Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Travel - Japan City Name (1)

日本的縣及首都城市名稱

北海道	札幌
青森	青森
岩手	盛崗
宮城	仙台
秋田	秋田
山形	山形
福島	福島
茨城	水戶
栃木	宇都宮
群馬	前橋
埼玉	浦和
千葉	千葉
東京	東京
神奈川	橫濱
新瀉	新瀉
富山	富山
石川	金澤
福井	福井
山梨	甲府
長野	長野
岐阜	岐阜
靜崗	靜崗
愛知	名古屋
三重	津
滋賀	大津
京都	京都
大阪	大阪
兵庫	神戶
奈良	奈良
和歌山	和歌山
鳥取	鳥取
島根	松江
岡山	岡山
廣島	廣島
山口	山口
德島	德島
香川	高松
愛媛	松山
高知	高知
福崗	福崗
佐賀	佐賀
長崎	長崎
熊本	熊本
大分	大分
宮崎	宮崎
鹿兒島	鹿兒島
沖繩	那霸

日本的主要城市名稱發音

Yokohama	横浜	よこはま
Morioka	盛岡	もりおか
Nagoya	名古屋	なごや
Naha	那覇	なは
Sendai	仙台	せんだい
Sapporo	札幌	さっぽろ
Kobe	神戸	こうべ
Kyoto	京都	きょうと
Osaka	大阪	おおさか
Tokyo	東京	とうきょう
Roppongi	六本木	ろっぽんぎ
Ueno	上野	うえの
Shinjuku	新宿	しんじゅく
Ikebukuro	池袋	いげぶくろ
Akihabara	秋葉原	あきはばら
Nagasaki	長崎	ながさき
Fukuoka	福岡	ふくおか
Kawasaki	川崎	かわさきし
Saitama	崎玉	さいたまし
Chiba	千葉	ちばし
Sakai	堺	さかいし
Hiroshima	廣島	ひろしまし
Kitakyushu	北九州	きたきゅうしゅうし

Read - ENG - BBC news 2009/07/02

Instant messaging

When you meet someone for the first time, do you ask their ASL? Do you LOL if they come out with something funny, and say 'CU L8er' when you finish the conversation? If you know what I'm talking about, then you are probably already a user of Instant Messaging, or IM.
The idea behind IM is simple. When you send someone an email, you don't know when you will get a reply. Your friend might not check their messages, or might not use that email address anymore. With IM, however, a program on your computer tells you when a friend is online. You can then send a message to your friend, who can type a reply instantly. To do this, you need an IM program, such as AIM, ICQ, MSN Messenger or Windows IM.
IM is already hugely popular in the USA, where people spend five times more time online than in Europe. However, IM is starting to take off in the UK, with over 3,000 people signing up to MSN Messenger alone every day. Worldwide, AIM, the IM service provided by AOL is by far the most popular. It has 195 million users who send about 1.6 billion messages every day. ICQ, which is owned by AOL, has about 140 million messengers, and MSN and Windows IM put together have about 75 million users.
The advantages of IM are obvious, but there is one very important disadvantage. You can only contact someone on the same network as you. If your friend is using AIM, and you are using MSN, you cannot talk to each other. This makes IM less useful than it should be. Imagine if you could not send an email from Hotmail to Yahoo. However, things look like they will change soon.
In general, the future looks bright for IM. Many programs also allow you to have voice conversations, have video conferencing - this means you can see the other person using a webcam - and also let you swap pictures, music and other files.
So, perhaps we'll all soon be asking someone's age, sex and location (ASL), and laughing out loud (LOL) when they say something funny. See you later! (CU L8er)

Vocabulary
come out with - here, say
program - computer software, application (note the American spelling)
online - connected to a computer network, in this case to an IM service
hugely popular - used by many people
take off - become popular
signing up to - be coming users of
owned by - if something is owned by someone, it belongs to them
obvious - evident, clear, easy to see and understand
the future looks bright - what will happen later is likely to be good
webcam - a camera which records moving images and sound and allows these to be transmitted over a computer network, e.g. the Internet, as they happen
swap - exchange
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/newsenglish/britain/070702_instant_messaging.shtml

Read - ENG - BBC news 2009/03/02

Last updated at 11:43 GMT, Monday, 02 March 2009

Valentine's Day

Read the story:
It's that time of the year when couples show their love for each other by sending cards, flowers and chocolates. But Valentine's Day is not only about public displays of affection: in recent years it has also become big business. In the UK alone, more than 20 million pounds is spent on flowers, whilst in the United States over 1 billion dollars is forked out on chocolates.
Although Valentine's Day has become a global industry with more than 80 million roses sold worldwide, the origins of the day are unclear and hidden inthe mists of time. Nobody knows exactly who St Valentine was, although some historians suggest he was a Roman martyred in the third century AD by a Roman Emperor. It is said that the first recorded Valentine's card was sent by the imprisoned Duke of Orleans in 1415. It is believed that he sought solace from his confinement by writing love poems to his wife.
Valentine's Day, or its equivalent, is now celebrated in many countries around the world. However, the traditions often differ from place to place. In Japan, for example, it is customary for the woman to send chocolates to the man, whilst in Korea April 14th is known as 'Black Day' and is when the unfortunate men who received nothing on Valentine's Day gather to eat noodles and commiserate with each other.
Technological developments have also played their part in keeping Valentine's Day relevant in the 21st century. Valentine's e-cards have been all the rage in recent years. However, internet security experts urge web users to be wary as malicious hackers could use e-cards to spread viruses and spyware.
Valentine's cards can also be used for less than romantic purposes. Police in the UK city of Liverpool sent Valentine's cards to criminals who failed to appear in court or have not paid fines. The cards contained the verse, 'Roses are red, violets are blue, you've got a warrant and we'd love to see you'. Who says romance is dead?

Vocabulary:
public displays of affection - showing your feelings of liking or love for someone in public
forked out- forced to spend (colloquial)
hidden in the mists of time - too old for anyone to remember/confirm/clarify
martyred - killed because of his beliefs
recorded - known, documented
imprisoned - put in jail
sought solace - tried to find comfort
confinement - imprisonment
equivalent - here, a special occasion that has the same meaning and purpose
customary - normal, usual
commiserate with - show sympathy for
e-cards - short for electronic cards, i.e. virtual cards that are sent via the internet
all the rage - very popular
wary - here, careful
malicious hackers - people who access other people's computers with bad intentions (e.g. to look for their personal information, like credit card details, or to stop their computers working properly)
viruses - here, computer programs which can make copies of themselves, preventing the computer from working properly
spyware - computer programs that reveal the identity of a computer user
warrant - a document that gives police specific powers, e.g. the right to search or arrest somebody

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/newsaboutbritain/2009/02/090210_nab_valentine.shtml

Read - ENG - BBC news 2009/05/20

Last updated at 13:24 BST, Wednesday, 20 May 2009

Susan Boyle: unlikely superstar?

Read the story:
Less than a few weeks ago Susan Boyle was a virtual unknown. However, since auditioning for Britain’s Got Talent, a televised talent competition, she has experienced a stratospheric rise to fame. A YouTube video of her audition has been watched by more than 26 million people, making it one of the most watched videos on the internet in recent times. It is undeniable that technology such as YouTube, Facebook and Twitter has helped to spread the word about Susan’s performance.
So just what is it about Susan that the people find so fascinating? Arguably, it is the fact she is such a class act. However, many have suggested that her biggest appeal lies in her unassuming persona.
Susan’s persona and appearance have been somewhat controversial and the initial reaction to her audition has made many people question whether they are guilty of judging a book by its cover. With her plain Jane, middle-aged looks and her no-nonsense approach to life, Susan is perhaps the most unlikely star to be discovered of late.
Commenting on her rise to fame, Max Clifford, a renowned PR guru, said that the massive public interest in her is partly due to people having to challenge their own assumptions and prejudices.
So what’s next for Susan? For the moment, she is preparing for her next appearance on Britain’s Got Talent and she is the odds-on favourite to win.
Looking forward, with talk of record contracts and celebrity duets, it is very likely that we’ll soon be seeing a Susan Boyle album in the charts!

Glossary:
a virtual unknown - not at all famous
experienced a stratospheric rise to fame - became widely known very quickly undeniable - true
to spread the word about - to make many people aware of/know about
a class act - here, a performer who has a very good singing voice and a tasteful manner
unassuming persona - a quiet character, or person who shows no desire for attention or admiration are
guilty of judging a book by its cover - make assumption, or form opinions based only on how someone or something looks
plain Jane - ordinary, average, not very attractive or interesting female (a set informal saying)
no-nonsense approach to - being realistic, practical and/or serious about
PR guru - somebody who is respected for their knowledge of a particular subject (here, public relations, or PR) and often asked for advice
prejudices - showing dislike for something or someone for no good reason
odds-on favourite - here, most likely
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/newsaboutbritain/2009/05/090519_nab_susan_boyle.shtml

Read - Finance - Madoff faces sentencing in court (2009/6/29)

Page last updated at 15:20 GMT, Monday, 29 June 2009 16:20 UK

MADOFF FACES SENTENCING IN COURT

Bernard Madoff listened to emotional statements from his victims at a New York court as he awaited sentencing for running a $65bn (£40bn) fraud.
Madoff, 71, apologised and said that he would "live with this pain, this torment for the rest of my life".
Madoff pleaded guilty to 11 charges in March and could face a sentence of up to 150 years in jail.
But his lawyer is asking for a 12-year sentence. It remains unclear if investors will get any money back.
District Judge Denny Chin, who is presiding over the case, said that the guidance range for sentencing was 150 years but he was not bound by it.
"I must impose a sentence that is reasonable," Judge Chin told the court.
Victims of the fraud have called for a tough sentence.
"Life has been a living hell. It feels like the nightmare we can't wake from," said Carla Hirshhorn, one of 10 victims to speak in the court.
"May your jail cell be your coffin," Michael Schwartz told Madoff.
Madoff, who wore a dark suit and lowered his eyes while listening to the witnesses, will also read a statement before the judge hands down a decision.

ASSET FORFEITED
In a preliminary hearing on Friday, Judge Chin ordered Madoff to forfeit $171bn in assets, while his wife Ruth had to forfeit more than $80m in net worth she claimed was hers.
The giant figure Madoff was ordered to forfeit was equal to the sum prosecutors said had passed through his investment firm over the years. In practice, however, such funds do not exist.
Under the order the Madoffs must sell a $7m Manhattan apartment where Ruth Madoff lives.
Other assets to be sold include an $11m estate in Palm Beach, Florida, a $4m home in Montauk and a $2.2m boat.
But an agreement with prosecutors has enabled Ruth Madoff to keep $2.5m in cash.
The trustee winding down the Madoff firm has collected $1.2bn to return to investors.
Life savings
Bernard Madoff has admitted defrauding thousands of investors in a Ponzi scheme which he said had been running since the early 1990s.
The 11 charges he pleaded guilty to included securities fraud and money laundering.

Speaking before the start of the court hearing, Ira Sorkin, Madoff's lawyer, said his client "will speak to the shame he has felt and to the pain he has caused".
"We seek neither mercy nor sympathy," said Mr Sorkin. But he has asked Judge Chin to "set aside the emotion and hysteria attendant to this case," as he determines the sentence.
However, the sentence is expected to be long.
"Given the enormous amount of funds he has stolen and the number of victims, the sentence is going to be very, very high," said Paul Radvany, a law professor at Fordham University in New York.
The hearing will take place in a courtroom that can accommodate 250 people.
Two separate rooms in lower Manhattan courthouse will house former investors and spectators to watch on closed-circuit TV.
Retirement
The list of Madoff's investors includes film director Steven Spielberg's charitable foundation, Wunderkinder.
UK banks were also among the victims with HSBC Holdings saying it had exposure of around $1bn. Other corporate victims were Royal Bank of Scotland and Man Group and Japan's Nomura Holdings.
But it is not just the elite and large firms who were victims of the fraud.
School teachers, farmers, mechanics and many others have also lost money.
Many had benefited from their investments until Madoff was arrested in December.

NASDAQ CHAIRMAN
Madoff started his financial career aged 22 with $5,000 from money made from summer holiday jobs such as working as a garden sprinkler installer in New York.
He then set up Bernard L Madoff Investment Securities in 1960.
His firm became one of the largest market-makers - matching buyers and sellers of stocks - and Madoff served as chairman of the Nasdaq stock exchange.
As well as wealthy individuals, investment advisory firms were key Madoff investors.
Madoff's firm was investigated eight times by the US Securities and Exchange Commission over the past 16 years, because it made exceptional returns.
But it was the global recession which effectively prompted Madoff's demise as investors, hit by the downturn, tried to withdraw about $7bn from his funds and he could not find the money to cover it.
Madoff estimated the fraud totalled $50bn, but prosecutors said that weeks before Madoff's arrest in December, the firm's statements showed a total of $65bn in its accounts.
He has always insisted he acted alone in masterminding the fraud.
The only other person who has been charged is his accountant David Friehling, 49, with aiding and abetting fraud, and four counts of filing false audit reports. He has been released on bail.
Though Mr Friehling was not charged with knowledge of the Madoff Ponzi scheme, he was charged with deceiving investors by falsely certifying that he audited the financial statements.

WHAT IS A PONZI SCHEME? A fraudulent investment scheme paying investors from money paid in by other investors rather than real profitsNamed after Charles Ponzi who notoriously used the technique in the United States in the 1920s Differs from pyramid selling in that individuals all tend to invest with the same person
Madoff victims lose life savings Suicide prompted by Madoff scandal Speaking before the start of the court hearing, Ira Sorkin, Madoff's lawyer, said his client "will speak to the shame he has felt and to the pain he has caused".
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8123330.stm

Health - Cataract (2009/6/23)

[轉貼]免隨時間惡化早治白內障
(星島)2009年6月23日星期二 06:30
(綜合報道)
(星島日報報道)近年本港白內障患者有上升趨勢，每年進行的白內障手術更是數以萬計。醫管局資料顯示，現時仍有約四萬八千名白內障患者輪候施術，平均要等三年才可進行手術。眼科醫生則指，白內障會隨時間惡化，及早發現及治理，方為改善視力的上策。文：Chris 部分圖片：星島圖片庫
　　西醫指引
　　近視令問題年輕化
　　眼科醫生譚秀雯（上圖）指，白內障為一種眼內晶狀體退化引致的眼疾。主要成因除老化外，亦涉及遺傳、受傷、疾病和紫外綫影響等因素。當中遺傳所致的先天性白內障個案較少。其次如眼睛受傷，也會增加眼部出現創傷性白內障的風險，另如糖尿病患者則可能引發代謝性白內障。同時白內障亦是深近視患者易有的併發症，近年青少年近視比例增加，間接令白內障患者年輕化。研究亦證實，如長期暴露在紫外綫輻射下，會令眼球內晶狀體更易鈣化混濁，故戶外工作者亦屬白內障高危族。
　　度數變化為先兆
　　白內障初期無明顯病徵，待晶狀體日漸混濁，視力會開始下降，猶如在眼上蒙上一層白紗。而每當處於較光亮或較暗的環境，視力都會明顯出現模糊。如患有近視的成人，則會發覺眼睛度數加深或老花減少。較嚴重甚至會出現色調減弱和重影。如不及時就醫，更可導致失明。
　　新技術傷口超微創
　　早年醫治白內障，須於眼球以傳統手法開刀，但近十多年已改用超聲波將晶體乳化。利用超聲波將鈣化的晶體打碎後吸出，再將具彈性的人工晶體摺疊，放於眼內後可自行回復原狀。傷口只有約一點八毫米，比起傳統手術的約十二毫米細小得多。新式的人工晶體更兼具多焦距功能，可同時改善老花、深近視等問題。減低病人術後要戴老花眼鏡的機會。
　　三大預防守則
　　1. 定期檢查：二十歲後須每年進行一次眼科健康檢查，如屬四十歲以上、高危一族者，更應每半年檢查一次。
　　2. 配戴防UV鏡：於戶外工作或活動超過半小時，即應戴防UV太陽鏡，降低晶狀體受紫外綫照射而病變的風險。
　　3. 多食抗氧化食物：攝取含抗氧化成分之深綠、黃色蔬果，如藍莓、番茄、西蘭花、菠菜等，補充維他命A、C及E。
　　中醫論據
　　年齡增長乃主因
　　註冊中醫師彭愉康（上圖）表示，中醫稱白內障為圓翳內障。因晶珠混濁令視力慢慢下降，最後導致失明。失明時最終瞳孔中會出現圓形銀白色或啡色翳障，故名圓翳內障。病因有三：年過半百，致肝腎兩虧、精血不足；飲食不節，令脾失健運，精氣不能上榮於眼目；平素易怒，令肝經鬱熱上攻眼目致病。
　　雙眼可先後發病
　　此病一般發展緩慢，初起時眼無紅腫疼痛，只漸覺視力模糊，或眼前有固定之點狀、鋸齒狀陰影。漸而視物有複視、眩光。漸至不辨人物，只見手動甚至僅存光感。晶珠可有不同形態、程度混濁，而令雙眼可先後或同時發病。
　　用藥辨證論治
　　1. 肝腎兩虧者：有視物模糊、頭暈耳鳴、腰膝痠軟、舌淡脈細等徵狀，可用杞菊地黃丸加減，起補益肝腎作用。
　　2. 脾虛氣弱者：有眼花、易累、四肢無力、面色萎黃、無胃口、大便易爛、舌淡苔白、脈緩或細弱等徵狀，可用補中益氣湯加減，補脾益氣。
　　3. 肝熱上擾者：有頭痛、眼睛乾澀、眼屎增多、口苦咽乾和脈弦等徵狀，可用石決明散加減，起清熱平肝之療效。
　　防眼疾簡易食療
　　雲耳杞菊豬肝湯
　　材料：雲耳四錢、枸杞子四錢、杭菊花四錢、豬肝半斤、鹽、酒、豆粉適量。
　　製法：先以鹽、酒、豆粉將豬肝調味。雪耳、豬肝、枸杞子以六碗水煲煮至豬肝剛熟，即可放入菊花再煮十分鐘即成。
　　功效：護眼清熱、養肝益腎。
　　龍眼枸杞子茶
　　材料：龍眼肉四錢、枸杞子四錢、山藥四錢。
　　製法：將各藥材加四碗水，煎煮成茶即可飲用，冷熱皆可。
　　功效：健脾益肺、明目安神。
　　■西藏高原為白內障全球病發率最高地區。
　　■近年醫學界致力發展兼具更多功能的新型晶體。
　　■白內障過熟，易併發青光眼、虹膜炎和眼睛劇痛，令手術成效大減。
　　■兒童近視問題不容忽視。
　　■嚴重白內障患者甚至可見到眼內混濁晶體。
　　■雲耳可以潤肺生津、滋陰養胃，改善血液循環。
　　■龍眼肉曬乾後可補益心脾，常用於治療心脾虛損。

[轉貼]深近視易白內障患者趨年輕 (2009/7/7)

患有深近視的人士要小心，深近視患者患白內障的機會是一般人的四倍，近年更有年輕化的趨勢，30多歲已可能已患白內障，因而要更換晶體，有醫生表示，深近視患者即使進行激光矯視手術，仍不會降低患白內障的風險。

年約40歲的藝人江欣燕(圖)，雙眼有逾千度近視，約在10年前接受矯視手術。在兩年前，經常感到頭痛，視力開始變得模糊，曾看到4個月亮的疊影，駕車時又看不清楚路標，起初以為再次出現近視，於是立即到眼鏡店配眼鏡，但情況未有改善。

激光矯視不減患病風險
經醫生診斷證實患上白內障，但她不能相信自己患白內障，亦擔心手術後會影響日常工作，甚至失明，故一直不敢接受手術。後來病情加劇，由於其工作要經常看劇本，又要看對手做戲，但經常看不清楚而認錯人，或看不清攝錄機位置，她形容當時「心情好差」。
結果拖了兩年，才接受手術，現時視力質素大大提升，逃避了兩年，「覺得自己有啲笨」。
眼科專科醫生周國安表示，深近視可增加患眼疾的風險，其中一項是白內障，根據中大的資料顯示，深近視患者較一般人高4倍，醫學研究報告指出，深近視有較高機會引致核性及後囊白內障，較其他不同原發位置的白內障更早影響視力。
根據其臨床經驗，深近視併發白內障的患者個案，需要接受手術的年齡普遍較其他白內障個案提早約10至15年。一般接受白內障摘除手術的平均年齡為65歲，而深近視併發白內障的人士，則50歲便病發作。

雖然現時有激光矯視手術，可減輕深近視人士的近視度數，但不會減低因深近視而誘發眼疾的風險。
至於治療方法，可透過超聲波乳化微創手術，植入合適的人工晶體，手術時間只需15至30分鐘，術後當天可回家，翌日已可正常活動。現時有單焦距和多焦距的人工晶體，費用由1萬至2萬元不等，醫生會根據患者的需要，而選擇合適的人工晶體，人工晶體可永久使用。
http://www.metrohk.com.hk/index.php?cmd=detail&categoryID=7

Beauty - Foundation (consumer council test 2009/6/16)

[轉貼]消委會指粉底標籤多不全
(星島)2009年6月16日星期二 05:30
(綜合報道)
(星島日報報道)女士愛美，不時塗上化妝用粉底修飾肌膚，消費者委員會的測試結果就發現，其中六款樣本發現微量重金屬鉛，日常使用不足以影響健康，但批評大部分產品缺乏全面的標籤資料，欠缺有效日期或保質日期，僅用難以解讀的密碼示眾。
　　六樣本含微量鉛
　　消委會首次測試三十款粉底樣本，售價由一百廿多元至六百多元不等。結果顯示，共有六款樣本發現微量重金屬鉛，含量由零點五ppm至一點五ppm，按內地衞生部《化妝品衞生規範》規定一般化妝品的鉛含量上限為四十ppm，故上述樣本的含鉛量遠低於上限規定。另所有樣本合乎衞生標準。
　　不過，消委會不滿樣本產品缺乏全面的標籤資料，在三十個樣本中，只有三個清楚標示有效日期或保質日期，其中一個同時列出生產日期。另有兩個樣本只標示生產日期，欠缺有效日期或保質期。其餘二十五個樣本採用消費者難以解讀的密碼來標示生產日期，而其中十五個樣本標註開封後使用期，由十二個月至兩年不等。
　　此外，二十一個樣本以英文詳列產品成分，皮膚容易敏感人士，宜避免接觸酒精、香料和防腐劑等成分。皮膚科專家解釋，使用可能滋生了細菌的過期化妝品，如皮膚上有傷口，可引致細菌感染及發炎等；而變質的化妝品亦可能引致皮膚敏感及接觸性皮膚炎。同時，必須使用合適的卸妝用品徹底卸妝，否則化妝品殘餘可能會堵塞毛孔，容易引致粉刺、暗瘡等問題。本報記者

六樣本含微量鉛
[轉貼]本貼地址:http://www.getjetso.com/forum/thread-318136-1-1.html
含鉛粉底樣本產品名稱/色號：Sonia Rykiel Moisturizing Cream Foundation SPF18 PA++保濕緊緻粉底霜/ 20鉛含量(ppm)：1.5零售價：390元
產品名稱/色號：Kanebo Lunasol Modeling Water Liquid Foundation SPF17 PA+/ OC03鉛含量(ppm)：1.5零售價：350元
產品名稱/色號：RMK Liquid Foundation/ 203鉛含量(ppm)：0.79零售價：320元
產品名稱/色號：Shiseido Maquillage Climax Lasting Liquid UV SPF28 PA++持久無瑕防曬液質粉底/ 20鉛含量(ppm)：0.73零售價：300元
產品名稱/色號：Prosays'Transparent Cream Foundation/ 02鉛含量(ppm)：0.59零售價：420元
產品名稱/色號：Skinfood Mushroom Multi Care BB Cream SPF20 PA+磨菇BB柔滑多效粉底霜/ 1 Bright Skin亮白膚色鉛含量(ppm)：0.5零售價：295元

Monday, June 29, 2009

Read - Finance - Yuan Bonds (2009/6/29)

BEA yuan bonds have appeal
Katherine Ng (Monday, June 29, 2009)

The window of opportunity for retail investors to benefit from any yuan appreciation opens again tomorrow when the mainland unit of the Bank of East Asia (0023) offers yuan bonds. BEA is selling bonds worth 4 billion yuan (HK$4.53 billion), with 3 billion yuan earmarked for institutional investors
Investors will be paid a coupon of 2.8 percent. That is more than double the 1.29 percent HSBC China last week offered institutional clients for its two-year corporate bonds.

"The rate is reasonable and is comparable to the 3 percent coupon that mainland financials offered during 2007," said Stanley Wong Yuen-fai, director and deputy general manager at ICBC (Asia) (0349), in looking to the year when the yuan appreciated the fastest. He believes yuan bonds are attractive, especially as the savings rate for bank deposits is almost zero. Market participants said HSBC's 1.29 percent rate was not comparable because the Shanghai interbank offered rate, which the lender used, is not a common reference for Hong Kong and overseas investors.
"Yuan bonds in the secondary market are trading at around 3 percent," a trader said. "Although the yuan deposit rate in the mainland dropped significantly it did not affect rates in Hong Kong."

Wong said the latest yuan bonds should be able to offer a coupon of around 3 percent. The bonds could be attractive to local investors, who now have 54 billion yuan deposited in Hong Kong banks. The banks offer an interest rate of 0.7-0.8 percent. Additionally, Beijing's aim is to internationalize the yuan, so its appreciation will continue and benefit bond investors.

But potential investors should ensure they are properly briefed by bank staff, even if they have bought bonds before, executives of distributor banks said.
The Securities and Futures Commission has set stricter approval requirements in that bank staff should tell investors about the details and potential risks.
Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam- kuen and Mu Huaipeng, director-general, Financial Market Department of the People's Bank of China will attend the ceremony today to launch the yuan bonds.
http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?we_cat=2&art_id=84082&sid=24386094&con_type=1&d_str=20090629&fc=1

Read - ENG - BBC news 2009/05/18

Tall people earn more (18 May 2009)

SUMMARY:
Researchers in Australia have found that tall people earn higher wages than their shorter counterparts. They also found that chubby people earn more than those who are skinny.
Reporter: Nick Bryant

REPORT:
The long and short of this Australian report is that tall workers earn significantly more than their vertically challenged counterparts. A six foot man can expect a windfall of almost $750 a year.
The researchers found there were practical reasons why the size gap translated into a pay gap. Tall people were sometimes more capable of performing certain physical tasks, like reaching high shelves. But the discrepancy is explained mainly by discrimination, the simple fact that society tends to look on tall people as more powerful and smarter, even when they're not.
The study from the Australian National University also found that slimmer workers tend to get slimmer pay packets. Fat men earn 5% more than their slender colleagues.
Nick Bryant, BBC News, Sydney

VOCABULARY
the long and short of - a commonly used set expression said when you want to explain the general situation without giving details
vertically challenged - an indirect way of saying 'short'
counterparts - your counterpart is someone who is generally similar to you but different in a particular way (e.g. they come from a different country, or, as here, they are shorter than you)
windfall - here, money that you win or receive unexpectedly translated into - here, meant, caused, resulted in
discrepancy - a distinct difference between two things that should be the same discrimination - unfair treatment of someone because of prejudice about race, ethnicity, age, religion, gender or, as here, size
tend to get slimmer pay packets - usually earn less money
slender - slim, thin
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/wordsinthenews/2009/05/090518_witn_tall.shtml

Read - ENG - BBC news 2009/06/10

Millionth English word imminent (10 June 2009)

SUMMARY
It is being claimed that the millionth word in the English language is about to be created. A US company which follows the use of language on the internet has made the prediction. However traditional dictionary makers aren't so sure.... .
Reporter: Lawrence Pollard

REPORT
The idea of the millionth word entering the English language is a brilliant bit of public relations for Texas-based Global Language Monitor. GLM runs a powerful search service which monitors web traffic. They make their money telling organisations how often their name is mentioned in new media, such as the internet.
What they can also do is search for newly coined words. Once a word has been used 25,000 times on social networking sites and such like, GLM declares it to be a new word. By their calculations a new word is created in English every 98 minutes, hence the estimate that the millionth word is about to be created.
If you talk to lexicographers, however, dictionary professionals, they tell a slightly different story. Dictionaries have tighter criteria about what constitutes a new word, for example, it has to be used over a certain period of time. Lexicographers will tell you that the exact size of English vocabulary is impossible to quantify, but if you accept every technical term or obscure specialist word then we're already way beyond a million. And if you restrict inclusion of specialist slang, then there are possibly three quarters of a million words in English. All of which is way beyond the 20 - 40,000 words that a fluent speaker would use, or the few thousand you could get by with in English. Basically, with 1.5 billion people speaking some version of the language, it's small wonder English is the fastest growing tongue in the world.
Lawrence Pollard, Arts Correspondent, London

VOCABULARY
public relations - the activity of keeping good relationships between an organisation and the people outside it - sometimes abbreviated to 'PR'
monitors web traffic - checks and keeps records of which websites people are visiting
newly coined - (refers to language only) recently invented or used for the first time
tighter criteria - stricter standards by which something is judged or decided
constitutes - is considered as
quantify - measure or count
obscure - not widely known
restrict inclusion of specialist slang - limit the addition of informal language
small wonder - not surprising
tongue - language

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/wordsinthenews/2009/06/090610_witn_dict_page.shtml

Read - ENG - BBC news 2009/05/29

Illegal downloads (29 May 2009)

SUMMARY:
Around seven million people in the UK are involved in illegal downloads at huge cost to the economy - but changing attitudes is going to be tough. A report warns that criminalising people who download illegally may not be the right course.
Reporter:Rory Cellan-Jones

REPORT
The report for a body advising the government on copyright looks at consumer attitudes to illegal downloading. Researchers found 1.3 million people online on just one file-sharing network on a weekday and worked out that over a year, they were getting free access to material worth 120 billion pounds.

The report says seven million people who download illegally in the UK can't all be students, older people must also be involved. But it says there's uncertainty about what is or is not illegal, and the fact that so much on the internet is free only adds to the confusion.

The report warns the government that criminalising downloaders could have huge economic costs and might not even work.

VOCABULARY
body - here, organisation, institution
copyright - the legal right of either creative artists or publishers to control the use and reproduction of their original works
consumer attitudes to - here, how downloaders feel about
getting free access to - here, able to download without paying
must also be involved - here, look certain to be using illegal downloads as well there's uncertainty about - nobody knows for sure
adds to the confusion - makes the situation even less clear
criminalising - treating somebody as a criminal and/or making what they do punishable under the criminal law

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/wordsinthenews/2009/05/090529_witn_downloads.shtml

Read - ENG - BBC news 2009/6/26

MUSIC LEGEND MICHAEL JACKSON DIES (26 June 2009)

SUMMARY
Music legend Michael Jackson has died at the age of 50, after suffering a cardiac arrest at his home in Beverly Hills. Jackson, who had a history of health problems, had been due to stage a series of comeback concerts in the UK in July.

REPORT
Michael Jackson's body was airlifted from hospital to the coroner's office in downtown Los Angeles. TV stations here carried live coverage of the helicopter's journey. An autopsy will be carried out later today to establish the precise cause of his death.

Paramedics had been called to the Beverly Hills mansion Michael Jackson had been renting whilst he prepared for a series of fifty sold-out shows in London next month. The singer's brother Jermain told a news conference that after they failed to resuscitate him, Jackson was transferred to a nearby hospital where a team of doctors worked for more than an hour in a vain attempt to revive him.

Only a few hours earlier Michael Jackson had been rehearsing at a local sports stadium, but concerns about his fitness for the concert tour had already begun to circulate, amid reports that he was looking frail. Hundreds of fans have maintained a vigil outside the hospital to which he was taken, some to mourn his passing, others to celebrate his music.

For the all the controversy that surrounded the latter part of his career several commentators here have likened his musical legacy to that of Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby and Elvis Presley.

VOCABULARY
airlifted - moved by aircraft or helicopter (here, because of an emergency)
coroner's officea - place where an official person examines the reason why someone died unexpectedly
carried live coverage - broadcast news and events as they happened
paramedics - medical workers specially trained to deal with emergencies
sold-out shows - concerts so popular, that there are no tickets left to buy
resuscitate - bring someone back to life or consciousness
vain attempt - when you to try to do something difficult but without much chance of succeeding
frail - weak, unhealthy
maintained a vigil - stayed in one place to think about and honour an ill or dead person
mourn his passing - express sadness over his death
controversy - difficulties, trouble

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/wordsinthenews/2009/06/090626_witn_jackson_page.shtml

Travel - JAPAN (General Information 1)

GEOGRAPHY

Japan consists of four major islands, surrounded by more than 4,000 smaller islands. The four major islands are:
1. Hokkaido (Northern Island)北海道(位于日本北方的島嶼)
2. Honshu (Main Island)本州(本島)
3. Shikoku (Smallest Island)四國(是四個島嶼中最小的)
4. Kyushu (Southern Island)九州(位于日本南端的島嶼)

Japan is conventionally divided into 9 regions. Listed here from north to south:
1. Hokkaido北海道
2. Tohoku 東北
3. Kanto関東
4. Chubu中部
5. Kansai 関西/ Kinki近畿
6. Chugoku中国
7. Shikoku四国
8. Kyushu九州
9. Okinawa沖縄

REFERENCE:
http://www.visitjapan.jp/
http://www.uk.emb-japan.go.jp/en/webjapan/travel/region_info.htm

Read - Bible reading

2009/12/13
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. (Colossians 3:2)
你們要思念上面的事, 不要思念地上的事. (歌羅西書3:2)

2009/11/1
But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and sent you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation. (Colossians 1:22)
但如今藉著基督的肉身受死,叫你們與自己和好,都成了聖潔,沒有瑕疵,無可責備,把你們引到自己面前.(歌羅西書1:22)

2009/10/31
Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. (Colossians 1:21)
你們從前與神隔絕,因著惡行,心裡與他為敵.(歌羅西書1:21)

2009/10/26
For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him. (Colossians 1:19)
因為父喜歡叫一切的豐盛在衪裡面居住.(歌羅西書1:19)

2009/10/25
And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. (Colossians 1:18)
他也是教會全體之首,他是元始,是從死裡首先復生的,使他可以在凡事上居首位.(歌羅西書1:18)

2009/10/23
For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.(Colossians 1:16)
因為萬有都是靠他造的, 無論是天上的, 地上的,能看見的,不能看見的,或是有位的,主治的,執政的,掌權的,一概都是藉著他造的,又是為他造的.(歌羅西書1:16)

2009/10/21
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.(Colossians 1:15)
愛子是那不能看見之神的像,是首生的,在一切被造的以先. (歌羅西書1:15)

2009/10/17
And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, (Colossians 1: 10)
好叫你們行事為人對得起主, 凡事蒙他喜悅,在一切善事上結果子,漸漸地多知道神;(歌羅西書1:10)

2009/10/11
because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints - (Colossians 1: 4)
因聽見你們在基督耶穌裡的信心, 並向眾聖徒的愛心,(歌羅西書1:4)

2009/10/10
We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, (Colossians 1: 3)
我們感戲神,我們主耶穌基督的父,常常為你們禱告, (歌羅西書1:3)

2009/10/8
Grace and peace to you from God our Father. (Colossians 1: 2b)
願恩惠, 平安從神我們的父歸與你們. (歌羅西書1:2b)

2009/10/4
我們若是靠聖靈得生, 就當靠聖靈行事. (加拉太書5:25)

2009/10/2
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.(Philippians 4:23)
願主耶穌基督的恩常在你們心裡! (腓立比書4:23)

2009/10/1
To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.(Philippians 4:20)
願榮耀歸給我們的父神,直到永永遠遠.阿們. (腓立比書4:20)

2009/9/27
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.(Philippians 4:12-13)
我知道怎樣處卑賤,也知道怎樣處豐富, 或飽足,或飢餓,或有餘,或缺乏,隨事隋在,我都得了秘訣,我著那加給我力量的, 凡事都能作做. (腓立比書4:12-3)

2009/9/26
I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.(Philippians 4:10)
我靠主大大地喜樂, 因為你們思念我的心如今又發生; 你們向來就思念我,只是沒得機會. (腓立比書4:10)

2009/9/21
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.(Philippians 4:4-7)
你們要靠主常常喜樂! 我再說, 你們要喜樂! 當叫眾人知道你們謙讓的心.主已經近了,應當一無掛慮,只要凡事藉著禱告,祈求和感謝,將你們所要的告訴神, 神所賜出人意外的平安, 必在基督耶穌裡, 保守你們的心懷意念. (腓立比書4:4-7)

2009/9/20
who, by power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.(Philippians 3:21)
他要按著那能叫萬有歸服自己的大能, 將我們這卑賤的身體改變形狀,和他自己榮耀的身體相似. (腓立比書3:21)

2009/9/17
But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, (Philippians 3:20)
我們卻是天上的國民, 並且等候救主, 就是主耶穌基督從天上降臨. (腓立比書3:20)

2009/9/16
...But One thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, (Philippians 3:13)
...我只有一件事,就是忘記背後,努力面前的, (腓立比書3:13)

2009/9/15
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. (Philippians 3:12)
這不是說我已經得著了, 已經完全了, 我乃是竭力追求,或者可以得著基督耶穌所以得著我的. (腓立比書3:12)

2009/9/14
I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death. (Philippians 3:10)
使我認識基督,曉得他復活的大能,並且曉得和他一同受苦,效法他的死. (腓立比書3:10)

2009/9/13
Watch out for those dogs, those men who do evil, those mutilators of the flesh. (Philippians 3:2)
應當防備犬類,防備作惡的,防備妄自行割的. (腓立比書3:2)

2009/9/12
Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! (Philippians 1:1a)
弟兄們,我還要有話說, 你們要靠主喜樂. (腓立比書2:16)

2009/9/8
as you hold out the word of life - in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. (Philippians 2:16)
將生命的道表明出來,叫我在基督的日子好誇我沒有空跑,也沒有徒勞. (腓立比書2:16)

2009/9/6
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. (Ephesians 6:10)
我還有末了的話:你們要靠著主,倚靠他的大能大力,作剛強的人. (以弗所書6:10)

2009/9/1
But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. (Philippians 3:7)
只是我先前以為與我有益的,我現在因基督都當作有損的. (腓立比書3:7)

2009/8/31
Who, being in a very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. (Philippians 2:6-7)
他本有神的形象, 不以自己與神同等為強奪的,反倒虛己, 取了奴僕的形象,成為人的樣式. (腓立比書2:6-7)

2009/8/30
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: (Philippians 2:5)
你們當以基督耶穌的心為心. (腓立比書2:5)

2009/8/28
Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. (Philippians 2:4)
各人不要單顧自己的事, 也要顧別人的事. (腓立比書2:4)

2009/8/22
without being frightened in any way by those who opose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved - and that by God. (Philippians 1:28)
凡事不怕敵人的驚嚇,這是證明他們沉淪,你們得救,都是出於神. (腓立比書1:28)

2009/8/21
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes throught Jesus Christ - to the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1:9-11)
我所禱告的, 就是要你們的愛心, 在知識和各樣見識上多而又多, 使你們能分別是非, 作誠實無過的人, 直到基督的日子; 並靠著耶穌基督結滿了仁義的果子,叫榮耀稱讚歸與神. (腓立比書1:9-11)

2009/8/13
In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy. (Philippians 1:4)
每逄為你們眾人祈求的時候,常是歡歡喜喜地祈求. (腓立比書1:4)

2009/8/12
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. (Ephesian 6:24)
並願所有誠心愛我們主耶穌基督的人都蒙恩惠. (以弗所書6:24)

2009/8/11
Peace to the brothers, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesian 6:23)
願平安,仁愛,信心從父神和主耶穌基督歸與弟兄們! (以弗所書6:23)

2009/8/9
In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Ephesian 6:16-7)
此外,又拿著信德當作盾牌,可以滅盡那惡者一切的火箭, 並戴上救恩的頭盔,拿著聖靈的寶劍,就是神的道. (以弗所書6:16-7)

2009/8/8
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteous in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. (Ephesian 6:14-5)
所以要站穩了,用真理當作帶子腰,用公義當作護心鏡遮胸,又用平安的福音當作預備走路的鞋穿在腳上. (以弗所書6:14-5)

2009/8/4
Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. (Ephesian 5:15-7)
你們要慬慎行事, 不要像愚昧人, 當像智慧人, 要愛惜光陰, 因為現今的世代邪惡,不要作糊塗人, 要明白主的旨意如何. (以弗所書5:15-7)

2009/8/3
for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth and find out what pleases the Lord. (Ephesian 5:9-10)
光明所結的果子就是一切良善,公義,誠實,總要察驗何為主所喜悅的事. (以弗所書5:9-10)

2009/8/2
Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. (Ephesian 5:4)
淫詞,妄語和戲笑的話都不相宜,總要說感謝的話. (以弗所書5:4)

2009/8/1
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. (Ephesian 5:1-2)
所以你們該效法神,好像蒙慈愛的兒女一樣.也要憑愛心行事,正如基督愛我們, 為我們捨了自己,當作馨香的供物和祭物獻與神. (以弗所書5:1-2)

2009/7/31
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesian 4:32)
並要以恩慈相待，存憐憫的心，彼此饒恕，正如神在基督裡饒恕了你們. (以弗所書4:32)

2009/7/30
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (Ephesian 4:29)
污穢的言語, 一句不可出口,只要隨事說造就人的好話,叫聽見的人得益處. (以弗所書4:29)

2009/7/29
Therefore each of yu must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighor, for we are all members of one body. "In your anger do not sin"; Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. (Ephesian 4:25-7)
所以你們是棄絕慌言,各人與鄰舍說實話,因為我們是互相為肢體,生氣不要犯罪,不可含怒到日落; 也不可給魔鬼留地步." (以弗所書4:25-27)

2009/7/28
This is why it says: "When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men." (Ephesian 4:8)
所以經上說,"他升上高天的時候,掳掠了仇敵,將各樣的恩賜賞給人." (以弗所書4:8)

2009/7/27
But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. (Ephesian 4:7)
我們各人蒙恩,都是照基督所量給各人的恩賜. (以弗所書4:7)

2009/7/26
There is one body and one Spirit - just as you were called to one hope when you were called - one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (Ephesian 4:4-6)
身體只有一個,聖靈只有一個,正如你們蒙召,同有一個指望.一主,一信, 一洗,一神,就是眾人之父,超乎眾人之上, 貫乎眾人之中, 也住在眾人之內. (以弗所書4:4-6)

2009/7/25
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. (Ephesian 4:2-3)
凡事謙虛,溫柔,忍耐,用愛心互相容,用和平彼此聯結,力保守聖靈所賜合而為一的心. (以弗所書4:2-3)

2009/7/23
so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, (Ephesian 3:17)
使基督因你們的信,住在你們心裡,叫你們的愛心有根有基, (以弗所書3:17)

2009/7/22
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through hi Spirit in your inner being, (Ephesian 3:14-6)
因此,我在父面前屈膝, (天上地上的各家,都是從他得名.)求他按著他豐盛的榮耀),藉著他的靈,叫你們心裡的力量剛強起來. (以弗所書3:14-16)

2009/7/21
In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.(Ephesian 3:12)
我們因信耶穌,就在他裡面放膽無懼,篤信不疑地來到神面前. (以弗所書3:12)

2009/7/20
built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.(Ephesian 2:20)
並且被建造在使徒和先知的根基上,有基督耶穌自己為房角石, (以弗所書2:20)

2009/7/19
This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. (Ephesian 3:6)
這奧秘就是外邦人在基督耶穌裡,藉著福音,得以同為後嗣,同為一體,同蒙應許. (以弗所書3:6)

2009/7/18
Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, (Ephesian 2:19)
這樣,你們不再作外邦人和客旅,是與聖徒同國,是神家裡的人了. (以弗所書2:19)

2009/7/17
He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. (Ephesian 2:17)
並且來傳和平的福音給你們遠處的人, 也給那近處的人了. (以弗所書2:17)

2009/7/16
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near throught the blood of Christ. (Ephesian 2:13)
你們從前遠離神的人, 如今卻在基督耶穌裡,靠著衪的血,已經得親近了. (以弗所書2:13)

2009/7/15
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves,it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesian 2:8-9)
你們得救是本乎恩,也因著信,這並不是出於自己,乃是神所賜的,也不是出於行為,免得有人自誇. (以弗所書2:8-9)

2009/7/14
and his comparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength. (Ephesian 1:19)
並知道他向我們這信的人所顯的能力是何等的浩大, (以弗所書1:19)

2009/7/13
I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, (Ephesian 1:18)
並且照明你們心中的眼睛,使你們知道他的恩召有何等指望;他在聖徒中得的基業有何等豐盛的榮耀; (以弗所書1:18)

GOD PROMISES THAT HIS JOY IS YOUR STRENGTH.

2009/7/12
In him we were also chose, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, (Ephesian 1:11)
我們在祂裡面得了基業,這原是那位隨己意行做萬事的,照著他旨意所預定的, (以弗所書1:11)

2009/7/11
that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. (Ephesian 1:8)
這恩是神用諸般智慧聰明,充充足足賞給我們的. (以弗所書1:8)

2009/7/10
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. (Ephesian 1:7-8)
我們藉這愛子的血得蒙救贖,過犯得以赦免,乃是照他豐富的恩典. (以弗所書1:7)
2009/7/9
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. (Ephesian 1:3-4)
願頌讚歸與我們主耶穌基督的父神!他在基督裡曾賜給我們天上各樣屬靈的福氣.就如神從創立世界以前,在基督裡揀選了我們,使我們在他面前成為聖潔,無有暇疵. (以弗所書1:3-4)
2009/7/8
Finally, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen. (Galatian 6:17-8)
從今以後, 人都不要攪擾我,因為我身上帶著耶穌的印記. 弟兄們,願我主耶穌基督的恩常在你們心裡,阿們. (加拉太書6:17-8)
2009/7/7
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatian 6:9
我們行善,不可志,若不灰心,到了時候就要收成. 加拉太書6:9
2009/7/6
Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. (Galatian 6:1)
弟兄們,若有人偶然被過犯所勝,你們屬靈的人,就當用溫柔的心把他挽回過來;又當自己小心,恐怕也被引誘.(加拉太書6:1)
2009/7/5
Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. Galatian 5:23b -26
這樣的事,沒有律法禁止.凡屬基督耶穌的人,是已經把肉體連肉體的邪情私慾同釘在十字架上了.我們若是靠聖靈得生,就當靠聖靈行事.不要貪圖虛名,彼此惹氣,互相嫉妒. (加拉太書5:23b-26)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control Galatian 5:22-23a
聖靈所結的果子,就是仁愛,喜樂,和平,忍耐,仁慈,良善,信實,溫柔,節制 (加拉太書5:22-23a)

The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Galatian 5:14
因為全律法都包在愛人如己這一句話之內了. (加拉太書5:14)

But by faith we eagly await through the Spirit the rightousness for which we hope. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. Galatians 5:5-6
我們靠著聖靈, 憑著信心,等候所盼望的義.原來在基督耶穌裡,受割禮不受割禮全無功效;惟獨使人生發仁愛的信心才有功效. (加拉太書5:5-6)

2009/7/1
Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. But now that you know God - or rather are known by God - how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? Galatians 4:8
但從前你們不認識神的時候,是給那些本來不是神的作奴僕.現在你們既然認識神,更可說是被神所認識的,怎麼還要歸回那懦弱無用的小學,情願再給他作奴僕呢? (加拉太書4:8)

2009/6/30
You are all sons of God through faith in Chris Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. Galatians 3:26
所以, 你們因信基督耶穌,都是神的兒子.你們受洗歸入基督的,都是披戴基督了. (加拉太書3:26)

2009/6/29
Unless the Lord builds the house,its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. (Psalms 127:1)
若不是耶和華建造房屋, 建造的人就枉然勞力;
若不是耶和華看守城池, 看守的人就枉然警醒. (詩篇127:1)

Health - 不可不知的「鈣」念

[轉貼]不可不知的「鈣」念
我們的身體含有多種礦物質，其中以鈣的含量最多。百分之九十九體內的鈣儲藏於骨骼和牙齒，餘下的則存於血液中，有助血液凝固、協助心臟和肌肉收縮等功用

當血液中的鈣水平過低時，骨骼內的鈣便會被提取到血液中，以維持血液中鈣的水平。若然這情況持續，骨骼便會因失去過多鈣而變得疏鬆、脆弱、甚至折斷。因此，要預防骨質疏鬆，鈣質的吸收最為重要

鈣質何處尋 ?
牛奶或奶類製品如奶粉、芝士、乳酪等含有豐富鈣質
全脂奶類製品含大量脂肪，肥胖或想 keep fit 的人士可選用低脂或脫脂奶類製品

* 深綠色蔬菜、連骨一起吃的魚、豆腐和豆類製品、果仁亦含有豐富鈣質

含豐富鈣質的食物
食物分量鈣質 ( 毫克 )
奶類 :
低脂牛奶一杯（ 240 毫升） 300
低脂乳酪一杯（ 240 毫升） 345
低脂芝士 (Cheddar) 一片（ 28 克） 200
------------------------------------------------------------------------
蔬菜 :
白菜（熟）一碗（ 155 克） 140
西蘭花（熟）一碗（ 155 克） 70
芥蘭（熟）一碗（ 130 克） 95
大豆芽菜（熟）半碗（ 120 克） 66
------------------------------------------------------------------------
魚類 :
罐頭沙甸魚（連骨）半碗（ 115 克）440
罐頭三文魚（連骨）半碗（ 115 克）260
鰽魚乾半碗（ 28 克） 448
------------------------------------------------------------------------
乾豆 / 豆製品 :
黃豆（熟）一碗（ 170 克）175
眉豆（熟）一磚（ 165 克）210
板壓豆腐一磚（ 160 克）200
豆奶（加鈣）一杯（ 240 毫升）300
腐竹一碗（ 170 克）半碗 (28 克） 54
------------------------------------------------------------------------
果仁 :
杏仁半碗（ 70 克）195
芝麻半碗（ 70 克）700
開心果半碗（ 65 克）90
花生半碗（ 73 克）67
腰果（焗）半碗（ 69 克） 31

註 : 飯碗以中號碗計 ( 大約 240 毫升 )
reference: http://www.studenthealth.gov.hk/tc_chi/health/health_dn/health_dn_ckhm.html

鈣質攝入量
Age Adequate intake(亳克)
0 - 6 months 300
6 - 12 months 400
1 - 3 years 600
4 - 10 years 800
11 - 17 years 1000
>= 18 years 800
>= 50 years 1000
* 中國營養學會制定 (from http://paper.hkheadline.com/ 2009/6/29)

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Travel - Kansai Travel (Keihanshin 京阪神) 2007/11 - Itinerary

PHOTOS
Picasa 網路相簿 - Kansai - Kansai <-- CLICK HERE

ITINERARY

DAY 1: arrive at night

DAY 2: Osaka - Shopping areas : Hep Five --> Rinku Premium Outlet --> ATC Town Outlet Mare
http://www.hepfive.jp/
http://www.premiumoutlets.co.jp/rinku/
http://www.atc-mare.com/

DAY 3: 姫路城, Kobe 神戶 -Ljinkan 異人館, Harbourland, Kobe port tower, Mosaic Garden
http://www.feel-kobe.jp/
http://www.kobe-mosaic.co.jp/index.html

DAY 4:Kyoto京都 -- Sagano 嵯峨野·嵐山 --> 東山清水寺 --> 四条烏丸 --> 祗園-->八板神社

Shopping items:
Kyoto famous cosmetic shop (must buy items - eg. lip care, handcream...) http://www.yojiya.co.jp/index.html

DAY 5: Kansai --> Hong Kong

Travel - Kansai Travel (Keihanshin 京阪神) 2007/11 - General Information

General Information
The Kansai region (関西地方) or the Kinki region (近畿地方) lies in the southern-central region of Japan's main island Honshu(本州). The region includes the prefectures of Nara (奈良), Wakayama(和歌山), Kyoto(京都), Osaka (大阪), Hyogo(兵庫縣), and Shiga (滋賀県).

Kobe (神戸市) is the sixth-largest city in Japan and is the capital city of Hyogo Prefecture (兵庫縣).

Flight schedule
All Nippon Airways 176 Economy (free ticket)
21 Nov Departure : Hong Kong at 15:05 Arrival: Osaka Kansai at 19:15
25 Nov Arrival : Osaka Kansai at 10:40 Arrival: Hong Kong at 15:05

ACCOMMODATION:
Homestay 大阪桃子媽媽的家 4000yen per night(with breakfast)

南海本線:關西空港 (南海線急行)→羽衣(同月台換普通車)→石津川(車程約40分)，到達石津川車站有專人會到車站接送喔！

Address : 堺市石津川車站附近 (騎腳踏車到車站約5分鐘) http://www.momomama.idv.tw/

TRANSPORTATION:
關西三日券(KANSAI THRU PASS) 5000YEN (bought it in Japan)
http://www.surutto.com/conts/ticket/3daytw/index.html

Travel - Beijing - Tour 2007/04 Easter Holiday

Cost

Tour fee(peak season) hkd3090 + airport tax, fuel tax .. hkd488 + tour guide fee hkd240 = hkd3818

Travel - Hokkaido (Group tour) - 2005/8 summer

Cost
Tour fee hk6899 (peak season) + fuel tax.... hk335 + tourist guide fee hkd490
= hkd7724

Travel - Tokyo & Hokkaido - Itinerary 2007/02

PHOTO
Picasa 網路相簿 - Hokkaido - Hokkaido (<--- PHOTO click here )

ITINERARY
Day 1: Hong Kong -> Narita Airport (成田機場) --> Shinjuku (新宿)

Transportation : 京成特急<成田-日暮里>: $1000 yen，轉山手線<日暮里-新宿>: $160 yen

Sightseeing /Acitivites:
1. go to any Shinjuku Travel Service Center at a JR station to reserve seat
2. Shinjuku window shopping (department store, agnes b shop.... etc)

Day 2: Shinjuku (新宿) --> 南大沢 Fit House outlet --> Night Train (Tokyo 東京--> Hachinohe 八戶 --> Aomori 青森 --> Sapporo 札幌 )

Sightseeing / Activities:
1. 南大沢 Fit House outlet (Can skip this place - transporation is not convenient and other Tokyo outlets are bigger)

Day 3: Sapporo 札幌

Sightseeing / Activities:
1. Shopping area - Stellar Place, Esta, Apia.... http://www.stellarplace.net/
2. Hokkaido Ramen Hall (札幌拉麵橫丁共和國) - Esta nearby
3. Sapporo TV tower
4. Hokkaido Old Government Building (北海道廳舊本廳)
5. Hokkaido University
6. Sapporo Snow Festival大通公園雪祭 (nightview)

Day 4: Sapporo 札幌 --> Otaru 小樽--> Minami Otaru 南小樽 --> Sapporo 札幌

Sightseeing / Activities:
1. Otaru (小樽) 1 day trip (Otaru Canal, 萬花茼館, 地道商店街, 壽司通, 點燈雪道)
2. Tanukikoji Shopping Street (札幌狸小路)

Day 5: Sapporo 札幌 --> Hakodate 函館

Sightseeing / Activities:
1. Hakodate 函館 - Supermarket and department store shopping

Day 6: Hakodate 函館

Sightseeing / Activities:
1. 函館朝市(三色飯)
2. Hakodate seaside (紅磚倉庫, 西波止場, 海鮮市場..... )
3. 函館山, 八幡坡道

Day 7: Hakodate 函館 --> Hachinohe八戶

Sightseeing / Activities:
1. Onuma Park (大沼公園)

Day 8: Hachinohe 八戶 --> Shinjuku (新宿) --> Karuizawa (輕井澤) --> Shinjuku (新宿)

Sightseeing / Activities:
1. Karuizawa (輕井澤)
2. Garden Walk Outlet

Day 9: Shinjuku (新宿) --> Hong Kong

Sightseeing / Activities:
1. Ikebukuro (池袋) shopping

TRANSPORTATION :
7-day Japan Rail PASS costs 28300 yen (day 2 - day 8) http://www.japanrailpass.net/ (Seat reservations can be made without additional payment.To make a reservation, go to any Travel Service Center or a Reservation Office (Midori-no-madoguchi) at a JR station, or to the sales office of a JR-associated travel agency. There, show your PASS, and obtain your reserved-seat ticket before the boarding. )

ACCOMMODATION :
9 days 8 nights - 1 night train, Toyoko Inn Hotel (7 nights) http://www.toyoko-inn.com/eng/

1. Toyoko Inn Shinjuku Kabuki-cho 東橫INN 新宿歌舞伎町 (far away from JR station)
2. Toyoko Inn Sapporo-eki Kita-guchi 東橫INN 札幌站北口 ( plus free dinner - Japanese curry rice; winter discount)
3.Toyoko Inn Hakodate Ekimae Asaichi 東橫INN 函館站前朝市 (plus free dinner - Japanese curry rice; winter discount)
4.Toyoko Inn Hachinohe Ekimae 東橫INN 八戶站前

COST :
Transportation - 7 DAY JR Bought at hk travel agency 28300 yen* 0.0615 = hkd1743
+ Flight ticket 2250 + tax 540 = hkd2790 + bus/subway 3120 yen*0.065 = hkd202.8
==> Total transportation fee hkd4735.8

Travel - Tokyo & Hokkaido - General Information 2007/02

TRAVEL PLACES:
1. Central Hokkaido (道中): Sapporo(札幌 ), Otaru(小樽)
2. Southern Hokkaido (道南) : Hakodate (函館)

3. Aomori (青森) : Hachinohe (八戸市)
4. Tokyo : Shinjuku (新宿), Ikebukuro (池袋)
5. Karuizawa(輕井澤)

Hachinohe (八戸市) is a city located in Aomori Prefecture, Japan.
Karuizawa is a town located in Kitasaku District, Nagano, Japan. Karuizawa is known throughout Japan as a popular tourist spot. People from Tokyo will travel to Karuizawa to get away from the city. There is a Shinkansen station as well as a large outlet store shopping mall. It is also known for its historic shopping street known as "Ginza dōri" or "Kyū-dō" (Ginza Street, or the Old Road). Karuizawa hosted equestrian events in the 1964 Summer Olympics. The town also hosted curling in the 1998 Winter Olympics. To date, it is the only city in the world having hosted both Summer and Winter Olympic events.

Friday, June 26, 2009

Travel - Dubai (Group Tour) - 2005/09

Dubai, Sharjah 5 days Tour (Wing On Travel 杜拜, 沙查市五天團 )

ITINERARY
Day 1: Hong Kong --> Dubai (Dubai International Horse Race Course (杜拜國際跑馬場) - Mosque (回教寺) - Mina A Salam Shopping Centre (阿拉伯皇宮休閒坊) - Dubai Museum (杜拜博物館) - Bastakia (風塔大泥屋)

Day 2: Dubai - Sharjah (沙查市) - Archaeology Museum (考古博物館) - Qovan Monument (可蘭經紀念碑) - National Mosque (國家回教寺) -Ai Naboodah Mansion - King Faisal Mosque - Shopping Market - Dubai-Burjuman Center - Activities : Desert Safari (沙漠四驅車, 騎駱駝, 滑沙, 及享用阿拉伯特色燒烤餐)

Day 3 : Dubai - Candy Shop (中東特色塘果店) - Shopping Center (金字塔購物城) - Gold Souk (黃金街) - Spice Souk (香料市場) - Abra Water Taxi (水上的士ABRA) - Wild Wadi Water Park (仙巴歷險水上樂園)

Day 4 : Dubai- Free for shopping - Hong Kong

Day 5 : Hong Kong

(Shopping tips : LV fans may visit LV shops - prices are more or less the same in Hong Kong, but good services and you may even find some LV products that are not sold in Hong Kong now)

COST : Tour Fee hkd5099 + airport tax + fuel tax + travel insurance ....etc (附加費100, 香港離境稅120, 燃油附加費及手續費674, 乘客服務稅75, 香港機場保安稅33, 綜合旅遊保險169 =hkd1171) + tour guide fee (around hkd600) = HKD6870

FLIGHT: CX (direct flight) departure 0050