香港人口持續高齡化，在家安享晚年是很多長者及其家人的心願，當中的照顧責任往往由長者的伴侶、兒孫等親屬無償承擔。
不論是銀幕上散發光芒的明星，還是踏實生活的普通人，人生中也可能有成為照顧者的一天。
林保怡是娛樂圈出名的孝順仔，父母晚年健康每況愈下，他曾暫停所有拍戲工作，全心全意照顧父母。像保怡一樣，如霞(化名)也是一個照顧者。她獨力照一百零一歲的母親，雖然媽媽的笑顏為她帶來滿足快樂；但是面對長年無休的沉重壓力，她也希望可歇息放鬆，得到陪伴支持。
在人人皆有機會成為照顧者的時代，支援照顧者已經不僅限於個別家庭需要，更是整個社會需要重視的議題。
目前，為照顧者提供的支援服務有不同類型，但當中很多焦點仍以被照顧的長者為主。為讓照顧者擁有專屬的空間和服務，賽馬會去年撥款於多區設立以照顧者為本的支援中心，也希望肯定照顧者的辛勞付出和貢獻，並關注其默默承受的壓力，支援他們走過照顧旅程。
China's BYD overtakes Tesla revenue for first time
The Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD has seen its quarterly revenues soar, beating Tesla's for the first time.
It posted more than $28.2bn in revenues between July and September. This is a 24% jump from the same period last year, and more than Elon Musk's company whose quarterly revenue was $25.2bn.
However, Tesla still sold more electric vehicles (EVs) than BYD in the third quarter.
It comes as EV sales in China have been getting a boost from government subsidies to encourage consumers to trade their petrol-powered cars for EVs or hybrids.
bbc.com/news
啟德方艙變青年旅舍 目標方向須及早釐清
【明報社評】啟德「方艙」社區隔離設施終有發展定案，政府提出將之改為「青年驛站」旅舍，以及青年文化藝術交流空間，日後將招標找私人團體營運，惟暫時未見太多細節。啟德方艙毗鄰郵輪碼頭，坐擁無敵海景，疫前原為大草坪公園，疫後閒置近兩年未有善用，當然不理想，然而用作青年旅舍及文化藝術(Yìshù)交流空間是否上策，同樣值得商椎。郵輪碼頭一帶交通配套不便，一直惹人詬病。當局今次安排具試驗味道，能否成為一個能夠吸引本地人及遊客的文創園區，帶旺郵輪碼頭一帶，實屬未知之數；倘若有關安排只屬臨時性質，當局招標時必須訂下清晰條款，確保日後打算改變用途時，不會出現「易請難送」局面。
infuse: to cause to be permeated with something (such as a principle or quality) that alters usually for the better
permeate: to diffuse through or penetrate something
exhilaration: a feeling of being very happy and excited
Ironically, you will find that as you care less about what others think of you, you will care more about what others think of themselves and their worlds, including their relationship with you. You will no longer build your emotional life on other people's weakness.
As you open yourself to the next three habits introducing by this book, you will discover and unleash both the desire and resources to heal and rebuild important relationships that have deteriorated, or even broken. Good relationships will improve --- become deeper, more solid, more creative, and more adventuresome.
諷刺的是，您會發現當您越不在乎別人怎麼看您的時候，您就會越在乎別人怎麼看他們自己和他們的世界，包括他們和您的關係。你不再會把自己的情感生活建立在別人的弱點上。
當您開放自己，養成本書所介紹的下三個習慣時，您會進而癒合和重建已經惡化甚至破裂的重要關係。良好的人際關係將會改善——變得更深、更穩固、更有創造力、更富冒險性。
DeepL Translated and Simplified
unleash: DJ[ˋʌnˋli:ʃ]
payoff: an advantage or a reward from something you have done
Stephen R. Covey "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People"
Online Dictionaries Used:
www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com
www.merriam-webster.com
hk.dictionary.search.yahoo.com
superior: one who is above another in rank, station, or office
downtime: the time during which a machine, especially a computer, is not working
successor: a person or thing that comes after
nosedive: a sudden steep fall or drop; a situation where something suddenly becomes worse or begins to fail
predecessor: a person who did a job before somebody else
liquidate (something): to close a business and sell everything it owns in order to pay debts
clam chowder: chowder made with chopped clams, tomatoes, vegetables, and seasonings
dwindle: to become gradually less or smaller
There are organizations that talk a lot about the customer and then completely neglect the people that deal with the customer --- the employees. The Production Capability principle is to always treat your employees exactly as you want them to treat your best customers.
有些組織大談客戶至上，卻完全忽略了與客戶打交道的人——員工。生產能力原則就是要永遠像對待最佳客戶一樣對待員工。
ingenuity: the ability to invent things or solve problems in clever new ways
shape up: to improve to a good or acceptable condition or standard of behavior
grenade: a small missile that contains an explosive or a chemical agent (such as tear gas, a flame producer, or a smoke producer) and that is thrown by hand or projected (as by a rifle or special launcher)
macho: male in an aggressive way
shape up or ship out: (informal) used to tell somebody that if they do not improve, work harder, etc. they will have to leave their job, position, etc.
devote to: to give an amount of time, attention, etc. to something
moonlight: to have a second job that you do secretly, without telling your main employer
deplete (something): to reduce something by a large amount so that there is not enough left
eternal: without an end
Online Dictionaries Used:
Our most important financial asset is our own capacity to earn. If we don't continually invest in improving our own production capability, we severely limit our options.
我們最重要的財務資產就是自己的賺錢能力。如果我們不持續投資於提升自身的生產能力，就會嚴重限制我們的選擇。
lawn mower: a machine for cutting grass on lawns
preserve: to keep something in its original state in good condition
dwindle: to become steadily less
spontaneity: voluntary or undetermined action or movement
intimidate somebody (into something/into doing something) to frighten or threaten somebody so that they will do what you want
indulge: to treat with excessive leniency, generosity, or consideration
leniency: the fact of being less strict than expected when punishing somebody or when making sure that rules are obeyed
permissive: allowing or showing a freedom of behavior that many people do not approve of
mentality: mode or way of thought
meantime: meanwhile
nagging: persistently annoying or finding fault with someone
fascinating: extremely interesting or charming
serendipity: the fact of something interesting or pleasant happening by chance
Online Dictionaries Used:
www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com
Stephen R. Covey "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People"
Japan PM vows to continue ruling despite bruising loss
Japan's prime minister Shigeru Ishiba has vowed to continue ruling the country despite a bruising loss suffered by his party at the general election.
The country now faces an uncertain political future as the coalition led by the long-ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has lost its majority in parliament, its worst result in over a decade.
Ishiba was sworn in as prime minister just this month after winning the leadership of his party. He had called a snap election to seal his mandate.
But in a speech on Monday, he admitted the LDP received " severe judgement" from voters, and added his party would "humbly accept" this.
"The Japanese people expressed their strong desire for the LDP to do some reflection and become a party that acts in line with the people's will," Ishiba told national broadcaster NHK.
The LDP and its much smaller coalition partner Komeito, have altogether taken 215 seats, falling short of the 233-seat majority needed to govern.
bbc.com.news
Aesop's fable DJ[ˋi:sɔp]
glittering: shining brightly with many small flashes of light
incredulous: not willing or not able to believe something; showing a lack of ability to believe something
fabulously: (informal) extremely well
asset: [usually plural] a thing of value, especially property, that a person or company owns, which can be used or sold to pay debts
wherewithal: the money, things or skill that you need in order to be able to do something
Effectiveness lies in the balance --- what I call the P/PC Balance. P stands for production of desired results, the golden eggs. PC stands for production capability, the ability or asset that produces the golden eggs.
Online Dictionaries Used:
國際秩序呼喚公平 去美元化任重道遠
【明報社評】金磚國家(BRICS)「擴容」後首次峰會在俄羅斯喀山落幕，大會宣言明確表達了改革當前國際金融架構的強烈意願，並同意研究建立新的跨國支付結算系統。峰會東道主俄羅斯因為烏克蘭戰爭，被西方主導的國際支付系統SWIFT封殺，所以積極倡導金磚國家另起爐灶，但建立新架構倡議之所以廣獲認同，更深層原因在於美國為了維持其全球唯一超級大國地位，一再將美元作為逼迫他國服膺美國利益的外交武器，嚴重損害了國際貿易機制的公平性與公正性，並對其他國家的經濟安全與金融穩定，構成了實實在在的威脅。現時在全球範圍內，「去美元化」聲浪日益高漲，金磚國家探討建立獨立支付系統，正是此趨勢的重要體現。
金磚研建新支付系統
抗衡美極端金融制裁
SWIFT全稱環球銀行金融電信協會，1973年成立，核心職責是為全球金融機構，提供高效可靠的金融通信服務，目前覆蓋全球約200個國家及地區，全球九成以上的跨境匯款業務均通過其系統完成，使之成為全球金融服務業支柱。一旦某國銀行被踢出SWIFT系統，即意味該國失去商品進出口款項收付的便捷通道、外資難以順暢將利潤匯回母國。因此，SWIFT被形象地比喻為「金融核彈」，切斷與其聯繫是極端的金融制裁手段。
儘管SWIFT總部位於比利時布魯塞爾，但由於美元在全球貿易中佔據主導地位，幾乎所有涉及美元交易的銀行，都必須通過美國代理銀行結算，美國於是能夠控制SWIFT作為長臂管轄工具。早在2014年俄羅斯吞併克里米亞後，美國已公開威脅將俄羅斯排除出SWIFT系統，然而貿易是雙向的，制裁也是把雙刃劍，歐洲長期依賴俄羅斯提供石油和天然氣等資源，亦擔心與俄國徹底翻臉會增加自身地緣安全風險與負擔，因此對極端制裁持謹慎態度，直至俄羅斯2022年入侵烏克蘭後，歐洲國家才配合美國，切斷多家俄羅斯金融機構與SWIFT聯繫。
對俄羅斯總統普京而言，推動建立新跨國支付系統代替SWIFT，既是形勢所迫，也是地緣政治棋局中反撃西方關鍵一步。金磚成員國在去年南非約翰內斯堡峰會上倍增至十個，但普京因受國際刑事法庭通緝而未能出席。作為擴容後首次金磚峰會東道主，普京當然期望通過眾多外國政要的參與，打破西方塑造的孤立形象。根據峰會結束後發表的《喀山宣言》，金磚國家同意探討並研究建立獨立跨境結算和存管基礎設施的可行性，各成員可以自願與。相較於俄羅斯會前的積極造勢，宣言的立場無疑更為謹慎，這一定程度上反映金磚國家內部尚未就新支付系統的構建與運作達成完全一致的意見，但其意義仍不容小覷。
理論上，一個國家的貨幣匯率與其經濟繁榮程度呈正關連，但美元在國際金融體系中佔據絕對主導地位，其走勢不僅受美國經濟興衰影響，還取決於美國內部與外部經濟的相對強弱。2008年金融海嘯，全球見識了美國如何利用其金融霸權，將內部經濟危機轉嫁給其他國家。此後，改革國際金融系統呼聲此起彼伏，但美國憑藉美元霸權輸出危機的趨勢也日益加劇。尼克遜時期美國財長康納利的名言「美元是我們的貨幣，卻可能是你們的麻煩」，如今仍是世界金融秩序的諷刺寫照，然而美國作為世界最大經濟體卻無視大國責任，反而頻繁將美元武器化來維護自身政經利益，必然刺激其他國家萌生建立替代系統的意識。美元對全球宏觀經濟的溢出風險，包括使新興市場面臨長期貨幣眨值和通脹上升等威脅，早已使金磚國家充滿警惕。
中西世界觀交鋒
全球治理見真章
中國早在2015年已推出人民幣跨境支付系統CIPS。中國設計CIPS固然有地緣政治考量，但更多是未雨綢繆，而非直接謀求對抗。中國作為全球最大貿易國，每年國際貿易額達六萬億美元，對SWIFT的需求遠大於年貿易總額僅約七千億美元的俄羅斯，輕言取代SWIFT顯然是不切實際。對中國而言，相較於徹底排他的抗衡，積極擴展CIPS的適用範圍，同時致力擴大對SWIFT的影響力，是更為務實的策略。就在喀山峰會前夕，SWIFT國際銀行營運大會年會十月二十一日在北京開幕，是該年會舉辦四十四屆以來首次在中國召開。事實上，正因為與中國相關的國際交易在全球佔據重要份額，SWIFT對中國「大有所求」，為中國加強其在SWIFT治理結構中的地位提供了機遇。
可以預見，只要美國繼續濫用美元獨特地位作為地緣政治武器，相應的反制力量也將不斷增強，惟美元作為全球主要貨幣的地位，也不會一時三刻改變。美國早已用行動表明，它不會接受霸權的衰落，金磚國家推動新支付系統，美國必視之為重大挑戰，並會千方百計阻撓。更何況，金磚國家內部並非鐵板一塊，印度作為在國際地緣政治博弈中與美國走得最近的金磚國家，雖然同樣質疑美元霸權，但也對自己在金磚的地位缺乏安全感，尤其對中國充滿戒心。
喀山峰會的主題是「加強多邊主義，促進公平的全球發展與安全」，清晰表達了拒絕單極霸權思維的立場。國家實力的強弱，決定了國際秩序的主導權，而強國在行使權力時更需要自我克制，才能維護全球的公平與穩定。西方媒體對金磚的解讀，往往側重於將其視為對抗西方的「同盟」，突顯對立意識；相比之下，國家主席習近平在峰會的發言強調了擴大國際合作在全球治理變革中的重要性。在此背景下，關於跨境支付的討論，不僅關乎國際金融體系的變革，也是東西方兩種世界觀的較量。國際秩序面臨重塑，而對每個國家來說，擁有選擇權必然優於無法自主。至於哪種秩序更符合人類普遍期望，「全球南方」在國際事務中的聲量日益增強，或連已經給出了答案。
piecemeal: in pieces or fragments
psych-up: (informal) to prepare somebody/yourself mentally for something difficult or unpleasant
My sense of worth would not be a function of being liked or treated well.
nevertheless: however
enthrone: to assign a high status or value to
avowed: openly acknowledged or declared
pedestal: foundation
smack: to strike so as to produce a smack
shackle: something (such as a manacle or fetter) that confines the legs or arms
forsake: to renounce or turn away from entirely
renounce: to give up, refuse, or resign usually by formal declaration
assert: to state clearly and definitely that something is true
True independence of character empowers us to act rather than be acted upon. It frees us from our dependence on circumstances and other people and is a worthy, liberating goal. But it is not the ultimate goal in effective living.
真正的人格獨立讓我們有能力行動而不是處於被動。它讓我們擺脫對環境和他人的依賴，是一個值得追求的解放目標，但這並不是有效生活的最終目標。
obscure: to conceal or hide by or as if by covering
Online Dictionaries Used:
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." Aristotle said.
weave: to make (something, such as a basket) by intertwining
transfix: to make somebody unable to move because they are afraid, surprised, etc.
superlative: utmost degree of something
eventful: momentous
critical: inclined to criticize severely and unfavorably
willpower: the ability to control your thoughts and actions in order to achieve what you want to do
But knowing I need to listen and knowing how to listen is not enough. Unless I want to listen, unless I have the desire, it won't be a habit in my life. Creating a habit requires work in all three dimensions.
Online Dictionaries Used:
sidestep: bypass
empower: to give official authority
latitude: freedom of action or choice
trustworthy: reliable
precede: in front of
futile: serving no useful purpose
stagnant: not flowing in a current or stream
shape up: to develop in a particular way, especially in a good way
conscience: the part of your mind that tells you whether your actions are right or wrong
T.S. Eliot said, "We must not cease from exploration and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we began and to know the place for the first time."
我們絕對不能停止探索，而所有探索的終點就是抵達我們開始的地方，並第一次認識這個地方。
DeepL Translate
Online Dictionaries Used:
intrigued: having one's interest, desire, or curiosity strongly aroused
revealing: allowing a look at or an understanding of something inner or hidden
cosmetic: superficial
disillusioned: having lost faith or trust in something formerly regarded as good or valuable
psych up: (informal) to prepare somebody/yourself mentally for something difficult or unpleasant
mingle: to combine or make one thing combine with another
platitude: a comment or statement that has been made very often before and is therefore not interesting
Online Dictionaries Used:
glitter: a bright usually superficial attractiveness
illusory: deceptive
astute: having or showing shrewdness and an ability to notice and understand things clearly
shrewd: marked by clever discerning awareness and hardheaded acumen
chatter: idle talk
spontaneity: voluntary or undetermined action or movement
reap: harvest
contrary: opposite
reveal: to make (something secret or hidden) publicly or generally known
merger: absorption by a corporation of one or more others
An acquisition is a business combination that occurs when one company buys most or all of another company's shares.
take over: to assume control or possession of or responsibility for
clutch: to grasp or hold with or as if with the hand or claws usually strongly, tightly, or suddenly
adamantly: with great insistence or determination
bribe: money or favor given or promised in order to influence the judgment or conduct of a person in a position of trust
exasperated: having or showing strong feelings of irritation or annoyance
resort: to have recourse
recourse: a source of help or strength
acquiesce: to accept, comply, or submit tacitly or passively
stunt: to hinder the normal growth, development, or progress of
arbitrary: arrogant
Online Dictionary Used: www.merriam-webster.com
flitty: ostentatiously effeminate
ostentatiously: attracting or seeking to attract attention, admiration, or envy often by gaudiness or obviousness
effeminate: having feminine qualities untypical of a man
unload: to take the cargo from
Christmassy: typical of Christmas, or happy because it is Christmas
scraggy: being lean and long
nun: a woman belonging to a religious order
stark: wholly
moccasin: a soft leather heelless shoe or boot with the sole brought up the sides of the foot and over the toes where it is joined with a puckered seam to a U-shaped piece lying on top of the foot
horse around: fool around
giggle: to laugh with repeated short catches of the breath
spooky: strange, unsettling, or frightening in a way that suggests the supernatural
hitchhike: to travel by securing free rides from passing vehicles
bum: to obtain by asking or begging
cabin: a small one-story dwelling usually of simple construction
dwelling: a shelter (such as a house) in which people live
yard: court
cockeyed: somewhat confusing, foolish, absurd, or impractical
pervert: to cause to turn aside or away from what is good or true or morally right
bother: to annoy especially by petty provocation
provoke: to stir up purposely
bathroom: lavatory
pass out: to lose consciousness
checkroom: a room at which baggage, parcels, or clothing can be left for safekeeping
smack: to strike so as to produce a smack
nasty: mean
chuck: throw
carrousel: marry-go-round
nutty: silly
bawl: to cry out loudly and unrestrainedly
Online Dictionary Used: www.merriam-webster.com
naval: of or relating to a navy
squadron: a unit of military organization
maneuver: an armed forces training exercise
patchy: irregular in appearance, makeup, or quality
lookout: one engaged in keeping watch
A bridge wing is a narrow walkway extending from both sides of a pilothouse to the full width of a ship or slightly beyond, to allow bridge personnel a full view to aid in the maneuvering of the ship.
starboard bow: the starboard surface of a ship's hull that curves inward to the stem
starboard: the right side of a ship or aircraft looking forward
hull: the frame or body of a ship or boat exclusive of masts, yards, sails, and rigging
astern: at or toward the stern of a ship
stern: the rear end of a boat
When two power-driven vessels are in crossing situation on a collision course, give way to the vessel to starboard (right). The give way vessel must take early and obvious action to avoid a collision by either stopping or altering course to starboard.
supersede: to displace in favor of another
monumental: outstanding
prosper: to become strong and flourishing
flourishing: very active and successful
esoteric: difficult to understand
faith: belief and trust in and loyalty to God
conscience: the sense or consciousness of the moral goodness or blameworthiness of one's own conduct, intentions, or character together with a feeling of obligation to do right or be good
bespeak: to speak to especially with formality
endow: gift
unalienable: impossible to take away or give up
pursuit: chasing
nurturance: affectionate care and attention
attest: to be proof of
absurdity: a foolish act or idea
deceit: deception
baseness: badness
mediocrity: moderate ability or value
manifest: readily perceived by the senses and especially by the sense of sight
The more closely our maps or paradigms are aligned with these principles or natural laws, the more accurate and functional they will be. Correct maps will infinitely impact our personal and interpersonal effectiveness far more than any amount of effort expended on changing our attitudes and behaviors.
Online Dictionary Used: www.merriam-webster.com
deliberate: to think about or discuss issues and decisions carefully
outgrowth: consequence
Personality Ethic offers quick-fix solutions. Success became more a function of personality, of public image, of attitudes and behaviors, skills and techniques, that lubricate the processes of human interaction.
人格倫理提供快速解決方案。成功變得更像是人格、公眾形象、態度與行為、技能與技巧的功能，這些都是人際互動過程中的潤滑劑。
twinge: a sudden sharp stab of pain
Online Dictionary Used: https://www.merriam-webster.com
Aha experience: the emotional reaction that typically occurs at a moment of sudden insight into a problem or other puzzling issue. It is the experience one would have upon realizing, for example, how to fix a computer problem, master a dance step, or resolve some other difficulty.
composite: made up of distinct parts or elements
endeavor: serious determined effort
persecution: the act or practice of persecuting especially those who differ in origin, religion, or social outlook
persecute: to cause to suffer because of belief
germ theory: a theory in medicine: infections, contagious diseases, and various other conditions result from the action of microorganisms
skirmish: a minor fight in war usually incidental to larger movements
monarchy: undivided rule or absolute sovereignty by a single person
divine: of, relating to, or proceeding directly from God
constitutional: being in accordance with or authorized by the constitution of a state or society
unleash: let loose
ingenuity: inventiveness
rambunctious: marked by uncontrollable exuberance
exuberance: the quality or state of having abundant or intense activity
oblivious to: lacking active conscious knowledge or awareness
sympathy: an affinity, association, or relationship between persons or things wherein whatever affects one similarly affects the other
empathy: the action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to, and vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts, and experience of another
sympathy（同情心）表達的是淺層的關心， empathy（同理心）展現將心比心，設身處地，深刻的去理解對方
compassion (關懷心): sympathetic consciousness of others' distress together with a desire to alleviate it
Online Dictionary Used Mainly: https://www.merriam-webster.com
Paradigm comes from the Greek verb paradeiknynai, meaning “to show side by side.” It has been used in English to mean “example” or “pattern” since the 15th century. There is debate, however, about what kind of example qualifies as a paradigm. Some people say it’s a typical example, while others insist it must be an outstanding or perfect example. The scientific community has added to the confusion by using paradigm to mean “a theoretical framework,” a sense popularized by American scientist Thomas S. Kuhn.
In more general sense, it is the way we "see" the world - not in terms of our visual sense of sight, but in terms of perceiving, understanding, interpreting.
embody: to make concrete and perceptible
paradigm shift: an important change that happens when the usual way of thinking about or doing something is replaced by a new and different way
diligence: steady, earnest, and energetic effort
petite: having a small trim figure, usually used of a woman
demure: (esp. of women and girls) quiet and well behaved
shawl: a square or oblong usually fabric garment or wrapper used especially as a covering for the head or shoulders; DJ[ʃɔ:l]
flare-up: a sudden outburst or intensification
hag: an ugly, slatternly, or evil-looking old woman
adamant: unshakable or insistent especially in maintaining a position or opinion
futile: serving no useful purpose
acknowledge: to recognize the rights, authority, or status of
Main Online Dictionary Used: https://www.merriam-webster.com
coalesce: to unite into a whole
subtle: delicate
discrepancy: difference
trait: a distinguishing quality
reap: harvest
sow: to plant seed for growth
duplicity: contradictory doubleness of thought, speech, or action
manipulative: serving or intended to control or influence others in an artful and often unfair or selfish way
rhetoric: skill in the effective use of speech
cram: to pack tight
eloquent: marked by forceful and fluent expression
marvelous: causing wonder
Online Dictionary Used: https://www.merriam-webster.com
congruency: the quality or state of agreeing, coinciding, or being congruent
tremendous: notable by reason of extreme size, power, greatness, or excellence
psych up: to prepare (oneself) mentally or emotionally
fizzle: to fail or end feebly especially after a promising start
gab: to talk in a rapid or thoughtless manner
hassle: an annoying or troublesome concern
rekindle: to begin to burn again
pitch: to throw usually with a particular objective or toward a particular point
reprimand: to reprove sharply or censure formally usually from a position of authority
censure: a judgment involving condemnation
perception: quick, acute, and intuitive cognition
intuitive: possessing or given to intuition or insight
prophecy: a prediction of something to come
The Pygmalion effect refers to situations where high expectations lead to improved performance and low expectations lead to worsened performance.
startle: to frighten or surprise suddenly and usually not seriously
emerge: become known
fester: to undergo or exist in a state of progressive deterioration
stark: strong
humility: freedom from pride or arrogance : the quality or state of being humble
fidelity: the quality or state of being faithful
temperance: moderation in action, thought, or feeling
moderate: avoiding extremes of behavior or expression
modesty: the quality of not being too proud or confident about yourself or your abilities
maxim: a proverbial saying
conceive: to take into one's mind
deceptive: tending or having power to cause someone to accept as true or valid what is false or invalid
intimidate: frighten
compartmentalize: to separate into isolated compartments or categories
lip service: an avowal of advocacy, adherence, or allegiance expressed in words but not backed by deeds
avowal: an open declaration or acknowledgment
advocacy: the act or process of supporting a cause or proposal
deed: action
mileage: usefulness
affirm: validate
ridicule: to make fun of
guileless: honest
serendipitous: coincidental
conviction: a strong persuasion or belief
diligence: steady, earnest, and energetic effort : devoted and painstaking work and application to accomplish an undertaking
Online Dictionary Used: www.merriam-webster.com
Filling all the skies of night it soon creates a flower
City voices are all wrapped in by the shining light and sounds remove
World of all silence, all that was left is two alone, then echoing out, the words are
"I'm in love with you"
You met up with me inside a dream, our future was shown
Night of summer, you and me form silhouettes, mine right there next to you
Final of all fireworks to rise into the sky, when it fades away
That will be the sign for this
It's you, an ordinary morning
It's an ordinary looking image you got on
All reasons for me breaking every eye contact with you was, ah
For I have been consumed by words let out in what you've shown, even now
Still it resumes to keep ringing on inside
Ah, onto where night will end, awaiting past dreaming
To want it to arrive and find it
Foretold in a dream, and waiting until now, but is true?
Worries deep in my head seem loud but I'll keep on
Ah, and out through our present, and soon know what begins
You and me will be on our own and
More, almost
Don't alter what I am waiting for
Almost
So please go on to talk about it
I'll be waiting right there to hear you
No one knows of this night
Nobody is here but me and you
The scenery I've waited for now overlapping with our view
The present and beyond, upon the summer sky
Attaching all within the firework I see
We're in the focal place where I had known to trace my dream with you
We're looking up into the skies above lit up and shining bright
Shed light upon your profile and ah
So, as told, led us to the scene known and made it
So, it's two of our futures, to to go here right now
And overlapping real soon
Ah, you're in our night with me, just me and you, that's it
Foretold and now we've come, arriving
Fine, go through, your mind will be told fine, go through, be understood
And the scenes beyond what's dreamt to be reaching
Ah, and out through our present, and soon know what begins
And our days are intact for we've met
More, almost
Don't alter what I am waiting for
Almost
Look up, final of the fireworks is now
Here wrapping over two
World of no sound in the silence, you speak
"I'm in love with you"
silhouette: a dark shape seen against a light surface 逆光黑影
dictionary.cambridge.org
今天，我和家人先入𨋢。一位戴著耳機的年輕人又欲進，我按開門掣，他入𨋢唔該都冇聲。同一天，事情一模一樣，只是主角轉換了，是一位老婦，𨋢得我倆。真是懷疑人生，一日二小善，結果都是冷漠收場，我之後仍要幫助人？孔夫子說，不學禮，便沒有立足社會的依據。公司有兩位同事，我同佢講早晨，永遠像聽不到冇反應，日子久了，除公事外便沒有溝通。
"People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse (指責) you of ulterior motives (不可告人的動機). Be kind anyway. If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway. If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway. The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway. Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway. For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.” Mother Teresa
其中一位同事幫我拆中文書，吩咐我將這些特價書上檯，她/他問我為什麼仍在包英文特價書。我同佢講這裡都有一板英文書未包，她/他的怨氣由此而來。英文兒童特價書一定要包，我是英文部主管，雖然自己仲要管中文書幾個分類，人不為己我又做不到。人，就是不講理及自我中心，德蘭修女說，我們要原諒她/他。可能因為gossip，另一位她/他又怨氣沖天。
