlight in the train, I noted a piece of information that a young lady was stabbed by a man, and the man later committed suicide.
My reflective response was, how come a young man could be so cruel to his ex-lover. And the usual association went on.
Later, I knew that I was totally wrong. The man was in his middle age, and should be the lover of victim's mum. It was not a love-turn-hatred story between two immature youngsters. According to the press, the cause of terror was money.
I was dumbfound. And the prevalence of intuition makes me look stupid, a bit.
My reflective response was, how come a young man could be so cruel to his ex-lover. And the usual association went on.
Later, I knew that I was totally wrong. The man was in his middle age, and should be the lover of victim's mum. It was not a love-turn-hatred story between two immature youngsters. According to the press, the cause of terror was money.
I was dumbfound. And the prevalence of intuition makes me look stupid, a bit.
2011年3月3日 星期四
大債仔 - 20110303
財政預算，劣評如潮。經過一星期一面倒的口誅筆伐，政府終於撤回注資強積金戶口的建議，改以現金六千元發還市民。
這是一項德政嗎？唔。
想一想，上市公司，收入是靠股東提供的。年結，扣除營運開支，尚有盈餘。盈餘誰屬？表面上，是公司的；實際上，是股東的。現在，公司發盈喜，決定派股息。正常股東，會希望股息以現金支付，還是如長期債券般，卅年後才發還？如果公司揀後者，等執笠好了。
除非這公司不怕執笠，如我們的政府。與其說政府是公司，不如類比債仔。天下債仔，大小各異，其性則一。賴皮也。借來錢財，視為己物。當債主登門討債，初則放軟手腳，繼而惡言相向。都是常態。
怎樣才能討回錢財？都是靠非常手段。如今次，要聲言發動革命，和債仔「玩鋪勁」，才能打動之。
這是一項德政嗎？唔。
想一想，上市公司，收入是靠股東提供的。年結，扣除營運開支，尚有盈餘。盈餘誰屬？表面上，是公司的；實際上，是股東的。現在，公司發盈喜，決定派股息。正常股東，會希望股息以現金支付，還是如長期債券般，卅年後才發還？如果公司揀後者，等執笠好了。
除非這公司不怕執笠，如我們的政府。與其說政府是公司，不如類比債仔。天下債仔，大小各異，其性則一。賴皮也。借來錢財，視為己物。當債主登門討債，初則放軟手腳，繼而惡言相向。都是常態。
怎樣才能討回錢財？都是靠非常手段。如今次，要聲言發動革命，和債仔「玩鋪勁」，才能打動之。
2011年2月25日 星期五
GIC 2.0 - 20110225
After conducting the Budget Speech of 2011, financial secretary John Tsang has been suffering a popularity slump. Simply speaking, the budget proposal sucks. Among different devils, the Government Injection Contribution (GIC) is the deadest one.
The government proposed to inject $6,000 to Hong Kong citizens who should have an account in retirement schemes under MPF or ORSO, as at 23 Feb 2011. This is GIC. Nobody is happy to it, either eligible ones or else.
People entitled to GIC bemoaned the unreachable future to cash in the "candy". Normally, we could only get our MPF stuff back when we are 65. So, GIC is a solid thing, but virtually untouchable. To rub salt in the wound, fund managers could reap the sow from our pocket, IMMEDIATELY. After the mini bond saga, fund managers are equally envied and disgusted. GIC could only increase our hatred of the riches getting richer.
Ineligible ones are a priori unhappy. However, GIC is outrageously unjust to a large group of those, the retirees. John Tsang said, one of the reason for GIC, is to protect the retirement life. If it holds water, then how come the retirees could get nothing from it? For example, the old and poor people, who have no MPF account, even are living under the poverty line, could never be benefited. In contrast, billionaires could get their share of $6,000, once they get a MPF account. So, does it mean our government is contended with the poor old people's way of life, say, by picking paper from rubbish bins to eke out their living?
That's why the "Bauhinia uprising" is brewing.
The government proposed to inject $6,000 to Hong Kong citizens who should have an account in retirement schemes under MPF or ORSO, as at 23 Feb 2011. This is GIC. Nobody is happy to it, either eligible ones or else.
People entitled to GIC bemoaned the unreachable future to cash in the "candy". Normally, we could only get our MPF stuff back when we are 65. So, GIC is a solid thing, but virtually untouchable. To rub salt in the wound, fund managers could reap the sow from our pocket, IMMEDIATELY. After the mini bond saga, fund managers are equally envied and disgusted. GIC could only increase our hatred of the riches getting richer.
Ineligible ones are a priori unhappy. However, GIC is outrageously unjust to a large group of those, the retirees. John Tsang said, one of the reason for GIC, is to protect the retirement life. If it holds water, then how come the retirees could get nothing from it? For example, the old and poor people, who have no MPF account, even are living under the poverty line, could never be benefited. In contrast, billionaires could get their share of $6,000, once they get a MPF account. So, does it mean our government is contended with the poor old people's way of life, say, by picking paper from rubbish bins to eke out their living?
That's why the "Bauhinia uprising" is brewing.
2011年2月24日 星期四
卡達菲的演講 - 20110224
在新聞裏，看見利比亞狂人卡達菲演講，可堪玩味。
講詞不明。但是，演講場地選址一絕。卡達菲曾於行官受美軍空襲，大難不死，可小女兒卻未能倖免。行宮因而變成「遺址」。但是，狂人未有推陳出新，選擇原汁原味保留殘骸，只在門前加建一個雕塑，是一個拳頭握毀一隻刻有USA字樣的戰機。其動機不言自明。想不到，「養兵千日，用在一時」，中國成語，在利比亞也適用呢！卡達菲就在此處演講。他的擁躉，看到此情此境，定受鼓動。
不過，修辭還修辭，魔鬼始終是魔鬼，無論穿唐裝還是軍服。會對國民開火的國家不多，利比亞是其中一個。正常人，只能希望卡達菲快快下台。
講詞不明。但是，演講場地選址一絕。卡達菲曾於行官受美軍空襲，大難不死，可小女兒卻未能倖免。行宮因而變成「遺址」。但是，狂人未有推陳出新，選擇原汁原味保留殘骸，只在門前加建一個雕塑，是一個拳頭握毀一隻刻有USA字樣的戰機。其動機不言自明。想不到，「養兵千日，用在一時」，中國成語，在利比亞也適用呢！卡達菲就在此處演講。他的擁躉，看到此情此境，定受鼓動。
不過，修辭還修辭，魔鬼始終是魔鬼，無論穿唐裝還是軍服。會對國民開火的國家不多，利比亞是其中一個。正常人，只能希望卡達菲快快下台。
2011年2月21日 星期一
Cramp - 20110221
Yesterday was the runner's day. Most of the avid runners joined the HK marathon, whilst I went for a long distance jog along Tolo harbour, painstakingly.
The HK marathon is very Hong Kong. The atmosphere is, positively speaking, "carnivalic". To be true, it is crowded and noisy. As a lazy runner, like me, it is always too early to wake up at 4 am and take a train from Sheung Shui to TST and prepare for this and that. Last but not least, running is a very individualistic sport to me.
So I turned to run in Shatin. After visiting a causal barber, I arrived in the sport stadium at 2pm. Along the usually packed trail, from Shatin to Tai Po, it was an unusually quiet Sunday. Cyclers came and gone intermittently. Runners could scarcely be spotted. There was no rain, albeit a bit cloudy, it was a nice day to run.
I kicked off smoothly. In the first half, I ran comfortably and enjoyed my day very much. However, after reaching the Yuen Chau Tsai Park, the turning point, I felt the "wall" in my body. According to my experience, it could be overcome after a while. Sadly, yesterday was not the day.
While reaching the Science Park, after around 15 km has been accomplished, my legs seemed to be running out of energy. I walked a while, hoping to rediscover the residue in my tank. It didn't work. My shanks, then thighs, even the hip, cramped chronologically. I could just manage to crawl back Shatin.
This was quite an experience. Having adapted to running for over ten years, I have never cramped during the course. Muscle stiffness is expected for jogging over 10 km. But cramp was quite a different animal. You just could not overcome it, no matter how hard you've tried.
The HK marathon is very Hong Kong. The atmosphere is, positively speaking, "carnivalic". To be true, it is crowded and noisy. As a lazy runner, like me, it is always too early to wake up at 4 am and take a train from Sheung Shui to TST and prepare for this and that. Last but not least, running is a very individualistic sport to me.
So I turned to run in Shatin. After visiting a causal barber, I arrived in the sport stadium at 2pm. Along the usually packed trail, from Shatin to Tai Po, it was an unusually quiet Sunday. Cyclers came and gone intermittently. Runners could scarcely be spotted. There was no rain, albeit a bit cloudy, it was a nice day to run.
I kicked off smoothly. In the first half, I ran comfortably and enjoyed my day very much. However, after reaching the Yuen Chau Tsai Park, the turning point, I felt the "wall" in my body. According to my experience, it could be overcome after a while. Sadly, yesterday was not the day.
While reaching the Science Park, after around 15 km has been accomplished, my legs seemed to be running out of energy. I walked a while, hoping to rediscover the residue in my tank. It didn't work. My shanks, then thighs, even the hip, cramped chronologically. I could just manage to crawl back Shatin.
This was quite an experience. Having adapted to running for over ten years, I have never cramped during the course. Muscle stiffness is expected for jogging over 10 km. But cramp was quite a different animal. You just could not overcome it, no matter how hard you've tried.
2011年2月15日 星期二
果汁 - 20110214
話說，一個中大碩士生，名阿鵬，求職二百次皆碰壁，登上生果報頭版。
這真是典型的小題大造。首先，當今天碩士畢業生數量之多就如滄桑之粟，他們找不到工作，也不是甚麼稀奇事吧。再者，事主也懂得伸請綜緩，總不會餓死。那麼，阿鵬有甚麼份量上大報頭條？
當然是他的騎呢。阿鵬根本是古谷實筆下寄生蟲的倒模，典型的「高登仔」- - - 身型略胖，頭髮稍亂和油，架著土氣金絲眼鏡，瞪著小眼睛，皮膚白晢。明顯地，阿鵬長年對著電腦，缺少戶外活動。往模擬見工，跟職員說要喝「果汁」。天啊！先不論要喝果汁有多孩子氣及無理，就是要喝，也應該清楚說要那種吧？橙汁還是蘋果汁呢，老細？
生果報也實在是「捉倒鹿唔識脫角」。活捉阿鵬，應該多走一步，訪問阿鵬老豆老母，看其教子之道。這才能將教化「港孩」的整套絕活展現人前。
這真是典型的小題大造。首先，當今天碩士畢業生數量之多就如滄桑之粟，他們找不到工作，也不是甚麼稀奇事吧。再者，事主也懂得伸請綜緩，總不會餓死。那麼，阿鵬有甚麼份量上大報頭條？
當然是他的騎呢。阿鵬根本是古谷實筆下寄生蟲的倒模，典型的「高登仔」- - - 身型略胖，頭髮稍亂和油，架著土氣金絲眼鏡，瞪著小眼睛，皮膚白晢。明顯地，阿鵬長年對著電腦，缺少戶外活動。往模擬見工，跟職員說要喝「果汁」。天啊！先不論要喝果汁有多孩子氣及無理，就是要喝，也應該清楚說要那種吧？橙汁還是蘋果汁呢，老細？
生果報也實在是「捉倒鹿唔識脫角」。活捉阿鵬，應該多走一步，訪問阿鵬老豆老母，看其教子之道。這才能將教化「港孩」的整套絕活展現人前。
2011年2月8日 星期二
Mosaics - 20110208
We Hong Kong people are famous for lacking imagination. However, everything has an exception. On Sunday's night, I witnessed the creation of a piece of impromptu "mosaics", in a noodle shop.
The artist was a post-80s lady. She was having dinner with her boyfriend. Arrived later than the couple, and sitting next to them, we had our usual pick of the very delicious beef noodle. The taste was the same, heavenly. While we were praising our sacred cow, it ignited the lady's Muse. The lady challenged one of the waitresses for her misrepresentation, believed to be an innocent one, for the sold-out of beef noodle. The waitress said sorry.
However, the artist's mind has been stirred, who could stop the flow of her inspiration? No one. Picking up the finely-chopped spring onion by chopsticks, the lady put them down one by one, along the edge of the table. When the spring onion was exhausted, she, with a smiley face, asked her boy how the "mosaics" looked. The boy did his part.
This was the freshest piece of mosaics that I have come across. I did have the impulse to shot it down, and gave it a like in my facebook. Nevertheless, in the festive season, I was too lazy to do so. Poor.
The artist was a post-80s lady. She was having dinner with her boyfriend. Arrived later than the couple, and sitting next to them, we had our usual pick of the very delicious beef noodle. The taste was the same, heavenly. While we were praising our sacred cow, it ignited the lady's Muse. The lady challenged one of the waitresses for her misrepresentation, believed to be an innocent one, for the sold-out of beef noodle. The waitress said sorry.
However, the artist's mind has been stirred, who could stop the flow of her inspiration? No one. Picking up the finely-chopped spring onion by chopsticks, the lady put them down one by one, along the edge of the table. When the spring onion was exhausted, she, with a smiley face, asked her boy how the "mosaics" looked. The boy did his part.
This was the freshest piece of mosaics that I have come across. I did have the impulse to shot it down, and gave it a like in my facebook. Nevertheless, in the festive season, I was too lazy to do so. Poor.
2011年2月7日 星期一
萬宜水庫 - 20110207
年初二，到西貢遠足。由上窰入，至萬宜水庫，來回東西壩。十二時半始，六時十五分終。
天氣好得語塞。陽光普照，溫度適中，濕度也低，行山無得彈。上窰一段，有一點崎嶇。先上山，再下山，路面碎石不少，步步為營，趣味盎然。行一會，索性把上衣除去，來一個久違了的日光浴，最是舒暢。到萬宜水庫入口，時為二時許，啃一點麵包，稍歇一會，開始東西壩一段。
全條東西壩均為瀝青覆蓋，路是好走，但少了鄉土味。看見跑手三兩，非常佩服。因為，此處斜路頗長，路途亦遠，要跑畢全程，耐力意志皆不可缺。亦見露營者，一行五人，四男一女，沿途喧鬧不止。女的行了一會，便向男友詐嬌，嗔著正在「蘊釀」發水泡。男友也識趣，登時扶起女友玉腿，為其按摩，好不溫馨。至東壩，即「國家地質公園」所在地。破邊洲外海洋開闊無邊，人造堤岸和天然六角岩柱相映成趣，景色壯麗。只是，涼亭聚眾，賓賓印印高頻又重覆的聲調畫破長空，加上前述「露營五友」抵達，東壩迅間變成維園，開壇獨欠謝志峰。
惟有折返。為趕日落前到巴士站，我們加快腳步。間中雖有的士三數擦身而過，回程還是寧靜寫意。大段路，和另一家正常三口同行，途中遇見一牛。牛有牛行，人有人走，相安無事。天黑前，順利乘巴士離開。
新年遠足，遊人較少，山間樂濃些。如是閒時假日，碰口碰面也是「露營五友」般港男港女，談何野趣？
天氣好得語塞。陽光普照，溫度適中，濕度也低，行山無得彈。上窰一段，有一點崎嶇。先上山，再下山，路面碎石不少，步步為營，趣味盎然。行一會，索性把上衣除去，來一個久違了的日光浴，最是舒暢。到萬宜水庫入口，時為二時許，啃一點麵包，稍歇一會，開始東西壩一段。
全條東西壩均為瀝青覆蓋，路是好走，但少了鄉土味。看見跑手三兩，非常佩服。因為，此處斜路頗長，路途亦遠，要跑畢全程，耐力意志皆不可缺。亦見露營者，一行五人，四男一女，沿途喧鬧不止。女的行了一會，便向男友詐嬌，嗔著正在「蘊釀」發水泡。男友也識趣，登時扶起女友玉腿，為其按摩，好不溫馨。至東壩，即「國家地質公園」所在地。破邊洲外海洋開闊無邊，人造堤岸和天然六角岩柱相映成趣，景色壯麗。只是，涼亭聚眾，賓賓印印高頻又重覆的聲調畫破長空，加上前述「露營五友」抵達，東壩迅間變成維園，開壇獨欠謝志峰。
惟有折返。為趕日落前到巴士站，我們加快腳步。間中雖有的士三數擦身而過，回程還是寧靜寫意。大段路，和另一家正常三口同行，途中遇見一牛。牛有牛行，人有人走，相安無事。天黑前，順利乘巴士離開。
新年遠足，遊人較少，山間樂濃些。如是閒時假日，碰口碰面也是「露營五友」般港男港女，談何野趣？
2011年1月30日 星期日
Gracious - 20110127
Surprisingly, Rafa was ousted by his compatriot Ferrer in the quarterfinal match of Australian Open. Even more surprisingly, the defeat was in three straight sets. The bickering for "Rafa Slam", that is, Nadal to hold all four Grand Slam trophies at one time, could be put to an end.
Nadal was not in the top form throughout the tournament. It could be seen from his comparatively high figure of unforced errors, as well as his abnormal sweating on the court. According to the post-match interview, Nadal seemed to have a hamstring, though he refused to talk much on it. Instead, he chose to praise his opponent.
This is sportsmanship. I just have not seen Rafa to find excuses when he is beaten, which rarely happens. Tennis is an individual sport, which winning or losing could only count on oneself. And tennis is brutal, which victory could come from a mere break point. Thus, players are animal, otherwise they could not tear their prays apart. It would be of huge difficulty for an animal to tune back to human-being after the match. Rafa does it graciously.
Nadal was not in the top form throughout the tournament. It could be seen from his comparatively high figure of unforced errors, as well as his abnormal sweating on the court. According to the post-match interview, Nadal seemed to have a hamstring, though he refused to talk much on it. Instead, he chose to praise his opponent.
This is sportsmanship. I just have not seen Rafa to find excuses when he is beaten, which rarely happens. Tennis is an individual sport, which winning or losing could only count on oneself. And tennis is brutal, which victory could come from a mere break point. Thus, players are animal, otherwise they could not tear their prays apart. It would be of huge difficulty for an animal to tune back to human-being after the match. Rafa does it graciously.
2011年1月26日 星期三
神童 - 20110126
昨天，香港有一過氣神童，因暴斃於東莞而登上多份報刊頭版。真可謂「生榮死哀」。
聞說，神童白手興家，於十多歲當經紀，廿多歲時事業登頂，身家達廿億。曾幾何時，神童左右美女如雲，和大量娛樂圈女星過從甚密，是眾港男的偶像。女星們的私密特質，經神童的「口述歷史」，繒形繒聲，也是獅子山下的一點集體回憶。
不知何故，神童崩潰了。又暴肥又生毒瘤，他的墜落，也叫大家非常心涼。如今，巨星殞落，不少人更大呼活該呢。憎人富貴欠人貧嘛。
俱往矣。叫人難忘的，是神童的打扮。一頭蓬鬆的濃髮，五官均偏大。中等偏肥的身形，頂著大肚子，霎眼有點像陳奕迅。恤衫永遠不別頂端兩顆衣鈕。深色西褲，赤腳踏懶佬鞋。想裝瀟洒，卻總是得出一副淫穢相。
幾時，有錢人能長得較好看呢？
聞說，神童白手興家，於十多歲當經紀，廿多歲時事業登頂，身家達廿億。曾幾何時，神童左右美女如雲，和大量娛樂圈女星過從甚密，是眾港男的偶像。女星們的私密特質，經神童的「口述歷史」，繒形繒聲，也是獅子山下的一點集體回憶。
不知何故，神童崩潰了。又暴肥又生毒瘤，他的墜落，也叫大家非常心涼。如今，巨星殞落，不少人更大呼活該呢。憎人富貴欠人貧嘛。
俱往矣。叫人難忘的，是神童的打扮。一頭蓬鬆的濃髮，五官均偏大。中等偏肥的身形，頂著大肚子，霎眼有點像陳奕迅。恤衫永遠不別頂端兩顆衣鈕。深色西褲，赤腳踏懶佬鞋。想裝瀟洒，卻總是得出一副淫穢相。
幾時，有錢人能長得較好看呢？
2011年1月25日 星期二
Two Combatants - 20110125
By flipping through channels, I watched the round four match between Kuznetsova and Schiavone, when they were levelled at 9-all. At the end, the Italian outlasted the Russian at 6-4, 1-6, 16-14, in 4 hours 44 minutes.
The scoreline itself is crazy enough to shit pants. And the quality of tennis showcased by both players could change one's view on the boring perception of women tennis.
Female tennis players are prone to error. Double faults and unforced errors fill a substantial part of the game. And the nauseating grunting, too. A cult, with Sharapova as the leading figure, seems could only unleash their energy via shouting. Even the boring Andy Murray made fun with it, and wondered whether any woman was giving birth in Sharapova's game. He was not exactly correct. Baby's crying is quieter than Maria's grunting.
Back to the classic combat. Both Kuzny and Francesca are attacking players. A hack of winners flied on every angle of the floor. And one point to note, women could not get aces easily from their serves. Thus, if rally is on, every point could be dauntingly long, which was the case of this match.
The highest praise to this dog fight - it's like Federer versus Nadal.
The scoreline itself is crazy enough to shit pants. And the quality of tennis showcased by both players could change one's view on the boring perception of women tennis.
Female tennis players are prone to error. Double faults and unforced errors fill a substantial part of the game. And the nauseating grunting, too. A cult, with Sharapova as the leading figure, seems could only unleash their energy via shouting. Even the boring Andy Murray made fun with it, and wondered whether any woman was giving birth in Sharapova's game. He was not exactly correct. Baby's crying is quieter than Maria's grunting.
Back to the classic combat. Both Kuzny and Francesca are attacking players. A hack of winners flied on every angle of the floor. And one point to note, women could not get aces easily from their serves. Thus, if rally is on, every point could be dauntingly long, which was the case of this match.
The highest praise to this dog fight - it's like Federer versus Nadal.
2011年1月24日 星期一
對抗 - 20110124
昨晚，看《星期日檔案》，有一港男，名龐一鳴，膽敢向地產商挑戰，嘗試一年內不光顧與其相關公司。
這是一件很有種的事。試想像，要恪守諾言，他一年內不能逛商場，行超市，搭巴士 . . . . . . 多可怕。看龐君的生活，出入靠單車，吃必街舖，買必街市，工餘放紙鳶 . . . . . . 多可怕。
單看節目，龐一鳴似率性天真。行年三十七，年前竟用九個月浪遊南美，還在鏡頭前給一年後的自己寫一封顏色斑爛的信。這些不是現實港人幹的事。就是沒女友埋怨，父母也罵不長進吧？只是，搞對抗，浪漫不能缺。
對我來說，龐的舉措，部分可行。例如，吃選擇小店，買菜幫襯街市。這是品味問題。商場有啥吃？全是連鎖店。超市又有甚麼買？都是一般貨色。要吃有個性的東西，當然小店；至於餸菜，要新鮮的必定街市。
踏單車上班嘛？不必妄想，硬件軟件皆缺也。單車徑，不知還要規劃多久；踩上馬路？撇開酒鬼不提，那些如狼似虎的司機，像是撞低人有分加似的，叫單車怎敢跟他們爭？車毀人亡呀！
這是一件很有種的事。試想像，要恪守諾言，他一年內不能逛商場，行超市，搭巴士 . . . . . . 多可怕。看龐君的生活，出入靠單車，吃必街舖，買必街市，工餘放紙鳶 . . . . . . 多可怕。
單看節目，龐一鳴似率性天真。行年三十七，年前竟用九個月浪遊南美，還在鏡頭前給一年後的自己寫一封顏色斑爛的信。這些不是現實港人幹的事。就是沒女友埋怨，父母也罵不長進吧？只是，搞對抗，浪漫不能缺。
對我來說，龐的舉措，部分可行。例如，吃選擇小店，買菜幫襯街市。這是品味問題。商場有啥吃？全是連鎖店。超市又有甚麼買？都是一般貨色。要吃有個性的東西，當然小店；至於餸菜，要新鮮的必定街市。
踏單車上班嘛？不必妄想，硬件軟件皆缺也。單車徑，不知還要規劃多久；踩上馬路？撇開酒鬼不提，那些如狼似虎的司機，像是撞低人有分加似的，叫單車怎敢跟他們爭？車毀人亡呀！
2011年1月19日 星期三
Neither Here Nor There - 20110119
The idiom means "unimportant". And could also be the title of a hilarious travel book, written by Bill Bryson.
While searching for something to kill time from the bookshelf, I noted this stuff. A paperback one, which the paper is stained by age, it could hardly be described as good looking. And although I have read another book from Bryson, on "nearly everything", I could never recall an ounce of what the hell inside. Since it seemed that most of the books have been covered, and rather reluctantly, I picked it out.
So, life sometimes is really like a box of chocolates, that you never know what you get next. Neither Here Nor There is a savory one, albeit its ugly facade.
The book is a travel note around Europe, in an American perspective. Much of the content must be fictitious, whilst the attitude of different peoples should be quite true. According to Bryson, Europeans were pompous and the supposed-to-be-everlasting-naive Americans were scorned. The most interesting thing is, Bryson poked fun at the "discrimination". From Norway to Yugoslavia, most of the countries may not be as enchanting as we may have imagined. However, laughter were coming by waves.
Somehow, Yukio Mishima's quote, "when I am telling a tragedy, you treat it as joke", is painfully true.
While searching for something to kill time from the bookshelf, I noted this stuff. A paperback one, which the paper is stained by age, it could hardly be described as good looking. And although I have read another book from Bryson, on "nearly everything", I could never recall an ounce of what the hell inside. Since it seemed that most of the books have been covered, and rather reluctantly, I picked it out.
So, life sometimes is really like a box of chocolates, that you never know what you get next. Neither Here Nor There is a savory one, albeit its ugly facade.
The book is a travel note around Europe, in an American perspective. Much of the content must be fictitious, whilst the attitude of different peoples should be quite true. According to Bryson, Europeans were pompous and the supposed-to-be-everlasting-naive Americans were scorned. The most interesting thing is, Bryson poked fun at the "discrimination". From Norway to Yugoslavia, most of the countries may not be as enchanting as we may have imagined. However, laughter were coming by waves.
Somehow, Yukio Mishima's quote, "when I am telling a tragedy, you treat it as joke", is painfully true.
2011年1月14日 星期五
焗蛋糕 - 20110114
公司搞焗蛋糕班。飯腳們照辦煮碗，自行報名，組成一隊「蛋糕兵團」。
焗蛋糕班也流行了至少七、八年吧？在短癮時代，此「潮流」如此長久，自有因由。架生是其一：在平均三百呎擠四個人的豆潤家，焗爐絕對是大而無當。需求是其二：拍拖初期，女仔送蛋糕給男仔是指定動作。方便是其三：聞說，焗蛋糕超易，因為配料已執齊，「廚師」們只需搞幾搞，放之入焗爐便成，絕無失敗之理。就是平常不煮飯的女同事都能做到。因為，其過程猶如叮飯般簡單。
這些蛋糕會好吃嗎？估計不會。況且，嚐甜的男子始終是小眾。說這些蛋糕好味，也不是味道好，而是當時感情好罷了。
焗蛋糕班也流行了至少七、八年吧？在短癮時代，此「潮流」如此長久，自有因由。架生是其一：在平均三百呎擠四個人的豆潤家，焗爐絕對是大而無當。需求是其二：拍拖初期，女仔送蛋糕給男仔是指定動作。方便是其三：聞說，焗蛋糕超易，因為配料已執齊，「廚師」們只需搞幾搞，放之入焗爐便成，絕無失敗之理。就是平常不煮飯的女同事都能做到。因為，其過程猶如叮飯般簡單。
這些蛋糕會好吃嗎？估計不會。況且，嚐甜的男子始終是小眾。說這些蛋糕好味，也不是味道好，而是當時感情好罷了。
IDD - 20110113
This morning, I received a phone call from US, and talked to a foreigner for half an hour. Weird.
These days, everybody could be kept in touch rather causally. Thanks to iPhone, Skype, 3G, Facebook and so and so, we could track down others, in words, by sound, or face-to-face, at once. In the sense of communication, the world is quite seamless.
Because of the infinite innovation on communication gadgets, people are now suffering the "compulsive connection disorder". That is, people have to be maintained online, wherever and whenever they are. The result, as a HKU student told the press, that he had engaged most of his time to deal with the less-well-known friends in Facebook, busy on updating himself and getting himself updated to the trivial stuff. The predicament is quite understandable. We could easily discovered that via Facebook. Some of the patients would give their "Like" to a piece of crumbled cake, and the dialogue would go on in that page. This is what we are addicted to, sharing.
Just like a balance, when the availability of communication means increases, the quality of communication decreases.
These days, everybody could be kept in touch rather causally. Thanks to iPhone, Skype, 3G, Facebook and so and so, we could track down others, in words, by sound, or face-to-face, at once. In the sense of communication, the world is quite seamless.
Because of the infinite innovation on communication gadgets, people are now suffering the "compulsive connection disorder". That is, people have to be maintained online, wherever and whenever they are. The result, as a HKU student told the press, that he had engaged most of his time to deal with the less-well-known friends in Facebook, busy on updating himself and getting himself updated to the trivial stuff. The predicament is quite understandable. We could easily discovered that via Facebook. Some of the patients would give their "Like" to a piece of crumbled cake, and the dialogue would go on in that page. This is what we are addicted to, sharing.
Just like a balance, when the availability of communication means increases, the quality of communication decreases.
2011年1月12日 星期三
罷工 - 20110112
公司男廁的三個尿兜，可能對國泰空姐按章工作的新聞，耳濡目染，竟然在同一時間「罷工」起來。
三個並排的尿兜，彷彿天氣太冷，如穿上外套一樣，各自蓋上同款白罩。也不排除，天氣冷得太久，連尿兜也冷死了。三個被「裹屍布」套著的尿兜，如三個雪白的小墳墓。看到了，也差點忍不住要向它們獻花呢。
衍生的後果可不是鬧著玩。尿兜通通打柴，男士們便唯有找馬桶解手。馬桶範圍小，不是每篤尿均能全數順利入內的。須知道，眼界、能力，因人而異。後生仔心火盛，射得太高，可射到廁板上；年長的機器壞，滴到一地尿花的，很是平常。大陸那些甚麼「行前一小步，文明一大步」的口號，並非人人身體力行的。結果，廁所板、馬桶邊沿、地板等，都佈滿尿漬，可苦透了要大便的人。
其實，尿兜也真是一個偉大的發明。除了拒絕行前一小步的人之外，不論你的國籍膚色，兄弟的大小美醜，尿兜都會不動如山，為人服務。從尿兜，我們可以瞥見大同，感受佛性。再者，人若心情欠佳，小個便，一泄如柱，總能將煩悶暫時帶走。所以，尿兜也是男人的避風塘。
三個並排的尿兜，彷彿天氣太冷，如穿上外套一樣，各自蓋上同款白罩。也不排除，天氣冷得太久，連尿兜也冷死了。三個被「裹屍布」套著的尿兜，如三個雪白的小墳墓。看到了，也差點忍不住要向它們獻花呢。
衍生的後果可不是鬧著玩。尿兜通通打柴，男士們便唯有找馬桶解手。馬桶範圍小，不是每篤尿均能全數順利入內的。須知道，眼界、能力，因人而異。後生仔心火盛，射得太高，可射到廁板上；年長的機器壞，滴到一地尿花的，很是平常。大陸那些甚麼「行前一小步，文明一大步」的口號，並非人人身體力行的。結果，廁所板、馬桶邊沿、地板等，都佈滿尿漬，可苦透了要大便的人。
其實，尿兜也真是一個偉大的發明。除了拒絕行前一小步的人之外，不論你的國籍膚色，兄弟的大小美醜，尿兜都會不動如山，為人服務。從尿兜，我們可以瞥見大同，感受佛性。再者，人若心情欠佳，小個便，一泄如柱，總能將煩悶暫時帶走。所以，尿兜也是男人的避風塘。
2011年1月6日 星期四
Details - 20110105
Hong Kong is an affluent place. We love brand names, and our bags are full of high tech gadgets. However, do these stuffs make us look smarter? Quite otherwise. Not to mention the adverse effect of too much brands. And the boredom of sameness is another issue. To me, the biggest problem is, we are too careless, especially men.
Perfunctory is a very common characteristic among Hong Kong men. They just ignore details. Maybe most of their time has been spent on chasing the trend. Freedom is one of the few fundamental rights we could enjoy here. Thus, in everyday life, most of our comrades adopt the laissez-faire attitude, which is extended to the administration of their body. Overgrown nose hair and fingernails could be seen everywhere. The unmanned eyebrow is an analogy to any rape scene on grass. In winter, they are too lazy to caress the dry skin, which results in a face with map of ever changing boundary.
Men here do not always put on their clothes in the right way, no matter how luxury they are. They could not count the number of belt loops properly, and usually miss out one of the double rear loops. Some people would carelessly tuck either pant leg, or both, into the socks. And the worn-out heels of leather shoes are common eyesore. It could be even worse if the price tags have not been removed.
Unless manner could be rediscovered, the taste of Hong Kong men is still under par.
Perfunctory is a very common characteristic among Hong Kong men. They just ignore details. Maybe most of their time has been spent on chasing the trend. Freedom is one of the few fundamental rights we could enjoy here. Thus, in everyday life, most of our comrades adopt the laissez-faire attitude, which is extended to the administration of their body. Overgrown nose hair and fingernails could be seen everywhere. The unmanned eyebrow is an analogy to any rape scene on grass. In winter, they are too lazy to caress the dry skin, which results in a face with map of ever changing boundary.
Men here do not always put on their clothes in the right way, no matter how luxury they are. They could not count the number of belt loops properly, and usually miss out one of the double rear loops. Some people would carelessly tuck either pant leg, or both, into the socks. And the worn-out heels of leather shoes are common eyesore. It could be even worse if the price tags have not been removed.
Unless manner could be rediscovered, the taste of Hong Kong men is still under par.
2011年1月4日 星期二
真與假 - 20110103
新年伊始，華叔大去。引申出很多真假莫辨的情狀。
例如感想。長毛和馬丁那些，是真的。看他倆人，沒有一面倒歌功頌德。前者說不後悔「癌上腦」論，後者說二人最親密時期是基本法起草時，個人情感無遮無掩；鄭家富和李永達之流，感情疑幻疑真。看他們出鏡，亢奮上身，不排除受鎂光燈影響。
至於特首和民建聯的，肯定假。因為，他們不約而同表揚華叔對政改通過作出的「貢獻」。這絕對是死亡之吻。相比成立教協、支聯會，此「貢獻」何堪一提。而且，民主黨決定支持政改時，華叔佔甚麼席位呢？再者，此「貢獻」是如斯富爭論性，言之是否要挑釁大眾？
說到底，最真的，已逝了。
例如感想。長毛和馬丁那些，是真的。看他倆人，沒有一面倒歌功頌德。前者說不後悔「癌上腦」論，後者說二人最親密時期是基本法起草時，個人情感無遮無掩；鄭家富和李永達之流，感情疑幻疑真。看他們出鏡，亢奮上身，不排除受鎂光燈影響。
至於特首和民建聯的，肯定假。因為，他們不約而同表揚華叔對政改通過作出的「貢獻」。這絕對是死亡之吻。相比成立教協、支聯會，此「貢獻」何堪一提。而且，民主黨決定支持政改時，華叔佔甚麼席位呢？再者，此「貢獻」是如斯富爭論性，言之是否要挑釁大眾？
說到底，最真的，已逝了。
2011年1月1日 星期六
Year End - 20101231
The media is busy on reviewing the year of 2010.
As such, we could easily rejuvenate our memory on those so-called big events. The Philippines Massacre, the Nobel Prize, ethnics issue on surrogate mother etc. The flooding of review should have occupied our mind, for a while at least, if we have not been putting too much time to shoot angry birds in our iPhones.
Regardless ideology, no matter which year we are in, actually, the tone of every review is the same. Bittersweet. Even our CE use this magic word in the official Facebook page. To create an aura of disinterest, media would select both good and bad news for their review, the truth is irrelevant. While the time is dogged, people need some good news for hope. When the tide is so smooth, the herd needed to be alerted and thus, some bad news have to be covered to play wolf.
Then, does the review do any good? Could we learn from the past? I am afraid it's very unlikely. Common sense says, North Korea would keep on bluffing, China would hold up her iron fist, and Uncle Sam would continue their lavish lifestyle by crediting from the rest of the world.
Look forward to the history repeats.
As such, we could easily rejuvenate our memory on those so-called big events. The Philippines Massacre, the Nobel Prize, ethnics issue on surrogate mother etc. The flooding of review should have occupied our mind, for a while at least, if we have not been putting too much time to shoot angry birds in our iPhones.
Regardless ideology, no matter which year we are in, actually, the tone of every review is the same. Bittersweet. Even our CE use this magic word in the official Facebook page. To create an aura of disinterest, media would select both good and bad news for their review, the truth is irrelevant. While the time is dogged, people need some good news for hope. When the tide is so smooth, the herd needed to be alerted and thus, some bad news have to be covered to play wolf.
Then, does the review do any good? Could we learn from the past? I am afraid it's very unlikely. Common sense says, North Korea would keep on bluffing, China would hold up her iron fist, and Uncle Sam would continue their lavish lifestyle by crediting from the rest of the world.
Look forward to the history repeats.
Wii - 20101228
我是「遊戲機大鄉里」一條，星期日才正式玩過Wii。
其實，早兩年在友人家也試玩過，不過維時僅數分鐘，記憶著實模糊。今次，玩了一、兩小時，體會較深。
玩了那些熱門的模擬運動遊戲，如保齡球、射箭、劍擊等，感覺新奇。和從前的遊戲機比較，Wii確是突破。回想從前的電子遊戲，不論種類，劃一以手指活動便成：左手把玩十字操縱杆，右手按A、B鍵。人只須呆在電視前，玩個七、八小時也是尋常。可是，Wii顛覆了電子遊戲的玩法，玩家往往要全身動起來。例如保齡球，拿著無線控桿，只要玩者模擬打真保齡的動作，無線感應器便能將動作幻化成真的一樣。我們玩時，便在室內劃出一條賽道，如打真保齡般滑動起來！又譬如射箭，玩此遊戲時，操縱杆要接駁一個額外的感應器，玩時，左手便如拿弓，右手如拿箭。瞄準時，左手感應器更會因時間過久而振動。真是新鮮的體驗。
當然，Wii的遊戲和真正的運動還有一大段距離。但硬是要著眼「缺點」是多餘。試想想，不用花費什麼，便能隨意過過癮，也是挺爽的。
其實，早兩年在友人家也試玩過，不過維時僅數分鐘，記憶著實模糊。今次，玩了一、兩小時，體會較深。
玩了那些熱門的模擬運動遊戲，如保齡球、射箭、劍擊等，感覺新奇。和從前的遊戲機比較，Wii確是突破。回想從前的電子遊戲，不論種類，劃一以手指活動便成：左手把玩十字操縱杆，右手按A、B鍵。人只須呆在電視前，玩個七、八小時也是尋常。可是，Wii顛覆了電子遊戲的玩法，玩家往往要全身動起來。例如保齡球，拿著無線控桿，只要玩者模擬打真保齡的動作，無線感應器便能將動作幻化成真的一樣。我們玩時，便在室內劃出一條賽道，如打真保齡般滑動起來！又譬如射箭，玩此遊戲時，操縱杆要接駁一個額外的感應器，玩時，左手便如拿弓，右手如拿箭。瞄準時，左手感應器更會因時間過久而振動。真是新鮮的體驗。
當然，Wii的遊戲和真正的運動還有一大段距離。但硬是要著眼「缺點」是多餘。試想想，不用花費什麼，便能隨意過過癮，也是挺爽的。
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