Thursday, July 26, 2007

A Letter to My Son

Son,


I have always wanted to write you a letter since you were born. But you know, you have taken up literally all the leisure time of your Mom and me, to an extent that I could hardly find a suitable time to sit down and write you a letter. So, here I am.

You have brought to the family some new dynamics. After you were born, your Grandpa hasn't been mad at anybody, and the whole family just loves you and focuses on you all the time. This is good. But I am secretly worried about it because I don't want you to be spoiled. You deserve all the love we have, but that does not mean that we will spoil you. And I am sure you will understand later that this is for your own good.

You have also enriched my life. I did not understand what parental love is before you were born. I never understand why parents would bring their kids to Disneyland despite that they have been to most of the Disneys in the world. I never understand why parents can sacrifice so much for their kids. Now I understand.

When I look into your eyes, I am touched by your angelic look. You are so perfect, so pure and so friendly. You have all the good features from your Mom and Dad! You are even cuter than your Dad when he was small. When I play with you in the morning before going to work, I don’t really want to say goodbye to you. Of course we’d like you to look smart and handsome. But don’t ever think that this is a big deal and the whole world will revolve around you because of that. More importantly, don’t look down on others who aren’t as good looking as you are. Don’t judge others purely by appearance. This is not God’s intention when he created you. Be self confident! By all means! But do not think or act in such a way that gives the impression of you being cocky. Your Dad suffered that a lot in the past. Don’t tread the same steps!

You have shown much interest in classical music. Well, perhaps I misread you when you looked as if you were paying attention when we played you Mozart, Beethoven, and even Mahler. Who cares? I am sure you must have enjoyed it, because you behaved so much better when there is music. You might wish to learn some instruments when you are a bit older, but if you don’t feel like it, I don’t mind. I just want you to have the ability to appreciate good music. And the good thing is, you have a fountain of resources at home if you want to pursue appreciation of music.

You also seem to like books whenever we show them to you. I hope you like reading because that’s where knowledge comes from. It would help you enormously, not only in terms of knowledge, but also language skill, which relates to your thinking. So develop a habit of reading. You won’t regret for it.

There are several things I would like to tell you. You have to remember them for the rest of your life. First, you are not a problem. You are a gift from God. No one could do anything to make you worthless, and nobody can take away the Love of God and the love of your parents. No matter what other people do, you will remain the most precious one in His eyes. There will come a time you will feel frustrated, helpless, and even useless. Just remember, you are not a problem. You are a gift from God.

Second, you are always welcome to come to your Mom and me for whatever problem you face, because we love you. And we love you not because of any other reasons, but just because you are our son. You may sometimes think that your parents are harsh and they do not understand you. But remember they are the only ones who love you unconditionally on earth. So do come home whenever you like. You are always welcome.

The last thing is: you are unique and have all the potentials to be an outstanding individual. Do strike for the best in your life. Have a dream! Go for it! If you can’t make it, don’t despair. It is your effort and determination that count. Build your character by facing failure. Grab the opportunity to grow and learn when there is failure. Make sure you admit your mistake and don’t make them again. Get on with your life, then you will have improvement every time you face a problem. Persist in it. I am sure you will find your way eventually. Listen to the small voice in your heart, as it is always telling you what you should do.

Be strong and be good. Be a real man when you grow up. I look forward to seeing a lovely little boy turning into a useful person contributing to the community. Bring laughters to those around you. Be weird whenever you can. Don't fear to be a non-conformist!

I hope this is not too much for you to digest. I shall keep writing to you. I hope this is a good start.

With all my love,

Dad

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Rattle's Mahler


指揮家西蒙拉圖(Simon Rattle)花了17年,指揮3個樂團完成的馬勒交響曲全集(1986-2004年),EMI將發行14CD限量套裝版.

Tungpo, have you been waiting for this set? I have got his 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10 and Das Lied. Not much incentive to buy this set.

Monday, July 23, 2007

Son

After my son was born, I had a different understanding of myself and the things around me:

1) I now know why my father would say he does not like to eat something very delicious, because he would like to let us eat more.

2) I now know why parents bring their kids to Disneyland, despite that they don't really like it, because they want their kids to be happy

3) I now know what I did when I said something to hurt my parents

4) I now know my parents only give the best to me

5) I now know what true parental love is like

Sunday, July 22, 2007

Beethoven Violin Concerto

This Beethoven Violin Concerto version is arguably the best. It has recently been reissued as a bargain version (only HKD60 even in HMV). Schneiderhan is not a very all around violinist. His reportoire is restricted to Austrian/German classical and early romantic period. But his Beethoven has been a classic to many critics. To me, his interpretation is elegant and poised. Perhaps it suits Beethoven violin concerto, which I consider is a very feminine piece (compared with Sibelius, for example). The Mozart No.5 is a bonus and he played it really well. I think this CD is a bargain. For those who hasn't owned one in your collection, please get hold of a copy. You will not regret it.

You may ask which version I like the most. It's Heifitz!

Thursday, July 19, 2007

Hahahah!!! Please read this!

Friday, July 13, 2007

Bra Size

Read this from Mad Dog:

The Key to Bra Sizes

Men, ya ever wonder what those bra cup size really mean? I've found the secret.

* A -- "A"lmost boobs.

* B -- "B"arely there.

* C -- "C"an do.

* D -- "D"amn good.

* E -- "E"normous.

* F -- "F"ake.

* G -- "G"igantic.

* H -- "H"umongous.

* I -- "I"ncredible.

Overbust Measurement

Measure round the fullest part of your bust to determine Cup size. If the bust measurement is:

* same as your bra size, your Cup size is A.

* 1 inch more gives Cup size B

* 2 inches more gives Cup size C

* 3 inches more gives Cup size D

* 4 inches more gives Cup size DD

* 5 inches more gives Cup size E

and so on through F, FF and G

This gives us:

* A - Anything there?

* B - Beginning (to get interesting)

* C - (worth) Considering

* D - Damn good

* DD - Doubly delicious

* E - Enormous

* F - Fabulous

* FF - Ffff-phew

* G - Golly gosh (or some such epithet)

This is good!!

Thursday, July 12, 2007

銀河鐵道九九九


Any of you remember that 美達路 (the girl travelling with the boy) would take off her clothes in the train while some voice would give instruction to her? I vaguely remember (actually quite sure about it!) this but all my friends don’t. And they all said I must have watched some porn version! Please help clarify this and what was she doing when she took off her clothes. Thanks.

Chateau Latour 1949

This was taken at yesterday's lunch (you can barely see me in the background). This is the oldest wine I have had so far. Absolutely hedonistic!

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Conccert in Nanjing

文明的恥辱 法國音樂家在中國開音樂會被氣哭
台下亂哄哄 此起彼伏的手機鈴聲、說話聲 氣哭法國音樂家演出被迫中斷

來源:【揚子晚報】

[原標題]:音樂會台下亂哄哄 法國音樂家流下傷心淚

  活潑好動的孩子上躥下跳,大呼小叫,此起彼伏的手機鈴聲、說話聲,這些細節經常會發生在國內的高雅音樂會上,這似乎是一個無法解決的老話題,而國人早就見怪不怪。

  可是,6月29日晚,在南京藝術學院音樂廳,面對這些並不高雅的景況,來自法國巴黎國立音樂學院的布菲教授情緒激動,她的眼眶裡盈滿了淚水,演出也被迫中斷。一個法國著名教授,竟然在中國的音樂會上被氣哭掉淚,聞所未聞!

  第二天,布菲前往外地演出。昨天她回到南藝為學生授課時接受了本報記者的專訪,話題就從這次哭泣開始。

  事件回放:女音樂家被氣哭了

  這場演出對外售票,最高票價280元。不少看了那場演出的南藝音樂學院老師,都對布菲的精湛演出留下了深刻印象。已跟隨布菲學習三年鋼琴的牛翔宇,目前就讀於巴黎音樂師范學院,也是布菲中國音樂之旅的翻譯。她告訴記者,布菲彈奏李斯特和舒曼的作品在法國可謂首屈一指,她任教的巴黎國立音樂學院也是全歐洲最好的音樂學院。

  但是,已經在全世界各地辦了200多場音樂會的布菲,在南京的這場剛剛開幕不久,就被迫中斷了演出。通過牛翔宇昨天的講述,記者“看”到了后台發生的令人震驚的一幕:優雅的法國音樂家竟然被氣哭了!原來當晚前來觀看演出的觀眾大都帶著孩子,家長本意也許是好的,想讓孩子“熏陶”美妙的鋼琴音樂,可是小孩子根本坐不住,爬上爬下,凳子被弄出的動靜很大,還有吵鬧聲,有的家長並不加以制止,那種嘈雜的環境與寧靜投入的音樂表達格格不入,以致布菲無法繼續演出,離開舞台到后台調整情緒。在后台,教授百思不得其解,郁悶地流下了傷心的眼淚。見此景,牛翔宇隻得站出來,跑到舞台上對觀眾大聲講話,希望觀眾保持良好的安靜秩序,這時,台下才稍稍安靜下來,牛翔宇再度請出布菲教授,方使演出能夠繼續進行。牛翔宇告訴記者,自己當晚也被現場亂哄哄的場景氣哭了。

  當事人布菲:

  吵鬧讓我無法做到最好

  布菲今年有54歲,她並不像有的法國人那麼高傲,實際上她非常溫和,教課嚴謹,對待學生更是細致入微。記者昨天也親眼見到,在給素不相識的南藝學生上鋼琴課時,布菲總是體貼地給他們翻琴譜。

  記者很想知道,對學音樂的孩子這麼溫和的一位老師,受到南京不文明觀眾的傷害,郁悶流淚的時候究竟在想些什麼呢?布菲委婉地說,這件事情已經過去了,應該就是中國人多的緣故,今后會慢慢變好的。后來,布菲告訴記者,這是她第三次來到中國,到南京來演出是很高興的一件事,自己很渴望把最好的音樂帶給大家。隻是當晚的環境影響了自己的發揮,“嘈雜的聲音使我無法專注於我的音樂,那不是我的最好水平。沒有把最好的東西帶給南京觀眾,這讓我有點難受。”牛翔宇說,其實布菲就是一個從來不會把自己的想法強加給別人的人。

  支招:

  家長的榜樣非常重要

  在布菲的眼中,東方文化是神秘的,第一次來南京她就非常喜歡這個地方:“通過南京我看到很多美好的東西,綠樹、人們的熱情都讓我印象深刻。”所以對國人不美好的欣賞音樂的方式,她提出了一些懇切的建議:

  “對學音樂的孩子來說,培養對音樂的感受非常重要。我覺得應該讓孩子去美術館看畫展、讀文學、游覽城堡…… 藝術是一個大范圍。”對於坐不住的孩子,布菲強調,家長的態度其實決定了他自己對音樂家是否尊重。如果家長不熱愛音樂,無法靜心傾聽,又怎麼能為自己的孩子做出榜樣呢?“我希望中國的孩子可以把紛繁的比賽放一放,多開自己的演奏會,這樣當有人談話、弄出雜音,才能讓孩子自己體會到,表達音樂時,讓別人在台下靜靜地傾聽自己,有多麼重要。”

  徐軍:學音樂,要從欣賞音樂開始

  “聽音樂會本身是一個再平常不過的文化活動,事實証明有些人還沒有作好心理准備”。對這次事件,南藝音樂學院鋼琴系主任徐軍這樣總結。

  今年上半年還在歐洲研修音樂,徐軍聽了許多高規格的音樂會。他對西方聽音樂會嚴格的禮儀記憶猶新,不僅要西裝革履,而且不能帶任何東西,在音樂廳設有專門存放隨身物品的衣帽間。在國外,這種音樂的消費對象是成人,孩子是不允許帶入內的。而在周末,則專門有音樂大師為孩子演奏的專場演出。

  可是,在國內,徐軍說,聽音樂會有時與享受無關,會變成一件“恐怖”的事情。現場非常嘈雜,來聽音樂的小孩子吵吵鬧鬧,裝飲料的塑料袋發出的雜音,讓聆聽音樂的耳朵非常難受。這種不僅損壞自己形象,也妨礙他人的行為,每每讓國內外的音樂家頭痛不已。徐軍說,當年紐約愛樂交響樂團的首次訪華演出時,人民大會堂場館很大,遲到的人絡繹不絕,“音樂會開始后暫停入場”的規矩根本行不通,觀眾席上亂哄哄的景象十分驚人。去年鋼琴大師陳洪寬在南京開音樂會時,無奈地在音樂會中場時向觀眾發出懇求,呼吁大家靜聽音樂。今年4月,享譽國際的華人鋼琴家傅聰在南寧舉辦鋼琴獨奏會,當晚也發生了遲到觀眾蜂擁入場並來回走動的事情。

  “這些小節折射出大問題,家長擔負著重大責任。在高雅演出的場所,家長不應該對奔跑的孩子熟視無睹。學音樂,要從學會欣賞音樂開始。”徐軍表示,“我們不要求觀眾不要隨便鼓掌,這麼高的要求一時很難達到,就從進音樂廳不帶雜物,手機開震動等基本的文明禮儀做起吧。”

  本報記者 張楠 攝影 尤曉源 本版策劃 鞠健夫

  以鋼琴接軌西洋

  曾經陪一位帶著孩子的媽媽去聽鋼琴音樂會,路上我笑話這位小朋友:可不要睡覺哦。我這句話其實是以己之心度他人之腹,因為本人聽這類高雅音樂會的時候,聽著聽著就會進入一種游離狀態,恍恍然仿佛做夢般似醒非醒。沒想到媽媽笑說:不怕他睡覺,能在肖邦的音樂裡睡著,那是件多麼幸福的事呢!這種論調是第一次聽到,不過想想確實是金玉良言,在音樂裡睡著了,至少說明音樂對我們產生了影響。

  肖邦、老柴、貝多芬,隻要我們願意,自然能玩得起來。學音樂的人每年都在增長,可惜我們隻接軌了旋律、節奏或者音符,但中國音樂會的現場卻一直做不到跟國外接軌,這難免令人“痛心疾首”。我的建議是:接軌任重道遠,不如大家先學學那位媽媽,讓孩子先學會在音樂裡睡覺吧。 馬 彧

  高雅場合的不文雅舉止 言傳身教的力量

  去年去德國,我們的翻譯興沖沖去看郎朗的音樂會──一場當地政府要員出席的高規格音樂會。回來后她卻沮喪無比地告訴我們:音樂很美,但現場很糟,讓她的情緒變得很壞。因為有不少中國的富商夫人也在座,她們在音樂會上忙壞了:不時拿出攝像機或者照相機猛拍一陣,機器發出的聲音和不停閃爍的燈光,引來了其他人的側目而視。而這些富商夫人卻視若無睹,旁若無人地繼續拍照。壞了興致的相信絕不僅僅是我們的翻譯,她說:當時我臉上那個臊呀!恨不得找個地縫鑽進去。

  言傳身教,榜樣的力量是巨大的。因為我們的孩子,看多了父母在各種高雅場合的不文雅舉止,沉浸在中國“市井”文化的氣場中,他們自然而然把音樂會變成了一個吵鬧喧嘩的玩耍地,並不是因為他們生來就不文明,隻是因為,大氛圍如此。( 馮秋紅)

  沒有“欣賞音樂”傳統的國度 不要為我們哭

  我們是個沒有“欣賞音樂”傳統的國度,祖輩們傳下來的習慣就是聚在一起熱鬧地看“唱念做打”的戲曲表演。但是,時代變了,戲曲被很多中國人覺得“過時了”、“老土了”,而來自西方的“音樂會”才是我們心中的“文明”與“高雅”。因此,我們願意像西方人那樣成群地擠進音樂廳,已經是個巨大進步。外國音樂家來中國中小城市開音樂會,應該對著前來“捧場”的觀眾(不是聽眾)感激涕零,千萬不要再指望能夠找到真正的“知音”了,那是很幼稚的想法。

  中國大多數地方現在是根本不存在“欣賞音樂會”這種氣場的,在家長們看來,那是絕好的琴童“教育會”。在音樂廳裡說話、喧嘩、打架這種丟臉的事情,在中國各地是風起雲涌、屢教不改。周作人說,“一切專家都是從附庸風雅開始的”,在我們大多數中國人還沒有學會尊重藝術家,尊重音樂之前,不要為我們哭,親愛的老外。你們要用中國地道的哲學觀──阿Q精神來寬慰自己。( 張 漪)

Wednesday, July 04, 2007

交響情人夢


好好睇!

香港無線電視翡翠台 星期日晚十時半 交響情人夢(2007.8.12 - 2007.10.21)

Ten Years

Ten years ago:

- I just got married.

- I was still a trainee

- I was living at a 639 sq ft flat in Laguna City

- I laughed more often and told a lot more jokes

- I had more time for myself

- I read a lot more

- I was wondering what I would be like in ten years

- I only had HKD2m debt

- My salary was 30% of my current one

- I only had around 200 CDs

- I only had a Denon mini hi-fi

- I only had two shelves of books

- I was using a 486 desk-top at home (286 for office)

- I had no kid, not even thinking of having one

- I 95% travelled by MTR

- I had a lot more gatherings with friends

- I was a lot more arrogant

- I had my first cell phone (CDMA of Hutchison)

- I still had a lot of passion in my job

- I was thinking where to go for my next holiday

- I weighed 230 Ibs

- I had no interest to take further studies, esp MBA

- I thought I would stay as a commercial banker forever

- I could sleep for more than 10 hours. Easily!

- Versace was my favourite for ties (!!)

- I was probably more happy...

Ten years later:

- I have a kid, five and a half months old

- I am using a HKD468 Nokia cell phone, with a blackberry provided by the company

- I am using two lap-tops

- I have over 3,000 CDs (exact number unknown)

- I have over 5 shelves of books but am reading less

- I have a decent set of Hi-Fi, but got less time to listen to music

- I just celebrated my 10-year anniversary with my wife, who is lovelier than 10 years ago

- I am thinking when I can go for a break overseas

- I weigh 250 Ibs

- I have become less cynical towards the society and people around me

- I confirm there is no need for me to take an MBA

- I changed job

- I have just bought a new flat, having sold one three years ago.

- I don't need nice ties for work now.

- I have come to know 10 times the people I knew 10 years ago, mostly customers and business partners

- It is luxurious if I could sleep for more than 7 hours now.