Surviving an economic downturn
Are you worried about the recent economic downturn? I guess many are, including myself. Fortunately, I didn’t buy any of those “mini-bonds” or invest (gamble?) in the stock market at all. There are two reasons I never invest in stocks: First, they are not interesting to me. I realize that if I’m not genuinely interested in something, I would never be good at it. Second, I am convinced that the best investment for me is to invest in my own business. Not only would the return be higher, it is also less risky - I guess I would be the first one to know if my business is having any trouble (touch wood)! 
Flash back to last year (2007), when virtually every one investing in stocks were making money, I did my math when I was almost tempted to jump in. Based on how much money and time a friend of similar knowledge/experience put into such trading, I found that the “per hour” gain wasn’t that attractive to me, which already assumed that I bought the right stocks when the marketing was going up. I don’t know what would have happened if I did jump in, but one thing for sure: my business would be affected. I am glad that I didn’t.
Over the last few years, I noticed that friends who are keen in trading stocks share some common traits:
- They are working for others instead of running a business.
- They are “keeping an eye” on the stock market even during office hours.
- They are keen in exchanging “tips” with others, and would not hesitate in giving me advice.
- They are not passionate about their jobs and plan to quit once they make “enough” money from trading.
There’s nothing right or wrong in these, it’s just a matter of choice, as every one has different goals and definition of success/happiness. No matter what you choose, there will be costs and risks. That’s why I never advocate those who like to “get rich” to start a business, the likelihood of failing that goal is even higher than losing money in the stock market now.
To survive such financial turmoil, I think the best thing to do is to stick with what one does best, and do it exceptionally well. I believe the best investment is always investing in oneself: Work smarter, not longer. Use the saved time to learn something new, something that could help with your job, your life or just make you happier.
9.12 - today is the 
Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa was forced to shelve the second reading of the National Security (Legislative Provisions) Bill early today after Liberal Party chief James Tien suddenly resigned from the Executive Council and his party withdrew support for the legislation. Tien told reporters he had asked to see mainland officials to reflect the demands of the 500,000 people who took to the streets on July 1, calling for the shelving of the bill. This is truly good news and a great victory for Hong Kong People, I felt much relieved and very proud for being part of the July 1st March. I believe that July 1 had changed the political landscape in Hong Kong and we are capable of making the history.
The first of July 2003 is a day to remember. Hundreds of thousands of marchers dressed in black took to the streets of Hong Kong to protest against the controversial proposed national security law implementing Article 23 of the Basic Law, and I am one of them. I arrived at the Central Library at 2:30 pm and tried to meet up my friends in the Tin Hau MTR station. It turned out that they couldn’t get off from the train and I began the march with other friends which I ran into. We got stuck near Victoria Park for almost 3 hours. We completed the whole journey at around 8 pm and felt very proud. It was an extremely hot day and I never thought that I could last that long, thanks to our Chief Executive Mr. Tung, he seems to be the only person who could unite us all and provide such a motivation. I shot some scenes at the march and here is a short