While we are talking about the amount of money to sustain a family of four, you may not aware of the fact that this argument comes from the classical theory of Adam Smith, who stated that the minimum wage of a country is generally the amount of money sufficient for the subsistence of a family of four.
(Actually it was four-and-a-half in The Wealth of Nations, when childhood mortality was considerable).
Oh, it works well - in a society with free competition (I mean employers competing for labouring force), without massive flux of external cheap labour, and without the competition from technology. Alas, computers and other electronic gadgets do not need money to support a family of four - unless you have the curious habit of buying four at a time. (See http://ccszeto.blogspot.com/2009/01/employment.html)
That's all for 18th century economy. Let's apply the modern game theory and consider the cardinal question: What would happen if we set the minimum wage at an amount that could sustain a family of four ?
I shall leave it to your imagination.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
CSSA
You probably think I was not in my right mind for having the suggestion that I put up yesterday.
Seriously, I have the same feeling, although I could not easily find where I was wrong.
One may suggest the salary that we are now giving to our overseas maid does not support a family of four in Hong Kong.
Alas, if you follow that argument, the minimum is easily determined: It should be the amount of money that a family of four could obtain if they apply for the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) - which is obviously sufficient to sustain a subsistence (however miserable it is).
Well, you may add a certain percentage to that yardstick amount. That's a minor point.
PS. You may think it is not appropriate to compare the minimum wage to CSSA. When you consider the effect of having a minimum wage, there is, inevitably, a substantial impact of having CSSA as the alternative of being employed.
Seriously, I have the same feeling, although I could not easily find where I was wrong.
One may suggest the salary that we are now giving to our overseas maid does not support a family of four in Hong Kong.
Alas, if you follow that argument, the minimum is easily determined: It should be the amount of money that a family of four could obtain if they apply for the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) - which is obviously sufficient to sustain a subsistence (however miserable it is).
Well, you may add a certain percentage to that yardstick amount. That's a minor point.
PS. You may think it is not appropriate to compare the minimum wage to CSSA. When you consider the effect of having a minimum wage, there is, inevitably, a substantial impact of having CSSA as the alternative of being employed.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Maid
When I first thought of the suitable minimum wage for local workers, I believed that's easy: It should be the same as that we put up for our Philippine or Indonesian maid.
The arguments are simple:
PS. The above discussion is, of course, based on the assumption that I agree to the legislation of a minimum wage- an assumption that may not hold water.
The arguments are simple:
- We could avoid the potential litigation with our overseas maid, who would possibly fire a complaint to the Equal Opportunity Council if the minimum wage is set to be much higher than their present one.
- (That is also morally correct - if you believe moral is a desirable character that really exists. After all, if you think a particular wage is too insulting for our local workers, why do you give it to your maid, whom we live under the same roof ?)
- It saves all administrative cost - including time and money - for deciding as well as regularly reviewing the minimum wage; it just goes with our maid.
- It simplifies the legislation procedure and save all the trouble of having future lawsuits between employers and employees.
PS. The above discussion is, of course, based on the assumption that I agree to the legislation of a minimum wage- an assumption that may not hold water.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
20
The heat on $20 per hour seems to have settled a bit.
I shall not discuss how much a minimum wage is suitable. (You may also use adjectives like appropriate, acceptable, desirable, adequate, or mutually agreeable. The catch is: the adjective you choose would inevitably affect the number you come up with.) The debate is, in itself, phenomenon and should really serve as a teaching case for any university course on administration or political science - because it is the typical loss-loss situation for the government.
You see the point here ? If our Mr. Tsang is King Louis XVI (what a metaphor !), let's see the two sides of the argument:
I shall not discuss how much a minimum wage is suitable. (You may also use adjectives like appropriate, acceptable, desirable, adequate, or mutually agreeable. The catch is: the adjective you choose would inevitably affect the number you come up with.) The debate is, in itself, phenomenon and should really serve as a teaching case for any university course on administration or political science - because it is the typical loss-loss situation for the government.
You see the point here ? If our Mr. Tsang is King Louis XVI (what a metaphor !), let's see the two sides of the argument:
- The right wing believes that legislation to set up a minimum wage would rock the ship of free economy so much that it will get wrecked.
- The left wing argues that legislation in the present format, would not truly protect the low income group - either the wage would be set at too low a level, or the rich employer would use every trick to get around the law.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Surgeon
Stayed up late in the night with Vivian to finish with some homework of Euterpe.
(Yes, homework for a pre-nursery kid !)
It was a paper craft of Easter egg with a little chick inside. Our task was to cut out all the parts from a big sheet of paper and stick them together. (To be fair to the kindergarten, Vivian chose this amazingly difficult item.) Because many of the pieces were rather small and delicate, I had to use double-sided adhesive tape rather than a simple glue stick.
When we were almost done, my wife said, "You're really meticulous with all these bits and pieces. Have you ever thought of becoming a surgeon ?"
"Yes, of course, I have thought of it," I remarked, "But I gave up that idea immediately because I have some hand tremor. Furthermore, I soon came to realize that the market value of a surgeon declines quickly once he gets old, while that of a physician continues to increase with age. And, above all, a second or third call surgeon has to do most of the things, while a second-call physician could already take a supervising role !"
The last term is, as you may notice, the same as sit back and relax.
PS. Many of my friends know that one of the wildest dream is to become the external examiner of the surgical final MB. That's another story.
(Yes, homework for a pre-nursery kid !)
It was a paper craft of Easter egg with a little chick inside. Our task was to cut out all the parts from a big sheet of paper and stick them together. (To be fair to the kindergarten, Vivian chose this amazingly difficult item.) Because many of the pieces were rather small and delicate, I had to use double-sided adhesive tape rather than a simple glue stick.
When we were almost done, my wife said, "You're really meticulous with all these bits and pieces. Have you ever thought of becoming a surgeon ?"
"Yes, of course, I have thought of it," I remarked, "But I gave up that idea immediately because I have some hand tremor. Furthermore, I soon came to realize that the market value of a surgeon declines quickly once he gets old, while that of a physician continues to increase with age. And, above all, a second or third call surgeon has to do most of the things, while a second-call physician could already take a supervising role !"
The last term is, as you may notice, the same as sit back and relax.
PS. Many of my friends know that one of the wildest dream is to become the external examiner of the surgical final MB. That's another story.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Shoe
Our Mr. Tsang recently claimed that he loved to polish shoes; it worked well for relieving the stress.
Although his little habit seems not to be well received by the general public, I consider it a brilliant hobby - particularly if the deed is practised in the traditional Chinese manner.
No, I'm not kidding. Let's face it. If each of us publish the shoes of one another person each day (even if that one has nothing to do with us directly), we would have an entirely different world of harmony.
You may argue that's not the original meaning of shoe polishing. Nonetheless, may I remind you, we could never guarantee an immediate and desirable effect after touching a pair of shoes. If you make it a habit, you will soon be able to give compliment to unrelated people.
(My friend BK always says that she finds it difficult to tell when I am speaking the truth and when I say the things ironically. She's certainly right - I have the same difficulty.)
PS. In a teamwork - notably the football (soccer I mean) game - the task of shoe polishing is particularly important. More often than not we have too many excellent players who could score, but very few are willing to do the donkey task, which, in the slang of 1960s, was called "擦鞋仔波".
Although his little habit seems not to be well received by the general public, I consider it a brilliant hobby - particularly if the deed is practised in the traditional Chinese manner.
No, I'm not kidding. Let's face it. If each of us publish the shoes of one another person each day (even if that one has nothing to do with us directly), we would have an entirely different world of harmony.
You may argue that's not the original meaning of shoe polishing. Nonetheless, may I remind you, we could never guarantee an immediate and desirable effect after touching a pair of shoes. If you make it a habit, you will soon be able to give compliment to unrelated people.
(My friend BK always says that she finds it difficult to tell when I am speaking the truth and when I say the things ironically. She's certainly right - I have the same difficulty.)
PS. In a teamwork - notably the football (soccer I mean) game - the task of shoe polishing is particularly important. More often than not we have too many excellent players who could score, but very few are willing to do the donkey task, which, in the slang of 1960s, was called "擦鞋仔波".
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Absence
Don't get me wrong. I am all for the report of our friends from the EMSD.
Come on. Let's face it. With due consideration of the environment, what better do you expect them to say ?
And, at least, they gave an excellent demonstration of a basic principle in logic to the lay public: Absence of evidence does not mean evidence of absence.
In fact, their spokesman did really try hard to put forward the idea - in a most subtle but psychologically impressive manner. Now, everyone could master this argument.
An excellent lesson of general education, I would say.
Maybe their department head should be promoted to take charge of the Education Bureau.
PS. You may consider our friends are actually illustrating to us insufficient evidence does not mean evidence of absence. That's largely beyond the point.
Come on. Let's face it. With due consideration of the environment, what better do you expect them to say ?
And, at least, they gave an excellent demonstration of a basic principle in logic to the lay public: Absence of evidence does not mean evidence of absence.
In fact, their spokesman did really try hard to put forward the idea - in a most subtle but psychologically impressive manner. Now, everyone could master this argument.
An excellent lesson of general education, I would say.
Maybe their department head should be promoted to take charge of the Education Bureau.
PS. You may consider our friends are actually illustrating to us insufficient evidence does not mean evidence of absence. That's largely beyond the point.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Suggestion
I read with admiration the investigation report on the incidents of taxi stalling by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department.
It was, to say the least, a nice demonstration of scientific principles and logical thinking. As stated by the EMSD report, there is no evidence to support that the quality of LPG was the cause of stalling of some taxies after filling LPG in Sinopec stations in early January.
Yes, the company had not followed its terminal operational procedures on eight occasions when conducting water draining operation, and there could be excessive water or other impurities in the gas - but one could not prove a causal link. (For that reason, neither could we prove the world we are living exists, rather than being merely a vivid dream of us - as suggested by Zhuangzi [莊子] or René Descartes.)
To go one step further, as pointed out by our EMSD experts, the draining operation - which takes 4 hours at least - is not necessary for the gas quality. The time is wasted, and it actually poses a risk because large amount of inflammable gas is stored.
EMSD should therefore ban Sinopec from doing the draining operation in the future.
Isn't that logical ?
It was, to say the least, a nice demonstration of scientific principles and logical thinking. As stated by the EMSD report, there is no evidence to support that the quality of LPG was the cause of stalling of some taxies after filling LPG in Sinopec stations in early January.
Yes, the company had not followed its terminal operational procedures on eight occasions when conducting water draining operation, and there could be excessive water or other impurities in the gas - but one could not prove a causal link. (For that reason, neither could we prove the world we are living exists, rather than being merely a vivid dream of us - as suggested by Zhuangzi [莊子] or René Descartes.)
To go one step further, as pointed out by our EMSD experts, the draining operation - which takes 4 hours at least - is not necessary for the gas quality. The time is wasted, and it actually poses a risk because large amount of inflammable gas is stored.
EMSD should therefore ban Sinopec from doing the draining operation in the future.
Isn't that logical ?
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Postgraduate
(Our grand round discussion continued.)
I went on, "Take research student as another example. Ten years ago, when I first joined the university, anyone could take a postgraduate student. As Virgil said: You think you are able, therefore you are able. Now, you must first have a doctoral degree, and then you need to co-supervise a student with another senior professor before you could do so on your own."
"I suppose it was meant for quality assurance ?" WY asked a question by her eyes.
"But it is equally well used by some senior academics to control the supply of PhD students - who are, in reality, important working hands." I explained, "A new junior academic staff would never have a PhD student if no full professor agrees to co-supervise with him."
"Oh, I see ..." for a moment, my friend seemed to think that her situation was not all that bad.
I went on, "Take research student as another example. Ten years ago, when I first joined the university, anyone could take a postgraduate student. As Virgil said: You think you are able, therefore you are able. Now, you must first have a doctoral degree, and then you need to co-supervise a student with another senior professor before you could do so on your own."
"I suppose it was meant for quality assurance ?" WY asked a question by her eyes.
"But it is equally well used by some senior academics to control the supply of PhD students - who are, in reality, important working hands." I explained, "A new junior academic staff would never have a PhD student if no full professor agrees to co-supervise with him."
"Oh, I see ..." for a moment, my friend seemed to think that her situation was not all that bad.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Grade
Met WY in the grand round. As usual, both of us were hiding at the back of the lecture theater so that we could enjoy a moment of casual conversation.
"You know, there are going to be so many changes. Our life is getting more and more difficult." She sighed.
"Yes, " I knew what she meant, "Changes in every aspect indeed, so much so I find it difficult to thrive here."
"You ?" My friend seemed incredulous.
"True. And I do mean every aspect too. Take our students as an example. Fourteen years ago, when I first organized the final examination, students hardly had any complaint about their grade - and that only happened if a candidate failed unexpectedly. Now, there are handfuls of them each year - and they all say why they have a C but not B or even A !"
****************************
My memory was brought back to the time when I first joined the sub-specialty training. One day, during a casual conversation, the man who still had a moustache (who, at that time, was also the chairman of the department) mentioned that our house officer, who was so-so in every aspect but somehow arrogant, claimed (not complaining to the faculty office !) that, although he scored a B in the final, he really deserved a distinction in medicine.
"If you give him a distinction," I said coldly, "I would return mine to the Faculty - so that I would not be considered to have the same standard as him - nor that we are the same kind of people."
"You know, there are going to be so many changes. Our life is getting more and more difficult." She sighed.
"Yes, " I knew what she meant, "Changes in every aspect indeed, so much so I find it difficult to thrive here."
"You ?" My friend seemed incredulous.
"True. And I do mean every aspect too. Take our students as an example. Fourteen years ago, when I first organized the final examination, students hardly had any complaint about their grade - and that only happened if a candidate failed unexpectedly. Now, there are handfuls of them each year - and they all say why they have a C but not B or even A !"
****************************
My memory was brought back to the time when I first joined the sub-specialty training. One day, during a casual conversation, the man who still had a moustache (who, at that time, was also the chairman of the department) mentioned that our house officer, who was so-so in every aspect but somehow arrogant, claimed (not complaining to the faculty office !) that, although he scored a B in the final, he really deserved a distinction in medicine.
"If you give him a distinction," I said coldly, "I would return mine to the Faculty - so that I would not be considered to have the same standard as him - nor that we are the same kind of people."
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Truth
I could not help quoting yesterday the very saying of Jesus, "I am the Road, also the Truth, also the Life."
Alas, that ten words summarize the entire concept of theology, which encompasses three domains of god (in that order):
To go one step further, that explains why Buddhism flourished in China. Confucianism, although often regarded as a religion, focuses only on the first question; Taoism also covers the second - but that very last aspect remains untouched. That's why when the idea of Sukhavati (極樂世界) by Gautama Buddha reached China, it was received with so much enthusiasm.
You see, that becomes our Three Religions (三教 儒釋道).
PS. Have you heard of bundling selling (綑綁銷售) ?
Alas, that ten words summarize the entire concept of theology, which encompasses three domains of god (in that order):
- the things we should do (ethics)
- the law of the nature (science)
- the eternity of life
To go one step further, that explains why Buddhism flourished in China. Confucianism, although often regarded as a religion, focuses only on the first question; Taoism also covers the second - but that very last aspect remains untouched. That's why when the idea of Sukhavati (極樂世界) by Gautama Buddha reached China, it was received with so much enthusiasm.
You see, that becomes our Three Religions (三教 儒釋道).
PS. Have you heard of bundling selling (綑綁銷售) ?
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Road
Take aside the possible abuse of logic, the Cheshire Cat's wisdom may seem illuminating.
But, in reality, I'm sure you agree, more often than not we have very little idea where we want to go - and we desperately need someone to tell us (alas, the more didactic the better) the way, so that we could uncover the destiny in the end.
To complicate the issue, that destiny is usually not the final one we want to go, but merely a place in the middle of the way to somewhere farther that we wish to get to.
And, once realizing this, you would come to question whether a real destiny (or aim) does exist, or are they all ways (alas, means).
Alas, we've opened the door to the cardinal question of ethics and theology.
Or, the door to leave Eden, if you like.
PS. I won't say it opens the door to hell - maybe I'm deceiving myself.
PPS. Even Jesus said, "I am the Road, also the Truth, also the Life." (John 14:6) He didn't say where you should go; he just told you the way.
But, in reality, I'm sure you agree, more often than not we have very little idea where we want to go - and we desperately need someone to tell us (alas, the more didactic the better) the way, so that we could uncover the destiny in the end.
To complicate the issue, that destiny is usually not the final one we want to go, but merely a place in the middle of the way to somewhere farther that we wish to get to.
And, once realizing this, you would come to question whether a real destiny (or aim) does exist, or are they all ways (alas, means).
Alas, we've opened the door to the cardinal question of ethics and theology.
Or, the door to leave Eden, if you like.
PS. I won't say it opens the door to hell - maybe I'm deceiving myself.
PPS. Even Jesus said, "I am the Road, also the Truth, also the Life." (John 14:6) He didn't say where you should go; he just told you the way.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Cat
While I grumbled about the confusion between aims and means (see http://ccszeto.blogspot.com/2010/02/means.html), my friend VW recently quoted a famous dialogue between Alice and Cheshire cat appeared in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (see http://vwswong.blogspot.com/2010/03/game.html). I could not help citing it again:
Alice: I was just wondering if you could help me find my way.
Cheshire Cat: Well that depends on where you want to get to.
Alice: Oh, it really doesn’t matter, as long as …
Cheshire Cat: Then it really doesn’t matter which way you go.
*******************************
It sounds great, eh ? My own worry is we just apply the Cheshire Cat's wisdom too often.
I mean it is overly used during a logical discussion (which, my dear friends, should be the case for all discussions) of a serious topic - for example, the on-call system of our medical officers.
You see the problem here ? The original purpose of logic is to give us a sensible way to reach the correct conclusion - a place that we often could not tell from the beginning and we may not find very comfortable either. Now, many of us just define the conclusion by intuition - and pave our way to the desired destiny by (apparently) logical arguments.
PS. Intuition, in modern English, is defined as prejudice under camouflage. From a anatomy point of view, it comes from neuronal activity of the limbic system, and does not involve the neocortex.
Enough said.
Alice: I was just wondering if you could help me find my way.
Cheshire Cat: Well that depends on where you want to get to.
Alice: Oh, it really doesn’t matter, as long as …
Cheshire Cat: Then it really doesn’t matter which way you go.
*******************************
It sounds great, eh ? My own worry is we just apply the Cheshire Cat's wisdom too often.
I mean it is overly used during a logical discussion (which, my dear friends, should be the case for all discussions) of a serious topic - for example, the on-call system of our medical officers.
You see the problem here ? The original purpose of logic is to give us a sensible way to reach the correct conclusion - a place that we often could not tell from the beginning and we may not find very comfortable either. Now, many of us just define the conclusion by intuition - and pave our way to the desired destiny by (apparently) logical arguments.
PS. Intuition, in modern English, is defined as prejudice under camouflage. From a anatomy point of view, it comes from neuronal activity of the limbic system, and does not involve the neocortex.
Enough said.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Fire
Met BM, a young colleague of mine, on my way to work. He told me that there would be a change in the emergency take arrangement of our medical officer - a proposal made by one of the MOs who had already completed the training and was asked to review the system by certain extra-terrestrials.
My friend refrained from saying what he actually thought of the plan, but I was not at ease.
I told this story some years ago. Maybe it's time to read it again:
******************************
Two men were caught up in a fire, one was blind and the other paraplegic. The former put the latter on his back, whose good vision guided both of them out of the trouble.
A small side-kick not told with this tale is: a third man on the scene, with good vision and no weak leg, could not escape. No, there's nothing strange. This man just saw the fire around the door and thought that it was too dangerous to go - alas, too painful for his feet to step on the red hot floor. This was of course not a problem for our paraplegic hero - the pain was not on his feet. We can imagine he put as much encouragement as he could to sooth the blind man's feet, just to make sure they could get out of the fire !
******************************
Do you see the point here ? This paraplegic hero is called supervisor, and the blind trainee.
Of course a few supervisors had an intact backbone and no weak legs (a rare species, I agree); they could theoretically get out of the fire by themselves. Nonetheless it remains desirable to sit on the back of some blind one - not (only) to save the latter, but it is more difficult to guide your own legs without any consideration of the feeling.
My friend refrained from saying what he actually thought of the plan, but I was not at ease.
I told this story some years ago. Maybe it's time to read it again:
******************************
Two men were caught up in a fire, one was blind and the other paraplegic. The former put the latter on his back, whose good vision guided both of them out of the trouble.
A small side-kick not told with this tale is: a third man on the scene, with good vision and no weak leg, could not escape. No, there's nothing strange. This man just saw the fire around the door and thought that it was too dangerous to go - alas, too painful for his feet to step on the red hot floor. This was of course not a problem for our paraplegic hero - the pain was not on his feet. We can imagine he put as much encouragement as he could to sooth the blind man's feet, just to make sure they could get out of the fire !
******************************
Do you see the point here ? This paraplegic hero is called supervisor, and the blind trainee.
Of course a few supervisors had an intact backbone and no weak legs (a rare species, I agree); they could theoretically get out of the fire by themselves. Nonetheless it remains desirable to sit on the back of some blind one - not (only) to save the latter, but it is more difficult to guide your own legs without any consideration of the feeling.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Macau
Vivian and I brought Euterpe to Macau for a short trip recently - it was the birthday of my daughter.
We stayed in a casino hotel and did no sight-seeing. In essence, there was nothing for this holiday but a series of eating out in local restaurants, with some short walks filling up the gap. We went with my mother, who was actually born and brought up in Macau. To my surprise, she had tried none of the restaurants that we had in that two days.
"That's easily explained," my mother said, "First, my family was heavily in debt and we could not afford dining out. Secondly, the places are nice but mostly for tourists."
She was entirely right. In fact, although I considered myself a part-time gourmet and am willing to pay for good food, I've not tried most of the Hong Kong restaurants in the recommendation list for tourists (say, by those traveling web sites), or local places that get a Michelin star.
Maybe I'm getting presbyopia and forget to pay slightly more attention to good things around.
We stayed in a casino hotel and did no sight-seeing. In essence, there was nothing for this holiday but a series of eating out in local restaurants, with some short walks filling up the gap. We went with my mother, who was actually born and brought up in Macau. To my surprise, she had tried none of the restaurants that we had in that two days.
"That's easily explained," my mother said, "First, my family was heavily in debt and we could not afford dining out. Secondly, the places are nice but mostly for tourists."
She was entirely right. In fact, although I considered myself a part-time gourmet and am willing to pay for good food, I've not tried most of the Hong Kong restaurants in the recommendation list for tourists (say, by those traveling web sites), or local places that get a Michelin star.
Maybe I'm getting presbyopia and forget to pay slightly more attention to good things around.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
History
My recent bedtime reading is Understanding the World's History in 3 Days by Sakurai Kiyohiko (櫻井清彥).
Although I had some fragmented private study in history, I decided to read some single volume account of the global history two or three years ago, and, for that reason, I bought The New Penguin History of the World. This 1200-page text is, unfortunately, too hard a nut for me to crack, and I could not resist the temptation to take the Japanese alternative when I saw it selling at a discount.
To be fair, Sakurai's book could not be compared to the Penguin's classic. Nonetheless, the section on the history of Middle East and the Islamic world is exceptionally orderly and balanced. I take it as the privilege of having an Asian author.
As the old Chinese saying: It is always wise to hear both sides of a story (兼聽則明).
Although I had some fragmented private study in history, I decided to read some single volume account of the global history two or three years ago, and, for that reason, I bought The New Penguin History of the World. This 1200-page text is, unfortunately, too hard a nut for me to crack, and I could not resist the temptation to take the Japanese alternative when I saw it selling at a discount.
To be fair, Sakurai's book could not be compared to the Penguin's classic. Nonetheless, the section on the history of Middle East and the Islamic world is exceptionally orderly and balanced. I take it as the privilege of having an Asian author.
As the old Chinese saying: It is always wise to hear both sides of a story (兼聽則明).
Monday, March 15, 2010
New
You may think the grumble of my colleague yesterday of trivial importance, but, if you twist the point of view slightly and consider how the general public judge a medical treatment (notably traditional ones), the implication is profound.
What I mean is, you may have heard, many people would fall to this argument, "This remedy is a secret formula from an expert of the Han dynasty two thousand years ago. It's fascinating !"
Alas, if a medical treatment has not been improved for that long a time, what did those generations of experts in the past 2000 years do ? After all, average life span of a Han citizen achieved by those secret remedies was below 50. Rather impressive a figure.
Oh, don't get me wrong. Unlike another group of lay people who try to judge medicine simply by novelty, I'm not saying new is good. A treatment should, and should only, be judged by its efficacy, and never by how old or new it is. However, if I could pick the side less seriously wrong, I would say erring on new is good is at least better than old is good.
If a country uses a latter attitude for a scientific subject, the result is inevitably millenniums of stagnancy
What I mean is, you may have heard, many people would fall to this argument, "This remedy is a secret formula from an expert of the Han dynasty two thousand years ago. It's fascinating !"
Alas, if a medical treatment has not been improved for that long a time, what did those generations of experts in the past 2000 years do ? After all, average life span of a Han citizen achieved by those secret remedies was below 50. Rather impressive a figure.
Oh, don't get me wrong. Unlike another group of lay people who try to judge medicine simply by novelty, I'm not saying new is good. A treatment should, and should only, be judged by its efficacy, and never by how old or new it is. However, if I could pick the side less seriously wrong, I would say erring on new is good is at least better than old is good.
If a country uses a latter attitude for a scientific subject, the result is inevitably millenniums of stagnancy
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Green
During a casual discussion, a young colleague of mine sighed, "You know, just today, a patient in the out-patient clinic commented that I am younger than her grand-daughter, and how could she rely on my advise !?"
We all laughed. But the experience was actually shared by many of us. When we were young, we always found it difficult to accept why there a correlation between patient respect and doctors' grey hair. After all, although age could imply experience, it could also (and does frequently) mean outdated knowledge - not to say possible parkinsonism of a senile surgeon.
Alas, now I understand the respect is sometimes not because of their superb medical skill or experience, but merely for the pragmatic reason that senile doctors hold senior positions - which often control the resource and govern clinical decisions.
Of course the more embarrassing scenario would be mistaking wrinkles and grey hairs as seniority (or senility) - some of our colleagues really keep a baby-face for decades, and, in our patients' eyes, would never become a senior doctor.
And the reverse also happens. I still remember an occasion when I saw a consultation with a junior colleague (who was half-bald), who was mistaken by the patient as my consultant.
I was not amused.
We all laughed. But the experience was actually shared by many of us. When we were young, we always found it difficult to accept why there a correlation between patient respect and doctors' grey hair. After all, although age could imply experience, it could also (and does frequently) mean outdated knowledge - not to say possible parkinsonism of a senile surgeon.
Alas, now I understand the respect is sometimes not because of their superb medical skill or experience, but merely for the pragmatic reason that senile doctors hold senior positions - which often control the resource and govern clinical decisions.
Of course the more embarrassing scenario would be mistaking wrinkles and grey hairs as seniority (or senility) - some of our colleagues really keep a baby-face for decades, and, in our patients' eyes, would never become a senior doctor.
And the reverse also happens. I still remember an occasion when I saw a consultation with a junior colleague (who was half-bald), who was mistaken by the patient as my consultant.
I was not amused.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Red
I am no expert in the theory of competition strategy. Nonetheless, maybe to your surprise, as an end user (yes, regrettably, we are all in one field of competition or another), I am in favour of the traditional Red Ocean strategy.
My argument is simple: There are easy-to-do and well defined steps as outlined by Michael Porter to excel in a conventional competition (either you achieve low cost or acquire a niche). Ordinary people, like me, could follow.
On the other hand, innovation is unreliable. As my friend VW pointed out some time ago, mutations are mostly detrimental, although the few successful ones would bear unbelievable fruit (see http://vwswong.blogspot.com/2009/02/mutation.html). No, we should not abandon innovation. But, neither should we rely our future entirely on generating freaky ideas with a shaky base - we test each of them after we are standing on a firm ground.
And, you know, that's another common psychological trap: For a particular task, which skill should we learn (and, from an administrator point of view, which skill should be publicly promoted) ? Is it a mediocre one that could be mastered by all and yield a reasonable result, or a difficult one that could only be handled by a few genius (or, even worse, a few with sheer luck) but the result is outstanding ?
It should always be the former.
Have you heard of the story Study the Walking of Handan (邯鄲學步) ?
My argument is simple: There are easy-to-do and well defined steps as outlined by Michael Porter to excel in a conventional competition (either you achieve low cost or acquire a niche). Ordinary people, like me, could follow.
On the other hand, innovation is unreliable. As my friend VW pointed out some time ago, mutations are mostly detrimental, although the few successful ones would bear unbelievable fruit (see http://vwswong.blogspot.com/2009/02/mutation.html). No, we should not abandon innovation. But, neither should we rely our future entirely on generating freaky ideas with a shaky base - we test each of them after we are standing on a firm ground.
And, you know, that's another common psychological trap: For a particular task, which skill should we learn (and, from an administrator point of view, which skill should be publicly promoted) ? Is it a mediocre one that could be mastered by all and yield a reasonable result, or a difficult one that could only be handled by a few genius (or, even worse, a few with sheer luck) but the result is outstanding ?
It should always be the former.
Have you heard of the story Study the Walking of Handan (邯鄲學步) ?
Friday, March 12, 2010
Blue
For readers who are not familiar with modern business theory, maybe I should spare a moment and explain.
The whole discussion began in 1980, when Michael Porter published his masterpiece Competitive Strategy (which is still regularly used as the textbook for many MBA courses). One major theme of this book was, in the long run, successful businesses with a sustainable competitive advantage are either low-cost providers or niche-players.
Although the idea helped explaining many of our daily observations (for example, Park-n-Shop versus CitySuper), it might be slightly oversimplified and received much criticism. A number of experts pointed out that successful competition could come from exploring new market. (Remember my friend asking me to think outside the box when considering grant applications ?)
The whole theory was elegantly summarized by W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne in Blue Ocean Strategy. In short, it states that a large company should promote creating new market space, or Blue Ocean, rather than competing in an existing industry (the so-called Red Ocean).
PS. I bought and read Competitive Strategy some twelve years ago, shortly after I returned Hong Kong from my overseas training, without knowing that it was an MBA textbook - another rare occasion when I picked a superb book in a field unknown to me.
The whole discussion began in 1980, when Michael Porter published his masterpiece Competitive Strategy (which is still regularly used as the textbook for many MBA courses). One major theme of this book was, in the long run, successful businesses with a sustainable competitive advantage are either low-cost providers or niche-players.
Although the idea helped explaining many of our daily observations (for example, Park-n-Shop versus CitySuper), it might be slightly oversimplified and received much criticism. A number of experts pointed out that successful competition could come from exploring new market. (Remember my friend asking me to think outside the box when considering grant applications ?)
The whole theory was elegantly summarized by W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne in Blue Ocean Strategy. In short, it states that a large company should promote creating new market space, or Blue Ocean, rather than competing in an existing industry (the so-called Red Ocean).
PS. I bought and read Competitive Strategy some twelve years ago, shortly after I returned Hong Kong from my overseas training, without knowing that it was an MBA textbook - another rare occasion when I picked a superb book in a field unknown to me.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
941
On the same day that I admired the efficiency of the China Travel Service, my friend Warren sent me a mail, talking about the China Mobile Ltd.’s (中國移動) recent plan to buy a stake in Shanghai Pudong Development Bank Co. (上海浦東發展銀行).
***********************************
Dear TW and Szeto,
As the no. 1 stock in my portfolio, this news really intrigues me. I tend to think this is a nice demonstration of blue ocean strategy.
Warren
***********************************
I do not know the whole of the event, nor do I have a single share of #941. However, I suddenly realize that it is often difficult to distinguish blue ocean strategy from diworsification without a hindsight.
PS. My friend TW has a more pragmatic view on this business. Go read http://hk.myblog.yahoo.com/cal-culator/article?mid=179
***********************************
Dear TW and Szeto,
As the no. 1 stock in my portfolio, this news really intrigues me. I tend to think this is a nice demonstration of blue ocean strategy.
Warren
***********************************
I do not know the whole of the event, nor do I have a single share of #941. However, I suddenly realize that it is often difficult to distinguish blue ocean strategy from diworsification without a hindsight.
PS. My friend TW has a more pragmatic view on this business. Go read http://hk.myblog.yahoo.com/cal-culator/article?mid=179
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Permit
The next day after I attended the court hearing, I made a brief appointment with the China Travel Service to apply for my Home Return Permit (回鄉證).
The appointment was at 12 noon as made on-line, but I arrived 20 minutes early.
I lined up, get the form, and retired to a corner to fill it up. In no more than five minutes, I was called to a counter.
There sat a chubby lady.
"What's your mobile phone number ?" She pointed to the form - there was an entry that I forget to fill in.
I hurried to apologize.
"Do you have another copy of your ID card ?" She said while looking at the copy that I handed in.
"No ..." I replied. And she went on, "Would you mind I take another copy ?"
"Of course not."
A similar conversation continued for another five minutes. Finally, she asked me to pay the fee. After that, she said, with a smile, "That's done. You may go now."
I thanked her while I left. My watch showed that it was 11:55 AM.
I said to myself, "In an appropriate environment, Chinese is truly an outstanding people."
PS. Believe it or not, I visited at least 15 countries and almost every continent on earth - but I've never been to China. And, this time, it's largely a request from someone high up - as they used to say, my salary paid for it.
The appointment was at 12 noon as made on-line, but I arrived 20 minutes early.
I lined up, get the form, and retired to a corner to fill it up. In no more than five minutes, I was called to a counter.
There sat a chubby lady.
"What's your mobile phone number ?" She pointed to the form - there was an entry that I forget to fill in.
I hurried to apologize.
"Do you have another copy of your ID card ?" She said while looking at the copy that I handed in.
"No ..." I replied. And she went on, "Would you mind I take another copy ?"
"Of course not."
A similar conversation continued for another five minutes. Finally, she asked me to pay the fee. After that, she said, with a smile, "That's done. You may go now."
I thanked her while I left. My watch showed that it was 11:55 AM.
I said to myself, "In an appropriate environment, Chinese is truly an outstanding people."
PS. Believe it or not, I visited at least 15 countries and almost every continent on earth - but I've never been to China. And, this time, it's largely a request from someone high up - as they used to say, my salary paid for it.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Legal
I was recently invited to the coroner's court for another case. (For the previous incident, see http://ccszeto.blogspot.com/2009/12/witness.html)
By coincidence, I went to the same court and met the same judge.
This time, I arrived a bit early, and had to sat outside the room and wait.
Two notices on the wall soon attracted my attention - they were handwritten in Nepali.
Right above them there were two notices, written in both Chinese and English. One said that the hearing was transmitted to two other rooms (presumably because very many people were interested). The other described how one could obtain facility for simultaneous translation - again, to Nepali.
I clearly remembered the two pieces of paper were not there when I came a few months ago.
Some minutes later, the secretary of the court came. We exchanged a brief greetings, and I asked what's that all about.
"Oh, the hearing in the next room is about a Nepali man. There are so many of them from his friend and family come. That's all." My new friend explained.
I nodded; my respect to our legal system was better than ever.
By coincidence, I went to the same court and met the same judge.
This time, I arrived a bit early, and had to sat outside the room and wait.
Two notices on the wall soon attracted my attention - they were handwritten in Nepali.
Right above them there were two notices, written in both Chinese and English. One said that the hearing was transmitted to two other rooms (presumably because very many people were interested). The other described how one could obtain facility for simultaneous translation - again, to Nepali.
I clearly remembered the two pieces of paper were not there when I came a few months ago.
Some minutes later, the secretary of the court came. We exchanged a brief greetings, and I asked what's that all about.
"Oh, the hearing in the next room is about a Nepali man. There are so many of them from his friend and family come. That's all." My new friend explained.
I nodded; my respect to our legal system was better than ever.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Nature
A few days ago, I received a copy of the latest issue of Nature - it was mailed to my office.
I picked up the post-label from the rubbish bin. It was my name alright. I turned myself to search through the plastic cover and check if there's any insert, but none indicated that the thing at my hand was a complimentary issue. There was, on the contrary, a letter thanking me for the subscription.
I was slightly incredulous. Although I subscribed Nature Medicine for some years, I never imagine myself ordering its mother journal. On a second thought, I must have mistaken an invitation of subscribing the mother as the renewal notice of the son that I made friend with for some time.
It must be dementia.
I sighed, and began thumbing through the volume. The articles were, thank god, not entirely written in alien language, and I actually find a few of them rather interesting.
That's good enough.
And I decided to go ahead with what's been fixed.
PS. I never consider myself a scientist, and my reading of Nature Medicine was for a somewhat pragmatic reason. My estimation was, if I find one useful article in a year, the money is well spent.
I picked up the post-label from the rubbish bin. It was my name alright. I turned myself to search through the plastic cover and check if there's any insert, but none indicated that the thing at my hand was a complimentary issue. There was, on the contrary, a letter thanking me for the subscription.
I was slightly incredulous. Although I subscribed Nature Medicine for some years, I never imagine myself ordering its mother journal. On a second thought, I must have mistaken an invitation of subscribing the mother as the renewal notice of the son that I made friend with for some time.
It must be dementia.
I sighed, and began thumbing through the volume. The articles were, thank god, not entirely written in alien language, and I actually find a few of them rather interesting.
That's good enough.
And I decided to go ahead with what's been fixed.
PS. I never consider myself a scientist, and my reading of Nature Medicine was for a somewhat pragmatic reason. My estimation was, if I find one useful article in a year, the money is well spent.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Grant
(My little discussion continued.)
"I don't think I could put up project of your kind. If I want to get some big grant, do you have other suggestions ?" I asked.
"Well, you must think outside the box," my friend replied.
"That's a Sunday school truth," I complained. "What's there outside the box ?"
"For example, why don't you apply for the Hong Kong Film Development Fund (香港電影發展基金)?"
"What !?" I could not believe my ears.
"Why, I suppose you are filming the life of some cell lines, seeing how they interact with each other and their response to the change in environment."
"Quite true," I began to see what my friend meant, "In fact I need to take many artistic photo as well."
"Exactly. Exactly," as Humphrey Appleby said, he knew that I knew what he knew.
"But, I do not have any track record in this business ..." I still had the last problem to solve.
"That's easy. You used to write newspaper column - however short a period that was - and you're an active blogger. Quite the same argument as those famous photographers turning themselves into film makers. And, above all, you act very well - I've seen how you talk to extra-terrestrials !"
Both of us could not stop laughing.
"I don't think I could put up project of your kind. If I want to get some big grant, do you have other suggestions ?" I asked.
"Well, you must think outside the box," my friend replied.
"That's a Sunday school truth," I complained. "What's there outside the box ?"
"For example, why don't you apply for the Hong Kong Film Development Fund (香港電影發展基金)?"
"What !?" I could not believe my ears.
"Why, I suppose you are filming the life of some cell lines, seeing how they interact with each other and their response to the change in environment."
"Quite true," I began to see what my friend meant, "In fact I need to take many artistic photo as well."
"Exactly. Exactly," as Humphrey Appleby said, he knew that I knew what he knew.
"But, I do not have any track record in this business ..." I still had the last problem to solve.
"That's easy. You used to write newspaper column - however short a period that was - and you're an active blogger. Quite the same argument as those famous photographers turning themselves into film makers. And, above all, you act very well - I've seen how you talk to extra-terrestrials !"
Both of us could not stop laughing.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Study
After my recent blog on our grant money, K (a friend of mine who worked in another sector) told me his experience.
"You know what, my institute got a government grant last year. It was tens of millions of dollars !" He said.
"I don't even heard of such a big grant from our government. What's that all about ?"
"It was an epidemiological study, which aim to determine the prevalence of a particular disease." My friend explained.
"I suppose that must be a common and serious condition ?"
"Very much so. From previous data, it seems to affect 7 to 10% of the target group, and the cost is enormous."
"That sounds exciting. Do you know of some preliminary result and share with me ?" I was really interested.
"In fact we've just finished with phase one, in which we screened several hundreds of subjects..."
"Well... ?" I saw his hesitancy.
"And we find none of the participant had that disease." My friend said solemnly.
"Alas ... What actually is your project ?" I said, with my jaw fell onto the floor.
"It is the Trial Scheme on School Drug Testing (校園驗毒計劃)."
"You know what, my institute got a government grant last year. It was tens of millions of dollars !" He said.
"I don't even heard of such a big grant from our government. What's that all about ?"
"It was an epidemiological study, which aim to determine the prevalence of a particular disease." My friend explained.
"I suppose that must be a common and serious condition ?"
"Very much so. From previous data, it seems to affect 7 to 10% of the target group, and the cost is enormous."
"That sounds exciting. Do you know of some preliminary result and share with me ?" I was really interested.
"In fact we've just finished with phase one, in which we screened several hundreds of subjects..."
"Well... ?" I saw his hesitancy.
"And we find none of the participant had that disease." My friend said solemnly.
"Alas ... What actually is your project ?" I said, with my jaw fell onto the floor.
"It is the Trial Scheme on School Drug Testing (校園驗毒計劃)."
Friday, March 5, 2010
Consent
Further on our discussion yesterday, one crucial question that may skip your eyes is: Did the woman consent to the whole business ?
Do you see the problem here ? If she agrees to the resuscitation, with full autonomy and after considering all the pros and cons - the latter includes the potential risk of losing a bit of her privacy from being taken some explicit photo by some peeping news specialist - there's nothing to worry.
At this point, you may argue: The woman was obviously not aware of the risk of having a peeper around.
Right. In that case, to satisfy all fans of medical ethics and die-hard supporters of patient autonomy, when a similar situation happens next time, is it necessary to explain all these risks to the patient, and asks if they prefers defibrillation be done with their clothes on or being taken off (which is obviously the more, if not only, effective way) ?
In other words, should the practitioner do the right thing in a timely manner, or should he make a full explanation and give all the time for the patient to consider - so that the patient could make the best decision with hindsight in heaven ?
Do you see the problem here ? If she agrees to the resuscitation, with full autonomy and after considering all the pros and cons - the latter includes the potential risk of losing a bit of her privacy from being taken some explicit photo by some peeping news specialist - there's nothing to worry.
At this point, you may argue: The woman was obviously not aware of the risk of having a peeper around.
Right. In that case, to satisfy all fans of medical ethics and die-hard supporters of patient autonomy, when a similar situation happens next time, is it necessary to explain all these risks to the patient, and asks if they prefers defibrillation be done with their clothes on or being taken off (which is obviously the more, if not only, effective way) ?
In other words, should the practitioner do the right thing in a timely manner, or should he make a full explanation and give all the time for the patient to consider - so that the patient could make the best decision with hindsight in heaven ?
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Respect
In general, I'm an atheist of local news. But Vivian draws my attention to a group on Facebook, which is related to a recent happening on an ambulance.
In short, a woman who jumped from height was resuscitated in an ambulance, understandably with the clothes taken off. Some enthusiastic news specialist (yes, it's a term of my invention - hope you like it) took a picture of the scene, probably by peeping through the window. On the next morning, the picture appeared on a health-conscious local paper - accusing that the ambulance men did not respect the privacy of that dying woman. (For the details, go see the group message at: www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=322585092033&ref=nf)
I shall not join and criticize those who always protect themselves behind the armor freedom of the press. After all, would you start a logical argument with a mouse in a ditch ?
But, of course, if our friends of justice need to pee or poo, we would sincerely remind them to take care of their own privacy (how do they know there's no peeper around - for example, reporters who work for some fruits ?); they should not take off their pants.
Further, if those news specialists do need some medical treatment, for sure we shall respect their privacy by the highish standard - and make sure they die without anyone knows.
In short, a woman who jumped from height was resuscitated in an ambulance, understandably with the clothes taken off. Some enthusiastic news specialist (yes, it's a term of my invention - hope you like it) took a picture of the scene, probably by peeping through the window. On the next morning, the picture appeared on a health-conscious local paper - accusing that the ambulance men did not respect the privacy of that dying woman. (For the details, go see the group message at: www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=322585092033&ref=nf)
I shall not join and criticize those who always protect themselves behind the armor freedom of the press. After all, would you start a logical argument with a mouse in a ditch ?
But, of course, if our friends of justice need to pee or poo, we would sincerely remind them to take care of their own privacy (how do they know there's no peeper around - for example, reporters who work for some fruits ?); they should not take off their pants.
Further, if those news specialists do need some medical treatment, for sure we shall respect their privacy by the highish standard - and make sure they die without anyone knows.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Sauce
You think my story yesterday outrageous ? Not at all.
You know what, I learnt the effect of that college's training program nearly 20 years ago - when I first tried the traditional Beijing dish instant-boiled mutton (涮羊肉).
Didn't you try it ? I tell you what. Before I ate the mutton, I prepare a small bowel of soy sauce to dip the meat. A friend of mine asked, "Wouldn't you add some sesame sauce ? It adds to the flavor."
I tried, and it did.
Another of my friend said, "You must add the spicy oil. It tastes great."
"Quite so ..." I agreed.
"How about the BBQ sauce ?" "And minced spring onion ?" "Seafood sauce ..."
There were no fewer than 20 ingredients on the table. I added a bit of each to my bowel, and soon found it overspilled - and the taste of horrible.
Yes, it is in fact a common psychological trap. Although each small piece of "special addition" may seem negligible and would not affect the overall picture much, in the aggregate they will cause an unbelievable and often irreversible effect.
PS. The traditional Beijing people have a vivid name given to the final sauce mixture in my bowel: 混醬.
We may use the same term for our training.
You know what, I learnt the effect of that college's training program nearly 20 years ago - when I first tried the traditional Beijing dish instant-boiled mutton (涮羊肉).
Didn't you try it ? I tell you what. Before I ate the mutton, I prepare a small bowel of soy sauce to dip the meat. A friend of mine asked, "Wouldn't you add some sesame sauce ? It adds to the flavor."
I tried, and it did.
Another of my friend said, "You must add the spicy oil. It tastes great."
"Quite so ..." I agreed.
"How about the BBQ sauce ?" "And minced spring onion ?" "Seafood sauce ..."
There were no fewer than 20 ingredients on the table. I added a bit of each to my bowel, and soon found it overspilled - and the taste of horrible.
Yes, it is in fact a common psychological trap. Although each small piece of "special addition" may seem negligible and would not affect the overall picture much, in the aggregate they will cause an unbelievable and often irreversible effect.
PS. The traditional Beijing people have a vivid name given to the final sauce mixture in my bowel: 混醬.
We may use the same term for our training.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
FRCPP
(During the interview for a new physician.)
"I had my training completed on the moon. It's an extensive program. For example, I have six months of training dedicated to rehabilitation." The candidate said.
"Right. But, you know, this is a general hospital, and acute emergency is equally important. Do you have any experience in handling all urgent conditions in a coronary care unit ?" Asked from the other side of the table.
"Sure. I did CCU for three months as part of my training. In fact, that doesn't cover everything. I know intubation and things like that because I also spent another three months in the intensive care unit - following the anesthetist." The young physician was confident.
"That's all important," the chairman agreed, "Is there anything other experience you have ?"
"A lot," The candidate replied, "As requested by my college, I have some experience in dealing with medical problems complicating pregnancy. I actually worked in a center specialized for complicated pregnancy for 3 months ..."
The evening went on, and the candidate seemed to have an endless list of special experience. Towards the end of the interview, the chairman asked, "Actually, how much time was left for you to spend on your own sub-speciality ?"
There was, finally, a moment of silence.
The senior physician went on, "By the way, what actually is that qualification FRCPP you hold ?"
"Sir, it stands for Fellow of the Republic College of Piecemeal Physician."
"I had my training completed on the moon. It's an extensive program. For example, I have six months of training dedicated to rehabilitation." The candidate said.
"Right. But, you know, this is a general hospital, and acute emergency is equally important. Do you have any experience in handling all urgent conditions in a coronary care unit ?" Asked from the other side of the table.
"Sure. I did CCU for three months as part of my training. In fact, that doesn't cover everything. I know intubation and things like that because I also spent another three months in the intensive care unit - following the anesthetist." The young physician was confident.
"That's all important," the chairman agreed, "Is there anything other experience you have ?"
"A lot," The candidate replied, "As requested by my college, I have some experience in dealing with medical problems complicating pregnancy. I actually worked in a center specialized for complicated pregnancy for 3 months ..."
The evening went on, and the candidate seemed to have an endless list of special experience. Towards the end of the interview, the chairman asked, "Actually, how much time was left for you to spend on your own sub-speciality ?"
There was, finally, a moment of silence.
The senior physician went on, "By the way, what actually is that qualification FRCPP you hold ?"
"Sir, it stands for Fellow of the Republic College of Piecemeal Physician."
Monday, March 1, 2010
Wolf
Watched the movie Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf Full of Vigor (喜羊羊與灰太狼之虎膽羊威) with Euterpe and Vivian.
You may think that's merely for the interest of my daughter, who is a fan of the grey wolf. To start with, yes, and I did not have much expectation - but it turns out that I enjoyed the hour-and-a-half very well.
************************************
The story goes like this: A group led by a tiger came to the place where the sheep and wolves lived, and forced all animals living there to move out - in order to free up the place for building a theme park - and work for the tiger, who claimed himself to be the most sensible animal on earth and was willing to discuss with any one who has a different opinion.
The discussion, of course, was in the form of flogging and torturing.
And there's more. During the course of construction, a coal mine was found under the grassland. Those poor animals were then forced to work in the cave day and night.
By this time, I was expecting a mine blast of course.
************************************
When we left the cinema, I asked Vivian, "How on earth could they allowed this movie in the mainland ? It is more explicit than anything one could imagine !"
"You shut up," my wife said coldly, "Just enjoy the film."
You may think that's merely for the interest of my daughter, who is a fan of the grey wolf. To start with, yes, and I did not have much expectation - but it turns out that I enjoyed the hour-and-a-half very well.
************************************
The story goes like this: A group led by a tiger came to the place where the sheep and wolves lived, and forced all animals living there to move out - in order to free up the place for building a theme park - and work for the tiger, who claimed himself to be the most sensible animal on earth and was willing to discuss with any one who has a different opinion.
The discussion, of course, was in the form of flogging and torturing.
And there's more. During the course of construction, a coal mine was found under the grassland. Those poor animals were then forced to work in the cave day and night.
By this time, I was expecting a mine blast of course.
************************************
When we left the cinema, I asked Vivian, "How on earth could they allowed this movie in the mainland ? It is more explicit than anything one could imagine !"
"You shut up," my wife said coldly, "Just enjoy the film."
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