追討公義與賠償，要付出沉重的代價。
There is a huge price to pay for justice and compensation.
趙連海，38歲，其三歲兒子因為飲用含三聚氰胺的三鹿奶粉而導致腎結石，過去一直為自己兒子及其他受影響的家庭爭取公道及賠償。他成立結石寶寶之家，與其他家長一起把奶粉生產商告到法院，一起示威遊行。
Zhao Lianhai, 38, whose three-year-old kid has kidney stone after drinking melamine-tainted Sanlu milk powder. Zhao fought for his son and other affected parents, demanding justice and compensation. He established the Home for Kidney Stone Babies. Working with other parents, he took the dairy product manufacturers to the court, and marched on the street.
法院卻在11月10日把這名結石寶寶家長的代表判監2年半。
The court sentenced Zhao to 30 months of imprisonment on November 10.
在判刑當天，趙連海表示他誓要上訴。但事情之後的發展卻十分離奇，他先解顧他的律師，再放棄上訴，改為申請保外就醫。此時此刻，外界與他的家人仍失去聯絡。
Zhao vowed to appeal the sentence on the verdict delivering day. However, the development of the saga afterward is mysterious. He first fired his lawyers, and decided not to appeal. He, instead, applied for medical parole. Till now, his family still loses contact with the outside world.
在各人紛紛討論趙連海的保外就醫申請有沒有被批准時，趙連海在網誌上發表了一篇聲明。
When people are discussing whether Zhao’s medical parole has been granted, Zhao posted a statement on his personal blog.
「 我現在保外就醫，在醫院治療並聲明拒絕與任何人接觸及打擾我的家人，我要過一個正常人的生活。I am granted medical parole. I am undergoing treatment at hospital. I refuse to talk to anyone, and please do not disturb my family. I want a normal people life.
希望關注我的人不要再就我的事情多談，我希望我的事情能盡快淡下去，這樣才有利於國家與社會，也有利於我的家庭。I hope those who are concerned me stop discussing my case. I hope my case will go away. This will be beneficial to the country, society and my family.
本人認同司法機關對我的刑事處罰，希望其他人不要就此事再多談甚麼。
本人支持認同並感謝政府， 並就以往對政府的過激言論深表歉意。I agree with the criminal punishment imposed on me by judicial organizations. I hope other people stop discussing the matter. I support and am grateful to the government, and I apologize for the radical comments made against the government in the past.
特此聲明。This is my statement.
2010年12月28日 趙連海 December 28, 2010, Zhao Lianhai」
一個月前，趙太在法院門外高聲呼叫：「趙連海無罪。」
一個月前，趙連海在法院高呼要上訴。
一個月後，申請保外就醫，趙連海說他認同司法機關對他的刑事處罰，並感謝政府。
Zhao’s wife yelled “Zhao is innocent” outside the court a month ago. A month ago, Zhao vowed to appeal. A month after, he applied for medical parole, and “agree” with the punishment, and “grateful” to the government.
外界估計，出獄後，趙連海仍會受監視。
People believe Zhao will be under tight surveillance after release.
趙連海只是一個普通的父親。讀這封聲明，讓人感到無奈及悲哀。對一個普通市民來說，追求公義何價。
Zhao is just a ordinary father. Reading this statement, I feel a sense of hopelessness. There is a huge price to pay for seeking justice for an ordinary citizen.
毒奶粉事件發生時，官員說要調查，結果趙連海被判監。兩年了，眾多受影響的嬰兒仍在死亡邊緣掙扎。周雄的兒子周小煊的右腎功能全失。被三聚氰胺污染的食品仍流通市面。
When the milk scandal first erupted, officials said they would investigate thoroughly. And two years after, Zhao is imprisoned, and many affected kids are still struggling to survive. The right kidney of the son of Zhou Xiong, one of the affected fathers, had lost function. And we can still see melamine-tainted food in the market.
官員說，要養人活得有尊嚴，結果‧‧‧‧‧
Officials said people should live with dignity and integrity, but we can see …..
Friday, December 31, 2010
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
我知道我的救贖者活著
我知道我的救贖者活著，
他是永活的主，
當我在深谷迷失時，
他領我走正義路。
我知道我的救贖者活著，
他是永活的主，
當我在曠野孤獨時，
他伴我作我的燈。
我知道我的救贖者永遠活著，
我心不再憂慮，
我要在每一個日夜中，
領受他的豐盛之愛，
我知道我的救贖者永遠活著，
我靈不再沉睡
當號角響起的那一天，
我將見他榮光之面。”
我知道我的救贖者活著，
他是永活的主，
當我在曠野孤獨時，
他伴我作我的燈。
我知道我的救贖者永遠活著，
我心不再憂慮，
我要在每一個日夜中，
領受他的豐盛之愛，
我知道我的救贖者永遠活著，
我靈不再沉睡
當號角響起的那一天，
我將見他榮光之面。
我為什麼相信基督教
我為什麼信？
來北京前，真的沒有預期會給人問到為什麼相信基督教。在香港，一向比較少跟朋友談宗教。以前一直覺得基督教在中國不太普遍。當初找到一家教會落腳就很開心。
但在北京，我曾多次給問到為什麼相信基督教。有人跟我說他在上海看到的基督徒都是很開心的人，又有人在閑餘讀聖經。
幾次給問到為什麼信，我都是簡單的一句「因為我相信是真的」就把問題輕輕帶過。因為不知道如何說起，也就沒有詳細解釋。
我想在這裡解釋一下。
我自小就相信造物主的存在，凡事冥冥中有主宰。小時候有上過教會，但後來又沒有上。中學就讀教會學校，學校有傳教的活動。我自稱相信基督教，但是其實不太知道基督教是什麼，對宗教也沒有什麼個人經歷。
中學六年級，我在哥的帶領下，再次返教會，後來比較穩定得出席教會活動，聽弟兄姊妹分享他們對基督教的認識及經歷，才開始思考信仰。
在大二時，要辦學生報。有一天，我要連續做2-3個訪問，下午要回校園上課。跟現在的工作相比，一天幾個訪問，實在不算什麼。但當時我覺得很忙。
我在想既然人最終會死，為什麼要那麼辛苦，幹嗎要做那麼多的事？何不馬馬虎虎過日子？又或者，人活著的意義是什麼？
基督教信仰的核心，就是相信上帝是創造天地萬物的主。而人都犯罪，但上帝的兒子耶穌基督就來到世間，為人的罪給釘在十字架上，洗淨人的罪。上帝是愛人的，祂終會有一天接我們到天家。上帝是愛人的，人的一言一行祂也看在眼內。
這是一個很重要的盼望。就是這個盼望，讓我知道，人不應該馬馬虎虎過日子，因為天父在看顧我們的每一天，而且祂在將來會接我們。人不是過了今生就算，是由將來的。
既然上帝安排耶穌為人釘十架，就證明他是愛人的，祂不會置人於不顧。
「你們看那天上的飛鳥，也不種，也不收，也不積蓄在倉裡，你們的天父尚且養活它。你們不比飛鳥貴重得多嗎？」（馬太福音6章26節）
上帝真的很看重人的。
不是說信主後，所有困難都會消失。基督教所宣揚的，是人在面對困難時，內心有神所 給的平安。我剛來北京沒多久，食道經常感到灼熱疼痛。在網上查一下，發現這是胃酸倒流或食道癌的症狀。我的情況持續了兩個多月，吃了一些減胃酸的藥都沒 好。我一度非常驚，但後來透過不斷的祈禱，我更確定了無論檢查的結果如何，上帝一定會幫助我面對，人的心就平安了。檢查結果是胃酸反流，吃藥後就好。
胃酸反流後，我發現我的體重下降了7kg。剛好我的一個朋友當時給診斷患上淋巴癌。淋巴癌的症狀之一，就是體重在半年內下降10%。我又開始驚了。當時我心想：「上帝，袮是不是在玩啊？我再向香港平平安安，怎麼來到北京就常常出事了？」又經過一輪禱告，內心又平安了。
「但我復活以後，要在你們以先往加利利去。」（馬可福音 14章28節）
「門徒來叫醒了他，說，夫子，夫子，我們喪命啦。耶穌醒了，斥責那狂風大浪。風浪就止住，平靜了。」（路加福音8章24節）
主耶穌是比我們先走一步。祂被釘十架前，已經經歷過種種苦難。在釘十架時，祂歷盡悲痛。我相信，我們現在經歷的種種困難，主已經經歷過，並跨越了。這位連風浪都可以止住的主，是有能力，也必定會幫助我們。
上帝給人盼望，這盼望是在人面對困難的時候，祂會跟人一起面對。祂告訴我們，人是有將來的。盼望真的是很重要，沒盼望的生活很辛苦。
來北京前，真的沒有預期會給人問到為什麼相信基督教。在香港，一向比較少跟朋友談宗教。以前一直覺得基督教在中國不太普遍。當初找到一家教會落腳就很開心。
但在北京，我曾多次給問到為什麼相信基督教。有人跟我說他在上海看到的基督徒都是很開心的人，又有人在閑餘讀聖經。
幾次給問到為什麼信，我都是簡單的一句「因為我相信是真的」就把問題輕輕帶過。因為不知道如何說起，也就沒有詳細解釋。
我想在這裡解釋一下。
我自小就相信造物主的存在，凡事冥冥中有主宰。小時候有上過教會，但後來又沒有上。中學就讀教會學校，學校有傳教的活動。我自稱相信基督教，但是其實不太知道基督教是什麼，對宗教也沒有什麼個人經歷。
中學六年級，我在哥的帶領下，再次返教會，後來比較穩定得出席教會活動，聽弟兄姊妹分享他們對基督教的認識及經歷，才開始思考信仰。
在大二時，要辦學生報。有一天，我要連續做2-3個訪問，下午要回校園上課。跟現在的工作相比，一天幾個訪問，實在不算什麼。但當時我覺得很忙。
我在想既然人最終會死，為什麼要那麼辛苦，幹嗎要做那麼多的事？何不馬馬虎虎過日子？又或者，人活著的意義是什麼？
基督教信仰的核心，就是相信上帝是創造天地萬物的主。而人都犯罪，但上帝的兒子耶穌基督就來到世間，為人的罪給釘在十字架上，洗淨人的罪。上帝是愛人的，祂終會有一天接我們到天家。上帝是愛人的，人的一言一行祂也看在眼內。
這是一個很重要的盼望。就是這個盼望，讓我知道，人不應該馬馬虎虎過日子，因為天父在看顧我們的每一天，而且祂在將來會接我們。人不是過了今生就算，是由將來的。
既然上帝安排耶穌為人釘十架，就證明他是愛人的，祂不會置人於不顧。
「你們看那天上的飛鳥，也不種，也不收，也不積蓄在倉裡，你們的天父尚且養活它。你們不比飛鳥貴重得多嗎？」（馬太福音6章26節）
上帝真的很看重人的。
不是說信主後，所有困難都會消失。基督教所宣揚的，是人在面對困難時，內心有神所 給的平安。我剛來北京沒多久，食道經常感到灼熱疼痛。在網上查一下，發現這是胃酸倒流或食道癌的症狀。我的情況持續了兩個多月，吃了一些減胃酸的藥都沒 好。我一度非常驚，但後來透過不斷的祈禱，我更確定了無論檢查的結果如何，上帝一定會幫助我面對，人的心就平安了。檢查結果是胃酸反流，吃藥後就好。
胃酸反流後，我發現我的體重下降了7kg。剛好我的一個朋友當時給診斷患上淋巴癌。淋巴癌的症狀之一，就是體重在半年內下降10%。我又開始驚了。當時我心想：「上帝，袮是不是在玩啊？我再向香港平平安安，怎麼來到北京就常常出事了？」又經過一輪禱告，內心又平安了。
「但我復活以後，要在你們以先往加利利去。」（馬可福音 14章28節）
「門徒來叫醒了他，說，夫子，夫子，我們喪命啦。耶穌醒了，斥責那狂風大浪。風浪就止住，平靜了。」（路加福音8章24節）
主耶穌是比我們先走一步。祂被釘十架前，已經經歷過種種苦難。在釘十架時，祂歷盡悲痛。我相信，我們現在經歷的種種困難，主已經經歷過，並跨越了。這位連風浪都可以止住的主，是有能力，也必定會幫助我們。
上帝給人盼望，這盼望是在人面對困難的時候，祂會跟人一起面對。祂告訴我們，人是有將來的。盼望真的是很重要，沒盼望的生活很辛苦。
Saturday, October 09, 2010
在皇崗想起北京
「你來北京一年都沒有，你對北京的感覺，未必會發展到喜愛北京的。」
最近想起這句半年前香港同鄉會的會友﹝即教友﹞對我說的話。
十月一日當天經深圳回香港。在深圳的街道穿梭，途經一些最近10年才落成的住宅區，我真有點感覺已回到香港。過去間中都有去深圳吃喝玩樂，直到十月一日才覺得深圳很像香港。那些住宅區竟然令我想起淘大花園及大角咀。
居於深圳的香港人問過在北京的日子過得如何，我都不知道怎麼說，只簡單的回應了：「ok呀，不錯。」
坐皇崗過境巴士時，想起這個問題，就想起了同鄉會會友的那句話。回家的途中竟然想起了北京。
「你來北京一年都沒有，你對北京的感覺，未必會發展到喜愛北京的。」
同鄉會會友的那句話，明示了若果我在北京逗留長一點，就會多喜愛一點北京。
是的。
的確，北京城區好像沒有什麼特別好玩的地方。我不喜歡蒲酒吧，所以三里屯等地不太吸引我。故宮、長城和頤和園等歷史名勝去一兩次便夠。比較吸引的，應該是北京的週邊地方吧。
在京城的工作，不想多說了，天天應付突如其來的狀況，令人疲於奔命，有放下一切逃跑去玩的衝動。
但我確實是比半年前更喜愛京城。一個很實在的原因，是京城的居住空間比香港的大。另外，自己一個人住，多了私人空間。
最重要的，是人與人之間的關係吧。
我喜歡我的同事們。縱然疲倦與不屑管理方式，我還是喜歡跟同事們合作，最起碼大家都有要做好一件事的態度，同事們之間﹝最少對我﹞起碼不自私，很多事情都有傾有講的。情況好像我在英文虎報工作時一樣。
我享受每週下班後跟同事們吃宵夜，假期一起出外玩玩。沒有什麼驚天動地鬼神哭的玩意，但我享受。
而香港同鄉會﹝是北京國際教會的粵語組﹞是另一個我喜歡的地方。雖然因為工作的原因，常常不能出席聚會，但我還是喜歡跟弟兄姊妹相處的。
你喜歡一個城市與否，人真的是一個重要因素。
我估計，如果我換工作或離開北京，我會非常不捨得。
最近想起這句半年前香港同鄉會的會友﹝即教友﹞對我說的話。
十月一日當天經深圳回香港。在深圳的街道穿梭，途經一些最近10年才落成的住宅區，我真有點感覺已回到香港。過去間中都有去深圳吃喝玩樂，直到十月一日才覺得深圳很像香港。那些住宅區竟然令我想起淘大花園及大角咀。
居於深圳的香港人問過在北京的日子過得如何，我都不知道怎麼說，只簡單的回應了：「ok呀，不錯。」
坐皇崗過境巴士時，想起這個問題，就想起了同鄉會會友的那句話。回家的途中竟然想起了北京。
「你來北京一年都沒有，你對北京的感覺，未必會發展到喜愛北京的。」
同鄉會會友的那句話，明示了若果我在北京逗留長一點，就會多喜愛一點北京。
是的。
的確，北京城區好像沒有什麼特別好玩的地方。我不喜歡蒲酒吧，所以三里屯等地不太吸引我。故宮、長城和頤和園等歷史名勝去一兩次便夠。比較吸引的，應該是北京的週邊地方吧。
在京城的工作，不想多說了，天天應付突如其來的狀況，令人疲於奔命，有放下一切逃跑去玩的衝動。
但我確實是比半年前更喜愛京城。一個很實在的原因，是京城的居住空間比香港的大。另外，自己一個人住，多了私人空間。
最重要的，是人與人之間的關係吧。
我喜歡我的同事們。縱然疲倦與不屑管理方式，我還是喜歡跟同事們合作，最起碼大家都有要做好一件事的態度，同事們之間﹝最少對我﹞起碼不自私，很多事情都有傾有講的。情況好像我在英文虎報工作時一樣。
我享受每週下班後跟同事們吃宵夜，假期一起出外玩玩。沒有什麼驚天動地鬼神哭的玩意，但我享受。
而香港同鄉會﹝是北京國際教會的粵語組﹞是另一個我喜歡的地方。雖然因為工作的原因，常常不能出席聚會，但我還是喜歡跟弟兄姊妹相處的。
你喜歡一個城市與否，人真的是一個重要因素。
我估計，如果我換工作或離開北京，我會非常不捨得。
Sunday, September 26, 2010
第三天，康西草原騎馬
凌晨2時多才睡，卻一大清早起來，趕在10時前到東直門，跟幾個同鄉去康西草原騎馬。
吃了一餐不太好吃的農家菜後，就去騎馬了。
我們幾個人，沒有一個懂騎馬，所以就花了一些錢給兩個馬伕。那兩個馬伕在途中竟然說：「你們想馬兒跑嗎？那就多給我們200元吧。」那些馬，都只聽馬伕的指示。
既然這樣，就多給他們100元吧。
騎了兩小時，屁股痛得很，但幾好玩。
那草原不算小，但沒有一望無際的感覺。
估計下次要去內蒙或蒙古看更大的草原。到時是不是先要重溫一下狠圖騰？
吃了一餐不太好吃的農家菜後，就去騎馬了。
我們幾個人，沒有一個懂騎馬，所以就花了一些錢給兩個馬伕。那兩個馬伕在途中竟然說：「你們想馬兒跑嗎？那就多給我們200元吧。」那些馬，都只聽馬伕的指示。
既然這樣，就多給他們100元吧。
騎了兩小時，屁股痛得很，但幾好玩。
那草原不算小，但沒有一望無際的感覺。
估計下次要去內蒙或蒙古看更大的草原。到時是不是先要重溫一下狠圖騰？
在京城的中秋節 – Home Away from Home
中秋節有三天假﹝註：嚴格來說，其實並不是額外的假期，因為在平常原本休假的日子上班，中秋三天只是補假而已。﹞，每一天的節目都安排得滿滿的，過得非常充實。
第一天， 跟同事去了天津。
同事N的家在天津，既然她願意一盡地主之誼，就跟同事們一起去了天津兩日一夜。
基本上沒有什麼行程安排，就是很悠閒地逛街，看看外國人以前留下來的建築﹝五大道﹞，吃了一餐豐富但價錢算便宜的西餐，再在咖啡館待了兩個小時。
雖然當天下雨，卻無阻大家要休息及玩的興致。站在那些歐式老建築前，同事CK高興得在叫「很有巴黎的感覺。」
「很有巴黎的感覺。」
晚上去了吃便宜海鮮，兩斤蝦兩只河蟹加上蜆等，每人65元。後再去吃豆腐砂鍋。回酒店後，跟同事玩牌，凌晨兩點入睡。
酒店就在寧靜的五大道，雙人房每晚約250元。房間的設備不錯，但空間有點小，而且浴室的門是半透明的玻璃，除非你不介意給人看你的裸體，又或是你可以超快的洗澡，或者其他人都在睡覺，否則你實在不會願意洗澡。又不是情侶酒店，實在不明白為何要這裝修。
第二天， 天津、在京海鮮餐
清早起來，吃了豐富的早餐，食物包括豆腐、雲吞、油條及燒餅。吃得飽飽的回京。
回京後稍為在卡拉OK休息了一會，再跟香港同鄉﹝教會朋友﹞聚會，又吃海鮮。
京城的海鮮比天津的貴，一斤蝦要40元。點了龍蝦、三文魚及魚等，我們勝在人多﹝好像在16人﹞，價錢就不致於太貴。之後去了一個會友的家吃月餅及玩。
今年中秋，跟同事及同鄉玩得實在開心，開心得有一點Home Away from Home的感覺。
第一天， 跟同事去了天津。
同事N的家在天津，既然她願意一盡地主之誼，就跟同事們一起去了天津兩日一夜。
基本上沒有什麼行程安排，就是很悠閒地逛街，看看外國人以前留下來的建築﹝五大道﹞，吃了一餐豐富但價錢算便宜的西餐，再在咖啡館待了兩個小時。
雖然當天下雨，卻無阻大家要休息及玩的興致。站在那些歐式老建築前，同事CK高興得在叫「很有巴黎的感覺。」
「很有巴黎的感覺。」
晚上去了吃便宜海鮮，兩斤蝦兩只河蟹加上蜆等，每人65元。後再去吃豆腐砂鍋。回酒店後，跟同事玩牌，凌晨兩點入睡。
酒店就在寧靜的五大道，雙人房每晚約250元。房間的設備不錯，但空間有點小，而且浴室的門是半透明的玻璃，除非你不介意給人看你的裸體，又或是你可以超快的洗澡，或者其他人都在睡覺，否則你實在不會願意洗澡。又不是情侶酒店，實在不明白為何要這裝修。
第二天， 天津、在京海鮮餐
清早起來，吃了豐富的早餐，食物包括豆腐、雲吞、油條及燒餅。吃得飽飽的回京。
回京後稍為在卡拉OK休息了一會，再跟香港同鄉﹝教會朋友﹞聚會，又吃海鮮。
京城的海鮮比天津的貴，一斤蝦要40元。點了龍蝦、三文魚及魚等，我們勝在人多﹝好像在16人﹞，價錢就不致於太貴。之後去了一個會友的家吃月餅及玩。
今年中秋，跟同事及同鄉玩得實在開心，開心得有一點Home Away from Home的感覺。
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
主日學
上週日教了一課主日學。主日學的意思，大致是指在主日﹝即週日﹞上課，學習一些與信仰有關的內容。主日學的對象，一般都是學生或年輕人。
這是我首次教主日學，教授的內容是教會的歷史，由啟示錄後開始，直到君士坦丁堡把基督教列為國教為止。中間要提及當時皇帝對教會的迫害及異端等等。
由於準備有一點倉促，不太能引導少年人討論。我與partner大部份時間都在讀稿。
那班少年人，反應快，願意提問題，亦願意回答問題。希望下次可以跟他們有更多互動。
下次的內容包括十字軍及教會分裂等。
我一直都不太了解教會歷史，必需要花多些時間找多些資料。
可以負責這個班，我其實很開心。
這是我首次教主日學，教授的內容是教會的歷史，由啟示錄後開始，直到君士坦丁堡把基督教列為國教為止。中間要提及當時皇帝對教會的迫害及異端等等。
由於準備有一點倉促，不太能引導少年人討論。我與partner大部份時間都在讀稿。
那班少年人，反應快，願意提問題，亦願意回答問題。希望下次可以跟他們有更多互動。
下次的內容包括十字軍及教會分裂等。
我一直都不太了解教會歷史，必需要花多些時間找多些資料。
可以負責這個班，我其實很開心。
Saturday, September 04, 2010
可以做什麼
幾個月前，與一位教友分享了一些工作的問題，教友問了一個重要的問題。教友問：「你求神的同時，你又為祂做什麼？」
這個問題是一很好的提醒。我整天求神保守紀念什麼什麼，我究竟為神付出過什麼呢？不是說人與神的關係是公利的，你不為神付出，神就不當你是祂的子民。打一個比喻，父母含辛茹苦養育子女，即使子女不為他們付出什麼，他們也不一定會把子女逐出家門吧。
最近，把教會印制的一本小冊子給人看，也為一些人代禱。教會好像有一些計畫，我希望可以幫手。
這個問題是一很好的提醒。我整天求神保守紀念什麼什麼，我究竟為神付出過什麼呢？不是說人與神的關係是公利的，你不為神付出，神就不當你是祂的子民。打一個比喻，父母含辛茹苦養育子女，即使子女不為他們付出什麼，他們也不一定會把子女逐出家門吧。
最近，把教會印制的一本小冊子給人看，也為一些人代禱。教會好像有一些計畫，我希望可以幫手。
Thursday, August 26, 2010
下一站：天國
Written by 紀曉風, Published in Hong Kong Economic Journal, 26 August, 2010
下一站：天國
未樂極，已生悲，這是什麼道理？
其中一名獲救人質梁太只懂不停問：「點解咁多個鐘，都冇人幫我哋？都冇人幫我哋？係咪為咗錢？」
至於救她的人，是其丈夫，現已列在死者名單上。
究竟儆惡懲奸救急扶危的警察都去了哪裏？莫非都在「勿越警戒線」以外？難道都以為即便是革職警員畢竟是警員？
八月二十三日，農曆七月十四，馬尼拉的天空飄滿了香港死者彎曲的倒影，他們搭乘「身心康泰巴士」到天國，誓不暝目地反覆追問：「點解咁多個鐘，都冇人幫我哋？」
下一站：天國
人間道 煙花墓
當菊花綻放，你出發的笑容已經泛黃；當槍管發光，你回歸的熱淚已經盈眶；當車子靜躺，你乾涸的血水已經流得滿城滄桑。
昨天，呂宋蒼穹下有路祭，以明日黃花銘記，八月的天空很低，低得燕歸人不歸。
下一站：天國
失樂園 離恨天
三十三天，離恨天最高；九百九園，失樂園最大。
八月二十五日午後，菲律賓的天空很深，黑色的眼睛聚滿灰色的密雲。
密雲中的光環本來是天國的福音，如今卻成了地獄的裂痕。
裂痕是紅塵顛倒的烙印，好讓八個亡魂以回鄉的姿態看這個異鄉最後一眼，然後留下一句：「菲律賓別為我哭泣，我死的時候，雨，已經下得夠多。」
但雨，還是下了，彷彿仍在為菲律賓洗脫罪孽盡最後努力。
起飛時，國泰包機裏的生還者都在望窗，卻都像在八月二十三日入夜後的康泰旅遊巴士上一樣，永遠都不會再見到太陽。
晚上，把文章寫好後，走進會議室，桌上滿佈的是這日的照片，獨有一張抓緊了視線！那是稚女似懂非憧向眼前的棺木揮手說再見，靈柩內，是她的爸爸，而抱著她的媽媽，早已是淚流滿面。
照片沒有聲音，但那陣的哀哉，卻穿越了時空直透心底，如同當時親在現場一般，據知不少在場的同行，整夜目睹過程，亦忍不住垂淚。
周一晚上那數個多小時，如同夢魘；周二梁太的悲哭控訴，在腦海久久揮之不去；這夜，在香港機場，儀式進行時，正埋首於字海，未有留意直播畫面，但每一細節中的淒滄，卻一下一下把內心割裂，原來，在最慘痛時，文字與言詞，真的不足以把感受表現。
下一站：天國
未樂極，已生悲，這是什麼道理？
其中一名獲救人質梁太只懂不停問：「點解咁多個鐘，都冇人幫我哋？都冇人幫我哋？係咪為咗錢？」
至於救她的人，是其丈夫，現已列在死者名單上。
究竟儆惡懲奸救急扶危的警察都去了哪裏？莫非都在「勿越警戒線」以外？難道都以為即便是革職警員畢竟是警員？
八月二十三日，農曆七月十四，馬尼拉的天空飄滿了香港死者彎曲的倒影，他們搭乘「身心康泰巴士」到天國，誓不暝目地反覆追問：「點解咁多個鐘，都冇人幫我哋？」
下一站：天國
人間道 煙花墓
當菊花綻放，你出發的笑容已經泛黃；當槍管發光，你回歸的熱淚已經盈眶；當車子靜躺，你乾涸的血水已經流得滿城滄桑。
昨天，呂宋蒼穹下有路祭，以明日黃花銘記，八月的天空很低，低得燕歸人不歸。
下一站：天國
失樂園 離恨天
三十三天，離恨天最高；九百九園，失樂園最大。
八月二十五日午後，菲律賓的天空很深，黑色的眼睛聚滿灰色的密雲。
密雲中的光環本來是天國的福音，如今卻成了地獄的裂痕。
裂痕是紅塵顛倒的烙印，好讓八個亡魂以回鄉的姿態看這個異鄉最後一眼，然後留下一句：「菲律賓別為我哭泣，我死的時候，雨，已經下得夠多。」
但雨，還是下了，彷彿仍在為菲律賓洗脫罪孽盡最後努力。
起飛時，國泰包機裏的生還者都在望窗，卻都像在八月二十三日入夜後的康泰旅遊巴士上一樣，永遠都不會再見到太陽。
晚上，把文章寫好後，走進會議室，桌上滿佈的是這日的照片，獨有一張抓緊了視線！那是稚女似懂非憧向眼前的棺木揮手說再見，靈柩內，是她的爸爸，而抱著她的媽媽，早已是淚流滿面。
照片沒有聲音，但那陣的哀哉，卻穿越了時空直透心底，如同當時親在現場一般，據知不少在場的同行，整夜目睹過程，亦忍不住垂淚。
周一晚上那數個多小時，如同夢魘；周二梁太的悲哭控訴，在腦海久久揮之不去；這夜，在香港機場，儀式進行時，正埋首於字海，未有留意直播畫面，但每一細節中的淒滄，卻一下一下把內心割裂，原來，在最慘痛時，文字與言詞，真的不足以把感受表現。
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
願你們安息
數個香港家庭參加康泰旅行社到馬尼拉的旅行團散心，行程已到尾聲，快要出發往機場回香港的時候，一名槍手突然衝上旅遊巴，脅持所有旅客。事件擾攘十一小時後，槍手被擊斃，但同時，有8名旅客被槍手殺死。其中一個家庭，5人中死了3人。
我起初還以為事情可以完滿解決，因為下午的報導說槍手冷靜，而且又有人質被釋放。怎料晚上7時多，報導說所有人質已被擊斃，到最後說有8名旅客死亡。真傷心。
我起初以為兇手是惡怖份子，他們都受到什麼民族宗教情仇推動作案。原來槍手原是一名出色的警員，後來因為涉嫌搶劫、敲詐和與毒品有關的罪行被革職，他聲稱清白，要求復職。
原來有人覺得自己的工作，比8條人命及他們的家庭重要。
願所以死傷者都得到安慰。
我起初還以為事情可以完滿解決，因為下午的報導說槍手冷靜，而且又有人質被釋放。怎料晚上7時多，報導說所有人質已被擊斃，到最後說有8名旅客死亡。真傷心。
我起初以為兇手是惡怖份子，他們都受到什麼民族宗教情仇推動作案。原來槍手原是一名出色的警員，後來因為涉嫌搶劫、敲詐和與毒品有關的罪行被革職，他聲稱清白，要求復職。
原來有人覺得自己的工作，比8條人命及他們的家庭重要。
願所以死傷者都得到安慰。
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
爨底下川 Cundixiachuan
爨，意思是爐灶，粵語讀村，普通話讀cun4。這是一條有400多年歷史的小村落。
一直都想去北京的郊區旅遊，但卻一直沒有實現計劃。
上週未，跟2位人去了這條村。
早上5時起床，趕往車站坐7時半的大巴，熬兩個小時，終於到達爨底下川。
在這條村亂行閒逛，十分寫意。剛好當天遊人不太多，天氣不熱，更有微微的涼風，配上小村寧靜的環境，完全可以放下平日磨人工作的煩惱。
是夜住在村中，3個人合共50元。客棧的餐廳，面對大山與小屋的屋頂，清晨在餐廳發呆半小時，簡直是人生一大快事。
I want to visit suburb of Beijing for long, but I have never gone to such place until last week. I went to a 400-year-old village, Cundixiachuan, with two other people last week.
We got up at 5am for the bus scheduled at 730am. It takes two hours to reach the village.
I hang around the village, which is relaxing. There were not many tourists on that day, and this was a breezy day. I could forget my troublesome job in this tranquil village.
We stayed at a village house at night, costing 50 yuan for three people.
The restaurant at the village house faces the mountain and the rooftops of other small houses. I just sat at the restaurant doing nothing for half an hour, which I enjoy very much.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Goodbye team leader, and wish you all success
Work over the past two weeks is not smooth because the supreme leaders screw everything up with their “new” and “revolutionary” ideas, which makes me more frustrated with the management.
And added to that negative sentiment is the departure of my excellent team leader, S, who is willing to take responsibilities, considerate to team members, and, say no to the unreasonable and impractical demands of the supreme leaders.
He has helped me a lot over the past months in getting used to the company, which I increasingly dislike.
I have expected his departure few months ago. Well, no one will stay in the company forever, and it is normal to have people coming in and out. But still I am saddened hearing his departure not only because I am worried about my work, but also it feels like that a friend is leaving for studying in overseas.
One of my colleagues described the team leader as a “robot,” who is energetic all the time dealing with various staff – both trivial and important ones. He is always caught in the middle of the management and team members, but he is not frightened to truly express his views to the management and not frightened to make decisions even though it involves risks. He bears a lot.
A robot needs to be recharged, and the leader needs to take some rest.
S, you are a great people to work with, and one of the best people I have worked with. You truly are. I truly wish you can put your mind at rest before stepping into a path that leads to a bright future. You truly deserve a promising future. May God bless you. Goodbye.
And added to that negative sentiment is the departure of my excellent team leader, S, who is willing to take responsibilities, considerate to team members, and, say no to the unreasonable and impractical demands of the supreme leaders.
He has helped me a lot over the past months in getting used to the company, which I increasingly dislike.
I have expected his departure few months ago. Well, no one will stay in the company forever, and it is normal to have people coming in and out. But still I am saddened hearing his departure not only because I am worried about my work, but also it feels like that a friend is leaving for studying in overseas.
One of my colleagues described the team leader as a “robot,” who is energetic all the time dealing with various staff – both trivial and important ones. He is always caught in the middle of the management and team members, but he is not frightened to truly express his views to the management and not frightened to make decisions even though it involves risks. He bears a lot.
A robot needs to be recharged, and the leader needs to take some rest.
S, you are a great people to work with, and one of the best people I have worked with. You truly are. I truly wish you can put your mind at rest before stepping into a path that leads to a bright future. You truly deserve a promising future. May God bless you. Goodbye.
Friday, June 25, 2010
June 23
In Beijing. Nothing special has happened actually. My aunt was here with me. She cooked some good dishes, including abalone.
I bought some ice-creams for colleagues, who later treated me a night meal after work.
Nothing special, but satisfied.
I bought some ice-creams for colleagues, who later treated me a night meal after work.
Nothing special, but satisfied.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
School life – Episode Five, Rise in chocolate ration
The new year was approaching, and the Globe International School wanted to make up some good news. Remember, just make up, and no one was sure whether the good news would really happen at the end as the school management claimed.
Students of the school receive chocolate ration each month.
The big brothers of the school, which are nicknamed by some students as Gang of Four, and the supreme leader announced on the eve of the new year that the chocolate ration for each student will be increased.
Everyone in the school wants more chocolate, and they are all excited about the announcement.
However, right after the new year holiday, the Gang of Four made another announcement.
“For better management of the school, and to encourage you to work harder, we have imposed a work quantity for you. That means you have to hand in more homework and writings. Those who have done homework more than the quotas we have imposed will receive more chocolate, and those who have done less will of course receive less chocolate.”
Again, the students are all confused. Writing is an abstract thing. Sometimes it takes a week to write an excellent piece because of the extensive research work and it is not easy to write beautifully and vividly.
But the students are willing to work hard, and most of them have handed in more than the quotas.
That means the school will have to give more chocolates, and it is of course a burden to the school. Where can they find more chocolates to give out?
So the Gang of Four announced another policy. The homework and writings will be graded. Only those who have an A grade will receive full chocolate ration. Students with B grade will see their ration reduced by 10 percent, and a 20 percent ration reduction for C grade. Therefore, no one is sure whether they can get more chocolates at the end.
If it is a burden to the school, why does the management announce the chocolate rise?
The answer is not difficult to guess. By announcing a chocolate rise, the management can surely tell people that they are a good and healthy management who do want to give students more. Some students cannot get more chocolates just because they are not up to expectations. It is the students fault, and there is nothing wrong with the school.
The truth can really be distorted and manipulated.
Students of the school receive chocolate ration each month.
The big brothers of the school, which are nicknamed by some students as Gang of Four, and the supreme leader announced on the eve of the new year that the chocolate ration for each student will be increased.
Everyone in the school wants more chocolate, and they are all excited about the announcement.
However, right after the new year holiday, the Gang of Four made another announcement.
“For better management of the school, and to encourage you to work harder, we have imposed a work quantity for you. That means you have to hand in more homework and writings. Those who have done homework more than the quotas we have imposed will receive more chocolate, and those who have done less will of course receive less chocolate.”
Again, the students are all confused. Writing is an abstract thing. Sometimes it takes a week to write an excellent piece because of the extensive research work and it is not easy to write beautifully and vividly.
But the students are willing to work hard, and most of them have handed in more than the quotas.
That means the school will have to give more chocolates, and it is of course a burden to the school. Where can they find more chocolates to give out?
So the Gang of Four announced another policy. The homework and writings will be graded. Only those who have an A grade will receive full chocolate ration. Students with B grade will see their ration reduced by 10 percent, and a 20 percent ration reduction for C grade. Therefore, no one is sure whether they can get more chocolates at the end.
If it is a burden to the school, why does the management announce the chocolate rise?
The answer is not difficult to guess. By announcing a chocolate rise, the management can surely tell people that they are a good and healthy management who do want to give students more. Some students cannot get more chocolates just because they are not up to expectations. It is the students fault, and there is nothing wrong with the school.
The truth can really be distorted and manipulated.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
My church in Beijing
I have been joining the Beijing International Christian Fellowship in recent months. I cannot join all of the activities because of my work schedule.
Basically, I have joined two fellowship groups of the church. Most, or probably all, of the members are from Hong Kong.
One of the characteristics of an international church is that you can constantly see people moving in and out. There are newcomers to the church almost every week, and, of course, people leaving Beijing, either go back home or other cities because of work requirement. I have been in the church for a few months, and three people I know have left already.
This is an international church, which is established for non-Beijingers who come to the capital for studies and career development. And it is normal for people coming and leaving.
The church has congregations/ worships in about 10 languages, such as English, Putonghua and Cantonese. I go to the English and Cantonese worship.
The sermons over the week are about shedding lights and salt in workplace. I do believe it is an important message that I should learn. I occasionally lost temper at office. I think I should somehow control my temper.
P.S – I have not written for this blog as frequently as I used to. This is not because I have nothing to write about, but I do not know how to put them into words. I still wish to continue my school life story, and I will go to the remote part of Beijing for weekends. Hope I can take some pictures and write about the trips.
Basically, I have joined two fellowship groups of the church. Most, or probably all, of the members are from Hong Kong.
One of the characteristics of an international church is that you can constantly see people moving in and out. There are newcomers to the church almost every week, and, of course, people leaving Beijing, either go back home or other cities because of work requirement. I have been in the church for a few months, and three people I know have left already.
This is an international church, which is established for non-Beijingers who come to the capital for studies and career development. And it is normal for people coming and leaving.
The church has congregations/ worships in about 10 languages, such as English, Putonghua and Cantonese. I go to the English and Cantonese worship.
The sermons over the week are about shedding lights and salt in workplace. I do believe it is an important message that I should learn. I occasionally lost temper at office. I think I should somehow control my temper.
P.S – I have not written for this blog as frequently as I used to. This is not because I have nothing to write about, but I do not know how to put them into words. I still wish to continue my school life story, and I will go to the remote part of Beijing for weekends. Hope I can take some pictures and write about the trips.
Wednesday, June 02, 2010
司馬台長城 Simatai Great Wall
Spent a weekend with colleagues to go to the Great Wall (Simatai section). I had once thought of not joining them because my boss also would go there (Sorry, I do not want to meet my boss on days off.) Luckily, he and his family could not climb up very high, and they waited for us at the cable car station.
We spent about two hours walking up to the top of the section. The route is quite challenging because there are many big steps and steep slopes. But we can finally make it. The scenery is of course nice.
I have been to the touristic Badaling Great Wall. Badaling is not attractive. It is only a crowded place with loads of tourists, and it is heavily renovated.
在對上一個週未，與同事去司馬台長城。其實，因為老闆都去，我當初是想過不參加這活動(實在不想在假期看見老闆)。幸好老闆與他的家人沒有登頂，走到一半做到纜車站休息。
我們用大約2小時登頂。這條路線是挺難行，而且有陡峭的山坡。但這裡的風景比八達嶺好得多。
八達嶺只是一個人多的地方。八達嶺長城，經過多年的修復，已經沒有古代的風味。
We spent about two hours walking up to the top of the section. The route is quite challenging because there are many big steps and steep slopes. But we can finally make it. The scenery is of course nice.
I have been to the touristic Badaling Great Wall. Badaling is not attractive. It is only a crowded place with loads of tourists, and it is heavily renovated.
在對上一個週未，與同事去司馬台長城。其實，因為老闆都去，我當初是想過不參加這活動(實在不想在假期看見老闆)。幸好老闆與他的家人沒有登頂，走到一半做到纜車站休息。
我們用大約2小時登頂。這條路線是挺難行，而且有陡峭的山坡。但這裡的風景比八達嶺好得多。
八達嶺只是一個人多的地方。八達嶺長城，經過多年的修復，已經沒有古代的風味。
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Seek Ye First
An old song. Sing it in the worship this morning.
Seek Ye first the kingdom of God,
And His righteousness,
And all these things, shall be added onto you,
Alleu, alleuia
Man shall not live by bread alone,
But by every word
That proceeds from the mouth of God
Alleu, Alleuia
Ask and it shall be given unto you,
Seek and ye shall find.
Knock and the door shall be opened onto you.
Alleu, Alleuia
Seek ye first the kingdom of God
And His righteousness
And all these things, shall be added onto you.
Alleu, Alleuia
Seek Ye first the kingdom of God,
And His righteousness,
And all these things, shall be added onto you,
Alleu, alleuia
Man shall not live by bread alone,
But by every word
That proceeds from the mouth of God
Alleu, Alleuia
Ask and it shall be given unto you,
Seek and ye shall find.
Knock and the door shall be opened onto you.
Alleu, Alleuia
Seek ye first the kingdom of God
And His righteousness
And all these things, shall be added onto you.
Alleu, Alleuia
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
令人想爆粗的宣傳片
下面是香港政府宣傳2012政制改革方案的短片：
看完後，真係火起。
無野呀，依家係我有好多關於設計一條裙的ideas比左你，你無理到我d ideas，做左一條褲比我，仲expect我要好開心咁著條褲去party？現實情況同片入面阿媽照住個女的設計做條裙係完全相反。唔該講清楚，信任條件係你聽我同採納我ideas呀。
看完後，真係火起。
無野呀，依家係我有好多關於設計一條裙的ideas比左你，你無理到我d ideas，做左一條褲比我，仲expect我要好開心咁著條褲去party？現實情況同片入面阿媽照住個女的設計做條裙係完全相反。唔該講清楚，信任條件係你聽我同採納我ideas呀。
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
性與關節 Sex and arthritis
最近因為關節有點痛，去看中醫調理一下。中醫博大精深，既然來到內地，就試一試。
醫師在我身上按壓檢查，問了一些問題。這些問題完全是我意料不到。
「你結婚了嗎？」
「沒有。」
「那你與女朋友每月進行多少次？」
「嗯‧‧‧‧‧」
「行房」
「我沒有女朋友。」
「那自慰呢？」
「嗯‧‧‧‧‧」
我在想究竟這些問題對關節痛有什麼關係。
醫師解釋說：「腎管骨。行房時，你用上身體的五臟六腑。但在自慰時，五臟六腑不是全都用上。所以行房是對健康有益的。」
醫師繼而進行針灸，並說我要好好補腎。
正當我在疑惑他是否會建議我去召妓時，他嚴肅地說：「找個女朋友吧。」
他很嚴肅，我卻想笑。
一位朋友知道我的信仰，說：「女朋友是沒有用的，你要結婚。」
I feel pain in the joins these days and some people believe it is arthritis. Believing that I should try Chinese medicine on the mainland, I went to see a Chinese medicine practitioner yesterday
The doctor did some checks by pressing my body and asking some questions. The questions are really out of my expectations.
“Are you married?” the doctor asked.
“No.”
“How often do you do it with your girlfriend?”
“Ah…..”
“Lovemaking.”
“I have no girlfriend.”
“How about masturbation?”
“Ah……” I am wondering how is it related to arthritis problem.
“Kidney is related to the bones and joints,” the doctor said. “In lovemaking, you are actually exercising the vital organs of your body (heart, spleen, liver, lungs and kidneys). However, not all vital organs of the body is in use during masturbation. So Doing it several times a month is beneficial to your body and health.”
Then the doctor performed an acupuncture on me and advised me to do something to “preserve my health.”
When I was about to ask what can I do without a wife or girlfriend, and whether I should hire prostitute, he said, “Go find a girlfriend.”
The doctor is serious, and I have difficulty restraining my laugh.
My friend, who knows my religious belief, said, “Merely a girlfriend is useless. You should get married.”
醫師在我身上按壓檢查，問了一些問題。這些問題完全是我意料不到。
「你結婚了嗎？」
「沒有。」
「那你與女朋友每月進行多少次？」
「嗯‧‧‧‧‧」
「行房」
「我沒有女朋友。」
「那自慰呢？」
「嗯‧‧‧‧‧」
我在想究竟這些問題對關節痛有什麼關係。
醫師解釋說：「腎管骨。行房時，你用上身體的五臟六腑。但在自慰時，五臟六腑不是全都用上。所以行房是對健康有益的。」
醫師繼而進行針灸，並說我要好好補腎。
正當我在疑惑他是否會建議我去召妓時，他嚴肅地說：「找個女朋友吧。」
他很嚴肅，我卻想笑。
一位朋友知道我的信仰，說：「女朋友是沒有用的，你要結婚。」
I feel pain in the joins these days and some people believe it is arthritis. Believing that I should try Chinese medicine on the mainland, I went to see a Chinese medicine practitioner yesterday
The doctor did some checks by pressing my body and asking some questions. The questions are really out of my expectations.
“Are you married?” the doctor asked.
“No.”
“How often do you do it with your girlfriend?”
“Ah…..”
“Lovemaking.”
“I have no girlfriend.”
“How about masturbation?”
“Ah……” I am wondering how is it related to arthritis problem.
“Kidney is related to the bones and joints,” the doctor said. “In lovemaking, you are actually exercising the vital organs of your body (heart, spleen, liver, lungs and kidneys). However, not all vital organs of the body is in use during masturbation. So Doing it several times a month is beneficial to your body and health.”
Then the doctor performed an acupuncture on me and advised me to do something to “preserve my health.”
When I was about to ask what can I do without a wife or girlfriend, and whether I should hire prostitute, he said, “Go find a girlfriend.”
The doctor is serious, and I have difficulty restraining my laugh.
My friend, who knows my religious belief, said, “Merely a girlfriend is useless. You should get married.”
Friday, May 14, 2010
Can I say our youngsters are spoiled nowadays.
An elderly man came to our office a few months ago. He approached the supervisor and said his granddaughter or daughter had sent a job application letter to the company, and asked if the company would hire her or grant her an interview. The supervisor, of course, did not give any affirmative answer to the question.
A few days ago, I went to Tianjin with my parents. We stumbled upon a large group of people in their late 40s, 50s or even 60s in a park. These people are not protesting against the authority, nor enjoying a day-off in the park. They are looking for a spouse for their children.
These parents write down the basic information of their children on a piece of paper. The information includes job and whether the child has an apartment.
The parents just keep waiting to see if the parents of other children will be attracted to theirs.
I talked to one of the parents, and he said he comes to the park every day.
One of the parents.
What’s wrong with youngsters, or parents, nowadays?
If the girl really needs a job, why doesn’t she come to our office asking for it? It seems that the girl has done nothing apart from writing an application letter, and she lets her father or grandfather begging for a job for her. Or the old man is so desperate that he comes to our office without telling the girl?
And why let your parents standing in the park a whole day to find you a spouse? I personally believe that this kind of match-making isn’t work. And if you are not destined to meet your Ms/ Mr Right, then so be it.
A few days ago, I went to Tianjin with my parents. We stumbled upon a large group of people in their late 40s, 50s or even 60s in a park. These people are not protesting against the authority, nor enjoying a day-off in the park. They are looking for a spouse for their children.
These parents write down the basic information of their children on a piece of paper. The information includes job and whether the child has an apartment.
The parents just keep waiting to see if the parents of other children will be attracted to theirs.
I talked to one of the parents, and he said he comes to the park every day.
One of the parents.
What’s wrong with youngsters, or parents, nowadays?
If the girl really needs a job, why doesn’t she come to our office asking for it? It seems that the girl has done nothing apart from writing an application letter, and she lets her father or grandfather begging for a job for her. Or the old man is so desperate that he comes to our office without telling the girl?
And why let your parents standing in the park a whole day to find you a spouse? I personally believe that this kind of match-making isn’t work. And if you are not destined to meet your Ms/ Mr Right, then so be it.
Saturday, May 08, 2010
School life – Episode Four, Nationality counts
Peter enjoys the writing class of Globe International School (GIS). He loves writing, but he is not good at it, and therefore, he will ask the native English teachers (NETs) of the school to polish his composition before submitting to the writing teacher, whose mother tongue is not English.
The writing teacher spotted some grammatical mistakes, like missing an “s” in the verbs, and some repetitive words in a sentence.
Well, Peter believes he can have a good laugh about these mistakes, and some minor corrections will fix the problems. These are careless mistakes, or probably typo errors.
But the writing teacher is a fussy man, who fails to appreciate creative writing style but think big of himself by picking up minor errors.
“Who polish this writing?” he marked on the composition, before sending a copy to the Big Brother.
He repeatedly asked Peter which NET polished his story, and Peter reluctantly said the name.
“Even junior primary school student will not make such mistake,” the fussy teacher said.
“OK, I’ll fix it,” Peter said.
“Where does the NET come from?” the fussy man asked.
What the heck? Peter thought. How does one’s nationality relate to his English standard and capability?
“He is back home,” Peter replied, trying to divert the topic.
But the fussy man did not back down. “Where does he come from?”
“Canada,” Peter said, of course reluctantly.
“Oh, Canada,” the fussy teacher said, before going away.
Peter believes asking someone’s nationality after something wrong has happened is offensive, insulting, and disrespectful to others, and it may be an offense in some countries.
The school has been established for several decades, and employing NETs for quite a number of years. And the people here still behave like that.
The writing teacher spotted some grammatical mistakes, like missing an “s” in the verbs, and some repetitive words in a sentence.
Well, Peter believes he can have a good laugh about these mistakes, and some minor corrections will fix the problems. These are careless mistakes, or probably typo errors.
But the writing teacher is a fussy man, who fails to appreciate creative writing style but think big of himself by picking up minor errors.
“Who polish this writing?” he marked on the composition, before sending a copy to the Big Brother.
He repeatedly asked Peter which NET polished his story, and Peter reluctantly said the name.
“Even junior primary school student will not make such mistake,” the fussy teacher said.
“OK, I’ll fix it,” Peter said.
“Where does the NET come from?” the fussy man asked.
What the heck? Peter thought. How does one’s nationality relate to his English standard and capability?
“He is back home,” Peter replied, trying to divert the topic.
But the fussy man did not back down. “Where does he come from?”
“Canada,” Peter said, of course reluctantly.
“Oh, Canada,” the fussy teacher said, before going away.
Peter believes asking someone’s nationality after something wrong has happened is offensive, insulting, and disrespectful to others, and it may be an offense in some countries.
The school has been established for several decades, and employing NETs for quite a number of years. And the people here still behave like that.
Saturday, May 01, 2010
School life – Episode three, Involuntary volunteer
As a self-claimed well established school, Globe International School (GIS) sometimes does charity work and encourages students to contribute. On several occasions, students are encouraged to donate money or be volunteers for charity groups.
This week, a NGO approached several schools in the district, including GIS, and asked for some volunteers to help them build an orphanage for children whose parents died in disaster.
Most of the students are willing to give a helping hand, and have signed up to be a volunteer. Some signed up for 100 hours of volunteer work, and some for 30 hours, some for 10 hours, depending on their availability.
When the students were happily doing the good deeds, the Big Brothers seemed unhappy and summoned all students to the assembly.
Here is the message of the Big Brothers.
“Thank you for signing up to be a volunteer. But you know, the total number of volunteer work hours signed up by you guys is the least compared with that of other schools in the district. In that sense, we are not performing up to expectations. I encourage you to do more volunteer work for the orphanage. So think about whether you can do more and how you can do more. And of course, whether you want to do more is up to your decision. It is your time.”
OK, the students thought, It is up to our decision and let us think whether we could do more.
But shortly after that meeting, the Big Brothers summoned the top student of each class to another meeting. And the message, or perhaps order, is as follow,
“As the top student of each class, you will need to do 500 hours of volunteer work. That’s it. Dismiss.”
Encouragement is a lie. Enforcement is true.
This week, a NGO approached several schools in the district, including GIS, and asked for some volunteers to help them build an orphanage for children whose parents died in disaster.
Most of the students are willing to give a helping hand, and have signed up to be a volunteer. Some signed up for 100 hours of volunteer work, and some for 30 hours, some for 10 hours, depending on their availability.
When the students were happily doing the good deeds, the Big Brothers seemed unhappy and summoned all students to the assembly.
Here is the message of the Big Brothers.
“Thank you for signing up to be a volunteer. But you know, the total number of volunteer work hours signed up by you guys is the least compared with that of other schools in the district. In that sense, we are not performing up to expectations. I encourage you to do more volunteer work for the orphanage. So think about whether you can do more and how you can do more. And of course, whether you want to do more is up to your decision. It is your time.”
OK, the students thought, It is up to our decision and let us think whether we could do more.
But shortly after that meeting, the Big Brothers summoned the top student of each class to another meeting. And the message, or perhaps order, is as follow,
“As the top student of each class, you will need to do 500 hours of volunteer work. That’s it. Dismiss.”
Encouragement is a lie. Enforcement is true.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
School Life – Episode Two, Penalty
Students of the Globe International School (GIS) were anxiously waiting in the classroom. This was the announcement day of the mid-term examination result.
When Peter got the exam result slip, he was shocked. He found out that his attendance grade is deducted, and that his general exam points have also gone down.
Peter demanded an explanation from the headmaster, who is dubbed as the Big Brothers by students.
The headmaster, Lion, told Peter that his attendance grade is deducted because he skipped school for one day.
“Aren’t we supposed to have one day off from class each month?” asked Peter.
“No, we do not allow that anymore,” Lion said.
“When? Why there is no one telling me that the policy is cancelled?” asked Peter, confused but angry.
“It has been cancelled. I don’t need to tell anyone. I can change policy whenever I want,” Lion replied.
Fine, Peter thought, because he really took an extra day off from class last month. But he was still puzzled about the deduction in his examination points.
“Because you took an extra day off, so you could not complete some class work and thus your examination points were deducted,” Lion told Peter.
What a ridiculous explanation, Peter thought. Yes, he has taken an extra day off, but he always does extra class work on other school days, and the quantity of class work he has completed is no less than his classmates.
“You already lowered my attendance grade. How can you also deduct my examination points? It is double penalty!” yelled Peter.
“Bingo. It is. It is my job, constantly finding excuses to lower your exam points,” Lion said.
When Peter wanted to say how unfair the policy is, his classmate Sherry interrupted. Sherry’s exam points were also deducted and Lion said it was because she took a day of sick leave last month.
“Are you kidding me?” Sherry said.
“No, I am not. I am serious. Because you took sick leave, you could not complete some class work, and thus your exam points were deducted,” Lion said.
“I am sick,” Sherry defended.
“That does not matter,” Lion said.
“I still have to go to school even if I am sick?” Sherry asked.
“I am afraid you have to,” Lion said.
“What’s the point of that? If I was sick or had a fever, I still could not do the class work even though I came to school,” Sherry said.
“You still have to come to school and try to do some class work,” Lion said.
“I would be spreading the diseases to others if I came to school when I was sick,” Sherry said.
“I don’t care about that. You have to be present even though you are sick, or you pay the price for being absent. This is an order,” Lion said.
Sherry was speechless, and she was wondering whether this Mr Lion had been sick before. Mr Lion had been sick and needed to stay in hospital for days, and Sherry wondered whether he had been penalized for that.
When Peter got the exam result slip, he was shocked. He found out that his attendance grade is deducted, and that his general exam points have also gone down.
Peter demanded an explanation from the headmaster, who is dubbed as the Big Brothers by students.
The headmaster, Lion, told Peter that his attendance grade is deducted because he skipped school for one day.
“Aren’t we supposed to have one day off from class each month?” asked Peter.
“No, we do not allow that anymore,” Lion said.
“When? Why there is no one telling me that the policy is cancelled?” asked Peter, confused but angry.
“It has been cancelled. I don’t need to tell anyone. I can change policy whenever I want,” Lion replied.
Fine, Peter thought, because he really took an extra day off from class last month. But he was still puzzled about the deduction in his examination points.
“Because you took an extra day off, so you could not complete some class work and thus your examination points were deducted,” Lion told Peter.
What a ridiculous explanation, Peter thought. Yes, he has taken an extra day off, but he always does extra class work on other school days, and the quantity of class work he has completed is no less than his classmates.
“You already lowered my attendance grade. How can you also deduct my examination points? It is double penalty!” yelled Peter.
“Bingo. It is. It is my job, constantly finding excuses to lower your exam points,” Lion said.
When Peter wanted to say how unfair the policy is, his classmate Sherry interrupted. Sherry’s exam points were also deducted and Lion said it was because she took a day of sick leave last month.
“Are you kidding me?” Sherry said.
“No, I am not. I am serious. Because you took sick leave, you could not complete some class work, and thus your exam points were deducted,” Lion said.
“I am sick,” Sherry defended.
“That does not matter,” Lion said.
“I still have to go to school even if I am sick?” Sherry asked.
“I am afraid you have to,” Lion said.
“What’s the point of that? If I was sick or had a fever, I still could not do the class work even though I came to school,” Sherry said.
“You still have to come to school and try to do some class work,” Lion said.
“I would be spreading the diseases to others if I came to school when I was sick,” Sherry said.
“I don’t care about that. You have to be present even though you are sick, or you pay the price for being absent. This is an order,” Lion said.
Sherry was speechless, and she was wondering whether this Mr Lion had been sick before. Mr Lion had been sick and needed to stay in hospital for days, and Sherry wondered whether he had been penalized for that.
Monday, April 26, 2010
School Life – Episode One, Dictation
In this story, everything happened inside a university or college. This is a poorly written story, just about what I am interested in and what I think.
School name: Globe International School (GIS)
Main character: Peter, a student
Peter was shocked today because his English teacher Tan Ping, an old fashioned guy who cannot think of anything else but asking students to memorize vocabularies, told him that there will be a dictionary dictation next week.
“What?” Peter exclaimed.
“Dictionary dictation. Please go home to memorize the dictionary. If you fail to pass the dictation, you will be given lashes,” the teacher said. “And remember, we are learning American STYLE English. If you write in British STYLE, you will lose points.”
“What is the passing mark and how many lashes if I fail?” Peter asked.
“I don’t know yet. I will decide after the dictation,” the teacher replied.
“What’s the point of having a dictionary dictation? Dictionary is something that we can check. We don’t need to memorize that. We should learn vocabularies by using them, but not by memorizing the dictionary,” Peter said.
“I don’t care what you feel! You need to memorize. That’s how I learn. The dictation will be at 8 am next Wednesday,” the teacher said.
“8 am! It is too early. Classes start at 9am. We have to come here early for the dictation?” Peter said.
“Yes!” the teacher exclaimed.
School name: Globe International School (GIS)
Main character: Peter, a student
Peter was shocked today because his English teacher Tan Ping, an old fashioned guy who cannot think of anything else but asking students to memorize vocabularies, told him that there will be a dictionary dictation next week.
“What?” Peter exclaimed.
“Dictionary dictation. Please go home to memorize the dictionary. If you fail to pass the dictation, you will be given lashes,” the teacher said. “And remember, we are learning American STYLE English. If you write in British STYLE, you will lose points.”
“What is the passing mark and how many lashes if I fail?” Peter asked.
“I don’t know yet. I will decide after the dictation,” the teacher replied.
“What’s the point of having a dictionary dictation? Dictionary is something that we can check. We don’t need to memorize that. We should learn vocabularies by using them, but not by memorizing the dictionary,” Peter said.
“I don’t care what you feel! You need to memorize. That’s how I learn. The dictation will be at 8 am next Wednesday,” the teacher said.
“8 am! It is too early. Classes start at 9am. We have to come here early for the dictation?” Peter said.
“Yes!” the teacher exclaimed.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Team Leader
Meeting good people is essential for surviving in any places, especially when I am in a strange city.
Thanks God. My colleagues are nice and cooperative, and I am particularly impressed by my team leader SJ. We do have clashes sometimes, but he really deserves my respect.
SJ, about one year younger than me, is really patient. He still smiles sometimes when I am rude to him, probably because I have lost temper out of some ridiculous arrangements.
And whenever the big brothers are making things chaos, and causing trouble to me, he always comes to my rescue. Yes, you can say it is part of his job to deal with the big brothers, but my life will be like hell without his help.
I, growing up in other city which shares different systems and values, is still getting used to living here, and on many occasions, I cannot stand the big brothers and disagree with some of SJ's ideas. But I think he has tried to understand how I think.
Sometimes, my thinking clashes with the others, which lead to big troubles for him. On one occasion, he had to write a retrospective essay because of the “mistakes”I have made (something that the big brothers believed is a serious mistakes, but I find nothing wrong) . But still, he did not blame me or scold me, and tried to console me when I was very upset by that trouble.
Last but not least, he volunteered to help when I needed to move apartment last month.
Thanks.
Thanks God. My colleagues are nice and cooperative, and I am particularly impressed by my team leader SJ. We do have clashes sometimes, but he really deserves my respect.
SJ, about one year younger than me, is really patient. He still smiles sometimes when I am rude to him, probably because I have lost temper out of some ridiculous arrangements.
And whenever the big brothers are making things chaos, and causing trouble to me, he always comes to my rescue. Yes, you can say it is part of his job to deal with the big brothers, but my life will be like hell without his help.
I, growing up in other city which shares different systems and values, is still getting used to living here, and on many occasions, I cannot stand the big brothers and disagree with some of SJ's ideas. But I think he has tried to understand how I think.
Sometimes, my thinking clashes with the others, which lead to big troubles for him. On one occasion, he had to write a retrospective essay because of the “mistakes”I have made (something that the big brothers believed is a serious mistakes, but I find nothing wrong) . But still, he did not blame me or scold me, and tried to console me when I was very upset by that trouble.
Last but not least, he volunteered to help when I needed to move apartment last month.
Thanks.
Friday, April 09, 2010
青島遊/ Qingdao/ Tsing Tao
上個月去了青島玩三天。上機前一晚發燒，速速光顧貴價私人診所，幸好上機時已退燒。
基本上，三天都是悠閒遊。沒有安排什麼特定的行程。第一天去了歷史博物館，博物館介紹青島在德治及日治時期的情況，我的印象是，博物館對德治時期的評價好像比較正面。
博物館後，去了八大關，就是歐式建築物的集中地，幾舒服。
第二天，去了青島啤酒博物館。很多東西看，有2杯免費啤酒飲(其中一杯更是原漿啤酒)。玩了大半天。
第三天，去了德治時期的監獄及康有為故居。
悠悠閒閒。
我真的很想放假，放長假。
Had been to Tsing Tao for three days last month. Got fever the night before on board the plane, and I paid a huge amount of dollar to a private clinic. Luckily, the fever eased the next day.
The three days are leisure tour. No planned itinerary. I visited the history museum on the first day. The museum has details about Tsing Tao when it was being ruled by German and Japan. My impression is that the museum has, comparatively speaking, more positive comments about German.
On the second day, I visited the Tsing Tao Beer Museum, which is an obligatory item in the city. I got two cups of free beer.
On the third day, I visited a German prison and the residence of Kang Youwei.
I like the leisure tour.
I really need a holiday, long holiday.
基本上，三天都是悠閒遊。沒有安排什麼特定的行程。第一天去了歷史博物館，博物館介紹青島在德治及日治時期的情況，我的印象是，博物館對德治時期的評價好像比較正面。
博物館後，去了八大關，就是歐式建築物的集中地，幾舒服。
第二天，去了青島啤酒博物館。很多東西看，有2杯免費啤酒飲(其中一杯更是原漿啤酒)。玩了大半天。
第三天，去了德治時期的監獄及康有為故居。
悠悠閒閒。
我真的很想放假，放長假。
Had been to Tsing Tao for three days last month. Got fever the night before on board the plane, and I paid a huge amount of dollar to a private clinic. Luckily, the fever eased the next day.
The three days are leisure tour. No planned itinerary. I visited the history museum on the first day. The museum has details about Tsing Tao when it was being ruled by German and Japan. My impression is that the museum has, comparatively speaking, more positive comments about German.
On the second day, I visited the Tsing Tao Beer Museum, which is an obligatory item in the city. I got two cups of free beer.
On the third day, I visited a German prison and the residence of Kang Youwei.
I like the leisure tour.
I really need a holiday, long holiday.
Monday, March 15, 2010
搬家 Moving Apartment
因為業主要提早收樓，所以我要搬家。業主說，他現時居住的房子也是租的，他的房東不續約，所以他就要收回我的房子了。我不太相信他的話，但因為他的房子實在是有點遠，而且租金不便宜，所以我便答應他的要求。
剛過去的星期六搬家了。新居400呎左右，較之前的小180呎左右，而且是studio flat，即開放式無間隔居所。但租金較上一間房子便宜400元，而且比較近上班地點。由我家打的上班，一般不超過16元，比以前便宜了10元。
I have to move apartment because my landlord wants to have his flat back earlier than scheduled. The landlord said he is living in a rented flat, and the owner of that flat has decided not to renew the rental contract, and therefore, he needs to have my flat back. I do not trust him. But I still accept his demand because 1) his flat is quite far away from my office, and 2) the rent is not cheap.
I had moved to the new apartment on Saturday. The new flat is about 400 sq feet, about 180 sq feet smaller than the last flat. The new flat is a studio flat. The rent is 400 yuan cheaper than the last one, and quite close to the office. It takes only about 16 yuan to get to the office by taxi, which is 10 yuan cheaper.
剛過去的星期六搬家了。新居400呎左右，較之前的小180呎左右，而且是studio flat，即開放式無間隔居所。但租金較上一間房子便宜400元，而且比較近上班地點。由我家打的上班，一般不超過16元，比以前便宜了10元。
I have to move apartment because my landlord wants to have his flat back earlier than scheduled. The landlord said he is living in a rented flat, and the owner of that flat has decided not to renew the rental contract, and therefore, he needs to have my flat back. I do not trust him. But I still accept his demand because 1) his flat is quite far away from my office, and 2) the rent is not cheap.
I had moved to the new apartment on Saturday. The new flat is about 400 sq feet, about 180 sq feet smaller than the last flat. The new flat is a studio flat. The rent is 400 yuan cheaper than the last one, and quite close to the office. It takes only about 16 yuan to get to the office by taxi, which is 10 yuan cheaper.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Argument Two
Have an argument, but not crash, with my team leader again.
We are working on a piece concerning children and women trafficking to China from Vietnam. An article by a Vietnamese news agency said the number of children and women illegally sent to China accounted for 65 percent of all trafficking cases. The article said most of the women were sent to China to work as prostitute, illegal workers, and were forced to marry Chinese men.
In some extreme cases, some of the victims will have their organs surgically removed and sold, the article said.
It is that sentence concerning organs trading triggering our debate.
My team leader asked to delete that statement for the following reasons;
1) This is a statement made by Vietnam, and there is no Chinese authorities proving whether the situation is true;
2) Organs trading is not the focus of the article;
3) Organs trading sounds very horrible;
4) There are allegations that illegal organs trading exist in China. If we publish the statement without verifying whether it is true, is it an indirect acknowledgment that illegal organs trading really happens in the country. Illegal organs trading is not something desirable;
5) The statement is an “allegation” that may be offensive to someone.
I do not agree with his reasons because;
1) We are quoting from a Vietnam news agency, and we have made attribution;
2) We sometimes quote information from other Chinese media without verifying its authenticity. Why do we have to apply a different standard to Vietnamese press? His answer, “Because it is overseas.”;
3) I don’t think the statement is an allegation. It is not accusing anyone of any wrongdoings, but merely pointing out the situation;
4) Organs trading is very horrible, I admit. This is one of the reasons why we are concerned with human trafficking. People tricked into other countries may not only be forced to work as prostitutes or slaves, but have their organs removed and they may die;
5) Organs trading is not a focus of the article, but it is parts of the problem of human trafficking.
As expected, I loss. The statement is not published.
Again, I don’t think I am wrong.
We are working on a piece concerning children and women trafficking to China from Vietnam. An article by a Vietnamese news agency said the number of children and women illegally sent to China accounted for 65 percent of all trafficking cases. The article said most of the women were sent to China to work as prostitute, illegal workers, and were forced to marry Chinese men.
In some extreme cases, some of the victims will have their organs surgically removed and sold, the article said.
It is that sentence concerning organs trading triggering our debate.
My team leader asked to delete that statement for the following reasons;
1) This is a statement made by Vietnam, and there is no Chinese authorities proving whether the situation is true;
2) Organs trading is not the focus of the article;
3) Organs trading sounds very horrible;
4) There are allegations that illegal organs trading exist in China. If we publish the statement without verifying whether it is true, is it an indirect acknowledgment that illegal organs trading really happens in the country. Illegal organs trading is not something desirable;
5) The statement is an “allegation” that may be offensive to someone.
I do not agree with his reasons because;
1) We are quoting from a Vietnam news agency, and we have made attribution;
2) We sometimes quote information from other Chinese media without verifying its authenticity. Why do we have to apply a different standard to Vietnamese press? His answer, “Because it is overseas.”;
3) I don’t think the statement is an allegation. It is not accusing anyone of any wrongdoings, but merely pointing out the situation;
4) Organs trading is very horrible, I admit. This is one of the reasons why we are concerned with human trafficking. People tricked into other countries may not only be forced to work as prostitutes or slaves, but have their organs removed and they may die;
5) Organs trading is not a focus of the article, but it is parts of the problem of human trafficking.
As expected, I loss. The statement is not published.
Again, I don’t think I am wrong.
Argument Two
Have an argument, but not crash, with my team leader again.
We are working on a piece concerning children and women trafficking to China from Vietnam. An article by a Vietnamese news agency said the number of children and women illegally sent to China accounted for 65 percent of all trafficking cases. The article said most of the women were sent to China to work as prostitute, illegal workers, and were forced to marry Chinese men.
In some extreme cases, some of the victims will have their organs surgically removed and sold, the article said.
It is that sentence concerning organs trading triggering our debate.
My team leader asked to delete that statement for the following reasons;
1) This is a statement made by Vietnam, and there is no Chinese authorities proving whether the situation is true;
2) Organs trading is not the focus of the article;
3) Organs trading sounds very horrible;
4) There are allegations that illegal organs trading exist in China. If we publish the statement without verifying whether it is true, is it an indirect acknowledgment that illegal organs trading really happens in the country. Illegal organs trading is not something desirable;
5) The statement is an “allegation” that may be offensive to someone.
I do not agree with his reasons because;
1) We are quoting from a Vietnam news agency, and we have made attribution;
2) We sometimes quote information from other Chinese media without verifying its authenticity. Why do we have to apply a different standard to Vietnamese press? His answer, “Because it is overseas.”;
3) I don’t think the statement is an allegation. It is not accusing anyone of any wrongdoings, but merely pointing out the situation;
4) Organs trading is very horrible, I admit. This is one of the reasons why we are concerned with human trafficking. People tricked into other countries may not only be forced to work as prostitutes or slaves, but have their organs removed and they may die;
5) Organs trading is not a focus of the article, but it is parts of the problem of human trafficking.
As expected, I loss. The statement is not published.
Again, I don’t think I am wrong.
We are working on a piece concerning children and women trafficking to China from Vietnam. An article by a Vietnamese news agency said the number of children and women illegally sent to China accounted for 65 percent of all trafficking cases. The article said most of the women were sent to China to work as prostitute, illegal workers, and were forced to marry Chinese men.
In some extreme cases, some of the victims will have their organs surgically removed and sold, the article said.
It is that sentence concerning organs trading triggering our debate.
My team leader asked to delete that statement for the following reasons;
1) This is a statement made by Vietnam, and there is no Chinese authorities proving whether the situation is true;
2) Organs trading is not the focus of the article;
3) Organs trading sounds very horrible;
4) There are allegations that illegal organs trading exist in China. If we publish the statement without verifying whether it is true, is it an indirect acknowledgment that illegal organs trading really happens in the country. Illegal organs trading is not something desirable;
5) The statement is an “allegation” that may be offensive to someone.
I do not agree with his reasons because;
1) We are quoting from a Vietnam news agency, and we have made attribution;
2) We sometimes quote information from other Chinese media without verifying its authenticity. Why do we have to apply a different standard to Vietnamese press? His answer, “Because it is overseas.”;
3) I don’t think the statement is an allegation. It is not accusing anyone of any wrongdoings, but merely pointing out the situation;
4) Organs trading is very horrible, I admit. This is one of the reasons why we are concerned with human trafficking. People tricked into other countries may not only be forced to work as prostitutes or slaves, but have their organs removed and they may die;
5) Organs trading is not a focus of the article, but it is parts of the problem of human trafficking.
As expected, I loss. The statement is not published.
Again, I don’t think I am wrong.
Friday, February 19, 2010
計劃Planning
人生真的要計劃嗎？我們會計劃投資、結婚、生孩子、買房子、旅行及讀書等等。
問這個問題，是因為在這農曆新年，發生了一件不幸的事。
初一，收到一通電話，說舊同事在數星期前入院，被診斷患上情況嚴重的癌症，曾經昏迷。
同事育有一孩子。
林林總總的計劃，說起來可能很吸引，但一個病，已經將你辛勞的成果化為烏有。
但不計劃又不行，究竟如何找出平衡點呢？
食道炎及腸胃不適，讓我一度擔心自己是不是身患危疾。在情況稍為好轉時，又聽到同事患病這消息，剛巧這時我的腳又好像有一點腫，我的驚慌又來了。
Do we really need to plan for our life? We will plan to do some investment, get married, have a baby, buy a house, go travelling and studying.
I ask this question because something unfortunate has happened during the Lunar New Year.
I received a phone call on the first day of the Lunar New Year. I was told that a former colleague was admitted to hospital a few weeks ago, and the colleague was diagnosed with advanced cancer.
My colleague has a son.
The various plans we have sound attractive. But the achievements of our hard working efforts would have gone up in smoke by a sudden illness.
But it seems that life will not work without planning. How to make a balance?
My esophagus and stomach illness is having a bad impact on me, psychologically. I was once worried that whether I had serious disease. And now I have heard this unfortunate news of my old colleague when my situation is getting better. My paranoid seems have come back, and one of my legs is swollen.
問這個問題，是因為在這農曆新年，發生了一件不幸的事。
初一，收到一通電話，說舊同事在數星期前入院，被診斷患上情況嚴重的癌症，曾經昏迷。
同事育有一孩子。
林林總總的計劃，說起來可能很吸引，但一個病，已經將你辛勞的成果化為烏有。
但不計劃又不行，究竟如何找出平衡點呢？
食道炎及腸胃不適，讓我一度擔心自己是不是身患危疾。在情況稍為好轉時，又聽到同事患病這消息，剛巧這時我的腳又好像有一點腫，我的驚慌又來了。
Do we really need to plan for our life? We will plan to do some investment, get married, have a baby, buy a house, go travelling and studying.
I ask this question because something unfortunate has happened during the Lunar New Year.
I received a phone call on the first day of the Lunar New Year. I was told that a former colleague was admitted to hospital a few weeks ago, and the colleague was diagnosed with advanced cancer.
My colleague has a son.
The various plans we have sound attractive. But the achievements of our hard working efforts would have gone up in smoke by a sudden illness.
But it seems that life will not work without planning. How to make a balance?
My esophagus and stomach illness is having a bad impact on me, psychologically. I was once worried that whether I had serious disease. And now I have heard this unfortunate news of my old colleague when my situation is getting better. My paranoid seems have come back, and one of my legs is swollen.
回香渡歲二Back HK for Lunar New Year II
七天的假期，有兩天在澳門，在香港留了五天，便趕回京工作。
在香港的日子非常充實，時間表由早餐開始，一直至宵夜。沒辦法，假期短，而想見的人又多。
年三十，從澳回港，在家吃團年飯。
初一，返教會，在家吃午飯，與Shiham吃下午茶，再與行家Maggie及Una吃下午茶，回家吃晚飯。
初二，早上看阿凡達Imax版，再與舊同事Matthew、Dennis、Wendy及Emily吃午飯。下午到醫院探病人，晚上與家人吃開年飯。後再與行家Damon、Grace及昇宵夜。
初三，與香港仔舊同事飲茶，再到兔家與教會CELL員相聚，再與舊教育BEAT行家吃飯。
初四，看醫生拿化驗報告，與中六七同學Mabel、Lily及大佬吃午飯，再看黑鬼醫生，與PHOTOG Edmond及 Doris吃下午茶，再與另一班虎報舊同事吃晚飯，後與中學同學Amy飲一杯。
初五，與Cassie吃早餐，再與大學同學Tiff吃午飯，回家與家人及中學同學老曾吃下午茶，之後回京。
時光飛逝，如果有一樣發明，可以讓人把美好的時光留住便好。
I spent two days in Macau for the seven-day holiday. I only stayed in HK for five days, then back to Beijing to work.
I had a hectic schedule in HK. I started from breakfast, and ended my day with late night meals or drinks. The holiday is too short, and I want to meet as many people as I can.
Lunar New Year’s eve: Had family reunion dinner after getting back from Macau.
First day: Went to church. Had lunch with family, then had tea with Shiham, and another tea with Maggie and Una before going home for dinner.
Second day: Went for Avatar, Imax version. Had lunch with old colleagues Matthew, Dennis, Wendy and Emily. Then went to hospital to visit a patient. Had “New Year dinner” with family before having late night drinks with Damon, Grace and Ronson, who work in the same industry.
Third day: Went yum cha with Aberdeen’s ex-colleagues before going to Florence’s home to have a gathering with church goers. Then had dinner with other education beat people.
Fourth day: Went to get medical report from doctor. Had lunch with S6 and S7 classmates Mabel, Lily and Vincent. Went to see doctor Hak Gwai. Had tea with photog Edmond and Doris. Had dinner with former colleagues of Standard and tea with S6 and S7 classmate Amy.
Fifth day: Had breakfast with Cassie. Had lunch with university classmate Tiff. Had tea with family and S1-S5 classmate Michael. Went back to Beijing.
Time flies. If there was an invention that can freeze the good moment, I would appreciate.
在香港的日子非常充實，時間表由早餐開始，一直至宵夜。沒辦法，假期短，而想見的人又多。
年三十，從澳回港，在家吃團年飯。
初一，返教會，在家吃午飯，與Shiham吃下午茶，再與行家Maggie及Una吃下午茶，回家吃晚飯。
初二，早上看阿凡達Imax版，再與舊同事Matthew、Dennis、Wendy及Emily吃午飯。下午到醫院探病人，晚上與家人吃開年飯。後再與行家Damon、Grace及昇宵夜。
初三，與香港仔舊同事飲茶，再到兔家與教會CELL員相聚，再與舊教育BEAT行家吃飯。
初四，看醫生拿化驗報告，與中六七同學Mabel、Lily及大佬吃午飯，再看黑鬼醫生，與PHOTOG Edmond及 Doris吃下午茶，再與另一班虎報舊同事吃晚飯，後與中學同學Amy飲一杯。
初五，與Cassie吃早餐，再與大學同學Tiff吃午飯，回家與家人及中學同學老曾吃下午茶，之後回京。
時光飛逝，如果有一樣發明，可以讓人把美好的時光留住便好。
I spent two days in Macau for the seven-day holiday. I only stayed in HK for five days, then back to Beijing to work.
I had a hectic schedule in HK. I started from breakfast, and ended my day with late night meals or drinks. The holiday is too short, and I want to meet as many people as I can.
Lunar New Year’s eve: Had family reunion dinner after getting back from Macau.
First day: Went to church. Had lunch with family, then had tea with Shiham, and another tea with Maggie and Una before going home for dinner.
Second day: Went for Avatar, Imax version. Had lunch with old colleagues Matthew, Dennis, Wendy and Emily. Then went to hospital to visit a patient. Had “New Year dinner” with family before having late night drinks with Damon, Grace and Ronson, who work in the same industry.
Third day: Went yum cha with Aberdeen’s ex-colleagues before going to Florence’s home to have a gathering with church goers. Then had dinner with other education beat people.
Fourth day: Went to get medical report from doctor. Had lunch with S6 and S7 classmates Mabel, Lily and Vincent. Went to see doctor Hak Gwai. Had tea with photog Edmond and Doris. Had dinner with former colleagues of Standard and tea with S6 and S7 classmate Amy.
Fifth day: Had breakfast with Cassie. Had lunch with university classmate Tiff. Had tea with family and S1-S5 classmate Michael. Went back to Beijing.
Time flies. If there was an invention that can freeze the good moment, I would appreciate.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Argument
I had a crash with my team leader last night, but it was not offensive to him personally.
One of my colleagues wrote a story about a meaningless promotion event hosted by our mother company. I checked the story and found it meaningless, but we still had to run it because it was our mother company promotional event.
The story then went to my team leader, and he said the story was not good because it did not stress sufficiently on how well the mother company was doing.
He asked for the original copy of the story. Then he called my colleague, asking whether she had extra information about the mother company.
I was confused and asked, “Isn’t the mother company name on the headline? Isn’t the first few paragraphs about the mother company?”
He replied, “That is not enough.”
I lost temper and said, “We have already included the mother company name on the headline and the first few paragraphs. Why do we have to add extra to promote?”
He replied loudly, “We write it because we have to promote. The mother company organized the event for promotion.”
I burst out, “To me, this is just a meaningless stuff and non-sense. Why do we have to put so much effort to make it look like a masterpiece of something? Non-sense stuff is non-sense.”
I did not say that we are working for news page, and such promotion stuff should, theoretically, not appear on the page. And I believe meaningless stuff should be treated in a meaningless way. I understand it is the event of our mother company, but having its name appeared on the headline and the first few paragraphs is enough.
“We all know this is meaningless. No one wants to make it a good story,” the leader said. “But we have to promote, and only having the first few paragraph talking about it and the remaining part of the story talking about something else is inappropriate.”
“I disagree,” I said.
He later said via MSN that he himself was reluctant to make changes to the story, but the original copy would not pass the senior management. He was right, the big boss asked for a revamp of the whole story.
I don’t want to argue, but it is the story checked by me and I have to say my opinion. Perhaps I should better control my temper, but I don’t think I am wrong.
One of my colleagues wrote a story about a meaningless promotion event hosted by our mother company. I checked the story and found it meaningless, but we still had to run it because it was our mother company promotional event.
The story then went to my team leader, and he said the story was not good because it did not stress sufficiently on how well the mother company was doing.
He asked for the original copy of the story. Then he called my colleague, asking whether she had extra information about the mother company.
I was confused and asked, “Isn’t the mother company name on the headline? Isn’t the first few paragraphs about the mother company?”
He replied, “That is not enough.”
I lost temper and said, “We have already included the mother company name on the headline and the first few paragraphs. Why do we have to add extra to promote?”
He replied loudly, “We write it because we have to promote. The mother company organized the event for promotion.”
I burst out, “To me, this is just a meaningless stuff and non-sense. Why do we have to put so much effort to make it look like a masterpiece of something? Non-sense stuff is non-sense.”
I did not say that we are working for news page, and such promotion stuff should, theoretically, not appear on the page. And I believe meaningless stuff should be treated in a meaningless way. I understand it is the event of our mother company, but having its name appeared on the headline and the first few paragraphs is enough.
“We all know this is meaningless. No one wants to make it a good story,” the leader said. “But we have to promote, and only having the first few paragraph talking about it and the remaining part of the story talking about something else is inappropriate.”
“I disagree,” I said.
He later said via MSN that he himself was reluctant to make changes to the story, but the original copy would not pass the senior management. He was right, the big boss asked for a revamp of the whole story.
I don’t want to argue, but it is the story checked by me and I have to say my opinion. Perhaps I should better control my temper, but I don’t think I am wrong.
Saturday, February 06, 2010
罷吃
先回一回Teoh，胃酸反流的一個原因就是飲食習慣不好引起，飲食不定時、多吃太油太咸等食物、又或多飲奶茶咖啡都是主因。
沒錯，在北京也有好的醫院和醫生，不過他們的收費昂貴。最出名的醫院和睦家收掛號費1,000元，其他私人醫生收掛號費700元。掛號費並不包括藥物。在京城有2家公立醫院設有國際部，收費大約100元至300元(不包藥物)，其他普通門診收費十多元。付昂貴費用的好幾就是省卻排隊時間，國際部與普通門診共用同一班醫生，亦即是，質素一樣。
入正題。
本人的公司，為員工提供免費的晚餐。晚餐只有一款，沒有其他選擇。這款晚餐，絕對不算是好吃，不過，因為免費，也就勉強接受。
但不知道廚師是不是出了什麼狀況，晚餐的質素每況愈下。前幾天的晚餐是一款肉丸，看上去沒有不妥，但咬一口後，嘩，我完全覺得自己是在咀嚼一埋軟棉棉的化學物質，簡直不是給人吃的東西，真的受不了，把它吐出來，吃其他的青菜算了。
翌日的晚餐，主吃竟然是炸肉丸，咬一口後，吞不下，決定把整份晚餐當垃圾丟掉，去其他餐廳買外賣。我知道浪費食物是一件很折墮的事，但實在受不了。而且，我決定要罷食公司的晚餐了。
之後的一天，主菜竟又是炸肉丸，我肯定是前一晚剩餘的材料。連其他同事都怨聲載道了。
據說公司的晚餐要15元一份，而在外面買一盒好吃一億萬倍的飯盒，也不用20元。其實公司大可以給員工錢去吃外賣，不用再訂那連豬都吃不下的飯盒。
沒錯，在北京也有好的醫院和醫生，不過他們的收費昂貴。最出名的醫院和睦家收掛號費1,000元，其他私人醫生收掛號費700元。掛號費並不包括藥物。在京城有2家公立醫院設有國際部，收費大約100元至300元(不包藥物)，其他普通門診收費十多元。付昂貴費用的好幾就是省卻排隊時間，國際部與普通門診共用同一班醫生，亦即是，質素一樣。
入正題。
本人的公司，為員工提供免費的晚餐。晚餐只有一款，沒有其他選擇。這款晚餐，絕對不算是好吃，不過，因為免費，也就勉強接受。
但不知道廚師是不是出了什麼狀況，晚餐的質素每況愈下。前幾天的晚餐是一款肉丸，看上去沒有不妥，但咬一口後，嘩，我完全覺得自己是在咀嚼一埋軟棉棉的化學物質，簡直不是給人吃的東西，真的受不了，把它吐出來，吃其他的青菜算了。
翌日的晚餐，主吃竟然是炸肉丸，咬一口後，吞不下，決定把整份晚餐當垃圾丟掉，去其他餐廳買外賣。我知道浪費食物是一件很折墮的事，但實在受不了。而且，我決定要罷食公司的晚餐了。
之後的一天，主菜竟又是炸肉丸，我肯定是前一晚剩餘的材料。連其他同事都怨聲載道了。
據說公司的晚餐要15元一份，而在外面買一盒好吃一億萬倍的飯盒，也不用20元。其實公司大可以給員工錢去吃外賣，不用再訂那連豬都吃不下的飯盒。
平安
因為胃酸反流，以致胸口痛，至現在，已持續近兩個月。
最初不知胃酸反流會引致胸口痛，以為自己是心臟有問題，看醫生後才知是食道的問題。
吃了兩個星期的藥，情況反覆。這裡的醫生，真的不能給病人信心。第一次看病時，就叫你照胃鏡檢查。而人在內地，更令人情緒低落。
真的，持續的痛楚令人心痛不快，我是非常擔心自己是不是患上很嚴重的病。
情緒備受困擾的我，最終決定回港做胃鏡檢查。
初步檢查結果，是食道發炎，醫生又順道抽了組織化驗，說幾天後有結果。
出院後翌日回京。心裡仍不斷地問自己是不是患上嚴重的病。我爸已證實患上老人痴呆症，給我媽一定的壓力了。如果我患上重病，對她的打擊豈不很大？而我又要不要辭去工作呢？
這兩個月不斷的禱告，求有平安。
禱告後，我真的相信，無論是什麼情況，天父都一定保守帶領。過程會辛苦，但祂仍會保守。
求平安，真的是很重要。要求的，未必是叫神把病消除，而是在面對的過程中感到平安。
昨天，醫生說化驗報告正常。
我的食道仍然在痛，除了治療外，我還要求平安。
最初不知胃酸反流會引致胸口痛，以為自己是心臟有問題，看醫生後才知是食道的問題。
吃了兩個星期的藥，情況反覆。這裡的醫生，真的不能給病人信心。第一次看病時，就叫你照胃鏡檢查。而人在內地，更令人情緒低落。
真的，持續的痛楚令人心痛不快，我是非常擔心自己是不是患上很嚴重的病。
情緒備受困擾的我，最終決定回港做胃鏡檢查。
初步檢查結果，是食道發炎，醫生又順道抽了組織化驗，說幾天後有結果。
出院後翌日回京。心裡仍不斷地問自己是不是患上嚴重的病。我爸已證實患上老人痴呆症，給我媽一定的壓力了。如果我患上重病，對她的打擊豈不很大？而我又要不要辭去工作呢？
這兩個月不斷的禱告，求有平安。
禱告後，我真的相信，無論是什麼情況，天父都一定保守帶領。過程會辛苦，但祂仍會保守。
求平安，真的是很重要。要求的，未必是叫神把病消除，而是在面對的過程中感到平安。
昨天，醫生說化驗報告正常。
我的食道仍然在痛，除了治療外，我還要求平安。
Thursday, January 21, 2010
蔡子強﹕需要世代對話，而非世代戰爭
【明報專訊】前一陣子，有一批自稱「50後的專業人士」，於報章發表全版聲明，呼籲立法會議員支持高鐵撥款，他們自稱自己在大學時代積極支持學運，以行動爭取公義和民主，卻批評反對人士「假專業」，把事件「政治化」。
我看了這份聲明時，第一個反應是瞧不起他們。他們對別人提出諸如「假專業」這類嚴重指控，但卻連道出自己姓名的勇氣和承擔也沒有，是相當不負責任的行為，枉稱學運分子。但後來與一些朋友聊起，他們卻說也不盡然，在今天這樣的一個環境，真的道出姓名，怎麼知道會不會被那些激烈網民，進行人肉搜索、網上欺凌。這種論調，我聽了好幾次，而且往往是出於中生代之口。
我不知道這是否那群人沒有道出姓名的真正原因，但至低限度，朋友們的說話，卻反映出，社會上不同世代的人，彼此對對方的成見和不信任，正在惡化。一次高鐵事件，尤其是上周六於立法會門外發生的衝突，更把這種成見，推向一個新的高峰。
我一向鼓勵學生關心社會，為社會爭取公義。一群年輕人，不為選票，不為金錢，不為任何利益，只為別人快將湮沒的家園走上街頭，其出發點是令人感動和尊敬，以至喝采的。
動機雖然高尚 但手段值得商榷
但高尚的道德動機，卻並不代表可以合理化過程中出現任何的不當行為。集會現場絕大多數人都是和平理性的，而事實上，組織者如朱凱迪和司徒薇等，便不斷呼籲會眾要冷靜抗爭，「今日不要受任何挑釁，不需要衝，不需要撞，我們人數已經贏了。不要暴力，我們要用和平方式，快樂抗爭！」他們，還有很多很多人，都如徐詠璇所說，是「混亂矛盾中，正義堅貞的力量」。
但是任何一場大型社會運動，都有很多不能預計的火花，我們不能因為這些零星的越軌行為，而否定了整場運動，但卻有必要指出當中的不當，而不能因為政治正確的理由，而視若無睹。
你可能覺得我說的很多話也不中聽，但作為一個知識分子，我覺得有責任道出心裏感到之不妥，雖然在風頭火勢之下，我知道這絕對不會討好。正如呂大樂所說，今天鼓掌是沒有代價的，在報章寫些評論，說些「今天誰也不怕誰」、又或者「只有犯錯的政府沒有犯錯的人民」之類的說話，無疑十分慷慨激昂，痛快淋漓，但卻會起覑火上加油的效果。
我相信向別人擲水樽，又或者在示威現場把玻璃樽摔向地上，是過了火位的；
我相信以打火機燒記者背包，也是過了火位的；
我相信衝擊立法會，都是過了火位的；
我相信對不同意見人士，在今次是一些在Facebook發表意見的女記者，進行人肉搜索、網上欺凌，更加是絕對過了火位的﹗
我不想把這些零星行為無限放大，但我也不想對此視而不見。否則若然有一天，這些行為不幸變本加厲的話，將很有可能引起社會反彈到另一個極端，收窄社運的空間。
替天行道的虛妄
因為自信掌握了真理和公義，而進行擲樽、燒別人背包、衝擊立法會、又或者人肉搜索、網上欺凌的個別人士，我想向他們再說一次，幾個月前我在《明報》這個專欄寫過那篇〈替天行道的虛妄〉，當中的一段說話：
「他們每個人心目中，都有自己所認定的『正義』，覺得自己理直氣壯，大義凜然。那可以是愛國主義；也可以是雙普選；又或者是公投。
他們的武器，或許不像死亡筆記般殺人於無形，又或者國家機器般赤裸和刺眼，但卻可以一樣的橫蠻和暴力。他們常常辯說自己沒有軍隊，亦不能抓人坐牢，因此不要過分渲染，但當你進行網上欺凌，又或者訴諸街頭恐嚇時，我看不到受害者所面對的壓力和恐懼，會與國家機器加諸的白色恐佈，有什麼大分別。
權力，本來就不單是只有國家機器的那一種形式，國家機器從來都不是分界的標準 ……
不錯，世上有很多醜惡和不公的事，但當我們打算匡扶自己心目中那份﹃正義﹄，替天行道時，或許應該先看看《死亡筆記》的故事，再想一想，我們會否過於遇神殺神，遇佛殺佛，為世間造成更大的不公義。」
我想過去幾百年人類文明的一大進步，就是放棄在各種不同理念和信仰中，找出一套唯我獨尊的終極真理，而接受一個多元社會的概念，轉而尋求在遊戲規則之上，找尋一套彼此可以接受、保障到各方的共識。
如果大家今天因為憤憤不平而犧牲了這套規則時，進行前述提過的越軌行為時，就可能會授人以話柄，當有一天維園阿伯要衝進立法會；又或者國家機器對你進行人肉搜索、網上欺凌時，你的申訴、抗爭，都變得軟弱無力。
正如呂大樂周二在《信報》撰文所說：
「規範與秩序並不只是一方的壓迫工具，它同時也保障到另一方。它不單只會束縛我們，而是也可限制反對我們的人。全面否定規範與秩序，大家都要付出很大代價。 …… 而在他們眼中，目的可以令一切手段都變得合理，既然目標正義，那就不必拘泥於什麼規範、倫理了。對於上述意見，我要強調：不顧議會民主的規範和倫理，最後一定不會達到大家共同追求的真民主。」
每次當我寫這些題目時，都會惹來一些網絡上的指摘，說是上一代對他們這些第四代/80後年輕人，指指點點，評點江山。但我想，是不是我們什麼都不說，就是解決世代間矛盾分歧的最好方法呢﹖我只能要求自己盡量平和、理性的道出心中覺得的不妥，但卻不認為自己應該什麼都不說，雖然這是明哲保身的最好方法。
撕裂源於誤解
如今社會的其中一大傷口，是一邊覺得遭上一代人重重打壓，誤會曲解；而相反，另一邊卻覺得下一代不可理喻，尤其是他們的網絡暴力。兩種看法都明顯以偏概全，但卻成了醞釀彼此間敵意、以至世代戰爭的一大根源。
喚起社會對下一代人處境關注的《四代香港人》那本書，是由呂大樂——一個第二代人所寫的，看過的朋友都知道，當中對覑他自己屬於的第二代人，有覑很多尖銳、深刻以及無情的批判；相反，對於第三、四代人，尤其是他們的困難，抱覑很大的同情及理解。
所以世間不是絕對的「存在決定意識」的，如果大家肯多抱一分冷靜、耐性、和包容，我相信世代間的對話和溝通是可能的。
今天，我們需要的是世代之間的對話，而非世代間之戰爭。
作者是中文大學政治與行政學系高級導師
明報2010年1月21日
我看了這份聲明時，第一個反應是瞧不起他們。他們對別人提出諸如「假專業」這類嚴重指控，但卻連道出自己姓名的勇氣和承擔也沒有，是相當不負責任的行為，枉稱學運分子。但後來與一些朋友聊起，他們卻說也不盡然，在今天這樣的一個環境，真的道出姓名，怎麼知道會不會被那些激烈網民，進行人肉搜索、網上欺凌。這種論調，我聽了好幾次，而且往往是出於中生代之口。
我不知道這是否那群人沒有道出姓名的真正原因，但至低限度，朋友們的說話，卻反映出，社會上不同世代的人，彼此對對方的成見和不信任，正在惡化。一次高鐵事件，尤其是上周六於立法會門外發生的衝突，更把這種成見，推向一個新的高峰。
我一向鼓勵學生關心社會，為社會爭取公義。一群年輕人，不為選票，不為金錢，不為任何利益，只為別人快將湮沒的家園走上街頭，其出發點是令人感動和尊敬，以至喝采的。
動機雖然高尚 但手段值得商榷
但高尚的道德動機，卻並不代表可以合理化過程中出現任何的不當行為。集會現場絕大多數人都是和平理性的，而事實上，組織者如朱凱迪和司徒薇等，便不斷呼籲會眾要冷靜抗爭，「今日不要受任何挑釁，不需要衝，不需要撞，我們人數已經贏了。不要暴力，我們要用和平方式，快樂抗爭！」他們，還有很多很多人，都如徐詠璇所說，是「混亂矛盾中，正義堅貞的力量」。
但是任何一場大型社會運動，都有很多不能預計的火花，我們不能因為這些零星的越軌行為，而否定了整場運動，但卻有必要指出當中的不當，而不能因為政治正確的理由，而視若無睹。
你可能覺得我說的很多話也不中聽，但作為一個知識分子，我覺得有責任道出心裏感到之不妥，雖然在風頭火勢之下，我知道這絕對不會討好。正如呂大樂所說，今天鼓掌是沒有代價的，在報章寫些評論，說些「今天誰也不怕誰」、又或者「只有犯錯的政府沒有犯錯的人民」之類的說話，無疑十分慷慨激昂，痛快淋漓，但卻會起覑火上加油的效果。
我相信向別人擲水樽，又或者在示威現場把玻璃樽摔向地上，是過了火位的；
我相信以打火機燒記者背包，也是過了火位的；
我相信衝擊立法會，都是過了火位的；
我相信對不同意見人士，在今次是一些在Facebook發表意見的女記者，進行人肉搜索、網上欺凌，更加是絕對過了火位的﹗
我不想把這些零星行為無限放大，但我也不想對此視而不見。否則若然有一天，這些行為不幸變本加厲的話，將很有可能引起社會反彈到另一個極端，收窄社運的空間。
替天行道的虛妄
因為自信掌握了真理和公義，而進行擲樽、燒別人背包、衝擊立法會、又或者人肉搜索、網上欺凌的個別人士，我想向他們再說一次，幾個月前我在《明報》這個專欄寫過那篇〈替天行道的虛妄〉，當中的一段說話：
「他們每個人心目中，都有自己所認定的『正義』，覺得自己理直氣壯，大義凜然。那可以是愛國主義；也可以是雙普選；又或者是公投。
他們的武器，或許不像死亡筆記般殺人於無形，又或者國家機器般赤裸和刺眼，但卻可以一樣的橫蠻和暴力。他們常常辯說自己沒有軍隊，亦不能抓人坐牢，因此不要過分渲染，但當你進行網上欺凌，又或者訴諸街頭恐嚇時，我看不到受害者所面對的壓力和恐懼，會與國家機器加諸的白色恐佈，有什麼大分別。
權力，本來就不單是只有國家機器的那一種形式，國家機器從來都不是分界的標準 ……
不錯，世上有很多醜惡和不公的事，但當我們打算匡扶自己心目中那份﹃正義﹄，替天行道時，或許應該先看看《死亡筆記》的故事，再想一想，我們會否過於遇神殺神，遇佛殺佛，為世間造成更大的不公義。」
我想過去幾百年人類文明的一大進步，就是放棄在各種不同理念和信仰中，找出一套唯我獨尊的終極真理，而接受一個多元社會的概念，轉而尋求在遊戲規則之上，找尋一套彼此可以接受、保障到各方的共識。
如果大家今天因為憤憤不平而犧牲了這套規則時，進行前述提過的越軌行為時，就可能會授人以話柄，當有一天維園阿伯要衝進立法會；又或者國家機器對你進行人肉搜索、網上欺凌時，你的申訴、抗爭，都變得軟弱無力。
正如呂大樂周二在《信報》撰文所說：
「規範與秩序並不只是一方的壓迫工具，它同時也保障到另一方。它不單只會束縛我們，而是也可限制反對我們的人。全面否定規範與秩序，大家都要付出很大代價。 …… 而在他們眼中，目的可以令一切手段都變得合理，既然目標正義，那就不必拘泥於什麼規範、倫理了。對於上述意見，我要強調：不顧議會民主的規範和倫理，最後一定不會達到大家共同追求的真民主。」
每次當我寫這些題目時，都會惹來一些網絡上的指摘，說是上一代對他們這些第四代/80後年輕人，指指點點，評點江山。但我想，是不是我們什麼都不說，就是解決世代間矛盾分歧的最好方法呢﹖我只能要求自己盡量平和、理性的道出心中覺得的不妥，但卻不認為自己應該什麼都不說，雖然這是明哲保身的最好方法。
撕裂源於誤解
如今社會的其中一大傷口，是一邊覺得遭上一代人重重打壓，誤會曲解；而相反，另一邊卻覺得下一代不可理喻，尤其是他們的網絡暴力。兩種看法都明顯以偏概全，但卻成了醞釀彼此間敵意、以至世代戰爭的一大根源。
喚起社會對下一代人處境關注的《四代香港人》那本書，是由呂大樂——一個第二代人所寫的，看過的朋友都知道，當中對覑他自己屬於的第二代人，有覑很多尖銳、深刻以及無情的批判；相反，對於第三、四代人，尤其是他們的困難，抱覑很大的同情及理解。
所以世間不是絕對的「存在決定意識」的，如果大家肯多抱一分冷靜、耐性、和包容，我相信世代間的對話和溝通是可能的。
今天，我們需要的是世代之間的對話，而非世代間之戰爭。
作者是中文大學政治與行政學系高級導師
明報2010年1月21日
三年又三年 Three years after three years
這絕對不是一篇好文章。
關於廣深港高速鐵路的示威近日引來關注與爭議。示威者反對鐵路的原因是造價太高，而香港已是一個過度發展的城市，再興建一條大型鐵路，會對城市的文化造成影響。
示威者亦表達他們對香港政治體制的不滿。當局推行政策時沒有恰當及廣泛地咨詢公眾。而香港的政制相當畸形，在議會當中，一半的議席是由親政府人士佔有，以致不受歡迎的法案與計劃亦獲通過。
我不在香港，沒有目睹示威的過程。因此，也無法評論示威者是否過激、過份或暴力。
我關心的是政府如何解讀示威者及他們的訴求。
在1月6日明報的李先知專欄刊登了一篇文章。文章引用政府消息說：「許多年近三十的年輕人，無法置業成婚，被迫繼續與父母同住，眼白白看着樓價飈升，那種無力和挫折感覺，很容易轉化成對政府和地產商的仇視，甚至認定這些不公平的情况是官商勾結造成的。」
似曾熟識的聲音。
三年前，我在皇后碼頭。當時，一班示威者在皇后碼頭露宿，反對當局為建道路網而把碼頭清拆。示威者指，碼頭有長遠的歷史，應該要保留下來。
當時，政府對示威者的不滿及訴求作同樣解讀，又答應日後會多聽年青人的意見。
三年了，同樣的事情又發生，當局又搬出同樣的解讀。
This is not a good piece.
The protest against the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link has triggered a lot of attention and controversy these days. The protesters said they oppose the rail link because it is costly and Hong Kong is already over-developed, meaning having the mega railway will further damage the city’s traditions and culture.
The protesters also expressed their frustrations about the city’s political system that the government has not properly and widely consulted the public, and the legislature will still endorse unpopular government proposals because half of the seats are occupied by pro-government politicians.
I am not in Hong Kong, I have not witnessed the protests. Therefore, I cannot comment on whether the protesters are radical, gone too far and violent.
What I am concerned is how the government interprets the protest and the protesters demand.
This is what I have read in Ming Pao Daily on January 06. The article cited government sources.
“Many people who are close to 30 cannot get married, buy property and forced to continue living with their parents. Seeing the rising property prices, they feel powerless and frustrated. They can easily become hostile to the government and property developers, and believe that the unfairness is caused by collusion between the government and the business sector.”
That sounds very familiar to me. Three years ago, I was in the Queen’s Pier, where a group of protesters were camping inside in order to block the government to demolish the historical structure to make way for road network. Protesters said the pier, with a long history, should be preserved.
The government made similar interpretation of the protesters demand and frustrations, and pledged that they would listen to young people opinion.
Three years. Same thing happens again, and the same interpretation is offered.
關於廣深港高速鐵路的示威近日引來關注與爭議。示威者反對鐵路的原因是造價太高，而香港已是一個過度發展的城市，再興建一條大型鐵路，會對城市的文化造成影響。
示威者亦表達他們對香港政治體制的不滿。當局推行政策時沒有恰當及廣泛地咨詢公眾。而香港的政制相當畸形，在議會當中，一半的議席是由親政府人士佔有，以致不受歡迎的法案與計劃亦獲通過。
我不在香港，沒有目睹示威的過程。因此，也無法評論示威者是否過激、過份或暴力。
我關心的是政府如何解讀示威者及他們的訴求。
在1月6日明報的李先知專欄刊登了一篇文章。文章引用政府消息說：「許多年近三十的年輕人，無法置業成婚，被迫繼續與父母同住，眼白白看着樓價飈升，那種無力和挫折感覺，很容易轉化成對政府和地產商的仇視，甚至認定這些不公平的情况是官商勾結造成的。」
似曾熟識的聲音。
三年前，我在皇后碼頭。當時，一班示威者在皇后碼頭露宿，反對當局為建道路網而把碼頭清拆。示威者指，碼頭有長遠的歷史，應該要保留下來。
當時，政府對示威者的不滿及訴求作同樣解讀，又答應日後會多聽年青人的意見。
三年了，同樣的事情又發生，當局又搬出同樣的解讀。
This is not a good piece.
The protest against the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link has triggered a lot of attention and controversy these days. The protesters said they oppose the rail link because it is costly and Hong Kong is already over-developed, meaning having the mega railway will further damage the city’s traditions and culture.
The protesters also expressed their frustrations about the city’s political system that the government has not properly and widely consulted the public, and the legislature will still endorse unpopular government proposals because half of the seats are occupied by pro-government politicians.
I am not in Hong Kong, I have not witnessed the protests. Therefore, I cannot comment on whether the protesters are radical, gone too far and violent.
What I am concerned is how the government interprets the protest and the protesters demand.
This is what I have read in Ming Pao Daily on January 06. The article cited government sources.
“Many people who are close to 30 cannot get married, buy property and forced to continue living with their parents. Seeing the rising property prices, they feel powerless and frustrated. They can easily become hostile to the government and property developers, and believe that the unfairness is caused by collusion between the government and the business sector.”
That sounds very familiar to me. Three years ago, I was in the Queen’s Pier, where a group of protesters were camping inside in order to block the government to demolish the historical structure to make way for road network. Protesters said the pier, with a long history, should be preserved.
The government made similar interpretation of the protesters demand and frustrations, and pledged that they would listen to young people opinion.
Three years. Same thing happens again, and the same interpretation is offered.
Monday, January 11, 2010
煮食 Cooking
京城的食物，太咸太油，常常食用不利健康。因此，最近決定學煮食。
先來煮皮蛋瘦肉粥，第一次煮時燶了，第二第三次煮時用電飯鍋，效果有改善。
想問如何弄蒸肉餅呢？
Beijing food is too salty and oily, eating too much is not good for health. I have to learn cooking.
First I made porridge of rice. The first attempt was a failure, and I had made some improvement in the second and third attempt.
先來煮皮蛋瘦肉粥，第一次煮時燶了，第二第三次煮時用電飯鍋，效果有改善。
想問如何弄蒸肉餅呢？
Beijing food is too salty and oily, eating too much is not good for health. I have to learn cooking.
First I made porridge of rice. The first attempt was a failure, and I had made some improvement in the second and third attempt.
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
寒流襲京 Cold snap
現時氣溫零下10.8度。今天最高氣溫是零下8度，最低氣溫是零下16度，據說是五十年來最低溫。
我上身穿了一件普通背心內衣、一件保暖內衣、羊毛衣、外衣、冷衫、絨毛外套及長羽絨，合共7件衣服。下身穿了保暖褲及牛仔褲。還有手套、帽和厚襪。
光是穿衣，已用上20分鐘。
The temperature now is -10.8C. The highest temperature of today is -8C, and the lowest is -16C, which is said to be the lowest in 50 years. I wear a vest, a warm keeping (heat tech) underwear, wool cloth, a shirt, another wool cloth, a jacket and a down jacket. For the bottom part, I wear a warm keeping underpants and jeans. And I have gloves, hats and thick socks.
It takes 20 minutes to put on all these clothes.
我上身穿了一件普通背心內衣、一件保暖內衣、羊毛衣、外衣、冷衫、絨毛外套及長羽絨，合共7件衣服。下身穿了保暖褲及牛仔褲。還有手套、帽和厚襪。
光是穿衣，已用上20分鐘。
The temperature now is -10.8C. The highest temperature of today is -8C, and the lowest is -16C, which is said to be the lowest in 50 years. I wear a vest, a warm keeping (heat tech) underwear, wool cloth, a shirt, another wool cloth, a jacket and a down jacket. For the bottom part, I wear a warm keeping underpants and jeans. And I have gloves, hats and thick socks.
It takes 20 minutes to put on all these clothes.
Saturday, January 02, 2010
Some good restaurants幾家好餐館
WL來探望本人及側田。她與我去了以下幾家餐廳。
1) 大理
這家餐廳位於胡同裡面。每人收費100元。食客不可選擇吃什麼，一切都由廚師決定。100元一般包括2款涼菜及5款熱菜。坐在胡同裡吃飯幾特別。光是環境已值100元。
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2) 小王府
在一公園裡面。據說其餃子是京城最好之一。餐廳亦有提供較便宜的烤鴨(70元半只)。
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3) 1949
側田也有去
高級食府。三人埋單要800元(因為叫了幾杯紅酒)。這家餐廳裝修西化，其烤鴨比大董好吃。
WL came to visit me and Justin. She and I went to the following restaurants.
1) Dali Courtyard
The restaurant is located in a courtyard house. It costs 100 yuan per head. You cannot choose what to eat. The chef will decide what you are going to eat. Usually, 100 yuan includes two cold dishes and five hot dishes. It is interesting sitting in the courtyard eating the delicious Yunnan food. The environment is worth 100 yuan.
2) Xiaowangfu小王府
Located inside a garden. Its dumplings is said to be one of the best in Beijing. It also offers roasted Peking duck at a cheaper price (about 70 yuan for half).
3) 1949
Went there with Justin also.
The restaurant is located in a former industrial school site. It is expensive. It costs 800 yuan for three people, including several glasses of wine. The Peking duck is better than Da Dong. It is more like a westernized restaurant serving Chinese cuisine.
1) 大理
這家餐廳位於胡同裡面。每人收費100元。食客不可選擇吃什麼，一切都由廚師決定。100元一般包括2款涼菜及5款熱菜。坐在胡同裡吃飯幾特別。光是環境已值100元。
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
2) 小王府
在一公園裡面。據說其餃子是京城最好之一。餐廳亦有提供較便宜的烤鴨(70元半只)。
.jpg)
3) 1949
側田也有去
高級食府。三人埋單要800元(因為叫了幾杯紅酒)。這家餐廳裝修西化，其烤鴨比大董好吃。
WL came to visit me and Justin. She and I went to the following restaurants.
1) Dali Courtyard
The restaurant is located in a courtyard house. It costs 100 yuan per head. You cannot choose what to eat. The chef will decide what you are going to eat. Usually, 100 yuan includes two cold dishes and five hot dishes. It is interesting sitting in the courtyard eating the delicious Yunnan food. The environment is worth 100 yuan.
2) Xiaowangfu小王府
Located inside a garden. Its dumplings is said to be one of the best in Beijing. It also offers roasted Peking duck at a cheaper price (about 70 yuan for half).
3) 1949
Went there with Justin also.
The restaurant is located in a former industrial school site. It is expensive. It costs 800 yuan for three people, including several glasses of wine. The Peking duck is better than Da Dong. It is more like a westernized restaurant serving Chinese cuisine.
景山公園Jingshan Park
今天下雪，特別去了景山公園，從高處望被雪覆蓋的紫禁城。
I go to Jingshan Park today to see a snow clad Forbidden City.
Merry Christmas in Beijing
Merry Christmas
My sister, her husband and two of her friends came here to visit me during Christmas.
Her flight was delayed for almost two hours because of foggy weather in Hong Kong, and she arrived here at about 6pm. We had to skip shopping at a cloth market, and immediately headed to Da Dong 大董restaurant for Peking duck.
The duck was delicious and not greasy. The other dishes were also good and they all looked attractive. A dinner for five people cost 844 yuan.
One dish at Da Dong.
Saturday
Weather was extremely cold on the Boxing Day with temperature dropped to about –10C, but we still went to the Great Wall as planned. We woke up at 7am and rushed to the station for the Great Wall train, which departed at 10am after a 30-minute delay.
Badaling was crowded. A big company organized a tour for its employees, bringing in hundreds of visitors. Some of them wore high-heel shoes, and had difficulty climbing the wall.
All of us were freezing, and we were reluctant to take our gloves off for taking pictures.
We walked for about two hours, and then took a block to go down and take the train departed at 3:30pm back to the city.
After that, we went to Nanluoguxiang 南鑼鼓巷 for a short walk. We went to滿福樓 for mutton hot pot. Fantastic is the word I can think of this restaurant. It has an old Beijing atmosphere. Its service is good, and the mutton is … wonderful. The roasted mutton shashlik should not be missed even though it cost 8 yuan each, four times higher than what the street vendors charge.
We got back to Nanluoguxiang for a Vanilla pancake.
Sunday.
I had to work, and they went to the Forbidden City and Wangfujing.
Monday.
We went to 都一處燒麥, established since the Qing dynasty, in Qianmen. The restaurant is not as good as the tour guide book has described, but it is still worth a visit. They went back to Hong Kong after that.
Thanks sister, for giving me a wonderful Christmas.
My sister, her husband and two of her friends came here to visit me during Christmas.
Her flight was delayed for almost two hours because of foggy weather in Hong Kong, and she arrived here at about 6pm. We had to skip shopping at a cloth market, and immediately headed to Da Dong 大董restaurant for Peking duck.
The duck was delicious and not greasy. The other dishes were also good and they all looked attractive. A dinner for five people cost 844 yuan.
One dish at Da Dong.
Saturday
Weather was extremely cold on the Boxing Day with temperature dropped to about –10C, but we still went to the Great Wall as planned. We woke up at 7am and rushed to the station for the Great Wall train, which departed at 10am after a 30-minute delay.
Badaling was crowded. A big company organized a tour for its employees, bringing in hundreds of visitors. Some of them wore high-heel shoes, and had difficulty climbing the wall.
All of us were freezing, and we were reluctant to take our gloves off for taking pictures.
We walked for about two hours, and then took a block to go down and take the train departed at 3:30pm back to the city.
After that, we went to Nanluoguxiang 南鑼鼓巷 for a short walk. We went to滿福樓 for mutton hot pot. Fantastic is the word I can think of this restaurant. It has an old Beijing atmosphere. Its service is good, and the mutton is … wonderful. The roasted mutton shashlik should not be missed even though it cost 8 yuan each, four times higher than what the street vendors charge.
We got back to Nanluoguxiang for a Vanilla pancake.
Sunday.
I had to work, and they went to the Forbidden City and Wangfujing.
Monday.
We went to 都一處燒麥, established since the Qing dynasty, in Qianmen. The restaurant is not as good as the tour guide book has described, but it is still worth a visit. They went back to Hong Kong after that.
Thanks sister, for giving me a wonderful Christmas.
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