Europe is in perhaps the toughest hour since World War II."
"There are no magic beans that you can toss in the ground and suddenly a bunch of money grows on trees."
"This is a tragedy, one of the great sorrows of my life. With the benefit of hindsight, I wish I had done more."
1."Europe is in perhaps (1) the toughest hour (2) since World War II."
背景：德國總理默克爾（Angela Merkel）在評論歐洲的債務危機時說的。
2."There are no magic beans (3) that you can toss in the ground (4) and suddenly a bunch of money (5) grows on trees (6)."
背景：美國總統奧巴馬游說國會議員減少財政赤字（deficit），一年減少開支1,000億美元。
3."This is a tragedy (7), one of the great sorrows (8) of my life. With the benefit of hindsight (9), I wish I had done more (10)."
背景：美國賓州大學欖球隊教練Joe Paterno宣佈明年5月退休，因為他的一名助手涉嫌非禮自己球隊的球員。
馮強短評
好辭彙共賞:
(1) perhaps = 也許
(2) the toughest hour = 最困難的時刻
(3) magic beans = 魔術豆。Every bean has its black = 各人有各人的缺點。Full of beans = 精力充沛、興高采烈。Spill the beans = 不慎洩密、說漏嘴
(4) toss in the ground = 扔在地上。Toss = 使顛簸；給與精神上的動搖。The ship was tossed by the waves = 船被浪打得東搖西晃。Toss a pancake = 拿著鍋把裏面的班戟拋起。Victor tosses about all night = Victor整夜翻來覆去沒有睡著。Toss to and fro = 輾轉反側
(5) a bunch of money = 很多錢。Bunch = 捆成一束的鈔票。A bunch of bananas = 一串香蕉。A bunch of paper = 一束紙
(6) grows on trees = 在樹上長出來。Grow = 長大、增加、變強。Victor has grown a beard = Victor近來留了鬍子。Victor's new book grew out of a series of lectures = Victor的新書是由一系列講稿編寫而成的
(7) a tragedy = 悲劇
(8) great sorrows = 萬分悲痛。Cause much sorrow to him = 使他非常傷心。Express one's sorrow for one's mistake = 對錯誤表示遺憾
(9) hindsight = 事後才懂得。反義詞是foresight = 深謀遠慮
(10) I wish I had done more = 我希望，但願我之前做得好些。Victor wishes he were a bird! = Victor說我要是一隻鳥那多好!What do you wish me to do, Bo Bo asks = Bo Bo問：你要我怎麼做呢？
短評共賞:
在這些句子中我最欣賞是球隊教練Joe Paterno的心底話。他說："This is a tragedy, one of the great sorrows of my life. With the benefit of hindsight, I wish I had done more." 我們可以感受到他的痛苦。雖然是他下屬涉嫌犯了罪，但他勇於承擔責任，引咎辭職。我們要向這種人生態度多多學習。
馮強
浸會大學傳理學院國際新聞和財經新聞碩士課程主任
2011年12月28日 星期三
2011年12月6日 星期二
University professors fail to make job grade
Jerome Bruner, one of the greatest contemporary educators, has preached his constructivist theory of education, which has been adopted widely across the globe by teachers. He said teachers (in primary and secondary schools and universities) not only should transfer (or impart) specific knowledge and skills to students, they should also perform the duty of transferring principles and attitudes.
Sad to say, university professors in Hong Kong have failed in the latter case of transferring principles and attitudes.
Dr Bruner said the first type of transfer consists of students learning skills or specific tasks. The second type of transfer consists of learning general ideas or attitudes (such as being loyal or passionate), that can be used as a basis for recognizing problems in life that may arise.
A survey done in October by the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association and a Kowloon Tong-based university revealed that 75 percent of the 326 employers interviewed complained that fresh graduates of local universities had little loyalty to the firms they work for and change jobs frequently. An association official who oversaw the survey said that “graduates are reluctant to devote time and soul at work. They neither contribute utmost efforts nor dedicate 100 percent energy.” Such work ethics, I am afraid, will hurt Hong Kong’s prospects for retaining its status as a financial center.
About 80 percent of Hong Kong employers were disappointed that graduates lack multi-tasking and problem-solving skills. Nearly two-thirds of those surveyed grumbled about graduates’ lack of business sense and global vision. About 64 percent of employers also griped that our graduates should improve their general knowledge.
These findings underscore that our university professors have failed to make their job grades. It isn’t too difficult to understand why. Many university educators don’t believe that transferring moral values is part of their job. They impart knowledge to students such as “QE2 means the second round of quantitative easing”. When classes end, they rush back to their offices to churn out academic papers, because publishing papers not only will help keep their jobs safe, it also helps their universities climb in world rankings.
When students come to class late, teachers keep their mouths shut. When students make a buzz in the classroom or play with their iPhones, the teachers turn a deaf ear. Some teachers even turn a blind eye to students who cheat. They don’t think these really matter to their job security or promotion prospects.
We reap what we sow. Hence, the Chinese Manufacturers Association’s findings, albeit disappointing, should hardly surprise anyone. It’s time educators and university administrators did some soul searching and took a couple of minutes to reflect on Dr Bruner’s teaching.
“Education also means the transfer of principles and attitudes, not just hard skills.”
The author is director of the M.A. in International Journalism Program (HKBU).
Sad to say, university professors in Hong Kong have failed in the latter case of transferring principles and attitudes.
Dr Bruner said the first type of transfer consists of students learning skills or specific tasks. The second type of transfer consists of learning general ideas or attitudes (such as being loyal or passionate), that can be used as a basis for recognizing problems in life that may arise.
A survey done in October by the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association and a Kowloon Tong-based university revealed that 75 percent of the 326 employers interviewed complained that fresh graduates of local universities had little loyalty to the firms they work for and change jobs frequently. An association official who oversaw the survey said that “graduates are reluctant to devote time and soul at work. They neither contribute utmost efforts nor dedicate 100 percent energy.” Such work ethics, I am afraid, will hurt Hong Kong’s prospects for retaining its status as a financial center.
About 80 percent of Hong Kong employers were disappointed that graduates lack multi-tasking and problem-solving skills. Nearly two-thirds of those surveyed grumbled about graduates’ lack of business sense and global vision. About 64 percent of employers also griped that our graduates should improve their general knowledge.
These findings underscore that our university professors have failed to make their job grades. It isn’t too difficult to understand why. Many university educators don’t believe that transferring moral values is part of their job. They impart knowledge to students such as “QE2 means the second round of quantitative easing”. When classes end, they rush back to their offices to churn out academic papers, because publishing papers not only will help keep their jobs safe, it also helps their universities climb in world rankings.
When students come to class late, teachers keep their mouths shut. When students make a buzz in the classroom or play with their iPhones, the teachers turn a deaf ear. Some teachers even turn a blind eye to students who cheat. They don’t think these really matter to their job security or promotion prospects.
We reap what we sow. Hence, the Chinese Manufacturers Association’s findings, albeit disappointing, should hardly surprise anyone. It’s time educators and university administrators did some soul searching and took a couple of minutes to reflect on Dr Bruner’s teaching.
“Education also means the transfer of principles and attitudes, not just hard skills.”
The author is director of the M.A. in International Journalism Program (HKBU).
Tablets click in Asian hospital first (第一)
Tablets click in Asian hospital first (第一)
Doctors and nurses at Union Hospital will soon be equipped (配備) with the latest iPads to assist in daily operations in what is thought to be a first in Asia.
"The iPad 2 will enable clinicians to access up-to-the-minute (note 1) patient records with archived (存檔) medical images and video clippings," Dr Anthony Lee Kai-yiu, chief hospital manager and medical director, said.
"All key information is at the fingertips of (note 2) staff," said Lee, referring to the 50 tablet computers (平面電腦) provided. "This tailor-made solution has marked a milestone (note 3) in our patient- centric (以病人為重) health-care development."
A team at the private hospital tested three of the devices over the past six months.
Members of the mobile clinical solution committee at the Sha Tin hospital met with consultancy (.諮詢服務公司) Green Tomato to develop the in- house iPad 2 strategy.
The devices will introduce multimedia clinical records, electronic prescriptions (藥方) and built-in drug interaction checks.
Through trial and error (note 4), the team has come up with the most advanced version of the medical program.
Cheung Ka-ming, systems manager at the hospital, said special security control software will be installed (設置) on each device to ensure confidential information on the server and intranet remains that way.
"This is an essential first step to enhance patients' safety," Cheung said.
He described how the time-out (note 5) session on devices only lasts 10 minutes and medical staff must enter a log-in name and password for successful access.
With 10 tablet computers available on each level of the hospital, staff may only activate (起動) the devices at internal selected access points.
Dr Lo Wing-kee, a specialist (專家) in emergency medicine, said: "I can directly write on the touch screen - the zoom function easily brings instant and accurate (note 6) patient data and medical history."
From good to better English:
(note 1) up-to-the-minute=最近的，最新的。 up-to-the-minute news=最新消息。Minute=一會兒工夫；一瞬間，刹那。Wait a minute=等一下。in a minute=馬上，即刻。this minute=現在就，即刻。 to the minute=一分不差，恰好。
(note 2) at the fingertips of=近在手邊隨手可得, 隨時可供應用 ( Readily or instantly available)。
(note 3) marked a milestone=里程碑, 劃時代事件 (An important event, as in a person's career, the history of a nation, or the advancement of knowledge in a field; a turning point)。Mark=記分數, 區分，區劃。mark down 記下；減價。mark off spheres of influence=劃分勢力範圍。Mark papers=批卷子，給考試卷子打分數。 Mark time=踏步；躊躇，猶豫不決。 Mark up=漲價。
(note 4) trial and error=反復試驗 (An attempt to accomplish something by trying various means until the correct one is found)。例句: The only way to solve this problem is by trial and error=唯有反復試驗才能找到解決問題的辦法。
(note 5) time-out=暫停時間。
(note 6) instant and accurate=又快又準。Instant=立即的，直接的, 迫切的，緊急的。an instant response=立即回答。 instant coffee=即溶咖啡。
Victor’s View: Union Hospital staff should be applauded for using tablet computers to get access to patients’ medical records. Sometimes delays can ruin lives.
(Victor Fung Keung, director of HK Baptist University’s M.A. in international journalism program, has published 4 books on English-enhancement [the latest, titled <<學會演說、改變你的人生>>, was published on July 18] and plans to write 6 more by the end of 2012. Write to him: deanfungenglish@gmail.com)
Doctors and nurses at Union Hospital will soon be equipped (配備) with the latest iPads to assist in daily operations in what is thought to be a first in Asia.
"The iPad 2 will enable clinicians to access up-to-the-minute (note 1) patient records with archived (存檔) medical images and video clippings," Dr Anthony Lee Kai-yiu, chief hospital manager and medical director, said.
"All key information is at the fingertips of (note 2) staff," said Lee, referring to the 50 tablet computers (平面電腦) provided. "This tailor-made solution has marked a milestone (note 3) in our patient- centric (以病人為重) health-care development."
A team at the private hospital tested three of the devices over the past six months.
Members of the mobile clinical solution committee at the Sha Tin hospital met with consultancy (.諮詢服務公司) Green Tomato to develop the in- house iPad 2 strategy.
The devices will introduce multimedia clinical records, electronic prescriptions (藥方) and built-in drug interaction checks.
Through trial and error (note 4), the team has come up with the most advanced version of the medical program.
Cheung Ka-ming, systems manager at the hospital, said special security control software will be installed (設置) on each device to ensure confidential information on the server and intranet remains that way.
"This is an essential first step to enhance patients' safety," Cheung said.
He described how the time-out (note 5) session on devices only lasts 10 minutes and medical staff must enter a log-in name and password for successful access.
With 10 tablet computers available on each level of the hospital, staff may only activate (起動) the devices at internal selected access points.
Dr Lo Wing-kee, a specialist (專家) in emergency medicine, said: "I can directly write on the touch screen - the zoom function easily brings instant and accurate (note 6) patient data and medical history."
From good to better English:
(note 1) up-to-the-minute=最近的，最新的。 up-to-the-minute news=最新消息。Minute=一會兒工夫；一瞬間，刹那。Wait a minute=等一下。in a minute=馬上，即刻。this minute=現在就，即刻。 to the minute=一分不差，恰好。
(note 2) at the fingertips of=近在手邊隨手可得, 隨時可供應用 ( Readily or instantly available)。
(note 3) marked a milestone=里程碑, 劃時代事件 (An important event, as in a person's career, the history of a nation, or the advancement of knowledge in a field; a turning point)。Mark=記分數, 區分，區劃。mark down 記下；減價。mark off spheres of influence=劃分勢力範圍。Mark papers=批卷子，給考試卷子打分數。 Mark time=踏步；躊躇，猶豫不決。 Mark up=漲價。
(note 4) trial and error=反復試驗 (An attempt to accomplish something by trying various means until the correct one is found)。例句: The only way to solve this problem is by trial and error=唯有反復試驗才能找到解決問題的辦法。
(note 5) time-out=暫停時間。
(note 6) instant and accurate=又快又準。Instant=立即的，直接的, 迫切的，緊急的。an instant response=立即回答。 instant coffee=即溶咖啡。
Victor’s View: Union Hospital staff should be applauded for using tablet computers to get access to patients’ medical records. Sometimes delays can ruin lives.
(Victor Fung Keung, director of HK Baptist University’s M.A. in international journalism program, has published 4 books on English-enhancement [the latest, titled <<學會演說、改變你的人生>>, was published on July 18] and plans to write 6 more by the end of 2012. Write to him: deanfungenglish@gmail.com)
Father caged (note 1) for incest (亂倫) with teenage visitor
A man who had sex with his 15-year-old daughter just hours after having sex with his girlfriend was jailed (入獄) for four years and six months.
In sentencing the 37-year-old, who had earlier pleaded guilty (認罪) to one count of incest, Court of First Instance judge Maggie Poon Man-kay said yesterday the sentence would have been heavier (較重) had the act been premeditated (有預謀) or involved violence.
Another charge of incest was left on file.
"As a father, you should be thoroughly ashamed of (note 2) your conduct," Justice Poon said.
She took into account (note 3) abuse of power by the father, the victim being underage, public loathing of (note 4) such crimes, the impact on the girl and use of unprotected sex. A deterrent (阻嚇) sentence had to be imposed to protect underaged girls. The maximum sentence for incest is 20 years in jail.
Justice Poon said the act has left the girl traumatized (受精神創傷) and in an early stage of (note 5) depression.
As a result, she needs regular counseling.
She now hates her father and hopes he will get what he deserves (note 6).
Furthermore, in a victim impact (影響) assessment report, the girl said she does not want to see him ever again.
The girl is the daughter of a woman the man divorced (離婚) in 2000, when the victim was five.
The court heard earlier that the defendant was living with his girlfriend and two sons in a public housing estate in Tseung Kwan O.
He was allowed to see his daughter by his former wife.
One afternoon in March, she visited him and was told to rest in his bedroom.
Later, he had sex with his girlfriend in the same room.
From good to better English:
(note 1) caged=(把人關進籠內)這裡的意思是被判入獄。Cage=籠；檻；監牢；戰俘營。reinforcement cages 鋼筋骨架。 cage gals=女售票員。
(note 2) ashamed of=羞恥，慚愧，害臊。ashamed to (tell)=不好意思(說)。 feel ashamed for Victor=替Victor感到羞愧。
(note 3) took into account=加以考慮 (take account of; take into consideration, consider, allow for)。Account=說明，解釋；記事，故事。account executive=客戶執行人。account for= 說明。 accounts receivable=應收款項。give a good account of oneself=為自己辯護。give an account o=講述。
(note 4) public loathing of=公眾厭惡，憎恨。public good [ benefit， interests ] =公益。 public life=社會生活，公共生活。 at the public expense=用公費。 in the public eye=公然。 make a public protest=提公開抗議。 make public=發表，公佈。
(note 5) in an early stage of=早期, 在初期。Stage=階段，時期，程度，步驟。The proposal has not yet passed the discussion stage=這個提案還沒有通過討論階段。 The disease now occupies the centre of the medical stage=這種病現在是醫學界的注意中心。
(note 6) get what he deserves=罪有應得。
Victor’s View: Parents taking advantage of their daughters should be heavily penalized. They are monsters.
(Victor Fung Keung, director of HK Baptist University’s M.A. in international journalism program, has published 4 books on English-enhancement [the latest, titled <<學會演說、改變你的人生>>, was published on July 18] and plans to write 6 more by the end of 2012. Write to him: deanfungenglish@gmail.com)
In sentencing the 37-year-old, who had earlier pleaded guilty (認罪) to one count of incest, Court of First Instance judge Maggie Poon Man-kay said yesterday the sentence would have been heavier (較重) had the act been premeditated (有預謀) or involved violence.
Another charge of incest was left on file.
"As a father, you should be thoroughly ashamed of (note 2) your conduct," Justice Poon said.
She took into account (note 3) abuse of power by the father, the victim being underage, public loathing of (note 4) such crimes, the impact on the girl and use of unprotected sex. A deterrent (阻嚇) sentence had to be imposed to protect underaged girls. The maximum sentence for incest is 20 years in jail.
Justice Poon said the act has left the girl traumatized (受精神創傷) and in an early stage of (note 5) depression.
As a result, she needs regular counseling.
She now hates her father and hopes he will get what he deserves (note 6).
Furthermore, in a victim impact (影響) assessment report, the girl said she does not want to see him ever again.
The girl is the daughter of a woman the man divorced (離婚) in 2000, when the victim was five.
The court heard earlier that the defendant was living with his girlfriend and two sons in a public housing estate in Tseung Kwan O.
He was allowed to see his daughter by his former wife.
One afternoon in March, she visited him and was told to rest in his bedroom.
Later, he had sex with his girlfriend in the same room.
From good to better English:
(note 1) caged=(把人關進籠內)這裡的意思是被判入獄。Cage=籠；檻；監牢；戰俘營。reinforcement cages 鋼筋骨架。 cage gals=女售票員。
(note 2) ashamed of=羞恥，慚愧，害臊。ashamed to (tell)=不好意思(說)。 feel ashamed for Victor=替Victor感到羞愧。
(note 3) took into account=加以考慮 (take account of; take into consideration, consider, allow for)。Account=說明，解釋；記事，故事。account executive=客戶執行人。account for= 說明。 accounts receivable=應收款項。give a good account of oneself=為自己辯護。give an account o=講述。
(note 4) public loathing of=公眾厭惡，憎恨。public good [ benefit， interests ] =公益。 public life=社會生活，公共生活。 at the public expense=用公費。 in the public eye=公然。 make a public protest=提公開抗議。 make public=發表，公佈。
(note 5) in an early stage of=早期, 在初期。Stage=階段，時期，程度，步驟。The proposal has not yet passed the discussion stage=這個提案還沒有通過討論階段。 The disease now occupies the centre of the medical stage=這種病現在是醫學界的注意中心。
(note 6) get what he deserves=罪有應得。
Victor’s View: Parents taking advantage of their daughters should be heavily penalized. They are monsters.
(Victor Fung Keung, director of HK Baptist University’s M.A. in international journalism program, has published 4 books on English-enhancement [the latest, titled <<學會演說、改變你的人生>>, was published on July 18] and plans to write 6 more by the end of 2012. Write to him: deanfungenglish@gmail.com)
More overseas doctors on way (陸續抵港)
The second batch (note 1) of overseas doctors to be hired under a contingency scheme (note 2) are specialists (專家) in mental health and orthopedics (骨科醫生),
Hospital Authority chief executive Leung Pak-yin said.
Leung said there are 29 qualified applicants and the first batch of 10, who are urgently needed for accident and emergency, anesthesiology (麻醉學) and internal medicine wards, may take up their posts (note 3) early next year.
All have three to five years' working experience but must first get Medical Council approval.
Leung said the authority has already introduced measures to ease the shortage (缺乏) of hospital doctors by improving the promotion system and recruiting private staff for part-time work. When reminded that some local doctors oppose the recruitment, authority chairman Anthony Wu Ting-yuk said the hiring from overseas is aimed at addressing (note 4) the manpower shortage in public hospitals.
"They [the 10 doctors ] are also doctors who can provide assistance," said Wu, adding that the move (做法) is in the public interest (note 5).
"We believe the Medical Council will consider public interest when processing the doctors' applications."
Wu said all applicants can speak Cantonese and it will be no problem for them to adapt (適應) to the medical system in Hong Kong.
Meanwhile, Thailand-bound tour groups will be suspended (停辦) for another week until November 8, the Hong Kong Travel Industry Council said.
Its executive director Joseph Tung Yao-chung said about 800 people in around 30 tour groups will see their trips called off (note 6). He said travel agencies will meet again next Monday to discuss whether to continue to suspend the tours unless Hong Kong lowers the outbound travel alert for Thailand from red to amber (琥珀色).
From good to better English:
(note 1) The second batch=第二批。the first batch of goods=第一批貨物。 in batches=分批；成批。
(note 2) a contingency scheme=臨時措施。Contingency=意外事件，臨時[可能]事件。Provide against contingencies= 以防萬一。future contingencies=以後的偶然[可能]事件。
(note 3) take up their posts=報到開工, 上崗。take up=拿起；舉起；拾起, 提出，處理。Take a fortress by storm=用猛攻奪下要塞。Which newspapers do you take=你訂閱哪幾份報紙？Take things as they come, Victor says=Victor說,來什麼接受什麼。 Take medical advice =受醫生診斷。
(note 4) address=應付, 處理(問題等), 滿足(需求等)。address an audience=對聽眾演說。address oneself to =專心(工作)。An inaugural address=就任致辭[演說]。Opening [closing] address=開[閉]幕辭。
(note 5) in the public interest=全為公眾利益。
(note 6) called off=取消。Call=召喚，叫來，請來；召集，徵召；號召；喚醒。Call a halt=喝令停止。 Call a meeting=召集會議。 Call a roll=點名。 Call Julian from sleep=叫起Julian。
Victor’s View: Although the import of foreign doctors is a sensitive issue, we need this as a contingency plan to relieve the shortage of doctors in the public sector.
Hospital Authority chief executive Leung Pak-yin said.
Leung said there are 29 qualified applicants and the first batch of 10, who are urgently needed for accident and emergency, anesthesiology (麻醉學) and internal medicine wards, may take up their posts (note 3) early next year.
All have three to five years' working experience but must first get Medical Council approval.
Leung said the authority has already introduced measures to ease the shortage (缺乏) of hospital doctors by improving the promotion system and recruiting private staff for part-time work. When reminded that some local doctors oppose the recruitment, authority chairman Anthony Wu Ting-yuk said the hiring from overseas is aimed at addressing (note 4) the manpower shortage in public hospitals.
"They [the 10 doctors ] are also doctors who can provide assistance," said Wu, adding that the move (做法) is in the public interest (note 5).
"We believe the Medical Council will consider public interest when processing the doctors' applications."
Wu said all applicants can speak Cantonese and it will be no problem for them to adapt (適應) to the medical system in Hong Kong.
Meanwhile, Thailand-bound tour groups will be suspended (停辦) for another week until November 8, the Hong Kong Travel Industry Council said.
Its executive director Joseph Tung Yao-chung said about 800 people in around 30 tour groups will see their trips called off (note 6). He said travel agencies will meet again next Monday to discuss whether to continue to suspend the tours unless Hong Kong lowers the outbound travel alert for Thailand from red to amber (琥珀色).
From good to better English:
(note 1) The second batch=第二批。the first batch of goods=第一批貨物。 in batches=分批；成批。
(note 2) a contingency scheme=臨時措施。Contingency=意外事件，臨時[可能]事件。Provide against contingencies= 以防萬一。future contingencies=以後的偶然[可能]事件。
(note 3) take up their posts=報到開工, 上崗。take up=拿起；舉起；拾起, 提出，處理。Take a fortress by storm=用猛攻奪下要塞。Which newspapers do you take=你訂閱哪幾份報紙？Take things as they come, Victor says=Victor說,來什麼接受什麼。 Take medical advice =受醫生診斷。
(note 4) address=應付, 處理(問題等), 滿足(需求等)。address an audience=對聽眾演說。address oneself to =專心(工作)。An inaugural address=就任致辭[演說]。Opening [closing] address=開[閉]幕辭。
(note 5) in the public interest=全為公眾利益。
(note 6) called off=取消。Call=召喚，叫來，請來；召集，徵召；號召；喚醒。Call a halt=喝令停止。 Call a meeting=召集會議。 Call a roll=點名。 Call Julian from sleep=叫起Julian。
Victor’s View: Although the import of foreign doctors is a sensitive issue, we need this as a contingency plan to relieve the shortage of doctors in the public sector.
Slimmer (瘦身者) suffers heart failure (心臟衰竭) after taking pills
Slimmer (瘦身者) suffers heart failure (心臟衰竭) after taking pills
A 48-year-old woman suffered heart failure after taking, over a two-year period, a slimming product (note 1) she bought in the mainland.
Tests showed the product, called SlimEasy Herbs Capsule, contains the banned medicines (note 2) sibutramine (西布曲明減肥藥) and phenolphthalein (苯酚酞).
The woman went to the emergency ward of Kwong Wah Hospital after suffering shortness of breath (note 3) and ankle swelling (腫脹) on October 14, and was admitted on the same day with heart failure.
A Department of Health spokesman said the patient bought the slimming pills from an "unknown source" in the mainland.
The department is investigating whether her symptoms are related to the product.
She was discharged (放走) on Wednesday after her condition improved.
Sibutramine is a part I poison and was once used to suppress appetites (note 4), but was banned in November 2010 because it was found to lead to increased cardiovascular (心血管性的) risk.
Phenolphthalein, once used for treating constipation (), has been banned for its cancer-causing effect.
The spokesman urged the public not to buy products of unknown or doubtful composition (note 5).
If they have bought the SlimEasy Herbs Capsule product, consumers should stop using it immediately and consult their doctor if they feel unwell.
It is an offense (note 6) to sell unregistered (沒有註冊) medicines.
Those convicted face up to a HK$100,000 fine and two years' jail.
Meanwhile, an action plan launched to reduce dangers related to alcohol abuse has no drinking guidelines.
The World Health Organization has identified the use of alcohol as the third leading risk factor when it comes to noncommunicable (不會傳染的) diseases, which cause about 2.5 million deaths worldwide every year.
"Generally speaking, the dangers of alcohol are expressed as a continuum (連續), that is, the more you drink, the higher the chances for you to suffer alcohol- related illnesses”.
From good to better English:
(note 1) a slimming product=減肥產品。Slim=纖細的，苗條的；微弱的, 瑣細的。a slim excuse=理由不充分的藉口。 very slim chances of success=成功的希望很渺茫。 the slimmest (of) evidence=最不充分的證據。
(note 2) banned medicines=禁藥。Ban= .禁止，禁令。lift [remove] the ban=開禁，解禁。 place [put] under a ban=禁止。
(note 3) shortness of breath=氣喘。Short=短；缺少；簡單。
(note 4) suppress appetites=壓抑食慾。Suppress= .鎮壓，撲滅, 禁止發行；刪掉。suppress a yawn=忍住呵欠。 with laughter suppressed=忍住笑。
(note 5) doubtful composition=可以的成分。Doubtful=可疑的，有疑問的；曖昧的。Victor is doubtful of [about] the news= Victor懷疑那個消息不盡可靠。 Julian is doubtful (as to) what I ought to say. Julian拿不準該說些什麼。 a doubtful proposition=可疑的命題。 a doubtful character=可疑的人物。 magazine of doubtful taste=內容不太好的[低級趣味的]雜誌。 a doubtful reply=含糊的回答。 a doubtful future= 難以預料的未來。
(note 6) an offence= 罪，侮辱；觸怒。a first offence=初犯。No offence was meant=並沒有觸犯的意思。Offence is the best defense=攻擊是最好的防禦。commit an offence against=犯(法)。 take offence=生氣。
ictor’s View: Look before you leap. We all want a slimmer body but we shouldn’t take drugs indiscriminately.
(Victor Fung Keung, director of HK Baptist University’s M.A. in international journalism program, has published 4 books on English-enhancement [the latest, titled <<學會演說、改變你的人生>>, was published on July 18] and plans to write 6 more by the end of 2012. Write to him: deanfungenglish@gmail.com)
A 48-year-old woman suffered heart failure after taking, over a two-year period, a slimming product (note 1) she bought in the mainland.
Tests showed the product, called SlimEasy Herbs Capsule, contains the banned medicines (note 2) sibutramine (西布曲明減肥藥) and phenolphthalein (苯酚酞).
The woman went to the emergency ward of Kwong Wah Hospital after suffering shortness of breath (note 3) and ankle swelling (腫脹) on October 14, and was admitted on the same day with heart failure.
A Department of Health spokesman said the patient bought the slimming pills from an "unknown source" in the mainland.
The department is investigating whether her symptoms are related to the product.
She was discharged (放走) on Wednesday after her condition improved.
Sibutramine is a part I poison and was once used to suppress appetites (note 4), but was banned in November 2010 because it was found to lead to increased cardiovascular (心血管性的) risk.
Phenolphthalein, once used for treating constipation (), has been banned for its cancer-causing effect.
The spokesman urged the public not to buy products of unknown or doubtful composition (note 5).
If they have bought the SlimEasy Herbs Capsule product, consumers should stop using it immediately and consult their doctor if they feel unwell.
It is an offense (note 6) to sell unregistered (沒有註冊) medicines.
Those convicted face up to a HK$100,000 fine and two years' jail.
Meanwhile, an action plan launched to reduce dangers related to alcohol abuse has no drinking guidelines.
The World Health Organization has identified the use of alcohol as the third leading risk factor when it comes to noncommunicable (不會傳染的) diseases, which cause about 2.5 million deaths worldwide every year.
"Generally speaking, the dangers of alcohol are expressed as a continuum (連續), that is, the more you drink, the higher the chances for you to suffer alcohol- related illnesses”.
From good to better English:
(note 1) a slimming product=減肥產品。Slim=纖細的，苗條的；微弱的, 瑣細的。a slim excuse=理由不充分的藉口。 very slim chances of success=成功的希望很渺茫。 the slimmest (of) evidence=最不充分的證據。
(note 2) banned medicines=禁藥。Ban= .禁止，禁令。lift [remove] the ban=開禁，解禁。 place [put] under a ban=禁止。
(note 3) shortness of breath=氣喘。Short=短；缺少；簡單。
(note 4) suppress appetites=壓抑食慾。Suppress= .鎮壓，撲滅, 禁止發行；刪掉。suppress a yawn=忍住呵欠。 with laughter suppressed=忍住笑。
(note 5) doubtful composition=可以的成分。Doubtful=可疑的，有疑問的；曖昧的。Victor is doubtful of [about] the news= Victor懷疑那個消息不盡可靠。 Julian is doubtful (as to) what I ought to say. Julian拿不準該說些什麼。 a doubtful proposition=可疑的命題。 a doubtful character=可疑的人物。 magazine of doubtful taste=內容不太好的[低級趣味的]雜誌。 a doubtful reply=含糊的回答。 a doubtful future= 難以預料的未來。
(note 6) an offence= 罪，侮辱；觸怒。a first offence=初犯。No offence was meant=並沒有觸犯的意思。Offence is the best defense=攻擊是最好的防禦。commit an offence against=犯(法)。 take offence=生氣。
ictor’s View: Look before you leap. We all want a slimmer body but we shouldn’t take drugs indiscriminately.
(Victor Fung Keung, director of HK Baptist University’s M.A. in international journalism program, has published 4 books on English-enhancement [the latest, titled <<學會演說、改變你的人生>>, was published on July 18] and plans to write 6 more by the end of 2012. Write to him: deanfungenglish@gmail.com)
Black (暗淡的) first day for new RTHK chief
The new director of Radio Television Hong Kong was yesterday met on his first day at work with calls to resign (note 1) and a warning of possible strike action (工業行動).
Staff members also rolled out (note 2) a black carpet as Roy Tang Yun-kwong arrived at the station's Kowloon Tong offices, which were adorned (裝飾) with placards.
Some read: "Appointment of an administrative officer is an Arabian nights fantasy (空想)" and "We do not want an administrative officer ... We want an editor-in-chief."
About 30 RTHK staff dressed in black (穿黑色衣服) were there to meet him as were several members of the Civic Party and Hong Kong Human Rights Monitor, the latter two protesting at the appointment of an officer with no broadcasting experience.
"All RTHK staff and the public have the right to express their views (note 3). I understand that the staff have opinions over the appointment, but as director of broadcasting my job is to cooperate with our staff," Tang said, adding he was not embarrassed (尷尬) by the protest.
"In the RTHK charter (憲章), the sixth regulation says clearly that RTHK enjoys editorial freedom. Although it is just six words [in Chinese], the spirit of editorial freedom (note 4) is very clear," he said.
He also said public confidence in the station was established through 83 years of its history and he will do everything possible to ensure it is not diminished (減退).
RTHK Program Staff Union chairwoman Janet Mak Lai-ching said Tang's background as a civil servant puts him in conflict with (note 5) his new post.
"His 24 years as an administrative officer has given him a mindset (想法) that matches the government's policies. RTHK, as a public broadcaster, needs to monitor (note 6) the government's policies. This leads to contradiction and conflict," she said.
From good to better English:
(note 1) with calls to resign=要求他下臺。Call=召集，徵召；號召；喚醒。Call a meeting=召集會議。Victor calls that mean= Victor以為那是小氣的。Call to mind=想起。Call the tune [shots]=發號施令。
(note 2) rolled out=鋪上。Roll out也可以解做推出。Roll=滾動，溜轉, 卷捆。Julian rolled the string into a ball=Julian把線卷成一團。Years roll on=歲月流逝。roll the bones=閒談；吹牛。
(note 3) express their views=表達意見。Express=表示，表現，表達。express regret=表示遺憾。Express oneself=表達自己的意思。An express ticket=快車票。
(note 4) editorial freedom=編輯自主權。
(note 5) in conflict with=有衝突。Conflict=衝突，矛盾，抵觸。a conflict of opinions [views]=意見的衝突。 a conflict of laws=法律條文的相抵觸。 undergo an inner conflict=思想上產生矛盾。 come into conflict with Bo Bo=和Bo Bo衝突。 in conflict with Mo Mo= 和Mo Mo有矛盾。
(note 6) monitor=監察，檢驗，檢查；調節；探索，追蹤 （admonishes, cautions, or reminds, especially with respect to matters of conduct）。
Victor’s View: It seems impossible for a government bureaucrat to lead a team of journalists as their value systems can’t be further apart.
(Victor Fung Keung, director of HK Baptist University’s M.A. in international journalism program, has published 4 books on English-enhancement [the latest, titled <<學會演說、改變你的人生>>, was published on July 18] and plans to write 6 more by the end of 2012. Write to him: deanfungenglish@gmail.com)
Staff members also rolled out (note 2) a black carpet as Roy Tang Yun-kwong arrived at the station's Kowloon Tong offices, which were adorned (裝飾) with placards.
Some read: "Appointment of an administrative officer is an Arabian nights fantasy (空想)" and "We do not want an administrative officer ... We want an editor-in-chief."
About 30 RTHK staff dressed in black (穿黑色衣服) were there to meet him as were several members of the Civic Party and Hong Kong Human Rights Monitor, the latter two protesting at the appointment of an officer with no broadcasting experience.
"All RTHK staff and the public have the right to express their views (note 3). I understand that the staff have opinions over the appointment, but as director of broadcasting my job is to cooperate with our staff," Tang said, adding he was not embarrassed (尷尬) by the protest.
"In the RTHK charter (憲章), the sixth regulation says clearly that RTHK enjoys editorial freedom. Although it is just six words [in Chinese], the spirit of editorial freedom (note 4) is very clear," he said.
He also said public confidence in the station was established through 83 years of its history and he will do everything possible to ensure it is not diminished (減退).
RTHK Program Staff Union chairwoman Janet Mak Lai-ching said Tang's background as a civil servant puts him in conflict with (note 5) his new post.
"His 24 years as an administrative officer has given him a mindset (想法) that matches the government's policies. RTHK, as a public broadcaster, needs to monitor (note 6) the government's policies. This leads to contradiction and conflict," she said.
From good to better English:
(note 1) with calls to resign=要求他下臺。Call=召集，徵召；號召；喚醒。Call a meeting=召集會議。Victor calls that mean= Victor以為那是小氣的。Call to mind=想起。Call the tune [shots]=發號施令。
(note 2) rolled out=鋪上。Roll out也可以解做推出。Roll=滾動，溜轉, 卷捆。Julian rolled the string into a ball=Julian把線卷成一團。Years roll on=歲月流逝。roll the bones=閒談；吹牛。
(note 3) express their views=表達意見。Express=表示，表現，表達。express regret=表示遺憾。Express oneself=表達自己的意思。An express ticket=快車票。
(note 4) editorial freedom=編輯自主權。
(note 5) in conflict with=有衝突。Conflict=衝突，矛盾，抵觸。a conflict of opinions [views]=意見的衝突。 a conflict of laws=法律條文的相抵觸。 undergo an inner conflict=思想上產生矛盾。 come into conflict with Bo Bo=和Bo Bo衝突。 in conflict with Mo Mo= 和Mo Mo有矛盾。
(note 6) monitor=監察，檢驗，檢查；調節；探索，追蹤 （admonishes, cautions, or reminds, especially with respect to matters of conduct）。
Victor’s View: It seems impossible for a government bureaucrat to lead a team of journalists as their value systems can’t be further apart.
(Victor Fung Keung, director of HK Baptist University’s M.A. in international journalism program, has published 4 books on English-enhancement [the latest, titled <<學會演說、改變你的人生>>, was published on July 18] and plans to write 6 more by the end of 2012. Write to him: deanfungenglish@gmail.com)
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