I looked for a few more headdresses to make this post longer. Here are two more colourful headdresses ...
Here is a simple one ...
March 10, 2010
headdress
A reader cum performer sent me a performance poster. There is this huadan, Huang Fei, in the poster. See her elaborate colourful headdress. You know what it makes me think of - the brilliant colours of the peacock plumage.
I looked for a few more headdresses to make this post longer. Here are two more colourful headdresses ...
I looked for a few more headdresses to make this post longer. Here are two more colourful headdresses ...
March 07, 2010
chickens
See Tip 3
There are lizards in my flat too. Now, where to pluck some peacock feathers.
Then I thought of chickens. Nowadays it is very hard to see a live chicken with feathers going for a stroll. When I was young we stayed in a kampong where many households kept fowls. It was common to see chickens strolling in the neighbourhood after their evening meals.
Do you know what chickens like to eat? Cockroaches and centipedes. So here is another tip - keep a chicken in the house and you will not have to worry about cockroaches and centipedes anymore. But I don't think it will work if you just hang chicken feathers in the house.
March 04, 2010
The unbrella as the match-maker
In the previous post I mentioned about sweltering heat and myself sweating profusely. No wonder, it was reported that that day was the hottest day, 35 °C, in February which is one of the hottest months in our Country's history.
About the video below ...
At the outskirt of a village, it is bing huang ma luan. The villagers are escaping from a war. A village girl and a young man bump into each other.
The maiden snatches the scholar's umbrella ...
粵劇經典 - 搶傘(吕玉郎, 林小群)
About the video below ...
At the outskirt of a village, it is bing huang ma luan. The villagers are escaping from a war. A village girl and a young man bump into each other.
The maiden snatches the scholar's umbrella ...
粵劇經典 - 搶傘(吕玉郎, 林小群)
March 01, 2010
afternoon rituals
Taiwan's Yi Xin Opera has just completed its 17-day performance at Sheng Hong Temple. Every afternoon they had to perform a set of opera rituals which lasted about 45 minutes. These are some auspicious parts meant to bless the Nation, the Temple, the people and the show sponsors.
I sat through one of them. It was a day of sweltering heat and humidity. It saps your energy and makes you sweat like a fountain. I was sitting under a fan doing nothing, yet I was sweating. I think the performers' underclothing must be drenched with sweat.
This white attire is their underclothing.
The auspicious parts .......
(Notice the two rows of Chinese words above the stage, one reads from left to right, the other from right to left.)
Then they go to pray at the temple hall .......
The praying ceremony over, they return to the stage .......
I sat through one of them. It was a day of sweltering heat and humidity. It saps your energy and makes you sweat like a fountain. I was sitting under a fan doing nothing, yet I was sweating. I think the performers' underclothing must be drenched with sweat.
This white attire is their underclothing.
The auspicious parts .......
(Notice the two rows of Chinese words above the stage, one reads from left to right, the other from right to left.)
Then they go to pray at the temple hall .......
The praying ceremony over, they return to the stage .......
February 26, 2010
盤絲洞
The Cave of the Silken Web - a ge zai xi performed in Hokkien by Taiwan's Yi Xin Opera Troupe.
The Silken-web Fairy forces the monk to marry her.
This is a light comedy about the evil Fairy of the Silken Web Cave capturing the Monk Xuanzong and the Monkey King, Sun Wu Kong, rescuing him.
There was a short romance scene between the Monk and the Empress of the Land of Women. The empress hinted that they could live a happy life together. But of course the Monk's only wish was to accomplish his mission - to get the Buddhist Scriptures and help mankind.
There was also a frivolous scene which delighted the audience. In it the Pig Zhu Ba Jie was dressed in female clothing and later he took out a big handphone from his dress.
The more strenuous fighting parts were done by the Monkey, the Evil Fairy and a few supporting male actors. To make it more realistic, in one scene the Monkey jumped up to the ceiling of the stage and flew around in circles. This was made possible by a cable attached to his body.
There was no stoppage for changes of scenes. The show just went on with stage crew pulling away a backdrop or pulling in one. There was also little change of costumes. For most performers, it was not necessary. Towards the end of the show I am not sure why the Pig dressed himself up as a cockerel.
This is one of the top stars in the troupe. She sang during the interval and went down to shake hands with the audience.
Autograph session after the show ...
The Silken-web Fairy forces the monk to marry her.
This is a light comedy about the evil Fairy of the Silken Web Cave capturing the Monk Xuanzong and the Monkey King, Sun Wu Kong, rescuing him.
There was a short romance scene between the Monk and the Empress of the Land of Women. The empress hinted that they could live a happy life together. But of course the Monk's only wish was to accomplish his mission - to get the Buddhist Scriptures and help mankind.
There was also a frivolous scene which delighted the audience. In it the Pig Zhu Ba Jie was dressed in female clothing and later he took out a big handphone from his dress.
The more strenuous fighting parts were done by the Monkey, the Evil Fairy and a few supporting male actors. To make it more realistic, in one scene the Monkey jumped up to the ceiling of the stage and flew around in circles. This was made possible by a cable attached to his body.
There was no stoppage for changes of scenes. The show just went on with stage crew pulling away a backdrop or pulling in one. There was also little change of costumes. For most performers, it was not necessary. Towards the end of the show I am not sure why the Pig dressed himself up as a cockerel.
This is one of the top stars in the troupe. She sang during the interval and went down to shake hands with the audience.
Autograph session after the show ...
February 23, 2010
waxed duck . fish soup
Waxed duck - this is something we eat only once a year, during the CNY period. We only bought the drumsticks. It is also not something you eat a lot because it is as salty as salted fish. Here is the leftover which can be kept for several days.
Eating a few pieces of this is enough to help you finish a bowl of rice.
How to cook - chop the drumsticks into small pieces, cut off as much skin and fats as possible and then steam it.
Fish soup
A friend saw me eating fish soup twice at the same stall in a hawkers' centre. He concluded that my favourite food is fish. Do you think he is right?
At that hawkers' centre, I eat chicken rice and wanton mee more than the fish soup but the friend didn't see me eating the chicken rice or the wanton mee.
Well, the wanton mee is nothing special, not one of those highly-rated. The chicken rice is ordinary, just like any chicken rice you find in a hawkers' centre. The fish soup is more popular. At peak hours you have to wait for 30 to 45 minutes.
The answer to my question - yes, I like to eat fish. But my friend's deduction method is not convincing.
By the way, I also like the waxed duck.
You know, just now I typed an f instead of a d in the above sentence. Luckily I checked before posting; otherwise you all will be shocked. Do you know that the d and f keys are just next to each other.
Eating a few pieces of this is enough to help you finish a bowl of rice.
How to cook - chop the drumsticks into small pieces, cut off as much skin and fats as possible and then steam it.
Fish soup
A friend saw me eating fish soup twice at the same stall in a hawkers' centre. He concluded that my favourite food is fish. Do you think he is right?
At that hawkers' centre, I eat chicken rice and wanton mee more than the fish soup but the friend didn't see me eating the chicken rice or the wanton mee.
Well, the wanton mee is nothing special, not one of those highly-rated. The chicken rice is ordinary, just like any chicken rice you find in a hawkers' centre. The fish soup is more popular. At peak hours you have to wait for 30 to 45 minutes.
The answer to my question - yes, I like to eat fish. But my friend's deduction method is not convincing.
By the way, I also like the waxed duck.
You know, just now I typed an f instead of a d in the above sentence. Luckily I checked before posting; otherwise you all will be shocked. Do you know that the d and f keys are just next to each other.
February 20, 2010
February 18, 2010
overeating
As we grow from childhood to youth-hood to adulthood and to parenthood, our feeling for Chinese New Year also changes. As kids we look forward to ang pows, aerated water, our favourite food and , for some of us, playing with fire-crackers. When we have children ourselves and they start growing up, we value traditions more and we hope that our children will carry on with them.
It was reported that more people fall sick during the CNY period because they overeat. Even when the CNY holiday is over, the mood lingers and food is still there and we are tempted to eat them. When we go back to our workplace, colleagues would bring goodies to share or some would go out for another feasting. It will take about one week to go back to our normal diet.
I, too, ate more during this period but not a lot more. Still, that means more salt, sugar and fats which is not good. Fortunately I didn't fall sick.
It was reported that more people fall sick during the CNY period because they overeat. Even when the CNY holiday is over, the mood lingers and food is still there and we are tempted to eat them. When we go back to our workplace, colleagues would bring goodies to share or some would go out for another feasting. It will take about one week to go back to our normal diet.
I, too, ate more during this period but not a lot more. Still, that means more salt, sugar and fats which is not good. Fortunately I didn't fall sick.
February 13, 2010
Whatever you desire ...
Wishing you 心想事成
Whether you wish to have more money, good health, a good wife or husband, a pay rise or promotion, a healthy baby, good exam results, obedient pupils, to lose weight or to improve your opera and singing skills ..... may they come true.
Here is a clip of a lunar new year song with pictures of some Singapore cantonese opera artistes. One exercise for you - count the number of shengs and the number of dans in the clip, exclude the artiste in the white mask at the beginning of the clip.
Gong Xi Gong Xi
Whether you wish to have more money, good health, a good wife or husband, a pay rise or promotion, a healthy baby, good exam results, obedient pupils, to lose weight or to improve your opera and singing skills ..... may they come true.
Here is a clip of a lunar new year song with pictures of some Singapore cantonese opera artistes. One exercise for you - count the number of shengs and the number of dans in the clip, exclude the artiste in the white mask at the beginning of the clip.
Gong Xi Gong Xi
February 10, 2010
February 07, 2010
Busking at Chinatown
Saturday evening, Chinatown was a hive of activity. The streets and shopping centres were very congested - people everywhere.
At night there was a stage show by local performers and visitors from China. And some buskers were performing on the streets. There were two groups of seniors buskers along New Bridge Road outside CK Supermarket. The performers were enjoying themselves as well as entertaining others.
Here is a clip of a woman singing a well-known oldie and a man dancing away immersed in nostalgia, oblivious of amused looks from passers-by. I think the oldie is a song by the famous actress/singer Bai Guang but I don't know its name. Anyone knows?
At night there was a stage show by local performers and visitors from China. And some buskers were performing on the streets. There were two groups of seniors buskers along New Bridge Road outside CK Supermarket. The performers were enjoying themselves as well as entertaining others.
Here is a clip of a woman singing a well-known oldie and a man dancing away immersed in nostalgia, oblivious of amused looks from passers-by. I think the oldie is a song by the famous actress/singer Bai Guang but I don't know its name. Anyone knows?
February 05, 2010
honesty . babies
honesty
If you don't declare the offences you have been convicted of in your application for a job, it already gives the impression that honesty is not a value high in your list. If you have offences that you can’t remember, then state so in the form or go back and find out first.
Although we encourage companies to employ ex-convicts, I believe you have to see what type of jobs. I don't think a casino or a bank would employ someone who has been convicted for, say, cheating.
Or for example, if you need a driver for your school buses, would you hire someone who has been convicted for drink-driving or molesting children? No, right?
babies
I think if a couple do not want to have babies, they will still not produce even if the government gives them cash outright. Bringing up children is a very difficult job.
You must really love children and feel that it is a blessing to have them. Couples in this group don’t need incentives. Neither can the stress of life stops them from having babies.
So, I feel there is a limit to what the government can do. It is really up to the people themselves.
If you don't declare the offences you have been convicted of in your application for a job, it already gives the impression that honesty is not a value high in your list. If you have offences that you can’t remember, then state so in the form or go back and find out first.
Although we encourage companies to employ ex-convicts, I believe you have to see what type of jobs. I don't think a casino or a bank would employ someone who has been convicted for, say, cheating.
Or for example, if you need a driver for your school buses, would you hire someone who has been convicted for drink-driving or molesting children? No, right?
babies
I think if a couple do not want to have babies, they will still not produce even if the government gives them cash outright. Bringing up children is a very difficult job.
You must really love children and feel that it is a blessing to have them. Couples in this group don’t need incentives. Neither can the stress of life stops them from having babies.
So, I feel there is a limit to what the government can do. It is really up to the people themselves.
February 03, 2010
February 01, 2010
All things are possible if ...
The previous post reminded me of an old book I still have. The cover is shown below. Now, don't you see the word God and you think I want to preach you religion and quickly close the blog. No, I don't preach religion..
I think if you want to spread your religion it is better to be a good example yourself and do good rather than going around trying to convert people.
Even if you are not a Christian or whether you believe in any God or no Gods, you can still make use of some of the things it says . Here is one example everyone can use:
I think if you want to spread your religion it is better to be a good example yourself and do good rather than going around trying to convert people.
Even if you are not a Christian or whether you believe in any God or no Gods, you can still make use of some of the things it says . Here is one example everyone can use:
January 30, 2010
Life handbook
An opera fan cum artiste sent me this life handbook. So I post it here for you to read. It might be helpful for you.
HANDBOOK 2010
Health:
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.
5. Make time for prayer...
6. Play more games.
7. Read more books than you did in 2009.
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10. Take a 10-30 minutes walk every day. And while you walk, smile.
Personality:
11. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13. Don't over do. Keep your limits.
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more while you are awake.
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime. 23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
Society:
25. Call your family often.
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything.
28. Spend time with people over the age of 70 &under the age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is none of your business.
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your family and friends will. Stay in touch...
Life:
32. Do the right thing!
33. Always speak the truth even if it leads to your death.
34. GOD heals everything.
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37. The best is yet to come.
38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.
Last but not the least:
40. Please Forward this to everyone you care about.
HANDBOOK 2010
Health:
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.
5. Make time for prayer...
6. Play more games.
7. Read more books than you did in 2009.
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10. Take a 10-30 minutes walk every day. And while you walk, smile.
Personality:
11. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13. Don't over do. Keep your limits.
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more while you are awake.
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime. 23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
Society:
25. Call your family often.
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything.
28. Spend time with people over the age of 70 &under the age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is none of your business.
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your family and friends will. Stay in touch...
Life:
32. Do the right thing!
33. Always speak the truth even if it leads to your death.
34. GOD heals everything.
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37. The best is yet to come.
38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.
Last but not the least:
40. Please Forward this to everyone you care about.
January 28, 2010
January 26, 2010
abalone . coffee
abalone
Last week I was strolling at a Fairprice Supermarket. I saw some canned Australian abalone on special offer at less than $30 a can. Cheap, I thought. I asked the girl at the counter to take down a can for me to see. When I saw the weight, I think I know why it was cheaper.
You see, the net weight of a can of abalone is usually about 425g and the drained weight is about 210g. That one I was looking at had net weight 425g and drained weight 120g. So it means there is less abalone and so it is cheaper.
coffee
I have tried several types of 3-in-1 instant coffee but they are too sweet for my taste.
At Fairprice a lady was doing promotions for an instant coffee. She offered me a small amount in a tiny paper cup.
I drank it. It is good, has coffee taste and is not sweet. Actually it is bitter because this type is 2-in-1 without sugar. That means you can decide whether you want to put sugar or not or you can add one teaspoon or two teaspoons according to your taste.
I bought one packet, got a free mug too.
Last week I was strolling at a Fairprice Supermarket. I saw some canned Australian abalone on special offer at less than $30 a can. Cheap, I thought. I asked the girl at the counter to take down a can for me to see. When I saw the weight, I think I know why it was cheaper.
You see, the net weight of a can of abalone is usually about 425g and the drained weight is about 210g. That one I was looking at had net weight 425g and drained weight 120g. So it means there is less abalone and so it is cheaper.
coffee
I have tried several types of 3-in-1 instant coffee but they are too sweet for my taste.
At Fairprice a lady was doing promotions for an instant coffee. She offered me a small amount in a tiny paper cup.
I drank it. It is good, has coffee taste and is not sweet. Actually it is bitter because this type is 2-in-1 without sugar. That means you can decide whether you want to put sugar or not or you can add one teaspoon or two teaspoons according to your taste.
I bought one packet, got a free mug too.
January 24, 2010
A Country's sorrow .....
..... a Cantonese operatic song.
Li Yu or Li Houzhu was the last ruler of the Southern Tang Kingdom. The powerful armies of the Song Dynasty invaded the Southern Tang Kingdom and took Li Houzhu and his family captive. Before they were taken away, Li and his second wife bade farewell to their subjects.
四十年來家國
三千里地山河
鳳閣龍樓連宵漢
玉樹瓊枝作煙籮
家傾國破恨綿綿
Do you know who the singers are?
For more songs, you may visit this site.
Li Yu or Li Houzhu was the last ruler of the Southern Tang Kingdom. The powerful armies of the Song Dynasty invaded the Southern Tang Kingdom and took Li Houzhu and his family captive. Before they were taken away, Li and his second wife bade farewell to their subjects.
李後主之去國歸降
四十年來家國
三千里地山河
鳳閣龍樓連宵漢
玉樹瓊枝作煙籮
家傾國破恨綿綿
Do you know who the singers are?
For more songs, you may visit this site.
January 21, 2010
Miscellaneous
singles
On and off you read comments about allowing singles to buy HDB flats. The reasons for not allowing singles to buy HDB flats have been explained many times and I think older singles are allowed to if they satisfy certain conditions.
If you allow young singles to buy HDB flats, I think it could encourage more of them to stay single.
cold theatre
Friday night I was at the Drama Centre, National Library. It was cold. I didn't feel cold during my previous visits, but that night it was especially cold. I guess it was about 20 degrees. Many people also complained cold but many had also come prepared and put on extra warm clothing.
Later it was better, probably because of the heat from the bodies in the packed theatre.
plastic bags
If you go shopping in Hong Kong or Guangzhou, it is better you bring a bag along. In HK, some supermarkets don't give you bags or charge you 50 cents for it.
Once I bought some vcds from a shop in Guangzhou. At that time I did not have any bag, so I asked the cashier for one. She said they didn't have, so she used sticky tape to secure all the discs together. I had to hold the thing in my hand.
In Singapore, Wednesday is bring-your-own-bag day at some supermarkets and stores. At Fairprice and Shop-and-Save they don't charge you for a bag but you can deposit 10 cents in the donation tins. Not many people do this. But there are a few shoppers who bring their own bags every visit.
On any day, Fairprice gives you a discount of 10 cents on purchases of $10 or more if you bring your own bag.
On and off you read comments about allowing singles to buy HDB flats. The reasons for not allowing singles to buy HDB flats have been explained many times and I think older singles are allowed to if they satisfy certain conditions.
If you allow young singles to buy HDB flats, I think it could encourage more of them to stay single.
cold theatre
Friday night I was at the Drama Centre, National Library. It was cold. I didn't feel cold during my previous visits, but that night it was especially cold. I guess it was about 20 degrees. Many people also complained cold but many had also come prepared and put on extra warm clothing.
Later it was better, probably because of the heat from the bodies in the packed theatre.
plastic bags
If you go shopping in Hong Kong or Guangzhou, it is better you bring a bag along. In HK, some supermarkets don't give you bags or charge you 50 cents for it.
Once I bought some vcds from a shop in Guangzhou. At that time I did not have any bag, so I asked the cashier for one. She said they didn't have, so she used sticky tape to secure all the discs together. I had to hold the thing in my hand.
In Singapore, Wednesday is bring-your-own-bag day at some supermarkets and stores. At Fairprice and Shop-and-Save they don't charge you for a bag but you can deposit 10 cents in the donation tins. Not many people do this. But there are a few shoppers who bring their own bags every visit.
On any day, Fairprice gives you a discount of 10 cents on purchases of $10 or more if you bring your own bag.
January 18, 2010
Emperor Shun Zhi
This is Lou Mee Wah acting the role of the Emperor.
Lou Mee Wah seldom peforms. Last year she had only two performances, one of which was a full-length opera. Her full-length operas often take a long time in the making. Watching Emperor Shun Zhi we could see that a lot of effort and time has been put in. I think even those doing minor roles like guards and maids must have spent long hours practising and rehearsing.
Beside Lou Mee Wah, other veteran artistes are Christopher Choo, Chan Mei Yin and Ellen Li. Other than Gordon Choy and the artistes doing the action roles, most of the others are Lou's pupils. I was a little surprised that Leong Sau Fong played the role of huang tai hou, the emperor's mother. I thought she was a bit too young for that.
This is Chung Lai Yong playing the role of Dong E Fei, the Emperor's favourite concubine. This was the first time I watched her doing the lead female role in a full-length opera. I would say she did very well.
The beauty and the bearded. The bearded man is Christopher Choo
Lou Mee Wah seldom peforms. Last year she had only two performances, one of which was a full-length opera. Her full-length operas often take a long time in the making. Watching Emperor Shun Zhi we could see that a lot of effort and time has been put in. I think even those doing minor roles like guards and maids must have spent long hours practising and rehearsing.
Beside Lou Mee Wah, other veteran artistes are Christopher Choo, Chan Mei Yin and Ellen Li. Other than Gordon Choy and the artistes doing the action roles, most of the others are Lou's pupils. I was a little surprised that Leong Sau Fong played the role of huang tai hou, the emperor's mother. I thought she was a bit too young for that.
This is Chung Lai Yong playing the role of Dong E Fei, the Emperor's favourite concubine. This was the first time I watched her doing the lead female role in a full-length opera. I would say she did very well.
The beauty and the bearded. The bearded man is Christopher Choo
January 16, 2010
Some artistes in Troupe 2
The Guang Dong Yue Ju Yuan has 3 troupes - first troupe, second troupe and youth troupe. Since the second troupe will be coming to perform here, here are some of its main artistes.
广东粤剧院二团艺员
广东粤剧院二团艺员
麦玉清
梁耀安
岑海雁
郭建华
梁筠菱
郭满城
January 13, 2010
Night of cantonese melodies
This is the first opera show I watched this year - by the opera group at Guang Dong Hui Guan.
The two main artistes, 温玉瑜, 戚超群 ...
Some of the performers ...
A 'gift' from a pupil (not the man in the picture). The man in in the picture is an opera enthusiast. I think he is the boss of a flower shop.
絕唱胡笳十八拍
The two main artistes, 温玉瑜, 戚超群 ...
Some of the performers ...
A 'gift' from a pupil (not the man in the picture). The man in in the picture is an opera enthusiast. I think he is the boss of a flower shop.
絕唱胡笳十八拍
January 09, 2010
testing
I am trying out how to draw a table. See the example below, hope it looks ok on your computer screen.
I learn it from this site:
http://www.bloggertipsandtricks.com/2007/06/avoid-large-white-space-above-table-in.html
I learn it from this site:
http://www.bloggertipsandtricks.com/2007/06/avoid-large-white-space-above-table-in.html
Date | Venue | Show | Performers |
| 03-01-10 | Woodlands CC | Cantonese opera | Linda,........ |
| 05-01-10 | Tampines East CC | Hokkien opera | Amai,........ |
| 13-03-10 | Braddell Heights CC | 薛丁山与樊梨花 | Miko,........ |
January 07, 2010
monk & umbrella
I was watching a Cantonese drama and there was this metaphorical phrase 'monk holds umbrella'. Do you know the meaning?
You see, a monk has no hair. And when he holds the umbrella above his head, he can't see the sky, right? So it means no hair, no sky. But in Mandarin or Cantonese, hair and law have the same sound (fa in pinyin and faat in cantonese).
So, the meaning is wu fa wu tian (無法無天) or lawless.
Don't pour your money into the sea
You know, there is a HK advertisement in which people carry boxes of money and pour it into the sea. What do you think it is about?
Actually it wants tell people not to gamble. It says 'gambling is like pouring money into the sea'. It makes use of two words of the same sound. Gamble and pour have the same sound in Cantonese - doh.
You see, a monk has no hair. And when he holds the umbrella above his head, he can't see the sky, right? So it means no hair, no sky. But in Mandarin or Cantonese, hair and law have the same sound (fa in pinyin and faat in cantonese).
So, the meaning is wu fa wu tian (無法無天) or lawless.
Don't pour your money into the sea
You know, there is a HK advertisement in which people carry boxes of money and pour it into the sea. What do you think it is about?
Actually it wants tell people not to gamble. It says 'gambling is like pouring money into the sea'. It makes use of two words of the same sound. Gamble and pour have the same sound in Cantonese - doh.
January 05, 2010
January 03, 2010
打神 - 苏春梅
The following is from 李池湘's blog ...
好多人都问我，做戏要乜嘢条件架？我话做戏要声、色、艺齐全，声排第一，系最紧要嘅，俗语有话“先声夺人”，“一声压三丑”，可见声嘅重要。
苏春梅天生声靓，嗓音甜润，清脆中带明亮，高低音、真假音都结合得巧妙自然。
佢唱嘅 "红腔" 十分出色，聪明嘅佢善于抓住最关键段落，运用精细独特嘅长腔，唱出嚟就显得韵味特别浓郁。好似唱 《打神》 呢首被广为传唱，脍炙人口嘅名曲，苏春梅就唱得好靓嘞。
“ 当日神前一柱香两家设誓言，他说到老两不相分我说黃泉情未了，他说中途若负阿娇，天地也难饶，我说信难饶。” 呢段唱系焦桂英对以前嘅回忆，想起两人曾经喺海神面前盟誓，永不负心。佢唱得好平静，哀婉动人，轻轻提气将声带出嚟，音色清亮。
到最后嘅一句：“ 焦桂英倒在海神庙，哭他个海沸山摇！” 苏春梅喺呢句唱腔入边，充分噉运用咗红腔以情带声嘅演唱特点，用饱含住怨恨嘅情绪拉咗一个长高腔，只见佢气沉丹田力贯头顶，唱出嘅声好有穿透力，好似吹箫噉响彻云霄，宣泄咗焦桂英对王魁负义忘情嘅悲愤心情，唱出咗红腔嘅神韵，令人陶醉。
好多人都问我，做戏要乜嘢条件架？我话做戏要声、色、艺齐全，声排第一，系最紧要嘅，俗语有话“先声夺人”，“一声压三丑”，可见声嘅重要。
苏春梅天生声靓，嗓音甜润，清脆中带明亮，高低音、真假音都结合得巧妙自然。
佢唱嘅 "红腔" 十分出色，聪明嘅佢善于抓住最关键段落，运用精细独特嘅长腔，唱出嚟就显得韵味特别浓郁。好似唱 《打神》 呢首被广为传唱，脍炙人口嘅名曲，苏春梅就唱得好靓嘞。
“ 当日神前一柱香两家设誓言，他说到老两不相分我说黃泉情未了，他说中途若负阿娇，天地也难饶，我说信难饶。” 呢段唱系焦桂英对以前嘅回忆，想起两人曾经喺海神面前盟誓，永不负心。佢唱得好平静，哀婉动人，轻轻提气将声带出嚟，音色清亮。
到最后嘅一句：“ 焦桂英倒在海神庙，哭他个海沸山摇！” 苏春梅喺呢句唱腔入边，充分噉运用咗红腔以情带声嘅演唱特点，用饱含住怨恨嘅情绪拉咗一个长高腔，只见佢气沉丹田力贯头顶，唱出嘅声好有穿透力，好似吹箫噉响彻云霄，宣泄咗焦桂英对王魁负义忘情嘅悲愤心情，唱出咗红腔嘅神韵，令人陶醉。
January 01, 2010
yi ling yat ling
The title is 2 0 1 0 in Cantonese.
This picture has artistes from both China and HK. The one on top is Lum Ka Sing; the first on the left, top row, is Ting Fan and the first on the right, bottom row, is Soh Choon Mui. How many do you recognize ...
*** Happy New Year 2010 ***
This picture has artistes from both China and HK. The one on top is Lum Ka Sing; the first on the left, top row, is Ting Fan and the first on the right, bottom row, is Soh Choon Mui. How many do you recognize ...
December 30, 2009
You bunch of monkeys!
Wong Fei Hong used to scold his disciples 'You bunch of monkeys'. Here is a clip of Master Wong scolding his disciples who have been up to mischief.
牙擦蘇
This is Sai Kua Pau acting the role of Nga Chaat So, one of Wong's disciples.
牙擦蘇為黃飛鴻的弟子，其貌不揚，哨牙兼口吃，但為人卻樂天知命，性格可愛。
What distinguished Nga Chaat So were his buck teeth, his stuttering speech and his nga-chaat way of talking - characteristics which also made him likable. I don't know what is the English word for nga chaat.
nga chaat also sounds like toothbrush in Cantonese, 牙刷
Here is a dialogue in a movie in which someone asked him where his Sifu was. The dialogue is in Cantonese.
Someone: So, where is Sifu?
Nga Chaat So: Sifu has gone to call chicken ... chicken ... chicken ... chicken ... chicken ...............
Actually he wanted to say Sifu has gone to order chicken rice but the word rice took so long to come out.
牙擦蘇
This is Sai Kua Pau acting the role of Nga Chaat So, one of Wong's disciples.
牙擦蘇為黃飛鴻的弟子，其貌不揚，哨牙兼口吃，但為人卻樂天知命，性格可愛。
What distinguished Nga Chaat So were his buck teeth, his stuttering speech and his nga-chaat way of talking - characteristics which also made him likable. I don't know what is the English word for nga chaat.
nga chaat also sounds like toothbrush in Cantonese, 牙刷
Here is a dialogue in a movie in which someone asked him where his Sifu was. The dialogue is in Cantonese.
Someone: So, where is Sifu?
Nga Chaat So: Sifu has gone to call chicken ... chicken ... chicken ... chicken ... chicken ...............
Actually he wanted to say Sifu has gone to order chicken rice but the word rice took so long to come out.
December 28, 2009
Answers to quizzes
The movie stars quiz
Peter, Chun See and Pauline gave correct answers but none of them named all the stars.
Here are the answers:
1. Yu Soh Chou
2. Lum Kau
3. Sai Kua Pau
4. Cho Tat Wah
5. Siu Yin Fei
6. Yum Yin
The advertisement quiz
It is for BATA shoes
I couldn't find any picture with BATA shoes in the burning sand of a desert but I found this one - BATA shoes in freezing snow.
Peter, Chun See and Pauline gave correct answers but none of them named all the stars.
Here are the answers:
1. Yu Soh Chou
2. Lum Kau
3. Sai Kua Pau
4. Cho Tat Wah
5. Siu Yin Fei
6. Yum Yin
The advertisement quiz
It is for BATA shoes
I couldn't find any picture with BATA shoes in the burning sand of a desert but I found this one - BATA shoes in freezing snow.
December 24, 2009
Old advertisement quiz
You must have seen hundreds of advertisements on TV and in the cinema. How many of them have left an impression in your mind and you can still remember them after all the years?
Here is one I saw once in a cinema a long time ago. I don't know why I can still remember it, of course not all the details. It was a short cartoon strip.....
A man was trudging through a desert. You could see the scorching sun, the burning sand, skeletons of dead animals and the haggard look on the man's face . Towards the end of the advert the man reached an oasis. He took a rest ... and then viewers saw what the advert was trying to sell.
Well, what do you think the advertisement was telling you to buy?
For example - a brand of skin lotion, Anchor beer, some air-conditioners, soft drinks like Green Spot, 7 Up, etc.
Here is one I saw once in a cinema a long time ago. I don't know why I can still remember it, of course not all the details. It was a short cartoon strip.....
A man was trudging through a desert. You could see the scorching sun, the burning sand, skeletons of dead animals and the haggard look on the man's face . Towards the end of the advert the man reached an oasis. He took a rest ... and then viewers saw what the advert was trying to sell.
Well, what do you think the advertisement was telling you to buy?
For example - a brand of skin lotion, Anchor beer, some air-conditioners, soft drinks like Green Spot, 7 Up, etc.
December 21, 2009
Old-cantonese-movie stars quiz
This quiz is for folks who who are nostalgic about black-and-white Cantonese movies they used to watch in their younger days. All the pictures here are from two Wong Fei Hong's movies. The stars in the first picture are Kwan Tuck Heng and Sek Kin.
What are the names of the stars numbered 1,2,3,4,5,6 ? No. 1 is a female. I don't think any one of you can name all of them correctly. I don't know every one of them either but I have the movie credits to help me.
Answers will be published a week later.
What are the names of the stars numbered 1,2,3,4,5,6 ? No. 1 is a female. I don't think any one of you can name all of them correctly. I don't know every one of them either but I have the movie credits to help me.
Answers will be published a week later.
December 19, 2009
沉鱼落雁 闭月羞花
'The fishes sink, the geese plunge, the moon and the flower retreat in shame' - these are the phrases used to describe the 4 beauties of ancient China.
I have posted 4 Cantonese opera clips of these beauties recently. You can go to my Youtube Channel to watch them again. The actresses performing them are shown in the header picture above. Now, do you know that you can find the beauties hidden among the housing blocks in one of our housing estates.
If you want to know where you can see the beauties, click on this link:
http://2ndshot.blogspot.com/2009/12/fishes-sink-geese-plunge-moon-and.html
I have posted 4 Cantonese opera clips of these beauties recently. You can go to my Youtube Channel to watch them again. The actresses performing them are shown in the header picture above. Now, do you know that you can find the beauties hidden among the housing blocks in one of our housing estates.
If you want to know where you can see the beauties, click on this link:
http://2ndshot.blogspot.com/2009/12/fishes-sink-geese-plunge-moon-and.html
December 17, 2009
R & R
2009 is coming to a close. It is time for reflection and rejuvenation.
My blog will mark its 5th anniversary in 3 week' time. There will be no celebrations just like there were none in the past years, unless you all want to give me big $$$ ang-pows.
This poster is my first post. Blink your eyes and 5 years have passed. Remember the Tsunami disaster? This was a charity show to raise money for the Tsunami victims.
This is the post with the most comments :
http://frannxis.blogspot.com/2005/03/wilful-princess.html
And this is the only post in Chinese. But it is not written by me.
http://frannxis.blogspot.com/2007/09/blog-post_18.html
My blog will mark its 5th anniversary in 3 week' time. There will be no celebrations just like there were none in the past years, unless you all want to give me big $$$ ang-pows.
This poster is my first post. Blink your eyes and 5 years have passed. Remember the Tsunami disaster? This was a charity show to raise money for the Tsunami victims.
This is the post with the most comments :
http://frannxis.blogspot.com/2005/03/wilful-princess.html
And this is the only post in Chinese. But it is not written by me.
http://frannxis.blogspot.com/2007/09/blog-post_18.html
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