Just Say Yes? I'm not Surprised!

I really can't help myself but to transcribe the following dialog from a TVB's drama: (I am not a professional translator so I am doing the best I can)

[HIM & HER hugging very tightly]

Her: When did you fall in love with me? At first sight? Second sight?

Him: No

[HER pushes slightly away from the hugging and look at HIM]

Her: Say Yes [softly]

Him: Does one have to lie to be in love?

Her: [pause] Say Yes

Him: [slightly hesitant] Yes, how about you?

Her: [return to the tightly hugging position] I am not telling you. It is my secret.

How come I am not surprised?

The Sky is the Limit??

A 5,636 sq ft "semi-duplex" on West Mid-Levels is fetching for HKD 357.73 million? This is just crazy! Am I seeing another real estate bubble about to burst? Such luxury properties may not affect the average overall real estate pricing in Hong Kong (in my opinion) but it is an indication, benchmark or even an unjustifiable excuse for potential sellers or developers to raise their prices. It is no longer the question of affordability, it is whether this price level is justifiable in my humble opinion.

Although real estate is one of the most preferred methods for accumulation of wealth in a Chinese society, I am not sure it is the best or most practically way to do so in Hong Kong, at least for the general population. Then again, I am no expert in this area and Hong Kong has always been strong in supporting its own unique economy (and its property market) over the years. Who knows, now that the so-called real estate bubble (or balloon) in Hong Kong is Made in China, it is quite difficult to predict, maybe it will never burst?

The Standard: http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=30&art_id=89166&sid=25696230&con_type=1

Stay Positive, Stay Creative !

Piano Staircase



The World Deepest Bin



The fun theory
http://www.rolighetsteorin.se/en/

Redefining Quality

While buying the newly Gingerbread Cappuccino at Pacific Coffee today, I saw the following quote on one of their their mugs.

Quality is not an act, it is a habit. - Aristotle

I am not certain in what context Aristotle delivered this quote but I believe it can apply under all circumstances. My view is that quality is more than just a habit, it is an attitude, a refined attitude perhaps. So tempted to get that MUG now!

7 Oct 2009: I just bought the MUG ! Yeah !

Double Standard?

A few months back when the Swine Flu (aka H1N1) situation/news broke out in Hong Kong, people rushed out to get their hands on the last remaining facial masks even when they were marked up 300%. Now, look around, there are very few people wearing mask in publicly crowded area or transportation even when they are coughing so hard. Bus drivers, taxi drivers, cashiers at supermarkets, passengers on crowded morning bus are all coughing without a mask on! What happened to the overly protective reaction when the H1N1 news first broke out? Now I am coughing too!!!

From what I last heard, the H1N1 situation is not getting less serious. The Center of Health Protection scale the swine flu surveillance programmee because the virus was milder than expected, not because it was less contagious! The Center of Health Protection estimated that approximately 50 million city residents have been infected, only so far!

I think city residents of Hong Kong are very easily distracted by other news or issues, such as the stock market !!! A few months back, if you were not wearing mask like everyone does, you will be looked at in such a way as if you a very insensitive and selfish individual. If you are wearing a mask in the subways, buses or in a supermarket, people would take a few steps back from you and look at you in such a way as if you are very insensitive and selfish individual for coming out in the open when I should be staying home. I don't mind being looked at in whatever ways people like when I am wearing a mask, but please ... when it comes to contagious or potential contagious disease, drop the double standard and don't just act to your own convenience.

Jan Lamb's "Yes, I do ... 30mething" [林海峰-是但噏x我願意]

Jan Lamb's (林海峰) latest talk show titled "Yes, I do ... 30mething" (是但噏x我願意) was definitely better than I expected. The topic as the title suggested was on marriage but it also included other aspects of relationship between couples. I was surprised by the second half of the talk show which was more like a ... musical, featuring a newlywed couple, actually a soon-to-be newlywed couple. Apparently different couples each night. Special guest Eric Kot Man Fai (葛文輝) together with singer Kay Tse (謝安琪) was certainly a nice touch, pushing the show into another climax. The following are some pictures I took during the talk show I like to share.

It's time to turn over a new leaf

Ever since I started blogging (especially with my food blog), I get to know myself better everyday. The more I understand myself the more I want to / need to turn over a new leaf. I have been trying to do that for a while actually but I have been standing / sitting on top of the leaf so it is rather difficult to turn it over. However, one should not procrastinate for too long and I am going to step off the leaf and try to turn it over now (or soon) !!! How am I going to do that? Still in the process of figuring it by at least I am trying !!!!!!

Where is the Music in the City?

After having a very full Sunday brunch at Kitchen (W Hotel @ Elements), it was time to walk around for better digestion. Over at one of the main foyer, there was a three men band playing some Jazz Blues. If this band was playing at the brunch location it would be great especially with the New Orleans' theme the restaurant was promoting.



Such performances are really lacking in Hong Kong in my opinion. I am not in the creative industry (maybe I should give it a try) but I do appreciate the occasional musical scene around town, be in malls or street performances. I really do think there should be more of such performances in Hong Kong in general. I stood there for over 15 mins just to enjoy their performances which was wonderful indeed. Music can help you relax, music can even heal your souls and music can be what you want it to be. Before returning to Hong Kong, I never really understand the power of music or how to appreciate it, but overtime as I travel on my life journey, I started to embrace it with all I can because listening to the kind of music I love, it can help me "Put On A Happy Face."

The Beauty of Randomness

Sitting at Starbucks one evening while awaiting for my Happy Hour to start with a few friends working nearby, a few random thoughts came to my attention. Actually, there are random thoughts in my mind all the time!



What I had in mind at that moment was how come people in Hong Kong like to rush or always seem to be in a rush, to catch the MTR (which will arrive in just 1 min) or to run down / up escalator ending up waiting for the elevator next to me.



HOWEVER, at the same time, people in Hong Kong love to line up as well. How ironic, rushing & lining up! People like to line up for almost anything; from new IPOs, monthly sale at department stores or simply some special drinks (ie: bubble tea). I just don't understand sometimes even after returning to Hong Kong for a number of years.

Hong Kong? No Hong Kong?

It so happens this current issue (Issue 91) of CUP magazine talks about the exact topic which has been in my mind over the past few weeks or even months. I have been questioning whether Hong Kong is a liveable city and how to define what is a liveable city. Of course it all depends on how to define it and how you want to like it to be, no defined answer in my opinion, but I started to question whether it is the right place for me.



To quote from one of the articles by Philip Dodd titled All About People:

... From my ideal city I want (at different times) excitement, safety, tolerance, quiet, opportunity; I want a city that encourages self assertiveness and confidence in everyone, that makes me feel as if I belong.

My choice of city may differ according to my age ... How rich I am will also determine whhc city I will find attractive ...

But there is a simpler truth: most people do not have a choice where they live. Only the truly rich do. Most of us live where we live because of employment and work opportunities.

I do agree with the above mentioned, the question or the concern I have is that Hong Kong does not seem to be giving me the self assertiveness and confidence I hoped for and that applies to the so-called opportunities that everyone is talking about for the past two decades. It is this concern and realization that makes me question on the liveable aspect of Hong Kong and whether I should be constrained by this "box" I talked about in my previous entry on "Thinking Out of the Box."

=============

For some odd reasons, CUP magazine often touches on topics that I can truly relates to and at the exact timing as well. For example, I was thinking about what changes I should make to my life in general and CUP came out with an issue (Issue 88) on "It's Time to do Something." In one way or the other, it was this back issue that encourged me to start blogging, to do something new, to do something exciting and to do something I enjoy for a change. I am really glad I started my food blog.



Pictures belongs to: CUP Magazine Publishing Ltd.

Thinking out of the Box?

I always hear people referring to the phrase "thinking out of the box" and I never really understand the extend of such application. For instance, when solving problem, try thinking of out the box or when brain storming, try thinking of out the box. You get the idea ... However, this phrase has a brand new meaning to me recently, thinking out of the box is not all about coming up unconventional ideas or creative thinking, it is the attitude to life.

After spending the past few years in Hong Kong, I find myself living in a box. I seriously think I am not the only one in Hong Kong who has the same feeling. The social, cultural and economic atmosphere in Hong Kong is a big rigid cloudy box of which many of us are trying to find a spot within to settle down (or at least to get comfortable with). However, it is a very crowded box that is shrinking in my opinion. You would find yourself trying very hard to make adjustments to your life, your belief and even your moral principle in order to fit into this little box and to get along with the others who are doing the same thing. Do you know what exactly you are doing or trying to achieve when fitting in?

Why are we all doing that? Why are people from all over the world try to come into this little box? I am sure we all have our own reasons but the question is whether that is the right reason(s). I understand it is such a cliche to say "follow your dreams" because there are million reasons, limitations or family responsibilities standing in between your dreams; but can't all these limitations or responsibilities be overcome outside this box? I am starting to this it is indeed possible.

By getting out of this box, it has nothing to do with the lack of perseverance, patience or even your capability to adapt to different environments; it is to do with your attitude and how you want to protect that from the influence inside the box. If you are trying to find ways to fit yourself within the box reluctantly or unwillingly, you are being led instead of to lead. First step is to think out of the box, then look outside the box, reach out of the box and then stay out of the box. You don't have to stay inside the box to achieve your objectives or to overcome your responsibilities. Why travel on your life journey inside a square box when you stay outside the box and walk on your two feet? I am thinking about it ... so should you!

I had a dream ...

I had a dream last night, no ... I had many dreams last night ... so many that my head continued to spin when I got up this morning. As far as I can remember, all my dreams involved me doing various kinds of exercises like running, swimming and chasing after (and by) a dog or something along those lines. Maybe it is a sign that I should start doing more exercises ... maybe ... let me seriously think about it first over the weekend ...

Q & A (aka Slumdog Millionaire)

I have yet to watch the movie but I really enjoyed the book. It was a surprisingly easy read novel and I literally cannot put it down. It has sparked my interest in learning more about India in general, particularly its culture. I would recommend anyone to read it before watching the movie if you have not done so. Even if you have watched the movie, read it still because I am pretty sure there are slight differences between the two. Time to buy the DVD and watch it !!!

Book Cover obtained from: http://www.rbooks.co.uk/

A Question of Fairness?

Another interesting passage on the topic of fairness. Put your think cap on and start thinking !!

Chapter 10: The Veil of Ignorance

The twenty civilians selected to go and live on the Mars colony were set an unusual task. On the red planet there would be a number of goods, including accommodation, food, drink and luxury items. They had to decide, before they went out, on what basis those goods would be distributed. But crucially, they did not know what the most important task would be on the colony. All the work could be manual, or none of it. It might require great intelligence, it might be better suited to those less in need of mental stimulation.

The first suggestion made was that everything should be shared equally; from each according to their abilities, to each according to their needs. But then someone raised an objection. If there was lots of work to be done and someone refused to do their share, wouldn't it be unfair to reward them with an equal slice of the cake? Surely there needed to be an incentive to contribute?

The objection was accepted, but that just seems to lead to more problems. Fairness did not appear to mean the same as giving everyone the same. But what then did it mean?

Source: Chapter 3 of A Theory of Justice by John Rawls (Harvard University Press, 1971)

The Pig that Wants to be Eaten: 100 Experiments for the Armchair Philosopher by Julian Baggini (2005, PLUME). Picture from: Barnes & Nobles

Don't blame me !

Another interesting passage / chapter from the book titled The Pig that Wants to be Eaten: 100 Experiments for the Armchair Philosopher. This one is a special tribute to all my friends in the legal field. Not directly applicable but it certainly made me laugh and at the same time think of its validity in a day-to-day context.

Chapter 34 - Don't blame me

'Mary, Mungo and Midge. You stand accused of a grievous crime. What do you have to say for yourselves?'

'Yes, I did it,' said Mary. 'But it wasn't my fault. I consulted an expert and she told me that was what I ought to do. So don't me me, blame her.'

'I too did it,' said Mungo. 'But it wasn't my fault. I consulted my therapist and she told me that was what I ought to do. SO don't blame me, blame her.'

'I won't deny I did it,' said Midge. 'But it wasn't my fault. I consulted an astrologer and he told me that since Neptune was in Aries, that's what I should have done. So don't blame me, blame him.'

The judge sighed and issues his verdict. 'Since this case is without precedent, I have had to discuss it with my senior colleagues. And I'm afraid to say that your arguments did not persuade them. I sentence you all to the maximum term. But, please remember that I consulted my peers and they told me to deliver this sentence. So don't blame me, blame them.'

Source: Existentialism and Humanism by Jean-Paul Sartre (Methuen, 1948)

The Pig that Wants to be Eaten: 100 Experiments for the Armchair Philosopher by Julian Baggini (2005, PLUME). Picture from: Barnes & Nobles

Fair Inequality?

I would like to share an interesting piece I read recently from a booked titled The Pig that Wants to be Eaten: 100 Experiments for the Armchair Philosopher. I wonder how often one would encounter similar situation; my bet is very often.

Chapter 87: Fair Inequality

John and Margaret went shopping to buy Christmas presents for their three sons: Matthew, aged fourteen, Mark, who is twelve, and Luke, ten. The loving parents always tried to treat their children equally. This year, they ha budgeted to spend $100 on each of them.

For once it looked as if their shopping would be trouble free, for they soon found what they were looking for; handheld PlayBoy game consuls at $100 each. Just as they were about to take the three to the checkout, John noticed a special offer. If you bought two of the new, top of the range PlayBoyPlusMax consuls at $150 each, you would get an original PlayBoy free. They could spend the same amount of money and get superior goods.

'We can't do that,' said Margaret. 'That would be unfair, since one of the boys would be getting less than the others.'

'But Margaret,' said John, excited at the thought of borrowing his sons' new toys, 'how can it be unfair? This way none of them get a worse gift than the would have done, and two of them do better. But if we don't take the offer, two of the kids are worse off than they would otherwise be.'

'I want them to be equal,' replied Margaret.

'Even if it means making them worse off?'

Source: A Theory of Justice by John Rawls (Harvard University Press, 1971)

The Pig that Wants to be Eaten: 100 Experiments for the Armchair Philosopher by Julian Baggini (2005, PLUME). Picture from: Barnes & Noble

The Art of Bullshit

Do you like to bullshit? Why do we bullshit? How do we distinguish a lie from a bullshit? The book I just finished reading a book titled On Bullshit by Harry G. Frankfurt attempts to answer the above questions in a philological approach. The following introduction and excerpts are some I found to be rather interesting.

One of the most salient feature of our culture is is that there is so much bullshit. Everyone knows this. Each of us contributes his share. But we tend to take the situation for granted. Most people are rather confident of their ability to recognize bullshit and to avoid being taken in it ... we have no clear understanding of what bullshit is, why there is so much of it, or what functions it serves ...

What bullshit essentially misrepresents is neither the state of affairs to which it refers nor beliefs of the speaker concerning that state of affairs. Those are what lies misrepresent, by virtue of being false. since bullshit need not be false, it differs from lies in its nonrepresentational intent. The bullshitter may not deceive us, or even intend to do so, either about the facts or about what he takes the facts to be. What he does necessarily attempt to deceive us about his enterprise. His only indispensably distinctive characteristic is that in a certain way he misrepresents what he is up to.

On Bullshit by Harry G. Frankfurt (Princeton University Press, 2005.) Picture obtained from: Princeton University Press

I Now Surrender to Hong Kong Public Transportation!

Either I am in a bad luck streak or I am not meant to take public transportation in Hong Kong. The series of MTR incidents and not this? Why? I tell you why right now. During lunch hour, I took the tram from Sheung Wan to Admiralty, a mere 5 mins trip only. I was lucky enough (or in lack of it as you will see) that I got the very first row seat right in front of the huge window. The blowing wind, or "heat waves" I like to call it, is making me sweat so badly, but that was not the worst part of it.

A grumpy old man sitting next to me opened a plastic bag and grabbed a plum out. (the fruit plum) He seemed hungry because he quickly finished one and grabbed another one when the tram was still within the Central area. As soon as he started eating away his second plum, I peeked at the plum because the "label" was still on the skin of the plum. And it was at that moment I realized the plum must be very very juicy and sweet! ... How would I know? Simple, it was because of the plum juice got squirted onto my face and abit onto my lips !!! It was THAT juicy !

What's Next !!!!! I am taking the Ferry from Central to TST this evening, let's see if anything will happen ... sigh ...

Please stand back from the doors ... doo doo doo doo doo

Another MTR story to tell, a depressing story I may add. First, the setting of the story: rush hour, evening hours, Hong Kong station to Kowloon station direction, train fully packed awaiting for departure. As soon as the alert (ie: doo doo doo doo doo) went off, a lady 1000000000 miles away with a huge bag over her shoulder got herself in a "get-set-go" position and sprinted towards the sliding doors, right into where I was standing. Fine! I let her squeeze in as much as possible while the doors were closing. O how great, her huge bag was caught between the two sliding doors.

The sliding doors stopped and remained in the semi-closed / semi-opened position for about 5 - 7 seconds without a single jolt before they resumed operations. It was at this moment when they doors closed that the "100m female sprinter" standing beisde me mumbled the following: "Oooh, are the sliding doors broken?" Gees lady, hellooooooo ... guess who broke them in the first place !?

Better luck next time!

I heard the following conversations between a janitor and a gentleman in the bathroom while taking a leak in a mall this afternoon. (translated on a best effort basis)

Janitor: "Mark Six lottery is so hard to win. FxxK it, so difficult. And the line up is always long whenever I go buy the tickets. FxxK"

Man: "Yes indeed. Maybe try horse racing."

Jani

tor: "If my supervisor knows I go buy Mark Six during work hours, I will be fired for sure. Only if I win, then I can just quit and don't care about that son of a b_tch supervisor. FxxK. But my number picks just can't win. Why is that! "

I don't know about you, but I thought the point of lottery is not to be won that easily. Mark Six logo from: HKJC Lotteries Limited