Wednesday, December 27, 2017
A better world
Click here or type the following
https://www.facebook.com/OtakureiCom/videos/1512924095463630/
My remark:
Good music should have no boundary (no gate in this case) in culture, space and time. I expect the next video is the West team plays Chinese music while the Chinese team plays western music. That would be a better world when we respect each other instead of competing with each other.
Where is the modern Cinderella?
This was found in a library in a Hong Kong college.
My remark for joke:
She (or he) must have left in a hurry when the clock struck at 12. I have to ask all the ladies (and men) in the college to try it out like the found slipper. LOL.
Source: 香港地
My remark for joke:
She (or he) must have left in a hurry when the clock struck at 12. I have to ask all the ladies (and men) in the college to try it out like the found slipper. LOL.
Source: 香港地
Free trade
Free trade?
It must be fake news.
We control / police the world using trade embargo / trade wars. Check out the tariffs and total ban on many Chinese products such as tires, solar panels.. Some actions are justified like stop product dumping and most are more for political reasons.
Other countries also do the same to us.
It is a good philosophy: Buy from the country that produces the best product at the least cost. Just a theory!
You do not want to grow sugar cane in Alaska. The chicken feet, a delicacy in China, are not fit for cattle here.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The above is from my book "Can China Say No?". Click here for more info in Amazon.com.
It must be fake news.
We control / police the world using trade embargo / trade wars. Check out the tariffs and total ban on many Chinese products such as tires, solar panels.. Some actions are justified like stop product dumping and most are more for political reasons.
Other countries also do the same to us.
It is a good philosophy: Buy from the country that produces the best product at the least cost. Just a theory!
You do not want to grow sugar cane in Alaska. The chicken feet, a delicacy in China, are not fit for cattle here.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The above is from my book "Can China Say No?". Click here for more info in Amazon.com.
Apple in India
Tough for Apple to open factories in India.
India does not produce the thousands or so components in a iPhone unless the current OEMers open shops in India. Possible but very risky for OEMers.
Even they double to 4%, their investment may not be profitable.
The infrastructure (electricity, roads...) has to be considered. They have not copied a page from China for the last 20 years. All talks but no actions. The corruption in India is far worse than China.
India does not produce the thousands or so components in a iPhone unless the current OEMers open shops in India. Possible but very risky for OEMers.
Even they double to 4%, their investment may not be profitable.
The infrastructure (electricity, roads...) has to be considered. They have not copied a page from China for the last 20 years. All talks but no actions. The corruption in India is far worse than China.
Foreign dividends are expensive
My broker or some one took a big chunk of my dividends. It has happened
more than one time. There is a big fee on dividend for foreign stocks
listed in the US exchange.
A $20 wage vs $2 wage
A $20 wage can never compete with a $2 wage. We're the victims of our own success.
We need to 'protect' our workers for safety (not taking risk), high living standard (high wage), less flexibility on overtime, etc...
We need to 'protect' our workers for safety (not taking risk), high living standard (high wage), less flexibility on overtime, etc...
Corruption
Both India and China are corrupt. However, China is less and the top is
prosecuting some corrupt officials - it could be just getting rid of the
political enemies.
India's protectionism is the reason for their poor product quality.
China is corrupt but in a efficient way as evidenced by the huge infrastructure in the last 30 years. If there is no major project, there is no corrupt money to pass thru. India just has its FIRST subway recently that cannot even compete with the second tier cities in China.
The policy from the top are mostly well thought out. However, when we pass it to local governments and everyone tries to suck money. It is a human nature. Passing a good policy is not enough and enforcing it is more important.
Corruption has many levels. Yes, US is corrupt too, but it is less open. Here is one
http://bit.ly/shql8b
India's protectionism is the reason for their poor product quality.
China is corrupt but in a efficient way as evidenced by the huge infrastructure in the last 30 years. If there is no major project, there is no corrupt money to pass thru. India just has its FIRST subway recently that cannot even compete with the second tier cities in China.
The policy from the top are mostly well thought out. However, when we pass it to local governments and everyone tries to suck money. It is a human nature. Passing a good policy is not enough and enforcing it is more important.
Corruption has many levels. Yes, US is corrupt too, but it is less open. Here is one
http://bit.ly/shql8b
On immigration policy
It is no black and white.
For. Reduce if not already the immigrants from 'terrorist' countries. Several countries do not favor immigration including Japan and some European countries do not have terrorist attack so far.
Against. Who are going to take up jobs that are able welfare recipients do not care? Without attracting the best from all over the world, we will not be competitive in many fields. Check out the Indians, Chinese... in the high tech companies such as Google, Apple....
My proposal is selective immigration for our own benefits. We do not have benefit for immigrants seeking welfare and entitlements for the elderly.
For. Reduce if not already the immigrants from 'terrorist' countries. Several countries do not favor immigration including Japan and some European countries do not have terrorist attack so far.
Against. Who are going to take up jobs that are able welfare recipients do not care? Without attracting the best from all over the world, we will not be competitive in many fields. Check out the Indians, Chinese... in the high tech companies such as Google, Apple....
My proposal is selective immigration for our own benefits. We do not have benefit for immigrants seeking welfare and entitlements for the elderly.
Politics costs
We have been changed our policy too often due to a new political party takes over. It is all politics and it will cost us a lot of money. Examples abound from ObamaCare to
resurrecting NASA.
5GL network is coming
We do not even build 4GL network. China's 5GL network is being tested
today. The mobile technology is among the leading edge unless you live
in the cave for the last 5 years.
It was not economically feasible to lay out the old copper (or even fiber network), so mobile was the only way to go.
----
In my Oct-Nov trip to China/Hong Kong, I rode the high speed rail for the first time. It took about 3 hours from Shenzhen to Zhuhai (S. China to E. China). The train was very comfortable and we had a good lunch in the train.
Missed the ocean bridge that it is supposed to open this month. It will be the longest bridge in the world.
It was not economically feasible to lay out the old copper (or even fiber network), so mobile was the only way to go.
----
In my Oct-Nov trip to China/Hong Kong, I rode the high speed rail for the first time. It took about 3 hours from Shenzhen to Zhuhai (S. China to E. China). The train was very comfortable and we had a good lunch in the train.
Missed the ocean bridge that it is supposed to open this month. It will be the longest bridge in the world.
China and Korea
I lost count how many conflicts between S.Korea and China. Most were due
to economics. One country shut out the other specific import and then
the other country responded with the same. Both countries lose and the
politicians declare victory shamelessly after they stop the conflict.
It should be added to my article on "Stock market and politics". Many investors lost their shirts and that's why do not put all eggs in one basket.
----
Have been reading several articles on Chinese military. China has its own missile protection system. Most likely it copied from Russia's. The designs of at least 2 jets were copied (stolen) from the US most likely and so was the technology of stealth submarine....
China became the #3 in military export. It is distant from #2 but it came from less than 2% (most were low-profit low-tech weapons). Military drones are becoming the best seller due to the price / performance and our restrictions in export agreement on missile products.
It should be added to my article on "Stock market and politics". Many investors lost their shirts and that's why do not put all eggs in one basket.
----
Have been reading several articles on Chinese military. China has its own missile protection system. Most likely it copied from Russia's. The designs of at least 2 jets were copied (stolen) from the US most likely and so was the technology of stealth submarine....
China became the #3 in military export. It is distant from #2 but it came from less than 2% (most were low-profit low-tech weapons). Military drones are becoming the best seller due to the price / performance and our restrictions in export agreement on missile products.
Cost evaluation in military weapons
With thousands of military drones, all the missile defense systems are
useless: 1. They're too many and 2. The missile is far more expensive
than the drone.
They may be the reason to develop carriers as they can carry the drones besides invading Taiwan.
They may be the reason to develop carriers as they can carry the drones besides invading Taiwan.
Follow the trend
Trend following is profitable. You need to know when to exit (such as dropping by 10% or so). Cannot beat the momentum.
Recent examples are Apple and Bitcoin. They could be at their peaks now and waiting for news to make them slip. If you're the lucky winners, make trailing stop orders.
Recent examples are Apple and Bitcoin. They could be at their peaks now and waiting for news to make them slip. If you're the lucky winners, make trailing stop orders.
Easy to 'fix' problems by blaming others
Trump blamed China because he could not fix our problems.He blamed China
for currency manipulation. I was in China several months ago. I used to
get almost $8 yuan for $1 USD, but now I got $6.5 yuan.We have our
economic problems to deal with. The wars drain our resources. Simple but
it is simpler to find someone to blame.
All tax cuts would cost a lot of money which should be directed to real investments such as infrastructure...
I do not think big corporations will move back their HQ to the US as they're enjoying virtually zero income taxes in Caribbean islands. At least, we have to make sure they pay taxes on the incomes they earn here.
All tax cuts would cost a lot of money which should be directed to real investments such as infrastructure...
I do not think big corporations will move back their HQ to the US as they're enjoying virtually zero income taxes in Caribbean islands. At least, we have to make sure they pay taxes on the incomes they earn here.
On football
# Football should be decided by the referees no matter it is precisely
correct or not. No controversy, no fun / no debate such as here.
Instant replay is good for advertising dollars or my time to visit the boy's room.
#Soccer is #1 sport in the world outside ours.
#It is just a game, so we do not have to be "precisely correct" with 100% stick to the rule. I (could be the only one in NE) prefer the Pats lost yesterday as they're not ready with so many injuries and so many avoidable mistakes.
#Gronk. could be the best TE of all time. A giant who could run. When he is healthy, I feel sorry for the guy who has to guard him.
#When we had 2-2 start, I knew we're closer heading to the SuperBowl as the history told us. With the depleted talents, it would take another miracle and that's the fun to see whether it would happen.
Instant replay is good for advertising dollars or my time to visit the boy's room.
#Soccer is #1 sport in the world outside ours.
#It is just a game, so we do not have to be "precisely correct" with 100% stick to the rule. I (could be the only one in NE) prefer the Pats lost yesterday as they're not ready with so many injuries and so many avoidable mistakes.
#Gronk. could be the best TE of all time. A giant who could run. When he is healthy, I feel sorry for the guy who has to guard him.
#When we had 2-2 start, I knew we're closer heading to the SuperBowl as the history told us. With the depleted talents, it would take another miracle and that's the fun to see whether it would happen.
Chinese auto industry
China had saved the US auto industry. Local companies cannot compete
with them due to quality and prestige. But, it is changing. China has
learned engine and transmission from Volvo they acquired. China is
catching up with both traditional cars and electric cars. Hence, I do
not want to bet with the US car companies for longer term.
India is another story. Most cars are very small with very thin profit margins.
India is another story. Most cars are very small with very thin profit margins.
Never-ending trade wars
Korean is in the middle of politics influencing trades.
* If we imposed 300% tax on their airplanes, will the Canadians counter measure. When Boeing cannot compete, they ask the government to 'do' something. It is not smart politics.
* Chinese tourists mean a lot to Korea, but not the other way round. So, it is a big blow esp. before the winter Olympics. There are several tourist attractions in China the Koreans like to visit. Besides the language, I could tell when I was in China. I believe Korean companies and.or government have allocated funds for them to travel.
* If we imposed 300% tax on their airplanes, will the Canadians counter measure. When Boeing cannot compete, they ask the government to 'do' something. It is not smart politics.
* Chinese tourists mean a lot to Korea, but not the other way round. So, it is a big blow esp. before the winter Olympics. There are several tourist attractions in China the Koreans like to visit. Besides the language, I could tell when I was in China. I believe Korean companies and.or government have allocated funds for them to travel.
China's new policy
China used to do big at one time. Catching all the flies turned out to
be disaster to the farmers, so was melting household goods for steel.
Hope they learn from the sad lessons.
Good policy requires good enforcement in the local level. There is a Chinese saying: "Emperor is mountains away (so you do not care)." Local governments usually warned the private companies that the inspectors from the central government were coming.
At least it is a good start.
Good policy requires good enforcement in the local level. There is a Chinese saying: "Emperor is mountains away (so you do not care)." Local governments usually warned the private companies that the inspectors from the central government were coming.
At least it is a good start.
Laughable name for a place
What "intercourse"? It is also a town or a street name in Amish country
from my memory.
In my last trip, we went to a town in S. China with the name literally translated as Anus.
In my last trip, we went to a town in S. China with the name literally translated as Anus.
A recycled joke every Christmas
Click here or type the following in your browser.
http://tonyp4idea.blogspot.com/2011/12/no-nativity-scene.html
http://tonyp4idea.blogspot.com/2011/12/no-nativity-scene.html
Friday, December 22, 2017
Explain the unexplanable
There are so many coincident that
I cannot explain and most happened during my travels. It is harder than hitting
the Megabuck that I prefer better. I could be the living proof that our fates
may have been fixed. Let me start with the latest in chronical order.
*
On my return flight from this
trip, Susanna who introduced us sat with one seat next to us. Also, the
daughter of our friend was several rows behind us. What is the probability?
Slightly, I modified the following Chinese saying which is roughly translated
as “we meet everywhere in life”.
人生何處不相逢 , 相逄巳是曾相識.
Also, I met my sister-in-law
during my subway transfer in Hong Kong. The chance is higher than the last one
but still quite unusual. Hong Kong subway is very busy. She returned home
earlier due to a cold.
*
On my
previous trip to Hong Kong, my friend David told us not to buy the round-trip
ticket from Macau for more flexibility. I bought the wrong ticket going to Hong
Kong instead of Kowloon. I met my fellow bus commuter at the gate.
*
In my SE Asia trip, a long-lost
classmate sat by my side eating lunch. I usually ate with my group of family
and this was the only chance I ate with my fellow tourists.
*
My
friend followed her husband for a convention in Boston. During dinner in my
house, I found out that her husband had the same birth day, birth month and
birth year (could be birth hour but it has to be adjusted due to different time
zones). I remembered her son got a nob from his father to eat freely. In my
mind, I praised on his good behavior. This kid became a famous Olympic swimmer
and I stole his thunders.
*
I had
a Greyhound ride 3 days and 3 nights from California to Mass. for graduate
school. At about 3 a.m., I met my childhood friend during bus transfer in
Albany, NY. He was my best man and his current wife was the maid of honor. They
met first time in our wedding. I borrowed about $500 after graduation without a
job and he got the best interest that money cannot buy.
*
I wonder whether you have similar experiences.
Wednesday, December 6, 2017
Some useful links
# Youtube videos
Untamed China
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHwy12kpTpw
Aerial China (in English)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVjnASDa6Pw
There is a similar series titled "Bird's-Eye on China" in Youtube.
Aerial China (in Chinese).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULHuDEvB3gY
# China economy 1 2 3
https://www.thebalance.com/china-economy-facts-effect-on-us-economy-3306345
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2016/06/8-facts-about-chinas-economy/
https://www.technologyreview.com/s/603848/competing-with-the-chinese-factory-of-2017/#comments
Disaster
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_disasters_in_China
#
Untamed China
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHwy12kpTpw
Aerial China (in English)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVjnASDa6Pw
There is a similar series titled "Bird's-Eye on China" in Youtube.
Aerial China (in Chinese).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULHuDEvB3gY
# China economy 1 2 3
https://www.thebalance.com/china-economy-facts-effect-on-us-economy-3306345
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2016/06/8-facts-about-chinas-economy/
https://www.technologyreview.com/s/603848/competing-with-the-chinese-factory-of-2017/#comments
Disaster
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_disasters_in_China
#
Honey, my ebook can sing Cantonese songs.
No sound? Click on the word ‘songs’ and turn up the sound
volume.
Every one should help him/herself
In a rich country like US, no one should be starved and no one should be
left to die. The disabled and mentally challenged should be helped for
sure. In the previous 50 years in China, it was a different story
though.
For every disabled here, how many pretend to be disabled? Even a famous politician with blonde hair and blue eyes pretended to be an Indian to get the goodies and freebies.
With the food stamps / free food from soup kitchens and other subsidies, how can you starve? Last week I paid $2 for a pizza for two for lunch. The super market and BJ offer cooked chicken for $5 that can feed 4... The lady in front of me bought the best cut of meat with food stamp!
In Mass. health care is free for low income folks.If the disease is addiction to alcohol or drugs, the state will help you but you have to help yourself first. Personally I saw a beggar refusing an offer for hamburger and young folks tuning their bikes all day long.
We're rich but not as rich as Norway that has long coast line with all kind of resources. In addition, they WORK HARD.
For every disabled here, how many pretend to be disabled? Even a famous politician with blonde hair and blue eyes pretended to be an Indian to get the goodies and freebies.
With the food stamps / free food from soup kitchens and other subsidies, how can you starve? Last week I paid $2 for a pizza for two for lunch. The super market and BJ offer cooked chicken for $5 that can feed 4... The lady in front of me bought the best cut of meat with food stamp!
In Mass. health care is free for low income folks.If the disease is addiction to alcohol or drugs, the state will help you but you have to help yourself first. Personally I saw a beggar refusing an offer for hamburger and young folks tuning their bikes all day long.
We're rich but not as rich as Norway that has long coast line with all kind of resources. In addition, they WORK HARD.
Tuesday, December 5, 2017
More on wealth gap
* The wealth gap is many times worse than the US. Ours is too good and discourages folks to work. We have a strong safety net and welfare
system. In China, if you do not work, you do not eat.
That's why so many migrants to big cities and create many social and economical problems. It is not a long term solution to me.
* One myth is many still think China is very backward. If it is that backward, Starbucks with its products targeting to middle class would not expand in China.
* We have wealth gap on day one of civilization when one gets more coconuts than the others with a younger and stronger body. But, the level of seriousness is my discussion.
Turning from a communist society where there is less wealth gap,
China turns into a highly capitalist country and creates the huge wealth gap. As Uncle Deng said, when we open the window, we have to let the flies in too.
My point is nothing is perfect. We have to reduce the gap in a meaningful and effective way and not to over do it.
* There always exists a privileged class in any society. There is NO obstacle to prevent someone in the US to succeed if they work hard - I'm a living example as I pay more taxes than the average citizen.
That's why so many migrants to big cities and create many social and economical problems. It is not a long term solution to me.
* One myth is many still think China is very backward. If it is that backward, Starbucks with its products targeting to middle class would not expand in China.
* We have wealth gap on day one of civilization when one gets more coconuts than the others with a younger and stronger body. But, the level of seriousness is my discussion.
Turning from a communist society where there is less wealth gap,
China turns into a highly capitalist country and creates the huge wealth gap. As Uncle Deng said, when we open the window, we have to let the flies in too.
My point is nothing is perfect. We have to reduce the gap in a meaningful and effective way and not to over do it.
* There always exists a privileged class in any society. There is NO obstacle to prevent someone in the US to succeed if they work hard - I'm a living example as I pay more taxes than the average citizen.
Starbucks and China
Starbucks is expanding in China. It just debunks many myths on China.
China's middle class is expanding fast esp. in Tier I cities. Coffee is relatively more expensive than tea in China. The Starbucks in China particularly in Hong Kong are very different from the US. Are they testing new concepts in a foreign country or just adapting?
China's GDP per capita is about 1/4 of ours. However, The living standard in tier I cities is about the same here except living quarters. The wealth gap must be widened by the poorer areas such as the western China and that could be lessened by the One Belt, One Road Initiative.
China's middle class is expanding fast esp. in Tier I cities. Coffee is relatively more expensive than tea in China. The Starbucks in China particularly in Hong Kong are very different from the US. Are they testing new concepts in a foreign country or just adapting?
China's GDP per capita is about 1/4 of ours. However, The living standard in tier I cities is about the same here except living quarters. The wealth gap must be widened by the poorer areas such as the western China and that could be lessened by the One Belt, One Road Initiative.
Sunday, December 3, 2017
Feasting tour in S. China
This book took about double my
time in writing a similar travel book. I have about 3,200 photos taken in about
16 days in many cities in this trip. Half of them have people that I cannot
include here without their consent. It is still a lot to select and classify them
by regions. Most photos in this book are in maximal resolutions of my iPhone
and camera.
Most of my travel books that have
common sections pre-finished. I wrote more articles in this book than the others
due to the love of my native country China - everyone should no matter where
s/he originally comes from. Shenzhen shows us the bright future of China and
I’m really proud of. The extensive subways and high speed train systems in many
Chinese cities including Hong Kong are showcases to the world.
In these Tier I cities I can see a stronger China that
many foreign media try to deny to make you feel better. Many times they
amplify China’s problems and ignore her accomplishments. Even many professors
in prestigious US universities have the same denials. Please do come to China
and decide it for yourself. Ignorance is our biggest enemy. It is the same
ignorance that China ignored the advances and industrial revolution and it
bought her humiliation and bankruptcy about 250 years ago.
Today China should have passed US
in GDP if it is adjusted with the purchase power. However, China has about four
times the population of the US. Hence, per capita wise, China is about ¼ ours.
China is gaining in many fronts but it is still a long way to go.
I do not say China does not have
her problems as almost all countries do. Tier I cities are developed and in
many ways surprise the top cities in the world, while western China is still
developing. Compare China to China 30 or 20 years ago. China has been a victim
for the last 250 years. Even in her hey days, she defended her territory (via
the Great Wall for example) and seldom colonized countries as the west does –
even Zheng Ho could easily colonized many countries on his way to South Africa.
If Zheng Ho went to Europe and learned the advances, China would keep up with
the west far better and the history of China would change.
I was born in Hong Kong and US is
my adopted country. I am naturally biased. I hope both countries will live in
harmony. China should not invade other countries as the others did to her. The
highest skill is settling the disputes without firing a bullet. I like to
promote cooperation and understanding between countries. “One Belt, One Road”
Initiative is China’s way to promote trade between her neighbors instead of
making enemies.
I came back to Hong Kong from the
US for the 50th reunion with my classmates. Here I take the
opportunity to thank them for arranging the trip to SE China and the sumptuous
meals offered by Martin, Edgar, Bill, David, Charles and Raymond. Meeting many
classmates I have not seen in 50 years is more than priceless. Also, thanks to
many of my childhood friends. Without them, I would be in the wrong company and
would turn out differently.
It is not profit effective in writing books on travel and politics for a nobody like me. However, it is fun for me and I hope you enjoy reading this book too.
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