Dom Cobb in the film, Inception, told his protege, Ariadne, that the reason why he's so desperate to be in a dream state is because in his dreams, he is reunited with his wife, who had died.
I never understood that, the comfort of seeing a loved one in my dreams. Now I understand.
In my dreams, I see my mum. We're having breakfast together. We're laughing together. She's smiling at me. I can talk to her. I can hug her. I can HUG her. She is so vivid and real in my dreams. It's almost as if I have her with me again.
Friday, August 08, 2014
Sunday, August 03, 2014
Romans 2:13-16 on Gentiles
13For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. 14 For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. 15 They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them 16 on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.Romans 2: 13-16
This is very comforting.
Saturday, December 08, 2012
叱咤FM903五強--失望
今天我終於看到樂隊組合最後五強的名單，感覺非常失望。到今時今日，香港的樂迷最欣賞的還是流行歌。可悲的是這幾位樂隊和組合唱的歌是很普通，什麼創意都沒有的歌。來來去去都是同一個聲音。C-All Star 和 Twins: 他們根本不懂寫歌。 Shine 和 MR. 會寫歌，但是前者大部分的歌都是別人幫他寫的。後者的歌有多麼“自創”的成分都不斷被樂迷質疑。Rubberband：他們可以算是最後五強裡面最有創意的樂隊。但到最後，他們對香港音樂有什麼的貢獻呢？
如果現在在香港沒有Kolor, Clozer 或者農夫，那都算了。但是現在除了他們還有Dear Jane, Supper Moment，還有很多的會創作不同聲音的音樂的樂隊。怎可能大眾樂迷聽不懂呢？
他們只會把樂隊跟Beyond比較，但是實在Beyond的sound到最後都變了，變得比較edgy，比較hard。這個願意跟隨時日改變的精神是很重要的。要必需有這一個精神才能有進展。百年如一日，又有什麼意思呢？
真的替Kolor不低。
如果現在在香港沒有Kolor, Clozer 或者農夫，那都算了。但是現在除了他們還有Dear Jane, Supper Moment，還有很多的會創作不同聲音的音樂的樂隊。怎可能大眾樂迷聽不懂呢？
他們只會把樂隊跟Beyond比較，但是實在Beyond的sound到最後都變了，變得比較edgy，比較hard。這個願意跟隨時日改變的精神是很重要的。要必需有這一個精神才能有進展。百年如一日，又有什麼意思呢？
真的替Kolor不低。
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
So upset right now.
It just came to my attention that a band from Hong Kong released an album two years ago called "RedVolution." Their album cover is black, with a red band on the right side. On top of the red band is a white circle. Inside that circle is a black swastika. The swastika is arranged in the traditional Buddhist fashion, not in the Nazi fashion. However, with those colours surrounding it, how could it not conjure up the idea of Hitler and the Nazis?
I came across it while viewing another unrelated video on YouTube, and I read some of the comments that people had posted. Naturally, some users posted messages that questioned the motives behind using that symbol, including the symbol itself. These posts were not an attack on the band members or their music; rather, they were pointing out the negative associations the symbol inherently evokes. What upset me were the responses posted by other users. And by the band itself.
To those who questioned the use of the Nazi image, they said that these users were ignorant, and they called on people to focus on the music and not their appearance. Their defence was that the swastika they used is not the one used by the Nazis: this one is inverted. The Buddhist swastika has positive connotations, means the sun, etc.
Wait! Of all the symbols they could have chosen to represent the Sun god, or goodness, or positive energy or whatever, they chose the swastika? Not only that, they had to put it on red band? And then put it on top of a black background? Do they really expect people to buy their argument that they meant well?
If that was not convincing enough, later they tried to defend their actions by talking about the angles and the direction of the image. They're quibbling over details instead of looking at the bigger picture--literally!
And if that still isn't convincing enough, they want people to ignore the image completely. It's as if they're saying: "Okay, we hurt some people's sensitive feelings, but why don't they just ignore it?"
Apparently, a lot of their supporters have ignored it, and have tried to defend it by insulting other users of YouTube.
Recently, a friend told me that Hitler liked animals, as if this were a redeeming quality. WFT?!
To be honest, I don't think the band is anti-Semitic. Extremely insensitive, for sure. Ignorant, even. What makes me say this? There is a picture on the inside of the CD that shows the band members standing in front of said-offensive-image. It is a black and white image, reminiscent of the poster for the film "Valkyrie" (2008). The historical characters from that story were actually trying to stage a revolution--against Hitler. Hence, I believe the people who are behind the album package design meant to use the image to refer to the idea of "revolution," and not "anti-Semitism." And this practice of stealing other people's music, posters, logos, images, etc. is common practice in Hong Kong. People who do this are sometimes lauded for their creativity instead of being chastised as one would expect.
An example of this is Edison Chen's album from many years ago where it says: "Please Steal This Album." This was a complete rip-off of System of a Down's cover. How ironic. Anyhow, I highly doubt many music listeners in Hong Kong even know who System of a Down is.
Often, I believe that these so-called designers steal other people's material without even knowing what they are stealing. If they do know what they are stealing, they still don't care how it impacts on the industry, and society at large. In the case of Red Noon's album cover, I believe it is a combination of the two. The band, their management & their design team were simply too ignorant of the impact that viewing such an image would have on people who are more familiar with WWII history (namely most of the Western world).
That being said, all it would have taken was for the band to acknowledge that their design is in bad taste at the least, and better yet to simply apologize for their ignorance. Admit ignorance even if they weren't. The point is that the damage is done. It's too late to try and explain it away with fine details and asking people to focus on their music, not on their appearance. They put the image on their album cover, and that's what people will see first thing before they even buy the CD and listen to the songs. The damage is done.
If only they understood this.
It just came to my attention that a band from Hong Kong released an album two years ago called "RedVolution." Their album cover is black, with a red band on the right side. On top of the red band is a white circle. Inside that circle is a black swastika. The swastika is arranged in the traditional Buddhist fashion, not in the Nazi fashion. However, with those colours surrounding it, how could it not conjure up the idea of Hitler and the Nazis?
I came across it while viewing another unrelated video on YouTube, and I read some of the comments that people had posted. Naturally, some users posted messages that questioned the motives behind using that symbol, including the symbol itself. These posts were not an attack on the band members or their music; rather, they were pointing out the negative associations the symbol inherently evokes. What upset me were the responses posted by other users. And by the band itself.
To those who questioned the use of the Nazi image, they said that these users were ignorant, and they called on people to focus on the music and not their appearance. Their defence was that the swastika they used is not the one used by the Nazis: this one is inverted. The Buddhist swastika has positive connotations, means the sun, etc.
Wait! Of all the symbols they could have chosen to represent the Sun god, or goodness, or positive energy or whatever, they chose the swastika? Not only that, they had to put it on red band? And then put it on top of a black background? Do they really expect people to buy their argument that they meant well?
If that was not convincing enough, later they tried to defend their actions by talking about the angles and the direction of the image. They're quibbling over details instead of looking at the bigger picture--literally!
And if that still isn't convincing enough, they want people to ignore the image completely. It's as if they're saying: "Okay, we hurt some people's sensitive feelings, but why don't they just ignore it?"
Apparently, a lot of their supporters have ignored it, and have tried to defend it by insulting other users of YouTube.
Recently, a friend told me that Hitler liked animals, as if this were a redeeming quality. WFT?!
To be honest, I don't think the band is anti-Semitic. Extremely insensitive, for sure. Ignorant, even. What makes me say this? There is a picture on the inside of the CD that shows the band members standing in front of said-offensive-image. It is a black and white image, reminiscent of the poster for the film "Valkyrie" (2008). The historical characters from that story were actually trying to stage a revolution--against Hitler. Hence, I believe the people who are behind the album package design meant to use the image to refer to the idea of "revolution," and not "anti-Semitism." And this practice of stealing other people's music, posters, logos, images, etc. is common practice in Hong Kong. People who do this are sometimes lauded for their creativity instead of being chastised as one would expect.
An example of this is Edison Chen's album from many years ago where it says: "Please Steal This Album." This was a complete rip-off of System of a Down's cover. How ironic. Anyhow, I highly doubt many music listeners in Hong Kong even know who System of a Down is.
Often, I believe that these so-called designers steal other people's material without even knowing what they are stealing. If they do know what they are stealing, they still don't care how it impacts on the industry, and society at large. In the case of Red Noon's album cover, I believe it is a combination of the two. The band, their management & their design team were simply too ignorant of the impact that viewing such an image would have on people who are more familiar with WWII history (namely most of the Western world).
That being said, all it would have taken was for the band to acknowledge that their design is in bad taste at the least, and better yet to simply apologize for their ignorance. Admit ignorance even if they weren't. The point is that the damage is done. It's too late to try and explain it away with fine details and asking people to focus on their music, not on their appearance. They put the image on their album cover, and that's what people will see first thing before they even buy the CD and listen to the songs. The damage is done.
If only they understood this.
Friday, February 17, 2012
As I Lay Dying--Movie?
About 15 years ago, I read Faulkner's As I Lay Dying for school. I was enraptured from the beginning to the end. While I was reading, I kept picturing Brad Pitt as Jewel, the youngest of the brothers in the novel, and to this day one of my favourite heroes in literature.
A movie version of the novel was released in 1956, but I can't find any pictures of Robert Lansing as a young man playing Jewel. Now, if they were to make a movie now, I don't know whom they would cast to play this character.
I am not even sure why my mind was so fixated on Brad Pitt. I'm not even a fan. Well, I wasn't at the time. Can't say that I am one now, but I definitely was not one then.
A movie version of the novel was released in 1956, but I can't find any pictures of Robert Lansing as a young man playing Jewel. Now, if they were to make a movie now, I don't know whom they would cast to play this character.
I am not even sure why my mind was so fixated on Brad Pitt. I'm not even a fan. Well, I wasn't at the time. Can't say that I am one now, but I definitely was not one then.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
BBC 100 Best Loved Books of the UK
No where on their website do they make any sort of presumption about how well-read a person might be based on their list. Like "Pro-Science," I will put an x next to a book I have read, and + next to one that I love.
1. The Lord of the Rings, JRR Tolkien +
2. Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen +
3. His Dark Materials, Philip Pullman
4. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Douglas Adams
5. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, JK Rowling x
6. To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee +
7. Winnie the Pooh, AA Milne
8. Nineteen Eighty-Four, George Orwell
9. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, CS Lewis x
10. Jane Eyre, Charlotte Brontë x
11. Catch-22, Joseph Heller
12. Wuthering Heights, Emily Brontë +
13. Birdsong, Sebastian Faulks
14. Rebecca, Daphne du Maurier +
15. The Catcher in the Rye, JD Salinger +
16. The Wind in the Willows, Kenneth Grahame
17. Great Expectations, Charles Dickens x
18. Little Women, Louisa May Alcott x
19. Captain Corelli's Mandolin, Louis de Bernieres
20. War and Peace, Leo Tolstoy
21. Gone with the Wind, Margaret Mitchell
22. Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone, JK Rowling x
23. Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets, JK Rowling x
24. Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban, JK Rowling x
25. The Hobbit, JRR Tolkien x
26. Tess Of The D'Urbervilles, Thomas Hardy x
27. Middlemarch, George Eliot
28. A Prayer For Owen Meany, John Irving
29. The Grapes Of Wrath, John Steinbeck
30. Alice's Adventures In Wonderland, Lewis Carroll
31. The Story Of Tracy Beaker, Jacqueline Wilson
32. One Hundred Years Of Solitude, Gabriel García Márquez
33. The Pillars Of The Earth, Ken Follett
34. David Copperfield, Charles Dickens
35. Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, Roald Dahl
36. Treasure Island, Robert Louis Stevenson
37. A Town Like Alice, Nevil Shute
38. Persuasion, Jane Austen
39. Dune, Frank Herbert
40. Emma, Jane Austen
41. Anne Of Green Gables, LM Montgomery
42. Watership Down, Richard Adams
43. The Great Gatsby, F Scott Fitzgerald x
44. The Count Of Monte Cristo, Alexandre Dumas
45. Brideshead Revisited, Evelyn Waugh
46. Animal Farm, George Orwell x
47. A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens
48. Far From The Madding Crowd, Thomas Hardy
49. Goodnight Mister Tom, Michelle Magorian
50. The Shell Seekers, Rosamunde Pilcher
51. The Secret Garden, Frances Hodgson Burnett
52. Of Mice And Men, John Steinbeck x
53. The Stand, Stephen King
54. Anna Karenina, Leo Tolstoy
55. A Suitable Boy, Vikram Seth
56. The BFG, Roald Dahl
57. Swallows And Amazons, Arthur Ransome
58. Black Beauty, Anna Sewell
59. Artemis Fowl, Eoin Colfer
60. Crime And Punishment, Fyodor Dostoyevsky x
61. Noughts And Crosses, Malorie Blackman
62. Memoirs Of A Geisha, Arthur Golden
63. A Tale Of Two Cities, Charles Dickens
64. The Thorn Birds, Colleen McCollough
65. Mort, Terry Pratchett
66. The Magic Faraway Tree, Enid Blyton
67. The Magus, John Fowles
68. Good Omens, Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman
69. Guards! Guards!, Terry Pratchett
70. Lord Of The Flies, William Golding x
71. Perfume, Patrick Süskind
72. The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists, Robert Tressell
73. Night Watch, Terry Pratchett
74. Matilda, Roald Dahl
75. Bridget Jones's Diary, Helen Fielding
76. The Secret History, Donna Tartt
77. The Woman In White, Wilkie Collins
78. Ulysses, James Joyce
79. Bleak House, Charles Dickens
80. Double Act, Jacqueline Wilson
81. The Twits, Roald Dahl
82. I Capture The Castle, Dodie Smith
83. Holes, Louis Sachar x
84. Gormenghast, Mervyn Peake
85. The God Of Small Things, Arundhati Roy
86. Vicky Angel, Jacqueline Wilson
87. Brave New World, Aldous Huxley
88. Cold Comfort Farm, Stella Gibbons
89. Magician, Raymond E Feist
90. On The Road, Jack Kerouac
91. The Godfather, Mario Puzo
92. The Clan Of The Cave Bear, Jean M Auel
93. The Colour Of Magic, Terry Pratchett
94. The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho
95. Katherine, Anya Seton
96. Kane And Abel, Jeffrey Archer
97. Love In The Time Of Cholera, Gabriel García Márquez
98. Girls In Love, Jacqueline Wilson
99. The Princess Diaries, Meg Cabot
100. Midnight's Children, Salman Rushdie
1. The Lord of the Rings, JRR Tolkien +
2. Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen +
3. His Dark Materials, Philip Pullman
4. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Douglas Adams
5. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, JK Rowling x
6. To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee +
7. Winnie the Pooh, AA Milne
8. Nineteen Eighty-Four, George Orwell
9. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, CS Lewis x
10. Jane Eyre, Charlotte Brontë x
11. Catch-22, Joseph Heller
12. Wuthering Heights, Emily Brontë +
13. Birdsong, Sebastian Faulks
14. Rebecca, Daphne du Maurier +
15. The Catcher in the Rye, JD Salinger +
16. The Wind in the Willows, Kenneth Grahame
17. Great Expectations, Charles Dickens x
18. Little Women, Louisa May Alcott x
19. Captain Corelli's Mandolin, Louis de Bernieres
20. War and Peace, Leo Tolstoy
21. Gone with the Wind, Margaret Mitchell
22. Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone, JK Rowling x
23. Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets, JK Rowling x
24. Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban, JK Rowling x
25. The Hobbit, JRR Tolkien x
26. Tess Of The D'Urbervilles, Thomas Hardy x
27. Middlemarch, George Eliot
28. A Prayer For Owen Meany, John Irving
29. The Grapes Of Wrath, John Steinbeck
30. Alice's Adventures In Wonderland, Lewis Carroll
31. The Story Of Tracy Beaker, Jacqueline Wilson
32. One Hundred Years Of Solitude, Gabriel García Márquez
33. The Pillars Of The Earth, Ken Follett
34. David Copperfield, Charles Dickens
35. Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, Roald Dahl
36. Treasure Island, Robert Louis Stevenson
37. A Town Like Alice, Nevil Shute
38. Persuasion, Jane Austen
39. Dune, Frank Herbert
40. Emma, Jane Austen
41. Anne Of Green Gables, LM Montgomery
42. Watership Down, Richard Adams
43. The Great Gatsby, F Scott Fitzgerald x
44. The Count Of Monte Cristo, Alexandre Dumas
45. Brideshead Revisited, Evelyn Waugh
46. Animal Farm, George Orwell x
47. A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens
48. Far From The Madding Crowd, Thomas Hardy
49. Goodnight Mister Tom, Michelle Magorian
50. The Shell Seekers, Rosamunde Pilcher
51. The Secret Garden, Frances Hodgson Burnett
52. Of Mice And Men, John Steinbeck x
53. The Stand, Stephen King
54. Anna Karenina, Leo Tolstoy
55. A Suitable Boy, Vikram Seth
56. The BFG, Roald Dahl
57. Swallows And Amazons, Arthur Ransome
58. Black Beauty, Anna Sewell
59. Artemis Fowl, Eoin Colfer
60. Crime And Punishment, Fyodor Dostoyevsky x
61. Noughts And Crosses, Malorie Blackman
62. Memoirs Of A Geisha, Arthur Golden
63. A Tale Of Two Cities, Charles Dickens
64. The Thorn Birds, Colleen McCollough
65. Mort, Terry Pratchett
66. The Magic Faraway Tree, Enid Blyton
67. The Magus, John Fowles
68. Good Omens, Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman
69. Guards! Guards!, Terry Pratchett
70. Lord Of The Flies, William Golding x
71. Perfume, Patrick Süskind
72. The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists, Robert Tressell
73. Night Watch, Terry Pratchett
74. Matilda, Roald Dahl
75. Bridget Jones's Diary, Helen Fielding
76. The Secret History, Donna Tartt
77. The Woman In White, Wilkie Collins
78. Ulysses, James Joyce
79. Bleak House, Charles Dickens
80. Double Act, Jacqueline Wilson
81. The Twits, Roald Dahl
82. I Capture The Castle, Dodie Smith
83. Holes, Louis Sachar x
84. Gormenghast, Mervyn Peake
85. The God Of Small Things, Arundhati Roy
86. Vicky Angel, Jacqueline Wilson
87. Brave New World, Aldous Huxley
88. Cold Comfort Farm, Stella Gibbons
89. Magician, Raymond E Feist
90. On The Road, Jack Kerouac
91. The Godfather, Mario Puzo
92. The Clan Of The Cave Bear, Jean M Auel
93. The Colour Of Magic, Terry Pratchett
94. The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho
95. Katherine, Anya Seton
96. Kane And Abel, Jeffrey Archer
97. Love In The Time Of Cholera, Gabriel García Márquez
98. Girls In Love, Jacqueline Wilson
99. The Princess Diaries, Meg Cabot
100. Midnight's Children, Salman Rushdie
Thursday, August 04, 2011
Abstract Expressionism--I get it, but I don't get "it" (click)
I've been to the New York Abstract Expressionist exhibit twice now, and although I did get a lot more out of it the 2nd time around, I still find myself speechless; not because I am stunned by the beauty and truth of the artwork, but rather because I still don't get "it." "It" meaning the paintings. When looking at a Gorky painting or a de Kooning painting, I can't find any emotional connection to them. My imagination isn't stimulated. I don't hear music in my ears and I don't seem to be able to find any reference point to what I've read or seen. Jackson Pollock's paintings look really pretty because of all the colours. Their patterns on the canvas makes my eyes dance and I think, "This is a nice painting." However, I don't walk away feeling anything.
Perhaps I have not suffered enough in life?
Perhaps my thinking is still too attached to the literal and the concrete?
What I did come away from the exhibit with is an interest in astract expressionist photography, especially the works of Henry Callahan and Charles Sheeler. As for painters, I liked Mark Rothko and Frank Kline the most.
Perhaps I have not suffered enough in life?
Perhaps my thinking is still too attached to the literal and the concrete?
What I did come away from the exhibit with is an interest in astract expressionist photography, especially the works of Henry Callahan and Charles Sheeler. As for painters, I liked Mark Rothko and Frank Kline the most.
Sunday, June 05, 2011
Joseph Gordon-Levitt didn't win?!
I can't believe he didn't win "Best Fight" at the 2011 MTV awards. His gravity-defying corridor fight scene was innovative, suspenseful and it was so hard to shoot, yet JGL and the stuntmen made it look so easy. Plus, I thought that Inception had a lot more fans.
I don't get it. Why don't people see the ingenuity in JGL's fight scene?
I don't get it. Why don't people see the ingenuity in JGL's fight scene?
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
"Set Fire to the Third Bar" by Snow Patrol (Click)
Been listening to two versions of this song, one sung by Martha Wainwright (original) and Cheryl Cole (cover). I can see why many people would prefer Cole's version because her voice sounds more nasal, more pleasing to the ear. Wainwright's voice is a lot sharper, and reminds me of Kate Bush. Wainwright's voice is not what you'd normally hear in radio pop songs.
I much prefer Wainwright's version. The intensity of her voice is a clear contrast to Gary Lightbody's, which is also quite nasal. When I listen to them sing, I can hear the excrutiating yearning in their voices. If their voices matched, that effect would be lost because they'd sound too well-blended, which is what I hear when I listen to Cole's version. When Cole and Lightbody sing the duet, her voice almost overpowers his. When Wainwright and Lightbody sing, his voice sounds more velvety, an effect that I find very emotive for this song.
I much prefer Wainwright's version. The intensity of her voice is a clear contrast to Gary Lightbody's, which is also quite nasal. When I listen to them sing, I can hear the excrutiating yearning in their voices. If their voices matched, that effect would be lost because they'd sound too well-blended, which is what I hear when I listen to Cole's version. When Cole and Lightbody sing the duet, her voice almost overpowers his. When Wainwright and Lightbody sing, his voice sounds more velvety, an effect that I find very emotive for this song.
Thursday, May 05, 2011
Notes on The Wild Palms [If I Forget Thee, Jerusalem] (click)
"If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning"
The psalm from which Faulkner took to become the title of his novel is number 137. Clicking on the link in the title will show you the entire psalm.
Psalm 137 talks about the Jews being held captive by the Edomites, and later likely forced into slavery.
How do the main characters of TWP embody that idea? Charlotte appeared to be living in an unhappy marriage, held captive, if you will. Her lover, Harry, is enslaved by poverty. For them, captivity is more metaphorical. For the Tall Convict, however, he was literally serving a prison term for a failed railway train robbery. Later on, the Tall Convict manages to escape, but does that act lead to freedom? Charlotte and Harry have escaped, with her husband's blessing and a threat at the same time, but are later faced with poverty again. Charlotte tries to find ways to make a living, but Harry is too proud to accept her earnings. For the couple, they are also tormented by the fact that they are "living in sin" and it is unclear if they are still in love with one another.
I am as yet unable to make sense of the 2nd part of the verse: "let my hand forget her cunning." In NIV, it is translated as "let my right hand forget its skill." In the NLT, it says "let my right hand forget how to play the harp." In the Old Testament, the Jews were given the city of Jerusalem as their Promised Land by God. When the city is attacked and levelled to th ground, the Jews are taken captive. Hence, they (Jeremiah) vows in this hymn to never forget the Promised Land, and if they should forget about the gift that God gave them, that they should lose their ability to play music.
For the characters in TWP, what is Jerusalem? Is it "freedom?" Is it "true love?" Is this in essence a pledge to freedom and true love, that they should never give up the fight to find these things? That if they do, let them lose the human spirit for the Tall Convict and true love for Charlotte and Harry?
I have read a little more than 1/4 of the novel.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Giving to Charities the Smart Way (Click)
I heard on CBC News Radio today about a Canadian non-profit organization that collects data on charity organizations: how much money they get from donations and how effectively the money is used. They look at many different aspects of managing resources, and they have a report for the most effective charities in Canada in 2010. This report can be downloaded in PDF format from their website.
Over the past few years, I've been looking for a Canadian organization that does this sort of research before I make donations to charities. I had never come across CIC before, and I'm glad I have now.
Over the past few years, I've been looking for a Canadian organization that does this sort of research before I make donations to charities. I had never come across CIC before, and I'm glad I have now.
Thursday, January 06, 2011
Causes of migraines
-lower levels of serotonin
What causes the level of serotonin to drop? - certain foods or behaviours that produce more negative emotions than positive emotions.
Foods:
MSG - had some of that in the Vietnamese spring rolls, sausages and deli meats
nitrites - had some of that in the 2 steak dinners I had, back to back on the weekend; Vietnamese spring rolls, sausages and deli meats
tyramine - found in chocolate (have been having lots of that lately), yogourt (part of my regular diet, so this should be fine); aged cheeses (none)
caffeine - had been drinking 2 cups of black tea/day during the 2 weeks of Christmas holidays; had been drinking 3 cups/week prior to the Holiday Break. This would constitute a sudden increase in the intake of caffeine
Behaviours:
- was exercising less during the holidays
- had left work to the 2nd week of holidays, therefore creating as sense of anxiety
- had left some work undone; forgot to bring home calendar to prep for Monday's class > created a lot of anxiety
- not expressing my anxiety often enough to release it
- depression (realized that I may have been suffering from this disorder since my teenage years)
Action Plan:
1. must must must excercise every day
2. complain more and share my anxiety with others to release it
3. avoid procrastination
4. avoid eating those foods at high amounts within a short period of time (have stopped drinking black tea since Sunday night)
What causes the level of serotonin to drop? - certain foods or behaviours that produce more negative emotions than positive emotions.
Foods:
MSG - had some of that in the Vietnamese spring rolls, sausages and deli meats
nitrites - had some of that in the 2 steak dinners I had, back to back on the weekend; Vietnamese spring rolls, sausages and deli meats
tyramine - found in chocolate (have been having lots of that lately), yogourt (part of my regular diet, so this should be fine); aged cheeses (none)
caffeine - had been drinking 2 cups of black tea/day during the 2 weeks of Christmas holidays; had been drinking 3 cups/week prior to the Holiday Break. This would constitute a sudden increase in the intake of caffeine
Behaviours:
- was exercising less during the holidays
- had left work to the 2nd week of holidays, therefore creating as sense of anxiety
- had left some work undone; forgot to bring home calendar to prep for Monday's class > created a lot of anxiety
- not expressing my anxiety often enough to release it
- depression (realized that I may have been suffering from this disorder since my teenage years)
Action Plan:
1. must must must excercise every day
2. complain more and share my anxiety with others to release it
3. avoid procrastination
4. avoid eating those foods at high amounts within a short period of time (have stopped drinking black tea since Sunday night)
Monday, October 11, 2010
(Four Days Late) Congrats, Mr. Liu Xiaobo!
I've been listening to a lot of Chinese language commentary on Fairchild radio, as well as reading news articles about Mr. Liu's accomplishment. Some of the most touching snippets that I've heard include an interview with Mr. Liu's brother. He said that Mr. Liu has spent a large part of his life promoting human rights and democratic reform in China, and winning the Nobel Peace Prize is completely deserving.
I've also heard some radio listeners giving their two cents worth on an evening talk show, who said that they believe that awarding Mr. Liu this prize is a politically-driven decision, primarily to disgrace the Chinese government. One listener even harkened this award to Gao Xingjian's Nobel Prize for Literature for his novel, "Spirit Mountain." This listener said that the Nobel Committee would award the prizes to anyone who openly criticizes the Chinese government, and not because those individuals have done any commendable work. According to this listener, "Spirit Mountain" was a very ordinary novel without much literary value.
I personally have not read the novel, so I can't weigh in on its literary merits. I do want to read it though, and in Chinese. I read a little bit of it at my bro's condo yesterday when I was there for Thanksgiving dinner. It wasn't hard to read at all. It was actually easier than some of Jin Yong's wuxia novels because Gao didn't write using Classical Chinese prose. Now I have 3.5 books to read, hopefully by Christmas.
Back to the topic of the Nobel Peace prize, I do have to say that there was one commentator (there are probably several who have made this observation) that Mr. Liu's achievement is so much more remarkable because he is the first Chinese national to have won a Nobel prize while still residing in China. He hasn't exiled himself; he doesn't enjoy any freedom in foreign countries. He's currently in prison still for writing up the Charter 08 that called for political reform in China. He does all this work knowing full well the consequences: facing persecution. I do admire him for this.
Several weeks ago, my pastor gave a sermon where he talked about the work of missionaries in areas of the world where evangelical work will land people in prison, or worse, punishment by execution. As a result, these missionaries have to do their work so carefully so as not to set off the authorities. Often times, it's a matter of walking a very fine line.
And then you have people like Aung San Suu Kyi, a human rights activist from Burma, who openly criticizes the Burmese government. She has been living under house arrest for the past 7 years. Prior to this, she had already served another sentence of 6 years between 1989-1995.
Whether one agrees with their ideology, or disapproves of their cause, how can anyone deny their courage and resolve?
"Wife of Chinese Nobel Laureate under house arrest after weekend visit". globeandmail.com. 11 Oct 2010. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/asia-pacific/wife-of-chinese-nobel-laureate-under-house-arrest-after-weekend-visit/article1751640/
I've also heard some radio listeners giving their two cents worth on an evening talk show, who said that they believe that awarding Mr. Liu this prize is a politically-driven decision, primarily to disgrace the Chinese government. One listener even harkened this award to Gao Xingjian's Nobel Prize for Literature for his novel, "Spirit Mountain." This listener said that the Nobel Committee would award the prizes to anyone who openly criticizes the Chinese government, and not because those individuals have done any commendable work. According to this listener, "Spirit Mountain" was a very ordinary novel without much literary value.
I personally have not read the novel, so I can't weigh in on its literary merits. I do want to read it though, and in Chinese. I read a little bit of it at my bro's condo yesterday when I was there for Thanksgiving dinner. It wasn't hard to read at all. It was actually easier than some of Jin Yong's wuxia novels because Gao didn't write using Classical Chinese prose. Now I have 3.5 books to read, hopefully by Christmas.
Back to the topic of the Nobel Peace prize, I do have to say that there was one commentator (there are probably several who have made this observation) that Mr. Liu's achievement is so much more remarkable because he is the first Chinese national to have won a Nobel prize while still residing in China. He hasn't exiled himself; he doesn't enjoy any freedom in foreign countries. He's currently in prison still for writing up the Charter 08 that called for political reform in China. He does all this work knowing full well the consequences: facing persecution. I do admire him for this.
Several weeks ago, my pastor gave a sermon where he talked about the work of missionaries in areas of the world where evangelical work will land people in prison, or worse, punishment by execution. As a result, these missionaries have to do their work so carefully so as not to set off the authorities. Often times, it's a matter of walking a very fine line.
And then you have people like Aung San Suu Kyi, a human rights activist from Burma, who openly criticizes the Burmese government. She has been living under house arrest for the past 7 years. Prior to this, she had already served another sentence of 6 years between 1989-1995.
Whether one agrees with their ideology, or disapproves of their cause, how can anyone deny their courage and resolve?
Bibliography:
"Aung San Suu Kyi - Biography". Nobelprize.org. 11 Oct 2010 http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/1991/kyi-bio.html
"Democracy Fighter Aung San Suu Kyi's Struggle". CBC.ca 11 Oct 2010 http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2009/05/22/f-aung-san-suu-kyi-burma.html
"Liu Xiaobo could win the Nobel Peace Prize, and he'd be the last to know". globeandmail.com. 11 Oct 2010 http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/asia-pacific/liu-xiaobo-could-win-the-nobel-peace-prize-and-hed-be-the-last-to-know/article1747791/
Tuesday, October 05, 2010
So you think teachers have it easy?
Try sitting in an office that has the temperature of 10 degrees Celcius. Try typing a document when your fingers are stiff. See how many times you have to backspace and retype something because of all the mistakes you made. Try aiming your mouse at a specific target while your hand is shaking and your whole body is shuddering from the cold.
In cold weather we don't have heating. In hot weather we don't have A/C.
And you think teachers have it easy?!
In cold weather we don't have heating. In hot weather we don't have A/C.
And you think teachers have it easy?!
Monday, September 13, 2010
三個 “感謝”
昨晚， 是我第一次去觀看一個頌拜的音樂會。 它在 Agincourt Pentecostal Church 的大禮堂理面舉行。 領導頌拜的是 “讚美之泉敬拜團“。 我從來没有看過這一樣的東西， 所以對我來講，是一個大開眼界的經力。 感謝主給了我這一個幾會。 整個晚上的一切都讓我覺得好難忘。 最令我心窩的事情是昨晚我的爹爹跟了我一起去。 我看到他真的很高興地去享受這個音樂會。 這一點令我好感恩。 謝謝主耶稣！
昨天，我又常試了一樣新的東西： 用國語來禱告。 讓我覺得更有福的是因爲我不是爲自己而禱告， 而是爲了别人。 我真的非常感謝神因爲祂給了我一個幾會去帮助别人， 而且還是爲了侍奉主耶稣。 一舉兩得！ 起初，我講得很慢。 後來， 因爲我越來越緊將，所以說得越來越快。 好在到最後， 我也把整個禱告說出來。 現在我才發現，爲甚麼我對主耶稣那麼没有信心呢？ 像頌拜歌理面所說， 我要更加依靠神的能力， 而不是依靠自己的聪明。
之後， 我的弟兄姊妹也有鼓勵我再一次在吃飯之前用國語來帮大家做禱告。 有這幾位愛心豐富的弟兄姊妹圍繞着實在是天父給我的福氣。 他們讓我成長得很有意義， 很快樂。 非常非常感謝主！
願所有的榮耀歸于我們的神耶和華。
昨天，我又常試了一樣新的東西： 用國語來禱告。 讓我覺得更有福的是因爲我不是爲自己而禱告， 而是爲了别人。 我真的非常感謝神因爲祂給了我一個幾會去帮助别人， 而且還是爲了侍奉主耶稣。 一舉兩得！ 起初，我講得很慢。 後來， 因爲我越來越緊將，所以說得越來越快。 好在到最後， 我也把整個禱告說出來。 現在我才發現，爲甚麼我對主耶稣那麼没有信心呢？ 像頌拜歌理面所說， 我要更加依靠神的能力， 而不是依靠自己的聪明。
之後， 我的弟兄姊妹也有鼓勵我再一次在吃飯之前用國語來帮大家做禱告。 有這幾位愛心豐富的弟兄姊妹圍繞着實在是天父給我的福氣。 他們讓我成長得很有意義， 很快樂。 非常非常感謝主！
願所有的榮耀歸于我們的神耶和華。
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Hiking Trail: Corippo - Oviga di Fuori - Lavertezzo (click)
That day, I had finished eating my lunch before most of my travel companions were done, and I also felt like I needed some personal time. After taking leave from the group, I followed a trail that took me up the hill towards the woods. It took me farther and farther away from the river, so I stopped and turned back. What I wanted to see, most of all, was the river. Heading back downhill, I was able to follow the river. The scenery of trees, rocks and river may sound a bit too simple and ordinary, but the hike is anything but.
As I was walking, I was met by many friendly trees who were waving their lusciously green leaves at me, as if beckoning me onward. On my left was a steep decline towards the riverbank. I could hear the chatter of the waters as they hit the rocks, cheerful and impatient, as if they were approaching a happier destination. This only made me want to walk faster to find out where they were headed. Every now and then, I would climb a small hill and then be treated to a view of the great white rocks and the stream of turquoise. The thrill came when I walked across two wooden bridges, about 2.5 feet wide, and 10-12 feet long. They were made of wooden planks, but were still very sturdy.
The hilly terrain coaxed me on, leading me to believe that after the next hill, I would arrive at the riverbank. That was not so, but the anticipation of reaching the rocks grew evermore enticing.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Switzerland 2009 Home Video
I finally finished my first project using Windows Movie Maker. The movie doesn't have a title yet, but it's basically footage from Great-Uncle's funeral last September in Basel, Switzerland. The second half of the film is footage from two day-trips to Lake Luzern and Zermatt.
I used several different pieces of music to compliment the video footage. They include classical, folk and rock music. The hardest part was putting on the subtitles for the various speeches that were read during the funeral. The audio quality captured on my camcorder were quite poor, especially when there was a lot of background noise, such as people coughing and such. Another difficult task is to synchronize the music with the images.
My favourite part of the film is at end. I've used footage shot from the top of a mountain that sits opposite the Matterhorn. My cousin, Thien, panned the camera around to film the mountainscape. It looks absolutely stunning! Plus, the music from "Everything" starts off very softly and builds to a crescendo at the end with vocals, guitar and bass. It works out perfectly with Thien's footage. Even the tempo fits well because there is a clip where he films the landscape from a moving train.
Actually, a lot of the footage happens to fit the music that I've selected really well. I'm very pleased with my first project. Now, all I have to do is buy some DVD-Rs and burn a few copies. Next, I'll work on the cooking footage and make a video of this year's travels.
I used several different pieces of music to compliment the video footage. They include classical, folk and rock music. The hardest part was putting on the subtitles for the various speeches that were read during the funeral. The audio quality captured on my camcorder were quite poor, especially when there was a lot of background noise, such as people coughing and such. Another difficult task is to synchronize the music with the images.
My favourite part of the film is at end. I've used footage shot from the top of a mountain that sits opposite the Matterhorn. My cousin, Thien, panned the camera around to film the mountainscape. It looks absolutely stunning! Plus, the music from "Everything" starts off very softly and builds to a crescendo at the end with vocals, guitar and bass. It works out perfectly with Thien's footage. Even the tempo fits well because there is a clip where he films the landscape from a moving train.
Actually, a lot of the footage happens to fit the music that I've selected really well. I'm very pleased with my first project. Now, all I have to do is buy some DVD-Rs and burn a few copies. Next, I'll work on the cooking footage and make a video of this year's travels.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Back in Canada
I've been back in Toronto for almost a week now. At first, I felt really sad because: 1) I don't get to hang out with my cousins anymore, plus all the new friends I've made. 2) I miss the atmosphere of a new place where I can go exploring on my own. 3) School is going to start soon. Maybe this should be number 1.
This past weekend, I met up with some friends from Ling Fu, as well as my cousin from LA. Their good company and kind words helped me greatly. I just feel sorry I couldn't go to Thai and Catherine's house for a BBQ with Clare and Jack. I miss the Gang so much!
Over the past week, my parents and I have been sharing our travel stories with relatives, and that has been such a blast. Reliving the best (funniest) moments is therapeutic almost.
Right now, I'm learning to use Windows Movie Maker. It's not as hard as I thought it would be. First, I'm going to make a movie using the footage shot by Thien last September when my mummy when to visit. After that, I'll make a movie of the footage that I/Dad/Thien shot during this recent trip.
Now, it's back to the routine, mostly. I have to start practicing piano again, as well as start preparing for Bible Studies. The first one is this Wed. Very much looking forward to seeing the friends from Logos again.
I wish everyone a good week.
This past weekend, I met up with some friends from Ling Fu, as well as my cousin from LA. Their good company and kind words helped me greatly. I just feel sorry I couldn't go to Thai and Catherine's house for a BBQ with Clare and Jack. I miss the Gang so much!
Over the past week, my parents and I have been sharing our travel stories with relatives, and that has been such a blast. Reliving the best (funniest) moments is therapeutic almost.
Right now, I'm learning to use Windows Movie Maker. It's not as hard as I thought it would be. First, I'm going to make a movie using the footage shot by Thien last September when my mummy when to visit. After that, I'll make a movie of the footage that I/Dad/Thien shot during this recent trip.
Now, it's back to the routine, mostly. I have to start practicing piano again, as well as start preparing for Bible Studies. The first one is this Wed. Very much looking forward to seeing the friends from Logos again.
I wish everyone a good week.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Uncle Thien's Bible Study Group
Last night, Uncle Tien brought me to his youth Bible Study group. At first, he said that there might only be four members showing up. When we got there, however, there were already six people! The study was on John 6. This chapter talks about Jesus's sermon from the shores of Capernum.
The format of the study was quite similar to the ones we conduct in Toronto, except this group doesn't use any study guide. We simply do a close reading to understand what's going on in that chapter. The study was conducted in Mandarin, led by girl named XiaoDan. She just finished her studies in theology in Hamburg, Germany. She was very enthusiastic and made the study quite enjoyable.
At the end, Lisa asked all of us to recite one verse from chapter 6 that Dan Dang had chosen to be the most important. She chose verse 35, which goes like this: And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh unto me shall never hunger, and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. Since I was reading from a Chinese Bible in Mandarin, I decided to interpret it into English while most everyone else recited it in either German or Mandarin. Perhaps my current Bible study groups at Logos and Lingfu could also adapt this strategy.
In the past, we discussed memorizing verses after each study, and reciting them at the beginning of the next session. However, this important activity always seems to be conveniently forgotten at the next session. As a result, we have yet to commit to memorizing verses from the chapters that we've studied.
In the closing prayer, I spoke in English and I prayed for my dad. While in Switzerland, he prayed with me for the first time a few nights ago. First I prayed, and then he followed. He didn't just sit passively and listen to me pray, but participated by speaking directly to the Lord. When I was praying about this last night, I was so overcome by the Holy Spirit that I broke down and was virtually sobbing and praying at the same time. This is so uncharacteristic of me to render myself so vulnerably to complete strangers. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit was with me and I was able to complete my prayer. Last night was a very liberating evening for me.
Afterwards, we sat and chatted. I described to Lisa what Lingfu is like, and she described her church to me. Currently, they don't even have a pastor. The church is basically run by 20 or so members of the Mandarin congregation. She said that now, every one of them have a great responsibility because they no longer have a pastor to lean on. Whatever becomes of their church will depend on what these 20+ members do with it. I responded that if God didn't think they were capable enough for the task, He would not have placed it on them thus. She agreed and we both felt very thankful to the Lord for showing us this scenario. As small as Lingfu is, at least I have Pastor Rex and his wife Ellen to lead the congregation. I thank the gracious Lord for his providence and blessings.
The format of the study was quite similar to the ones we conduct in Toronto, except this group doesn't use any study guide. We simply do a close reading to understand what's going on in that chapter. The study was conducted in Mandarin, led by girl named XiaoDan. She just finished her studies in theology in Hamburg, Germany. She was very enthusiastic and made the study quite enjoyable.
At the end, Lisa asked all of us to recite one verse from chapter 6 that Dan Dang had chosen to be the most important. She chose verse 35, which goes like this: And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh unto me shall never hunger, and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. Since I was reading from a Chinese Bible in Mandarin, I decided to interpret it into English while most everyone else recited it in either German or Mandarin. Perhaps my current Bible study groups at Logos and Lingfu could also adapt this strategy.
In the past, we discussed memorizing verses after each study, and reciting them at the beginning of the next session. However, this important activity always seems to be conveniently forgotten at the next session. As a result, we have yet to commit to memorizing verses from the chapters that we've studied.
In the closing prayer, I spoke in English and I prayed for my dad. While in Switzerland, he prayed with me for the first time a few nights ago. First I prayed, and then he followed. He didn't just sit passively and listen to me pray, but participated by speaking directly to the Lord. When I was praying about this last night, I was so overcome by the Holy Spirit that I broke down and was virtually sobbing and praying at the same time. This is so uncharacteristic of me to render myself so vulnerably to complete strangers. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit was with me and I was able to complete my prayer. Last night was a very liberating evening for me.
Afterwards, we sat and chatted. I described to Lisa what Lingfu is like, and she described her church to me. Currently, they don't even have a pastor. The church is basically run by 20 or so members of the Mandarin congregation. She said that now, every one of them have a great responsibility because they no longer have a pastor to lean on. Whatever becomes of their church will depend on what these 20+ members do with it. I responded that if God didn't think they were capable enough for the task, He would not have placed it on them thus. She agreed and we both felt very thankful to the Lord for showing us this scenario. As small as Lingfu is, at least I have Pastor Rex and his wife Ellen to lead the congregation. I thank the gracious Lord for his providence and blessings.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
The Hindu Chariot Festival @ Toronto (click)
While riding a canal cruise in Amsterdam, I was chatting with another travelling couple from Ireland who said that when they visited Toronto a few years ago, they saw an amazing parade to honor the Hindu god, Ganesh. I had to struggle to grasp what she was talking about becuase I had never heard of such a parade in Toronto. The Gay Pride and Caribbana parades I hear about every year, but not the Hindu Chariot Festival. And look! Here's an article about it in the T.O Star.
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