Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Artist:五月天倔强
当我和世界不一样
那就让我不一样
坚持对我来说就是以刚克刚
我如果对自己不行
如果对自己说谎
即使你不原谅我也不能原谅
最美的愿望一定最疯狂
我就是我自己的神在我活的地方
我和我最后的倔强
握紧双手绝对不放
下一站是不是天堂
就算失望不能绝望
我和我骄傲的倔强
我在风中大声的唱
这一次为自己疯狂
就这一次我和我的倔强
对爱我的人别紧张
我的固执很善良
我的手越肮脏眼神越是发光
你不在乎我的过往
看到了我的翅膀
你说被火烧过才能出现凤凰
逆风的方向更适合飞翔
我不怕千万人阻挡只怕自己投降
我和我最后的倔强
握紧双手绝对不放
下一站是不是天堂
就算失望不能绝望
我和我骄傲的倔强
我在风中大声的唱
这一次为自己疯狂
就这一次我和我的倔强
我和我最后的倔强
握紧双手绝对不放
下一站是不是天堂
就算失望不能绝望
我和我骄傲的倔强
我在风中大声的唱
这一次为自己疯狂
就这一次我和我的倔强
就这一次让我大声唱
lalalala...
就算失望不能绝望...
lalalalala
就这一次我和我的倔强
i want this to last 4:36 PM
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
"We cannot be sure of having something to live for unless we are willing to die for it."Yeah people sorry for the random pic, but it just seemed to be that nowadays, all my posts begin with a unique picture, so I decided that today's post would be no exception. Perhaps most of you would have seen this famous picture. Or some of you may have seen it but have no idea who the guy is. Well, the guy, like the picture says, is called Ernesto "Che" Guevara, and he's basically a famous revolutionary in Latin America, better known as South America, for the better part of the 20th century until well he was caught in Bolivia and shot. Haha I guess I decided to begin today's post with this picture, cause well personally I have always been inspired by Che and his charisma, leadership and ideals. For more details, search wikipedia. Today's post is after all, not going to be about him.
Realized these few days that all of a sudden, prelims are upon me. Stunned by the way time flies. It seemed like only yesterday when I promised myself to start mugging a month before the prelims. Oh well. Heheh. But I have entered mugging mode, while monitoring the progress of RVCO in their movement torwards Zhiyin IV and as they peak, I hope, towards its inception.Oh and I bought the F.I.R tickets too, which seems fast, considering that it seemed like only a month ago when we decided to go for the concert. Oh and today's my last PE lesson in ACJC too. Tempus Fugit, as Mr Ngoei would say.
Oh well, I hope for good luck in the prelims, and good luck to RVCO too as they move towards Zhiyin IV, though hopefully by that time, they won't even need luck. Yeah.
i want this to last 8:20 PM
Sunday, July 27, 2008
"Musicians are the architects of heaven."-Bobby Mcferrin
Seeing as how the season for RVCO's sometimes annual, sometimes sporadic concert is drawing near, or already in full progress, I decided to do a post on what these two words really mean to generations upon generations of RVCOians, as a break from all the flaming and philosophical posts I've been doing recently. So, Zhiyin. For those of you who can't actually read chinese, those two words at the top of my post are pronounced Zhi Yin, as according to the Hanyu Pinyin System. According to Wade-Giles Translation, that would be Chih Ying. Yeah.
So what do these two words actually mean? What are their origins? Well I won't profess to knowing the origins of why we decided to call our concert Zhiyin, so maybe the juniors can ask Miss Tay or some older alumni about that. But, according to a direct translation to english, Zhiyin would mean Knowing Sounds/Music. Or to be even more specific, A knowledge of sounds and music. I guess in typical RV cheem-chinese tradition, it is a pretty good name, showing that our CO has a good sense of the music that we play and trying to portray ourselves as like hehehe a uber good musical orchestral and what not. But I'm not here to discuss the significance of the name of our concert. Rather, I'm talking about the significance of the concerts themselves.
For me, I certainly remember my first and only Zhiyin Concert. It was Zhiyin III, in 2005, at the Victoria Concert Hall. The funny thing is, I don't really remember the songs we played, or how well we played them. Rather, I remember the friendships forged, the unity built in the CO over this hectic period, owing to 2005 being the SYF year as well. I remember as the Sec3 guys bonded with the Sec4 guys over LAN sessions and football matches after the practices. I remember how Cello/Bass bonded, as we slaved over Polka and
So, as we come to today, its only one month and 3 days to Zhiyin IV, the fourth in a sucession of a series of very successful concerts which have really come to represent what RVCO stands for, besides of course the SYF. To my juniors, the songs are of course important. Never neglect practice, for a concert is one of two ways to showcase our strength, our beauty of music, our greatness to the audience. And I know all of you can do it. Everyone of you has tremendous potential. Never forget that, and practice to your best and memorize the scores. Listen to your instructors well, for they are all experienced people whom have decades worth of music experience. But, just as you practice hard, forge bonds unbreakable across time and unite as one orchestra. Have fun while you practice, talk cock with the orchestra, bond, and carry on the RVCO legacy. Always remember, the bonds that you forge in RVCO, if strong enough, will affect you for a lifetime. Well an example would sort of be the RVCAB chalet last year.HAHA. It was indeed testament to the strong bonds between generations of RVCAB that 7 generations of CAB people gathered in that chalet that day and shared jokes and what not. This sort of bond, brought about by Zhiyin, is exactly what I'm talking about.
So, my dear juniors. Practice hard, forge bonds, and present a concert that will be unforgotten across time. Show the world what it means to be RVCO!! YEAH!
i want this to last 1:12 PM
Saturday, July 26, 2008
"Our time for change has come."-Barack ObamaYep, I thought I would begin this entry with a meaningful quote, taken from the mouth of Obama, America's first ever black presidential candidate and the nominee of the democrats. Now, Obama was like a fresh breath of air that American politics very much needed after years of mudslinging and what not. His promises of clean and fair elections, banking on the need for change, as well as his youth, attracted voters and listeners from all over America. While I do agree that he seems to lack a concrete policy and has somewhat failed to live up to the promises he made early on recently, I am still very much inspired by his abovementioned quote, which is what led me to this entry in the first place I guess.
Like Obama, I'm an idealist. I believe in changing the world, to the best of my efforts, whenver I can. Unlike certain of my friends, who are only interested in jobs "where the money is", I believe more in working and hoping to change the world, even if its a small part of it, helping it to develop, to grow, and making it a better world to live in. Of course, I'm not saying that the realistic views of my friends are wrong. Indeed, being realistic is important as well and there is no crime in wanting to make big bucks and live in luxury. It's just that my dream is different, that is all.
I guess this idealism translate to what I do when I lead as well, which of course, explains the flame war which I have recently tried to end. However, I could not help but think about this when my friend said that the deep rooted perception of my CCA in my school is too hard to change and therefore, I should not insist on my ideals and something to that extent and make it instead, into a home and shelter for people. I respect her view, but I still maintain my idealism, and that we should always try and strive for change. I mean, if every generation thought the same way, that this perception is too hard to change, wouldn't progress never occur?As Obama said, "Our time for change has come." The problem is, are we ready to execute this change? Will we be ready when the time comes? Do we maintain the status quo, or strive for change according to our ideals? Questions which I really have no answer to now, but I hope to find out on my journey of life.
Note that this is not a post to re-ignite the flame war, just some philosophical musings of mine. Yeah.
i want this to last 4:43 PM
Friday, July 25, 2008
Well, I have made this post with the intention of ending the stuff that's been going on recently, with us reading each others' blogs and all, so with this post, I just hope to end this issue once and for all.
Now 1st of all, yes I admit I may have portrayed myself as a lone hero fighting against all odds, but you did portray me as pompous and egoistic, which I may disagree with, but since these are both just PORTRAYALS I guess we should just call it quits at the characterization of my character and what not. I am basically, posting this not to argue about that.
Well, I would just like to say each of us is entitled to our own view. You certainly have your own opinions on the success rate of the committee, and I don't blame you for that. As of now, I'm quite certain, I haven't personally insulted you, making remarks like "Oh you're so stupid!" that sort of thing. Nor have I insulted your views, like "Oh what a stupid view! It sux! Dumb!" making that sort of remarks. All that I have done is post my views on my blog in a argumentitive and analytical way as far as possible. I certainly didn't shoot down your views. In fact, I think I have tried my best to include the merits of your views. But, I do think that I am entitled to my own view as well.
Now what I'm trying to say is that each of us is entitled to our own view. You can post "Gays rule!" on your blog for all I care and I have to respect your opinion. Likewise, if I post something like" The problems of gays" on my blog I think that you have to respect my right to post such things. I hope that if you want to attack my opinions, please just attack my opinions and not my character, because basically, that's not a very civil thing to do. I know you have made valid attacks on my OPINIONS, but calling me an "armchair critic" and "pompous and egoistic" certainly sounds like attacks on my personal character to me. Well, on my part, I have always tried to refrain from personal attacks, but if you can find any on my entries, I do apologize.
In short, I just hope you can respect my opinion just as I respect yours. You think the committee can make it, I don't think so. That's just fine. I'm entitled to my opinion, just as you are to yours. This may sound like a freedom of speech thing, but its just basic courtesy. Oh and it was never my intention to start this war. I was just posting my opinion on my blog, and would not have responded to your opinion on the committee, if not for the attacks on my character, which of course I feel I have to defend myself and explain why I didn't attend the handover and what not, which led to the post which caused so much trouble in the first place. To conclude, I still think that the committee can't make it, not until they've proven themselves. That's just my opinion, just like how you believe they can make it. That's your opinion, and that's fine. It's your opinion, and I can't stop you from thinking that way. And I hope you won't attack my personal character just for having my own opinion.
Now 1st of all, yes I admit I may have portrayed myself as a lone hero fighting against all odds, but you did portray me as pompous and egoistic, which I may disagree with, but since these are both just PORTRAYALS I guess we should just call it quits at the characterization of my character and what not. I am basically, posting this not to argue about that.
Well, I would just like to say each of us is entitled to our own view. You certainly have your own opinions on the success rate of the committee, and I don't blame you for that. As of now, I'm quite certain, I haven't personally insulted you, making remarks like "Oh you're so stupid!" that sort of thing. Nor have I insulted your views, like "Oh what a stupid view! It sux! Dumb!" making that sort of remarks. All that I have done is post my views on my blog in a argumentitive and analytical way as far as possible. I certainly didn't shoot down your views. In fact, I think I have tried my best to include the merits of your views. But, I do think that I am entitled to my own view as well.
Now what I'm trying to say is that each of us is entitled to our own view. You can post "Gays rule!" on your blog for all I care and I have to respect your opinion. Likewise, if I post something like" The problems of gays" on my blog I think that you have to respect my right to post such things. I hope that if you want to attack my opinions, please just attack my opinions and not my character, because basically, that's not a very civil thing to do. I know you have made valid attacks on my OPINIONS, but calling me an "armchair critic" and "pompous and egoistic" certainly sounds like attacks on my personal character to me. Well, on my part, I have always tried to refrain from personal attacks, but if you can find any on my entries, I do apologize.
In short, I just hope you can respect my opinion just as I respect yours. You think the committee can make it, I don't think so. That's just fine. I'm entitled to my opinion, just as you are to yours. This may sound like a freedom of speech thing, but its just basic courtesy. Oh and it was never my intention to start this war. I was just posting my opinion on my blog, and would not have responded to your opinion on the committee, if not for the attacks on my character, which of course I feel I have to defend myself and explain why I didn't attend the handover and what not, which led to the post which caused so much trouble in the first place. To conclude, I still think that the committee can't make it, not until they've proven themselves. That's just my opinion, just like how you believe they can make it. That's your opinion, and that's fine. It's your opinion, and I can't stop you from thinking that way. And I hope you won't attack my personal character just for having my own opinion.
i want this to last 3:42 PM
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Well, after much thought and debate I've decided to post this post to make clear my stand on why I decided not to come for my handover and all the trouble recently. What's done is done, but I just hope for my post to clarify certain matters and resolve the issues at hand, which are actually just already set in stone.
Personally, this post is going to be about the ACCO politics which plagued much of June and July, which mainly, really just divided me and the rest of the committee. Indeed, I was fighting a one man battle, and despite there being no explicit comments, many whisperings was heard of me being the leader of the Chinese gang, and causing trouble, and being an irresponsible SL and committee member and what not. All these, Meiqi and Alyssa have generously tried to hide by still being friendly towards me and such. While I was appreciative of such efforts, there comes a time when a person must indeed re-look on his vision and aims when he took up a leadership position and question himself: Did I achieve these aims? Are things going the way I envisioned them? Now of course when your aims and the aims of the community at large coincide, there is no problem, and we can work as a committee as one towards these aims, striving towards greater heights. The problem of course, comes when a divergence of aims occurs, when what you want is not what the majority wants, when you fight a lone battle. At this time, one must decide. Do I stand my ground and maintain my beliefs? Or do I give in and just follow the crowd?
Now first, I must make my stance clear. For me, my aim in CO was always to preserve CO, not just ACCO. One may ask,” What’s the difference?" Well I shall say that my aim is the preservation of CO, Chinese Orchestral music, its intricacies, the love of it, its nuances and quaint traits as a whole. My aims are not aimed at improving the situation of any particular CO, but at the whole idea of CO itself. Now last year, this wasn't a problem. The survival of ACCO meant the survival of CO to me, and I worked hard with the committee, etching out new policies, trying to recruit more members, improving our conditions, our standards of music, etc. The problem just came this year, when an influx of Barker boys came along. Now, don't get me wrong. I have no personal vendetta against Barker people. At their best, they are a kind, fun-loving, generous and loyal lot who inspire loyalty and esprit de corps in they who join them. The problem comes in the fact that their aims of CO diverge from mine. Maybe its their background, or their upbringing, but as a general observation (note I said general) many of them do not really understand the meaning behind Chinese Orchestral music, its wonder, the stories behind it, the feelings that it is supposed to emote. From my point of view, they simply join CO because, well, their friends are inside CO. Now before majority of any Barker kids who read this post protest, I would like to ask all of you a question. How many of you would still join CO if ALL your friends quit CO? How many of you would stay on, just for the love of CO music?
And therein lies my differences with the committee. The committee certainly believes it is making the right decision in its choice of successors. I don't blame them for that, for their aim is to preserve ACCO, not CO, or so I believe. They have indeed chosen people with capable leadership qualities, able to lead an organization. But CO is not just an organization. I believe that with the current leadership, the soul of CO cannot be preserved. To prove my point, I would like to ask my committee, how many of you know that the people you chose are actually PASSIONATE about CO music? That they are genuinely interested? For me, that is one of the most important criteria for leading a CO. The teachers and committee apparently think otherwise, with their election of Irvin as president. I won't deny that he has an impressive resume, and I would be the first to defend his leadership qualities, which he does possess. He has a certain musical talent as well. However, does he actually possess a passion of CO music? Does he love the songs? Does he know what music we're making? From my point of view, not really. The observations that I have made of him, as an SL of him leads me to believe he lacks what I deem an important part of a leader of a CO. But, apparently the higher-ups disagree.
Now, why is passion in CO music important you ask? Well I can explain it simply. It provides the necessary drive to recruit members into CO and just make the CO stronger. Can you imagine, for example, if the Prime Minister of Singapore was someone who is totally disinterested in political affairs? Or the principal of a secondary school is someone who hates education? It is only if you have passion for something, that you can truly push it to greater heights and convince others of its worth. Our CO can only improve, not under capable leadership, but under a passionate and visionary one as well. Passion and vision go together like bread and butter. With one lacking, the other will not materialize. And any organization without a strong passion and vision will just die out. And as I've mentioned above, I, for one, cannot believe that the Barker Boys, most of them at least, have a true passion for CO music. You may choose to rebutt, but for now this is just my point of view.
And so, my friends, this is why I've distanced myself from ACCO at large, cause I simply cannot accept the path they have chosen to do things. I always believed in my vision of preserving CO music and encouraging it at large, but ACCO apparently believes otherwise. Since our paths diverge, I cannot agree with their choices and thus, I chose to skip the handover and what not, simply because I cannot bring myself to legitimize the new committee. I hope this post has made clear my stand, and hope that people will stop referring to me as pompous and egoistic.
Personally, this post is going to be about the ACCO politics which plagued much of June and July, which mainly, really just divided me and the rest of the committee. Indeed, I was fighting a one man battle, and despite there being no explicit comments, many whisperings was heard of me being the leader of the Chinese gang, and causing trouble, and being an irresponsible SL and committee member and what not. All these, Meiqi and Alyssa have generously tried to hide by still being friendly towards me and such. While I was appreciative of such efforts, there comes a time when a person must indeed re-look on his vision and aims when he took up a leadership position and question himself: Did I achieve these aims? Are things going the way I envisioned them? Now of course when your aims and the aims of the community at large coincide, there is no problem, and we can work as a committee as one towards these aims, striving towards greater heights. The problem of course, comes when a divergence of aims occurs, when what you want is not what the majority wants, when you fight a lone battle. At this time, one must decide. Do I stand my ground and maintain my beliefs? Or do I give in and just follow the crowd?
Now first, I must make my stance clear. For me, my aim in CO was always to preserve CO, not just ACCO. One may ask,” What’s the difference?" Well I shall say that my aim is the preservation of CO, Chinese Orchestral music, its intricacies, the love of it, its nuances and quaint traits as a whole. My aims are not aimed at improving the situation of any particular CO, but at the whole idea of CO itself. Now last year, this wasn't a problem. The survival of ACCO meant the survival of CO to me, and I worked hard with the committee, etching out new policies, trying to recruit more members, improving our conditions, our standards of music, etc. The problem just came this year, when an influx of Barker boys came along. Now, don't get me wrong. I have no personal vendetta against Barker people. At their best, they are a kind, fun-loving, generous and loyal lot who inspire loyalty and esprit de corps in they who join them. The problem comes in the fact that their aims of CO diverge from mine. Maybe its their background, or their upbringing, but as a general observation (note I said general) many of them do not really understand the meaning behind Chinese Orchestral music, its wonder, the stories behind it, the feelings that it is supposed to emote. From my point of view, they simply join CO because, well, their friends are inside CO. Now before majority of any Barker kids who read this post protest, I would like to ask all of you a question. How many of you would still join CO if ALL your friends quit CO? How many of you would stay on, just for the love of CO music?
And therein lies my differences with the committee. The committee certainly believes it is making the right decision in its choice of successors. I don't blame them for that, for their aim is to preserve ACCO, not CO, or so I believe. They have indeed chosen people with capable leadership qualities, able to lead an organization. But CO is not just an organization. I believe that with the current leadership, the soul of CO cannot be preserved. To prove my point, I would like to ask my committee, how many of you know that the people you chose are actually PASSIONATE about CO music? That they are genuinely interested? For me, that is one of the most important criteria for leading a CO. The teachers and committee apparently think otherwise, with their election of Irvin as president. I won't deny that he has an impressive resume, and I would be the first to defend his leadership qualities, which he does possess. He has a certain musical talent as well. However, does he actually possess a passion of CO music? Does he love the songs? Does he know what music we're making? From my point of view, not really. The observations that I have made of him, as an SL of him leads me to believe he lacks what I deem an important part of a leader of a CO. But, apparently the higher-ups disagree.
Now, why is passion in CO music important you ask? Well I can explain it simply. It provides the necessary drive to recruit members into CO and just make the CO stronger. Can you imagine, for example, if the Prime Minister of Singapore was someone who is totally disinterested in political affairs? Or the principal of a secondary school is someone who hates education? It is only if you have passion for something, that you can truly push it to greater heights and convince others of its worth. Our CO can only improve, not under capable leadership, but under a passionate and visionary one as well. Passion and vision go together like bread and butter. With one lacking, the other will not materialize. And any organization without a strong passion and vision will just die out. And as I've mentioned above, I, for one, cannot believe that the Barker Boys, most of them at least, have a true passion for CO music. You may choose to rebutt, but for now this is just my point of view.
And so, my friends, this is why I've distanced myself from ACCO at large, cause I simply cannot accept the path they have chosen to do things. I always believed in my vision of preserving CO music and encouraging it at large, but ACCO apparently believes otherwise. Since our paths diverge, I cannot agree with their choices and thus, I chose to skip the handover and what not, simply because I cannot bring myself to legitimize the new committee. I hope this post has made clear my stand, and hope that people will stop referring to me as pompous and egoistic.
i want this to last 4:12 PM
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Was going to flame during this post, but after reading everyone's tearful goodbyes and what not, I've decided to moderate it somewhat so that the truth is glaring and less hurtful. They say the truth hurts, and its no exception in this case, but who am I to decide?
ACCO handover,was today, totally skipped it like I said I would. Instead went to ECP to clear my mind and heart and to accept the inevitable fate of ACCO. Things were worse enough, I thought, but they just got worse. I don't know what the teachers were thinking when they selected the president of the next committee, but hey, who am I to criticize? I'm only a small SL, a nobody to debate the mighty and calculated decisions of the teachers. They may think he can do it, but oh well what can I say? I just think it will get worse that's all. Of all the stupid decisions to make, they just had to choose that one. Whatever. I can be sure that I'm not coming to watch the SYF next year that's for sure.
Congragulations to Fu En,Xuan Han and Janet on getting their posts, and I wish them all the best in working under these teachers and their president next year. Good luck, especially with getting new members, with which the current situation, I think is presumably quite impossible. Which is why I think the important choices the teachers' make are quite contradictory in the first place. But oh well, who am I to decide? I'm just a SL. So good luck my friends, and good luck ACCO in surviving SYF next year,if we even can go for SYF. Shen Guo Qin may be good, but even the best blacksmith can't forge a good sword out of rusted and twisted steel.
ACCO handover,was today, totally skipped it like I said I would. Instead went to ECP to clear my mind and heart and to accept the inevitable fate of ACCO. Things were worse enough, I thought, but they just got worse. I don't know what the teachers were thinking when they selected the president of the next committee, but hey, who am I to criticize? I'm only a small SL, a nobody to debate the mighty and calculated decisions of the teachers. They may think he can do it, but oh well what can I say? I just think it will get worse that's all. Of all the stupid decisions to make, they just had to choose that one. Whatever. I can be sure that I'm not coming to watch the SYF next year that's for sure.
Congragulations to Fu En,Xuan Han and Janet on getting their posts, and I wish them all the best in working under these teachers and their president next year. Good luck, especially with getting new members, with which the current situation, I think is presumably quite impossible. Which is why I think the important choices the teachers' make are quite contradictory in the first place. But oh well, who am I to decide? I'm just a SL. So good luck my friends, and good luck ACCO in surviving SYF next year,if we even can go for SYF. Shen Guo Qin may be good, but even the best blacksmith can't forge a good sword out of rusted and twisted steel.
i want this to last 11:22 PM
Friday, July 18, 2008
Made up my mind.
There's no more turning back.
No more hesitation.
I've got to do what's best for me, what's best for everyone.
That's it then, I guess.
I've tried so hard, and got so far, but in the end, it doesn't even matter..
i want this to last 9:59 PM
Thursday, July 17, 2008
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"Welcome to a world without rules."And with that immortal tagline, I am now proud to present to you, JunHan's professional movie review on the most recent and anticipated blockbuster: Batman: The Dark Knight. Sequel to the critically acclaimed Batman Begins(2005), The Dark Knight covers the story of Bruce Wayne's never ending fight against corruption in the grimy city of Gotham. With new allies Harvey Dent and Lieutanant James Gordon, Batman goes against new foes, like the new mobsters as well as psychopathic clown and famous comic-book nemesis, the one and only Joker in this mind blowing sequel.
Focusing on the characterization of Batman next, it is indeed reassuring to see that Nolan has continued with his rebuilding of the much discredited Batman franchise with his increasing portrayal of Batman's emotions, his doubts, his worries and beneath it all, the central question of whether Batman can ever give up becoming Batman. Complementing Christian Bale's postively emotional acting in this case are the ever-wise cracking Alfred Pennyworth, portrayed by Michael Caine, as well as the witty Luicius Fox, portrayed by Morgan Freeman. Batman's doubts and questions over his confrontations with the Joker form a key development in the plot and I was glad to see it well-executed.
The love triangle of Harvey Dent, Rachel Dawes and Bruce Wayne, while not sufficiently explored, did not really hamper the film much, though I was quite dissapointed with the lack of development for Harvey Dent, whom as comic-book fans know, turn into the intriguing and villainous Two-Face. His fall from grace, while sufficiently portrayed in the movie, was not fully developed in my opinion and could have been worked on further. Rachel Dawes, like in the previous film, remained a weak link in my opinion and all but represented the stereotypical damsel-in-distress, necessary in all superhero films.
The use of special effects, while nothing home to write about, were relatively spectacular in this film, with the introduction of the Bat-pod, Batman's personal motorcycle. The desgins and costumes were relatively spectacular as well, with the Joker's grungy design standing out in paticular.
All in all, this film is definitely one of two films which I declare a must-watch this summer, with the other being John Woo's Red Cliff. TDK woos audience with its gripping storyline, complex characterization, bringing to the big screen accurately once again, one of our favourite comic book icons of all time.
The Dark Knight(TDK) indeed delievers on all fronts and is a movie worthy of acclaim. To begin with, I would like to talk about Ledger's performance as the psychopathic clown and Batman No.1 foe the Joker. Now, after Ledger's controversial death in 2007, critics and fans alike whom have watch TDK have called for a posthomous oscar for the actor due to his well-received performance. After watching his performance myself, I would however, have to disagree. Ledger did indeed potray a Joker that I immensely enjoyed. Not since Mark Hamil's eeire adaption of the character on the cartoon scene have I seen such a well-portrayed Joker. Ledger indeeds typifies what fans of Batman expect from the Joker: a sadistic humor and twisted sense of the world. However, I personally felt that while the Joker's evil side was sufficiently demonstrated, his comic side, the side which made people laugh along side him and his sadistic jokes in the Animated Series, was to me, sorely lacking. Others may choose to disagree, but for me the ability to bring out the sadistic humor in people was really what appealed to me in the Joker character.
Focusing on the characterization of Batman next, it is indeed reassuring to see that Nolan has continued with his rebuilding of the much discredited Batman franchise with his increasing portrayal of Batman's emotions, his doubts, his worries and beneath it all, the central question of whether Batman can ever give up becoming Batman. Complementing Christian Bale's postively emotional acting in this case are the ever-wise cracking Alfred Pennyworth, portrayed by Michael Caine, as well as the witty Luicius Fox, portrayed by Morgan Freeman. Batman's doubts and questions over his confrontations with the Joker form a key development in the plot and I was glad to see it well-executed.
The love triangle of Harvey Dent, Rachel Dawes and Bruce Wayne, while not sufficiently explored, did not really hamper the film much, though I was quite dissapointed with the lack of development for Harvey Dent, whom as comic-book fans know, turn into the intriguing and villainous Two-Face. His fall from grace, while sufficiently portrayed in the movie, was not fully developed in my opinion and could have been worked on further. Rachel Dawes, like in the previous film, remained a weak link in my opinion and all but represented the stereotypical damsel-in-distress, necessary in all superhero films.
The use of special effects, while nothing home to write about, were relatively spectacular in this film, with the introduction of the Bat-pod, Batman's personal motorcycle. The desgins and costumes were relatively spectacular as well, with the Joker's grungy design standing out in paticular.
All in all, this film is definitely one of two films which I declare a must-watch this summer, with the other being John Woo's Red Cliff. TDK woos audience with its gripping storyline, complex characterization, bringing to the big screen accurately once again, one of our favourite comic book icons of all time.
i want this to last 10:12 PM
Friday, July 11, 2008
立化华乐团荣誉呈献:RVCO 知音IV!
票价:$12,$15,$25
地点:新加坡大会堂
时间:7:30pm
日期:8月30日
Yes for those of you who do know what it is, ITS HERE! The long awaited sequel to Zhiyin III, Zhiyin IV promises to be more exciting, more spectacular and a much more hotly celebrated CO music extravaganza. Now for those who visit my blog, those who are RVCO Alumni or interested in CO music, do come and enjoy this evening of chinese orchestral music, presented by our very own RVCO! It promises to be a night you'll never forget. So to all seniors and friends, do come one and all! Please feel free to approach any ex-RVCO member or me for tickets!
i want this to last 9:00 PM
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Well this post will be a combination of the way I spent my Sunday and Monday Youth Day holiday which was fun and packed with thrills and spills.
Sunday
Had CAB outing with the CAB people in the evening, since I was after all the organizer. Went for kbox with Judith and JX before that though at AMK. Elyena bang seh us. Haha. Yeah so the three of us went kbox like 1 hour after the meeting time thanks to someone and after kbox, I realized I caught Judith's extraordinarily strong flu virus cause I had a sore throat and running nose. Whee. However, we still went for CAB outing at Causeway. We had dinner at pastamania, and it was fun to see 8 generations of RVCAB people at the same table, cracking jokes, talking cock and just being lame in all ways possible. The rest of them went for a movie after that, which I gather from most of their blogs was interesting but I had to leave early. Sian.
Monday
Fought a hard-won battle to recover from my flu sufficiently to go for the Zhiyin Meeting at Mr Lim's house. Was spamming lozenges like crazy in the morning. Eventually, I sufficiently recovered my voice and went down to Mr Lim's big big house with his state-of-the-art surround sound system and extremely big HDTV in his room. Discussed stage plans and movements with Bena and Zheng Laoshi while also helping them think of English summaries for the songs for the programme booklet. After most of the work was done, we basically talked cock and calculated each other's bazi and fortune and what not. Haha. Had pizza for lunch also, courtesy of Mr. Lim. However, the room must have been a hotspot/cauldron for illnesses, cause there were no less than 3 different strains of flu viruses floating around the room. My virus must have mutated in there cause when I returned home, I was feeling worse than ever. Almost couldn't make it to school today.
So overall, the 2 days were fun, but I still have a stage plan to type out. Ahaha. Shall post the pics next time.
Sunday
Had CAB outing with the CAB people in the evening, since I was after all the organizer. Went for kbox with Judith and JX before that though at AMK. Elyena bang seh us. Haha. Yeah so the three of us went kbox like 1 hour after the meeting time thanks to someone and after kbox, I realized I caught Judith's extraordinarily strong flu virus cause I had a sore throat and running nose. Whee. However, we still went for CAB outing at Causeway. We had dinner at pastamania, and it was fun to see 8 generations of RVCAB people at the same table, cracking jokes, talking cock and just being lame in all ways possible. The rest of them went for a movie after that, which I gather from most of their blogs was interesting but I had to leave early. Sian.
Monday
Fought a hard-won battle to recover from my flu sufficiently to go for the Zhiyin Meeting at Mr Lim's house. Was spamming lozenges like crazy in the morning. Eventually, I sufficiently recovered my voice and went down to Mr Lim's big big house with his state-of-the-art surround sound system and extremely big HDTV in his room. Discussed stage plans and movements with Bena and Zheng Laoshi while also helping them think of English summaries for the songs for the programme booklet. After most of the work was done, we basically talked cock and calculated each other's bazi and fortune and what not. Haha. Had pizza for lunch also, courtesy of Mr. Lim. However, the room must have been a hotspot/cauldron for illnesses, cause there were no less than 3 different strains of flu viruses floating around the room. My virus must have mutated in there cause when I returned home, I was feeling worse than ever. Almost couldn't make it to school today.
So overall, the 2 days were fun, but I still have a stage plan to type out. Ahaha. Shall post the pics next time.
i want this to last 6:44 PM
Saturday, July 5, 2008
I Don't Care.
F.I.R
风轻吹吹干泪
泪流了一夜才觉得浪费
是错对无所谓我让你去飞
别再作无谓的美梦想去挽回
就别再作困兽之斗去挣扎一切
那些美丽容颜如今都已破碎
飞越谎言冲破无力改变的世界
I don't care,it's not fair.
就让你犯你的罪
I don't care,no more care.
带着下一个梦去追
我不后悔不后退就是那么的绝对
我要的完美不是不是不是你能给
将一切毁灭 I don't care.
F.I.R
风轻吹吹干泪
泪流了一夜才觉得浪费
是错对无所谓我让你去飞
别再作无谓的美梦想去挽回
就别再作困兽之斗去挣扎一切
那些美丽容颜如今都已破碎
飞越谎言冲破无力改变的世界
I don't care,it's not fair.
就让你犯你的罪
I don't care,no more care.
带着下一个梦去追
我不后悔不后退就是那么的绝对
我要的完美不是不是不是你能给
将一切毁灭 I don't care.
i want this to last 6:09 PM
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Yes since I have time today it is indeed time to do a long overdue post on the RVCO Music Camp, which ahaha happened during the June Holidays during the 13th-14th of June, I think. Yes so due to someone's invitation(until now I still don't know who) for the seniors to come back and coach the juniors during sectionals on the first day due to the absence of our dearest coach Mr.Lee, JX, Enqi,Shenghui and I departed for the school early on a Thursday morning. From 10-12, we spent 2 hours coaching the juniors in Wuti 1 and hmm there's room for improvement..that's what I will say..Then, JX had to depart for his class outing and me, my class chalet so our adventure ended there for our 1st day.
The second day owing to our busy schedules, we made it just in time for the steamboat dinner and we were joined by Shenghui and old seniors Tianlu and Shihua. Ahaha it was good to see them I guess..after so long..lol and we had a fun time playing I Hate Jack after that, in which owing to their reaction speed, Tianlu and Judith were constantly losing. Soon it was late and I and JX decided to stay overnight due to our love for our juniors. LOL. Haha learnt some stuff about RVCO juniors in general that night, like people who haunt the school corridors, running up and down, as well as 3 powerpuff girls always seen together, yet totally scared of the dark. It was fun overall.
The third day was the team-building day, and out of the kindness of our hearts me and JX helped Judith untangle the yarn in her game after every group instead of joining in the games. Went for lunch with the CAB people after that and went home to sleep for the entire Saturday.
Well basically that post could have been summarized by: RVCO Camp was fun!
The second day owing to our busy schedules, we made it just in time for the steamboat dinner and we were joined by Shenghui and old seniors Tianlu and Shihua. Ahaha it was good to see them I guess..after so long..lol and we had a fun time playing I Hate Jack after that, in which owing to their reaction speed, Tianlu and Judith were constantly losing. Soon it was late and I and JX decided to stay overnight due to our love for our juniors. LOL. Haha learnt some stuff about RVCO juniors in general that night, like people who haunt the school corridors, running up and down, as well as 3 powerpuff girls always seen together, yet totally scared of the dark. It was fun overall.
The third day was the team-building day, and out of the kindness of our hearts me and JX helped Judith untangle the yarn in her game after every group instead of joining in the games. Went for lunch with the CAB people after that and went home to sleep for the entire Saturday.
Well basically that post could have been summarized by: RVCO Camp was fun!
i want this to last 5:57 PM