Phenix Wong Yan, trainee solicitor, Hong Kong (mentioned in the South China Morning Post)
About Novel HKSAR Names
Name Category: Rare
A world of illusion
1 day ago
Saturday, 31 January 2009
Chinese Fiddlesticks!
Every year, the city’s fate is supposedly sealed by the drawing of a Chinese fortune stick by an official representative of the Hong Kong government. This year, it was fortune stick number 27 that was shaken out of the bamboo holder and immediately the media, not to mention Fung Shui masters, started to cherry pick incidents (i.e. an interesting psychological phenomenon known as confirmation bias) that support the fortune stick’s non-specific predictions.
For example, the South China Morning Post article (referenced below) drew readers’ attention to a fireworks barge catching fire and a pleasure boat springing a leak. Oh dear, just what are the chances of such incidents happening? And is this the only time such incidents have occurred? Furthermore, the article attempted to highlight bad incidents that occurred the last time fortune stick number 27 was drawn, back in 1992, which somehow supposedly confirms the view that Hong Kong’s fate in 2009 is sealed. Other Hong Kong newspapers and TV programmes reported similar story themes.
Fung Shui masters are a lost cause (since they have a vested interest in finding confirming evidence, plus they don’t want to lose face even when contrary evidence stacks up against them), but it would help if journalists exhibited some critical thinking skills, and hence some critical reporting.
For example, the South China Morning Post article (referenced below) drew readers’ attention to a fireworks barge catching fire and a pleasure boat springing a leak. Oh dear, just what are the chances of such incidents happening? And is this the only time such incidents have occurred? Furthermore, the article attempted to highlight bad incidents that occurred the last time fortune stick number 27 was drawn, back in 1992, which somehow supposedly confirms the view that Hong Kong’s fate in 2009 is sealed. Other Hong Kong newspapers and TV programmes reported similar story themes.
Fung Shui masters are a lost cause (since they have a vested interest in finding confirming evidence, plus they don’t want to lose face even when contrary evidence stacks up against them), but it would help if journalists exhibited some critical thinking skills, and hence some critical reporting.
Chinese Fiddlesticks! reference
[An excerpt of the SCMP article referenced in Chinese Fiddlesticks!]
Short straw dims New Year glow
Fortune stick predicts worst luck for HK, and hours later fireworks barge catches fire
Mary Ann Benitez, Danny Mok and Amy Nip
Jan 28, 2009
As if recession and the prospect of a worsening economic downturn were not enough, Hong Kong yesterday drew the worst possible fortune stick in a ceremony at a Sha Tin temple.
Lau Wong-fat, chairman of rural affairs body the Heung Yee Kuk, drew the stick numbered 27 on the city's behalf in the Taoist ceremony at the Che Kung temple. A fortune-teller at the temple who read the stick said it showed the city could not isolate itself from the global economic turbulence, but that Hongkongers should nevertheless be cautiously optimistic. Fung shui masters interpreted the stick's meaning differently. James Lee Shing-chak said it signified possible conflicts between the government and its people. Mr Lau said: "It is a warning to all of us that only a harmonious society with people staying united can enable us to get through our challenges."
The last time that stick was drawn, 1992, saw, among other things, the arrival of last governor Chris Patten - who unleashed fierce political strife. When a Sha Tin district councillor drew the ill-omened stick 17 years ago, the council immediately burned it and drew another, lucky one.
Yesterday, that option was not open to Mr Lau and, rather than the stick burning, it was a barge used for the Lunar New Year fireworks display that went up in flames last night. The barge, one of three from which fireworks were launched during the 23-minute display, burst into flames near the end of the HK$5 million spectacle that lit up Victoria Harbour. The barge's two crewmen were rescued. No one was hurt. Within minutes thick black smoke had engulfed the bow of the vessel. Fire boats soon doused the flames. Teddy Ng, watching with his 19-year-old daughter, said flames engulfed at least a quarter of the barge. Wilson Mao Wai-shing, chief executive officer of Pyro Magic Productions, which produced the show, could not be reached for comment. A spokesman for the Leisure and Cultural Services Department said it appeared sparks falling onto the barge had started the fire.
It wasn't the only mishap on the harbour. Earlier, a pleasure boat taking 41 people to see the fireworks sprang a leak soon after leaving the Kowloon City ferry pier.
A lucky 23,888 fireworks formed the display, which was watched by 250,000 people lining both sides of Victoria Harbour and featured the character for ox. The crowd was much smaller than expected. A turnout similar to last year's 400,000 had been forecast. Spectators gasped when curtains of gold and red fireworks cascaded or comets and sparking fireflies seemed to hover on the horizon. As well as the character for ox - which was hard to pick out - the show also featured for the first time the characters for "good luck" and the lucky numbers six, eight and 10. Afterwards spectators were divided about the merits of the show. Some said it was small and that, because it was a windless night, smoke had blanketed the harbour by halfway through the show. An amateur photographer, C. P. Chan, said: "I took pictures and the smoke started to get in the way after just 10 photos." But another spectator, Lois Wong Yu-siu, 19, said: "The combination of the music and fireworks matched."
Friday, 30 January 2009
0005 HKSAR Name of the Day
Goldbert Ko Chi-chiu, goalkeeper, former captain of Hong Kong's Olympic football team, Hong Kong
About Novel HKSAR Names
Name Category: Creation
About Novel HKSAR Names
Name Category: Creation
Thursday, 29 January 2009
0004 HKSAR Name of the Day
Philemon Choi Yuen-wan, chairman of the Commission on Hong Kong Youth, Hong Kong
About Novel HKSAR Names
Name Category: Rare
About Novel HKSAR Names
Name Category: Rare
Messianic Flyer in my Postbox
Recently, I received the following flyer in my Hong Kong mailbox.
[Front side of flyer]
As with all beliefs, traditions and religions, the content contains unsubstantiated claims. For example, this “authority” claims to be the “Messiah” based, as far as the content shows, on his apparent image appearing on photographs of the moon and other objects.
These unsubstantiated claims can easily be dismissed with an understanding of the interesting psychological phenomenon known as pareidolia.
I also took a quick look at the related website and found it to be full of personal testimonies and fallacious appeals to authority. Here’s a laughable and invalid supporting statement by the “wife of His Holiness”: ‘In the first instance he is never angry and if he is angry it is very extreme and this is usually in relation to some obscene matter.’
I wonder what the real intent is in sending out this flyer in Hong Kong? Why would His followers want to target Hong Kong people who have never heard of this guy from the Indian subcontinent? Why would anyone anywhere want to believe in something that is based on unsubstantiated claims? If you're sensible and rational, you won't believe in this trash.
[Back side of flyer]
[Front side of flyer]As with all beliefs, traditions and religions, the content contains unsubstantiated claims. For example, this “authority” claims to be the “Messiah” based, as far as the content shows, on his apparent image appearing on photographs of the moon and other objects.
These unsubstantiated claims can easily be dismissed with an understanding of the interesting psychological phenomenon known as pareidolia.
I also took a quick look at the related website and found it to be full of personal testimonies and fallacious appeals to authority. Here’s a laughable and invalid supporting statement by the “wife of His Holiness”: ‘In the first instance he is never angry and if he is angry it is very extreme and this is usually in relation to some obscene matter.’
I wonder what the real intent is in sending out this flyer in Hong Kong? Why would His followers want to target Hong Kong people who have never heard of this guy from the Indian subcontinent? Why would anyone anywhere want to believe in something that is based on unsubstantiated claims? If you're sensible and rational, you won't believe in this trash.
[Back side of flyer]Wednesday, 28 January 2009
0003 HKSAR Name of the Day
Zombi Ho Mei-tak (Miss), assistant manager, AG Wilkinson & Associates Property Management Company Ltd, Hong Kong
About Novel HKSAR Names
Name Category: Creation
About Novel HKSAR Names
Name Category: Creation
Tuesday, 27 January 2009
0002 HKSAR Name of the Day
Hymen Lam Hon-yin, chairman, Public Relations & Fundraising Sub-group, Faculty of Science Platinum Jubilee Anniversary Organising Committee, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
About Novel HKSAR Names
Name Category: Creation
About Novel HKSAR Names
Name Category: Creation
Chinese Lunar New Year 2009
The Year of the Cow (or Ox) began on Monday 26 January 2009.
I’ve often wondered why the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac are such an odd assortment of creatures. There are the farm animals cow (or ox), sheep (ram, goat), chicken (rooster), pig and horse. There’s also the mouse (rat) and dog. Then there are the wild animals rabbit (hare), snake, monkey and tiger. Plus the Chinese dragon isn’t an animal at all, just a mythological creation. It is perhaps telling that there are no aquatic or marine animals, nor are there any animal species specific to countries outside China.
Given that the Chinese zodiac is man-made and derived from ancient times, it is unsurprising that the Chinese came up with this limited assortment of animals that apparently share certain traits with humans.
Anyway the Chinese zodiac, like astrology, is hogwash.
Assuming Jesus was born in 1 AD in the Gregorian calendar, he was probably a chicken (rooster), or a monkey or dog (give or take a lunar year, since there is uncertainty to his actual birth month). This reminds me of the Bethlehem scene at the start of the classic movie, Monty Python's Life of Brian:
MANDY: So, you're astrologers, are you? Well, what is he then?
WISE MAN #2: Hmm?
MANDY: What star sign [Chinese zodiac] is he?
WISE MAN #2: Uh, Capricorn [Chicken].
MANDY: Uhh, Capricorn [Chicken], eh? What are they like?
WISE MAN #2: Ooh, but... he is the son of God, our Messiah.
WISE MAN #1: King of the Jews.
MANDY: And that's Capricorn [Chicken], is it?
WISE MAN #2: Uh, no, no, no. That's just him.
MANDY: Ohh, I was going to say, 'Otherwise, there'd be a lot of them.' [sniff]
I’ve often wondered why the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac are such an odd assortment of creatures. There are the farm animals cow (or ox), sheep (ram, goat), chicken (rooster), pig and horse. There’s also the mouse (rat) and dog. Then there are the wild animals rabbit (hare), snake, monkey and tiger. Plus the Chinese dragon isn’t an animal at all, just a mythological creation. It is perhaps telling that there are no aquatic or marine animals, nor are there any animal species specific to countries outside China.
Given that the Chinese zodiac is man-made and derived from ancient times, it is unsurprising that the Chinese came up with this limited assortment of animals that apparently share certain traits with humans.
Anyway the Chinese zodiac, like astrology, is hogwash.
Assuming Jesus was born in 1 AD in the Gregorian calendar, he was probably a chicken (rooster), or a monkey or dog (give or take a lunar year, since there is uncertainty to his actual birth month). This reminds me of the Bethlehem scene at the start of the classic movie, Monty Python's Life of Brian:
MANDY: So, you're astrologers, are you? Well, what is he then?
WISE MAN #2: Hmm?
MANDY: What star sign [Chinese zodiac] is he?
WISE MAN #2: Uh, Capricorn [Chicken].
MANDY: Uhh, Capricorn [Chicken], eh? What are they like?
WISE MAN #2: Ooh, but... he is the son of God, our Messiah.
WISE MAN #1: King of the Jews.
MANDY: And that's Capricorn [Chicken], is it?
WISE MAN #2: Uh, no, no, no. That's just him.
MANDY: Ohh, I was going to say, 'Otherwise, there'd be a lot of them.' [sniff]
Monday, 26 January 2009
0001 HKSAR Name of the Day
Rimsky Yuen Kwok-keung, chairman (stepping down Feb 2009), Bar Association, Hong Kong
About Novel HKSAR Names
Name Category: Creation
About Novel HKSAR Names
Name Category: Creation
Novel Names in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Chinese have a high proportion of novel English first names that are, to say the least, creative and even daring. For example, my preliminary analysis reveals 2.5% of Hong Kong solicitors (i.e. 143 out of 5,707) have novel names. The percentage is likely to be higher now Novel here is defined as uncommon, unusual or unique. Over the years, I have collected a fair number of novel names (which is why this blog will feature a regular "Novel Name of the Day" post).
Possessing a novel name is a phenomenon that is observed most frequently amongst Hong Kong Chinese, whereas it is relatively less common to spot a novel name amongst mainland Chinese, Singapore Chinese and Taiwanese. What is it about the psyche of Hong Kong Chinese that compels them to create and retain odd-sounding novel names?
From my understanding, when a population or society is unaware (or ignorant) of name rules or memes then, depending on how the relevant society regards the values of "creativity" and "conformity", there will be individuals who will adopt rare, uncommon names (e.g. Adolf) and perhaps even create their own novel names (e.g. Alnwick). Dare I ask whether expressions of creativity and free thought are relatively more common in Hong Kong?
There are other possible reasons (e.g. mainland Chinese are latecomers in adopting English first names, Singaporeans have a relatively better grasp of traditional English, etc), and I'd be interested to hear people's thoughts on this (e.g. Elmer'sLifeinHK). In the meantime, I hope this blog's "Novel Name of the Day" feature will bring some enjoyment and perhaps curiosity to readers.
Update: Please see About Novel Names
Related Posts:
0324 HKSAR Name of the Day (see comments, which are insightful)
Picking and Choosing Names: Korea
Other people's thoughts on novel names:
Shanghai Surprise
Named
What's in a name?
Possessing a novel name is a phenomenon that is observed most frequently amongst Hong Kong Chinese, whereas it is relatively less common to spot a novel name amongst mainland Chinese, Singapore Chinese and Taiwanese. What is it about the psyche of Hong Kong Chinese that compels them to create and retain odd-sounding novel names?
From my understanding, when a population or society is unaware (or ignorant) of name rules or memes then, depending on how the relevant society regards the values of "creativity" and "conformity", there will be individuals who will adopt rare, uncommon names (e.g. Adolf) and perhaps even create their own novel names (e.g. Alnwick). Dare I ask whether expressions of creativity and free thought are relatively more common in Hong Kong?
There are other possible reasons (e.g. mainland Chinese are latecomers in adopting English first names, Singaporeans have a relatively better grasp of traditional English, etc), and I'd be interested to hear people's thoughts on this (e.g. Elmer'sLifeinHK). In the meantime, I hope this blog's "Novel Name of the Day" feature will bring some enjoyment and perhaps curiosity to readers.
Update: Please see About Novel Names
Related Posts:
0324 HKSAR Name of the Day (see comments, which are insightful)
Picking and Choosing Names: Korea
Mr Bean On Silly Names
Other people's thoughts on novel names:
Shanghai Surprise
Named
What's in a name?
Hong Kong Loves Weird English Names (The Atlantic)
Mun Yin Liu: Why are Hong Kong names so weird? (CNN Travel)
What Are the Weird English Names of Chinese People?
Funny English Names by Hong Kong People
10 Weird Things About Hong Kong that FREAK OUT Foreigners
Hilarious English Names Chinese People Choose
Mun Yin Liu: Why are Hong Kong names so weird? (CNN Travel)
What Are the Weird English Names of Chinese People?
Funny English Names by Hong Kong People
10 Weird Things About Hong Kong that FREAK OUT Foreigners
Hilarious English Names Chinese People Choose
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