publicly wash the prosperous vegetable
For all those wondering what the gibberish it is, the title is the direct and unadulterated english translation of the phrase-of-the-season: gong xi fa cai, or gong hei fatt choi!! Anw the direct and unadulterated english translation is not my creation but that of the one nevillenahrenli. Alas, i have not risen to his level yet.
Anyway, happy chinese new year to you all!
I really love the CNY period. Whether its for the bakwa, or the angbao, or the long weekend, or the fellowship with relatives, or the food, or the mahjong, or the money that comes with the mahjong, or the shopping, or the spending, or the cheena music, chances are everyone and anyone is lovin' this period of time. (except husbands who are seeing money flow past like water.)
Chinese new year is probably one rare (if not THE rare) period in the year that youngsters are really really proud to be chinese. It's both good and sad at the same time.
If you are observant enough, singaporeans tend to use "chinese new year" (or "CNY" for the more msn and sms savvy dudes) whereas people in hongkong and china prefer to use "spring festival" or "春节" to refer to the chinese new year. I think 春节 not only sounds more elegant, it also reflects the traditional chinese feeling that the spring festival brings about hope as the flowers bloom and life begins again after the frost has died away. Perhaps that is the more philosophical side of chinese new year aside from all the cash and food.
I remember quite clearly how i was complaining to people that chinese new year music totally gets on my nerves. But listening to it on tv last night during the countdown and in this morning's repeat telecast of the countdown, i must agree that it adds a lot to the festive atmosphere. But that still does not mean the the supermarkets/markets/clothes stores and every visible inch of the street be blasting it over and over and over again. If you really must, try and get nice instrumental versions like the ones played in takashimaya.
Anyway one other thing i love abt cny is the movies channel 8 show to boost the festive mood. No matter how old they are, how replayed they are, they are forever a joy to watch and serves to kinda get the family together to watch. Ever realised that they always show comedies and funny movies whether its stephen chow or jackie chan, hk police films or mahjong movies. And its quite weird but funny movies should never be watched alone, somehow laughing to yourself makes you wonder if you're a nutcase but laughing in the group just produces the right atmosphere. That said, it somehow does not justify mediacorp to show some totally retarded chinese movie showcasing top hk actors but with a damn fail storyline. Stupid big bug movie, somemore show it during reunion dinner timeslot.
Am looking forward to a og dinner this week (perhaps can have yusheng) and another dinner that mr nah is "chia-ing" and hopefully a class gathering.
---
The day was spent at mum's father's house. Quite relaxing to read "A Short History of Nearly Everything" by Bill Bryson. Initially i thought it was about world history or something like that but it turns out to be a book about essential science questions that i myself have sometimes pondered but have never really found the answer. I think its a book that every science student should undertake in his/her free time.
Anyway was reading TIME magazine today on how women leaders are different in their leadership style. The article mentioned successful women who started off in the humblest of ways. Like Vera Wang who started as a salesgirl but really took interest in fashion, rising to senior editor of Vogue at age 23. And oprah winfrey who was a puny newsreader but now owns a multi billion media empire. They all began simply but pursued their passions. I mean in Singapore, the ingredients for a successful career will immediately jolt to mind the necessary formula of a scholarship (if possible a PSC one) and a degree in a super prestigious university. Is our education system too rigid and thus not allowing people to just go out there to try what they really love and end up being successful in it? Are we now too afraid to venture?
And also i somehow or other remembered something i wrote during my first philosophy lesson which asked me what i though philosophy was all about. I remembered clearly that i mentioned it was all about "famous quotes by wise men/ women". It totally seems like rubbish here when you look back at how we studied political theories, philosophy of art, banning of guns, morality and reality. I mean i totally didnt know philosophy was all about such stuff lah. But it does have a link. If i may correct my answer today, i think Philosophy is the means to which wise men reach the end of coming up with famous words. Its all about thinking about your existence and the very life you are leading. That's a very noob answer from a very noob me.
---
To end off, i think next year i shall attempt to have a more active new year. Must go chinatown and see the fireworks and should go chinatown with friends. Today i also saw this guy wearing a trendy cny top that was quite chic and modern and went well with his jeans. I think youngsters should too try and dress for the season coz its afterall once a year that you get to do this rite?
For all those wondering what the gibberish it is, the title is the direct and unadulterated english translation of the phrase-of-the-season: gong xi fa cai, or gong hei fatt choi!! Anw the direct and unadulterated english translation is not my creation but that of the one nevillenahrenli. Alas, i have not risen to his level yet.
Anyway, happy chinese new year to you all!
I really love the CNY period. Whether its for the bakwa, or the angbao, or the long weekend, or the fellowship with relatives, or the food, or the mahjong, or the money that comes with the mahjong, or the shopping, or the spending, or the cheena music, chances are everyone and anyone is lovin' this period of time. (except husbands who are seeing money flow past like water.)
Chinese new year is probably one rare (if not THE rare) period in the year that youngsters are really really proud to be chinese. It's both good and sad at the same time.
If you are observant enough, singaporeans tend to use "chinese new year" (or "CNY" for the more msn and sms savvy dudes) whereas people in hongkong and china prefer to use "spring festival" or "春节" to refer to the chinese new year. I think 春节 not only sounds more elegant, it also reflects the traditional chinese feeling that the spring festival brings about hope as the flowers bloom and life begins again after the frost has died away. Perhaps that is the more philosophical side of chinese new year aside from all the cash and food.
I remember quite clearly how i was complaining to people that chinese new year music totally gets on my nerves. But listening to it on tv last night during the countdown and in this morning's repeat telecast of the countdown, i must agree that it adds a lot to the festive atmosphere. But that still does not mean the the supermarkets/markets/clothes stores and every visible inch of the street be blasting it over and over and over again. If you really must, try and get nice instrumental versions like the ones played in takashimaya.
Anyway one other thing i love abt cny is the movies channel 8 show to boost the festive mood. No matter how old they are, how replayed they are, they are forever a joy to watch and serves to kinda get the family together to watch. Ever realised that they always show comedies and funny movies whether its stephen chow or jackie chan, hk police films or mahjong movies. And its quite weird but funny movies should never be watched alone, somehow laughing to yourself makes you wonder if you're a nutcase but laughing in the group just produces the right atmosphere. That said, it somehow does not justify mediacorp to show some totally retarded chinese movie showcasing top hk actors but with a damn fail storyline. Stupid big bug movie, somemore show it during reunion dinner timeslot.
Am looking forward to a og dinner this week (perhaps can have yusheng) and another dinner that mr nah is "chia-ing" and hopefully a class gathering.
---
The day was spent at mum's father's house. Quite relaxing to read "A Short History of Nearly Everything" by Bill Bryson. Initially i thought it was about world history or something like that but it turns out to be a book about essential science questions that i myself have sometimes pondered but have never really found the answer. I think its a book that every science student should undertake in his/her free time.
Anyway was reading TIME magazine today on how women leaders are different in their leadership style. The article mentioned successful women who started off in the humblest of ways. Like Vera Wang who started as a salesgirl but really took interest in fashion, rising to senior editor of Vogue at age 23. And oprah winfrey who was a puny newsreader but now owns a multi billion media empire. They all began simply but pursued their passions. I mean in Singapore, the ingredients for a successful career will immediately jolt to mind the necessary formula of a scholarship (if possible a PSC one) and a degree in a super prestigious university. Is our education system too rigid and thus not allowing people to just go out there to try what they really love and end up being successful in it? Are we now too afraid to venture?
And also i somehow or other remembered something i wrote during my first philosophy lesson which asked me what i though philosophy was all about. I remembered clearly that i mentioned it was all about "famous quotes by wise men/ women". It totally seems like rubbish here when you look back at how we studied political theories, philosophy of art, banning of guns, morality and reality. I mean i totally didnt know philosophy was all about such stuff lah. But it does have a link. If i may correct my answer today, i think Philosophy is the means to which wise men reach the end of coming up with famous words. Its all about thinking about your existence and the very life you are leading. That's a very noob answer from a very noob me.
---
To end off, i think next year i shall attempt to have a more active new year. Must go chinatown and see the fireworks and should go chinatown with friends. Today i also saw this guy wearing a trendy cny top that was quite chic and modern and went well with his jeans. I think youngsters should too try and dress for the season coz its afterall once a year that you get to do this rite?
posted by gg | 6:35 PM
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