Thursday, January 31, 2008

water buffalo



night

The ferry

Life in the tropics

It is 6c today, windy, and rainy. Of course, it is much worse at the moment in China, but it is not too pleasant here either. We did think about buying a heater a few weeks ago, but stupidly decided that we probably wouldn't need one.This weather is very unusual, it has steadily gotten worse over the last week, falling from 20c to today's low.It is due to last another week.
It is a shock to the system here, but at least we know that once the snap goes, temperatures will rise to around 20c again.

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

My letters to the editor

This one is not exactly a letter, more of a quote:

Senior TVB newsman attacked for antics in Iraq coverage
Edited by Agatha Ngai

SCMP, March 17, 2003
By Heike Phillips
TVB assistant director and 'godfather of journalism' Raymond R. Wong has come under fire from Hong Kong viewers for his 'absurd' stunts in reporting on the looming war in Iraq for its English-language Pearl channel.
In Wednesday evening's three-minute news report from Kuwait City, Mr Wong's speech was muffled by a rapid succession of gas masks and goggles which he wore with matching outfits, including army fatigues and a protective chemical suit.
It is unclear whether Mr Wong - who has worked as a journalist for more than 45 years and lectured at Hong Kong Baptist University's School of Journalism - was demonstrating an innovative style of news reporting or drilling for what soldiers call the 'nine-second test', which involves donning protective clothing and masks in record time to survive a chemical attack.
English teacher Chris Mercer said it was commendable that the television station had sent reporters to cover the conflict, but in Mr Wong's case 'they certainly sent the wrong man'.
'He seems to be ... talking to people who are not very relevant to the war,' he said.
Tim Hamlett, associate professor of journalism at the Baptist University, said TVB had received complaints about the inexperience of its reporters covering the fighting in Afghanistan, and responded this time by sending a more senior team. 'But they should not be photographed wearing masks while reporting. That appeared quite absurd,' he said.
Legislator and former journalist Emily Lau Wai-hing described the wearing of masks while reporting as 'odd' but felt the journalists would not do so when there was an actual gas attack. 'It is too dramatic,' she said.
Attempts by the Post to contact Mr Wong yesterday for comment were unsuccessful.
In Wednesday's report, Mr Wong focused on the threat of nuclear, biological and chemical warfare to Kuwait. Donning oversized goggles, he also noted that its people had to deal with blowing sand that 'obliterates everything'. However, he said on a more positive note 'the Kuwaitis are used to it'.





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Tuesday August 6 2002
How can ATV justify showing racing?
My letter is addressed to the Broadcasting Authority, the government and, in particular, ATV World.
I would like to know how ATV can justify broadcasting nine hours of horse racing from Macau during primetime evening viewing.
As I understand it, gambling on horse racing in Macau from Hong Kong is now illegal. Why then does ATV continue to show the betting odds in the course of these broadcasts? The station may argue that it is showing racing for those viewers with a genuine interest in the sport. This argument raises a few questions.
How many people have a love of this sport for sport's sake? Is it fair to followers of other sports that horse racing enthusiasts are treated so well? As the percentage of horse riders in the SAR is extremely low let's cater to other minority sports such as skiing, paragliding, go-carting and curling, to name but a few. Why not show horse racing from Europe or elsewhere if gambling is not the objective? Why not show horse jumping or other horse related sports for all the horse lovers out there?
Of course the answer to all of these questions is irrelevant as we all know full well that ATV is catering to the gambling industry.
I don't expect an answer from ATV, but I do think the SAR government has a duty to explain why this is allowed to continue and if it is powerless to do anything at the present time, will it consider not granting ATV a licence when it is up for renewal?

CHRIS MERCER
Prince Edward


And the reply:

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Saturday August 17 2002

Fewer 'family' hours devoted to racing

Chris Mercer expressed misgivings about ATV World's continued coverage of Macau racing (South China Morning Post, August 6).
The Broadcasting Authority shares his concern about the excessive amount of horse racing currently shown by ATV on its English- and Chinese-language channels. Under current regulations licensees are free to decide on their programme content and line-up, unless there are express provisions in the law or licence conditions requiring them to seek prior approval, for example, intrusion into family viewing hours (that is, from 4pm to 8.30pm). The authority tries to strike a balance between protecting viewers' interests and respecting licensees' programming independence. Regarding horse racing, the authority has tried to limit the intrusion of such programmes into family viewing hours.
During these hours, there are stringent restrictions on showing programmes unsuitable for children.
To ensure any intrusion was kept to a minimum, the authority issued a directive to both domestic free licensees in 1999 that there should be a gradual reduction in the amount of horse racing shown during family viewing hours. This gradual approach was considered appropriate because of the different interests of Hong Kong viewers.
Since this directive was issued the amount of family viewing hours used to broadcast horse racing programmes has been reduced from an all-time high of 219 hours in 1998-1999, to 157.7 hours in 2001-2002.
It is envisaged that a further substantial reduction will be made in the forthcoming racing season.
In April, the Broadcasting Authority had a public hearing on the performance of the two domestic free television programme service licensees, in connection with their application for a licence renewal.
Members of the public expressed concern over the extensive coverage of horse racing on ATV.
The authority will certainly take such views into account when deciding on future applications from the licensees.
Licensed broadcasters are required by the terms of their licence to ensure programming is balanced and to provide an adequate and comprehensive service which is responsive to the diverse needs of the community.
The authority will continue to ensure that a sensible balance is struck between various viewing interests.
VEGA WONG
Secretary
Broadcasting Authority



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Tuesday March 26 2002

Put cameras in genuine crime black spots
Regarding the proposed installation of closed-circuit cameras in Lan Kwai Fong, I have lived in Hong Kong for nine years and I can think of many more dangerous areas than this entertainment district.
I can't actually think of a place which is safer, catering as it does to well-off expats and locals, where you are lucky to find a beer for less than $50.
Lan Kwai Fong must have more of Hong Kong's 'finest' per person, per square kilometre than anywhere else in the SAR at 9pm on a Friday.
If cameras are going to be installed, then put them where they are needed, where real crimes are committed, in places like Wan Chai, Shamshuipo, Jordan and Mongkok.
CHRIS MERCER
Prince Edward



MY FAVOURITE

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Monday December 28 1998

Police have better things to do

I refer to the letter headlined, 'Smokers blatantly disregard warnings on ferries', South China Morning Post, December 22.
The idea of having plain clothes police officers trying to catch smokers is preposterous.
It never ceases to amaze me how people react to the smallest problems that face society, when the biggest problems smack them in the face but are conveniently ignored. I am sure that the Hong Kong constabulary has much better things to do than catch people exercising their freedom in an open outdoor environment. I have yet to encounter anybody smoking on the partially enclosed second deck of the ferry, or the indoor section of the deluxe deck.
Yes, people do smoke on the lower deck of the ferry, but as there are often strong winds flowing through this part, what's the problem? As 'Name And Address Supplied' suggests, the ferry staff are not interested in enforcing this rule.
This is probably due to the fact that most of them smoke and are not small-minded enough to care. Hong Kong is not the US - yet. But then again the Hongkong and Yaumati Ferry Company does employ a smoke patrol which never has much luck, as regular ferry users know who the patrol members are and when they patrol. Would your correspondent like his ferry fare increased to provide a couple of smoke patrols for every ferry? If he is so concerned about air pollution he should lobby the Government about the air pollution that surrounds the harbour every day, or even the black smoke that belches out of the back of the ferries.
CHRIS MERCER, Lantau

And the replies:


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Tuesday January 5 1999

Enforce ferry smoking rules

I am referring to Chris Mercer's letter (South China Morning Post, December 28) regarding smoking on ferries. I think Mr Mercer is missing the point. Smoking is illegal on public transport - that is the bottom line. If he is condoning smoking in a non-smoking zone he should think again.
Smoking is a hazard to everyone - this is a fact. Non-smokers have a choice, or rather they think they have one, which is not to smoke. Why must they endure smoke of those who choose to destroy their bodies? Having the police patrol ferries is only a suggestion - I have not seen Mr Mercer come up with one. Something has to be done about this situation. I do not see people lighting up on the MTR. Why not? Don't tell me it's because the MTR is enclosed - I have seen enough people lighting up on upper enclosed decks of the ferry.
I am grateful for Dan Neiser's letter (Post, January 2) and his comments. He puts this problem into perspective.
No, this is not the United States, but perhaps Hong Kong can learn from their strict laws. It is a pleasure to go into a restaurant or bar in California and enjoy a smoke-free atmosphere.
It would be nice if that were observed throughout the world.
NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED



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Saturday January 2 1999

Putting non-smokers at risk

I agree with Chris Mercer's letter (South China Morning Post, December 28) that it is preposterous to have police officers spending their valuable time enforcing no-smoking areas.
Unlike some of the traffic laws in Hong Kong, the laws banning smoking on all public transport and in all areas open to the public in supermarkets, banks, department stores and shopping malls are not confusing, and compliance should not be a hardship for anyone.
Mr Mercer acknowledges that people smoke on the lower deck of ferries, but asks, 'What's the problem?' Maybe I'm missing something, but it seems to me that the problem is people are involved in an activity that is not legal on the ferries.
There are many things that one can legally do while enjoying a ferry ride.
There are also many things that are illegal on ferries, and smoking is one of them. Ignoring the law designed to protect the health and comfort of the innocent majority will accomplish nothing.
The way to solve the problem is to either comply with the law or to get it changed.
Smokers have little understanding of how dangerous their habit is to the health of others. While they may realise that smokers are at increased risk for lung cancer and cardiovascular disease, those who breathe their smoke are also at increased risk. The evidence is so strong that in the US second-hand smoke has been estimated as the third leading preventable cause of death.
Even if we ignore the health risks, as the tobacco industry would like us to, many people find second-hand smoke disgusting. Smokers are unaware of this because their ability to smell is severely impaired. There are some freedoms that we enjoy in Hong Kong, and one of them is a smoke-free public transport system, and until there is a change in the law, it will remain that way.
Downplaying the effects of second-hand smoke is like minimising the risk of unprotected sexual promiscuity. Nobody with any concern for public health is going to do either.
People who object to smoking in designated non-smoking areas are usually not interested in campaigning for any great cause.
They are simply law-abiding citizens objecting when smokers impose on their freedom to breathe the cleanest air possible.
DAN NEISNER, Preventive Care Specialist Department of Health Promotion/Wellness, Hong Kong Adventist Hospital


An old one:

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Thursday October 15 1998

Wage cut proposal outrageous

So, Hong Kong will now consider lowering the already-pitiful minimum wage of domestic helpers.
The outrage and disgust that I and, I'm sure, many other decent people in Hong Kong feel at this greedy opportunistic move is great indeed.
Last month, Hong Kong people fully supported Hongkong Telecom workers in their battle to overturn their 10 per cent pay cut.
Yet the general public apparently has no problem with a proposal to reduce the salary of the lowest-paid section of the community's workers by 20 per cent.
Most Filipinos have expressed shock at the proposal and their employers would be wise to listen to their hardworking employees, as I am sure that a majority would prefer to go back home to support their families rather than feel like slaves (as many already do) yet not have the financial reward which they justly deserve for their many contributions to Hong Kong society.
Personally I believe that if this outrageous proposal is approved then I will feel no sympathy for local workers when they lose their jobs or their salaries are cut, or if the economy collapses. I believe that what goes around, comes around.
It is unjust to kick the weakest and most defenceless under any circumstances, and if Hong Kong does so its society may well pay the price.
C. MERCER Lantau


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Saturday September 12 1998

ID hassle on the bus

The new airport has provided an interesting alternative for commuters from Lantau to the city. I can now save myself a considerable amount of time travelling from South Lantau to either Kowloon or the New Territories and have done so frequently over the past few months.
Unfortunately, this convenience has been tarnished by the vigorous identity checks constantly undertaken by Hong Kong's finest on this peaceful island.
The local police of Lantau have taken to almost constant surveillance of Tung Chung Road between Cheung Sha and Tung Chung, to the extent that every time I travel that way the constabulary board the bus and noisily demand ID cards from the often tired and weary commuters.
Obviously the police do need to carry out these checks. But I have yet to be asked for my ID on the Star Ferry, Peak Tram, MTR, KCR, or the number 6 bus to Tsim Sha Tsui, so why does this happen almost daily on the number 3 to Tung Chung? I have now started rethinking my mode of transport as the feeling of living in a police state does not put me in a good mood for the day.
I wonder if the commissioner of police would explain why the good people of Lantau are being abused with these constant inconveniences? Don't the police need a reason for spot ID checks, especially mass daily ones?
CHRIS MERCER Pui O, Lantau

Monday, January 28, 2008

Freedom and technology

It appears that it was October the 4th since I actually wrote anything-in the blog that is. My Laptop had a hardware problem and I couldn't get it repaired until about 10 days ago. I have been rebuilding it since then and backing up all the pics etc(see below).
I have been here for 6 months now, and I tell you time flies very quickly indeed here.
It is a challenge.It is a challenge paying for the kids' school fees. I accepted a job which I thought was quite reasonably paid,which was okay as long as I topped it up with some extra hours elsewhere. This has proven wrong on two fronts- with the travel that I am expected to do for my job, I have not had the time for any other work, and on the other, with the depreciation of the US dollar, the cost of living here has risen very steeply.
I have enjoyed the work that I do, I have written a whole English 1 year course for 6 primary levels, all with worksheets, multimedia-videos, powerpoints and detailed lesson plans.As well as this I have also put together a 4 level phonics programme, and observed and trained new teachers.
I am now job hunting again, 'my work is done here' as they say.

Despite the 'struggle' life is good here, on the island. You don't need any money on the beach! Except for the weekend just gone we have been 'out' either on the beach, cycling or hiking every single weekend since we arrived in Hong Kong. Generally we meet friends on the beach on a Saturday afternoon/evening, enjoy the sunshine and leave the beach around 9-11pm, sometimes to sit outside my house until the early hours.
I have only drank in the city twice in the last 3 months!
The kids love it here, their school, and extra-curricular stuff(football and Taekwondo)-Joseph scored 10 goals in his last footie match, the only scorer!
My parents came over for 3 weeks at Christmas and will now come for 3 months in the Autumn, they loved it so much.
We are in a cold snap right now, you may have seen the snowstorms causing chaos in China in the news. We are on the very far fringes of that, which means it is 13c as I write this, which considering I got sun burnt last week, is chilly. It should only last for a week or so though, I hope.
Now that everything is up and running again, I will post more-which may not be so good, as I bore the shit out of everyone I have ever known, blogging is really an extremely arrogant thing to do really.The idea that people actually read what you write.At least an author knows the truth when he doesn't sell bugger all, and the letter writer is told quite bluntly to stop sending letters if they are not wanted.I digress!
More later