見於哈爾濱街頭。
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Don't cry out loud
I just love this song, especially the chorus:
------
Don't cry out loud
Just keep it inside and learn how to hide your feelings
Fly high and proud
And if you should fall, remember you almost made it
Don't cry out loud
Just keep it inside and learn how to hide your feelings
Fly high and proud
And if you should fall, remember you almost had it all
------
Don't cry out loud
Just keep it inside and learn how to hide your feelings
Fly high and proud
And if you should fall, remember you almost made it
Don't cry out loud
Just keep it inside and learn how to hide your feelings
Fly high and proud
And if you should fall, remember you almost had it all
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
財政預算案
今天公佈的財政預算案，一如早前放風之預計，只有一點點的舒困措施，包括退稅減差餉等老技倆，但沒有大膽的振興經濟方案，我相當失望。
是次財政預算中的措施，可草分為下面的類別：
１． 派糖 （減稅，免差餉，減租）
一點點的退稅及減差餉，在現時那麼差的消費氣氛下，對推動消費起不了甚麼大的作用。老實說，我倒不會因為退了稅而去買多一支鏡頭。
２． 購買就業 （大學畢業生實習計劃）
這是一個浪費而且對就業率沒甚幫助的白痴措施。政府資助實習生的人工，但經濟沒起色，生意及工作量沒增加，你是老闆會怎做呢？炒掉一些舊人就是了！
３． 以政府開支創造就業 （樓宇更新大行動，提升政府大樓及公共設施的能源效益）
這是一個較正確的方向。在蕭條時增加公共開支以促進經濟活動，是傳統經濟學，人人皆知。預算案所提的開支雖算是可快速進行的項目，但想深一層，那不是一早該做的事情嗎？只是老調重彈吧？這一方向的建議只有少少的三數項，在當前的經濟危機下未免是少得可憐！
４． 新的金融業點子（政府債券、開發伊斯蘭金融）
這可算是有點新意（雖然是早幾年已有人提出）。但當前世界的金融市場正重新洗牌中，老美的債券也尚且要‘求’人去買，香港政府算是甚麼？而新金融市場的發展可不是說完可以做，是要時間讓國際市場接受的。要救水深火熱的經濟，太遠了。
５． 繼續研究
那些甚麼開拓新興市場、推動科技發展、推動旅遊、優化監管制度等，統統可歸納為繼續研究，不值一晒！回歸後政府在經濟機會一課上的不斷研究，至今尚沒有一個頭緒來，亦沒有甚麼實質結論或成績，頂多其志可嘉。希望能借此解救經濟衰退也未免太樂觀了。
６． 例行事項
其他一堆的優化生活、支援基層、教育投資等等等等，都是負責任政府日常該做的，不算得是解決經濟問題的方案。
我認為在這次金融海嘯下，香港要把本土經濟市道保持下去，就業及經濟收縮才不致太壞。旅遊業固然是一條救命繩，但本地的消費倒也重要。對外出口等經濟活動較為被動及難以控制，本土經濟的‘塘水滾塘魚’就不能忽視。一些鼓勵消費的政策不難推出，例如減免高消費品的稅項（樓房，車等）、又或是各行業的促銷活動購物節等（去年12月的電腦節人流不就破了之前的記錄嗎？），務求市面氣氛鬧哄哄.....
但這次預算案對如何搞熱本土經濟隻字未提，我認為是最大的敗筆！
是次財政預算中的措施，可草分為下面的類別：
１． 派糖 （減稅，免差餉，減租）
一點點的退稅及減差餉，在現時那麼差的消費氣氛下，對推動消費起不了甚麼大的作用。老實說，我倒不會因為退了稅而去買多一支鏡頭。
２． 購買就業 （大學畢業生實習計劃）
這是一個浪費而且對就業率沒甚幫助的白痴措施。政府資助實習生的人工，但經濟沒起色，生意及工作量沒增加，你是老闆會怎做呢？炒掉一些舊人就是了！
３． 以政府開支創造就業 （樓宇更新大行動，提升政府大樓及公共設施的能源效益）
這是一個較正確的方向。在蕭條時增加公共開支以促進經濟活動，是傳統經濟學，人人皆知。預算案所提的開支雖算是可快速進行的項目，但想深一層，那不是一早該做的事情嗎？只是老調重彈吧？這一方向的建議只有少少的三數項，在當前的經濟危機下未免是少得可憐！
４． 新的金融業點子（政府債券、開發伊斯蘭金融）
這可算是有點新意（雖然是早幾年已有人提出）。但當前世界的金融市場正重新洗牌中，老美的債券也尚且要‘求’人去買，香港政府算是甚麼？而新金融市場的發展可不是說完可以做，是要時間讓國際市場接受的。要救水深火熱的經濟，太遠了。
５． 繼續研究
那些甚麼開拓新興市場、推動科技發展、推動旅遊、優化監管制度等，統統可歸納為繼續研究，不值一晒！回歸後政府在經濟機會一課上的不斷研究，至今尚沒有一個頭緒來，亦沒有甚麼實質結論或成績，頂多其志可嘉。希望能借此解救經濟衰退也未免太樂觀了。
６． 例行事項
其他一堆的優化生活、支援基層、教育投資等等等等，都是負責任政府日常該做的，不算得是解決經濟問題的方案。
我認為在這次金融海嘯下，香港要把本土經濟市道保持下去，就業及經濟收縮才不致太壞。旅遊業固然是一條救命繩，但本地的消費倒也重要。對外出口等經濟活動較為被動及難以控制，本土經濟的‘塘水滾塘魚’就不能忽視。一些鼓勵消費的政策不難推出，例如減免高消費品的稅項（樓房，車等）、又或是各行業的促銷活動購物節等（去年12月的電腦節人流不就破了之前的記錄嗎？），務求市面氣氛鬧哄哄.....
但這次預算案對如何搞熱本土經濟隻字未提，我認為是最大的敗筆！
OLD LADY'S LETTER TO HER BANK
Get this from an e-mail.... this is funny!
--------
Shown below, is an actual letter that was sent to a bank by an 86-year old woman. The bank manager thought it amusing enough to have it published in the New York Times.
Dear Sir:
I am writing to thank you for bouncing my check with which I endeavored to pay my plumber last month.
By my calculations, three nanoseconds must have elapsed between his presenting the check and the arrival in my account of the funds needed to honor it. I refer, of course, to the automatic monthly deposit of my entire pension, an arrangement which, I admit, has been in place for only eight years. You are to be commended for seizing that brief window of opportunity, and also for debiting my account $30 by way of penalty for the inconvenience caused to your bank. My thankfulness springs from the manner in which this incident has caused me to rethink my errant financial ways.
I noticed that whereas I personally answer your telephone calls and letters, --- when I try to contact you, I am confronted by the impersonal, overcharging, pre-recorded, faceless entity which your bank has become.
From now on, I, like you, choose only to deal with a Flesh-and-blood person. My mortgage and loan repayments will therefore and hereafter no longer be automatic, but will arrive at your bank, by check, addressed personally and confidentially to an employee at your bank whom you must nominate.
Be aware that it is an offense under the Postal Act for any other person to open such an envelope. Please find attached an Application Contract which I require your chosen employee to complete. I am sorry it runs to eight pages, but in order that I know as much about him or her as your bank knows about me, there is no alternative. Please note that all copies of his or her medical history must be countersigned by a Notary Public, and the mandatory details of his/her financial situation (income, debts, assets and liabilities) must be accompanied by documented proof. In due course, at MY convenience, I will issue your employee with a PIN number which he/she must quote in dealings with me.
I regret that it cannot be shorter than 28 digits but, again, I have modeled it on the number of button presses required of me to access my account balance on your phone bank service. As they say, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
Let me level the playing field even further. When you call me, press buttons as follows:
IMMEDIATELY AFTER DIALING, PRESS THE STAR (*) BUTTON FOR ENGLISH
#1. To make an appointment to see me
#2. To query a missing payment.
#3. To transfer the call to my living room in case I am there.
#4. To transfer the call to my bedroom in case I am sleeping
#5. To transfer the call to my toilet in case I am attending to nature.
#6. To transfer the call to my mobile phone if I am not at home
#7. To leave a message on my computer, a password to access my computer is required. Password will be communicated to you at a later date to that Authorized Contact mentioned earlier.
#8. To return to the main menu and to listen to options 1 through 7.
#9. To make a general complaint or inquiry. The contact will then be put on hold, pending the attention of my automated answering service.
#10. This is a second reminder to press* for English. While this may, on occasion, involve a lengthy wait, uplifting music will play for the duration of the call.
Regrettably, but again following your example, I must also levy an establishment fee to cover the setting up of this new arrangement. May I wish you a happy, if ever so slightly less prosperous New Year?
Your Humble Client.
Remember: This was written by an 86 year old woman) 'YA JUST GOTTA LOVE ' US SENIORS' !!!!!
--------
Shown below, is an actual letter that was sent to a bank by an 86-year old woman. The bank manager thought it amusing enough to have it published in the New York Times.
Dear Sir:
I am writing to thank you for bouncing my check with which I endeavored to pay my plumber last month.
By my calculations, three nanoseconds must have elapsed between his presenting the check and the arrival in my account of the funds needed to honor it. I refer, of course, to the automatic monthly deposit of my entire pension, an arrangement which, I admit, has been in place for only eight years. You are to be commended for seizing that brief window of opportunity, and also for debiting my account $30 by way of penalty for the inconvenience caused to your bank. My thankfulness springs from the manner in which this incident has caused me to rethink my errant financial ways.
I noticed that whereas I personally answer your telephone calls and letters, --- when I try to contact you, I am confronted by the impersonal, overcharging, pre-recorded, faceless entity which your bank has become.
From now on, I, like you, choose only to deal with a Flesh-and-blood person. My mortgage and loan repayments will therefore and hereafter no longer be automatic, but will arrive at your bank, by check, addressed personally and confidentially to an employee at your bank whom you must nominate.
Be aware that it is an offense under the Postal Act for any other person to open such an envelope. Please find attached an Application Contract which I require your chosen employee to complete. I am sorry it runs to eight pages, but in order that I know as much about him or her as your bank knows about me, there is no alternative. Please note that all copies of his or her medical history must be countersigned by a Notary Public, and the mandatory details of his/her financial situation (income, debts, assets and liabilities) must be accompanied by documented proof. In due course, at MY convenience, I will issue your employee with a PIN number which he/she must quote in dealings with me.
I regret that it cannot be shorter than 28 digits but, again, I have modeled it on the number of button presses required of me to access my account balance on your phone bank service. As they say, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
Let me level the playing field even further. When you call me, press buttons as follows:
IMMEDIATELY AFTER DIALING, PRESS THE STAR (*) BUTTON FOR ENGLISH
#1. To make an appointment to see me
#2. To query a missing payment.
#3. To transfer the call to my living room in case I am there.
#4. To transfer the call to my bedroom in case I am sleeping
#5. To transfer the call to my toilet in case I am attending to nature.
#6. To transfer the call to my mobile phone if I am not at home
#7. To leave a message on my computer, a password to access my computer is required. Password will be communicated to you at a later date to that Authorized Contact mentioned earlier.
#8. To return to the main menu and to listen to options 1 through 7.
#9. To make a general complaint or inquiry. The contact will then be put on hold, pending the attention of my automated answering service.
#10. This is a second reminder to press* for English. While this may, on occasion, involve a lengthy wait, uplifting music will play for the duration of the call.
Regrettably, but again following your example, I must also levy an establishment fee to cover the setting up of this new arrangement. May I wish you a happy, if ever so slightly less prosperous New Year?
Your Humble Client.
Remember: This was written by an 86 year old woman) 'YA JUST GOTTA LOVE ' US SENIORS' !!!!!
Friday, February 20, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
A collection of classics...
Got this from an e-mail. GOOD.... especially #26!!
[1] Sometimes, when I look at my children, I say to myself, 'Lillian, you should have remained a virgin.' - Lillian Carter (mother of Jimmy Carter).
[2] I had a rose named after me and I was very flattered. But I was not pleased to read the description in the catalogue: 'No good in a bed, but fine against a wall.' - Eleanor Roosevelt.
[3] Last week, I stated this woman was the ugliest woman I had ever seen. I have since been visited by her sister, and now wish to withdraw that statement. - Mark Twain.
[4] The secret of a good sermon is to have a good beginning and a good ending; and to have the two as close together as possible. - George Burns.
[5] Santa Claus has the right idea. Visit people only once a year. - Victor Borge.
[6] Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint. - Mark Twain.
[7] What would men be without women? Scarce, sir…mighty scarce. - Mark Twain.
[8] By all means, marry. If you get a good wife, you'll become happy; if you get a bad one, you'll become a philosopher. - Socrates.
[9] I was married by a judge. I should have asked for a jury. - Groucho Marx.
[10] My wife has a slight impediment in her speech. Every now and then she stops to breathe. - Jimmy Durante.
[11] The male is a domestic animal which, if treated with firmness and kindness, can be trained to do most things. - Jilly Cooper.
[12] I have never hated a man enough to give his diamonds back. - Zsa ZsaGabor.
[13] Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four essential food groups: alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat. - Alex Levine.
[14] Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first. - Mark Twain.
[15] My luck is so bad that if I bought a cemetery, people would stop dying. -Ed Furgol
[16] Money can't buy you happiness . . . but it does bring you a more pleasant form of misery. - Spike Milligan.
[17] What's the use of happiness? It can't buy you money. - Henny Youngman.
[18] I am opposed to millionaires . .but it would be dangerous to offer me the position. - Mark Twain.
[19] Until I was thirteen, I thought my name was shut up. - Joe Namath.
[20] Youth would be an ideal state if it came a little later in life. - Herbert Henry Asquith.
[21] I don't feel old. I don't feel anything until noon. Then it's time for my nap. - Bob Hope.
[22] I never drink water because of the disgusting things that fish do in it. - WC Fields
[23] We could certainly slow the aging process down if it had to work its way through Congress. - Will Rogers.
[24] Don't worry about avoiding temptation . . . as you grow older, it will avoid you. - W. Churchill.
[25] Maybe it's true that life begins at fifty . . . but everything else starts to wear out, fall out, or spread out. - Phyllis Diller.
[26] The cardiologist's diet: If it tastes good spit it out. - Unknown.
[27] By the time a man is wise enough to watch his step, he's too old to go anywhere. - Billy Crystal
And MY favorite is a quote from Sir Winston Churchill:
A woman says to him, 'if I were married to you, I would poison your coffee' and he replies, 'if you were my wife, I'd drink it'.
[1] Sometimes, when I look at my children, I say to myself, 'Lillian, you should have remained a virgin.' - Lillian Carter (mother of Jimmy Carter).
[2] I had a rose named after me and I was very flattered. But I was not pleased to read the description in the catalogue: 'No good in a bed, but fine against a wall.' - Eleanor Roosevelt.
[3] Last week, I stated this woman was the ugliest woman I had ever seen. I have since been visited by her sister, and now wish to withdraw that statement. - Mark Twain.
[4] The secret of a good sermon is to have a good beginning and a good ending; and to have the two as close together as possible. - George Burns.
[5] Santa Claus has the right idea. Visit people only once a year. - Victor Borge.
[6] Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint. - Mark Twain.
[7] What would men be without women? Scarce, sir…mighty scarce. - Mark Twain.
[8] By all means, marry. If you get a good wife, you'll become happy; if you get a bad one, you'll become a philosopher. - Socrates.
[9] I was married by a judge. I should have asked for a jury. - Groucho Marx.
[10] My wife has a slight impediment in her speech. Every now and then she stops to breathe. - Jimmy Durante.
[11] The male is a domestic animal which, if treated with firmness and kindness, can be trained to do most things. - Jilly Cooper.
[12] I have never hated a man enough to give his diamonds back. - Zsa ZsaGabor.
[13] Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four essential food groups: alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat. - Alex Levine.
[14] Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first. - Mark Twain.
[15] My luck is so bad that if I bought a cemetery, people would stop dying. -Ed Furgol
[16] Money can't buy you happiness . . . but it does bring you a more pleasant form of misery. - Spike Milligan.
[17] What's the use of happiness? It can't buy you money. - Henny Youngman.
[18] I am opposed to millionaires . .but it would be dangerous to offer me the position. - Mark Twain.
[19] Until I was thirteen, I thought my name was shut up. - Joe Namath.
[20] Youth would be an ideal state if it came a little later in life. - Herbert Henry Asquith.
[21] I don't feel old. I don't feel anything until noon. Then it's time for my nap. - Bob Hope.
[22] I never drink water because of the disgusting things that fish do in it. - WC Fields
[23] We could certainly slow the aging process down if it had to work its way through Congress. - Will Rogers.
[24] Don't worry about avoiding temptation . . . as you grow older, it will avoid you. - W. Churchill.
[25] Maybe it's true that life begins at fifty . . . but everything else starts to wear out, fall out, or spread out. - Phyllis Diller.
[26] The cardiologist's diet: If it tastes good spit it out. - Unknown.
[27] By the time a man is wise enough to watch his step, he's too old to go anywhere. - Billy Crystal
And MY favorite is a quote from Sir Winston Churchill:
A woman says to him, 'if I were married to you, I would poison your coffee' and he replies, 'if you were my wife, I'd drink it'.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Microsoft Shop?
報導說 Microsoft 有意開設零售點。
Microsoft 有這構思，明顯是受到Apple Shop 的成功例子所影響吧。Apple Shop 無疑為 Apple 的產品披上更高級的型像，但同樣的策略於 Microsoft 同樣可行嗎？
Apple 賣的多是硬件及配件，這樣的產品確實需要一個零售的地方讓顧客可以 touch & feel 有關產品；而零售點的設計及裝璜等的確可以為顧客對產品之感覺來個錦上添花。可是，Microsoft 賣的以軟件為主，如何可以借零七點增強顧客的感受？即使Microsoft 有少量的配件產品，但也大多是爛東西，跟本對零售業務沒大幫助。
且看M$店的下文如何吧！
Microsoft 有這構思，明顯是受到Apple Shop 的成功例子所影響吧。Apple Shop 無疑為 Apple 的產品披上更高級的型像，但同樣的策略於 Microsoft 同樣可行嗎？
Apple 賣的多是硬件及配件，這樣的產品確實需要一個零售的地方讓顧客可以 touch & feel 有關產品；而零售點的設計及裝璜等的確可以為顧客對產品之感覺來個錦上添花。可是，Microsoft 賣的以軟件為主，如何可以借零七點增強顧客的感受？即使Microsoft 有少量的配件產品，但也大多是爛東西，跟本對零售業務沒大幫助。
且看M$店的下文如何吧！
Friday, February 13, 2009
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
我的 LG KS20
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
中國不滿賴昌星獲加工作證
中國外交部表示不滿賴昌星獲加工作證。
大概中國政府真的不知法治的概念吧！姓賴的跑到加拿大，你中國政府要求引渡的官司還沒有完結，姓賴的就是一個無罪之身。既是無罪之身，那居住期許滿獲發工作許可又有甚麼問題？
外交部這個聲言，似乎有點失禮世人！
大概中國政府真的不知法治的概念吧！姓賴的跑到加拿大，你中國政府要求引渡的官司還沒有完結，姓賴的就是一個無罪之身。既是無罪之身，那居住期許滿獲發工作許可又有甚麼問題？
外交部這個聲言，似乎有點失禮世人！
LG MINI HIFI 駁 iPOD = 災難
上幾個月買部 LG 電視，送部 mini-Hifi，都算幾正。
放賣左成個月都冇人吼，卒之拆盒自用。Ｄ聲..... 普通 mini-Hifi 聲，有收音機，有 USB Port 又有ipod port, 駁 USB 手指播歌都可以，不過因為選歌好煩，部hifi 又冇中文display，所以今早試下駁部 ipod nano (第一代)試下。唔試由自可，一試把幾火！！駁左ipod 後部ipod 出左一個怪icon，跟住點都認唔倒部ipod內既歌；unplug 啦，點知ipod 開唔番，駁入電腦，又認唔番...... 頂！唔通咁就要報費？
放賣左成個月都冇人吼，卒之拆盒自用。Ｄ聲..... 普通 mini-Hifi 聲，有收音機，有 USB Port 又有ipod port, 駁 USB 手指播歌都可以，不過因為選歌好煩，部hifi 又冇中文display，所以今早試下駁部 ipod nano (第一代)試下。唔試由自可，一試把幾火！！駁左ipod 後部ipod 出左一個怪icon，跟住點都認唔倒部ipod內既歌；unplug 啦，點知ipod 開唔番，駁入電腦，又認唔番...... 頂！唔通咁就要報費？
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