Sunday, May 31, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
連動債投資損失 擬分3級賠償
在金管會要求之下，銀行公會評議委員會近日已針對連動債申訴案做出100件評議，預計今天下午將進一步討論損失賠償成數以及對外公布方式。
據了解，目前初擬的賠償成數，按照投資人損失金額、投資人的條件，分為低中高三種類型，銀行過失情節較輕微為低的範圍，賠償比率在10~25%；中等程度為25~50%；情節嚴重的，例如理財專員明知投資人年紀較老、財經專業知識不足，卻仍不及投資人特性而銷售連動債，這種情形的銀行責任較重，償金額屬高的範圍，則是50~80%；換句話說，最多只賠到八成。
不過，銀行公會評議委員會強調，這項方案尚未定案。
此一賠償比例將影響到上萬名連動債受害人，根據銀行公會統計，自去年九月雷曼兄弟聲請破產保護，連動債風暴發生以來，包括金管會、銀行公會等受理投資人申訴件數已超過1.8萬件，總求償金額也超過960億元。
銀行公會原本預定在上月底即停止受理評議，但考量部份受害人權益，日前宣布延後接受申訴期限到6月底，並放寬申訴案受理標準，因此受理案件現仍在持續增加中。
據了解，銀行公會組成新的金融消費爭議評議委員會後，原本決定在今年三月就評議出第一案，但因多數銀行都擔心成為指標性的第一案，紛紛在評委會評議前抽回案子和解，導致評委會遲遲未做出任何評議案。
評議委員表示，銀行擔心評議出爐，主要是一旦做出評議，除了諸多銷售不當將公開，可能受到主管機關的處份，還有系統性賠償問題，因為同一類型的案子可能全部都得賠償，金額變得可大可小，難以預估。
也因此，之前不少銀行原本都抱持著擺爛態度，愛理不理，完全丟給評議委員會和解協調，但近來態度已轉為積極，據統計目前包括銀行本身、銀行局及銀行公會所處理的和解件數，約已有8000件。
金管會上周要求評議委員會儘速做出連動債評議案，由於評議委員會之前已設計出「模組化系統分析」，因此短短幾天即已做出100件評議案。
這套系統，依據申訴人陳述，輸入資料後，即可評議出銀行是否有過失及過失嚴重度。
【2009/05/27 聯合晚報】
在金管會要求之下，銀行公會評議委員會近日已針對連動債申訴案做出100件評議，預計今天下午將進一步討論損失賠償成數以及對外公布方式。
據了解，目前初擬的賠償成數，按照投資人損失金額、投資人的條件，分為低中高三種類型，銀行過失情節較輕微為低的範圍，賠償比率在10~25%；中等程度為25~50%；情節嚴重的，例如理財專員明知投資人年紀較老、財經專業知識不足，卻仍不及投資人特性而銷售連動債，這種情形的銀行責任較重，償金額屬高的範圍，則是50~80%；換句話說，最多只賠到八成。
不過，銀行公會評議委員會強調，這項方案尚未定案。
此一賠償比例將影響到上萬名連動債受害人，根據銀行公會統計，自去年九月雷曼兄弟聲請破產保護，連動債風暴發生以來，包括金管會、銀行公會等受理投資人申訴件數已超過1.8萬件，總求償金額也超過960億元。
銀行公會原本預定在上月底即停止受理評議，但考量部份受害人權益，日前宣布延後接受申訴期限到6月底，並放寬申訴案受理標準，因此受理案件現仍在持續增加中。
據了解，銀行公會組成新的金融消費爭議評議委員會後，原本決定在今年三月就評議出第一案，但因多數銀行都擔心成為指標性的第一案，紛紛在評委會評議前抽回案子和解，導致評委會遲遲未做出任何評議案。
評議委員表示，銀行擔心評議出爐，主要是一旦做出評議，除了諸多銷售不當將公開，可能受到主管機關的處份，還有系統性賠償問題，因為同一類型的案子可能全部都得賠償，金額變得可大可小，難以預估。
也因此，之前不少銀行原本都抱持著擺爛態度，愛理不理，完全丟給評議委員會和解協調，但近來態度已轉為積極，據統計目前包括銀行本身、銀行局及銀行公會所處理的和解件數，約已有8000件。
金管會上周要求評議委員會儘速做出連動債評議案，由於評議委員會之前已設計出「模組化系統分析」，因此短短幾天即已做出100件評議案。
這套系統，依據申訴人陳述，輸入資料後，即可評議出銀行是否有過失及過失嚴重度。
【2009/05/27 聯合晚報】
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
台商早就投資外國公共工程
* 2009-05-26
* 中國時報
* 【林上祚／新聞分析】
每個國家財政狀況不同，公共建設是否該開放民間經營，世界上沒有統一的答案，但不是所有公共工程，都會有國家安全顧慮，民進黨立院黨團，在堅決杯葛陸資參與愛台十二建設ＢＯＴ案的同時，該回歸基本面，從公共工程本身自償性出發，決定陸資與外資是否有參與空間。
事實上，從公共設施委外經營的角度，台商早已獲准到對岸投資，國內休旅業者南仁湖，去年取得杭州灣跨海大橋南岸服務區委外合約，經營權租賃期十年，元大馬家也在大陸廣西桂林投資樂滿地遊樂園。
大陸市場以外，台商也投資國外不少公共建設與工程，去年大陸工程才與越南簽約，雙方共同爭取胡志明市及其周邊地區的基礎建設工程，中鼎工程長年以來，也在中東等地參與多項重大工程，陽明海運四年前也與韓日等海運業者，共同投資比利時安特衛普國際碼頭公司，經營貨櫃轉運業務。
國際機場、港口等重要設施，因為涉及到國家安全，美國國會在二○○六年曾否杜拜國際，投資美國六個主要商港，但其他重大工程，例如高速公路是否該讓外資投資，並非鐵板一塊，以美國為例，美國密西根到德州美墨邊界的第六十九號州際高速公路，就有路段開放外資興建，澳洲麥格理集團旗下基礎建設基金，也投資美國印第安那州高速公路收費系統。
台灣ＢＯＴ案是否過於氾濫，這個問題並非始於馬政府，電影海角七號裡的「山也ＢＯＴ，海也ＢＯＴ」，指的是類似月眉育樂、大鵬灣、台東杉原海水浴場這樣的觀光據點委託民間經營，台灣政府缺錢，類似淡水漁人碼頭，委託民間經營已經成為趨勢。
台灣第一季民間投資大幅衰退四成，是造成台灣經濟衰退一○％的元凶，馬政府愛台十二建設，三分之二的資金要靠民間提供，以目前全球低迷的投資環境，台灣實在沒有挑剔資金來源的本錢。
* 2009-05-26
* 中國時報
* 【林上祚／新聞分析】
每個國家財政狀況不同，公共建設是否該開放民間經營，世界上沒有統一的答案，但不是所有公共工程，都會有國家安全顧慮，民進黨立院黨團，在堅決杯葛陸資參與愛台十二建設ＢＯＴ案的同時，該回歸基本面，從公共工程本身自償性出發，決定陸資與外資是否有參與空間。
事實上，從公共設施委外經營的角度，台商早已獲准到對岸投資，國內休旅業者南仁湖，去年取得杭州灣跨海大橋南岸服務區委外合約，經營權租賃期十年，元大馬家也在大陸廣西桂林投資樂滿地遊樂園。
大陸市場以外，台商也投資國外不少公共建設與工程，去年大陸工程才與越南簽約，雙方共同爭取胡志明市及其周邊地區的基礎建設工程，中鼎工程長年以來，也在中東等地參與多項重大工程，陽明海運四年前也與韓日等海運業者，共同投資比利時安特衛普國際碼頭公司，經營貨櫃轉運業務。
國際機場、港口等重要設施，因為涉及到國家安全，美國國會在二○○六年曾否杜拜國際，投資美國六個主要商港，但其他重大工程，例如高速公路是否該讓外資投資，並非鐵板一塊，以美國為例，美國密西根到德州美墨邊界的第六十九號州際高速公路，就有路段開放外資興建，澳洲麥格理集團旗下基礎建設基金，也投資美國印第安那州高速公路收費系統。
台灣ＢＯＴ案是否過於氾濫，這個問題並非始於馬政府，電影海角七號裡的「山也ＢＯＴ，海也ＢＯＴ」，指的是類似月眉育樂、大鵬灣、台東杉原海水浴場這樣的觀光據點委託民間經營，台灣政府缺錢，類似淡水漁人碼頭，委託民間經營已經成為趨勢。
台灣第一季民間投資大幅衰退四成，是造成台灣經濟衰退一○％的元凶，馬政府愛台十二建設，三分之二的資金要靠民間提供，以目前全球低迷的投資環境，台灣實在沒有挑剔資金來源的本錢。
Monday, May 25, 2009
扁不如盧 希望不代表台不如韓
收賄醜聞纏身的南韓前總統盧武鉉，跳崖自殺身亡。他出身貧寒，發憤苦讀通過司法考試，旋以人權律師提倡清廉政治享名。執政時政績平平，先盛後衰，卸任後爆發貪汙醜聞，因妻兒近親於其任內向商人索賄，引起調查，他聲稱對家人收取錢財並不知情，但公開表示無顏面對國民，讓國人失望而深感抱歉，終究走上自殺的悲劇。
盧武鉉與陳水扁，有太多相似之處，很難不引起聯想比擬。但故事情節不論如何相似，總不能從盧武鉉究竟有無貪汙推論陳水扁有無貪汙。
刑事刑法案件，畢竟要交給負責審判的法院做最後認定，國人目睹陳水扁及其家人於案發後種種反應，即使不免對於陳水扁是否貪汙自有判斷，我們仍願堅持法律上無罪推定的原則，尊重法院裁判而不妄下斷語。
但是不容否認，盧武鉉悔恨交集的自盡，正是對照台灣卸任元首以什麼態度面對貪腐醜聞的一面明鏡。
我們為盧武鉉選擇自盡以謝感到惋惜與悲哀，也絕不鼓勵任何人加以效法；然而必須指出，盧武鉉的自盡，展現了一種與司法審判無關，純屬政治道德上的自我批判，這種政治倫理態度在台灣一直被期待卻未出現，令人自歎不如。
陳水扁曾經在去年八月總統卸任後，為了海外洗錢帳戶無法隱瞞而自承做了法律上不許可的事，一度向國人公開道歉，事後也曾短暫引發綠營的批判。可是，之後弊端醜聞愈大愈多，牽涉金額駭人，盧武鉉也瞠乎其後。案件內情雖然愈捅愈多，其自我反省卻有如曇花一現，不斷呈現的則是阿扁無罪而受盡政治司法迫害的臉孔。陳水扁與盧武鉉，確是大不相同！
民進黨舉辦五一七遊行上街嗆馬，行使在野黨的異議權利，台灣人民所冷眼觀察的，則是民進黨對於阿扁洗錢醜聞噤若寒蟬的批判缺席。蔡英文主席近日還大力批評對手藉著司法侵犯阿扁人權以羞辱民進黨。法院羈押阿扁迄今是否侵犯阿扁人權確實該嚴肅檢討對待，但是法院羈押阿扁是否受到執政者指使，則是不同的問題。
相較於陳府聚斂洗錢已知事證的疑雲重重，設置海外帳戶之多，在位八年積累之鉅，不是祕密，執政者指使法院從事政治迫害的指控，其實缺乏證據。綠營人士對於執政者控制司法、實施迫害，若可繪聲繪影，完全不需要證據；對於扁珍及其子女，如何可能有如此鉅額的政治獻金搬移海外的事實，卻是諱莫如深。兩相對照，必將使其任何司法人權的政治指控，失去說服力。
異地而處，假若是馬英九使用鉅額政治獻金設置海外帳戶，綠營將會以何種政治力量給予批判？失衡的雙重政治道德標準，實已使得民進黨今天在任何場合以「清廉」二字自許，都彷彿是惹人訕笑的自我嘲諷。長老教會指責民進黨未能表態反省阿扁犯的錯誤，不為無故。
陳水扁本人呢？稱病、就醫、出書的政治手段，嗆聲司法從事政治迫害；最近的新招則是解除辯護律師的委任，拒與公設辯護人接談，這當然都是他身為刑事被告自由選擇如何應訴的權利，但是不惜與法院決裂的策略行徑，是否有失律師政治家應有的專業水準？是否符合卸任元首應有的政治高度？陳水扁本人可否毫不在意，識者必不至於無所感覺。
卸任元首因自己的金錢醜聞而面對司法審判時，以不合社會常理的政治姿態放棄刑事司法被告的防禦權利，有意自陷於必與法院為敵的極端處境，究竟是否真是出自有冤難伸的無奈，還是自知難逃有罪判決，遂要以預先鋪設司法政治迫害說辭的政治伎倆？完全失去了政治道德上的自我批判能力，卻要世人以為他是在實現爭取司法人權的崇高理想，能有多少政治正當性？有多少人會真的相信？
不管陳水扁用什麼態度面對司法審判，法院對他的判決無論是有罪無罪，判輕判重，其實都必然會遭到社會輿論使用高度的法治標準加以檢驗。
用司法加施事後制裁來防範政治領袖濫權自肥，穢亂民主，其實只是治標的下策；提昇政黨政治中問責對手也反省自我的政治清廉道德標準，要求朝野共信共守，才是治本的上策。陳水扁不如盧武鉉，希望不代表台灣不如南韓！
收賄醜聞纏身的南韓前總統盧武鉉，跳崖自殺身亡。他出身貧寒，發憤苦讀通過司法考試，旋以人權律師提倡清廉政治享名。執政時政績平平，先盛後衰，卸任後爆發貪汙醜聞，因妻兒近親於其任內向商人索賄，引起調查，他聲稱對家人收取錢財並不知情，但公開表示無顏面對國民，讓國人失望而深感抱歉，終究走上自殺的悲劇。
盧武鉉與陳水扁，有太多相似之處，很難不引起聯想比擬。但故事情節不論如何相似，總不能從盧武鉉究竟有無貪汙推論陳水扁有無貪汙。
刑事刑法案件，畢竟要交給負責審判的法院做最後認定，國人目睹陳水扁及其家人於案發後種種反應，即使不免對於陳水扁是否貪汙自有判斷，我們仍願堅持法律上無罪推定的原則，尊重法院裁判而不妄下斷語。
但是不容否認，盧武鉉悔恨交集的自盡，正是對照台灣卸任元首以什麼態度面對貪腐醜聞的一面明鏡。
我們為盧武鉉選擇自盡以謝感到惋惜與悲哀，也絕不鼓勵任何人加以效法；然而必須指出，盧武鉉的自盡，展現了一種與司法審判無關，純屬政治道德上的自我批判，這種政治倫理態度在台灣一直被期待卻未出現，令人自歎不如。
陳水扁曾經在去年八月總統卸任後，為了海外洗錢帳戶無法隱瞞而自承做了法律上不許可的事，一度向國人公開道歉，事後也曾短暫引發綠營的批判。可是，之後弊端醜聞愈大愈多，牽涉金額駭人，盧武鉉也瞠乎其後。案件內情雖然愈捅愈多，其自我反省卻有如曇花一現，不斷呈現的則是阿扁無罪而受盡政治司法迫害的臉孔。陳水扁與盧武鉉，確是大不相同！
民進黨舉辦五一七遊行上街嗆馬，行使在野黨的異議權利，台灣人民所冷眼觀察的，則是民進黨對於阿扁洗錢醜聞噤若寒蟬的批判缺席。蔡英文主席近日還大力批評對手藉著司法侵犯阿扁人權以羞辱民進黨。法院羈押阿扁迄今是否侵犯阿扁人權確實該嚴肅檢討對待，但是法院羈押阿扁是否受到執政者指使，則是不同的問題。
相較於陳府聚斂洗錢已知事證的疑雲重重，設置海外帳戶之多，在位八年積累之鉅，不是祕密，執政者指使法院從事政治迫害的指控，其實缺乏證據。綠營人士對於執政者控制司法、實施迫害，若可繪聲繪影，完全不需要證據；對於扁珍及其子女，如何可能有如此鉅額的政治獻金搬移海外的事實，卻是諱莫如深。兩相對照，必將使其任何司法人權的政治指控，失去說服力。
異地而處，假若是馬英九使用鉅額政治獻金設置海外帳戶，綠營將會以何種政治力量給予批判？失衡的雙重政治道德標準，實已使得民進黨今天在任何場合以「清廉」二字自許，都彷彿是惹人訕笑的自我嘲諷。長老教會指責民進黨未能表態反省阿扁犯的錯誤，不為無故。
陳水扁本人呢？稱病、就醫、出書的政治手段，嗆聲司法從事政治迫害；最近的新招則是解除辯護律師的委任，拒與公設辯護人接談，這當然都是他身為刑事被告自由選擇如何應訴的權利，但是不惜與法院決裂的策略行徑，是否有失律師政治家應有的專業水準？是否符合卸任元首應有的政治高度？陳水扁本人可否毫不在意，識者必不至於無所感覺。
卸任元首因自己的金錢醜聞而面對司法審判時，以不合社會常理的政治姿態放棄刑事司法被告的防禦權利，有意自陷於必與法院為敵的極端處境，究竟是否真是出自有冤難伸的無奈，還是自知難逃有罪判決，遂要以預先鋪設司法政治迫害說辭的政治伎倆？完全失去了政治道德上的自我批判能力，卻要世人以為他是在實現爭取司法人權的崇高理想，能有多少政治正當性？有多少人會真的相信？
不管陳水扁用什麼態度面對司法審判，法院對他的判決無論是有罪無罪，判輕判重，其實都必然會遭到社會輿論使用高度的法治標準加以檢驗。
用司法加施事後制裁來防範政治領袖濫權自肥，穢亂民主，其實只是治標的下策；提昇政黨政治中問責對手也反省自我的政治清廉道德標準，要求朝野共信共守，才是治本的上策。陳水扁不如盧武鉉，希望不代表台灣不如南韓！
改採繼承人負限定責任原則 民法三讀通過
法源編輯室 / 2009-05-25
立法院上週五（二十二日）三讀通過民法繼承編部分條文修正案，未來繼承人只須以遺產來清償繼承的債務，不必揹負無限的責任，更不必以自己辛苦掙來的財產，清償前人留下來的債務。換句話說，修法後將解決目前社會上不合理、不公平的繼承問題，保護繼承人，並兼顧交易安定
參照法務部的說明，因現代社會早已由「家之存續」為中心的「身分繼承」，演變為注重「個人主義」的「財產繼承」。而隨工商社會交易頻繁複雜，家庭型態也有重大的改變，實在難以期待親人間熟知彼此財產的交易關係，而願意承擔責任。
民法繼承編施行以來，以「父債子還」制度，採行「繼承人負概括責任」原則。雖現行民法第１１５４條第１項規定有限定繼承，同法第１１７４條第１項規定有拋棄繼承，但繼承人常因不知法律忽略，而未能在法定期間內辦理限定或拋棄繼承，就必須概括承受被繼承人財產上的一切權利、義務，這對繼承人顯然不公平，保護也不週。因此，本次修法，改採「繼承人負限定責任」原則，也就是將原來繼承人對於繼承債務的「無限」責任，修改為「有限」責任。
實務上，有許多繼承人不知道被繼承人既存債務，但須承受繼承龐大債務，影響財產權及生存權，所以應例外地保護。也因此，將採取部分溯及原則，針對現存最常發生，也最不公平的三種繼承現象，得溯及既往，負有限責任。即繼承人繼承的是保證契約債務，或繼承人是代位繼承人，抑或繼承人在繼承開始時，因不可歸責自己的事由，而無法知道繼承債務的存在，繼續履行顯失公平的部分，都只要以所得遺產負清償責任。
為了法的安定性、信賴保護原則，以及被繼承人債權人的權益及交易安全，修法也對施行前已經償還的債務，規定繼承人不得再行要求返還。又為了維護繼承債權人公平受償，並使繼承人可以一次解決繼承財產及債務清理的問題，修法也明定繼承人可以進入法院清算或自行辦理清算，繼承人可視繼承財產關係複雜程度，選擇最有利的清算程序。只要繼承人沒有惡意隱匿遺產或在遺產清冊上為虛偽之記載等行為，就不會負擔超過所得遺產的責任。
此外，債權人也可以向法院聲請或由法院依職權命繼承人進行清算程序，而為了避免改採限定責任後，被繼承人和繼承人為減少所得遺產而脫產，特別規定繼承人在繼承開始前二年內從被繼承人受有財產上贈與，該財產將視為所得遺產。因此，本次修法在保障繼承人情形下，也同時兼顧債權人的權益。
法源編輯室 / 2009-05-25
立法院上週五（二十二日）三讀通過民法繼承編部分條文修正案，未來繼承人只須以遺產來清償繼承的債務，不必揹負無限的責任，更不必以自己辛苦掙來的財產，清償前人留下來的債務。換句話說，修法後將解決目前社會上不合理、不公平的繼承問題，保護繼承人，並兼顧交易安定
參照法務部的說明，因現代社會早已由「家之存續」為中心的「身分繼承」，演變為注重「個人主義」的「財產繼承」。而隨工商社會交易頻繁複雜，家庭型態也有重大的改變，實在難以期待親人間熟知彼此財產的交易關係，而願意承擔責任。
民法繼承編施行以來，以「父債子還」制度，採行「繼承人負概括責任」原則。雖現行民法第１１５４條第１項規定有限定繼承，同法第１１７４條第１項規定有拋棄繼承，但繼承人常因不知法律忽略，而未能在法定期間內辦理限定或拋棄繼承，就必須概括承受被繼承人財產上的一切權利、義務，這對繼承人顯然不公平，保護也不週。因此，本次修法，改採「繼承人負限定責任」原則，也就是將原來繼承人對於繼承債務的「無限」責任，修改為「有限」責任。
實務上，有許多繼承人不知道被繼承人既存債務，但須承受繼承龐大債務，影響財產權及生存權，所以應例外地保護。也因此，將採取部分溯及原則，針對現存最常發生，也最不公平的三種繼承現象，得溯及既往，負有限責任。即繼承人繼承的是保證契約債務，或繼承人是代位繼承人，抑或繼承人在繼承開始時，因不可歸責自己的事由，而無法知道繼承債務的存在，繼續履行顯失公平的部分，都只要以所得遺產負清償責任。
為了法的安定性、信賴保護原則，以及被繼承人債權人的權益及交易安全，修法也對施行前已經償還的債務，規定繼承人不得再行要求返還。又為了維護繼承債權人公平受償，並使繼承人可以一次解決繼承財產及債務清理的問題，修法也明定繼承人可以進入法院清算或自行辦理清算，繼承人可視繼承財產關係複雜程度，選擇最有利的清算程序。只要繼承人沒有惡意隱匿遺產或在遺產清冊上為虛偽之記載等行為，就不會負擔超過所得遺產的責任。
此外，債權人也可以向法院聲請或由法院依職權命繼承人進行清算程序，而為了避免改採限定責任後，被繼承人和繼承人為減少所得遺產而脫產，特別規定繼承人在繼承開始前二年內從被繼承人受有財產上贈與，該財產將視為所得遺產。因此，本次修法在保障繼承人情形下，也同時兼顧債權人的權益。
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Friday, May 22, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
授益處分相對人以外之第三人主張其權利或法律上利益，因該授益處分而
有遭受侵害之可能者，應認具有提起撤銷訴訟之權能。上訴人認被上訴人
辦理系爭登記違法，並於申請書內敘明其時效取得權利或法律上利益，因
被上訴人為系爭登記而受影響等語，經被上訴人以書函函覆。上訴人不服
，繕具訴願書提起訴願，主張系爭二登記侵害其權益，具有撤銷訴訟權能
，循序經訴願程序，提起撤銷訴訟，訴請撤銷系爭二登記，程序上並無不
合，具備實體判決要件。又上訴人尚有請求被上訴人依據土地登記規則第
144 條第 1 項第 2 款規定，塗銷系爭二登記，併提起課予義務訴訟。
訴願程序雖從程序上不予受理，惟因系爭二登記屬「羈束處分」，及被上
訴人未准上訴人依土地登記規則第 144 條第 1 項第 2 款規定請求亦
為「羈束處分」，均非「裁量處分」，僅生處分是否適法問題，而無其裁
量是否適當應由訴願機關負責審查問題，行政法院不須將訴願決定撤銷發
回。
有遭受侵害之可能者，應認具有提起撤銷訴訟之權能。上訴人認被上訴人
辦理系爭登記違法，並於申請書內敘明其時效取得權利或法律上利益，因
被上訴人為系爭登記而受影響等語，經被上訴人以書函函覆。上訴人不服
，繕具訴願書提起訴願，主張系爭二登記侵害其權益，具有撤銷訴訟權能
，循序經訴願程序，提起撤銷訴訟，訴請撤銷系爭二登記，程序上並無不
合，具備實體判決要件。又上訴人尚有請求被上訴人依據土地登記規則第
144 條第 1 項第 2 款規定，塗銷系爭二登記，併提起課予義務訴訟。
訴願程序雖從程序上不予受理，惟因系爭二登記屬「羈束處分」，及被上
訴人未准上訴人依土地登記規則第 144 條第 1 項第 2 款規定請求亦
為「羈束處分」，均非「裁量處分」，僅生處分是否適法問題，而無其裁
量是否適當應由訴願機關負責審查問題，行政法院不須將訴願決定撤銷發
回。
除非契約另訂 投資型保單費用一概不退還
法源編輯室 / 2009-05-20
行政院金融監督管理委員會昨（十九）日表示，投資型保險商品的費用結構有多種型態，消費者在投保前，應該詳細瞭解各種商品的目標保險費與整體費用結構。一般而言，投資型保險商品的費用包含前置費用、保單相關費用、投資相關費用與後置費用等項目。
金管會表示，消費者有必要詳細瞭解其意涵及商品收費架構；至於各保單實際收取費用高低，仍須由消費者自行或藉助保險招攬人員就個別商品特性作費用試算，或者依據人身保險業辦理資訊公開管理辦法第１１條規定，向保險業索取資訊公開說明文件，以瞭解相關商品承保範圍及費用率等資訊，或直接找保險業務員提供詳盡解說。
此外，金管會指出，投資型保險商品所內含的一切費用，除契約另有約定外，原則上在收取後都不退還，因此，最好在購買前，先與業務員試算。專家認為，現在國人消費意識抬頭，是促使投資型保險商品費用合理化的最大助力，金管會表示，除已持續督促保險公司依規定揭露投資型保險商品各項費用外，亦呼籲各保險公司應充分瞭解顧客需求，並規劃適合的商品供消費大眾選擇。
法界人士表示，購買投資型保險商品亦與購買一般投資商品不同，投資型保險商品具有保險契約性質，提供一般投資商品所無之保險保障，且給付條件、費用結構亦與一般投資商品截然不同。但投資型保險資訊揭露應遵循事項第４點第５款規定，投資型保險必須有警語的揭露，此外，同要點第６款也規定，在費用上也必須揭露，費用除了要分項表列之外，費用改變通知至少應於三個月前通知要保人。但若屬對保戶有利之費用調降，則不在此限。
法源編輯室 / 2009-05-20
行政院金融監督管理委員會昨（十九）日表示，投資型保險商品的費用結構有多種型態，消費者在投保前，應該詳細瞭解各種商品的目標保險費與整體費用結構。一般而言，投資型保險商品的費用包含前置費用、保單相關費用、投資相關費用與後置費用等項目。
金管會表示，消費者有必要詳細瞭解其意涵及商品收費架構；至於各保單實際收取費用高低，仍須由消費者自行或藉助保險招攬人員就個別商品特性作費用試算，或者依據人身保險業辦理資訊公開管理辦法第１１條規定，向保險業索取資訊公開說明文件，以瞭解相關商品承保範圍及費用率等資訊，或直接找保險業務員提供詳盡解說。
此外，金管會指出，投資型保險商品所內含的一切費用，除契約另有約定外，原則上在收取後都不退還，因此，最好在購買前，先與業務員試算。專家認為，現在國人消費意識抬頭，是促使投資型保險商品費用合理化的最大助力，金管會表示，除已持續督促保險公司依規定揭露投資型保險商品各項費用外，亦呼籲各保險公司應充分瞭解顧客需求，並規劃適合的商品供消費大眾選擇。
法界人士表示，購買投資型保險商品亦與購買一般投資商品不同，投資型保險商品具有保險契約性質，提供一般投資商品所無之保險保障，且給付條件、費用結構亦與一般投資商品截然不同。但投資型保險資訊揭露應遵循事項第４點第５款規定，投資型保險必須有警語的揭露，此外，同要點第６款也規定，在費用上也必須揭露，費用除了要分項表列之外，費用改變通知至少應於三個月前通知要保人。但若屬對保戶有利之費用調降，則不在此限。
罰金、短期刑易服社會勞動 刑法三讀通過
法源編輯室 / 2009-05-20
立法院昨（十九）日三讀通過「刑法部分條文修正案」，規定罰金刑、短期刑，可以易服「社會勞動」。法務部表示，因短期自由刑非常短，但出獄後的受刑人時常被貼上標籤，而產生回歸社會的困難。所以仿照國外制度增訂「社會勞動」，讓這些短期受刑人以社會勞動替代入監，除了能予警惕外，也可以對社會盡點心力。
觀察修法重點，增訂刑法第４２條之１第１項規定，明定罰金也可以易服社會勞動。法務部說明，因為罰金為財產刑，對於沒有財產的受刑人，雖然同法第４２條第１項有易服勞役制度的規定，但須入監執行，所以應有准許易服社會勞動的必要。但對於易服勞役期限超過一年或六個月有期徒刑併科的罰金刑的部分，為了避免與國民法律感情不符，且這些犯罪情節較為嚴重，多屬槍砲或毒品案件，不宜給予社會勞動，所以排除適用。
針對受六個月以下有期徒刑或拘役宣告而不得易科罰金受刑人，也可以易服社會勞動，因為屬於刑罰輕微案件，在緩刑的效果應該與受得易科罰金案件相同。因此，修正後的刑法第７５條第１項各款、第７５條之１第１項各款規定，成為「得」撤銷緩刑的事由，而非「應」撤銷緩刑的事由。
考慮社會勞動須親自提供勞動或服務，與入監執行不同，勞動者的身心健康因素是否可行也是個問題。增訂的刑法第４２條之１第１項第３款對這部分也有所規定，即因身心健康，執行社會勞動將明顯有困難者，將由執行檢察官個案認定是否准予易服社會勞動。而易服社會勞動執行完畢的受刑人，也同時修正後同法第４４條規定，讓所受宣告之刑以已執行論。
此外，為了使社會勞動、緩刑與緩起訴處分義務勞務執行機關範圍一致，並將行政法人或其他公益目的機關、團體皆有機會利用社會勞動的人力資源，也修正後刑法第７４條第２項第５款規定，將擴大緩刑義務勞務執行機關範圍。這些機關團體，如果有使用社會勞動人力的意願及需求，經提出登記或申請核可後，就可以成為執行機關，但並不會強迫接受社會勞動人力，以免除疑慮。
法源編輯室 / 2009-05-20
立法院昨（十九）日三讀通過「刑法部分條文修正案」，規定罰金刑、短期刑，可以易服「社會勞動」。法務部表示，因短期自由刑非常短，但出獄後的受刑人時常被貼上標籤，而產生回歸社會的困難。所以仿照國外制度增訂「社會勞動」，讓這些短期受刑人以社會勞動替代入監，除了能予警惕外，也可以對社會盡點心力。
觀察修法重點，增訂刑法第４２條之１第１項規定，明定罰金也可以易服社會勞動。法務部說明，因為罰金為財產刑，對於沒有財產的受刑人，雖然同法第４２條第１項有易服勞役制度的規定，但須入監執行，所以應有准許易服社會勞動的必要。但對於易服勞役期限超過一年或六個月有期徒刑併科的罰金刑的部分，為了避免與國民法律感情不符，且這些犯罪情節較為嚴重，多屬槍砲或毒品案件，不宜給予社會勞動，所以排除適用。
針對受六個月以下有期徒刑或拘役宣告而不得易科罰金受刑人，也可以易服社會勞動，因為屬於刑罰輕微案件，在緩刑的效果應該與受得易科罰金案件相同。因此，修正後的刑法第７５條第１項各款、第７５條之１第１項各款規定，成為「得」撤銷緩刑的事由，而非「應」撤銷緩刑的事由。
考慮社會勞動須親自提供勞動或服務，與入監執行不同，勞動者的身心健康因素是否可行也是個問題。增訂的刑法第４２條之１第１項第３款對這部分也有所規定，即因身心健康，執行社會勞動將明顯有困難者，將由執行檢察官個案認定是否准予易服社會勞動。而易服社會勞動執行完畢的受刑人，也同時修正後同法第４４條規定，讓所受宣告之刑以已執行論。
此外，為了使社會勞動、緩刑與緩起訴處分義務勞務執行機關範圍一致，並將行政法人或其他公益目的機關、團體皆有機會利用社會勞動的人力資源，也修正後刑法第７４條第２項第５款規定，將擴大緩刑義務勞務執行機關範圍。這些機關團體，如果有使用社會勞動人力的意願及需求，經提出登記或申請核可後，就可以成為執行機關，但並不會強迫接受社會勞動人力，以免除疑慮。
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Costco Hit With $50M Lawsuit: What is False Imprisonment?
By David Goguen on May 18, 2009 6:57 AM | No TrackBacks
A lawsuit filed in California accuses Costco Wholesale Corp. of falsely imprisoning its employees, by keeping workers after hours while bosses inventory jewelry and check cash registers in the warehouse stores.
The lawsuit, filed in San Diego County, alleges that Costco workers are prevented from leaving even though they're not being paid during the 15-minute store closing routines. The main plaintiff is Mary Pytelewski, a clerk at a Costco store in San Marcos, and the suit seeks class action status and $50 million in damages, the Los Angeles Times reports.
So, what is false imprisonment? The short answer is that it's the confinement of a person against their will, without legal authority. False imprisonment can be the subject of a personal injury lawsuit (as in the Costco case) or a criminal prosecution.
False Imprisonment in Civil Law. In civil law, false imprisonment is considered an intentional wrongful act or "tort" that can be the subject of a personal injury claim. In most injury suits, one person sues another for harm caused by negligence or carelessness. But in a false imprisonment claim, the injured person (the plaintiff) is alleging that he or she was intentionally held or confined for some period of time by the defendant.
The confinement doesn't have to be through physical force. In the Costco case, the employees (through their attorneys) will likely claim that, whether or not they could have left the store, their confinement was based on an implied threat that if they did leave, they would lose their jobs.
Damages in a lawsuit for false imprisonment can include compensation for things like physical or mental harm suffered as a result of the time spent confined, emotional distress, and punitive damages meant to punish the defendant for particularly egregious actions. In the Costco case, the employees are also likely including unpaid wages in their calculations of the cost of their confinement.
False Imprisonment in Criminal Law. False imprisonment is also considered a crime in most states, and is similar to kidnapping in that a person is being held against his or her will without legal justification. The main difference between kidnapping and false imprisonment is usually whether the victim is confined for a relatively short period of time (false imprisonment) or taken against their will from one location to another (kidnapping).
By David Goguen on May 18, 2009 6:57 AM | No TrackBacks
A lawsuit filed in California accuses Costco Wholesale Corp. of falsely imprisoning its employees, by keeping workers after hours while bosses inventory jewelry and check cash registers in the warehouse stores.
The lawsuit, filed in San Diego County, alleges that Costco workers are prevented from leaving even though they're not being paid during the 15-minute store closing routines. The main plaintiff is Mary Pytelewski, a clerk at a Costco store in San Marcos, and the suit seeks class action status and $50 million in damages, the Los Angeles Times reports.
So, what is false imprisonment? The short answer is that it's the confinement of a person against their will, without legal authority. False imprisonment can be the subject of a personal injury lawsuit (as in the Costco case) or a criminal prosecution.
False Imprisonment in Civil Law. In civil law, false imprisonment is considered an intentional wrongful act or "tort" that can be the subject of a personal injury claim. In most injury suits, one person sues another for harm caused by negligence or carelessness. But in a false imprisonment claim, the injured person (the plaintiff) is alleging that he or she was intentionally held or confined for some period of time by the defendant.
The confinement doesn't have to be through physical force. In the Costco case, the employees (through their attorneys) will likely claim that, whether or not they could have left the store, their confinement was based on an implied threat that if they did leave, they would lose their jobs.
Damages in a lawsuit for false imprisonment can include compensation for things like physical or mental harm suffered as a result of the time spent confined, emotional distress, and punitive damages meant to punish the defendant for particularly egregious actions. In the Costco case, the employees are also likely including unpaid wages in their calculations of the cost of their confinement.
False Imprisonment in Criminal Law. False imprisonment is also considered a crime in most states, and is similar to kidnapping in that a person is being held against his or her will without legal justification. The main difference between kidnapping and false imprisonment is usually whether the victim is confined for a relatively short period of time (false imprisonment) or taken against their will from one location to another (kidnapping).
Australia to build world's largest solar energy plant: PM
Sun May 17, 2009 1:48am EDT
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SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia plans to build the world's largest solar power station with an output of 1000 megawatts in a A$1.4 billion (US$1.05 billion) investment, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said on Sunday.
The plant would have three times the generating capacity of the current biggest solar-powered electricity plant, which is in California, Rudd said during a tour of a power station.
Tender details will be announced later in the year, and successful bidders will be named in the first half of 2010. Rudd said the project was aimed at exploiting the country's ample sunshine, which he called "Australia's biggest natural resource."
It was also aimed at helping the country become a leader in renewable, clean energy, he said.
"The government plans to invest with industry in the biggest solar generation plant in the world, three times the size of the world's current biggest, which is in California," Rudd said.
"Why are we doing this? We are doing it in order to support a clean energy future for Australia, we're doing it to boost economic activity now and we're doing it also to provide jobs and much needed opportunities for business as well."
The project should eventually lead to a network of solar-powered stations across the country, Rudd said, with locations chosen to fit in with the existing electricity grid and ensure good access to sunshine.
"We don't want to be clean energy followers worldwide, we want to be clean energy leaders worldwide." Rudd said.
The A$1.4 billion dedicated to this project was part of a wider A$4.65 clean energy initiative by the government, he said.
Rudd also said Australia would become a full member of the International Renewable Energy Agency, which will have its first global meeting in June.
(Editing by David Fox)
Sun May 17, 2009 1:48am EDT
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SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia plans to build the world's largest solar power station with an output of 1000 megawatts in a A$1.4 billion (US$1.05 billion) investment, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said on Sunday.
The plant would have three times the generating capacity of the current biggest solar-powered electricity plant, which is in California, Rudd said during a tour of a power station.
Tender details will be announced later in the year, and successful bidders will be named in the first half of 2010. Rudd said the project was aimed at exploiting the country's ample sunshine, which he called "Australia's biggest natural resource."
It was also aimed at helping the country become a leader in renewable, clean energy, he said.
"The government plans to invest with industry in the biggest solar generation plant in the world, three times the size of the world's current biggest, which is in California," Rudd said.
"Why are we doing this? We are doing it in order to support a clean energy future for Australia, we're doing it to boost economic activity now and we're doing it also to provide jobs and much needed opportunities for business as well."
The project should eventually lead to a network of solar-powered stations across the country, Rudd said, with locations chosen to fit in with the existing electricity grid and ensure good access to sunshine.
"We don't want to be clean energy followers worldwide, we want to be clean energy leaders worldwide." Rudd said.
The A$1.4 billion dedicated to this project was part of a wider A$4.65 clean energy initiative by the government, he said.
Rudd also said Australia would become a full member of the International Renewable Energy Agency, which will have its first global meeting in June.
(Editing by David Fox)
P2P filesharing is "fair use"
Harvard prof tells judge that P2P filesharing is "fair use"
Harvard Law professor Charles Nesson is headed to federal court this summer to defend an accused file-swapper, and he plans to mount a novel defense: P2P sharing is simply "fair use."
By Nate Anderson | Last updated May 18, 2009 12:11 PM CT
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Harvard prof tells judge that P2P filesharing is "fair use"
Wholesale copying of music on P2P networks is fair use. Statutory damages can't be applied to P2P users. File-swapping results in no provable harm to rightsholders.
These are just some of the assertions that Harvard Law professor Charles Nesson made last week in his defense of accused file-swapper Joel Tenenbaum. In court filings, Nesson spelled out his defense strategy, which doesn't appear to involve claims that his client "didn't do it." Instead, Nesson argues that it doesn't matter if Tenenbaum copied music; such noncommercial uses are presumptively "fair" and anyone seeking to squeeze file-swappers for statutory damages is entitled to precisely zero dollars.
The strategy certainly doesn't lack for boldness. In making the case that statutory damages only apply to commercial infringers, Nesson says that his reading of the law is "constitutionally compelled." His most interesting argument is that the law offers rightsholders the chance to seek either statutory or actual damages, but that the two are meant to be equivalent.
"It would be a bizarre statute indeed that offered two completely unrelated remedies," he writes, "one which granted actual damages and lost profits, and the other of which granted plaintiffs the right to drive a flock of sheep across federal property on the third day of each month."
If the two remedies are equivalent, and if "individual noncommercial copying results in no provable actual harm to the copyright harm holder," then actual damages would be zero—and so would statutory damages. "In this context, it would be unreasonable to consider the $150,000 per infringement authorized [by the law] as an appropriate substitute for the zero actual damages."
(The recording industry has not sought $150,000 per infringement in any case, and the statute actually allows a spread that begins at $750 per infringement. In the Jammie Thomas trial, a jury settled on an amount close to $10,000 per song.)
It's all fair use
In any event, all of this statutory damages talk doesn't matter, because Nesson claims that Tenenbaum's use of the songs at issue here was "fair use" and thus not an infringement at all. It's a gutsy move to claim that wholesale downloads of complete copyrighted works for no purpose higher than mere enjoyment of music somehow satisfies the famous "four factor test" for fair use claims, but Nesson believes he can win over a jury.
"Defendant Tenenbaum expects and plans to offer the jury evidence relating to each one of these four factors," Nesson wrote in his court filing, "just as they are articulated in the statute, with the jury to decide their meaning as they apply to the facts of his particular case."
Nesson has been floating this idea to his supporters for some time, but the reception has been frosty. Lawyers like Lawrence Lessig, a huge fan of "free culture," remixing, mashups, and reduced copyright protections, wrote in an e-mail to Nesson that "of course [Tenenbaum's conduct] was against the law, and you do the law too much kindness by trying to pretend (or stretch) 'fair use' excuses what he did. It doesn't."
And Terry Fisher, who heads Harvard's Berkman Center for Internet & Society and is an expert on fair use, pointed out that P2P filesharing would likely fail the four factors test. "This is not to suggest, of course, that it's sensible for the legal system to be set up in such a way as to enable and encourage the RIAA to go after people like Joel," he wrote. "I devoted much of a book to arguing that it’s not—and I'm happy to testify to that effect. But the fair use doctrine does not, in my view, provide a plausible vehicle for reform."
But last week's court filings indicate that this is precisely how Nesson intends to argue the case. As for the "four factors," he plans to address them... but also to go far beyond them. Nesson will introduce "other factors" that the jury should consider in the case, which include "the copyright holder's knowledge of and assumption of risk when it published the copyrighted work that work would be ripped and shared on P2P networks."
Should Nesson win, he will essentially legalize the sharing of all digital goods, copyrighted or not, by noncommercial users. Given that he wants to make the case about big principles like fair use and the applicability of statutory damages—and not about whether Joel Tenenbaum did what he is accused of doing—the music industry is likely to fight even harder to ensure that Nesson's preferred outcome is not realized. The fireworks are scheduled to begin this summer in Massachusetts federal court.
Harvard Law professor Charles Nesson is headed to federal court this summer to defend an accused file-swapper, and he plans to mount a novel defense: P2P sharing is simply "fair use."
By Nate Anderson | Last updated May 18, 2009 12:11 PM CT
* Text Size Decrease Text Size Increase Text Size
* Print this article
* Leave a comment
Harvard prof tells judge that P2P filesharing is "fair use"
Wholesale copying of music on P2P networks is fair use. Statutory damages can't be applied to P2P users. File-swapping results in no provable harm to rightsholders.
These are just some of the assertions that Harvard Law professor Charles Nesson made last week in his defense of accused file-swapper Joel Tenenbaum. In court filings, Nesson spelled out his defense strategy, which doesn't appear to involve claims that his client "didn't do it." Instead, Nesson argues that it doesn't matter if Tenenbaum copied music; such noncommercial uses are presumptively "fair" and anyone seeking to squeeze file-swappers for statutory damages is entitled to precisely zero dollars.
The strategy certainly doesn't lack for boldness. In making the case that statutory damages only apply to commercial infringers, Nesson says that his reading of the law is "constitutionally compelled." His most interesting argument is that the law offers rightsholders the chance to seek either statutory or actual damages, but that the two are meant to be equivalent.
"It would be a bizarre statute indeed that offered two completely unrelated remedies," he writes, "one which granted actual damages and lost profits, and the other of which granted plaintiffs the right to drive a flock of sheep across federal property on the third day of each month."
If the two remedies are equivalent, and if "individual noncommercial copying results in no provable actual harm to the copyright harm holder," then actual damages would be zero—and so would statutory damages. "In this context, it would be unreasonable to consider the $150,000 per infringement authorized [by the law] as an appropriate substitute for the zero actual damages."
(The recording industry has not sought $150,000 per infringement in any case, and the statute actually allows a spread that begins at $750 per infringement. In the Jammie Thomas trial, a jury settled on an amount close to $10,000 per song.)
It's all fair use
In any event, all of this statutory damages talk doesn't matter, because Nesson claims that Tenenbaum's use of the songs at issue here was "fair use" and thus not an infringement at all. It's a gutsy move to claim that wholesale downloads of complete copyrighted works for no purpose higher than mere enjoyment of music somehow satisfies the famous "four factor test" for fair use claims, but Nesson believes he can win over a jury.
"Defendant Tenenbaum expects and plans to offer the jury evidence relating to each one of these four factors," Nesson wrote in his court filing, "just as they are articulated in the statute, with the jury to decide their meaning as they apply to the facts of his particular case."
Nesson has been floating this idea to his supporters for some time, but the reception has been frosty. Lawyers like Lawrence Lessig, a huge fan of "free culture," remixing, mashups, and reduced copyright protections, wrote in an e-mail to Nesson that "of course [Tenenbaum's conduct] was against the law, and you do the law too much kindness by trying to pretend (or stretch) 'fair use' excuses what he did. It doesn't."
And Terry Fisher, who heads Harvard's Berkman Center for Internet & Society and is an expert on fair use, pointed out that P2P filesharing would likely fail the four factors test. "This is not to suggest, of course, that it's sensible for the legal system to be set up in such a way as to enable and encourage the RIAA to go after people like Joel," he wrote. "I devoted much of a book to arguing that it’s not—and I'm happy to testify to that effect. But the fair use doctrine does not, in my view, provide a plausible vehicle for reform."
But last week's court filings indicate that this is precisely how Nesson intends to argue the case. As for the "four factors," he plans to address them... but also to go far beyond them. Nesson will introduce "other factors" that the jury should consider in the case, which include "the copyright holder's knowledge of and assumption of risk when it published the copyrighted work that work would be ripped and shared on P2P networks."
Should Nesson win, he will essentially legalize the sharing of all digital goods, copyrighted or not, by noncommercial users. Given that he wants to make the case about big principles like fair use and the applicability of statutory damages—and not about whether Joel Tenenbaum did what he is accused of doing—the music industry is likely to fight even harder to ensure that Nesson's preferred outcome is not realized. The fireworks are scheduled to begin this summer in Massachusetts federal court.
老霍帶你遊台北》大稻埕的春天
‧老霍 2009/05/19
迪化街霞海城隍廟建於1856年，廟內面積大約只有46坪，卻供奉600多尊神，其中以左手持姻緣簿、右手拄著拐杖的「月下老人」遠近知名。該廟佔地十分狹窄，卻也雕樑畫棟，在充滿西式風格的迪化街，唯一閩南傳統式建築。
【文．攝影／老霍】
1920年，日人為實施台灣地方官制及行政區域改制，廢除臺北廳直轄之艋舺、大稻埕、大龍峒三區，設立臺北市，隸屬臺北州（見淡水捷運站公共藝術）。「大稻埕」這個曾經是曬穀場的名字雖然沒被使用，但是它仍然活在人們的心目之中。
由於要擴建道路的關係，一度要將迪化街兩旁的房屋拆除，在商家與學者專家的努力下得以保留，如今還要逐棟地加以修護，讓我們還能目睹這裝飾繁複的巴洛克式建築外觀，見證它昔日的風華歲月……。
圖一：1930年的大稻埕碼頭與2009年的藍色公路形成對比。（攝影／老霍）
1858年，清廷因英法聯軍之役戰敗，簽訂天津條約，1860年淡水開放通商，艋舺和大稻埕成為起卸貨物的碼頭（圖一），英美商人在大稻埕現今的貴德街和南京西路設立洋行，外商鼓勵農民大量種茶，在大稻埕精製後運銷海外，茶葉貿易造就大稻埕的繁榮。
大稻埕的昔日風華歲月
1891年台灣巡撫劉銘傳建造了台灣第一條鐵路，由於經過大稻埕，更加確立了迪化街位居台北的商業地位。日據時期，縱貫鐵路線通車，迪化街成為南北貨、中藥、布匹批發的中心。
圖二：迪化街的屈臣氏大藥房曾遭火毀，如今已整修完成。（攝影／老霍）
迪化街的屈臣氏大藥房是以進口西藥為主，日據時期曾經取得台灣香港屈臣氏的代理權。1998年的一場大火，讓這座略帶有巴洛克風的建築付之一炬，如今已然整修完成，展露出原來的面貌（圖二）。
閩南式與西式洋樓建築
迪化街霞海城隍廟建於1856年，廟內面積大約只有46坪，卻供奉600多尊神，其中以左手持姻緣簿、右手拄著拐杖的「月下老人」遠近知名。該廟佔地十分狹窄，卻也雕樑畫棟，在充滿西式風格的迪化街，唯一閩南傳統式建築。
圖三：南京西路233巷7號起四棟磚式建築，是洋樓式樣。（攝影／老霍）
二層樓房為主的西式洋樓，有女兒牆、拱形窗、花瓶欄杆，洋樓形式模仿1870年代的淡水洋行，分佈地點在整個大稻埕地區，例如南京西路233巷7號起四棟紅磚式建築（圖三）。
現代主義與巴洛克建築
圖四：迪化街一段71號的乾元行為現代主義的建築代表。（攝影／老霍）
迪化街一段71 號「乾元行」，三層樓建築被歸納為現代主義的代表作，建築二、三樓的外觀部份，有「幾何圖形」的設計趣味，三樓中央的圓形窗子，周圍採用「人蔘」圖形浮雕裝飾，在當年應該算是比較新的流行形式（圖四）。
圖五：迪化街一段129 號起，樓層裝飾雕刻中含有店名。（攝影／老霍）
迪化街一段129 號起，連續三棟巴洛克式建築，以及對面一段148號起，連續三棟巴洛克式建築，樓層雕刻中含有店名或家徽，欄杆與樓頂的裝飾華麗，繁複程度已經到了有些複雜的地步（圖五）。
迪化老街南北走一回
1911年，日治政府將街道取名為「永樂町」，「迪化街」是台灣光復以後改的名字。一般稱為「南街」，是從南京西路進入，曾經是台灣最大的布料批發地，過了城隍廟，是中藥區，以批發中藥材、補品等買賣為主。
「北街」是從民生西路口往北走去，以販售南北貨為中心，騎樓下擺滿了烏魚子、小魚乾、罐頭食品等，過了歸綏街，則以古老的行業為主，有農具行、種子店、燈籠店等商店。
民生西路的盡頭是大稻埕碼頭，閘門旁的水泥牆面是用舊時碼頭圖片製作的馬賽克壁畫，高高的水泥牆擋住了昔日的繁榮，碼頭閘門對面的小公園，有一對母女的雕塑望著遠處（陳石年作品），塑像的下方寫著「大稻埕之春」。
●公車：9、206、274、601、613、669、704等。
★陽明山達人老霍，帶你遊草山：老霍的網誌
‧老霍 2009/05/19
迪化街霞海城隍廟建於1856年，廟內面積大約只有46坪，卻供奉600多尊神，其中以左手持姻緣簿、右手拄著拐杖的「月下老人」遠近知名。該廟佔地十分狹窄，卻也雕樑畫棟，在充滿西式風格的迪化街，唯一閩南傳統式建築。
【文．攝影／老霍】
1920年，日人為實施台灣地方官制及行政區域改制，廢除臺北廳直轄之艋舺、大稻埕、大龍峒三區，設立臺北市，隸屬臺北州（見淡水捷運站公共藝術）。「大稻埕」這個曾經是曬穀場的名字雖然沒被使用，但是它仍然活在人們的心目之中。
由於要擴建道路的關係，一度要將迪化街兩旁的房屋拆除，在商家與學者專家的努力下得以保留，如今還要逐棟地加以修護，讓我們還能目睹這裝飾繁複的巴洛克式建築外觀，見證它昔日的風華歲月……。
圖一：1930年的大稻埕碼頭與2009年的藍色公路形成對比。（攝影／老霍）
1858年，清廷因英法聯軍之役戰敗，簽訂天津條約，1860年淡水開放通商，艋舺和大稻埕成為起卸貨物的碼頭（圖一），英美商人在大稻埕現今的貴德街和南京西路設立洋行，外商鼓勵農民大量種茶，在大稻埕精製後運銷海外，茶葉貿易造就大稻埕的繁榮。
大稻埕的昔日風華歲月
1891年台灣巡撫劉銘傳建造了台灣第一條鐵路，由於經過大稻埕，更加確立了迪化街位居台北的商業地位。日據時期，縱貫鐵路線通車，迪化街成為南北貨、中藥、布匹批發的中心。
圖二：迪化街的屈臣氏大藥房曾遭火毀，如今已整修完成。（攝影／老霍）
迪化街的屈臣氏大藥房是以進口西藥為主，日據時期曾經取得台灣香港屈臣氏的代理權。1998年的一場大火，讓這座略帶有巴洛克風的建築付之一炬，如今已然整修完成，展露出原來的面貌（圖二）。
閩南式與西式洋樓建築
迪化街霞海城隍廟建於1856年，廟內面積大約只有46坪，卻供奉600多尊神，其中以左手持姻緣簿、右手拄著拐杖的「月下老人」遠近知名。該廟佔地十分狹窄，卻也雕樑畫棟，在充滿西式風格的迪化街，唯一閩南傳統式建築。
圖三：南京西路233巷7號起四棟磚式建築，是洋樓式樣。（攝影／老霍）
二層樓房為主的西式洋樓，有女兒牆、拱形窗、花瓶欄杆，洋樓形式模仿1870年代的淡水洋行，分佈地點在整個大稻埕地區，例如南京西路233巷7號起四棟紅磚式建築（圖三）。
現代主義與巴洛克建築
圖四：迪化街一段71號的乾元行為現代主義的建築代表。（攝影／老霍）
迪化街一段71 號「乾元行」，三層樓建築被歸納為現代主義的代表作，建築二、三樓的外觀部份，有「幾何圖形」的設計趣味，三樓中央的圓形窗子，周圍採用「人蔘」圖形浮雕裝飾，在當年應該算是比較新的流行形式（圖四）。
圖五：迪化街一段129 號起，樓層裝飾雕刻中含有店名。（攝影／老霍）
迪化街一段129 號起，連續三棟巴洛克式建築，以及對面一段148號起，連續三棟巴洛克式建築，樓層雕刻中含有店名或家徽，欄杆與樓頂的裝飾華麗，繁複程度已經到了有些複雜的地步（圖五）。
迪化老街南北走一回
1911年，日治政府將街道取名為「永樂町」，「迪化街」是台灣光復以後改的名字。一般稱為「南街」，是從南京西路進入，曾經是台灣最大的布料批發地，過了城隍廟，是中藥區，以批發中藥材、補品等買賣為主。
「北街」是從民生西路口往北走去，以販售南北貨為中心，騎樓下擺滿了烏魚子、小魚乾、罐頭食品等，過了歸綏街，則以古老的行業為主，有農具行、種子店、燈籠店等商店。
民生西路的盡頭是大稻埕碼頭，閘門旁的水泥牆面是用舊時碼頭圖片製作的馬賽克壁畫，高高的水泥牆擋住了昔日的繁榮，碼頭閘門對面的小公園，有一對母女的雕塑望著遠處（陳石年作品），塑像的下方寫著「大稻埕之春」。
●公車：9、206、274、601、613、669、704等。
★陽明山達人老霍，帶你遊草山：老霍的網誌
Monday, May 18, 2009
社論－平議公平會否決燁聯、唐榮結合案
國內不銹鋼大廠燁聯公司計畫取得競爭業者唐榮34％以上股權，依公平交易法規定向公平會申請結合許可，日昨經公平會委員會議作成不予許可的決定。對此相關業者強烈反彈，義联集團董事長林義守公開表示「無法理解」，並認為公平會的裁決違反全球大鋼廠都在進行整併的潮流。
公平會在全球金融海嘯肆虐、世界經濟景氣衰退的陰霾依然籠罩的此時此刻，作成這項看來「不識時務」的裁決，會引發業界的不滿、質疑，實可理解。首先，隨著全球化趨勢日益明顯，各國產業因應國際競爭壓力，確實早已展開同業整合的行動，不僅國內、還包括跨國企業之間的併購。即以鋼鐵業為例，包括日本川崎製鐵和神戶製鋼、中國寶鋼、歐洲米塔爾和阿賽洛、德國德森克魯伯等大鋼廠，都已積極展開整併作業。相較之下，燁聯、唐榮只不過是『小蝦米』，實無阻止兩者結合之理。
其次，燁聯、唐榮之間的整合，明顯將可產生極大的「綜效」，包括原料採購成本的節省，以及產品線的組合、擴充，都可發揮更大的規模經濟效益。從業者角度，公平會不該漠視本案的正面因素。
此外，不銹鋼屬自由開放市場，中、下游業者隨時可以由國外採購。因此即使燁聯與唐榮結合之後，並未具備價格的壟斷權，需要使用不銹鋼作為生產原料的下游廠商，仍可隨時自海外進口，更何況國內還有另一競爭同業華新卡本特，可供購買客戶選擇。
以上三點，是當事人燁聯堅持『結合有理』最主要根據。但從公平會的決議看來，顯然業者與政府之間的看法南轅北轍。 公平會否決所持主要理由是：
第一，不銹鋼產業雖為全球化市場，相關產品屬國際性流通商品，價格亦隨國際行情波動，惟依調查結果，進口仍有地緣因素之考量，且深受交期較長、國際行情波動、匯兌風險、進口料源不穩定及品質不易掌握等因素的影響，而本案結合後，國內市場占有率已達二分之一以上，兩家公司彼此間之競爭壓力將有所消減，單方面調整商品價格之原有顧慮減少，對商品價格提高更具影響力，進而可能導致一致性價格或聯合提高價格之共同效果。
第二，燁聯、唐榮的結合雖有助降低成本，擴張經營規模，提升國際競爭力，但國內公司整併結果，倘下游業者進口受阻，則國內市場集中及結合事業市場占有率之增加，將對中下游產業造成影響，且降低國內市場競爭效能。
第三，不銹鋼產業生產技術雖已相當成熟，但因建廠期間及熱軋機、冷軋機之投資成本，仍非一般產業能輕易轉換，潛在競爭者參進可能性與及時性極低，且燁聯、唐榮原本市場占有率分居第一、第二，結合後相互間牽制力量削弱，彼此競爭程度降低，市場機能受到嚴重壓抑。
公平會依據上述判斷，作成該案『限制競爭之不利益大於整體經濟利益』的結論，從而決定禁止其結合。不論公平會所持理由是否充分，當事人是否服氣，此決議既已作成，燁聯只有透過訴願及行政訴訟的程序，尋求翻案的機會。在公平會不予許可的情形下，目前已進行的增加持股或爭取唐榮董監席次達可實質控制經營權的相關動作，都應停止。公平會依法可以採取行政罰鍰甚至勒令歇業的手段，處分違法業者，正派經營者自是『好漢不吃眼前虧』。
我們深入瞭解公平會最近幾年審理結合許可案件的態度，事實上尚能維持一致性，而禁止結合的案件也極少，民國92年至95年均掛0，96年 1件，去年及今年均只有2件。之前被公平會禁止結合的案件，包括統一公司入主維力企業（速食麵廠商），以及好樂迪擬吸收合併錢櫃，都是基於合併前市占率分屬一、二名，合併後市占率超過二分之一，嚴重不利競爭機能而加以禁止。其中好樂迪案還經行政院訴願會兩度撤銷原處分，但因後來當事人均未能提出足夠理由化解公平會疑慮，上個月還遭到三度不予許可。
和其他案件比較，燁聯與唐榮之間的結合，似具較高國際市場競爭的特質，是否適合和以本地市場為主要經營範圍的其他行業相提並論，應該尚有值得斟酌的空間。我們建議公平會今後在審理類似案件時，亦能從較寬闊的格局，由提升國內業者在國際市場的競爭力著眼，作出更加務實、合理、衡平的裁定。
國內不銹鋼大廠燁聯公司計畫取得競爭業者唐榮34％以上股權，依公平交易法規定向公平會申請結合許可，日昨經公平會委員會議作成不予許可的決定。對此相關業者強烈反彈，義联集團董事長林義守公開表示「無法理解」，並認為公平會的裁決違反全球大鋼廠都在進行整併的潮流。
公平會在全球金融海嘯肆虐、世界經濟景氣衰退的陰霾依然籠罩的此時此刻，作成這項看來「不識時務」的裁決，會引發業界的不滿、質疑，實可理解。首先，隨著全球化趨勢日益明顯，各國產業因應國際競爭壓力，確實早已展開同業整合的行動，不僅國內、還包括跨國企業之間的併購。即以鋼鐵業為例，包括日本川崎製鐵和神戶製鋼、中國寶鋼、歐洲米塔爾和阿賽洛、德國德森克魯伯等大鋼廠，都已積極展開整併作業。相較之下，燁聯、唐榮只不過是『小蝦米』，實無阻止兩者結合之理。
其次，燁聯、唐榮之間的整合，明顯將可產生極大的「綜效」，包括原料採購成本的節省，以及產品線的組合、擴充，都可發揮更大的規模經濟效益。從業者角度，公平會不該漠視本案的正面因素。
此外，不銹鋼屬自由開放市場，中、下游業者隨時可以由國外採購。因此即使燁聯與唐榮結合之後，並未具備價格的壟斷權，需要使用不銹鋼作為生產原料的下游廠商，仍可隨時自海外進口，更何況國內還有另一競爭同業華新卡本特，可供購買客戶選擇。
以上三點，是當事人燁聯堅持『結合有理』最主要根據。但從公平會的決議看來，顯然業者與政府之間的看法南轅北轍。 公平會否決所持主要理由是：
第一，不銹鋼產業雖為全球化市場，相關產品屬國際性流通商品，價格亦隨國際行情波動，惟依調查結果，進口仍有地緣因素之考量，且深受交期較長、國際行情波動、匯兌風險、進口料源不穩定及品質不易掌握等因素的影響，而本案結合後，國內市場占有率已達二分之一以上，兩家公司彼此間之競爭壓力將有所消減，單方面調整商品價格之原有顧慮減少，對商品價格提高更具影響力，進而可能導致一致性價格或聯合提高價格之共同效果。
第二，燁聯、唐榮的結合雖有助降低成本，擴張經營規模，提升國際競爭力，但國內公司整併結果，倘下游業者進口受阻，則國內市場集中及結合事業市場占有率之增加，將對中下游產業造成影響，且降低國內市場競爭效能。
第三，不銹鋼產業生產技術雖已相當成熟，但因建廠期間及熱軋機、冷軋機之投資成本，仍非一般產業能輕易轉換，潛在競爭者參進可能性與及時性極低，且燁聯、唐榮原本市場占有率分居第一、第二，結合後相互間牽制力量削弱，彼此競爭程度降低，市場機能受到嚴重壓抑。
公平會依據上述判斷，作成該案『限制競爭之不利益大於整體經濟利益』的結論，從而決定禁止其結合。不論公平會所持理由是否充分，當事人是否服氣，此決議既已作成，燁聯只有透過訴願及行政訴訟的程序，尋求翻案的機會。在公平會不予許可的情形下，目前已進行的增加持股或爭取唐榮董監席次達可實質控制經營權的相關動作，都應停止。公平會依法可以採取行政罰鍰甚至勒令歇業的手段，處分違法業者，正派經營者自是『好漢不吃眼前虧』。
我們深入瞭解公平會最近幾年審理結合許可案件的態度，事實上尚能維持一致性，而禁止結合的案件也極少，民國92年至95年均掛0，96年 1件，去年及今年均只有2件。之前被公平會禁止結合的案件，包括統一公司入主維力企業（速食麵廠商），以及好樂迪擬吸收合併錢櫃，都是基於合併前市占率分屬一、二名，合併後市占率超過二分之一，嚴重不利競爭機能而加以禁止。其中好樂迪案還經行政院訴願會兩度撤銷原處分，但因後來當事人均未能提出足夠理由化解公平會疑慮，上個月還遭到三度不予許可。
和其他案件比較，燁聯與唐榮之間的結合，似具較高國際市場競爭的特質，是否適合和以本地市場為主要經營範圍的其他行業相提並論，應該尚有值得斟酌的空間。我們建議公平會今後在審理類似案件時，亦能從較寬闊的格局，由提升國內業者在國際市場的競爭力著眼，作出更加務實、合理、衡平的裁定。
Sunday, May 17, 2009
金融風暴主因
中國貿易順差 並非金融風暴主因 劉遵義反駁克魯曼說法
* 2009-05-17
* 中國時報
* 【黃馨儀／台北報導】
香港中文大學校長劉遵義昨天指出，由於中國貿易順差出現的時間，比美國次貸風暴時間晚很多，所以中國貿易順差並非是導致全球經濟失衡與金融危機的主因，間接反駁經濟學大師克魯曼的說法。
中經院昨天舉辦「國際經濟危機之衝擊與啟示國際研討會」，劉遵義與會時表示，金融風暴後，許多學者將原因歸咎於美國過度消費，但克魯曼近日在北京曾質疑，「為什麼中國仍要不斷出口，又留下這麼多美元外匯存底？」是否是中國外匯存底過多造成的？
劉遵義強調，美國次貸風暴在二○○三年起逐步呈現，房價指數在二○○六年時達到最高點，但中國在二○○三年時，根本還沒有明顯貿易順差，是到二○○五年時才急速增加，去年金融風暴後，反而數量還有減少趨勢。若說中國貿易順差是導致全球失衡的罪魁禍首，「是不公平的」。
面對一九三○年以來最嚴重金融危機，劉遵義說，未來金融監理機關扮演角色相當重要，才能對道德風險作出最合宜的控管，屆時「原則性」規範，將比「規則性」規範更為重要。若經濟體要正常運作，財務槓桿操作絕對不能過當。
劉遵義建議，未來無論是販售還是購買ＣＤＳ（債券保險），若沒有任何限制或是存有不正確動機，將可能造成更大的風險與危機。
* 2009-05-17
* 中國時報
* 【黃馨儀／台北報導】
香港中文大學校長劉遵義昨天指出，由於中國貿易順差出現的時間，比美國次貸風暴時間晚很多，所以中國貿易順差並非是導致全球經濟失衡與金融危機的主因，間接反駁經濟學大師克魯曼的說法。
中經院昨天舉辦「國際經濟危機之衝擊與啟示國際研討會」，劉遵義與會時表示，金融風暴後，許多學者將原因歸咎於美國過度消費，但克魯曼近日在北京曾質疑，「為什麼中國仍要不斷出口，又留下這麼多美元外匯存底？」是否是中國外匯存底過多造成的？
劉遵義強調，美國次貸風暴在二○○三年起逐步呈現，房價指數在二○○六年時達到最高點，但中國在二○○三年時，根本還沒有明顯貿易順差，是到二○○五年時才急速增加，去年金融風暴後，反而數量還有減少趨勢。若說中國貿易順差是導致全球失衡的罪魁禍首，「是不公平的」。
面對一九三○年以來最嚴重金融危機，劉遵義說，未來金融監理機關扮演角色相當重要，才能對道德風險作出最合宜的控管，屆時「原則性」規範，將比「規則性」規範更為重要。若經濟體要正常運作，財務槓桿操作絕對不能過當。
劉遵義建議，未來無論是販售還是購買ＣＤＳ（債券保險），若沒有任何限制或是存有不正確動機，將可能造成更大的風險與危機。
Saturday, May 16, 2009
What Makes Good Blog Design?
As you surf through the internet you’re bound to come across certain designs that you love and some that you hate. But good blog design has a few unique elements when compared to the design of a traditional website. Here are ten things to keep in mind when designing your blog.
1. Content Should be the Focus.
A blog is nothing without its content. In order to keep your visitors focused on the content, it should be the focal point of the design. Distracting readers with excessive images and extra items can be counterproductive. For this reason, many of the best blog designs are fairly simple. Simplicity is common for blogs that want to emphasize the content.
2. Ease of Navigation.
Readers will come to your blog through search engines, links from other blogs, RSS feeds, social media sites, etc. Only a small percentage of your readers will enter your blog through the front page. This makes navigation even more important. The sidebar typically will include the majority of the navigation with links to categories, recent posts, and sometimes popular posts. Footers are sometimes also used for additional navigation.
3. Loads Quickly
Many of your visitors will have a very short attention span (this is really no different for blogs than traditional websites). In order to immediately catch their attention and avoid having them click off of your site, your pages should load quickly. This is especially important you plan to use social media to generate traffic. Some blogs are weighed down by excessive widgets that really hurt the page load speed. By keeping your blog clean and free of unnecessary items you can really cut down on the time it takes to load.
4. Content Start High on the Page.
This one is more of a personal opinion than a fact, but I believe that more of your visitors will pay attention to your articles if they start higher on the page. Make it as easy as you can for readers to get started with your posts, and then they’ll be more prone to scroll down for the rest. Again, this is especially important for traffic from social media sites. Those visitors will be less likely to scroll and more likely to click off of your blog.
5. Memorable for Visitors.
Most blog readers visit a number of blogs each day, and many of them will feature the same (free) themes. Make it easy for your visitors to remember your blog and standout from all of the free themes by customizing a theme yourself, or by having a blog theme professionally designed.
6. Not Overrun with Ads.
For most blogs making money with advertisements is a necessity. However, even in these cases it’s important to use advertisements effectively by not allowing them to take over the blog. Your readers will feel like they are not a priority to you if advertisements take center stage.
7. Compatibility with Multiple Browsers.
Your visitors will be using a number of different browsers, and if your blog is not functioning well in all of them you could be losing readers. Fortunately, 90% of your visitors will probably be using the leading 3 or 4 browsers. In order to know that you blog is functioning well you’ll need to test it in multiple browsers.
8. Good Use of Color.
The best designs effectively use color to improve the appearance. This can be done any number of ways, and sometimes it’s even a subtle aspect of design. The color combinations don’t have to jump out at readers, in fact, they actually need to make it easy for visitors to read the blog posts. If you’re looking for a good color combination, be sure to check out the resources listed in Find the Perfect Colors for Your Website.
9. Easy to Read.
This is really more about formatting the content of the blog than it is about a theme design. Keep in mind that most readers will be scanning your posts rather than reading them word-for-word. Use headlines, white space, lists, and bold text to make it easy for readers.
10. Important Items Should Be in Prominent Positions.
Effective design will draw the attention of readers to important items, such as subscription information. The most important links, images, etc. should generally go above the fold so that visitors will see them right away. Getting rid of unnecessary items will also help readers to focus on what’s important.
As you surf through the internet you’re bound to come across certain designs that you love and some that you hate. But good blog design has a few unique elements when compared to the design of a traditional website. Here are ten things to keep in mind when designing your blog.
1. Content Should be the Focus.
A blog is nothing without its content. In order to keep your visitors focused on the content, it should be the focal point of the design. Distracting readers with excessive images and extra items can be counterproductive. For this reason, many of the best blog designs are fairly simple. Simplicity is common for blogs that want to emphasize the content.
2. Ease of Navigation.
Readers will come to your blog through search engines, links from other blogs, RSS feeds, social media sites, etc. Only a small percentage of your readers will enter your blog through the front page. This makes navigation even more important. The sidebar typically will include the majority of the navigation with links to categories, recent posts, and sometimes popular posts. Footers are sometimes also used for additional navigation.
3. Loads Quickly
Many of your visitors will have a very short attention span (this is really no different for blogs than traditional websites). In order to immediately catch their attention and avoid having them click off of your site, your pages should load quickly. This is especially important you plan to use social media to generate traffic. Some blogs are weighed down by excessive widgets that really hurt the page load speed. By keeping your blog clean and free of unnecessary items you can really cut down on the time it takes to load.
4. Content Start High on the Page.
This one is more of a personal opinion than a fact, but I believe that more of your visitors will pay attention to your articles if they start higher on the page. Make it as easy as you can for readers to get started with your posts, and then they’ll be more prone to scroll down for the rest. Again, this is especially important for traffic from social media sites. Those visitors will be less likely to scroll and more likely to click off of your blog.
5. Memorable for Visitors.
Most blog readers visit a number of blogs each day, and many of them will feature the same (free) themes. Make it easy for your visitors to remember your blog and standout from all of the free themes by customizing a theme yourself, or by having a blog theme professionally designed.
6. Not Overrun with Ads.
For most blogs making money with advertisements is a necessity. However, even in these cases it’s important to use advertisements effectively by not allowing them to take over the blog. Your readers will feel like they are not a priority to you if advertisements take center stage.
7. Compatibility with Multiple Browsers.
Your visitors will be using a number of different browsers, and if your blog is not functioning well in all of them you could be losing readers. Fortunately, 90% of your visitors will probably be using the leading 3 or 4 browsers. In order to know that you blog is functioning well you’ll need to test it in multiple browsers.
8. Good Use of Color.
The best designs effectively use color to improve the appearance. This can be done any number of ways, and sometimes it’s even a subtle aspect of design. The color combinations don’t have to jump out at readers, in fact, they actually need to make it easy for visitors to read the blog posts. If you’re looking for a good color combination, be sure to check out the resources listed in Find the Perfect Colors for Your Website.
9. Easy to Read.
This is really more about formatting the content of the blog than it is about a theme design. Keep in mind that most readers will be scanning your posts rather than reading them word-for-word. Use headlines, white space, lists, and bold text to make it easy for readers.
10. Important Items Should Be in Prominent Positions.
Effective design will draw the attention of readers to important items, such as subscription information. The most important links, images, etc. should generally go above the fold so that visitors will see them right away. Getting rid of unnecessary items will also help readers to focus on what’s important.
15 Steps to a More Productive Workday
Freelance designers, as well as those who work for small design studios, often face the challenge of getting the most productivity out of their time and achieving maximum efficiency. While this can be a struggle for anyone in a more “typical” job, freelancers have added distractions, unique challenges, and no one to hold them accountable. To be a successful freelancer you’ll have to place a priority on productivity and find ways that work for you.
Each of us is unique and no process will work for everyone, but all of us have plenty of things that we can do to improve our workflow. In this article I’ll cover some of the lessons that I have learned through my own experience. For me, productivity is a constant goal, and always interested in finding new ways to get more out of my time. I’m far from perfect in these areas, but making consistent improvements. Hopefully some of these things will help you in your own work.
1. Have a Task List for the Day
The best way to have an unproductive day is to work throughout the day without a clear definition of what you need to accomplish. Simply having a to-do list will go a long way in keeping you on track. One of the problems with freelancing is that there is usually a million different things that you could be doing on any given day. While all of these things may be helpful to your business in some way, they’re not all equal in terms of importance and urgency. Without a task list you run the risk of working all day on things that seem like they are benefiting your business, but in the end you’re not focusing your efforts on the right tasks.
2. Prioritize Tasks
One of my biggest frustrations in my daily work is that it seems like I’m never able to do everything I want to do in a day. In this case, a task list is likely to have a few things left untouched at the end of the day. Because of this, it’s important to not only create a task list, but also to prioritize the items that you’re looking to get done. Your tasks will differ from day-to-day, but it’s likely that you’ll have a few very important things that must get done, and then some others with varying levels of importance and urgency.
My personal approach with prioritizing is to simply to set the tasks that must get done, and then I also list a few stretch goals for the day. If and when I get all of the most important items done for a particular day, at that point I can move on to the stretch goals, which usually carry less urgency than my main tasks. This way I don’t finish my work early and have nothing to do, and I also don’t have too much on my plate that causes adverse effects when I can’t get everything done.
3. Place More Emphasis on Finishing Tasks Rather than Starting New Ones
Most freelancers have a few different projects going on at all times. On top of that, each project may have several different tasks that need to be done, and you may even have some of your own personal projects that require time. With all of these things fighting for your attention at once, it’s tempting to dig in to new tasks before completing others. By doing this you’ll usually be costing yourself more time and effort later when it comes to finishing those tasks and projects.
In order for a freelancer to keep the income flowing, it’s critical that projects are getting finished. Being able to finish a project will help you to get paid sooner and allow you to move on to another project. From my experience, when I’m struggling with too much to do, it’s best if I can devote time to tasks and projects that are near completion. Being able to get things crossed off the list feels good and helps to reduce stress and create a more productive environment.
4. Know the Strongest Times of Your Work Day
Some people work best early in the mornings, others prefer afternoons or evenings. Everyone has times of the day that are stronger than others in terms of focus and productivity. I tend to get up early, but I’m not at my peak for the first few hours of the day. I’ve found that rather than fighting this and trying to get more done at the start of my day, I’m better off to use that time for tasks that are less demanding mentally.
During the times when I struggle to concentrate I’ll clean out my email inbox, moderate and respond to comments on my blog, evaluate my overall process on current projects, or anything that requires time but not the highest amount of mental focus. With this approach I’m able to make productive use of my least productive times of the day, and that will save my best hours for more taxing activities like working on a client’s website or writing articles. With the varied tasks of a freelancer, there are always plenty of things that need to get done that require different levels of intensity in terms of work and focus. If you can match your best times for work with the most intense tasks, and your least productive times with more routine tasks, you’ll get more out of your day.
5. Give Yourself Some Flexibility
I’ve already talked about the importance of having prioritized tasks and the use of different times of the day, but it’s also important to not get so rigid with this that you don’t leave yourself some room for flexibility. There will be some days that don’t go quite as planned and when you don’t feel like you do most other days. Allow yourself to have some flexibility to change things around according to the circumstances.
6. Have a Specified Ending Time for Work
One of the biggest challenges that I face throughout the week is knowing when to end my work day. When you’re working for someone else it’s much easier to make a clear break, but as a freelancer there is always a temptation to keep working. With so many things to do and your income riding on getting things done, it seems like you will be more productive by working longer days. But from my experience I’ve found that I often feel like I get the most done when I have something going on that forces me to end the day at a specific time.
With a set ending time it’s easier to get moving quickly and to get more productivity out of each hour, since they are limited. Without a set ending time I often find myself working with a little bit less efficiency since I feel like I have plenty of time. On those days I wind up with less time away from work and I often don’t seem to get that much more accomplished, even with the extra hours of work.
7. Bulk Process
With so many different things to do, it’s likely that your day is broken up into many small blocks of time for specific tasks. In order to achieve more efficiency and productivity, try to use larger blocks of time and get similar things done all at once (depending on the nature of your work this may or may not be possible). For example, if you can avoid working with your email open you may be able to spend less time each day on email by checking in 2 or 3 times throughout the day and emptying your inbox each time. Checking email many times throughout the day may lead to more time than necessary. An example from my process is writing blog posts. My preferred method of producing content for my blogs is to have specific days set aside where this is my only focus. I can finish one post and move right on to the next. I may have a list of ideas that I want to work on so I don’t waste time trying to decide before I start writing. With this approach I feel like I’m able to get more out of my time as opposed to writing a post here and there whenever I have time.
8. Track Your Time
You might be completely surprised to know exactly how you spend your time throughout a work week. Tracking your time can help you to find inefficiencies and ways to improve your productivity. Without knowing how your time is spent, it’s hard to know how you can improve the use of your time. I’m not suggesting that you need to track your time everyday, but if you do it for a few typical days you may be surprised at how easily you can identify some areas for improvement going forward. Mashable has a post from last year that looks at 6 online resources for tracking your time.
9. Recognize Your Distractions
One of the benefits of tracking your time is that it helps you to identify things or activities that may be distracting you in your work. Whether or not you are tracking your time at any giving point, one of the first steps to working productively is to recognize your distractions. Eliminating or controlling these distractions will lead to greater efficiency, but in order to do so you’ll first have to accurately recognize and understand specifically what challenges you have when it comes to working productively.
10. Have Realistic Expectations
Ambitious freelancers will often feel the pressure to get more done than is humanly possible with a given amount of time. This can obviously lead to increased stress and pressure, not to mention a lower quality of work. Realistic expectations will allow you to be able to accomplish the things you set out to do with a day of good work.
the biggest part of having realistic expectations is the amount of work that you assign yourself for the day. Taking on too many projects at once and trying to juggle too many different tasks will result in a cluttered work day with unimpressive results. Resist the urge to try to get too much done, and focus more on doing your best work with what is currently on your plate. If you struggle in this area you may be able to increase your productivity by outsourcing some of your tasks.
11. Plan Your Next Day at the End of Each
This is probably more of a personal preference, but I have found that if I take a few minutes at the end of my day to plan for the next day, I’m typically more aware of things and I can do a better job as opposed to waiting until the next morning to plan the day. If I wait till the next morning I find that it takes me a few minutes to remember exactly where I was on certain items at the end of the last day, and I may overlook something that I would have remembered had I taken care of this the day before. At the end of each day I can look at my to-do list for the day and quickly see where I stand on the items that I wanted and needed to get done. At that point, planning for the next day is a quick process and I know exactly where I need to start, without running the risk of forgetting things. Now I’ll waste no time the next day trying to figure out what I need to do.
12. Get Enough Sleep the Night Before
During my time as a freelancer, particularly when I was freelancing part-time on top of a full-time job, I’ve averaged less sleep than at any other point in my life. However, sleep is an important part of a productive schedule. Each of us functions differently in this area, but personally I tend to notice it the most at the very beginning and end of the day. If I’m feeling well-rested I can be productive through these times. If not, I struggle to stay on task.
13. Eat Healthy
The food that you put into your body can have a big impact on your energy level and your feelings in general. I’m not going to go into detail here because I’m not that knowledgeable on the topic, but generally eating healthy foods will allow for better productivity.
14. Get Fresh Air
One of the things I dislike about working from home is the amount of time that I spend inside the house. I often find that it helps just to take a few minutes for a walk or a drive to get some fresh air. Sometimes working in a different environment and getting out of the house for a while can really lead to a boost in productivity. This is something that you can accomplish with just a few minutes of your time, but it may have a noticeable impact for the next few hours.
15. Work in a Comfortable Environment
As a freelancer, you’ll probably be spending a lot of time in a home office. Making that office a comfortable space is important in terms of increasing your productivity. What you do with the office isn’t really important, but it should be an area that allows you to focus on your work comfortably for long periods of time. I recently wrote a post at DesignM.ag on the essential qualities of a home office that takes a more in-depth look at this subject.
Freelance designers, as well as those who work for small design studios, often face the challenge of getting the most productivity out of their time and achieving maximum efficiency. While this can be a struggle for anyone in a more “typical” job, freelancers have added distractions, unique challenges, and no one to hold them accountable. To be a successful freelancer you’ll have to place a priority on productivity and find ways that work for you.
Each of us is unique and no process will work for everyone, but all of us have plenty of things that we can do to improve our workflow. In this article I’ll cover some of the lessons that I have learned through my own experience. For me, productivity is a constant goal, and always interested in finding new ways to get more out of my time. I’m far from perfect in these areas, but making consistent improvements. Hopefully some of these things will help you in your own work.
1. Have a Task List for the Day
The best way to have an unproductive day is to work throughout the day without a clear definition of what you need to accomplish. Simply having a to-do list will go a long way in keeping you on track. One of the problems with freelancing is that there is usually a million different things that you could be doing on any given day. While all of these things may be helpful to your business in some way, they’re not all equal in terms of importance and urgency. Without a task list you run the risk of working all day on things that seem like they are benefiting your business, but in the end you’re not focusing your efforts on the right tasks.
2. Prioritize Tasks
One of my biggest frustrations in my daily work is that it seems like I’m never able to do everything I want to do in a day. In this case, a task list is likely to have a few things left untouched at the end of the day. Because of this, it’s important to not only create a task list, but also to prioritize the items that you’re looking to get done. Your tasks will differ from day-to-day, but it’s likely that you’ll have a few very important things that must get done, and then some others with varying levels of importance and urgency.
My personal approach with prioritizing is to simply to set the tasks that must get done, and then I also list a few stretch goals for the day. If and when I get all of the most important items done for a particular day, at that point I can move on to the stretch goals, which usually carry less urgency than my main tasks. This way I don’t finish my work early and have nothing to do, and I also don’t have too much on my plate that causes adverse effects when I can’t get everything done.
3. Place More Emphasis on Finishing Tasks Rather than Starting New Ones
Most freelancers have a few different projects going on at all times. On top of that, each project may have several different tasks that need to be done, and you may even have some of your own personal projects that require time. With all of these things fighting for your attention at once, it’s tempting to dig in to new tasks before completing others. By doing this you’ll usually be costing yourself more time and effort later when it comes to finishing those tasks and projects.
In order for a freelancer to keep the income flowing, it’s critical that projects are getting finished. Being able to finish a project will help you to get paid sooner and allow you to move on to another project. From my experience, when I’m struggling with too much to do, it’s best if I can devote time to tasks and projects that are near completion. Being able to get things crossed off the list feels good and helps to reduce stress and create a more productive environment.
4. Know the Strongest Times of Your Work Day
Some people work best early in the mornings, others prefer afternoons or evenings. Everyone has times of the day that are stronger than others in terms of focus and productivity. I tend to get up early, but I’m not at my peak for the first few hours of the day. I’ve found that rather than fighting this and trying to get more done at the start of my day, I’m better off to use that time for tasks that are less demanding mentally.
During the times when I struggle to concentrate I’ll clean out my email inbox, moderate and respond to comments on my blog, evaluate my overall process on current projects, or anything that requires time but not the highest amount of mental focus. With this approach I’m able to make productive use of my least productive times of the day, and that will save my best hours for more taxing activities like working on a client’s website or writing articles. With the varied tasks of a freelancer, there are always plenty of things that need to get done that require different levels of intensity in terms of work and focus. If you can match your best times for work with the most intense tasks, and your least productive times with more routine tasks, you’ll get more out of your day.
5. Give Yourself Some Flexibility
I’ve already talked about the importance of having prioritized tasks and the use of different times of the day, but it’s also important to not get so rigid with this that you don’t leave yourself some room for flexibility. There will be some days that don’t go quite as planned and when you don’t feel like you do most other days. Allow yourself to have some flexibility to change things around according to the circumstances.
6. Have a Specified Ending Time for Work
One of the biggest challenges that I face throughout the week is knowing when to end my work day. When you’re working for someone else it’s much easier to make a clear break, but as a freelancer there is always a temptation to keep working. With so many things to do and your income riding on getting things done, it seems like you will be more productive by working longer days. But from my experience I’ve found that I often feel like I get the most done when I have something going on that forces me to end the day at a specific time.
With a set ending time it’s easier to get moving quickly and to get more productivity out of each hour, since they are limited. Without a set ending time I often find myself working with a little bit less efficiency since I feel like I have plenty of time. On those days I wind up with less time away from work and I often don’t seem to get that much more accomplished, even with the extra hours of work.
7. Bulk Process
With so many different things to do, it’s likely that your day is broken up into many small blocks of time for specific tasks. In order to achieve more efficiency and productivity, try to use larger blocks of time and get similar things done all at once (depending on the nature of your work this may or may not be possible). For example, if you can avoid working with your email open you may be able to spend less time each day on email by checking in 2 or 3 times throughout the day and emptying your inbox each time. Checking email many times throughout the day may lead to more time than necessary. An example from my process is writing blog posts. My preferred method of producing content for my blogs is to have specific days set aside where this is my only focus. I can finish one post and move right on to the next. I may have a list of ideas that I want to work on so I don’t waste time trying to decide before I start writing. With this approach I feel like I’m able to get more out of my time as opposed to writing a post here and there whenever I have time.
8. Track Your Time
You might be completely surprised to know exactly how you spend your time throughout a work week. Tracking your time can help you to find inefficiencies and ways to improve your productivity. Without knowing how your time is spent, it’s hard to know how you can improve the use of your time. I’m not suggesting that you need to track your time everyday, but if you do it for a few typical days you may be surprised at how easily you can identify some areas for improvement going forward. Mashable has a post from last year that looks at 6 online resources for tracking your time.
9. Recognize Your Distractions
One of the benefits of tracking your time is that it helps you to identify things or activities that may be distracting you in your work. Whether or not you are tracking your time at any giving point, one of the first steps to working productively is to recognize your distractions. Eliminating or controlling these distractions will lead to greater efficiency, but in order to do so you’ll first have to accurately recognize and understand specifically what challenges you have when it comes to working productively.
10. Have Realistic Expectations
Ambitious freelancers will often feel the pressure to get more done than is humanly possible with a given amount of time. This can obviously lead to increased stress and pressure, not to mention a lower quality of work. Realistic expectations will allow you to be able to accomplish the things you set out to do with a day of good work.
the biggest part of having realistic expectations is the amount of work that you assign yourself for the day. Taking on too many projects at once and trying to juggle too many different tasks will result in a cluttered work day with unimpressive results. Resist the urge to try to get too much done, and focus more on doing your best work with what is currently on your plate. If you struggle in this area you may be able to increase your productivity by outsourcing some of your tasks.
11. Plan Your Next Day at the End of Each
This is probably more of a personal preference, but I have found that if I take a few minutes at the end of my day to plan for the next day, I’m typically more aware of things and I can do a better job as opposed to waiting until the next morning to plan the day. If I wait till the next morning I find that it takes me a few minutes to remember exactly where I was on certain items at the end of the last day, and I may overlook something that I would have remembered had I taken care of this the day before. At the end of each day I can look at my to-do list for the day and quickly see where I stand on the items that I wanted and needed to get done. At that point, planning for the next day is a quick process and I know exactly where I need to start, without running the risk of forgetting things. Now I’ll waste no time the next day trying to figure out what I need to do.
12. Get Enough Sleep the Night Before
During my time as a freelancer, particularly when I was freelancing part-time on top of a full-time job, I’ve averaged less sleep than at any other point in my life. However, sleep is an important part of a productive schedule. Each of us functions differently in this area, but personally I tend to notice it the most at the very beginning and end of the day. If I’m feeling well-rested I can be productive through these times. If not, I struggle to stay on task.
13. Eat Healthy
The food that you put into your body can have a big impact on your energy level and your feelings in general. I’m not going to go into detail here because I’m not that knowledgeable on the topic, but generally eating healthy foods will allow for better productivity.
14. Get Fresh Air
One of the things I dislike about working from home is the amount of time that I spend inside the house. I often find that it helps just to take a few minutes for a walk or a drive to get some fresh air. Sometimes working in a different environment and getting out of the house for a while can really lead to a boost in productivity. This is something that you can accomplish with just a few minutes of your time, but it may have a noticeable impact for the next few hours.
15. Work in a Comfortable Environment
As a freelancer, you’ll probably be spending a lot of time in a home office. Making that office a comfortable space is important in terms of increasing your productivity. What you do with the office isn’t really important, but it should be an area that allows you to focus on your work comfortably for long periods of time. I recently wrote a post at DesignM.ag on the essential qualities of a home office that takes a more in-depth look at this subject.
Friday, May 15, 2009
中國糧食主權 危在旦夕【綠色和平／提供】今天（2009年4月28日），綠色和平成員在跨國生物技術公司孟山都在北京的辦公室，展示「孟山都：不要插手中國糧食！」的橫額，要求孟山都、杜邦、拜耳和先正達等國外生物公司，停止壟斷稻米基因專利，侵犯中國糧食主權。
通過基因改造技術而生產的水稻，正威脅著傳統生態農業的正常發展。
綠色和平／提供
綠色和平以行動捍衛中國糧食主權
大米是千百年來中國的主糧。孟山都等公司早已對大米的基因專利虎視眈眈，並且以「技術」為幌子，企圖奪取中國稻米的主權。
今天的抗議只是綠色和平保衛中國糧食主權行動一部分。事實上，我們一直通過實地調查，屢次發現孟山都等公司藉與中國科研機構、科學家和種子公司之間簽訂的協議，誘使他們在科研過程中使用國外專利技術，把中國的種子基因專利據為己有。
阿根廷前車可鑑
綠色和平以往曾經在湖北等地超市，發現基因改造大米。這些未經安全檢查的大米悄悄流入市面，不單再次響起中國食品安全的警號，還提醒了我們基因改造大米與生物科技公司的關連。
目前，世界上絕大多數基因改造作物研發技術，都已經被孟山都等少數公司所控制。這些生物巨頭已經通過專利技術和國際公約，壟斷了一些國家的糧食控制權，例如，阿根廷國內種植的大豆99%以上都已經屬於孟山都所有。阿根廷農民不僅要為基因改造大豆付出額外費用，更陷入法律訴訟的泥沼，苦不堪言，而孟山都公司卻從中獲取了巨額利潤。
基因改造水稻應凍結 稻田養鴨才是未來
綠色和平呼籲，中國不要重蹈阿根廷的覆轍，同時政府應立即凍結所有基因改造水稻的商業化審批，全面調查、分析並評估國外基因改造專利可能帶來的影響。
綠色和平還提倡雲南的水稻混合種植及江蘇、貴州、安徽等地的稻鴨共作等傳統農業生產方式，因為這些都是符合生態規律，成功控制病蟲害，且能提高產量，並非基因改造技術所能媲美。我們期待中國政府投入更多資金到這些對環境有利的技術，讓環境與人類和諧共生，帶來豐饒物產。
【2009-04-28/綠色和平】
中國基因改造水稻是外國公司專利？
中國13億人每種一顆米，每吃一粒飯，原來都必須給國外專利持有人交專利費，到底是什麼一回事？綠色和平和第三世界網絡的最新調查報告發現，中國最接近商業化生產或正在研究的八種基因改造水稻的專利，全都被國外控制，一旦批准商業化種植基因改造水稻，中國的農業生產、糧食安全和糧食主權將面臨重大危機。
國外專利陷阱：用中國生產的糧食為外國公司賺取金錢
根據國際慣例，在科學研究階段，國外專利還是免費。但，一旦進行商業化生產而沒有簽署協議，專利持有人就有權收取費用，如未能滿足要求，就可能提出訴訟。根據現有資料及國際上曾出現過的案例，可以預見涉及國外專利的中國基因改造水稻將引起極大爭議。
由於基因改造水稻種子價格會遠遠高於普通種子，基因改造種子的產量卻與非基因改造種子相當。如果國外公司通過種種途徑，比如向農民和種子公司收取額外費用，那麼在化肥、農藥、柴油漲價的背景下，種子價格上漲只會對農民火上加油，收入減少，自然影響到生計。
農民不願種糧，糧食產量受挫，而我們的糧食需求有增無減，糧價自然要順勢攀升－－屆時，有糧卻買不起糧的困境勢必會影響到貧苦大眾。
基因污染風波 凸顯基因改造糧食的安全問題
2007年底，綠色和平收到舉報，謂湖南某科研機構將基因改造水稻，非法冒充為常規雜交水稻，進行田間試驗，並已申請品種審定，試圖獲取商業化種植資格。
經過調查，2008年1月，綠色和平正式請求相關部門立即停止非法基因改造水稻的田間試驗，同時進一步加強對水稻品種試驗的監控，完善基因改造生物安全管理法規。
令人欣慰的是，2008年6月，中國農業部決定對參加國家農作物品種審定生產試驗的水稻、玉米和大豆品種進行基因改造成分檢測。
跳出國外專利陷阱
水稻是中國最重要的糧食作物，已有7000多年的栽種歷史，同時中國擁有豐富的稻種資源。在歷史悠久的農業生產，中國農民創造出許多優秀的稻種技術，但基因改造技術才有20多年的發展歷史，其產品的安全性至今尚無定論。
試想，世代以稻米為生的中國農民，栽種水稻忽然侵犯了外國公司的專利，不能留種用於來年的耕種，每年必須付出高昂的專利費，後果不堪設想。
鑑於中國基因改造水稻被國外專利控制的嚴重後果，綠色和平建議相關政府部門，立即停止任何商業化種植基因改造水稻的進程；在已經投入科學研究中，應全面調查是否具有獨立自主的知識產權。
與此同時，雲南的水稻混合種植及江蘇、貴州、安徽等地的稻鴨共作等傳統農業生產方式均證實，生態農業不僅能有效控制病蟲害，而且能提高產量。要保證中國的農業長期而健康發展，還需要我們的政府投入更多資金，支持那些已經被證實有效的技術上。
【2009-02-25/綠色和平】
通過基因改造技術而生產的水稻，正威脅著傳統生態農業的正常發展。
綠色和平／提供
綠色和平以行動捍衛中國糧食主權
大米是千百年來中國的主糧。孟山都等公司早已對大米的基因專利虎視眈眈，並且以「技術」為幌子，企圖奪取中國稻米的主權。
今天的抗議只是綠色和平保衛中國糧食主權行動一部分。事實上，我們一直通過實地調查，屢次發現孟山都等公司藉與中國科研機構、科學家和種子公司之間簽訂的協議，誘使他們在科研過程中使用國外專利技術，把中國的種子基因專利據為己有。
阿根廷前車可鑑
綠色和平以往曾經在湖北等地超市，發現基因改造大米。這些未經安全檢查的大米悄悄流入市面，不單再次響起中國食品安全的警號，還提醒了我們基因改造大米與生物科技公司的關連。
目前，世界上絕大多數基因改造作物研發技術，都已經被孟山都等少數公司所控制。這些生物巨頭已經通過專利技術和國際公約，壟斷了一些國家的糧食控制權，例如，阿根廷國內種植的大豆99%以上都已經屬於孟山都所有。阿根廷農民不僅要為基因改造大豆付出額外費用，更陷入法律訴訟的泥沼，苦不堪言，而孟山都公司卻從中獲取了巨額利潤。
基因改造水稻應凍結 稻田養鴨才是未來
綠色和平呼籲，中國不要重蹈阿根廷的覆轍，同時政府應立即凍結所有基因改造水稻的商業化審批，全面調查、分析並評估國外基因改造專利可能帶來的影響。
綠色和平還提倡雲南的水稻混合種植及江蘇、貴州、安徽等地的稻鴨共作等傳統農業生產方式，因為這些都是符合生態規律，成功控制病蟲害，且能提高產量，並非基因改造技術所能媲美。我們期待中國政府投入更多資金到這些對環境有利的技術，讓環境與人類和諧共生，帶來豐饒物產。
【2009-04-28/綠色和平】
中國基因改造水稻是外國公司專利？
中國13億人每種一顆米，每吃一粒飯，原來都必須給國外專利持有人交專利費，到底是什麼一回事？綠色和平和第三世界網絡的最新調查報告發現，中國最接近商業化生產或正在研究的八種基因改造水稻的專利，全都被國外控制，一旦批准商業化種植基因改造水稻，中國的農業生產、糧食安全和糧食主權將面臨重大危機。
國外專利陷阱：用中國生產的糧食為外國公司賺取金錢
根據國際慣例，在科學研究階段，國外專利還是免費。但，一旦進行商業化生產而沒有簽署協議，專利持有人就有權收取費用，如未能滿足要求，就可能提出訴訟。根據現有資料及國際上曾出現過的案例，可以預見涉及國外專利的中國基因改造水稻將引起極大爭議。
由於基因改造水稻種子價格會遠遠高於普通種子，基因改造種子的產量卻與非基因改造種子相當。如果國外公司通過種種途徑，比如向農民和種子公司收取額外費用，那麼在化肥、農藥、柴油漲價的背景下，種子價格上漲只會對農民火上加油，收入減少，自然影響到生計。
農民不願種糧，糧食產量受挫，而我們的糧食需求有增無減，糧價自然要順勢攀升－－屆時，有糧卻買不起糧的困境勢必會影響到貧苦大眾。
基因污染風波 凸顯基因改造糧食的安全問題
2007年底，綠色和平收到舉報，謂湖南某科研機構將基因改造水稻，非法冒充為常規雜交水稻，進行田間試驗，並已申請品種審定，試圖獲取商業化種植資格。
經過調查，2008年1月，綠色和平正式請求相關部門立即停止非法基因改造水稻的田間試驗，同時進一步加強對水稻品種試驗的監控，完善基因改造生物安全管理法規。
令人欣慰的是，2008年6月，中國農業部決定對參加國家農作物品種審定生產試驗的水稻、玉米和大豆品種進行基因改造成分檢測。
跳出國外專利陷阱
水稻是中國最重要的糧食作物，已有7000多年的栽種歷史，同時中國擁有豐富的稻種資源。在歷史悠久的農業生產，中國農民創造出許多優秀的稻種技術，但基因改造技術才有20多年的發展歷史，其產品的安全性至今尚無定論。
試想，世代以稻米為生的中國農民，栽種水稻忽然侵犯了外國公司的專利，不能留種用於來年的耕種，每年必須付出高昂的專利費，後果不堪設想。
鑑於中國基因改造水稻被國外專利控制的嚴重後果，綠色和平建議相關政府部門，立即停止任何商業化種植基因改造水稻的進程；在已經投入科學研究中，應全面調查是否具有獨立自主的知識產權。
與此同時，雲南的水稻混合種植及江蘇、貴州、安徽等地的稻鴨共作等傳統農業生產方式均證實，生態農業不僅能有效控制病蟲害，而且能提高產量。要保證中國的農業長期而健康發展，還需要我們的政府投入更多資金，支持那些已經被證實有效的技術上。
【2009-02-25/綠色和平】
科技擠壓 原生種子快滅絕
2009/05/15【米千因／文】《聖經‧創世紀》：上帝說：我要將所造的人和走獸並昆蟲以及空中的飛鳥都從地上消滅。
於是上帝在罪惡滿貫的人類中揀選恪守本分的義人諾亞一家，諾亞夫婦、三個兒子及其媳婦，作為新一代人類種子來保存下來。上帝告訴他們，七天之後就要實施大毀滅，而命他們造一只方舟，一間一間地造，裡外抹上松香。諾亞一家立即照辦，等方舟造好之後，上帝說了：看哪！我要使洪水在地上氾濫，毀滅天下，凡地上有血肉、有氣息的活物無一不死。我卻要與你立約，你同你的妻子、兒子、兒媳都要進入方舟。凡潔淨的畜類，你要帶七公七母；不潔淨的畜類，你要帶一公一母；空中的飛鳥也要帶七公七母。這些都可以留種，將來在地上生殖。2月17日當天，諾亞六百歲生辰，海洋裂開，巨大的水柱從地下噴射而出，大雨下不停，整整降了四十天，水無處可流，迅速上漲，淹沒了高山，最後凡是在陸地上靠肺呼吸的動物都死了，只剩下方舟上的人、動物及種子安然無恙。
目前有一群歷史學家與考古學家正在熱衷地尋找證據，來證明諾亞方舟的存在，而部分社會學家與環保人士卻將關注的眼光投向原生種子的培育與保留上。理由是工業革命以至基改科技發達的今日，原生植物種子滅絕了大半而不復得。比方，世界上原有二百多萬種食用性植物，稻米種類至少也有十二萬種之多，如今普遍種植的不到數百種。十九世紀，美洲大陸至少有七千多種不同種類的蘋果，現在則僅剩約三百種，且大都是雜交，原生種如鳳毛麟角；加上企業一手主宰的廣大單作，以及隨後而至的基改技術，雜食性的人類於是被迫成為挑食、偏食、速食的怪物。而糧食分配不均的問題不但未能因而獲得解決，甚且因企業的壟斷而更形惡化。雖有科技的介入而全球饑餓人口不減反增，糧食價格高漲不下，人類身心健康因飲食習慣的改變而為過胖、糖尿病、心臟病、憂鬱症等文明病所苦。人類以科技萬能的傲慢插手上帝的傑作導致這樣的結果，不待歷史學家及考古學家的證明，全球暖化將引發大洪水的理論或會成為事實，那麼，一個有效而力量龐大的逆轉運動若非於此時出現，人難道只能坐以待斃？
義大利人Carlo Petrini首先發難，組成了國際慢食會，且一觸即發，如洪水漫過大地地延燒成一股運動，沒幾年，慢食所講求的良好、公平、乾淨的主旨與精神傳染了全球各角落，因而衍生出林林種種反應在慢活態度的活動與主張，於是慢食之後，慢活、慢設計、慢診斷、慢建築、慢手工、慢錢、慢性愛、慢城鎮、慢依媚兒、慢學校……燒起了本世紀最具規模，牽涉族群最為龐大的社會運動──慢運動Slow Movement，其中有一股看似不怎麼搭嘎，卻與慢運動的精神形影相隨，而主力投注在收藏與保留原生植物種子的群社頗值得注意。
說到原生植物種子的保留，不得不先提介以下事例供您參考，以便您在清晰的輪廓與背景下，對亟待保留原生植物種子的用意能夠更加了解。
席娃博士為「種子不合作」運動拉開序幕
1984年，位於印度波帕爾（Bhopal）地區的美國聯合碳化物的農藥工廠發生氫化物洩漏事件，先後造成了兩萬多人的死亡，形成人類史上最大的化學災難。此事引起了Vandana Shiva，一個在有機農業具有顯著國際地位的物理學博士的注意，並經她進一步研究結果認為，慣行農法之仰賴化學農藥與肥料，甚至雜交種子必須徹底予以杜絕，才能根本地解決問題。席娃博士為此成立了Navdanya基金會來從事改革。然而到了九○年代，印度農人在WTO自由貿易的框架下，以及世界最大基改種子做手的Monsanto的掌控下債台高築，不堪負荷，十年內竟然發生了十萬起自殺事件。席娃博士認為最大的主因是出於類似Monsanto這種將各地原生植物剽竊據為專利，再以基改技術掌控種子來源，以致農民一邊向Monsanto繳交使用費，一邊還得年年向Monsanto購買種子以及農藥化肥，導致農民面臨了終其一生也無法償還債務的厄運，因而紛紛自殺。席娃博士憤而與Monsanto打國際官司，為印度農民爭回原生植物的使用自由與權利以外，並結聚各方力量籌組種子銀行，而為「種子不合作」運動拉開序幕。
經過二十多年的努力，Navdanya基金會已成功救回並保留了三千多種印度原生種稻米，及三十幾種小麥的種子，並幫助十六個省分設立了種子銀行。但她同時獲得Monsanto給她的封號──永續貧窮的牛屎。不過她本人倒頗有幽默感地把這坨牛屎轉化成一篇篇的傳奇。（詳情請參考席娃對抗 Monsanto的紀錄報導片Bullshit。）
「辜嚴倬雲植物保種中心」是熱帶植物的諾亞方舟
二十世紀早期的英國自由派批評家李維思（F. R. Leavis）曾經感歎說：工業革命帶來的進步竟不幸地留下了可怕的後遺症，那就是有機社群的消失。有機社群所仰賴的是自身俱足而後互助互惠的小農經濟，所重視的是社會的穩定性與延續性。台灣農村的消失與農田的廢耕不就是李維思口中的有機社群的消失嗎。
李維思雖先一步看出問題的所在，不過，要是他像我們一樣，還不幸生活在受到工業化蹂躪之後又接著遭到基改作物威脅的今日，恐怕他會比席娃還要憤憤不平，繼而走出書房而動手動腳尋求改革之道。因此，現今眾多為植物生態界憂心的人士紛紛於各地設立原生種子庫，自是時代賦予社會關懷者的必然使命。
保留及使用種子既是老天賦予人類的權利與自由，豈有受到類似Monsanto那種霸業宰制的道理。那麼，獲享權利與自由的做法是成立保留原生種子銀行。如今有此共識的單位多以諾亞方舟來命名而籌設種子銀行。2008年台灣也在台泥辜家出錢贊助下，成立了台灣最大的熱帶活體植物收藏與研究中心。這座命名為「辜嚴倬雲植物保種中心」的「熱帶植物的諾亞方舟」收集了四千多種活體植株，預計十年後將達到一萬五千種，成為世界上最重要的熱帶植物庇護所，希望儘可能大量地保育熱帶及亞熱帶植物，使得地球得以永續地呈現生物多樣性的面貌。
保種隨手做
2008年二月，由全球農作物多樣性信託基金（Global Crop Diversity Trust）出資，於挪威屬地的北極帶永凍層裡鑿建了一座「世界末日種子庫」，加上英國皇家Kew Garden與美國密蘇里植物園這兩座世界級的植物保種區，以及散布世界各地的小型保種機構，正為人類的幸福而努力投入保種的工作。然而，保種工作並不能完全仰賴這些機構，一般人其實隨手便可完成這項工作。奧地利的「諾亞方舟」就列出以下這份「保種隨手做」供人參考：
1.在自家的花園、院子或陽台種植稀少或瀕臨絕種的蔬菜和水果。
2.以稀有的蔬果來烹調，並邀請親友共享以勾起他們對這些蔬果的胃口，進而參與育種行動。
3.盡可能直接向農夫或在農夫市集採買，並以有機、當季、當地為採買原則。
4.儘量不買工廠所生產的加工品，而是請農夫以稀有品種來製作輕加工食品，比方果醬、麵醬等。
5.在外用餐時勿忘了詢問餐廳用以烹調的食材的來源。
6.嘗試自行培育種子——可從容易著手的豆類下手，繼而挖掘出幾將被遺忘的培育知識，包含您整個培育種子的過程。
7.將您所培育出來的種子分送給鄰居親友，使瀕臨絕種的植物得以脫離滅種的險境。
8.把正確對待植物與動物的態度示範並傳遞給周遭的小孩。
9.將選票投給支持非基改暨永續農業的政治人物。
10.加入有志一同的團體，比方諾亞方舟，成為會員以便參與工作、捐款或催生其他不同而可行的方案。
有了這份單子，保種還會是難事嗎？但切勿將那些一發不可收拾的動植物隨意引進培植，以免引發類似福壽螺或小花蔓澤蘭將本地生態吃掉的狀況。生態平衡除了用心以外，尚需於正確資訊與知識上尋得正確的做法，如此才不會幫倒忙，反倒引發更紊亂的狀況。
【2008-04-23/聯合報】
2009/05/15【米千因／文】《聖經‧創世紀》：上帝說：我要將所造的人和走獸並昆蟲以及空中的飛鳥都從地上消滅。
於是上帝在罪惡滿貫的人類中揀選恪守本分的義人諾亞一家，諾亞夫婦、三個兒子及其媳婦，作為新一代人類種子來保存下來。上帝告訴他們，七天之後就要實施大毀滅，而命他們造一只方舟，一間一間地造，裡外抹上松香。諾亞一家立即照辦，等方舟造好之後，上帝說了：看哪！我要使洪水在地上氾濫，毀滅天下，凡地上有血肉、有氣息的活物無一不死。我卻要與你立約，你同你的妻子、兒子、兒媳都要進入方舟。凡潔淨的畜類，你要帶七公七母；不潔淨的畜類，你要帶一公一母；空中的飛鳥也要帶七公七母。這些都可以留種，將來在地上生殖。2月17日當天，諾亞六百歲生辰，海洋裂開，巨大的水柱從地下噴射而出，大雨下不停，整整降了四十天，水無處可流，迅速上漲，淹沒了高山，最後凡是在陸地上靠肺呼吸的動物都死了，只剩下方舟上的人、動物及種子安然無恙。
目前有一群歷史學家與考古學家正在熱衷地尋找證據，來證明諾亞方舟的存在，而部分社會學家與環保人士卻將關注的眼光投向原生種子的培育與保留上。理由是工業革命以至基改科技發達的今日，原生植物種子滅絕了大半而不復得。比方，世界上原有二百多萬種食用性植物，稻米種類至少也有十二萬種之多，如今普遍種植的不到數百種。十九世紀，美洲大陸至少有七千多種不同種類的蘋果，現在則僅剩約三百種，且大都是雜交，原生種如鳳毛麟角；加上企業一手主宰的廣大單作，以及隨後而至的基改技術，雜食性的人類於是被迫成為挑食、偏食、速食的怪物。而糧食分配不均的問題不但未能因而獲得解決，甚且因企業的壟斷而更形惡化。雖有科技的介入而全球饑餓人口不減反增，糧食價格高漲不下，人類身心健康因飲食習慣的改變而為過胖、糖尿病、心臟病、憂鬱症等文明病所苦。人類以科技萬能的傲慢插手上帝的傑作導致這樣的結果，不待歷史學家及考古學家的證明，全球暖化將引發大洪水的理論或會成為事實，那麼，一個有效而力量龐大的逆轉運動若非於此時出現，人難道只能坐以待斃？
義大利人Carlo Petrini首先發難，組成了國際慢食會，且一觸即發，如洪水漫過大地地延燒成一股運動，沒幾年，慢食所講求的良好、公平、乾淨的主旨與精神傳染了全球各角落，因而衍生出林林種種反應在慢活態度的活動與主張，於是慢食之後，慢活、慢設計、慢診斷、慢建築、慢手工、慢錢、慢性愛、慢城鎮、慢依媚兒、慢學校……燒起了本世紀最具規模，牽涉族群最為龐大的社會運動──慢運動Slow Movement，其中有一股看似不怎麼搭嘎，卻與慢運動的精神形影相隨，而主力投注在收藏與保留原生植物種子的群社頗值得注意。
說到原生植物種子的保留，不得不先提介以下事例供您參考，以便您在清晰的輪廓與背景下，對亟待保留原生植物種子的用意能夠更加了解。
席娃博士為「種子不合作」運動拉開序幕
1984年，位於印度波帕爾（Bhopal）地區的美國聯合碳化物的農藥工廠發生氫化物洩漏事件，先後造成了兩萬多人的死亡，形成人類史上最大的化學災難。此事引起了Vandana Shiva，一個在有機農業具有顯著國際地位的物理學博士的注意，並經她進一步研究結果認為，慣行農法之仰賴化學農藥與肥料，甚至雜交種子必須徹底予以杜絕，才能根本地解決問題。席娃博士為此成立了Navdanya基金會來從事改革。然而到了九○年代，印度農人在WTO自由貿易的框架下，以及世界最大基改種子做手的Monsanto的掌控下債台高築，不堪負荷，十年內竟然發生了十萬起自殺事件。席娃博士認為最大的主因是出於類似Monsanto這種將各地原生植物剽竊據為專利，再以基改技術掌控種子來源，以致農民一邊向Monsanto繳交使用費，一邊還得年年向Monsanto購買種子以及農藥化肥，導致農民面臨了終其一生也無法償還債務的厄運，因而紛紛自殺。席娃博士憤而與Monsanto打國際官司，為印度農民爭回原生植物的使用自由與權利以外，並結聚各方力量籌組種子銀行，而為「種子不合作」運動拉開序幕。
經過二十多年的努力，Navdanya基金會已成功救回並保留了三千多種印度原生種稻米，及三十幾種小麥的種子，並幫助十六個省分設立了種子銀行。但她同時獲得Monsanto給她的封號──永續貧窮的牛屎。不過她本人倒頗有幽默感地把這坨牛屎轉化成一篇篇的傳奇。（詳情請參考席娃對抗 Monsanto的紀錄報導片Bullshit。）
「辜嚴倬雲植物保種中心」是熱帶植物的諾亞方舟
二十世紀早期的英國自由派批評家李維思（F. R. Leavis）曾經感歎說：工業革命帶來的進步竟不幸地留下了可怕的後遺症，那就是有機社群的消失。有機社群所仰賴的是自身俱足而後互助互惠的小農經濟，所重視的是社會的穩定性與延續性。台灣農村的消失與農田的廢耕不就是李維思口中的有機社群的消失嗎。
李維思雖先一步看出問題的所在，不過，要是他像我們一樣，還不幸生活在受到工業化蹂躪之後又接著遭到基改作物威脅的今日，恐怕他會比席娃還要憤憤不平，繼而走出書房而動手動腳尋求改革之道。因此，現今眾多為植物生態界憂心的人士紛紛於各地設立原生種子庫，自是時代賦予社會關懷者的必然使命。
保留及使用種子既是老天賦予人類的權利與自由，豈有受到類似Monsanto那種霸業宰制的道理。那麼，獲享權利與自由的做法是成立保留原生種子銀行。如今有此共識的單位多以諾亞方舟來命名而籌設種子銀行。2008年台灣也在台泥辜家出錢贊助下，成立了台灣最大的熱帶活體植物收藏與研究中心。這座命名為「辜嚴倬雲植物保種中心」的「熱帶植物的諾亞方舟」收集了四千多種活體植株，預計十年後將達到一萬五千種，成為世界上最重要的熱帶植物庇護所，希望儘可能大量地保育熱帶及亞熱帶植物，使得地球得以永續地呈現生物多樣性的面貌。
保種隨手做
2008年二月，由全球農作物多樣性信託基金（Global Crop Diversity Trust）出資，於挪威屬地的北極帶永凍層裡鑿建了一座「世界末日種子庫」，加上英國皇家Kew Garden與美國密蘇里植物園這兩座世界級的植物保種區，以及散布世界各地的小型保種機構，正為人類的幸福而努力投入保種的工作。然而，保種工作並不能完全仰賴這些機構，一般人其實隨手便可完成這項工作。奧地利的「諾亞方舟」就列出以下這份「保種隨手做」供人參考：
1.在自家的花園、院子或陽台種植稀少或瀕臨絕種的蔬菜和水果。
2.以稀有的蔬果來烹調，並邀請親友共享以勾起他們對這些蔬果的胃口，進而參與育種行動。
3.盡可能直接向農夫或在農夫市集採買，並以有機、當季、當地為採買原則。
4.儘量不買工廠所生產的加工品，而是請農夫以稀有品種來製作輕加工食品，比方果醬、麵醬等。
5.在外用餐時勿忘了詢問餐廳用以烹調的食材的來源。
6.嘗試自行培育種子——可從容易著手的豆類下手，繼而挖掘出幾將被遺忘的培育知識，包含您整個培育種子的過程。
7.將您所培育出來的種子分送給鄰居親友，使瀕臨絕種的植物得以脫離滅種的險境。
8.把正確對待植物與動物的態度示範並傳遞給周遭的小孩。
9.將選票投給支持非基改暨永續農業的政治人物。
10.加入有志一同的團體，比方諾亞方舟，成為會員以便參與工作、捐款或催生其他不同而可行的方案。
有了這份單子，保種還會是難事嗎？但切勿將那些一發不可收拾的動植物隨意引進培植，以免引發類似福壽螺或小花蔓澤蘭將本地生態吃掉的狀況。生態平衡除了用心以外，尚需於正確資訊與知識上尋得正確的做法，如此才不會幫倒忙，反倒引發更紊亂的狀況。
【2008-04-23/聯合報】
要 旨：著作權法所稱之美術著作，其中稱之「同人」角色，係屬本法所保護之美術著作，針對動漫展之角色而以真人扮演，則由於著作權保護者，係著作 之表達而不及於觀念之抄襲，故就該動漫及布袋戲為相同之裝扮、造型者，因僅係造型、裝扮等觀念之相同，尚無侵害著作權之情事
一、著作權法（下稱本法）所稱之美術著作，包括繪畫、版畫、漫畫、連
環圖（卡通）、素描、法書（書法）、字型繪畫、雕塑、美術工藝品
及其他之美術著作。來函所稱之「同人」角色（布袋戲與動漫等角色
），係屬本法所保護之美術著作，合先敘明。
二、惟如就您所詢，針對動漫展之角色而以真人扮演，例如真人穿扮成同
人角色之造型，則由於著作權保護者，係著作之表達而不及於觀念之
抄襲，故就該動漫及布袋戲為相同之裝扮、造型者，因僅係造型、裝
扮等觀念之相同，尚無侵害著作權之情事。又如您以同人之真人裝扮
，另行以攝影、圖卡等製作屬於您的同人攝影物品或畫冊，該攝影物
品或畫冊，如具有創意，可能另行購成著作權法保護之攝影著作與美
術著作，惟此為新的著作，與原先被扮演之角色尚無著作權之牽涉，
並予敘明。
一、著作權法（下稱本法）所稱之美術著作，包括繪畫、版畫、漫畫、連
環圖（卡通）、素描、法書（書法）、字型繪畫、雕塑、美術工藝品
及其他之美術著作。來函所稱之「同人」角色（布袋戲與動漫等角色
），係屬本法所保護之美術著作，合先敘明。
二、惟如就您所詢，針對動漫展之角色而以真人扮演，例如真人穿扮成同
人角色之造型，則由於著作權保護者，係著作之表達而不及於觀念之
抄襲，故就該動漫及布袋戲為相同之裝扮、造型者，因僅係造型、裝
扮等觀念之相同，尚無侵害著作權之情事。又如您以同人之真人裝扮
，另行以攝影、圖卡等製作屬於您的同人攝影物品或畫冊，該攝影物
品或畫冊，如具有創意，可能另行購成著作權法保護之攝影著作與美
術著作，惟此為新的著作，與原先被扮演之角色尚無著作權之牽涉，
並予敘明。
靠出口？
克魯曼:靠出口？除非銷外星球
* 2009-05-15
* 【林上祚／台北報導】
諾貝爾經濟學獎得主克魯曼，昨日不改專欄作家快言快語作風，自稱是個「短期樂觀主義、中期悲觀主義、長期樂觀主義」的經濟學家。他說全球經濟狀況，比日本的「失落十年」還糟糕，日本當年還能靠出口復甦，全球要靠出口復甦，「除非和另外一顆星球貿易」。
全球經濟 面臨保護主義威脅
由經濟日報、台灣金控、中華經濟研究院合辦的「國際經濟金融論壇」，昨日邀請經濟學大師保羅．克魯曼針對「全球經濟金融展望兼論貿易保護主義」進行專題演說。
克魯曼表示，貿易保護主義與結構性失衡等五項威脅，讓未來十年全球經濟的前景相對黯淡。貿易保護主義不僅在新興市場國家歷史悠久，即使在美國，也有國會議員主張將「買國貨條款」納入擴大內需方案預算。
「全球貿易花了三個世代才走到這個地步，現在走保護主義回頭路，以後要花很長時間才能回頭。」克魯曼表示，貿易保護主義心態雖然值得同情，過度的保護主義卻是全球經濟的一大威脅。
前景黯淡 更甚「失落的十年」
克魯曼形容自己是個短期的樂觀主義者、中期的悲觀主義者與長期的樂觀主義者。他相信短期內政府一定會透過貨幣與財政政策拯救經濟，對於美國透過公開市場操作注資，印鈔票發債救通縮，克魯曼認為，美國負債比目前不算太高，未來只要經濟恢復成長，美國聯準會一定有能力把錢從公開市場抽回，「畢竟，美國又不是辛巴威。」
但從中期角度，克魯曼認為貨幣與財政政策效果有其極限，「有限的財政支出，只能創早有限的繁榮」，和日本經濟九○年代「失落的十年」相比，全球經濟目前情況似乎更為黯淡。
克魯曼說，二戰後的馬歇爾計畫，起碼有一個強而有力的美國作為財力後盾，「現在舉世根本找不到一個需求強而有力的國家。」
「日本當初靠出口恢復成長，現在，除非能夠找到另外一個星球，世界各國無法靠出口恢復成長。」克魯曼表示，一九二九年經濟大蕭條發生時，各國政府的舉債水準並沒有現在這麼高，世界各國在這一波經濟衰退能夠施展的財政空間相對有限。
危機當前 推動改革最好時機
儘管如此，克魯曼認為，如果把歷史拉長二、三十年，人類一定能夠找到新的替代科技，解決目前二氧化碳排放所造成的溫室效應與環境污染問題，新的科技創造更多就業機會。他也相信，各國之間屆時一定能夠找出解決全球金融體系失衡的方案，「但我擔心的是未來十年。」
除了科技創新帶來希望，二、三十年後，大幅跌價的金融資產也會漲回來。
「全球目前正處於改變的關頭。」克魯曼相信，接下來的環保節能議題，會在經濟政策上扮演重要關鍵，世界各國在危機的當下，是推動改革最好的時機。同樣是失業現象，歐洲因為有完善的失業救濟，失業者在德國的痛苦感受自然比美國小很多，美國政府應該趁這個機會，強化社會安全網。
「除非政治阻礙」 克魯曼：沒理由不搞好兩岸經貿
【林上祚、黃馨儀／台北報導】
諾貝爾經濟學獎得主克魯曼十四日表示，中國與美國之間不是「零和關係」，中國在他有生之年，一定會超越美國成為世界最大經濟體；中國做為台灣的鄰國，除非有政治因素阻礙，否則，台灣沒有理由不與這個大國改善貿易關係。
* 2009-05-15
* 【林上祚／台北報導】
諾貝爾經濟學獎得主克魯曼，昨日不改專欄作家快言快語作風，自稱是個「短期樂觀主義、中期悲觀主義、長期樂觀主義」的經濟學家。他說全球經濟狀況，比日本的「失落十年」還糟糕，日本當年還能靠出口復甦，全球要靠出口復甦，「除非和另外一顆星球貿易」。
全球經濟 面臨保護主義威脅
由經濟日報、台灣金控、中華經濟研究院合辦的「國際經濟金融論壇」，昨日邀請經濟學大師保羅．克魯曼針對「全球經濟金融展望兼論貿易保護主義」進行專題演說。
克魯曼表示，貿易保護主義與結構性失衡等五項威脅，讓未來十年全球經濟的前景相對黯淡。貿易保護主義不僅在新興市場國家歷史悠久，即使在美國，也有國會議員主張將「買國貨條款」納入擴大內需方案預算。
「全球貿易花了三個世代才走到這個地步，現在走保護主義回頭路，以後要花很長時間才能回頭。」克魯曼表示，貿易保護主義心態雖然值得同情，過度的保護主義卻是全球經濟的一大威脅。
前景黯淡 更甚「失落的十年」
克魯曼形容自己是個短期的樂觀主義者、中期的悲觀主義者與長期的樂觀主義者。他相信短期內政府一定會透過貨幣與財政政策拯救經濟，對於美國透過公開市場操作注資，印鈔票發債救通縮，克魯曼認為，美國負債比目前不算太高，未來只要經濟恢復成長，美國聯準會一定有能力把錢從公開市場抽回，「畢竟，美國又不是辛巴威。」
但從中期角度，克魯曼認為貨幣與財政政策效果有其極限，「有限的財政支出，只能創早有限的繁榮」，和日本經濟九○年代「失落的十年」相比，全球經濟目前情況似乎更為黯淡。
克魯曼說，二戰後的馬歇爾計畫，起碼有一個強而有力的美國作為財力後盾，「現在舉世根本找不到一個需求強而有力的國家。」
「日本當初靠出口恢復成長，現在，除非能夠找到另外一個星球，世界各國無法靠出口恢復成長。」克魯曼表示，一九二九年經濟大蕭條發生時，各國政府的舉債水準並沒有現在這麼高，世界各國在這一波經濟衰退能夠施展的財政空間相對有限。
危機當前 推動改革最好時機
儘管如此，克魯曼認為，如果把歷史拉長二、三十年，人類一定能夠找到新的替代科技，解決目前二氧化碳排放所造成的溫室效應與環境污染問題，新的科技創造更多就業機會。他也相信，各國之間屆時一定能夠找出解決全球金融體系失衡的方案，「但我擔心的是未來十年。」
除了科技創新帶來希望，二、三十年後，大幅跌價的金融資產也會漲回來。
「全球目前正處於改變的關頭。」克魯曼相信，接下來的環保節能議題，會在經濟政策上扮演重要關鍵，世界各國在危機的當下，是推動改革最好的時機。同樣是失業現象，歐洲因為有完善的失業救濟，失業者在德國的痛苦感受自然比美國小很多，美國政府應該趁這個機會，強化社會安全網。
「除非政治阻礙」 克魯曼：沒理由不搞好兩岸經貿
【林上祚、黃馨儀／台北報導】
諾貝爾經濟學獎得主克魯曼十四日表示，中國與美國之間不是「零和關係」，中國在他有生之年，一定會超越美國成為世界最大經濟體；中國做為台灣的鄰國，除非有政治因素阻礙，否則，台灣沒有理由不與這個大國改善貿易關係。
Thursday, May 14, 2009
裝 GPS妨害秘密？ 法界：應違反監察通訊
法源編輯室 / 2009-05-14
徵信業者受僱於人妻之託，調查丈夫外遇事件，在丈夫的重型機車上偷裝ＧＰＳ衛星追蹤器，雖然並沒有錄音、錄影，但檢方還是認為有妨害當事人隱私的問題，法官也依據刑法第３１５條之１規定，判處拘役五十日，得易科罰金。
法官指出，實務上徵信業者常常因受人之託，要找尋抓姦的證據，但抓姦也必須使用合法的方式，可以跟監，但不能私下偷裝衛星追蹤器，甚至偷拍等等；承辦的檢察官也說，一般人如果不是公眾人物，出門活動都享有隱私權，雖然業者沒有對被害人錄影或錄音，也一樣構成妨害秘密。
有徵信業者認為，偷拍、裝ＧＰＳ都是他們慣用的方式，但之前也曾有過檢方認為，妻子懷疑先生外遇才裝設器具，屬於有理範圍，所以沒有起訴；法界人士指出，即便在妨害秘密上屬有故行為，但非屬通訊保障及監察法保護對象；依最高法院９７年台上字第４５４６號刑事判決可知，配偶一方有外遇，對他方而言，自屬極端難過，難以忍受，是有外遇一方必極力隱藏，此雖在道德上是可非難性，但在保護隱私權之立法意旨，並未排除此道德上可非難性之隱私，是縱在道德上可非難性之隱私，仍為通訊保障及監察法所保護對象。
法源編輯室 / 2009-05-14
徵信業者受僱於人妻之託，調查丈夫外遇事件，在丈夫的重型機車上偷裝ＧＰＳ衛星追蹤器，雖然並沒有錄音、錄影，但檢方還是認為有妨害當事人隱私的問題，法官也依據刑法第３１５條之１規定，判處拘役五十日，得易科罰金。
法官指出，實務上徵信業者常常因受人之託，要找尋抓姦的證據，但抓姦也必須使用合法的方式，可以跟監，但不能私下偷裝衛星追蹤器，甚至偷拍等等；承辦的檢察官也說，一般人如果不是公眾人物，出門活動都享有隱私權，雖然業者沒有對被害人錄影或錄音，也一樣構成妨害秘密。
有徵信業者認為，偷拍、裝ＧＰＳ都是他們慣用的方式，但之前也曾有過檢方認為，妻子懷疑先生外遇才裝設器具，屬於有理範圍，所以沒有起訴；法界人士指出，即便在妨害秘密上屬有故行為，但非屬通訊保障及監察法保護對象；依最高法院９７年台上字第４５４６號刑事判決可知，配偶一方有外遇，對他方而言，自屬極端難過，難以忍受，是有外遇一方必極力隱藏，此雖在道德上是可非難性，但在保護隱私權之立法意旨，並未排除此道德上可非難性之隱私，是縱在道德上可非難性之隱私，仍為通訊保障及監察法所保護對象。
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
立院初審 概括繼承全面改限定
立法院司委會今天初審通過了「民法繼承編部份條文修正草案」，將現行「概括繼承」，全面改為「限定繼承」，以避免過去有繼承人因為不懂法令，或是在不知情的狀況下，不但繼承了遺產，也繼承了比遺產還高額的債務，而該法如果最後獲得三讀，今後繼承人所必須負擔被繼承人的債務，僅以所得遺產為限。
過去常有人在不知情的狀況下，繼承了久未聯繫親人的財產及負債，但又沒有在限定時間內辦理拋棄繼承， 如果債務高於繼承所得，就變成自己的負擔，有鑑於此，立法院司委會13號初審通過了「民法繼承編部份條文修正草案」，規定繼承人只需要負擔繼承所得遺產同額的債務，提案的國民黨立委吳清池表示，這項修法如果最後能過完成三讀，將可避免無辜繼承人遭到「債從天降」。
不過為防止被繼承人在生前將財產轉移給繼承人，法案中也規定，繼承人在被繼承人生前二年所獲得被繼承人的贈與，不論是否移轉或滅失，也必須計算在必須負擔的債務額度內。至於這項修法是否要溯及既往，由於各方意見不同，還有待協商。
捍衛減稅！李述德：遺贈稅調降 兆元資金已回流
【中廣新聞／張雅惠】
審計部關切財政部減稅是否減過頭？財政部長李述德說，短期減稅可以發揮長期總體的效果。他舉例，遺贈稅率大幅調降，應該有一兆元海外資金已經回流，這些資金進入股市、房市可以產生誘發效果，其他稅收會增加；五月以來，台股平均每天的成交量兩千三百多億，如果接下來日均量維持一千八百億，今年証交稅收可以達成預定目標。
財政部一連串減稅，包括油品貨物稅、大宗物資進口關稅、綜所稅扣除額、營所稅、遺贈稅、促產落日、以及傳產業投資抵減等，審計部首度要求財政部針對「減稅」提出說明。財政部長李述德說，減稅只是短期的手段和過程，會注意長期財政平衡。
李述德舉例，九十年當時稅收一兆兩千多億，這段期間也有減稅，例如土增稅，但到了九十七年，稅收還是增加到一兆七千多億。他答覆立委賴士葆質詢時說，遺贈稅率調降，也會吸引資金回流。
李述德說，他無法就單一減稅項目，說明減稅的影響，這要看總體，就像遺贈稅調降，海外資金回流，進了股市和房市，會有其他稅收進來；再以証交稅為例，今年一到五月，股市平均每天交易量一千一百八十六億，但五月以來加倍到兩千三百億，甚至比原本預估日均量一千六百億還多。
他說，如果接下來日均量維持一千八百億，証交稅收可以達到預算目標；但今年一到四月的稅收比去年同期短少六百多億，衰退一成七，財政部會先開源節流、以緩濟急，辦理追加減預算只是選項之一。
立法院司委會今天初審通過了「民法繼承編部份條文修正草案」，將現行「概括繼承」，全面改為「限定繼承」，以避免過去有繼承人因為不懂法令，或是在不知情的狀況下，不但繼承了遺產，也繼承了比遺產還高額的債務，而該法如果最後獲得三讀，今後繼承人所必須負擔被繼承人的債務，僅以所得遺產為限。
過去常有人在不知情的狀況下，繼承了久未聯繫親人的財產及負債，但又沒有在限定時間內辦理拋棄繼承， 如果債務高於繼承所得，就變成自己的負擔，有鑑於此，立法院司委會13號初審通過了「民法繼承編部份條文修正草案」，規定繼承人只需要負擔繼承所得遺產同額的債務，提案的國民黨立委吳清池表示，這項修法如果最後能過完成三讀，將可避免無辜繼承人遭到「債從天降」。
不過為防止被繼承人在生前將財產轉移給繼承人，法案中也規定，繼承人在被繼承人生前二年所獲得被繼承人的贈與，不論是否移轉或滅失，也必須計算在必須負擔的債務額度內。至於這項修法是否要溯及既往，由於各方意見不同，還有待協商。
捍衛減稅！李述德：遺贈稅調降 兆元資金已回流
【中廣新聞／張雅惠】
審計部關切財政部減稅是否減過頭？財政部長李述德說，短期減稅可以發揮長期總體的效果。他舉例，遺贈稅率大幅調降，應該有一兆元海外資金已經回流，這些資金進入股市、房市可以產生誘發效果，其他稅收會增加；五月以來，台股平均每天的成交量兩千三百多億，如果接下來日均量維持一千八百億，今年証交稅收可以達成預定目標。
財政部一連串減稅，包括油品貨物稅、大宗物資進口關稅、綜所稅扣除額、營所稅、遺贈稅、促產落日、以及傳產業投資抵減等，審計部首度要求財政部針對「減稅」提出說明。財政部長李述德說，減稅只是短期的手段和過程，會注意長期財政平衡。
李述德舉例，九十年當時稅收一兆兩千多億，這段期間也有減稅，例如土增稅，但到了九十七年，稅收還是增加到一兆七千多億。他答覆立委賴士葆質詢時說，遺贈稅率調降，也會吸引資金回流。
李述德說，他無法就單一減稅項目，說明減稅的影響，這要看總體，就像遺贈稅調降，海外資金回流，進了股市和房市，會有其他稅收進來；再以証交稅為例，今年一到五月，股市平均每天交易量一千一百八十六億，但五月以來加倍到兩千三百億，甚至比原本預估日均量一千六百億還多。
他說，如果接下來日均量維持一千八百億，証交稅收可以達到預算目標；但今年一到四月的稅收比去年同期短少六百多億，衰退一成七，財政部會先開源節流、以緩濟急，辦理追加減預算只是選項之一。
Pirates cost software industry $50 billion in 2008 Washington, DC - A fifth of PC software in the United States is pirated and the worldwide cost of piracy topped $50bn for the first time, says the annual report from IDC and the Business Software Alliance (BSA). Despite US piracy running at just 20%, market size means megabuck losses - over $9 billion in 2008.
The worldwide PC software piracy rate rose for the second year in a row, from 38 percent to 41 percent, because PC shipments grew fastest in high-piracy countries such as China and India, overwhelming progress elsewhere.
While emerging economies account for 45 percent of the global PC hardware market, they account for less than 20 percent of the PC software market. If the emerging economies' PC software share were the same as it is for PC hardware, the software market would grow by $40 billion a year. Lowering global piracy by just one point a year would add $20 billion in stimulus to the IT industry, says the report.
The monetary value of unlicensed software broke the $50 billion level for the first time. Worldwide losses grew by 11 percent to $53.0 billion in non-adjusted dollars, although half of that growth was the result of the falling U.S. dollar. Excluding the effect of exchange rates, losses grew by 5 percent to $50.2 billion. This compares to a legitimate PC software market of $88 billion in 2008, and a personal computer market of $244 billion.
"We are continuing to make progress against PC software piracy in many countries, which helps people working in the U.S.-led global software industry. That's the good news," said BSA President and CEO Robert Holleyman.
"The bad news is that PC software piracy remains so prevalent in the United States and all over the world," he added. "It undermines local IT service firms, gives illegal software users an unfair advantage in business, and spreads security risks. We should not and cannot tolerate a $9 billion hit on the software industry at a time of economic stress."
The lowest-piracy countries are the United States, Japan, New Zealand, and Luxembourg, all near 20 percent. The highest-piracy countries are Armenia, Bangladesh, Georgia, and Zimbabwe, all over 90 percent.
The highest-piracy regions are Central/Eastern Europe (67 percent) and Latin America (65 percent). The lowest regions are North America (21 percent) and the European Union (35 percent).
The worldwide PC software piracy rate rose for the second year in a row, from 38 percent to 41 percent, because PC shipments grew fastest in high-piracy countries such as China and India, overwhelming progress elsewhere.
While emerging economies account for 45 percent of the global PC hardware market, they account for less than 20 percent of the PC software market. If the emerging economies' PC software share were the same as it is for PC hardware, the software market would grow by $40 billion a year. Lowering global piracy by just one point a year would add $20 billion in stimulus to the IT industry, says the report.
The monetary value of unlicensed software broke the $50 billion level for the first time. Worldwide losses grew by 11 percent to $53.0 billion in non-adjusted dollars, although half of that growth was the result of the falling U.S. dollar. Excluding the effect of exchange rates, losses grew by 5 percent to $50.2 billion. This compares to a legitimate PC software market of $88 billion in 2008, and a personal computer market of $244 billion.
"We are continuing to make progress against PC software piracy in many countries, which helps people working in the U.S.-led global software industry. That's the good news," said BSA President and CEO Robert Holleyman.
"The bad news is that PC software piracy remains so prevalent in the United States and all over the world," he added. "It undermines local IT service firms, gives illegal software users an unfair advantage in business, and spreads security risks. We should not and cannot tolerate a $9 billion hit on the software industry at a time of economic stress."
The lowest-piracy countries are the United States, Japan, New Zealand, and Luxembourg, all near 20 percent. The highest-piracy countries are Armenia, Bangladesh, Georgia, and Zimbabwe, all over 90 percent.
The highest-piracy regions are Central/Eastern Europe (67 percent) and Latin America (65 percent). The lowest regions are North America (21 percent) and the European Union (35 percent).
美國華盛頓特區學生資料外流
據美國華盛頓特區教育局長辦公室表示，由於員工作業疏失，傳送電子郵件時不慎將2400名申請助學貸款的學生個人資料Excel檔一併寄出，當局呼籲收到電子郵件的學生請儘速刪除該文件，並表示提供1年的信用監督服務，以確保學生資料不被盜用。本文摘自(http://ping.fm/JomMu)
據美國華盛頓特區教育局長辦公室表示，由於員工作業疏失，傳送電子郵件時不慎將2400名申請助學貸款的學生個人資料Excel檔一併寄出，當局呼籲收到電子郵件的學生請儘速刪除該文件，並表示提供1年的信用監督服務，以確保學生資料不被盜用。本文摘自(http://ping.fm/JomMu)
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
Sunday, May 10, 2009
May 8, 2009 3:51 PM PDT
Pirate Bay attorney outlines arguments for appeal
by Erik Palm
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The judge had a conflict of interest--that's one argument that will be used in appealing the Pirate Bay verdict, an attorney of one of the defendants told CNET News on Friday.
Peter Sunde, Gottfrid Svartholm Warg, Fredrik Neij, and Carl Lundstr�m were all found guilty last month of having assisted in making 33 copyright-protected files accessible for illegal file sharing via the Piratebay.org Web site.The four were sentenced to one year in jail and ordered to pay $3.6 million in damages to copyright holders.
Now all four are appealing the decision in separate cases, according to Swedish technology weekly Ny Teknik (in Swedish).
"The first thing the high court of justice Svea Hovr�tt must decide is if the judge has had a conflict of interest, Peter Althin, Peter Sunde's defense attorney, said in an phone interview from Sweden.
Peter Sunde, one of four defendants appealing the decision in The Pirate Bay case.
(Credit: Pontus Alexander/Fabian Landgren)
As CNET has reported, Judge Tomas Norstr�m, who ruled against the Pirate Bay defendants, is a member of two copyright organizations. Some allege his membership is a conflict of interest.
CNET was unable to reach Norstr�m on Friday to comment for this story. In a previous interview with Swedish daily Dagens nyheter (in Swedish), he said the accusations were wrong and that he was only sharing his competence.
"To spread knowledge about a legal area is one thing, to promote is something different," Norstr�m said.
But Althin said he does not accept this argument. "If you are a member of an organization whose purpose is to strengthen the copyright holders' interest together with the accusing companies in the trial, then the trust is broken, considering impartiality," Althin said.
Peter Althin is Sunde's defense attorney.
Althin stressed that each defendant has filed his own appeal.
In Sunde's appeal, Althin is asking the high court of justice to grant a retrial in the district court of Stockholm. In addition to the alleged conflict of interest, Sunde's appeal objects to the verdict's conclusion that his company helped develop The Pirate Bay. Rather, he has only admitted being a spokesman for the site. Sunde also says the damages to copyright holders were too high and calculated in an unreasonable way, according to Althin.
Also, Althin says that even if his client's company was found to have had a development role, Pirate Bay is not responsible for the crime of assisting copyright violation.
"Pirate Bay does not encourage anybody to commit a crime. Cars can be used for speeding and drunk driving, but no car manufacturer is held responsible for that," Althin said.
The appeals are now to be evaluated by the high court of justice, Svea Hovr�tt.
Pirate Bay attorney outlines arguments for appeal
by Erik Palm
* Font size
* Share
* 19 comments
The judge had a conflict of interest--that's one argument that will be used in appealing the Pirate Bay verdict, an attorney of one of the defendants told CNET News on Friday.
Peter Sunde, Gottfrid Svartholm Warg, Fredrik Neij, and Carl Lundstr�m were all found guilty last month of having assisted in making 33 copyright-protected files accessible for illegal file sharing via the Piratebay.org Web site.The four were sentenced to one year in jail and ordered to pay $3.6 million in damages to copyright holders.
Now all four are appealing the decision in separate cases, according to Swedish technology weekly Ny Teknik (in Swedish).
"The first thing the high court of justice Svea Hovr�tt must decide is if the judge has had a conflict of interest, Peter Althin, Peter Sunde's defense attorney, said in an phone interview from Sweden.
Peter Sunde, one of four defendants appealing the decision in The Pirate Bay case.
(Credit: Pontus Alexander/Fabian Landgren)
As CNET has reported, Judge Tomas Norstr�m, who ruled against the Pirate Bay defendants, is a member of two copyright organizations. Some allege his membership is a conflict of interest.
CNET was unable to reach Norstr�m on Friday to comment for this story. In a previous interview with Swedish daily Dagens nyheter (in Swedish), he said the accusations were wrong and that he was only sharing his competence.
"To spread knowledge about a legal area is one thing, to promote is something different," Norstr�m said.
But Althin said he does not accept this argument. "If you are a member of an organization whose purpose is to strengthen the copyright holders' interest together with the accusing companies in the trial, then the trust is broken, considering impartiality," Althin said.
Peter Althin is Sunde's defense attorney.
Althin stressed that each defendant has filed his own appeal.
In Sunde's appeal, Althin is asking the high court of justice to grant a retrial in the district court of Stockholm. In addition to the alleged conflict of interest, Sunde's appeal objects to the verdict's conclusion that his company helped develop The Pirate Bay. Rather, he has only admitted being a spokesman for the site. Sunde also says the damages to copyright holders were too high and calculated in an unreasonable way, according to Althin.
Also, Althin says that even if his client's company was found to have had a development role, Pirate Bay is not responsible for the crime of assisting copyright violation.
"Pirate Bay does not encourage anybody to commit a crime. Cars can be used for speeding and drunk driving, but no car manufacturer is held responsible for that," Althin said.
The appeals are now to be evaluated by the high court of justice, Svea Hovr�tt.
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