Red Cliff

I managed to catch 'Red Cliff' today. My first movie in more than a month. And, it was a terrific show. I appreciated the cinematography and the character development, I thought it was very well directed. It was relatively emotional as well to see how Sun Quan's army had devoted itself as a brotherhood to the service of the common people. Somehow, Liu Bei was made to look like a complete loser and weakling compared to Cao Cao and Sun Quan. 

The show was also very touching with many poignant moments. I nearly cried during two particular scenes. The first was when Zhao Yun bowed down before Liu Bei to apologize for the fact that he did not manage to save his wife, all this after he had fought like crazy to save the baby. The second part was when General Gan Xin bowed down before the old man to apologize for one of his troops stealing a water buffalo. Wow. These were soldiers that fought with a real heart. 

The focus wasn't so much so on Liu Bei and his generals, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei and Zhao Yun. Of course, they all had roles to play and did acted really well in the battle scenes. But, they were just the supporting crew. The show revolved mainly around Zhuge Liang and Zhou Yu. Their acting was superb. 

There was only one twist at the end of the show which i totally disliked... the phrase, 'to be continued.....' Rah. Why? Why? Why? It was turning out to be such an awesome show...

Nonetheless, i'll just wait for the next part...

Take care and have a great weekend.

Mr Goh

National Songs

So... here i am, listening to National Day Songs getting in the mood for National Day. Yesh, its just 30 days away now. Gosh, i can't believe its another national day already. 

When Singapore had its first national day, it wasn't a pleasant experience. It was, in one word, unexpected. We weren't ready for independence, nor were we expecting it. Sure, we had some hiccups in our relationship with Malaysia, but certainly not one that we expected a separation to happen. The announcement came on national TV with the then prime minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew making an incredibly sad announcement that Singapore was now on its own. This, was 43 years ago. Today, many Singaporeans celebrate this day without a sense of history. For many, its just a public holiday to enjoy, they do not realize the process of nation-building that has taken place so far. The fact that Singapore is able to survive 43 years is nothing short of a miracle. Sure, excellent foresight and planning must take some credit, but ultimately, i believe if not for God's favor, we would not be where we are today. 

Thinking back, i have been involved in a total of NDPs. Yesh. Two parades. The first was in 1999 and the second was in 2007.  In 1999, i was involved in the combined schools choir that performed at the national stadium with Evelyn Tan as the key singer who sang "Together we make a difference". Last year, i was part of the medical support team for NDP07, this theme song was sung by Kit Chan who sang "There's no place i'd rather be'. The fireworks get better each year. But put it this way, i've never really enjoying performing in NDP. Its weeks and weeks of practice.... you get to school/work on Monday dead tired, and you don't get time off. Sure, its fun to watch, but its not that fun when you consider all the work you put in. My heart goes out to all the performers each year. 

This time last year, i was out at the floating platform managing casualties and making sure that everyone is well and hydrated. It was hard work. We had to wake up at 4am to grab our medical supplies from camp, and then we had to arrive at the platform by 7 and be ready to recieve any potential casualties by 8am. We didn't leave the place till almost midnight every session. And this happened for 12 consecutive Saturdays. Definitely not pleasant. But, take it as part of National Service...

This year, i still have no idea what i'll be doing on national day. All i know is, i'm certainly not at the floating platform!

Take care and stay safe

Mr Goh

So You Think You Can Dance

I was just watching "So you think you can dance" on television, and the performances really blew me away. I am a real fan of the show even though i can't dance. You could pay me a million bucks to dance, but i can't. I couldn't dance even if my life depended on it. I have two left feet and am super clumsy. But wow, the performances were terrific. I throughly enjoyed it. 

Watching these shows make me realize how the human body is capable of so many flexible movements. All their moves are so cool, so technically challenging, which makes it even nicer to watch. 

I must learn to dance one day...

Take care and stay safe

Mr Goh

Occupational Hazards

I'm rather annoyed at the moment.

I look at the stain on my shirt, and i'm thinking 'rah. this is annoying'. Guess what? I was talking with the whiteboard marker in my hand. I forgot to put the lid back on and the marker slipped out of my hand and landed on my orange shirt. This is the first time i'm wearing this shirt and it was expensive stuff, rah. Now, there is a green streak on the shirt. It completely wrecks the nice orange shirt that i began the day with. Too bad for me, i guess. Its time to buy a new shirt, i reckon... Alternatively, i could always add more green streaks to the shirt to make it look like it was part of the design... Hmm... I guess that's an option.

Gosh. Its friday. Finally. Its been a really long first week back. But Frrridayyyy is finally here and i'm glad... I get to catch my breath. Well, not really, i have a 10km run tomorrow morning along with a whole host of church activities in the afternoon. I'm in for another packed weekend. Singapore life. Its always one activity after another.... 

Enjoy the weekend... but remember to do your homework..

Take care and stay safe...

Mr Goh

What motivates you?

I had a really fun time in class today. It was a super long day for me, and I just fell into the sofa in the staff room at the end of the day. Dead tired. It was hectic, but fun. I was discussing the morals of 'Kungfu Panda' in class, and it was quite remarkable. The master shifu discovered what motivated Po and used that to train him. In this case, it was food. Indeed, the master shifu learnt to speak the language of his student and was able to connect with him on that level, now that is what i call a superb teacher. There was no secret to Po's success and skills other than himself. 

All of us have at least one thing that motivates us. For some people, it is good grades, for some, it is an overseas holiday, for some, it is money. Let's face it, we're all people, and we need things to motivate us. For me, what motivates me is when i see my students do well. Nothing brings more satisfaction to my heart than to see my students putting in their best effort and doing well. But ultimately, the effort must come from you personally.

Thinking back, I wasn't a very good student last time either. I didn't really put in much effort to study until I was sent overseas - that was when i realized how important my studies were. From there on, I made an entirely fresh new start and decided to work hard. Thankfully, I had a chance to redeem myself and start afresh. 

Don't waste your life, give it your best shot, and live with no regrets.

Term 3, Day 1

Holidays are over. The past four weeks just zipped by just like that. Where did all that time go? I was so busy the entire time that i hardly had any time to rest. There wasn't a single day during the holidays where i was able to stay home and relax. I was on my feet all day, everyday. Not sustainable.... Its only term 3, day 1, yet, i feel so tired already. The effects of a lack of sleep is beginning to take its toll on me. Gosh. How am i gonna survive??? I guess not surviving is not an option. I just have to keep smiling and keep telling myself that i can do this. 

I watched kungfu panda yesterday. Kinda cheesy, i felt. But i liked the values it was promoting. How one should never give up, and the secret really is 'nothing'. Its you. You are the secret. Don't look to others for help, because you are the secret to success. I enjoyed the show also because it promoted respect for your kungfu master (teacher), indeed, i believe the mouse teacher saw alot of potential in Po, and believed in him later on in the show. Hence, he was able to train Po well. If he did not believe in Po, he would have given up on him a long time ago.

I need to realize the potential of each student.... that's what the show taught me. Awesome values...

Take care and stay safe

Mr Goh

Movie Review

Hi 2N3,

Just a reminder to do your holiday homework. I'll give you guys a sample of a movie review today, and i'll give you guys a sample of the reader's digest review sometime next week. Do check back here for details.

Movie Review - Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull

Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull is the fourth movie in the Indiana Jones Series. After nearly a twenty year absence, Indiana is back with Harrison Ford still as energetic as ever. I particularly enjoyed the movie as it invoked feelings of nostalgia as I grew up watching Indiana Jones. Indeed, Indiana Jones was the very movie that inspired me to read up more about ancient civilizations. The adventure mixed in together with the knowledge of Indiana is truly amazing. The movie is good clean fun.

I liked the movie as it promoted very good values. These values include the importance of studying, staying in school, helping your friends, keeping your word. I especially like it because it downplays love. Too many movies these days emphasize love. Love, is over-rated. Nonetheless, my favorite quote from the movie is this, 'I guess the treasure is not gold, its knowledge.' As a teacher, this resonates with me. But in the end, all the gold is destroyed, but the only thing remains is this, that we are wiser.

My favorite character is Indiana Jones played by Harrison Ford. He put up a stirling performance despite his age. He still has the charm and charisma that is needed for the role of Indiana Jones. Smart, yet adventurous and athletic. I throughly enjoyed the performance and I truly recommend it to anyone who wants to watch a good movie.

OK... that's all for now.