While talking about the analogy of an inconsiderate driver and an abusing police officer, a similar, and more eye-catching, argument is this: Between a high, solid wall and an egg that breaks against it, I will always stand on the side of the egg.
But, hold on. There's a critical flaw in the logic - what if the egg is thrown against the wall that protects Themis? We should support the side that is right and just, no matter it is the egg or the wall.
No, I'm not saying the blue ribbons is righteous. (It is likely to be quite the opposite.) All I say is we should not stand on the yellow side because it is the egg.
PS. The analogy of an egg and the wall comes from Haruki Murakami when he received the Jerusalem Prize. He was talking about personal philosophy by this analogy - nothing to do with public uprising.
Friday, October 31, 2014
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Arguments
When you come to think of it, there are several good arguments for us to support the umbrella side:
And, if the person says he has a very good reason to park there, even though he is aware of the legal implication, please give the reason. We may agree and even support what he does - but that's because of the reason he gives, not because he is abused by the police after his illegal parking.
For the umbrella movement, it therefore goes back to either the first or the second point.
- They are pursuing democracy.
- Our society is neither fair nor just; people must stand up and voice out.
- The yellow camp is brutally treated by the police and supporters of the blue ribbon.
And, if the person says he has a very good reason to park there, even though he is aware of the legal implication, please give the reason. We may agree and even support what he does - but that's because of the reason he gives, not because he is abused by the police after his illegal parking.
For the umbrella movement, it therefore goes back to either the first or the second point.
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Green
The very question that I was asked by everyone I met in Vietnam was How is Hong Kong?
One notable example is the young man who drove me from the hotel to the airport. Despite his limited English capability – and, for that reason, he talked very little on any other topic throughout the journey – he tried with his utmost effort to learn from me what’s going on in my city, as well as to explain his own view.
But, the most insightful comment came from SB, a doctor from Thailand, “Szeto, you shouldn’t worry that much. Just look at we Thai people. Last year, we saw no end to the conflict between red and yellow. Now? The conflict is still there, but every aspect of our daily life is quite back to normal.”
I sighed, “My friend, that’s different. Your country has an edge – you have a king, and he is a highly respectable one I must say, to look up to. Who do we Hong Kong people have?”
NB. I was tempted to say I am on the green side – I share some of the views of the yellow umbrella as well as some of the blue ribbon.
But, when viewed from another angle, it could easily be concluded that I don’t agree with either.
One notable example is the young man who drove me from the hotel to the airport. Despite his limited English capability – and, for that reason, he talked very little on any other topic throughout the journey – he tried with his utmost effort to learn from me what’s going on in my city, as well as to explain his own view.
But, the most insightful comment came from SB, a doctor from Thailand, “Szeto, you shouldn’t worry that much. Just look at we Thai people. Last year, we saw no end to the conflict between red and yellow. Now? The conflict is still there, but every aspect of our daily life is quite back to normal.”
I sighed, “My friend, that’s different. Your country has an edge – you have a king, and he is a highly respectable one I must say, to look up to. Who do we Hong Kong people have?”
NB. I was tempted to say I am on the green side – I share some of the views of the yellow umbrella as well as some of the blue ribbon.
But, when viewed from another angle, it could easily be concluded that I don’t agree with either.
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Vietnam
Went to Vietnam for a local conference recently.
This is the first time I ever visit this legendary place, which is just one-and-a-half hours of flight from Hong Kong. To me, all the memory related to this country comes either from the Vietnam boat people (which was a serious problem of our city between late 1970s and early 1990s) or the war between Hanoi and Saigon. In fact, the first topic that I made an effort to do some private study (when I was in the primary school) was the US bombers used in the Vietnam War.
Unfortunately, I was so green in those days that I focused on the performance and armaments of the aircrafts (F105, F111, and B52). If I were going to make such a study again, I shall read more about the people of the drama – from Ho Chi Minh to Le Duan, and from Ngo Dinh Diem to Nguyen Van Thieu.
PS. I had the opportunity to take care of many pregnant Vietnam boat people when I was a house officer in the obstetric ward. I could speak two – and only two – sentences of Vietnamese: bac si kiem tra (doctor is here to do the examination) and nam xuong ngoai quan (lie down and take off your pants)!
This is the first time I ever visit this legendary place, which is just one-and-a-half hours of flight from Hong Kong. To me, all the memory related to this country comes either from the Vietnam boat people (which was a serious problem of our city between late 1970s and early 1990s) or the war between Hanoi and Saigon. In fact, the first topic that I made an effort to do some private study (when I was in the primary school) was the US bombers used in the Vietnam War.
Unfortunately, I was so green in those days that I focused on the performance and armaments of the aircrafts (F105, F111, and B52). If I were going to make such a study again, I shall read more about the people of the drama – from Ho Chi Minh to Le Duan, and from Ngo Dinh Diem to Nguyen Van Thieu.
PS. I had the opportunity to take care of many pregnant Vietnam boat people when I was a house officer in the obstetric ward. I could speak two – and only two – sentences of Vietnamese: bac si kiem tra (doctor is here to do the examination) and nam xuong ngoai quan (lie down and take off your pants)!
Monday, October 27, 2014
Efficiency
In addition to the way I backup my computer files, there are several tips that I find useful to improve our efficiency.
PS. Efficiency is important, but, what good is running if one is on the wrong road?
- Write down all the projects at hand on a list and stick it in front of your desk. Review the progress of each item every week. (I do it as the first thing every Monday morning.)
- For each project, define what has to been done in that week. Give a priority to the items according to the method of Stephen Covey; important matters should go before urgent ones.
- Make a template for all common correspondence and put it in a handy place in the computer. The greatest invention in the field of artificial intelligence is copy-and-paste.
- Use a software to write down all transient ideas that go through your mind: things to do, to buy, and so forth. Use the same software to clip everything that you may need to keep as reference: web pages, picture of name cards, reference papers, invoice, passwords (of websites that you do not visit very often), and what not. I use Evernote for this purpose because the search function is very powerful.
- Make a few computer folders with the name "to read", "for re-reading", "for filing", and "coming events". I think their purpose is obvious.
PS. Efficiency is important, but, what good is running if one is on the wrong road?
Sunday, October 26, 2014
Backup
In a recent occasion, I was amazed to find a young colleague of mine never backup his files in the computer. It comes with no surprise to learn he lost some of his important work when his computer was accidentally formatted by others.
I must say I am exceedingly paranoid in this respect. Twenty years ago, when I bought my first personal laptop for work, I used to backup all files in 1.44" disks every month. That soon turned out to be inadequate; I had the experience of having the hard disk burn (to charcoal, almost) when I turned on the computer, and the whole laptop broke into pieces (literally) when it fell onto the floor by accident.
Following traumatic experience of this kind, over the past 15 years, I keep 3 copies of all my files - one in the desktop computer of my office, another in my laptop at home, and a third in a portable hard disk. The latter two are updated every week, usually on Saturday. Like the senior executives of some famous enterprises (for example, Coca Cola), these three copies are never put in the same room - just in case the place is on fire.
You can never be too cautious.
I must say I am exceedingly paranoid in this respect. Twenty years ago, when I bought my first personal laptop for work, I used to backup all files in 1.44" disks every month. That soon turned out to be inadequate; I had the experience of having the hard disk burn (to charcoal, almost) when I turned on the computer, and the whole laptop broke into pieces (literally) when it fell onto the floor by accident.
Following traumatic experience of this kind, over the past 15 years, I keep 3 copies of all my files - one in the desktop computer of my office, another in my laptop at home, and a third in a portable hard disk. The latter two are updated every week, usually on Saturday. Like the senior executives of some famous enterprises (for example, Coca Cola), these three copies are never put in the same room - just in case the place is on fire.
You can never be too cautious.
Saturday, October 25, 2014
Gaddi's
Contrary to the humble Shanghai style noodle shop that I mentioned yesterday, there are outstanding exquisite restaurants that never seems to be properly recognized.
Gaddi's of the Peninsula is a perfect example.
I have the privilege to dine twice in this local Mecca of French cuisine. As an amateur gourment, I may not be able to tell heaven from a sky-high level - but the dishes are damn good. (Seriously many of the courses appear a trace too modern to me, and I would prefer something more traditional, less pretending, and more home-like. Well, that's a bias of mine.) And, together with the unassailable environment and irreproachable service, what more could you expect?
But, that's it. No star of Michelin. (Oh, even Tosca of Ritz Carlton...) I must take my hat off to the management and chef of Gaddi's, for they must know well how to score some stars, and they decide to persue what they believe and insist on things that they feel important.
They do not trade their character and personality for the stars.
Gaddi's of the Peninsula is a perfect example.
I have the privilege to dine twice in this local Mecca of French cuisine. As an amateur gourment, I may not be able to tell heaven from a sky-high level - but the dishes are damn good. (Seriously many of the courses appear a trace too modern to me, and I would prefer something more traditional, less pretending, and more home-like. Well, that's a bias of mine.) And, together with the unassailable environment and irreproachable service, what more could you expect?
But, that's it. No star of Michelin. (Oh, even Tosca of Ritz Carlton...) I must take my hat off to the management and chef of Gaddi's, for they must know well how to score some stars, and they decide to persue what they believe and insist on things that they feel important.
They do not trade their character and personality for the stars.
Friday, October 24, 2014
維珍
有些食肆，外表不太起眼，亦並非供應甚麼山珍海味，但間中幫襯，久而久之，便會有些感情。佐敦維珍麵家在我便是一例。
初到此店，完全因為它距離伊院不遠，這些年來，與内人每一兩個月便來光顧一次。通常週末二人下班，如果已過午飯時間，便會匆匆來此醫肚，貪其便利便宜。店是北方麵館，街坊小店格局。入門右邊是開放式廚房，左邊則全是四人小桌。這裡幾乎任何時候都高朋滿座，必須搭枱，但人流極快，亦不用等候多久。店主是典型北方大漢，頭髮斑白，粗豪而不太有禮， 呼叫叱喝之聲，夾雜着麵湯煎餅的香氣，並不是新一代的夏麵館、翡翠拉麵小籠包等所能模倣。
此店餐牌只有一頁，不外是各式北方麵食、飽餃、餡餅之類。內人通常點一客水餃佐以蒜蓉醋，看似簡單，卻十分飽肚實在。我則無一例外地點炸豬扒麵，雖係平凡，倒也一絲不苟。麵是幼麵，永遠淥得剛好而不過腍。湯味本淡，但雪菜青葱下得慷慨，又是另一種風味。豬扒也是即叫即炸，香脆熱辣。二人午餐連兩杯豆漿，是八十元有找。而店主均真兼極有性格，小費一元也堅拒不收。區區竊想，不如多多幫襯，以表支持，更是實在。
初到此店，完全因為它距離伊院不遠，這些年來，與内人每一兩個月便來光顧一次。通常週末二人下班，如果已過午飯時間，便會匆匆來此醫肚，貪其便利便宜。店是北方麵館，街坊小店格局。入門右邊是開放式廚房，左邊則全是四人小桌。這裡幾乎任何時候都高朋滿座，必須搭枱，但人流極快，亦不用等候多久。店主是典型北方大漢，頭髮斑白，粗豪而不太有禮， 呼叫叱喝之聲，夾雜着麵湯煎餅的香氣，並不是新一代的夏麵館、翡翠拉麵小籠包等所能模倣。
此店餐牌只有一頁，不外是各式北方麵食、飽餃、餡餅之類。內人通常點一客水餃佐以蒜蓉醋，看似簡單，卻十分飽肚實在。我則無一例外地點炸豬扒麵，雖係平凡，倒也一絲不苟。麵是幼麵，永遠淥得剛好而不過腍。湯味本淡，但雪菜青葱下得慷慨，又是另一種風味。豬扒也是即叫即炸，香脆熱辣。二人午餐連兩杯豆漿，是八十元有找。而店主均真兼極有性格，小費一元也堅拒不收。區區竊想，不如多多幫襯，以表支持，更是實在。
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Stir
K is obviously not too happy. Later that day, he met Theseus - a young boy who works in the sewage pipe and,with whom K often has a casual conversation.
The tourist board manager voices out his frustrations. To his amazement, his friend is less than sympathetic.
"I must say what the extra-terrestrials do seems entirely reasonable to me," the demigod says, "Although they may be a little aggressive in pushing forward their policies, they are really trying to do things and make some progress."
"Do they?" K purses his lips, "I beg to disagree. My friend, there are fine lines between being brave and ruthless, serving the public and pleasing the boss, and doing things and stirring up matters."
The tourist board manager voices out his frustrations. To his amazement, his friend is less than sympathetic.
"I must say what the extra-terrestrials do seems entirely reasonable to me," the demigod says, "Although they may be a little aggressive in pushing forward their policies, they are really trying to do things and make some progress."
"Do they?" K purses his lips, "I beg to disagree. My friend, there are fine lines between being brave and ruthless, serving the public and pleasing the boss, and doing things and stirring up matters."
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Purpose
"What other purpose could there be?" Selene looks incredulous.
"You know, the Galaxy Tourism Board is now going through this accreditation exercise, and those experts from the Dark Matter comment that the Board does not have a long term plan of development..."
***********************
The flight takes no more than a few hours. In the next morning, K goes to work as usual.
To his surprise, his office is empty – the desk, the chair, the cabinet, the computer, and everything, all vanished into the thin air. For a moment, K imagines a burglary. But no. His office furniture is all from IKEA and has been in use for quite some years. In fact, K needs to pay if he wants to get rid of them.
In the middle of his puzzle, K finds the office amah passes by, “Good morning, Cindy. What happened? My office is… empty!”
“Is it? Oh, I remember now. It’s two days ago. Some aliens from the Running Chicken Nebula came and took everything in your room to the Museum of History. The extra-terrestrials said that those are antiques and good attractions for tourists!”
“Oh, my,” K is really touched, “Do you mean in the field of tourism, I am consulted for the strategic plan of development in the coming 10 or 20 years, but, at the same time, I am not even informed of using my belongings for attracting tourists?”
"You know, the Galaxy Tourism Board is now going through this accreditation exercise, and those experts from the Dark Matter comment that the Board does not have a long term plan of development..."
***********************
The flight takes no more than a few hours. In the next morning, K goes to work as usual.
To his surprise, his office is empty – the desk, the chair, the cabinet, the computer, and everything, all vanished into the thin air. For a moment, K imagines a burglary. But no. His office furniture is all from IKEA and has been in use for quite some years. In fact, K needs to pay if he wants to get rid of them.
In the middle of his puzzle, K finds the office amah passes by, “Good morning, Cindy. What happened? My office is… empty!”
“Is it? Oh, I remember now. It’s two days ago. Some aliens from the Running Chicken Nebula came and took everything in your room to the Museum of History. The extra-terrestrials said that those are antiques and good attractions for tourists!”
“Oh, my,” K is really touched, “Do you mean in the field of tourism, I am consulted for the strategic plan of development in the coming 10 or 20 years, but, at the same time, I am not even informed of using my belongings for attracting tourists?”
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Consultation
(Some of you may remember the meeting that I mentioned a few days ago between K, the tourism board representative from the Earth, and the three-eye alien. Shortly after the meeting, on the flight back to the blue planet, K meets Selene, his friend from the moon.)
"Hullo! Long time no see! What brings you to this part of the universe?" The glamorous woman smiles.
"Why! The strategic plan consultation of course. What else could it be? You come here for the same reason, don't you?"
"Unfortunately, yes." The Goddess of the Moon twists her lips, "I must say I can't make heads or tails of this business. Why on earth does that alien want to consult our opinion on the development ten or twenty years down the road?"
"You know, in general, the real purpose of a consultation exercise is not to ask for your view, but to express theirs. After the meeting, do you have some idea what's their plan of development?"
"Not too much, really. My god, am I too thick to understand?"
"Don't be silly. There could be another reason for all these..."
"Hullo! Long time no see! What brings you to this part of the universe?" The glamorous woman smiles.
"Why! The strategic plan consultation of course. What else could it be? You come here for the same reason, don't you?"
"Unfortunately, yes." The Goddess of the Moon twists her lips, "I must say I can't make heads or tails of this business. Why on earth does that alien want to consult our opinion on the development ten or twenty years down the road?"
"You know, in general, the real purpose of a consultation exercise is not to ask for your view, but to express theirs. After the meeting, do you have some idea what's their plan of development?"
"Not too much, really. My god, am I too thick to understand?"
"Don't be silly. There could be another reason for all these..."
Monday, October 20, 2014
Umbrella
Another recent hot topic in our city is whether umbrella should be considered as a weapon.
I shall not discuss the fictitious example of Wong Fei-hung (黃飛鴻). On the other hand, you may have heard of the case of Georgi Ivanov Markov.
The story is simple: Markov originally worked as a novelist and playwright in Bulgria. In 1969, he defected from his own country and worked for the BBC World Service. He died as a result of an incident on the Waterloo Bridge on the River Thames, when a micro-engineered pellet containing ricin was fired into his leg via an umbrella wielded by two persons from the Bulgarian secret police (probably with the technical assistance from KGB).
So, you see? Umbrella is a lethal weapon - at least in the hands of Communists.
君子眼中，天下滔滔皆是君子。
I shall not discuss the fictitious example of Wong Fei-hung (黃飛鴻). On the other hand, you may have heard of the case of Georgi Ivanov Markov.
The story is simple: Markov originally worked as a novelist and playwright in Bulgria. In 1969, he defected from his own country and worked for the BBC World Service. He died as a result of an incident on the Waterloo Bridge on the River Thames, when a micro-engineered pellet containing ricin was fired into his leg via an umbrella wielded by two persons from the Bulgarian secret police (probably with the technical assistance from KGB).
So, you see? Umbrella is a lethal weapon - at least in the hands of Communists.
君子眼中，天下滔滔皆是君子。
Sunday, October 19, 2014
Expression
There are occasions where Cantonese is far more expressive than English.
Here you go:
*********************
《其一》
甲：佢收五千萬真係無問題？
乙：梗係無。我成日都一張張咁燒俾佢。
*********************
《其二》
甲：佢收五千萬就係叫佢唔好提供服務？
乙：咁不如我地又夾五千萬叫佢唔好向我地提供服務。
*********************
《其三》
商：你做乜咁多條例監管，成日阻頭阻勢？
官：你可以俾五千萬我，然後叫我唔好提供服務。
Here you go:
*********************
《其一》
甲：佢收五千萬真係無問題？
乙：梗係無。我成日都一張張咁燒俾佢。
*********************
《其二》
甲：佢收五千萬就係叫佢唔好提供服務？
乙：咁不如我地又夾五千萬叫佢唔好向我地提供服務。
*********************
《其三》
商：你做乜咁多條例監管，成日阻頭阻勢？
官：你可以俾五千萬我，然後叫我唔好提供服務。
Saturday, October 18, 2014
Scholarship
A hot topic amongst the alumni of my university is the withdrawal of scholarship donation by a listed company.
To begin with, it soon turns out to be a kind of practical joke because the company has not been donating to our university in the recent years. (In fact, to the best of my knowledge, this company has never donate anything to my university.)
But, the joke becomes a laughing stock when we realize that this company, with an operating profit close to HK$130 million last year, used to donate around HK$20,000 each year to our colleagues over the other side of the Victoria Harbour. Quite a number of my friends feel that they could afford a regular charity of this kind and are eager to make their name known to our students.
Alas, I must say I have the temptation to make a similar donation as well. Nonetheless, I am humble and shall not put up my name as the title of the scholarship.
I shall call it Chun Wo Development Holdings Refuse To Donate Memorial Scholarship (俊和發展集團拒絕捐贈紀念獎學金).
To begin with, it soon turns out to be a kind of practical joke because the company has not been donating to our university in the recent years. (In fact, to the best of my knowledge, this company has never donate anything to my university.)
But, the joke becomes a laughing stock when we realize that this company, with an operating profit close to HK$130 million last year, used to donate around HK$20,000 each year to our colleagues over the other side of the Victoria Harbour. Quite a number of my friends feel that they could afford a regular charity of this kind and are eager to make their name known to our students.
Alas, I must say I have the temptation to make a similar donation as well. Nonetheless, I am humble and shall not put up my name as the title of the scholarship.
I shall call it Chun Wo Development Holdings Refuse To Donate Memorial Scholarship (俊和發展集團拒絕捐贈紀念獎學金).
Friday, October 17, 2014
Privilege
Although formal school classes were suspended, it doesn't mean that my princesses were staying home all day - for each of them has some extra tutorials that were continued as usual.
As usual, I picked up Euterpe after she finished with her English class in Tuesday evening. During the five-minute walk home, it has become our habit to enjoy some silly conversation:
"My dear, taking aside the Casual Wear Day incident, do you miss your school?" I asked.
"I must say yes," she sighed, "It's rather boring now. To say the least, I miss my classmates and teachers!"
"Quite true. Now, let's imagine, what would you feel if the school class is going to suspend for one or two whole years?"
"Oh! That's horrible!"
"Exactly. You know, there are many children around the world who have their school suspended for years because of war or political problems or other problems. Yes, that's horrible. Fortunately for us, I am sure your school life will return to normal very soon. In that case, do remember the horrible others and feel thankful for having the privilege of receiving education."
I sincerely hope she does understand what I mean.
As usual, I picked up Euterpe after she finished with her English class in Tuesday evening. During the five-minute walk home, it has become our habit to enjoy some silly conversation:
"My dear, taking aside the Casual Wear Day incident, do you miss your school?" I asked.
"I must say yes," she sighed, "It's rather boring now. To say the least, I miss my classmates and teachers!"
"Quite true. Now, let's imagine, what would you feel if the school class is going to suspend for one or two whole years?"
"Oh! That's horrible!"
"Exactly. You know, there are many children around the world who have their school suspended for years because of war or political problems or other problems. Yes, that's horrible. Fortunately for us, I am sure your school life will return to normal very soon. In that case, do remember the horrible others and feel thankful for having the privilege of receiving education."
I sincerely hope she does understand what I mean.
Thursday, October 16, 2014
停課
The big news of our city in the past two weeks is, of course, the story of umbrellas and tear gas, and the conflict between yellow and blue ribbons.
I would not discuss what I think. To me, the important implication of this incident is the class suspension of all schools and kindergartens in the Central and Wanchai districts, and my two princesses have to stay at home.
To my surprise, Euterpe was utterly unhappy when she first heard of the news.
"Shouldn't you be delighted?" I asked her, "The dictation test will be cancelled."
"But it would also be our Casual Wear Day next Tuesday!" My princess retorted.
PS. Her school is probably fully aware of their frustration. The first message that I received from the school general office was the plan of re-scheduling the Casual Wear Day!
To my surprise, Euterpe was utterly unhappy when she first heard of the news.
"Shouldn't you be delighted?" I asked her, "The dictation test will be cancelled."
"But it would also be our Casual Wear Day next Tuesday!" My princess retorted.
PS. Her school is probably fully aware of their frustration. The first message that I received from the school general office was the plan of re-scheduling the Casual Wear Day!
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
HK
The title of Chan's book is, in itself, intriguing.
To put it simply, the book begins with a case in 2013, when Inspector Kwan was dying. The stories that follow are reverse in chronological order, with the last one happened in 1967, when Kwan was a junior PC and encountered his first important case. You can see the book as a fragmented biography of an eminent police officer, but it is also the rise and fall of a legendary city. I am particularly touched because I was born during the 1967 riots, experienced the glory of an economical miracle, and see the putrefaction of all its cornerstones.
And I'm sure that's the real purpose of the author. In fact, Chan obviously did an extensive search in the background information. All the stories seem to originate from real-life cases. Many of the scenes happen in famous places. If you did live in this city from 1967 to 2013, you would find the details of all these stories touching - they are real snapshots of how we lived in those days.
I would strongly recommend this book to all genuine Hong Kong people, as well as everyone who wish to take a glimpse on our living in the past 50 years.
To put it simply, the book begins with a case in 2013, when Inspector Kwan was dying. The stories that follow are reverse in chronological order, with the last one happened in 1967, when Kwan was a junior PC and encountered his first important case. You can see the book as a fragmented biography of an eminent police officer, but it is also the rise and fall of a legendary city. I am particularly touched because I was born during the 1967 riots, experienced the glory of an economical miracle, and see the putrefaction of all its cornerstones.
And I'm sure that's the real purpose of the author. In fact, Chan obviously did an extensive search in the background information. All the stories seem to originate from real-life cases. Many of the scenes happen in famous places. If you did live in this city from 1967 to 2013, you would find the details of all these stories touching - they are real snapshots of how we lived in those days.
I would strongly recommend this book to all genuine Hong Kong people, as well as everyone who wish to take a glimpse on our living in the past 50 years.
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
13.67
My recent bedtime reading is 《13-67》 by Chan Ho Kei (陳浩基).
The book is my birthday present from Vivian, who knows too well I am a fan of detective fiction. Chan is a graduate from my alma mater and is, in my wife's own word, the best Hong Kong writer of detection stories.
But, I must say I am always skeptical to all new generation crime fiction authors and do not have high hope on this one. In fact, I was more convinced with my bias after finishing with The Reality Between Black and White (黑與白之間的真實), the first story of this paperback - it's just another version of Agatha Christie's Curtain!
And I am both right and wrong. I could well use Poirot's own words (in The Clocks) to represent my view:
These tales ... are in reality farfetched, full of fallacies and most artificially contrived. But the art of the writing - ah, that is entirely different. The pleasure of the language, the creation above all of that magnificent character (Inspector Kwan in our case). Ah, that was indeed a triumph.
The book is my birthday present from Vivian, who knows too well I am a fan of detective fiction. Chan is a graduate from my alma mater and is, in my wife's own word, the best Hong Kong writer of detection stories.
But, I must say I am always skeptical to all new generation crime fiction authors and do not have high hope on this one. In fact, I was more convinced with my bias after finishing with The Reality Between Black and White (黑與白之間的真實), the first story of this paperback - it's just another version of Agatha Christie's Curtain!
And I am both right and wrong. I could well use Poirot's own words (in The Clocks) to represent my view:
These tales ... are in reality farfetched, full of fallacies and most artificially contrived. But the art of the writing - ah, that is entirely different. The pleasure of the language, the creation above all of that magnificent character (Inspector Kwan in our case). Ah, that was indeed a triumph.
Monday, October 13, 2014
Move
"Yes...?" After years of his experience in business, K knew immediately that the other side of the table has an agenda.
"You know, at this moment, a tourist to the Earth has to travel quite a bit from one attraction to another - the Eiffel Tower, the Buckingham Palace, the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Statue of Liberty, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Great Wall, and all these. It doesn't really make a good use of their time."
"And your suggestion is...?"
"We should move all of them to one place and form a Center or Institute for Sightseeing."
"Alas, that sounds a good idea," K nodded. He had to agree the alien did make a good point. Nonetheless, he remained worried, "Sir, is that really possible for all the attractions? I suppose the Golden Gate Bridge is nothing more than a construction of steel and cement if there is no vehicle on it, and the Buckingham Palace would lose its meaning if the Queen doesn't live there."
"Why? That's should work. There are similar institutes in Bootes, Ursa, Lupus, Lyra, Serpens, Hercules, Indus, Taurus, and many other constellations, and many are immensely successful."
K was dumbfounded.
"You know, at this moment, a tourist to the Earth has to travel quite a bit from one attraction to another - the Eiffel Tower, the Buckingham Palace, the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Statue of Liberty, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Great Wall, and all these. It doesn't really make a good use of their time."
"And your suggestion is...?"
"We should move all of them to one place and form a Center or Institute for Sightseeing."
"Alas, that sounds a good idea," K nodded. He had to agree the alien did make a good point. Nonetheless, he remained worried, "Sir, is that really possible for all the attractions? I suppose the Golden Gate Bridge is nothing more than a construction of steel and cement if there is no vehicle on it, and the Buckingham Palace would lose its meaning if the Queen doesn't live there."
"Why? That's should work. There are similar institutes in Bootes, Ursa, Lupus, Lyra, Serpens, Hercules, Indus, Taurus, and many other constellations, and many are immensely successful."
K was dumbfounded.
Sunday, October 12, 2014
Board
Year: AD 3014.
Place: Conference Room, Regional Headquarters (Solar System), Galaxy Tour Co. Ltd.
****************************
K pushes the door open and sees a three-eye alien sitting on an elegant armchair. He immediately realizes that this little creature is whom he is scheduled to have the meeting.
"Good morning. Pray sit down..." The green alien points to the chair next to the table.
K is surprised - the alien could speak a human language! But he pretends to be calm and takes the seat, "Good morning. I am K from the Tourism Board of the Earth. Nice to meet you."
"Great. I am Roswell from the Orion Nebula. Let's stop beating around the bush. I call this meeting to discuss the strategic development plan of the smokeless industry on the Earth in the coming 10 or 15 years."
"Yes..."
"Let me make it clear. In our opinion, the Earth is far from being efficient in taking care of tourists."
(To be continued.)
Place: Conference Room, Regional Headquarters (Solar System), Galaxy Tour Co. Ltd.
****************************
K pushes the door open and sees a three-eye alien sitting on an elegant armchair. He immediately realizes that this little creature is whom he is scheduled to have the meeting.
"Good morning. Pray sit down..." The green alien points to the chair next to the table.
K is surprised - the alien could speak a human language! But he pretends to be calm and takes the seat, "Good morning. I am K from the Tourism Board of the Earth. Nice to meet you."
"Great. I am Roswell from the Orion Nebula. Let's stop beating around the bush. I call this meeting to discuss the strategic development plan of the smokeless industry on the Earth in the coming 10 or 15 years."
"Yes..."
"Let me make it clear. In our opinion, the Earth is far from being efficient in taking care of tourists."
(To be continued.)
Saturday, October 11, 2014
Theatre
While talking about how we should study and memorize, I could not resist the temptation of commenting on how our next generation students attend lectures.
First, let's begin with a simple question: Why should the place that professors deliver their lectures is called a theatre?
Simple. That's because their talks are a kind of performance. The audience - that is, students - are expected to sit there and watch (and, hopefully, appreciate). During the show, some students may like to jot down a point or two to highlight what's important or items that they would have to look up afterwards. After all, it doesn't help understanding the content if you divert your attention to writing notes.
Of course, that's the comment that we received when we were students. Now, few students write their lecture notes. They type and take photos and videos.
If that's how the talk should be received, the venue should be called a lecture studio.
PS. Following that argument, no one would eat popcorn or drink a coke while watching an opera. If someone do that to their professor, the place should be called a lecture cinema.
First, let's begin with a simple question: Why should the place that professors deliver their lectures is called a theatre?
Simple. That's because their talks are a kind of performance. The audience - that is, students - are expected to sit there and watch (and, hopefully, appreciate). During the show, some students may like to jot down a point or two to highlight what's important or items that they would have to look up afterwards. After all, it doesn't help understanding the content if you divert your attention to writing notes.
Of course, that's the comment that we received when we were students. Now, few students write their lecture notes. They type and take photos and videos.
If that's how the talk should be received, the venue should be called a lecture studio.
PS. Following that argument, no one would eat popcorn or drink a coke while watching an opera. If someone do that to their professor, the place should be called a lecture cinema.
Friday, October 10, 2014
Memory
The idea of that chapter is simple: One major characteristic of long term memory is its stability. In other words, information is anchored deeply in the brain.
However, I am sure you all have the same experience that without regular practice, information that we learn gradually fade out from our memory. The very theory proposed by the Polish researcher Piotr Wozniak and summarized by Krogerus and Tschappeler is this: The amount of time it takes for us to forget what we learn is predictable. To go one step forward, if we want to make a piece of information our long term memory, we should be reminded while we are in the process of forgetting.
More importantly, it is not necessary to be reminded very many times to secure a long term memory. Based on the work of Wozniak, refreshing of the memory should ideally be done one, ten, thirty, and sixty days after encountering a new piece of information,
This is called spaced repetition.
PS. For medical students (and almost everyone else), the obvious difficulty is how to set up a reliable system of regular revision and refreshing. That's another story.
However, I am sure you all have the same experience that without regular practice, information that we learn gradually fade out from our memory. The very theory proposed by the Polish researcher Piotr Wozniak and summarized by Krogerus and Tschappeler is this: The amount of time it takes for us to forget what we learn is predictable. To go one step forward, if we want to make a piece of information our long term memory, we should be reminded while we are in the process of forgetting.
More importantly, it is not necessary to be reminded very many times to secure a long term memory. Based on the work of Wozniak, refreshing of the memory should ideally be done one, ten, thirty, and sixty days after encountering a new piece of information,
This is called spaced repetition.
PS. For medical students (and almost everyone else), the obvious difficulty is how to set up a reliable system of regular revision and refreshing. That's another story.
Thursday, October 9, 2014
Decision
My recent leisure reading is The Decision Book by Mikael Krogerus and Roman Tschappeler.
It is a small paperback that summarizes 50 common business models and algorithms that are used for business analysis and decision making. I find some of the models familiar as they are extrapolated and in active use in the academic circle (for example, the SWOT analysis), while others are written in the language of extra-terrestrials and could serve no purpose except obscuring - or replacing - ones own thinking.
It is a small paperback that summarizes 50 common business models and algorithms that are used for business analysis and decision making. I find some of the models familiar as they are extrapolated and in active use in the academic circle (for example, the SWOT analysis), while others are written in the language of extra-terrestrials and could serve no purpose except obscuring - or replacing - ones own thinking.
You may ask: Why should I learn all these? Or, to begin with, why did I choose this book? The reality is the book was a random pick from a local bookstore, and I could not care less to read a book with no pragmatic value for my daily work.
Philosophy is the love of wisdom.
PS. As to pragmatic use, I really find this book exceedingly useful.
Or, I should put it like this: One of the chapters describes an important phenomenon about human memory and learning.
Philosophy is the love of wisdom.
PS. As to pragmatic use, I really find this book exceedingly useful.
Or, I should put it like this: One of the chapters describes an important phenomenon about human memory and learning.
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
下醫
Although I have all my respect to Sun Simiao, I could never agree with the statement inferior doctors treat the disease (下醫醫病). The reality is we are badly in need of doctors who could focus on a particular skill.
You may think that’s not really the case. We have far too many specialists; more often than not a doctor would focus on their particular area of interest and pay no attention to the overall picture of the patient.
Yes, that is true – as long as you are talking about the plan or decision of management strategy, or, the task of a physician.
However, when it comes to a procedure-based treatment – surgical operation, endoscopy, or whatever – the consideration is entirely opposite. A doctor who masters the skill of a very simple procedure (for example, gastroscopy or hernia repair) and nothing else is as good as any other.
On one hand, we need many more doctors who could competently repair a hernia than resecting part of a liver. On the other, we often need someone who would ask nothing and repair a hernia (or any other simple procedure) upon the request of a mediocre doctor.
You may think that’s not really the case. We have far too many specialists; more often than not a doctor would focus on their particular area of interest and pay no attention to the overall picture of the patient.
Yes, that is true – as long as you are talking about the plan or decision of management strategy, or, the task of a physician.
However, when it comes to a procedure-based treatment – surgical operation, endoscopy, or whatever – the consideration is entirely opposite. A doctor who masters the skill of a very simple procedure (for example, gastroscopy or hernia repair) and nothing else is as good as any other.
On one hand, we need many more doctors who could competently repair a hernia than resecting part of a liver. On the other, we often need someone who would ask nothing and repair a hernia (or any other simple procedure) upon the request of a mediocre doctor.
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
中醫
You may think it is easy to understand how and why should a mediocre doctor treat the patient. Nonetheless, the issue is more complicated than what you imagine.
Let's start with a simple scenario: A young man would become immensely anxious whenever he encounters a particular situation. In professional terms, he probably has phobic anxiety disorder. If you are his in-charge doctor and he does not want to take any medicine, how could you help him?
Simple. It's all about education and behavioural therapy. The situation that precipitates his anxiety should be avoided if possible.
Now, consider this: The situation that triggers his anxiety is the feeding problem of his elderly mother, who is totally dependent, zero quality of life, and absolutely no awareness to the surrounding after a massive stroke. Let's assume, hypothetically, whatever you do would have a neutral effect on that old woman. Her suffering would not be prolonged as she could not sense anything, but there is also no point to prolong her life because the quality of which is zero.
In this case, would you start artificial means of feeding - as treatment to the young man's anxiety?
I shall not elaborate if there is some risk-benefit consideration for the mother, or if that unfortunate woman has more than one son with different triggers of anxiety.
But, you see? My point is this: As a doctor, it is sometimes difficult to tell who your patient is.
Let's start with a simple scenario: A young man would become immensely anxious whenever he encounters a particular situation. In professional terms, he probably has phobic anxiety disorder. If you are his in-charge doctor and he does not want to take any medicine, how could you help him?
Simple. It's all about education and behavioural therapy. The situation that precipitates his anxiety should be avoided if possible.
Now, consider this: The situation that triggers his anxiety is the feeding problem of his elderly mother, who is totally dependent, zero quality of life, and absolutely no awareness to the surrounding after a massive stroke. Let's assume, hypothetically, whatever you do would have a neutral effect on that old woman. Her suffering would not be prolonged as she could not sense anything, but there is also no point to prolong her life because the quality of which is zero.
In this case, would you start artificial means of feeding - as treatment to the young man's anxiety?
I shall not elaborate if there is some risk-benefit consideration for the mother, or if that unfortunate woman has more than one son with different triggers of anxiety.
But, you see? My point is this: As a doctor, it is sometimes difficult to tell who your patient is.
Monday, October 6, 2014
上醫
A trendy quote amongst our medical student recently is "a good doctor treats the country; a mediocre doctor treats the patient; an inferior doctor treats the disease" (上醫醫國，中醫醫人，下醫醫病).
I consider the statement most misleading.
My concern is simple: It calls for very different skills between treating a country and a patient. It doesn't mean that a person who could lead a people and rule a country well (and I doubt we have such kind of person around) is always a good doctor. Otherwise the best physicians in our history would all be politicians.
And, the worrying tendency recently is the extrapolation of the statement so as to give the impression that if a medical student participates in the treatment of our country, they would be a good doctor.
PS. This famous trilogy of statement originates from the masterpiece of Sun Simiao (孫思邈), Manual of Emergency and Essential Formulary (備急千金要方), Part 1, Chapter 4: Introduction to Diagnostic Techniques (論診候第四). No explanation was given in the text. However, considering the context of the whole chapter, it should be referring to the importance of public health and preventive medicine rather than anything related to politics.
You can read the full text from Wikisource.
I consider the statement most misleading.
My concern is simple: It calls for very different skills between treating a country and a patient. It doesn't mean that a person who could lead a people and rule a country well (and I doubt we have such kind of person around) is always a good doctor. Otherwise the best physicians in our history would all be politicians.
And, the worrying tendency recently is the extrapolation of the statement so as to give the impression that if a medical student participates in the treatment of our country, they would be a good doctor.
PS. This famous trilogy of statement originates from the masterpiece of Sun Simiao (孫思邈), Manual of Emergency and Essential Formulary (備急千金要方), Part 1, Chapter 4: Introduction to Diagnostic Techniques (論診候第四). No explanation was given in the text. However, considering the context of the whole chapter, it should be referring to the importance of public health and preventive medicine rather than anything related to politics.
You can read the full text from Wikisource.
Sunday, October 5, 2014
Simpson
My recent leisure reading is The Simpsons and Their Mathematical Secrets by Simon Singh.
This is a small book that summarizes many mathematical references appeared in The Simpsons, the famous American animated sitcom. Since many of the writers of the cartoon actually have an exceptional background related to mathematics or computer science, Singh tries to explain and analyze the underlying mathematical concepts and discuss how those games with numbers are related to the corresponding episodes of The Simpsons.
Is it difficult to read? Not quite. I believe anyone who has studied mathematics in high school could understand most of the jokes and explanation.
PS. A mathematical question that appears several time throughout the book is the P versus NP problem. Philosophically, the question could be translated into a single statement: Does all question have a simple solution?
Oh, it doesn't seem to be the case when I look at Admiralty.
This is a small book that summarizes many mathematical references appeared in The Simpsons, the famous American animated sitcom. Since many of the writers of the cartoon actually have an exceptional background related to mathematics or computer science, Singh tries to explain and analyze the underlying mathematical concepts and discuss how those games with numbers are related to the corresponding episodes of The Simpsons.
Is it difficult to read? Not quite. I believe anyone who has studied mathematics in high school could understand most of the jokes and explanation.
PS. A mathematical question that appears several time throughout the book is the P versus NP problem. Philosophically, the question could be translated into a single statement: Does all question have a simple solution?
Oh, it doesn't seem to be the case when I look at Admiralty.
Saturday, October 4, 2014
MSM
I went on to explain, "I see marriage - in the legal sense, with all the right specified by the law - is a small token that a society gives to a man and a woman settling together. It is not a right, but some kind of welfare. The society would like to encourage such a behaviour because marriage usually means having children, which is, in the long run, desirable for the society. Two men could get together. It is their own choice and I don't think the law should prohibit that. But, the point is, these two men should not enjoy the benefit of a traditional couple."
"You know, while listening to your mini-lecture on a man falling in love with another, I suddenly come to realize the most discriminating label to this group of people comes from the health care profession."
"Really? What's that?"
"MSM, men who have sex with men," L said with a weird smile.
"You are right. It gives the impression that all these people are after is lust and pleasure of their bodies. No, I believe many of them do have true love."
"You know, while listening to your mini-lecture on a man falling in love with another, I suddenly come to realize the most discriminating label to this group of people comes from the health care profession."
"Really? What's that?"
"MSM, men who have sex with men," L said with a weird smile.
"You are right. It gives the impression that all these people are after is lust and pleasure of their bodies. No, I believe many of them do have true love."
Friday, October 3, 2014
Right
L looked serious to my sayings, "My friend, you are inviting enemy from all die-hard fans of equal opportunity!"
"That may be true," I nodded, "It obviously depends on for whom and what opportunity you are pursuing to be equal. If you talk about an equal right to get married, let me give you an extreme example: How would you respond if a Catholic priest or a Buddhist monk is making such a request? Silly, of course. By choosing to be a priest or a monk, you give up the right of getting married. I would therefore argue, two men who choose to fall in love do give up the same right. No, I'm not against them. As I said, if I have two friends holding a banquet to declare their relation, I shall be more than happy to attend and share their happiness."
"I cannot say I agree with you. As an academic, the two groups that you mention are not strictly comparable. It could be argued that getting married is a human right and you are compromising that right of a minority group."
"It depends on your definition of human right." I said, "I fully support all people - irrespective to their ethnic origin, religion and sexual preference - should have the same opportunity of taking up a job, getting into the university, or vote in an election. However, getting marry is a different matter."
"How could you say that?"
"That may be true," I nodded, "It obviously depends on for whom and what opportunity you are pursuing to be equal. If you talk about an equal right to get married, let me give you an extreme example: How would you respond if a Catholic priest or a Buddhist monk is making such a request? Silly, of course. By choosing to be a priest or a monk, you give up the right of getting married. I would therefore argue, two men who choose to fall in love do give up the same right. No, I'm not against them. As I said, if I have two friends holding a banquet to declare their relation, I shall be more than happy to attend and share their happiness."
"I cannot say I agree with you. As an academic, the two groups that you mention are not strictly comparable. It could be argued that getting married is a human right and you are compromising that right of a minority group."
"It depends on your definition of human right." I said, "I fully support all people - irrespective to their ethnic origin, religion and sexual preference - should have the same opportunity of taking up a job, getting into the university, or vote in an election. However, getting marry is a different matter."
"How could you say that?"
Thursday, October 2, 2014
Discriminate
“But I’m serious,” I went on to explain, “The very fact is, I have no problem to accept people with a different culture or sexual preference, but I would have difficulty if they actively promote what they are doing!”
“Such as…?”
“Let me use ethnic minority as an example. In this city, if I have a dedicated Muslim colleague, it is absolutely fine to allow him praying five times a day. However, if he proposes to have the first day of Ramadan as a government holiday, I would hardly agree.”
“I see.”
“Another example is same-sex marriage. I have a handful of friends who are homosexual. That’s an open secret and I have no problem to work or make friend with them. In fact, if one of them invite me to his wedding banquet, I am quite happy to join. However, I would feel rather uneasy if they stand up and fight for a legal right to get married. If something is slightly out-of-the-way, we could accept and bear with it, but we cannot say it is right.”
“Such as…?”
“Let me use ethnic minority as an example. In this city, if I have a dedicated Muslim colleague, it is absolutely fine to allow him praying five times a day. However, if he proposes to have the first day of Ramadan as a government holiday, I would hardly agree.”
“I see.”
“Another example is same-sex marriage. I have a handful of friends who are homosexual. That’s an open secret and I have no problem to work or make friend with them. In fact, if one of them invite me to his wedding banquet, I am quite happy to join. However, I would feel rather uneasy if they stand up and fight for a legal right to get married. If something is slightly out-of-the-way, we could accept and bear with it, but we cannot say it is right.”
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Distinguish
L looked serious to my question, “I’m not sure. As Tsao Chip (陶傑) loves to say, it may not be a good idea to accommodate too much of a minority group – especially when these people are extremists.”
“Good point. The problem is, what should we do if we live in a place where extremists and supporters of dictatorship appear to be the majority?”
“My friend, that’s a more profound problem.” He nodded.
“On a second thought, however, I would have to disagree with your original proposition,” I said, “Some ideas are not meant to be spread, and we could easily distinguish freedom of holding an idea from permission to promulgate that idea. “
“Really? What kind of idea are you talking about?”
“I mean ideas that come from certain personal characteristics that could not be modified, for example, the race or sexual preference of a person.”
“Oh, my god!” L exclaimed, “You open the Pandora Box!”
“Good point. The problem is, what should we do if we live in a place where extremists and supporters of dictatorship appear to be the majority?”
“My friend, that’s a more profound problem.” He nodded.
“On a second thought, however, I would have to disagree with your original proposition,” I said, “Some ideas are not meant to be spread, and we could easily distinguish freedom of holding an idea from permission to promulgate that idea. “
“Really? What kind of idea are you talking about?”
“I mean ideas that come from certain personal characteristics that could not be modified, for example, the race or sexual preference of a person.”
“Oh, my god!” L exclaimed, “You open the Pandora Box!”
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