Monday, December 28, 2015

How Star Wars Conquered the Universe: The Past, Present, and Future of a Multibillion Dollar Franchise

Chris Taylor
online access from EBSCOhost
check holdings in CityU LibraryFind

In 1973, a young filmmaker named George Lucas scribbled some notes for a far-fetched space-fantasy epic. More than forty years and $37 billion later, Star Wars–related products outnumber human beings, a stormtrooper army spans the globe, and “Jediism” has become a religion in its own right. Lucas’s creation has grown into far more than a cinematic classic; it is, quite simply, one of the most lucrative, influential, and interactive franchises of all time. Yet until now the complete history of Star Wars―its influences and impact, the controversies it has spawned, its financial growth and long-term prospects―has never been told.

In How Star Wars Conquered the Universe, veteran journalist Chris Taylor traces the series from the difficult birth of the original film through its sequels, the franchise’s death and rebirth, the prequels, and the preparations for a new trilogy. Taylor provides portraits of the friends, writers, artists, producers, and marketers who labored behind the scenes to turn Lucas’s idea into a legend. He also jousts with modern-day Jedi, tinkers with droid builders, and gets inside Boba Fett’s helmet, all to find out how Star Wars has attracted and inspired so many fans for so long.

Since the first film’s release in 1977, Taylor shows, Star Wars has conquered our culture with a sense of lightness and exuberance, while remaining serious enough to influence politics around the world and spread a spirituality that appeals to religious groups and atheists alike. Controversial digital upgrades and critically savaged prequels have actually made the franchise stronger than ever. Now, with a new set of savvy bosses holding the reins and Episode VII on the horizon, it looks like Star Wars is just getting started.

An energetic, fast-moving account of this creative and commercial phenomenon, How Star Wars Conquered the Universe explains how a filmmaker’s fragile dream beat out a surprising number of rivals and gained a die-hard, multigenerational fan base―and why it will be galvanizing our imaginations and minting money for generations to come.

(Excerpt from amazon.com)





Sunday, December 27, 2015

小王子 (The Little Prince = Le Petit Prince)

安東尼‧聖修伯里 (Antoine de Saint-Exuper)
online access from iRead eBook
online access from SuperStar Digital Library
check holdings in CityU LibraryFind

Le Petit Prince 小王子享譽全球70年,每個人心中獨一無二的成人童話經典
譯本多達27國語言,僅次於聖經

一位來自某顆遙遠小星球的小王子,因為和一朵他深愛的玫瑰花兒鬧別扭,同時也懷著想要了解外面世界的渴望,離開自己的星球,進行了一場“星際旅行”。他走訪了不同的星球,見到了形形色色的人和事,這些人和事讓天真的小王子困惑迷茫,深感不解。最後他來到了地球,降落在沙漠上,在那裡遇到一位由於飛機發動機故障而迫降的飛行員,於是他們成了好朋友。旅行見聞,以及和飛行員的交流,讓小王子對世界、對生活、對愛有了新的認識,他像一位精靈一樣,道出許多人生真諦。同時也讓作為成年人,卻內心葆有童真的飛行員重新對生命進行了思考。

最終,本不屬於地球的小王子帶著對生命的感悟,在蛇的幫助下拋棄沉重肉身——以肉體死亡的方式——返回自己的星球,去照料他的世界,愛護他的玫瑰花兒。他的飛行員朋友則懷著淡淡的憂傷,想念著這位小朋友,品味著靈魂超脫的歡欣與孤獨……

(摘錄自douban.com)

Monday, December 21, 2015

Colonial Hong Kong in the Eyes of Elsie Tu

Du Ye Xien
online access from JSTOR
check holdings in CityU LibraryFind

Elsie Tu is well known as a social activist and crusader against injustice and corruption in Hong Kong. In this powerful personal statement, she expresses her views about the injustices in the past colonial system and her fears about present day economic colonialism.

This is a book with strong messages for today. Mrs. Tu's deep concerns about the current international scene have the most immediate and obvious topical relevance. But there is an equally strong lesson in her description of the corruption that used to be so pervasive in Hong Kong and her battles against it. She reminds us forcefully of the need for continued vigilance if corruption and its awful effects are not to return.

However, the most important message of this book pervades all parts of it: the example of a life devoted to improving things for the ordinary people of Hong Kong, a life not just lived according to high principles, but characterized by a dogged and fearless determination to fight for those principles, to be an activist.

This book is important because it records the beliefs, some of the experiences and above all the commitment of one of the most notable people of post-war Hong Kong. By giving rich insights into the mind and beliefs of an extraordinary and indomitable person, it brings to life the recent history of Hong Kong and challenges the next generation of Hong Kong people to contribute as much.

Readers may have heard of Hong Kong's economic miracle during the second half of the twentieth century, but they may not be aware of the suffering and injustices caused by greed and corruption at that time. This book shows how the society's struggle stirred the spirit of determination upon which the Hong Kong we know today was built.

The book will also give readers a bird's eye view of the worldwide scale of suffering and injustices caused by nations seeking economic and political domination.

I write this book because I believe that human beings can only comprehend the present when they understand the past, and they can only make a better future when they learn from previous errors. And I feel compelled to alert the younger generation of the dangers that confront the world today from those obsessed with wealth and power. I hope that all prejudices and evil ambitions can be set aside, and an equal playing field can be created for all nations. - Elsie Tu

'With decidedly pro-grassroots sympathies, Mrs. Tu is fiercely critical of British colonialism with its corruption, hypocrisy, malpractice, racist and pro-big business bias in pre-1997 Hong Kong.? This book yields keen insights into and informed observations of government and community in colonial Hong Kong, often from a ring side, first-hand perspective.' - Professor Ming K. Chan, Hoover Institution, Stanford University

'Elsie Tu, a veteran activist and a former legislative councillor, told a fascinating story about post-World War II Hong Kong. Going through the volume, you will be amazed by the arrogance of the colonial officials, the rampart corruption in the Hong Kong government, the widespread influence of the triad, and the difficulties facing those living in the squatters and the resettlement estates in the 1950s and the 1960s. This book is indispensable for anyone who is interested in knowing about what Hong Kong was like before it was turned into an Asian little dragon.' - Professor Alvin Y. So, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

(Excerpt from cp1897.com.hk)


狄更斯文集----聖誕故事集 (A Christmas Carol and Other Christmas Books)

狄更斯 (Charles Dickens) 著 
online access from SuperStar Digital Library
online access from ProQuest Ebook Central (English)
check holdings in CityU LibraryFind
狄更斯所有作品中再版次數最多的作品。金庸最喜歡的一部聖誕故事集。書中的一些情節已經成為歐洲聖誕節的固定風俗,而主人公斯克魯濟(Scrooge)的名字也被收入字典,成為“吝嗇鬼”的同義詞。其中《聖誕頌歌》於1843年問世,是最受推崇的一部短篇小說。主人公斯克魯濟是一位商人,他成天與錢櫃、賬本和發票打交道,一生只知道賺錢,毫無人性。他克扣員工的工資,拒絕外甥的問候和祝福,不施捨分文給窮人。然而,平安夜出現的三個精靈帶領他回到了過去、現在和未來的一些生活情境,並讓斯克魯濟從自制的陷阱和枷鎖中解脫出來,領悟到聖誕節的意義和生活的意義。他在聖誕頌歌奏響時開始了自己新的人生。《古教堂的鐘聲》於1844年問世。小說的主人公是一位名叫托比的腳夫。此人因為肉體和精神上的摧殘而認同了富人對他們“天生就是壞人”的看法。銅鐘精靈讓他在新年鐘聲敲響之前做了一場噩夢。他終於認清了富人的偽善和自己應處的立場。作者抨擊了壓迫者,鼓舞了被壓迫的民眾。當教堂鐘敲響的那一刻,他終於擯棄了謊言而投奔了真理。聖誕頌歌奏響了,教堂鐘聲敲響了,讓我們翻開書頁尋找靈魂迷宮的出口。

(摘錄自douban.com) 




Monday, December 14, 2015

The Other Kind of Smart: Simple Ways to Boost Your Emotional Intelligence for Greater Personal Effectiveness and Success

Harvey Deutschendorf
online access from Books24x7
check holdings in CityU LibraryFind

We have known for years that the difference between those who become successful in life and those who struggle is their degree of emotional intelligence (EI), or "people skills." Now, The Other Kind of Smart shows readers how they can increase their emotional intelligence and overcome the barriers that are preventing them from realizing their true potential. Emotional intelligence coach Harvey Deutschendorf has shown thousands of people how to relate emotional intelligence to everyday situations. Here, he uses the proven techniques of storytelling, combined with quotes and exercises, to show readers how to apply the principles of EI on the job. Filled with real-life scenarios and solutions, the book offers tools that will bring results in as little as five minutes a day and shows how to develop stress tolerance, cultivate empathy, increase flexibility with co-workers, boost assertiveness, and resolve problems successfully. Complete with an EI quiz that will help readers measure their own level of emotional intelligence, this invaluable guide will enable everyone to improve their relationships and increase their effectiveness at work in a practical, accessible way.

(Excerpt from amazon.com)

消費:浪漫流刑

陳智凱,邱詠婷 著 ; 陳沛珛 繪
online access from iRead eBook
check holdings in CityU LibraryFind

消費是一種犧牲自我的浪漫,浪漫不是面向出口,而是徘徊於入口出口之間,為了追尋失落,最後連自己也都遺失。浪漫的心靈是鞭長莫及,流亡是,唯一路徑,在模糊的時間疆界,在難以捉摸的移動,在一件尚未完成之前,就開始新的另外一件,在欲望和失望之間,一個煙廣無邊的流刑地,自我放逐……

(摘錄自博客來網路書店)

Monday, December 7, 2015

Beyond Talent: Become Someone Who Gets Extraordinary Results

John C. Maxwell
online access from Books24x7
check holdings in CityU LibraryFind

New York Times best-selling author John C. Maxwell shows that talent is just the starting point for a successful impact in any organization. It's what takes you beyond your talent that matters.
People everywhere are proving him right. Read the headlines, watch the highlights, or just step out your front door: Some talented people reach their full potential, while others self-destruct or remain trapped in mediocrity. What makes the difference? Maxwell, the go-to guru for business professionals across the globe, insists that the choices people make? not merely the skills they inherit? propel them to greatness. Among other truths, successful people know that:
• Belief lifts your talent.
• Initiative activates your talent.
• Focus directs your talent.
• Preparation positions your talent.
• Practice sharpens your talent.
• Perseverance sustains your talent.
• Character protects your talent ... and more!

It's what you add to your talent that makes the greatest difference. With authentic examples and time-tested wisdom, Maxwell shares thirteen attributes you need to maximize your potential and live the life of your dreams.

You can have talent alone and fall short of your potential. Or you can go beyond talent and really stand out.

(Excerpt from amazon.com)

蔡康永的說話之道

蔡康永 著
online access from SuperStar Digital Library
check holdings in CityU LibraryFind

★蔡康永的第一本實用書!40篇短文,都是讓談話變美味的醍醐味。
「我不在乎說話之術,而在意說話之道。我的說話之道,就是把你放在心上。」

★把說話練好,是最划算的事。
因為怎麼說,決定你是誰;說對了話,人生節目就由你主持!

★侯文詠:看電視只是聽「道」,要讀書才能知「道」、學「道」、做「道」、掌握康永的說話之道。

★職業婦女小S:做自己跟沒禮貌常常就是一線之間,每次聽到別人說:「我這個人說話就是比較直。」我就開始冒汗,因為接下來一定會有一些被他歸類為直其實挺刺耳的話出現,例如:「你今天氣色怎麼這麼差?」「最近胖囉?」「怎麼還不結婚?」「你記得我嗎?」(已經面露尷尬還死不報上名)

跟康永哥聊天絕對不會被刺傷,還被他附帶的一兩句小誇獎逗得心花怒放,但又感覺那麼真誠不滑頭,讓人不愛都難!

如果因為懂得說話交到好朋友,又可讓人開心,為什麼不?

沒有條列式的說話技術,40篇短文,都是讓談話變美味的醍醐味

█從環境猜測人的個性:如果我初次跟別人碰面,約見的地點牆上是有鏡子的,我會儘量讓對方坐在可以照鏡子的位置,這樣就可以看看對方在和你談話的過程中,是對你比較有興趣,還是對鏡子裡面地自己的倒影比較有興趣。

█尖銳問題怎麼開口:問題很尖銳,可以把心裡假設的事,倒推回去兩三步來問。比方說,假設對方在吸毒,倒推回去兩三步:吸毒是因為他不快樂嗎?是因為離婚嗎?可能可以這樣問對方:「離婚以後,是不是過得很痛苦?」之後再問到「所以你有在吸毒?」這樣對方就不會那麼難以承受,他知道你是關心,而不是在審問。

█話題卡住怎麼辦:談話卻卡住的話,其實不必用力挽救,另開一個話題即可。如果在相聚的兩小時裡面,你有三次讓對方開心的笑,那對方應該是絕對不會記得你曾經提過幾個無聊的話題的。

█說話的爆點不要藏在最後:你如果習慣把爆點藏在故事的後面,可能聽你說話的人,熬不了那麼久,就紛紛陣亡了。一個大家不熟的畫家,如果用「兩個手掌大的畫,就能賣兩三百萬」來介紹不是更吸引人?

█讓對方聊自己,他就會覺得有趣:不要說出「我」字。每次想說「我」字時,都改成「你」字或「他」字。你會發現自己,忽然變成一個不斷把話題丟給對方、讓對方暢所欲言的、超級上道的人!

█講好笑故事,不講笑話:講話幽默的人,就像走路好看的人,你跟她走在一起,會覺得很平常的走路,也是賞心樂事。而講笑話比較像翻跟斗,翻得好不好姑且不說,但其實很少人喜歡跟一個沒事就翻跟斗的人一起走路的。

█讚美:別人罵你一句,你回罵他一句,這就叫吵架。別人讚美你一句,你回一句讚美,這就叫社交。

█不想交淺言深的話,應該避開的地雷:第一,對方很容易有苦衷的、不方便對不熟的人說的。第二,是對方很容易有強硬立場的,談起來容易起爭執的。

█聽懂就問得到:因為人說話,常常是「語帶保留」、或者「話中有話」,你只聽字面的意思,就做決定,恐怕機會就跑掉了。

█讓自己的問題短,對方的回答長:問的問題越具體,回答的人越省力。回答的人越省力,她就越有力氣和你聊下去。

█尖銳問題也可營造談話氣氛:適度的挑釁,絕對能讓談話熱絡,因為每個人都希望自己的意見被重視、被探討,而不是被一個完全沒原則的人敷衍了事的點頭稱是、應付過去。

█沒興趣怎麼接話:遇上對方提起了一個你完全不想接的話題,不必急著要抵抗,而是輕巧的把對方熱衷的話題,連接到一個很生活的方向,就行了。

█懸疑,讓人想聽下去:跟朋友轉述一件事的時候,每講個幾句,就稍稍停一下,看你朋友會不會問「然後呢?」「後來呢?」如果有這樣追問,就表示你敘述事情的方法是吸引人的,但如果你停頓一下,你朋友卻想都不想,就把話題轉去別的地方,那就表示你講得很沒意思。

█安慰別人:人真的很難「了解另一個人所受的苦」。如果不能了解,就不要這樣說,因為當事人向你傾訴的時候,她只需要你聽,也許她也很需要你給她一點建議,但她可能不需要另一個人宣稱有別人懂她的苦。

(摘錄自博客來網路書店)