Attitude affect Altitude

面對不幸的態度決定了你心情的高度；
做人的態度決定了你聲譽的高度；
處事的態度決定了你成就的高度；
對信仰的態度決定了你生命的高度。

-施以諾

我的小小田之『出芽了』

My First Photobook Finally Arrived!!

I'm so excited to receive my first self-created photobook "Faces of Iran" on the Christmas Day just before leaving home to Christmas Mass. Thanks, God! It is about my Iran Trip in Oct 2007. It takes me weeks to finish this book. Despite many negative comments given by other customers in Blurb's forum, the quality of the book turns out very good and it's out of my expectation.

Thank you, Blurb! Thank you, UPS! Life is really beautiful!

Vietnam Trip (1) - Mekong Delta

Vietnam's "rice basket" - The Mekong Delta

Merry Christmas

Taken at Equatorial Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

再上路

世事多變，原本一年一度的滑雪之旅，因多名板友未能請假告吹了，加上康先生來年有新任務，可能須長駐外地一年﹝我可有藉口歐遊了﹞，於是乘聖誕前到越南作幾天消遙遊，算是獎勵自己今年考試的努力，來年的事，來年再算吧！

活在當下嘛！

Exam Report

In comparative terms, the October diet delivered a stellar performance, reflected in apass rate of 61% (the highest since October 2000). In addition, 6 distinctions wereawarded by the Examination board representing some truly stunning responses to the examination paper. This is particularly pleasing given that this was the first examination set in accordance with the new manual.

This excellent set of results does however mask examples of severe underperformance across the candidate population where 'clear blue water' is evident between the strong performers and much weaker exam submissions. The Examination Board has deduced that there is simply no substitute for hard work, with the outstanding papers reflecting excellent examination technique and a truly rounded knowledge base.

For this diet in particular, there appeared to be a concerning trend where students wererelying on performing well on the 'numbers' questions without demonstrating the farwider requirements of the discipline. This is a high risk strategy, with the oddsstacked heavily against any candidate who believes that delivering the mathematicalelement will secure them a pass.

How do stunning responses look like? Hahaha!

我的小小田 ----- 再戰江湖

Dec 15, 2007 - 翻田
Dec 16, 2007 - 下種

How to Grow Tomatoes

Growing tomatoes is easy. It's one reason for their popularity in your home garden. Tomato plants are usually started indoors. Plant them in small containers eight to ten weeks before the last frost date for your area. Just prior to planting them in your garden, "harden them off" by bringing them outside during the daytime and for increasing hours, until you are leaving them out overnight. Use of a coldframe is recommended, but not a requirement. If frost is predicted, bring them indoors.

On planting day, pour liberal amounts of water with a soluble liquid fertilizer on them. Plant them in the garden carefully. To minimize transplant shock, avoid disturbing the roots. Normal spacing is 24 " apart, in rows 30" to 36" apart.

Fertilize on a regular basis. Early applications should be high in nitrogen. As blossoming occurs, switch to fertilizers which are higher in Phosphorus and Potassium. Too much Nitrogen fertilizer results in lots of lush green leaves, and little fruit. A fertilizer specifically formulated for tomatoes, will help to maximize your crop. Try Jobes Fertilizer spikes.

Keep your tomato plant well watered. Deep watering is preferable, over more frequent, light watering. You want moisture to go deep to all the roots of the plant. Water directly to the roots. Keep water off the leaves if at all possible. Tomatoes are susceptible to plant disease that grows in wet, humid conditions.

Tip:

Even if you have a garden out back, we recommend finding a place along the back of the house for just one tomato plant. This one plant will be the last to succumb to frost in the fall. The warmth of the house, and a light plastic sheet or cloth tossed over it at night, will allow you to harvest fresh tomatoes after the first frost, right when prices are rising in the grocery store.

To maximize your crop, and minimize disease and insect damage, stake or cage tomatoes. They will reward you with more tomatoes. And, they will be cleaner, as they will not be sitting on the soil.

Days to Maturity:
Varying types require from 55 days to 85 days (Beefsteaks). The race is always on in my neighborhood to get the first ripe tomato of the season. Most of us also grow and await the beefsteaks. One slice from these delicious beauties more than fills a sandwich.

Cold and hot spells will affect fruit development and growth. Fruit set will not occur below 55 degrees or above 90 degrees Farenheit.

Insects and Pests:
Tomatoes can experience insect problems with cutworms and a few other garden pests. Also, if not staked or caged, snails and slugs will munch on the ripening fruit.

Disease:
A number of plant problems can arise, usually in mid summer heat and humidity. Blights and fungus infections can occur in the high humidity. Early treatment with fungicides is effective. Spacing plants too close cuts down air circulation and promotes disease.

Blossom end rot can also affect the fruit. This is a round, brown, indented spot on the bottom of the tomato. It is caused by either uneven watering or a lack of calcium in the soil. More on Blossom End Rot.

Tip: Do not water at night if possible in hot and humid weather if possible. Moisture and humidity combined with high temperatures promotes plant diseases. If possible, water at the roots.

Hardiness:

Tomatoes like it hot! They will die if exposed to frost. Make sure to plant them after the last frost.

Tip#1: Cover your young seedling if frost is predicted. A simple and easy cover for small seedlings is to buy large or extra large plastic disposable cups. Place them over the seedling at dusk, and remove them in the morning. There is usually little or no wind on nights with frost, so they are not easily tipped over.

Tip#2: If you get a light frost overnight and you did not cover up your plants. Go out early before the sun rises, and spray your plants with the garden hose. This melts the ice off the plants and may save them.

Harvesting and Storing Tomatoes:

Tomatoes store well in a cool, dry location. Do not put them in the refrigerator. While they last longer in the refrigerator, they will lose their flavor and texture. Keep them out of direct sunlight.

Just before frost, pick tomatoes while the are still green or orange. Wash them thoroughly. Rinse in a light solution of 1 gallon of water and a tablespoon of bleach. This kills off bacteria that rots the fruit. Allow them to dry, then put them in a cool, dry, dark place.

How to Grow Romaine Lettuce

Romaine lettuce is one of the most popular of lettuces in both the garden, and the kitchen. Gardeners love it because it is fast growing, and forms a loose head, that is easy to harvest. It takes up little space in the garden, too. Sweet and delicious, Romaine lettuce is the basics for Caesar salad.

Days to Maturity:

Romaine lettuce is ready to harvest in 65-70 days.

Sowing:

Seeds are very fine. Plant in rows, spreading the seeds as thinly as possible. No matter how hard you try, they are so difficult to disperse. Thinning seedlings is must. Cover the seeds with a very fine layer of loose soil or starting mixture.

Romaine is a good candidate for an indoor start. They transplant easily. You can also plant indoors in pots, or in container gardens on the deck. When transplanting in the garden, you can give them the proper spacing.

How to Grow:

Final spacing of the plants should be 12" apart, in rows 18" apart. For maximum growth, avoid overcrowding. Whether starting indoors or out, you will likely want to transplant your seedlings with the proper spacing for fast, full development.

Romaine likes cool weather and lots of moisture in rich, well drained soil. Transplanting should only be done in cool, preferably cloudy weather. If the weather is hot and sunny, we recommend putting off transplanting if possible. If this is not possible, then transplant in the early evening hours. Water thoroughly and every day after, unless it rains, for about a week.

The key to growing crisp, sweet Romaine lettuce, is to get it growing at a fast pace. That means plenty of water, and a healthy dose of fertilizer.

Tip:

When transplanting lettuce in hot weather, place some form of sun shade over the plant for a couple of days. Any makeshift shade will do.

Succession planting is a common and useful practice. Plant successive crops for a constant supply of Romaine all season long. Plant small rows or sections of your garden with Romaine every two weeks.

Harvesting:

You can pick Romaine as soon as it is big enough to use. The outer leaves can be picked and the inner leaves allowed to grow. Or, use the plants pulled while thinning. After cutting, Romaine will regrow, but will not be one nice, neat head. It's better to start a new plant.

Insects and Pests:

A variety of insects can pose a real problem. Lettuce is delicate and can absorb many insecticides. If you want or need to use insecticides, look for brands that are less harmful to you and the environment. We like to avoid insecticides on leafy vegetables wherever possible. we suggest organic sprays, and a willingness to give up some of the harvest to insects, versus using pesticides. After all, one of the reasons most of us have gardens is to avoid the pesticides.

Slugs are a real problem for all types of lettuces. There are a variety of control methods.

Disease:

Romaine lettuce will wilt and rot in hot, humid weather. The plant will also bolt or go to seed stage in higher heat. Heading or bunching types are more susceptible to rotting and bolting. Leaf types grow and mature quickly, and have fewer disease problems.

Hardiness:

Romaine lettuce thrives in cooler weather, with moderate moisture. It is not fond of mid-summer heat, or dry conditions. Many gardeners will plant a crop for spring and early summer harvest, leaving the mid summer months to the tomatoes and the corn. Then, as the late summer heat begins to wane, they plant a new lettuce crop for a fall harvest.

Source: http://www.gardenersnet.com/

翠玉瓜栽培

栽 培 環 境 ：

由 九 月 中 旬 至 翌 年 三 月 均 可 種 植 （ 最 適 宜 是 十 月 至 二 月 ） 。 生 長 適 溫 為 18 - 25°C ； 發 芽 適 溫 為 25 - 30°C 。 喜 微 酸 性 土 壤 ， 最 適 宜 的 pH 值 為 5.5 - 7.0 ； 喜 歡 土 壤 濕 潤 而 空 氣 乾 燥 的 環 境 。 翠 玉 瓜 栽 培 ， 以 通 透 性 好 ， 保 水 力 強 的 壤 土 ， 容 易 獲 得 高 產 。 日 照 不 足 或 土 壤 水 分 過 多 或 排 水 不 良 時 ， 易 引 起 徒 長 和 落 果 。
注 意 事 項 ： 翠 玉 瓜 對 霜 凍 頗 為 敏 感 。

種 植 及 株 行 距 ：

種 子 發 芽 約 需 5 天 ； 幼 苗 長 到 3 - 4 片 真 葉 時 （ 20 - 25 天 ） 便 可 移 植 到 田 間 ； 或 每 穴 直 播 2 - 3 粒 種 子 。
種 植 株 距 約 3 呎 ， 行 距 4 呎 。

施 肥 及 管 理 ：

定 植 前 要 落 基 肥 （ 每 斗 地 約 用 花 生 麩 120 斤 及 骨 粉 60 斤 ／ 斗 種 ） 。 移 植 後 一 星 期 每 株 施 用 藍 丸 120 克 ， 十 日 後 再 用 相 同 數 量 的 藍 丸 作 追 肥 之 用 。 在 生 長 過 程 中 可 加 入 適 量 的 葉 面 肥 ， 有 助 植 株 及 果 實 的 生 長 。 再 輔 以 中 耕 除 草 及 摘 除 病 葉 及 弱 果。

採 收 ：

當 果 實 生 長 到 6 - 8 吋 長 度 時 ， 便 可 採 收 。 採 收 期 約 三 星 期 。 由 播 種 至 第 一 次 採 收 為 35 - 47 日 （ 開 花 後 11 天 為 適 收 ） 。 採 收 後 可 貯 存 一 星 期 （ 不 能 低 於 10°C ） 。

Source: 漁 農 自 然 護 理 署 園 藝 組

伊朗行《17》--- Tehran

Tehran is the capital and largest city of Iran.

It is the hub of the country's communication and transport network. The city has numerous large museums, art centers, palace complexes and cultural centers and host 45% of Iran's industries.

Left: Golestan Palace Right: Holy Shrine of Imam Khomeini

伊朗行《16》--- Kashan

Kashan is a desert oasis situated in an historic region that dates back to pre-historic times. There are hundreds of once-grand traditional houses. in Kashan. Most have long since been carved up or are literally turning to dust, but recently a few have been restored and many others are being slowly and meticulously revived.

Originally built as a private residence in the early 19th century, the Khan-e Borujerdi has a lovely courtyard flanked by summer and winter houses.

At the southern end of the courtyard, the splendid motifs above the arched entrance to the summer house indicate this was the home of a rich merchant of handicrafts.

As you wander around the narrow streets of Kashan, look carefully at the doors.

Most have two knockers, one round and fat, the other long and thin.

These were designed to give off different sounds so that whoever was in the house would be able to tell whether a man or woman was knocking and so decide who should open the door to them; vital in a society where women lived in purdah (in seclusion or behind a veil).

Designed for Shah Abbas I, Bagh-e Tarikhi-ye Fin is a classical Persian vision of paradise. It has always been prized for its natural springs and still contains the remains of the Shah's two-storey palace.

Bagh-e Tarikhi-ye Fin is also infamous for being the site of the murder in 1851 of the revered Mirza Taghi Khan, commonly known as Amir Kabir.

Source: Lonely Planet

伊朗行《15》--- Isfahan

Isfahan, located about 340 km south of Tehran, is the capital of Isfahan Province and Iran's third largest city.

The Imam (Naghsh-e Jahan) Square in Isfahan has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The city also contains a wide variety of Islamic architectural sites ranging from the eleventh to the nineteenth century. Its stunning architecture, tree-lined boulevards with relaxed, tree-shaded sidewalks and its architectural variety make it the undisputed highlight of Iran's cities.

Vank Cathedral is the historic focal point of the Armenian Church in Iran.

伊朗行《14》--- Naqsh-e Rustam

Naqsh-e Rustam is an archaeological site located about 12 km northwest of Persepolis, in Fars province, Iran. It lies a few hundred meters from Naqsh-e Rajab.

Four tombs belonging to Achaemenid kings are carved out of the rock face. They are all at a considerable height above the ground.

One of the tombs is explicitly identified by an accompanying inscription to be the tomb of Darius I. The other three tombs are believed to be those of Xerxes I, Artaxerxes I and Darius II respectively.

Tomb of Darius the Great, Naqsh-e Rostam

伊朗行《13》--- Shiraz

Shiraz is the capital of Fārs Province and is located in the foothills of the Zagros Mountains. It is known as the city of poetry, wine and carpet production and flowers (such as roses). It is also famous for its importance in the history of Iran. It has a moderate climate and has been a regional trade center for more than a thousand years.

Left: Arg of Karim Khan
Top Right: Bagh-e Eram
Middle & Bottom Right: Qor'an Gate

伊朗行《12》--- Persepolis

Persepolis is a historical site near Shiraz, in Fars Province.

It is an ancient capital city of the Persian Empire and one of the greatest cities in the Middle East at the height of the empire. It was sacked by Alexander The Great.

Xerxes' Gateway

Persepolis which originally covered more than 125,000 square metres, was built over a 150 year period commencing about 512 BC during the reigns of the Achaemenian dynasty kings Darius I (Darius the Great), Xerxes I and II, and Artaxerxes I, II, and III.

The name "Persepolis" is that given to the city by Alexander, who sacked the city and burned it to the ground in 331 BC. Understandably, you'll rarely hear Alexander deemed "the Great" in these parts.

The original name in Achaemenian times was "Parsa". Today, most Iranians refer to the site as Takht-é Jamshid, or "Throne of Jamshid", a mythical king of ancient Persia.

Above is a birdeye view of the central part of Persepolis, taken from the tomb of Artaxerxes II (404 - 358 BC), carved into a mountainside above the city. Xerxes' gateway is at the very right of the image.

At the front are stables and encampments for troops, behind which lie the ruins of the Palace of 100 Columns (only the bases of which remain). The columns of the Central Hall of Apadana Palace, to the left of which lie Darius' Palace, with Artaxerxes' palace at the very left of the frame. Little remains of Xerxes' Palace, which lies in front of Artaxerxes' from this vantage point. The tree-shaded area to the left is the Persepolis Museum in front of which is what's left (nothing) of Darius' large treasury. The original city extends well to either side of this view.

Persepolis

Can't wait to watch this move ..

Persepolis Official Website



Marjane Satrapi: "Persepolis" a pro-Iranian humanist tale

伊朗行《11》--- Persian Food

The cuisine of Iran is diverse, with each province featuring dishes, as well as culinary traditions and styles, distinct to their region. Iranian food is not spicy. Most meals consist of a large serving of seasoned rice and an accompanying course, typically consists of meat, poultry, or fish. Herbs are used frequently. Onions and garlic are normally used in the preparation of the accompanying course, but are also served separately during meals, either in raw or pickled form.

Zereshk (i.e. barberry) is used heavily in Persian Cuisine. Zereshk polow (i.e. Iranian Chicken and Rice with Barberries) represents the most prominent use of barberry that is mixed with rice. It tastes great!

Source: http://www.wikipedia.com/

伊朗行《10》--- A World Without Strangers

When travelling, it's more than just about sightseeing, it's the ability to meet local people and make friends that is most interesting, and that's when language becomes important. Even though not many Iranians speak English, I'm glad that we can still communciate well with each others by means of body languages.

However, my Iranian friend Zarrin, who has been living in the US for the past 20 years and lately travelled to Iran, had a hard time in taking a picture for the local people. Perhaps they get worried when an Iranian wants to take a picture but with a foreigner they think the picture goes far and it won't matter. They are private and shy at the same time.

伊朗行《9》--- 亡命攝影師

伊朗行《8》--- 遇上100%的畫家

這天我和Iris在Imam Square內的Bazzar遛連了一個下午，紀念品買不到，郵票也買不到，累極！只想找一間茶館休息一會，伊朗人不喜歡喝咖啡，喜歡品茗，他們不會直接加糖在茶內，而是把方糖含在口中，再喝一點茶，讓糖在口中慢慢溶化，伊朗茶有點像錫蘭紅茶，就算不加糖，微澀的口感加上芳香，也很好喝。

可是找了整個廣場，半間茶館也找不到，卻誤打誤撞進了一間果仁店，店主是伊朗人，說着流利英語，知道我們對他店中的產品沒有興趣，非常熱情地邀請我們去見他的父親，並聲稱他父親並不是商人，是一名藝術家，廣場上有不少壁畫也是他的作品。

見他盛意拳拳，且時間尚早，就跟他往市場內一逛，我們被帶到他父親的一間畫廊，他父親正默默地畫畫，而他兒子就不斷地介紹父親的作品，又展示Lonely Planet (Italian Version)內有他父親的照片云云，他絕對是一名出色的推銷員，但比較硬銷。

他父親就用軟功，看見我手中拿着小記事簿，就說替我即席畫幅畫，最後，我和Iris都不敵他倆的軟硬攻勢，各替他們買了一幅駱駝骨畫。

伊朗行《7》--- 不同的遭遇

以下是一位記者去年在伊朗採訪時的遭遇:

Quote

"暗角

翻譯阿麥德給我講過一個故事, 他的女兒莎哈爾小的時候最喜歡不穿鞋,光著腳丫在雨中玩, 每次都是渾身濕漉漉的回家. 可是到了她9歲生日的那一天, 按照伊朗法律, 她必須要參加一個成人禮, 在那一天, 她將披上頭巾, 從此不可將頭髮顯露於外人面前. 別的女孩子欣然接受的時候, 莎哈爾卻拿著頭巾, 對爸爸說, 爸爸, 我再也不能感覺到雨水打在頭髮上了. 望著莎哈爾的眼睛, 阿麥德衝進洗手間, 淚濕滿面.

前兩天我穿著一件白色的長衫, 去大巴扎拍片. 那裡琳瑯滿目的讓人心慌, 因為人太多,聲音太嘈雜, 讓我忍不住的鎖緊眉頭.阿麥德是個絕頂聰明的人, 看我的神情, 於是站在我的身邊, 靠牆而立, 司機和dee還有R先生, 將我環繞. 可是那來來往往的男人眼神中骯髒的氣息,已經足以讓我感覺到窒息. 結果即便是這樣, 15分鐘之後, 一個男人居然還是潛伏到樓上的那一層, 對著我吐下口水, 白衣服, 藍色的頭巾, 我的同伴們臉上的憐憫, 周圍的人一副看好戲的表情, 真是想大罵一場, NNND甚麼狗屎國家, 我為你的文明而來, 而你將我如此羞辱. 但是我最後還是咬緊牙關, 沒有發出聲音.

最難過的卻不是我.

阿麥德一言不發的在車上看著窗外的飛過風景, 我問他說你怎麼了, 他說你不知道我有多抱歉和多難堪. 我說那並不是你的錯, 他說, 可是這就是我的祖國, 那些人就是我的兄弟, 你說我該拿我的人民怎麼辦? 我問, 有沒有想過離開這裡, 你去過那麼多國家, 去任何一個地方, 都會過的很好. 他說, 可是我怎麼能逃避我自己的家, 它在我的血液裡面, 是我無法迴避的部分啊.

回到住的地方, DEE突然跟我說, 幸虧帶了頭巾, 不然就直接吐到頭髮上了. 我聽完, 想起Simi跟我說, 裹在黑長袍裡面, 我覺得protected. 但是protected from what? 如果我因為受到今天這樣的羞辱, 而寧願躲藏在黑長袍的保護之下, 那麼到底是我變的文明了, 還是邪惡教化了我, 馴服了我, 我不要躲藏在暗角里面, 那裡太荒蠻, 太淒涼.

12點的時候, 毛拉的祈禱混合著歌聲響起, 很多人會在乾淨的毯子上, 向著麥加的方向, 跪拜他們的真主. 我的身體, 卻不由自主的轉向太陽的方向." Unquote

原文

G.O.D. forbid!

G.O.D. should design some products with logos like "P.T.U.", "C.I.D." or "O-Kee" to help promoting Hong Kong Police Force as a remedy. Haha!

Quote
"G.O.D. forbid!

Carol Chung

Friday, November 02, 2007

A bid to turn a Hong Kong-made and designed T-shirt into a fashion icon for local youths has run foul of the law with the arrest of 18 people from a local chain store yesterday.

Police said the design on the T-shirts marketed by Goods of Desire - or G.O.D. as the store is popularly known - was linked to a triad society and that those who purchased them could also be arrested.

Possessing triad products is a violation of the law and people wearing a shirt with such logos will be arrested, Organized Crime Triad Bureau Acting Superintendent Cheng Fuk-chuen warned.

Police confiscated 88 T-shirts and more than 500 postcards printed with a "14K" logo, "? x K"- with the numbers written in Chinese characters - from the store's five offices and warehouse located in Central, Causeway Bay, Tsim Sha Tsui and Yuen Long. They arrested nine men and nine women, including salespersons and designers, aged between 21 and 51.

It is believed one of those arrested is the store's founder, Douglas Young Chi-chiu, who is a grandson of Kowloon Motor Bus founder William Louey Sui-tak.

They are suspected of contravening the Societies Ordinance, which refers to slogans, published materials and objects with symbolic meanings, and which police specialists have confirmed to be related to the triads. The police raid followed a recent media report on products the store was selling.

Cheng said the industry should be careful when designing products not to contravene the law.

"Creativity is creativity - that's different. The industry should study the legislation, which clearly states symbols representing or constituting triad symbols are illegal," Cheng said.

G.O.D.s marketing manager Cherry Ma Kit-ying insisted the logo was one of the store's usual designs and involved "a play on words."

Other examples include "Delay No More" - which sounds vulgar in Cantonese - printed on products, and home accessories with the store's name G.O.D. which sounds like the Cantonese words for "better living." The logo design was only intended to refer to gold rather than the triads, Ma said.

"Some may relate it to the triads ... we didn't have any intention to promote things [related to the triad]."

Ma stressed the store's innocent intention, saying "14K gold was marked on the back of the postcards."

Lawmaker James To Kun-sun, deputy chairman of the Legislative Council's security panel, said whether the controversial logo violates the law depends on how it is displayed and publicized, and whether it conveys any triad-related message.

People who have bought the products but are innocent about the meaning may not be charged. But if they act in a provocative way when wearing the T-shirt, they could be mistaken for a triad member, To said.

G.O.D. is recalling the T-shirts and postcards, which went on sale in mid- September.

So far, more than 10 T-shirts, costing HK$280 each, have been sold.

Police said those who have bought the products should call 2527-7887. "
Unquote

Source: The Standard

伊朗行《6》--- 邪惡的頭巾

這天的Persepolis風和日麗，正當我在Tomb of Darius the Great前沾沾自喜的看着剛用400D拍下的一名穿着傳统服飾的中年男士之際，一個穿得相對摩登的伊朗美少婦把我拉在一旁，友善的跟我說我並不應替此人拍照，心想：莫非他是一個神聖不可侵犯、十分顯赫的大人物，隨即問道：『他是何許人呢？』，她答說：『這裏對伊朗人來說，是一個很神聖、很重要的地方，而此人則是政府那兒的人，我們並不喜歡這個政府，因此，妳不應把他與此古蹟拉在一起。』

在途中所遇到的伊朗人大多不諳英語，於是對這個操流利英語的少婦Zarrin很感興趣，問道：『為何妳的英文這麽棒？』，她隨即介紹她那外籍夫婿跟我認識，我即恍然大悟，還順道請教她如何可令頭巾牢牢貼緊在頭上，並問道：『假如頭巾滑了下來怎麽辦？有什麽後果？』，她那外籍丈夫隨即道：『那就讓它掉下吧！不打緊！』

Zarrin跟着告訴我她也不喜歡戴頭巾，並希望有一天她們可以不戴這頭巾、不用再遵守這樣的法律。說罷，她便教我如何戴好頭巾、怎樣可讓頭巾不那麽容易掉下來云云；說時遲，那時快，領隊又嚷着要上車了，這是我最不喜歡参加旅行團的原因之一，只好跟他們道別，但不忘跟Zarrin來張『到此一遊』合照，可是我那邪惡的頭巾又除除的掉了下來。

願伊朗女人有一天不用再整天戴着那頭巾、不用再穿上那黑漆漆的長袍、可與非直繫親屬的男士有正常的社交，並不用再遵守那些過份守舊的法律。

願她們離這重獲自由的一天不太遙遠。

後記：最近通訊得悉原來Zarrin在美國住了超過二十年，難怪英文這麽好！

伊朗行《5》--- Little Miss Sunshine

伊朗行《4》--- 賠本生意

在伊朗，有三樣生意是做不得的，分別是女性時裝、理髮和纖體，雖然不少年輕的伊朗女性會在頭巾上花點心思，有些還會染髮，但衣著保守的法律一天不改，花錢在時裝、理髮和纖體幹啥呢？

伊朗行《3》--- 邪惡軸心?!

出發到這個被形容為『邪惡軸心』的伊朗前，無聊地在facebook發問了一個問題：Should I go to Iran? 怎料，無心一問，卻引來很大回嚮，很多親友認為我的決定很冒險、匪夷所思，力勸不要前往，但也有不少朋友對這個神祕的國家很有興趣，其中一位同事更說多年前曾到此作三星期旅遊，伊朗是她最喜歡的中東國家。

由於不想令家人擔心，臨走前只輕描淡寫、含含糊糊的告知母親要去中東旅行，但心中不免有點不安，怎料，一到達此地，竟對這『邪惡軸心』國完全改觀。

相信當地的旅遊業剛起步關係，伊朗人很少接觸亞洲遊客，對我們這批『奇裝異服』的遊客十分好奇，但也出奇的友善與好客，由於大多數的伊朗人不諳英語，與他們溝通須用上身體語言，為了買郵票寄Postcard給親友，更要畫圖畫解釋，最後得知郵票稱為"Tambr",可是找了幾天也找不到一間營業的郵局！

雖然很多時雞同鴨講，但可以看出伊朗人很好客和單純，可能由於是由伊斯蘭教統治的關係，法規很嚴苛、很保守，一般女士不可與非直繫親屬的男士有親密的接觸(包括握手)，電影絕無色情暴力成份，沒有夜生活，連啤酒也是沒酒精的，閒時一家大小喜往公園野餐共聚天倫，生活十分簡樸。每當我拿起相機示意要替他們拍照時，他們都很樂意，拍罷還嚷着邀我加入他們的聚會、嚐嚐他們的『依式』火鍋、開心果仁，或努力嘗試教我們他國的語言。

伊朗人 ---- 是我在旅途中遇到的最友善的外國人。論到邪惡，一萬倍不及我們的香港人吧！

伊朗行《2》--- Women Dress Code in Iran

By law, all females over the age of nine must wear the hejab, the general term to describe the type of Islamic dress required for females in Iran.

Signs in public places show two possible variants on correct hejab: The chador, an all-encompassing, head-to-toe black 'tent'; or a maqna'e (a wimple-like scarf-shawl) with a manteau (baggy trench coat) and trousers.

These days the 'style police' are not as busy as they once were and foreign women can get away with wearing their normal clothes, provided their head, shoulders, arms, legs and body are completely covered and the shape of their body is concealed.

That said, a female tourmate of mine was shouted by a conservative Iranian who tried to correct the situation as her scarf slipped back a bit too far while my friend Iris was warned by a 'style police' since her T-shirt was not loose and long enough. Ha! Ha!

Source: Lonely Planet

Photos taken in Isfahan, Iran Oct 2007

伊朗行《1》--- 向波斯帝國出發

子曰：『讀萬卷書，行萬里路』，剛考完本年度的第三個公開試，為了平衡心理，是時候向世界出發了！

很幸運，今年分別去了北海道及雲南旅遊，旅伴組合每次都不同，一次大夥兒浩浩蕩蕩去滑雪，一次與親人暢遊祖國，今回則與同事結伴尋幽探秘兼消假。

是次目的地很神祕、很特別、也很邪惡，就是具有豐富歴史文化的波斯帝國。

沿途若有機會上網的話，讓我嘗試報告一下行程吧！ I'll be back!

Sand Art

背蛙蝶捷

What hands can do ..

Facebook Mania

Should I go to Iran?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran

http://wikitravel.org/en/Iran

http://www.irpedia.com/

http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0107640.html

http://www.persia.org/

A Relaxing Sunday in DB

Thanks a lot, Jacky, for lending me the wonderful lens for shooting. I'd definitely consider to buy one for my next trip.

Had lunch in Cafe de Paris. The set lunch there was really great and value-for-money. Better sit outside for taking pictures.

教我如何不想它

近期迷上這小玩意，它的魅力直逼Google、YouTube，有幾犀利？它能把與你從小談話不足五句的遠方/房親朋戚友聯繫上，再發現你親戚的同學的朋友原來是你同事；據聞在英國有大學畢業生透過facebook，聯繫上全國的大學生杯葛HSBC，成功令HSBC恢復對大學畢業生透支免息的優惠。

朋友們，唔想俾人話你out就快D join facebook 啦！

La Ballade Of Lady and Bird

Lady and Bird《La Ballade Of Lady and Bird》

Bird : Lady?
Lady : Yes Bird?
Bird : It's cold
Lady : I know
Lady : Bird... I cannot see a thing
Bird : It's all in your mind
Lady : I'm worried
Bird : No one will come to see us
Lady : Maybe they come but we just don't see them
What do you see?
Bird : I see what's outside
Lady : And what exactly is outside?
Bird : It's grown-ups
Lady : Well maybe if we scream they can hear us
Bird : Yeah, maybe we should try to scream
Lady : Ok, Bird
Lady & Bird : Heeeelp, Heeeelp
Can you hear us now ?
Hello !
Help !
Hello it's me
Hey
Can you see
Can you see me
I'm here
Nana come and take us
Hello
Are you there
Hello
Lady : I don't think they can hear us
Bird : I can hear you lady
Bird : Do you want to come with me lady
Lady : Will you be nice to me Bird
Lady : You're always be nice to me because you're my friend
Bird : I try but sometimes I make mistakes
Lady : Nana says we all make mistakes
Bird : Maybe we should scream more
Lady : Yes, Bird let's scream more
Lady & Bird : Help ! Help us ! Come on ! Help
Hello !
Help
Hello !
We're lost
Lady : I think they cannot see us
Bird : Nobody likes us
Lady : But they all seem so big
Bird : Maybe we should just jump
Lady : What if we fall from the bridge and then nobody can catch us
Bird : I don't know let's just see what happens
Lady : Okay
Bird : Come with me
Lady : Shall we do it together
Bird : Yeah
Lady & Bird : 1 2 3....Aaaaaaah
Bird : Lady?
Lady : Yes Bird
Bird : It's cold
Lady : I know
Lady : Bird...I cannot see a thing
Bird : It's all in your mind

My Blueberry Nights

Next Journey

Libya

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tripoli

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medina

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leptis_Magna

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sabratha



Tunisia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Djerba

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matmata

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Douz

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tozeur

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kairouan

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Djem

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sousse

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nabeul

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hammamet

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sidi_Bou_Said

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Carthage

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tunis

The Hedge Fund Redemption: Now Showing

Thanks God, I have switched out a hedge fund before this movie is shown. Dunno how long this film will be on. By the way, The Shawshank Redemption is a 1994 American movie, written and directed by Frank Darabont, based on the Stephen King novella, Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption and it is one of my favourite movies.

結婚前後 ~佚名

<結婚前> 往↓ 看：

他：太好了！我期盼的日子終於來臨了！我都等不及了！

她：我可以反悔嗎？

他：不，你甚至想都別想！

她：你愛我嗎？

他：當然！

她：你會背叛我嗎？

他：不會，你怎麼會有這種想法？

她：你可以吻我一下嗎？

他：當然，決不可能只有一下！

她：你有可能打我嗎？

他：永遠不可能！

她：我能相信你嗎？

<結婚後> 從下往上看↑

銀魚蒸勝瓜

絲瓜具有清熱化痰、涼血解毒的功效，廣東人稱絲瓜為勝瓜，為什麼？絲瓜粵音為“屍”瓜，不吉利，因此改稱勝瓜。 銀魚又稱“水中人參”，營養豐富；據分析，每100克銀魚含蛋白質8.2克、脂肪0.3克、碳水化合物1.4克、鈣258毫克、磷102毫克、鐵0.5毫克、熱量41千卡，以及維生素B1、B2、等多種營養成分，有嫩膚、美容之功效。

從前很怕吃勝瓜，因其口感怪怪，吃在口裏『絲絲』聲，令人毛骨悚然；但自從吃過娃兒這道新菜式後，竟然愛上勝瓜!

這道菜材料簡單，製法容易，口味清新，乃夏日佳品！

材料如下：

2條勝瓜 (瓜皮須撤底刨去，否則呈苦味及『絲絲』聲)
一両銀魚 (即咸魚仔)
薑絲小量

首先把勝瓜去皮、切小段，放在碟中備用；跟着下油爆香薑絲及銀魚，再放在勝瓜上，隔水蒸５分鐘，這道營養豐富、清淡味美的菜餚就完成了！ 爽脆清甜的勝瓜加上面頭點綴的銀魚仔, 簡直是黃金組合！

Women In Art

500 Years of Female Portraits in Western Art

Music: Bach's Sarabande from Suite for Solo Cello No. 1 in G Major, BWV 1007 performed by Yoyo Ma

小統計

與中學同學叙舊，八位女士，各有不同經歴、不同際遇，雖然畢業多年，但樣子沒多大變化，可見科學倡明，而大家亦沒有躲懶，以下是一個小統計：

50% 己婚
25% 有兒女
12.5% 全職家庭主婦
12.5% 教書
12.5% 執業大律師
12.5% 準備出國深造
50% 商界

真羨慕同學T可毅然放棄一切，辭工上學去！

Battle at Kruger

The Battle at Kruger--a battle over a baby calf between a pride of lions, a herd of buffalo, and a crocodile-- was witnessed by Jason Schlosberg and David Budzinski in September 2004 at a watering hole near Pretoriuskop Camp, Mpumalanga in South Africa's Kruger National Park.

Hygiene vs Motivation

Hygiene reduces job dissatisfaction.

Motivation increases job satisfaction.

Job satisfaction is not the opposite of job dissatisfaction.

What shall we do if there is no job dissatisfaction but no job satisfaction?

I think it's time to have a vacation!!

Amazing Lemon Water

While I was drinking lemon water after having a big lunch today, I come across, by googling, several articles about the benefits of drinking lemon water.

Lemon Water - Alkalising Superstar

"The beauty of lemon water is that it is tasty, refreshing and best of all, alkalising. The lemon juice raises the alkalinity of the water so even with standard tap water you can make your drink pH neutral.

However, for the full lemon water effect: distilled/ionised water with Alkalive’s pH booster (or Prime pH or another pH drop) and lemon creates the ultimate alkaline water. The trick however, is to have the water lukewarm. If the water is too hot or too cold then it will cause the body to expand energy in order to process it. Lukewarm water also has that comforting feeling to it…"

"Apart from being an amazing body alkalizer/alkaliser, lemon water also gives the following health benefits:

- Lemons are antiseptic
- Lemon water has excellent digestive properties and can ease heartburn, bloating and other digestion problems
- Lemon water cleanses and stimulates the liver and kidneys
- Lemon juice contains calcium, magnesium and potassium
- Lemon juice has been known to relieve asthma
- Lemon water (hot) offers relief from cold and flu symptoms while providing some much needed Vitamin C
- Lemon juice is a great skin cleanser"

The Amazing Health Benefits of Drinking Lemon Water

"The value of eating lemons is reported by Jethro Kloss in his book Back to Eden:

The medicinal value of the lemon is as follows: It is an antiseptic, or is an agent that prevents sepsis [the presence of pathogenic bacteria] or putrefaction [decomposition of tissue]. It is also anti-scorbutic, a term meaning a remedy which will prevent disease and assist in cleansing the system of impurities."

"Lemon Remedies Published by Jethro Kloss in Back to Eden

For sore throat, dilute lemon juice with water and gargle frequently. Dilute one-half lemon juice with one-half water. It is even better to use straight lemon juice.

A slice of lemon bound over a corn overnight will greatly relieve the pain.

A slice of lemon bound over a felon [pus formation on a finger joint] will not fail to bring the pus to the surface where it can be easily removed.

To relieve asthma, take a tablespoon of lemon juice one hour before each meal.

For liver complaints, the juice of the lemon should be taken in a glass of hot water one hour before breakfast every morning.

To break up la grippe [flu or influenza], drink a large glass of hot water with the juice of a lemon added, while at the same time have the feet in a deep bucket or other vessel of water with mustard added to it. The water should be deep enough to where it comes nearly up to the knees. Keep adding hot water to the patient's tolerance and until the patient begins to perspire freely (about 20-30 minutes). Be sure there is no draft on the person while this is done. The patient should be near a bed so he can get in it easily and avoid any danger of getting chilled. If convenient, a full hot bathtub would be good in place of the foot-bath. The lemon water should be taken every hour until the patient feels that all the symptoms of the cold are gone.

A teaspoon of lemon juice in half a glass of water relieves heartburn.

For rheumatism, one or two ounces of lemon juice diluted in water should be taken three times a day: one hour before meals and at bedtime.

In cases of hemorrhage, lemon juice diluted in water and taken as cold as possible will stop it.

Scurvy is treated by giving one to two ounces of lemon juice diluted with water every two to four hours.

In excessive menstruation the juice of three to four lemons a day will help check it. Best to take the juice of one lemon at a time in a glass of cold water."

7 Fantastic Uses of Lemon Juice You Probably Never Thought Of

"1. Give Your Hair A Beautiful Shine;

2. Remove Tarnish From Copper and Brass;

3. Use Lemon Water To Get You Going;

4. Clean Up Household Grease Naturally;

5. Disinfect Your Kitchen Cutting Board;

6. Remove Sticky Pine Tar From Your Hands; and

7. Silence a Hacking Cough and Heal a Sore Throat.."

快樂不快樂

昨天信報陳頌紅提到《科學人雜誌》今年四月的一個研究，研究人員曾經給受訪者兩個選擇，在物價、生活費相同的情况下：Ａ、你的年薪是五萬美元，而別人的年薪是二萬五；Ｂ、你年薪是十萬，而別人是二十五萬。結果大部份人選擇Ａ。

研究的結果，是『一個人快樂與否，基因大慨決定了一半，而另一半是取決於別人相對上擁有多少』。

其實很簡單，『知足常樂』！送您一首快樂歌..

快樂 許冠傑

曲：許冠傑
詞：許冠傑

快樂是陽光普照的清晨
快樂是流水美妙的音韻
快樂其實分分鐘把您等
只要您識得點去搵

快樂是尋找天際的星辰
快樂是回憶沙灘的足印
快樂其實邊一位都有份
不管您是富或貧

朋友愛父母恩
每刻溫暖在我心
豁達滿足仁愛施恩
快樂便常共您相親

快樂是離開都市的煙塵
快樂是回家往浴缸一浸
快樂是一首好歌嘴裡哼
一張晚報 一杯香檳

快樂是賢妻給我的精神
快樂是兒子親暱的一吻
快樂長陪我這一生
皆因我是快樂人

Rhain Davis the Whiz Kid

THE world's most famous soccer club - Manchester United - has offered nine-year-old Brisbane whiz kid Rhain Davis a shot at stardom.

Rhain has been invited to join Manchester United's famed academy, the breeding ground of current Red Devils' star Ryan Giggs and 1966 World Cup-winning England hero Bobby Charlton.

Before Sunrise/Sunset - Far Away

Let me sing you a waltz

變形香江 (港版變形金剛) Transporters

鳴謝Huoshan提供此link ..哈哈！

Lucky Star Story（らきすた物語）

Management Consultant

清明上河圖

清明上河圖全圖
《清明上河圖》網上介紹圖文
《清院本清明上河圖》網上版
國之重寶－故宮博物院藏晉唐宋元書畫展
維基百科

Ang Lee's Lust, Caution Trailer

High Definition

I Love Graffiti

I have been addicted to Graffiti recently. I guess I would become another "Emperor of Kowloon" one day.

Below are the graffiti I drew at facebook lately.

In the Memory of "Emperor of Kowloon"

`Emperor' who wrote royally

Thursday, July 26, 2007 - The Standard

The self-styled Emperor of Kowloon, Tsang Cho-choi, famous for his unique brand of calligraphy graffiti, died on July 15 following a heart attack. He was 86.

Tsang, who claimed that most of the land in Kowloon belonged to his ancestors, caught local, and later international attention, when his calligraphy started popping up in the strangest of places 50 years ago. These included electrical transformers, lampposts and World War II bomb shelters. At one point, his writings appeared on the hills near Kennedy Town.

In his works, Tsang always used his "royal" title and his family tree.

He sometimes included demands for the government to pay him land taxes.

Even though his artwork was persistently painted over, he often returned to revitalize his writings.

Art critic Lau Kin-wai said Tsang spent his final days at an elderly home surrounded by family members.

Lau hopes to realize Tsang's last wish of having some of his work exhibited. In recent years, Tsang's creations have received international recognition and photographs of his creations toured the United States in 2000.

Refreshing!!

This little jar of lemon water is enough to keep me awake for the whole afternoon.

Albert Einstein on Marriage

Albert Einstein was asked on his golden wedding anniversary, "To what do you attribute the success of your marriage?" Professor Einstein offered this profound response:

"When we first got married, we made a pact. It was this: In our life together, it was decided I would make all of the big decisions and my wife would make all of the little decisions. For fifty years we have held true to that agreement. I believe that is the reason for the success in our marriage. However, the strange thing is that in fifty years, there hasn't been one big decision."

My classmates

Adam and Eve

The picture quality was very bad as I mistakenly switched the image resolution to the lowest. For more exhibits, please visit 黃永玉藝術展 or go to Times Square directly.

拉登說：中國是全球唯一絕對不能惹的國家

基地組織曾派出八名恐怖分子襲擊中國。

結果：

一人在炸北京西直門立交橋時轉暈橋上；

一人在炸公車時沒擠上車；

一人在炸超市時，炸彈遙控器被盜；

一人在炸政府大樓時被保安狂揍："叫你討薪，叫你上訪"；

一人成功地炸礦，死傷數百人，潛回基地後，半年沒見任何新聞報導，遂被基地組織以"撒謊罪"處決了；

一人曾經嘗試炸廣州，結果剛一出火車站炸藥包就給飛車黨搶了，半天沒恍過神；

一人在去山西途中想引爆身上炸彈時,因年齡太細,被人捉了去山西黑磚窯,做苦工現在"音訊全無"；

最近，派一女恐怖分子去炸河南，被騙去做了媳婦!

My First 360°Panorama

This 360°panorama was merged from a total of 25 photographs, taken at Kowloon City Park on a sunny Sunday.

What Your Latte Says About You

You are easygoing and pretty simple to please. You don't put up a fuss... ever.

You can be quite silly at times, but you know when to buckle down and be serious.

You have a good deal of energy, but you pace yourself. You never burn out too fast.

You're totally addicted to caffeine... but you like to pretend like you aren't!

You are responsible, mature, and truly an adult. You're occasionally playful, but you find it hard to be carefree.

You are complex and philosophical, but you are never arrogant.

What Does Your Latte Say About You?

i'm lovin' it

No wonder kids are all obsessed with McDonald's. Even the business cards of their staff are so lovely ...

遇到100%的女孩

今天搭地鐵，遇到一個年約五、六歲的小女孩竟然在唱這首歌:

【讓一切隨風】 鍾鎮濤
曲：Katsuo Ono/Aku Yu 詞：黃霑　

風中風中　心裡冷風　吹失了夢
事未過去　就已失蹤　此刻有種種心痛
心中心中　一切似空　天黑天光都似夢
迷迷惘惘　聚滿心中　追蹤一片冷的風

各種空虛　冷冷冷　吹起吹起風裡夢
過去的心　火般灼熱　今天已變了冰凍
記憶中突然又痛　只因空虛再作弄
你似北風　吹走我夢　就讓一切隨風

風中風中　心裡冷風　吹失了夢
事未過去　就已失蹤　此刻有種種心痛

心中心中　一切似空　天黑天光都似夢
迷迷惘惘　聚滿心中　追蹤一片冷的風

各種空虛　冷冷冷　吹起吹起風裡夢
過去的心　火般灼熱　今天已變了冰凍
記憶中突然又痛　只因空虛再作弄
你似北風　吹走我夢　就讓一切隨風

每一天，妳都有16次年輕的機會【轉貼】

身為女人，有一些是不得不做。這些事情是只屬於女性的專利，也是我們維持青春美麗的秘訣。這些事情，有些需要更多女人加入，有的需要男人幫忙，有的適合獨享。這些事情，充斥著我們的生活，豐富了謎樣的24小時。這些事情讓我們年輕、年輕、更年輕。

1 性愛: 這件事情的重要性就不用我多說了吧，陰陽調和是青春的基礎。

2 派對：不用天天，偶而為之的狂歡可以讓我們釋放壓力，活在當下。

3 旅行：充電再出發。一個人去無負擔，2個人去很甜蜜，大家一起去試煉朋友的真諦。

4 約會：即使結了婚，也要保持約會的習慣，讓妳記得為他美麗，讓他記得愛妳。

5 保養：說了第九千遍了，天下沒有醜女人，只有懶女人。

6 睡眠：愛自己的身體，要給她完全的充分休息。11點上床，不要忘記。 (This one is the hardest to achieve.)

7 運動：為身心靈補充氧氣。如果真的不愛動，就去做瑜珈。很愛動，也試著做瑜珈。

8 工作：成就感就是妳的存在感。不要跟社會脫節，不允許頭腦老化。

9 購物：要不然為什麼我們是女人？

10 下廚：減輕身體的負擔，應該是放什麼進去就注意。自己下廚是藝術也是美德。

11 閱讀：滿足口腹之慾，更要滿足心靈的慾望。不善化裝的妳更要讀書。

12 下午茶：人生最大的享受就是與姊妹討論是非，或者我們就當它是心理治療吧。

13 裝扮：沒有天份的人更要多練習，這是自愛也是禮貌，不要忘了從內衣就開始。

14 早餐：不吃胸部會變小喔。

15 泡澡：一個人的時候，幫助血液循環，2個人更有情調。

16 作夢：白天俗稱發呆。夜裡作夢是預知未來。夢想讓女人永遠不老。

(摘自AANGEL８)

double vie de veronique by Krzysztof Kieslowski

Alone

“The Internet is like alcohol in some sense. It accentuates what you would do anyway. If you want to be a loner, you can be more alone. If you want to connect, it makes it easier to connect.” – Esther Dyson

I don’t want to be a loner but it seems that this blog and the blogger are getting more alone these days.

Where are you, my friends / fans? What are you busy at? Stop being a (Read-only) CD-ROM!!

My First Assignment - Sweet like Sugar