..be transformed by the renewing of your mind

http://qzone.qq.com/blog/176146988-1211017547

http://news.qq.com/a/20080517/001047.htm

http://news.qq.com/a/20080515/002083.htm

http://news.qq.com/zt/2008/dizhen/topic_html/shunjian.htm

In remembrance of the victims of the great earthquake.

We must try our best to help them. No matter how little you may donate, it will still mean a lot. AXS and ATMS machines islandwide are available for donations. See below..

China Earthquake Appeal

Where to donate Members of the public who would like to contribute towards the Red Cross China Earthquake Appeal can make their donations through the following: Cash/Walk-in Donations Walk-in donations can be made at the Singapore Red Cross Society, 15 Penang Lane, Singapore 238486.Our collection hours are: Mon – Fri: 9.30am – 5.45pm Sat & Sun (17-18 May): 9.30am – 5pm Vesak Day (19 May): 9.30am – 5pm For more information, please call the Singapore Red Cross at 6334-9152/53 or email china.enquiry@redcross.org.sg. Cheque Donations Cheque can be made payable to: Singapore Red Cross SocietyPlease indicate behind the cheque: 1) Name, Organisation (if applicable), Mailing Address and Contact Numbers 2) For Red Cross China Earthquake Appeal An official receipt (Donation is not tax deductible) will be issued. Send the cheque to: Singapore Red Cross Society 15 Penang Lane, Singapore 238486 *Singpost waives postage for cheque donations to Singapore Red Cross UOB Internet Banking1) Login to UOB Personal Internet Banking 2) Click on “Bill Payment” on the left menu 3) Click on “Pay Bills” on the left menu 4) Click on “New Bill” on the main screen 5) Select “Red Cross China Earthquake” from the drop down menu of the payee corporations list 6) Enter telephone number as the Bill Reference Number 7) Enter the debiting account to debit donation Enter the donation amount 9) Click on “Confirm” button to approve payment UOB Cheque DonationsDonations by cheque can be dropped at the UOB’s cheque deposit boxes. Cheques should be crossed and made payable to “Red Cross – China Relief Fund”. DBS/POSB Fund Transfer1) Insert your ATM card and enter PIN. Select “More Services” 2) Select “Credit Card/Bill Payment” 3) Key in “99″ Other Corporation 4) Key in “99″ again 5) Key in “18″ for Red Cross China Earthquake 6) Indicate your contact number as the Bill Reference Number. 7) Select account type Enter donation amount 9) Press “Confirm” to complete transaction DBS Internet Banking1) Log on to DBS iBanking, 2) Go to “Payment Services” 3) Under “Bill Payment”, 4) Select “RedCross China Earthquake” 5) Indicate your contact number as the Consumer Reference Number AXS StationsMembers of the public can donate at all AXS stations islandwide. To view the official Singapore Red Cross press statement, click here.

Went to shop and bought a lot of things today. And just when I thought of going home already, I detoured back to Tangs, to get the bag that I want. And thankful for after that last purchase, I by chance exited by the TANGS main entrance. At first I thought it’s some sleazy dancers on the stage as there is loud techno music blaring. But lo and behold, it’s a VIOLIN AND CELLO CONCERTO!! It’s like wow!~ I only know they are the “No strings attached” group at the end of the performance. They played really well, SSO standard I would say. 2 words: EXTREMELY BEAUTIFUL. I think they are more beautiful than any top models out there. A pity for those who missed out. I was just there staring at them, and those who stopped by to listen are equally entranced as me by the music. It’s like the world in Orchard Road just stopped for them.

This first lady on the left, I think she’s a Singaporean. And her violin is the more beautiful one compared to the 3rd lady. She plays the treble part and some bass parts in different songs.

Reminds me of a particular famous Singaporean violinist. Wonder is she the one?

This is the second lady, I can see that she’s from China, She plays the bass part for most songs, sometimes joining the treble part with the 3rd lady. And she has really slim arms. Heavy cello. 

Extremely elegant and beautiful. Reminds me of my piano teacher’s daughter who is a cello player.

This is the 3rd lady. I think she is from China too. She plays the treble part only, all the way.

They played synchronisingly with the background electronic classical-techno, with those heavy “boom boom” bass effects.

Made me hum the whole song of ”Fur Elise” while walking the long way home, not that they played it.

There is this quality of classical music that is uncomparably pure, entralling and unworldly. It can never be compared to contemporary music. It is the creme de la creme of music. When you hear classical music, you would not think about the things in this world, but you will think of theories, revolutions in the past and ideals. Contemporary music is more of having fun and a good time.

Classical music helps me to concentrate well and memorise things well when studying for exams. It makes me think faster too. When I listen to contemporary songs, my thinking some how slowed down as I can’t help but to groove to the music. When I listen to classical music, to me, it’s just like returning to an old home which I’ve not been in a long time. But I have this weird thought, that if I listen to too much classical music, I will look weird. Can’t understand how my mind thinks at time.

Should have asked my Dad to teach me the violin before he chucked it away…. Violin is a very beautiful instrument. I wonder how many kilograms of dust it has collected now on top of his wardrobe. I wanna learn simple violin….. This is the success of any classical music performance— to inspire people to play that instrument.

The first concert I’ve been to was the SSO performance in the Victoria’s concert hall when I was in primary school. Went with my parents and piano teacher. We have to be very early 10 mins before the performance, if not they will not let you in, even if you bought the tickets. And it is not an etiquette to clap your hands, not until the very end of the performance when the conductor bows low. People should try going for SSO concerts. It’s a great experience, better than clubbing.

I think that learning how to play an instrument is a privileged opportunity. My dad picked up violin when he was 18, he had to save and scrimp in order to learn it then. Eventually he progressed and made it to be a violin teacher. But he did not teach anymore. So people out there, if you are learning an instrument now, please, don’t give up!!!! Endure it, it is worth it, even if you are very busy, or need to scrimp money and be a little poorer, nothing in this world can trade the joy of playing it. So… ZIJIAN, can hear me? ! haha, don’t give up yar??

I think before I leave this earthly home, I want to have at least a grade 6 for my piano, or else I would have regrets. I’m just waiting for my driving to pass this valentine’s day, so that I can learn piano after that.  I’m willing to suffer for learning it, considering my part-time studies and hectic work. Guess it’s possible to squeeze in a few hours each day to learn it. One big reason that I sometimes are unable to practice it is that my mom works permanent night shift, and she needs to sleep in the afternoon. But I think I will close double doors, and press the p pedal– but that will actually spoil the keys a little. 7 words: When there’s a will, there’s a way.

Okay my mind is set, I will learn piano after I got my driving license. Argh. Irritating driving tests. Haha.

To end, I will put up this song called kreisler-liebesleid It was originally composed and played by kreisler. I think he’s a German composer. liebe=love in german. The piece I have of it is played by Qin Liwei.