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The Ghost of My Past Christmas

photo from birdfamilyart.blogspot.com


It was before Christmas in 1965.

I was in the nursery play.

All eyes were on me,

But I forgot what to say.

My hands were sweating,

And my knees were shaking.

My line couldn't come out,

While everyone was waiting.

I couldn't remember if I cried,

I only knew they couldn't stop laughing.



Forty or so winters later,

I'm now older, though no wiser.

I often come up with the right lines now,

I have learned what, where, when and how.

The line that escaped me,

Actually returned every December.

So, before you think I'm going on forever,

My friend, let' do it all together.

Whatever you've planned, wherever you are,

"Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!"

The Ghost of My Past Christmas

photo from birdfamilyart.blogspot.com

A little poem at Christmas here:

http://hubpages.com/hub/The-ghost-of-my-past-Christmas

Merry Christmas and Invitation

Dear friend,
Merry Christmas. It's the season to be merry and charitable.
May I invite you to join me to blog at Today.com.
For a limited time only, they are offering new bloggers a promotional pay of $1 per blog (100+ words) irrespective of page views generated, in the first 30 days. You can blog on any topic of your choice. Of course, US$1 is not much, but 100 words should be pretty easy for us too. Your blog is still eligible for page view pay at US$2 per 1000 unique views.
You can learn more about it by clicking or pasting this link to the address bar:
http://www.today.com/ctr.cgi?idx_mem=7891&mode=vip
Here you can find one of my sample blogs:
http://hongkong.today.com/2008/11/11/october-2008-hk-the-ride/

They'll be rewarding me as a referee with US$5 if you sign up using the link above. If you sign up before 31 Dec 08, my reward will be US$10. As usual, any income from my writing or blogging activities will go to either the UNICEF (www.unicef.org) or Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA)
Thank you for your kind attention and action.

Yours sincerely,
Benson Yeung

Did the media break up Vivian Chow and Joe Ngai

You are responsible for your own happiness. If the world wants you separated, lonely and sad, it doesn’t mean you need to oblige and break up. You can keep on forgiving or receiving forgiveness. The community is guilty of infringing privacy and being cruel. However, it cannot be blamed for personal decisions regarding one’s own well-being and happiness. You cannot dictate what other people say. You can certainly determine how you would react to what they say.
click here to read on:
Did the Media break up Vivian Chow and Joe Ngai

photo credit: vivianchow.info

Are We Any Poorer?

The price of many leading bank stocks has dropped by 80%. The price of oil has dropped by 70% from its peak. Our investments are now valued at a fraction of their peak values. We must be so much poorer.
photo credit: http://www.socsci.umn.edu/~alaniz/, mother-teresa-with-baby.jpg

Here's what I think:

The price of many leading bank stocks has dropped by 80%. The price of oil has dropped by 70% from its peak. Our investments are now valued at a fraction of their peak values. We must be so much poorer. Yes, only to the extent that we are meaner. Most of us living in developed countries are still filthy rich by the following standards:
Of the world's population,
only the richest 1/5 live in standard or above housing,
only the richest 1/3 can read,
only the richest 1/2 are well-nourished,
only the richest 2/3 have clean water,
only the richest 3/5 have good sanitation,
only the richest 3/4 have electricity,
only the richest 7% have access to the internet,
only the richest 1% have been to college.

You and I, are not doing too badly, my friend.
Be thankful, always.
Be cautious, yes.
You are only poor indeed, if you are too poor to be kind.

Are We Any Poorer?

The price of many leading bank stocks has dropped by 80%. The price of oil has dropped by 70% from its peak. Our investments are now valued at a fraction of their peak values. We must be so much poorer. click here to read on:
Are We Any Poorer?

photo credit: http://www.socsci.umn.edu/~alaniz/

October 2008 HK, the ride

Aren't you glad that October 2008 is behind us? Read my article on the thrilling attraction in Hong Kong:



The “October 2008 HK” is, beyond dispute, one of the best thrill-rides in Hong Kong. At the end of Pedder Street looms the towering International Finance Centre, once the tallest building in Hong Kong, right next to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. The International Finance Centre has been deserted since 2028 and the signs of neglect are everywhere. In the background you’re listening to haunting melodies from the past by Madonna, Linden Park, Jackie Cheung and other notables from that era. (You also hear the screams of the elevator riders.)

When you enter the lobby, you see that everything is covered by dust and cobwebs. There’s a set of clocks are genuine Renaissance antiques. There are French bronzes and porcelain from China. The paintings are replicas. On the Concierge desk, there’s a Times magazine from September 2008 with “Lehman Brothers has fallen, who’s next?” on its cover.

From here, you’re directed to the elevator lobby. Before the door closes and the lights dim, look around.

The room gets dark, the TV turns on and there in black and white is Alfred Hitchcock. He begins with “Tonight’s story is somewhat strange. You’d have to be prepared for surprises.”

Then, on the TV screen, You’ll see the International Finance Centre in its heyday. A young executive and two school children enter the elevator. The school children are arguing over something. The young executive looks on impatiently and pushes the control panel hard. The doors close, they start to go up, lightning hits the building and they vanish.

With a crack of lightning, the lights in the elevator lobby turn back on, a door opens and you enter a long corridor with dazzling light and sound effects. You are guided to board a 2005 service elevator.

Once you’ve fastened your seatbelt, the doors close and the elevator heads up. First stop, the doors open and you see a very cool optical illusion. The doors close again and at the next stop, you move forward.

Get ready, this is where the real fun begins. The PA system warns: “You have to keep your seat belt fastened and stay in your seat at all times.”

The next thing you knew, your fun ride had just fallen from the 32nd floor to the 10th floor, within a matter of 3 seconds. The rider next to you was screaming with all his might but you couldn’t hear him. That’s because you were screaming twice louder. The elevator came to a sudden halt. You breathed out a sigh of relief, unfastened your seat belt, tried to get up and leave. Without any sign of warning, your fun-ride dashed upwards again back to the 15th floor and stayed there. The result was the ceiling of the elevator crushing onto your head. Your forehead was bleeding but surprisingly it didn’t hurt. All you could feel was overwhelming fear and panic. You wanted out but were frightened that the elevator would shoot up again, or worse still, fall and smash to the ground.

While you were panting and trying to re-fasten your seat belt, the doors of the elevator sprung open. The PA system came on again, “Congratulations. You have survived October 2008 HK. We hope you have enjoyed the thrill as much as we have giving it. Make your way out through the door on your left. Your photos are ready for order just behind the door. For more thrill, you can advance to the next ride, the 2009 Surprises. Medical assistance is available upon request just before the exit. Don’t bother to check whether you have left your belongings behind, there isn't any left,”

October 2008 HK, the ride

Aren't you glad that October 2008 is behind us? Read my article on the thrilling attraction in Hong Kong:click here/

Fatal Attraction ( a thrilling short story)

In the silence of the closet, I could work out every motion she went through just by listening.


photo credit: the wanted 2008



Hiding in the darkness of her closet, I was vigilant and staying perfectly still. I was feeling both calm and aroused. I was naked, sexy and dangerous. In the silence of the closet, I could work out every motion she went through just by listening. I heard her turn off the shower. She dried herself with the pink fluffy towel. First her hair, then her long and slender neck, her smooth back, her curvy hips, her tight calves and finally her toes. She was taking her time. She blow-dried her hair. She put on her eye-lift and moisturizer. She brushed her teeth and gargled with a mouthwash which I could smell even through the door of the closet. I could work-out her footsteps approaching. I was psyching myself up. I was ready for action. I went through the plan one last time in my head. I would jump on her. I would be all over her, do what I am best at and make her scream. The closet door opened. The light was transiently blinding but I didn’t need to see well. I jumped on to the half-naked back-lit shadow.

I was snatched by a firm grip around my neck.

“Darling, look what I have here. Don’t worry. It’s quite cute. Not a cockroach, I promise.”

“Ya-ak, a pink lizard. I’m glad it didn’t jump on me. I would have been petrified. You hold it there. Don’t come too close. You do anything funny and I’ll stop talking to you for a week. Don’t look so interested. You can’t keep it. ”

“What am I supposed to do with it? Let it go?”

“As long as you don’t kill it and I am not seeing it again, I don’t want to know.”

Outside the house, he finally let me go. I was glad to have survived the siege. I promised myself, yet again, not to play this silly game ever again. It’s exciting but hardly worth the risk. I headed quickly back to the comfort of the darkness. I suddenly smelled something familiar but somehow felt most uneasy inside myself. My eyes turned into tiny slits and I dashed into the backyard lawn. I might just make it. Their neighbor’s cat had been getting old and much slower these days. I have to go now and promise to write soon, if I could get out of this one alive.

Fatal Attraction ( a thrilling short story)

In the silence of the closet, I could work out every motion she went through just by listening.
click here to read on

photo credit: the wanted 2008

Seven Things To Do To Survive The Financial Tsunami

Don't blame yourself, or your boss, or your spouse, or anyone else for the mess you (and we) are in now.



In 1932, in the depths of States' deepest depression, President Roosevelt gave the commencement address at Oglethorpe University: "The country demands bold, persistent experimentation. It is common sense to take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something." It is human nature to shy away from action in times of uncertainty. While observation, planning and preparation can be helpful. These will not work without action. Here's my list of suggested actions to cope with this financial tsunami:

1. Get up 10 minutes earlier. Use the 10 minutes to plan your day so you can make it run smoother and happier. At least, you won't need to feel so stressed trying to beat the traffic to work. Use one of the 10 minutes to quickly count your blessings.

2. Smile to your fellow human beings who might feel the pressure of this economic climate. Positivity spreads, just like frowning would. We need more positive attitude in every street corner, work place, school and home.

3. Press on with your goals previously set before 18 September 08. You set those goals for a good reason. You might well want to amend these goals. Do so if you have to. Otherwise, continue through. That's the greatest service you can do for yourself and those around you.

4. Don't blame yourself, or your boss, or your spouse, or anyone else for the mess you (and we) are in now. You need the energy and mindset to dig a way out. All these people will help you when you try to help each other.

5. Stay away from alcohol and tranquilizers. These will sooth the pain but make things worse as they don't help you to think clearly. Brain and mind power is the silver bullet to kill the were-wolf in this particular dire situation.

6. Watch your family and friends. They are gifts from heaven for you to enjoy and look after. Love, friendship and ability to help others are what we are all after. Success in career and wealth are often substitutes before we achieve the real thing. Go for what’s more important, especially at this very important time.

7. Look at your life, family and work and think of one new thing to do in each of these areas which can improve the situation and start doing it till it’s accomplished. Then decide on the next one and try again.

Seven Things To Do To Survive The Financial Tsunami

Don't blame yourself, or your boss, or your spouse, or anyone else for the mess you (and we) are in now.
click here to read on

How about using our heads

Haven't we been doing just that?

How About Using Our Heads
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By Benson Yeung

Use your head

We went through our education and professional training and settled into a job we have been good at. Our superiors, colleagues and clients appear to be happy with our performance. What’s next? My suggestion is: How about using our heads? This sounds weird. How can we be so successful if we haven’t been using our heads? The truth is, we can be successful in following old tricks that used to work. Mind you, the old tricks might not work for new situations. Our successes succumb when the situations change. Besides, old tricks have been dying fast all over the world, just like all living things have. One characteristic of living organisms is growth. When we stop growing, we stop living and start dying. For the physically mature, growth is only possible on a higher level, that of intelligence, innovation and wisdom. This is one of the reasons that I write, to use my head. Let me tell you a couple of ridiculous stories when we don’t use our heads. For many years, one suitable organ donor would save at least four lives. His liver went to one recipient, his kidneys to two other recipients, and his heart and lungs to the fourth. Patients with some forms of lung diseases would require heart-lung transplantation, even though their hearts were in fact normal. Other patients with certain forms of heart failure would require heart transplants. What happened was that the patients requiring heart-lung transplants would have their original hearts and lungs removed and new organs implanted. Their original organs would be discarded. Then a transplant surgeon started using his head and realized a major mistake in the practice. They had been discarding perfectly normal hearts which could in fact save another patient waiting for heart transplant. Another story starred your humble author as the hero. I had this smallest glass ampoule which was used to hold a local anesthetic. Drawing the local anesthetic out into the syringe practically took minutes because of the counter suction force created by the vacuum. One fine day, I asked myself whether there could be a better way. I tried to use the needle cap to push behind the rubber seal to squeeze the anesthetic drug into the syringe. A positive pressure was exerted to see whether it would work better than a vacuum force. It worked and the 2 minute job became a 10 second task.

I’m sure there are plenty more situations calling for creative ways to solve the problem. The matter is whether you can live with uncertainty and try out something new. Why not try the following:

1. Ask yourself whether what you’ve learned in the past can be applied in a new situation.

2 . Look at problems from different angles and viewpoints. Say, try the customer’s viewpoint, the competitor’s viewpoint, the customer’s parents', or children', or spouses’, or the politicians’, or the religious leaders’ viewpoints.

3. Give yourself a little change every week, be it your outfit, your hair style, the way you set up your desk, etc.

4. Get to know about popular products and services and ask yourself why these things have become popular.

5. Go to a popular spot every week, whether you like it or not, to feel the pulse of the times.

6. Read the whole newspaper, not just the financial or political news.

7. Observe the people and activities around you when you are commuting to and from work.

8. Read a book every week, to nurture your inquiring mind.

9. Get to know people in other professions and jobs, and people with other hobbies.

10. Learn another language.

11. Give yourself some free time to think every week.

12. Invest in your ongoing training and education.

13. Buy, rather than borrow, books so you can always refer back to the important passages.

There must be many more ways to tackle this issue. Whatever you do or try, use your head.

How about using our heads

Haven't we been doing just that? click here to read on

How to age gracefully

My tribute to Paul Newman. click here to read more

How to age gracefully

My tribute to Paul Newman. click here to read more

How to stay calm

Use the 13 tips for your benefit. click here to read more

Six Lies About Drinking

How can drinking to moderation cause any harm? Read on to find out how by clicking here

I Have The Universe Waiting For Me

Writing doesn’t make me a better person, it makes me the most important person for the particular universe waiting on me to be re-started once more...
read on to find out why by clicking here

I Have The Universe Waiting For Me

Writing doesn’t make me a better person, it makes me the most important person for the particular universe waiting on me to be re-started once more...
read on to find out why by clicking here

Thirty-First Of August

I wrote this on 31 August:

http://hubpages.com/hub/Thirty-First-Of-August

Thirty-First Of August

I wrote this on 31 August:

http://hubpages.com/hub/Thirty-First-Of-August

My attempt to write an interactive short story

click here to read what I did:

http://hubpages.com/hub/Hubpages-First-Interactive-Short-Story

My attempt to write an interactive short story

click here to read what I did:

http://hubpages.com/hub/Hubpages-First-Interactive-Short-Story

What, Why and How Of A Colonoscopy

click here to find the basic information on colonoscopy written in plain English.

But He Looks So Benign

A joke from Qing dynasty told of a man who had intended to buy a picture of a door-god. He bought one of a Taoist priest by mistake and pasted it up ...
Click here to read on

But He Looks So Benign

A joke from Qing dynasty told of a man who had intended to buy a picture of a door-god. He bought one of a Taoist priest by mistake and pasted it up ...
Click here to read on

Are You A Tiger Or Just A Dog?

A tiger might be told that it is a dog throughout its life. Click here to learn more.

Are You A Tiger Or Just A Dog?

A tiger might be told that it is a dog throughout its life. Click here to learn more.

Michael Scores Perfect

Michael Scores Perfect in everything he does. Click here to read my short story on the almost unreal boy.

Michael Scores Perfect

Michael Scores Perfect in everything he does. Click here to read my short story on the almost unreal boy.

They Can Have Their Cake And Eat It Too

click here to read my short story on a candle light dinner filled with surprises.

They Can Have Their Cake And Eat It Too

click here to read my short story on a candle light dinner filled with surprises.

Go Now And Have A Good Life

The Wise One shared with me the secret of happiness and prosperity, or did he trick me?
click here to read my short story on life and happiness.

Go Now And Have A Good Life

The Wise One shared with me the secret of happiness and prosperity, or did he trick me?
click here to read my short story on life and happiness.

Bruce Willis And Plantar Warts

click here to learn about the link between the two.

Old Man And The Star

click here to read my tribute to Mr Tin Ka Ping

Old Man And The Star

click here to read my tribute to Mr Tin Ka Ping

From Zen To Confucius - Almost

click here to read my article on life changes

From Zen To Confucius - Almost

click here to read my article on life changes

My Article About My Childhood at Morse Park

click here to find out what I did there

My Article About My Childhood at Morse Park

click here to find out what I did there

What Are Ganglions? How To Treat Them?

click here for answers

Are You Sure This Is Not A Scheme

Click here to read one of my attempts to write a short story, tell me whether you like it.

"On the wedding day, Rosemary looked great, and the slimmest she had been in ten years. She had the high cheeks of make-up models...

Are You Sure This Is Not A Scheme

Click here to read one of my attempts to write a short story, tell me whether you like it.

"On the wedding day, Rosemary looked great, and the slimmest she had been in ten years. She had the high cheeks of make-up models...

A Letter From The Future

Click here to read about the strangest experience that I had. Am I going crazy?

A Letter From The Future

Click here to read about the strangest experience that I had. Am I going crazy?

The Surgeon Learns His Lesson

click here to read about the surgeon's lesson

The Surgeon Learns His Lesson

click here to read about the surgeon's lesson

How to treat breast masses

click here to find out about treatment of breast fibroadenomas.

What is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia? How to treat it?

click here to read the author's article about Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

It's Not Your Prostate, It Is Called Bladder Neck Dyssynergia

Click here to find out about this condition that mimics prostate hyperplasia.

What Retirement Can Teach You About Life

Click here to read my article "When You're Gone, Your Tea Gets Cold"

What Retirement Can Teach You About Life

Click here to read my article "When You're Gone, Your Tea Gets Cold"

my new blog

Dear friends,
please note that I have set up a new blog to post my non-medical writing.
Click here to read it.

Last Night I Dreamed Of Dad

Click her to read my article on fatherhood and parenting teens.

Last Night I Dreamed Of Dad

Click her to read my article on fatherhood and parenting teens.

Welcome

Welcome to my new blog. My previous blog at bensonyeung.com is still functional but will post only links to my medical articles whereas this new blog will post my non-medical articles (mostly prose and some short stories). Please comment and help me improve.

Welcome

Welcome to my new blog. My previous blog at bensonyeung.com is still functional but will post only links to my medical articles whereas this new blog will post my non-medical articles (mostly prose and some short stories). Please comment and help me improve.

introductory video on what to expect during colonoscopy

click here to view the video

You Need Cystoscopy, But That's Nothing To Worry About

Click here to read about what cystoscopy involves.

How to make your gastroscopy feel like a breeze

click here to read the article
Gastroscopy is a useful and safe procedure. Read on to find out more about preparing yourself for this investigation

Some Pitfalls With Haemorrhoid Home Remedies

Home remedies for haemorrhoids may not be all thumbs-up. Click here to read the author's latest article.

Excuse Me, Miss, It is Not Always Cystitis

click here to read why bladder symptoms in ladies are not always caused by cystitis.

"10 important cancer facts that can save your life" your most important reading assignment today

click here

8 medical tests that no woman can afford to skip

click here to read the article

6 secrets to a painless mammogram

Mammograms can be life-saving. They can also be prohibitively painful to some women. Here are six tips to make your mammogram hurt less.

Cancer cannot intimidate the fighting spirit

Frances, a cancer patient of mine, died one year ago. She did leave us some good food for thought in August 2006. Click here to read the article.

"I'm afraid that your cancer has spread" Do yourself a favour, don't let this happen to you.

click here for an article I wrote on large bowel cancer (title seen above).

Tips on managing emails

Something non-medical for a change. I actually practice these tips.

click here to read the article.

The importance of screening for colorectal cancer

click here

Why People Should Run

Here is an article I wrote some time ago to promote running (my next passion after haemorrhoids) :

Running is one of the best exercises for all ages.

Benefits in physical health
It is associated with high fitness benefits. It is a very effective way to boost metabolism and to help control weight. It helps to improve cardiovascular and respiratory function. It helps to trim waist-lines and tone muscles. It keeps arteries open and helps to lower blood pressure and blood lipids.

Benefits in mental well-being
Running is proved to help reduce stress, by way of release of endorphins (a neurotransmitter that brings about feeling of relaxation. It also brings about a sensation of achievement as one is bound to improve in speed and endurance after consistent training. The improvement tends to occur for number of years and breakthroughs are often achievable, probably more achievable than in swimming or golf.


Running is easy to learn.
We are know how to run, even though we are born with different abilities. Many different running forms and training methods turn out all effective, probably not as important as consistency.

Running can be a social activity.
In long slow runs, runners can easily converse while they run. The social component of this sport is important to many runners who might find running in solitude boring.

Running is cheap.
You don't need a pair of $500 running shoes for you to fun. An Australian runner was doing his ultra-marathon in gum boots. Famous athlete Zola Butt was running bare feet and causing sports shoe manufacturers considerable embarrassment.

Running is fun.
You can run fast, slow, medium speed, up-hill, down-hill, on grass, on cement or even in water. You can race in 60m races or inter-state ultra-long distances. You can run in races with band music in the background or simply listen to your own MP3 during your practices. You can even dress in a shark costume to protest against shark killing for fins. And the list goes on.

I can think of so many reasons why people run. On the other hand, I can see why people don't run. It may be difficult to get started. Try this today: put on your trainers and go for a walk on the side-walk. Walk from one lamp-pole to the next. Then jog from that run to the next. See how easy that is? Do that a couple of days and you'll see that running is in fact so easy. After all, that's what lamp-posts are made for, not only for convenience of dogs.

What is friendship?

This is one of my recent writing assignments. Tell me whether you like it.

What is friendship?

Friendship has always been there, even before human race had coined the term. It originates from the basic human need that one needs to love and be loved. One needs to belong to another person, probably in a relationship less binding than family and marriage. Less binding it will be, but it also means more freedom for one to develop it. You cannot choose your family. You can always choose your friends. If all your friends are snobbish, selfish, inconsiderate, drug-abusing, hard-drinking sociopaths, I would wonder what you are like.
Some friendships last a life-time, others may just last minutes. Some friendships are cultivated by long-suffering, never-failing loyalty and steadfastness. Others are built on a simple kind gesture, a sincere smile, a hearty hello or a simple " do you need help?" It doesn't make the latter less valuable.
Friendship can quickly melt away like ice-cream out of the fridge, on a hot summer day. You meaned to enjoy it but turn around to do or meet something else more urgent, more important or more hard-to-get than friendship. When you were done, you thought friendship would be waiting for you there, in the same place and the same form. You were damned wrong. It was still in the same place, but yet it was not the same any more. It might still return to you in a worthy form and mean something important to you. But you won't know when and how. What's worse, it might never return. You will be sitting there, staring at your melted ice-cream, wondering whether you should keep it, dump it, or go for something else. You only have yourself to blame.
Friendship is also like childhood memories. It gets better as time goes by, especially after you've talked about it over and over again, and after you have forgotten the not so beautiful details.
To have great friendship, you have to give good friendship. You have to remember the right things and good things about your friends and forget the wrong and ugly. That's exactly how your friends can put up with you. Before you can be a great friend to others, you will have to be a true friend to yourself. You have to know your own strengths and weaknesses and yet still accept and love yourself, without idolizing yourself.
It is the same way you treat your good friends.

Hong Kong Adventist Hospital Haemorrhoid Clinic

link to Adventist Hospital Haemorrhoid Clinic:

http://hkah.org.hk/new/eng/specialist_center_hae.htm

information on colonoscopy

an introductory presentation on colonoscopy by Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons:

http://colonoscopy.info/

A link on HALO (haemorrhoid artery ligation procedure)

what is HALO:

http://www.halocentre.com/whatishalo.html

animation video clip to explain stapled haemorrhoidectomy

http://youtube.com/watch?v=lFOf2pkM-1E

Radio programme

I did a radio programme on haemorrhoid treatment on RTHK, mainly on new procedures, in Dec 07. For those interested, here's the link:

http://www.rthk.org.hk/rthk/radio1/adwiser/20071217.html

please note that the programme is in Cantonese.

Welcome

Welcome to my blog. This is where we can freely communicate. As a full time surgeon, a full time parent and an amateur writer, I might not post often. However, I'd be here every now and then to check out your posts and messages. Do visit often.


link to my blog in Chinese