從雷根的「供給面經濟學」至捲土重來的「凱恩斯主義經濟學」 / From Reagan's Supply-side Economics to the Keynesian Resurgence

I read with interest my blog friend Inner Space's Feb 26, 2009 blog article entitled "目光遠大+ 志向宏大 = 花費巨巨巨大" in which he is seeking an answer to an economic policy question:

>> ... 作者蔡子強質疑問： 『好景不景都要派錢﹖有時我真的很困惑，經濟好景時，他們固然要政府派錢，美其名是「還富於民」；但相反，到了經濟不景時，卻一樣要政府派錢，理由便改作「紓解民困」，按著這樣的邏輯，究竟政府幾時才不用派錢呢﹖』... 以上這個問題我一直存有疑問，總是找不到答案，今天總算有人提出來了，看來這人也沒有答案。

Here is my attempt to answer his question by quoting some of the Wikipedia essays written by professionals (who are more qualified than someone like me) and to also provide some of my thoughts on the on-going world economic crisis.

I think the apparent contradiction of the policies of the HK govt mentioned in Inner Space's blog is due to a recent shift in thinking of the world's economic thinkers in the past year or so, from Supply-side Economics to Keynesian-based policies.

1. Supply-side Economics

1.1 Parts of Theory: "「還富於民」... 經濟好景，政府派錢" "supply creates demands for goods and services"

1.2 What happened recently:
"... In 2003, President Bush signed the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003. Income tax rates were immediately reduced and rebate checks issued (without waiting for the new fiscal year). Federal revenues in FY2003 were $1,665 billion, $360 billion lower than in FY2000. Federal revenues in FY2004 were 1,707 billion, $318 billion lower than in FY2000. Federal revenues in FY2005 were $1,888, $137 billion lower than in FY2000, but by 2006 revenue had completely recovered (in inflation adjusted dollars), with receipts at $2,037 Billion, $12 billion higher than 2000. The cumulative total of federal revenues less than in FY2000 for the fiscal years 2001-2005 was $1.142 trillion, with that amount expected to be recovered by 2011, with 2012 expected to produce an additional $400 billion in excess revenue over 2000. ..."

(Source: Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supply-side_economics)

1.3 My Thoughts (Feb 27, 2009):
With the economic downturn, the $1.142 trillion deficit obviously will NOT be recovered by 2011. Instead, the US govt's revenue will continue to decrease and the deficit, to increase. On Feb. 26th 2009, President Obama announced his $3,600,000,000,000 budget, stating heavy deficit is a necessary evil to turn the economy around. To many, 2008-09 marks the end of the supply-side economics and free-market economy that peaked during the Reagan era (Reaganomics - small government, big business). Suddenly, we see a come-back of the Keynesian supporters or converts.

2. 2008–2009 Keynesian Resurgence

2.1 Parts of Theory: "「紓解民困」... 經濟不景，政府派錢"
"... Keynes advocated what has been called countercyclical fiscal policies, that is policies which acted against the tide of the business cycle: deficit spending when a nation's economy suffers from recession or when recovery is long-delayed and unemployment is persistently high—and the suppression of inflation in boom times by either increasing taxes or cutting back on government outlays ... "
"... Two aspects of Keynes' model had implications for policy:
First, there is the "Keynesian multiplier", first developed by Richard F. Kahn in 1931. Exogenous increases in spending, such as an increase in government outlays, increases total spending by a multiple of that increase. A government could stimulate a great deal of new production with a modest outlay if:
1. The people who receive this money then spend most on consumption goods and save the rest.
2. This extra spending allows businesses to hire more people and pay them, which in turn allows a further increase consumer spending ..."

(Source: Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keynesian_economics http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keynesianism)

2.2 What happened recently:
"... In the wake of the Financial crisis of 2007-2008 the free-market consensus began to attract negative comment even by mainstream opinion formers from the economic right. In March 2008, free-market guru Martin Wolf, chief economics commentator at the Financial Times, announced the death of the dream of global free-market capitalism ... A series of major bailouts followed, starting on September 7 with the announcement that the U.S. government was to nationalize the two firms which oversaw most of the U.S. subprime mortgage market — Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. In October, the British Chancellor of the Exchequer referred to Keynes as he announced plans for substantial fiscal stimuli to head off the worst effects of recession, in accordance with Keynesian economic thought. Similar policies have been announced in other European countries, by the U.S., and by China ... China was one of the first nations to launch a substantial fiscal stimulus package, and the Financial Times reports that both government officials and private investors are seeing signs of recovery, such as rises in commodity prices, a 13% rise in the Chinese stock market over a period of 10 days (at time of reporting), and a big increase in lending — reflecting the government's success in using state owned banks to inject liquidity into the real economy. The article also reports some analysts are saying it is too soon to be sure the Chinese recovery will last ...
... Senior analysts have not yet found similar grounds for optimism about an early recovery for western economies. Martin Wolf, financial editor at the FT, has said that the US stimulus package may not be sufficiently large, and has advocated "shock and awe" tactics, meaning much more robust intervention. Wolf also sees "temporary public control" of troubled banks as a necessity, and has criticized the ineffective policy of using public money to insure banks against loss or buy toxic assets ...
... For policymakers and their supporters around the world, Keynesian solutions are currently seen as representing the best option for shielding their populations from arbitrary market forces - and possibly as engines for addressing inequality, achieving social progress and accelerating the transition to a green economy. Nevertheless the Keynesian revival has attracted considerable criticism ..."

(Source: Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008-2009_Keynesian_resurgence)

2.3 My Thoughts (Feb 27, 2009):
The global economy is so intertwined these days that no one country (e.g. China, USA, G-7 countries, OAS members) or major economic systems (EU, WTO, APEC, ASEAN, NAFTA, and other multilateral co-operations) can act alone and expects to isolate itself from the crisis. Even with the talk of interventions from the UN, IMB and World Bank, some countries have already gone bust or are in the process of going under (e.g. Iceland, Hungary). We can only hope that the resurgence of Keynesian-based policies and rescue plans will help the world's economic recovery in the "short-term", but whether we are fixing the symptoms or the cause of the problem is another question. Indeed, if the problem is an evolving one (depression in the 1930's, oil crisis in the 70's, and more downturns and Black Fridays in the 80's and 90's, and the present crisis), then the best we can hope for is to tailor the solutions as we move along and try to maximize the period of stability and ride out the inevitable troughs in the future.

I will end this blog article with the following (sorry, I can't remember where I read it): "In the past, our kids had a wish-list, and the adults would pay for it. But now, the adults have a wish-list, and our kids will pay for it, for many years to come !!" Hopefully, this will not come to pass.

日博夜博 / Bloghead

Here I am, finding myself in front of the computer surfing the net again. This is second life. Meanwhile, in the REAL world (aka primary life), the sun is shining, the birds are chirping and the ski hill is calling. Okay, okay, a few more words, just a few more words and I will be on my way. But then, I forget what I was going to say. Oh, yes: "What a bloghead !"

(With reluctance and resignation, the blogger tears away from the computer, grabs the ski boots and goes out.)

「周日名采」題目: "驀然回首" / 「Sunday Brunch Series」: "Looking Back" or "Abruptly, I look back ..."

今晨接到Alex Wun 通知,是輪到我出「周日名采」的題目。這是我第一次出場,不知道如何是好,就選了這帶有動作和感受的四個字為題,請各位在三月一日星期日(+/-24小時)在自己網上登稿,同時在www.alexwun.net处留言,通知Alex丶我丶及其它網友。

謝謝!!

第81屆奧斯卡金像獎 / 81st Oscars/Academy Awards

There you have it !!! The Best Picture is "Slum Dog Millionaire"【一百萬零一夜】, Best Actor Sean Penn西恩·潘, and Best Actress Kate Winslet琦·溫斯莉, plus other awards of achievement. I must say I quite enjoy the show yesterday. There were several memorable moments:
* Robin Roberts, Host of the Red Carpet Fashion, was wearing an orange/red outfit styled by J Crew, the company that had been favoured by Mrs. Obama during the US Prez's inauguration ceremony.
* I found the new format more entertaining and the program flowed much better than those of past years. Hugh Jackman did a great job as host.
* Jerry Lewis' good work over the years (the MDA Telethon) indeed deserves acknowledgement.
* Wow, Sophia Loren is one legendary, beautiful actress !!
* Steve Martin is a funny guy.
* True to form, Sean Penn gave his pro-gay acceptance-speech even tho he knew it would offend the anti-gay faction.
* The smiling faces of the Slumdog Millionaire child-actors presented us with a life-imitating-arts moment on stage.

Alors, à la prochaine !!!

Références:

* J Crew website: http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Navigation/goodMorningAmerica.jsp
* 81st Oscars/Academy Awards第81屆奧斯卡金像獎 (Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/81st_Academy_Awards)
* Kate Winslet琦·溫斯莉 photo credit (Wikipedia: http://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E7%90%A6%C2%B7%E6%BA%AB%E7%B5%B2%E8%8E%89)
* Sean Penn 西恩·潘(Wikipedia: http://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sean_Penn)
* Blow-by-blow account of the happenings (The Guardian: http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/filmblog/2009/feb/22/oscars-2009-live-minute-by-minute-blog

【貧民百萬富翁】: 印度崛起 / "Slum Dog Millionaire": India Shining

The news of "Slum Dog Millionaire" being nominated for several Oscars has stirred up controversies in India and many ex-pat communities around the world.

The nationalists are saying the movie was made by a "white" Danny Boyle 丹尼鮑育who had exploited the poor by reinforcing westerners' perception of a backward and poverty-stricken India, thereby ignoring the recent achievements of the government(s), the growth of the middle class and the country's fledging/strong economy and wealth.

On the other hand, the movie supporters are contending that high-rises that have sprouted in previous slums only serve to displace the underprivileged elsewhere without really solving the poverty issue that is still plaguing many parts of India. According to the more liberal-oriented arts performers and critics, the mere fact that the movie has stimulated discussions on India's poverty problem is in itself a successful demonstration of why real-life should be played on the big screen, even if it is the underbelly of Mumbai that is showing. "Pretty things up" will only sweep dirt under the carpet, or in a slum setting, into the communal Sh*t hole.

So, is India shining? And what is the future of the many children still living in Mumbai's slum?

References:

* "India Shining" Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India_Shining

* "Bombay/Mumbai" Photo credit Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bombay

奧斯卡金像獎: 名稱由來 / Academy Award: Why the name Oscar?

以下是從中文【維基百科】節錄轉來的資料:

"..... 奧斯卡小金人最早曾被稱作「學院獎雕像」、「金獎盃」等，但奧斯卡這一名稱卻更為常用，而這一名稱的由來，至今也沒有一個準確的說法。

一個比較流行的說法是：學院的首席秘書瑪格麗特•赫麗克（Margaret Herrick）女士在看見小金人後驚異的說：「這真像我的叔叔奧斯卡！」但也有人認為奧斯卡是貝蒂•戴維斯的第一任丈夫的名字。

這之後，學會內的人員都開始以奧斯卡來作為小金人的暱稱。1934年的第六屆頒獎典禮後，好萊塢的專欄作家西德尼•斯科爾斯基（Sidney Skolsky）在他的文章中第一次公開使用了奧斯卡這個稱謂。1939年，學會最終認可了奧斯卡這個名字，並且開始正式的使用它。比如學院獎的官方網站的域名便是「oscars.com」。

至今，奧斯卡與學院獎都還在使用。 ....."

Reference:
* Chinese Wikipedia
http://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%A5%A5%E6%96%AF%E5%8D%A1%E9%87%91%E5%83%8F%E5%A5%96

我的奧斯卡金像獎? / What Would You Win an Oscar For?

I visited Mad Dog's blog and played (for the first time) one of those web-based games. This one is called "What Would You Win an Oscar For?" Here is the result and my comments:

I would win an Oscar for, guess what: Best Costume Design !!

* You are imaginative, artistic, and very unique. You are a natural designer. You can picture entire movies in your head. You are incredibly visual.
* As long as you can remember, you've always had a flare for fashion. You like to experiment with looks. You like dressing up in costumes and outfits. And not just for Halloween!

Well, I think the first part is quite accurate. I am a very visual person and I write with my mind's eye. I like different combinations of colours, as evident from my photography, paintings and other creative work.

But the second part is perhaps a bit off. I can't say I have a flare for fashion. Yes, I like the artistic design aspect of the clothing industry but I do not spend time in front of the TV gluing to the fashion channel. I also wonder whether the thousands of Euros spent on ONE designer handbag is better used for buying a week's worth of essential supply for a village in some developing countries.

So, I don't think you will find my name on any designer's clothes anytime soon, nor will I be rich enough to buy that handbag for my best friend after all !!! It's fun playing the game though - thanks Mad Dog :)

2009年2月19日美國總統奧巴馬探訪加拿大 / US President Barack Obama's Visit to Canada Feb 19, 2009

加拿大是美國第44任總統奧巴馬President Barack Obama上職後第一個探訪的國家,今天的行程主要是与第22任總理哈珀The Right Honourable Stephen Harper會面,談論內容多会包括: 兩國經濟貿易丶能源環保丶汽車工業丶世界局勢(阿富汗)等。

美國與加拿大接壤数千公里的共有边境線,大家在軍事防衛方面需要緊密合作不再話下,而兩國每年的出入口貿易共達約597億美元(2008年資料),其它行業例如旅遊文化交流更是不計其数,故此睦鄰是对相方有利。但美國的富強,並不就代表加拿大是「附屬」國,加拿大曾多次選擇和定斷自己的外交政策,例如承認中華人民共和國丶不參加抵制古巴丶决定不派兵往伊拉克等。

加拿大人对新上任的美國總統奧巴馬有很大的期望,一方面是基於利害關係,希望他能力挽狂瀾,扭轉經濟危机,另一方面是贊同他的領導才能,希望他能改善美國的外交政策,帶動世界走回穩定和平的軌道上。

攝影图片Photo Credit: Reuters
* 總統奧巴馬和總督莊美楷(中譯米凯勒‧琼/庄美楷) / US President Barack Obama and The Governor General of Canada, Her Excellency The Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean

References:
* US Government Census - Trade with Canada 2008
http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/balance/c1220.html#2008
* 美國第44任總統奧巴馬上職第一天 / The 44th US President Obama's First Day at Work
http://lotusandcedar.blogspot.com/2009/01/44-44th-us-president-obamas-first-day.html

旅遊古巴: 歷史 / Travel to Cuba: History

以下是轉載自『維基百科』有關古巴的近代歷史資料:

“... 古巴在16世紀被西班牙人征服，1511年淪為殖民地。19世紀中期起，古巴人開始反抗西班牙人統治，要求獨立。美國介入戰爭，史稱美西戰爭，最後被西班牙割讓給美國。美國佔領古巴，直到1902年承認古巴獨立。但美國在古巴建國憲法中，加入普拉特修正案，並遲遲不肯撤軍。1906年美國趁古巴地方政府垮台，再次出兵佔領古巴，並干涉古巴內政和商業，扶植獨裁者弗爾亨西奧•巴蒂斯塔•薩爾迪瓦（Fulgencio Batista）。巴蒂斯塔從國庫竊取4000萬美元，把國家出賣給外國資本家，又縱容黑手黨接管賭場及娛樂場所，反對者一律處死，令古巴成了毒梟、皮條客和資本家天堂。

1959年，菲德爾•卡斯特羅（Fidel Castro）和好友捷•古華拉（Ernesto Che Guevara）以「建立古巴人的古巴」為口號，領導反政府武裝，反對巴蒂斯塔的獨裁統治，建立了「人民的政權」。

1961年4月17到21日，美國中央情報局派出1500名雇傭兵，試圖入侵豬灣(Bahia de los Cochinos）失敗。在卡斯特羅帶領下，古巴開始左傾，1960年以經濟改革為名，推行國有化，沒收美國人資產。1961年，古巴宣布為社會主義國家，美國與其斷交，並實施經濟制裁，促成古巴投向蘇聯陣營，前蘇聯解體後，古巴失去每年40億到60億美元的經濟援助，陷入危機。

古巴是由菲德爾•卡斯特羅領導的社會主義國家；他既是國家元首、政府首腦，亦是古巴共產黨第一任書記及軍隊總指揮官，2008年2月19日正式宣布辭去一切職務，其弟弟勞爾•卡斯特羅在2月25日正式接替兄長，出任國家元首。 ...”


Reference: Chinese Wikipedia
(http://zh.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=%E5%8F%A4%E5%B7%B4&variant=zh-hk)

旅遊古巴: 攝氏38度的熱震 / Travel to Cuba: A 38 Degrees C Thermal Shock

昨天從四季如春的古巴夏灣拿北飛回到暮冬氣候的渥太華,兩地溫度相差大約是攝氏38度!! 不過我的身体也会很快回復正常,再次習慣這裏的風雪生活。况且,春天就快來臨,三月初又可以去山野區玩spring skiing 了。

在古巴遊歷的見聞記錄,和攝影图片,都需要排列整理,会在明天或後天登貼。各位在網上的留言,我也会一一回答。

Adiós!!!


(攝影图片: Valle de Viñales / Photo Credit: Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuba)

「兩週一聚: 小朋友」之【兒童歌曲(三)】/ 「Bi-weekly Series: Children」 - 【Songs for Infants, Toddlers, Preschoolers (3)】

下列是一些加拿大這边常唱的兒童歌曲,以供同好。

Hokey Pokey: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GMbzZ_ss0s&feature=channel

Hokey Pokey (as demonstration by children): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVy9MNWQOZw&NR=1

Itsy Bitsy Spider: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJnaADMFozk

Wensey Weensey Spider (with more fun): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQZNBkdxCMY&feature=channel

Head Shoulders Knees and Toes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZywKJTjUy_A&feature=channel

Head Shoulders Knees and Toes (as demonstrated by children): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGeCNpxgIHE&feature=channel

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dR4zWEKUb9M&feature=channel

I am a Little Tea Pot: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkNxBEO1vmg&feature=channel

If You're Happy & You Know It: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBDd0MbOONQ&feature=channel

Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igecoXUC9DA&feature=channel

Row Row Row Your Boat: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYijwjM8D5Q&feature=channel

Old MacDonald Had a Farm: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Me12v4pSDRQ&feature=channel

ABC's the English Alphabet: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rs01iBCBYwo&feature=channel

(完Fin)

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

「兩週一聚: 小朋友」網友：
athrunz (出題者)
Lomichee
周遊
Readandeat
微豆
木棉_簡單快樂
醫書直說
Zero
芸淡風輕
Nankin(下次題目:春)
Michelle
媽媽阿四
軍師奶
Amy

「兩週一聚: 小朋友」之【兒童歌曲(二)】/ 「Bi-weekly Series: Children」 - 【Songs for Infants, Toddlers, Preschoolers (2)】

在搖籃曲lullaby中,我比較喜欢的是一首十七世紀的英國民歌【薰衣草藍】Lavender Blue,根據「粵語維基百科」: “... 首歌二十世紀風行一時，係拜1948年迪士尼套片So Dear to My Heart所賜。套年用首歌做主題曲，由Burl Ives所唱。呢首亦係Ives第一首金曲。之後好多歌手都翻唱呢首歌。...”我在YouTube 处找到了這卡通片的舊版本: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcvQcPatQdQ



【薰衣草藍】的歌詞如下:

Lavender Blue (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lavender_Blue)

Lavender's blue, dilly dilly, lavender's green,
When I am king, dilly, dilly, you shall be queen.
Who told you so, dilly, dilly, who told you so?
'Twas my own heart, dilly, dilly, that told me so.
Call up your men, dilly, dilly, set them to work,
Some with a rake, dilly, dilly, some with a fork.
Some to make hay, dilly, dilly, some to thresh corn,
While you and I, dilly, dilly, keep ourselves warm.
Lavender's green, dilly, dilly, lavender's blue,
If you love me, dilly, dilly, I will love you.
Let the birds sing, dilly, dilly, and the lambs play,
We shall be safe, dilly, dilly, out of harm's way.
I love to dance, dilly, dilly, I love to sing,
When I am queen, dilly, dilly, you'll be my king.
Who told me so, dilly, dilly, who told me so?
I told myself, dilly, dilly, I told me so.

(Next下續: More Children's Songs其它兒童歌曲)

「兩週一聚: 小朋友」之【兒童歌曲(一)】/ 「Bi-weekly Series: Children」 - 【Songs for Infants, Toddlers, Preschoolers (1)】

「小朋友」是成人对兒童親切的稱呼,有點与這边的 "my little buddy"意思相似。由襁褓中的嬰兒,至牙牙學語的幼童,晃晃蕩蕩走路的小孩子, 或六歲以下的兒童,他/她們都会很喜欢看和聽音樂,而最好的方法就是由父母丶親人丶或媬姆面对面地做手勢和用表情來唱,一方面是有加强与兒童聯繫的紐帶(bonding),另一方面是倍養兒童对音樂的愛好,從而發揮他/她們內在的創做力和感情。

在此我提議,在小朋友六歲之前,我們是应該儘量少用电視机作為兒童由朝至晚的「电子麻醉藥」electronic tranquilizer 。適当的电視節目丶电子遊戲丶音樂磁碟等是很有用处的敎育器材,但可不能讓它們成為真人(父母丶親人丶同伴等)的代替物。

我以下選的兒童歌曲,都是很適合天真無邪的小朋友,歌詞和調子都很容易上手學。当然,唱的時候,兒童和成人都要一齊做手勢和作表情,否則就会減失那bonding 的作用和机会。

好了,我想介紹的是「Wheels on the Bus巴士歌」,您可看YouTube錄影片學習手勢和作表情:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2PZJ01W4pI&feature=channel



Lyrics歌詞如下:

The wheels on the bus go round and round, round and round, round and round. The wheels on the bus go round and round, all through the town.

The wipers on the bus go swish, swish, swish; swish, swish, swish; swish, swish, swish. The wipers on the bus go swish, swish, swish, all through the town.

The horn on the bus goes beep, beep, beep; beep, beep, beep; beep, beep, beep. The horn on the bus goes beep, beep, beep, all through the town.

The money on the bus goes, clink, clink, clink; clink, clink, clink; clink, clink, clink. The money on the bus goes, clink, clink, clink, all through the town.

The driver on the bus says "Move on back, move on back, move on back;" The driver on the bus says "Move on back", all through the town.

The baby on the bus says "Wah, wah, wah; wah, wah, wah; wah, wah, wah". The baby on the bus says "Wah, wah, wah", all through the town.

The mommy on the bus says "Shush, shush, shush; shush, shush, shush; shush, shush, shush." The mommy on the bus says "Shush, shush, shush" all through the town.

If the kids are still in a mood, continue with:
The doors on the bus go open and shut ...
The bell on the bus goes ding-ding-ding ...
The lady on the bus says, "Get off my feet"...
The people on the bus say, "We had a nice ride"...
"Kid's name here" on the bus says, "Let Me Off!" ...

(Next下續: Lavender Blue薰衣草藍)

Reference:

1. Definition of Minors (Wikipedi: Child Development)

"... Age-related development terms are: newborn (ages 0–1 month); infant (ages 1 month – 1 year); toddler (ages 1–3 years); preschooler (ages 4–6 years); school-aged child (ages 6–13 years); adolescent (ages 13–18) ..."

我是黑夜裏的蜘蛛 / The Dream Weaver

我是黑夜裏的蜘蛛

你在我修長的腿子下靜靜的走過

在你我無言的交談中

我們作了一個明白

糾纏在萬縷情絲的可不是我

願你能在無人的教堂裏

找尋你失去了的夢

立春 / Think Spring

二月四日是農曆的「立春」
看到了這些攝影相片
我想: 嚴冬已過了一大半
春天就快來臨了。

Think Spring !!

会遲點回答 / Delay in Responding

There will be a delay in responding to comments left with lotusandcedar. Please be patient as I always read and do my best to respond to each and every one of your comment. Thanks !!!

(UPDATE: Comments have all been replied with thanks !!)

渥太華慶祝冬天節日 / Ottawa Celebrating Winterlude Festival

Photo below 以下攝影圖片: Kids climbing and playing on top of snow pile
Photo below 以下攝影圖片: Youths playing a game of hockey in the outdoor rink
Photo below 以下攝影圖片: A young child learning how to skate with a chair and being encouraged by her older sibling
Photo below 以下攝影圖片: Young kids honing shooting skill with hockey pucks
Photo below 以下攝影圖片: Enjoying a horse-and-cart ride

The Ottawa Winterlude Festival was officially opened yesterday by the Governor General of Canada. There are ice sculpture competitions and displays near Parliament Hill and also on the frozen Dow's Lake. Thousands of visitors and city residents are taking advantage of the warm weather (currently -4 deg C) to skate on the 7 km long canal.

Communities across the city are also hosting celebrations and activities of their own. The photos above depict kids and adults alike enjoying themselves in a local park. There are lots happening there: people going for a horse-and-cart ride, children of different ages playing in a pick-up hockey game, young kids honing shooting skill with hockey pucks, climbing on top of snow piles, skating around the hockey rink, eating yummy BBQ hotdogs, etc.

Wish you were here !!!

旅外華僑与海外華人之認同和分別 / Chinese Travelling Abroad vs Chinese Living Overseas

我年幼在香港的時候,在報紙看到「旅港華僑」這個名詞,就以為是中國大陸來的遊客,後來才明白那是總指「客居」在香港這個英國殖民地的華人。又記得那時在証件上,定要填上「籍貫」這一項,父母親說那就是我們的「鄉下」,而「返鄉下」的意思就是由尖沙咀坐火車到中英边界,在深圳河上的羅湖橋「禁區」過境進入中國探親。

來到加拿大之後,我發覺這边分門別類的方法,似乎比香港還要多,例如:「旅加華僑服務社」丶「洪門民治黨」丶「龍崗会」丶「潮州同鄉会」丶「台灣留學生会」丶「中國同學会」丶「基督教團契」丶「彿光会」等各種團体組織。為了方便,我們從香港來的學生就通用「唐人」這個名詞來包括所有華裔,不論他/她是在台灣丶新加坡丶馬來西亞丶或加拿大等地出生。但有些心存有濃厚(狹隘?)民族主義的人就很不以为然,認為黃皮膚黑頭髪的都是中國人,既是「龍的傳人」,就一定要效忠祖國(PRC)。

如我在前数篇說: "Root is where we came; home is where we settle"。「唐人」不是沒有根源的人, 移居到「海外」並不等於放棄或忘掉中國語言丶文化丶和思想,反之,海外華人在和主流社会溝通文化丶交流思想中是負起重要的角色和作用,他/她們的貢獻並不遜於持中國護照的旅外華僑。所以在幫助世界經濟進展丶合作丶和平的大前提下,這是旅外華僑与海外華人認同之处。

但是持有不同國籍的護照,就有不同的居留权利和公民義務。例如加拿大的公民可在海外定居和工作,但他/她們仍需要填入息稅表,而到了領國家退休金(Canada Pension Plan)之前数年,他/她們是要返回加拿大,否則每兩年扣一年錢。同樣舉例說,持有中國護照的旅加華僑,他/她們需要簽証在加工作丶讀書,但没有納入息稅丶選舉丶和投票的義務。我想這就是旅外華僑与海外華人分別之处。

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