Thoughts to You from Yours Truly - ( TYYT ) - ( 52 ) - Gratitude ( 感恩 ) - Nov., 29, 2010
Gratitude is the corner stone of happiness as an ungrateful person will never be satisfied with what he or she already possesses. Being ungrateful will lead to an insatiable desire to covet everything one does not have. It will easily turn into greed. Because there are always more good things that one doesn't have than those that one has ( by definition good things must be scarce otherwise they would become average things if they can be found anywhere at any time ) the logical inference of this scenario is very straight forward. Ungrateful people will keep asking for more and this unreasonable expectation is the cause of endless unhappiness for themselves and for all those around them. On the contrary, if you are content with what you have any slight increase in your possession will be a cause for celebration and hence holding such a positive attitude will actually increase your potential for happiness.
感恩是幸福的基石，因為一個不識感恩的人，是永遠不會滿足於自己所擁有的一切。不識感恩，會使人孕育出一種無盡的慾望，去渴求自己未得到的東西。這也是貪 婪的開始。道理十分簡單，因為每一個人所擁有的美好東西，一定比其所擁有的不好東西為少的 （ 物以罕為貴，好的一定比壞的為少，因為這是好的定義 ）。由此推理，會得到簡單的邏輯結論。就是不感恩的人，必然貪得無厭，而因此令到自己和身邊的人，感到無盡的苦惱。相反，如果你對現在所擁有的一切，感到 滿足，那麼你得到少許收穫，便會感到雀躍不已。因此，持這種正面態度的人，無形中便增加了自己會得到幸福和快樂的機會了。
JKHC.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Friday, November 26, 2010
Thoughts to you from yours truly - ( 51 ) - November 27, 2010
Thoughts to You from Yours Truly - ( TYYT ) - ( 51 ) - Misnomer ( 錯配詞 ) - Nov., 27, 2010
There are many words in the human language that have been grossly misused. Most of them have wrong meanings arbitrarily imprinted on them. Let me show you what I mean.
Logic is always treated as good but, in fact, it is neutral in meaning. Logic simply means being self consistent with no implication with respect to value judgment. For example, the question of how to ration water during extreme shortage in a desert expedition is an interesting proposition. Economic logic relating to efficient distribution of scarce resources will say that it should follow the law of supply and demand. The richest guy gets it for the highest price in auction while everybody else will perish. That is obviously inhumane and a heartless approach. Following things to their logical conclusion may not be good at all because logic is not meant to be good but merely a rule to make our thinking self consistent.
Another notorious wrong usage of words can be found in the use the term quantum leap to describe progress in their policies by politicians. As a matter of fact, quantum is the smallest possible jump in the energy level of an excited atom. It only sounds big and mystical and mainly because of this politicians use it to entice the voters to put them in power.
Other words such as equilibrium, efficiency, stability and the like are usually treated as positive words whereas they are neutral by themselves. Whether they are good or bad depends entirely on the context in which they are used. For example, a sub-optimal equilibrium in the economy would be bad. Being efficient in exterminating people like the evil Nazis in WWII is revolting. The next time when we use such words think twice before assuming that they are all positive in meaning. We must think smart.
在人類的言語和文字中，有很多字或名詞是被錯誤用的。它們被人們強行加上了些錯誤的意思。讓我為你們解釋一下。
邏 輯一辭，經常是被人當作是正面的意思。其實，邏輯本身是中性的，沒有好也沒有壞意思。它只是表示一樣東西沒有自相矛盾吧了， 並無正面或反面的含意。作個比喻，當在沙漠中不足夠水去分配時，應該如何處理？依照有效分配資源的經濟理論，就是以價高者得的原則去處理。最富有的人便可 以得到食水，而其他的人都會給渴死了。這顯然是沒有人性的做法。一承不變地去追求邏輯，並非一件好事。因為，邏輯只是用來確保一件事情，不會自相矛盾吧 了。
另外一個錯誤用辭的例子，便是政客常用的quantum leap或量子級跳。他們用作非常大的進展那個意思。其實quantum leap是最低限度的能量升級，與他們的用意剛好相反。只因為這名詞有神秘感和動聽，政客們便拿來吸引選民，希望自己取得權力吧了。
其他如平衡，效率，穩定等名詞，皆是類似的辭語，本身是中性的，視乎應用的來龍去脈，才可定其性質。但在日常應用時都被用作正面性一般。比如，經濟平衡在 一個不適當的水平便不是好事。或者，如二次大戰時，德國納粹黨有效率地殺滅猶太人，這便是嘔心的惡行，絕無正面意義。所以，下次我們用詞，必須三思而行，才 可用之得宜。我們應該擁有醒目的思維才是上算。
JKHC.
There are many words in the human language that have been grossly misused. Most of them have wrong meanings arbitrarily imprinted on them. Let me show you what I mean.
Logic is always treated as good but, in fact, it is neutral in meaning. Logic simply means being self consistent with no implication with respect to value judgment. For example, the question of how to ration water during extreme shortage in a desert expedition is an interesting proposition. Economic logic relating to efficient distribution of scarce resources will say that it should follow the law of supply and demand. The richest guy gets it for the highest price in auction while everybody else will perish. That is obviously inhumane and a heartless approach. Following things to their logical conclusion may not be good at all because logic is not meant to be good but merely a rule to make our thinking self consistent.
Another notorious wrong usage of words can be found in the use the term quantum leap to describe progress in their policies by politicians. As a matter of fact, quantum is the smallest possible jump in the energy level of an excited atom. It only sounds big and mystical and mainly because of this politicians use it to entice the voters to put them in power.
Other words such as equilibrium, efficiency, stability and the like are usually treated as positive words whereas they are neutral by themselves. Whether they are good or bad depends entirely on the context in which they are used. For example, a sub-optimal equilibrium in the economy would be bad. Being efficient in exterminating people like the evil Nazis in WWII is revolting. The next time when we use such words think twice before assuming that they are all positive in meaning. We must think smart.
在人類的言語和文字中，有很多字或名詞是被錯誤用的。它們被人們強行加上了些錯誤的意思。讓我為你們解釋一下。
邏 輯一辭，經常是被人當作是正面的意思。其實，邏輯本身是中性的，沒有好也沒有壞意思。它只是表示一樣東西沒有自相矛盾吧了， 並無正面或反面的含意。作個比喻，當在沙漠中不足夠水去分配時，應該如何處理？依照有效分配資源的經濟理論，就是以價高者得的原則去處理。最富有的人便可 以得到食水，而其他的人都會給渴死了。這顯然是沒有人性的做法。一承不變地去追求邏輯，並非一件好事。因為，邏輯只是用來確保一件事情，不會自相矛盾吧 了。
另外一個錯誤用辭的例子，便是政客常用的quantum leap或量子級跳。他們用作非常大的進展那個意思。其實quantum leap是最低限度的能量升級，與他們的用意剛好相反。只因為這名詞有神秘感和動聽，政客們便拿來吸引選民，希望自己取得權力吧了。
其他如平衡，效率，穩定等名詞，皆是類似的辭語，本身是中性的，視乎應用的來龍去脈，才可定其性質。但在日常應用時都被用作正面性一般。比如，經濟平衡在 一個不適當的水平便不是好事。或者，如二次大戰時，德國納粹黨有效率地殺滅猶太人，這便是嘔心的惡行，絕無正面意義。所以，下次我們用詞，必須三思而行，才 可用之得宜。我們應該擁有醒目的思維才是上算。
JKHC.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Thoughts to you from yours truly - ( 50 ) - November 25, 2010
Thoughts to You from Yours Truly - ( TYYT ) - ( 50 ) - Strangers ( 陌生人 ) - Nov., 25, 2010
Strangers are in fact friends we have not yet met. There is a Chinese saying that goes like this : - " Within the four seas everyone is a brother ( or sister ) to one another ." Of course, this ancient saying must be modified to include the ladies. That is why I have taken the liberty to include the word sister in parenthesis. Given the fact that all living things have originated from stardust there is no reason why we cannot all be friends. One is always able to find differences if one's mind is set on looking out for them. Once I have heard a friend jokingly say that one can never really repay a financial debt because the money used for repayment is not the same dollar notes that were lent in the first place. On the other hand, another generous friend of mind has said that when a friend forgets to repay him his debt he would consider that the debt no longer counts because it exists no more in his borrower friend's mind. Of course, these are two examples at the extreme ends of the " difference / no difference " scale. Going back to natural science there is a very strange phenomenon at the subatomic level ( i.e. quantum mechanics ). Elementary particles have the mysterious ability to have instant communication with each other across unlimited space and time once the pair have been involved in an interaction originally. Perhaps, this is the strongest cue yet of the true nature of all things. That they are actually one when they were created in nature. So, why look for differences ? Above all, never treat strangers with undue suspicion or apathy.
陌生人其實是我們未認識的朋友。中國古語有言：「 四海之內皆兄弟（ 姐妹 ）也。」在這男女相等的時代，當然要把句子修改一下，所以我在括弧內加上姐妹二字。由於一切生物都是來自星塵，所以我們沒有理由不成為朋友。如果我們存心 要尋找差異，我們必定會尋找得到的。比如，我有一位朋友，他說錢銀債務，是永遠不能真正還得清楚的。為因還錢時的鈔票，並不是借貸時那些鈔票了。這真是雞 蛋裡挑骨頭。相反，另一為朋友卻說，假若他人忘記還錢給他，他會當債務不再存在。因為在他的借錢朋友心中，已等於沒有債務存在了。當然這是兩個極端的例子， 不過在大自然中，亦會給我們一點啟發。在原子以內的世界，亦即是量子物理學中，每一對曾經互相接觸過的粒子，都有離奇的超越時空的即時感應能力。可能這 是大自然給我們最大的暗示。即是說，所有宇宙中的萬物，都是同出一轍的，又何必分彼此呢！ 最重要的是，以後不要以小人之心，和冷漠的態度對待陌生人了。
JKHC.
Strangers are in fact friends we have not yet met. There is a Chinese saying that goes like this : - " Within the four seas everyone is a brother ( or sister ) to one another ." Of course, this ancient saying must be modified to include the ladies. That is why I have taken the liberty to include the word sister in parenthesis. Given the fact that all living things have originated from stardust there is no reason why we cannot all be friends. One is always able to find differences if one's mind is set on looking out for them. Once I have heard a friend jokingly say that one can never really repay a financial debt because the money used for repayment is not the same dollar notes that were lent in the first place. On the other hand, another generous friend of mind has said that when a friend forgets to repay him his debt he would consider that the debt no longer counts because it exists no more in his borrower friend's mind. Of course, these are two examples at the extreme ends of the " difference / no difference " scale. Going back to natural science there is a very strange phenomenon at the subatomic level ( i.e. quantum mechanics ). Elementary particles have the mysterious ability to have instant communication with each other across unlimited space and time once the pair have been involved in an interaction originally. Perhaps, this is the strongest cue yet of the true nature of all things. That they are actually one when they were created in nature. So, why look for differences ? Above all, never treat strangers with undue suspicion or apathy.
陌生人其實是我們未認識的朋友。中國古語有言：「 四海之內皆兄弟（ 姐妹 ）也。」在這男女相等的時代，當然要把句子修改一下，所以我在括弧內加上姐妹二字。由於一切生物都是來自星塵，所以我們沒有理由不成為朋友。如果我們存心 要尋找差異，我們必定會尋找得到的。比如，我有一位朋友，他說錢銀債務，是永遠不能真正還得清楚的。為因還錢時的鈔票，並不是借貸時那些鈔票了。這真是雞 蛋裡挑骨頭。相反，另一為朋友卻說，假若他人忘記還錢給他，他會當債務不再存在。因為在他的借錢朋友心中，已等於沒有債務存在了。當然這是兩個極端的例子， 不過在大自然中，亦會給我們一點啟發。在原子以內的世界，亦即是量子物理學中，每一對曾經互相接觸過的粒子，都有離奇的超越時空的即時感應能力。可能這 是大自然給我們最大的暗示。即是說，所有宇宙中的萬物，都是同出一轍的，又何必分彼此呢！ 最重要的是，以後不要以小人之心，和冷漠的態度對待陌生人了。
JKHC.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Thoughts to you from yours truly - ( 49 ) - November 24, 2010
Thoughts to You from Yours Truly - ( TYYT ) - ( 49 ) - True Self ( 真我 ) - Nov., 24, 2010
One's true character can only be seen either at the best of time or the worst of time ( This is not a quotation from Charles Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities ). During the better times in one's life there is often a tendency for one to indulge in self satisfaction or worst still egotistic expansion. One is used to seeing newly rich people shouting at waiters and their servants as if the newly rich were superior beings from outer space. The same kind of people could also disgrace themselves during the worst hours in their lives such as when they experience a failure in their career or business. In those unfortunate times, people would easily resort to illicit means by hook or by crook to revive their fortune. All scruples will be thrown out of the window so to speak. In between times, it is usually very difficult to see one's true character except when a conflict of interest arises between you and the subject who could be your friends or even relative. We could all chalk it up to human nature but that is not a helpful approach at all. Rather put oneself at a higher perspective and all our troubles will be cut down to size - the right size in the context of our life and better still nature. If one can manage to do this one will amicably restore one's composure and regain one's peace of mind to revert to one's normal self which by and large is not really one's true self. Despite this unsatisfactory situation one must strive to reveal your true self in the best way by acquiring a balanced sense of value so as to create a normal self which will then become your good and true self.
一個人的真性情，只能在本人最佳時刻，或最壞時刻，才會表現出來的（ 這並不是引用狄更斯雙城記中的句子 ）。當一個人在幸運中，往往會得意忘形，只顧追尋自我滿足，甚至自我膨漲。我們經常看到新進的富豪，對侍應或庸人，呼呼喝喝。就好比自己是從外太空而來的 超人一般。同一類的人亦會令自己出醜。比如，他們生意上或在事業上失敗時，十分容易誤入歧途，不顧一切地去搏回自己的財富或事業, 把個人原則，擲出窗外不顧。在一些沒有那麼極端的時候，通常是十分難觀察到一個人的真實性格。也有例外的時候， 比如你和他們存在利益衝突，這時就算是朋友或親戚關係，也會真性情切底表露，爭過不了。我們可以嘆息這是人的劣根性。但是這樣對事情並沒有幫助。寧可將自 己放在一個更高層次，退一步海闊天空。我們的煩惱便會變為小一點，在整個人生和大自然中，佔一個比較合理的大小尺碼了。假如我們能這樣做，我們的心態也會 回復平衡一點。我們便可以回復心境平和，達到正常狀態。但正常可能不是最真和善的自我。雖然如此，我們必須學習達到一個平衡的價值觀，這樣，一個正常的我 便可成為一個真善美的真我了。
JKHC.
One's true character can only be seen either at the best of time or the worst of time ( This is not a quotation from Charles Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities ). During the better times in one's life there is often a tendency for one to indulge in self satisfaction or worst still egotistic expansion. One is used to seeing newly rich people shouting at waiters and their servants as if the newly rich were superior beings from outer space. The same kind of people could also disgrace themselves during the worst hours in their lives such as when they experience a failure in their career or business. In those unfortunate times, people would easily resort to illicit means by hook or by crook to revive their fortune. All scruples will be thrown out of the window so to speak. In between times, it is usually very difficult to see one's true character except when a conflict of interest arises between you and the subject who could be your friends or even relative. We could all chalk it up to human nature but that is not a helpful approach at all. Rather put oneself at a higher perspective and all our troubles will be cut down to size - the right size in the context of our life and better still nature. If one can manage to do this one will amicably restore one's composure and regain one's peace of mind to revert to one's normal self which by and large is not really one's true self. Despite this unsatisfactory situation one must strive to reveal your true self in the best way by acquiring a balanced sense of value so as to create a normal self which will then become your good and true self.
一個人的真性情，只能在本人最佳時刻，或最壞時刻，才會表現出來的（ 這並不是引用狄更斯雙城記中的句子 ）。當一個人在幸運中，往往會得意忘形，只顧追尋自我滿足，甚至自我膨漲。我們經常看到新進的富豪，對侍應或庸人，呼呼喝喝。就好比自己是從外太空而來的 超人一般。同一類的人亦會令自己出醜。比如，他們生意上或在事業上失敗時，十分容易誤入歧途，不顧一切地去搏回自己的財富或事業, 把個人原則，擲出窗外不顧。在一些沒有那麼極端的時候，通常是十分難觀察到一個人的真實性格。也有例外的時候， 比如你和他們存在利益衝突，這時就算是朋友或親戚關係，也會真性情切底表露，爭過不了。我們可以嘆息這是人的劣根性。但是這樣對事情並沒有幫助。寧可將自 己放在一個更高層次，退一步海闊天空。我們的煩惱便會變為小一點，在整個人生和大自然中，佔一個比較合理的大小尺碼了。假如我們能這樣做，我們的心態也會 回復平衡一點。我們便可以回復心境平和，達到正常狀態。但正常可能不是最真和善的自我。雖然如此，我們必須學習達到一個平衡的價值觀，這樣，一個正常的我 便可成為一個真善美的真我了。
JKHC.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Thoughts to you from yours truly - ( 48 ) - November 23, 2010
Thoughts to You from Yours Truly - ( TYYT ) - ( 48 ) - Star Dust ( 星塵 ) - Nov., 23, 2010
Who says science is a subject with no romance at all ? Such advocates better think again. All living creatures are , in fact, made of star dust. Our destiny has been and will always be found in the spectacular array of stars that twinkle in the night sky like jewels in an open treasure box. That was actually the description of the cosmos I gave to the reporter when I was interviewed by ABC Science ( Australian Broadcasting Corporation - Science Website in April, 2010 on my part in the Galaxy Zoo project - see this link here ( including my comments at the bottom of the report ) :- http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2010/04/15/2872493.htm ). So, it turns out that our destiny is really in the stars after all.
Every star including our sun is a cosmic nuclear fusion cooking pot. The cooking process starts with the most simple atom which is hydrogen composed of one proton ( with positive electric charge ) and one electron ( with negative charge ). When the star heats up nuclear fusion takes place and two hydrogen atoms fuse or " melt " together to form helium composed of two protons and two electrons. This fusion process progresses until carbon is formed which is composed of 14 protons and 14 electrons by a miraculous process known as resonance without which carbon can never be formed. As everyone knows carbon is the basis for all organic matters so that there would be no life without carbon. This is not the end of our life story which is much more intriguing. The fusion process will progress further until the chemical element of iron with 26 protons and a like number of electrons is formed. Then the process ceases because iron is the most stable element. When all the hydrogen in a burning star becomes iron the nuclear fuel is exhausted and the outward pressure exerted by nuclear fusion reaction will be gone and the force of gravity takes over causing the dying star to collapse upon itself under its own iron mass. The gravitational collapse will result in a tremendous explosion know as a supernova ( meaning new star ) because it marks the beginning of the formation of a new star from the debris of dusts and gas scattered around in space by the supernova. These will coalesce eventually because of gravity until the mass of the debris is dense enough to cause the nuclear fusion process to restart. At this stage a new star is born.
There is still another mysterious twist in the recycling of the cosmic debris created by a supernova explosion. For stars bigger than 8 times the size of our sun the gravitational collapse of the iron core at the end of the nuclear fusion process will be unstoppable and a black hole will be formed. It is known as a black hole because it is infinitely dense so that even light cannot escape. For our earth, the escape velocity of a space rocket leaving the grip of the earth's gravity is about 24,000 km per hour. Light has a velocity of 300,000 km per second. So, one can imagine the density of mass in a black hole. Astronomers cannot see a black hole. Its presence can only be detected by faster than normal movements of stars circulating the black hole as if they are circling nothingness. Most galaxies including our own Milky Way harbour a black hole in their centres. Without the gravitational pull of a massive black hole in the centre our galaxy should have disintegrated long ago judging on the speed of the revolution of a billion stars around the Milky Way centre.
This is the romantic story of our life and humble beginning for creatures both big and small, good and bad. Who or what is the most noble person or creature respectively ? All and none ! All things ( including inanimate matters ) cannot be more equal. So, it is not who or what you are that is important but what you do. If your deeds are in line with the greatest law of all which is the law of nature you are a noble being. Otherwise, you are the anti-hero which is synonymous with the devil if you hurt the environment and its creatures. This applies to all creatures whether they believe in the existence of God or not. The eternal law of nature which is that of cause and effect will ultimately catch up with the devils. I have absolutely no doubt about this. Another vital moral lesson to be learned is that death ( like in a supernova ) is the beginning of life and life death. Therefore, we must accept the inevitable and recognize the achievable. May we all have the wisdom to tell one from the other. Apart from valuable knowledge we can also derive a lot of profound insight and inspiration from astronomy. In my humble opinion, it is an essential subject for all people especially those in power because astronomy can confine politicians' inflated ego to an acceptable level.
誰說科學是一門絕不浪漫的學問。這種想法的倡議者，應該重新檢討他們的思維。因為所有的生物，都是始源於星塵。正是那些耀眼地閃爍着的滿天繁星。它們就有 如一個打開了的寶箱，滿載奪目的珍寶。以上的描述，正是我對澳洲廣播局（ ABC SCIENCE ）記者，訪問我有關 Galaxy Zoo 這個天文學研究計劃中的參與時，我對該計劃的吸引力之評語。這訪問是ABC在 今年四月作出的。這是ABC SCIENCE WEBSITE 的全文：http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2010/04/15/2872493.htm 從以下的講述，你們會了解到，我們確確實實是從星塵而來。
每一夥星包括我們的太陽，都是個核聚變（ nuclear fusion ) 的烹調爐。烹調過程是由最簡單的氫原子開始。氫有一夥proton為核心，外邊有一夥負極的電子圍繞着運行。當星星因核聚變而發熱後，兩夥氫原子便融合為 有兩夥protons和兩夥電子的helium ( 氦 ）。由此類推，以致形成有14夥protons和14夥電子的碳原子了。就有如人所共知的事實。碳是一切生命和有機物質的基礎。但這並不是生命由來的整個 故事，因為整個過程是更加曲折奇異。核聚變會繼續直到鐵元素形成為止。鐵有protons和電子各26夥，而且鐵是最穩定的元素。到了這地步，核聚變便停 止下來。當一夥星的氫全都變成鐵的時候，星便再沒有由核反應所產生的向外爆炸力量了。因此，重力（ gravity )便成主要向內壓的能量。最後，這個全是鐵的星星，便會由於重力過大而爆炸， 這巨大無比的爆炸，就是supernova（ 超新星）的奪目耀眼奇觀了。它叫作超新星，是因為這就是另外一夥新星誕生的開始了。過程是這樣的，supernova 爆炸後，餘下的塵和廢物，再度會因 gravity ( 重力 ）而凝聚。到達密度十分高的時間，核聚變又會再度發動。此時，一夥新星便再誕生了。
其實，這故事還有另一個枝節。是有關星塵和其他廢物的循環再用。假如爆炸的星，是比太陽大上八倍或者以上的話，該正在死亡中的星，會不停止地被重力壓縮至 成為黑洞。後者是個極度密集的點，連光線都不能逃跑出來。以地球而言，火箭要有每小時24,000公里的速度，才可脫離地球的吸引力， 亦即是重力。反之， 光的速度是每一秒300,000 公里，所以我們可以想像得到，黑洞的密度和重力有多大。由於黑洞是看不見的，所以科學家只可以觀察星體運行的速度來估計黑洞的存在。按照一般科學家的估 計，許多銀河系統，都有黑洞隱藏在它們的中心。以我們的Milky Way Galaxy 為例，那十億夥星的旋轉速度，不是因為有一個超大的黑洞隱藏在銀河中心，所有星星都應已飛散四方了。
以上便是我們的生命源由，既浪漫亦卑微。誰人是最尊貴？所有人或者沒有人可以說得上是最尊尚。眾生皆平等也。誰都是出於星塵，細微而普通，四處皆是。因 此，你是誰並不重要，而你的行為，卻能肯定你本身的價值。行為失當，作姦犯科等傷天害理的罪行，會令你成為魔鬼。信仰神靈者或無神論者，都逃避不了因果 報應這天然定律。再者，有如超新星的滅亡，不過只是另一生命或新星的開始吧了！何必苦苦追憶，悲痛欲絕。來自塵土，亦歸於塵土。生死循環不盡，何懼之有。只怕沒有好好地，有意義的活過這生。因此， 我們必須接受不可改變的事情，卻要分辨出可以達到的目標。讓我祝願各位，人皆智慧，能把以上的兩種相反的事情，明確地分辨出來。除了可以給我們帶來寶貴的知識外，天文學更能為人帶來無限珍貴的心得，以及深遠的啟示。愚見是，天文學的確是一門必修的學問，尤其是當權者，因為它能夠令他們過份膨脹的自我，抑制在一個可接受的水平。
JKHC.
Who says science is a subject with no romance at all ? Such advocates better think again. All living creatures are , in fact, made of star dust. Our destiny has been and will always be found in the spectacular array of stars that twinkle in the night sky like jewels in an open treasure box. That was actually the description of the cosmos I gave to the reporter when I was interviewed by ABC Science ( Australian Broadcasting Corporation - Science Website in April, 2010 on my part in the Galaxy Zoo project - see this link here ( including my comments at the bottom of the report ) :- http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2010/04/15/2872493.htm ). So, it turns out that our destiny is really in the stars after all.
Every star including our sun is a cosmic nuclear fusion cooking pot. The cooking process starts with the most simple atom which is hydrogen composed of one proton ( with positive electric charge ) and one electron ( with negative charge ). When the star heats up nuclear fusion takes place and two hydrogen atoms fuse or " melt " together to form helium composed of two protons and two electrons. This fusion process progresses until carbon is formed which is composed of 14 protons and 14 electrons by a miraculous process known as resonance without which carbon can never be formed. As everyone knows carbon is the basis for all organic matters so that there would be no life without carbon. This is not the end of our life story which is much more intriguing. The fusion process will progress further until the chemical element of iron with 26 protons and a like number of electrons is formed. Then the process ceases because iron is the most stable element. When all the hydrogen in a burning star becomes iron the nuclear fuel is exhausted and the outward pressure exerted by nuclear fusion reaction will be gone and the force of gravity takes over causing the dying star to collapse upon itself under its own iron mass. The gravitational collapse will result in a tremendous explosion know as a supernova ( meaning new star ) because it marks the beginning of the formation of a new star from the debris of dusts and gas scattered around in space by the supernova. These will coalesce eventually because of gravity until the mass of the debris is dense enough to cause the nuclear fusion process to restart. At this stage a new star is born.
There is still another mysterious twist in the recycling of the cosmic debris created by a supernova explosion. For stars bigger than 8 times the size of our sun the gravitational collapse of the iron core at the end of the nuclear fusion process will be unstoppable and a black hole will be formed. It is known as a black hole because it is infinitely dense so that even light cannot escape. For our earth, the escape velocity of a space rocket leaving the grip of the earth's gravity is about 24,000 km per hour. Light has a velocity of 300,000 km per second. So, one can imagine the density of mass in a black hole. Astronomers cannot see a black hole. Its presence can only be detected by faster than normal movements of stars circulating the black hole as if they are circling nothingness. Most galaxies including our own Milky Way harbour a black hole in their centres. Without the gravitational pull of a massive black hole in the centre our galaxy should have disintegrated long ago judging on the speed of the revolution of a billion stars around the Milky Way centre.
This is the romantic story of our life and humble beginning for creatures both big and small, good and bad. Who or what is the most noble person or creature respectively ? All and none ! All things ( including inanimate matters ) cannot be more equal. So, it is not who or what you are that is important but what you do. If your deeds are in line with the greatest law of all which is the law of nature you are a noble being. Otherwise, you are the anti-hero which is synonymous with the devil if you hurt the environment and its creatures. This applies to all creatures whether they believe in the existence of God or not. The eternal law of nature which is that of cause and effect will ultimately catch up with the devils. I have absolutely no doubt about this. Another vital moral lesson to be learned is that death ( like in a supernova ) is the beginning of life and life death. Therefore, we must accept the inevitable and recognize the achievable. May we all have the wisdom to tell one from the other. Apart from valuable knowledge we can also derive a lot of profound insight and inspiration from astronomy. In my humble opinion, it is an essential subject for all people especially those in power because astronomy can confine politicians' inflated ego to an acceptable level.
誰說科學是一門絕不浪漫的學問。這種想法的倡議者，應該重新檢討他們的思維。因為所有的生物，都是始源於星塵。正是那些耀眼地閃爍着的滿天繁星。它們就有 如一個打開了的寶箱，滿載奪目的珍寶。以上的描述，正是我對澳洲廣播局（ ABC SCIENCE ）記者，訪問我有關 Galaxy Zoo 這個天文學研究計劃中的參與時，我對該計劃的吸引力之評語。這訪問是ABC在 今年四月作出的。這是ABC SCIENCE WEBSITE 的全文：http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2010/04/15/2872493.htm 從以下的講述，你們會了解到，我們確確實實是從星塵而來。
每一夥星包括我們的太陽，都是個核聚變（ nuclear fusion ) 的烹調爐。烹調過程是由最簡單的氫原子開始。氫有一夥proton為核心，外邊有一夥負極的電子圍繞着運行。當星星因核聚變而發熱後，兩夥氫原子便融合為 有兩夥protons和兩夥電子的helium ( 氦 ）。由此類推，以致形成有14夥protons和14夥電子的碳原子了。就有如人所共知的事實。碳是一切生命和有機物質的基礎。但這並不是生命由來的整個 故事，因為整個過程是更加曲折奇異。核聚變會繼續直到鐵元素形成為止。鐵有protons和電子各26夥，而且鐵是最穩定的元素。到了這地步，核聚變便停 止下來。當一夥星的氫全都變成鐵的時候，星便再沒有由核反應所產生的向外爆炸力量了。因此，重力（ gravity )便成主要向內壓的能量。最後，這個全是鐵的星星，便會由於重力過大而爆炸， 這巨大無比的爆炸，就是supernova（ 超新星）的奪目耀眼奇觀了。它叫作超新星，是因為這就是另外一夥新星誕生的開始了。過程是這樣的，supernova 爆炸後，餘下的塵和廢物，再度會因 gravity ( 重力 ）而凝聚。到達密度十分高的時間，核聚變又會再度發動。此時，一夥新星便再誕生了。
其實，這故事還有另一個枝節。是有關星塵和其他廢物的循環再用。假如爆炸的星，是比太陽大上八倍或者以上的話，該正在死亡中的星，會不停止地被重力壓縮至 成為黑洞。後者是個極度密集的點，連光線都不能逃跑出來。以地球而言，火箭要有每小時24,000公里的速度，才可脫離地球的吸引力， 亦即是重力。反之， 光的速度是每一秒300,000 公里，所以我們可以想像得到，黑洞的密度和重力有多大。由於黑洞是看不見的，所以科學家只可以觀察星體運行的速度來估計黑洞的存在。按照一般科學家的估 計，許多銀河系統，都有黑洞隱藏在它們的中心。以我們的Milky Way Galaxy 為例，那十億夥星的旋轉速度，不是因為有一個超大的黑洞隱藏在銀河中心，所有星星都應已飛散四方了。
以上便是我們的生命源由，既浪漫亦卑微。誰人是最尊貴？所有人或者沒有人可以說得上是最尊尚。眾生皆平等也。誰都是出於星塵，細微而普通，四處皆是。因 此，你是誰並不重要，而你的行為，卻能肯定你本身的價值。行為失當，作姦犯科等傷天害理的罪行，會令你成為魔鬼。信仰神靈者或無神論者，都逃避不了因果 報應這天然定律。再者，有如超新星的滅亡，不過只是另一生命或新星的開始吧了！何必苦苦追憶，悲痛欲絕。來自塵土，亦歸於塵土。生死循環不盡，何懼之有。只怕沒有好好地，有意義的活過這生。因此， 我們必須接受不可改變的事情，卻要分辨出可以達到的目標。讓我祝願各位，人皆智慧，能把以上的兩種相反的事情，明確地分辨出來。除了可以給我們帶來寶貴的知識外，天文學更能為人帶來無限珍貴的心得，以及深遠的啟示。愚見是，天文學的確是一門必修的學問，尤其是當權者，因為它能夠令他們過份膨脹的自我，抑制在一個可接受的水平。
JKHC.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Thoughts to you from yours truly - ( 47 ) - November 21, 2010
Thoughts to You from Yours Truly - ( TYYT ) - ( 47 ) - Humour ( 幽默感 ) - Nov., 21, 2010
Humour is a light-hearted approach to things that are generally viewed by the majority as serious matters. Humour may be taken as a positive attitude in times of trial for the individual in question. It provides endless support for an individual's struggle against adversities. For example, I am a poor man but still I will say this : - " I am glad that I am so poor because my children will be spared of the risk of being kidnapped for a ransom. " This would be considered as being a humourous remark. Personally, I regard humour as a sign of self confidence as well as a remarkable ability to view a situation from a out of the ordinary angle or higher perspective. Very often ladies highlight humour as a desirable quality for a man especially partner in life. My wife agrees with this completely. However, it could sometimes be carried too far resulting in verbal or even practical jokes with a bad taste. Once this stage is reached humour becomes black humour which is far from a compliment for the perpetrator. Any measure taken to the extreme will be a demerit. In moderation is usually a sensible approach especially in dealing with human affair.
幽默是對一般人認為嚴肅的事情，以輕鬆的態度視之。幽默可被視為一種正面的態度，在遇到逆境時，可以加強奮鬥心， 可以為人帶來無限的支持力量。比如， 我是個貧窮的人，但我仍打趣地說：「 我喜歡自己貧窮，因為我的子女不怕會被人綁架，以索取贖金。」這可以說是一種幽默的言論。在我個人而言，幽默是自信心的表現，亦是種極度超卓的能力。這種 才能，令人可以用超出平常的角度，和更高層次來看事物。女士每每以幽默這質素，作為挑選伴侶的準則。我的太太會十分贊同這種說法。但是，如果將幽默過度，可以淪為尖酸刻薄的言語，甚至變成作弄他人的玩笑。一旦到達這種情況，幽默便成為所謂黑色幽默。這絕對不是一種標榜，而是貶意。任何一種過份的行為， 都會是歪行，不值得鼓勵。採取中庸之道，才是一種合情理的處事方法。
JKHC.
Humour is a light-hearted approach to things that are generally viewed by the majority as serious matters. Humour may be taken as a positive attitude in times of trial for the individual in question. It provides endless support for an individual's struggle against adversities. For example, I am a poor man but still I will say this : - " I am glad that I am so poor because my children will be spared of the risk of being kidnapped for a ransom. " This would be considered as being a humourous remark. Personally, I regard humour as a sign of self confidence as well as a remarkable ability to view a situation from a out of the ordinary angle or higher perspective. Very often ladies highlight humour as a desirable quality for a man especially partner in life. My wife agrees with this completely. However, it could sometimes be carried too far resulting in verbal or even practical jokes with a bad taste. Once this stage is reached humour becomes black humour which is far from a compliment for the perpetrator. Any measure taken to the extreme will be a demerit. In moderation is usually a sensible approach especially in dealing with human affair.
幽默是對一般人認為嚴肅的事情，以輕鬆的態度視之。幽默可被視為一種正面的態度，在遇到逆境時，可以加強奮鬥心， 可以為人帶來無限的支持力量。比如， 我是個貧窮的人，但我仍打趣地說：「 我喜歡自己貧窮，因為我的子女不怕會被人綁架，以索取贖金。」這可以說是一種幽默的言論。在我個人而言，幽默是自信心的表現，亦是種極度超卓的能力。這種 才能，令人可以用超出平常的角度，和更高層次來看事物。女士每每以幽默這質素，作為挑選伴侶的準則。我的太太會十分贊同這種說法。但是，如果將幽默過度，可以淪為尖酸刻薄的言語，甚至變成作弄他人的玩笑。一旦到達這種情況，幽默便成為所謂黑色幽默。這絕對不是一種標榜，而是貶意。任何一種過份的行為， 都會是歪行，不值得鼓勵。採取中庸之道，才是一種合情理的處事方法。
JKHC.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Thoughts to you from yours truly - ( 46 ) - November 19, 2010
Thoughts to You from Yours Truly - ( TYYT ) - ( 46 ) - The Basis of Democracy ( 民主制度的根基 ) - Nov., 19, 2010
The most reliable basis of democracy is an unfaltering, ethical and compassionate intelligentsia. The ultimate weapon to fight for a better world is a righteous and empathetic mind in a duty bound citizen. All else is a waste of time and energy. Violence begets violence. That is the invariant law of cause and effect ( which I discussed early in my blog here :- http://jkhcforum.blogspot.com/2010_11_16_archive.html ). Build ourselves such an invincible force and we can forget about wars, social injustice and even the much dreaded financial tsunami. How ? By means of a better and fairer education system ( for which I am indebted for life hence here I am ). But that is not so easy. Right you are, again ! Every tortuous and great journey starts with the first step as our great and eternal teacher Confucius had most profoundly observed. Don't start due to fear of obstacles and you will be nowhere. Am I just a talker ? You can bet your bottom dollar that I am anything other than that. If a preacher starts by personal example the gospel he or she preaches is half way to heaven already. To be more specific, I have made an intellectual journey through the universe of 13.7 billion light years across and back again using 5 years from the start of my retirement in 2005 ( please click on this link if you are interested : https://sites.google.com/site/jkhcastronomy/Home/the-universe---a-personal-view-my-book-in-pdf ). Why fight for democracy ? It is because as E.M. Forster the famous English author ( 1879-1970 ) had proclaimed : - " Two cheers for democracy ! " Why only two cheers and not three ? The answer is simple. Democracy is the second best political system and way of life in any civilized society. Which is the number one system then ? Unfortunately, it has not yet been discovered ! I suspect it will never be given human nature being what it is.
民主制度的最可靠根基，就是一個不退縮，有道德操守和充滿憐憫心的智識份子階層。為一 個更好的世界而作戰的終極武器，就是一個有正義感，慈悲為懷和具有責任感的公民。其他一切技倆都是白費功夫，費時失事的。暴力只會引起更多連續不斷, 連綿不 盡的暴力。這是恆久不變的歷史因果定律（ 我曾經在這裡討論過 這問題 : http://jkhcforum.blogspot.com/2010_11_16_archive.html )。 假若我們能成功地建立起這樣的一些不敗之師，我們便可以永遠忘記戰爭，社會中的不公義，甚至我們極度恐懼的金融海嘯了。那麼如何去付諸實行呢？愚見認為是要通過一 個更好和更公平的教育制度才成（ 我也是這樣的一個教育制度下的受益者，我終生感激不盡，因此引致我做現在進行中的事 ) 。但你們會說這不是容易完成的工作呀！這說法絕對是正確的。每一 段痛苦和艱辛的旅程，都要從第一步開始。這是我們萬分敬佩的萬世師表，孔夫子的偉大觀察。因為害怕障礙和困難而卻步不前，我們便永遠停滯在原地不變了。我 是否只是一個空談者 ？我可以肯定地說，除了空談者以外，我什麼都可以做。一位傳道者，如想他人信服他傳播的福音，首先便是能以身作則。那樣，他所說的教便已成功了一半。說實 在一點，我曾經用了五年時間，從2005 年至今，作了一個知識上的魂遊太虛，對這個橫越13.7億光年的宇宙，昨了個普通的理論探討 （ 我的結論已在我的這本書描述， 請參現: http://sites.google.com/site/jkhcastronomy/Home/the-universe---a-personal-view-my-book-in-pdf ）在下以此證明，我並不是個空談者。那麼為什麼要為達到一個真正民主制度而奮鬥呢？這都是因為有如聞名的英國作家 霍士特（ E.M. Forster ) ( 1879-1970 ) 所說:「為民主作兩次歡呼吧！」那又為什麼只歡呼兩次而不是三次呢？這問題的答案十分簡單, 就是因為民主制度, 只是第二佳的政治制度, 以及在一個文明的社會中為第二佳的生活方式。那麼最佳的政治和社會制度又在那裡？答案是，正在尋找中。非常不幸地，基於人類的劣根性，我十分懷疑，最佳的制度，就算找到了，也是沒法實施的。
JKHC.
The most reliable basis of democracy is an unfaltering, ethical and compassionate intelligentsia. The ultimate weapon to fight for a better world is a righteous and empathetic mind in a duty bound citizen. All else is a waste of time and energy. Violence begets violence. That is the invariant law of cause and effect ( which I discussed early in my blog here :- http://jkhcforum.blogspot.com/2010_11_16_archive.html ). Build ourselves such an invincible force and we can forget about wars, social injustice and even the much dreaded financial tsunami. How ? By means of a better and fairer education system ( for which I am indebted for life hence here I am ). But that is not so easy. Right you are, again ! Every tortuous and great journey starts with the first step as our great and eternal teacher Confucius had most profoundly observed. Don't start due to fear of obstacles and you will be nowhere. Am I just a talker ? You can bet your bottom dollar that I am anything other than that. If a preacher starts by personal example the gospel he or she preaches is half way to heaven already. To be more specific, I have made an intellectual journey through the universe of 13.7 billion light years across and back again using 5 years from the start of my retirement in 2005 ( please click on this link if you are interested : https://sites.google.com/site/jkhcastronomy/Home/the-universe---a-personal-view-my-book-in-pdf ). Why fight for democracy ? It is because as E.M. Forster the famous English author ( 1879-1970 ) had proclaimed : - " Two cheers for democracy ! " Why only two cheers and not three ? The answer is simple. Democracy is the second best political system and way of life in any civilized society. Which is the number one system then ? Unfortunately, it has not yet been discovered ! I suspect it will never be given human nature being what it is.
民主制度的最可靠根基，就是一個不退縮，有道德操守和充滿憐憫心的智識份子階層。為一 個更好的世界而作戰的終極武器，就是一個有正義感，慈悲為懷和具有責任感的公民。其他一切技倆都是白費功夫，費時失事的。暴力只會引起更多連續不斷, 連綿不 盡的暴力。這是恆久不變的歷史因果定律（ 我曾經在這裡討論過 這問題 : http://jkhcforum.blogspot.com/2010_11_16_archive.html )。 假若我們能成功地建立起這樣的一些不敗之師，我們便可以永遠忘記戰爭，社會中的不公義，甚至我們極度恐懼的金融海嘯了。那麼如何去付諸實行呢？愚見認為是要通過一 個更好和更公平的教育制度才成（ 我也是這樣的一個教育制度下的受益者，我終生感激不盡，因此引致我做現在進行中的事 ) 。但你們會說這不是容易完成的工作呀！這說法絕對是正確的。每一 段痛苦和艱辛的旅程，都要從第一步開始。這是我們萬分敬佩的萬世師表，孔夫子的偉大觀察。因為害怕障礙和困難而卻步不前，我們便永遠停滯在原地不變了。我 是否只是一個空談者 ？我可以肯定地說，除了空談者以外，我什麼都可以做。一位傳道者，如想他人信服他傳播的福音，首先便是能以身作則。那樣，他所說的教便已成功了一半。說實 在一點，我曾經用了五年時間，從2005 年至今，作了一個知識上的魂遊太虛，對這個橫越13.7億光年的宇宙，昨了個普通的理論探討 （ 我的結論已在我的這本書描述， 請參現: http://sites.google.com/site/jkhcastronomy/Home/the-universe---a-personal-view-my-book-in-pdf ）在下以此證明，我並不是個空談者。那麼為什麼要為達到一個真正民主制度而奮鬥呢？這都是因為有如聞名的英國作家 霍士特（ E.M. Forster ) ( 1879-1970 ) 所說:「為民主作兩次歡呼吧！」那又為什麼只歡呼兩次而不是三次呢？這問題的答案十分簡單, 就是因為民主制度, 只是第二佳的政治制度, 以及在一個文明的社會中為第二佳的生活方式。那麼最佳的政治和社會制度又在那裡？答案是，正在尋找中。非常不幸地，基於人類的劣根性，我十分懷疑，最佳的制度，就算找到了，也是沒法實施的。
JKHC.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Thoughts to you from yours truly - ( 45 ) - November 18, 2010
Thoughts to You from Yours Truly - ( TYYT ) - ( 45 ) - Teaching ( 教與導 ) - Nov., 18, 2010
Teaching is of course a very noble profession. In Chinese the word teaching has two elements in its meaning - instruct and guide. I like the latter element much more than the former simply because it is far more effective than the former. " To instruct " implies more of a one way traffic like from teacher to student or the learned to the unlearned. On the other hand, " to guide " is more personal and implies giving more weight to the feeling and perspective of the student. In short, " to guide " is a more human approach and in most cases more effective. The reason is easy to understand because the latter element keeps the student relaxed and hence he or she will be more receptive to information and, therefore, more conducive to intellectual reasoning. Treat people, anyone as a human being and everything falls in its right place.
教育當然是一行高尚的專業。在中文裡，to teach 包含教與導兩種元素。我喜歡後者多於前者，全因為後者比較前者有效多了。教暗示單向的交通，知識由老師傳授到學生，由有識之士給予無知者。在令一方面，導則 較近人情，以學生的感受和觀點為基礎。換言之，導是較人性化，因此亦比較有效。這是很容易理解的。學生精神鬆弛了，他們對認識的吸收，以及思考的運作也會 更有效率，自然事半功倍了。把每一個人都作為一個有血肉和感受的人看待，所有的事情都易辦了。
JKHC.
Teaching is of course a very noble profession. In Chinese the word teaching has two elements in its meaning - instruct and guide. I like the latter element much more than the former simply because it is far more effective than the former. " To instruct " implies more of a one way traffic like from teacher to student or the learned to the unlearned. On the other hand, " to guide " is more personal and implies giving more weight to the feeling and perspective of the student. In short, " to guide " is a more human approach and in most cases more effective. The reason is easy to understand because the latter element keeps the student relaxed and hence he or she will be more receptive to information and, therefore, more conducive to intellectual reasoning. Treat people, anyone as a human being and everything falls in its right place.
教育當然是一行高尚的專業。在中文裡，to teach 包含教與導兩種元素。我喜歡後者多於前者，全因為後者比較前者有效多了。教暗示單向的交通，知識由老師傳授到學生，由有識之士給予無知者。在令一方面，導則 較近人情，以學生的感受和觀點為基礎。換言之，導是較人性化，因此亦比較有效。這是很容易理解的。學生精神鬆弛了，他們對認識的吸收，以及思考的運作也會 更有效率，自然事半功倍了。把每一個人都作為一個有血肉和感受的人看待，所有的事情都易辦了。
JKHC.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Thoughts to you from yours truly - ( 44 ) - November 17, 2010
Thoughts to You from Yours Truly - ( TYYT ) - ( 44 ) - Cause & Effect ( 因果定律 ) - Nov., 16/11/10
The law of cause and effect is the corner stone of science, logic, our sanity as well as basis of most religious beliefs. It also appeals to our revered value of justice based on the triumph of good over evil. It is the law of hope and comfort. It's tenet is pretty simple. Nothing happens without a cause. But is it that simple when applied to human affairs ? Definitely not. Most people are wary of the unfathomable and profound mysteries in science. In fact, things are not always what they appear to be. Based on my humble experience from a personal intellectual journey through 250 or so popular science books starting with Professor Stephen Hawking's " A Brief History of Time " ( a pocket book of only 197 pages which I took 3 months to finish ) and ending with his most recent book - " The Grand Design " ( published on 16th October, 2010 of 187 pages which I took 3 days to finish ) over a period of 5 years I have found to my utmost surprise that scientific laws and theories are far simpler than human and everyday affairs such as economics and human relationships. Ask me about Einstein's Special Relativity ( basis of time and even space travel ) and the strange implications of Quantum Mechanics ( basis of our beloved computers ). I can explain their basic tenets and principles in a decently understandable manner ( which I did in my book - " The Universe - A Personal View " freely available on my website ). That is why Einstein had famously said that :- " That most incomprehensible thing about the universe is that it is comprehensible. "
I also most presumptuously think that I have found or correctly speculated the reason for this apparent anomaly to my pleasant surprise and elation. It is our mind and consciousness that are the culprits for causing complications in human affairs. Stated more scientifically, natural and theoretical science deal with matters without a mind. Therefore, there is by and large only one to one relationships without any feed back loop to deal with. Kick a rock with a certain force and your pain will be proportional to the force applied. This is Newton's Third Law of Motion :- " Action and reaction are equal and opposite ." On the contrary, human affairs deal with subjects who all have a mind of their own. Each person reacts to external stimuli differently and worse still differently at different times depending on their mood and a given environment. There are multiple feed back loops that create a new situation after each round of interaction that can go on endlessly like the vicious circle phenomenon in macroeconomics. Take a simple everyday example. Say, you run into a lamp pole in a hurry. To correct your inadvertent mistake you simply step sideways and carry on. If you run into a person in a hurry you may not be able to rectify your " misbehavior " that easily. I am sure you have the painful experience of your victim moving to a same side to which you have chosen to divert in your desperate attempt to avoid collision. This unpleasant blocking game could go on for a few rounds before communication can ultimately be established and physical collision finally avoided. In more unfortunate cases, nasty confrontation could ensue ending with very unpleasant results.
What are all these mumble jumble leading to in terms of cause and effect ? Please bear with me a little longer and all will be revealed to you in good time. There are two important moral lessons to be learned here. Firstly, causes of natural phenomena which obey invariant laws can somehow be found. Many of these can unfortunately be traced to human misbehaviour such as global warming and deforestation. We can reduce the probability of their occurrence if we are to blame or predict and protect ourselves accordingly if we are not responsible. Green house gas emission leads to global warming. This is simple one to one cause and effect relationship. Second moral lesson, in dealing with human affairs take extra care when you initial an action. There could be multiple feed back reactions that could easily get out of control like cry wolf about a nonexistent fire in a crowded place leading to panic that could cost valuable lives. The same argument is equally applicable to not so proper love affairs. In summary, natural phenomena and human affairs are two different types of " truths " which I called objective and subjective truths respectively. The former has a definite and predictable response to stimulus while the latter responds unpredictably. Notwithstanding this general characteristic the law of cause and effect still holds true for both. Hence, natural justice will somehow be served ultimately if not immediately. Beware evil doers. Even if you do not believe in God or the spiritual. This is the invariant law of nature. The same warning is also applicable to all materialism advocates and supporters of akin political regimes. I am not talking about superstitious myths and mysteries. This is solid science of nature. It pays to heed my humble warning.
( Note : Those interested in Einstein's Special Relativity please click on the following link to see my explanation ( agreed to by the professors of astrophysics in Cambridge and Harvard ) to the younger citizen astronomers in the most successful online science research project GALAXY ZOO official forum. This project has also given rise to the term CITIZEN SCIENCE which is specifically singled out by the US National Science Council 2010 report as the new scientific research trend for the next decade :- http://www.galaxyzooforum.org/index.php?topic=270816.0 )
因果定律， 是邏輯，科學和我們正常精神狀態的基石，更加是很多宗教的不異教條。這定律更加對我們產生吸引力，因為它和我們所尊崇的公義，以及好人會戰勝壞人，這種充 滿希望和安慰的信念符合。它的基本信念是簡單而直接的。這便是有果必有因。但用於人與人之間的事情，便不是那麼簡單了。大多數人都對神秘和莫測高深的科學理論，會感到迷失和 有戒心。其實，事情並不像表面那麼單純。在下曾經花了五年多的時間，看了多於二百五十多本科學叢書，從 Professor Stephen Hawking 的 A Brief History of Time ( 這只有197頁的小書，我卻需要用三個月的時間才讀完）開始，以至他最新的書 The Grand Design ( 在本年十月十六日才出版，有187頁的書，而我只用了三天便讀完了), 總共花了五年多的時間才完成私下的研究。以在下這 謙卑的經驗，我察覺到科學的定律和理論，竟然比人與人之間的事情，比方說經濟和人際關係，要來得簡單。假若你問我有關愛因斯坦的狹義相對論（ 我們理解時間與空間，甚至使應用於太空探索的基礎 ）或者量子力學的神秘暗藏玄機 （ 這是我們極度寵愛的數碼電腦的根基所在 ），我都能夠以單純易明的解釋，給各位來作一個簡易說明。而實際上，我已經在我的弊作，一本叫The Universe - A Personal View ( 翻譯作:我個人的宇宙觀）書內試圖作出了。所以，愛因斯坦曾經發表過以下聞名的講話:「 宇宙中最令人費解的事，實屬這宇宙是可以為人所理解的。」
我更加對以上令人費解的事，作了某些大膽的假設和推論。就是我們的思想和意識，便是罪魁禍首。這發現令我十分驚喜和雀躍。以科學化一點來說，自然界的事物 和現象，都是沒有自我和意識的。因此，大多數情況都是單一的回響，沒有複雜的互動元素。比如你以某一力度用腳去踢一塊石頭，你的痛楚必與你發出的腳力成正 比。這是牛頓動力學的第三定律。相反，人與人之間的交往，卻是關乎兩者或更多的有着自我和意識的個體，互相交流。每人對從外界來的刺激，有不同的反應。再 者， 不同的人更加會在不同的時間以及環境，作出不同的反應。這樣就會形成了複雜的互動回響。這互往的反應在理論上是可以無限的。就有如宏觀經濟中的惡性循環一 般。就拿一般日常的例子，如果你在匆忙中不慎走向一條燈柱，你只要踏步則邊避過便成。但是如果你不慎衝向一個人，那便麻煩得多了。我肯定地說，每一個人都 曾經試過這般的不快經驗。被你險些碰撞的人，向左或右避開，而那邊正是你試圖避開他的那一方。這麼一來，大家都尷尬地再次避往令一方，重滔覆轍。幾經辛苦才 找對了不相撞的那邊過路。如果情況更不幸，可能會導致衝突。
讀者會問，究竟以上的討論， 和因果定律有什麼關係呢？請耐心稍候一會，我便會完完本本地給你們答案。以上的討論有兩個值得引以為鑑的警惕。一是大自然的現象，是有着恆久不變和單一互 動，而沒有複雜的惡性循環式互動交替的情況。因此，事發的原因比較容易尋找。很不幸地，很多天災的起因，都可歸根於人為因素。比如地球暖化和森林消失等， 都可尋找原因而加以避免。第二個可用來引以為鑑的警告，就是需要十分小心處理人與人的交往。因為有如以上闡述，人有自己的意識和自我，會由互動產生十分複 雜的惡毒性循環，一發不可收拾的可能效果。比如在人群中惡作劇場，高呼沒發生的火警。這極度可能引起恐慌，以致互相踐踏，引致人命傷亡。同樣的道理，處理 人與人之間的感情，也是適用的。我的總結，是我們的世界裡，存在着自然界的簡單客觀真理，以及人與人之間較為複雜的主觀真理。雖然有這般分類，但這不會影 響因與果的定律，它仍然是有效的。否則我們便喪失了邏輯和正常精神狀態的操作。這也代表着自然公理的不會變易。善惡到頭終有報，只是遲或早的問題吧了！因 此，作姦犯科之類，應以此作為警惕才對。就算你們不相信鬼神，也難逃自然的因果定律。同一警告，也可應用於唯物主義者，以及類似的政治黨派人士。我作重新 警告，這定律不是迷信，而是不會變易的永恆自然界真理，不可挑戰的事實。切記！切記！
JKHC. ( 鄭冠合 )
註： 我對有關愛因斯坦的狹義相對論的解釋 ：http://www.galaxyzooforum.org/index.php?topic=270816.0
The law of cause and effect is the corner stone of science, logic, our sanity as well as basis of most religious beliefs. It also appeals to our revered value of justice based on the triumph of good over evil. It is the law of hope and comfort. It's tenet is pretty simple. Nothing happens without a cause. But is it that simple when applied to human affairs ? Definitely not. Most people are wary of the unfathomable and profound mysteries in science. In fact, things are not always what they appear to be. Based on my humble experience from a personal intellectual journey through 250 or so popular science books starting with Professor Stephen Hawking's " A Brief History of Time " ( a pocket book of only 197 pages which I took 3 months to finish ) and ending with his most recent book - " The Grand Design " ( published on 16th October, 2010 of 187 pages which I took 3 days to finish ) over a period of 5 years I have found to my utmost surprise that scientific laws and theories are far simpler than human and everyday affairs such as economics and human relationships. Ask me about Einstein's Special Relativity ( basis of time and even space travel ) and the strange implications of Quantum Mechanics ( basis of our beloved computers ). I can explain their basic tenets and principles in a decently understandable manner ( which I did in my book - " The Universe - A Personal View " freely available on my website ). That is why Einstein had famously said that :- " That most incomprehensible thing about the universe is that it is comprehensible. "
I also most presumptuously think that I have found or correctly speculated the reason for this apparent anomaly to my pleasant surprise and elation. It is our mind and consciousness that are the culprits for causing complications in human affairs. Stated more scientifically, natural and theoretical science deal with matters without a mind. Therefore, there is by and large only one to one relationships without any feed back loop to deal with. Kick a rock with a certain force and your pain will be proportional to the force applied. This is Newton's Third Law of Motion :- " Action and reaction are equal and opposite ." On the contrary, human affairs deal with subjects who all have a mind of their own. Each person reacts to external stimuli differently and worse still differently at different times depending on their mood and a given environment. There are multiple feed back loops that create a new situation after each round of interaction that can go on endlessly like the vicious circle phenomenon in macroeconomics. Take a simple everyday example. Say, you run into a lamp pole in a hurry. To correct your inadvertent mistake you simply step sideways and carry on. If you run into a person in a hurry you may not be able to rectify your " misbehavior " that easily. I am sure you have the painful experience of your victim moving to a same side to which you have chosen to divert in your desperate attempt to avoid collision. This unpleasant blocking game could go on for a few rounds before communication can ultimately be established and physical collision finally avoided. In more unfortunate cases, nasty confrontation could ensue ending with very unpleasant results.
What are all these mumble jumble leading to in terms of cause and effect ? Please bear with me a little longer and all will be revealed to you in good time. There are two important moral lessons to be learned here. Firstly, causes of natural phenomena which obey invariant laws can somehow be found. Many of these can unfortunately be traced to human misbehaviour such as global warming and deforestation. We can reduce the probability of their occurrence if we are to blame or predict and protect ourselves accordingly if we are not responsible. Green house gas emission leads to global warming. This is simple one to one cause and effect relationship. Second moral lesson, in dealing with human affairs take extra care when you initial an action. There could be multiple feed back reactions that could easily get out of control like cry wolf about a nonexistent fire in a crowded place leading to panic that could cost valuable lives. The same argument is equally applicable to not so proper love affairs. In summary, natural phenomena and human affairs are two different types of " truths " which I called objective and subjective truths respectively. The former has a definite and predictable response to stimulus while the latter responds unpredictably. Notwithstanding this general characteristic the law of cause and effect still holds true for both. Hence, natural justice will somehow be served ultimately if not immediately. Beware evil doers. Even if you do not believe in God or the spiritual. This is the invariant law of nature. The same warning is also applicable to all materialism advocates and supporters of akin political regimes. I am not talking about superstitious myths and mysteries. This is solid science of nature. It pays to heed my humble warning.
( Note : Those interested in Einstein's Special Relativity please click on the following link to see my explanation ( agreed to by the professors of astrophysics in Cambridge and Harvard ) to the younger citizen astronomers in the most successful online science research project GALAXY ZOO official forum. This project has also given rise to the term CITIZEN SCIENCE which is specifically singled out by the US National Science Council 2010 report as the new scientific research trend for the next decade :- http://www.galaxyzooforum.org/index.php?topic=270816.0 )
因果定律， 是邏輯，科學和我們正常精神狀態的基石，更加是很多宗教的不異教條。這定律更加對我們產生吸引力，因為它和我們所尊崇的公義，以及好人會戰勝壞人，這種充 滿希望和安慰的信念符合。它的基本信念是簡單而直接的。這便是有果必有因。但用於人與人之間的事情，便不是那麼簡單了。大多數人都對神秘和莫測高深的科學理論，會感到迷失和 有戒心。其實，事情並不像表面那麼單純。在下曾經花了五年多的時間，看了多於二百五十多本科學叢書，從 Professor Stephen Hawking 的 A Brief History of Time ( 這只有197頁的小書，我卻需要用三個月的時間才讀完）開始，以至他最新的書 The Grand Design ( 在本年十月十六日才出版，有187頁的書，而我只用了三天便讀完了), 總共花了五年多的時間才完成私下的研究。以在下這 謙卑的經驗，我察覺到科學的定律和理論，竟然比人與人之間的事情，比方說經濟和人際關係，要來得簡單。假若你問我有關愛因斯坦的狹義相對論（ 我們理解時間與空間，甚至使應用於太空探索的基礎 ）或者量子力學的神秘暗藏玄機 （ 這是我們極度寵愛的數碼電腦的根基所在 ），我都能夠以單純易明的解釋，給各位來作一個簡易說明。而實際上，我已經在我的弊作，一本叫The Universe - A Personal View ( 翻譯作:我個人的宇宙觀）書內試圖作出了。所以，愛因斯坦曾經發表過以下聞名的講話:「 宇宙中最令人費解的事，實屬這宇宙是可以為人所理解的。」
我更加對以上令人費解的事，作了某些大膽的假設和推論。就是我們的思想和意識，便是罪魁禍首。這發現令我十分驚喜和雀躍。以科學化一點來說，自然界的事物 和現象，都是沒有自我和意識的。因此，大多數情況都是單一的回響，沒有複雜的互動元素。比如你以某一力度用腳去踢一塊石頭，你的痛楚必與你發出的腳力成正 比。這是牛頓動力學的第三定律。相反，人與人之間的交往，卻是關乎兩者或更多的有着自我和意識的個體，互相交流。每人對從外界來的刺激，有不同的反應。再 者， 不同的人更加會在不同的時間以及環境，作出不同的反應。這樣就會形成了複雜的互動回響。這互往的反應在理論上是可以無限的。就有如宏觀經濟中的惡性循環一 般。就拿一般日常的例子，如果你在匆忙中不慎走向一條燈柱，你只要踏步則邊避過便成。但是如果你不慎衝向一個人，那便麻煩得多了。我肯定地說，每一個人都 曾經試過這般的不快經驗。被你險些碰撞的人，向左或右避開，而那邊正是你試圖避開他的那一方。這麼一來，大家都尷尬地再次避往令一方，重滔覆轍。幾經辛苦才 找對了不相撞的那邊過路。如果情況更不幸，可能會導致衝突。
讀者會問，究竟以上的討論， 和因果定律有什麼關係呢？請耐心稍候一會，我便會完完本本地給你們答案。以上的討論有兩個值得引以為鑑的警惕。一是大自然的現象，是有着恆久不變和單一互 動，而沒有複雜的惡性循環式互動交替的情況。因此，事發的原因比較容易尋找。很不幸地，很多天災的起因，都可歸根於人為因素。比如地球暖化和森林消失等， 都可尋找原因而加以避免。第二個可用來引以為鑑的警告，就是需要十分小心處理人與人的交往。因為有如以上闡述，人有自己的意識和自我，會由互動產生十分複 雜的惡毒性循環，一發不可收拾的可能效果。比如在人群中惡作劇場，高呼沒發生的火警。這極度可能引起恐慌，以致互相踐踏，引致人命傷亡。同樣的道理，處理 人與人之間的感情，也是適用的。我的總結，是我們的世界裡，存在着自然界的簡單客觀真理，以及人與人之間較為複雜的主觀真理。雖然有這般分類，但這不會影 響因與果的定律，它仍然是有效的。否則我們便喪失了邏輯和正常精神狀態的操作。這也代表着自然公理的不會變易。善惡到頭終有報，只是遲或早的問題吧了！因 此，作姦犯科之類，應以此作為警惕才對。就算你們不相信鬼神，也難逃自然的因果定律。同一警告，也可應用於唯物主義者，以及類似的政治黨派人士。我作重新 警告，這定律不是迷信，而是不會變易的永恆自然界真理，不可挑戰的事實。切記！切記！
JKHC. ( 鄭冠合 )
註： 我對有關愛因斯坦的狹義相對論的解釋 ：http://www.galaxyzooforum.org/index.php?topic=270816.0
Monday, November 15, 2010
Thoughts to you from yours truly - ( 43 ) - November 16, 2010
Thoughts to You from Yours Truly - ( TYYT ) - ( 43 ) - The Problem with Money ( 錢的問題 ) - Nov., 16, 2010
People say money is no problem. Only no money is the problem. I say problems that can be solved by money are really no problem. The only problem is that we usually create the problems because of money in the first place. Is money the problem then or are we the real problem ? If you don't know the answer to this question then you really have a problem !
人們說錢不成問題，沒有錢才是問題。我說錢可以解決的問題不成問題，問題在於多數的問題，都是我們自己為了錢, 以至鋌而走險所造成的。那麼問題是出於錢，還是我們自己才是問題所在呢？如果你不懂得這問題的答案，那麼你的腦袋真正出了問題啦！
JKHC.
People say money is no problem. Only no money is the problem. I say problems that can be solved by money are really no problem. The only problem is that we usually create the problems because of money in the first place. Is money the problem then or are we the real problem ? If you don't know the answer to this question then you really have a problem !
人們說錢不成問題，沒有錢才是問題。我說錢可以解決的問題不成問題，問題在於多數的問題，都是我們自己為了錢, 以至鋌而走險所造成的。那麼問題是出於錢，還是我們自己才是問題所在呢？如果你不懂得這問題的答案，那麼你的腦袋真正出了問題啦！
JKHC.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Thoughts to you from yours truly - ( 42 ) - November 15, 2010
Thoughts to You from Yours Truly - ( TYYT ) - ( 42 ) - Subjective and Objective ( 主觀與客觀 ) - Nov., 15, 2010
I studied science as I love to be logical and objective as if these qualities equated with intelligence and fairness. As I grew older I found that abiding by such standards rendered me less than human. There was a cold spell in my heart as though it were not functioning properly. So, I changed to studying art subjects. Literature and philosophy were my pets. With more subjective values coming into my life I felt more human and I even began to enjoy changes in my emotions whence most of my inspiration originates. I started to use my heart more than just my head and I love it even more. Come university I became more down to earth out of financial necessity and took the commercial subjects. That paid off handsomely but only in financial terms. Now that I am retired I revert to my old wilful ways of being subjective but in an objective way meaning more seasoned and flexible approach in my interpersonal relationships. In short, I am still stubborn but in an empathetic manner. Come to think of it. There is subjectivity in being objective and vice versa. After all, we always depend on our consciousness to make judgment calls based on our intellect which is again interacting with our feelings. Therefore, both elements must be present. We cannot have one without the other. Life is mostly shades of gray. Hence, there is really no absolute truth. Treat people with empathy and one will not be far from the truth of nature that is !
我曾經攻讀理科，這是因為我喜歡自己邏輯與客觀。我一向認為這些質素是等同智慧和公平。長大了卻感到純粹持這些態度做人，會流於不近人情。心中會存在着一 種冷漠，有如心臟操作不靈一般，因此我轉讀了文科。文藝和哲學，是我的寵兒。多了些主觀性價值的浸淫，令我更有人情味，而且也學會享受自己的情緒起伏，這 亦是我的靈感來源。我學會用心中感受而不單用腦袋去處理事情, 我更喜歡自己這般做人的態度。進入大學後，我變得實際了，所以選擇讀商科。這選擇的確令我得到很可觀的經濟回報, 不過只限於此而已。現在退休了一陣只，我又故態復萌了，再度重投主觀的懷抱， 但是在待人接物方面，多了點彈性和少許客觀的成份。換言之，我仍然是固執，但是略帶同情心罷了。回心細想， 我們用意識去作出判斷和抉擇，情感和理智都在互動地運作，所以主觀和客觀的元素, 兩者都必然存在，缺一不能成事。生命就是充滿着灰色地帶的，不要再說什麼是絕對真理了。以慈悲之心待人，這必定離大自然的真理不遠了。
JKHC.
I studied science as I love to be logical and objective as if these qualities equated with intelligence and fairness. As I grew older I found that abiding by such standards rendered me less than human. There was a cold spell in my heart as though it were not functioning properly. So, I changed to studying art subjects. Literature and philosophy were my pets. With more subjective values coming into my life I felt more human and I even began to enjoy changes in my emotions whence most of my inspiration originates. I started to use my heart more than just my head and I love it even more. Come university I became more down to earth out of financial necessity and took the commercial subjects. That paid off handsomely but only in financial terms. Now that I am retired I revert to my old wilful ways of being subjective but in an objective way meaning more seasoned and flexible approach in my interpersonal relationships. In short, I am still stubborn but in an empathetic manner. Come to think of it. There is subjectivity in being objective and vice versa. After all, we always depend on our consciousness to make judgment calls based on our intellect which is again interacting with our feelings. Therefore, both elements must be present. We cannot have one without the other. Life is mostly shades of gray. Hence, there is really no absolute truth. Treat people with empathy and one will not be far from the truth of nature that is !
我曾經攻讀理科，這是因為我喜歡自己邏輯與客觀。我一向認為這些質素是等同智慧和公平。長大了卻感到純粹持這些態度做人，會流於不近人情。心中會存在着一 種冷漠，有如心臟操作不靈一般，因此我轉讀了文科。文藝和哲學，是我的寵兒。多了些主觀性價值的浸淫，令我更有人情味，而且也學會享受自己的情緒起伏，這 亦是我的靈感來源。我學會用心中感受而不單用腦袋去處理事情, 我更喜歡自己這般做人的態度。進入大學後，我變得實際了，所以選擇讀商科。這選擇的確令我得到很可觀的經濟回報, 不過只限於此而已。現在退休了一陣只，我又故態復萌了，再度重投主觀的懷抱， 但是在待人接物方面，多了點彈性和少許客觀的成份。換言之，我仍然是固執，但是略帶同情心罷了。回心細想， 我們用意識去作出判斷和抉擇，情感和理智都在互動地運作，所以主觀和客觀的元素, 兩者都必然存在，缺一不能成事。生命就是充滿着灰色地帶的，不要再說什麼是絕對真理了。以慈悲之心待人，這必定離大自然的真理不遠了。
JKHC.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Thoughts to you from yours truly - ( 41 ) - November 14, 2010
Thoughts to You from Yours Truly - ( TYYT ) - ( 41 ) - Politics and Politicians ( 政治與政客 ) - Nov., 14, 2010
Politics is business of the people. Therefore, no one can afford to ignore it. On the other hand, politicians are necessary pains that we have to tolerate because they could be so destructive. This is at odds with what they are enjoying. Despite all these misfortunes we need them nevertheless. Politics is the only profession I know in which one is remunerated by money as well as the rare privilege of a chance to get into the history books in a significant way. That simply means immortality. Politicians heed this warning. Be grateful for this great privilege to serve and so you must act decently. Power to the people always !
政治是眾人之事，所以沒人能對它置之不理。在令一方面，政客卻是我們必須容忍的痛楚。這是因為他們擁有着極度破壞性的潛力。這情況與 他們享受的優待絕對不成正比。話雖如此，我們仍然需要他們來管治國家。政治這行專業，是我所知道的唯一有雙重報酬的工作。政客有薪金，亦有可以達到留名清 史的罕有良機。後者等同永垂不朽的最高榮譽。政客必須以此為鑑，以感恩之心服務老百姓，並且要慎重行事才對。權力永遠歸於人民！
JKHC.
Politics is business of the people. Therefore, no one can afford to ignore it. On the other hand, politicians are necessary pains that we have to tolerate because they could be so destructive. This is at odds with what they are enjoying. Despite all these misfortunes we need them nevertheless. Politics is the only profession I know in which one is remunerated by money as well as the rare privilege of a chance to get into the history books in a significant way. That simply means immortality. Politicians heed this warning. Be grateful for this great privilege to serve and so you must act decently. Power to the people always !
政治是眾人之事，所以沒人能對它置之不理。在令一方面，政客卻是我們必須容忍的痛楚。這是因為他們擁有着極度破壞性的潛力。這情況與 他們享受的優待絕對不成正比。話雖如此，我們仍然需要他們來管治國家。政治這行專業，是我所知道的唯一有雙重報酬的工作。政客有薪金，亦有可以達到留名清 史的罕有良機。後者等同永垂不朽的最高榮譽。政客必須以此為鑑，以感恩之心服務老百姓，並且要慎重行事才對。權力永遠歸於人民！
JKHC.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Prose ( 散文 ) - Staring at the Stars ( 看星星 ) - Poetry & Prose ( 3 ) - Nov.,13, 2010
Prose ( 散文 ) - Staring at the Stars ( 看星星 ) - Poetry & Prose ( 3 ) - Nov.,13, 2010
Staring at the Stars ( 看星星 )
More stars than sand to be gazed upon they are really spectacular and cool.
繁星多越恆河沙數，燦爛而有性格，更可任人觀賞。
In my life time they have given me endless comfort and showed me the eternal truth.
在我一生中，它們給予我無限安慰和為我展示了永恆的真理。
Start staring at the stars to learn your life story, too.
你們也不防試試看星，或許也可以如我一般獲得些人生的啟示。
Start staring at them especially when you feel blue.
正當你感覺繁亂之際，這也正好是開始觀星的適當時候。
So, let us start what we must do from here and now until you know what to do.
那麼就讓我們開始做我們必須做的事， 直到我們學會怎樣做為止。
When you are born stare at the stars. Their mystical omnipresence will symbolize you.
當你誕生時，請看着星星。它們神秘地無處不在，正像徵着你生命的存在。
When you are young stare at the stars. Their illusive twinkling will mesmerize you.
當你仍年輕的時候，請看看繁星，它們虛幻的閃爍， 令你切底地着了迷。
When you are lost stare at the stars. Their lasting brightness will guide you.
當你感到迷失和落魄的時候，請看看星空， 它們的永恆光芒會指引你的路途。
When you are successful stare at the stars. Their profound grandeur will humble you.
當你成功之際，更要看看星星，因為它們的偉大壯觀，使你感覺謙卑。
When you are angry stare at the stars. Their soothing tranquility will clam you.
當你忿怒時，也得看看繁星，它們有着令人心情舒緩的寧靜， 會使你悄悄地安靜下來。
When you are down stare at the stars. Their glamorous beauty will lift you.
當你心情沮喪的時候，請看看星星，它們的優美和燦爛，令你情緒提昇。
When you are happy stare at the stars. Their constant wonders will excite you.
當你快樂時， 也應舉頭看星，它們有着經常性的奇妙， 會令你更加興奮。
When you are wavering stare at the stars. Their great steadfastness will inspire you.
當你舉棋不定時，你需要看看星星，它們的永固不移，會給予你深刻的啟發。
When you are tired stare at the stars. Their endless energy will revitalize you.
當你疲倦之際，你也得仰首觀星，因它們無盡的能量，能使你活力得予重振。
When you are in love stare at the stars. Their unfathomable eternity will reassure you.
當你沐浴愛河時， 你可以舉頭看星， 它們無法量度的永恆存在，令你得到愛的保證。
When you are old stare at the stars. Their everlasting myths will provide dreams for you.
當你年老的時候，你更加要看看星星，它們的不死傳說，令你可以繼續造你的長生夢。
When you are dead stare at the stars, too, for they will all be around you !
當你不幸死去，希望你仍能看着所有陪伴在你左右的繁星，因為這樣的話，你已經身處天堂了！
For all the above reasons, I love astronomy dearly and would gladly introduce it to all of you.
由於以上諸因，我浩愛天文學，更十分樂意將它推薦給各位仁兄仁姐，予以分享, 奇景共賞。
JKHC.
鄭冠合
Staring at the Stars ( 看星星 )
More stars than sand to be gazed upon they are really spectacular and cool.
繁星多越恆河沙數，燦爛而有性格，更可任人觀賞。
In my life time they have given me endless comfort and showed me the eternal truth.
在我一生中，它們給予我無限安慰和為我展示了永恆的真理。
Start staring at the stars to learn your life story, too.
你們也不防試試看星，或許也可以如我一般獲得些人生的啟示。
Start staring at them especially when you feel blue.
正當你感覺繁亂之際，這也正好是開始觀星的適當時候。
So, let us start what we must do from here and now until you know what to do.
那麼就讓我們開始做我們必須做的事， 直到我們學會怎樣做為止。
When you are born stare at the stars. Their mystical omnipresence will symbolize you.
當你誕生時，請看着星星。它們神秘地無處不在，正像徵着你生命的存在。
When you are young stare at the stars. Their illusive twinkling will mesmerize you.
當你仍年輕的時候，請看看繁星，它們虛幻的閃爍， 令你切底地着了迷。
When you are lost stare at the stars. Their lasting brightness will guide you.
當你感到迷失和落魄的時候，請看看星空， 它們的永恆光芒會指引你的路途。
When you are successful stare at the stars. Their profound grandeur will humble you.
當你成功之際，更要看看星星，因為它們的偉大壯觀，使你感覺謙卑。
When you are angry stare at the stars. Their soothing tranquility will clam you.
當你忿怒時，也得看看繁星，它們有着令人心情舒緩的寧靜， 會使你悄悄地安靜下來。
When you are down stare at the stars. Their glamorous beauty will lift you.
當你心情沮喪的時候，請看看星星，它們的優美和燦爛，令你情緒提昇。
When you are happy stare at the stars. Their constant wonders will excite you.
當你快樂時， 也應舉頭看星，它們有着經常性的奇妙， 會令你更加興奮。
When you are wavering stare at the stars. Their great steadfastness will inspire you.
當你舉棋不定時，你需要看看星星，它們的永固不移，會給予你深刻的啟發。
When you are tired stare at the stars. Their endless energy will revitalize you.
當你疲倦之際，你也得仰首觀星，因它們無盡的能量，能使你活力得予重振。
When you are in love stare at the stars. Their unfathomable eternity will reassure you.
當你沐浴愛河時， 你可以舉頭看星， 它們無法量度的永恆存在，令你得到愛的保證。
When you are old stare at the stars. Their everlasting myths will provide dreams for you.
當你年老的時候，你更加要看看星星，它們的不死傳說，令你可以繼續造你的長生夢。
When you are dead stare at the stars, too, for they will all be around you !
當你不幸死去，希望你仍能看着所有陪伴在你左右的繁星，因為這樣的話，你已經身處天堂了！
For all the above reasons, I love astronomy dearly and would gladly introduce it to all of you.
由於以上諸因，我浩愛天文學，更十分樂意將它推薦給各位仁兄仁姐，予以分享, 奇景共賞。
JKHC.
鄭冠合
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Thoughts to you from yours truly - ( 40 ) - November 12, 2010
Thoughts to You from Yours Truly - ( YTTY ) - ( 40 ) - Inspiration ( 靈感 ) - Nov., 12, 2010
Inspiration is a sudden flash of intellectual brilliance that enables one to see the world and oneself from a higher perspective. One cannot be sure whence it will come. Suffice it to say that maintaining a tranquil mindset will enhance the chances of its emergence. Needless to say, inspiration must be supported by knowledge and preferably wisdom to make it fruitful.
靈感是一團突然閃耀的智慧光芒。它會令人耳目一新，能在更高的一個層次察覺和理解自己以及這世界。我們不能肯定它從那裡來。只可以說一件事，保持一個平靜的心境，便能大大增加靈感降臨的可能性。當然，如要它能開花結果，我們必須以學識和智慧去扶持它。
JKHC.
Inspiration is a sudden flash of intellectual brilliance that enables one to see the world and oneself from a higher perspective. One cannot be sure whence it will come. Suffice it to say that maintaining a tranquil mindset will enhance the chances of its emergence. Needless to say, inspiration must be supported by knowledge and preferably wisdom to make it fruitful.
靈感是一團突然閃耀的智慧光芒。它會令人耳目一新，能在更高的一個層次察覺和理解自己以及這世界。我們不能肯定它從那裡來。只可以說一件事，保持一個平靜的心境，便能大大增加靈感降臨的可能性。當然，如要它能開花結果，我們必須以學識和智慧去扶持它。
JKHC.
Thoughts to you from yours truly - ( 39 ) - November 11, 2010
Thoughts to You from Yours Truly - ( TYYT ) - ( 39 ) - The Matter of Age ( 有關年齡問題 ) - Nov. 11, 2010
I have always admired ladies who choose to be open about their age. It shows great self confidence and defiance of an accepted but nonsensical taboo. To me, age is entirely a matter of the heart. One can be aged at 20 or youthful at 60. Optimism and pessimism define young and old respectively.
我一向都敬佩對自己年齡持開放態度的女士。這展露了她們的自信，和藐視不合情理的禁忌。在我而言，年齡純粹是心境問題。一個人可以是二十歲便心境蒼老，或者六十歲還是心境年輕。就是積極和消極兩種不同的態度，便分別主宰着年輕和年老的心境了。
JKHC.
I have always admired ladies who choose to be open about their age. It shows great self confidence and defiance of an accepted but nonsensical taboo. To me, age is entirely a matter of the heart. One can be aged at 20 or youthful at 60. Optimism and pessimism define young and old respectively.
我一向都敬佩對自己年齡持開放態度的女士。這展露了她們的自信，和藐視不合情理的禁忌。在我而言，年齡純粹是心境問題。一個人可以是二十歲便心境蒼老，或者六十歲還是心境年輕。就是積極和消極兩種不同的態度，便分別主宰着年輕和年老的心境了。
JKHC.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Thoughts to you from yours truly - ( 38 ) - November 10, 2010
Thoughts to You from Yours Truly ( TYYT ) - ( 38 ) - Love and Commitment ( 愛情與承諾 ) - Nov., 10, 2010
True love must entail commitment. However, there is a nasty catch here. Being fully committed also means being fully exposed to the risk of trauma from betrayal. To be totally committed and enjoy perfect love or to withhold commitment and be safe. It is , indeed, a very mind boggling personal call. Personally, I am a risk taker at heart. I totally agree with what Shakespeare said :- " It is better to have loved and lost, than not to have loved at all ! "
真愛必定包含承諾，但承諾卻蘊藏着一種可怕的危機。付出了絕對的承諾, 亦意味到可以受到絕對的傷害。應該以絕對承諾換取完美的愛情，還是獨善其身以保安全呢？這真是個令人費盡思量的個人抉擇。以我個人而言，在內心我是個風險承受者。我完全同意莎士比亞所說:「曾經愛過而失戀，比從沒有愛過更好！」
JKHC.
True love must entail commitment. However, there is a nasty catch here. Being fully committed also means being fully exposed to the risk of trauma from betrayal. To be totally committed and enjoy perfect love or to withhold commitment and be safe. It is , indeed, a very mind boggling personal call. Personally, I am a risk taker at heart. I totally agree with what Shakespeare said :- " It is better to have loved and lost, than not to have loved at all ! "
真愛必定包含承諾，但承諾卻蘊藏着一種可怕的危機。付出了絕對的承諾, 亦意味到可以受到絕對的傷害。應該以絕對承諾換取完美的愛情，還是獨善其身以保安全呢？這真是個令人費盡思量的個人抉擇。以我個人而言，在內心我是個風險承受者。我完全同意莎士比亞所說:「曾經愛過而失戀，比從沒有愛過更好！」
JKHC.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Thoughts to you from yours truly - ( 37 ) - November 9, 2010
Thoughts to You from Yours Truly ( TYYT ) - ( 37 ) - Temptation ( 誘惑 ) - Nov., 9, 2010
No one is immune to temptation. Therefore, the best way to combat temptation is to avoid putting oneself in a vulnerable position in the first place. This is especially relevant to gentlemen.
沒有人是不為誘惑所動的。因此，對付誘惑的最佳辦法，就是避免將自己處於一個危險的境地。這策略對男仕尤其恰當。
JKHC.
No one is immune to temptation. Therefore, the best way to combat temptation is to avoid putting oneself in a vulnerable position in the first place. This is especially relevant to gentlemen.
沒有人是不為誘惑所動的。因此，對付誘惑的最佳辦法，就是避免將自己處於一個危險的境地。這策略對男仕尤其恰當。
JKHC.
Thoughts to you from yours truly - ( 36 ) - November 8, 2010
Thoughts to You from Yours Truly ( TYYT ) - ( 36 ) - Acquiring Wisdom ( 吸取智慧 ) - Nov., 8, 2010
Wisdom is acquired through numerous foolish fumbles. Only geniuses are born with it. Most of us are not that well endowed. Therefore, be tolerant of your own mistakes as well as those of others.
智慧是要經過無數愚蠢的失誤，才會續漸形成的。只有天才才擁有與生俱來的智慧。因此， 對自己的和別人的失誤都應給予忍耐才對。
JKHC.
Wisdom is acquired through numerous foolish fumbles. Only geniuses are born with it. Most of us are not that well endowed. Therefore, be tolerant of your own mistakes as well as those of others.
智慧是要經過無數愚蠢的失誤，才會續漸形成的。只有天才才擁有與生俱來的智慧。因此， 對自己的和別人的失誤都應給予忍耐才對。
JKHC.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Thoughts to you from yours truly - ( 35 ) - November 7, 2010
Thoughts to You from Yours Truly ( TYYT ) - ( 35 ) - My Fervour for Life ( 我對生命的熱情 ) - Nov., 7, 2010
My fervour for life is born of the realization that there are too many meaningful things to do but too little time to get them all done.
我對生命的熱情, 是建基於我了解到有太多有意義的事情要做, 但卻沒有足夠的時間去把它們全部完成。
JKHC.
My fervour for life is born of the realization that there are too many meaningful things to do but too little time to get them all done.
我對生命的熱情, 是建基於我了解到有太多有意義的事情要做, 但卻沒有足夠的時間去把它們全部完成。
JKHC.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Thoughts to you from yours truly - ( 34 ) - November 3, 2010
Thoughts to You from Yours Truly ( TYYT ) - ( 34 ) - Humility ( 謙遜 ) - Nov., 3, 2010
Humility is a virtue so long as it does not adversely affect one's self confidence. It is generally accepted that one always has much to learn from others. Not that one is inferior to others. Unfortunately, many oriental cultures tend to over indulge in humility. So much so that their young usually tend to be less outspoken and thus disadvantaged in their learning process.
如果謙遜的態度不深至影響自信，這是一種美德。其實正面的謙卑，是指接納自己有很多向別人學習的地方， 而不是比他人遜色。不幸地，許多東方的文化，都過於標榜謙卑，引至年輕人不敢發問，因而影響了學習過程。此乃極端不幸也。
JKHC.
Humility is a virtue so long as it does not adversely affect one's self confidence. It is generally accepted that one always has much to learn from others. Not that one is inferior to others. Unfortunately, many oriental cultures tend to over indulge in humility. So much so that their young usually tend to be less outspoken and thus disadvantaged in their learning process.
如果謙遜的態度不深至影響自信，這是一種美德。其實正面的謙卑，是指接納自己有很多向別人學習的地方， 而不是比他人遜色。不幸地，許多東方的文化，都過於標榜謙卑，引至年輕人不敢發問，因而影響了學習過程。此乃極端不幸也。
JKHC.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Thoughts to you from yours truly - ( 33 ) - November 2, 2010
Thoughts to You from Yours Truly ( TYYT ) - ( 33 ) - Knowledge Is Not Wisdom ( 學識與智慧 ) - Nov., 2 , 2010
Don't equate knowledge with wisdom. The former is useful information while the latter is knowing when and how to apply the former in an appropriate manner. Skillful and sophisticated mental process must be applied.
學識不等同智慧。前者只是有用的資訊，而後者則是知道何時和怎去適當地運用那些資訊，必須運用精密巧妙的思維才行。
JKHC.
Don't equate knowledge with wisdom. The former is useful information while the latter is knowing when and how to apply the former in an appropriate manner. Skillful and sophisticated mental process must be applied.
學識不等同智慧。前者只是有用的資訊，而後者則是知道何時和怎去適當地運用那些資訊，必須運用精密巧妙的思維才行。
JKHC.
Happy Birthday to My Wife - Entry # 2 of Nov, 1, 2010
A Birthday ( so-called 打油詩 ) Poem to My Wife ( 獻給太太的生日賀詩 ) - Poetry & Prose ( 2 ) - Entry # 2 of Nov., 1, 2010
Happy Birthday, Darling !
Best wishes and blessings on your happy day
無限祝福在今天
Your happiness is here to stay
幸福永遠伴身邊
Enjoy good health and have no fear
健康無恙樂年年
Cheers ! And many happy returns , dear .
飲勝！壽比南山全
JKHC.
Happy Birthday, Darling !
Best wishes and blessings on your happy day
無限祝福在今天
Your happiness is here to stay
幸福永遠伴身邊
Enjoy good health and have no fear
健康無恙樂年年
Cheers ! And many happy returns , dear .
飲勝！壽比南山全
JKHC.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Thoughts to you from yours truly - ( 32 ) - Entry # 1 of November 1, 2010
Thoughts to You from Yours Truly ( TYYT ) - ( 32 ) - Ethical Education ( 德育 ) - Entry # 1 of Nov., 1, 2010
In my humble opinion, the foremost goal in education is to impart the virtue of empathy on the young. People will do good if they are empathetic with others' feeling even if the former are not learned. On the other hand, a learned person devoid of empathy is the most dangerous animal that walks the earth.
對教育的首要目標，愚見認為是引導後輩慈悲為懷，推己及人。一個慈悲而沒有學問的人，他仍會做好事。相反，一個有學問而缺德的人，卻會成為世上最危險的動物。
JKHC.
In my humble opinion, the foremost goal in education is to impart the virtue of empathy on the young. People will do good if they are empathetic with others' feeling even if the former are not learned. On the other hand, a learned person devoid of empathy is the most dangerous animal that walks the earth.
對教育的首要目標，愚見認為是引導後輩慈悲為懷，推己及人。一個慈悲而沒有學問的人，他仍會做好事。相反，一個有學問而缺德的人，卻會成為世上最危險的動物。
JKHC.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Poem - A Friendly Morale Booster - Entry # 2 of Oct., 31, 2010
Poem on mutual support for friends - A Friendly Morale Booster - Poetry & Prose ( 1 ) - Entry # 2 of Oct., 31, 2010
I composed this so-called poem while in transit flight from Hong Kong last week. You are cordially invited to suggest modifications as you see fit. 敬請指正
by Joseph K. H. Cheng ( 鄭冠合 )
莫懼慘淡深沉夜
懇祈真愛導你行
雖逢風霜驗壯志
I composed this so-called poem while in transit flight from Hong Kong last week. You are cordially invited to suggest modifications as you see fit. 敬請指正
by Joseph K. H. Cheng ( 鄭冠合 )
Friendly Morale Booster
友誼之共勉
Fear ye not the darkest night
莫懼慘淡深沉夜
May true love be thy guiding light
懇祈真愛導你行
Untimely sleet may burden thy plight
雖逢風霜驗壯志
Somehow thou shall see a morning bright
那怕晨光吐艷遲
Thoughts to you from yours truly - ( 31 ) - Entry # 1 of Oct., 31, 2010
Thoughts to You from Yours Truly ( TYYT ) - ( 31 ) - The True Love Story ( 真正的愛情故事 ) - Entry # 1 of Oct., 31, 2010.
Love is anything other than " not having to say you're sorry " as the movie ( made in 1970 based on Erich Segal 's book ) said. This is called taking for granted. Love is having to say your are sorry and your partner being able to forgive and forget.
愛不是如那齣電影愛情故事所說：愛是不需要說對不起的。這叫做肆無忌憚。真愛是有勇氣承認錯誤，而伴侶卻能原諒和忘記。
JKHC.
Love is anything other than " not having to say you're sorry " as the movie ( made in 1970 based on Erich Segal 's book ) said. This is called taking for granted. Love is having to say your are sorry and your partner being able to forgive and forget.
愛不是如那齣電影愛情故事所說：愛是不需要說對不起的。這叫做肆無忌憚。真愛是有勇氣承認錯誤，而伴侶卻能原諒和忘記。
JKHC.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Thoughts to you from yours truly ( 30 ) - Entry # 2 of Oct., 13, 2010
Thoughts to You from Yours Truly ( TYYT ) - ( 30 ) - EXTREMISM ( 偏激主義 ) - Entry # 2 of Oct., 13, 2010.
There are few things more self destructive than extremism. If one embraces it one will be condemned to a world view like a frog at the bottom of a well to the exclusion of all the beauty out there. Its evil legacy can range from a solitary life to mass murder. Shun extremism and be perceptive and objective !
很少東西比偏激主義更有自我毀滅性。假若你擁護它的話，你會淪為井底之蛙。你的世界觀便有如坐井觀天，錯過了一切在世界上的美景。其邪惡的禍害可由孤獨一生以至令人變成集體殺人犯。請摒棄偏激主義並保持察覺性和客觀態度！
JKHC.
There are few things more self destructive than extremism. If one embraces it one will be condemned to a world view like a frog at the bottom of a well to the exclusion of all the beauty out there. Its evil legacy can range from a solitary life to mass murder. Shun extremism and be perceptive and objective !
很少東西比偏激主義更有自我毀滅性。假若你擁護它的話，你會淪為井底之蛙。你的世界觀便有如坐井觀天，錯過了一切在世界上的美景。其邪惡的禍害可由孤獨一生以至令人變成集體殺人犯。請摒棄偏激主義並保持察覺性和客觀態度！
JKHC.
Thoughts to you from yours truly ( 29 ) - Entry # 1 of Oct., 13, 2010
Thoughts to You from Yours Truly ( TYYT ) - ( 29 ) - SPECIAL RELATIVITY IN A NUTSHELL (狹義相對論精粹 ) - Entry # 1 of Oct., 13, 2010.
Relativity goes much deeper than the notion that everything is relative. Its tenet rests on the constant speed of light which conveys to us the sense of time. Given that space-time is a continuum tied by the constant speed of light any faster movement through space must be compensated by the slowing down of time to keep the constant. For a faster traveller time slows down more. This is the awesome discovery by Einstein . Now, you know why life could really be an illusion !
狹義相對論精粹不只說事物是沒有絕對性的。它的基礎是在光速是固定的，而光給我們時間的感覺。由於時與空是由光速度相連的，在空間移動快了，在時間上必須慢下來，以保持固定的光速。速度越快，時間越慢。這便是愛因斯坦的驚人發現。現在你明白生命是幻覺的道理了！
JKHC.
( Note : For those who want to understand more about Einstein's Special Relativity please see this link to my discussion on the official GALAXY ZOO forum :- http://www.galaxyzooforum.org/index.php?topic=270816.0 )
Relativity goes much deeper than the notion that everything is relative. Its tenet rests on the constant speed of light which conveys to us the sense of time. Given that space-time is a continuum tied by the constant speed of light any faster movement through space must be compensated by the slowing down of time to keep the constant. For a faster traveller time slows down more. This is the awesome discovery by Einstein . Now, you know why life could really be an illusion !
狹義相對論精粹不只說事物是沒有絕對性的。它的基礎是在光速是固定的，而光給我們時間的感覺。由於時與空是由光速度相連的，在空間移動快了，在時間上必須慢下來，以保持固定的光速。速度越快，時間越慢。這便是愛因斯坦的驚人發現。現在你明白生命是幻覺的道理了！
JKHC.
( Note : For those who want to understand more about Einstein's Special Relativity please see this link to my discussion on the official GALAXY ZOO forum :- http://www.galaxyzooforum.org/index.php?topic=270816.0 )
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Thoughts to you from yours truly ( 28 ) - Entry # 2 of Oct., 12, 2010
Thoughts to You from Yours Truly ( TYYT ) - ( 28 ) - LABEL ( 標簽 ) - Entry # 2 of Oct., 12, 2010.
Labels are generally applied to identify products for better handling. Human beings are not products. So why do we sometimes label people through prejudice ? I think the only justifiable labeling of people is good and bad depending on time and place but not good or bad , period. In short, there is no hard and fast rule hence no labeling, please!
標簽是用來處理貨物的。人不是貨物，那麼為何我們有時以偏見來標簽他人呢？我相信把人作唯一合理的分類是好與壞，而且要視乎不同的時間與處境。不能武斷地評作單純的好與壞便算。這沒有不異定律，所以請不要將人加以標簽。
JKHC.
Labels are generally applied to identify products for better handling. Human beings are not products. So why do we sometimes label people through prejudice ? I think the only justifiable labeling of people is good and bad depending on time and place but not good or bad , period. In short, there is no hard and fast rule hence no labeling, please!
標簽是用來處理貨物的。人不是貨物，那麼為何我們有時以偏見來標簽他人呢？我相信把人作唯一合理的分類是好與壞，而且要視乎不同的時間與處境。不能武斷地評作單純的好與壞便算。這沒有不異定律，所以請不要將人加以標簽。
JKHC.
Thoughts to you from yours truly ( 27 ) - Entry # 1 of Oct., 12, 2010
Thoughts to You from Yours Truly ( TYYT ) - ( 27 ) - DOUBLE STANDARD (雙重標準 ) - Entry # 1 of Oct., 12, 2010.
Double standard is one of the greatest of all evils for it makes true justice and equality impossible. Get rid of it and you will have a real social revolution. Unfortunately, this means you must have a self revolution first . Which is harder ? It depends on your point of view.
雙重標準是最大的邪惡之一。因為有了它便沒有真正公義和平等。產除了它，便可達成真正社會革命。可惜這意味到，我們先要達至成功的個人革命。那種是比較困難呢？這是見仁見智的問題。
JKHC.
Double standard is one of the greatest of all evils for it makes true justice and equality impossible. Get rid of it and you will have a real social revolution. Unfortunately, this means you must have a self revolution first . Which is harder ? It depends on your point of view.
雙重標準是最大的邪惡之一。因為有了它便沒有真正公義和平等。產除了它，便可達成真正社會革命。可惜這意味到，我們先要達至成功的個人革命。那種是比較困難呢？這是見仁見智的問題。
JKHC.
Thoughts to you from yours truly ( 26 ) - Entry # 2 of Oct., 11, 2010
Thoughts to You from Yours Truly ( TYYT ) - ( 26 ) - ONLY CHOICE ( 唯一的選擇 ) - Entry # 2 of Oct., 11, 2010.
One must either study hard while young or do hard work when old. That is the only choice. I know which to choose if I were you. In fact, I did, too !
人必須在年輕時努力讀書，或者到老時辛苦地工作, 這是必經選擇。如果我是你，我知道如何去決定。其實我早已選對了！
JKHC.
One must either study hard while young or do hard work when old. That is the only choice. I know which to choose if I were you. In fact, I did, too !
人必須在年輕時努力讀書，或者到老時辛苦地工作, 這是必經選擇。如果我是你，我知道如何去決定。其實我早已選對了！
JKHC.
Thoughts to you from yours truly ( 25 ) - Entry # 1 of Oct. 11, 2010
Thoughts to You from Yours Truly ( TYYT ) - ( 25 ) - KNOW YOUR WEAKNESS ( 認識短處 ) - Entry # 1 of Oct., 11, 2010.
It is important to know one's strength but it is even more important to realize one's weakness. For your strength may possibly make you successful but your weakness will certainly spell your downfall.
認識自己的長處，是重要的事。但是了解自己的短處，更為要緊。事關長處可能令你成功，而短處肯定會導致你失敗。
JKHC.
It is important to know one's strength but it is even more important to realize one's weakness. For your strength may possibly make you successful but your weakness will certainly spell your downfall.
認識自己的長處，是重要的事。但是了解自己的短處，更為要緊。事關長處可能令你成功，而短處肯定會導致你失敗。
JKHC.
Thoughts to you from yours truly ( 24 ) - Entry # 2 of Oct., 10, 2010
Thoughts to You from Yours Truly ( TYYT ) - ( 24 ) - MEASUREMENT OF HAPPINESS ( 幸福的衡量 ) - Entry # 2 of Oct., 10, 2010.
Happiness is not measured by how many things one has. It is measured by how many things one doesn't need to have.
幸福的衡量，不是你擁有越多東西越棒，反而是你需要越少東西越行。
JKHC.
Happiness is not measured by how many things one has. It is measured by how many things one doesn't need to have.
幸福的衡量，不是你擁有越多東西越棒，反而是你需要越少東西越行。
JKHC.
Thoughts to you from yours truly ( 23 ) - Entry # 1 of Oct., 10, 2010
Thoughts to You from Yours Truly ( TYYT ) - ( 23 ) - MY GREED ( 貪婪的我 ) - Entry # 1 of Oct., 10, 2010.
People generally look for fame and fortune. I am greedier than most. I look for things that will really last such as purpose in life regardless of whether or not I can find it.
人們通常追求名利，我卻比較貪婪。我嚮往恆久的東西，比如生命意義，姑勿論我能否找到它。
JKHC.
People generally look for fame and fortune. I am greedier than most. I look for things that will really last such as purpose in life regardless of whether or not I can find it.
人們通常追求名利，我卻比較貪婪。我嚮往恆久的東西，比如生命意義，姑勿論我能否找到它。
JKHC.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Thoughts to you from yours truly ( 22 ) - Entry # 2 of Oct., 9, 2010
Thoughts to You from Yours Truly ( TYYT ) - ( 22 ) - MAD, MAD WORLD ( 瘋瘋狂狂的世界 ) - Entry # 2 of Oct. 9, 2010.
If everyone in the world is mad then the world will be rid of madness for there will be no one to realize it. Don't say I'm mad because the world at present is close to that critical point.
如果全世界的人都瘋了，便沒有人會發覺有異樣。不要說我瘋了，因為現狀已差不多到達這危急的地步。
JKHC.
If everyone in the world is mad then the world will be rid of madness for there will be no one to realize it. Don't say I'm mad because the world at present is close to that critical point.
如果全世界的人都瘋了，便沒有人會發覺有異樣。不要說我瘋了，因為現狀已差不多到達這危急的地步。
JKHC.
Thoughts to you from yours truly ( 21 ) - Entry # 1 of Oct., 9, 2010
Thoughts to You from Yours Truly ( TYYT ) - ( 21 ) - THE NEUTRALIST ( 中立的人 ) - Entry # 1 of Oct., 9, 2010.
I am an anti-nobody in both the active and passive voices. I only believe in the potentials of the individual for everything beyond that is really out of our reach.
我是個中立的小人物，對人對己亦然。我只相信個人的潛能。因為超越了這些範疇是非我們可控制的了。
JKHC.
I am an anti-nobody in both the active and passive voices. I only believe in the potentials of the individual for everything beyond that is really out of our reach.
我是個中立的小人物，對人對己亦然。我只相信個人的潛能。因為超越了這些範疇是非我們可控制的了。
JKHC.
Thoughts to you from yours truly ( 20 ) - Entry # 2 of Oct., 8, 2010
Thoughts to You from Yours Truly ( TYYT ) - ( 20 ) - SUPREME SACRIFICE ( 至上的犧牲 ) - Entry # 2 of Oct., 8, 2010.
The supreme sacrifice is not death but love. For death takes but a fleeting moment while love takes a life time !
至上的犧牲，不是死，是愛。因為死是瞬間的事， 愛卻是一生一世的。
JKHC.
The supreme sacrifice is not death but love. For death takes but a fleeting moment while love takes a life time !
至上的犧牲，不是死，是愛。因為死是瞬間的事， 愛卻是一生一世的。
JKHC.
Thoughts to you from yours truly ( 19 ) - Entry # 1 of Oct., 8, 2010
Thoughts to You from Yours Truly ( TYYT ) - ( 19 ) - MUSIC ( 音樂 ) Entry # 1 of Oct., 8, 2010.
Music is our mental nourishment. Without music we would probably all go mad or worse still become unfeeling.
音樂是我們的精神食糧，沒有音樂，我們可能全都會發瘋了, 或許更不幸地變成麻木不仁。
JKHC.
Music is our mental nourishment. Without music we would probably all go mad or worse still become unfeeling.
音樂是我們的精神食糧，沒有音樂，我們可能全都會發瘋了, 或許更不幸地變成麻木不仁。
JKHC.
Thoughts to you from yours truly ( 18 ) - Entry # 2 of Oct., 7, 2010
Thoughts to You from Yours Truly ( TYYT ) - ( 18 ) - COMMUNISM ( 共產主義 ) - Entry # 2 of Oct.,7 , 2010.
" To each according to his needs and from each according to his ability ! " What a noble slogan but empty talk this is ! Unfortunately, we can only practice it at home unless everyone is a saint.
" 各盡所能，各取所需! " 這麼高尚的口號但美麗的空談! 但可惜這只可以在每人家中實施，除非社會中每一個人都是聖者。
JKHC.
" To each according to his needs and from each according to his ability ! " What a noble slogan but empty talk this is ! Unfortunately, we can only practice it at home unless everyone is a saint.
" 各盡所能，各取所需! " 這麼高尚的口號但美麗的空談! 但可惜這只可以在每人家中實施，除非社會中每一個人都是聖者。
JKHC.
Thoughts to you from yours truly ( 17 ) - Entry # 1 of Oct., 7, 2010
Thoughts to You from Yours Truly ( TYYT ) - ( 17 ) - LOVE ( 2 ) ( 愛 ) ( 二 ) - Entry # 1 of Oct., 7, 2010.
Love is living. Love is mutual giving. But most important of all love is unconditionally sacrificing !
愛等於生命，愛也是互獻，最重要的愛是無條件的犧牲。
JKHC.
Love is living. Love is mutual giving. But most important of all love is unconditionally sacrificing !
愛等於生命，愛也是互獻，最重要的愛是無條件的犧牲。
JKHC.
Thoughts to you from yours truly ( 16 ) - Entry # 1 of Oct., 6, 2010
Thoughts to You from Yours Truly ( TYYT ) - ( 16 ) - A MATTER OF PERSPECTIVE ( 觀點與角度 ) - Entry # 2 of Oct., 6, 2010.
What one calls wisdom may for another be wild wits. It's all a matter of perspective.
個人認為的智慧，他人卻可以視為瘋語。這全是觀點與角度的問題。
JKHC.
What one calls wisdom may for another be wild wits. It's all a matter of perspective.
個人認為的智慧，他人卻可以視為瘋語。這全是觀點與角度的問題。
JKHC.
Thoughts to you from yours truly ( 15 ) - Entry # 1 of Oct., 6, 2010
Thoughts to You from Yours Truly ( TYYT ) - ( 15 ) - QUANTUM SECRET ( 量子物理學精粹 ) - Entry # 1 of Oct., 6, 2010.
From chances come changes but choices also create chances - conclusion - choose your chances to create your chosen changes. It is your choices that control your chances and hence your future !
轉變由機會所生，但機會卻由抉擇而來。結論：選擇你的機會，以達到你的選定目標。你的選擇控制了你的機會，也因而控制了你的前途。
JKHC.
From chances come changes but choices also create chances - conclusion - choose your chances to create your chosen changes. It is your choices that control your chances and hence your future !
轉變由機會所生，但機會卻由抉擇而來。結論：選擇你的機會，以達到你的選定目標。你的選擇控制了你的機會，也因而控制了你的前途。
JKHC.
Thoughts to you from yours truly ( 14 ) - Entry # 2 of Oct., 5, 2010
Thoughts to You from Yours Truly ( TYYT ) - ( 14 ) - LOVE ( 1 ) ( 愛 ) ( 一 ) - Entry # 2 of Oct., 5, 2010.
Love is only a treasure when you have someone to share.
必須要有人和你分享，愛才是一種寶物。
JKHC.
Love is only a treasure when you have someone to share.
必須要有人和你分享，愛才是一種寶物。
JKHC.
Thoughts to you from yours truly ( 13 ) - Entry # 1 of Oct., 5, 2010
Thoughts to You from Yours Truly ( TYYT ) - ( 13 ) - DARK HONESTY ( 誠實的背面 ) - Entry # 1 of Oct. 5, 2010.
A sarcastic says : - " Honesty is but a pawn for lying ! " Why should we be honest then ? It is because you cannot have it the other way round.
諷刺者挖苦地說 ：誠實不外乎是說謊話的本錢。那麼為何要誠實呢？這是因為你不能將兩者倒轉過來。
JKHC.
A sarcastic says : - " Honesty is but a pawn for lying ! " Why should we be honest then ? It is because you cannot have it the other way round.
諷刺者挖苦地說 ：誠實不外乎是說謊話的本錢。那麼為何要誠實呢？這是因為你不能將兩者倒轉過來。
JKHC.
Thoughts to you from yours truly ( 12 ) - Entry # 2 of Oct., 4, 2010
Thoughts to You from Yours Truly ( TYYT ) - ( 12 ) - SWEET MEMORIES ( 甜美回憶 ) - Entry # 2 of Oct., 4, 2010.
Sweet memories are our most valuable and irreplaceable treasures when we grow old. Therefore, create lots of them while you are still young.
甜美的回憶，是我們到老年時最珍貴和不能代替的財富。因此在年青時，要多多創造才是上策。
JKHC.
Sweet memories are our most valuable and irreplaceable treasures when we grow old. Therefore, create lots of them while you are still young.
甜美的回憶，是我們到老年時最珍貴和不能代替的財富。因此在年青時，要多多創造才是上策。
JKHC.
Thoughts to you from yours truly ( 11 ) - Entry #1 of Oct. 4, 2010
Thoughts to You from Yours Truly ( TYYT ) - ( 11 ) - TRUE FRIENDS ( 真朋友 ) - Entry # 1 of Oct., 4, 2010.
True friends will never lie to you but they do cry with you. Really true friends may even die for you. Alas ! That only a few can do.
真朋友永不會欺騙你，真朋友卻會默默支持你，真正真朋友或許更會為你死而後已。可惜會否做到值得懷疑。
JKHC.
True friends will never lie to you but they do cry with you. Really true friends may even die for you. Alas ! That only a few can do.
真朋友永不會欺騙你，真朋友卻會默默支持你，真正真朋友或許更會為你死而後已。可惜會否做到值得懷疑。
JKHC.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Thoughts to you from yours truly ( 10 ) - Entry # 2 of Oct., 3, 2010
Thoughts to You from Yours Truly ( TYYT ) - ( 10 ) - THINK ( 思考 ) - Entry # 2 of Oct., 3, 2010.
Brethrens use your brains. Don't let your talents go down the drain.
弟兄姐妹們請常用你的思考力，不要讓你的天份埋沒得一乾二淨！
JKHC.
Brethrens use your brains. Don't let your talents go down the drain.
弟兄姐妹們請常用你的思考力，不要讓你的天份埋沒得一乾二淨！
JKHC.
Thoughts to you from yours truly ( 9 ) - Entry # 1 of Oct., 3, 2010
Thoughts to You from Yours Truly ( TYYT ) - ( 9 ) - REVOLUTION ( 革命 ) - Entry # 1 of Oct., 3 , 2010.
Revolution must start from oneself. Without eradicating the dark side of human nature revolution is only a vehicle for power mongers. Let's start our self revolution now !
革命必須從個人開始。不產除人的劣根性，革命只會淪為權力販子的工具。想革命便先革自己的命，別革他人的命！
JKHC.
Revolution must start from oneself. Without eradicating the dark side of human nature revolution is only a vehicle for power mongers. Let's start our self revolution now !
革命必須從個人開始。不產除人的劣根性，革命只會淪為權力販子的工具。想革命便先革自己的命，別革他人的命！
JKHC.
Thoughts to you from yours truly ( 8 ) - Entry # 2 of Oct., 2, 2010
Thoughts to You from Yours Truly ( TYYT ) - ( 8 ) - DIGNITY ( 尊嚴 ) - Entry # 2 of Oct., 2, 2010.
Dignity is something that cannot be lost unless it is given away voluntarily.
個人尊嚴是一樣不會失去的東西，除非你自願把它拱手讓人。
JKHC.
Dignity is something that cannot be lost unless it is given away voluntarily.
個人尊嚴是一樣不會失去的東西，除非你自願把它拱手讓人。
JKHC.
Thoughts to you from yours truly ( 7 ) - Entry # 1 of Oct., 2, 2010
Thoughts to You from Yours Truly ( TYYT ) - ( 7 ) - TEACH Versus EDUCATE ( 教與育 ) - Entry # 1 of Oct., 2, 2010.
A mediocre teacher imparts knowledge while an excellent educator inspires.
中庸的教師只能授予知識，而真正超卓者則予以啟發。
JKHC.
A mediocre teacher imparts knowledge while an excellent educator inspires.
中庸的教師只能授予知識，而真正超卓者則予以啟發。
JKHC.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Thoughts to you from yours truly ( 6 ) - Entry # 2 of Oct., 1, 2010
Thoughts to You from Yours Truly ( TYYT ) - ( 6 ) - WHAT SOCIETY NEEDS ( 社會所需 ) - Entry #2 of Oct., 1, 2010
Society doesn't really need great people only lots of good ones.
社會並不真正需要偉大的人，只需要更多好人便行。
JKHC.
Society doesn't really need great people only lots of good ones.
社會並不真正需要偉大的人，只需要更多好人便行。
JKHC.
Thoughts to you from yours truly ( 5 ) - Entry # 1 of Oct., 1, 2010
Thoughts to You from Yours Truly ( TYYT) - ( 5 ) - LIFE & DEATH ( 生與死 ) - Entry # 1 of Oct,. 1. 2010
It matters not how or when you die. All that matters is how you have lived.
無需介意你何時何樣地死去，只管你曾經有意義地活過了。
JKHC.
It matters not how or when you die. All that matters is how you have lived.
無需介意你何時何樣地死去，只管你曾經有意義地活過了。
JKHC.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Thoughts to you from yours truly ( 4 ) - Entry # 2 of Sept., 30, 2010
Thoughts to You from Yours Truly ( TYYT ) - ( 4 ) - FORGIVENESS ( 寬恕 ) - Entry # 2 of Sept., 30, 2010.
See others' faults as your own image in a mirror and forgiveness will be a matter of course.
視他人的錯為自己在鏡子中的寫照，寬恕便是理所當然的事。
JKHC.
See others' faults as your own image in a mirror and forgiveness will be a matter of course.
視他人的錯為自己在鏡子中的寫照，寬恕便是理所當然的事。
JKHC.
Thoughts to you from yours truly ( 3 ) - Entry # 1 of Sept., 30, 2010
Thoughts to You from Yours Truly ( TYYT ) - ( 3 ) - EGO ( 自我 ) - Entry # 1 of Sept., 30, 2010
Life is so full of antithesis. By deflating one's ego one can actually inflate one's potentials in all directions.
生命是充滿着許多對立面的。把自我縮小了，反能擴充自己各方面的潛能，為因空間多了。
JKHC.
Life is so full of antithesis. By deflating one's ego one can actually inflate one's potentials in all directions.
生命是充滿着許多對立面的。把自我縮小了，反能擴充自己各方面的潛能，為因空間多了。
JKHC.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Thoughts to you from yours truly ( 2 ) - Entry # 2 of Sept., 29 , 2010
Thoughts to You from Yours Truly ( TYYT ) - ( 2 ) - CONSCIOUSNESS ( 意識 ) - Entry # 2 of Sept., 29 , 2010.
A message to all scientists and philosophers : - " Find out what consciousness is and you will solve every scientific or philosophical problem you can possibly have. "
給所有科學家和哲學家的信息 : 找出意識的本質，你便能解決每一個科學或哲學的疑難。
JKHC.
A message to all scientists and philosophers : - " Find out what consciousness is and you will solve every scientific or philosophical problem you can possibly have. "
給所有科學家和哲學家的信息 : 找出意識的本質，你便能解決每一個科學或哲學的疑難。
JKHC.
Thoughts to you from yours truly ( 1 ) - Entry # 1 of Sept., 29, 2010
Thoughts to You from Yours Truly ( TYYT ) - ( 1 ) - TRUE WISDOM ( 真正的智慧 ) - Entry # 1 of Sept., 29 , 2010
There are matters for the head and those for the heart. True wisdom is knowing which is which.
某些事情是應用腦袋去處理的，但某些卻應從感性角度埋手。真正的智慧，是能把它們分辨出來。
JKHC.
There are matters for the head and those for the heart. True wisdom is knowing which is which.
某些事情是應用腦袋去處理的，但某些卻應從感性角度埋手。真正的智慧，是能把它們分辨出來。
JKHC.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Clean up your act and cherish your scond lease of life
The painful wait for Australians is finally over. As a matter of fact, the agonizing wait is only 17 days after the close of the polls at 6.00 p.m. of August, 21 and just one week after the political negotiations between the 1 Green and 4 independent MPs with the other 2 main parties - The Australian Labour Party and the Liberal / National Party Coalition had started. The necessary horse trading having been completed a new coalition Australian Federal government between Labour , 1 Green & 3 independents MPs ( with Queensland independent MP Bob Katter supporting the opposition Liberal / National Party coalition ) can now be formed.
With Labour's 72 and the Coalition's 73 seats Labour has now got the magic number of 76 ( 72 + 1 + 3 ) versus the Coalition's 74 seats ( their own 73 + 1 independent MP , namely, Bob Katter ). Labour is expected to form a new coalition government within the next 24 hours with the consent of the Governor General - The Hon. Quentin Bryce AC.
While I am glad that my prediction as set out in my previous blog entry have proven to be correct I have a mixed feeling because if Labour does not clean up its acts Australians and a few generations down the line will still be paying for the deficit black hole created by their barely 3 years in power up to the August 21 Federal election.
I sincerely hope for the good of all Australian citizens that Labour will clean up its acts and appreciate this second lease on their political life to make amends on all its previous follies. If Labour has truly learned its lesson from the August 21 election it may yet earn its place in Australian history. It will be an uphill battle for them though with their new coalition partners ( 1 Green and 3 independent MPs ). Labour's hands will be more securely tied by a new coalition agreement undertaking to form a stable government. This agreement must be executed before the Governor General will give her consent and blessing to the new coalition government as required under the Australian constitution. There will definitely be greater accountability on the party of the new government which is the desired result of a healthy democratic system though at the expense of a bit reduced efficiency. This is understandable because more negotiations may be required to pass some controversial legislation in future. I guess this is the necessary price we have to pay for democracy.
Politicians beware ! The people have spoken and shown their displeasure and they will speak again if the circumstances warrant their so doing. Let us hope that there is no need for us to go to the polls again in the near future.
JKHC ( Sept., 7, 2010 )
With Labour's 72 and the Coalition's 73 seats Labour has now got the magic number of 76 ( 72 + 1 + 3 ) versus the Coalition's 74 seats ( their own 73 + 1 independent MP , namely, Bob Katter ). Labour is expected to form a new coalition government within the next 24 hours with the consent of the Governor General - The Hon. Quentin Bryce AC.
While I am glad that my prediction as set out in my previous blog entry have proven to be correct I have a mixed feeling because if Labour does not clean up its acts Australians and a few generations down the line will still be paying for the deficit black hole created by their barely 3 years in power up to the August 21 Federal election.
I sincerely hope for the good of all Australian citizens that Labour will clean up its acts and appreciate this second lease on their political life to make amends on all its previous follies. If Labour has truly learned its lesson from the August 21 election it may yet earn its place in Australian history. It will be an uphill battle for them though with their new coalition partners ( 1 Green and 3 independent MPs ). Labour's hands will be more securely tied by a new coalition agreement undertaking to form a stable government. This agreement must be executed before the Governor General will give her consent and blessing to the new coalition government as required under the Australian constitution. There will definitely be greater accountability on the party of the new government which is the desired result of a healthy democratic system though at the expense of a bit reduced efficiency. This is understandable because more negotiations may be required to pass some controversial legislation in future. I guess this is the necessary price we have to pay for democracy.
Politicians beware ! The people have spoken and shown their displeasure and they will speak again if the circumstances warrant their so doing. Let us hope that there is no need for us to go to the polls again in the near future.
JKHC ( Sept., 7, 2010 )
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Where do Australians go from here ?
With a hung parliament arising from the August 21 Federal election the two main parties now have 73 seats for the Liberal / National Party coalition and 72 seats for the caretaker Labour government respectively. Just on the numbers the coalition seems to have the upper hand but I think otherwise.
The key for the successful formation of a new Australian government seems to rest in the 4 independents and 1 Green Party MP in the House of Representatives as well as the 9 Green senators in the Senate. Prior to the election Green and Labour had signed an agreement to allocate the Green votes under the party preference system over to Labour in constituency where the Green had become the second best party in terms of votes. This was done because Green and Labour have a more similar political philosophy compared to the coalition's more conservative or right wing thinking. This being the case Labour has achieved a marginal majority in terms of popular votes over the coalition. Although there has been reports that the coalition has now edged over Labour in this respect by a few thousand popular votes. The final position with regard to the distribution of the popular votes will be known when all counting is completed by September 3.
Despite this seeming catching up by the coalition which could be interpreted as having a marginally better people's mandate the practical result would still depend on the stance of the 4 independent MP and 1 Green who could safely be counted as a Labour supporter as with the preferential vote arrangement between the two parties as mentioned above.
Furthermore 3 out of 4 of the independents are break away members of the National Party ( a member party of the coalition ) which mainly represents rural interests. Each independent MP has his own axe to grind with the National Party. Therefore, the likelihood of a successful co-operation agreement between these independents and the coalition is very much in doubt.
In the Senate, the Green Party now has 9 senators. This commands a delicate balance of power in the upper house. Thus, if Labour can forged an alliance with 3 out of the 4 independents plus 1 Green MP the caretaker Labour government will achieve the required 76 seats in the lower house. Based on the above line of thinking a new Labour minority government in coalition with 1 Green and 3 other independents ( if these are agreeable ) could possibly be formed.
Constitutionally, two things can happen with a hung parliament. First, a minority government could be formed in coalition with the 4 independents or 1 Green MP with 3 of the 4 independent MPs. Second, the caretaker Labour could recommend to the Governor General to hold another general election in the immediate future if the Liberal / National Party coalition also fails to reach a minority government agreement with the 1 Green MP and any 3 of the 4 independent MPs as the Labour Party is trying to do.
The second scenario is unlikely due to the huge cost of another immediate election. Also, there is the paramount concern over voter fatigue.
Should the first scenario materialize the newly formed government could possibly be unstable. If any new legislation which has been initially passed in the Senate is rejected by the House of Representatives twice even after modification this will trigger a double dissolution of the legislature. Another general election must be held forthwith to obtain another voters mandate for the incumbent government ( be it a Labour minority or Liberal / National Party minority government ). This will become a make or break situation for the then incumbent government.
My humble prediction is that Labour has a better chance of forming a minority government but it will seek the earliest possible opportunity to call another election when the opinion polls show a substantial improvement in favour of Labour. Of course, the main obstacle to this cunning move could be prevented by the independents joining the new government to obtain an undertaking from Labour that an early election cannot be called without the independents' consent.
Australians just have to keep their fingers crossed to let the horse trading take its course. Whoever run the next Australian Federal government must learn their lesson from this hung parliament and clean up their acts. Good luck to all Australians. May you be blessed with a better government that the lucky country deserves.
JKHC ( 1/9/10 )
The key for the successful formation of a new Australian government seems to rest in the 4 independents and 1 Green Party MP in the House of Representatives as well as the 9 Green senators in the Senate. Prior to the election Green and Labour had signed an agreement to allocate the Green votes under the party preference system over to Labour in constituency where the Green had become the second best party in terms of votes. This was done because Green and Labour have a more similar political philosophy compared to the coalition's more conservative or right wing thinking. This being the case Labour has achieved a marginal majority in terms of popular votes over the coalition. Although there has been reports that the coalition has now edged over Labour in this respect by a few thousand popular votes. The final position with regard to the distribution of the popular votes will be known when all counting is completed by September 3.
Despite this seeming catching up by the coalition which could be interpreted as having a marginally better people's mandate the practical result would still depend on the stance of the 4 independent MP and 1 Green who could safely be counted as a Labour supporter as with the preferential vote arrangement between the two parties as mentioned above.
Furthermore 3 out of 4 of the independents are break away members of the National Party ( a member party of the coalition ) which mainly represents rural interests. Each independent MP has his own axe to grind with the National Party. Therefore, the likelihood of a successful co-operation agreement between these independents and the coalition is very much in doubt.
In the Senate, the Green Party now has 9 senators. This commands a delicate balance of power in the upper house. Thus, if Labour can forged an alliance with 3 out of the 4 independents plus 1 Green MP the caretaker Labour government will achieve the required 76 seats in the lower house. Based on the above line of thinking a new Labour minority government in coalition with 1 Green and 3 other independents ( if these are agreeable ) could possibly be formed.
Constitutionally, two things can happen with a hung parliament. First, a minority government could be formed in coalition with the 4 independents or 1 Green MP with 3 of the 4 independent MPs. Second, the caretaker Labour could recommend to the Governor General to hold another general election in the immediate future if the Liberal / National Party coalition also fails to reach a minority government agreement with the 1 Green MP and any 3 of the 4 independent MPs as the Labour Party is trying to do.
The second scenario is unlikely due to the huge cost of another immediate election. Also, there is the paramount concern over voter fatigue.
Should the first scenario materialize the newly formed government could possibly be unstable. If any new legislation which has been initially passed in the Senate is rejected by the House of Representatives twice even after modification this will trigger a double dissolution of the legislature. Another general election must be held forthwith to obtain another voters mandate for the incumbent government ( be it a Labour minority or Liberal / National Party minority government ). This will become a make or break situation for the then incumbent government.
My humble prediction is that Labour has a better chance of forming a minority government but it will seek the earliest possible opportunity to call another election when the opinion polls show a substantial improvement in favour of Labour. Of course, the main obstacle to this cunning move could be prevented by the independents joining the new government to obtain an undertaking from Labour that an early election cannot be called without the independents' consent.
Australians just have to keep their fingers crossed to let the horse trading take its course. Whoever run the next Australian Federal government must learn their lesson from this hung parliament and clean up their acts. Good luck to all Australians. May you be blessed with a better government that the lucky country deserves.
JKHC ( 1/9/10 )
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
A short message to the so-called Australian Kingmakers - the newly elected independent MPs
With a hung parliament resulting from Australia's August 21 federal election the 4 confirmed independent MPs become the key to the formation of the next federal parliament. The election results clearly indicate that there is a trend for voters to shun the mainstream political parties. While democracy has delightfully prevailed in Australia we have also created another unhealthy political situation in which the successful formation of the next federal government will be left to the decision of the 4 independent MPs as to which main party they will support. This is supreme power in their hands. As power corrupts without any exception there could possibly be unreasonable demands from these so-called Kingmakers.
Here is my short message to them. The NATION IS WATCHING closely at your actions and decisions. Remember that the outgoing government owes its downfall to getting out of touch with the citizens' needs and aspirations. Wasteful and rash spending decisions resulting from an obsession to become the only advanced economy to stay out of recession after the 2008 financial tsunami at the nation's expense. The evil and sinister move of the party power brokers to dethrone a prime minister who though has become egocentric Kevin 07 was nevertheless given a people's mandate in the 2007 election. The voters should decide their own prime minister in the then upcoming election and to hell with all power brokers who are nothing but shadowy instigators treating themselves as uncrowned kings of the nation.
While it is understandable that the newly elected independent MPs are obligated to get a better deal for their electorate out of the necessary horse-trading in the process of negotiating with the mainstream parties they must not hold the country at ransom for the purpose of achieving personal glory or selfish ends. The wider interests of the country at large must be equally served.
As most of the so-called Kingmakers represent Australian rural interest issues such as broadband coverage, irrigation and health services could be key issues on the negotiation table. Tough bargaining will be on the cards. Nevertheless, the ultimate Kingmakers are the voters so never attempt to disfranchise the small people by serving narrow group, party or personal interests. Voters have put the so-called Kingmakers where they are now and so can they remove them if the so-called Kingmakers are out of line.
Given the fact that independents usually have very specific reasons be they personal or policy issues to stand as independent candidates it is very easy for them to treat this Kingmaker opportunity as payback time. Mind you don't get intoxicated by your momentary crown of control but rather do the right thing and serve the wider interests of the people and you just might become kings of people's hearts.
I attach herewith a link to the press interview of one so-called Kingmakers as he arrived at the Australian capital city of Canberra. Do we have to worry about them being intoxicated by their momentary power and glory ? Make your own judgment :- http://www.abc.net.au/news/video/2010/08/24/2992392.htm
JKHC ( 25/8/10 )
Here is my short message to them. The NATION IS WATCHING closely at your actions and decisions. Remember that the outgoing government owes its downfall to getting out of touch with the citizens' needs and aspirations. Wasteful and rash spending decisions resulting from an obsession to become the only advanced economy to stay out of recession after the 2008 financial tsunami at the nation's expense. The evil and sinister move of the party power brokers to dethrone a prime minister who though has become egocentric Kevin 07 was nevertheless given a people's mandate in the 2007 election. The voters should decide their own prime minister in the then upcoming election and to hell with all power brokers who are nothing but shadowy instigators treating themselves as uncrowned kings of the nation.
While it is understandable that the newly elected independent MPs are obligated to get a better deal for their electorate out of the necessary horse-trading in the process of negotiating with the mainstream parties they must not hold the country at ransom for the purpose of achieving personal glory or selfish ends. The wider interests of the country at large must be equally served.
As most of the so-called Kingmakers represent Australian rural interest issues such as broadband coverage, irrigation and health services could be key issues on the negotiation table. Tough bargaining will be on the cards. Nevertheless, the ultimate Kingmakers are the voters so never attempt to disfranchise the small people by serving narrow group, party or personal interests. Voters have put the so-called Kingmakers where they are now and so can they remove them if the so-called Kingmakers are out of line.
Given the fact that independents usually have very specific reasons be they personal or policy issues to stand as independent candidates it is very easy for them to treat this Kingmaker opportunity as payback time. Mind you don't get intoxicated by your momentary crown of control but rather do the right thing and serve the wider interests of the people and you just might become kings of people's hearts.
I attach herewith a link to the press interview of one so-called Kingmakers as he arrived at the Australian capital city of Canberra. Do we have to worry about them being intoxicated by their momentary power and glory ? Make your own judgment :- http://www.abc.net.au/news/video/2010/08/24/2992392.htm
JKHC ( 25/8/10 )
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Lesson on democracy from the Australian federal elections 2010
I have just voted in the the Australian federal election 2010 which is currently underway. Based on the confirmed voting trend by the Electoral Commission it is most likely that there will be a hung federal parliament.
There are 150 seats in the House of Representatives so that an absolute majority is 76. The way things are going it would appear that the incumbent Labour government and the opposition Coalition ( between the Liberal and National Party ) will get 73 for Labour, 72 for the Coalition , 3 or 4 for independent candidates ( who are break-away members of the National Party mainly representing rural Queensland interest ) plus 1 or 2 for the Green Party ( the environmental protection party with international connection to all Green Parties worldwide ).
With no clear majority for either the incumbent Labour or the opposition Coalition parties either of them can only form a new government if the independent elected members agree to go into another ruling coalition with either major party. This will take a lot of horse trading because the Governor General will only swear in a coalition government after the minor members ( in this case the independents ) of that coalition have first entered into a charter with the main coalition party to ensure that the new government is a stable and workable governing team. So, the 3 or 4 independent elected members of parliament will have a decisive say to make a new ruling coalition a possibility. This could be a long drawn out process.
Political technicality aside, this election has already proven that the incumbent Labour government is suffering from a severe backlash from some failed policies as well as the dramatic and perhaps sinister circumstances surrounding the sudden change of the former Labour Party leader, Kevin Rudd in late June, 2010. Many voters see the last event as the result of Labour Party power brokers calling the shots by ousting the originally popular former Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd through internal party dirty politics. So much so that the press has dubbed Mr. Rudd's sudden resignation from office a political assassination of the former Prime Minister.
Out of this political high drama emerged the first woman Prime Minister of Australia Julia Gillard in late June. At first it was hailed by society as well as staunch supporters of the equality of the sexes as a great victory for Australian society which is still male dominant. This euphoria quickly died down and the press started talking about the present female Prime Minister, Julia Gillard's role in the political assassination. It transpired that when Kevin Rudd's popularity poll nose dived in May and June after a few failed policies ( to be discussed below ) culminating in the proposed introduction of the 65% super tax on Australian mining companies to fill in the incumbent Labour government's huge deficit black hole Julie Gilliard had made a personal undertaking to Kevin Rudd to support him in his imminent party leadership challenge. This highly confidential arrangement was probably exposed by the Rudd camp in retaliation of the so-called back-stabbing by Julia Gillard.
The allegation of political assassination is well supported by some hard circumstantial evidence. Just 3 days before Julia Gillard became the Labour Party leader upon Rudd's sudden departure she was publicly talking to the press that it was more likely for her to be going to Mars than becoming the next Australian Prime Minister implying that she was not going to challenge Rudd's leadership. It was further alleged that on the evening of the day before Mr. Rudd's sudden resignation Gillard had reassured Rudd again that she would not challenge Rudd at the Labour Party central committee meeting the next day. Within 2 hours of that pledge and after receiving several phone calls from Labour Party power brokers advising Gillard that she had enough committee member votes as canvassed by the brokers to replace Rudd , Gillard called Rudd to advise that she had enough votes to replace him. To avoid an open showdown and preserve the image of party unity in the face of a looming election Rudd was forced to resign forthwith.
This scenario has proved that the Labour Party power brokers can remove the incumbent Prime minister at will regardless of the Australian voters' choices that would have been manifested in the forthcoming election. Furthermore, the personal integrity of Gillard was called into question as she had openly expressed to the press that she would not become Prime Minister by challenging Rudd a few days before she got the job on the behest of the power brokers.
Kevin Rudd did have a lot to do with his own downfall. The final straw came with the proposed super tax on mining companies. Prior to this, the spending rot on the failed 10 billion plus roof insulation scheme and solar panels rebate project that had led to 5 under skilled roof insulation workers being electrocuted and numerous house fires resulting from improper installation work had taken their toll. How could it be possible to properly train enough skilled workers to install insulation properly in over 1.5 million homes in a few short months ? The blame was put on the former environment minister, Peter Gerrard, a past member of the pop music band Midnight Oil.
Then, there was the complete waste of another few billion dollars on rebuilding school facilities many of which are not yet due for redevelopment. It has been reported that some schools are forced to rebuild their facilities against their protest and some had to close classes early in the school year to enable reconstruction to start right away in line with the incumbent Labour government's crash plans to support the economy by creating numerous job in the face of the 2008 financial tsunami no matter what. This is a highly irresponsible attitude which is all geared to the empty fame of becoming the only economy in the developed world to avoid recession. This is so typical of politicians to get their names in the history book at the expense of the ordinary, honest & hard-working citizens. When I see single mothers at the supermarket check-outs returning candy bars meant for the kids and cutting their basic necessities due to the shortage of just one or two dollars I simply jump in anger for the tremendously irresponsible wastes such as the above spending rots not to mention the huge army of the entourage of some 130 members ( including a personal official photographer for Kevin Rudd ) at the Copenhagen World Environment Summit in 2009 bearing in mind that even the USA contingent was smaller than that of Australia. In the face of such sheer waste of taxpayers' dollars, Rudd's downfall ( most probably due to his easy win against John Howard of the former Coalition government back in November, 2007 that has gotten to his head ) is inevitable. Power corrupts and intoxicates. I see few exceptions in politics. Other examples of self-destructive egos can be seen in John Howard and even Margaret Thatcher.
Coming back to the working of the democratic process I am glad to say that it is alive and kicking in my adopted country which I reluctantly accepted due to the the June 4, Tiananmen Massacre and the totalitarian regime in my homeland. According to the latest reports there has been a swing of over 400,000 ( about 3% of voters ) of the primary votes from Labour to the Coalition. However, this should not be construed as the Coalition's success but rather a protest vote because the Coalition has no better offer in terms of policies. I originally plan to cast a blank ballot paper but on second thought that would be dodging my responsibility as a voter. So, I voted for the Green Party instead with the hope of getting a hung parliament which is the way things are heading. Whoever forms the next coalition government cannot have an absolute majority and absolute say in terms of their own party policies. That will be a check and balance on any ruling government run on inflated egos. Democracy means holding your government accountable and I am glad that citizens can still do that effectively in Australia. The great saying of President Abraham Lincoln still rings loud in our ears : - " No man is good enough to govern another man without that other's consent . "
The readers' comments and inputs are warmly welcome !
JKHC
( 22/8/10 at 12.45 a.m. Australian East Coast Standard Time )
There are 150 seats in the House of Representatives so that an absolute majority is 76. The way things are going it would appear that the incumbent Labour government and the opposition Coalition ( between the Liberal and National Party ) will get 73 for Labour, 72 for the Coalition , 3 or 4 for independent candidates ( who are break-away members of the National Party mainly representing rural Queensland interest ) plus 1 or 2 for the Green Party ( the environmental protection party with international connection to all Green Parties worldwide ).
With no clear majority for either the incumbent Labour or the opposition Coalition parties either of them can only form a new government if the independent elected members agree to go into another ruling coalition with either major party. This will take a lot of horse trading because the Governor General will only swear in a coalition government after the minor members ( in this case the independents ) of that coalition have first entered into a charter with the main coalition party to ensure that the new government is a stable and workable governing team. So, the 3 or 4 independent elected members of parliament will have a decisive say to make a new ruling coalition a possibility. This could be a long drawn out process.
Political technicality aside, this election has already proven that the incumbent Labour government is suffering from a severe backlash from some failed policies as well as the dramatic and perhaps sinister circumstances surrounding the sudden change of the former Labour Party leader, Kevin Rudd in late June, 2010. Many voters see the last event as the result of Labour Party power brokers calling the shots by ousting the originally popular former Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd through internal party dirty politics. So much so that the press has dubbed Mr. Rudd's sudden resignation from office a political assassination of the former Prime Minister.
Out of this political high drama emerged the first woman Prime Minister of Australia Julia Gillard in late June. At first it was hailed by society as well as staunch supporters of the equality of the sexes as a great victory for Australian society which is still male dominant. This euphoria quickly died down and the press started talking about the present female Prime Minister, Julia Gillard's role in the political assassination. It transpired that when Kevin Rudd's popularity poll nose dived in May and June after a few failed policies ( to be discussed below ) culminating in the proposed introduction of the 65% super tax on Australian mining companies to fill in the incumbent Labour government's huge deficit black hole Julie Gilliard had made a personal undertaking to Kevin Rudd to support him in his imminent party leadership challenge. This highly confidential arrangement was probably exposed by the Rudd camp in retaliation of the so-called back-stabbing by Julia Gillard.
The allegation of political assassination is well supported by some hard circumstantial evidence. Just 3 days before Julia Gillard became the Labour Party leader upon Rudd's sudden departure she was publicly talking to the press that it was more likely for her to be going to Mars than becoming the next Australian Prime Minister implying that she was not going to challenge Rudd's leadership. It was further alleged that on the evening of the day before Mr. Rudd's sudden resignation Gillard had reassured Rudd again that she would not challenge Rudd at the Labour Party central committee meeting the next day. Within 2 hours of that pledge and after receiving several phone calls from Labour Party power brokers advising Gillard that she had enough committee member votes as canvassed by the brokers to replace Rudd , Gillard called Rudd to advise that she had enough votes to replace him. To avoid an open showdown and preserve the image of party unity in the face of a looming election Rudd was forced to resign forthwith.
This scenario has proved that the Labour Party power brokers can remove the incumbent Prime minister at will regardless of the Australian voters' choices that would have been manifested in the forthcoming election. Furthermore, the personal integrity of Gillard was called into question as she had openly expressed to the press that she would not become Prime Minister by challenging Rudd a few days before she got the job on the behest of the power brokers.
Kevin Rudd did have a lot to do with his own downfall. The final straw came with the proposed super tax on mining companies. Prior to this, the spending rot on the failed 10 billion plus roof insulation scheme and solar panels rebate project that had led to 5 under skilled roof insulation workers being electrocuted and numerous house fires resulting from improper installation work had taken their toll. How could it be possible to properly train enough skilled workers to install insulation properly in over 1.5 million homes in a few short months ? The blame was put on the former environment minister, Peter Gerrard, a past member of the pop music band Midnight Oil.
Then, there was the complete waste of another few billion dollars on rebuilding school facilities many of which are not yet due for redevelopment. It has been reported that some schools are forced to rebuild their facilities against their protest and some had to close classes early in the school year to enable reconstruction to start right away in line with the incumbent Labour government's crash plans to support the economy by creating numerous job in the face of the 2008 financial tsunami no matter what. This is a highly irresponsible attitude which is all geared to the empty fame of becoming the only economy in the developed world to avoid recession. This is so typical of politicians to get their names in the history book at the expense of the ordinary, honest & hard-working citizens. When I see single mothers at the supermarket check-outs returning candy bars meant for the kids and cutting their basic necessities due to the shortage of just one or two dollars I simply jump in anger for the tremendously irresponsible wastes such as the above spending rots not to mention the huge army of the entourage of some 130 members ( including a personal official photographer for Kevin Rudd ) at the Copenhagen World Environment Summit in 2009 bearing in mind that even the USA contingent was smaller than that of Australia. In the face of such sheer waste of taxpayers' dollars, Rudd's downfall ( most probably due to his easy win against John Howard of the former Coalition government back in November, 2007 that has gotten to his head ) is inevitable. Power corrupts and intoxicates. I see few exceptions in politics. Other examples of self-destructive egos can be seen in John Howard and even Margaret Thatcher.
Coming back to the working of the democratic process I am glad to say that it is alive and kicking in my adopted country which I reluctantly accepted due to the the June 4, Tiananmen Massacre and the totalitarian regime in my homeland. According to the latest reports there has been a swing of over 400,000 ( about 3% of voters ) of the primary votes from Labour to the Coalition. However, this should not be construed as the Coalition's success but rather a protest vote because the Coalition has no better offer in terms of policies. I originally plan to cast a blank ballot paper but on second thought that would be dodging my responsibility as a voter. So, I voted for the Green Party instead with the hope of getting a hung parliament which is the way things are heading. Whoever forms the next coalition government cannot have an absolute majority and absolute say in terms of their own party policies. That will be a check and balance on any ruling government run on inflated egos. Democracy means holding your government accountable and I am glad that citizens can still do that effectively in Australia. The great saying of President Abraham Lincoln still rings loud in our ears : - " No man is good enough to govern another man without that other's consent . "
The readers' comments and inputs are warmly welcome !
JKHC
( 22/8/10 at 12.45 a.m. Australian East Coast Standard Time )
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