I have been slacking too much since I finished the third paper, to the point that I almost forgot I still have two more, hardest of all, most likely to fail and make me regret for the rest of my life, papers to go.
It is time to calibrate the lens to focus strictly on the examination again.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Pygmalion: Henry Higgins
Henry Higgins is an arrogant, irascible and voluble phonetics professor who makes a living by teaching rich people to speak proper English. He believes that a person's accent will determine his or her social position. Hence, he holds Englishman who speaks bad English in contempt. He is habitually rude (he curses a lot) and would unreservedly criticize his mother's guests for their English, which makes Mrs. Higgins very uncomfortable. However, he believes that everyone has the ability to speak good English, as he says "Remember that you are a human being with a soul and the divine gift of articulate speech: that your native language is the language of Shakespear and Milton and the Bible".
He does not believe in any relationship, as he think that women and men are so different in every aspect that it will upset his life if ever he gets into relationship with a woman, as he says "When you let [women] into your life, you find that the women is driving at one thing and youre driving at another." It is partially true when another protagonist of the story, Eliza, comes to his life.
He is fanatic about phonetics to the point that he records every English word that men pronounce, and analyses the voice in great detail . He is accused as a plain-clothes policeman hungry for promotion, when he writes down words from a poor flower girl, who receives money from a gentleman without giving a flower for it. The girl is Eliza Doolittle. Higgins responded by telling people where they are from by studying their accents and ridicule them for their pronunciation, which cause a row.
The gentleman, Colonel Pickering, however, is interested in Higgins' profession in phonetics as he is also an expert in this field. He is excited when Higgins boasts to him that he can pass Eliza off as a duchess at Buckingham Palace in a three months. Thus, he is willing to bet his money and pay for Eliza's lesson when the girl askes Higgins to teach her to speak genteelly.
Eliza lives in Higgins' laboratory for six months before the grand party at an embassy in London. During this period, Eliza helps Higgins with his appointments and some chores, while Higgins devotes much of his time to teaching Eliza to speak and behave like a duchess. Higgins and Pickering and Eliza seem to enjoy each others' company.
The lesson is so successful that Eliza stunts the whole hall of embassy in London with her charm and graciousness. After they return to Higgins' laboratory, Pickering congratulate Higgins for winning the bet. Higgins is relieved that the lesson is finally over and he has finished his job. Eliza, on the other hand, is lost in her life, as she is unable to go back to her old way of life anymore. However, neither Higgins nor Pickering notices Eliza's distress. They goes back to their respective bedrooms without any word of care to Eliza. Eliza feels that she is simply a subject of experiment in Higgins' eye and doubts if Higgins ever cares for him. However, Higgins, ignorant of Eliza's great sensitivity and tender-heart, ends up quarreling with her.
At her last straw, Eliza walks out of Higgins' house. There she meet Feddy who is always infatuated with her and show how much he cares about her. Thirsty for love and care, she accepts Fedderick's love and eventually decides to marry him.
It is clear in later part of the story that Higgins is not that heartless, but not expressive of his affection, for he does not see any need to show how much he cares. Neither does he see any need to be specifically gentle to a woman.
Higgins and Pickering are perturbed when they realised that Eliza has left them, especially for Higgins who is too dependent on Eliza's help and company. They goes to Mrs. Higgins' house and are surprised to see Eliza. Higgins wants Eliza to go back but he behaves rudely as ever. She refuses as she think that Higgins never respects her. Higgins argues that it is just not his nature, as he says, "I treat a duchess as if she was a flower girl" when she says that Pickering treats a flower girl as if she was a duchess but he only swears at her.
When Eliza tells Higgins in his face that he wants her to go back just to do the chores or just a subject of another experiment, Higgins denies, saying that he misses her for she has left feelings in him. He also dismisses Eliza's view as commercialism or as a trade of affection when she says "I wont care for anybody that doesnt care abit for me." He argues that helping him to pick up slippers is slaving, not caring. He will not want her to do any chore, but just to be together for the fun of it.
Eliza, however, thinks that it is arrogance and selfishness, as she tells Higgins that he is a cruel tyrant. When Higgins learns that Eliza is going to marry Dreddy, he protests that Feddy is good-for-nothing. This confirms Eliza's accusation. She coldly replies that "Freddy loves me: that makes him king enough for me".
"My Fair Lady" is a movie based on the story with some modifications. You can click the picture below to watch the movie.
He does not believe in any relationship, as he think that women and men are so different in every aspect that it will upset his life if ever he gets into relationship with a woman, as he says "When you let [women] into your life, you find that the women is driving at one thing and youre driving at another." It is partially true when another protagonist of the story, Eliza, comes to his life.
He is fanatic about phonetics to the point that he records every English word that men pronounce, and analyses the voice in great detail . He is accused as a plain-clothes policeman hungry for promotion, when he writes down words from a poor flower girl, who receives money from a gentleman without giving a flower for it. The girl is Eliza Doolittle. Higgins responded by telling people where they are from by studying their accents and ridicule them for their pronunciation, which cause a row.
The gentleman, Colonel Pickering, however, is interested in Higgins' profession in phonetics as he is also an expert in this field. He is excited when Higgins boasts to him that he can pass Eliza off as a duchess at Buckingham Palace in a three months. Thus, he is willing to bet his money and pay for Eliza's lesson when the girl askes Higgins to teach her to speak genteelly.
Eliza lives in Higgins' laboratory for six months before the grand party at an embassy in London. During this period, Eliza helps Higgins with his appointments and some chores, while Higgins devotes much of his time to teaching Eliza to speak and behave like a duchess. Higgins and Pickering and Eliza seem to enjoy each others' company.
The lesson is so successful that Eliza stunts the whole hall of embassy in London with her charm and graciousness. After they return to Higgins' laboratory, Pickering congratulate Higgins for winning the bet. Higgins is relieved that the lesson is finally over and he has finished his job. Eliza, on the other hand, is lost in her life, as she is unable to go back to her old way of life anymore. However, neither Higgins nor Pickering notices Eliza's distress. They goes back to their respective bedrooms without any word of care to Eliza. Eliza feels that she is simply a subject of experiment in Higgins' eye and doubts if Higgins ever cares for him. However, Higgins, ignorant of Eliza's great sensitivity and tender-heart, ends up quarreling with her.
At her last straw, Eliza walks out of Higgins' house. There she meet Feddy who is always infatuated with her and show how much he cares about her. Thirsty for love and care, she accepts Fedderick's love and eventually decides to marry him.
It is clear in later part of the story that Higgins is not that heartless, but not expressive of his affection, for he does not see any need to show how much he cares. Neither does he see any need to be specifically gentle to a woman.
Higgins and Pickering are perturbed when they realised that Eliza has left them, especially for Higgins who is too dependent on Eliza's help and company. They goes to Mrs. Higgins' house and are surprised to see Eliza. Higgins wants Eliza to go back but he behaves rudely as ever. She refuses as she think that Higgins never respects her. Higgins argues that it is just not his nature, as he says, "I treat a duchess as if she was a flower girl" when she says that Pickering treats a flower girl as if she was a duchess but he only swears at her.
When Eliza tells Higgins in his face that he wants her to go back just to do the chores or just a subject of another experiment, Higgins denies, saying that he misses her for she has left feelings in him. He also dismisses Eliza's view as commercialism or as a trade of affection when she says "I wont care for anybody that doesnt care abit for me." He argues that helping him to pick up slippers is slaving, not caring. He will not want her to do any chore, but just to be together for the fun of it.
Eliza, however, thinks that it is arrogance and selfishness, as she tells Higgins that he is a cruel tyrant. When Higgins learns that Eliza is going to marry Dreddy, he protests that Feddy is good-for-nothing. This confirms Eliza's accusation. She coldly replies that "Freddy loves me: that makes him king enough for me".
"My Fair Lady" is a movie based on the story with some modifications. You can click the picture below to watch the movie.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Digital Design Test
"one or zeroLife is a gamble.
high or low
true or false
pass or fail
laugh or mourn"
Friday, September 26, 2008
"Food" for thought
Astronaut Zhai is scheduled to walk in space today, after Senzhou VII was launched successfully yesterday evening. If Zhai suceeds, it will be "one small step for him and one big leap for the 1.3 billion men". However, Melamine, a chemical which is hardly known by ordinary people, apparently has stolen the limelight from Zhai and his colleagues.
The industrial chemical was added to milk formula to boost its apparent protein content. To date, more than 60 thousands children have been sickened with kidney stone and acute kidney failure, which caused a public uproar last week. Before the mischief was made known, nobody would expect the poisonous industrial chemical can be found in food. Once again, the Chinese have impressed the world with their creativity, after the glamorous opening ceremony of Beijing Olympics.
China's economic model is widely lauded by many well-known economists, including Fareed Zakaria and Michael Backman. For the past few decades, China has been very successful in attracting foreign direct investment(FDI) with its well-built infrastructure and low labour cost. Total numbers of Chinese climbing over the poverty line is marvelous. Unlike Japan, China opens up her 1.3 billion consumer markets to foreign companies, and at the same time promoting local brands both internally and externally. The increased global dependence on Chinese market then allows the country to exert more leverage in the world.
However, China's leadership seems incapable to keep pace with the economic development which is at a breakneck speed.
Many of the so-called national branded, such as Wahaha Group and the infamous Sanlu Corp., are previously state-owned and state-controlled. Despite a series of privatisation which took place in 1980s and 1990s, the state still holds a significant amount of stake in many of these companies. Operating under the state's umbrella, they see little incentive to improve their competitiveness. Sometimes, politicians' vested interest in the companies can be detrimental. A few years ago, for instance, Qingdao, a century's old local beer manufacturer, lamented about losing revenues to its rivals. Instead of an overhaul to get rid of some very unprofitable operations such as cap production, it forcefully acquired its small competitors with the help of the state and local warlords. As such, Qingdao becomes the biggest mismanaged local beer manufacturer in the country.
Therefore, when foreign companies come in, bringing along with them huge capital and much more efficient management systems, these local companies find themselves losing their edges. In order to survive, they have to keep their price low, which also means low profit margin.
Nevertheless, keeping the price low becomes more difficult as a result of skyrocketed properties' prices, highly inflated cost of goods and rising labour cost. Fraudulence hence is used as a quick solution. In order to cut cost, the companies have to reduce number of defects in their product. It is achieved, however, not by a better manufacturing process but by a more lenient quality assessment."QC" stickers therefore become meaningless while after-sales services are virtually non-existent. When it comes to governmental testing, money is changed hand to get the products pass. The practice is further facilitated by rampant corruption in China.
In the recent scandal, Sanlu Corp., the protagonist of the whole story, forced its suppliers to sell their milk at a low price so that it can compete with foreign brands. The suppliers who saw decreasing profit margin, hence resort to mixing water with their milk, while also adding melamine to make the protein content looked higher. When complaints were received, instead of extensive investigation to solve the problem, the company diligently swept the information under its directors' carpet, untill the central government was informed by New Zealand's premier and the incident was made public subsequently. It is obvious that only with state's enormous influence and money could such a big broom be made.
Confidence in Chinese products crisis ensued, even in China. Fonterra had sold much of its stake in Sanlu. The company said that it will not give up on China market but no where in the statement did it mention whether it will continue to invest in food production in China. It seems that neither consumers nor investors will regain confidence any time soon, especially when 19 countries have issued bans on milk-contained products from China. It is also almost certain that the top local brand, Sanlu, will not survive for the next fiscal year without state's interference again.
The culprits are likely to face death penalty to quench the public anger. However, innocent lives have been killed. It is really the time for the state to let go of its hands so that the leadership can focus on dealing with hyper-inflation, rampant corruption and food safety.
The environmentalist, Rod Watson, once says that
The industrial chemical was added to milk formula to boost its apparent protein content. To date, more than 60 thousands children have been sickened with kidney stone and acute kidney failure, which caused a public uproar last week. Before the mischief was made known, nobody would expect the poisonous industrial chemical can be found in food. Once again, the Chinese have impressed the world with their creativity, after the glamorous opening ceremony of Beijing Olympics.
China's economic model is widely lauded by many well-known economists, including Fareed Zakaria and Michael Backman. For the past few decades, China has been very successful in attracting foreign direct investment(FDI) with its well-built infrastructure and low labour cost. Total numbers of Chinese climbing over the poverty line is marvelous. Unlike Japan, China opens up her 1.3 billion consumer markets to foreign companies, and at the same time promoting local brands both internally and externally. The increased global dependence on Chinese market then allows the country to exert more leverage in the world.
However, China's leadership seems incapable to keep pace with the economic development which is at a breakneck speed.
Many of the so-called national branded, such as Wahaha Group and the infamous Sanlu Corp., are previously state-owned and state-controlled. Despite a series of privatisation which took place in 1980s and 1990s, the state still holds a significant amount of stake in many of these companies. Operating under the state's umbrella, they see little incentive to improve their competitiveness. Sometimes, politicians' vested interest in the companies can be detrimental. A few years ago, for instance, Qingdao, a century's old local beer manufacturer, lamented about losing revenues to its rivals. Instead of an overhaul to get rid of some very unprofitable operations such as cap production, it forcefully acquired its small competitors with the help of the state and local warlords. As such, Qingdao becomes the biggest mismanaged local beer manufacturer in the country.
Therefore, when foreign companies come in, bringing along with them huge capital and much more efficient management systems, these local companies find themselves losing their edges. In order to survive, they have to keep their price low, which also means low profit margin.
Nevertheless, keeping the price low becomes more difficult as a result of skyrocketed properties' prices, highly inflated cost of goods and rising labour cost. Fraudulence hence is used as a quick solution. In order to cut cost, the companies have to reduce number of defects in their product. It is achieved, however, not by a better manufacturing process but by a more lenient quality assessment."QC" stickers therefore become meaningless while after-sales services are virtually non-existent. When it comes to governmental testing, money is changed hand to get the products pass. The practice is further facilitated by rampant corruption in China.
In the recent scandal, Sanlu Corp., the protagonist of the whole story, forced its suppliers to sell their milk at a low price so that it can compete with foreign brands. The suppliers who saw decreasing profit margin, hence resort to mixing water with their milk, while also adding melamine to make the protein content looked higher. When complaints were received, instead of extensive investigation to solve the problem, the company diligently swept the information under its directors' carpet, untill the central government was informed by New Zealand's premier and the incident was made public subsequently. It is obvious that only with state's enormous influence and money could such a big broom be made.
Confidence in Chinese products crisis ensued, even in China. Fonterra had sold much of its stake in Sanlu. The company said that it will not give up on China market but no where in the statement did it mention whether it will continue to invest in food production in China. It seems that neither consumers nor investors will regain confidence any time soon, especially when 19 countries have issued bans on milk-contained products from China. It is also almost certain that the top local brand, Sanlu, will not survive for the next fiscal year without state's interference again.
The culprits are likely to face death penalty to quench the public anger. However, innocent lives have been killed. It is really the time for the state to let go of its hands so that the leadership can focus on dealing with hyper-inflation, rampant corruption and food safety.
The environmentalist, Rod Watson, once says that
"if you jump out of an 80-story building, from the 80th floor, for 79 stories you can think you're flying. It's just the sudden stop at the end that gets you."Here I will quote out of context. China jumped out from the building in late 1970s, she has no choice but to be fully-fledged before she comes to the sudden stop at the end. However, at this rate, China might just hit the ground eventually.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Tears in waste
Her eyes were heavy. Suddenly, she heard her name, "Jessica, wake up".
She slowly opened her eyes, "Abraham Lincoln?"
Lincoln replied, "Yes, I am Abraham Lincoln."
"Why are you here."
"I'm here to show you something. Can you walk now?"
"No. I..."
"Are you sure?"
"I can't even..." as she replied in frustration, she realised that she could move, much to her amazement.
"Why?"
"Because it is a dream." Lincoln replied, "get into the car."
Lincoln drove her to a house. She immediately recognised that it was her class monitor that she admired so much, Janice's house. But she looked pale like a white paper.
"She were diagnosed with leukemia and only had 3 months left before leaving for kingdom of heaven. But she lived her life to the fullest. She helped out in the orphanage, old folk home, traveling around the world to inspire the people. Why are you so depressed when you just temporarily lose your mobility. Your foolishness drove me here."
Jessica was silent.
"Go home and think about it." Lincoln told her coldly and passed her a book titled "Tuesday with Morrie".
She woke up. It was a bright day.
She slowly opened her eyes, "Abraham Lincoln?"
Lincoln replied, "Yes, I am Abraham Lincoln."
"Why are you here."
"I'm here to show you something. Can you walk now?"
"No. I..."
"Are you sure?"
"I can't even..." as she replied in frustration, she realised that she could move, much to her amazement.
"Why?"
"Because it is a dream." Lincoln replied, "get into the car."
Lincoln drove her to a house. She immediately recognised that it was her class monitor that she admired so much, Janice's house. But she looked pale like a white paper.
"She were diagnosed with leukemia and only had 3 months left before leaving for kingdom of heaven. But she lived her life to the fullest. She helped out in the orphanage, old folk home, traveling around the world to inspire the people. Why are you so depressed when you just temporarily lose your mobility. Your foolishness drove me here."
Jessica was silent.
"Go home and think about it." Lincoln told her coldly and passed her a book titled "Tuesday with Morrie".
She woke up. It was a bright day.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Two Bears Under One Roof
Prince Bear and Pauper Bear were loved and cuddled, living in harmony ever after.
Every bed-time story has to come to an end, for children need to sleep early; and end with happiness, for children need to have a sweet dream.
However, the story about the bears and the boy did not end, at least not so soon.
Three years had passed, leaving little trace on the bears. Their friendship did not wear off, even though the boy had grown up and was already a primary school student.
Every morning before he left for his school, he would kiss Prince Bear and Pauper Bear and said "Good bye" to each of them.
However, such a heart-warming scene did not last long.
"Ring...." the phone rang. The boy's mother laid down her work and rushed to the phone.
"Good afternoon, may I speak to Mrs. Smith?"
"Speaking..."
"I am Janet, your son's class teacher. I would like to discuss with you about your son's behaviour."
"What's wrong with my son?" His mother started to panic, for she felt that she had neglected her son due to heavy workload.
"Sorry, Mrs. Smith. I think that your son has difficulty communicating with other people. He has no friend in the school. And he hardly speak anything during the class. This morning he confessed that his best friends are two teddy bears in his room. We were led to believe that your son is autistic. I recommend a consultation with a pediatrician. If it is found to be true, I am sorry to tell you that your son might have to transfer to a suitable school where he can receive proper attention."
"Ok. Thank you, very much".
"After all, teddy bears are viewed as effeminate toys. I hold no prejudice against your son. However, I am worried that your son might be the object of ridicule among his peers if no action is taken."
"I will discuss with his father. Thank you."
His mother sat on the floor and cried.
Prince Bear & Pauper Bear overheard the conversation. They became very worried.
Suddenly, the boy's mother stood up and strode into the boy's room. Before the bears could make any response, she grabbed them, clung them so tightly that the Prince Bear was almost choked to death.
Quickly, she opened the dustbin, dumped them into the deep abyss and close the lid.
Then, it was complete darkness.
"Hello, are you there?" Pauper Bear broke the silence.
"Hello...", it shouted again.
"Arrrrr....... It stinks." Prince Bear finally responded, it asked in dismay, "So what's now?"
"I guessed that's the end of our life..."
"No..... I refused to accept." Prince Bear wept.
"My friend. Come to think of it, we have lived a good life, haven't we?" Pauper Bear tried to console Prince Bear.
Then Pauper Bear started to sing
"Yes, he will." Pauper Bear replied thoughtfully and doubtfully.
Suddenly, the dustbin was opened again.
Their hope was rekindled. "Oh saviour!" They screamed tacitly.
Then they raised their heads. It was a beautiful sky. The glittering starlight and bright moonlight made them realised that it was already night.
However, they did not see the boy. Instead, it was the garbage collector.
They had to give in.
Not far away, the boy's parents were scolding and shouting deliriously. His sob was loud and clear.
Every bed-time story has to come to an end, for children need to sleep early; and end with happiness, for children need to have a sweet dream.
However, the story about the bears and the boy did not end, at least not so soon.
Three years had passed, leaving little trace on the bears. Their friendship did not wear off, even though the boy had grown up and was already a primary school student.
Every morning before he left for his school, he would kiss Prince Bear and Pauper Bear and said "Good bye" to each of them.
However, such a heart-warming scene did not last long.
"Ring...." the phone rang. The boy's mother laid down her work and rushed to the phone.
"Good afternoon, may I speak to Mrs. Smith?"
"Speaking..."
"I am Janet, your son's class teacher. I would like to discuss with you about your son's behaviour."
"What's wrong with my son?" His mother started to panic, for she felt that she had neglected her son due to heavy workload.
"Sorry, Mrs. Smith. I think that your son has difficulty communicating with other people. He has no friend in the school. And he hardly speak anything during the class. This morning he confessed that his best friends are two teddy bears in his room. We were led to believe that your son is autistic. I recommend a consultation with a pediatrician. If it is found to be true, I am sorry to tell you that your son might have to transfer to a suitable school where he can receive proper attention."
"Ok. Thank you, very much".
"After all, teddy bears are viewed as effeminate toys. I hold no prejudice against your son. However, I am worried that your son might be the object of ridicule among his peers if no action is taken."
"I will discuss with his father. Thank you."
His mother sat on the floor and cried.
Prince Bear & Pauper Bear overheard the conversation. They became very worried.
Suddenly, the boy's mother stood up and strode into the boy's room. Before the bears could make any response, she grabbed them, clung them so tightly that the Prince Bear was almost choked to death.
Quickly, she opened the dustbin, dumped them into the deep abyss and close the lid.
Then, it was complete darkness.
"Hello, are you there?" Pauper Bear broke the silence.
"Hello...", it shouted again.
"Arrrrr....... It stinks." Prince Bear finally responded, it asked in dismay, "So what's now?"
"I guessed that's the end of our life..."
"No..... I refused to accept." Prince Bear wept.
"My friend. Come to think of it, we have lived a good life, haven't we?" Pauper Bear tried to console Prince Bear.
Then Pauper Bear started to sing
I was just a little TeddyPrince Bear said to Pauper Bear, "the boy will save us."
Ugly and lonely
Then the boy came in a Christmas time
Filling me with memory, love and a new life
But I am now in a dustbin
Dirty and stinking
Death is near but I am reluctant to go
Perhaps I am only dreaming in the shadows I do not know
Will the boy save me from this hole
before I take the last breath of my soul?
Let us not weep
Let us not sleep
Lest we waste our last minutes.
"Yes, he will." Pauper Bear replied thoughtfully and doubtfully.
Suddenly, the dustbin was opened again.
Their hope was rekindled. "Oh saviour!" They screamed tacitly.
Then they raised their heads. It was a beautiful sky. The glittering starlight and bright moonlight made them realised that it was already night.
However, they did not see the boy. Instead, it was the garbage collector.
They had to give in.
Not far away, the boy's parents were scolding and shouting deliriously. His sob was loud and clear.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
A Slumberless Night
He stood still at the verge of the cliff, staring at the horizon thoughtfully. His handphone was ringing impatiently, but he could not seem to be bothered. He just lost all his money in the casino. Luggage, air ticket and passport were all he had, at least in this foreign land. He had many to think. He need to account for his misfortune at the blackjack table to his wife who was convinced that he was here for an important business appointment. He might also have to explain his son why he could not afford his school textbooks perhaps in the form of a bed-time story. And his creditors were going to pursue him day and night. He thought of many possibilities and solutions yet none seemed better than the other. It would be a slumberless night for him.
"The time to fix the roof is when the sun is still shining" - John F. Kennedy
Yet, he must fix his problems before the sun rised.
"The time to fix the roof is when the sun is still shining" - John F. Kennedy
Yet, he must fix his problems before the sun rised.
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