許霆ATM提款數案改判入獄五年。本人不清楚中國法律﹐不知道五年是否適當。但原判的無期徒刑必定是太重。從此看到中國法律仍相信理性﹐人情﹐人性﹐和仍會給人改過機會--不像美國有時沒有人性可言和不會給人機會的法律。曾經有人在美國因為在商店偷錄影帶(價值大約US$150)而被判50年至終身監禁。亦有人在美國因偷或搶幾百元的貨物而被判二十五年至終身監禁。在這些案件中﹐所有上訴已一概被駁回。有美國人居然還支持這麼沒有人性的判決。這些在權的美國人那麼沒有人性﹐難怪美國是全球最多囚犯的國家。
剛剛看到一編"美國首位華裔市長黃錦波"的意見。也許黃錦波住在美國太久了﹐變成只顧法﹐不顧情﹐不顧理的法律奴隸。我們不應該批評中國法院這次有理性和人性的判刑。在此希望中國不會變成美國那麼不人道﹐像美國那般只會執行苛法。關於黃錦波的意見﹐至少有以下兩個問題﹕
1. 黃錦波的"應該判20年"非常任意(arbitrary)。為何是二十年﹖為何不是三十年﹖為何不是十年﹖如果像黃錦波所言﹐"另外的15年可以用清還173826元去代替徒刑期。即是如全部款項交還，(親友或任何人都可代還) 15年徒刑期則自動除消，如交還一萬元則除消一年，如還回五萬元{剩下或收藏著五萬元的可能性很高} 則減少徒刑五年，如此累推"﹐為何黃錦波不說"到還清為止"--即是可能是無期徒刑﹖是黃錦波忽然顯示了基本的原諒和人性﹐還是他根本沒有想清楚自己的意見﹐只是在胡說八道﹖
2. 黃錦波所謂的"應該判20年"間接表示了他認為窮人犯罪要重判﹐富翁犯罪可輕判。窮人偷了錢(之後輸光沒有錢還)﹐坐完五年後要再坐牢十五年或直至有人幫助其還清錢為止。相反﹐一個犯了同樣罪行的富翁坐完五年後馬上可以出獄。這是人性良心道德可以接受的嗎﹖
Links:
- 美國八青年圍毆一青年--八青年可能被判終生監禁﹔難道美國人根本是非常憎恨耶穌的教導﹖
- 美國發表國際人權報告--再顯美國的虛偽--"識話人唔識話自己"
- 冤獄在美國越來越多 -- Innocence Project利用DNA技術幫助無辜人士翻案
- 在美國﹐每一百個成人就有一個在監獄中--還說美國是自由國家﹖
Source: Singtao.com
許霆案重審改判五年
(星島日報報道)備受關注的許霆因惡意取款十七點五萬元（人民幣，下同）獲判終身監禁案，昨日在廣州市中級人民法院再次開庭，法官當庭宣判：許霆以盜竊罪被判刑五年，追繳所有贓款，並處兩萬元罰金。許霆當庭表示不上訴。其辯護律師稱，重審判決顯示了「媒體的力量，輿論監督的力量。」
二○○六年四月二十一日晚，許霆在廣州某銀行的ATM取款機取出一千元後，帳戶卻只被扣一元，他利用ATM出錯取款一百七十一筆共十七點五萬元。其後，ATM生產商全額賠償了銀行損失，許霆潛逃一年後被抓。
去年十一月，廣州市中級法院一審以盜竊罪判處許霆終身監禁，引起法律界爭議，九成以上的網民認為銀行有錯在先，法院不該重
判許霆。今年一月十六日，廣東省高級法院發回廣州中級法院重審。
最高人民法院副院長姜興長也曾表示，許霆屬於惡性取款，定罪判刑是應該的。許霆的辯護律師楊振平前日預測，許霆將被判有罪，刑期為五至七年。
昨日重審中，公訴方仍堅持判許霆「無期」，許霆方則堅信「無罪」。廣州中院此前已向最高人民法院遞交過報告，要求給出指導判決意見。
法庭認為，許霆盜竊金融機構數額特別巨大，依法本應適用終身監禁或者死刑，但鑒於許霆惡意取款是在發現銀行自動櫃員機出現異常後的行為，其行為與有預謀，或者採取破壞手段盜竊金融機構的犯罪有所不同。從犯罪具有一定的偶然性看，許霆犯罪主觀惡意不是很大，因此判刑五年。
對此判決，許霆當庭表示不上訴。其父許彩亮表示「十分不滿意」，他仍堅持許霆應無罪釋放。楊振平律師則表示，重審判決顯示媒體的輿論監督起到很大作用，「這是媒體的力量，輿論監督的力量。」
雲南此前也曾發生過一宗與許霆案類似的何鵬案，何鵬最終被判無期，如今已服刑七年。何鵬的父母特地從雲南趕到廣州，期待何鵬案也能出現變數。
3.31.2008
Longs Drugs (2008/03/30 - 2008/04/05)
Longs Drugs購買小貼士:例如: 三件US$5, 不一定一次過購買三件.
今期(30 Mar 08 ~ 5 Apr 08)Longs Drugs本人覺得有什麼買得過:
Walnut Grove, Market Soup(Chicken Noodle 10.5 oz. or Tomato 10.75 oz. or Chicken, Beef or Low Sodium Chicken 14.5 oz.), Libby's Vienna Sausage 5 oz., Morton Iodized Salt 26 oz.(Walnut Grove不同款式罐頭湯, Libby's腸仔, Morton鹽) - 兩件US$0.88;
After Mail-In Rebate: Cottonelle or Scott Extra Soft Bath Tissue, 12 Double Rolls(Cottonelle or Scott廁紙) - 兩件US$7.00;(昨天我們奔跑到Longs Drugs買廁紙)
3 Day Sale - 2008/04/03- 2008/04/05:
Van Camp's Pork and Beans 15 oz.(豬肉豆罐頭) - 三件US$0.99;
Fritos 9.75 to 10.5 oz., Cheetos 8.5 to 11 oz., Rold Gold Pretzels 10 to 16 oz.(薯片物) - 三件US$5.00;
Dreyer's Ice Cream 1.75 qt.(Dreyer's雪糕) - 每盒US$2.99.
隨時有其他的貨品買得過, 但是因為本人沒有需要購買, 所以沒有留意當中的價格.
有興趣的人士可到你們家附近的Longs Drugs 逛逛吧!
延伸閱讀: Longs Drugs (2008/03/23 - 2008/03/29)
今期(30 Mar 08 ~ 5 Apr 08)Longs Drugs本人覺得有什麼買得過:
Walnut Grove, Market Soup(Chicken Noodle 10.5 oz. or Tomato 10.75 oz. or Chicken, Beef or Low Sodium Chicken 14.5 oz.), Libby's Vienna Sausage 5 oz., Morton Iodized Salt 26 oz.(Walnut Grove不同款式罐頭湯, Libby's腸仔, Morton鹽) - 兩件US$0.88;After Mail-In Rebate: Cottonelle or Scott Extra Soft Bath Tissue, 12 Double Rolls(Cottonelle or Scott廁紙) - 兩件US$7.00;(昨天我們奔跑到Longs Drugs買廁紙)
3 Day Sale - 2008/04/03- 2008/04/05:
Van Camp's Pork and Beans 15 oz.(豬肉豆罐頭) - 三件US$0.99;Fritos 9.75 to 10.5 oz., Cheetos 8.5 to 11 oz., Rold Gold Pretzels 10 to 16 oz.(薯片物) - 三件US$5.00;
Dreyer's Ice Cream 1.75 qt.(Dreyer's雪糕) - 每盒US$2.99.
隨時有其他的貨品買得過, 但是因為本人沒有需要購買, 所以沒有留意當中的價格.
有興趣的人士可到你們家附近的Longs Drugs 逛逛吧!
延伸閱讀: Longs Drugs (2008/03/23 - 2008/03/29)
Foods Co.(Food 4 Less) - (2008/04/02 - 2008/04/08)
Foods Co.是Kroger其中一間屬下公司.
Foods Co.大部份的產品比Safeway便宜. 主要的對像是一些低收入或打算省錢的家庭.
本人覺得品質可以接受.
購物小貼士:
Foods Co.出售的肉類較大件(包).
結帳的時候, 是自助式入袋--因此不用多請員工入袋, 公司省到的錢轉送到消費者身上(根據Foods Co.).
另外, 例如: 三件US$5, 不一定一次過購買三件.
今期(2 Apr 08 ~ 8 Apr 08)本人介紹多種買得過的貨品給大家:
Brown Onions(洋蔥) - 七磅US$0.98;
Boneless Beef Chuck Roasts or Steaks Family Pack(家庭裝去骨烤牛肉/牛排) - 每磅US$1.97;
Large Raw Shell-On or Cooked Tail-On Shrimp, Raw-31~40 Count; Cooked 70~90 Count(未煮或已煮蝦) - 每磅US$3.99, 每兩磅一包裝 US$7.98 Each;
Fresh Chicken Drumsticks and Thigh Picnic Pack Family Pack(家庭裝雞腿和雞大腿) -每磅US$0.98;
Fresh Hot House Tomatoes(紅蕃茄) - 每磅US$0.98;
Fresh Cilantro(芫茜) - 三件US$0.99;
Van de Kamp's Split Top or Western Hearth Bread Twin Pack 64 oz.,Western Hearth 48 oz.(Van de Kamp's不同款麵包) - 每包US$2.98;
隨時有其他的貨品買得過, 但是因為本人沒有需要購買, 所以沒有留意當中的價格.
有興趣的人士可到你們家附近的Foods Co.逛逛吧!
Foods Co.
Call: 1-888-924-5377
www.FoodsCo.NET
以下是灣區地址作參考:
San Francisco
345 Williams Ave. (at 3rd St.)
Store Phone: 415-330-1870
San Francisco
1800 Folsom St. (at 14th St.)
Store Phone: 415-558-9137
Richmond
1250 Macdonald Ave. (at Harbor Way)
Store Phone: 510-412-4444
Redwood City
1401 Broadway (at Woodside)
Store Phone: 650-366-5546
Pittsburg
300 Atlantic Ave. (at Harbor St.)
Store Phone: 925-473-2130
Sacramento So./Elk Grove
Consumnes River Blvd. and Bruceville Rd.
Store Phone: 916-688-3343
Sacramento
3625 Northgate Blvd. (at San Juan Road)
Store Phone: 916-927-8560
Sacramento
5330 Stockton Blvd. (at Stockton & Fruitridge)
Store Phone: 916-451-0806
Sacramento
8122 Gerber Rd.(at Near Gerber & Power Inn)
Store Phone: 916-689-5959
延伸閱讀: Foods Co.(Food 4 Less) - (2008/03/26 - 2008/04/01)
Foods Co.大部份的產品比Safeway便宜. 主要的對像是一些低收入或打算省錢的家庭.
本人覺得品質可以接受.
購物小貼士:
Foods Co.出售的肉類較大件(包).
結帳的時候, 是自助式入袋--因此不用多請員工入袋, 公司省到的錢轉送到消費者身上(根據Foods Co.).
另外, 例如: 三件US$5, 不一定一次過購買三件.
今期(2 Apr 08 ~ 8 Apr 08)本人介紹多種買得過的貨品給大家:
Brown Onions(洋蔥) - 七磅US$0.98;
Boneless Beef Chuck Roasts or Steaks Family Pack(家庭裝去骨烤牛肉/牛排) - 每磅US$1.97;
Large Raw Shell-On or Cooked Tail-On Shrimp, Raw-31~40 Count; Cooked 70~90 Count(未煮或已煮蝦) - 每磅US$3.99, 每兩磅一包裝 US$7.98 Each;Fresh Chicken Drumsticks and Thigh Picnic Pack Family Pack(家庭裝雞腿和雞大腿) -每磅US$0.98;
Fresh Hot House Tomatoes(紅蕃茄) - 每磅US$0.98;Fresh Cilantro(芫茜) - 三件US$0.99;
Van de Kamp's Split Top or Western Hearth Bread Twin Pack 64 oz.,Western Hearth 48 oz.(Van de Kamp's不同款麵包) - 每包US$2.98;
隨時有其他的貨品買得過, 但是因為本人沒有需要購買, 所以沒有留意當中的價格.
有興趣的人士可到你們家附近的Foods Co.逛逛吧!
Foods Co.
Call: 1-888-924-5377
www.FoodsCo.NET
以下是灣區地址作參考:
San Francisco
345 Williams Ave. (at 3rd St.)
Store Phone: 415-330-1870
San Francisco
1800 Folsom St. (at 14th St.)
Store Phone: 415-558-9137
Richmond
1250 Macdonald Ave. (at Harbor Way)
Store Phone: 510-412-4444
Redwood City
1401 Broadway (at Woodside)
Store Phone: 650-366-5546
Pittsburg
300 Atlantic Ave. (at Harbor St.)
Store Phone: 925-473-2130
Sacramento So./Elk Grove
Consumnes River Blvd. and Bruceville Rd.
Store Phone: 916-688-3343
Sacramento
3625 Northgate Blvd. (at San Juan Road)
Store Phone: 916-927-8560
Sacramento
5330 Stockton Blvd. (at Stockton & Fruitridge)
Store Phone: 916-451-0806
Sacramento
8122 Gerber Rd.(at Near Gerber & Power Inn)
Store Phone: 916-689-5959
延伸閱讀: Foods Co.(Food 4 Less) - (2008/03/26 - 2008/04/01)
Mitsuwa Market Place (2008/04/04 - 2008/04/07)
Mitsuwa Market Place於加州設有七間分店. 祗收Cash, Visa Card和 MasterCard.
Mitsuwa雖然大部份產品售價比較昂貴, 但是當遇上有些產品減價的時候, 也抵買!
尤其是魚類, 豬牛雞等, 這類貨品品質相比起大華99, 永和超市, 獅子城和韓國市場都新鮮.
在Mitsuwa, 今期(4 Apr 08 ~ 7 Apr 08)本人沒有需要購買貨品, 但仍會繼續介紹大家兩種買得過的貨品:
Lightly Salted Trout Salmon Cut(甘鹽鮭鱒魚切)- 每磅US$5.99;
Cabbage(大白菜) - 每磅US$0.29.
隨時有其他的貨品買得過, 但是因為本人沒有需要購買, 所以沒有留意當中的價格.
有興趣的人士, 可前往附近的Mitsuwa逛逛.
Mitsuwa Market Place
http://www.mitsuwa.com/english/index.html
以下是加州參考地址:
Little Tokyo Store
333 S. Alameda St.,
Los Angeles, CA 90013
Tel.: 213-687-6699
Open: 7 days/week (9am ~ 8pm)
Torrance Store
21515 Western Ave.,
Torrance,CA 90501
Tel.: 310-782-0335
Open: 7 days/week (9am ~ 8pm)
Torrance Store-Restaurants (11:00am ~ 7:30pm)
Italian Tomato only (9:00am ~ 7:30pm)
Costa Mesa Store
665 Paularino Ave.,
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Tel.: 714-557-6699
Open: 7 days/week (9am ~ 8pm)
Costa Mesa Store-Restaurants (11:00am ~ 7:30pm)
Italian Tomato only (9:00am ~ 7:30pm)
San Gabriel Store
515 W. Las Tunas Dr.,
San Gabriel, CA 91776
Tel.: 626-457-2899
Open: 7 days/week (9am ~ 8pm)
Santa Monica Stroe
3760 Centinela Ave.,
Los Angeles, CA 90066
Tel.: 310-398-2113
Open: 7 days/week (9am ~ 8pm)
Santa Monica Stroe-Restaurants (11:00am ~ 7:30pm)
San Diego Store
4240 Kearny Mesa Rd. #119,
San Diego, CA 92111
Tel.: 858-569-6699
Open: 7 days/week (9am ~ 8pm)
San Diego Store-Restaurants (11:00am ~ 7:30pm)
San Jose Store
675 Saratoga Ave.,
San Jose, CA 95129
Tel.: 408-255-6699
Open: 7 days/week (9am ~ 8pm)
延伸閱讀: Mitsuwa Market Place (2008/03/28 - 2008/03/31)
Mitsuwa雖然大部份產品售價比較昂貴, 但是當遇上有些產品減價的時候, 也抵買!
尤其是魚類, 豬牛雞等, 這類貨品品質相比起大華99, 永和超市, 獅子城和韓國市場都新鮮.
在Mitsuwa, 今期(4 Apr 08 ~ 7 Apr 08)本人沒有需要購買貨品, 但仍會繼續介紹大家兩種買得過的貨品:
Lightly Salted Trout Salmon Cut(甘鹽鮭鱒魚切)- 每磅US$5.99;Cabbage(大白菜) - 每磅US$0.29.
隨時有其他的貨品買得過, 但是因為本人沒有需要購買, 所以沒有留意當中的價格.有興趣的人士, 可前往附近的Mitsuwa逛逛.
Mitsuwa Market Place
http://www.mitsuwa.com/english/index.html
以下是加州參考地址:
Little Tokyo Store
333 S. Alameda St.,
Los Angeles, CA 90013
Tel.: 213-687-6699
Open: 7 days/week (9am ~ 8pm)
Torrance Store
21515 Western Ave.,
Torrance,CA 90501
Tel.: 310-782-0335
Open: 7 days/week (9am ~ 8pm)
Torrance Store-Restaurants (11:00am ~ 7:30pm)
Italian Tomato only (9:00am ~ 7:30pm)
Costa Mesa Store
665 Paularino Ave.,
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Tel.: 714-557-6699
Open: 7 days/week (9am ~ 8pm)
Costa Mesa Store-Restaurants (11:00am ~ 7:30pm)
Italian Tomato only (9:00am ~ 7:30pm)
San Gabriel Store
515 W. Las Tunas Dr.,
San Gabriel, CA 91776
Tel.: 626-457-2899
Open: 7 days/week (9am ~ 8pm)
Santa Monica Stroe
3760 Centinela Ave.,
Los Angeles, CA 90066
Tel.: 310-398-2113
Open: 7 days/week (9am ~ 8pm)
Santa Monica Stroe-Restaurants (11:00am ~ 7:30pm)
San Diego Store
4240 Kearny Mesa Rd. #119,
San Diego, CA 92111
Tel.: 858-569-6699
Open: 7 days/week (9am ~ 8pm)
San Diego Store-Restaurants (11:00am ~ 7:30pm)
San Jose Store
675 Saratoga Ave.,
San Jose, CA 95129
Tel.: 408-255-6699
Open: 7 days/week (9am ~ 8pm)
延伸閱讀: Mitsuwa Market Place (2008/03/28 - 2008/03/31)
3.30.2008
Milk Pail Market - 生果蔬菜市場
平日我們較常去買生果蔬菜有幾個選擇點, 包括韓國超市, Foods Co., Mitsuwa, Milk Pail Market, Wal-Mart.
當中我們最喜歡Milk Pail Market, 覺得蔬果新鮮而且種類繁多, 價錢合理.
相信各類蔬果以該日的來貨價來定. 因為每次去的各類蔬果價會變更, 例如: 今次青椒可能每磅US$0.89, 下一次青椒可能每磅US$1.49, 再下一次青椒可能每磅US$0.79.
我們覺得收銀員手腳很快速, 準確情度算高, 而且少說多餘問候話.
亦見過一些老外向員工主動提問試食水果, 員工會立即切小件給那老外試食.
另外, 還設有小型乾貨區, 內裡售賣各式芝士(奶油), 各種香料, 麵粉, 殼米, 散裝麥片, 餅乾薯片等西方特色食品.
Milk Pail Market
http://www.milkpail.com/
2585 California Street, Mountain View, 94040
Tel.:650-941-2505
Fax: 650-941-2103
當中我們最喜歡Milk Pail Market, 覺得蔬果新鮮而且種類繁多, 價錢合理.
相信各類蔬果以該日的來貨價來定. 因為每次去的各類蔬果價會變更, 例如: 今次青椒可能每磅US$0.89, 下一次青椒可能每磅US$1.49, 再下一次青椒可能每磅US$0.79.
我們覺得收銀員手腳很快速, 準確情度算高, 而且少說多餘問候話.
亦見過一些老外向員工主動提問試食水果, 員工會立即切小件給那老外試食.
另外, 還設有小型乾貨區, 內裡售賣各式芝士(奶油), 各種香料, 麵粉, 殼米, 散裝麥片, 餅乾薯片等西方特色食品.
Milk Pail Market
http://www.milkpail.com/
2585 California Street, Mountain View, 94040
Tel.:650-941-2505
Fax: 650-941-2103
奔跑去Longs Drugs購物
今天晨早爬起床, 奔跑到Longs Drugs購買 - 廁巾.
今期Longs Drugs Rebates Book內的Cottonelle Toilet Paper, Double Rolls 12件裝的廁巾, 每買兩包有US$4.00 Rebate, 最多可買八包, Rebate up to US$16.
即是Rebate後Cottonelle Toilet Paper Double Rolls 12件 - 每包US$3.50.
等了減價數星期, 因為有US$4.00 Rebate很吸引, 我們亦覺得很抵買.
原本我們打算全數買回家, 可惜當時貨架上只有六包.
今次與Longs Drugs(2008/03/23- 2008/03/29)互相比較之後, Cottonelle勝出!
今期Longs Drugs Rebates Book內的Cottonelle Toilet Paper, Double Rolls 12件裝的廁巾, 每買兩包有US$4.00 Rebate, 最多可買八包, Rebate up to US$16.即是Rebate後Cottonelle Toilet Paper Double Rolls 12件 - 每包US$3.50.
等了減價數星期, 因為有US$4.00 Rebate很吸引, 我們亦覺得很抵買.原本我們打算全數買回家, 可惜當時貨架上只有六包.
今次與Longs Drugs(2008/03/23- 2008/03/29)互相比較之後, Cottonelle勝出!
3.29.2008
今天和朋友逛Costco
Costco, 是一個超級大型市場, 內裡貨品可說是包羅萬有。不同款式的衣服鞋襪、各色各樣的個人護理產品、冷熱熟食、肉類海鮮蔬菜生果、大小型傢俬、各式各樣電器......款式多籮蘿。
但是, 我不覺得Costco所有貨品非常抵買。Costco售賣的貨品份量較大件, 有些新鮮蔬果買回家變壞還未吃掉(屋企得我們兩口子), 平均大件不一定特惠。
個人認為, 平日到其他較小型的市場分次購買少量貨品, 或配合coupons使用, 分分鐘要比Costco便宜和划算。
另外覺得, Wal-mart Supercenter的牛肉比Costco的牛肉還要好, 但是車程比較Costco還要遠。
今天我們購買些認為較抵買的產品: 12件裝的牛角包, 4盒裝的橙汁, 4磅裝的燒雞, 3罐裝的雞湯, 大枝裝的蜜糖, 40 oz.的大白菇, 大大包的乾果。
但是, 我不覺得Costco所有貨品非常抵買。Costco售賣的貨品份量較大件, 有些新鮮蔬果買回家變壞還未吃掉(屋企得我們兩口子), 平均大件不一定特惠。
個人認為, 平日到其他較小型的市場分次購買少量貨品, 或配合coupons使用, 分分鐘要比Costco便宜和划算。
另外覺得, Wal-mart Supercenter的牛肉比Costco的牛肉還要好, 但是車程比較Costco還要遠。
今天我們購買些認為較抵買的產品: 12件裝的牛角包, 4盒裝的橙汁, 4磅裝的燒雞, 3罐裝的雞湯, 大枝裝的蜜糖, 40 oz.的大白菇, 大大包的乾果。
3.28.2008
為期四個多月的藍十字claim牙醫保險歷險記
我們現在用藍十字保險(Blue Cross Tonik)。原因是價錢不貴﹐我們又不常看醫生﹐買醫療保險主要是保意外和入醫院。加上有免費檢查和清洗牙齒(一年兩次)﹐所以Tonik都算吸引。
以下是一次claim牙醫保險的歷險記。
在2006年11月﹐我倆用了免費檢查和清洗牙齒﹐成功claim保險﹐服務完全免費。
在2007年5月尾﹐我倆再去同一個牙醫檢查和清洗牙齒。問題也在這次發生。到牙醫後﹐收到藍十字的EOB(Explanation of Benefits)。EOB說因為我們的牙醫不是藍十字合約牙醫(contracted provider)﹐所以保險公司只會付部份費用(即是牙醫檢查和清洗牙齒不是免費)﹐其餘的$130要我們自己付。但那完全不合理﹐因為我們看牙醫前曾在藍十字網站查明那位牙醫確實是藍十字合約牙醫。如果有錯的話﹐都是錯在藍十字沒有update他們的網站。
於是﹐我致電給藍十字客務部要求上訴(那時是7月)。他們寫下了我們的情況後﹐說三十天後會有消息。三十天後﹐沒有收到信。我致電追問﹐他們說再等兩星期再致電他們。兩星期後﹐我再致電去追問﹐他們的答應都是一樣--我要求與supervisor談。但結果都是一樣﹕"等兩星期"。我問supervisor關於上訴部的電話和地址﹐那supervisor竟然告訴我﹕他們沒有上訴部的電話和地址﹐他們只能用電腦系統與上訴部溝通(連email都沒有)。於是﹐我每星期都致電去跟進﹐開始發覺每次的接線生都是印度人(call center應該是在印度)。又開始懷疑有沒有上訴部的存在。
就這樣過了三個月。在10月尾﹐我再致電跟進。這次很幸運--我要求與supervisor談﹐等了很久後終於被駁線到一個在美國的supervisor(相信是因為印度的supervisor都沒有空)。我向他解釋了情況和談論我對藍十字的失望--他好像有點同情。他說會親自將案件交給上訴部門。之後﹐我幾經辛苦才再找到這位supervisor跟進(因為據稱﹐藍十字的員工沒有直線﹐而他們給你的extension根本駁不到線﹔所以要知道他們身在哪辦公室)。他說再等兩星期。結果﹐一星期後﹐我收到上訴結果--"上訴得直"。再一星期後﹐我收到adjusted EOB--那次牙醫服務免費。
那四個多月來花了差不多10小時致電藍十字﹐值不值得﹖雖然和保險公司交涉有時令我們頭痛和氣憤﹐但總括來﹐我們覺得很值得--一方面不用付那本來就不需要付的$130﹐另外可以算是得到了最後勝利--絕對值得少少驕傲。
個人認為﹐我第一次上訴時﹐上訴部根本沒有理會。我覺得他們想用時間令我忘記﹐令案件不了了之。但因為錯在於藍十字網站的資料沒有update﹐所以我堅持要他們付全部費用。致電十多次後終於找到一位真正願意和能夠替我們跟進個案的supervisor。
在這件事發覺到﹕
- 位於美國的客務服務員比位於印度的服務員權力較大--而且比較flexible
- 如果可以的話﹐除了記下服務員的名字和號碼﹐也要記下他的辦公室地址或城市。如果我當日沒有記下那美國supervisor的辦公室城市名﹐相信我沒有可能再聯絡他向他跟進。
Link:
灣區牙科保健 - Serena Hu, San Antonio Dental Care
Other thoughts posted on gethuman.com
I have called Blue Cross many times, each time as frustrating as the
next. Here are some problems I have encountered:
1. The computer asked me to enter my member ID on the keypad; my
member ID contains an "A", which I entered as "2" but that wasn't
recognized. Apparently, there is no way to enter letters, so there is no way to enter my member ID.
2. The computer then asked me to say my member ID, which it cannot
understand until I tried for about 5 times.
3. When I complained about the difficulty with the computer system to the human, she said "Is it a problem with our computers or is it your problem?" Such terrible service!!!
Tip: If you suspect that you are talking to a rep in India, ask to be connected to a supervisor (likely located in the US - though you may be on hold for a few minutes). The reps in the US seem to know more although there is a chance that they are far less polite (see #3 above).
以下是一次claim牙醫保險的歷險記。
在2006年11月﹐我倆用了免費檢查和清洗牙齒﹐成功claim保險﹐服務完全免費。
在2007年5月尾﹐我倆再去同一個牙醫檢查和清洗牙齒。問題也在這次發生。到牙醫後﹐收到藍十字的EOB(Explanation of Benefits)。EOB說因為我們的牙醫不是藍十字合約牙醫(contracted provider)﹐所以保險公司只會付部份費用(即是牙醫檢查和清洗牙齒不是免費)﹐其餘的$130要我們自己付。但那完全不合理﹐因為我們看牙醫前曾在藍十字網站查明那位牙醫確實是藍十字合約牙醫。如果有錯的話﹐都是錯在藍十字沒有update他們的網站。
於是﹐我致電給藍十字客務部要求上訴(那時是7月)。他們寫下了我們的情況後﹐說三十天後會有消息。三十天後﹐沒有收到信。我致電追問﹐他們說再等兩星期再致電他們。兩星期後﹐我再致電去追問﹐他們的答應都是一樣--我要求與supervisor談。但結果都是一樣﹕"等兩星期"。我問supervisor關於上訴部的電話和地址﹐那supervisor竟然告訴我﹕他們沒有上訴部的電話和地址﹐他們只能用電腦系統與上訴部溝通(連email都沒有)。於是﹐我每星期都致電去跟進﹐開始發覺每次的接線生都是印度人(call center應該是在印度)。又開始懷疑有沒有上訴部的存在。
就這樣過了三個月。在10月尾﹐我再致電跟進。這次很幸運--我要求與supervisor談﹐等了很久後終於被駁線到一個在美國的supervisor(相信是因為印度的supervisor都沒有空)。我向他解釋了情況和談論我對藍十字的失望--他好像有點同情。他說會親自將案件交給上訴部門。之後﹐我幾經辛苦才再找到這位supervisor跟進(因為據稱﹐藍十字的員工沒有直線﹐而他們給你的extension根本駁不到線﹔所以要知道他們身在哪辦公室)。他說再等兩星期。結果﹐一星期後﹐我收到上訴結果--"上訴得直"。再一星期後﹐我收到adjusted EOB--那次牙醫服務免費。
那四個多月來花了差不多10小時致電藍十字﹐值不值得﹖雖然和保險公司交涉有時令我們頭痛和氣憤﹐但總括來﹐我們覺得很值得--一方面不用付那本來就不需要付的$130﹐另外可以算是得到了最後勝利--絕對值得少少驕傲。
個人認為﹐我第一次上訴時﹐上訴部根本沒有理會。我覺得他們想用時間令我忘記﹐令案件不了了之。但因為錯在於藍十字網站的資料沒有update﹐所以我堅持要他們付全部費用。致電十多次後終於找到一位真正願意和能夠替我們跟進個案的supervisor。
在這件事發覺到﹕
- 位於美國的客務服務員比位於印度的服務員權力較大--而且比較flexible
- 如果可以的話﹐除了記下服務員的名字和號碼﹐也要記下他的辦公室地址或城市。如果我當日沒有記下那美國supervisor的辦公室城市名﹐相信我沒有可能再聯絡他向他跟進。
Link:
灣區牙科保健 - Serena Hu, San Antonio Dental Care
Other thoughts posted on gethuman.com
I have called Blue Cross many times, each time as frustrating as the
next. Here are some problems I have encountered:
1. The computer asked me to enter my member ID on the keypad; my
member ID contains an "A", which I entered as "2" but that wasn't
recognized. Apparently, there is no way to enter letters, so there is no way to enter my member ID.
2. The computer then asked me to say my member ID, which it cannot
understand until I tried for about 5 times.
3. When I complained about the difficulty with the computer system to the human, she said "Is it a problem with our computers or is it your problem?" Such terrible service!!!
Tip: If you suspect that you are talking to a rep in India, ask to be connected to a supervisor (likely located in the US - though you may be on hold for a few minutes). The reps in the US seem to know more although there is a chance that they are far less polite (see #3 above).
今天購買到超便宜的貓糧(I)
今天我們很開心和自豪, 僅花費US$0.91購買以下貓產品:
兩包Friskies 3.15磅的乾糧;
一包Friskies Hairball Remedy零食;
三罐NUTRO - MAX CAT 3 oz.濕糧.
延伸閱讀: http://molewisdom.blogspot.com/2008/03/blog-post_13.html
兩包Friskies 3.15磅的乾糧;
一包Friskies Hairball Remedy零食;
三罐NUTRO - MAX CAT 3 oz.濕糧.
延伸閱讀: http://molewisdom.blogspot.com/2008/03/blog-post_13.html
3.27.2008
"哪有不吃魚的貓"--女士們真喜歡混淆事實﹐詆毀動物
在電視劇集中不時聽到劇中人物用這些詞句﹕
一群女士或"師奶"批評某男士﹕"哪有不吃魚的貓﹗﹖"
或
路人甲向一名當富豪助手或"跟班"說﹕"你神氣什麼﹐你只不過是一隻跟尾狗﹗"
相信很多女士們都喜歡用"哪有不吃魚的貓"來描述男士。不談論女士們是否一句說話冤枉和詆毀了世上所有男士﹐亦不談論她們是否虛偽(只懂批評男士﹐不懂檢討自己)﹐亦不談論她們是不是"人講佢講"的應聲蟲--只談論女士們是否一群沒有常識的井底蛙。
根據獸醫著作的書和貓食品公司的資料﹐貓是食肉獸(似獅子老虎)--主要食糧是肉﹐不是魚。貓喜歡肉(雞和豬)多過魚。除了寵物專業人士的意見外﹐我們亦有經驗之談。我們附近有至少四隻貓都不愛吃魚--曾做過實驗﹐把鮮魚和乾糧放在那幾貓面上。當乾糧差不多被吃光時﹐鮮魚差不多連碰也沒有碰過。
學術上和實驗上都證明世上絕對有不吃魚的貓。假如女士們得知這知識後仍要繼續用"哪有不吃魚的貓"﹐也許證明了她們喜歡混淆事實和胡亂誣蔑﹐而喜歡誣蔑的程度過份得連動物也不肯放過。真希望女士們能夠早點回頭是岸--希望她們不要作出"不吃魚的貓根本就不是貓"等的獨裁者理論。
也許女士們會用歪理來堅持"所有貓都吃魚"--而在沒有選擇下﹐這想法應該是正確的(我說"應該"﹐因為貓很倔強--有些貓寧願餓死也不會吃不喜歡的食物)。用"沒有選擇"這個情況做理由很牽強--有如說"哪有不吃樹皮樹根的人"或"哪有不喝尿的人"。百姓在打仗時糧食不足當然連樹皮樹根也要吃﹔人在沙漠沒有水時當然連自己的尿也要喝--但說"哪有不吃樹皮樹根的人"或"哪有不喝尿的人"絕對是歪理。
另外﹐"跟尾狗"亦可能是誤稱。但嚴重程度沒有"哪有不吃魚的貓"那麼過份--因為路人甲只是形容那富豪助理為"跟尾狗"﹐並不是說"哪有狗不跟尾"。世上故然有帶着主人走路的狗(到公園看看便知道)﹐但也有跟着主人走路的狗。由此可見﹐雖然路人甲的句子可能令人誤會了狗的習性﹐但那句子說不上是錯誤。
以後﹐假如想用動物來描述人(不管是讚美或批評)﹐應先留意或多加認識那種動物﹐否則很容易不小心詆毀動物。其後要向動物道歉就可憐了。
在此勸告女士們不要再教壞小朋友。世上絕對有不吃魚的貓(或不喜歡吃魚的貓)。現代的女士們如果一錯再錯﹐她們與喜歡用香爐灰治病的迷信婆婆豈不是越來越相似﹖
一群女士或"師奶"批評某男士﹕"哪有不吃魚的貓﹗﹖"
或
路人甲向一名當富豪助手或"跟班"說﹕"你神氣什麼﹐你只不過是一隻跟尾狗﹗"
相信很多女士們都喜歡用"哪有不吃魚的貓"來描述男士。不談論女士們是否一句說話冤枉和詆毀了世上所有男士﹐亦不談論她們是否虛偽(只懂批評男士﹐不懂檢討自己)﹐亦不談論她們是不是"人講佢講"的應聲蟲--只談論女士們是否一群沒有常識的井底蛙。
根據獸醫著作的書和貓食品公司的資料﹐貓是食肉獸(似獅子老虎)--主要食糧是肉﹐不是魚。貓喜歡肉(雞和豬)多過魚。除了寵物專業人士的意見外﹐我們亦有經驗之談。我們附近有至少四隻貓都不愛吃魚--曾做過實驗﹐把鮮魚和乾糧放在那幾貓面上。當乾糧差不多被吃光時﹐鮮魚差不多連碰也沒有碰過。
學術上和實驗上都證明世上絕對有不吃魚的貓。假如女士們得知這知識後仍要繼續用"哪有不吃魚的貓"﹐也許證明了她們喜歡混淆事實和胡亂誣蔑﹐而喜歡誣蔑的程度過份得連動物也不肯放過。真希望女士們能夠早點回頭是岸--希望她們不要作出"不吃魚的貓根本就不是貓"等的獨裁者理論。
也許女士們會用歪理來堅持"所有貓都吃魚"--而在沒有選擇下﹐這想法應該是正確的(我說"應該"﹐因為貓很倔強--有些貓寧願餓死也不會吃不喜歡的食物)。用"沒有選擇"這個情況做理由很牽強--有如說"哪有不吃樹皮樹根的人"或"哪有不喝尿的人"。百姓在打仗時糧食不足當然連樹皮樹根也要吃﹔人在沙漠沒有水時當然連自己的尿也要喝--但說"哪有不吃樹皮樹根的人"或"哪有不喝尿的人"絕對是歪理。
另外﹐"跟尾狗"亦可能是誤稱。但嚴重程度沒有"哪有不吃魚的貓"那麼過份--因為路人甲只是形容那富豪助理為"跟尾狗"﹐並不是說"哪有狗不跟尾"。世上故然有帶着主人走路的狗(到公園看看便知道)﹐但也有跟着主人走路的狗。由此可見﹐雖然路人甲的句子可能令人誤會了狗的習性﹐但那句子說不上是錯誤。
以後﹐假如想用動物來描述人(不管是讚美或批評)﹐應先留意或多加認識那種動物﹐否則很容易不小心詆毀動物。其後要向動物道歉就可憐了。
在此勸告女士們不要再教壞小朋友。世上絕對有不吃魚的貓(或不喜歡吃魚的貓)。現代的女士們如果一錯再錯﹐她們與喜歡用香爐灰治病的迷信婆婆豈不是越來越相似﹖
七旬婦騙綜援買樓囚四月--香港越來越似沒有人性的美國
雖然老婦行為確實不妥﹐但要一名七十四歲老婦因騙九萬多元而入獄亦缺乏人情。看來香港的法庭與沒有人性可言的美國法庭越來越相似。
(其中兩名最老的美國囚犯分別為八十九歲的老翁和老婦。美國亦有一名七十九歲老翁已經在獄中渡過了六十一個年頭--從十八歲至今﹔得到自由的那天將會是他死去的那天。)
假如這香港老婦是富裕"鬼婆"﹐她會入獄嗎﹖還是只判緩刑﹖畢竟﹐"鬼佬"銀行高層毆打的士司機不用入獄﹐只判緩刑。難道傷人不夠騙錢嚴重嗎﹖是因為被毆打的是低下的士司機﹐還是因為被騙錢的是至高無上的香港政府﹖
Source: http://hk.news.yahoo.com/080327/60/2rdm2.html
七旬婦騙綜援買樓囚四月 (星島) 03月 28日 星期五
(星島日報報道)七旬綜援老婦聲稱每餐只用十元，將省吃儉用的綜援金儲起，於沙士低迷期間置業，更將筲箕灣物業抵押，向財務公司借取十五萬元購入油麻地華德大廈一單位。因她無向社署 申報，在兩年內多騙取九萬多元綜援金而被控一項欺詐罪名，不過裁判官昨判刑時直言不接納她以餘下綜援金買樓，根本「看不出盤數點計」，決定判她入獄四個月。
記者：李頌恩、吳清廉
老婦因隱瞞戶口存款及置業，騙取綜援金九萬元，昨被判入獄四個月。涉案被告呂佩瑜（七十四歲）於上月初在東區裁判法院承認一項欺詐罪名，昨透過律師求情時指，被告兒子在美國 當工程師，曾每月給二千元予被告作生活費，她又領二千三百元綜援金，每月只撥一千元作生活開支，加上○三年被告購入金來大廈後即放租二千七百元，「死慳死抵」下儲有三萬元，另再以金來大廈作抵押批出十五萬購買華德大廈單位。
九萬元已歸還社署
律師又強調，被告不吃早餐，又有團體免費送飯給她才能儲錢，她犯案只想賺取生活費不再領綜援，也非連續犯案。被告已償還社署九萬元，現只尚欠三千三百多元綜援金，加上被告九七年中風後行動不便才領綜援，至○三年生活有改善卻沒有向社署申報，並非有心犯事，又向感化官稱不欲再領綜援，希望輕判。
不過裁判官馬保華不接納被告以餘下綜援款項買樓說法，更質疑被告購買金來大廈的資金來源，既沒有按揭，難以計算她的收入支出，來源「不清不楚」，更指斥她自「爆出」購買華德大廈後，陸續揭發她另擁金來大廈作抵押，並謂「每次提訊都多一棟樓」，故將量刑起點定為一年，但考慮被告認罪、年紀老邁、無案底及已償還款項，將刑期減至四個月，但勒令被告於九月三十日前清還所有涉案的綜援金。
存款超額 自爆有物業
案情指，被告於九七年申請綜援時，一直只申請一個結餘三千多元的銀行戶口，但社署○五年十一月進行抽查時，發現她原來尚有七個銀行戶口未申報，存款共達四萬五千元，超出申請綜援的資產上限，於是控告她一項欺詐罪名，並於上月二十一日認罪時，她自爆自己以十八萬元於○三年購入位於油麻地華德大廈的物業，最近轉售套現三十六萬元。裁判官為調查其資金來源，案件兩度押後，期間再揭發她擁有筲箕灣金來大廈一單位。案件編號：東區刑事四九四七──二○○七。
(其中兩名最老的美國囚犯分別為八十九歲的老翁和老婦。美國亦有一名七十九歲老翁已經在獄中渡過了六十一個年頭--從十八歲至今﹔得到自由的那天將會是他死去的那天。)
假如這香港老婦是富裕"鬼婆"﹐她會入獄嗎﹖還是只判緩刑﹖畢竟﹐"鬼佬"銀行高層毆打的士司機不用入獄﹐只判緩刑。難道傷人不夠騙錢嚴重嗎﹖是因為被毆打的是低下的士司機﹐還是因為被騙錢的是至高無上的香港政府﹖
Source: http://hk.news.yahoo.com/080327/60/2rdm2.html
七旬婦騙綜援買樓囚四月 (星島) 03月 28日 星期五
(星島日報報道)七旬綜援老婦聲稱每餐只用十元，將省吃儉用的綜援金儲起，於沙士低迷期間置業，更將筲箕灣物業抵押，向財務公司借取十五萬元購入油麻地華德大廈一單位。因她無向社署 申報，在兩年內多騙取九萬多元綜援金而被控一項欺詐罪名，不過裁判官昨判刑時直言不接納她以餘下綜援金買樓，根本「看不出盤數點計」，決定判她入獄四個月。
記者：李頌恩、吳清廉
老婦因隱瞞戶口存款及置業，騙取綜援金九萬元，昨被判入獄四個月。涉案被告呂佩瑜（七十四歲）於上月初在東區裁判法院承認一項欺詐罪名，昨透過律師求情時指，被告兒子在美國 當工程師，曾每月給二千元予被告作生活費，她又領二千三百元綜援金，每月只撥一千元作生活開支，加上○三年被告購入金來大廈後即放租二千七百元，「死慳死抵」下儲有三萬元，另再以金來大廈作抵押批出十五萬購買華德大廈單位。
九萬元已歸還社署
律師又強調，被告不吃早餐，又有團體免費送飯給她才能儲錢，她犯案只想賺取生活費不再領綜援，也非連續犯案。被告已償還社署九萬元，現只尚欠三千三百多元綜援金，加上被告九七年中風後行動不便才領綜援，至○三年生活有改善卻沒有向社署申報，並非有心犯事，又向感化官稱不欲再領綜援，希望輕判。
不過裁判官馬保華不接納被告以餘下綜援款項買樓說法，更質疑被告購買金來大廈的資金來源，既沒有按揭，難以計算她的收入支出，來源「不清不楚」，更指斥她自「爆出」購買華德大廈後，陸續揭發她另擁金來大廈作抵押，並謂「每次提訊都多一棟樓」，故將量刑起點定為一年，但考慮被告認罪、年紀老邁、無案底及已償還款項，將刑期減至四個月，但勒令被告於九月三十日前清還所有涉案的綜援金。
存款超額 自爆有物業
案情指，被告於九七年申請綜援時，一直只申請一個結餘三千多元的銀行戶口，但社署○五年十一月進行抽查時，發現她原來尚有七個銀行戶口未申報，存款共達四萬五千元，超出申請綜援的資產上限，於是控告她一項欺詐罪名，並於上月二十一日認罪時，她自爆自己以十八萬元於○三年購入位於油麻地華德大廈的物業，最近轉售套現三十六萬元。裁判官為調查其資金來源，案件兩度押後，期間再揭發她擁有筲箕灣金來大廈一單位。案件編號：東區刑事四九四七──二○○七。
荒謬的交通法律--安全帶﹐巴士﹐電單車﹐學校巴士
不久前﹐看到某香港議員談論規定巴士乘客用安全帶的法例。記得他大約說﹐"巴士設置企位﹐但強迫坐客用安全帶﹐這是什麼交通安全﹐真荒謬。"
我完全讚同他的說法。但我也明白有些交通法律根本沒有邏輯可言﹐只是隨立法者當時的喜惡--一個任意的決定(arbitrary decision)。有沒有想過﹕
- 為什麼坐汽車時要用安全帶﹐但又容許電單車的存在﹖電單車沒有安全帶﹐而且沒有"鐵皮"的保護。難道在汽車內比在電單車上更危險嗎﹖
- 為什麼體重輕或年幼的小孩子坐私家車時要用兒童安全座椅(Child safety seat)﹐但又容許小學學校巴士沒有兒童安全座椅(很多連安全帶也沒有)﹖難道校巴不會發生意外嗎﹖在私家車裡有父母或成年人貼身照顧(一對一﹐一對二﹐或一對少數兒童)﹐難道校巴司機對學生的照顧會比父母對子女的照顧更用心嗎﹖
在此聲明﹐我絕對支持坐車時用安全帶(不論前坐或後坐)﹔只是覺得法律對電單車和校巴的豁免真是荒謬到極。
我完全讚同他的說法。但我也明白有些交通法律根本沒有邏輯可言﹐只是隨立法者當時的喜惡--一個任意的決定(arbitrary decision)。有沒有想過﹕
- 為什麼坐汽車時要用安全帶﹐但又容許電單車的存在﹖電單車沒有安全帶﹐而且沒有"鐵皮"的保護。難道在汽車內比在電單車上更危險嗎﹖
- 為什麼體重輕或年幼的小孩子坐私家車時要用兒童安全座椅(Child safety seat)﹐但又容許小學學校巴士沒有兒童安全座椅(很多連安全帶也沒有)﹖難道校巴不會發生意外嗎﹖在私家車裡有父母或成年人貼身照顧(一對一﹐一對二﹐或一對少數兒童)﹐難道校巴司機對學生的照顧會比父母對子女的照顧更用心嗎﹖
在此聲明﹐我絕對支持坐車時用安全帶(不論前坐或後坐)﹔只是覺得法律對電單車和校巴的豁免真是荒謬到極。
美國機場警方令一名媽媽身亡--竟然用"按本子辦事"做免責理由﹐真可恥
美國鳳凰城機場警方在2007年9月拘留一名媽媽時導致她意外死亡。今早﹐那媽媽的家人決定向機場警方作民事索償。當日﹐警方將那媽媽獨自關在拘留室﹐用手銬將她雙手反鎖在背後﹐再用鐵鏈將手銬鎖在長鐵椅上。結果﹐在沒有警員看管的情況下﹐那媽媽意外地被背後的鐵鏈勒死。
警方堅持那媽媽的死是意外﹐又堅持警方沒有做錯﹐只是按照警方手則辦事。筆者當然相信這是不幸的意外﹐相信警方沒有故然殺死那媽媽。但用"按照警方手則辦事"來做免責理由真是不負責任的行為。一名媽媽在拘留室死了﹐拘留所負責人不單不用認錯﹐還堅持沒有做錯﹐真是美國警方的一貫本色。
人性和道德不容許有人性的人用"只是按本子辦事"為免責理由。難道我們可以接受日本皇軍士兵強姦殺害中國人後用"我們只是按本子辦事"為免責理由嗎﹖做錯事就應該認﹔做錯事還要用"只是按本子辦事"來辯護﹐美國鳳凰城機場警方簡直是一堆沒有勇氣又沒有人性的人類渣滓。
Links:
CNN news﹕Carol Anne Gotbaum
Thoughts on woman who died at Phoenix airport
美國再有虐待被拘留人士個案--被拘留四日﹐無水﹐無食物﹐無廁所
Source: Associated Press
PHOENIX (AP) — The family of a New York woman who died in police custody at the Phoenix airport in September filed an $8 million claim against the city Wednesday, the first step in filing a wrongful death suit.
The claim was immediately rejected by the city in a letter to lawyers for the family of Carol Anne Gotbaum, who died Sept. 28 in a police holding cell at Sky Harbor International Airport after being arrested for disorderly conduct. She was on her way by herself from New York to enter an alcohol treatment center in Tucson.
The claim, the legally required precursor to a lawsuit, seeks the money for Gotbaum's husband, Noah, her three children and her estate. Gotbaum's husband is the son of New York City Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum.
"On that day, members of the Phoenix Police Department used excessive and unreasonable force on Carol, as if she was a dangerous criminal, rather than as the sick, intoxicated, and vulnerable person she was," the claim states.
An autopsy report released by the Maricopa County medical examiner's office concluded that Gotbaum accidentally hanged herself on her shackles while in the holding cell. The report said intoxication from alcohol and prescription drugs were contributing factors.
Gotbaum family attorney Michael Manning wrote in the claim that police erred by putting her alone and shackled in a holding room.
"In the process, they ignored the warning signs that their own policies, procedures and training materials told them could result in Carol's death," Manning wrote.
Police have contended that Gotbaum's death was accidental and that officers who took her into custody did nothing wrong.
Wednesday's letter from the city's legal department to Manning said the claim that police should have responded differently was wrong.
"The thrust of the Gotbaum family claim is that the City of Phoenix police officers should have been more supportive than Carol's own husband, more knowledgeable than her own family, and should somehow have known that she suffered from a private condition that she deliberately hid from the public," said the letter signed by attorney Stephen Craig.
"But the Gotbaum family has publicly admitted, not only that Carol hid her medical and mental condition, but that the officers responded to Carol exactly the way her husband knew they would respond because they did not have critical information known only to the Gotbaum family," the letter continued.
The city letter included transcripts of phone calls Noah Gotbaum made to the airport the afternoon of his wife's death, telling officials he was concerned about her whereabouts because she was depressed and suicidal.
The Phoenix Police Department will probably refuse settling in any way, said Sgt. Andy Hill, a spokesman for the agency.
"The promise that was made to the police officers involved by the city legal unit when this all began was if those actions by those officers were justified and were professional, that they would go to the furthest extent possible to protect those officers," Hill said. "That is what's happening today."
My comments on gadling.com:
a) "This is true but it is just as true that if she wasn't allowed to travel alone in the first place she wouldn't be dead."
Well, if we look at it that way, I guess it is also true that she wouldn't be dead if she wasn't born in the first place, or if her parents weren't born in the first place, or so on...
But seriously, while her traveling alone is related to her death, the chain put around her neck is the direct cause for her death. And who chained the handcuffed woman to a bench in a locked room?
When a parent leaves a twelve-year-old child alone in the house and the child dies in a kitchen accident, the parent will be arrested. Why should the police be left off the hook for causing a death? Just because they are following procedures, no matter how inhumane the procedures are?
In the hypothetical situation above, at least, the child is not powerlessly chained to a metal bench.
b) We read the same story - she died in an accident choking herself. I certainly didn't mean the police "put" the chain around her neck. Sorry for the confusion.
What I meant to say was that if the chain were not there, the chain-choking death would not have occurred. Without the chain, maybe she could have banged her head against the wall and died that way (and possibly, this was the reason the police decided to chain her handcuffed hands to a bench -- unfortunately, this "protection from herself" did not work out as planned). But then, we would be speculating. So we can only assign blame based on what actually happened: Without the chain, no chain-choking death. Any other factor (her husband's not being there, her temper and tirade, etc.) is secondary and indirect. Therefore, the main blame (if not all the blame) should be assigned to the police.
I hesitate to blame the husband or the family for the accident, for these reasons:
1. The woman was an adult; I doubt the husband is legally empowered to keep her in the house.
2. The husband could certainly have flown with her. And he could have gone with her everywhere. But when would she get agitated and lose her temper? Should he go with her to the locker room and the bathroom, too? Where to draw the line? What if she insisted to go alone?
3. Trust is important for recovering mental patients. If she said she was fine, what was the husband to do? I guess the husband could have tailed her.
Even if the husband had gone with her, no one can tell whether he could have calmed her. What if he couldn't control her? What if he got angry as well and started arguing with her? What if they were both arrested? What if they were both handcuffed and chained to benches? What if the airport police used the stun gun on both them and they both died with a bad reaction to the stun gun? The point is that in speculation, anything could have happened - so it's futile to speculate. We can be certain only about what happened. So what if she had a history of difficulties, so what if she flew alone, so what if she lost her temper, so what if she was detained; none of those really matters. The only thing that matters is that if there were no chain on the woman or if the police kept an eye on her, she would not have choked on the chain and died.
I bet this is not the first time that someone has been detained by airport security for "making a scene" - and I would bet that not all of them have a history of mental difficulties. People get agitated and angry (though some more so than others), especially with so many unreasonable rules at the airport these days. If a hundred "normal" people were handcuffed and chained to a bench, I won't be surprised if one of them tried to "get out" or into a more comfortable position. Carol Anne Gotbaum happened to be one who tried to "get out" and she died in a freak accident. So, maybe the "mental difficulties" factor is to shift the public's attention from "the city's problem" to "her problem" and "the husband's problem."
警方堅持那媽媽的死是意外﹐又堅持警方沒有做錯﹐只是按照警方手則辦事。筆者當然相信這是不幸的意外﹐相信警方沒有故然殺死那媽媽。但用"按照警方手則辦事"來做免責理由真是不負責任的行為。一名媽媽在拘留室死了﹐拘留所負責人不單不用認錯﹐還堅持沒有做錯﹐真是美國警方的一貫本色。
人性和道德不容許有人性的人用"只是按本子辦事"為免責理由。難道我們可以接受日本皇軍士兵強姦殺害中國人後用"我們只是按本子辦事"為免責理由嗎﹖做錯事就應該認﹔做錯事還要用"只是按本子辦事"來辯護﹐美國鳳凰城機場警方簡直是一堆沒有勇氣又沒有人性的人類渣滓。
Links:
CNN news﹕Carol Anne Gotbaum
Thoughts on woman who died at Phoenix airport
美國再有虐待被拘留人士個案--被拘留四日﹐無水﹐無食物﹐無廁所
Source: Associated Press
PHOENIX (AP) — The family of a New York woman who died in police custody at the Phoenix airport in September filed an $8 million claim against the city Wednesday, the first step in filing a wrongful death suit.
The claim was immediately rejected by the city in a letter to lawyers for the family of Carol Anne Gotbaum, who died Sept. 28 in a police holding cell at Sky Harbor International Airport after being arrested for disorderly conduct. She was on her way by herself from New York to enter an alcohol treatment center in Tucson.
The claim, the legally required precursor to a lawsuit, seeks the money for Gotbaum's husband, Noah, her three children and her estate. Gotbaum's husband is the son of New York City Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum.
"On that day, members of the Phoenix Police Department used excessive and unreasonable force on Carol, as if she was a dangerous criminal, rather than as the sick, intoxicated, and vulnerable person she was," the claim states.
An autopsy report released by the Maricopa County medical examiner's office concluded that Gotbaum accidentally hanged herself on her shackles while in the holding cell. The report said intoxication from alcohol and prescription drugs were contributing factors.
Gotbaum family attorney Michael Manning wrote in the claim that police erred by putting her alone and shackled in a holding room.
"In the process, they ignored the warning signs that their own policies, procedures and training materials told them could result in Carol's death," Manning wrote.
Police have contended that Gotbaum's death was accidental and that officers who took her into custody did nothing wrong.
Wednesday's letter from the city's legal department to Manning said the claim that police should have responded differently was wrong.
"The thrust of the Gotbaum family claim is that the City of Phoenix police officers should have been more supportive than Carol's own husband, more knowledgeable than her own family, and should somehow have known that she suffered from a private condition that she deliberately hid from the public," said the letter signed by attorney Stephen Craig.
"But the Gotbaum family has publicly admitted, not only that Carol hid her medical and mental condition, but that the officers responded to Carol exactly the way her husband knew they would respond because they did not have critical information known only to the Gotbaum family," the letter continued.
The city letter included transcripts of phone calls Noah Gotbaum made to the airport the afternoon of his wife's death, telling officials he was concerned about her whereabouts because she was depressed and suicidal.
The Phoenix Police Department will probably refuse settling in any way, said Sgt. Andy Hill, a spokesman for the agency.
"The promise that was made to the police officers involved by the city legal unit when this all began was if those actions by those officers were justified and were professional, that they would go to the furthest extent possible to protect those officers," Hill said. "That is what's happening today."
My comments on gadling.com:
a) "This is true but it is just as true that if she wasn't allowed to travel alone in the first place she wouldn't be dead."
Well, if we look at it that way, I guess it is also true that she wouldn't be dead if she wasn't born in the first place, or if her parents weren't born in the first place, or so on...
But seriously, while her traveling alone is related to her death, the chain put around her neck is the direct cause for her death. And who chained the handcuffed woman to a bench in a locked room?
When a parent leaves a twelve-year-old child alone in the house and the child dies in a kitchen accident, the parent will be arrested. Why should the police be left off the hook for causing a death? Just because they are following procedures, no matter how inhumane the procedures are?
In the hypothetical situation above, at least, the child is not powerlessly chained to a metal bench.
b) We read the same story - she died in an accident choking herself. I certainly didn't mean the police "put" the chain around her neck. Sorry for the confusion.
What I meant to say was that if the chain were not there, the chain-choking death would not have occurred. Without the chain, maybe she could have banged her head against the wall and died that way (and possibly, this was the reason the police decided to chain her handcuffed hands to a bench -- unfortunately, this "protection from herself" did not work out as planned). But then, we would be speculating. So we can only assign blame based on what actually happened: Without the chain, no chain-choking death. Any other factor (her husband's not being there, her temper and tirade, etc.) is secondary and indirect. Therefore, the main blame (if not all the blame) should be assigned to the police.
I hesitate to blame the husband or the family for the accident, for these reasons:
1. The woman was an adult; I doubt the husband is legally empowered to keep her in the house.
2. The husband could certainly have flown with her. And he could have gone with her everywhere. But when would she get agitated and lose her temper? Should he go with her to the locker room and the bathroom, too? Where to draw the line? What if she insisted to go alone?
3. Trust is important for recovering mental patients. If she said she was fine, what was the husband to do? I guess the husband could have tailed her.
Even if the husband had gone with her, no one can tell whether he could have calmed her. What if he couldn't control her? What if he got angry as well and started arguing with her? What if they were both arrested? What if they were both handcuffed and chained to benches? What if the airport police used the stun gun on both them and they both died with a bad reaction to the stun gun? The point is that in speculation, anything could have happened - so it's futile to speculate. We can be certain only about what happened. So what if she had a history of difficulties, so what if she flew alone, so what if she lost her temper, so what if she was detained; none of those really matters. The only thing that matters is that if there were no chain on the woman or if the police kept an eye on her, she would not have choked on the chain and died.
I bet this is not the first time that someone has been detained by airport security for "making a scene" - and I would bet that not all of them have a history of mental difficulties. People get agitated and angry (though some more so than others), especially with so many unreasonable rules at the airport these days. If a hundred "normal" people were handcuffed and chained to a bench, I won't be surprised if one of them tried to "get out" or into a more comfortable position. Carol Anne Gotbaum happened to be one who tried to "get out" and she died in a freak accident. So, maybe the "mental difficulties" factor is to shift the public's attention from "the city's problem" to "her problem" and "the husband's problem."
3.26.2008
你們地區的油價有我們地區的($4.49)那麼過份嗎﹖
昨天去Redwood City﹐看到貴得恐怖的電油售價--Regular Unleaded 要$4.49/gallon。這是我們在灣區見過最貴的。你們地區的油價有那麼貴嗎﹖
在Redwood City附近﹐普遍的售價是$3.65-$3.75﹔只是這間Shell貴得嚇人。但竟然還有人在這間油站入油。真奇怪﹗
3.24.2008
Foods Co.(Food 4 Less) - (2008/03/26 - 2008/04/01)
Foods Co.是Kroger其中一間屬下公司.
Foods Co.大部份的產品比Safeway便宜. 主要的對像是一些低收入或打算省錢的家庭.
本人覺得品質可以接受.
購物小貼士:
Foods Co.出售的肉類較大件(包).
結帳的時候, 是自助式入袋--因此不用多請員工入袋, 公司省到的錢轉送到消費者身上(根據Foods Co.).
另外, 例如: 三件US$5, 不一定一次過購買三件.
今期(26 Mar 08 ~ 1 Apr 08)本人介紹多種買得過的貨品給大家:
Sweet Seedless Watermelon(少核甜西瓜) - 五磅US$1;
White Onions(洋蔥) - 三磅US$0.99;
Fresh Chicken Drumsticks or Thighs Family Pack(家庭裝雞髀) - 每磅US$0.97;
Hot Croissant of Lean Pockets 9 oz. Selected Varieties(Hot Pockets速食包) - 三件US$5;
Westpac Vegetables 16 oz. Selected Varieties(急凍雜菜包) - 每包US$0.98;
Fresh Chicken Wings Family Pack(家庭裝雞翼) - 每磅US$1.68;
Smucker's Strawberry Jam 32 oz.(士多啤梨果醬) - 兩瓶US$4.
還有其他的貨品買得過, 但是因為本人沒有需要購買, 所以沒有留意當中的價格.
有興趣的人士可到你們家附近的Foods Co.逛逛吧!
Foods Co.
Call: 1-888-924-5377
www.FoodsCo.NET
以下是灣區地址作參考:
San Francisco
345 Williams Ave. (at 3rd St.)
Store Phone: 415-330-1870
San Francisco
1800 Folsom St. (at 14th St.)
Store Phone: 415-558-9137
Richmond
1250 Macdonald Ave. (at Harbor Way)
Store Phone: 510-412-4444
Redwood City
1401 Broadway (at Woodside)
Store Phone: 650-366-5546
Pittsburg
300 Atlantic Ave. (at Harbor St.)
Store Phone: 925-473-2130
Sacramento So./Elk Grove
Consumnes River Blvd. and Bruceville Rd.
Store Phone: 916-688-3343
Sacramento
3625 Northgate Blvd. (at San Juan Road)
Store Phone: 916-927-8560
Sacramento
5330 Stockton Blvd. (at Stockton & Fruitridge)
Store Phone: 916-451-0806
Sacramento
8122 Gerber Rd.(at Near Gerber & Power Inn)
Store Phone: 916-689-5959
延伸閱讀: Foods Co.(Food 4 Less) - (2008/03/19 - 2008/03/25)
Foods Co.大部份的產品比Safeway便宜. 主要的對像是一些低收入或打算省錢的家庭.
本人覺得品質可以接受.
購物小貼士:
Foods Co.出售的肉類較大件(包).
結帳的時候, 是自助式入袋--因此不用多請員工入袋, 公司省到的錢轉送到消費者身上(根據Foods Co.).
另外, 例如: 三件US$5, 不一定一次過購買三件.
今期(26 Mar 08 ~ 1 Apr 08)本人介紹多種買得過的貨品給大家:
Sweet Seedless Watermelon(少核甜西瓜) - 五磅US$1;
White Onions(洋蔥) - 三磅US$0.99;
Fresh Chicken Drumsticks or Thighs Family Pack(家庭裝雞髀) - 每磅US$0.97;
Hot Croissant of Lean Pockets 9 oz. Selected Varieties(Hot Pockets速食包) - 三件US$5;Westpac Vegetables 16 oz. Selected Varieties(急凍雜菜包) - 每包US$0.98;
Fresh Chicken Wings Family Pack(家庭裝雞翼) - 每磅US$1.68;
Smucker's Strawberry Jam 32 oz.(士多啤梨果醬) - 兩瓶US$4.
還有其他的貨品買得過, 但是因為本人沒有需要購買, 所以沒有留意當中的價格.
有興趣的人士可到你們家附近的Foods Co.逛逛吧!
Foods Co.
Call: 1-888-924-5377
www.FoodsCo.NET
以下是灣區地址作參考:
San Francisco
345 Williams Ave. (at 3rd St.)
Store Phone: 415-330-1870
San Francisco
1800 Folsom St. (at 14th St.)
Store Phone: 415-558-9137
Richmond
1250 Macdonald Ave. (at Harbor Way)
Store Phone: 510-412-4444
Redwood City
1401 Broadway (at Woodside)
Store Phone: 650-366-5546
Pittsburg
300 Atlantic Ave. (at Harbor St.)
Store Phone: 925-473-2130
Sacramento So./Elk Grove
Consumnes River Blvd. and Bruceville Rd.
Store Phone: 916-688-3343
Sacramento
3625 Northgate Blvd. (at San Juan Road)
Store Phone: 916-927-8560
Sacramento
5330 Stockton Blvd. (at Stockton & Fruitridge)
Store Phone: 916-451-0806
Sacramento
8122 Gerber Rd.(at Near Gerber & Power Inn)
Store Phone: 916-689-5959
延伸閱讀: Foods Co.(Food 4 Less) - (2008/03/19 - 2008/03/25)
Mitsuwa Market Place (2008/03/28 - 2008/03/31)
Mitsuwa Market Place於加州設有七間分店. 祗收Cash, Visa Card和 MasterCard.
Mitsuwa雖然大部份產品售價比較昂貴, 但是當遇上有些產品減價的時候, 也抵買!
尤其是魚類, 豬牛雞等, 這類貨品品質相比起大華99, 永和超市, 獅子城和韓國市場都新鮮.
在Mitsuwa, 今期(28 Mar 08 ~ 31 Mar 08)4 Days Sale at CA 7 Stores.
本人介紹幾種買得過的貨品給大家:
Blue Mackerel Can 3 kinds, 6.7 oz. or Sardine Can 2 kinds, 3.52 oz.(魚罐頭) - 每罐US$0.99(祇限四罐);
Shirakiku Sanuki Udon Regular 7.76 oz., Katsuo 7.79 oz.(讚岐屋烏冬) - 兩包US$3.00(祇限四包);
Marinated Beef W/Korean Sauce(韓國風味牛肉) - 每磅US$2.99;
Enoki Mushroom(金菇) - 每包US$0.49.
還有其他的貨品買得過, 但是因為本人沒有需要購買, 所以沒有留意當中的價格.
有興趣的人士, 可前往附近的Mitsuwa逛逛.
Mitsuwa Market Place
http://www.mitsuwa.com/english/index.html
以下是加州參考地址:
Little Tokyo Store
333 S. Alameda St.,
Los Angeles, CA 90013
Tel.: 213-687-6699
Open: 7 days/week (9am ~ 8pm)
Torrance Store
21515 Western Ave.,
Torrance,CA 90501
Tel.: 310-782-0335
Open: 7 days/week (9am ~ 8pm)
Torrance Store-Restaurants (11:00am ~ 7:30pm)
Italian Tomato only (9:00am ~ 7:30pm)
Costa Mesa Store
665 Paularino Ave.,
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Tel.: 714-557-6699
Open: 7 days/week (9am ~ 8pm)
Costa Mesa Store-Restaurants (11:00am ~ 7:30pm)
Italian Tomato only (9:00am ~ 7:30pm)
San Gabriel Store
515 W. Las Tunas Dr.,
San Gabriel, CA 91776
Tel.: 626-457-2899
Open: 7 days/week (9am ~ 8pm)
Santa Monica Stroe
3760 Centinela Ave.,
Los Angeles, CA 90066
Tel.: 310-398-2113
Open: 7 days/week (9am ~ 8pm)
Santa Monica Stroe-Restaurants (11:00am ~ 7:30pm)
San Diego Store
4240 Kearny Mesa Rd. #119,
San Diego, CA 92111
Tel.: 858-569-6699
Open: 7 days/week (9am ~ 8pm)
San Diego Store-Restaurants (11:00am ~ 7:30pm)
San Jose Store
675 Saratoga Ave.,
San Jose, CA 95129
Tel.: 408-255-6699
Open: 7 days/week (9am ~ 8pm)
延伸閱讀: Mitsuwa Market Place (2008/03/21 - 2008/03/24)
Mitsuwa雖然大部份產品售價比較昂貴, 但是當遇上有些產品減價的時候, 也抵買!
尤其是魚類, 豬牛雞等, 這類貨品品質相比起大華99, 永和超市, 獅子城和韓國市場都新鮮.
在Mitsuwa, 今期(28 Mar 08 ~ 31 Mar 08)4 Days Sale at CA 7 Stores.
本人介紹幾種買得過的貨品給大家:
Blue Mackerel Can 3 kinds, 6.7 oz. or Sardine Can 2 kinds, 3.52 oz.(魚罐頭) - 每罐US$0.99(祇限四罐);
Shirakiku Sanuki Udon Regular 7.76 oz., Katsuo 7.79 oz.(讚岐屋烏冬) - 兩包US$3.00(祇限四包);
Marinated Beef W/Korean Sauce(韓國風味牛肉) - 每磅US$2.99;Enoki Mushroom(金菇) - 每包US$0.49.
還有其他的貨品買得過, 但是因為本人沒有需要購買, 所以沒有留意當中的價格.
有興趣的人士, 可前往附近的Mitsuwa逛逛.
Mitsuwa Market Place
http://www.mitsuwa.com/english/index.html
以下是加州參考地址:
Little Tokyo Store
333 S. Alameda St.,
Los Angeles, CA 90013
Tel.: 213-687-6699
Open: 7 days/week (9am ~ 8pm)
Torrance Store
21515 Western Ave.,
Torrance,CA 90501
Tel.: 310-782-0335
Open: 7 days/week (9am ~ 8pm)
Torrance Store-Restaurants (11:00am ~ 7:30pm)
Italian Tomato only (9:00am ~ 7:30pm)
Costa Mesa Store
665 Paularino Ave.,
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Tel.: 714-557-6699
Open: 7 days/week (9am ~ 8pm)
Costa Mesa Store-Restaurants (11:00am ~ 7:30pm)
Italian Tomato only (9:00am ~ 7:30pm)
San Gabriel Store
515 W. Las Tunas Dr.,
San Gabriel, CA 91776
Tel.: 626-457-2899
Open: 7 days/week (9am ~ 8pm)
Santa Monica Stroe
3760 Centinela Ave.,
Los Angeles, CA 90066
Tel.: 310-398-2113
Open: 7 days/week (9am ~ 8pm)
Santa Monica Stroe-Restaurants (11:00am ~ 7:30pm)
San Diego Store
4240 Kearny Mesa Rd. #119,
San Diego, CA 92111
Tel.: 858-569-6699
Open: 7 days/week (9am ~ 8pm)
San Diego Store-Restaurants (11:00am ~ 7:30pm)
San Jose Store
675 Saratoga Ave.,
San Jose, CA 95129
Tel.: 408-255-6699
Open: 7 days/week (9am ~ 8pm)
延伸閱讀: Mitsuwa Market Place (2008/03/21 - 2008/03/24)
為什麼我們不使用Coinstar 零錢兌換機 ?
Coinstar, 該公司的業務很簡單, 就是幫助人們把大堆零錢兌換鈔票(或網上禮券), 從中收取手續(服務)費. 公司在全美國的大商場, 購物中心和超市設有一萬多個Coinstar兌換機.
Coinstar兌換鈔票的服務費為8.9%, 即是US$100散硬幣換取US$91.1的鈔票. 其實, 這個兌換率比加州消售稅還要高.
有些服務機可選擇兌換同額的網上禮券. 商店的禮券如:Starbucks, Amazon, Circuit City, JCPenney等. 選擇兌換網上禮券雖然不用收取服務費, 但是US$100現金始終勝過US$100購物禮券. 除非有特別Bonus, 但Bonus不是常常有.
另一個兌換現金的方法, 在銀行設有戶口的, 可把一筒筒散硬幣帶到銀行兌換鈔票(事前須要自行把散硬幣妥善包裝到硬幣紙筒中). 有些銀行或者會收手續費, 兌換之前先致電詢問該銀行.
我們覺得最好的辦法是把少量的散硬幣放進散銀包包中, 在購買少量物品的時候(我們的做法: 貨品低於US$10而不使用credit card), 把散銀包包一拼帶進購物, 用散硬幣付款. 久而久之散銀包包中的散硬幣很快便用完. 這個辦法可令硬幣有減無增.
相關參考資料:
http://www.coinstar.com/us/html/a-home
Coinstar兌換鈔票的服務費為8.9%, 即是US$100散硬幣換取US$91.1的鈔票. 其實, 這個兌換率比加州消售稅還要高.
有些服務機可選擇兌換同額的網上禮券. 商店的禮券如:Starbucks, Amazon, Circuit City, JCPenney等. 選擇兌換網上禮券雖然不用收取服務費, 但是US$100現金始終勝過US$100購物禮券. 除非有特別Bonus, 但Bonus不是常常有.
另一個兌換現金的方法, 在銀行設有戶口的, 可把一筒筒散硬幣帶到銀行兌換鈔票(事前須要自行把散硬幣妥善包裝到硬幣紙筒中). 有些銀行或者會收手續費, 兌換之前先致電詢問該銀行.
我們覺得最好的辦法是把少量的散硬幣放進散銀包包中, 在購買少量物品的時候(我們的做法: 貨品低於US$10而不使用credit card), 把散銀包包一拼帶進購物, 用散硬幣付款. 久而久之散銀包包中的散硬幣很快便用完. 這個辦法可令硬幣有減無增.
相關參考資料:
http://www.coinstar.com/us/html/a-home
3.23.2008
台灣大選--結果是我期望的﹐雖然誰勝誰敗對我沒有關係
馬謝之戰﹐誰勝誰敗對我(身在美國的香港人)沒有關係。只因美國TVB在大選前有很多台灣大選特別節目才開始留意。
馬英九的勝利是我期望的結果--某程度上是因為我覺得他會帶來兩岸和世界的穩定。但最大的原因是覺得謝長廷的招數很低賤--難道除了批評馬的綠卡(不管是不是仍然有效--雖然根據我所知﹐假設美國政府視馬為普通人﹐他的綠卡應該已經無效)和特別費案﹐台灣就沒有其他問題(經濟或政策)值得討論嗎﹖
另外﹐前美國在台協會理事主席最後有沒有出現呢﹖他不是本來要出來證明馬英九的綠卡仍是有效嗎﹖那個主席究竟去了哪﹖是坐錯飛機﹐去錯地方嗎﹖還是又是奸招﹖
馬英九的勝利是我期望的結果--某程度上是因為我覺得他會帶來兩岸和世界的穩定。但最大的原因是覺得謝長廷的招數很低賤--難道除了批評馬的綠卡(不管是不是仍然有效--雖然根據我所知﹐假設美國政府視馬為普通人﹐他的綠卡應該已經無效)和特別費案﹐台灣就沒有其他問題(經濟或政策)值得討論嗎﹖
另外﹐前美國在台協會理事主席最後有沒有出現呢﹖他不是本來要出來證明馬英九的綠卡仍是有效嗎﹖那個主席究竟去了哪﹖是坐錯飛機﹐去錯地方嗎﹖還是又是奸招﹖
球王比利的打擊網上侵權TVB廣告--一個不知所謂的廣告
今天在美國TVB又看到一個打擊網上侵權的廣告﹐又是一個不知所謂的廣告。廣告說什麼"球王比利注重公平競賽",什麼"下載要合法"﹐什麼"公平競賽﹐打擊盜版"。合法下載當然好﹐但"公平競賽","合法下載"和"打擊盜版"究竟有什麼關係呢﹖有一個牽強的可能﹕
廣告的目標觀眾是娛樂和音樂公司。廣告的用意是勸導娛樂公司們不要互相非法下載對方的電影和音樂--要尊重"公平競賽"。有可能但真的有點牽強。所以用"公平競賽"來帶出"合法下載"絕對詞不達意。有人可以給大家一個解釋嗎﹖
另外﹐廣告歌頌球王比利入球過千﹐談及他如何注重公平競賽。入球數量﹐無可否認。至於"注重公平競賽"﹐不得而知--只希望當年的他比現在的足球員更注重公平競賽。看幾分鐘的2006年世界盃更馬上看到現在的球員的奸猾行為(假裝跌﹑假裝受傷﹑偷偷犯規﹑犯規後舉手假裝無辜)。假如公平競賽真的對比利那麼重要﹐作為足球界宗師的他首先應該勸告他的師弟(巴西和南美國家隊伍)和後輩(其他國家隊伍)尊重公平競賽--不要再在球場上作出奸猾行為。如果他做得到﹐他那"公平競賽"發言定必更有可信性--雖然仍不能解釋與"合法下載"有什麼關係。
設計廣告的人究竟有沒有用心去想出一個合適的廣告角度呢﹖這個廣告﹕發言人找錯了﹐訊息有邏輯缺陷。求其用"明星效應"就以為可以帶出訊息真是侮辱了觀眾-簡直當觀眾是傻瓜。
Links:
張學友廣告中扮演網上"金魚叔叔"侵犯孩子網上私穩﹐還挑戰其父母--問"知不知道子女上網做甚麼﹖"
根據TVB廣告﹐看來在香港被檢控等同定罪﹐是TVB說錯了﹖還是只是應用在窮人身上﹖
廣告的目標觀眾是娛樂和音樂公司。廣告的用意是勸導娛樂公司們不要互相非法下載對方的電影和音樂--要尊重"公平競賽"。有可能但真的有點牽強。所以用"公平競賽"來帶出"合法下載"絕對詞不達意。有人可以給大家一個解釋嗎﹖
另外﹐廣告歌頌球王比利入球過千﹐談及他如何注重公平競賽。入球數量﹐無可否認。至於"注重公平競賽"﹐不得而知--只希望當年的他比現在的足球員更注重公平競賽。看幾分鐘的2006年世界盃更馬上看到現在的球員的奸猾行為(假裝跌﹑假裝受傷﹑偷偷犯規﹑犯規後舉手假裝無辜)。假如公平競賽真的對比利那麼重要﹐作為足球界宗師的他首先應該勸告他的師弟(巴西和南美國家隊伍)和後輩(其他國家隊伍)尊重公平競賽--不要再在球場上作出奸猾行為。如果他做得到﹐他那"公平競賽"發言定必更有可信性--雖然仍不能解釋與"合法下載"有什麼關係。
設計廣告的人究竟有沒有用心去想出一個合適的廣告角度呢﹖這個廣告﹕發言人找錯了﹐訊息有邏輯缺陷。求其用"明星效應"就以為可以帶出訊息真是侮辱了觀眾-簡直當觀眾是傻瓜。
Links:
張學友廣告中扮演網上"金魚叔叔"侵犯孩子網上私穩﹐還挑戰其父母--問"知不知道子女上網做甚麼﹖"
根據TVB廣告﹐看來在香港被檢控等同定罪﹐是TVB說錯了﹖還是只是應用在窮人身上﹖
Walgreens (2008/03/23 - 2008/03/29)
滙報今期(2008/03/23- 2008/03/29)Walgreens有什麼買得過:
Deerfield Farms Dried Fruit 4.25~7 oz. Assorted varieties(乾果) - 每盒US$1.
Coupon Good at Walgreens:
Pringles 5.12~6 oz. Assorted flavors. Limited 3 Excludes fat free(品客薯片, 祗限三件, 不包括fat free) - 每件US$0.99;
Baking Soda, Deerfield Farms Baking Soda 16 oz. or Salt, Morton lodized Salt 26 oz. Limited 4(蘇打粉or鹽) - 兩件US$1.
Deerfield Farms Dried Fruit 4.25~7 oz. Assorted varieties(乾果) - 每盒US$1.Coupon Good at Walgreens:
Pringles 5.12~6 oz. Assorted flavors. Limited 3 Excludes fat free(品客薯片, 祗限三件, 不包括fat free) - 每件US$0.99;
Baking Soda, Deerfield Farms Baking Soda 16 oz. or Salt, Morton lodized Salt 26 oz. Limited 4(蘇打粉or鹽) - 兩件US$1.
Longs Drugs (2008/03/23 - 2008/03/29)
滙報今期(2008/03/23- 2008/03/29)Longs Drugs有什麼買得過.
After Mail-In Rebate: Angel Soft Bathroom Tissue 12 Double Rolls(Angel廁紙) - US$10兩包.
有關Mail-In Rebate閱讀
After Mail-In Rebate: Angel Soft Bathroom Tissue 12 Double Rolls(Angel廁紙) - US$10兩包.有關Mail-In Rebate閱讀
3.21.2008
昨天前去捉(釣)蟹--收穫幾好
昨天早上我們前去碼頭捉(釣)蟹, 大約逗留三個半小時。收穫不錯。
烹煮蟹的方法有很多, 我們喜歡清蒸(因為新鮮), 另外可造蟹餅, 蟹肉碗仔翅, 蟹黃炒飯, 海鮮湯和蟹粥。
你們有捉蟹的經驗嗎﹖齊來分享。
建議處理蟹的方法:
先把蟹殼, 蟹身, 蟹腳用牙刷洗乾淨, 把分辨雌雄的三角部分拉開除去, 然後打開蟹殼去除腮, 內臟(胃)和嘴, 略清一次, 用刀把蟹身切一半.
用手把蟹腳和鉗一隻隻的拆下來. 瀝乾水份後, 用保鮮膠盒盛載, 然後放進冰箱. 待日後烹煮之用.
好味道呀~ 但不宜多吃, 因為蟹屬寒性。烹煮的時候宜放多些薑絲和蔥段.
捉(釣)蟹的其他須知:
Dungeness的最小尺寸是5又3/4吋(5.75").
其他的蟹最小尺寸是4吋.
~為了保謢將來蟹產量最好不要把有蟹卵的雌蟹帶回家~
烹煮蟹的方法有很多, 我們喜歡清蒸(因為新鮮), 另外可造蟹餅, 蟹肉碗仔翅, 蟹黃炒飯, 海鮮湯和蟹粥。
你們有捉蟹的經驗嗎﹖齊來分享。
建議處理蟹的方法:
先把蟹殼, 蟹身, 蟹腳用牙刷洗乾淨, 把分辨雌雄的三角部分拉開除去, 然後打開蟹殼去除腮, 內臟(胃)和嘴, 略清一次, 用刀把蟹身切一半.
用手把蟹腳和鉗一隻隻的拆下來. 瀝乾水份後, 用保鮮膠盒盛載, 然後放進冰箱. 待日後烹煮之用.
好味道呀~ 但不宜多吃, 因為蟹屬寒性。烹煮的時候宜放多些薑絲和蔥段.
捉(釣)蟹的其他須知:
Dungeness的最小尺寸是5又3/4吋(5.75").
其他的蟹最小尺寸是4吋.
~為了保謢將來蟹產量最好不要把有蟹卵的雌蟹帶回家~
Prime Rate (最優惠利率) 這名詞從哪裡來﹖
相信差不多所有人都認為"Prime Rate"的解釋是"最優惠利率"--因為在新聞中聽慣了。但原來以歷史解釋﹐用"最優惠"來代表"Prime"並不正確。因為這個"Prime"的原意只是兩百年前一個人物的姓氏﹐根本沒有"最好"或"最優惠"的意思。
小小歷史背景﹕
在1802﹐ 一位名Nathaniel Prime的股票經紀開始刊登一個利率表(Prime's list) -- 這個表名為Prime's Rates。之後﹐簡單化成為Prime rate。
想深一層﹐"Prime Rate" 不真的是"最優惠利率"--因為最好的客人經常得到比"最優惠利率"更優惠的利率(即是"P減利率")。
如果沒有看過一本名The Lies About Money (by Ric Edelman)﹐便不會知道這少少有趣歷史。
小小歷史背景﹕
在1802﹐ 一位名Nathaniel Prime的股票經紀開始刊登一個利率表(Prime's list) -- 這個表名為Prime's Rates。之後﹐簡單化成為Prime rate。
想深一層﹐"Prime Rate" 不真的是"最優惠利率"--因為最好的客人經常得到比"最優惠利率"更優惠的利率(即是"P減利率")。
如果沒有看過一本名The Lies About Money (by Ric Edelman)﹐便不會知道這少少有趣歷史。
3.17.2008
黃老虎高級督察終於回應了﹔有驚喜亦有失望
今天終於收到黃老虎高級督察對鄧竟成失言的回應﹐有點驚喜。
但亦有點失望﹕
1. 要我多番跟進後﹐黃老虎才回應。起初覺得他只想將早前的承諾不了了之。今天才明白應該是因為他英文有限﹐不明白我之前的信。幸好我上一封信是中英對照。以前以為督察級的都要英文好﹐原來不是一定。香港學生英文越來越差﹐想不到高級公務員也是一樣。
2. 黃老虎回應的內容答非所問﹐只是貼了一般的公關答應﹐與原本的意見信沒有直接關係。對這種內容有點反感﹐覺得黃老虎敷衍市民。另外﹐內容中警方間接默認了有選擇性執法的必要﹐而且漏洞大(保障警方﹐危險市民)。但我亦非常明白在警方高層的淫威下﹐虎落平陽被犬欺也無可厚非。要自保和令子孫無憂﹐只好敷衍市民。
---------------------------------------------
致 M Mole Wisdom 先生 / 小姐:
多謝你的來信。
有關在網上發布疑似藝人裸照的事件，根據《淫褻及不雅物品管制條例》(第
390章)，任何人發布淫褻物品、或管有或輸入淫褻物品以供發布，均屬犯罪，一經
定罪，最高刑罰為罰款$1,000,000及監禁3年。
“發布淫褻物品”包括將淫褻物品上載至互聯網，供其他人觀看或下載。發布
的淫褻物品，不論是否經過修改，只要該物品被界定為淫褻及不雅，有關罪行已經
成立。
警務處對所有案件的調查都是一視同仁，在提出檢控時，會將事實的全部透
過既定的司法程序向法庭披露，至於所提供的證供是否足以將被告人定罪，是法庭
根據控辯雙方的證供作出獨立的判斷。
警務處根據香港法例賦予的權力，以公平、公開、公正及不偏不倚的態度來
執行法律。
警務處提醒所有市民，如在互聯網上接觸到淫褻物品，應盡快向警方舉
報。此外，使用互聯網時必須守法，在現實世界的防止罪案的法規，亦適用於互聯
網。
祝 身體健康
(黃鴻虎)
科技罪案組高級督察
警察商業罪案調查科
---------------------------------------------
Links:
再去信給黃老虎(關於鄧處長早前的失言)
To Commissioner Tang: Seeking your apology for your comments on the obscenity laws
鄧竟成竟然有派手下回覆投訴email
但亦有點失望﹕
1. 要我多番跟進後﹐黃老虎才回應。起初覺得他只想將早前的承諾不了了之。今天才明白應該是因為他英文有限﹐不明白我之前的信。幸好我上一封信是中英對照。以前以為督察級的都要英文好﹐原來不是一定。香港學生英文越來越差﹐想不到高級公務員也是一樣。
2. 黃老虎回應的內容答非所問﹐只是貼了一般的公關答應﹐與原本的意見信沒有直接關係。對這種內容有點反感﹐覺得黃老虎敷衍市民。另外﹐內容中警方間接默認了有選擇性執法的必要﹐而且漏洞大(保障警方﹐危險市民)。但我亦非常明白在警方高層的淫威下﹐虎落平陽被犬欺也無可厚非。要自保和令子孫無憂﹐只好敷衍市民。
---------------------------------------------
致 M Mole Wisdom 先生 / 小姐:
多謝你的來信。
有關在網上發布疑似藝人裸照的事件，根據《淫褻及不雅物品管制條例》(第
390章)，任何人發布淫褻物品、或管有或輸入淫褻物品以供發布，均屬犯罪，一經
定罪，最高刑罰為罰款$1,000,000及監禁3年。
“發布淫褻物品”包括將淫褻物品上載至互聯網，供其他人觀看或下載。發布
的淫褻物品，不論是否經過修改，只要該物品被界定為淫褻及不雅，有關罪行已經
成立。
警務處對所有案件的調查都是一視同仁，在提出檢控時，會將事實的全部透
過既定的司法程序向法庭披露，至於所提供的證供是否足以將被告人定罪，是法庭
根據控辯雙方的證供作出獨立的判斷。
警務處根據香港法例賦予的權力，以公平、公開、公正及不偏不倚的態度來
執行法律。
警務處提醒所有市民，如在互聯網上接觸到淫褻物品，應盡快向警方舉
報。此外，使用互聯網時必須守法，在現實世界的防止罪案的法規，亦適用於互聯
網。
祝 身體健康
(黃鴻虎)
科技罪案組高級督察
警察商業罪案調查科
---------------------------------------------
Links:
再去信給黃老虎(關於鄧處長早前的失言)
To Commissioner Tang: Seeking your apology for your comments on the obscenity laws
鄧竟成竟然有派手下回覆投訴email
超市其他着數 - (2008/03/19 - 2008/03/25)
今期(2008/03/19 - 2008/03/25) Safeway有超值貨品介紹:
Lay's Potato Chips 12.5~13.75oz.(Lay's薯片)-每包$1.88;
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
以下須持Safeway報紙coupons(有效期3/19/08~3/23/08)及買滿$10方可享用這個價格:
Lucerne Butter 16oz.(牛油)-每盒$1.99 (Limit 1 with Minimum $10 Purchase)
Nabisco Snack Crackers 7~10oz.(餅乾)-$3.00兩盒(Limit 1 Purchase of 2 with Minimum $10 Purchase)
Lay's Potato Chips 12.5~13.75oz.(Lay's薯片)-每包$1.88;
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
以下須持Safeway報紙coupons(有效期3/19/08~3/23/08)及買滿$10方可享用這個價格:
Lucerne Butter 16oz.(牛油)-每盒$1.99 (Limit 1 with Minimum $10 Purchase)
Nabisco Snack Crackers 7~10oz.(餅乾)-$3.00兩盒(Limit 1 Purchase of 2 with Minimum $10 Purchase)
Foods Co.(Food 4 Less) - (2008/03/19 - 2008/03/25)
Foods Co.是Kroger其中一間屬下公司.
Foods Co.大部份的產品比Safeway便宜. 主要的對像是一些低收入或打算省錢的家庭.
本人覺得品質可以接受.
購物小貼士:
Foods Co.出售的肉類較大件(包).
結帳的時候, 是自助式入袋--因此不用多請員工入袋, 公司省到的錢轉送到消費者身上(根據Foods Co.).
另外, 例如: 三件US$5, 不一定一次過購買三件.
今期(19 Mar 08 ~ 25 Mar 08)本人介紹多種買得過的貨品給大家:
Fresh farmer John Full Half Ham(有骨半火腿)-每磅$0.77(須要購買滿$25才可享有此優惠)未滿$25者-每磅$1.18;
Fresh Sweet Cantaloupe(甜蜜瓜)-每磅$0.37;
Fresh Gold Pineapples(菠蘿/鳳梨)-每個$1.98.
Fresh Strawberries 1Lb. pkg.(士多啤梨)-$3.00兩盒;
Fresh Chicken Breasts, Drumsticks, Thighs or Combo Pack-Family Pack(胸,全髀,翼-家庭裝)每磅US$0.97;
Eggo Waffles 10 Count 9.9~12.3oz.(Eggo格仔餅)-$5.00三盒;
Philadelphia Cream Cheese 8oz.(奶油乳酪)-$5.00四盒
Kroger Bagged Vegetables 16oz.(急凍雜豆)-每包0.98.
Fresh Green Onion(青蔥)$0.99三扎.
還有其他的貨品買得過, 但是因為本人沒有需要購買, 所以沒有留意當中的價格.
有興趣的人士可到你們家附近的Foods Co.逛逛吧!
Foods Co.
Call: 1-888-924-5377
www.FoodsCo.NET
以下是灣區地址作參考:
San Francisco
345 Williams Ave. (at 3rd St.)
Store Phone: 415-330-1870
San Francisco
1800 Folsom St. (at 14th St.)
Store Phone: 415-558-9137
Richmond
1250 Macdonald Ave. (at Harbor Way)
Store Phone: 510-412-4444
Redwood City
1401 Broadway (at Woodside)
Store Phone: 650-366-5546
Pittsburg
300 Atlantic Ave. (at Harbor St.)
Store Phone: 925-473-2130
Sacramento So./Elk Grove
Consumnes River Blvd. and Bruceville Rd.
Store Phone: 916-688-3343
Sacramento
3625 Northgate Blvd. (at San Juan Road)
Store Phone: 916-927-8560
Sacramento
5330 Stockton Blvd. (at Stockton & Fruitridge)
Store Phone: 916-451-0806
Sacramento
8122 Gerber Rd.(at Near Gerber & Power Inn)
Store Phone: 916-689-5959
延伸閱讀: Foods Co.(Food 4 Less) - (2008/03/12 - 2008/03/18)
Foods Co.大部份的產品比Safeway便宜. 主要的對像是一些低收入或打算省錢的家庭.
本人覺得品質可以接受.
購物小貼士:
Foods Co.出售的肉類較大件(包).
結帳的時候, 是自助式入袋--因此不用多請員工入袋, 公司省到的錢轉送到消費者身上(根據Foods Co.).
另外, 例如: 三件US$5, 不一定一次過購買三件.
今期(19 Mar 08 ~ 25 Mar 08)本人介紹多種買得過的貨品給大家:
Fresh farmer John Full Half Ham(有骨半火腿)-每磅$0.77(須要購買滿$25才可享有此優惠)未滿$25者-每磅$1.18;Fresh Sweet Cantaloupe(甜蜜瓜)-每磅$0.37;
Fresh Gold Pineapples(菠蘿/鳳梨)-每個$1.98.
Fresh Strawberries 1Lb. pkg.(士多啤梨)-$3.00兩盒;Fresh Chicken Breasts, Drumsticks, Thighs or Combo Pack-Family Pack(胸,全髀,翼-家庭裝)每磅US$0.97;
Eggo Waffles 10 Count 9.9~12.3oz.(Eggo格仔餅)-$5.00三盒;
Philadelphia Cream Cheese 8oz.(奶油乳酪)-$5.00四盒
Kroger Bagged Vegetables 16oz.(急凍雜豆)-每包0.98.
Fresh Green Onion(青蔥)$0.99三扎.
還有其他的貨品買得過, 但是因為本人沒有需要購買, 所以沒有留意當中的價格.有興趣的人士可到你們家附近的Foods Co.逛逛吧!
Foods Co.
Call: 1-888-924-5377
www.FoodsCo.NET
以下是灣區地址作參考:
San Francisco
345 Williams Ave. (at 3rd St.)
Store Phone: 415-330-1870
San Francisco
1800 Folsom St. (at 14th St.)
Store Phone: 415-558-9137
Richmond
1250 Macdonald Ave. (at Harbor Way)
Store Phone: 510-412-4444
Redwood City
1401 Broadway (at Woodside)
Store Phone: 650-366-5546
Pittsburg
300 Atlantic Ave. (at Harbor St.)
Store Phone: 925-473-2130
Sacramento So./Elk Grove
Consumnes River Blvd. and Bruceville Rd.
Store Phone: 916-688-3343
Sacramento
3625 Northgate Blvd. (at San Juan Road)
Store Phone: 916-927-8560
Sacramento
5330 Stockton Blvd. (at Stockton & Fruitridge)
Store Phone: 916-451-0806
Sacramento
8122 Gerber Rd.(at Near Gerber & Power Inn)
Store Phone: 916-689-5959
延伸閱讀: Foods Co.(Food 4 Less) - (2008/03/12 - 2008/03/18)
Mitsuwa Market Place (2008/03/21 - 2008/03/24)
Mitsuwa Market Place於加州設有七間分店. 祗收Cash, Visa Card和 MasterCard.
Mitsuwa雖然大部份產品售價比較昂貴, 但是當遇上有些產品減價的時候, 也抵買!
尤其是魚類, 豬牛雞等, 這類貨品品質相比起大華99, 永和超市, 獅子城和韓國市場都新鮮.
在Mitsuwa, 今期(21 Mar 08 ~ 24 Mar 08)本人介紹幾種買得過的貨品給大家:
Blue Mackerel Fillet(鯖魚)-每磅$2.99;
Takahama Shokuhin Fried Fish Cakes 3kind, 8.46oz.(高浜食品-魚片)-每包$1.99;
Iwatsuka Seika Kuromame Senbei 6.91oz.; Iwatsuka Seika Yukinoyado Salad 5.88oz.(黑豆餅乾;雪米餅)-每包$1.99
Glico Pocky Chocolate 2.82oz.(Pocky朱古力味百力枝)-每盒$0.99;
Glico Pocky Strawberry 2.08oz.(Pocky士多啤梨味百力枝)-每盒$1.39;
Glico Pocky Almond Crush 2.89oz.(Pocky粹杏仁粒百力枝)-每盒$1.99.
以下是指定日數減價而本人覺得買得過的貨品:
21 Mar - Natural Pork Boneless Pork Loin for Sukiyaki(薄豬肉片)-每磅$3.99.
23 Mar - Torokeru Curry 3kinds, 7.0oz./ea, Torokeru Hayashi 5.6oz.(咖哩磚)-$3.00兩件(祇限四件); House Tofu 2kinds 14oz./ea(豆腐)-每盒$0.69(祇限四件); Sinkawa Yakisoba 3p., 16.9oz.(拉麵)-每包$1.19(祇限兩包).
24 Mar - Shirakiku Sanukiya Udon 5p.,44oz.(烏東)-每包$2.49(祇限兩包); Shirakiku Zarusoba 1kg.(蕎麥麵)-每包$2.99(祇限四包).
還有其他的貨品買得過, 但是因為本人沒有需要購買, 所以沒有留意當中的價格.
有興趣的人士, 可前往附近的Mitsuwa逛逛.
Mitsuwa Market Place
http://www.mitsuwa.com/english/index.html
以下是加州參考地址:
Little Tokyo Store
333 S. Alameda St.,
Los Angeles, CA 90013
Tel.: 213-687-6699
Open: 7 days/week (9am ~ 8pm)
Torrance Store
21515 Western Ave.,
Torrance,CA 90501
Tel.: 310-782-0335
Open: 7 days/week (9am ~ 8pm)
Torrance Store-Restaurants (11:00am ~ 7:30pm)
Italian Tomato only (9:00am ~ 7:30pm)
Costa Mesa Store
665 Paularino Ave.,
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Tel.: 714-557-6699
Open: 7 days/week (9am ~ 8pm)
Costa Mesa Store-Restaurants (11:00am ~ 7:30pm)
Italian Tomato only (9:00am ~ 7:30pm)
San Gabriel Store
515 W. Las Tunas Dr.,
San Gabriel, CA 91776
Tel.: 626-457-2899
Open: 7 days/week (9am ~ 8pm)
Santa Monica Stroe
3760 Centinela Ave.,
Los Angeles, CA 90066
Tel.: 310-398-2113
Open: 7 days/week (9am ~ 8pm)
Santa Monica Stroe-Restaurants (11:00am ~ 7:30pm)
San Diego Store
4240 Kearny Mesa Rd. #119,
San Diego, CA 92111
Tel.: 858-569-6699
Open: 7 days/week (9am ~ 8pm)
San Diego Store-Restaurants (11:00am ~ 7:30pm)
San Jose Store
675 Saratoga Ave.,
San Jose, CA 95129
Tel.: 408-255-6699
Open: 7 days/week (9am ~ 8pm)
延伸閱讀: Mitsuwa Market Place (2008/03/14 - 2008/03/17)
Mitsuwa雖然大部份產品售價比較昂貴, 但是當遇上有些產品減價的時候, 也抵買!
尤其是魚類, 豬牛雞等, 這類貨品品質相比起大華99, 永和超市, 獅子城和韓國市場都新鮮.
在Mitsuwa, 今期(21 Mar 08 ~ 24 Mar 08)本人介紹幾種買得過的貨品給大家:
Blue Mackerel Fillet(鯖魚)-每磅$2.99;Takahama Shokuhin Fried Fish Cakes 3kind, 8.46oz.(高浜食品-魚片)-每包$1.99;
Iwatsuka Seika Kuromame Senbei 6.91oz.; Iwatsuka Seika Yukinoyado Salad 5.88oz.(黑豆餅乾;雪米餅)-每包$1.99
Glico Pocky Chocolate 2.82oz.(Pocky朱古力味百力枝)-每盒$0.99;
Glico Pocky Strawberry 2.08oz.(Pocky士多啤梨味百力枝)-每盒$1.39;
Glico Pocky Almond Crush 2.89oz.(Pocky粹杏仁粒百力枝)-每盒$1.99.
以下是指定日數減價而本人覺得買得過的貨品:
21 Mar - Natural Pork Boneless Pork Loin for Sukiyaki(薄豬肉片)-每磅$3.99.23 Mar - Torokeru Curry 3kinds, 7.0oz./ea, Torokeru Hayashi 5.6oz.(咖哩磚)-$3.00兩件(祇限四件); House Tofu 2kinds 14oz./ea(豆腐)-每盒$0.69(祇限四件); Sinkawa Yakisoba 3p., 16.9oz.(拉麵)-每包$1.19(祇限兩包).
24 Mar - Shirakiku Sanukiya Udon 5p.,44oz.(烏東)-每包$2.49(祇限兩包); Shirakiku Zarusoba 1kg.(蕎麥麵)-每包$2.99(祇限四包).
還有其他的貨品買得過, 但是因為本人沒有需要購買, 所以沒有留意當中的價格.
有興趣的人士, 可前往附近的Mitsuwa逛逛.
Mitsuwa Market Place
http://www.mitsuwa.com/english/index.html
以下是加州參考地址:
Little Tokyo Store
333 S. Alameda St.,
Los Angeles, CA 90013
Tel.: 213-687-6699
Open: 7 days/week (9am ~ 8pm)
Torrance Store
21515 Western Ave.,
Torrance,CA 90501
Tel.: 310-782-0335
Open: 7 days/week (9am ~ 8pm)
Torrance Store-Restaurants (11:00am ~ 7:30pm)
Italian Tomato only (9:00am ~ 7:30pm)
Costa Mesa Store
665 Paularino Ave.,
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Tel.: 714-557-6699
Open: 7 days/week (9am ~ 8pm)
Costa Mesa Store-Restaurants (11:00am ~ 7:30pm)
Italian Tomato only (9:00am ~ 7:30pm)
San Gabriel Store
515 W. Las Tunas Dr.,
San Gabriel, CA 91776
Tel.: 626-457-2899
Open: 7 days/week (9am ~ 8pm)
Santa Monica Stroe
3760 Centinela Ave.,
Los Angeles, CA 90066
Tel.: 310-398-2113
Open: 7 days/week (9am ~ 8pm)
Santa Monica Stroe-Restaurants (11:00am ~ 7:30pm)
San Diego Store
4240 Kearny Mesa Rd. #119,
San Diego, CA 92111
Tel.: 858-569-6699
Open: 7 days/week (9am ~ 8pm)
San Diego Store-Restaurants (11:00am ~ 7:30pm)
San Jose Store
675 Saratoga Ave.,
San Jose, CA 95129
Tel.: 408-255-6699
Open: 7 days/week (9am ~ 8pm)
延伸閱讀: Mitsuwa Market Place (2008/03/14 - 2008/03/17)
3.16.2008
撤銷紅酒稅後﹐收藏家唐英年將會得到多少個人得益﹖總括來說﹐這類個人利益算是腐政(corruption)嗎﹖
唐英年還在職財政司時已經有提出減或撤銷紅酒稅。之後看到TVB的志雲飯局唐英年那一輯﹐知道唐英年是名愛酒之人﹐想到減酒稅必定會給他帶來不少個人利益。雖然宣佈此方案的是曾俊華而非唐英年﹐但相信政務司對方案有一定的影響力。現在撤銷紅酒稅方案正式生效﹐相信他的個人受惠將會不少。假如政策直接或間接有利於政府其中決策人的個人利益﹐這算是政府腐敗的一種嗎﹖即使ICAC沒有權力或沒有膽量去調查﹐相信這種行徑亦會令市民質疑香港的"廉政"?
這件事與梁錦松當年"偷步買車"分別不大﹔最大的分別是唐英年今後的個人利益將會比梁錦松當年的利益大很多倍。在此希望唐英年將今後"撤銷紅酒稅"所有的個人經濟利益全數捐作慈善用途。也希望唐英年能強迫家人親戚﹐鼓勵同事朋友作出同樣的捐獻行動--又有益社會﹐又能避嫌﹐又能加強香港廉潔的型象。
Source: Yahoo News (http://hk.news.yahoo.com/080316/12/2qob5.html)
港名酒拍賣 成交額料全球十大 全美最大酒商主辦唐英年屬旗下十大收藏家 (明報) 03月 17日 星期一 05:05AM
【明報專訊】港府宣布撤銷葡萄酒稅後，全美最大名酒拍賣行Acker Merrall & Condit（下稱AMC）落實5月31日在港舉行首場酒拍賣會，料當日的總成交額將高達5000萬港元，可望躋身全球十大成交額最高的單一酒拍賣。AMC每次在紐約拍賣名酒，客人有兩成來自香港及內地，旗下消費最高的首10位名酒收藏家中，包括兩個響噹噹的港人名字——唐英年、林建岳。
Link:
香港2008年財政預算案--中上層得到高級金箔朱古力﹐低下層獲派快將過期糖果
這件事與梁錦松當年"偷步買車"分別不大﹔最大的分別是唐英年今後的個人利益將會比梁錦松當年的利益大很多倍。在此希望唐英年將今後"撤銷紅酒稅"所有的個人經濟利益全數捐作慈善用途。也希望唐英年能強迫家人親戚﹐鼓勵同事朋友作出同樣的捐獻行動--又有益社會﹐又能避嫌﹐又能加強香港廉潔的型象。
Source: Yahoo News (http://hk.news.yahoo.com/080316/12/2qob5.html)
港名酒拍賣 成交額料全球十大 全美最大酒商主辦唐英年屬旗下十大收藏家 (明報) 03月 17日 星期一 05:05AM
【明報專訊】港府宣布撤銷葡萄酒稅後，全美最大名酒拍賣行Acker Merrall & Condit（下稱AMC）落實5月31日在港舉行首場酒拍賣會，料當日的總成交額將高達5000萬港元，可望躋身全球十大成交額最高的單一酒拍賣。AMC每次在紐約拍賣名酒，客人有兩成來自香港及內地，旗下消費最高的首10位名酒收藏家中，包括兩個響噹噹的港人名字——唐英年、林建岳。
Link:
香港2008年財政預算案--中上層得到高級金箔朱古力﹐低下層獲派快將過期糖果
再去信給黃老虎(關於鄧處長早前的失言)
Dear Mr. Tiger Wong,
I am still anxiously waiting for a reply from you or the police regarding my comments to Commissioner Tang.
If you are unable to answer in English, a response in Chinese will do as well. I just hope that you will fulfill your promise and not bring further shame upon the Hong Kong Police.
I hope to hear from you soon.
親愛的黃老虎先生﹐
我仍在等候你或警方的回覆(關於鄧處長)。
假如因為你的英文是"有限公司"而不能用英文回覆﹐我絕不介意你用中文回覆。中(繁或簡)英皆可。只希望你能夠履行你之前的承諾﹐不要令警隊蒙羞。
Sincerely,
-Mole Wisdom
Link:
To Commissioner Tang: Seeking your apology for your comments on the obscenity laws
I am still anxiously waiting for a reply from you or the police regarding my comments to Commissioner Tang.
If you are unable to answer in English, a response in Chinese will do as well. I just hope that you will fulfill your promise and not bring further shame upon the Hong Kong Police.
I hope to hear from you soon.
親愛的黃老虎先生﹐
我仍在等候你或警方的回覆(關於鄧處長)。
假如因為你的英文是"有限公司"而不能用英文回覆﹐我絕不介意你用中文回覆。中(繁或簡)英皆可。只希望你能夠履行你之前的承諾﹐不要令警隊蒙羞。
Sincerely,
-Mole Wisdom
Link:
To Commissioner Tang: Seeking your apology for your comments on the obscenity laws
3.15.2008
加州財政危機--寧願解僱教師關閉學校﹐也要繼續高薪僱用獄卒
加州財政問題差不多每年都有。記憶中﹐差不多每次都有拿教育來"開刀"﹐做犧牲品。美國的中小學教育可以說是世界已發展國家中最差之一﹐而加州官立中小學教育在美國差不多最差--實在已經到達不堪到極點的程度。現在竟然"有膽"解僱更多教師﹐甚至關閉學校﹐根本不將孩子青少年的將來當作一回事。
有財政問題﹐需要減開支理所當然﹐但一聯想起加州的高薪獄卒便馬上感覺到政府的財政處理手法非常有問題。加州的獄卒薪金竟然高得過份--在2006年﹐一名"普通"獄卒(即不屬高層)居然一年有US$187,000薪酬--薪酬比美軍有些將軍還要高﹔比很多IT中高層還要高。誰說在二十一世紀做IT行業收入好﹖在加州﹐做獄卒收入更好。
加州政府應該好好考慮獄卒的薪酬是否需要那麼高--他們的薪簡直是侮辱了教師和其他有學歷有技能的工人。政府亦必須想想是否應該繼續施行苛政惡法--例如﹐將一名在錄影店偷錄影帶的小偷判終生監禁(嚴格來說是連續兩次終生監禁)。(註﹕美國人應該是世界上最沒有人性的人。)
也許加州政府(與美國政府一樣)覺得把市民關起來比教育下一代(使下一代少些人犯法)更重要。看來只要加州繼續有富豪獄卒﹐教育經費會繼續被削﹐教師學生會繼續受害。
Link:
在美國﹐每一百個成人就有一個在監獄中--還說美國是自由國家﹖
美國的文盲大學生 -- 美國極度失敗的教育機制
Source: United Press International
SACRAMENTO, March 15 (UPI) -- California intends to pink-slip more than 10,100 teachers in coming days as the state meets a Saturday deadline to alert workers.
With the state in a budget crisis, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger proposed a $4 billion budget decrease for state schools next year, causing educators to scramble to alter their budgets, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.
"This is not an action we take lightly, but unless we take it, we risk our fiscal solvency as a district," San Francisco Superintendent Carlos Garcia said in a staff letter.
Because a minimum of 80 percent of a district's budget goes toward salaries, the best way to make up for lost money is to cut staff, administrators said.
The Saturday deadline reportedly is the first phase of pink slips. Districts are required to tell teachers who are losing their positions by May 15, months before officials find out how much state funding they will receive, leaving them no choice but to guess how many layoffs they need.
有財政問題﹐需要減開支理所當然﹐但一聯想起加州的高薪獄卒便馬上感覺到政府的財政處理手法非常有問題。加州的獄卒薪金竟然高得過份--在2006年﹐一名"普通"獄卒(即不屬高層)居然一年有US$187,000薪酬--薪酬比美軍有些將軍還要高﹔比很多IT中高層還要高。誰說在二十一世紀做IT行業收入好﹖在加州﹐做獄卒收入更好。
加州政府應該好好考慮獄卒的薪酬是否需要那麼高--他們的薪簡直是侮辱了教師和其他有學歷有技能的工人。政府亦必須想想是否應該繼續施行苛政惡法--例如﹐將一名在錄影店偷錄影帶的小偷判終生監禁(嚴格來說是連續兩次終生監禁)。(註﹕美國人應該是世界上最沒有人性的人。)
也許加州政府(與美國政府一樣)覺得把市民關起來比教育下一代(使下一代少些人犯法)更重要。看來只要加州繼續有富豪獄卒﹐教育經費會繼續被削﹐教師學生會繼續受害。
Link:
在美國﹐每一百個成人就有一個在監獄中--還說美國是自由國家﹖
美國的文盲大學生 -- 美國極度失敗的教育機制
Source: United Press International
SACRAMENTO, March 15 (UPI) -- California intends to pink-slip more than 10,100 teachers in coming days as the state meets a Saturday deadline to alert workers.
With the state in a budget crisis, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger proposed a $4 billion budget decrease for state schools next year, causing educators to scramble to alter their budgets, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.
"This is not an action we take lightly, but unless we take it, we risk our fiscal solvency as a district," San Francisco Superintendent Carlos Garcia said in a staff letter.
Because a minimum of 80 percent of a district's budget goes toward salaries, the best way to make up for lost money is to cut staff, administrators said.
The Saturday deadline reportedly is the first phase of pink slips. Districts are required to tell teachers who are losing their positions by May 15, months before officials find out how much state funding they will receive, leaving them no choice but to guess how many layoffs they need.
滙報今期報紙有咩抵
好康滙報!
今個星期日(16 Mar 08)的San Francisco報紙內附免費貓糧和零食coupons.
着數一. FREE - one (1) 16 oz. pouch or save $1.99 on one (1) 3 lb. bag or larger of Healthful Life from PURINA@CAT CHOW (brand Adult Cat Food)
Coupon Expiration Date: 06/16/08
着數二. FREE - one(1) bag of all Natural Temptations treats for cats, maximum value $2.75.
Coupon Expiration Date: 06/14/08
着數三.
(i)Purrfectly from Whiskas, Buy any one(1)Whiskas PurrfectlyPouch, Get one (1) Free. maximum value$0.6.
(ii)$1.00 off any Whiskas Multipack, any variety.
Coupon Expiration Date: 06/14/08
若果牌子不合貓咪口味, 不打緊! 買下來可以放進捐贈箱或捐給竉物慈善機構.
今個星期日(16 Mar 08)的San Francisco報紙內附免費貓糧和零食coupons.
着數一. FREE - one (1) 16 oz. pouch or save $1.99 on one (1) 3 lb. bag or larger of Healthful Life from PURINA@CAT CHOW (brand Adult Cat Food)
Coupon Expiration Date: 06/16/08着數二. FREE - one(1) bag of all Natural Temptations treats for cats, maximum value $2.75.
Coupon Expiration Date: 06/14/08着數三.
(i)Purrfectly from Whiskas, Buy any one(1)Whiskas PurrfectlyPouch, Get one (1) Free. maximum value$0.6.
(ii)$1.00 off any Whiskas Multipack, any variety.
Coupon Expiration Date: 06/14/08若果牌子不合貓咪口味, 不打緊! 買下來可以放進捐贈箱或捐給竉物慈善機構.
張學友廣告中扮演網上"金魚叔叔"侵犯孩子網上私穩﹐還挑戰其父母--問"知不知道子女上網做甚麼﹖"
在美國TVB看了張學友的"侵犯版權"公共宣傳廣告差不多一年﹐今天突然想到廣告的意識和角度有問題。
香港警方在網上秘密監視市民--這行為本身很有道德問題(而且合法性被質疑)。究竟是人權和私隱重要﹐還是版權重要﹖政府真是重視私隱嗎﹖還是只重視富豪和明星的私隱﹖假如懷疑大公司或富豪侵犯小公司或市民的版權﹐警方會那麼落力嗎﹖那時候﹐相信私隱一定比版權重要。
另外﹐廣告的角度有問題﹕張學友作為一個藝人﹐為什麼會知道那兩個孩子在網上侵犯版權﹖警方侵犯市民網上私穩已經不對﹐一個藝人做這種事就更不妥﹐更何況是孩子的私隱﹖一句簡單的說話隨時令名人淪為"金魚叔叔"。也許用一位警務人員做發言人比較適合。
Link:
根據TVB廣告﹐看來在香港被檢控等同定罪﹐是TVB說錯了﹖還是只是應用在窮人身上﹖
香港警方在網上秘密監視市民--這行為本身很有道德問題(而且合法性被質疑)。究竟是人權和私隱重要﹐還是版權重要﹖政府真是重視私隱嗎﹖還是只重視富豪和明星的私隱﹖假如懷疑大公司或富豪侵犯小公司或市民的版權﹐警方會那麼落力嗎﹖那時候﹐相信私隱一定比版權重要。
另外﹐廣告的角度有問題﹕張學友作為一個藝人﹐為什麼會知道那兩個孩子在網上侵犯版權﹖警方侵犯市民網上私穩已經不對﹐一個藝人做這種事就更不妥﹐更何況是孩子的私隱﹖一句簡單的說話隨時令名人淪為"金魚叔叔"。也許用一位警務人員做發言人比較適合。
Link:
根據TVB廣告﹐看來在香港被檢控等同定罪﹐是TVB說錯了﹖還是只是應用在窮人身上﹖
3.14.2008
三藩市灣區生活-如何購買廉價物品和運用省錢妙法
讓我們細談在美國(加州)如何購買廉價物品和善運用省錢妙法:
- 美國很多商舖藉着換季和大型節日實行減價戰. 到了這時候, 密切留意各大商舖的折扣活動.
- 公司直銷店-Outlet store, 故名思意這些公司推出包括: 上一季過時的時裝, 有瑕疵貨品, 無瑕疵但陳舊貨品等. Outlet價格最少平一般店舖三成或以上. 當娛樂節目逛一逛無妨.molewisdom
- 慈善機構二手店, 例如: Goodwill, Salvation Army(救世軍)等. 這些慈善機構把市民捐贈得來的物品(例如: 服飾, 擺設, 玩具, 傢俱, 電器, 書籍等等)清理分類後, 以廉價賣給有需要人士, 得來的收款, 再捐贈到醫院和學校等部門. 想買二手而且想實用又便宜, 可以考慮一下. 另外 Craigslist其中一項-for sale也是類同出售二手服飾, 傢俱, 擺設等物品.molewisdom
- 大型自助式連鎖的廉價超市. 例如: Wal-mart, Costco等. 這類超市舖位空間擴, 足夠逛半天. 貨品種類繁多, 包括一般時裝, 食品飲品, 電器資訊品, 家居日用品, 竉物用品, 園藝品...價格相對較便宜. 值得每星期逛一逛。要注意﹕Costco收取年費。molewisdom
- 在美國購物使用Coupons是一種文化. Coupons主要分為三種: Manufacturer's coupons,
Department store coupons和Online Coupons.molewisdom
Coupons通常大在: 週日報紙內附上一疊彩色的, 其他的報章雜誌頁內, 在信箱內的廣告傳單, 附在某些貨品包裝上, 有些超市在貨架上設置折價券專用盒, 收據背面, Online shopping 可網上搜找coupon code...等等.molewisdom
Coupons一般使用簡單, 是依照貨品價格扣除coupons上的面值, 在結帳時把該張"適用"的coupons交給收銀員.molewisdom
何謂適用? 即是該coupons上的指定貨品和該coupons的有效日期.
雖然大部份的coupons金額很少, 但不要輕視. 尤其等到該貨品減價的時候, 就知道coupons的重要性，分分鐘可以用非常低的價格買下該物品, 有時候甚至免費. 總之, 使用coupons時應該仔細衡量自己的需要，往往會因為減價的誘惑而買下"唔等使"的物品. (幸好我們沒有這個問題)
對於我們來說, 收集修剪coupon成為日常生活的部份. 能夠善用Coupon是一種自豪, 是一種樂趣, 也能夠為你省下不少金錢做零用錢!molewisdom
- 使用郵寄方式Mail-in-Rebate. 供應商或公司推出Rebate, 有時候為了促銷產品, 來吸引消費者. Rebate意思即先付上該貨品的金額, 然後索取該公司的回贈表格-Rebate Form(Book), 填妥指定表格. 詳細閱讀, 所須資料, 如果你漏了其中一項, 很可能無法順利收到回贈支票. 回贈申請表格通常連同: 該收據(收據上可以圈出該回贈之貨品)和商品條碼標籤-Original Barcode(視乎要求).
審核資料無誤後, 請記緊把所有寄出的資料影印備份, 萬一遇上問題的時候可以方便跟進. 然後把Rebate Form(Book)寄回指定的地址(郵票須自費).molewisdom
現金回贈一般六至八星期, 該公司會寄上一張支票給你. 你便可以把支票存入銀行帳戶. 這種方式雖然有點麻烦, 但有時回贈金額頗高, 花點時間是值得.
這是我們成功收妥支票的例子:
現在有些供應商或公司設Online Rebate, 與Mail-in-Rebate相比省時又省郵費, 的確方便得多!molewisdom
- 使用Rain Check. 除非商店特別指明該貨"售完即止", 否則任何減價商品若已售罄, 都可以向商店索取Rain Check. 表明自已想購買的數量和貨品名稱. 其後日子即使商品恢復原價, 仍可持Rain Check上所列的該時段的減價價格購買該貨品.(視乎不同商店, Rain Check限期多數為30天)molewisdom
- 美國很多商舖藉着換季和大型節日實行減價戰. 到了這時候, 密切留意各大商舖的折扣活動.
- 公司直銷店-Outlet store, 故名思意這些公司推出包括: 上一季過時的時裝, 有瑕疵貨品, 無瑕疵但陳舊貨品等. Outlet價格最少平一般店舖三成或以上. 當娛樂節目逛一逛無妨.molewisdom
- 慈善機構二手店, 例如: Goodwill, Salvation Army(救世軍)等. 這些慈善機構把市民捐贈得來的物品(例如: 服飾, 擺設, 玩具, 傢俱, 電器, 書籍等等)清理分類後, 以廉價賣給有需要人士, 得來的收款, 再捐贈到醫院和學校等部門. 想買二手而且想實用又便宜, 可以考慮一下. 另外 Craigslist其中一項-for sale也是類同出售二手服飾, 傢俱, 擺設等物品.molewisdom
- 大型自助式連鎖的廉價超市. 例如: Wal-mart, Costco等. 這類超市舖位空間擴, 足夠逛半天. 貨品種類繁多, 包括一般時裝, 食品飲品, 電器資訊品, 家居日用品, 竉物用品, 園藝品...價格相對較便宜. 值得每星期逛一逛。要注意﹕Costco收取年費。molewisdom
- 在美國購物使用Coupons是一種文化. Coupons主要分為三種: Manufacturer's coupons,
Department store coupons和Online Coupons.molewisdom
Coupons通常大在: 週日報紙內附上一疊彩色的, 其他的報章雜誌頁內, 在信箱內的廣告傳單, 附在某些貨品包裝上, 有些超市在貨架上設置折價券專用盒, 收據背面, Online shopping 可網上搜找coupon code...等等.molewisdom
Coupons一般使用簡單, 是依照貨品價格扣除coupons上的面值, 在結帳時把該張"適用"的coupons交給收銀員.molewisdom
何謂適用? 即是該coupons上的指定貨品和該coupons的有效日期.
雖然大部份的coupons金額很少, 但不要輕視. 尤其等到該貨品減價的時候, 就知道coupons的重要性，分分鐘可以用非常低的價格買下該物品, 有時候甚至免費. 總之, 使用coupons時應該仔細衡量自己的需要，往往會因為減價的誘惑而買下"唔等使"的物品. (幸好我們沒有這個問題)
對於我們來說, 收集修剪coupon成為日常生活的部份. 能夠善用Coupon是一種自豪, 是一種樂趣, 也能夠為你省下不少金錢做零用錢!molewisdom
- 使用郵寄方式Mail-in-Rebate. 供應商或公司推出Rebate, 有時候為了促銷產品, 來吸引消費者. Rebate意思即先付上該貨品的金額, 然後索取該公司的回贈表格-Rebate Form(Book), 填妥指定表格. 詳細閱讀, 所須資料, 如果你漏了其中一項, 很可能無法順利收到回贈支票. 回贈申請表格通常連同: 該收據(收據上可以圈出該回贈之貨品)和商品條碼標籤-Original Barcode(視乎要求).
審核資料無誤後, 請記緊把所有寄出的資料影印備份, 萬一遇上問題的時候可以方便跟進. 然後把Rebate Form(Book)寄回指定的地址(郵票須自費).molewisdom
現金回贈一般六至八星期, 該公司會寄上一張支票給你. 你便可以把支票存入銀行帳戶. 這種方式雖然有點麻烦, 但有時回贈金額頗高, 花點時間是值得.
這是我們成功收妥支票的例子:
現在有些供應商或公司設Online Rebate, 與Mail-in-Rebate相比省時又省郵費, 的確方便得多!molewisdom- 使用Rain Check. 除非商店特別指明該貨"售完即止", 否則任何減價商品若已售罄, 都可以向商店索取Rain Check. 表明自已想購買的數量和貨品名稱. 其後日子即使商品恢復原價, 仍可持Rain Check上所列的該時段的減價價格購買該貨品.(視乎不同商店, Rain Check限期多數為30天)molewisdom
3.12.2008
獄卒虐待被拘留人士四日不用負法律責任﹔媽媽留熟睡小孩在車數分鐘可能入獄一年--這就是"自由和民主"的美國
美國有一名媽媽因留熟睡小孩在車數分鐘可能要入獄一年。當時小孩在車廂裡睡覺﹐媽媽鎖了車﹐離開車大約十米去將捐款放入一個箱和與其他的孩子拍"捐款"照。在這幾分鐘裡﹐這媽媽可以看到她的車﹐清楚車的情況。但回到車時﹐媽媽立即被捕﹐被鎖上手銬。雖然孩子沒有受到任何傷害(小孩根本不知道發生了什麼事)﹐那媽媽將會有可能面臨一年監禁。
相比下﹐那名虐待被拘留人士四日(無水無糧無廁所)的獄卒將不用負責任何刑事法律責任﹐只是停職30日﹐之後繼續做獄卒﹐可以繼續虐待更多市民。
兩件事件的分別是什麼﹖就是美國見慣的分別--前者是普通市民。後者是政府職員。在美國﹐普通市民(尤其是中下階層)非常容易誤入法網﹐遭受無莽牢獄之災﹔政府職員即使是嚴重虐待傷害甚至殺害市民也大多不用負責﹐而且受到政府維護。這就是真正的"自由和民主"美國。
Source: CNN.com
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080312/ap_on_re_us/mom_on_trial;_ylt=Aj8ejImqjfaAfXfAgTS2CTJvzwcF
CHICAGO - Treffly Coyne was out of her car for just minutes and no more than 10 yards away.
ADVERTISEMENT
But that was long and far enough to land her in court after a police officer spotted her sleeping 2-year-old daughter alone in the vehicle; Coyne had taken her two older daughters to pour $8.29 in coins into a Salvation Army kettle.
Minutes later, she was under arrest — the focus of both a police investigation and a probe by the state's child welfare agency. Now the case that has become an Internet flash point for people who either blast police for overstepping their authority or Coyne for putting a child in danger.
The 36-year-old suburban mother is preparing to go on trial Thursday on misdemeanor charges of child endangerment and obstructing a peace officer. If convicted, she could be sentenced to a year in jail and fined $2,500, even though child welfare workers found no credible evidence of abuse or neglect.
On Dec. 8 Coyne decided to drive to Wal-Mart in the Chicago suburb of Crestwood so her children and a young friend could donate the coins they'd collected at her husband's office.
Even as she buckled 2-year-old Phoebe into the car, the girl was asleep. When Coyne arrived at the store, she found a spot to park in a loading zone, right behind someone tying a Christmas tree onto a car.
"It's sleeting out, it's not pleasant, I don't want to disturb her, wake her up," Coyne said this week. "It was safer to leave her in the safety and warmth of an alarmed car than take her."
So Coyne switched on the emergency flashers, locked the car, activated the alarm and walked the other children to the bell ringer.
She snapped a few pictures of the girls donating money and headed back to the car. But a community service officer blocked her way.
"She was on a tirade, she was yelling at me," Coyne said. The officer, Coyne said, didn't want to hear about how close Coyne was, how she never set foot inside the store and was just there to let the kids donate money, or how she could always see her car.
Coyne telephoned her husband, Tim Janecyk, who advised her not to say anything else to police until he arrived. So Coyne declined to talk further, refusing even to tell police her child's name.
When Janecyk pulled up, his wife already was handcuffed, sitting in a patrol car.
Crestwood Police Chief Timothy Sulikowski declined to comment about the case. But he did not dispute the contention that Coyne parked nearby or was away from her car for just a few minutes.
He did, however, suggest Coyne put her child at risk.
"A minute or two, that's when things can happen," he said.
Talk about the case has intensified, particularly online, where bloggers are weighing in on various message boards.
Many have harsh words for the police department, calling the arrest of a mother who left her child in a locked car for a few minutes an abuse of authority.
Yet statistics show thousands of children are injured and dozens die every year after being left unattended near or inside vehicles.
"I am talking tens of thousands of people who leave their kids in the car for any period of time all around America," said Janette Fennell, founder and president of Kansas-based Kids and Cars. "People don't appreciate the dangers of leaving a child alone in the car."
Coyne's attorney, Michelle Forbes, argued that Coyne did not break the law any more than a mother who parks in front of a school in a rainstorm and leaves an infant in the car as she runs a few feet to pick up another child.
"As long as the car is not out of her sight, then the child is not unattended," she said.
Cars with children inside have been stolen while the owners stepped inside service stations to pay for gas, Fennell said. Children sitting in cars have choked on things they stuck in their mouths. On Tuesday in Houston, after a woman got out of her car to walk across the street to talk to someone, her toddler was killed after he climbed out and tried to follow her.
"That child was also 2," Fennell said, referring to Coyne's daughter.
Coyne and her husband believe she is unfairly being lumped in with parents who put their children's lives at risk.
"If I were going on a shopping spree then, yes, I would deserve arrest," Coyne said. "I was standing right there. I never went into the store.
"I'm a great parent."
相比下﹐那名虐待被拘留人士四日(無水無糧無廁所)的獄卒將不用負責任何刑事法律責任﹐只是停職30日﹐之後繼續做獄卒﹐可以繼續虐待更多市民。
兩件事件的分別是什麼﹖就是美國見慣的分別--前者是普通市民。後者是政府職員。在美國﹐普通市民(尤其是中下階層)非常容易誤入法網﹐遭受無莽牢獄之災﹔政府職員即使是嚴重虐待傷害甚至殺害市民也大多不用負責﹐而且受到政府維護。這就是真正的"自由和民主"美國。
Source: CNN.com
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080312/ap_on_re_us/mom_on_trial;_ylt=Aj8ejImqjfaAfXfAgTS2CTJvzwcF
CHICAGO - Treffly Coyne was out of her car for just minutes and no more than 10 yards away.
ADVERTISEMENT
But that was long and far enough to land her in court after a police officer spotted her sleeping 2-year-old daughter alone in the vehicle; Coyne had taken her two older daughters to pour $8.29 in coins into a Salvation Army kettle.
Minutes later, she was under arrest — the focus of both a police investigation and a probe by the state's child welfare agency. Now the case that has become an Internet flash point for people who either blast police for overstepping their authority or Coyne for putting a child in danger.
The 36-year-old suburban mother is preparing to go on trial Thursday on misdemeanor charges of child endangerment and obstructing a peace officer. If convicted, she could be sentenced to a year in jail and fined $2,500, even though child welfare workers found no credible evidence of abuse or neglect.
On Dec. 8 Coyne decided to drive to Wal-Mart in the Chicago suburb of Crestwood so her children and a young friend could donate the coins they'd collected at her husband's office.
Even as she buckled 2-year-old Phoebe into the car, the girl was asleep. When Coyne arrived at the store, she found a spot to park in a loading zone, right behind someone tying a Christmas tree onto a car.
"It's sleeting out, it's not pleasant, I don't want to disturb her, wake her up," Coyne said this week. "It was safer to leave her in the safety and warmth of an alarmed car than take her."
So Coyne switched on the emergency flashers, locked the car, activated the alarm and walked the other children to the bell ringer.
She snapped a few pictures of the girls donating money and headed back to the car. But a community service officer blocked her way.
"She was on a tirade, she was yelling at me," Coyne said. The officer, Coyne said, didn't want to hear about how close Coyne was, how she never set foot inside the store and was just there to let the kids donate money, or how she could always see her car.
Coyne telephoned her husband, Tim Janecyk, who advised her not to say anything else to police until he arrived. So Coyne declined to talk further, refusing even to tell police her child's name.
When Janecyk pulled up, his wife already was handcuffed, sitting in a patrol car.
Crestwood Police Chief Timothy Sulikowski declined to comment about the case. But he did not dispute the contention that Coyne parked nearby or was away from her car for just a few minutes.
He did, however, suggest Coyne put her child at risk.
"A minute or two, that's when things can happen," he said.
Talk about the case has intensified, particularly online, where bloggers are weighing in on various message boards.
Many have harsh words for the police department, calling the arrest of a mother who left her child in a locked car for a few minutes an abuse of authority.
Yet statistics show thousands of children are injured and dozens die every year after being left unattended near or inside vehicles.
"I am talking tens of thousands of people who leave their kids in the car for any period of time all around America," said Janette Fennell, founder and president of Kansas-based Kids and Cars. "People don't appreciate the dangers of leaving a child alone in the car."
Coyne's attorney, Michelle Forbes, argued that Coyne did not break the law any more than a mother who parks in front of a school in a rainstorm and leaves an infant in the car as she runs a few feet to pick up another child.
"As long as the car is not out of her sight, then the child is not unattended," she said.
Cars with children inside have been stolen while the owners stepped inside service stations to pay for gas, Fennell said. Children sitting in cars have choked on things they stuck in their mouths. On Tuesday in Houston, after a woman got out of her car to walk across the street to talk to someone, her toddler was killed after he climbed out and tried to follow her.
"That child was also 2," Fennell said, referring to Coyne's daughter.
Coyne and her husband believe she is unfairly being lumped in with parents who put their children's lives at risk.
"If I were going on a shopping spree then, yes, I would deserve arrest," Coyne said. "I was standing right there. I never went into the store.
"I'm a great parent."
www.hulu.com - 免費合法地看電視節目和電影
www.hulu.com讓你免費和合法地看一些最新電視節目和電影(有些是全套﹐有些是精彩片段)。廣告不多﹐而且質數很高。最好的是這網站完全合法--因為大娛樂公司(NBC﹐FOX)有份合資。
http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1721021,00.html
http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1721021,00.html
我們的貓貓 - Our Sweet Cats (Photos)
養竉物好過養人仔?!?!?
這兒有很多貓貓陪伴我們.
家有一隻老肥貓, 也有一隻膽小貓貓 及一隻每天來敲門的鄰居金色貓(但牠已搬家了). 還有幾隻鄰居貓貓.
香港的12磅超可愛又聰明的老貓---------------掛念牠!
玩模型飛機仔...
一齊研究機械人......
破壞這個紙模型.......
抱着電視搖控拍照..........
天氣凍, 被迫穿衫衫..........不過, 三兩下功夫便把衫脫下來
唔聽話, 被扣住...."快啲放我出來"....
好熱呀! 打開肚皮涼一涼......
橙色魚仔是牠的最愛, 也是牠的老婆仔.....
擺一個有型的姿勢, 給媽媽拍照...........
借對拖鞋當枕頭.............
未見過青蔥.......
今晚外婆煮些什麼餸呢? 待我坐在煲上監察一下........
坐上爐頭咁大膽???
邊個夠我高?
8歲幾啦!不多走動,喜歡留在床上, 好懶啊!
被窩中最暖......
美國的17磅膽小又懶瞓的肥貓-----------------
我最喜歡清潔......可能有潔癖........
天氣炎熱, 媽媽把床推到門口給我吹吹風..........
我最喜歡整潔...............
長開口給媽媽檢查牙齒........
每天的水很乾淨.....
手指太骯髒, 我要清理...........
食完就瞓.......瞓完就食!
專心望街景...........
媽媽, 我好熱呀!.......
要天天保持乾淨.........仲唔係有潔癖?
躺在草地上曬太陽..........
爸爸媽媽帶我去郊遊..............
今天天氣炎熱, 38度呀!...............
每天來敲門而有家不願返的-----------------金色鄰家貓(已搬家)
初初牠是一隻肥貓...........
不小心放了牠進屋.......
等開門等到累.......
在午睡嗎? 給我找到你了...........
牠們是兩兄第..........
約30磅的鄰家大肥貓..........牠的肚子似個皮球!
喜歡來惹事生非的貓----------------------------------
因交通意外死去的鄰居貓----------------------
鄰家的為食貓--------------------------
牠也是膽小貓, 已搬家------------------------
失蹤多時的牠, 牠原來在附近找到伴兒----------
牠是稀客--------------------------------------
這些貓貓都是我們的鄰居, 朋友和至愛.
延伸閱讀: Cat, 告別鄰家貓
這兒有很多貓貓陪伴我們.
家有一隻老肥貓, 也有一隻膽小貓貓 及一隻每天來敲門的鄰居金色貓(但牠已搬家了). 還有幾隻鄰居貓貓.
香港的12磅超可愛又聰明的老貓---------------掛念牠!
玩模型飛機仔...
一齊研究機械人......
破壞這個紙模型.......
抱着電視搖控拍照..........
天氣凍, 被迫穿衫衫..........不過, 三兩下功夫便把衫脫下來
唔聽話, 被扣住...."快啲放我出來"....
好熱呀! 打開肚皮涼一涼......
橙色魚仔是牠的最愛, 也是牠的老婆仔.....
擺一個有型的姿勢, 給媽媽拍照...........
借對拖鞋當枕頭.............
未見過青蔥.......
今晚外婆煮些什麼餸呢? 待我坐在煲上監察一下........
坐上爐頭咁大膽???
邊個夠我高?
8歲幾啦!不多走動,喜歡留在床上, 好懶啊!
被窩中最暖......
美國的17磅膽小又懶瞓的肥貓-----------------
我最喜歡清潔......可能有潔癖........
天氣炎熱, 媽媽把床推到門口給我吹吹風..........
我最喜歡整潔...............
長開口給媽媽檢查牙齒........
每天的水很乾淨.....
手指太骯髒, 我要清理...........
食完就瞓.......瞓完就食!
專心望街景...........
媽媽, 我好熱呀!.......
要天天保持乾淨.........仲唔係有潔癖?
躺在草地上曬太陽..........
爸爸媽媽帶我去郊遊..............
今天天氣炎熱, 38度呀!...............
每天來敲門而有家不願返的-----------------金色鄰家貓(已搬家)
初初牠是一隻肥貓...........
不小心放了牠進屋.......
等開門等到累.......
在午睡嗎? 給我找到你了...........
牠們是兩兄第..........
約30磅的鄰家大肥貓..........牠的肚子似個皮球!
喜歡來惹事生非的貓----------------------------------
因交通意外死去的鄰居貓----------------------
鄰家的為食貓--------------------------
牠也是膽小貓, 已搬家------------------------
失蹤多時的牠, 牠原來在附近找到伴兒----------
牠是稀客--------------------------------------
這些貓貓都是我們的鄰居, 朋友和至愛.
延伸閱讀: Cat, 告別鄰家貓
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