A Heartfelt Thank You!

Sometimes it is little things that make your day.

This morning I got on the bus to come to work and my octopus card was negative. I only had a $500.00 bill and no change. Growl! This normally means riding the bus one stop, getting off, finding a 7-11, charging the card, waiting for another bus and then being late for work. However, when the bus driver saw I had no small bills he said in his best Engrish "OK you sit. OK" I guess he's paid by the hour so it really isn't any skin off his nose if he let's the occasional commuter with a negative card have a free ride But, I was still grateful. Thank You sir. Thank you very much.

Now to a little more grumpy subject.

There was a protest by public housing tenants on Sunday that really bothered me. They were protesting that the parking charges for their automobiles are being raised from HK $100.00 (USD $13.00) to HK $300.00 or $39 US dollars a month.

I can't afford a car. The parking where I live would cost $3500.00 a month and I'd still have to walk three blocks to the car. Why do people that are supposedly so poor that they can't afford housing given access to parking below where they live at 1/10 th the going rate? If they are so poor shouldn't they take mass transit? Hong Kong is the most expensive city in the world to drive in. Public housing tenants shouldn't need parking because if they can afford to drive here they shouldn't need public housing.

This brings up the whole issue of how public housing is done in Hong Kong and why it is problematic. Once someone gets a publicly rented flat they are almost never required to move out or give it up; even if they go on to attain great wealth. I vaguely know a couple (Friends of my wife) who started in public housing probably 30 years ago. They now own a factory and drive a jaguar and live in a big mansion in Melborne. They still rent the public housing flat and let a relative live in it "Just in case they go broke in the future" tenants can also pass a flat along to their children as an inheritance. Pardon me for seeing the potential for huge amount of abuse in such a system.

I find it appalling that better than 50% of Hong Kong residents live in some form of government housing. I have little doubt that because the government is always bending over and dropping its trousers for construction industry to keep the property market at an unnaturally high level most of the tenants of public housing projects could afford no where else to live. Indeed, the way the construction industry is allowed to screw the government here it is a wonder that every female in the Buildings and Lands department isn't carrying a baby fathered by Li Kai Shing. However, I also wonder if the assets and earnings of a significant percentage of public housing tenants were really looked at if it would not be found that they shouldn't be in public housing?

Until Next Time
Fai Mao
The Blogger who thinks that the HK Housing Authority could do a better job

I wonder when they start crawling out of the woodwork?

Now that the French have elected a center right, nominally Jewish man with an apparently more devout Jewish wife as their president I wonder how long it will be before the French Left adopts an openly antisemitic stance?

When will the French socialist start saying that the nation has been taken over by a secret cabal of Jewish Bankers who have secretly been running the world since 70 AD?

I can see the headlines now.

I hope Sarkosy goes down in history as the best president France has ever had

Until Next Time
Fai Mao
The Blogger who believes that those practicing antisemitism should be flogged and then jailed

Another T-Shirt

Unfortunately I couldn't get my camera out fast enough and this woman disappeared into the crowd but I saw a real show stopper T-Shirt in Shenzhen on Sunday. But, even if I could of gotten the camera out, I don't know if I could have gotten a picture of it without her realizing I was making fun of her as it had messages on the front as well as the back.

On the front :
"Help me find my lost virginity"

On the back
"Reward offered"

I might have asked her how I could help but I was with my wife.


Until Next time
Fai Mao
The Blogger who only wheres plain T-shirts

Cathay Pathetic Airways

The lovely, smart and looks 25 years younger than her age wife made reservation for our daughter to make a summer trip to see grandparents and relatives in the US this summer and generally relax with her favorite aunt and work at a summer job. The wife flies a lot and has bookoo frequent flier miles on her account and we used 40,000 of them to get a ticket from Leeds in the UK to Dallas via London. We made the reservation online and were happy to get the flights so well routed.

All was well and good until my wife called Cathay Pacific and confirmed the tickets. The phone girl didn't know the definition or difference between the word "Confirmed" and the word "Canceled" and she canceled the reservation. We didn't know this until we didn't receive a route and confirmation number and my wife called back. Since Cathay Pacific offers great in flight service we expected them to make the situation right. They went back and checked the tapes and discovered that my wife had indeed said "Confirm" and not "cancel." Up to this point we had no complaint. OK mistakes happen. It was what happened next that lit my fuse. Despite this whole episode being their fault they offered no suitable recompense. They wouldn't even restore the flight!

After a bit of angry talking on the phone they offered to replace: Leeds to London to Dallas on affiliated airlines they offered Birmingham to New York's JFK and then Newark to Dallas with a 4 hour layover. The Newark airport is technically a New York Airport but it is in another state. There is no subway between the two as in London between Gatwick and Heathrow and no dedicated bus service that I know of. How does a 20 year-old single female without a drivers license and who doesn't know the route get from JFK to Newark? When my daughter was small we lived in the NYC area, so I know it is probably a one to three hour trip depending upon the traffic. That's an expensive Taxi ride for someone without US money. It is also easily possible to mis that connection. In the end after arguing with them on the phone for more time than it should have taken since we were not the ones at fault, we got our daughter booked on a flight from London to JFK on a Cathay Pacific flight and then to Dallas on American Airlines but with rather mind numbing 8 hour layover in JFK.

Would it have hurt Cathay Pacific to say "Whoops! We screwed up. You have a right to be upset with this situation. Here, we'll put your daughter in a London to JFK flight with a complimentary ticket even if it means a business class upgrade. Then you can use your Asia-miles to get the American Airlines flight to Dallas. " Indeed since business class is seldom sold out all it would have cost them is a couple of meals. By taking responsibility and solving the situation in favor of the customer without an argument they would have created a lot of good will in what until now has been a very loyal customer in my wife. Their response was "Look you're getting free ticket anyway. Don't complain."

Frequent flier programs are not free tickets. They are rewards for loyal customers.
My wife flew Cathay Pathetic even when they were more expensive to get the miles into the system. She flew Cathay Pacific even when it meant longer routing or an additional stop than it would have meant with a different non-Asia miles airline. Airlines should use these programs to build loyal customers not drive them away. They've probably driven us away.

It might be time to start looking at Star Alliance to see if they have better customer service.


Until Next Time
Fai Mao
The Blogger who doesn't really like to fly anyway.

Political Humor

Political humor is a strange beast. When done right it can be the funniest thing in print. I think was Dana Carvy who used to make wicked
fun out of the first President Bush and was invited to the White House to have dinner with the President as a result. The jokes about Ronald Regan
and Jelly Beans, Jimmy Carter's teeth, Gerald Ford's stumbling down steps were all funny and laughed at by the politician as well as their
opponents. Sometimes political humor makes its way into political advertising. With such famous lines as “3500 years ago Moses said 'Load up
your camels and asses and follow me and I'll Lead you to the Promised land Today LBJ tells to smoke your camels and sit on your asses this is
the promised land.”  

Other times political humor can be simply vile and sophomoric. In its worst form it can be seditious. I believe that the ability to laugh government
and to lampoon leaders is one of the most basic of liberties. Martin Luther once said something to the effect of “The best way to defeat the devil
is first to quote scripture to him and second to laugh at him” This is kind of true with politicians as well. Being able to laugh at them selves is
a virtue for politicians.        

More than that, being able to put potentially contentious issues in a humorous format can allow us to discuss and
examine these issues with less rancor is a good thing.  

Being able to allow dissent, especially through humor is something that PRC government needs to learn.
It might also be a good lesson for Hong Kong politicians. Would Sir Bow-Tie look less stiff if we thought
he could laugh at himself?

Until Next Time
Fai Mao
The Blogger who enjoys political humor

Science Fiction Top Ten List

The previous post was general. In reality I think that all librarians probably have several top ten list based upon literature genre rolling around in their heads.

Mine for Science Fiction at the High School level would something like this though in no particular order. Some are out of print

1. A Canticle for Lebowitz by Walter Miller (This really deserve the #1 rank as the best Sci-Fi book of all time)
2. The Sirens of Titan by Kurt Vonnegut
3. Q-Squared by Peter David ( The best Star Trek novel by far)
4. The Night Land (parts I and II) by William H. Hodgeson (very hard to find and very strange)
5. The Mansions of Space by John Morressy (A 24th century search for the Shroud of Turin)
6. Starship Troopers by Robert Heinlein (Don't confuse it with the bad movie)
7. The Space Trilogy - Out of the Silent Planet, Perelandra, That Hideous Strength by C.S. Lewis
8. The Martin Chronicles by Ray Bradbury
9. The Dragon Riders of Pern by Anne McCaffrey (The whole series)
10. 2001 A Space Odyssey by Arther C. Clarke

Honorable Mentions that probably should also be on the list somewhere and would be on other days:
The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams (the whole series)
The Foundation Trilogy by Isac Asimov
Those Who Watch by Robert Silverberg
The Tripod Trilogy by John Christopher
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

Until Next Time
Fai Mao
The Science Fiction Snob

Ten Greatest Children's Books

This list is bogus. "The Amazing Adventures of Captain Underpants" didn't make the list. Not that TAoCU is actually great literature but it is at least a fun read which is more than can be said for most of the selections on this list. I actually think it says more about the deficiencies in the selector's psyche than it does about children's literature. This may be the ten most self-loathing books of the 20th century; but, they are are not the best in children's literature by any stretch of the imagination unless you are an ivory tower academic with pretense for brains.

Not to mention the fact that this looks like books for young adults not children

I hear the snobby chorus from the PC pimps saying "OK smart guy what books would you pick?"

Well, off the top of my head in no particular order.

1. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
2. Johnny Tremain by Ester Forbes
3. The Indian in the Cupboard by Lynn Reid-Banks
4. The Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
5. Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbit
6. Redwall by Brian Jacques
7. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L'Engle
8. The Book of the Dun Cow by Walter Wangren
9. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
10. Any of the four Sherlock Holmes novels by Arthur Conan Doyle

There are many, many others that are better than the ones on the published list that could be included in my opinion. I'd have no argument with any of the following as well:

Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls
Holes by Louis Sachar
Harry Potter by J.K Rowling
Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket
Old Yeller by Fred Gibson
I heard the Owl Call My Name by Margret Craven
The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Rascal by Stirling North
The Phantom Toll Both by Norton Juster
Stwart Little by E.B. White
The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan
The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare

Any of these is better than any of the books on the Independents' list They've all helped get many kids reading and generally have up lifting positive story lines even when dealing with sad or scary topics.

Until Next Time
Fai Mao
The Blogger who believes kids should enjoy reading without be burdened by a depressed world view

A Moment of Silence

Until Next Time
Fai Mao
The Blogger who defers to more eloquent voices

The Funeral

Nina Wong was buried yesterday. Lots local big wheels and celebrities were there

Unfortunately my invitation was lost in the mail and didn't arrive so I just went to work as normal.

Until Next Time
Fai Mao
The Blogger Who's still making fun of Nina WOng

Conspiracy

A long but very good post in "Eject Eject Eject" today.

This is a blog I do not normally read but today I am glad I stopped by

Until Next Time
Fai Mao
The Blogger who doesn't Normally believe conspiracy theories

"And so it goes and so forth"

I've forgotten who it was that said that you know you're getting old when the first section of the paper you read is the obituaries so that you can see if any friends have died.

I sort of felt like that this week. First, my favorite punching bag, Nina Wong died. I don't want to make jokes about death but I can't help but wonder if she'll be buried in pig-tails? I would have made a post about it earlier except I was In Guilin last week on a death march tour with the lovely, smart, looks twenty-five years younger than she is, hard working and beautiful wife. It occurs to me that making a joke about someone dying is only funny on the day or the day after they die so, I'll not speak of her again.

What Miss Piggy's passing means is that Regina Ip has moved up a slot in my ridicule list. Madam Broomhead is now number two just behind Long Hair Leung and tied with Donald (I'm not really a Chinese Mr. Bean) Tsang.

On a sadder note, at least for me, Kurt Vonnegut died yesterday; he was 84 which I guess is certainly old enough that his dying shouldn't be a surprise. Vonnegut was a strange author. Lots of Christian schools won't stock his books but I buy all I can get for my library. I found his cynicism and world weariness to be exactly the response that non-Christians should feel when they look at the human condition. His books always made me laugh and cry at the same time. Fiction, when done right, makes you think about your world and how it could be better or worse than it is now. Kurt Vonnegut's books always did that for me. The Sirens of Titian and Breakfast of Champions are my favorite Vonnegut novels.

I felt the same way two years ago with the death of Saul Bellow.

I had to resist the urge yesterday to make a book order with every Vonnegut novel I could find.

Until Next Time
Fai Mao
The Blogger who reads strange fiction

Back and gone

I'm back from EARCOS but going to China with the beautiful, gracious, lovely and really smart wife and so will be gone for about a week.

Earcos was what teachers' conferences always tend to be. I never enjoy them. If someone really wants to see what is wrong with education go to a teachers' conference

Until Next Time
Fai Mao
The educator who stands for educational progress not PC platitudes

"Hub of the Eastern World"

I'll be in Bangkok next week, through March 30, for the EARCOS teacher's conference.

My lovely and attractive, looks 20 years younger than she is and lots of fun to be around wife cannot go with me. That's a shame because I'm planning to make a pre-conference session and talk to a few individuals and other than that not do much. I hope the hotel has good TV, maybe a treadmill and a pool. Failing those a decent bar with a guest drink free happy hour would work!

Bangkok is probably my least favorite city in Asia. My few regular readers will not be ever able to confuse me with a Christian fundamentalist or even a Pentecostal. However, there is something about Bangkok that repels me at a very deep spiritual or emotional level. I would almost use the word demonic but then I would probably lose my few regular readers. The prostitutes and the pornography and the general tenor of Thai popular culture are just so sad. Thailand seems to be a place that is needy in both the physical and spiritual sense.

If nothing else Bangkok must be the pedophile capital of the world; or at least Asia. Amsterdam(ned) is probably the world capital.

I don't think I could live in Thailand. I'd probably end in prison for murdering a fat pedophile tourist from Germany or Canada to keep them from hiring 12 year-old girls for sex. As noble as killing a few pedophiles with my bare hands might be I'd rather not spend any time in a Thai prison. I guess I'm just not committed enough to my social causes. Maybe I should make my self feel better by calling Tony Blair or George W. Bush a few names. Or I could say"Global Warming" twenty times to absolve myself of my lack of conviction. Better yet. I could give some financial aid to charities and missions that help the victims of rich pedophile liberals. If you know of such a ministry let me know.

Go ahead. Say I'm being judgmental if you want. You can also say I am too narrow and not multi-cultural enough. I still won't like Bangkok any better and will be glad to be back in Hong Kong with my wife on Friday.

Until Next Time
Fai Mao
The Blogger who likes Thai food but not much else in Bangkok

More reasons China will never be a Superpower

Poor Customer service. poor quality control. Cutting corners.

People in many developed countries are already leery of the quality of Chinese goods. This just killed lots of dogs and cat in North America and many of these people will now stop buying Chinese goods at least for a while.

I find it funny because the communist are responsible for this even though I no longer think that China is a communist country. They told the Chinese for 50 years that the only reality is material reality and they wonder why nobody behaves ethically?

I am not sure just how much the average Chinese farmer realizes how much a situation like this hurts the Chinese economy. But I wouldn't be surprised to see the importation of foods from China become a political issue.

Until Next Time
Fai Mao
The Blogger who has to eat Chinese foods

Yesbutnobutyes

I have placed a link to this. However, it is too funny not to simply steal and so, I've also copied it below.

Well done Evil Richard! Well done!

Until Next Time
Fai Mao
The Comic Book Reading Blogger

Top 15 Unintentionally Funny Comic Book Panels

Posted by Evil Richard on March 21, 2007.

Comics are great because as they get older not only do they get more valuable (at least my future children hope so because they ain't going to no college unless a certain Mr. Spiderman can afford to send them) but they also get funnier. Thank god our use of language changes over the years because it makes our old comics look stupid and that's funny.

Here's a collection of the Top 15 Funniest Unintentionally Funny Comic Book Panels of All Time.

15. Joker's Boner
I think most of the comic goes on like this. That's all the Joker ever talks about, really.

14. Rod! Rod! Rod!
I can't tell if she's hoping for it or is suddenly surprised by it.

13. Archie Beats off
How convenient that the water comes up to their waists.

12. Shut up, Sue
This one really isn't too unusual for early Fantastic Four comics. Sue really didn't know her place back then.

11. Spider-spunk
Aunt May should know better than to snoop around a teenage boy's room.

10. Wonder Woman's eye-lash emergency
God, women can be so vain.

9. Captain America, wanker
This one's for our Cockney audience.

8. Butt-stroked?
No idea what this is from or what butt-stroking means to this guy but it's funny that this isn't the first time it's happened to him.

7. Barry Arren, Frash
It's one thing to have a character that's an insensitive stereotype, but did the editor really have to get in on it too?

6. Robin takes off his panties
I'm sure this little perv does this all the time. I mean look at who his role model is.

5. Dr. Doom and Crazy Black Man
Most likely this one actually intended to be funny but was it meant to be a story that showed how it's hard for a pimp working with a Dr. Doom tranny?

4. Wonder Woman - just like a woman only smart
Well you really can't say this guy is a mysoginist. He's totally got respect for Wonder Woman so that's pretty progressive of him.

3. Hope she has a safe word
It's hard to believe this one is real and that any version of Batman in the last 60 something years would sound natural saying this. But there it is.

2. Lois' morning after
Robots just don't quit unless you let them go around back. Lois learned the hard way.

1. Oh, Batman. You didn't.
This is my all-time favorite. That Batman has really got problems.

French UFO's

This will probably provide the French someone else to ask for surrender terms from.

Until Next Time
Fai Mao
The Blogger who is still pretty much a Frankophobe

The Confession

I doubt that this will shut the offensive "George Bush planned the 9/11 attacks" idiots up but it should.

Until Next Time
Fai Mao
The Blogger who knows the difference between a terrorist and a government

This is why I keep saying that China will never be a Super Power

I try not to write on politics much. However, this is an interesting article because it shows why I do not think that China will ever be a Super Power. They need too much of their huge army to keep the peasants from rioting. This is not the simple growing pains associated with industrialization. This is the repressed dissatisfaction of a people who are systematically denied their rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

The government in China is a bunch or geriatric geezers who use shoe polish for hair dye and are afraid to lose control of the country because they know that they then might be tried and condemned for their crimes. They also like the good perks that high level party members get that prove that "all animals are equal but some are more equal than others."

What is scary about this to me is that I do not think that it is beyond the realm of reason to think that the shoe-polish-hair-dye set that runs Beijing wouldn't reach down to Hong Kong and tell us to cease and desist or else. There is no paranoid like one who really has something to worry about.

Rulers who are afraid of he people rule are generally pretty scary guys.

I really think that Beijing could learn a lot about Hong Kong as could the rest of China. When we have a protest here it is peaceful and polite but the point is made. There was one exception to that but the meanies were from Sout Korea and not locals.

Until Next Time
Fai Mao
The blogger who wishes that China would live up to its constitution

Leadership

I kind of agree with this guy. Sometimes good leaders are abrasive. They must be.

Consensus often equals a lack of leadership.

Because a leader has a vision for an organization and that vision is often absolute a good leader, or so it would seem to me, might often clash with those who have less clear vision. I guess what this means is that a part of good leadership is that you actually believe in what you are doing. Good leaders are not necessarily the person engaged in a disinterested pursuit of excellence.

Until Next Time
Fai Mao
The Blogger who beats them to submission and beckons them with screams

Ban Water

This was an obvious stunt

However, that most people didn't have enough knowledge to realize they were being had is disturbing.

Until Next Time
Fai Mao
The Blogger who knows what dihydrogen-monoxide is

Sex Education

I was never this lucky in grade 6. Not that I would have done this if I was.

This is almost beyond belief. As a teacher I think that the teacher probably didn't stop it because he couldn't believe what what was happening.

Until Next Time

Fai Mao
The somewhat more prudish Blogger

Freedom of Expression and Information

The article above details just one more example of how the former nations of Europe are continuing their slide into totalitarianism.


Until Next Time
Fai Mao
The Blogger who believes in Free Speech

I've got News for the SF Chronicle

China already is so polluted. It already produces more "Green House Gas" than the US. Anybody who has been to a US city and a Chinese city knows this is true.

Over the last 10 years I've been to the non-Hong Kong parts of China maybe 50 or 60 times. I've almost never seen a blue sky; even in rather rural places. China is covered in a perpetual gray haze. It looks like clouds but it is air pollution and it is getting worse. The whole nation smells like it needs to be dipped in degreaser.

Until Next Time
Fai Mao
The Blogger who know more about China than SF Chronicle ever will

Death Wish

I am not really a financial or investment kind of guy. I figure that if you spend less than you make and save some you'll be OK That doesn't mean I don't have some investments, it just means that I am not obsessed with making money. But, I have been watching the recent fall in stocks world wide markets.

Not being heavily invested I can afford to snicker at the panic and silliness that might be about to ensue. People who place their value as a human in monetary wealth make some really funny, albeit sad statements in times like this. I realize that laughing at other people's misfortune is a character flaw but sometimes we can't help who we are. More importantly, I am not laughing at the poor who are genuinely going to be hurt in an economic down turn. I'm laughing at the smug, self important speculators and arrogant new rich who don't think they'll ever lose and have never suffered through a recession. That means most of the newly rich "entrepreneurs" in China.

Because investors in the PRC have never been in a down turn they have the potential to be more fun to watch than most others. They have a strange combination of patriotism and incompetence that is going to be fun. There were reports on the Chinese news stations about Shanghai investors who were exuberant because when the Shanghai market fell others did too. They were making statements like "See, the world follows us . We're important!"

Idiots! Who is going to starve first the US or the PRC? If the world goes into a severe depression the PRC will wish that they'd been a little more careful.

I wonder when the bodies will start hitting the pavement in Shanghai?

Until Next Time
Fai Mao
The Blogger who is more of a saver than an investor

Fat Fashion

I was in Wan Chai this weekend. Nothing special, just shopping but as always I was observing the locals and tourist on the street. In the space of about 15 minutes I saw three or four men who were just huge. I mean 50+ inch waist lines. All of them were dressed to the nines. French cuffs with cuff-links. Fancy shoes and ties; exquisitely groomed hair and aftershave that would attract honeybees. It could be that they just stick out more but why does it seem that really overweight men are always such natty dressers? If I, a slightly overweight but not really obese middle aged man wore those kinds of clothes to work people would want to know if I was gay. Really fat guys are the only men I know of who can dress like a gay and not be thought of as gay.

There are several potential answers to this but the truth is probably some combination.
1. They are good dressers because it is a way to offset the negative reaction their weight might make on people
2. A way to compensate for an otherwise poor self image
3. They just really enjoy life; expensive clothes, good cigars, pretty women and rich food and wine. Thus, being overweight is just part of their lifestyle.

Now the other question. Why do I always look like such a slob in comparison?

Until Next Time
Fai Mao
The Blogger who is just a paunchy slob

They Ought to Move to the Big Lycee

Hong Kong Restaurants would feel right at home in NYC

Until Next Time
Fai Mao
The Blogger who isn't bothered by big rats as much as he used to be

Democracy or Liberty?

"Remember, democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There was never a democracy yet that did not commit suicide." John Adams

This is a quote that perhaps the people of Hong Kong should think about. Do we really want "Universal Suffrage" and do we want it because we are confusing democracy with liberty? If it were to come to a choice I'd rather have liberty and not vote. Currently we have have neither.

But, I'm am a self-confessed anarchist

Until Next Time
Fai Mao
The Blogger who would rather march to his own drum

Prince Big-Mouth should have to eat his words

This is just too funny

Until Next Time
Fai Mao
The Blogger who prefers Burger King to the English King

Let them Eat Tofu

I don't often completely agree with Ann. She is a bit too strident for me most of the time.
However, I agree with this article. A lot of the things that so called progressives believe today would cause mass starvation and death on a scale never seen in history if followed. The whole Global Warming issue the foremost example of this. Al Gore effectively wants 4 to 5 BILLION people to starve.

Until Next Time
Fai Mao
The Blogger who will see you by the pool

Snicker, Snicker, Snicker

Until Next Time
Fai Mao
The Non-Political Blogger

Strong Monsoon Warning

Hong Kong is currently under a "Strong Monsoon Warning" what that means is that we will have very strong winds and lots of rain. At least that is the forecast. However, since it comes from the land and not the sea it isn't a typhoon and I won't get a day off to play computer games.


Until Next Time
Fai Mao
The Blogger who prays for typhoons

Chinese New Year

I made a long post about a Chinese New Year last year. The sentiment is the same. So, I am going to post a link and let you substitute the word "Pig" for "Dog"

Until Next Time
Fai Mao
The Blogger who was too sick this Year to post something origional

High Maintenance Bitch

What I find interesting about this controversy is that the word "bitch" is a proper term for a female dog. Originally it was neither profane or vulgar and the way that the shop has used a term that has slide through misuse into the realm of course vulgarity is legitimately funny.

The woman who complains in this article about how to explain the shop name to her children should be bitch slapped. Just tell the little puppies the truth.

Here is how the dialog would go:

Child: "Mommy, isn't that a dirty word?"
Mommy: Yes and no dearest, the word "bitch" is the proper name for a female dog and a "High Maintenance Bitch is one that requires lots grooming; but some people compare women who wear lots of makeup to fancy female dogs."
Child: "But it isn't nice to call people dogs is it?"
Mommy: "No dear, but it is OK to call a dog a dog."
Child: "So what should we call a woman who wears too much makeup?"
Mommy: "A Nina Wong"
Child: "But I thought that was what you call women who hires men to murder her husband so that she can steal his money?"
Mommy: "Well dear, that was never proved in court so we can't say it; can we?"
Child: "OK mommy, I understand"
Mommy: Good dear, I'm glad."
Child: "Mommy?
Mommy: "What dear?"
Child: "Are we there yet?"

Geez, some people will just bitch and moan about anything.

Until Next Time
Fai Mai
The Blogger whose lovely, intelligent, looks 20 younger than she is wife is very low maintenance

China sentences man to death in ant case

What more can said about this than has been said?
Seems like the punishment is a bit severe!

Until Next Time
Fai Mao
The Blogger without an ant farm

A man after my own heart

This guy was out of line and should have known better than to do this. However, I understand the sentiment

At this point he should look on the bright side. He is going to get a view of the Philippines that very few tourist see!

Until Next Time
Fai Mao
The Blogger who hates to be treated like a crimminal at airports

Thai woman tells of 25-year detour after catching wrong bus

I am surprised that this doesn't happen in Hong Kong

Until Next Time
Fai Mao
The Bus Riding Blogger

Microsoft

These emails speak for themselves. I think it may be time I switch over to a Linux operating system even if that means not being able to play my games. I had to remove the Java Script from the emails but otherwise the only thing I have changed is to delete my real name and email address.

Please remember that because we are on opposite ends of the International Date line my today is their Yesterday. Otherwise the dates do not match up

First Message #1 to Microsoft

Three weeks ago my copy of XP developed a glitch and would not boot. I formatted the hard drive and reinstalled Windows. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that my legal copy of Windows could not be validated. I called the HK number and received a validation number and it worked but then the SP2 didn't load correctly and I had to reload Windows again. Because it was new installation there was no recovery point.

I replace my computer every 18 months. Indeed, I custom build my computer to be sure I get the components that I want and because in Hong Kong that type of system can be had at a competitive price. When I replace the computer I format the drive on the old one. Thus, nobody has an old copy of my XP. Indeed, I have two legal copies of XP one for my computer and one for the kid's computer.

I find it offensive that I am assumed to be a law breaker when I am simply trying to use the product correctly. I refuse to purchase another validation even though the call in Hong Kong is not expensive. (It should be free!) The problems with XP are not my fault. (It actually is expensive compared to the cost of the Windows XP but I was trying to be polite)

I need a validation number. I'm not going to call, you are going to send it to me via email. You are not going to charge me for it. Indeed, I would hope that that you would give me a number that works more than once so that if the SP2 again fails to install properly I won't have to write another letter.

Better yet, you could and if you were concerned about your customers would, send me a new copy of XP but I won't hold my breath; I don't look good in blue.

The product key is

XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX

You may email me at:

Please enter "Windows Product codes" Subject box


Comment: Note that I've already paid to gain another activation code that only worked once.

Microsoft's 1st Reply

From: "Microsoft Contact US"
To: XXXXXXX@XXXXXXXX.edu.hk
Date: Wed, 07 Feb 2007 18:59:50 -0800
Subject: RE:'RTCProd=014-374-495'

Hello (Name is spelled wrong)

Thank you for contacting Microsoft Online Customer Service.

I understand that you are unable to install SP2 and validate your Windows XP. I realize the importance of your concern.

Please note, if you are seeking assistance with a Microsoft product that was purchased outside of North America, you may wish to contact your local subsidiary directly for assistance. Our Support Professionals are only trained to troubleshoot issues with North American versions of our products whereas the Support Professionals at the local Microsoft subsidiaries are trained to troubleshoot issues with localized versions of our software and can assist you in your own language. (I have added highlights)

Please contact the Microsoft subsidiary in Hong Kong SAR at +(852) 2804-4200 or you may visit the following website:

http://www.microsoft.com/worldwide/phone/contact.aspx?country=Hong%20Kong

I hope that your issue gets resolved soon.

Thank you for using Microsoft Products and Services.

Priya

Microsoft Online Customer Service Representative

If you have any feedback about your Online Customer Service experience, please submit your feedback by visiting the web link provided below:

https://support.microsoft.com/common/survey.aspx?scid=sw;en;1389&showpage=1&WS=managermail

Comment: The link to the Microsoft Hong Kong web page does not come up when you access the the Microsoft web page. They only give you a phone number that charges you a whopping $450.00 Hong Kong dollars a call for a program that cost $720.00 dollars.

As will become obvious in the next reply despite the somewhat unusual Indian name this is probably a form letter generated by a computer or that the rep has on file and simply fills in the blanks.

Note as well that they did not follow my instruction as to what to put in the subject box either.

Lastly does anything in my email suggest I need or want to speak to someone in Chinese?

Anyway, I emailed Microsoft Hong Kong and received no reply. However I did send a reply email to the US office and this is what I received

My Reply

Your reps need to actually READ MY COMPLAINT!

Look at my last name; look at my writing. Does it look to you like I need to talk to someone in Chinese?

Microsoft's 2nd Reply

Date: 02/08/2007 05:29 PM

Subject: RE:'RTCProd=014-382-347'

---

Hello Dr. (My first name misspelled)

I appreciate that you have taken the time to provide us with this valuable feedback.

As one of our valued customers, your satisfaction is one of our primary concerns. We take our customers' feedback very seriously. We appreciate you taking the time to forward your thoughts to us. Continue to send us your feedback and suggestions. Your comments help us to provide the most useful experience possible.

I also suggest that you provide your feedback in the following page:

https://support.microsoft.com/common/survey.aspx?scid=sw;en;1208

This site is for ideas on new or improved features and services that you would like to see added and ways to make Microsoft products easier. Your suggestions are always welcome there.

We immensely value our relationship and your satisfaction. If you have any other questions regarding your Microsoft product and services, please do write back to us and we will respond to you as soon as possible.

Sujith

Microsoft Online Customer Service

Comments: By this time, I had begun to develop some unique suggestions about products and services that Microsoft could provide and where they could keep them!

My Reply

Date: Wednesday, February 07, 2007 07:44 PM
To: Microsoft Contact US (msconus@microsoft.com)
Subject: RE:

You still didn't read my email. Please do so. It is still listed below.

Look at my original complaint. I am not going to contact the local number because I already have. You will give an activation for free via email or I will simply not use your products.


Microsoft's 3rd Reply

From: "Microsoft Contact US" To:
Date: 02/09/2007 02:02 AM

Subject: RE:'RTCProd=014-374-495'

---

Hello (Name spelled correctly),

Thank you for contacting Microsoft Online Customer Service.

I appreciate you for the time taken to write back to us. I realize the importance of your concern and will assist you in reaching the appropriate resource.

Please be informed that, at this time our Support Professionals are only trained to troubleshoot issues with North American versions of our products whereas the Support Professionals at the local Microsoft subsidiaries are trained to troubleshoot issues with localized versions of our software.

From the information you have provided in your message, I found that you are located in Hongkong. If you have purchased the Microsoft product in Hongkong, your best resource for support is the Microsoft Hongkong subsidiary.

There are significant programming differences between North America and localized versions of software. You will be best assisted by the subsidiary that specializes in the version.

(Misspelled Name), you can contact them at this number +(852) 2804-4200 or visit the following link to locate contact information for the Hongkong subsidiary:

http://www.microsoft.com/worldwide/phone/contact.aspx?country=Hong%20Kong

I hope your issue is resolved soon and appreciate your patience in this regard.

Thank you for using Microsoft Products and Services.

Siju

Microsoft Online Customer Service Representative

If you have any feedback about your Online Customer Service experience, please submit your feedback by visiting the weblink provided below:
https://support.microsoft.com/common/survey.aspx?scid=sw;en;1389&showpage=1&WS=managermail

My Reply

The Hong Kong service center did not answer my email.

I am aware of the number you gave me but I refuse to pay another HKD $450.00 for service even though this problem is not my fault. I'm sorry. I am not going to do that.

As to differences in an operating system between Asia and North America I can't see how that applies since all I need is a validation code.

I will at this point probably find another operating system.

Do you people even read my emails?

I wish I could say thank you for your help. I can't

Until Next Time
Fai Mao
The former Microsoft customer who still won't buy an Apple

China's Gun Toting Tribe

Cool

Until Next Time
Fai Mao
The Blogger who Wishes He Had the Right To A Sleeveless Shirt

The perils of Jihad

By Comedian Steve Martin.
Probably to blue for some readers.

My dirty mind strikes again

Until Next Time
Fai Mao
The Blogger who thinks you should be able to make fun of all religions

Scary

I have had a fascination for mass murderers since I was child and found out that we lived just a couple of streets over from Tex Watson's parents.

When I was in college I worked at a budget motel where Henry Lee Lucas was arrested. indeed, I checked him into the motel. Let me tell you, he was scary piece of work and nobody there was surprised when he was arrested.

Anyway

Until Next Time
Fai Mao
The Blogger with a morbid, possibly unhealthy interest in mass murderers

Effort to block Hooters backfires

For those of you from places where "Hooters" isn't the waitresses in this chain wear skin tight very short, hip-hugger shorts and t-shirts that are about 3 sizes to small. They don't hire waiters and they don't hire girls who wear less than a "D" cup bra. However, they will hire girls who don't wear bras

I used to go there for the food.


From the article
"Critics are concerned that the restaurants’ scantily clad servers don’t fit the image the city seeks to project in its Big Beaver commercial district. Fleming said officials are trying to make the area a “world-class corridor.”

If you don't the joke I don't know that I could explain it

Until Next Time
Fai Mao
The Blogger who doesn't really have a dirty mind

Eagles may have new album soon

How cool is this?

We'll have to wait and see.

Question.


If Rock & Roll is the music of protest then what do the children of Rockers listen too when they want to protest what their parents listen too?

Maybe that explains Harry Connick and Michael Buble

Until Next Time
Fai Mao
The Blogger who still listens to the Eagles

Dior makes attempt to redefine pants

This is soooooooooooooooo funny. Tell me where would your wallet go in these? How do you unzip at the urinal?

Can anybody imagine men actually buying these? Not even rappers would wear these things. Holy Cow, this make the things they wear in Sci-Fi movies look normal.

It is obvious that men's fashions need some new less Gay blood. That isn't Gay bashing it is just the truth. Gay men, think like women. Women might find this stuff cool men won't If Dior puts these out they'll go broke. They'll be laughed out of business. Men don't change their clothes like women because something is the new "In" thing. They buy clothing that fits, is appropriate for their job and doesn't take an hour to get into.

Until Next Time
Fai Mao
The Blogger with straight legged and pleated front trousers

On Becoming a Middle-Aged Egghead

I've been re-reading the C.S. Forester Hornblower novels. I bought all of them for my library and the middle school boys have just jumped all over them. I read them in junior high school when I was about 11 or 12 and hadn't picked them up since. What great novels. It is kind of funny because I had forgotten about them until I saw Pat Sejak mentioned them on a rerun of Wheel of Fortune.

I realized about 1/2 way through Hornblower and the Atropos that I've effectively stopped reading fiction. Every since starting the PhD I've basically been reading non-fiction, Philosophy in fact. Now that the terminal degree has been reached and I didn't die you'd think I could get a life! While it could probably be successfully argued that lots of Philosophy is actually fiction that is another post. What is scary is that I've come to enjoy reading philosophy so much that I will choose it when given a choice for pleasure reading. As a librarian this bothers me because I find fiction to be so useful in making us well-rounded people.

It seems to me that there are huge differences in the way we process fiction and non-fiction

One of those differences is what happens after you put the book down. I can read a novel to put my self to sleep. I cannot read Heidegger before I got bed. Not because it gives me nightmares but, because after reading Being and Time I need to be quiet and think about it. I need to turn the ideas over in my head and grind them up and make them fit my life.

I've been reading Hume's Abject Failure: The Argument Against Miracles by John Earman and have really enjoyed it. I've been thinking about the influence of Hume upon Dewey and thinking about the way that Hume has influenced education. I've also been re-reading Karl Popper and plowing through Alvin Plantinga's little book God, Freedom and Evil which is not long but dense. I can't read it at a 15-minute setting but have to be prepared to really take notes and chart out his logic.

What this means is that my vocation and avocation have merged and I'm not sure that is a good thing. I feel like such a geek! Everybody else on the bus reads John Grisham or Japanese comic books


Until Next Time
Fai Mao
The Reluctant Philosopher

Snicker - China's War Against Starbucks

I don't normally like journalist. This guy might be an exception. I don't normally like Starbucks either

Until Next Time
Fai Mao
The Blogger who drinks Coffee when he goes to Beijing

Egghead Handringing

I am tempted to go to the conference linked above. I don't know why, I would probably just get angry. Their main topic seems to be whether or not English should be replaced as the language of academia. They seem to think that English is a form of cultural imperialism.

Some questions.

Which language wouldn't be? If 80% of the research were printed in French would that be French cultural imperialism? Until 1911 China was an actual Empire, albeit a rather piss poor one, does that exclude them from being the official language of research? How about Spanish? Get real Spain ran one of the most oppressive empires in modern times. Russian? Anyone who doesn't think that the USSR was an imperial power is simply deluded. So how is any other language better?

Let us not even get into the question of ASCI. Computer languages are based upon a stilted and geeky form English. Are we going to rewrite the binary code because otherwise, even if one types in Chinese they are still using English at the programming level?

In order to be imperialistic, cultural or military it would seem to me that there must be a person or group that is building an empire. That is not the case with English. Yes, the use of English is, in many ways the result of the British Empire. But, the British, not even the snobby ex-colonials you still meet in Hong Kong who purposely misspell words to make it easier for their nasal accent to pronounce look at it as a form of imperialism. Well, maybe those guys but nobody else.

The real issue here is that most research is in English because most research is done in English speaking countries by people who speak English as their fist language. Why should I have to write in Kermit simply because some French librarian thinks it a shame that Kermit librarians don't publish enough? I thought that the goal of publishing research was to disseminate the information to as wide an audience as possible. If so, wouldn't it make sense to publish the article in a language that the most people can read?

Also, and not incidentally, English happens to be a very good language to publish research in because it has fewer controls upon the introduction of new words than say French or Spanish which makes it not only adaptable but considerably less ethnocentric. As much as the BBC-ophiles may wish; there is no academy of usage that controls English grammar and spelling. English is spelt or spelled differently in different countries and locations. Usage and pronunciation changes from place to place as well.

This just looks like another attempt by guilty whites to debase themselves and to prove to themselves that they aren't Americans. (As if the Americans would have them) Indeed, the whole exercise smacks of the snobby anti-Americanism that European elites so love to engage in.

If any of them read this they will wail and moan and bitch and groan about how I am forcing my language upon the down trodden and oppressed masses. My response is simple, I actually care for the down trodden. I want them to become free and prosperous. The fastest way for that to happen is if their plight can be made known to me without relying upon a government interpretors' lies about their condition. I cannot see how having research printed in obscure languages helps very many people? More than that, because I cannot read about what is going on I cannot become concerned. Having a greater diversity of languages would simply mean more oppression and because it would be easier for left-wing dictators like Robert Mugabe to hide what they are doing. It would mean that I have to rely upon what other people, translators say.

This conference is simply about academic Anti-Americanism. I'd be willing to bet real money there will also be a large salting of antisemitism there as well because European antisemitism and anti-Americanism seem to hold hands quite often but that is another post. Limiting the role the US has in the world might be a good thing. But limiting English simply because it is spoken in the US is a bad idea.

Don't get me wrong, I can be and have been and will continue to be as critical of the US as the next person; probably more so in many cases. The difference is that I try to limit my criticism to substantive things. I also realize as evidently Europeans don't that criticism is a two-edged sword. If they wish to call me vulgar; I can call them snobs. If they want to complain about US military policy; I can complain about their cowardice. They can call me materialistic and I can call them envious. What they call "The Ugly American" is sometimes simply reciprocity.

I may go to this conference for the lunch. I may not.

Until Next Time
Fai Mao
The The Europhobic Blogger

This Holocaust Will Be Different

A chilling Essay


Until Next Time
Fai Mao

In Praise of a Violent Sport

I watched the movie Cinderella Man this weekend.

I was able to do this because my wife was ill and asleep and that gave me control of the TV. I don't think I could be considered a fan of boxing. I don't like what it has become and a large part of that is, I think a result of Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson. Don't get me wrong, both were great boxers. But, both were greater showmen. Ali took what was a primitive and decidedly brutal sport and turned into prime time, suitable for children entertainment with his cheesy limericks and talk of "scientific boxing." Tyson, by conforming to the worst stereotypes of what a boxer is did incredible damage to the sport.

Boxing is a primitive, brutal and violent sport. It is supposed to be. It is also, or at least used to be, the purest of all sports. I don't mean that the referees were more honest or the boxers all paragons who would never cheat. I mean that it was a sport that relied upon the skill, determination and training of the participants. The equipment was simple. The object was obvious. The danger was plain; as was the chance of debilitating injury. Boxing is two men in a confined space trying to beat each other senseless while spectators cheer

All of that means that Boxers are possessed of a type of courage that is markedly different and superior to the type of dedication needed by almost any other sport. Boxers require a type of courage more like that possessed of a soldier than a footballer.

Boxers are a breed apart.

I've met several boxers and far from being goons they were all gentlemen. (Though admittedly, I've never met Mike Tyson and he might prove the last statement false) They understood the problem of using violence as a tool of personal advancement. They understood the value of a civil society. They knew why it is against the rules to strike a "low blow" or to throw "sucker punch" even metaphorically in business. They understood that it is sometimes necessary to be able to take a punch. It is football coaches who preach "Murder the other team" not boxers.

Men may admire a Renaldo, Lance Armstrong or Nolan Ryan. They may wish that they had the money of David Beckham. But, they stand in awe of Lennox Lewis, Larry Holmes, Joe Lewis and any of the myriad of other Boxing legends. They may want Alex Rodriguez's money but they want to live next door to George Foreman! If Horse Racing is the "Sport of Kings" then boxing is the "Sport of the Common Men."

Boxing is, or at least ought to be violent and brutal with a minimal set of rules that prevents one man from killing the other faster than the match can be called. In a strange way, that is part of what it makes it a civilized sport. Boxing harnesses our violent nature and controls it by putting limits upon what acceptable, even in sport. Boxing raises our baser instincts to the level of sport and thereby brings them under control. It reminds us of our frailty and shows us the devastation our warlike nature can cause. In doing so it changes what would otherwise be a simple brawl into something higher; something noble and good.

We often see how that which is good has been twisted into something evil. Boxing is, or ought to be a sport which takes something evil and makes it a virtue. When you see a boxing match you shouldn't see a fight you should see courage, dedication and valor.

Boxing is an allegory of sorts. It is an allegory of a single man overcoming adversity and pain. Of facing down your worst fear (If don't you don't think your worst fear is not being beaten senseless you haven't thought about your worst fear) and if not succeeding then at least surviving. Boxing dignifies our struggle to succeed in the face of fear.

Attempts to sanitize boxing turn it into the wrestling. Such attempts are evil.

I think that the political process in Hong Kong would be benefited if Donald Tsang was a boxing fan or better yet had boxed in high school or college. Boxers know that the worst thing you can do is not face your fears. A boxer would be able to see how inflating floor space in flats is dishonest. A boxer would know why the labor laws here are the moral equivalent of a kidney punch. A Boxer would know lots of things that the Hong Kong professional paper pushers seemed to have never learned

A boxer must face the possibility that he will lose in order to win. Indeed, even in winning a boxer gets hurt. Donald Tsang is, or so it appears to me, afraid to face the possibility of losing. He'd rather straddle the ropes on the ring or better yet be outside the ring than fight either the central government or the opposition in Hong Kong. He thinks by being non-aggressive he can schmooze his agenda through. He is wrong. He needs to fight or he is going to be knocked out in the first round.

I may not agree with anything Sir Bow Tie wants for Hong Kong. But, if he'd actually fight for his beliefs I'd at least respect him. It is time for him to not "Take the gloves off" but to put the gloves on.

Until Next Time
Fai Mao
The Blogger who may actually be a Boxing fan after all

Putting on Weight

Like many people I put on a little weight over the holidays. This is a particular problem for me because in Hong Kong the holidays are not over until after Chinese New Year. So, I have National Day, Lantern Festival, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year, Chinese New Year and Ching Ming. Not to mention Buddha's Birthday. That means that for ex-pats with Chinese spouses living here your holiday season is 6 months long. So, in Hong Kong we start with Moon cake, progress to turkey and then eggnog and then finish off with champagne and beer. Not exactly a low calorie 6 months.

I don't under stand how so many of the Chinese are so skinny! Pencil-necks, skinny-minies, milquetoast are way over represented on Hong Kong streets. If you see a girl with boobs you can bet that she either was born somewhere else or is wearing a padded bra. The teenage boys often times look very effeminate because they have no muscles, but perfectly mussed ugly hair cuts that look like something right out of "America's Next Top Model."

They even let their Filipino maid carry their school bag for them. How girly is that?

That said I wish was that skinny sometimes rather the moderately tall slightly overweight Westerner that I am. Gaining weight is a pain in so many ways but mostly because if you don't plan on staying fat you don't want to buy new clothes. So, you continue squeezing into those old trousers and praying that you won't split a seam, bust a button or have to breathe for the rest of the day. Just before Christmas I was down to two pairs of blue jeans and one pair of shorts that I could wear comfortably. My employer was, at that point kind enough to inform me that wearing those to work on any day but Fridays was a violation of the employee dress code and I needed to look more professional.

Well, the last couple of weeks the lovely, gracious, smart, makes more money than me, loving and caring wife and I were in Shenzhen and I purchased several pairs of new trousers with a larger waist. I actually had to look for a shop that carried a 38 to 39 inch waist. Most stores stopped at 34. Because I don't plan of being this big very long I bought cheap pants. They were only $39 yuan each. These not only fit better but they appeal to my innate sense of cheapskatedness. They even look nice and I have worn them to actual complements every since.

While I don't pay a lot of attention to trousers I won't wear cheap shirts. I don't know what it is but there is just something about a cheap shirt, even a t-shirt. They never fit right. They are uncomfortable. They either wrinkle up like an old man's face and have to be ironed with a steamroller or are made of recycled plastic bags and are thus both hot and clammy which seems strange in print but is true on your back. I prefer silk dress shirts. Good, high quality permanent press cotton shirts with about 30% rayon are also OK but, a silk dress shirt is simply the bees-knees of comfort. The only real problem with a silk shirt is that you need suspenders because your trousers slide down the shirt even with a belt. But the need for suspenders is far offset by the way that the silk feels on your back and shoulders.

There are, generally speaking, two types of things in the world. Things you care about and things you don't.

For me, trousers fall into the "I don't care " category. If they fit, are not a strange color and don't smell funny I'm OK with them. While shirts can fall into this category if you are talking about t-shirts or the old sweatshirt you've had since high school silk shirts are another story. I didn't buy a shirt in Shenzhen because I couldn't find any silk ones. Silk is cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter than cotton and a silk rayon blend can be nearly as low maintenance as a cotton permanent press shirt. Silk shirts make me feel good.

We constantly look for things that make us feel good. Not all of those things are clothing or food. Hong Kong recently passed an absolutely draconian smoking ban which is, essentially a feel good law.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not a smoker. But to ban smoking in all restaurants, public parks and all buildings that are not your personal home is bit extreme. They justified this by trotting out all these arguments about second hand smoke. Fine, great, it may be a problem in a perfect world where the air-pollution rating isn't 95 a day every day or where your eyes don't water from the smog or where you don't develop that little cough from breathing the air.

The fact that the government here will pass an anti-smoking law that is this drastic but takes absolutely NO action regarding the ubiquitous air-pollution here is almost comical! Or would be if it were not so sad.

Which is the greater problem, second hand smoke in a Wan Chai bar or (Assuming you buy the theory) Global warming? Which will gave more children respiratory problems in Hong Kong Second hand smoke in a Karaoke palace or air pollution?

Which problem did the HK government address? Smoking.

Why? Because being a bully to smokers doesn't require them to upset their masters in Beijing or make hard economic decisions which a land developer or factory owner might criticize. They gain brownie points with organic food crowd but don't lose a lot of political capital with anybody else, even smokers because smokers know that smoking isn't good for them.

Unlike my penchant for silk shirts this is a dangerous thing for government to do. Laws should not simply make us feel good. Hong Kong is facing a huge problem with air pollution that is basically not being dealt with in a meaningful way.

What about some work place laws?

How about legislation limiting the number hours that employees can work like every other developed country has? Indeed, forbidding employers from forcing people to work 75 hours a week would go a long way towards alleviating the need for a minimum wage. (The logic here is that if a workers suddenly gets the same salary for 30 hours less a week they have received a huge raise.) Not that I'm necesarrily against a minimum wage.

The Hong Kong government needs to get past the touchy-feely warm and fuzzy and deal with real issues. That means they need to take on the endemic corruption that plagues us here in the form of cartels and cabals that control the economy. We need fair competition and anti-monopoly laws.

We need them now. Instead, we got a smoking ban.

Until Next Time
Fai Mao
The Silk-Shirted Blogger

Butt of the Joke

The government in Hong Kong likes to move their bureaucrats around for some reason. Just about the time one lemon begins to understand their job and to do it with some modicum of proficiency, they get transfered to another post in another department of the government. I guess this is supposed to ensure that each official has a broad knowledge of the government. In reality it means that each department is constantly run by someone who is learning their job and makes lots of mistakes

In keeping with this policy; the ever incompetent Fanny Law is being transfered. My ever charming and lovely wife has to go to a dinner in Dame Fanny's honor tonight at a Jockey Club restaurant, somewhere in Happy Valley. Fanny was formerly a high level paper pusher in the Education and Manpower bureau, but will henceforth be a high level paper pusher in the Independent Commission Against Corruption (The Hong Kong FBI). I think that Fanny has a bachelors degree in English literature or some such from HKU. However, the only way she could be connected to an expertise in law enforcement is through a transliteration of her last name.

I have only two things to say to this:

1. Thank God this pompous woman (Yes, I have met her) will no longer have a say in Hong Kong's educational policy!
2. If she is as good at fighting crime as she was at furthering education the local criminals will also be glad she is no longer in education and fighting crime instead.
   

Until Next Time
Fai Mao
The non-Bureaucratic Blogger

A Kinder and Gentler Immigration Policy

The Hong Kong government announced yesterday that immigration officials will now try to "kindly and gently persuade" pregnant women from the mainland to please not have their babies here in Hong Kong.

I guess it would just never occur to an official in Hong Kong to simply say "If you are obviously pregnant we won't let you in; so don't try"

In related news there are a growing number of teenagers from Hong Kong who are going across the border to Shenzhen because drugs like Ecstasy are cheaper there and the dance clubs will let a 12 year-old in. How stupid is that? China is the land of fake products What makes these brats think that the dope they buy in China is actually dope? How do they know the pills aren't just generic Tylenol dipped in food coloring or something worse?

It's not just the drugs but the legal system in China. Holy Cow! If I were going to do something illegal China would be one of the last places I'd want to do it in. Once again the government here is mouthing all the politically correct platitudes about children needing love and direction and education to prevent this. These kids ought to see a Chinese prison. How about a tour of a Chinese re-education through labor camp as part of the Social Studies curriculum in the local schools?

But, maybe it is good that some of these pampered, rude, self-absorbed truants should spend a couple of years in a Chinese prison. At least they'd not clog up the MTR wearing their ugly fashions and weird haircuts.


Until Next Time
Fai Mao
The Blogger who works with teenagers but doesn't necessarily like them

Brief Guide to US Newspapers

Somebody sent me this. I don't know where it came from originally.

A Brief Guide to American Newspapers

1. The Wall Street Journal is read by the people who run the country.

2. The Washington Post is read by people who think they run the country.

3. The New York Times is read by people who think they should run the
country and who are very good at crossword puzzles.

4. USA Today is read by people who think they ought to run the country
but don't really understand The New York Times. They do, however, like
their statistics shown in pie charts.

5. The Los Angeles Times is read by people who wouldn't mind running the
country -- if they could find the time -- and if they didn't have to leave
Southern California to do it.

6. The Boston Globe is read by people whose parents used to run the
country and did a far superior job of it, thank you very much.

7. The New York Daily News is read by people who aren't too sure who's
running the country and don't really care as long as they can get a seat
on the train.

8. The New York Post is read by people who don't care who's running the
country as long as they do something really scandalous, preferably while
intoxicated.

9. The Miami Herald is read by people who are running another country
but need the baseball scores.

10. The San Francisco Chronicle is read by people who aren't sure there
is a country . . or that anyone is running it; but if so, they oppose all that
they stand for. There are occasional exceptions if the leaders are
handicapped minority feminist atheist dwarfs who also happen to be
illegal aliens from any other country or galaxy, provided of course, that they
are not Republicans.

11. The National Inquirer is read by people trapped in line at the
grocery store.

Walking on History

A soldiers Perspective on the war in Iraq.


Until Next Time
Fai Mao
The Blogger who failed his military physical

Leavin' on a jet plane

Every time a cow feels a little relief a polar bear falls through the ice. So the best way to fight global warming is to eat beef!

Until Next Time
Fai Mao
The Cow Eating Blogger

Crackpots NOT Visionaries

Above is a link to a book about how the pyramids in Egypt were actually some form of weapon of mass destruction that the ancient Egyptians used to defend their kingdom from the Hittites and space aliens. I find it interesting how people with crack-pot ideas can so easily impersonate true academics. Indeed, some crack-pots have actual academic credentials which just goes to show that education is no proof against insanity.

I just have a few questions for these pyramid alternate history guys.

1. If the ancient Egyptians were so advanced? How come they were invaded and conquered by a bunch of guys with clubs and spears known as the Hyksos?
2. If the pyramids were a source of electricity derived from a harmonic resonance of the Earth's natural magnetic field why don't they build a model that does the same thing today and put China Light and Power out of business?
3. Have they ever been to Tralflamadore?
4. Did they ever serve in the Army of Mars with my friend Stony Stevenson?
5. Would they like to buy a special magic crystal from me that will give them eternal youth and health for only USD $1,000,000?
   

But just when I am tempted to think that all this stuff about Space aliens living among us complete BS I see a picture Nina Wong.

Until Next Time
Fai Mao
The Non-Egyptology Expert Blogger

Joke of the month

Joke of the month: The difference between inlaws and outlaws is that outlaws are actually wanted


Until Next Time
Fai Mao
The Unfunny Blogger

The Return of the Non-Native

I've been away for awhile.

The daughter came home for a visit from her university in the UK. So, the lovely wife and I had a good week long visit with her. I got two video games for Christmas and have been busy trying to conquer Medieval Europe and exploring the world of Gothic 3. My wife was also sick at home during my Christmas break with a cold and I've had to devote some time to her out of spousal sympathy. That didn't leave a lot of time for blog posting.

I was going to post on Sunday but went on a hike with a bunch of 20-somethings and came back so stiff and sore I couldn't see straight.

So, between holiday revelry and 70 plus hours of gaming and nursing my wife back to health from a cold. I've just not found time to post. I'm actually working on a post about the Medieval Total War 2 game but that isn't ready yet.

It is sort of a shame I've been so busy or otherwise occupied, because there has been a lot to think about and write about.

• Christmas in Hong Kong
• Ethiopia and Somalia
• Poisonous eggs from China
• Israel threatening Iran because Iran threatened Israel
• Pig farmers in South China dying of an untreatable pneumonia.
  
• The broken elevators in my building

But, perhaps the weirdest thing in the last three weeks to my mind was a court case. I have, over the years engaged in a lot of table pounding over the idiocy often on display in the Hong Kong courts but there was recently a case that took the biscuit. Especially since it didn't involve Nina Wong or Long Hair Leung.

There were two bank employees sent to jail here for swapping new bank notes for ones in their pocket.

They were not stealing because they were simply replacing one new bill for another NEW bill that they'd withdrawn from their account at the same bank. They were not embezzling, they were not even doing this under the table. They were were swapping normal bills for bills with "lucky serial numbers" which many of the locals would pay more than the face value of the bill to have.

How was this a crime? The bank was not out any money. They were not defrauding the government or their employer in any way. These lucky bills evidently find their way into coin shop all over Hong Kong anyway.

My few regular readers will know that I am somewhat dismissive of the superstition that is practiced by even many of the well educated in Hong Kong. While I don't condone Fung Shui I don't persecute those who practice it. Evidently Standard Chartered Bank does! How is swapping one $100.00 bill for another a crime? Does the bank keep track of the serial numbers? Even so, how was this a crime?

Maybe I'm just dumb but I cannot see how what they were doing was a crime UNLESS the banks or government themselves take those lucky bills and auction them off or maybe give them as salary bonuses to high government officials for their weekly trip to Macao. Since nothing in the TV news or paper indicated that they do; I fail to see a crime. How is this activity different from janitors who sort through trash for paper, glass, aluminum, steel and plastic to recycle? Does Price Waterhouse Cooper demand that the Janitors reimburse them for the profits made by the cleaning staff from their waste paper baskets and lunch room garbage bins? It just looks like smart employees finding a way to supplement their income to me.

Until Next Time
Fai Mao
The Blogger Who Doesn't Have a Lucky $100.00 Bill