survey: to examine as to condition, situation, or value
terrain: used to refer to an area of land when you are mentioning its natural features, for example, if it is rough, flat, etc.
Oregon: state in the northwestern part of the U.S. bordering the Pacific; capital Salem
grilling: a period of being questioned closely about your ideas, actions, etc.
nag: to irritate by constant scolding or urging
scold: to censure usually severely or angrily
censure: to find fault with and criticize as blameworthy
miserable: very unhappy or uncomfortable
sheepishly: in a way that shows that you are embarrassed because you have done something silly or wrong
implication: a possible effect or result of an action or a decision
exclaim: to say something suddenly and loudly, especially because of strong emotion or pain
You may try to lubricate your social interactions with personality techniques and skills, but in the process, you may truncate the vital character base. You can't have the fruits without the roots. It's the principle of sequencing: Private Victory precedes Public Victory. Self-mastery and self-discipline are the foundation of good relationships with others.
自我管理和自律是與他人建立良好關係的基礎。
truncate: to make something shorter, especially by cutting off the top or end
merit: the quality of being good and of deserving praise or reward
psych up: to prepare somebody/yourself mentally for something difficult or unpleasant
dominion: authority to rule; control
The most important ingredient we put into any relationship is not what we say or what we do, but what we are. And if our words and our actions come from superficial human relations techniques (the Personality Ethic), rather than from our own inner core (the Character Ethic), others will sense that duplicity. We simply won't be able to create and sustain the foundation necessary for effective interdependence.
我們在人際關係中投入的最重要元素，不是我們說了什麼或做了什麼，而是我們是什麼。如果我們的言行是來自於表面的人際關係技巧，而不是來自於我們自己的內心，那麼其他人就會感覺到我們的表裡不一。
duplicity: dishonest behavior that is intended to make somebody believe something that is not true
get used to: to become familiar with something or someone
outgrowth: a natural development or result of something
obscure: to conceal or hide by or as if by covering
reconnaissance: the activity of getting information about an area for military purposes, using soldiers, planes, etc.
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 of DeepL and edited
Isoflavones in soybeans are a type of phytoestrogen, which are plant-based compounds that have a similar structure to estrogen. There have been concerns that consuming soy might affect male hormone levels, but research indicates that this is not the case.
Studies have shown that isoflavones have a very weak estrogen-like effect and do not significantly impact male hormone levels. Consuming soy in normal amounts does not lead to feminization, decreased testosterone levels, or other hormonal imbalances in men. In fact, soy can be a healthy part of a balanced diet, offering benefits such as improved heart health and a reduced risk of prostate cancer.
So, including soy products like tofu, soy milk, and edamame in your diet is generally safe and can be beneficial for overall health.
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大豆中的異黃酮是一種植物雌激素。植物雌激素是一種結構類似人類雌激素的植物性化合物。有人擔心食用大豆可能會影響男性荷爾蒙水平，但研究顯示情況並非如此。
研究顯示異黃酮類的雌激素效應非常微弱，對男性荷爾蒙水平沒有顯著的影響。攝取正常份量的大豆並不會導致女性化、男性荷爾蒙水平下降或其他男性荷爾蒙失衡的問題。事實上，大豆可作為均衡飲食的健康部分，提供改善心臟健康和降低前列腺癌風險等好處。
因此，在您的飲食中加入豆腐、豆奶和毛豆等大豆產品通常是安全的，而且對整體健康有益。
Translated with DeepL and edited
儲秀宮，為紫禁城內廷西六宮之一，位於西六宮區的東北角，明朝、清朝時為妃嬪所居。
拾趣︰把某些有趣味的事物搜集起來。
gem: a precious stone that has been cut and polished and is used in jewellery
漱芳齋是乾隆登基前休息的地方，屋內擺滿了多達118件文物，而且屋內還設有戲台，陳設新穎空間又大。
「博觀而約取，厚積而薄髮。」
譯文︰廣泛瀏覽，取其要領；豐富積累，然後慢慢釋放出來。
禊賞亭︰位於北京寧壽宮花園第一進院落西側，建於清乾隆三十七年。亭座西面東，坐落於須彌座平台上，面闊三間，進深三間，前出抱廈，平面呈「凸」字形，三面出歇山式頂，中間為四角攢尖琉璃寶頂，黃琉璃瓦綠剪邊，簷下飾以蘇式彩畫。
pavilion: DJ[pəˋviljən]
《楚辭‧離騷》寫道：「及年歲之未晏兮，時亦猶其未央。」文中「未央」意為無盡、沒有完結。
paradigm: DJ[ˋpærədaim]
grueling: very difficult and making you very tired, needing great effort for a long time
renowned: famous and respected
procrastinate: to delay doing something that you should do, usually because you do not want to do it
fare: get along
introspective: tending to think a lot about your own thoughts, feelings, etc.
preoccupied: thinking and/or worrying continuously about something so that you do not pay attention to other things
conspicuous: easy to see or notice; likely to attract attention
bemoan: to complain or say that you are not happy about something
advent: the coming of an important event, person, invention, etc.
slacker: a person who is lazy and avoids work
trivial: not important or serious; not worth considering
gossip: informal talk or stories about other people’s private lives, which may be unkind or not true
mediocre: not very good; of only average standard
apathy: the feeling of not being interested in or enthusiastic about something, or things in general
swat: to hit something, especially an insect, using your hand or a flat object
exponential: becoming faster and faster
remedy: a way of dealing with or improving an unpleasant or difficult situation
The remedy to Quadrant III (Important but not urgent) is to start saying No. Say No to responding immediately to every email or text that comes your way. Say No to serving on that community board when you might be neglecting your family or your health. The key to saying No is to have a deeper Yes burning inside of you. Clarify the few things you do well, and then start saying No to everything else.
miserable: very unhappy or uncomfortable
stroller: a small folding seat on wheels in which a small child sits and is pushed along
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
張三豐︰「無忌啊！你心裡邊可不能時時刻刻的裝著仇恨，要懂得饒恕，明白嗎？」
張無忌︰「可是那些壞人害死了覺遠大師，又逼走了你，還直說你是少林叛徒，難道你不恨他們嗎？」
張三豐︰「我要是一直在意這些的話，那不是用他們的錯誤來折磨我自己嗎？就像你義父謝遜，時刻都放不下仇恨，其實苦的是他自己啊！」
張無忌︰「我義父他的確過得不開心。」
張三豐︰「冤冤相報何時了啊！只有學會了饒恕，才是對自己最大的寬容。」
張無忌︰「太師父，無忌太任性，太衝動了。太師父辛辛苦苦帶我來少林求醫，卻被我給弄砸了。」
張三豐︰「你沒有錯呀！人固然要寬容大度，但是基本的氣節風骨不能丟！這三個和尚，如此地冥頑不化，和他們再談下去，多說無益了……」
Stewardship delegation is focused on results instead of methods. It gives people a choice of method and makes them responsible for results. It takes more time in the beginning, but it's time well invested...Trust is the highest form of human motivation. It brings out the very best in people. But it takes time and patience, and it doesn't preclude the necessity to train and develop people so that their competency can raise to the level of that trust.
管理式授權注重的是結果而不是方法。它讓人們可以選擇方法，並讓他們對結果負責。一開始需要花更多的時間，但投資的時間是值得的……信任是推動人員的最高形式。它能帶出人們最優秀的一面。但這需要時間和耐心，也不排除訓練和培養人員的必要性，以便他們的能力能夠提升到信任的水準。
upfront: not trying to hide what you think or do
if people, things or situations are formidable, you feel fear and/or respect for them, because they are impressive or powerful, or because they seem very difficult
latitude: freedom to choose what you do or the way that you do it
creed: a set of principles or religious beliefs
quicksand: a situation that is dangerous or difficult to escape from
accountability: an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one's actions
obligation: the state of being forced to do something because it is your duty, or because of a law, etc.
psychic: connected with the mind rather than the body
thorough: done completely; with great attention to detail
sprinkler: a device with holes in that is used to spray water in drops onto plants, soil or grass
sack: a usually rectangular-shaped bag (as of paper, burlap, or canvas)
burlap: a type of strong rough brown cloth, used especially for making sacks
canvas: a strong heavy rough material used for making tents, sails, etc. and by artists for painting on
bush: a plant that grows thickly with several hard stems coming up from the root
nag: to irritate by constant scolding or urging
scold: to speak angrily to somebody, especially a child, because they have done something wrong
allowance: a small amount of money that parents give their children, usually every week or every month
driveway: a wide hard path or a private road that leads from the street to a house
cluttered: covered with, or full of, a lot of things or people, in a way that is untidy
disillusioned: disappointed because the person you admired or the idea you believed to be good and true now seems without value
manicured: (of gardens, a lawn, etc.) very neat and well cared for
whimper: to make low, weak crying noises; to speak in this way
sniff: to breathe air in through your nose in a way that makes a sound, especially when you are crying, have a cold, etc.
reprimand: to reprove sharply or censure formally usually from a position of authority
reprove: to tell somebody that you do not approve of something that they have done
preclude: to prevent something from happening or somebody from doing something; to make something impossible
necessity: the fact that something must happen or be done; the need for something
downstream: in the direction of or nearer to the mouth of a stream
discernable: able to be perceived by a sense (such as sight or smell) or by the mind
discernible: that can be recognized or understood
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 of DeepL and edited
學童自殺個案雖減少 精神健康支援難鬆懈
政府去年底推出中學「三層應急機制」，識別及支援自殺高風險學生，暫定實施至明年底，精神健康諮詢委員會主席林正財近日表示，學童自殺問題已見改善，今年九月及十月發生的校園自殺個案有四宗，少於去年同期。這是一個積極信號，反映機制有效，然而學童精神健康仍需密切關注。為防自殺潮再起，當局應思考如何優化支援機制並將之恆常化，不能因為自殺個案減少，就掉以輕心。本港公營醫療系統負荷沉重，精神科醫生嚴重不足，校外社工支援網絡，可以發揮重要作用，當局應該優化相關機制，鼓勵學校善用，不應因為現時轉介個案不多，就削減支援安排。
去年九月開學後，學童輕生悲劇一再上演。為應對學童精神健康及自殺問題，政府去年十二月在全港中學推出「三層應急機制」，為有精神健康需要的學生提供多層保護網，第一層由校方及早識別及支援有自殺風險的學生，校內團隊負責跟進；第二層涉及校外支援網絡，校方可將個案轉介予社署統籌的「校外支援網絡隊伍」。第三層涉及醫療機構，校方可將嚴重個案，轉介至醫管局精神科。
小學作文寫〈我的志願〉，我寫我希望成為天文學家。不記得這是中文測驗還是考試的題目，老師評價不錯。小時候，母親帶我到圖書館，我喜歡看有關宇宙的書籍。當年，冥王星還未被剔出於九大行星。我還記得有一本書中說，太陽會自轉。我半信半疑，問母親太陽是否真的會自轉。母親說不會，我便相信書本是錯的，扁頭仔出名是乖仔，媽媽說的一定是對。在那篇作文，我亦清楚表達，在香港，要成為天文學家難過登天。人大了，才知道要讀數學、物理學和天體物理學。要有所成就，絕非易事。
大學 JUPAS 選科，我希望就讀有關環境保護的學科。小時候，我看過一本書，講述復活節島的故事。島上居民人口增加、過度開墾、運送石像，大量砍伐樹木。復活節島是一個孤島，地球是一條村。環境破壞導致不少禍害，道理是一樣。就算自己擁有的力量是微不足道，亦知道有一些破壞是不可逆轉，但這已成為自己的一個志向。後來，高級程度會考成積不理想，進不到想入讀的學科，便無奈放棄。不過，環保可先從個人著手。例如，我很少買新衣服，因為我知道製造一件衣服，需要很多水資源。後來才明白，如果修讀關於環境保護工程的學科，高考需要選數學科而不是生物科。這就是沒有人生規劃的惡果。
高考遭受挫折，全因從小沒有閱讀課外書的習慣，導致語文能力積弱。那時看到有一個可以銜接護理學的副學士課程。醫生可以救人，護士都有其使命感，是一份極富意義的工作。雖然最後能夠勉強畢業，在老師的建議下沒有在醫院工作。自己根本是不自量力。記性差，記不到護理程序。緊張的時候，雙手都震。緊急情況下，不能冷靜應對。幸好的是，知識是無價，大學課程學到的豈止是護理程序。學到的護理知識都曾經幫助到身邊的人。
現在的工作與書結緣，緊隨的工作與文化藝術結緣，都是同一間公司。
delegation: the process of giving somebody work or responsibilities that would usually be yours
fulcrum: (Physics) the point on which a lever turns or is supported
gofer: a person whose job is to do small boring tasks for other people, especially in an office or on a film set
machete: a broad, heavy knife used as a cutting tool and as a weapon
wield: to hold something, ready to use it as a weapon or tool
footage: part of a film showing a particular event
stewardship: the act of taking care of or managing something, for example property, an organization, money or valuable objects
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
生科創新機遇大 醫療優勢盡發揮
香港擁有先進的醫療健康服務，惟如行政長官李家超所言，本港有關優勢未全面發揮，若能結合內地龐大的臨床數據庫，將有助促進高增值科研活動，長遠在港打造「藥監局」，經濟可增添動力，港府應盡快打通關鍵節點，大力推進構想。
兩地優勢互補 數據共享需突破
香港以國際化的醫療水平和頂尖的科研基礎聞名，兩所醫學院均為全球一流學術機構，不僅培養了大批醫療專才，亦推動了無數國際醫療研究，尤其在抗癌、神經科學和免疫學等領域，香港醫療科研屢屢取得突破。
然而，正如李家超所指出，本港的醫療優勢尚未充分發揮，若能與內地攜手，善用粵港澳大灣區八千萬人口的病人數據，推動臨床試驗與新藥研發，將事半功倍，從而提升香港的國際競爭力及創造商機，李家超直言長遠目標是設立藥監局，審批藥物和醫療器械。
etnet.com.hk
empower: to give somebody the power or authority to do something
symphony: a long, complicated piece of music for a large orchestra, in three or four main parts (called movements)
conjunction: combination
parameter: something that decides or limits the way in which something can be done
uplifting: making you feel happier or giving you more hope
draw back: to move away from somebody/something
set aside: to save or keep money, time, land, etc. for a particular purpose
savor something to enjoy the full taste of something, especially by eating or drinking it slowly
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.
popularity: the state of being liked, enjoyed or supported by a large number of people
overpower somebody: to defeat or gain control over somebody completely by using greater strength
intrinsic: belonging to or part of the real nature of something/somebody
Your principle center, your self-awareness, and your conscience can provide a high degree of intrinsic security, guidance, and wisdom to empower you to use your independent will and maintain integrity to the truly important.
你的處世原則、自我意識和良知能提供高度的內在安全感、引導和智慧，讓你有能力運用你的獨立意志，並對真正重要的事情保持正直。
omniscient: knowing everything
subordinate: to treat as of less value or importance
work out: to develop in a successful way
I see many parents, particularly mothers with small children, often frustrated in their desire to accomplish a lot because all they seem to do is meet the needs of little children all day. Remember, frustration is a function of our expectations, and our expectations are often a reflection of the social mirror rather than our own values and priorities.
許多父母，特別是有小孩子的母親，常常因為想要完成許多事而感到挫折，因為他們似乎整天所做的就是滿足小孩子的需求。請記住，挫折感是我們的期望所造成的，而我們的期望往往是社會鏡子的反映，而不是我們自己的價值觀和優先順序。
spontaneous: proceeding from natural feeling or native tendency without external constraint
The fourth-generation tool (self-management rather than time management) recognizes that principle (People are more important than things). It also recognizes that the first person you need to consider in terms of effectiveness rather than efficiency is yourself. It encourages you to spend time in Quadrant II (Important, Not Urgent), to understand and center your life on principles, to give clear expression to the purposes and values you want to direct your daily decisions. It helps you to create balance in your life.
人比事更重要，從效能而非效率的角度來看，您需要考慮的第一個人就是您自己。您需要花時間在重要而非緊急的事，您需要的是自我管理而非單單時間管理。
lip service: if somebody pays lip service to something, they say that they approve of it or support it, without proving their support by what they actually do
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 of DeepL and edited
DNA can be found in the hair follicle, which is the part of the hair located beneath the skin. The hair shaft, which is the visible part of the hair above the skin, does not contain nuclear DNA. However, mitochondrial DNA can sometimes be extracted from the hair shaft.
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Free trade agreement (FTA): The U.S. and Israel signed their first Free Trade Agreement in 1985, which was also the first FTA for the United States. This agreement has significantly boosted trade between the two countries.
Trade volume: Bilateral trade in goods and services is substantial, with annual trade close to $50 billion. The U.S. is Israel's largest trading partner, with major exports including machinery, aircraft, and agricultural products.
Investment: Israeli investments in the U.S. have grown to nearly $24 billion, while U.S. companies have established over 300 research and development centers in Israel. This includes major firms like Cisco, Intel, and HP.
Sectoral cooperation: The economic relationship spans multiple sectors such as IT, biotech, life sciences, healthcare, energy, defense, cybersecurity, and aviation. This cooperation has led to significant technological advancements and job creation in both countries.
Scientific and cultural exchanges: The U.S. and Israel also engage in numerous scientific and cultural exchanges through foundations like the Binational Science Foundation and the Binational Agricultural Research and Development Foundation.
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港男貼錢推廣古生物科普二十載
旺角死場開化石店
助小朋友與古生物約會︰做到自己喜歡的工作已很幸福
香港西貢赤洲今年十月首次出土恐龍化石，初步估計那是來自一億四千五百萬年前至六千六百萬年的白堊紀時期的恐龍。化石 (Fossil) 一詞來自拉丁文的 fossilis，意指「挖掘」。古生物骨骼隨沉積物埋在絕氧環境上百萬年，始成化石。
在香港發現首塊恐龍化石前的二十多年，古生物化石工作者龍德駿和團隊在民間推廣古生物。五年前，他在旺角鬧市小商場開設化石工作室，以古生物菊石、三葉蟲、長毛象牙與滄龍頭骨等化石，置滿兩面玻璃櫥窗。
對於香港首次發現恐龍化石，龍德駿坦言在興奮以外，他更高興是次發現證實香港地層和條件也適合保存到恐龍化石。「我們曾與恐龍在同一個空間，甚至乎曾經九龍、旺角都可能有恐龍走過，可能在家裏上幾手住客便是恐龍。你這樣想像的時候，整個地方和故事是否立體很多？」
Online Dictionaries Used:
hk.dictionary.search.yahoo.com
www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com
www.merriam-webster.com
Translated with the help of DeepL and edited
大學城規模不夠大 不利發揮群聚效應
【明報社評】北都牛潭尾發展規劃現正作諮詢，大學城規模成為討論重點之一。政府僅在牛潭尾劃出四十六公頃用地支持大學城建設，比現時科大面積還要小一截，惹來規模太細的質疑。當局強調整個北都大學城超過八十公頃，牛潭尾相關用地僅佔總面積五成許，惟考慮到本地多間院校有意進駐，當局又想吸引海內外大學落戶設立分校，八十多公頃的北都大學城，規模是否足夠，確有商榷必要。香港有力成為國際教育樞紐和高端人才聚集高地，建設大學城是重中之中，當局制訂發展策略，應按政策優次辦事，「限米煮限飯」思維難成大事。《北都大學教育城概念發展綱要》定於後年出爐，實嫌太遲，當局應力爭提前明年公布。
政府上月中公布北都牛潭尾初步規劃，發展總面積約一百二十七公頃，當中四十六公頃建議用於發展大學城，約九公頃作為綜合醫教研醫院用地，配合本地第三間醫學院發展；另外，當局擬於鐵路站附近規劃一個綜合住宅社區，建構「十五分鐘生活圈」。發展局表示，相關私人住宅項目可支援當區工作的大學教師、醫護人員，預料單位數目或規模類同太古城或沙田第一城。
強制安裝「車cam」助蒐證 平衡規管與私隱需要
【明報社評】政府建議修例，規定所有的士必須在車廂內安裝攝錄設備和相關裝置，爭取明年底至二零二六年中陸續安裝。本港的士服務近年備受關注，「黑的」問題為人詬病，然而不少投訴都因為證據不足，難以跟進。強制的士安裝車廂攝錄設備，一旦發生事故和爭拗也有片段佐證，對乘客和司機都有較多保障，同時也可對「黑的」兜路及濫收車資等行為，起到阻嚇作用。當然，政府修例時也要妥善回應公眾對私隱的關注，確保所有影音紀錄和數據，只會用於合法及正當用途。
市民舉報「黑的」添把握
司機不用擔心亂投訴
本港的士行業百病叢生，業界不思進取，部分人關心托住牌價多於改善的士服務，認為政府打擊網約白牌車不力，然而另一邊廂，不少市民卻對網約車合法化表示支持，認為的士業應先反躬自省。政府去年合共收到逾一點一萬宗涉及的士服務的投訴，按年急升五成，「黑的」劏客濫收車資，更是時有所聞，小撮害群之馬的行為，不僅影響行業形象，也損害香港作為旅遊城市的名聲。
Production capacity: Production capacity refers to the maximum output of manufactured goods and materials that a business can achieve.
proximate: nearest in time, order, etc. to something
trivia: unimportant matters, details or information
precedence: the condition of being more important than somebody else and therefore coming or being dealt with first
Urgent matters are usually visible. The press on us; they insist on action. They're often popular with others. They're usually right in front of us. And often they are pleasant, easy, fun to do. But so often they are unimportant!
緊急事務通常是可見的，通常就在我們眼前，但它們往往並不重要。
Importance, on the other hand, has to do with results. If something is important, it contributes to your mission, your values, your high-priority goals.
重要的事情與結果有關。如果某件事情很重要，妥善的處理對你的使命、價值觀、優先目標有正面作用。
divert: to make somebody/something change direction
wipe out: to fall over, especially when you are doing a sport such as skiing or surfing
slam: to shut, or to make something shut, with a lot of force, making a loud noise
chameleon: a person who changes their behavior or opinions according to the situation
Quadrant II (Important, Not Urgent) is the heart of effective personal management. It deals with things that are not urgent, but are important. It deals with things like building relationships, writing a personal mission statement, long-range planning, exercising, preventive maintenance, preparation --- all those things we know we need to do, but somehow seldom get around to doing, because they aren't urgent.
我們要處理不緊急但很重要的事情。這些事情包括建立人際關係、撰寫個人使命論述、長期規劃、運動、維護和準備——我們知道需要做，但很少人會理會，因為它們並不迫切。
leap: a sudden passage or transition
unanimous: if a decision or an opinion is unanimous, it is agreed or shared by everyone in a group
tenant: a person who pays rent for the use of a room, building, land, etc. to the person who owns it
correspondence: the letters, emails, etc. a person sends and receives
enforce: to make sure that people obey a particular law or rule
prosperity: the state of being successful, especially in making money
inventory: an itemized list of current assets, such as a list of goods on hand
contend with: to have to deal with a problem or with a difficult situation or person
interchange: the act of sharing or exchanging something, especially ideas or information
profound: very great; felt or experienced very strongly
thrill: to cause (someone) to experience a strong feeling of enjoyable excitement
homemaker: a person who manages a home and takes care of the house and family as their main job
The Pareto principle (also known as the 80/20 rule) is a phenomenon that states that roughly 80% of outcomes come from 20% of causes. We can use this principle to help prioritize tasks and business efforts.
endeavor: an attempt to do something, especially something new or difficult
undertaking: a task or project, especially one that is important and/or difficult
imply: to suggest that something is true or that you feel or think something, without saying so directly
wallboard: a building material used to cover walls and ceilings, usually made from sheets of thick paper with wood pulp or plaster between them
cog: one of a series of teeth on the edge of a wheel that fit between the teeth on the next wheel and cause it to move
fault: DJ[fɔ:lt] to find a fault in
Form follows function is a principle of design associated with late 19th- and early 20th-century architecture and industrial design in general, which states that the shape of a building or object should primarily relate to its intended function or purpose.
The way you spend your time is a result of the way you see your time and the way you really see your priorities. If your priorities grow out of a principle center and a personal mission, if they are deeply planted in your heart and in your mind, you will see Quadrant II as a natural, exciting place to invest your time.
你怎樣看待時間，你怎樣看待優先順序，影響你怎樣花時間。如果你的優先順序來自於不變的原則和個人使命，如果它們深植於您的心靈和思想中，你就會將時間自然地投入在不緊急但很重要的事情。
popularity: the state of being liked, enjoyed or supported by a large number of people
cross off: to draw a line through a person’s name or an item on a list because they/it is no longer required or involved
accomplishment: an impressive thing that is done or achieved after a lot of work
buffet: to strike sharply especially with the hand
undependable: unable to be trusted or relied on
precede: to happen before something or come before something/somebody in order
Online Dictionaries Used:
hk.dictionary.search.yahoo.com
www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com
www.merriam-webster.com
Translated with the help of DeepL and edited
巴黎聖母院浴火重生 火與淚之歌
因破壞而顯現歷史真相 塞翁「失火」焉知非福
到歐洲旅行，參觀教堂幾乎是指定動作，參觀多了，甚至有些審美疲勞，當中不少轉型活化成為住宅、酒店餐廳等商業項目，不過，也有逐漸被人遺忘以至淪為廢墟的。在博物館或大型購物商場早已取代教堂的廿一世紀，前人所留下的教堂建築更像瀕危的「歷史動物」，最後或將湮沒於時間的洪流中。續命後的巴黎聖母院能否永續存在，也是疑問。
「說來諷刺，要是聖母院沒有失火，那麼復修工程不會那麼快完成，可能二十年還不能完結，規模也遠不如現在。要說研究歷史教會了我甚麼，那就是大教堂翻新，總是很容易引發火災！」法國歌德式建築及雕像專家Jennifer Feltman口中說的，是法國另一座位於盧昂的歌德式教堂Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen, 這座興建於十六世紀的聖母院，無獨有偶，也是在今年七月進行維修工程期間起火，尖塔也因大火而倒下。「你說歷史是不是不斷在重複？不過，根據建築歷史學家，新歌德式出現，往往也是因為舊建築起火，為了修復而創建的新風格。幸運的是，這次盧昂和巴黎聖母院出事後，得到各方伸出援手，可說是因禍得福，也讓大家認知到歷史遺址如何脆弱。」
明報周刊
The relationship between oolong tea and prostate cancer has been explored in various studies, but the results are mixed. Some research suggests that tea, including oolong tea, contains polyphenols that may have antioxidant properties and could potentially reduce cancer cell proliferation. However, other studies have found on significant association between tea consumption and a reduced risk of prostate cancer.
It's important to note that while tea can be a healthy part of your diet, relying on it solely for cancer prevention is not recommended. Maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, and routine medical check-ups are crucial for overall health and cancer prevention.
Copilot for work
【兒童紓緩治療之一︳賴君怡】曾有人對她說「你只有十八歲」
罕見病患者賴君怡考入中大︰每分每秒都活得漂亮
君怡︰盒子有限 人生無限
嗖、呼，一名輪椅健兒在身旁飛過。
賴君怡眼神堅定，帶着外傭姐姐、記者、攝影師一行五人，在山徑迂迥的中大穿插。經過穿上啦啦隊服裝的同學，越過等待校巴的隊伍，我們走到俗犒「天人合一」的合一亭。她說，如果不是有一行人隨行，她就會「片車」了。
抵埗後，水池竟沒有水。立冬前的一天，氣溫仍維持在二十五度。
「來到這裏(中大)最舒服的一件事，是每一秒都知道自己在做甚麼。」當了山城學生兩個多月的君怡，順着風，在合一亭前，遙望沙田海，握着輪椅上的操控桿上。她掌控住自己的每一步，不過，她的人生並不容易完全由她自己掌控。
自懂事開始，便有人告訴過她，她的生命只有十八歲。
DSE宣判 命運憑一紙決定？
七月十七日，是全港逾五萬名文憑試考生的「宣判日」。
君怡六時多起牀，吃早餐，七時出門。在君怡身邊一起出門的。除了媽媽，還有君怡的妹妹。兩姊妹，烏黑的頭髮長度相若，都是及肩再多上一寸。她們的頭上都結了一個跟頭同樣寬的黑色蝴蝶結。
從油塘到藍田學校，只要十五分鐘。君怡的身後，妹妹的一雙手總是搭着。橫過馬路，轉上斜路，繞彎，穿過一幢私人物業，君怡媽媽輕易過了對面馬路。因為該段行人路沒有斜壆，君怡要繞一個大圈。妹妹把握時間，搭着輪椅的手把，與君怡一起「輕跑」。媽媽等着，說，她們兩姊妹就是愛玩。
七時四十五分，學生和家長陸續到達課室。壁報板寫着「我們的目標」。君怡的妹妹拿出親手弄的曲奇，君怡拉下口罩，接過遞到嘴邊的曲奇。君怡媽媽在課室門外，正拉着老師，請他們在君怡校服上寫字留念。
「君怡，老師以你為榮」、「向更高處進步」、「請保持對事物的好奇心，相信自己！」……
七時五十五分，老師講解完文憑試的覆核事宜之後，校長發言鼓勵考生︰「無論成績如何，最重要是過程裏大家真的盡了力，考試只是其中一站，往後的路還很長，有需要的時候回來找我們幫忙，沒有甚麼是解決不了的……」
諗唔到中文五星星 諗唔到自己會激動
八時正，校長讓班主任按學號派DSE成績。
君怡的好友拿了成績單，喜出望外，君怡在旁看着，替好友高興。過了大約兩分鐘，班主任走到君怡面前，母親盡量維持平靜地接過成績表。接着，她頭貼頭、彎着身將右手放在君怡額上，三母女摟作一團。
「係中文五星星啊，完全無諗過。」君怡的表情終於有點變化，揚了揚眉，眼眶帶着紅絲。
與君怡交情甚深的數學科老師、學校社工分別走過來跟君怡聊天，輕撫她的頭與臉，又跟君怡媽媽道賀。君怡脫下口罩，表情愉快地與她們合照。然後，君怡與好友還有一名同學，便要趕至禮堂接受傳媒訪問。
君怡平伏了情緒，自如地應付傳媒的問題。
擾攘過後，她留在美術室歇息。她說拿成績單之前，她的心情其實很坦然，沒甚麼起伏︰「因為不管成績怎樣，她還是她，沒甚麼可怕，也不會失去甚麼。」她唯一着緊的，只是害怕身邊的人失望或不開心。
不過，她接着說，原來接過成績單後，自己也會「激動起來」。
「大家都說，每年放榜都會下雨，是一個通俗的傳統，我現在的感覺就好像是放晴了。」
六歲受訪 第一次知道「生命的限期」
正式訪問前，記者跟君怡的媽媽，她的中學老師和社工都談過，感覺上君怡是一個思想很成熟、帶點「old soul」的十九歲少女。有一個詞，她們不約而同提到，稱君怡有時候「很離地」。
對於「很離地」這個說法，君怡笑了笑，不反感，說自己從小看事物都較為「抽離」。她依稀記得，六歲那年，剛開始要坐輪椅的她，接受一份報章訪問，談及自己的脊髓肌肉萎縮症。那是她第一次受訪，記者猝不及防問她︰「怎樣看自己只能活到十八歲？」
只能活到十八歲？
她一直都不知道這件事。她只是清楚知道，自己從小便走不了路。
今天問起，重提此事，她才猛然想起，自己第一次知道自己生命有某個限期，是從那個訪問知道的。回想起來，自己當時好像沒帶任何情緒。
「現在這樣說我也覺得很神奇。」生命有某一個限期，對君怡來說，好像一個可以很平淡就能處理好的問題。「你之前都一直沒有想過，自己是怎樣得知自己的生命布限期嗎？」「沒想過。」「多年來你接受過不少訪問，沒有人問過你嗎？」「沒有。怎樣說呢，可能我本身也不是很在乎要活多久，可能因為小時候已經看過一些動漫或者遊戲，他們說，活得太久其實也是一種折磨。」
明報周刊
尹鍚悅自導自演戒嚴鬧劇 發達國家民主陷困有原因
【明報社評】韓國總統尹錫悅自導自演了一齣戒嚴荒謬劇，奪權不成反而招來朝野齊聲譴責，尹錫悅眾叛親離，總統生涯提前寫下句號，相信只是時間問題。韓國政治兩極化，尹鍚悅上台以來，黨同伐異更是變本加厲。尹錫悅不滿受國會掣肘，然而政治鬥爭再激烈，也要知所分寸。尹錫悅貿然頒布戒嚴，完全看不到有何必要，實際只是一場有勇無謀的政變，衝擊國家憲制秩序，可幸軍方表現專業成熟，鬧劇迅速落幕也展現了韓國民主體制韌性。民主制度非萬能，由英國脫歐、美國國會山之亂，到今次韓國戒嚴鬧劇，近年發達民主國家政客行事之兒戲，令人膛目結舌，亂象值得反思。
韓國黨同伐異惡化
戒嚴無理超出底線
現實中的韓國政治，原來比韓劇情節更曲折離奇。尹錫悅突於周二深夜發表全國電視講話，宣布實施緊急嚴令，戒嚴司令部隨即頒令，禁止包括國會在內的政治活動，禁止集會、示威及罷工，所有媒體和出版活動都受到戒嚴司令部的管制。消息在網上傳開，有韓國民眾以為是假新聞，有人則關注是否跟朝鮮有關，畢竟金正恩行事難以捉摸，豈料自家總統行事之難測，也是不遑多讓。
Online Dictionaries Used:
hk.dictionary.search.yahoo.com
www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com
www.merriam-webster.com
Translated with the help of DeepL and edited
DW-H5600MB-1
李家超︰着手節流
學者議員倡研公僕薪酬
葉太稱凍減薪傷士氣
【明報專訊】政府最新預計今年度(二零二四/二五)的財政赤字將增至約一千億元，是連續第三年度現千億赤字。特首李家超昨日出席行政會議前見記者，被問及「減赤」是否要由公務員凍薪或減薪着手制訂措施。有議員及經濟學者認同循檢視公務員薪酬入手；新民黨立法會議員兼行會召集人葉劉淑儀則認為，公務員凍薪減薪將「傷害士氣」。
李︰謹慎開源 三跑體育園等振經濟
財政司司長陳茂波最新估算的千億赤字較年初預算案時預測的481億多一倍。針對目前財赤，李家超昨回應記者提問時表示，政府會從節流和閞源着手，節流包括減少政府開支；開源方面，政府會謹慎，尤其是減低對市民影響。他表示，政府推出不同措施增加經濟動力以刺激經濟，例如開拓新市場、恢復深圳「一簽多行」等；另外機場三跑系統上月底啟用、啟德體育園下年開幕，都有助提振經濟，增加企業及政府收入。
PSA can be detected in blood, normally at a low level. Disruption of normal prostatic architecture by cancer, benign enlargement, inflammation, or trauma can lead to elevated serum levels. When combined with a digital rectal examination (DRE), PSA can be used to screen for prostate cancer. An abnormal screening test may prompt a prostate biopsy, usually performed in conjunction with transrectal ultrasound, to provide a definitive diagnosis. Unfortunately, serum PSA alone cannot reliably distinguish between benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatic infection or inflammation, and prostate cancer, either low or high grade.
PSA 可以在血液中檢測到，通常處於低水平。癌症、良性增生、發炎或外傷會破壞正常的前列腺結構，導致血清中的 PSA 含量升高。若結合指感直腸檢查 (DRE)，PSA 可用於篩檢前列腺癌。篩檢測試的異常，可能需要進行前列腺活組織檢查，通常會與經直腸超音波檢查一起進行，以提供確切的診斷。不幸的是，單靠血清 PSA 並不能可靠區分良性前列腺增生、前列腺感染或發炎，以及前列腺癌，無論是低度或高度的血清PSA水平。
www.medical.theclinics.com
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by both normal and malignant cells of the prostate gland. PSA levels are measured through a blood test and can be an indicator of prostate health. Elevated PSA levels can sometimes suggest the presence of prostate caner, but they can also be caused by other conditions such as prostatitis or benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Normal PSA levels: Generally, a PSA level below 4.0ng/mL is considered normal, but this can vary with age. For men under 60, a PSA level below 2.5 ng/mL is often considered normal.
Elevated PSA levels: PSA levels between 4.0 and 10.0 ng/mL indicate a higher chance of prostate cancer, with about a 25% chance of having the disease. Levels above 10.0 ng/mL increase the likelihood to over 50%.
Screening recommendations: Routine PSA screening is not universally recommended due to potential risks and benefits. Men aged 55 to 69 should discuss the pros and cons of PSA screening with their doctor. Those at higher risk, such as those with a family history of prostate cancer, may consider starting screening earlier.
Factors affecting PSA levels: Besides cancer, PSA levels can be elevated due to infections, recent procedures, or even activities like cycling.
Copilot for work
一簽多行客多稱為聖誕氣氛來港
過夜漢擬花費逾千
不留者︰除了商場，沒太多景點
【明報專訊】相隔九年，中央政府批准昨起恢復深圳居民赴港「一簽多行」個人遊簽注，並擴展至持居住證的深圳非戶籍居民。首日不少深圳居民到相關服務中心辦理「一簽多行」簽注，部分人辦理後隨即來港，打算再來感受本港濃厚的聖誕氣氛。有飲食業界人士呼籲業界把握時機，配合聖誕節或大熊貓熱潮，推出特色產品及加強宣傳。
簽注八十人幣 五分鐘內辦妥
本報記者昨午十二時許在可辦理「一簽多行」簽注的「深圳市羅湖區政務服務中心」觀察，由於中心周日休息，內地居民只能使用自助機辦理手續；截至下午一時半，至少二十名內地居民到場辦理一簽多行。申請者可選擇三類簽注有效期，包括三個月一次、一年一次，以及一年多次(一簽多行)，收費八十元人民幣。由核對資料、容貌到取得簽注，過程不用五分鐘。
敘叛軍八年首攻入阿勒頗 內戰重燃
乘巴沙爾靠山俄國伊朗受戰事纏擾反擊 中東添亂
【明報專訊】敘利亞叛軍近日對巴沙爾政府軍發動逾四年來最大規模反撃戰，佔領逾五十處城鎮和村莊，至上周五(十一月二十九日)更攻入第二大城市阿勒頗，是叛軍自二零一六年以來首次攻入當地。政府軍昨承認叛軍進入阿勒頗大部分地區，政府軍暫時撤出是「為反攻恐佈分子作準備」，它與盟友俄羅斯同日則空襲叛軍根據地。外界相信敘叛軍是趁以色列削弱伊朗和黎巴嫩真主黨，以及俄羅斯忙於應付烏克蘭戰爭，乘勢閃電推進。伊朗和俄外長昨天表示支持敘政府軍「反恐」。如今敘利亞內戰重燃，令中東添亂。
以伊斯蘭主義「沙姆解放組織」(HTS)為首的敘利亞叛軍，上周三展開突襲政府軍行動，稱為回應近幾周俄羅斯與敘利亞空軍在叛軍西北部根據地伊德利卜省加強空襲平民，以及阻截政府軍攻撃，至上周四晚叛軍表示橫掃了阿勒頗市多區，並搶佔多處政府軍陣地及數十條村落，截斷貫通敘利亞南北的M5高速公路。
