北都簽意向書增信心 片區開發項目求彈性
【明報社評】特區政府總部舉行企業參與北都發展簽署儀式，包括本地發展商、國企及外資在內，逾八十間企業簽署了意向書。雖然意向書本身不涉及任何具體投資承諾，但從宣傳造勢角度，有這麼多「重磅」企業代表出席儀式簽署，對於增強市場對北都發展的信心，無疑有積極作用。近年本港地產市道低迷，加上高息環境，發展商財力大受影響。北都發展規模大，資金投入需求高，商人在商言商，需要先了解不同發展項目細節安排，才能好好「計數」。政府昨天公布北都三個片區開發試點詳情，相信有助商界掌握項目輪廓，當局需要思考如何調動商界積極性，以別具彈性的安排，吸引商界參與片區開發及投資。
片區試點詳情公布
有助發展商「計數」
香港經濟升級轉型，創科發展至關重要，北部都會區建設亟待推進，工商界的態度，成為關注焦點。去年底，政府推出「加強版傳統新市鎮發展模式」換地安排，以較優惠的補地價條件，鼓勵發展商「原址換地」，按照政府北都規劃，自行發展相關地皮。當局希望新安排可以更有效發揮市場力量，加快北都建設，惟發展商反應平平，甚至寧願讓政府按農地補償價收回相關土地，也不想申請原址換地，自行出錢發展。
keynote address: an address designed to present the issues of primary interest to an assembly (such as a political convention) and often to arouse unity and enthusiasm
address: a formal speech that is made in front of an audience
candidly: in a way that is open and honest; saying what you really think
estranged: no longer living with your husband, wife or partner
start off: to begin to move
if something is compromising, it shows or tells people something that you want to keep secret, because it is wrong or embarrassing
prestigious: respected and admired as very important or of very high quality
devoted to: to decide that (something) will be used for (a special purpose) : to use (time, money, energy, attention, etc.) for (something)
juggle: to try to deal with two or more important jobs or activities at the same time so that you can fit all of them into your life
grumbling: the act of complaining about something
stand for: to support or represent something
ovation: enthusiastic clapping by an audience as a sign of their approval
literally: exactly
rung: one of the bars that forms a step in a ladder
Wyoming: state in the northwestern U.S.
tend: to care for somebody/something
refuge: shelter or protection from danger, trouble, etc.
weary: very tired, especially after you have been working hard or doing something for a long time
pathfinder: a person, group or thing that goes before others and shows the way over unknown land
trailblazer: a person who is the first to do or discover something and so makes it possible for others to follow
envision to imagine what a situation will be like in the future, especially a situation you intend to work towards
unleash: let loose
overhear: to hear, especially by accident, a conversation in which you are not involved
Leadership is communicating to another their worth and potential so clearly they are inspired to see it in themselves.
creed: a set of principles or religious beliefs
wear off: to gradually disappear or stop
at stake: that can be won or lost, depending on the success of a particular action
retreat: a movement away from a place or an enemy because of danger or defeat
spur: to incite to action or accelerated growth or development
I-beam: an iron or steel beam that is I-shaped in cross section
the Grand Canyon: an extremely large gorge (= a valley with steep sides) in the US state of Arizona which is a major tourist attraction.
branch out: to start to do an activity that you have not done before, especially in your work or business
collage: a picture made by sticking pieces of colored paper, cloth or photographs onto a surface, or by putting images together on a computer
if something bad or unpleasant is rife in a place, it is very common there
enlist: to join the armed forces; to make somebody join the armed forces
grueling: very difficult and making you very tired, needing great effort for a long time
moaning: a low prolonged sound of pain or of grief
groan: to make a long deep sound because you are annoyed, upset or in pain, or with pleasure
ensue: to happen after or as a result of another event
undaunted: still enthusiastic and determined, despite difficulties, danger, etc.
sarcastically: in a way that shows or expresses sarcasm
sarcasm: a way of using words that are the opposite of what you mean in order to be unpleasant to somebody or to make fun of them
heck: hell
flak: severe criticism
platitude: a comment or statement that has been made very often before and is therefore not interesting
exude: to ooze out
instill: to gradually put an idea or attitude into somebody's mind; to make somebody feel, think or behave in a particular way over a period of time
superintendent: a person who has a lot of authority and manages and controls an activity, a place, a group of workers, etc.
predicament: a difficult or an unpleasant situation, especially one where it is difficult to know what to do
mull: to consider at length
hallway: an entrance hall
host: to receive or entertain guests at or for (an event)
morale: the amount of confidence and enthusiasm, etc. that a person or a group has at a particular time
if the value, amount or level of something soars, it rises very quickly
magnet school: (in the US) a school in a large city that offers extra courses in some subjects in order to attract students from other areas of the city
Online Dictionaries Used:
hk.dictionary.search.yahoo.com
www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com
www.merriam-webster.com
經國務院批准，深圳市實施赴香港旅遊「一簽多行」，在珠海市實施赴澳門旅遊「一周一行」政策，在橫琴粵澳深度合作區實施赴澳門旅遊「一簽多行」政策。
自2024年12月1日起，深圳市戶籍居民和居住證持有人，可以申請辦理赴香港旅遊「一簽多行」簽注，在一年內可不限次數往來香港地區，每次在香港逗留不超過七天。
自2025年1月1日起，珠海市戶籍居民可以申請辦理赴澳門旅遊「一周一行」簽注。在一年內的每周可前往澳門一次，每次在澳門逗留不超過七天。
橫琴粵澳深度合作區戶籍居民和居住證持有人，可以申請辦理赴澳門旅遊「一簽多行」簽注，在一年內可不限次數往來澳門地區，每次在澳門逗留不超過七天。
深圳市、珠海市和橫琴粵澳深度合作區符合條件居民或居住證持有人，可以向當地公安機關出入境管理機構提交申請。
RTHK
Many families are managed on the basis of crises, moods, quick fixes, and instant gratification --- not on sound principles. Symptoms surface whenever stress and pressure mount: people become cynical, critical, or silent or they start yelling and overreacting. Children who observe these kinds of behavior grow up thinking the only way to solve problems is flight or fight.
許多家庭的管理是基於遇上的危機、情緒、快速解決方案和即時滿足，而不是基於穩健的原則。每當壓力增加，徵狀就會浮現：人們變得冷漠自私、挑剔、沉默寡言，或者開始大喊大叫、反應過度。觀察到這些行為的孩子長大後，會認為解決問題的唯一方法就是逃跑或打鬥。
The core of any family is what is changeless, what is always going to be there --- shared vision and values.
任何家庭的核心都是永恆不變的，也就是共同的願景和價值觀。
cynical: believing that people only do things to help themselves rather than for good or honest reasons
PC: production capacity
bowel: the part that is deepest inside something
intrigued: very interested in something/somebody and wanting to know more about it/them
tremendous: very great
cosmetic: done or made for the sake of appearance
convention: a large meeting of the members of a profession, a political party, etc.
privilege: a special right or advantage that a particular person or group of people has
anticipatory: done in order to prepare for something that you think might happen
vantage point: a position from which you watch something
uncompromising: unwilling to change your opinions or behavior
inquire: to ask somebody for some information
enquire: British English
enquiry: an official process to find out the cause of something or to find out information about something
pertain: to exist or to apply in a particular situation or at a particular time
hub: the central and most important part of a particular place or activity
spawn: to cause something to develop or be produced
promptly: without delay
conceivable: that you can imagine or believe
compliment: a comment that expresses praise or approval of somebody
mahogany: the hard red-brown wood of a tropical tree, used for making furniture
One of the fundamental problems is organizations, including families, is that people are not committed to the determinations of other people for their lives. They simply do not buy into them.
不同組織或家庭的根本問題，就是人們不願意接受其他人為他們的生活所做的決定。他們根本不相信這些決定。
determination: the quality that makes you continue trying to do something even when this is difficult
No involvement, no commitment.
沒參與，沒責任感。
Online Dictionaries Used:
hk.dictionary.search.yahoo.com
www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com
www.merriam-webster.com
eefit energy can improve blood microcirculation and immunity of human bodies.
依飛產品釋放的電磁波，照射於人體，能夠改善血液微循環，提升免疫力。
Far infrared radiation in the range of 4–20 µm has been showed to have biological and health benefits to the human body.
He, P., Low, R. J. Y., Burns, S. F., Lipik, V., & Tok, A. I. Y. (2023, December 15). Enhanced far infrared emissivity, UV protection and near-infrared shielding of polypropylene composites via incorporation of natural mineral for functional fabric development. Nature News. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-49897-2
4-20 µm 範圍內的遠紅外線已被證實對人體的生物和健康有益。
Radiation with a wavelength of 4-20 µm falls within the infrared spectrum. Infrared radiation is often associated with heat. When you are exposed to infrared in this wavelength range, you will likely feel warm. This is similar to how you feel warmth from the sun or a heat lamp.
波長為 4-20 µm 的輻射屬於紅外線光譜。紅外輻射通常與熱有關。當您暴露在此波長範圍內的紅外線時，您可能會感到溫暖。這與您從太陽或暖燈中感受到的溫度類似。
Copilot for work
溫度上升，接近皮膚的微絲血管會膨脹，血液循環當然會加強。一個人發燒，免疫力會提升，也是不爭的事實。但是，我不用買這些所謂的儀器。浸暖水浴，浸浸腳，效果一樣。
This is actually the specific physical manifestation of "Qi" in Chinese medicine. In Physics, "Qi" is known as the frequency of biological molecular vibration, which is the driving force behind blood circulation.
這其實就是中醫學的「氣」的具體物理表現；在物理學來說，「氣」就是振動頻率，它是推動血液循環的原動力。
說到尾，粒子振動其實與熱力有關。
Dr. Neher was a Nobel Laureate in Physiology and Medicine in 1991.
埃爾文內爾博士是1991年諾貝爾生理學及醫學獎得主。
Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery launched the "eefit Biomedical Research Project" to develop a brand new modern biomedical mechanism with application of microphysical eeffit technology.
他的「生物物理與創新藥物實驗室」創立「依飛生物醫學研發項目」把創新物理技術與生物醫學相結合，從微觀層面實踐新療法。
The first phase research results were fruitful.
首階段研究成果豐碩。
effit.com
Needle-free Acupuncture 元氣光專業版
體驗 iWand Pro 300 的尖端健康科技，這款強大便攜的設備專為增強微循環、促進代謝和有效緩解疼痛而設計。採用獨家研發的PVA技術，這款非侵入性設備能提供專業版的護理效果，讓你輕鬆在家中享受健康生活。iWand Pro 300 體積小巧、堅固耐用且操作簡便，是你提升整體健康的理想選擇。
picolabb.com
說穿了，這只不過等於是中醫裡針灸的艾灸。只不過，睇落安全少少，high tech 少少。
撤除嚴厲出入管制 恢復大學校園開放
【明報社評】2019年理大事件後，理工大學採取多項出入管制措施，只限學生、教職員及獲授權人士進入校園，新一份《審計報告》認為理大可視乎情況，適當時候調整保安措施。放眼世界，大部分大學都強調校園開放，國家教育部也指出，大學校園更好向社會公眾開放具有積極意義。香港作為國家門戶兼高度國際化城市，大學當然應該奉行校園開放原則，若擔心外人和遊客太多造成干擾，大可採取一些管理分流措施，減少影響。反修例風暴和新冠疫情早已過去，香港需要恢復開放包容氛圍。本地八間資助大學，除了理大和城大，其餘都已取消嚴厲出入管制，兩間大學應積極考慮更大幅度開放校園。
拉近大學與公眾距離
開放校園具積極意義
反修例風暴期間，理大一度淪為戰場，校園破壞嚴重。事後校方展開校園修復和加強保安工作，包括在指定地點設立保安站，以及在出入口安裝閘機等。審計署昨天公布新一份審計報告，其中一項正是審視理大校舍維修保養工作。審計報告提到，理大花在修復的開支為1.06億元，加強保安的開支則為1.296億元，相關工作前年六月完成，惟有別於本地多間大學陸續重開校園方便公眾進出，理大迄今仍維持多項出入管制政策，包括只容許學生、教職員及獲授權人士進入校園，出入者須以通行證或通行碼核實身分，才能通過出入口閘機。
Online Dictionaries Used:
hk.dictionary.search.yahoo.com
www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com
www.merriam-webster.com
Viktor E. Frankl said, "We detect rather than invent our missions in life." I like that choice of words. I think each of us has an internal monitor or sense, a conscience, that gives us an awareness of our own uniqueness and the singular contributions that we can make. In Frankl words, "Everyone has his own specific vocation or mission in life. ... Therein he cannot be replaced, nor can his life be repeated. Thus, everyone's task is as unique as his specific opportunity to implement it."
Viktor E. Frankl 說：「我們要察覺自己的人生使命，而非創造自身的使命。」作者喜歡這個選字。筆者認為每個人都有一種內在的監察或感覺，也就是良知，它讓我們意識到自己的獨特性以及我們可以作出的獨特貢獻。以 Frankl 的話：「每個人都有自己特定的天職……在這方面，他是無法被取代的，他的生命也無法重複。因此，每個人的任務都是獨一無二的，就像他有執行任務的特定機會一樣。」
vocation: a type of work or way of life that you believe is especially suitable for you
therein: in the place, object, document, etc. mentioned
abdicate our responsibility: to fail or refuse to perform a duty
metaphor: a word or phrase used to describe somebody/something else, in a way that is different from its normal use, in order to show that the two things have the same qualities and to make the description more powerful, for example She has a heart of stone
introspection: the careful examination of your own thoughts, feelings and reasons for behaving in a particular way
commitment: a promise to do something or to behave in a particular way
exhilaration: a feeling of being very happy and excited
tap into: to make a strong or advantageous connection with
preside: to lead or be in charge of a meeting, ceremony, etc.
intuitive: obtained by using your feelings rather than by considering the facts
sequential: following in order of time or place
cultivate: to foster the growth of
We live in a primarily left brain-dominant world, where words and measurement and logic are enthroned, and the more creative, intuitive, sensing, artistic aspect of our nature is often subordinated. Many of us find it more difficult to tap into our right brain capacity.
大多數人偏重使用左腦，文字、測量和邏輯位處要項。創意、直覺、感覺和藝術往往從屬於左腦。許多人發現要發掘右腦的能力比較困難。
enthrone: to seat in a place associated with a position of authority or influence
Online Dictionaries Used:
hk.dictionary.search.yahoo.com
www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com
www.merriam-webster.com
文創發展須定重點 產業化莫畫餅充飢
【明報社評】《文藝創意產業發展藍圖》千呼萬喚終於出爐，藍圖以打造香港成為中外文化藝術交流中心為願意，提出四大發展方向合共七十一項措施，涵蓋面相當廣泛，然而亦有缺乏焦點之嘆。當局提倡以「多元模式」發展文創產業，強調不會「擇優」重點催谷特定行業，也不會提供額外資助，十年間倍增文創產業增加值的目標如何實現，還得拭目以待。文化藝術及創意產業發展，需要人才、資金、場地及空間等方面配合，藍圖有觸及業界面對的一些痛點，惟未見明確解決方案，無論是放寬表演場地限制，還是改革資助藝團制度，尚待「研究」和「檢討」，當局有必要盡快化虛為實，為業界拆牆鬆綁，切實解決問題。
產業政策重點扶持
仙女散花成效難彰
文體旅局原定去年公布《文藝創意產業發展藍圖》，未料一再延宕，及至昨天才出爐。國定「十四五」規劃確立香港「八大中心」發展定位，「中外文化藝術交流中心」是其中之一，藍圖亦以此作為願景。根據統計處資料，二零二二年，本港文創產業増加值總額為1221億元，藍圖定下的目標，是未來十年將相關金額增至二千億元，差不多是目前一倍，從事相關行業的人數，則由目前二十二萬，増至二十六萬。
7 powerful lessons from the book "The Psychology of Money"
1. Compound Interest is the Eighth Wonder of the World: Understanding the power of compound interest is crucial for long-term wealth building. Small, consistent investments can yield significant returns over time.
2. Risk Comes from Not Knowing What You're Doing: Investing in things you don't understand is a surefire way to lose money. Educate yourself and invest in what you know.
3. Never Lose Money: While it's impossible to avoid all losses, it's essential to prioritize capital preservation. Avoid risky bets that could wipe out your savings.
4. Patience is a Virtue: Investing is a long-term game. Avoid impulsive decisions and focus on a patient, disciplined approach.
5. Luck Plays a Role: While skill and knowledge are important, luck also plays a significant role in financial outcomes. Embrace uncertainty and don't take success for granted.
6. Save Money, Don't Just Invest It: Building an emergency fund is essential for financial security. Don't risk your savings on speculative investments.
7. Financial Independence is Freedom: Financial independence allows you to live life on your own terms. Strive for financial freedom, but don't let it consume your life.
Reading Life: a Facebook Page
surefire: certain to be successful or to happen as you expect
virtue: behavior or attitudes that show high moral standards
speculative: based on guessing or on opinions that have been formed without knowing all the facts
Online Dictionary Used: www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com
標點符號與隨後的英文字母之間要留空位「。」、「 .」、 「、」、「 ?」 及「 !」 後要留兩個空位，其他標點符號後要留一個空位，否則會被扣分。
anesthetize: to make a person or animal unable to feel pain, etc.
negligible: of very little importance or size and not worth considering
fickle: changing often and suddenly
thwart: to prevent somebody from doing what they want to do
vengeance: the act of punishing or harming somebody in return for what they have done to you, your family or friends
shrivel: to become or make something dry and wrinkled as a result of heat, cold or being old
compelling: that makes you pay attention to it because it is so interesting and exciting
pave the way: to create a situation in which somebody will be able to do something or something can happen
fad: something that people are interested in for only a short period of time
denominator: the number below the line in a fraction showing how many parts the whole is divided into
midst: the middle part of something
omniscient: knowing everything
search out: to look for something/somebody until you find them
implication: a possible effect or result of an action or a decision
provident: careful in planning for the future, especially by saving money
please: to afford or give pleasure or satisfaction
grudgingly: in a way that is given or done unwillingly
blithely: in a way that shows you do not care or are not anxious about what you are doing
delegate: a person who is chosen or elected to represent the views of a group of people and vote and make decisions for them
delegable: capable of being delegated
Online Dictionaries Used:
hk.dictionary.search.yahoo.com
www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com
www.merriam-webster.com
香港音樂旅遊潛力大 跨界合作創商機
香港政府應發展音樂旅遊，把握產業發展新機遇。市場研究預測，全球音樂旅遊產業在2024年的估計價值為71.7億美元，到2031年將達127.7億美元，年均增長率達8.6%。香港作為亞洲國際都會，憑藉獨特的地理位置和深厚的文化底蘊，絕對具備打造亞洲音樂旅遊樞紐的潛力。
香港近年在音樂旅遊方面已展現強勁實力。成功吸引Coldplay等國際巨星來港演出，帶動酒店、餐飲、零售等相關產業蓬勃發展。Clockenflap音樂節作為本地最具規模的戶外音樂及藝術節，多年來匯聚世界各地音樂人，已成為極具影響力的文化品牌。這些成功經驗證明，香港完全有能力舉辦國際級音樂盛事。
hk01.com
黃仁勳是一位台灣裔美國企業家和電子工程師，一九六三年二月十七日出生於台南市。他是NVIDIA (輝達) 的共同創辦人及現任執行長。
黃仁勳在九歲時隨家人移居美國，並在俄勒岡州立大學取得電機工程學學士學位，後來在史丹福大學獲得電子工程學碩士學位。一九九三年，他與克里斯·馬拉科夫斯基、克蒂斯·普里姆共同創立了NVIDIA，專注於圖形處理單元 (Graphics Processing Unit, GPU) 的開發。NVIDIA的GeForce系列GPU在遊戲、區塊鏈和人工智慧領域取得了巨大成功，使公司成為全球領先的科技企業之一。
黃仁勳以其領導能力和技術創新聞名，經常在技術論壇和會議上發表演講。隨著人工智慧浪潮對GPU需求的增加，NVIDIA在二零二四年成為全球市值最大的公司之一，黃仁勳的身家也超過千億美元。
他與妻子Lori Mills育有一子一女。黃仁勳的成功故事激勵了許多人，他被譽為「顯卡教父」和「AI教父」。
Copilot for work
impinge: to strike or dash especially with a sharp collision
setback: a difficulty or problem that delays or prevents something, or makes a situation worse
and so forth: and so on
revert: to come or go back (as to a former condition, period, or subject)
reveal: to make something known to somebody
vulnerability: DJ[͵vʌlnərəˋbiliti]
resort: the act of using something, especially something bad or unpleasant, because nothing else is possible
sarcasm: a way of using words that are the opposite of what you mean in order to be unpleasant to somebody or to make fun of them
tenderness: the quality of being kind, gentle and loving
accusation: a statement saying that you think a person is guilty of doing something wrong or illegal
ultimate: happening at the end of a long process
hierarchy: DJ[ˋhaiərɑ:ki]
undoing: the reason why somebody fails at something or is unsuccessful in life
Since many factors affect the economic foundations, one becomes anxious and uneasy, protective and defensive, about anything that may affect them. So, it's better not to be money centered.
由於許多因素都會影響自身的經濟狀況，人們會對影響自己財政的任何事情，感到焦慮不安、作出保護和防禦。所以，最好不要以金錢為中心。
per se: used meaning ‘by itself’ to show that you are referring to something on its own, rather than in connection with other things
render: to cause somebody/something to be in a particular state or condition
tangible: that can be clearly seen to exist
jewelry: DJ[ˋdʒu:əlri]
Online Dictionaries Used:
hk.dictionary.search.yahoo.com
www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com
www.merriam-webster.com
馬禮遜樓以裝飾派藝術建築風格建成，選用上海批盪，廡殿式的屋頂以青釉中式瓦片砌築，四角飾以瑞龍，反映了中西相容的獨特建築風格。
馬禮遜樓於二零零四年列為古蹟。
文章來源: www.amo.gov.hk
照片拍攝日期︰26/11/2024
快門先決
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擬收地發展 牛潭尾現考古價值地點 舊建築最老逾百年歷史 長春社︰體現客家文化
【明報專訊】發展局本月中公布牛潭尾發展建議，預留約一百二十七公頃土地發展大學城、第三所醫學院等，最快二零二七年收地。文件未有提及文化保育，惟翻查資料，新發展區內至少有四幢逾大半世紀歷史的古舊建築，其中屬私人管有的維祥公祠建於清末，古諮會二零一零年曾討論，最終確定不予評級。長春社高級公共事務經理李少文認為，受發展影響的攸潭美村是香港現存重要客家農地區，古舊建築反映當時客家文化，質疑當局倘一下子剷平農地和舊建築，恐做法「過火」。另外，發展局最新回覆表示，區內有一個具考古研究價值的地點及文化遺產初步評估辨別出具高考古潛力的地點，涉及兩個範圍。
明報記者 曾諾晞
發展局︰考掘涉兩範圍 評估後訂緩解措施
發展局回覆本報查詢稱，牛潭尾新發展區範圍內有一個具考古研究價值的地點及文化遺產初步評估辨別出具高考古潛力的地點，涉及兩個範圍，但未透露詳情。局方稱收回土地及工程動工前，會由考古學家與古跡辦商議，開展考古調查及發掘，以進一步評估，然後據評估結果徵得古蹟辦同意，訂定並執行合適的緩解措施。
公祠建於清末 古諮會「不予評級」
牛潭美位於元朗東北，由多條非原居民村落組成，攸潭美村是其一。由屯馬線元朗站乘坐專線小巴，大約十五分鐘便會抵達攸潭美村口。翻查資料，攸潭美村自一九零五年便有人居住。發展局旱前表示，村內約有五百個在地構築物，預計涉一千三百名居民。
The impacts of extreme climate change are indeed serious, but not all of them are completely irreversible. According to NASA, while some changes are irreversible on the timescale of human lifetimes, reducing greenhouse gas emissions can still prevent further damage and mitigate some of the worst effects.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) also notes that while certain changes, like sea level rise, are irreversible over hundreds to thousands of years, other impacts can be slowed or even reversed with significant action.
In essence, while we cannot undo all the damage already done, we can still take meaningful steps to limit future harm and adapt to the changes that are already in motion. Every effort to reduce emissions and enhance sustainability can make a difference.
Copilot for work
rear: to bring to maturity or self-sufficiency usually through nurturing care
chant: words or phrases that a group of people shout or sing again and again
marshal: to place in proper rank or position
perilous: very dangerous
conspiracy: a secret plan by a group of people to do something harmful or illegal
vacate: to leave a building, seat, etc., especially so that somebody else can use it
Online Dictionaries Used:
hk.dictionary.search.yahoo.com
www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com
www.merriam-webster.com
【香港字】字裏、巷間的港風美學︰北魏真書體
近年「港風」吹得起勁，不時看見遊客以霓虹招牌作背景興奮打卡，世界各地的港式茶餐廳也愈開愈多。神乎其技地，只要利用類似字體，就能大抵擬出「港風」質感。字體，彷彿有種魔力。
香港街上風格各異卻自成派系的醒目招牌，一路都是我們別注的風景。其中一種最常見的香港招牌字體，叫「北魏」。字體設計師陳濬人自二零一一年起研究北魏字體風格十餘年，兩年前以香港所見的北魏字體作為藍本創作電腦字體「北魏真書體」，在台灣集資平台獲得逾一百九十萬港元的聚籌金額支持。今年，「北魏真書體」終於釋出了它的第一個試用版本。
當霓虹熄了，我們能留下甚麼？
「北魏真書」這個名字你未必聽過，但對它的字型風格，你肯定不會感到陌生，它存在於我們較熟悉的隸書和楷書之間。陳濬人指，對於「真書」的定義，並沒有一個公認的共識。他自己則主張稱隸書演變成楷書中間的過渡時期之為「真書」，因為「北魏真書」，兼有二者的成份和特色。「北魏」最初的原型來自魏碑，但魏碑的字體亦有多種風格。香港招牌常用的北魏，則靠近清代趙之謙版本的演繹。其時興仿摹魏碑字體，多追求模仿碑刻時的銳利感覺。趙則是少數認為字體演繹要有變化的書法家︰「趙之謙是一個好有藝術感的人。他有很多嘗試，比如用很幾何的形狀去把字印出來。說的是百多年前，他已能實踐這種很圖形化的做法。趙之謙給了北魏一個很破格的演繹。」
A workbook is a spreadsheet program file that you create in Excel . A workbook contains one or more worksheets. A worksheet (also known as a spreadsheet) consists of cells in which you can enter. A worksheet is always stored in a workbook.
Workbook: 活頁簿
Worksheet: 工作表
Pressing Ctrl + Shift + Down Arrow highlights the cells from the current cell position to the last cell in the column with data.
刪除工作表後，不可恢復。
預設情況下，包含字母字元的儲存格為左對齊，而包含數字字元的儲存格為右對齊。
In mathematics, exponentiation is an operation involving two numbers: the base and the exponent or power. Exponentiation is written as bn, where b is the base and n is the power; often said as "b to the power n".
AutoSum: Alt+=
The AutoSum function always looks up and then left.
=VLOOKUP(lookup value, table array, column index number, False)
Lookup value can be A:A
Table array can be on another page: work!A:B
To select non-adjacent rows or columns, hold Ctrl and select the row or column numbers.
Shift + Drag: maintain proportion while resizing the chart in Excel
Fn F11(my Thinkpad Notebook): create chart in separate sheet
Alt + (Fn) F1 after selecting the data: shortcut that creates a chart
Ctrl + D for duplicate a chart
Select your chart and on the Chart Design tab, choose Select Data. Choose on the legend name you want to change in the Select Data Source dialog box, and select Edit.
Select B2 > View > Freeze Panes
Ctrl + Drag: copy a worksheet
Group two worksheet using Shift
As the cell inside PivotTable do not contain formula, we have to right-click the PivotTable and select Refresh in order the renew the data.
The unique human capacities of self-awareness, imagination, and conscience enable us to examine first creations and make it possible for us to take charge of our own first creation, to write our own script. Put another way, Habit 1 says, "You are the creator." Habit 2 is the first creation.
Habit 2 is based on principles of personal leadership, which means that leadership is the first creation. Leadership is not management. Management is the second creation.
Peter Drucker and Warren Bennis said, "Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things."
machete: a broad, heavy knife used as a cutting tool and as a weapon
undergrowth: a mass of bushes and plants that grow close together under trees in woods and forests
wield: to have and use power, authority, etc.
We are more in need of a vision or destination and a compass (a set of principles or directions) and less in need of a road map. We often do not know what the terrain ahead will be like or what we will need to go through it; much will depend on our judgement at the time. But an inner compass will always give us direction.
比起地圖，我們更需要願景、目標、原則和指南針。我們通常不知道前方的地形是怎樣的，也不知道我們需要什麼來通過它；很多事情都取決於我們當刻的判斷。但是內在的指南針總會給我們指引方向。
terrain: used to refer to an area of land when you are mentioning its natural features, for example, if it is rough, flat, etc.
obsolete: no longer used because something new has been invented
deregulation: the process of making a trade, business activity, etc. free from rules and controls
Proactive powerful leadership must constantly monitor environmental change, particularly customer buying habits and motives, and provide the force necessary to organize resources in the right direction.
No management success can compensate for failure in leadership. But leadership is hard because we are often caught in a management paradigm.
wrestle: to struggle physically to move or manage something
persist: to continue to do something despite difficulties or opposition, in a way that can seem unreasonable
quadruple: to become four times bigger
I'm convinced that too often parents are also trapped in the management paradigm, thinking of control, efficiency, and rules instead of direction, purpose, and family feeling.
我深信家長往往也受困於管理模式，只想到控制、效率和規則，而不是方向、目標和家庭情感。
Stephen R. Covey "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People"
Online Dictionaries Used:
hk.dictionary.search.yahoo.com
www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com
中國瓶裝水銷路好的原因有幾個主要因素︰
水污染問題︰中國的水污染問題嚴重，許多地區的自來水質量不佳，使消費者更傾向購買瓶裝水來確保飲用水的安全。
中產階級的崛起︰隨著中國中產階級的快速增長，消費者對健康和衛生的重視程度提高，進一步推動了瓶裝水的需求。
品牌多樣性和市場競爭︰中國瓶裝水市場上有許多品牌，如農夫山泉、康師傅和怡寶等，這些品牌提供了從廉價到高端的多種選擇，滿足不同清費者的需求。
高端瓶裝水的興起︰隨著消費者收入的增加，高端瓶裝水市場也在快速增長。許多消費者願意支付更高的價格購買來自天然水源的高品質瓶裝水。
供應鏈和生產成本優勢︰中國瓶裝水企業有穩定的供應鏈和較低的生產成本，使瓶裝水價格具有競爭力，進一步促進市場的擴展。
Copilot for work
nail: a small thin pointed piece of metal with a flat head, used for joining pieces of wood together or hanging things on a wall
patio: courtyard
carpenter: a person whose job is making and repairing wooden objects and structures
mortar: a mixture of sand, water, lime and cement used in building for holding bricks and stones together
get your marching orders: to be ordered to leave a place, a job, etc.
undermine: to make something, especially somebody’s confidence or authority, gradually weaker or less effective
thread: DJ[θred]
Stephen R. Covey "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People"
Online Dictionaries Used:
hk.dictionary.search.yahoo.com
www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com
www.merriam-webster.com
改革公院管治文化 防止醫療事故頻生
【明報社評】公院醫療事故頻生，公立醫院系統管理檢討委員會公布報告，建議醫管局強化管治、加強風險管理、培育安全文化、改善溝通及問責制度。公院在本港醫療系統的角色舉足輕重，醫療事故頻頻，不會只是前線人員大意失誤的問題，背後一定涉及系統性及結構因素，諸如人手不足、管理缺失，以至更深層的文化問題。檢討報告提到，公立醫院存在權責不清情況，下級員工因根深柢固的階級觀念，即使察覺有不妥之處，仍不敢向上級反映，正是具體寫照。醫管局必須對症下藥，厲行改革、提升管治，維繫市民對公營醫療系統的信任。
紓緩人手不足減出錯
搞清權責非甩鍋前線
今年以來，公院先後發生多宗嚴重醫療事故，惹來社會廣泛關注。今年五月，仁濟醫院有女童縫針後心跳停頓，院方兩名員工因涉嫌虐兒被捕；今年六月，伊利沙伯醫院發生錯插鼻胃喉至支氣管的事件，一日多後病人情況惡化，院方才發現插錯喉。及至上月，東區醫院又發生同類事故。根據醫管局向立法會提交的文件，二零二三年第四季至二零二四年第一季，錄得十七宗「醫療風險警示事件」(即最嚴重級別的醫療事故)，連同四十二宗「重要風險事件」，合計有五十九宗醫療事故。至於今年第二季的「醫療風險警示事件」則有五宗，伊院插錯喉事件正是其一。
况: 「況」的俗字。
「着」可用作穿着、着陸、着眼、着筆、着落，以及着人前來領取等；而「著」則用於著名、著述、名著、巨著等。
「著」解為:
1. 附着，穿着。同「着」
2. 顯明，顯出：著名。
3. 寫文章，寫書：著述。
4. 寫作出來的書或文章：名著。巨著。
「接著」和「接着」在中文中其實是同一個詞，只是寫法不同。這兩個詞的意思和用法完全相同，都表示一個動作或事件緊接著另一個動作或事件發生。
在現代漢語中，「接著」是較為常見的寫法，而「接着」則是較少見的寫法。這兩種寫法在不同地區和語境中可能會有不同的使用頻率，但基本上沒有實質上的區別。
Copilot for work
逆︰卜山
函︰弓水
"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." Oliver Wendell Holmes said.
parlor: a room in a private house for sitting in, entertaining visitors, etc.
niece: DJ[ni:s]
epitaph: words that are written or said about a dead person, especially words on a gravestone
inordinate: far more than is usual or expected
vanity: the fact of being too proud of your own appearance, abilities or achievements
depose: to remove somebody, especially a political leader, from power
rival: a person, company or thing that competes with another in sport, business, etc.
wit: the ability to say or write things that are both clever and humorous
faction: a small group of people within a larger one, whose members have some different aims and beliefs to those of the larger group
contemporary: belonging to the same time
To begin with the end in mind means to start with a clear understanding of your destination. It means to know where you are going so that you better understand where you are now and so that the steps you take are always in the right direction.
清楚瞭解自己的最終目標，了解自己現在所處的位置，然後往正確的方向邁進。
plumber: a person whose job is to fit and repair things such as water pipes, toilets, etc.
How different our lives are when we really know what is deeply important to us, and, keeping that picture in mind, we manage ourselves each day to be and to do what really matters most. If the ladder is not leaning against the right wall, every step we take just gets us to the wrong place faster. We may be very busy, we may be very efficient, but we will also be truly effective only when we begin with the end in mind.
如果梯子沒有靠在正確的牆上，我們所走的每一步都會讓我們更快地走往錯誤的地方。
Stephen R. Covey "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People"
Online Dictionaries Used:
hk.dictionary.search.yahoo.com
www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com
河套協同發展豎標竿 香港園區建設須提速
【明報社評】河套香港園區創科發展，本周迎來兩個重要里程碑，先有創科局公布《河套深港科技創新合作區香港園區發展綱要》(下稱《綱要》)，提出循四大方向推動香港園區發展；及至昨天，由特區政府全資擁有的「粵港澳大灣區國際臨牀試驗所」，亦於香港園區正式開幕，跟同日在深圳園區揭幕的「粵港澳大灣區國際臨牀試驗中心」一道，成為河套「一區兩園」協同發展首個標竿。近年深圳園區建設如火如荼，相比之下，香港園區發展明顯滯後，特區當局必須加快建設，盡快將《綱要》化為行動，透過制度創新，促進港深兩地創科要素交融，讓人流、物流、資金流和信息流「過河」更暢順便利。
深圳園區高速建設
香港園區明顯滯後
1997年，深圳和香港共同開展河流防洪工程，將深圳河截灣取直，部分本來屬於深圳的土地，劃入香港特區範圍內，形成了現在的河套區。港深兩地同意按「共同開發、共享成果」原則，合作發展該區，具體如何運用相關土地，廿多年來不乏討論，卻缺乏進展。及至後來粵港澳大灣區概念提出，港深兩地政府2017年簽署合作備忘錄，河套區作為科技園的定位才明確下來，雙方攜手推動創科發展，深圳當局將深圳河北側毗鄰河套區的土地，規劃為「深圳創科園區」，至於落馬洲河套區香港園區，則由特區政府牽頭發展。
主鍵盤數字1試改由左手無名指控制
grumble: to mutter in discontent
discontent: lack of satisfaction with one's possessions, status, or situation
flunk: to fail an exam, a test or a course
watchful: paying attention to what is happening in case of danger, accidents, etc.
sneak up (on): to move towards somebody very quietly so that they do not see or hear you until you reach them
juggle: to try to deal with two or more important jobs or activities at the same time so that you can fit all of them into your life
commute: shift
grateful: feeling or showing thanks because somebody has done something kind for you or has done as you asked
empirical: based on experiments or experience rather than ideas or theories
People with a growth mindset believe their basic abilities can be developed and enhanced through dedication and hard work, a belief that they are in the driver's seat and can improve and change.
resourcefulness: the quality of being good at finding ways of doing things and solving problems, etc.
contestant: a person who takes part in a contest or competition
rookie: a person who has just started a job or an activity and has very little experience
grit: the courage and strength of mind that makes it possible for somebody to continue doing something difficult or unpleasant
setback: a difficulty or problem that delays or prevents something, or makes a situation worse
devastating: causing a lot of damage and destroying things
notion: an idea, a belief or an understanding of something
layoff: an act of making people unemployed because there is no more work left for them to do
stricken: seriously affected by an unpleasant feeling or disease or by a difficult situation
salvage: to rescue or save especially from wreckage or ruin
wreckage: the parts of a vehicle, building, etc. that remain after it has been badly damaged or destroyed
refurbish: to clean and decorate a room, building, etc. in order to make it more attractive, more useful, etc.
toil: to work very hard and/or for a long time, usually doing hard physical work
superb: excellent; of very good quality
wade: to walk with an effort through something, especially water or mud
essence: the most important quality or feature of something, that makes it what it is
endowment: a quality or an ability that you are born with
discern: to know, recognize or understand something, especially something that is not obvious
envision: to imagine what a situation will be like in the future, especially a situation you intend to work towards
dread: to be very afraid of something; to fear that something bad is going to happen
harbor: to hold especially persistently in the mind
in awe of: to admire somebody/something and be slightly frightened of them/it
transcendent: going beyond the usual limits; extremely great
psychic: of or relating to the psyche
upbringing: the way in which a child is cared for and taught how to behave while it is growing up
overlook: to fail to see or notice something
Stephen R. Covey "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People"
Online Dictionaries Used:
hk.dictionary.search.yahoo.com
www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com
www.merriam-webster.com
Russia and US battle for advantage in Ukraine war ahead of Trump's return
In a matter of days US President Joe Biden's administration and Russia have made separate - but significant - moves aimed at influencing the outcome of the war in Ukraine, two months ahead of Donald Trump's return to White House.
There is a sense of Moscow maximizing its gains and of Biden abandoning long-held red lines before Trump seeks to deliver on his claim to end the war in 24 hours.
Ukraine has already acted on Biden's decision to let Kyiv fire first long-range Atacms missiles deep into Russian territory. As Kyiv struggles to hold on to its territory in the east, Biden has promised to send anti-personnel landmines too as part of new military assistance worth nearly $300m.
What prompted Biden's change of heart appears to have been the arrival of thousands of North Koreans deployed to the front line, which the US sees as a "massive escalation".
But Russia's President Vladimir Putin has ratcheted up the tension still further by loosening the conditions of use for Russia's nuclear weapons. That "effectively eliminates" defeat on the battlefield, claims Moscow.
One Russia commentator suggest Putin might view the current situation as an "in-between" moment that gives him the sense he has the upper hand in Ukraine.
bbc.com/news
【情緒健康】過度活躍症未必是一種疾病？
《經濟學人》︰強迫他們適應「正常」的生活，或會糟蹋他們的天賦
談及專注力失調及過度活躍症(Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder, 下稱ADHD)，以往總會令人聯想起過分好動、難以集中的小孩，英國雜誌《經濟學人》早前刊登一篇文章，指出各個年齡層的ADHD患者正在大幅增長，當中以年輕及中年女性的升幅最大。當ADHD變得愈來愈普遍，有專家開始質疑，應否視之為一種疾病。
英國醫療智庫The Nuffield Trust指，當地約有二百萬人患有ADHD，佔人口的百分之四。英國國民保健署數據顯示，二零一八年至二零二三年間，ADHD的藥物處方量增加一倍之多。《經濟學人》引述數據，發現在美國二萬六千間診所和醫院中，ADHD患者於二零二零年至二零二二年間上升百分之六十。
研究人員認為，上述的升幅，不僅讓人更了解ADHD對女性的影響，同時顯示在急速發展的世界中，能令我們分心的事情愈來愈多，變相令ADHD患者更難自處。升幅之大，更讓愈來愈多專家質疑——究竟應否視ADHD為一種疾病？
「問題兒童」可能是「天才兒童」？
《經濟學人》引述專家意見，指出ADHD可能只是神經多樣性(Neurodiversity)光譜上的其中一點。神經多樣性的概念，由澳洲社會學家Judy Singer提出，用於形容腦部功能發展有所不同的人士，包括過度活躍症、妥瑞氏症、語言障礙及學習障礙等。Judy Singer認為，這些人士的特質，不應被視為疾病，而是大腦的另一種運作方式，神經多樣性人士具有的特質，或許會被視為「問題」，但若能好好利用，則是他們的「優勢」，強迫他們適應「正常」的生活，或會糟蹋他們與生俱來的天賦，甚至增加他們患上驚恐及憂鬱症的風險。
對有嚴重症狀的ADHD患者而言，藥物或心理治療能協助他們完成學業及工作。但大部分的ADHD患者所需要的，其實只是一個讓他們發揮所長的環境，身處適當的環境之中，就能令他們的症狀變得輕微，甚至是完全消失。
專家認為，與其採用藥物治療，嘗試調整教室及工作場所的文化，或者是更明智的做法。《經濟學人》指，在位於英國南部的城市普茲茅斯(Portsmouth)，當地的教師目前已接受與神經多樣性的訓練，透過觀察學童的說話能力、能力水平、注意力及適應力，找出不同孩子的特質。
這項訓練旨在協助教師找出學童特別需要支援的地方(如︰專注力不足)，以及他們的強項(如︰視覺學習能力)。教師會因應情況，將課堂安排成混合坐姿、站姿及分組工作的模式，讓有ADHD特質的學生更容易專注課堂。
某些學生會因為上課時間太旱，導致「感官超載」(sensory overload)而疲憊不堪，學校因此容許學生有更大的自由度選擇上課時間。文章亦指出，點列式的筆記、備忘便條以及降噪耳機亦有助提升這類學生的學習能力。
《經濟學人》指，這種做法能在學校和工作場所變得更為普及，當人們對神經多樣性認識更深，不但能減少校園欺凌的情況，管理層亦可更了解這類人士的特質。神經多樣性的人士通常是專家，而非通才。他們在大型會議或過分嘈雜的教室中或會表現不佳，但非常善於同時處理多項任務、重複性的活動或是需要使用視覺的工作。
文章提到，當一個文化能夠接受人與人之間的差異，用開明的態度去看待社會所訂立的規則，才能讓不同的人發揮他們的特質。
Nursing Knowledge:
Symptoms are feelings or sensations a person has, whereas signs are observable characteristics.
merit: to be worthy of or entitled or liable to
attendant: accompanying or following as a consequence or result
Our behavior is governed by principles. Living in harmony with them brings positive consequences; violating them brings negative consequences. We are free to choose our response in any situation, but in doing so, we choose the attendant consequence.
在任何情況下，我們都可以自由選擇我們的反應，但在這樣做的同時，我們也選擇了相應的後果。
quarterback: (in American football) the player who directs the team’s attacking play and passes the ball to other players at the start of each attack
The proactive approach to a mistake is to acknowledge it instantly, correct, and learn from it. This literally turns a failure into a success. "Success," said IBM founder T. J. Watson, "is on the far side of failure."
literally: accurately
But not to acknowledge a mistake, not to correct it and learn from it, is a mistake of a different order. It usually puts a person on a self-deceiving, self-justifying path, often involving rationalization (rational lies) to self and to others. This second mistake, this cover-up, empowers the first, giving it disproportionate importance, and causes far deeper injury to self.
不承認錯誤、不糾正錯誤、不從錯誤中學習，是另一種錯誤。它通常會讓一個人走上自欺欺人、自我辯解的道路，常常對自己的錯誤辯駁於事無補。這第二個錯誤、這種掩飾會加強第一個錯誤，讓它變得不成比例的重要，並對自己造成更深遠的傷害。
deceive: to make somebody believe something that is not true
disproportionate: too large or too small when compared with something else
Chasing after the poisonous snake that bites us will only drive the poison through our entire system. It is far better to take measures immediately to get the poison out.
commitment: an agreement or pledge to do something in the future
pledge: the state of being held as a security or guaranty
integrity: the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles
manifestation: a visible representation of something abstract
endowment: a quality or an ability that you are born with
conscience: the part of your mind that tells you whether your actions are right or wrong
Through our human endowments of self-awareness and conscience, we become conscious of areas of weakness, areas for improvement, areas of talent that could be developed, areas that need to be changed or eliminated from our lives. Then, as we recognize and use our imagination and independent will to act on that awareness --- making promises, setting goals, and being true to them --- we build the strength of character, the being, that makes possible every other positive thing in our lives.
透過人們的自我意識和良知，我們會意識到自己的弱點、需要改進的地方、可發展的才能、需要改變或從生活中剔除的地方。
irate: arising from anger
Don't argue for other people's weakness. Don't argue for your own. When you make a mistake, admit it, correct it, and learn from it immediately. Don't get into a blaming, accusing mode. Work on things you have control over. Work on you.
不要為別人的弱點爭論，不要為自己的弱點辯解。當您犯錯時，要立即承認、糾正並從中學習。不要陷入指責別人的模樣。努力去做你可以控制的事情，為自己而努力。
wither: to become dry and sapless
spring up: to appear or develop quickly and/or suddenly
hath: has
disposition: temperament
Samuel Johnson observed, "The fountain of content must spring up in the mind, and he who has so little knowledge of human nature as to seek happiness by changing anything but his own disposition, will waste his life in fruitless efforts and multiply the grief he proposes to remove."
vividly: in a way that produces very clear pictures in your mind
Stephen R. Covey "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People"
Online Dictionaries Used:
hk.dictionary.search.yahoo.com
www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com
www.merriam-webster.com
Translated with the help with DeepL and edited
侍死侍生破地獄 喃嘸聲減情亦篤
【明報專訊】《破．地獄》電影近日氣勢如虹，元朗上周六亦上演一場現實版破地獄，近百人在南邊圍參與一場圍村齋——一名九旬村民的「笑喪」齋事。由傍晚六時直至子夜，約十名穿著灰色中山裝的喃嘸師傅，時而敲鑼打鼓，時而呢喃誦經，中途換裝當演員做喃嘸戲，再穿上鮮紅道袍跳過火舌上騰的火盆，寓意把亡者救離地獄焰火，又為生者祈福。部分村民坐足六小時，有人明言「看不懂」，有人直呼「好看，似看大戲」。出殯儀式日益簡化，村長唏噓打齋盛況不再，但對未來殯儀形式抱持開明態度，「最重要的，仍是照顧生者的感受」。
明報記耆 陳在心
《破．地獄》顧問︰生者感受最重要
上周六傍晚六時，港鐵元朗站旁的南邊圍村口響起鑼鼓聲，劃破寂靜——事緣一名年屆九旬的村民過身。村口搭起臨時靈堂，配以村旁老字號李炎記的花牌，讓親屬拜祭。先人的彩色肖像在一片花海微笑面向來者，兩旁輓聯歌頌她的三從四德。面向靈堂右側，直系親屬身穿白孝衣，頭綁別有白色繡花襟針的白帶，默默燒金銀衣紙。
pay off: to finish paying money owed for something
Anytime we think the problem is "out there", that thought is the problem. We empower what's out there to control us. The change paradigm is "outside-in" --- what's out there has to change before we can change.
diligent: showing care and effort in your work or duties
Old Testament: the first part of the Christian Bible containing the books of the Jewish canon of Scripture
slavery: DJ[ˋsleivəri]
languish: to be forced to stay somewhere or suffer something unpleasant for a long time
Potiphar: (in the Bible) an Egyptian officer whose wife tried to seduce Joseph and then falsely accused him of attempting to rape her (Gen. 39).
seduce: to persuade somebody to have sex with you, especially somebody who is younger or who has less experience than you
captor: a person who captures a person or an animal and keeps them as a prisoner
pharaoh: a political leader of ancient Egypt
stagnant: declining
nagging: persistently annoying or finding fault with someone
wither: to become less or weaker
If I really want to improve my situation, I can work on the one thing over which I have control --- myself.
dedicated: working hard at something because it is very important to you
Sometimes the most proactive thing we can do is to be happy, just to genuinely smile. Happiness, like unhappiness, is a proactive choice.
We can be happy and accept those things at present we cannot control, while we focus our efforts on the things that we can.
店長安排我在書店做主力收銀及學校訂書，我不能控制。但我也不是沒有對策，本人已經準備申請 ACO. CRE (中文、英文、能力傾向測試、基本法及國安法) 已經全部達標，自己正準備文書處理測試的考核，十一月尾的年假會閉關練習。
Stephen R. Covey "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People"
Online Dictionaries Used:
hk.dictionary.search.yahoo.com
www.merriam-webster.com
www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com
How to deal with large number of tiny insects in the books?
It sounds like you might be dealing with booklice, which are tiny insects that thrive in humid environment and feed on mold found in books and paper. Here are some steps to help you get rid of them:
Identify the infestation: Booklice are small, usually between 1 and 2 mm in length, and can be translucent, white, gray, or brown.
Reduce humidity: Since booklice thrive in moist environment, using a dehumidifier to keep the humidity below 50% can help eliminate them.
Clean and discard: Remove and discard heavily infested items. For items you want to keep, seal them in plastic bags and place them in the freezer for a couple of days to kill the insects.
Kill mold and mildew(黴菌): Clean areas with visible mold using vinegar, oxygen bleach, or borax(硼砂). Mold is a primary food source for booklice, so removing it can help control the infestation.
Vacuum regularly: Vacuum bookshelves and surrounding areas to remove any booklice and their eggs.
Natural Remedies: You can use natural sprays made from diluted peppermint, neem tree(印度苦楝樹), or tea tree oil to treat infested areas.
Microsoft Copilot
無差別傷無辜須亡羊補牢 提高社會歸屬感當務之急
【明報社評】本月十一日珠海發生汽車衝入體育館橫衝直撞，造成三十五人死亡四十三人受傷的駭人聽聞事件。無差別傷人案近年急劇上升，作案地點都是人群聚集的公共場所，防不勝防。政府通報案情過於簡單，令社會無法判斷作案者的真正原因，必然造成社會愈加人心惶惶。政府是否有深入研究這種社會現象，不得而知，有何對策也未見向民眾交代，造成社會歸屬感愈加降低的惡性循環。政府設法提高社會歸屬感，是減少無差別傷人案的治本之舉，也是降低民眾不安與焦躁情緒之策。
無差別傷人案連續不斷危害大
政府透明度不足造成人心惶惶
珠海市體育館發生的大規模無差別傷人案，是今年全國警情通報的第八宗，另一宗造成八死五傷七月發生在長沙，另外在廣州、上海、蘇州等地的傷人案，根據政府公布，要麼是強調作案者有精神疾病或個人原因，要麼是強調警方果斷制止並將作案者緝拿歸案，以及如何妥善處理受害者的損失與安撫情緒，給人的印象是作案動機與政府無關，又或警方的行動高效，卻沒有對作案耆的身分以及作出報復社會的動機詳細交代和分析。
Brushing your teeth properly is important for maintaining good oral hygiene. Here are some steps to help you brush effectively:
Choose the right toothbrush: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush that fits comfortably in your mouth.
Apply toothpaste: Squeeze a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste onto your toothbrush.
Brush at a 45-degree angle: Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums.
Use gentle, circular motions: Brush your teeth gently in small circular motions. Make sure to cover all surfaces of each tooth.
Brush for two minutes: Spend about 30 seconds on each quadrant of your mouth (upper right, upper left, lower right, lower left).
Don't forget your tongue: Gently brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
Rinse your mouth: After brushing, spit out the toothpaste and rinse your mouth with water.
Remember to brush your teeth twice a day, and replace your toothbrush every three to four months or sooner if the bristles are frayed.
Copilot for work
正確刷牙對保持良好的口腔衛生非常重要。以下是一些幫助您有效刷牙的步驟：
選擇正確的牙刷： 使用軟毛牙刷，使其能舒適地放入您的口中。
塗上牙膏： 將豌豆大小的含氟牙膏擠在牙刷上。
以 45 度角刷牙： 將牙刷與牙齦呈 45 度角。
使用輕柔的打圈動作： 以畫小圓圈的方式輕輕刷牙。確保覆蓋每顆牙齒的所有表面。
刷兩分鐘： 在口腔的每個四分位（右上、左上、右下、左下）各花約 30 秒。
別忘了舌頭： 輕輕地刷舌頭，清除細菌，清新口氣。
漱口： 刷完牙後，吐出牙膏並用水漱口。
記住每天刷牙兩次，每三到四個月更換一次牙刷，如果刷毛磨損，可更快更換。
Translated with the help of DeepL and edited
Global warming significantly impacts pest control, making it a more complex challenge. Here are some key points:
Increased pest activity: Warmer temperatures can extend the geographical range and active seasons of many pests. This means pests that were once confined to certain areas are now spreading to new regions.
Higher crop damage: Climate change make pests more destructive. For example, the fall armyworm, which feeds on crops like maize and sorghum, has spread due to warmer climate, causing significant agricultural damage.
Pesticide effectiveness: The effectiveness of pesticides can be reduced under changing environment conditions. This necessitates more frequent applications and the development of new pest management strategies.
Food security threats: Increased pest activity and crop damage threaten global food security. Smallholder farmers and regions already facing food security issues are particularly at risk.
Environment impact: The increased use of pesticides to combat more resilient pests can lead to environmental pollution, affecting biodiversity and ecosystem health.
Addressing these challenges requires international cooperation, improved pest management practices, and more research into sustainable solutions.
Microsoft Copilot
全球暖化顯著影響害蟲防治，使其成為更複雜的挑戰。以下是一些重點：
害蟲活動增加： 溫度升高會擴大許多害蟲的地理範圍和活躍季節。這意味著曾經局限於某些地區的害蟲現在擴散到新的地區。
農作物損害增加： 氣候變遷使害蟲更具破壞性。舉例來說，以玉米和高粱等作物為食的秋蟬，因氣候變暖而擴散，造成嚴重的農業損害。
殺蟲劑的效力： 在不斷變化的環境條件下，殺蟲劑的效力可能會降低。這就需要更頻繁地施用殺蟲劑，並開發新的害蟲管理策略。
食品保障威脅： 害蟲活動和作物損害的增加會威脅全球糧食保障。已經面臨糧食保障問題的小農戶和地區尤其受到威脅。
環境影響： 增加使用殺蟲劑來對付適應能力強的的害蟲，會造成環境污染，影響生物多樣性和生態系統健康。
應對這些挑戰需要國際合作、改進害蟲管理方法，以及更多可持續解決方案的研究。
Translated with the help of DeepL and edited
開拓高增值航運服務 綠色燃料加注引船來
【明報社評】政府公布《綠色船用燃料加注行動綱領》，提出五項目標，五大策略、十項行動，盼令香港成為區內首選綠色船用燃料加注中心。香港「以港為名、憑港而興」，更是國家重要門戶。中央期望香港建設好海陸空三港，又將國際金融、貿易及航運中心並列，皆因「三大中心」互為聯連、互相促進，三者一體化發展，可以發揮更大的協同優勢，香港面對貨櫃碼頭吞吐量持續下降，更須加把勁推動升級轉型。全球航運業正經歷一場能源變革，綠色轉型勢在必行。香港打造綠色船用燃料加注中心、發展大宗商品交易中心，更多船來、更多貨到，高增值航運服務就有機會蓬勃發展，為「三大中心」注入更多動能。
「三大中心」一體化發展
船多來貨多到促轉型
曾幾何時，香港貨櫃碼頭吞吐量長居世界第一。隨着內地改革開放不斷深化、港口物流發展蓬勃，香港作為珠三角航運中樞港口的角色，也出現了變化，貨運吞吐量持續下滑，中美貿易戰與新冠疫情，更令跌勢進一步加劇。近年甚至有意見認為，不如將部分貨櫃碼頭用地，交由發展商起樓，彷彿香港航運中心已無可為，讓它「自然淘汰」算了，然而這顯然不是中央看法。港澳辦主任夏寶龍上周在深圳舉行的工商界座談會上，就點名提到一定要繼續在「港」字上做文章，建設好陸、海、空三個「港」。
There are some things over which we have no real control and others that we can do something about.
circumscribe: to draw a circle around another shape
Proactive people work on the things they can do something about.
Reactive people focus on the weakness of other people, the problems in the environment, and circumstances over which they have no control. Their focus results in blaming and accusing attitudes, reactive language, and increased feelings of victimization.
反應型態的人專注於其他人的弱點、環境中的問題，以及他們無法控制的情況。他們的焦點會導致指責的態度、反應性的語言，以及增加受害的感覺。
Translated with the help of DeepL and edited
a self-inflicted problem is one that you cause for yourself
myopia: the state of being unable to see what the results of a particular action or decision will be; the failure to think about anything outside your own situation
Stephen R. Covey "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People"
Online Dictionary Used:
www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com
扶手電梯倡「左右企穩」 移風易俗需多方配合
【明報社評】港鐵因應扶手電梯意外問題，展開新一輪安全運動，包括呼籲乘客「左右企穩」莫在電梯行走，市民反應兩極，網上更是議論紛紛。搭乘電梯騰出一側方便趕時間的人，過去被視為「文明禮儀」，惟近年不少城市都關注「趕時間行電梯」會危及旁人，特別是老弱幼兒，改為提倡「左右企穩」，日本名古屋去年更頒布法令，要求公眾使用扶手電梯時站立不動，不應上下行走。論安全及整體運輸效率，搭電梯左右企穩是較佳做法，然而「左行右企」觀念在香港深入人心，移風易俗需要學校、政府不同部門等多方面配合，才能起到理想效果。除了加強宣傳教育，港鐵也需思考如何協助公眾適應。
「左行右企」深入人心
「現場示範」破格宣傳
港人搭乘扶手電梯習慣「左行右企」，可是在電梯行走，有可能因失足或碰撞等問題而發生意。港鐵現有超過一千三百條扶手電梯，根據港鐵數字，平均每天都有跟扶手電梯相關的意外，當中又以大型轉車站最為常見。港鐵表示，今年首九個月有四百三十宗扶手電梯意外，全屬有人受傷的個案，當中約六成跟乘客沒緊握扶手或在電梯行走而失平衡、遭他人碰撞，以及攜帶大型物件有關。為了減少意外，港鐵日前啟動二零二四年度「扶手電梯安全運動」，加強推廣「緊握扶手左右企穩」和「攜帶大型行李應搭升降機」這兩大信息。
鄭州大學生夜騎開封導致「封校」︰「跟疫情期間一樣」
上週五(十一月八日)晚，逾十萬大學生騎共享單車從鄭州前往開封，致使兩地交通堵塞，河南省及週邊部分大學第二天實行了「封校」。
早在今年六月，社交媒體上開始流傳幾位鄭州大學生專程騎行前往開封品嚐特色食物的視頻，效仿人群逐漸增多，跨過數十公里，抵達開封市。
沒有人能說清這一股夜晚出發的騎行潮流具體是從哪一天開始，接受BBC採訪的十餘位親歷者都不能說清哪一天受到了「夜騎去開封」的號召。
關於開封當地美食、免費開放的景區，BBC聯繫到的十餘位親歷者並未主動提及，被問及也是簡單帶過，但他們反覆強調身處人群的激動心情，認為「這是一次如果今天我不參加，我會後悔一輩子的騎行」。
BBC 新聞 中文
工商界獲肯定主力軍地位 泛泛之談非中央樂見
【明報社評】二十九名香港工商界翹楚獲邀到深圳，參加中央港澳辦召開的座談會，並逐一對「如何以實際行動推動香港更好發展」發表建議。這個座談會的召開，正值國家啟動制訂下一個五年規劃、美國新一屆總統選舉結果出爐，內外因素都在發生深刻變化的時候，可謂召開及時，體現中央對香港如何更好發展的深切關注，並且願意聽取工商界的意見。當然，這種形式是否能夠聽到工商界的真話，能否有效鞭策香港工商界採取實際行動推動香港發展，還需要拭目以待。
內外環境深刻變化座談及時
中央應對策略考慮香港因素
特朗普以橫掃千軍之勢贏得美國總統寶座，共和黨控制參議院，並有望取得國會多數議席，權力一時無兩。他揚言上任後要發動新一輪貿易戰，狂加關稅到百份之六十，雖然討價還價過程中，中國也有一定的籌碼，美國也要考慮加關稅對自身經濟的影響，但這些不確定因素，對於內地與香港工商業而言，影響可大可小。
特朗普看重實利 台灣恐淪提款機
【明報社評】特朗普再次當選美國總統，國家主席習近平致電祝賀，重申了中美兩國相互尊重及妥善管控分歧的重要性。特朗普首個總統任期，引燃了中美之間的結構性對抗，台灣問題是其中一個焦點。實現兩岸統一是北京不可妥協的核心利益，但對特朗普來說，台灣只是談判籌碼與榨取「保護費」的對象，也是可以捨棄的棋子。隨着他回歸白宮，兩岸處於低谷的關係，亦將面臨新的挑戰。
特朗普在外交事務上最顯著的特徵，是奉行單邊主義，無論與美國戰略對手打交道，還是對待傳統盟友，都是以符合其民粹主張的短期利益為核心。特朗普二零一六年競選總統，中國是他引導美國白人藍領階層怒怒的「出氣筒」，但遠在發動貿易戰之前，特朗普已因為跟蔡英文通電話，觸動北京神經。二零一六年十二月，特朗普以候任總統身分，接受蔡英文致電祝賀，打破自中美一九七九年建交以來美台領袖不直接對話的外交慣例。他當時宣稱不知道為什麼美國要受「一個中國」原則約束，不過，二零一七年二月他就職後首次與習近平通話，保證會遵守「一中」政策，「特蔡通話」也成為絕唱。
特朗普索取保護費
台灣須「回饋」美國
特朗普再次勝選後，台灣輿論旋即猜測，歷史會否在賴清德身上重演。先不說特朗普是否願意重蹈覆轍，即使真的促成「特賴通話」，相信台灣也要付上高昂代價，而台灣社會對此心照不宣。「讓美國再度偉大」是特朗普競選口號，有台灣網民戲謔它也是「讓台灣再次付錢」。特朗普首個任期內對台灣最「友善」的舉動，是總值高達二百一十億美元的軍售，相當於奧巴馬政府八年對台軍售總額，也比拜登政府高了近兩倍。台灣民進黨政府視此為美國「友台抗共」重要表現，但特朗普自己說得很直白，想要得到美國保護就要交「保護費」。他曾獅子開大口稱，台灣應該把GDP的百分之十用作國防預算，暗示台北當局應向美國買更多軍火。
pushy: trying hard to get what you want, especially in a way that seems rude
obnoxious: extremely unpleasant, especially in a way that offends people
Many people wait for something to happen or someone to take care of them.
resourcefulness: the quality of being good at finding ways of doing things and solving problems, etc.
demeaning: putting somebody in a position that does not give them the respect that they should have
affirm: to state clearly that something is true
literally: exactly
If you wait to be acted upon, you will be acted upon.
quarterly: produced or happening every three months
uninhibited: behaving or expressing yourself freely without worrying about what other people think
recession: a difficult time for the economy of a country, when there is less trade and industrial activity than usual and more people are unemployed
discouraged: feeling less confident or enthusiastic about doing something
What is our response? what are we going to do? How can we exercise initiative in this situation?
doable: able to be done
But that's the difference between positive thinking and proactivity. We did face reality. We faced the reality of the current circumstance and of future projections. But we also faced the reality that we had the power to choose a positive response to those circumstances and projections. Not facing reality would have been to accept the idea that what's happening in our environment had to determine us.
面對現實，我們有能力選擇以積極的方式來面對當前環境和預測。不面對現實，等於接納外部環境主宰我們。
Reactive language: She makes me mad.
Proactive language: I control my own feelings.
determinism: the belief that people are not free to choose what they are like or how they behave, because these things are decided by their environment and other things over which they have no control
exclaim: to say something suddenly and loudly, especially because of strong emotion or pain
meekly: quietly, without protesting or expressing your own opinion
A serious problem with reactive language is that it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. People become reinforced in the paradigm that they are determined, and they produce evidence to support the belief. They feel increasingly victimized and out of control, not in charge of their life or their destiny. They blame outside forces --- other people, circumstances, even the stars --- for their own situation.
abdicate: discard
In the great literature of all progressive societies, love is a verb. Reactive people make it a feeling. They're driven by feelings...Proactive people make love a verb. Love is something you do: the sacrifices you make, the giving of self, like a mother bringing a newborn into the world. If you want to study love, study those who sacrifice for others, even for people who offend or do not love in return. If you are a parent, look at the love you have for the children you sacrificed for. Love is a value that is acturalized through loving actions. Proactive people subordinate feelings to values. Love, the feeling, can be recaptured.
如果您想學習愛，就去研究那些為他人犧牲的人，即使對於冒犯他們的人或沒有愛的回報。如果您為人父母，請看看您為孩子所犧牲的愛。愛是一種透過愛的行動來實踐的。愛這種感覺是可以重拾的。
Online Dictionaries Used:
hk.dictionary.search.yahoo.com
www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary
www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com
Translated with the help of DeepL and edited
Stephen R.Covey "The 7 habits of Highly Effective People"
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says Democrats could have fared better in the US election if President Joe Biden had stepped aside sooner.
Meanwhile, the Republicans are narrowly short of a majority in the House of Representatives, as voters are still being counted.
The Republicans have already won back control of the Senate - a House win would give them significant power to enact Donald Trump's agenda.
Elsewhere, a senior Trump campaign adviser says the incoming administration will focus on achieving peace in the war in Ukraine rather than winning back territory.
bbc.com/news
While the word proactivity is now fairly common in management literature, it is a word you won't find in most dictionaries. It means more than merely talking initiative. It means that as human beings, we are responsible for our own lives. Our behavior is a function of our decisions, not our conditions. We can subordinate feelings to values. We have the initiative and the responsibility to make things happen.
subordinate: to treat as of less value or importance
conducive to something: making it easy, possible or likely for something to happen
Reactive people are also affected by their social environment, by the "social weather." When people treat them well, they feel well; when people don't, they become defensive and protective. Reactive people build their emotional lives around the behavior of others, empowering the weakness of other people to control them.
反應過敏的人會受到社會環境、「社會氣候」的影響。當人們對他們好時，他們就會感覺很好；當人們對他們不好時，他們就會變得防衛性和保護性很強。反應過敏的人的情感生活建基於別人的行為，讓別人的弱點反過來控制自己。
Proactive people are still influenced by external stimuli, whether physical, social, or psychological. But their response to the stimuli, conscious or unconscious, is a value-based choice or response.
積極、富責任感的人仍然會受到外界刺激的影響，無論是生理、社會或心理上的刺激。但他們對刺激的反應，無論是有意識或無意識的，都是以價值為基礎的選擇或反應。
misery: great physical or mental pain
exclaim: to say something suddenly and loudly, especially because of strong emotion or pain
demise: death
crucible: a place or situation in which people or ideas are tested severely, often creating something new or exciting in the process
forge something: to put a lot of effort into making something successful or strong so that it will last
testimony: a formal written or spoken statement saying what you know to be true, usually in court
transcend: to rise above or go beyond the limits of
bridesmaid: a young woman or girl who helps a bride before and during the marriage ceremony
protracted: lasting longer than expected or longer than usual
faculty: ability
agony: extreme physical or mental pain
an affirmative word or reply means ‘yes’ or expresses agreement
Online Dictionaries Used:
www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com
www.merriam-webster.com
Translated with the help of DeepL and Edited
Stephen R. Covey "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People"
