Pillows, remote controls, toys and mobile phones are dirtier (骯髒) than toilet lids, a study has revealed.
Such household items are within easy reach (note 1) of children and should be cleaned more thoroughly, the Hong Kong Childhealth Foundation said.
In August, the foundation joined up with a cleaning company to conduct the study "hunting bacterial black spots in children's households."
The study, testing the bacterial (細菌的) content of domestic items, involved 228 parents and 20 households.
It found more than 90 percent of parents ignore hygienic practices (note 2) on the dining table, which has an average of two million bacteria or 10 times the 200,000 found on a toilet lid.
Nearly 70 percent of 20 household areas and items were found to have up to two million bacteria, including remote controls, fridge doors, toys, mobile phones, pillows, carpets, kitchen and toilet floors, mops (拖把) and bins (垃圾箱).
The study found that the worst spots (note 3) are toilet drains, with 20 million, although these are normally well out of the reach of children.
Among the "cleanest" items are sofas, computer keyboards, shoe shelves, door knobs and school bags, each containing more than 200,000.
Foundation chairman and pediatrician (兒科醫生) Henry Au Yeung Chek-lun said: "At such alarming rates, parents should pay more attention to (note 4) cleaning items that are always in contact with children. It is time to clean the often ignored (忽略) items at home."
He added: "Negligence will only turn one's household into a breeding ground (note 5) for bacteria, boost the risk of cross-infection and transmission of communicable diseases."
Maintaining personal and household hygiene is the key to preventing the spread (兤散) of germs before a community outbreak (note 6), he noted.
From good to better English:
(note 1) within easy reach=容易拿到手。within easy reach的相反是out of reach。Reach=伸手拿；伸手送達，交給，遞給；給予。Your letter reached Julian yesterday=你的信昨日到達Julian哪裡。 Victor is liable to be reached by flattery= Victor容易被諂媚奉承所打動。 As far as the eye can reach=就眼力所及，極目，滿目。 Reach bottom=到底；查明。
(note 2) ignore hygienic practices=忽略衛生習慣。Practice=習慣，慣例。a common practice=風氣；常例。 bureaucratic practices=官僚主義作風。 the old practices=老一套。The doctor has a large practice=這個醫生病人很多。in practice=實際上。Practice makes perfect=熟能生巧。
(note 3) the worst spots=最差的地方。Spot=認出，發現，找到, 弄髒。Lookouts were spotted all along Nathan Road=沿彌敦道一帶都佈置了監視哨。 Julian spotted him at once as an American=Julian一見就看出他是個美國人。This kind of Shenzhen cloth tends to spot in the rain=這種深鎮布容易在雨中弄髒。
(note 4) pay more attention to=給多些注意。Pay=支付, 報答；補償。Pay的同義詞有 compensate, indemnify, recompense, redress, reimburse, remunerate, repay, requite等。pay slip= 薪水單。 pay up= 付清錢款。
(note 5) a breeding ground=溫床。
(note 6) a community outbreak=社區獷散。
Victor’s View: Having good hygienic practices helps protect our health. We should take it seriously.
(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)
2011年11月28日 星期一
New bird in the hand
New rules for closing Mai Po nature reserve (保育區) in a bird flu (禽流感) alert face their biggest test (note 1) as Hong Kong's peak flu season nears.
The reserve will be closed for 21 days only if three or more infected (感染) birds are found - dead or alive - within a period of 10 days.
WWF, which manages the site, says it lost a total of HK$1.2 million over the past six years when Mai Po was closed for 21 days each time just one dead bird was found with H5N1 bird flu.
The environmental group hopes that the government's new three-dead-bird policy means there will not be any unreasonable (不講理的) closure of Mai Po and ease public worries (note 2) they can catch bird flu from wild birds.
This winter - the flu peak season for Hong Kong - will test to its fullest the policy of closing Mai Po when no fewer than three infected birds are found within 10 days in the three-kilometer- radius (三公里範圍) reserve.
"Our calculation was that for those 21 days, it cost HK$200,000 each time in lost revenue," Mai Po Reserve manager Bena Smith said.
"We were closed under that policy six times. If you add that up, it's HK$1.2 million, which is an astonishing (令人驚訝的) amount of money for an NGO like ourselves which is trying to manage a site (note 3). We have limited resources (note 4) and government funding for this site is very poor," he said.
In an interview as migratory (候鳥) birds begin to arrive at Mai Po, Smith said the loss of revenue hit WWF's operation as well as caused administrative headaches (note 5) through re-scheduling site visits.
It costs about HK$5 million a year for the Mai Po wetland management and biodiversity (多種生物) operation.
From good to better English:
(note 1) face their biggest test=面對最大考驗。Face=面對，對著, 勇敢承當, 對抗，抵抗。face the wall=向著牆壁。faced with danger=面臨危險。 The picture faces page 8 of Victor’s book=插圖在Victor書本第8頁對面。 a house facing the street=臨街的房屋。 a wall faced with concrete=水泥覆面的牆壁。
(note 2) ease public worries=減輕公眾疑慮。Ease=使安逸，使暢快；使安心；減輕, 放鬆, 減緩。at ease=自由自在，心情舒暢，安心。 Be [feel] ill at ease=不安心，侷促不安，心神不寧。 Ease of mind=心情舒暢。 Set Julian’s heart at ease=使Julian安心。 Stand at ease=稍息。 Well at ease=安心，暢快。 With ease=容易。
(note 3) manage a site=經營一塊場所。construction site=建築工地。 firing [launching] site=(火箭等)發射場。 historic sites=歷史遺址。 nuclear test site=核子試驗場。 the site of a battle=戰場。
(note 4) limited resources=有限的資源。Limit=限制，限定。limit the number to fifty=把數目限制到五十。 limit the expenses=節省開支。reach the limit of Victor’s patience =令Victor忍無可忍了。
(note 5) caused administrative headaches=導致行政上的問題。
Victor’s View: It is great news to learn that the Mai Po nature reserve will close less frequently than previously this winter due to relaxed rules. Hurrah!
(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)
The reserve will be closed for 21 days only if three or more infected (感染) birds are found - dead or alive - within a period of 10 days.
WWF, which manages the site, says it lost a total of HK$1.2 million over the past six years when Mai Po was closed for 21 days each time just one dead bird was found with H5N1 bird flu.
The environmental group hopes that the government's new three-dead-bird policy means there will not be any unreasonable (不講理的) closure of Mai Po and ease public worries (note 2) they can catch bird flu from wild birds.
This winter - the flu peak season for Hong Kong - will test to its fullest the policy of closing Mai Po when no fewer than three infected birds are found within 10 days in the three-kilometer- radius (三公里範圍) reserve.
"Our calculation was that for those 21 days, it cost HK$200,000 each time in lost revenue," Mai Po Reserve manager Bena Smith said.
"We were closed under that policy six times. If you add that up, it's HK$1.2 million, which is an astonishing (令人驚訝的) amount of money for an NGO like ourselves which is trying to manage a site (note 3). We have limited resources (note 4) and government funding for this site is very poor," he said.
In an interview as migratory (候鳥) birds begin to arrive at Mai Po, Smith said the loss of revenue hit WWF's operation as well as caused administrative headaches (note 5) through re-scheduling site visits.
It costs about HK$5 million a year for the Mai Po wetland management and biodiversity (多種生物) operation.
From good to better English:
(note 1) face their biggest test=面對最大考驗。Face=面對，對著, 勇敢承當, 對抗，抵抗。face the wall=向著牆壁。faced with danger=面臨危險。 The picture faces page 8 of Victor’s book=插圖在Victor書本第8頁對面。 a house facing the street=臨街的房屋。 a wall faced with concrete=水泥覆面的牆壁。
(note 2) ease public worries=減輕公眾疑慮。Ease=使安逸，使暢快；使安心；減輕, 放鬆, 減緩。at ease=自由自在，心情舒暢，安心。 Be [feel] ill at ease=不安心，侷促不安，心神不寧。 Ease of mind=心情舒暢。 Set Julian’s heart at ease=使Julian安心。 Stand at ease=稍息。 Well at ease=安心，暢快。 With ease=容易。
(note 3) manage a site=經營一塊場所。construction site=建築工地。 firing [launching] site=(火箭等)發射場。 historic sites=歷史遺址。 nuclear test site=核子試驗場。 the site of a battle=戰場。
(note 4) limited resources=有限的資源。Limit=限制，限定。limit the number to fifty=把數目限制到五十。 limit the expenses=節省開支。reach the limit of Victor’s patience =令Victor忍無可忍了。
(note 5) caused administrative headaches=導致行政上的問題。
Victor’s View: It is great news to learn that the Mai Po nature reserve will close less frequently than previously this winter due to relaxed rules. Hurrah!
(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)
Tsui denies (否認) political pressure behind exit (note 1)
Tsui denies (否認) political pressure behind exit (note 1)
Thursday, October 27, 2011 p.4
Tsui Lap-chee has rejected (駁回) suggestions he is stepping down (note 2) as University of Hong Kong vice chancellor (校長) because of political pressure.
Tsui was accompanied (陪著) by university council chairman Leong Che- hung when he met reporters to explain his decision not to seek a third five-year term in office - after first taking over the job in 2002.
Tsui said as a geneticist (遺傳學家), he understands succession and evolution (note 3) are important to allow an institution like HKU to rise to the next level (note 4).
"Life is like a tube (地下隧道) . You have things going in and coming out. That's life," he said.
"If that process stops, it's not very good and there's no life. To maintain the life of this university, we must have in and out. Therefore, 10 years is a good time."
Reminded (提醒) of his February statement about being interested in another term, the 60-year- old clarified (澄清) he had only spoken of being willing to stay on if the council asked him to.
Leong said he has no conflict with Tsui and that he was saddened (傷感) to receive Tsui's letter on Tuesday. "My heart sank. The vice chancellor has done a lot for the university and the community." he said, adding that finding a suitable replacement (接班人) would be difficult.
However, many HKU students are convinced Tsui came under pressure (note 5) to quit after the controversial security arrangements for Vice Premier Li Keqiang's August 18 visit.
"His explanation isn't convincing (令人心服)," said arts student Fu Ka-yeung.
Samuel Li Shing-hong, the student detained by police during Li 's visit, said it would be very sad if Tsui were forced to leave.
Democratic Party lawmaker Cheung Man-kwong said Tsui and Leong will explain the situation before the Legislative Council.
From good to better English:
(note 1) exit=退場；離去 (To make one's exit; depart)。exit 也解做出口 (A passage or way out)。例句: an emergency exit in Victor’s building=Victor工作的大廈的緊急出口。Exit也是死亡的意思。
(note 2) stepping down=退下來。Step=跨入，踏進。Will you step inside=請進來。Step aside =走到一旁；讓給別人。Step back =後退。Bo Bo is old enough to step down from the office= Bo Bo年紀夠老該退休了。Step on the gas =加快(汽車)馬力。Step out of line=採取獨立和不合規矩的行動。
(note 3) succession and evolution=接班和演變。Succeed=繼承，承受；接連。Summer succeeds spring=春去夏來。succeed in life=發跡。A succeeds B as Premier=A君接替B君擔任總理。Julian has been successful so far=Julian到現在為止很成功。
(note 4) rise to the next level=達至另一高峰。Rise=出頭，高升 (To attain a higher status, rank, or condition): rise 的同義詞有advance, ascend, climb, mount等。 go up the ladder=升職。rise above = 凌驾他人, 克服。 rise from the dead = 复活。rise to the bait =上钩, 入圈套 。rise to the occasion= 应付自如。 rise up against= 起来反对。
(note 5) came under pressure=受壓。
Victor’s View: The fact that the university council of HKU didn’t ask Professor Tsui to stay on indicates that politics plays a key role in his exit.
(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)
Thursday, October 27, 2011 p.4
Tsui Lap-chee has rejected (駁回) suggestions he is stepping down (note 2) as University of Hong Kong vice chancellor (校長) because of political pressure.
Tsui was accompanied (陪著) by university council chairman Leong Che- hung when he met reporters to explain his decision not to seek a third five-year term in office - after first taking over the job in 2002.
Tsui said as a geneticist (遺傳學家), he understands succession and evolution (note 3) are important to allow an institution like HKU to rise to the next level (note 4).
"Life is like a tube (地下隧道) . You have things going in and coming out. That's life," he said.
"If that process stops, it's not very good and there's no life. To maintain the life of this university, we must have in and out. Therefore, 10 years is a good time."
Reminded (提醒) of his February statement about being interested in another term, the 60-year- old clarified (澄清) he had only spoken of being willing to stay on if the council asked him to.
Leong said he has no conflict with Tsui and that he was saddened (傷感) to receive Tsui's letter on Tuesday. "My heart sank. The vice chancellor has done a lot for the university and the community." he said, adding that finding a suitable replacement (接班人) would be difficult.
However, many HKU students are convinced Tsui came under pressure (note 5) to quit after the controversial security arrangements for Vice Premier Li Keqiang's August 18 visit.
"His explanation isn't convincing (令人心服)," said arts student Fu Ka-yeung.
Samuel Li Shing-hong, the student detained by police during Li 's visit, said it would be very sad if Tsui were forced to leave.
Democratic Party lawmaker Cheung Man-kwong said Tsui and Leong will explain the situation before the Legislative Council.
From good to better English:
(note 1) exit=退場；離去 (To make one's exit; depart)。exit 也解做出口 (A passage or way out)。例句: an emergency exit in Victor’s building=Victor工作的大廈的緊急出口。Exit也是死亡的意思。
(note 2) stepping down=退下來。Step=跨入，踏進。Will you step inside=請進來。Step aside =走到一旁；讓給別人。Step back =後退。Bo Bo is old enough to step down from the office= Bo Bo年紀夠老該退休了。Step on the gas =加快(汽車)馬力。Step out of line=採取獨立和不合規矩的行動。
(note 3) succession and evolution=接班和演變。Succeed=繼承，承受；接連。Summer succeeds spring=春去夏來。succeed in life=發跡。A succeeds B as Premier=A君接替B君擔任總理。Julian has been successful so far=Julian到現在為止很成功。
(note 4) rise to the next level=達至另一高峰。Rise=出頭，高升 (To attain a higher status, rank, or condition): rise 的同義詞有advance, ascend, climb, mount等。 go up the ladder=升職。rise above = 凌驾他人, 克服。 rise from the dead = 复活。rise to the bait =上钩, 入圈套 。rise to the occasion= 应付自如。 rise up against= 起来反对。
(note 5) came under pressure=受壓。
Victor’s View: The fact that the university council of HKU didn’t ask Professor Tsui to stay on indicates that politics plays a key role in his exit.
(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)
Angry moms on the march (note 1)
Angry moms on the march (note 1)
Monday, October 24, 2011 page 2
Scores (note 2) of pregnant (懷胎的) women yesterday joined more than 1,000 protesters in a march to the old SAR government headquarters to oppose (反對) the growing number of (note 3) mainland women flocking (大量湧進) to Hong Kong to give birth.
Setting off from Southorn Playground in Wan Chai, where they had earlier staged a one-hour sit-in (), the group chanted slogans (叫口號) accusing pregnant mainland women of causing overcrowding in Hong Kong hospitals. They also called on the SAR government not to give residency to children born in Hong Kong with mainland parents.
The government had earlier put forward seven measures to control the flood of mainland women who come to Hong Kong to give birth. Among these are a set number of places for non-local women to deliver (分娩) in public hospitals. Private hospitals have agreed to set the quota at 31,000 for next year.
But protest organiser Jocelyn Yiu said the new measures (措施) will only work in the short term (note 4). "Pregnant mainland women have been abusing our emergency room services (note 5) and these measures will not solve the problem," she said, adding many mainland mothers do not even pay their medical fees.
Hospital Authority figures show 878 non-local (非本地人) women had not paid their hospital bills over the past three years, amounting to more than HK$20 million. Last year, more than 40,000 mainland mothers gave birth in public hospitals in Hong Kong, up from 8,100 in 2000.
A pregnant woman, due to deliver in four months, and who has already secured a place in a public hospital, was among those taking part because she is worried the quality of services (note 6) could be lowered by the flood of mainland mothers.
From good to better English: It is understandable why so many mainland moms want their babies born in Hong Kong. But the interests of local moms-to-be should come first.
(note 1) on the march=遊行。March=行進；進軍，行軍。a hunger march=(失業者的)饑餓遊行。march into=長驅直入。
(note 2) Scores=許多。Score=二十，二十人。Score=得分，得勝 (against)。Score(s) of times =十次，屢次。Death pays all scores=一死百了。On a new score=重新。 On that score=因此，因那理由。Three score (years) and ten =(人生)七十年；一輩子。
(note 3) the growing number of=大批人。Grow=長大，增加，變強。grow weary= 變疲乏。 grow old [rich]=變老[富]。grow a beard=留鬍子。Victor’s book grew out of a series of lectures=Victor的書是由一系列講稿編寫而成的。grow up=長大。
(note 4) in the short term=短期內。Short=短的；短暫的, 簡略的；縮寫的, 不及的；達不到的。in short=簡單地說；總之。sell short=賣空。In speaking one should be short and to the point, Victor tells Julian= Victor 告訴Julian說話要簡捷扼要。
(note 5) abusing our emergency room services=濫用急症室服務。Abuse=濫用(職權等)，妄用，誤用(才能等), 罵, 虐待，酷待；淩辱。Drug abuse=吸毒上癮。
(note 6) the quality of services=服務水準, 質素。
Victor’s View:
(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)
Monday, October 24, 2011 page 2
Scores (note 2) of pregnant (懷胎的) women yesterday joined more than 1,000 protesters in a march to the old SAR government headquarters to oppose (反對) the growing number of (note 3) mainland women flocking (大量湧進) to Hong Kong to give birth.
Setting off from Southorn Playground in Wan Chai, where they had earlier staged a one-hour sit-in (), the group chanted slogans (叫口號) accusing pregnant mainland women of causing overcrowding in Hong Kong hospitals. They also called on the SAR government not to give residency to children born in Hong Kong with mainland parents.
The government had earlier put forward seven measures to control the flood of mainland women who come to Hong Kong to give birth. Among these are a set number of places for non-local women to deliver (分娩) in public hospitals. Private hospitals have agreed to set the quota at 31,000 for next year.
But protest organiser Jocelyn Yiu said the new measures (措施) will only work in the short term (note 4). "Pregnant mainland women have been abusing our emergency room services (note 5) and these measures will not solve the problem," she said, adding many mainland mothers do not even pay their medical fees.
Hospital Authority figures show 878 non-local (非本地人) women had not paid their hospital bills over the past three years, amounting to more than HK$20 million. Last year, more than 40,000 mainland mothers gave birth in public hospitals in Hong Kong, up from 8,100 in 2000.
A pregnant woman, due to deliver in four months, and who has already secured a place in a public hospital, was among those taking part because she is worried the quality of services (note 6) could be lowered by the flood of mainland mothers.
From good to better English: It is understandable why so many mainland moms want their babies born in Hong Kong. But the interests of local moms-to-be should come first.
(note 1) on the march=遊行。March=行進；進軍，行軍。a hunger march=(失業者的)饑餓遊行。march into=長驅直入。
(note 2) Scores=許多。Score=二十，二十人。Score=得分，得勝 (against)。Score(s) of times =十次，屢次。Death pays all scores=一死百了。On a new score=重新。 On that score=因此，因那理由。Three score (years) and ten =(人生)七十年；一輩子。
(note 3) the growing number of=大批人。Grow=長大，增加，變強。grow weary= 變疲乏。 grow old [rich]=變老[富]。grow a beard=留鬍子。Victor’s book grew out of a series of lectures=Victor的書是由一系列講稿編寫而成的。grow up=長大。
(note 4) in the short term=短期內。Short=短的；短暫的, 簡略的；縮寫的, 不及的；達不到的。in short=簡單地說；總之。sell short=賣空。In speaking one should be short and to the point, Victor tells Julian= Victor 告訴Julian說話要簡捷扼要。
(note 5) abusing our emergency room services=濫用急症室服務。Abuse=濫用(職權等)，妄用，誤用(才能等), 罵, 虐待，酷待；淩辱。Drug abuse=吸毒上癮。
(note 6) the quality of services=服務水準, 質素。
Victor’s View:
(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)
One in 10 seniors hit by dementia (癡呆), study finds
Nearly one in 10 Hong Kong residents aged 70 and above suffer from dementia - affecting memory, thinking, language and judgment - a study has revealed (透露) for the first time.
The study, in which 6,100 seniors were randomly selected (note 1) to participate in the thematic (主題) household survey, was conducted by the Department of Health and the Chinese University of Hong Kong in 2008.
A total of 2,073 elderly were found to be "positive for questionable or diagnosable dementia. (note 2) "
The results, announced yesterday, showed a 7.2 percent prevalence (流行) of dementia among those who are 60 years old and above and 9.3 percent among those 70 and above. "By projection, over 70,000 elders suffer from (note 3) dementia in the community," the study noted.
Of these, about 63 percent suffer from Alzheimer's disease (老年痴呆症).
"Ninety percent of these patients have no insight into (note 4) their problems and do not seek medical help until [the disease reaches an] advanced stage," said Vincent Mok Chung-tong, a neurologist (神經病專科醫生) and convener of Cognitive Disorders Concern Alliance.
Family members play a key role (note 5) in the early diagnosis of dementia before symptoms significantly disrupt (打斷) the patient's daily life, he said.
A Mr Ng, 56, wept as he talked about the frustrations (挫折) of taking care of his sick 80-year-old mother for 10 years.
Ng said it has been difficult coping with (note 6) her aggressive behavior, mood swings, delusions (妄想) and unfair accusations.
Ng's sister even moved back to Hong Kong from New Zealand eight years ago to help him look after their mother.
Mok said that although the disease is incurable (不治之症), medications can delay its progress and ease the burden of caregivers.
From good to better English:
(note 1) randomly selected=隨機抽樣。Randomly=隨機的, 任意的，胡亂的，隨便的。a random guess=瞎猜。 a random shot=亂射的子彈；流彈。 at random=碰運氣地；無目標地，漫無目的地。
(note 2) questionable or diagnosable dementia.= 可疑的或可診斷的癡呆症。
(note 3) suffer from=遭受, 受苦。suffer a loss=遭受損失。Jo Jo could not suffer criticism=Jo Jo受不了批評。The child suffers from measles=小孩得了麻疹。suffer 的同義詞有To put up with: abide, accept, bear, endure, go,, sustain, swallow, take, tolerate, withstand等。not suffer fools gladly=對蠢人沒有耐心。
(note 4) have no insight into=缺乏洞察力；直覺，悟力；眼光；見識。Ah Lung is a man of deep insight= Ah Lung是個有深遠見識的人。Victor gains an insight into Julian’s mind= Victor看透Julian的心思。
(note 5) play a key= 角色。the leading role 主角。 fill the role of=擔負某人的任務。 play an important role in=在某事情中起重要作用。
(note 6) coping with=抗衡，對抗。Victor was scarcely able to cope with the situation=Victor幾乎不知道如何去應付這個局面。under the cope of heaven=普天之下。
Victor’s View: It is sad to see that about 10% of the aged in Hong Kong suffer from dementia. I hope Hong Kong people, once they turn 50, will pay close attention to early symptoms of the disease and seek medical help.
(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)
The study, in which 6,100 seniors were randomly selected (note 1) to participate in the thematic (主題) household survey, was conducted by the Department of Health and the Chinese University of Hong Kong in 2008.
A total of 2,073 elderly were found to be "positive for questionable or diagnosable dementia. (note 2) "
The results, announced yesterday, showed a 7.2 percent prevalence (流行) of dementia among those who are 60 years old and above and 9.3 percent among those 70 and above. "By projection, over 70,000 elders suffer from (note 3) dementia in the community," the study noted.
Of these, about 63 percent suffer from Alzheimer's disease (老年痴呆症).
"Ninety percent of these patients have no insight into (note 4) their problems and do not seek medical help until [the disease reaches an] advanced stage," said Vincent Mok Chung-tong, a neurologist (神經病專科醫生) and convener of Cognitive Disorders Concern Alliance.
Family members play a key role (note 5) in the early diagnosis of dementia before symptoms significantly disrupt (打斷) the patient's daily life, he said.
A Mr Ng, 56, wept as he talked about the frustrations (挫折) of taking care of his sick 80-year-old mother for 10 years.
Ng said it has been difficult coping with (note 6) her aggressive behavior, mood swings, delusions (妄想) and unfair accusations.
Ng's sister even moved back to Hong Kong from New Zealand eight years ago to help him look after their mother.
Mok said that although the disease is incurable (不治之症), medications can delay its progress and ease the burden of caregivers.
From good to better English:
(note 1) randomly selected=隨機抽樣。Randomly=隨機的, 任意的，胡亂的，隨便的。a random guess=瞎猜。 a random shot=亂射的子彈；流彈。 at random=碰運氣地；無目標地，漫無目的地。
(note 2) questionable or diagnosable dementia.= 可疑的或可診斷的癡呆症。
(note 3) suffer from=遭受, 受苦。suffer a loss=遭受損失。Jo Jo could not suffer criticism=Jo Jo受不了批評。The child suffers from measles=小孩得了麻疹。suffer 的同義詞有To put up with: abide, accept, bear, endure, go,, sustain, swallow, take, tolerate, withstand等。not suffer fools gladly=對蠢人沒有耐心。
(note 4) have no insight into=缺乏洞察力；直覺，悟力；眼光；見識。Ah Lung is a man of deep insight= Ah Lung是個有深遠見識的人。Victor gains an insight into Julian’s mind= Victor看透Julian的心思。
(note 5) play a key= 角色。the leading role 主角。 fill the role of=擔負某人的任務。 play an important role in=在某事情中起重要作用。
(note 6) coping with=抗衡，對抗。Victor was scarcely able to cope with the situation=Victor幾乎不知道如何去應付這個局面。under the cope of heaven=普天之下。
Victor’s View: It is sad to see that about 10% of the aged in Hong Kong suffer from dementia. I hope Hong Kong people, once they turn 50, will pay close attention to early symptoms of the disease and seek medical help.
(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)
2011年11月24日 星期四
Ruling (裁決) says bridge not too far
The government has got the go-ahead (note 1) to build the giant Hong Kong-Macau-Zhuhai bridge after the Court of Appeal overturned (推翻) a lower court ruling quashing (使無效) the environmental protection director's approval of the project.
Welcoming the decision, Secretary for Transport and Housing Eva Cheng Yu-wah said the government will soon seek funding (要求撥款) from the Legislative Council. The aim is to start construction by the year-end so the bridge can be open for use (note 2) in 2016, as scheduled.
Also on the agenda is increased manpower and a revision of work methods to cut work time, though this could add a further HK$6.5 billion to the multi-billion-dollar project. The ruling means dozens of construction projects earlier put on hold (note 3) will now likely go through the usual vetting (審批) process.
A three-judge bench at the Court of Appeal unanimously (一致) overturned the Court of First Instance ruling - passed in April - on a judicial review (司法覆核) alleging government failure to conduct proper environmental impact assessments of two key elements of the project.
The review was filed in January last year by Tung Chung resident Chu Yee-wah, 65, a sometime Civic Party volunteer.
Asked yesterday if she will lodge an appeal (note 4), Chu said: "I won't get involved in it any longer. I have no intention to stir it up (note 5). But they told me about it and I was unclear."
As to who told her to file a review, she said: "Whoever told me to do it, I won't disclose it. I have been fooled. Let it be (note 6)."
She spoke of being worried earlier that work on the bridge's Hong Kong section would affect the environment (環境), and thus the health of the elderly and children in particular.
From good to better English:
(note 1) go-ahead=許可, 准許。a vigorous go-ahead company=一個興旺發達的公司。 go-ahead signal=放行信號。
(note 2) open for use=開放給公眾人士使用。Open=開放；公開, 無私；寬大。open fire (on, at)= (向…)開炮。open a debate=開始辯論。open the door to Victor=給Victor大開方便之門，給Victor造機會。
(note 3) put on hold=暫停 ( In a state of temporary interruption; In a state of postponement or delay)。例句: They had to put Victor on hold while they looked up his bank account=銀行職員要Victor等等，他們要先看看他戶口的情況。
(note 4) lodge an appeal=上訴。Lodge=提出(報告、抗議等), 授與, 打在。A bullet lodged in Bo Bo’s thigh.=子彈打進Bo Bo的大腿裡。lodge a protest against Victor=向Victor提出抗議。
(note 5) stir it up=搞事 (Rouse to action, incite, provoke)。例句: If the strikers in Kowloon Tong aren't careful they'll stir up a riot=在九龍塘唐示威的人事如果不小心, 有可能會引起暴動。
stir up a hornets' nest=製造麻煩 (Make trouble, cause a commotion)
(note 6) Let it be=算了, 罷了。let sleeping dogs lie=不要製造麻煩 (avoid stirring up trouble)。
Victor’s View: Environmentalists or politicians use bureaucratic procedures to delay the construction of major public works projects that will provide jobs for the poor and help Hong Kong prosper should be condemned.
(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)
Welcoming the decision, Secretary for Transport and Housing Eva Cheng Yu-wah said the government will soon seek funding (要求撥款) from the Legislative Council. The aim is to start construction by the year-end so the bridge can be open for use (note 2) in 2016, as scheduled.
Also on the agenda is increased manpower and a revision of work methods to cut work time, though this could add a further HK$6.5 billion to the multi-billion-dollar project. The ruling means dozens of construction projects earlier put on hold (note 3) will now likely go through the usual vetting (審批) process.
A three-judge bench at the Court of Appeal unanimously (一致) overturned the Court of First Instance ruling - passed in April - on a judicial review (司法覆核) alleging government failure to conduct proper environmental impact assessments of two key elements of the project.
The review was filed in January last year by Tung Chung resident Chu Yee-wah, 65, a sometime Civic Party volunteer.
Asked yesterday if she will lodge an appeal (note 4), Chu said: "I won't get involved in it any longer. I have no intention to stir it up (note 5). But they told me about it and I was unclear."
As to who told her to file a review, she said: "Whoever told me to do it, I won't disclose it. I have been fooled. Let it be (note 6)."
She spoke of being worried earlier that work on the bridge's Hong Kong section would affect the environment (環境), and thus the health of the elderly and children in particular.
From good to better English:
(note 1) go-ahead=許可, 准許。a vigorous go-ahead company=一個興旺發達的公司。 go-ahead signal=放行信號。
(note 2) open for use=開放給公眾人士使用。Open=開放；公開, 無私；寬大。open fire (on, at)= (向…)開炮。open a debate=開始辯論。open the door to Victor=給Victor大開方便之門，給Victor造機會。
(note 3) put on hold=暫停 ( In a state of temporary interruption; In a state of postponement or delay)。例句: They had to put Victor on hold while they looked up his bank account=銀行職員要Victor等等，他們要先看看他戶口的情況。
(note 4) lodge an appeal=上訴。Lodge=提出(報告、抗議等), 授與, 打在。A bullet lodged in Bo Bo’s thigh.=子彈打進Bo Bo的大腿裡。lodge a protest against Victor=向Victor提出抗議。
(note 5) stir it up=搞事 (Rouse to action, incite, provoke)。例句: If the strikers in Kowloon Tong aren't careful they'll stir up a riot=在九龍塘唐示威的人事如果不小心, 有可能會引起暴動。
stir up a hornets' nest=製造麻煩 (Make trouble, cause a commotion)
(note 6) Let it be=算了, 罷了。let sleeping dogs lie=不要製造麻煩 (avoid stirring up trouble)。
Victor’s View: Environmentalists or politicians use bureaucratic procedures to delay the construction of major public works projects that will provide jobs for the poor and help Hong Kong prosper should be condemned.
(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)
2011年11月23日 星期三
Parents value (看重) overseas studies
Parents in Hong Kong and the mainland lag (落後) those in Taiwan in spending and saving (note 1) for their children's education.
But more local parents plan to send children overseas (海外) to study than those in the two other places.
Those are the findings (結論) of a MasterCard survey on consumer purchase priorities, carried out from March 15 to April 27.
Of the 2,390 people polled, 653 are locals, while 1,095 live in the mainland and 642 in Taiwan.
Local parents on average spend 13 percent of their monthly income on schooling and save 14 percent for that purpose, the survey found.
That is about the same as mainlanders, who spend 14 percent and save 15 percent. But parents in Taiwan spend a bit more (note 2) at 17 percent and save significantly more at 19 percent for the same purpose.
Figures for actual spending are not available.
The survey also found 52 percent of local parents plan to send their children abroad (出國) for higher studies, compared with 34 percent in Taiwan and only 13 percent in the mainland.
Universities in the United States and Europe top the list (note 3) for locals.
The poll results also show that though local parents see extra- curricular activities as an essential part (note 4) of education, only 8 percent sign their children up (note 5) thinking they may enjoy themselves.
Instead, the most common reason for having them enroll in (note 6) such activities is to help the children develop hobbies and interests and boost (提高) their confidence.
Local parents lead the activities figures, with 88 percent of respondents sending their children to at least one enrichment (使豐富充實) class - music and tutorial sessions being the most popular. This compares with 79 percent in the mainland and 46 percent in Taiwan.
From good to better English:
(note 1) spending and saving=花錢和儲蓄。Spend=度過，過日子；用光。Victor is going to spend the winter in Guangzhou=Victor將要在廣州過冬。
(note 2) a bit more=多一點點。a bit less=少一點點。a bit=一點點 ( A small amount of anything; a short period of time)。
(note 3) top the list=列為首選。List=目錄，表，一覽表；名單。a black list=黑名單。a reading list=閱讀書目。head the list=名列第一。listed securities=上市證券。
(note 4) an essential part=重要的一部分。Essential=本質的；實質上的，實在的。essential elements=要素。 essential ingredients=主要成分。essentials of life=生活必需品。
(note 5) sign their children up=sign up=使入會(register or subscribe)。Sign=姿勢，手勢；表示。signs and wonders=奇跡。There are signs of=有的徵象。signed and sealed=簽了名蓋了章。sign in=簽到[報到，登記]。sign up=受雇；報名參加。
(note 6) enroll in=編入, 使入學。例句: Victor enrolls Julian as a member of his club=Victor吸收Julian為他的俱樂部會員。
Victor’s View: Sending children to study in overseas institutions is a fantastic idea if parents can afford it. Hong Kong needs future leaders who have a worldly perspective.
(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)
But more local parents plan to send children overseas (海外) to study than those in the two other places.
Those are the findings (結論) of a MasterCard survey on consumer purchase priorities, carried out from March 15 to April 27.
Of the 2,390 people polled, 653 are locals, while 1,095 live in the mainland and 642 in Taiwan.
Local parents on average spend 13 percent of their monthly income on schooling and save 14 percent for that purpose, the survey found.
That is about the same as mainlanders, who spend 14 percent and save 15 percent. But parents in Taiwan spend a bit more (note 2) at 17 percent and save significantly more at 19 percent for the same purpose.
Figures for actual spending are not available.
The survey also found 52 percent of local parents plan to send their children abroad (出國) for higher studies, compared with 34 percent in Taiwan and only 13 percent in the mainland.
Universities in the United States and Europe top the list (note 3) for locals.
The poll results also show that though local parents see extra- curricular activities as an essential part (note 4) of education, only 8 percent sign their children up (note 5) thinking they may enjoy themselves.
Instead, the most common reason for having them enroll in (note 6) such activities is to help the children develop hobbies and interests and boost (提高) their confidence.
Local parents lead the activities figures, with 88 percent of respondents sending their children to at least one enrichment (使豐富充實) class - music and tutorial sessions being the most popular. This compares with 79 percent in the mainland and 46 percent in Taiwan.
From good to better English:
(note 1) spending and saving=花錢和儲蓄。Spend=度過，過日子；用光。Victor is going to spend the winter in Guangzhou=Victor將要在廣州過冬。
(note 2) a bit more=多一點點。a bit less=少一點點。a bit=一點點 ( A small amount of anything; a short period of time)。
(note 3) top the list=列為首選。List=目錄，表，一覽表；名單。a black list=黑名單。a reading list=閱讀書目。head the list=名列第一。listed securities=上市證券。
(note 4) an essential part=重要的一部分。Essential=本質的；實質上的，實在的。essential elements=要素。 essential ingredients=主要成分。essentials of life=生活必需品。
(note 5) sign their children up=sign up=使入會(register or subscribe)。Sign=姿勢，手勢；表示。signs and wonders=奇跡。There are signs of=有的徵象。signed and sealed=簽了名蓋了章。sign in=簽到[報到，登記]。sign up=受雇；報名參加。
(note 6) enroll in=編入, 使入學。例句: Victor enrolls Julian as a member of his club=Victor吸收Julian為他的俱樂部會員。
Victor’s View: Sending children to study in overseas institutions is a fantastic idea if parents can afford it. Hong Kong needs future leaders who have a worldly perspective.
(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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