This idea has been bugging me at least for the last 24 hours. Well, I cannot say that I have very strict and high standards. Yet, I cannot say that I am that easy-going either. SO where do I stand?As I walk around town and along the streets, I often notice the behavior of people. My observation skills are not superb though. I often see inconsiderate behavior and I wonder how people can behave that way. Do they not know that there is something called consideration for others in the use of public space and property?My trip to the cinema lately has been totally made disgusted by people who talk consistantly during the movie, kicks the chair in front as they fidget in their seats. How can one enjoy the movie with such inconsiderate behavior by others?On the roads, people move along as though there were no other living human beings around. The block the passage ways, stop all of a sudden to talk to their friends and so on. What a 'graceful' city I live in! It will take many many more years before we can really see any positive results of the campaigns that the government has been trying to promote.Then, come to think of it, as all have the freedom to choose our behavior. I do not have the right to impose my personal standards of public behavior onto others. Right? Since, the way they behave is really none of my business anyway. But it really irks me. Or am I simply in an irritable mood?I wonder.....
Ee Moi spoke to me about briefly about this when we had our assignment consultation last friday. It is amazing when we come into a different realm of knowledge and looking at the world around us. It all began last week when she had to tutor her son and his friend on the topic of Governance for Social Studies. My initial concept of Meritocracy was that as long as one works hard, one will reap what one sows in the future. Yet, I did not question the assumptions underlying this idea. In Singapore, this idea is strongly emphasized. The government often preaches that in order for us to survive in the future, we have to work hard. This includes studying really hard and achieving good results. But are we all on equal playing fields?Children born to better-educated parents and rich parents tend to have the resources to acquire a larger pool of 'Cultural Capital'. These children have the access to learn more about the world through their travels and parents' guidance. They have the resources to purchase computers, subscribe to Internet which hosts a large amount of information and buy many books.What about children who do not have such access? What can they depend on? THeir parents? Themselves? Their parents have no clue how to provide them with intellectual stimulus to awake their search for knowledge. The children themselves have no idea what do with their lives. Or only perhaps till something major happens and their lines of thoughts are skaken.With such great disparity and inequality, how can this principle of Meritocracy still stand true?Well, the government has tried to make sure that we are all on somewhat equal footing, yet, to achieve the perfect balance, it is still idealistic.I think of my life and childhood. It is true. When I was young, my parents had totally no idea of how to complement home education with public education. There were so many instances when I questioned myself the purpose for my existence. I had no idea at that time that life has a purpose and a meaning. School and education was such an abstract concept to me. As I grew older, and by chance managed to survive, I started travelling. Travelling opened my eyes to the so many wonders of the world. I started questioning and discovering for myself what life on Earth is all about. Imagine if a child did not have the opportunity to travel and interact with different people, how would his view of the world be like? Will the child be able to accept new challenges as the world around us becomes more dynamic?Will the child develop negative feelings towards things and people around him/her because he felt short-changed?Or will the child simply hide in his world where things are fairly simple and constant? Is this possible?
Finale Plzen
From Subway with Love
Roman Pro Zeny (Czech Republic)
By EDDIE COCKRELLA Bioscop release (in the Czech Republic) of a Ceska Produkcni 2000 production. (International sales: Ceska Produkcni 2000, Prague.) Produced by Petr Chajda. Executive producer, Rudolf Biermann. Directed by Filip Renc. Screenplay, Michael Viewegh, from his novel. With: Zuzana Kanoczova, Marek Vasut, Simona Stasova, Miroslav Donutil, Stella Zazvorkova, Ladka Nergesova, Jaromir Nosek, Jan Sverak. A Czech/Slovak variation on the commercially viable Bridget Jones model of comic meller, "From Subway with Love" starts strong out of the gate and manages to skate over a scattershot second half on sheer good will. Sturdy local box office in its first fortnight of local release coupled with the audience award at the Finale Pilsen fest, will propel pic to muscular regional biz and durable ancillary.
While traveling by tube to her job at an upscale women's magazine, 23-year-old beauty Laura (Slovak thesp Zuzana Kanoczova) discovers that in place of some advertising billboards on her train are passionate love letters to an unnamed woman signed by someone named Oliver. Later, while at the beauty shop, she confesses to her hairdresser pals that the missives are intended for her. This prompts an extended flashback to her relationship with the rugged, older adman (Marek Vasut), who seduces her with sophisticated talk out from under hapless b.f. Rickie (Jaromir Nosek) during a skiing holiday in Slovakia's Tatras mountain range.
Once together, Oliver and Laura struggle to reconcile their differences: She thinks he drinks too much, and he's perplexed by the sheer volume of her hair care products.
Laura's perpetually agitated mother Jana (Simona Stasova) fingers Oliver as the same boorish lover she'd had years before, a relationship charted in a hilarious early extended flashback that only makes narrative sense following this revelation.
Also figuring in the action is Laura's pensive, henpecked neighbor Mr. Zemla (vet singer/thesp Miroslav Donutil), bitter, man-hating chum Ingrid (Ladka Nergesova), and wisecracking grandmother (Stella Zazvorkova, star of "Babi Leto").
Helmer Filip Renc, who managed the not insubstantial task of turning the 1968 Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia into the vibrant yet self-conscious 2001 musical comedy "Rebelove," performs a similar feat with Michael Viewegh's witty but overly ambitious adaptation of his own novel. Keeping the pace lively and underscoring the action with a series of faux French tunes warbled at key moments by Czech thrush Iva Freuhlingova, Renc manages to reign in a number of unruly subplots that dissipate the central action.
Still, at just past the halfway point, pic loses some velocity, rallying only with a proliferation of the public love letters and a visual gag that reunites Laura with Oliver.
Kanoczova imbues Laura with just the right amount of dignity, Vasut embodies every annoying tendency of what Jana describes as Oliver's "narcissistic self-pity," and Stasova steals the movie out from under everyone as Laura's carnally headstrong mom.
Tech package is stylish, with fine use made of spectacular Tatras locations and Jitka Matiaskova's distinctive costuming. "Kolya" helmer Jan Sverak pops up as a waiter appearing at the couple's table immediately following a joke about Jan Sverak.
English title on print caught is "A Woman's Novel," literal translation of the original Czech. Pic bears a dedication to Patrik Stoklasa, who has a single scene as a sunny messenger.
Camera (color), Petr Hojda; editor, Jan Mattlach; music, Jerome Degey, Eric Capone, Michel Eli, Arno Elias; art director, Petr Fort; costume designer, Jitka Matiaskova; sound (Dolby Digital), Radim Hladik Jr; associate producers, Tomas Hoffman, Petr Zempliner, Ondrej Zach; assistant director, Jiri Kacirek. Reviewed at Finale Pilsen, Czech Republic, April 29, 2005. Running time: 100 MIN.
Source: http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117927005.html?categoryid=31&cs=1&p=0
************************************************************************************************
From Subway with Love
The second last film I watched during the film fest. A simple and romantic story. Yet filled with love. Perhaps it is because I am on cloud nine with all the developments in my life now....
I am reminded of my joy and happiness....I am reminded of the times I took things for granted. I am reminded to cherish what I have for they may be taken away from me any moment. I am not sure if the story is real or not. Have yet to check it out. But if I were to meet a guy like that, it is really a miracle if I can survive the events like Laura.
The scenes of Tatra Mountains (if I remember correctly) remind me of the snow and winter in Denmark. The harsh, dry and cold winter snow flakes falling down on the rooftops, cars and jackets of people on the streets. I love sticking my head out of our apartment window. The cold winter wind caressing my face as the snow flakes dance in front of me as it is the time of the year when they get to be in the limelight again....
Snow flaks dancing joyfully telling me that there exist purity somewhere in the world. Just have to pause and look for it.
I think of the times I went skiing and ice-skating. Freedom. Fresh Air. Love. Happiness!
I think of the times I look out the window and watch him walk home to warm cozy sofa and delicious warm food (cooked by me of course!).
I think of the little children playing with the snow in the park.
I think of the little ducks and swans gathering by the lake waiting for someone to feed them with bread crumbs to make it through the cold winter.
I think of the old ladies and old men sitting by the lake simply reading a book and enjoying the sun in the cold winter days.
The film simply brought back so many memories that I wish I were back in Copenhagen again, where life is truly enjoyed.
OKie dokie...time to sleep....
Dear Lord
Thank you for everything that has happened in my life. I pray for your blessings and guidance as I make my way through the challenges ahead. I pray that you keep Matt safe and happy. I pray that you will bless us with a happy and meaningful life ahead as we start the new chapter of our intertwined lives.
In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen!
This is the last movie which we watched during the European Union Film Festival. It was simply shaking, if that is the right words to describe the experience.
The film is about a promising writer who has lost her inspiration to write. As she lives from day to day, she feels frustrated because she thinks that she can only read but not write. One day, she was asked to write an article about the Spanish Civil War. After the article was published, she received several letters. Some were harsh but some were encouraging. Then came this person who not only praised her for her excellent writing but also provided her a breakthrough. He managed to find her a book (which I cannot remember the title) on the writings of Rafael Sánchez Mazas. As she began to discover more about this character, she came upon Miralles, the soldier who gave Rafael the chance to escape execution during the Spanish Civil War. No one remembered him although Rafael's writing did include his escape experience. The film was marvellous. I remember vividly Miralles dancing to Paso Doblo in the rain as he sang. It was a period of uncertainty and fear. Yet, his actions brought smiles to the faces of the POWs, albeit they knew somewhere deep inside that they do not have much time to appreciate the droplets of rain they see.
While the history of the Spanish Civil War was being brought out through the scenes, what came across very strongly to me was the passion that the main character, Lola Cercas, had. She was thrown into one of her deepest and darkest periods of her life. Yet, somehow, she found interest in the character of Miralles and moved on to uncover the events which happened many years ago. As she uncovered the layers, she uncovered her true self as she becomes immersed in the entire chronology of events. Se felt the hurt, the happiness, the loneliness and hopelessness that Miralles felt throughout his life. Imagine being alone all these years after going through such dramatic and turmultous time during the War. As a young lad who joined the civil war purely to fulfil his father's wish, he had no idea what he was getting himself into. All he could think of was to make his father happy by taking his place in the historical event. He tried to keep his sanity and make sense of what was going on. He was an innocent young man whose heart was filled with love and innocence. Yet, the war showed him the other side of what he thought he knew. The conflicting scenes and feelings and emotions. How can one go through that? How can one even survive?
How can I put into words the very strong emotions I felt when I watched the film? It felt so real and close!
************************************************************************************
A successful young novelist who has lost her inspiration, makes her living as a teacher and a journalist. Her latest assignment is to investigate a true story that took place at the end of the Civil War involving the infamous writer and ideological fascist, Rafael Sánchez Mazas. She discovers that he was to be murdered in a mass execution, but managed to escape with the help of an anonymous young soldier. The novelist gradually pieces together this story, riddled with contradictions and enigmatic characters. Unwittingly, as her search progresses, it is not only about finding the truth that she is after, but finding herself as well.
Source: http://www.festival-cannes.fr/films/fiche_film.php?langue=6002&id_film=4085306
*************************************************************************************
We covered the topic of Geometry during Math class today. The activities that we carried out brought a fresh perspective to me. I have never thought of looking at Mathematical concepts such as angles and shapes this way. Most of us know that all angles in a triangle add up to 180 degrees. Yet, how many times have we ever questioned the origin and derivation of the rule? Our education has been focused on rote learning for so many years. Now, it is time to really think about and question the rationale and origins and principles. The photo above shows how to derive the rule that all angles in a triangle add up to 180 degrees. Are you able to see it?
Ruth came to class today as it she had no lessons. She is a lovely little girl, looks sweet and smart and lovable. She gives me no impression of a girl under the pressure of having to performed simply because her mother is a PhD holder and a Professor who lectures at the university. Instead, she simply enjoys her childhood with all the fun and of course discipline from her parents. Ruth is lucky to be born to such a mother and family which is able to provide her not only the necessities in life, but also all the love that parents can give. I wonder if she feels proud of her mother everytime she comes to our class. Ee Moi is someone I respect alot. She not only has the knowledge to share with us, but she has this personality and way of being simply hrself which commands this very firm sense of respect filled with integrity. I am always very interested in her class. I can speak freely and I feel at ease. I do not feel put down when my views seem skewed or off tangent. Not in Ee Moi's class.Ee Moi's way of teaching, her personality, and perhaps sometimes, that look she has in her eyes simply captivates me. I look up to her. I respect her. I admire her for achieving what she has today. A family, a Phd and a career which she is passionate about. I want to be like her. She inspires me. The twinkle in her eye shines at the very moments in life when I am tired and am looking out for signs of encouragement. Her smile is warm and true. She exudes happiness and bliss and joy. If I were Ruth, and I see the professional side of her, I think I would be very proud of Ee Moi. I would look up to her and strive to be like her. Ee Moi knows what she wants. Despite the challenges in her life, she has come out strong and wise. There is clarity in her life and I know that I can trust her.Dear LordI am not sure if this is called Providence or Fate. I am very happy to get to know Ee Moi and the other students in my SS class. This is one of the happiest times in my life, of course, other that the times I have shared with Matt. Thank you Lord for allowing our paths to cross for I have one more person to model after as I seek greater clarity and direction in my life.IN the name of the Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit, Amen.
As the days pass, I feel more jubilant. We are closer to building our own home. A home where we can feel safe and cozy. Last weekend, we finally bought the critical pieces of furniture: TV console, sofa set, dinning table and coffee table. We exceeded our budget, by quite a bit. But, guess, it is the price to pay to decorate your home the way you want it. Afterall, a home should be a place where you long to be in at the end of a long day.So now, we only have the other set of critical household appliances to purchase:the refrigerator, the washing machine and perhaps an oven for me to induge in cake-making. Guess we probably have to scrimp on the other things like lights and sinks. But, I surmise both of us will give in to our weakness for pretty things to go along with our Greece theme infused with an element of Nature.So, let us simply count down the days. Dear LordThank you for the experiences that I have had so far. I am grateful for the peace and luxury in my life. I have the most wonderful husband and my career is beginning to open new doors. I hope that things will continue as they are as I take bigger steps towards teaching and inspiring the little ones. It really warms my heart to know that at least one of the little ones still remember me and listen to me. I hope that my words of encouragement will help them as they work towards a meaningful and rewarding life. I do pray that I will be able to find my way towards new spiritual grounds too.In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Recently, somehow, the feelings of stupidity and incommensurateness have drowned me and thrown me into a deep hole of depression. I feel that I am not learning and progressing. I feel that I am not moving in the direction of my destiny.People around me talk about things which I am not interested in. The conversations are shallow and not intellectual. We are not discussing world issues or issues of individual significance at a more in-depth level. We are not looking at cause and effects, we are not looking at different perspectives and analysing the rationales, we are simply not thinking!!! And this worries me because I do not want my brain to deteriorate and become just another soul wondering aimlessly on this planet!!!!!God help me work this out!!!! Have I lost my way. Please guide me, dear Lord.Amen!
Reflection has recently been playing a greater role in my life. I think about things in life more often now. Not sure if it has caused me to become more skeptical, cynical or even negative. The number of things that irritate me as I observe them in my daily life has increased. It has somewhat affected me adversely as I become angry and I really wonder why people behave in certain manner.
For example, why do students always choke up the entrance to the bus stop? Do they not know that people need to pass and walk down the bridge to other destinations as well? Why do this certain group of students livin gon campus not take care of their personal hygiene? They smell so terribly that I wonder what kinds and how many kinds of germs and bacteria that they have on them? Why do girls starve themselves to the point that they look like sheets of paper ready to fly away with the wind? Why do some trainee teachers have the kind of nonchalent attitude towards learning? How can they ever be role models for the children if they themselves do not believe in learning? How can they keep a clear conscience by not contributing to group work? How can they have a clear conscience knowing that they are not learning enough to be able to impart the knowledge and skills to the children?Yet, at the end of each day, I always ask myself if it is worth the risk of High Blood Pressure to be so concerned about things which mya not necessary be in my scope of control. Ultimately, we all go through learning processes. Perhaps they will learn one day. Perhaps....Hence, there is no reason to go to bed thinking about the negative things in life. God has a reason for everything. We simply have to do our best and leave the rest up to God.
What a wonderful evening! (Oder was fuer einen wunderschoener Abend!) Es war toll! I enjoyed the evening so much. The wonderful voices of the boys from Vienna. The looks and expressions on their faces. The beautiful tunes of the songs they sang. The money paid was more then worth the experience. This said, love and appreciation ideally should not be measured using quantitative terms. I have so much to write. The roller-coaster emotions that I experienced during the approximately two hour performance kept me on my toes and brought back fond memories.The boys performed a repertoire of classical, modern, cultural and pop music in an infused way. Why do I say 'infused'? They took the traditional way of presenting choral music and add their personal touch to it. I believe that no words can describe it. One has to experience it!I love the pieces that they performed. The ability to pick out German words further enhanced my enjoyment and appreciation.Apart from their so perfect voices and appealing acting, one of the things that captured my heart was the fact that they performed the Chinese melody of 'Jasmine Flower", or 'Mo Li Hua". It cam during the Encore session when the audience simply kept on clapping and wishing for more. Then the conductor came back on stage with that smile on his face. He started playing the melody and it sounded seemingly terribly familiar. And the boys slipped into the melody of the song which raised the goose bumps on my arms. It simply sounded so familiar and I was trying so hard to recognise it. The Ah-Ha moment came when one of my friends whispered the title of the song into my ears. And everything simply fell into place. I could make out the words. And taking into consideration that they are simply very young boys with musical talent and with minimal exposure to the oriental culture and language, I was simply thrown off my seat byt the quality of their pronunciation. They probably only have a vague idea of what the song is about. But the fact that they even took the efforts to learn something of the host's culture simply moved me to tears. I was shocked, in a positive manner. My jaws dropped, tears welled up in my eyes. THat moment was simply too sweet and wonderful and magical. If only the world can live in peace in the name of love and appreciation of beauty.ALright, I have to stop here for now. My eyes are too irritated by the haze that I can barely open them. Will write more soon.http://serverstats.checkpointmedia.com/english/main.asp
The definition of the term 'Slavery' from Mariam-Webster Online Dictionary is that of 'a submission to a dominating influence'. I associate this concept of slavery to that of the wedding practices of mainly Chinese in my region. In some cases, for Chinese people, their parents determine and make the decisions as to who they should marry, who they should associate with, how their marriage ceremonies should be carried out, where they should live after marriage, how many children they should have and so on.
There was a conversation between two disc jockeys on a Chinese radio station this morning about 'bribing' or getting into the good books of in-laws through the giving of gifts and paying lip service.
Call me cynical but I can clearly see the association between Chinese wedding practices and their way of life and the concept of slavery. There is always the dominating party/parties, in our case, the parents. And we always have to act and behave in a way which pleases them.
THe question is, do they own our lives? Are they living our lives? Are we then slaves?
While some people may say that respect and family values are the actual beliefs underlying the lives of Chinese, I wonder if it is simply slavery in disguise. Respect has to be earned. Just simply because someone is the biological parent of a child, does not mean that the child give respect the person without questioning.
Am I too extreme? I wonder.
Where does the concept of freedom and liberty to walk one's own path come into the picture?
My recent days have been filled with so much love, warmth and security. WE spent the weekend prior to my birthday in Bintan. The weather was not really helping much as it was raining most of the time. So we spent most of our time indoors watching tv, going for spa treatments, enjoying meals at the restaurant and simply taking walks around the resort and by the beach. We simply enjoyed each other's company. The time was so sweet. Somehow, it seems sweeter than the past. Or put it another way, our love for each other seems to be getting sweeter with every passing day now.
Often, I saw smiles on his face as he makes fun of me every now and then. I used to mind the fact that he often crack jokes on me. Now, it does not seem to matter anymore so long as I see the smile on his face.
I wanted to have dinner at Kelong and he went along. He finally had to try eating the crabs using his own hands. It was fun observing him as he clumsily tried to get the flesh out of the many pieces of shells. Still, I pampered him by giving him the pieces of crab which did not need so much working on. We had a wonderful dinner. The food was great. The setting was great: a table by the water with the sea breeeze blowing the entire time.
The pace of life was slow and relaxed. I brought my notes but did not managed to look at them much as I was trying to take in the moments as much as I can.
We talked and chatted about our future together: our new place, our plans to have children, our plans to move abroad.
I totally enjoyed my time with him in Bintan and we took really nice pictures. Nice in the sense that I can see myself smiling radiantly.
Finally, someone who loves me, cares for me, gives me warmth, understands me, protects me and shows me that I am not unwanted or invisible.
How do we know if our flame is getting weaker as we make our way towards our goal? What are the symptoms? How can we brighten the flames of the children whom we will be in charge of in the future? I know that I still have the passion in me. Yet, I have been feeling tired. Somehow, I need to fuel that flame. I want to regain the energy levels that I used to have and push myself to the limit. It is only when we are pushed to the limit will we be able to achieve a higher level of understanding and enlightenment. But I should not impose that idea on others. This is bearing in mind that we all have different objectives in life. Yet, we are all teachers. We play the critical role of guiding our students so that they can appreciate life and the world around them in a more positive way and make positive contributions. Yet, this is always in conflict with the fact that we are humans after all. We do have our flaws and weaknesses. And we all have different tolerance levels for imperfection.Oh no!!! I should not fall into that trap. I should always have high expectations. Only with that can we move to a higher plane of thinking and understanding and appreciating the intricacies of life. Something which I regret not having attained the slightest bit at all the past twenty over years.God help me! Amen!
