The US election day

Today is the Election Day of the USA. The two candidates are John McCain and Barack Obama.

Quoting from CNN.com : "It is one of the most historical election of the USA.Democrat Barack Obama could become the first African-American president. Republican John McCain could become the oldest president elected to a first term. Sarah Palin could become the first woman elected vice president."

No matter what the result is, it is an interesting election. And at this very moment, Obama is leading the vote.

For me, there is not much choice, I would choose Obama instead of McCain. McCain is too old and not outstanding. Palin is a joke who causes McCain to fail. People worried if McCain dies, Palin will replace him. That's one of the main points McCain will fail. People vote Obama only because they want to change. They don't want another George W. Bush. The only reason I would choose Obama because he is younger :-(

What happens to the American? Where are the bright people in America? Why these two are the only choices?

Parents' sharing day

About twenty parents of my class came to the school to share the new experience of their kids in the last two months. In my class, students have various learning difficulties such as autism, hyperactive, attention deficit, dyslexia, speech impediment, low IQ and others.

Parents talked about the changes of their kids since they entered this school. Most parents are happy that their kids enjoy their school life much more than in primary school. And most importantly, their kids show confidence in learning and do their homework actively. It is pleasing and encouraging to hear that.

The students in my class, because of their individual difficulties, lagged behind others in their primary schooling. The demanding syllabus of a normal primary school destroyed their confidence in learning. Their shortcomings kept their friends away. Some have been bullied physically or verbally by school mates or even their teachers who did not understand them. It tells from their behaviour and reaction to different situations currently.

Yesterday's meeting makes me oppose to inclusive education more. To a certain extent, both normal and abnormal kids cannot be benefited from it. Inclusive education is just an excuse of the government to save money. It may be good only if it is carried out properly.

Hang Seng Index is diving

The Hang Seng Index drops 1600 points today. I was scared when I heard about it today. I haven't bought any shares. 'But why are you scared?' you will ask. I am scared because I worry about the consequences of the falling of the market. I worry about the stability of society. Big companies keep closing down. People keep losing their jobs. Crimes and suicidal rates will increase. There will be lots of family problems, too. What is the government going to do? Let's see!

Autumn

My first article in this blog is about typhoon. And the weather I love most is here now. I am happy autumn has arrived. It is my favourite season of the year. I love the weather in Autumn in Hong Kong. The temperature is around 25°C (it is higher in the afternoon). There is a bigger chance to see the blue sky. It is cool both in the morning and the evening. It is not that cold like winter and not that hot like summer. It is also the best weather to go hiking or running. However, good things never last long. Autumn is the shortest season of the year here.

Free congee Vs fruit money

Believe it or not! An owner of a 'Tai Pai Dong' in Oi Man Estate gives free congee and stuff to the old people every morning from Monday to Friday. What a nice piece of news that cheers me up. The owner is, no doubt, a very kind man. He is happy to see the happiness on the faces of the elderly while they are eating. He had been helped by others when he was in a difficult situation. Now he can afford to contribute to society and he does it. He is not rich like Lee Ka Sing. He had just won a prize and used the money to help the poor. He sets an example to those who are wealth off. Hope there are some rich people follow his generous virtue so that more poor elderly can benefit from it.

Donald Tsang finally declared to postpone the means test for new applicants of the old age allowance and the allowance would be raised to $1000. In his announcement, I could feel his arrogance attitude. He claims that emotional choice overwhelms rational analysis. Although he accepts the will of the majority of society, he still thinks that the decision is not right. He makes the excuse that the government needs to concentrate on fighting against the financial tsunami instead of arguing about the 'fruit money'. It seems that Mad Dog's bananas work :-)

HongKongers never feel bored

There is bad news everyday. People in Hong Kong worry about when the bad luck comes to them. Since the malemine was found in the milk in China, we are alert of any new found malemine on food. It gives you surprise from time to time. You don't know when there is malemine found in the food you always eat. Now eating in the Chinese restaurants is another threat after the discovery of malemine in the sponge cake.

Then followed the Lehman Brother's derivatives. Thousands of 'victim' lost a great amount of money. Then the close down of U-right and Tai Lin. Now what, the Citic Pacific shares dive 55 percent. If you have bought the shares, you will lose a lot of money. The whole chain of unhappy events, one follows the other. It involves the rich and the poor. The rich lose money while the poor lose their jobs. Everybody is in danger. Everybody worries when the misfortune will come to them. The financial tsunami has started in the USA and it is spreading out rapidly, to Europe, to Asia. You will not feel bored because there are surprises day after day.

Credit card Vs Cash

Tai Lin Radio Services - one of the oldest appliance chains, closed down amid the financial turmoil. Those who had ordered electrical appliances worried that they could not get their deposit back. According to the Consumer Council, the deal can be terminated if you paid by credit card. But if you paid in cash, you cannot get the money back.

To be safe, it is better to pay deposits by credit card. If you are asked to pay in cash only, there must be something wrong with the shop.