Urban Flow Plan

Daily writing prompt
How would you design the city of the future?

Rather than creating many low quality bike lanes I would devote a few entire avenues to lightweight portable transport and create cycle-scooterhighways.

Polluting vehicles.

Polluting vehicles.

Polluting vehicles but with more LPT (lightweight portable transport) such as bikes, escooters & so on.

Electric vehicles & more LPT (lightweight portable transport).

STEP 1 (OF URBAN FLOW PLAN)
One or two roads in a city chosen to become ‘Greenways’. Only open to non-polluting LPT. No large polluting vehicles other than emergency vehicles & essential large deliveries.

STEP 1.1 (optional extra)
As above but with improved flow.

STEP 2
Pedestrians above. Safety & continuous flow achieved: noone has to wait for anyone else. Pedestrians could be on travelators.

STEP 3
Pod cars or travelators above. An optional addition for later on pending popularity of earlier steps.

STEP 1 UNDONE (IN CASE NEED BE)
Greenway changed back to regular road but still with pedestrians & pod cars above. Step 1 is reversible at any time which is a huge safety feature of this plan.

View as a slideshow below

Another example of the Urban flow plan is shown below, this time using a junction in Hong Kong and adding extra options. To open slideshow viewer just click on any picture.

All pictures in this post were hand painted by the author over countless hours on an iPad using the Procreate app. (HK photo credit ze big-trip.com)

中英版請點這裡 For Mandarin English version click HERE

有關於地球和事佬About the Peacemaker Foundation

地球和事佬基金會的目標是透過推廣有助於健康、和平、愛與快樂的理念,來提升生活品質與整體福祉。這些免費的教育資料可用於課堂教學或提升意識的活動中。

地球和事佬基金會由藝術家與教師 Luc Hubert 創立。本網站不涉及宗教,也不以營利為目的,沒有任何隱藏動機,唯一的目的是幫助他人。部分翻譯是透過 ChatGPT 和 Google 翻譯協助完成,但所有圖像與文字皆為 Luc 原創,除非另有說明。
The Peacemaker Foundation aims to help improve life quality and wellbeing by promoting ideas that contribute to health, peace, love and happiness. These free educational materials can be used in classrooms and awareness campaigns.

The Peacemaker Foundation was started by Luc Hubert, an artist and teacher.  This is not a religious website and is not to make any money. There’s no hidden agenda other than to help. Some translations were done with the help of chatGPT and Google translate but all artwork and writing is original and by Luc unless stated otherwise.

英文版請點這裡 For English version click HERE

有智慧的英文名言WISE Quotes中英

智慧是最好的禮物
Wisdom makes a better present

這裡是我認為歷來最實用又特別的一些英文名言。這個集合很特別,因為每句話的想法彼此連貫,幾乎可以當作一篇完整的文章來閱讀。最初,它是我為年輕英文學習者寫的一些簡單生活建議,搭配一些相關的名言。多年來,我慢慢加入更多的名言,也刪掉了一些寫得不太好的內容。
Here are what I believe to be some of the most helpful and special quotes of all time. This collection is unique because it can almost be read as a single flowing text owing to the interconnectedness of the ideas. This collection started as a series of simple life guidelines I wrote for young English learners interspersed with related quotes. Over the years more and more quotes were added and much of my own slightly shoddy writing discarded.

老師們請注意! 在課堂上分享一句和主題有關的名言,是一個有趣的方式來引起討論,也能讓學生開始思考。
Attention teachers! Sharing a relevant topic related quote in class can be a really interesting way to start discussions and get learners thinking.

我發現這些名言很適合拿來當英文課的補充教材。我也會記錄和每個班分享過哪些名言,這樣就能為不同班級設計專屬的名言清單,也能進行有趣的複習活動。這些名言也可以用在「智慧卡片」活動中。
I have found these quotes ideal for English classes and I keep a record of what quotes I have shared with what classes so that I can make class specific quotes lists and we can have fun review sessions. These quotes can also be used as part of the ‘Wisdom Cards‘ idea.

下載 PDF
Download PDF

W.I.S.E 學英文的智慧)精選名言短版(如上)
W.I.S.E (Wisdom In Studying English) Helpful Quotes & Sayings Short version (as above)

W.I.S.E(學英文的智慧)Peacemakerfoundation.com 中版
W.I.S.E (Wisdom In Studying English) for Peacemakerfoundation.com Medium Version 
(包含來自 Peacemaker Foundation 的一些名言)
(Includes some quotes from the Peacemaker Foundation)

W.I.S.E(學英文的智慧)Peacemakerfoundation.com 長版
W.I.S.E (Wisdom In Studying English) for Peacemakerfoundation.com Long Version 
(包含作者用簡單文字寫的名言、說明與建議,適合英文初學者與兒童)
(Includes quotes & advice or explanations from the author written in simple language, suitable for some beginner level English language learners and children)

英文版請點這裡 For English version click HERE

 

靈芝的奇妙功效The wonders of Reishi mushroom 中英

圖片的來源Image sources: http://gx.people.com.cn/n2/2023/0704/c179464-40480288.html
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ganoderma-Lucidum-Mushrooms-Organic-Vegetable/dp/B077BS57WM
https://freshlyfermented.co.uk/product/organic-reishi-powder-50g/
https://learn.freshcap.com/growing/how-big-does-reishi-grow/
https://www.sohu.com/a/491202498_121106687

中藥重要
Chinese medicine is important

靈芝(Ganoderma Lucidum)是一種令人驚奇的天然藥材,已有數百年歷史,能在多方面帶來療癒效果。以下是一個簡要概覽。
我不是醫生,這篇文章僅供參考,不能取代專業醫療人員的建議。關鍵詞是「輔助療法」,而不是「替代療法」。
Reishi (Ganoderma Lucidum) is an incredible natural medicine used for centuries and has healing powers on multiple fronts. Here is an overview. I am not a doctor, this post is for information purposes and should not replace sound medical advice from a health care professional. The key word is ‘complementary’ rather than ‘alternative’.

右鍵點擊上面的圖片,然後按「儲存」來保存圖片
Save image above by right clicking and pressing save

我是怎麽做的
How I make it

取一整朵靈芝,盡量用手折下一些小塊,然後清洗。如果靈芝大小像一個乒乓球拍,可以取約三分之一或四分之一。若太硬無法用手折斷,可以先清洗整朵靈芝讓它變軟,再折下所需的部分。
這些碎片應該儘可能小,可以再撕成更小塊。
將靈芝放入鍋中,先倒入少量熱水快速沖泡,然後倒掉熱水但保留靈芝。再加入熱水至鍋中,放在爐子上煮沸,接著用小火煮至少15分鐘以上。請設好計時器並定時查看!
等水變成玫瑰色或褐色時就可以喝了。
Take a whole Reishi and try to break off some pieces by hand then wash them. If the Reishi is as large as a table tennis bat then take off about one third or one quarter. If it’s too hard to break off any pieces by hand then you can wash the whole Reishi first to soften it, then take off the pieces you need. The pieces should be small as possible, so tear them into smaller sections.
Add the pieces to a saucepan or pot, briefly add a little boiling hot water and then pour away the water while keeping the Reishi in the pot. Then fill up the pot with hot water and bring to the boil on a stove. Then simmer for 15 minutes or longer. Set a timer & keep checking! Wait until the water is a rosy or brown colour, then you can drink it.

💡 小提醒: 煮過的靈芝可以保留在鍋中,重複再泡一次。
Extra tip: You can keep the Reishi in the pot for a 2nd steeping.

注意事項
Please note

有些靈芝可能含有塑膠污染,因為常常是用塑膠太空包栽種,而採收時若切得太靠下,塑膠可能會殘留在菇柄中。
為了避免這種情況,可以選擇「段木栽培」靈芝、自己種,或購買整朵靈芝而非粉末(除非你能保證粉末不含塑膠)。
如果你買的整朵靈芝是太空包種植的(很常見),建議將菇柄丟棄不用。
Some Reishi is contaminated with plastic because it is often grown in plastic space bags and then when harvested sometimes it is removed too far down on the stem. To avoid the plastic problem buy log grown Reishi, grow your own, or buy whole Reishi rather than powder form (unless you can guarantee that the powder is plastic free). If your whole Reishi was grown in a plastic space bag (most likely) then just discard the stem.

要查看這篇文章的英文版本,請點這裡
To see the English version of this post see HERE

原始內容由作者創作,並在 Google 翻譯和 ChatGPT 的協助下翻譯為中文。
Original content created by the author and translated into Mandarin with help from Google translate and chatGPT.

健康的牙齒Healthy teeth中英

許多資訊都在一張頁上面!A load of information all on one page!

圖片可在這裡下載
Download the image above HERE

  1. 健康的牙齒 (上方心智圖的線性版本)
    Healthy teeth (linear version of mindmap above)

英文版請點這裡 For English version click HERE

健康的牙齒

這不能取代合格牙醫的專業建議!我不是牙醫,這不是醫療建議。

從原始英文心智圖使用 Google 翻譯翻譯而來。

各種交通工具的優缺點心智圖

這兒有一些心智圖給你看不同的輕巧便携交通工具的好處與壞處。如果您覺得需要加上更多資訊就跟我們聯絡。 Here are some Mindmaps showing the various advantages & disadvantages of different lightweight portable transport (LPT) tools. Please let us know if you feel additional information needs to be included.

由原始英文心智圖使用 Google Translate 來翻譯。
若要查看更深入的各種輕便可攜交通工具的優缺點分析,請點此處

Translated from the original English mindmaps using Google translate.
To see a far more in depth analysis of the pros and cons of various lightweight portable transport gadgets click HERE.

英文版請點這裡 For English version click HERE

Humane, Safe & Effective Pest Control

Many pest control “solutions” are far more harmful than the pests they aim to get rid of. Here are some of the most effective, safe and humane methods. Please note that even natural foods and oils can be highly toxic to pets, so pet owners should use with caution and check for any toxicity.

General Advice

Prevention

Seal food.  Use boxes, bags and the fridge.  Use sealed containers for food scraps. Ensure garbage bags aren’t left open. 

Clean away all traces of food.  

Seal openings such as holes or cracks where the pests can come through, but make sure you don’t trap any of the creatures inside an enclosed space.   

Keep windows and doors closed.

Don’t leave areas of standing water (various creatures such as ants and cockroaches may survive by drinking the water).

Silicon lid over plug

Keep drains and plug holes covered.  Using silicone cup covers* is one way.  This can stop mosquitoes from laying eggs in the water, save insects from being washed away when the tap is running, stops them from drinking the water and possibly from coming in. 
(Henceforth any techniques marked * were invented by Luc the author and the founder of the Peacemaker Foundation)

How to catch pests 

Put some food at the base of a container and leave it for a while.  Once the creatures are in the container seal it and take outside to release.    

Pursue and trap the creature within a transparent plastic container and then slide card underneath. Hold the card in place, take outside and release. For creatures such as mosquitoes, spiders, ants and cockroaches a plastic tub or cup small enough to be held with one hand is usually big enough. Not a recommended method for catching rodents, however; this is also possible with a larger container

Bug Buster Insect Vacuum

Use a bug vacuum, such as the Bug Buster or Bug Zooka.  Especially effective with small cockroaches, spiders and mosquitoes.  

White walls make spotting many creatures easier, especially mosquitoes.  

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes Prevention

Use mosquito screens (normally over windows). 

Use mosquito nets (usually over beds if needed).

Don’t leave areas of standing water where mosquitos can breed.

In order to not attract mosquitoes, avoid black clothing, smoking, alcohol and excessive amounts of perfume.  

Natural Mosquito Repellents (NOTE:  many essential oils are highly toxic to cats and dogs and other pets. Avoid using them if you have a pet or check toxicity carefully.)

• Lemon grass

• Rosemary

• Eucalyptus oil 

• Peppermint oil

• Lavender

• Basil

• Garlic

Mosquito Repellent Techniques

Apple Cider Vinegar (apply to bites on skin to help swelling go down and may also repel mosquitoes).

Mosquito lure: To reduce the chance of being bitten place some pieces of fruit right (apple works) near you on an ant free plate or in a bottle. This can attract the mosquito away from you. Especially suitable when sleeping, – place nearby your pillow. This could attract more mosquitoes so only do this if doors and windows are sealed and mosquitoes are already in the room!

Fans

Direct the breeze from a fan or air conditioning unit to just above where you will lie or sit.* The breeze will blow the mosquitos away as well as the carbon dioxide in your breathe to which they’re attracted.* *(invented by author)

Use a hand-held paper fan, umbrella, newspaper or similar object to waft away mosquitoes, especially when going in or out of a building.  You can dab natural repellent oils onto the fan’s paper or cloth but beware of any eye irritation from some oils.* *(invented by author)

When exiting or entering a building you can use the door as a fan: quickly open, partly close, and then reopen the door and quickly enter.* 

How to catch mosquitoes     

Use a bottle trap. Also works for other flying bugs.  The bugs often don’t survive for long in the bottle so check it frequently and release any bugs. You could set an alarm to periodically ring to remind you to check. To get more mosquitoes you can also wrap the bottle in a removable dark cloth, paper or sock (remove when checking). 

picture taken from thehealthyhomeeconomist.com


Ants, cockroaches & other crawling bugs

DIY Moat plates 

Although it’s often best to limit the amount of exposed standing water, water is also an effective barrier.  You can take a plate and fill slightly with water and then add another smaller plate on top to create a bug-free moat plate.*  The bigger the bugs, the bigger the moat needs to be.    


Push down five suction cups onto the top surface of a large tray.  To stop all crawling bugs fill the tray with water.  Then add a smaller tray on top to create a DIY bug-proof tray.*  A problem is that bugs may drink the water and ants may get trapped in it.  For ants only then instead of filling with water simply add petroleum jelly/Vaseline onto the suction cups.  

防蟲廚房(Ant and cockroach proof kitchen)

Ants

Ants Prevention

Ant proof trays.  Some ant-proof trays available to buy use water and are often effective.  If the ant-proof trays just use physical barriers within the design (without water) they may not be 100% effective.  However; you can add Petroleum jelly (henceforth P.J) to the barriers making them close to 100% effective.      

P.J or Vaseline is a great ant barrier.  Make a ring of P.J around ant holes.  This is preferable to blocking the holes because it won’t trap them inside. Put P.J around the legs of tables or beds to make them ant-proof.  Also put P.J under the rims of plant pots to stop ants from nesting in the soil.    


Other materials that can serve as ant barriers (but are usually less effective than P.J or water) are chalk, talcum powder, dolomite, hot chilli powder, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, and coffee grounds. Also effective are cinnamon oil, citrus oil, and lemon juice (all of which can also be soaked into a piece of string). These barrier materials are often unpleasant for ants so you can put some in corners of cubbies and drawers as a deterrent as well as the other natural repellents listed below. 

Natural Ant Repellents
(NOTE: many essential oils are highly toxic to pets)

• (Apple cider) vinegar

• Lemon juice

• Cinnamon 

• Garlic 

• Peppermint

• Sodium bicarbonate (Baking soda) 

• Cucumber (peels work fine) 

How to catch ants

Put vegetable oil around the rim of a jar. Place food that ants like inside the jar. Can also put the jar into a hole in the ground.  

Cockroaches

Cockroach prevention

Geckos eat cockroaches. So if you don’t want cockroaches and see a gecko just leave it be. 

Clean surfaces with vinegar mixed with water.  

Get rid of cardboard (cockroaches love it).

Natural cockroach Repellents
(NOTE: many essential oils are highly toxic to pets)

• Tea tree oil (highly toxic)

• Cypress oil

• Peppermint oil

• Mint

• Bay leaves

• Cucumbers

• Garlic

• Catnip
(but be aware of its effects on some cats)

Natural cockroach repellent techniques

Some plug-in devices are available which emit frequencies supposedly unpleasant for cockroaches (but results are often mixed).

How to catch cockroaches

Humane cockroach traps allow cockroaches in but not out.  To stop ants while still attracting cockroaches put the trap onto an ant-proof tray or draw a line of chalk or P.J around the traps.      

Rodents (Rats & Mice)

Rodent Prevention

It cannot be emphasised enough: prevention is better than cure. Prevent access to food, water, shelter and nesting sites. 

One way is to block holes. Using steel wool is a quick and effective way. Just be sure to not trap any animals inside an enclosed space. To reduce risk of this you could add one of the repellents below to the area you wish to seal off, wait a period of time for the animals to vacate and then seal the opening(s). 

Put sources of food and drink in sealed containers wherever possible, or if left open then on surfaces beyond jumping distance from any other ledges or surfaces that a rodent could access. For example, food on a  high table with a single central leg, placed in the middle of a large room would be safer than food on a table with adjoining furniture.

Natural Rodent Repellent

Peppermint oil. Place peppermint oil onto cotton pads and place in the corners of the space. Add more cotton pads every day or two for a week or two, and then seal any holes. You can also add some oil of Oregano for extra potency. Another way is to place the peppermint oil in a diffuser. Note that Peppermint oil, while generally safe for humans, is toxic to cats and dogs! They absolutely cannot be in the room if you use this method.

Balsam Fir Oil. This is used in the FDA approved ‘Fresh cab’ repellent available to buy.  (avoid use around dogs and especially cats).

In Africa the roots of the Whitethorn/Witdoring tree (Senegalia polyacantha subsp. campylacantha) emit chemicals that repel rats, snakes as well as crocodiles. 

Note that adding small amounts of cat urine to infested areas also works but the ammonia in the urine can be unhealthy to inhale beyond a certain amount and may also attract other animals. If you do this then use with caution and wear a good mask or ventilate as you place the urine. Alternatively, just get a cat, but the cat may not be a mouser, and with cats around rodents there is the risk of Toxoplasma.  

Rodent Repellent Techniques

Plug-in devices that emit frequencies unpleasant for rodents but supposedly inaudible to humans (this method does not always work, or sometimes only works for a short time).

Strobe lighting (limited effectiveness as the rodents can become used to it).        

Mix salad oil, horseradish, garlic and cayenne pepper. Let the oil sit several days, then strain. Use a spray bottle to coat surfaces.      

How to catch rodents

Note: The trapped creatures undergo a lot of stress and may not survive for very long in the trap, especially in extreme temperatures. So please do remember to check traps regularly and set the creatures free as soon as possible in a suitable place!

Humane mouse and rat traps are widely available. Add the bait and set so the door will shut once the rodent goes inside. Take to a suitable place and release. Some traps allow for capture of multiple rodents. 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Motel-Mouse-Humane-Outdoor-Release/dp/B083SSDW4S?th=1


A large, smooth, plastic dustbin with food at the bottom or on a little walkway over the bin. The rats or mice may jump in, or be lured to fall in, but cannot get out as long as the bin is high and smooth enough. Please note: if there is even a little water in the container there is a very real risk of the animal drowning! If outside, then make sure it cannot catch the rain. Alternatively, you can place a stone or something for the rodent to stand on and check it regularly.

journal.chrisglass.com
Download this post as a PDF below

中英版請點這裡 For Mandarin English version click HERE

‘‘Work is love made visible’’ (Khalil Gibran)
(
工作是看得見的愛。)

原始文字與部分圖片由作者提供,翻譯由 ChatGPT 協助完成。
Original text & some images by author, translated with the help of ChatGPT

地球和事佬
The Peacemaker Foundation

促進健康與福祉的免費學習資料
Free Learning Resources to Promote Health & Well-being

人道、安全又有效的除蟲方法 Humane, Safe & Effective Pest Control 中英

許多所謂的除蟲「解決方法」比害蟲本身還更有害。以下是一些最有效、安全且人道的方法。請注意:即使是天然的食物與油品也可能對寵物具有高度毒性,因此飼主使用時需小心,並查詢是否有毒。
Many pest control “solutions” are far more harmful than the pests they aim to get rid of. Here are some of the most effective, safe and humane methods. Please note that even natural foods and oils can be highly toxic to pets, so pet owners should use with caution and check for any toxicity.

一般建議
General Advice

預防
Prevention

將食物密封保存。請使用盒子、袋子與冰箱。廚餘請放入有蓋的容器中。垃圾袋不要敞開放置。Seal food.  Use boxes, bags and the fridge.  Use sealed containers for food scraps. Ensure garbage bags aren’t left open. 

清除所有食物殘留。
Clean away all traces of food.  

封住害蟲可能進入的洞口或裂縫,但要確保不要把動物困在密閉空間內。
Seal openings such as holes or cracks where the pests can come through, but make sure you don’t trap any of the creatures inside an enclosed space.   

關閉窗戶與門。
Keep windows and doors closed.

不要讓水積在某個地方(螞蟻、蟑螂等會靠喝水生存)。
Don’t leave areas of standing water (various creatures such as ants and cockroaches may survive by drinking the water).

Silicon lid over plug

用蓋子蓋住排水孔或水槽。可以使用矽膠杯蓋*,這能防止蚊子在水中產卵,也能防止昆蟲在水龍頭開啟時被沖走,避免牠們喝水,或可能進入室內。
Keep drains and plug holes covered.  Using silicone cup covers* is one way.  This can stop mosquitoes from laying eggs in the water, save insects from being washed away when the tap is running, stops them from drinking the water and possibly from coming in. 
從現在起,所有標有*的技巧,皆由本作者和地球和事佬基金會創辦人 Luc 所發明。
(Henceforth any techniques marked * were invented by Luc the author and the founder of the Peacemaker Foundation)

如何抓住害蟲
How to catch pests 

在容器底部放些食物,放一段時間。當動物進入後,把容器封住並帶到戶外放生。
Put some food at the base of a container and leave it for a while.  Once the creatures are in the container seal it and take outside to release.    

用透明塑膠容器將動物圍住,再用卡片滑入底部。將卡片壓住,帶到外面釋放。對於蚊子、蜘蛛、螞蟻、蟑螂等小型動物,一隻單手可握的塑膠杯或小盒子通常足夠。但這方法不太適合抓老鼠,若容器夠大,也不是不可能。
Pursue and trap the creature within a transparent plastic container and then slide card underneath. Hold the card in place, take outside and release. For creatures such as mosquitoes, spiders, ants and cockroaches a plastic tub or cup small enough to be held with one hand is usually big enough. Not a recommended method for catching rodents, however; this is also possible with a larger container.

Bug Buster Insect Vacuum

使用吸蟲器,如 Bug Buster 或 Bug Zooka。對小型蟑螂、蜘蛛和蚊子特別有效。
Use a bug vacuum, such as the Bug Buster or Bug Zooka.  Especially effective with small cockroaches, spiders and mosquitoes.  

白牆能幫助你更容易發現許多動物,尤其是蚊子。
White walls make spotting many creatures easier, especially mosquitoes.  

蚊子
Mosquitoes

防蚊措施
Mosquitoes Prevention

使用紗窗(通常裝在窗戶上)。
Use mosquito screens (normally over windows). 

使用蚊帳(若有需要,通常掛在床上)。
Use mosquito nets (usually over beds if needed).

不要留下蚊子能產卵的積水。
Don’t leave areas of standing water where mosquitos can breed.

為了不吸引蚊子,避免穿黑色衣服、抽菸、喝酒與過多香水。
In order to not attract mosquitoes, avoid black clothing, smoking, alcohol and excessive amounts of perfume.  

天然防蚊劑(注意:許多精油對貓、狗及其他寵物具高度毒性。有養寵物者請避免使用或查詢毒性):Natural Mosquito Repellents (NOTE:  many essential oils are highly toxic to cats and dogs and other pets. Avoid using them if you have a pet or check toxicity carefully.)

• 香茅 Lemon grass

• 迷迭香 Rosemary

• 尤加利油 Eucalyptus oil 

• 薄荷油 Peppermint oil

• 薰衣草 Lavender

• 羅勒 Basil

• 大蒜 Garlic

防蚊技巧
Mosquito Repellent Techniques

蘋果醋(塗抹在蚊子叮咬處,有助消腫,也可能有防蚊效果)。
Apple Cider Vinegar (apply to bites on skin to help swelling go down and may also repel mosquitoes). 

引誘蚊子:放幾塊水果(蘋果即可)在無螞蟻的盤子或瓶子裡,靠近你放置。這可能吸引蚊子遠離你。特別適合在睡覺時使用,將其放在枕頭附近。這也可能吸引更多蚊子,所以僅在門窗密封、室內已有蚊子的情況下使用。Mosquito lure: To reduce the chance of being bitten place some pieces of fruit right (apple works) near you on an ant free plate or in a bottle. This can attract the mosquito away from you. Especially suitable when sleeping, – place nearby your pillow. This could attract more mosquitoes so only do this if doors and windows are sealed and mosquitoes are already in the room!

電風扇
Fans

把風扇或冷氣的風對準你將躺下或坐下的位置上方*,氣流會吹走蚊子及牠們所依賴的二氧化碳。
Direct the breeze from a fan or air conditioning unit to just above where you will lie or sit.* The breeze will blow the mosquitos away as well as the carbon dioxide in your breathe to which they’re attracted.* *(invented by author)

使用紙扇、雨傘、報紙等物品拍走蚊子,尤其是在出入建築物時。可在扇子紙面或布面上塗些天然防蚊油,但要小心部分油品可能刺激眼睛。*
Use a hand-held paper fan, umbrella, newspaper or similar object to waft away mosquitoes, especially when going in or out of a building.  You can dab natural repellent oils onto the fan’s paper or cloth but beware of any eye irritation from some oils.* *(invented by author)

出入門口時可用門當作扇子:快速打開,部分關閉,再迅速開門進入。*
When exiting or entering a building you can use the door as a fan: quickly open, partly close, and then reopen the door and quickly enter.* 

如何抓蚊子
How to catch mosquitoes     

thehealthyhomeeconomist.com

使用瓶子陷阱。對其他飛蟲也有效。瓶中昆蟲常不會活太久,請常常檢查並放生。可設定鬧鐘提醒你檢查。為了吸引更多蚊子,可在瓶子外包上黑布、黑紙或深色襪子(檢查時記得移除)。
Use a bottle trap. Also works for other flying bugs.  The bugs often don’t survive for long in the bottle so check it frequently and release any bugs. You could set an alarm to periodically ring to remind you to check. To get more mosquitoes you can also wrap the bottle in a removable dark cloth, paper or sock (remove when checking). 

螞蟻與蟑螂這類爬行昆蟲
Ants, cockroaches & other crawling bugs

自製護蟲盤(防蟲水盤)
DIY Moat plates 

儘管應限制積水,水本身仍是良好的防線。可拿一個大盤子稍微加水,再在上面放一個小盤子,就能做成防蟲水盤*。蟲越大,護城河要越寬。
Although it’s often best to limit the amount of exposed standing water, water is also an effective barrier.  You can take a plate and fill slightly with water and then add another smaller plate on top to create a bug-free moat plate.*  The bigger the bugs, the bigger the moat needs to be.    

在大托盤上貼五個吸盤。加水形成防蟲盤,再放一個小托盤在上面。* 若只針對螞蟻,盤子中不加水,而是在吸盤上塗凡士林即可。
Push down five suction cups onto the top surface of a large tray.  To stop all crawling bugs fill the tray with water.  Then add a smaller tray on top to create a DIY bug-proof tray.*  A problem is that bugs may drink the water and ants may get trapped in it.  For ants only then instead of filling with water simply add petroleum jelly/Vaseline onto the suction cups.  

防蟲廚房(Ant and cockroach proof kitchen)

螞蟻
Ants

防螞蟻措施
Ants Prevention

防螞蟻托盤。有些可購買的防螞蟻托盤使用水,效果通常良好。若僅靠設計中的物理障礙,效果可能不完全。但可加上凡士林,使其幾乎百分百有效。
Ant proof trays.  Some ant-proof trays available to buy use water and are often effective.  If the ant-proof trays just use physical barriers within the design (without water) they may not be 100% effective.  However; you can add Petroleum jelly (henceforth P.J) to the barriers making them close to 100% effective.      

凡士林是極佳的防螞蟻障礙物。可在螞蟻出入口畫一圈凡士林,比起封死洞口更好,因為不會把牠們困住。在桌腳或床腳塗上凡士林也能防螞蟻,盆栽底部也可塗,以防螞蟻築巢。
P.J or Vaseline is a great ant barrier.  Make a ring of P.J around ant holes.  This is preferable to blocking the holes because it won’t trap them inside. Put P.J around the legs of tables or beds to make them ant-proof.  Also put P.J under the rims of plant pots to stop ants from nesting in the soil.    

其他可作為障礙的材料(效果通常不如水或凡士林)包括:粉筆、爽身粉、白雲石粉、辣椒粉、辣椒、肉桂、咖啡渣。也可使用肉桂油、柑橘油與檸檬汁(可用線浸泡),這些也能放在櫃子角落作為驅蟻劑。
Other materials that can serve as ant barriers (but are usually less effective than P.J or water) are chalk, talcum powder, dolomite, hot chilli powder, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, and coffee grounds. Also effective are cinnamon oil, citrus oil, and lemon juice (all of which can also be soaked into a piece of string). These barrier materials are often unpleasant for ants so you can put some in corners of cubbies and drawers as a deterrent as well as the other natural repellents listed below.  

天然驅蟻劑
Natural Ant Repellents
(注意:許多精油對寵物有毒)
(NOTE: many essential oils are highly toxic to pets)

• 蘋果醋 (Apple cider) vinegar

• 檸檬汁 Lemon juice

• 肉桂 Cinnamon 

• 大蒜 Garlic 

• 薄荷 Peppermint

• 碳酸氫鈉(小蘇打粉) Sodium bicarbonate (Baking soda) 

• 小黃瓜(皮也可以)Cucumber (peels work fine) 

如何抓螞蟻
How to catch ants

在瓶口周圍塗植物油,在瓶內放螞蟻喜歡的食物。可將瓶子埋入土中。
Put vegetable oil around the rim of a jar. Place food that ants like inside the jar. Can also put the jar into a hole in the ground.  

蟑螂
Cockroaches

防蟑措施
Cockroach prevention

壁虎會吃蟑螂。如果你不想要蟑螂而看到壁虎,就讓牠留著。
Geckos eat cockroaches. So if you don’t want cockroaches and see a gecko just leave it be. 

用醋水清潔表面。
Clean surfaces with vinegar mixed with water.  

丟掉紙箱(蟑螂喜歡紙箱)。
Get rid of cardboard (cockroaches love it).

天然驅蟑劑
Natural cockroach Repellents
(注意:許多精油對寵物有毒)
(NOTE: many essential oils are highly toxic to pets)

• 茶樹油(毒性強)Tea tree oil (highly toxic)

• 柏樹油 Cypress oil

• 薄荷油 Peppermint oil

• 薄荷葉 Mint

• 月桂葉 Bay leaves

• 小黃瓜 Cucumbers

• 大蒜 Garlic

• 貓薄荷 Catnip
(但要注意對貓的影響) (but be aware of its effects on some cats)

天然驅蟑技巧
Natural cockroach repellent techniques

有些插電設備會發出蟑螂不喜歡的頻率(但效果不一定)。
Some plug-in devices are available which emit frequencies supposedly unpleasant for cockroaches (but results are often mixed).

如何抓蟑螂
How to catch cockroaches

人道蟑螂陷阱可以讓蟑螂進入卻無法逃出。為了防止螞蟻進入,可將陷阱放在防蟻盤中,或用粉筆或凡士林畫圈圍住陷阱。
Humane cockroach traps allow cockroaches in but not out.  To stop ants while still attracting cockroaches put the trap onto an ant-proof tray or draw a line of chalk or P.J around the traps.      

老鼠
Rats & Mice

防鼠措施
Rodent Prevention

預防遠勝於事後處理。阻止牠們接觸到食物、水、棲身處與築巢地點。
It cannot be emphasised enough: prevention is better than cure. Prevent access to food, water, shelter and nesting sites. 

封住洞口是一種方法。使用鋼絲絨快速有效。但要確保不會把動物困在裡面。可先在封住處放一些驅鼠劑,等待一段時間讓動物離開後再封口。
One way is to block holes. Using steel wool is a quick and effective way. Just be sure to not trap any animals inside an enclosed space. To reduce risk of this you could add one of the repellents below to the area you wish to seal off, wait a period of time for the animals to vacate and then seal the opening(s). 

將食物與飲料盡量裝入密封容器。若無法密封,則應放在老鼠無法跳上去的表面上。例如:將食物放在中間只有一根柱腳的高桌上,並且離其他家具有距離,這樣比放在可輕易攀爬的桌子上安全。
Put sources of food and drink in sealed containers wherever possible, or if left open then on surfaces beyond jumping distance from any other ledges or surfaces that a rodent could access. For example, food on a  high table with a single central leg, placed in the middle of a large room would be safer than food on a table with adjoining furniture.

天然驅鼠劑
Natural Rodent Repellent

薄荷油:滴在棉花球上,放在角落。每一兩天更換棉花球,持續一至兩週,然後封住洞口。可加牛至油提升效果。也可用擴香器散播薄荷油。但注意!薄荷油對貓狗有毒,用這方法時寵物絕對不能在室內。
Peppermint oil. Place peppermint oil onto cotton pads and place in the corners of the space. Add more cotton pads every day or two for a week or two, and then seal any holes. You can also add some oil of Oregano for extra potency. Another way is to place the peppermint oil in a diffuser. Note that Peppermint oil, while generally safe for humans, is toxic to cats and dogs! They absolutely cannot be in the room if you use this method.

香杉油:是美國 FDA 認可的「Fresh Cab」驅鼠劑成分。(避免在貓狗附近使用)。
Balsam Fir Oil. This is used in the FDA approved ‘Fresh cab’ repellent available to buy.  (avoid use around dogs and especially cats).

在非洲,白刺樹(Senegalia polyacantha subsp. campylacantha)的根會釋出可驅趕老鼠、蛇、鱷魚的氣味。
In Africa the roots of the Whitethorn/Witdoring tree (Senegalia polyacantha subsp. campylacantha) emit chemicals that repel rats, snakes as well as crocodiles. 

在遭鼠患處滴少量貓尿也有效,但尿液中的氨會影響健康,且可能吸引其他動物。若使用,請戴口罩並保持通風。或者直接養一隻貓,但貓可能不會抓老鼠,而且有弓蟲感染風險
Note that adding small amounts of cat urine to infested areas also works but the ammonia in the urine can be unhealthy to inhale beyond a certain amount and may also attract other animals. If you do this then use with caution and wear a good mask or ventilate as you place the urine. Alternatively, just get a cat, but the cat may not be a mouser, and with cats around rodents there is the risk of Toxoplasma.  

驅鼠技巧
Rodent Repellent Techniques

插電裝置可發出對老鼠不舒服但人聽不到的頻率(效果有時短暫或不穩定)。
Plug-in devices that emit frequencies unpleasant for rodents but supposedly inaudible to humans (this method does not always work, or sometimes only works for a short time).

閃光燈(效果有限,老鼠可能會習慣)。
Strobe lighting (limited effectiveness as the rodents can become used to it).        

混合沙拉油、辣根、大蒜與辣椒,靜置幾天後濾出,用噴瓶噴在表面。
Mix salad oil, horseradish, garlic and cayenne pepper. Let the oil sit several days, then strain. Use a spray bottle to coat surfaces.      

如何抓老鼠
How to catch rodents
注意:被困住的動物會承受極大壓力,尤其在極端氣溫下,可能撐不了多久就無法活下去。因此請務必經常檢查陷阱,並盡快在適當的地點將牠們放生
Note: The trapped creatures undergo a lot of stress and may not survive for very long in the trap, especially in extreme temperatures. So please do remember to check traps regularly and set the creatures free as soon as possible in a suitable place!

有許多可重複使用的人道老鼠陷阱可買。放好誘餌,設定機關,老鼠進入即關門。帶去安全地點釋放。有些陷阱可同時捕捉多隻老鼠。
Humane mouse and rat traps are widely available. Add the bait and set so the door will shut once the rodent goes inside. Take to a suitable place and release. Some traps allow for capture of multiple rodents. 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Motel-Mouse-Humane-Outdoor-Release/dp/B083SSDW4S?th=1

可用一個大塑膠垃圾桶,裡面放食物或一座小橋引誘老鼠跳進去。桶子夠高又光滑時牠們無法爬出。但要注意!若桶內有一點水,老鼠可能會溺斃。若放在室外,請避免下雨淋入水。也可放一塊石頭讓牠們站立,並經常檢查。
A large, smooth, plastic dustbin with food at the bottom or on a little walkway over the bin. The rats or mice may jump in, or be lured to fall in, but cannot get out as long as the bin is high and smooth enough. Please note: if there is even a little water in the container there is a very real risk of the animal drowning! If outside, then make sure it cannot catch the rain. Alternatively, you can place a stone or something for the rodent to stand on and check it regularly.

journal.chrisglass.com

請在下方下載這篇貼文的 PDF。
Download this post as a PDF below

英文版請點這裡 For English version click HERE

‘‘Work is love made visible’’ (Khalil Gibran)
(
工作是看得見的愛。)

原始文字與部分圖片由作者提供,翻譯由 ChatGPT 協助完成。
Original text & some images by author, translated with the help of ChatGPT

地球和事佬
The Peacemaker Foundation

促進健康與福祉的免費學習資料
Free Learning Resources to Promote Health & Well-being

Personal Light Electric Vehicles Interactive Decision Matrix Comparison Charts

Thinking of buying an electric scooter or other transport tool? This is where you can numerically compare Personal Light Electric Vehicles‘ (PLEVs) based on your own specific needs. At the time of writing there is nothing like this anywhere else online. To understand how a decision matrix works see the 2 minute video below and then read on:

In the interactive self-adjusting decision matrix below, transport tools are shown in the left column and factors (considerations) are on the top row. For every factor you can enter a weighting (importance value) from 0 (totally unimportant) to 10 (essential). Just replace the default weighting of 5 with your own weighting (from 1 to 10).  For example, if you feel ‘Portability’ is quite important you might give it a weighting of 7. If you feel ‘Top Speed’ is fairly unimportant you might give it a weighting of 2. For each factor (consideration) a transport tool already has an achievement score which is how well it performs in that factor area. The achievement score is based on OBJECTIVE data (see base of table for explanations). For example, the Urmo gets a low achievement score of 2.5 for the ‘Top speed’ factor because it’s fairly slow. The objective achievement score is multiplied by your subjective weighting to produce a weighting x achievement score. So for the Urmo in the ‘Top speed’ category it would be 2 (your weighting) x 2.5 (achievement score) = 5 (weighting x achievement score). The overall score for each gadget is the sum total of all weighting x achievement scores. The tool with the highest score is likely to be the most suitable based on your needs. The table will update automatically as you enter the importance values (weightings).

See below for a quick example video (the chart no longer works on the webpage as shown in the video so just use the buttons below to open it in Google Sheets or Excel):

A STATIC (NON-INTERACTIVE) COMPARISON TABLE (LIGHTWEIGHT PORTABLE TRANSPORT TOOLS)

SAFETY UPDATE IN 2021 – MAKE SURE THE STEM IS LOCKED IN BEFORE RIDING! The main stem on my Kugoo S1 Pro once gave way while riding, I had already gone a couple of miles on it when it came loose. It’s possible that I didn’t click it in properly or it may have come loose while riding.  The result was not pretty and I’ve only just gained use of my right hand & wrist again so am typing this. The handlebar is a major reason why scooters outperform the other gadgets in safety, but please do make sure you check the handlebar stem is fully locked in place before riding, avoid riding at speed over rough terrain or at least check the stem lock after doing so. Also buy a scooter with an effective stem lock! NOTE: The Kugoo S1, both E-TWOW scooters and the Micro Explorer all use the same basic frame with the same stem lock!

UPDATE 2025
Having used the tables above to buy and try various transport tools I have settled on using my Micro Falcon scooter for short distance last mile transport. It rolls beautifully in active mode and actively kicking it along helps pedestrians to feel more at ease although usually I get off and walk past oncoming pedestrians. In places where escooters are banned so far I have always used the excuse that it is a ‘hybrid’ and so far that has worked. It’s so small and portable that it’s just less of an issue and I believe this has fantastic potential as an urban transport tool. It’s out of production at present but I hope that Micro produce an upgraded version with a light, a softer front tire and deck (I add jelly mats and rubber to help cushion the ride).
Also The Urmo is not currently available and production plans have come to a halt. ‘Zoom’ company seems to be out of business now. Also various other scooters not included here have been highly rated on Electric Scooter Guide.com so check them out as well HERE if interested. 

For scooter rental schemes

If you are looking here for a scooter to use in a rental scheme with a capped speed lower than all the top speeds of the scooters shown then you should enter ‘0’ as a weighting (importance value) for the speed factor. Likewise, you may wish to give ‘portability’ a lower weighting given that most users will dock their scooters rather than push or carry them around.

If you would like us to make a revised matrix with additional factors specific to your rental scheme or with other transport tools added just let us know – happy to help! 

OLDER CONTENT SHOWN BELOW

We believe that we now need to embrace lightweight portable transport to help slow global warming, boost people’s well-being through cleaner air & maintaining a safe social distance.

To see mindmaps showing pros and cons of different transport gadgets click HERE

Some older gadgets – a comparison chart made in 2015

ELPT, Electric Lightweight Portable Transport Tools, Electric Mobility Devices

Download
PDF: Transportables
Word File: Transportables

Gadget names

I suggested ‘Transportables‘ (transport tools that are portable)
& also ‘Lightweight Portable Transport‘ (LPT).
Here are some competing names:
Personal transport gadgets (PTGs?)
Personal Light Electric Vehicles‘ (PLEVs) (the term used by the UK government),
Powered Transporters‘,
Rideables‘ (possibly from Wired magazine).

”EUCS” or ”electric unicycles” involve no cyling so it’s a misnomer. Much better to call them Electric self-balancing wheels, electric wheels or just ewheels. Another suggestion I saw was motor wheels.

greentransportideas.org

我希望能重新專注於綠色交通,並意識到專門的網站可能會更適合這個目的。因此,請見這個目前正在建置中的新網站,專門聚焦於交通議題:
https://greentransportideas.org/

英文版請點這裡 For English version click HERE

捐款給 ICAN,讓核武成為非法!

與氣候變遷並列,我相信這應該是我們最優先關注的議題之一。達賴喇嘛關於和平區與裁軍的理念也非常值得一讀!
👉 https://www.dalailama.com/messages/world-peace/disarmament

「如果你覺得自己太渺小,無法帶來改變,不妨試著和一隻蚊子一起睡一晚。」
—— 達賴喇嘛

我個人認為,讓個別國家擁有核武來「維持和平」,就像允許孩子帶槍上學以防止打架一樣荒謬。是時候讓聯合國成為「校長」,讓我們的集體意識進化,讓智慧跟得上科技了。

「我們的科學進化超越了我們的靈性進化。我們擁有的是導引飛彈,卻是迷失的人類。」
—— 馬丁·路德·金

眼下世界已面臨夠多的挑戰,讓我們每個人都扮演好自己的角色,至少在這個議題上做對的事——幫助智慧戰勝聰明,用行動拆除這些可怕的武器,並永遠將它們禁止。

成功屬於有勇氣說出「我能」的人。


捐款給 ICAN

點這裡 捐款支持 ICAN → ICAN 官方網站

「你現在有一個難得的機會,為一項將被後代銘記的事業做出貢獻——讓核武成為非法。」


你也可以考慮捐助以下組織,或看看他們正在做的重要工作:


🇬🇧 英國組織:

🔹 英國核裁軍運動 CND
捐款頁面:https://cnduk.org/donate/

🔹 蘇格蘭核裁軍組織 Scottish CND
https://www.banthebomb.org/donate/

🔹 貴格會和平與社會見證 Quaker Peace & Social Witness
https://www.quaker.org.uk/give

🔹 縮寫研究所 Acronym Institute for Disarmament Diplomacy
https://www.acronym.org.uk/contact


🇺🇸 美國組織:

🔸 Ploughshares Fundhttps://www.ploughshares.org

  • 支持數十項全球核裁軍計畫
  • 聚焦於透過政策改革與外交減少核衝突風險
  • 在美國有強大遊說能力,美國作為核大國,這一點非常重要
  • 長期受到慈善家與政策專家的信任

🔸 核時代和平基金會 Nuclear Age Peace Foundationhttps://www.wagingpeace.org

  • 著重教育、青年參與與法律手段推動全球去核化
  • 支持將核武定義為違反人道法律的國際法律努力

🔸 關鍵意志(Reaching Critical Will)– 國際婦女和平與自由聯盟 (WILPF) 計畫https://www.reachingcriticalwill.org

  • 為裁軍外交官與行動者提供分析與政策工具
  • 採取女性主義與反軍事視角,在聯合國層級進行重要幕後工作

🔸 和平行動 Peace Actionhttps://www.peaceaction.org

  • 美國歷史最悠久、規模最大的草根和平組織
  • 動員公眾反對核武,並在國會遊說以削減核武預算,具有實質立法影響力

👉 我個人對於建立持久和平制度的思維導圖(製作於2021年):

英文版請點這裡 For English version click HERE

(this post was translated with the help of chatgpt)

都市綠流計畫 The Urban Flow Plan 中英

造成汙染的汽車。
Polluting vehicles.

造成汙染的汽車(替代道路配置)。
Polluting vehicles (alternative layout).

造成汙染的汽車可是有更多LPT(輕便交通工具)例如自行車、電動踏板車、等等。
Polluting vehicles but with more LPT (lightweight portable transport) such as bikes, escooters & so on.

電動車還有更多的LPT(輕便交通工具)。
Electric vehicles & more LPT (lightweight portable transport).

都市綠流計畫 , 第一步驟
城市中選出一兩條道路成為「綠色通道」,僅開放給無污染的輕便交通工具通行。除了緊急車輛和必要的大型送貨車輛外,不允許大型污染車輛進入。
STEP 1 (OF URBAN FLOW PLAN)
One or two roads in a city chosen to become ‘Greenways’. Only open to non-polluting LPT. No large polluting vehicles other than emergency vehicles & essential large deliveries.

步驟 1.1(選擇性)
跟上面一樣,但交通流量更順暢。
STEP 1.1 (optional extra)
As above but with improved flow.

步驟 2
行人位於上層。實現安全與持續通行:沒有人需要等待他人。行人可以搭乘自動人行道。
STEP 2
Pedestrians above. Safety & continuous flow achieved: noone has to wait for anyone else. Pedestrians could be on travelators.

步驟 3
膠囊車或自動人行道設於上層。這是可選的後續加設項目,視前面步驟的受歡迎程度而定。
STEP 3
Pod cars or travelators above. An optional addition for later on pending popularity of earlier steps.

步驟 1 撤回(如有需要)
綠色通道改回一般道路,但上層仍保留行人與膠囊車設施。步驟 1 可隨時撤回,這是本計畫的一大安全特色。STEP 1 UNDONE (IN CASE NEED BE)
Greenway changed back to regular road but still with pedestrians & pod cars above. Step 1 is reversible at any time which is a huge safety feature of this plan.

在下方以投影片方式瀏覽
View as a slideshow below

另一個「都市通行計畫」的例子如下,這次是以香港的一個路口為示範,並加入更多選項。如要開啟投影片瀏覽器,只需點擊任意圖片。
Another example of the Urban flow plan is shown below, this time using a junction in Hong Kong and adding extra options. To open slideshow viewer just click on any picture.

本篇貼文中的所有圖片皆由作者親自以 iPad 使用 Procreate 應用程式手繪完成,耗時無數小時。(香港照片來源:ze big-trip.com)
All pictures in this post were hand painted by the author over countless hours on an iPad using the Procreate app. (HK photo credit ze big-trip.com)

英文版請點這裡 For English version click HERE

專心在你的目標上 Focus on your goals

Suggested use for most learners is to just enjoy the story & maybe gain some insight from it rather than try to learn all the related words. However, as you listen or read see how much of the meaning you can catch! You can highlight the text in a PDF reader & press speak or play if possible, or copy the text & paste into Microsoft word or Pleco & then play from there. See a text to speech video here: https://waylink.co.uk/mandarin-chinese/handy-learning-tricks-methods/

The Power of Determination

The little country schoolhouse was heated by an old fashioned, pot-bellied stove. A little boy had the job of coming to school early each day to start the fire and warm the room before his teacher and his classmates arrived. One morning they arrived to find the schoolhouse engulfed in flames. They dragged the unconscious little boy out of the flaming building more dead than alive. He had major burns over the lower half of his body and was taken to the nearby county hospital. From his bed the dreadfully burned, semi-conscious little boy faintly heart the doctor talking to his mother. The doctor told his mother that her son would surely die – which was for the best, really – for the terrible fire had devastated the lower half of his body. But the brave boy didn’t want to die. He made up his mind that he would survive. Somehow, to the amazement of the physician, he did survive. When the mortal danger was past, he again heard the doctor and his mother speaking quietly. The mother was told that since the fire had destroyed so much flesh in the lower part of his body, it would almost be better if he had died, since he was doomed to be a lifetime cripple with no use at all of his lower limbs. Once more the brave boy made up his mind. He would not be a cripple. He would walk. But unfortunately from the waist down, he had no motor ability. His thin legs just dangled there, all but lifeless. Ultimately he was released from the hospital. Every day his mother would massage his little legs, but there was no feeling, no control, nothing. Yet his determination that he would walk was as strong as ever. When he wasn’t in bed, he was confined to a wheelchair. One sunny day his mother wheeled him out into the yard to get some fresh air. This day, instead of sitting there, he threw himself from the chair. He pulled himself across the grass, dragging his legs behind him. He worked his way to the white picket fence bordering their lot. With great effort, he raised himself up on the fence. Then, stake by stake, he began dragging himself along the fence, resolved that he would walk. He started to do this every day until he wore a smooth path all around the yard beside the fence. There was nothing he wanted more than to develop life in those legs. Ultimately through his daily massages, his iron persistence and his resolute determination, he did develop the ability to stand up, then to walk haltingly, then to walk by himself – and then – to run. He began to walk to school, then to run to school, to run for the sheer joy of running. Later in college he made the track team. Still later in Madison Square Garden this young man who was not expected to survive, who would surely never walk, who could never hope to run – this determined young man, Dr. Glenn Cunningham, ran the world’s fastest mile!

By Burt Dubin from ‘Chicken Soup for the Soul’, copyright 1993 (Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen)

SIMPLIFIED CHARACTERS (A TRANSLATION)

决心的力量

那是一間鄉下的小學校,靠著一個老式的肚子鼓鼓的爐子取暖。每天有一個小男孩負責早一點到學校,先把火生起來,好讓教室在老師和同學們來之前變暖和。

有一天早上,大家到的時候,發現整間學校都著火了。他們把昏迷的小男孩從火裡拖了出來,那時他幾乎已經沒有生命跡象了。他下半身嚴重燒傷,被送到附近的縣立醫院。

在病床上,這個小男孩雖然被燒得很慘、幾乎昏迷,但他模模糊糊地聽到醫生在和他媽媽說話。醫生對他媽媽說,她的兒子一定活不下來了——其實這樣也許比較好,因為大火燒壞了他整個下半身。

但是這個勇敢的小男孩不想死。他下定決心要活下來。結果他真的活下來了,連醫生都很驚訝。等他不再有生命危險的時候,他又聽見醫生和媽媽在小聲說話。醫生說,因為他下半身的皮肉幾乎都燒光了,也許他死了還比較好,因為他這一輩子都不可能再用到自己的腿,只能當一個殘障的人。

這個小男孩又一次下定決心:他不要當一個殘障的人,他要走路。但他從腰部以下完全不能動,兩條細細的腿只是掛在那裡,幾乎一點力氣都沒有。

最後他出院了。每天他媽媽都幫他按摩腿,可是他還是沒感覺,不能動,什麼都做不到。可是他要走路的決心一樣那麼強。

除了在床上的時間,他一直坐在輪椅上。有一天,天氣很好,他媽媽推著他到院子裡透氣。那天,他不想只是坐著,他從輪椅上跳下來,一點一點地爬過草地,把兩條腿拖在後面。

他慢慢地爬到院子邊上的白色木欄杆旁邊。他非常吃力地站起來,抓住欄杆,一根一根往前移動。他告訴自己:他一定要學會走路。從那天起,他每天都這樣練習,最後在欄杆邊上拖出一條光滑的路。他心裡最想要的,就是讓自己的腿重新有生命。

靠著每天按摩、堅持不放棄的心和強烈的決心,他慢慢地能站起來,然後一點一點地學會走路,後來甚至可以自己走——然後——開始跑步。

他開始走路上學,然後跑去上學,後來為了享受奔跑的快樂而跑步。上了大學以後,他進入了田徑隊。

後來,在美國麥迪遜廣場花園,這位原本被認為活不下來、永遠不能走路、絕對不可能跑步的年輕人——這位意志堅定的年輕人,格伦·坎宁安醫生(Dr. Glenn Cunningham),創下了世界上最快的一英里跑步紀錄!

決心的力量

那是一間鄉下的小學校,靠著一個老式的肚子鼓鼓的爐子取暖。每天有一個小男孩負責早一點到學校,先把火生起來,好讓教室在老師和同學們來之前變暖和。

有一天早上,大家到的時候,發現整間學校都著火了。他們把昏迷的小男孩從火裡拖了出來,那時他幾乎已經沒有生命跡象了。他下半身嚴重燒傷,被送到附近的縣立醫院。

在病床上,這個小男孩雖然被燒得很慘、幾乎昏迷,但他模模糊糊地聽到醫生在和他媽媽說話。醫生對他媽媽說,她的兒子一定活不下來了——其實這樣也許比較好,因為大火燒壞了他整個下半身。

但是這個勇敢的小男孩不想死。他下定決心要活下來。結果他真的活下來了,連醫生都很驚訝。等他不再有生命危險的時候,他又聽見醫生和媽媽在小聲說話。醫生說,因為他下半身的皮肉幾乎都燒光了,也許他死了還比較好,因為他這一輩子都不可能再用到自己的腿,只能當一個殘障的人。

這個小男孩又一次下定決心:他不要當一個殘障的人,他要走路。但他從腰部以下完全不能動,兩條細細的腿只是掛在那裡,幾乎一點力氣都沒有。

最後他出院了。每天他媽媽都幫他按摩腿,可是他還是沒感覺,不能動,什麼都做不到。可是他要走路的決心一樣那麼強。

除了在床上的時間,他一直坐在輪椅上。有一天,天氣很好,他媽媽推著他到院子裡透氣。那天,他不想只是坐著,他從輪椅上跳下來,一點一點地爬過草地,把兩條腿拖在後面。

他慢慢地爬到院子邊上的白色木欄杆旁邊。他非常吃力地站起來,抓住欄杆,一根一根往前移動。他告訴自己:他一定要學會走路。從那天起,他每天都這樣練習,最後在欄杆邊上拖出一條光滑的路。他心裡最想要的,就是讓自己的腿重新有生命。

靠著每天按摩、堅持不放棄的心和強烈的決心,他慢慢地能站起來,然後一點一點地學會走路,後來甚至可以自己走——然後——開始跑步。

他開始走路上學,然後跑去上學,後來為了享受奔跑的快樂而跑步。上了大學以後,他進入了田徑隊。

後來,在美國麥迪遜廣場花園,這位原本被認為活不下來、永遠不能走路、絕對不可能跑步的年輕人——這位意志堅定的年輕人,格倫·坎寧安醫生(Dr. Glenn Cunningham),創下了世界上最快的一英里跑步紀錄!

Do you feel there is a message in this story or any wisdom that you can gain from it?
你觉得这个故事有什么意义,或能给你什么智慧吗?
你覺得這個故事有什麼意義,或能給你什麼智慧嗎?

If you need inspiration before sharing your ideas, then here are some things that may help:
如果你在分享想法之前需要一些灵感,那么以下内容或许能帮助你:
如果你在分享想法之前需要一些靈感,那麼以下內容或許能幫助你:

Two quotes
两句名言
兩句名言

“Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.” (Dale Carnegie)
世界上大多数重要的事情,都是由那些在似乎毫无希望时仍然坚持努力的人完成的。’
「世界上大多數重要的事情,都是由那些在似乎毫無希望時仍然堅持努力的人完成的。」

“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan ‘press on’ has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.” (Calvin Coolidge)  

「这个世界上没有什么能取代坚持。才能不行;有才华但失败的人比比皆是。天才也不行;得不到回报的天才几乎成了一句谚语。教育也不行;这世界上充满了受过教育却一事无成的人。唯有坚持与决心是无所不能的。『坚持下去』这句口号已经解决了人类的许多问题,也将继续解决下去。」
「這個世界上沒有什麼能取代堅持。才能不行;有才華但失敗的人比比皆是。天才也不行;得不到回報的天才幾乎成了一句諺語。教育也不行;這世界上充滿了受過教育卻一事無成的人。唯有堅持與決心是無所不能的。『堅持下去』這句口號已經解決了人類的許多問題,也將繼續解決下去。」

Here’s a video of him running at Madison Square Gardens:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tiWB2mR3aPA
这是一段他在麦迪逊广场花园跑步的影片。
這是一段他在麥迪遜廣場花園跑步的影片。

PDF of the above text shown below
上面文字的 PDF 顯示如下
上面文字的 PDF 显示如下

(ethical & transparent AI use: This post was translated with help from chatGPT & then edited but
all text content is original and written by the authors specified)

Online Buddhism

The art of co-existing peacefully with your own conditioned and connecting mind is the art of living well. If this is achieved, then whatever you do and wherever you go, a measure of success is already yours. A
solid foundation of peacefulness within your life is the platform upon which you can do truly great things. Peace: make a foundation. But of course the paradox is that if you grasp for peaceful moments too much then it doesn’t work, perfectionism is anything but perfect. Rather if you sincerely aim to benefit others and relinquish your clinging, even to being peaceful, then you can make progress. Easier said than done though, life is practice. And if you can accept your own craziness then it’s one of the sanest decisions you’ll ever make.

If you would like to gain far greater wisdom than my paltry offerings above and hope to create a solid foundation of peace and equanimity in your life then I recommend you attend online classes given by my Buddhist teacher: a highly experienced and respected Rinpoche with a deep knowledge of Buddhism, various other religions, fields, and – importantly – people. You don’t need to be a Buddhist to join the classes, you just need a respectful and open attitude and an interest in learning. I cannot recommend these lessons highly enough.

If you would like to take part in online lessons each Sunday at 21:30 Taipei time then see here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScFWg51CTcQLFko75QAnZrEhRNF77DukF_pdEybLVbVwl-OAg/viewform

You can also get in touch with Luc via the contact form, or email  Luc@peacemakerfoundation.com.

The urban flow plan

Polluting vehicles.

Polluting vehicles.

Polluting vehicles but with more LPT (lightweight portable transport) such as bikes, escooters & so on.

Electric vehicles & more LPT (lightweight portable transport).

STEP 1 (OF URBAN FLOW PLAN)
One or two roads in a city chosen to become ‘Greenways’. Only open to non-polluting LPT. No large polluting vehicles other than emergency vehicles & essential large deliveries.

STEP 1.1 (optional extra)
As above but with improved flow.

STEP 2
Pedestrians above. Safety & continuous flow achieved: noone has to wait for anyone else. Pedestrians could be on travelators.

STEP 3
Pod cars or travelators above. An optional addition for later on pending popularity of earlier steps.

STEP 1 UNDONE (IN CASE NEED BE)
Greenway changed back to regular road but still with pedestrians & pod cars above. Step 1 is reversible at any time which is a huge safety feature of this plan.

View as a slideshow below

Another example of the Urban flow plan is shown below, this time using a junction in Hong Kong and adding extra options. To open slideshow viewer just click on any picture.

All pictures in this post were hand painted by the author over countless hours on an iPad using the Procreate app. (HK photo credit ze big-trip.com)

中英版請點這裡 For Mandarin English version click HERE

Broad Spectrum Herbs for Respiratory Health

The goal: identify some of the safest and most effective broad spectrum treatments that help respiratory health across various conditions in order to help anyone who has breathing issues but isn’t sure what the cause of the problem is. In other words, to show what can help people feel better and get better no matter the respiratory issue and put the treatment list into an easy to remember form.

The result:

GREEN CAB

This simple acrostic sentence shows the broad spectrum treatments that gained the very highest average ratings in this research:

Ginger & Garlic (raw pieces),
Reishi Mushroom, 
Eucalyptus
Essential oil on chest,
NAC supplements


Curcumin tablets
And
Black Seed Oil (oral) & Broccoli extract (sulfurophane tablets)

Here is a more complete list of the high scoring treatments:

BEING GOOD N CLEAR

Black seed oil (oral) & Broccoli sprouts (or sulfurophane tablets)
Eucalyptus oil (chest rub or inhalation with steam)
Inhalation of salt & steam
NAC supplements & Nasal wash
Ginger (raw pieces)

Garlic (raw pieces)
Oil of oregano (on chest with carrier oil)
Oil of Thyme (on chest with carrier oil)
D vitamin

Nettle tea

Curcumin tablets
Lemon juice & Licorice
Echinacea tablets
Astragalus (Huangqi)
Reishi mushroom (traditionally prepared decoction – steeped in boiling water)

Notes: Different breathing issues often require different treatments. For example, allergies may require allergen avoidance, reducing inflammation and balancing the immune system while an infection may require antibiotics or antivirals. Sometimes using the wrong treatment is not just useless but actually harmful. There is no replacement for a true expert, so usually it’s best to speak with a qualified and experienced healthcare professional and follow their instructions.

But what if you don’t have access to expert advice or are still not sure what is causing a breathing issue? If so, then this is here to help you make educated choices to aid recovery. This is also to help you maintain good respiratory health in general.


The method: as an amateur (but obsessive) health enthusiast, over some years, and after much consultation with a top health expert, I formed a list of promising herbs and treatments. After much research they were then numerically rated for effectiveness and safety by myself and chat GPT.

The top scoring treatments with the highest average ratings, were then put into some simple acrostic mnemonic sentences to aid memory. The acrostic sentences were also analysed mathematically to find the best ones (BEING GOOD N’ CLEAR and GREEN CAB) .

For more information see the chart below, it’s truly one of a kind!

Here is a longer acrostic including even more of the treatments:

IN Q&AS I’M BEING GOOD & CLEAR

Inhalation of salt (dry or wet), Nettle tea, Quercetin tablets, & Astragalus (Huangqi), Saline Nasal Wash, Inhalation of salt (dry or wet), Mullein tea, Black Seed Oil (oral) & Broccoli sprouts (or sulfurophane tablets), Eucalyptus oil, Inhalation of steam, NAC supplement & Nasal wash, Ginger, Garlic, Oil of Oregano, Oil of Thyme, D Vitamin & Curcumin tablets, Lemon juice & Licorice, Echinacea tablets, Astragalus (Huangqi), Reishi Mushroom 

If you are a qualified respiratory health expert and would like to add your own ratings to contribute to this ongoing project then this would be hugely valuable. If so please download the chart below and email to luc@peacemakerfoundation.com

I am not a doctor and the information above is for educational purposes only. This should not replace sound professional health advice. No sources and references are shown because so much research was done over such a long time that I couldn’t keep track of where all the information came from specifically in each case. You may wish to check the validity of the above list or individual treatment using Google scholar or chat GPT, or with a health expert would likely be even better.

The wonders of Reishi mushroom

Image sources: http://gx.people.com.cn/n2/2023/0704/c179464-40480288.html
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ganoderma-Lucidum-Mushrooms-Organic-Vegetable/dp/B077BS57WM
https://freshlyfermented.co.uk/product/organic-reishi-powder-50g/
https://learn.freshcap.com/growing/how-big-does-reishi-grow/
https://www.sohu.com/a/491202498_121106687

Reishi (Ganoderma Lucidum) is an incredible natural medicine used for centuries and has healing powers on multiple fronts. Here is an overview. I am not a doctor, this post is for information purposes and should not replace sound medical advice from a health care professional. The key word is ‘complementary’ rather than ‘alternative’.

Download image above or the PDF below

How I make it

Take a whole Reishi and try to break off some pieces by hand then wash them. If the Reishi is as large as a table tennis bat then take off about one third or one quarter. If it’s too hard to break off any pieces by hand then you can wash the whole Reishi first to soften it, then take off the pieces you need. The pieces should be small as possible, so tear them into smaller sections.
Add the pieces to a saucepan or pot, briefly add a little boiling hot water and then pour away the water while keeping the Reishi in the pot. Then fill up the pot with hot water and bring to the boil on a stove. Then simmer for 15 minutes or longer. Set a timer & keep checking! Wait until the water is a rosy or brown colour, then you can drink it.

Extra tip: You can keep the Reishi in the pot for a 2nd steeping.

Please note: some Reishi is contaminated with plastic because it is often grown in plastic space bags and then when harvested sometimes it is removed too far down on the stem. To avoid the plastic problem buy log grown Reishi, grow your own, or buy whole Reishi rather than powder form (unless you can guarantee that the powder is plastic free). If your whole Reishi was grown in a plastic space bag (most likely) then just discard the stem.

中英雙語版請點這裡 For dual language Mandarin English version click HERE

Healthy teeth

This does not replace the sound advice of a qualified dentist!

中英版請點這裡 For Mandarin English version click HERE

Donate to ICAN & make nuclear weapons illegal

Alongside climate change this I believe has to be our top priority. The ideas of the Dalai Lama in creating peace zones and disarmament are also well worth reading! https://www.dalailama.com/messages/world-peace/disarmament


“If you think you’re too small to make a difference try sleeping in a room with a mosquito.” (The Dalai Lama)


Personally I believe that allowing individual nations to have nuclear weapons as a means of keeping the peace is like allowing kids to carry guns to prevent fist fights at school. It’s time for the United Nations to become the headmaster and for our consciousness to evolve allowing our wisdom to catch up with our technology.


“Our scientific evolution has outrun our spiritual evolution. We have guided missiles and misguided men.” (Martin Luther King)

Presently we have enough problems to face, let’s all play our role in making sure that collectively we can at least get this one thing right by helping wisdom to triumph over cleverness by dismantling these terrible things and forever banning them. Success goes to the mug who has the bottle to say “I can.”

Donate to ICAN

Press HERE to donate to ICAN

”You have a unique chance to contribute to something that will be remembered by coming generations – making nuclear weapons illegal.”

You may also wish to donate to some of the following groups or just see the extremely valuable work they are doing:

UK based

Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND – UK), donation page: https://cnduk.org/donate/

Scottish CND: https://www.banthebomb.org/donate/

Quaker Peace Witness: https://www.quaker.org.uk/give

Acronym Institute: https://www.acronym.org.uk/contact

US based

  • Ploughshares Fund: https:www.ploughshares.org
    • Funds dozens of disarmament initiatives globally.
    • Focuses on reducing the risks of nuclear conflict through policy reform, diplomacy, and grants.
    • Strong U.S. advocacy, which is critical since the U.S. has a large nuclear arsenal.
    • Long track record; trusted by philanthropists and policy experts alike.

  • Nuclear Age Peace Foundation: https:www.wagingpeace.org
    • Focus on education, youth engagement, and legal efforts to promote global denuclearization.
    • They also support international legal efforts to define nuclear weapons as a violation of humanitarian law and raise public awareness.

  • Reaching Critical Will (a program of WILPF – Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom: https:www.reachingcriticalwill.org
    • Provides critical analysis and policy tools to disarmament diplomats and activists.
    • Works from a feminist, anti-militarist perspective and does important behind-the-scenes work at the UN level.

  • Peace Action: https:www.peaceaction.org
    • Oldest and largest U.S. grassroots peace network.
    • Mobilizes public opposition to nuclear weapons and lobbies Congress to reduce spending on them so has real legislative influence.

A mindmap summary of my own ideas on how to create a system of lasting peace (made in 2021):

中文版請點這裡 For Mandarin version click HERE

五戒十善 Five Precepts & Ten Good deeds (中英)

佛教傳統中的五戒與十善業道的圖像式整理。這份資料尚未經過具資格的老師審核,內容是根據我個人的粗淺理解以及部分網路資料整理而成。 如果您發現有任何錯誤,歡迎指正。希望這對您有所幫助!

A visual summary of the five precepts and ten good deeds in the Buddhist tradition. This has not yet been checked by a qualified teacher and is based on my own limited understanding and some online research. If you see any mistakes feel free to let me know. Hope it helps!

使用 SimpleMind 應用程式製作
Made using the SimpleMind app

我的十善總結嘗試如下:
愛護一切眾生(救生),樂於布施(布施),守戒自律(梵行),誠實不欺(誠實),促進和平與和諧(調和語),言語慈善(柔軟語愛軟語),說話坦誠且有意義(質直語),保持無執著(清淨),行為和善慈悲(慈悲),保持清明與智慧(正見)。

My attempt at summarizing the 10 good deeds:
Love & protect all living beings, give generously, maintain discipline & self control, be truthful, promote peace & togetherness, speak kindly, speak plainly & about meaningful things, maintain non-attachment, be peaceful & compassionate, maintain clarity & wisdom.