| Rating: | ★★★★ |
| Category: | Other |
http://www.samurai-7.com/index.html
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Samurai 7
http://www.samurai-7.com/index.html
Zodiac: the Legend begins 生肖传奇
| Rating: | ★★ |
| Category: | Movies |
| Genre: | Animation |
The great Buddha gave the eminent Jade Emperor the task of ruling the celestial and mortal worlds. Although the Emperor has made the mortal world a facade of peace and tranquility, which was thriving and prosperous, men still did not have an awareness of time. With the absence of this facility, calamity was certain. To prevent this calamity, the Jade Emperor gave a celestial order.
“Let it be known in the mortal world, that I, the Imperial Jade Emperor, shall appoint 12 animals to ascend to the celestial world. These 12 species of animals shall represent a cycle of 12 years with each animal representing a year. Any humans born in a particular animal’s year shall bear that animal’s mark and his strength. This representation shall be known as the Zodiac.”
But deep in the dark swamps, the thousand year old tree spirit hacks a plan of her own. Determined to thwart the plans of her long time enemy, the Jade Emperor, she sets forth to prevent the success of the Race be impeding the 12 chosen ones.
taken from http://www.moviexclusive.com/review/zodiac/zodiac.htm
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Personal take:
Too many singing animals. Period. I like the turtle, blur and cute. But the pacing of the story really cannot make it. And the voice acting of the mandarin version really is horrible. Later did find out the film actually used local artistes. Man... Lets hope this will not be the 1st and last 3D animated film for local efforts.
Only good thing out of this is I learnt the order of the Chinese Zodiac. well, must always salvage something out of every situation.
Monday, January 30, 2006
Sunday, January 29, 2006
on faith of being a child of God...
argh, haven't been writing as much these days. First was caught up in the video madness of following "Jewel in the Palace"'; then now am caught up the Chinese New Year festivities & watching all kinds of crazy videos at Youtube (www.youtube.com) . Still, had to write something down about Sunday's sermon. Personal take la.
Pastor Kai was speaking last Sunday to us about spiritual training; how we must recognize the necessity of it, reap the promise of it and resolve to get into spiritual training. One of the points he brought up was on the novel "the Da Vinci code". The book has already caused quite an uproar when it first came out a couple of years back, with the claims it make about Jesus being a man only, is mortal, had a wife and had children etc etc. I read the book quite some time ago, and can only remember snatches of it. To me it was a very good piece of fiction, expertly written and well-crafted. And there it ends, as a piece of fictitious work only. When I read the claims of Jesus, I laughed my head off and thought to myself: "Mr. Brown has some serious accounting to do on Judgment day."
Pastor was saying if the furor caused by the book can be likened to that of a storm's, then when the film adaptation of "the Da Vinci Code" comes out in May this year, the impact will be like that of a tsunami's. Faiths will be shaken, and unprepared Christians will not be ready for the questions levied at them about the person of Jesus. Therefore, as believers and disciples of Christ, we must be ready to give an account of who our God is.
At the same time as I hear this, I realize at once this is the easiest and hardest thing to do, for myself. For I do not have the eloquence and wisdom of pastors or great men like the apostle Paul, Martin Luther or C.S. Lewis. I am just a regular guy trying to mae his way in this world; who am I to stand up to my peers of more worth? 
And how do you explain something as abstract as faith itself?
But to believe in that indefinitely is to belittle God of my faith, who is Elohim, Adonai, and El-Shaddai*. Through the ages, great men and women of faith arise, not because they are talented in themselves - rather, they have allowed themselves to be used by the sovereign Lord for His purpose and glory. For me to say "cannot be done" when the Lord says "can be done", is to make myself god of my own life, refusing to trust and believe in God's fullness and ability to do great things in my life. If the Maker of the world, Creator and Shaper of my life says His will be done, who am I to argue against Him? While to some, this sounds like God being a cosmic bully of infinite resources, to those who knows Him, this is God at His best, with His infinite patience and infinite love, He calls us to return to Him, all who are hard of heart and hearing.
Back to the book of "the Da Vinci Code", it's a good book of fiction, mixed in with truths and make believe. Yet do be aware that the devil loves these kind of works best, to further his schemes for the unwary. Afterall, it concerns the person of Jesus, who is "the capstone the builders have rejected".** Many people have stumbled over who Jesus is to them; yet to all those who believes, we are given the wonderful gift of knowing God. Before we start fighting over with people over the authenticity of "the Da Vinci Code", let us first get back to the Holy Word, and get the authenticity of Jesus aright.
And hey, if your faith is ever shaken about who Jesus is, my brother and sister, don't despair! Instead, rejoice and pray to the Holy Spirit for wisdom and revelation. Ask Him to move you out of that position, and pray for divine intercession and meeting with God through Word, prayer and fellow brother and sisters. 
Peace out, my fellow sojourners...
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* Jewish names of "Greatness and Glory", and "Lord and Master" and "All-bountiful in the fullness and fruitfullness". For more information, please read "Names of God" by Nathan Stone.
** See the Gospel of Mathew Chapter 21 verse 41-43.
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"...But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 5:20b-21.
P.S. lost the rhythm of writing, cause was called out suddenly to meet some of my friends. Will continue this in another of my blog entries...
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
大长今主题曲《希望》
http://www.youtube.com/w/%5927%957F%4ECA%4E3B%9898%66F2%300A%5E0C%671B%300B?v=_7v7a2g8k_g&search=%E5%A4%A7%E9%95%BF%E4%BB%8A
ok, the earlier one about the anime was not weird. Seeing Kelly Chan belting out cantonese croon to this Korean tune is WEIRD. Think soon we'll hear aunties and uncles belting this out in Karaokae joints all over...
on being a computer junkie...
Bumped into my friend just now at the library. He told me he finished the "Jewel in the Palace" dvd series already, in 2 days' time. I was like totally speechless. I asked him how did he do it. He said 1) he listened to the Mandarin dialogue, instead of the Korean OST (Original Sound Track) - so that no need to read the Chinese subtitles; and 2) fast forward all the boring bits. Still, it's quite an achievement... Well, I hope his laptop isn't burnt out from that little nonstop viewing...
My aunt came over to visit us just now, to pass us some Chinese New Year goodies, plus do catch up with my mom. During the chit-chat, my mom complained about me being glued to the laptop for hours.* Well, to be more preceise, all 3 of us siblings actually. I use it to surf web, write blogs and look for emulations, my bro used it to download anime and songs, my sis used it to do her projects and chit-chat with friends online. Well, guess my mom feels pretty left out because she just don't get why we need to spend so much time in front of the other dumb-box**. And seriously, we can't connect to any of her Taiwanese dramas on Channel 8. And frankly, I don't want to. (shudder)
ok, time to get back to my surfing... before getting riled at again.
* how do i know? Simple, I was playing the "dutiful eldest son" role of "joining in chit chat with your elders". Plus I want to know how my "good name" is being "smeared" by my mom, and to fire a few of my "salvos" as well...
** we 3 siblings don't watch much TV programmes these days. Lets face it, national programming sucks big time; and we can't afford cable. Plus the laptop is keeping us glued enuff as it is.
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Lose This Life
Tait - Lose This Life
From the album Lose This Life
I got caught in a hurricane
No one but myself to blame
I got lost in the rain
Then I got stuck in a spider web
Tangled up in all my cares
Such a lonely affair
Like a raging sea
Fear wants to swallow me
I've searched but there's no peace
Without You
But if I lose this life
I know I'll find it in You
So won't You take my life
'Cause I surrender to You
I'm running back to the truth
Your Word is clear
I've got to believe it
Lost, so lost
Somewhere in the dead of night
Drifting like a satellite
Spinnin' out of control
But love, Your love
Is stronger then gravity
And it's pullin' at the heart of me
And I'm giving in
Like a raging sea
Fear wants to swallow me
I've searched but there's no peace
Without You
But if I lose this life
I know I'll find in You
So won't You take my life
'Cause I surrender to You
I'm running back to the truth
Your Word is clear
I've got to believe it
Lose this life, it's the death of me
Lose this life, it's gonna set me free
Lose this life, it's the death of me
Lose this life, it's gonna set me free
And if lose this life
I know I'll find in You
So won't You take my life
Oh, I surrender to you
There's no denying the truth
Your Word is clear
I've got to believe it
I've got to believe it
Lyrics may not be reproduced without permission from the publisher.
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Veggie Tales - Lord of the Beans
| Rating: | ★★★ |
| Category: | Movies |
| Genre: | Animation |
http://www.bigidea.com/videos/veggietales/vt026/default.htm
It's a tale of good versus evil ... with beans! Lord of the Beans follows the fantastic journey of a Flobbit named Toto Baggypants (Junior Asparagus) who inherits a most unusual and powerful bean. With the help of his mentor Randalf and a spirited group of friends, Toto embarks on a mission to discover how he should use his gift.
On their quest, the group encounters many challenges, including crossing the Mountains of Much-Snowia, and facing the dreaded Lord Scaryman -- who seeks the bean for misguided, selfish reasons. Will Toto discover the purpose of his gift, or will the scary dude and his Spork army capture the bean and wield its awesome powers? Find out in VeggieTales Lord of the Beans.
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haha, another VeggieTales film. Didn't quite enjoy this as the Jonah film; but it's still good for a laugh (if you're into corny jokes, that is)
大长今 Daejanggeum (Jewel in the Palace)
| Rating: | ★★★ |
| Category: | Other |
Jang-geum (played by Lee Young-ae) is the daughter of Seo Cheon-su (played by Park Chan-hwan), a former judicial officer-turned butcher (the lowest social class) who lives in hiding after being expelled from the royal palace, and Madame Park (played by Kim Hye-seon), a former court lady working in the royal kitchen who narrowly escaped death following a murderous conspiracy planned by Court Lady Choi. As a young child, Jang-geum loses both parents and enters the royal palace in the kitchen. In the royal kitchen, she spends a harsh childhood in continuous competition with Choi Geum-yeong (played by Hong Li-na). Under the protection and tutelage of Court Lady Han, Jang-geum makes every effort to become the best cook in the palace. Her endeavors enable her to become a recognized cook; but Lady Choi and her faction, jealous of the success of Lady Han and Jang-geum, plot a conspiracy, which leads to the death of Lady Han and Jang-geum’s expulsion from the royal palace. Jang-geum is relegated to the position of maidservant for the local government office on Jeju-do Island. While in exile, Jang-geum learns medicine. Through native intelligence and patient efforts, she earns her reputation as a woman doctor on the island. After a time, she returns to the palace, where she is recognized by the king and becomes the royal physician and also the first female physician in history to serve the king. The king falls in love with her, but she cannot return his love, as she is already in love with Min Jung-Ho, who has stood by her side during the most difficult times. * The concluding part omitted.
Taken from: http://english.tour2korea.com/02Culture/TVMiniseries/daejangguem.asp?kosm=m2_6&konum=1
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In a nutshell, borrowed the DVD box set from my friend. After 19 dvds and 70 episodes later, I'm glad it's finally over. Not that it's a bad TV drama series, the plot development quite held my interest. But the ending wasn't that satisfactory. But the food scenes and the politicking parts sure make up for the crappy ending. And the location shots were really scenic.
Some other parts that I didn't quite get about the show:
1) Is there really a need to agonise over the food? (“娘娘，我做的麻辣豆腐真的可以吗？" sniff sniff sob sob)
2) Are all the people in the show ninjas? They seems to get from the palace grounds to the city and to the countryside in a jiffy, like everything is happening within a 2 kilometre radius...
3) The show supposedly raised a lot of ire among the Chinese in mainland China. The Chinese maintained that the show insinuated a lot of Chinese inventions, like acupuncture and firepowder, were actually Korean innovations. After watching the show myself, I felt the above allegations were quite unfounded.
But it sure is fascinating how a lot of the Chinese culture (the palace ceremonial wear, the beliefs and customs, the Confusionistic customs) is actually practiced in medieval Korea...*
4) It's really quite melodramatic. The women never seems to run out of tears. Sad cry, happy also cry. Cry cry cry. Then again, some of the Taiwanaese soapy drama serials area also like that.
* could be my own misinterpretation - afterall, I'm watching a Chinese-subtitled version of the show, which could have have translated to suit the tastes of the target audience...
Monday, January 16, 2006
Memoirs of A Geisha (Mad TV parody)
http://www.youtube.com/watch.php?v=_AQvqsZFgDY
hahahahah, laugh your head off this one... oh, the "most beautihoo wooman in Jippan" is a guy, in case you missed it... :D
Friday, January 6, 2006
orange range - onegai senorita
http://www.youtube.com/w/orange-range---onegai-senorita?v=mLTARVUh55Y&search=orange%20range%20hana
hahaha, a very funny Japanese MTV! With kawaii Japanese girl, Drunk salaried-man, Hentai Ultraman-copycat and Giant Rubber-suited Monster!
Another version:
http://www.youtube.com/w/ORANGE-RANGE---%304A%9858%3044%FF01%30BB%30CB%30E7%30EA%30FC%30BF-%28onegai-senorita%29?v=da6l0_eoHQE&search=PV%20onegai%20senorita
Thursday, January 5, 2006
救世神棍 Heaven Can't Wait (Jiushi shengun）(1995)
| Rating: | ★★★★ |
| Category: | Movies |
| Genre: | Comedy |
黄大凤从小跟着神棍师傅长大，耳濡目染这一行的种种骗人把戏，却不自知自己其实善良本性。他带吴智入行，不料吴竟抛开他自立门户，一气之下决定干一番大事业。偶然的机会他遇见了一个智障的青年春发现春竟然酷似出土的文物像达达大师，凤心生一计，称春为达达的化身，一夜成名。岂料吴智早已对达达心怀不轨，利用他蛊惑人心，关键时刻凤顿然觉悟，挺身揭穿吴的阴谋。
本片由香港著名的“UFO电影人”制作出品。UFO往往会给人带来不少惊喜之处，此类题材的电影由于触及到社会的某些敏感处因而很受关注，主创人员的勇气令人敬佩，更惊喜的应该是陈小春的表演，他演的达达大师说服力十足，而对于朝伟来说黄大凤这个角色并没有什么难度，但有报道说朝伟的表演又上了一个高度。
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The TV was showing a re-run of this on New Year morning (read: after 1a.m.). Decided to catch this again instead of my "Jewel in the Palace" （大长今） marathon. A very hilarious show, and shrewd social commentary on religiosity among the modern society. It seems the producers of the show were targeting at the Hong Kong people as their subject of portrayal; but I believe this film also speaks of people everywhere in their search for the One True God. Lotsa digs at the Christian faith, with abundant imagery borrowed (from Jesus' crucification to Moses' receiving the 10 Commandments).
A star-studded cast, with a very youthful Tony Leung (梁朝伟），silly-antics Jordan Chan （陈小春) and a fleshier version of Karen Mok (莫文惠）back then in 1995. :D
Wednesday, January 4, 2006
The Hidden Powers of Prayer and Fastng
| Rating: | ★★★★ |
| Category: | Books |
| Genre: | Religion & Spirituality |
| Author: | Mahesh Chavda |
God has provided a way to turn certain defeat into awesome victory and demonic strongholds into highways of His love and power. When overwhelming defeat looks you in the face, whether the attack is physical or a family or financial crisis, The Hidden Power of Prayer and Fasting holds keys that will unlock the resident power of the Holy Spirit within you!
Through this book you will receive an impartation from a man who has lived these truths and has seen the power of God released for total victory against impossible odds, resulting in revival and literal resurrection.
Mahesh Chavda has lived the lifestyle of prayer and fasting. This book will inspire you to battle through--whatever your circumstance--because God has given you a remedy for bringing His glory into your life, your church, your city, and your nation through the hidden power of prayer and fasting.
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This is a pretty old book (first printed in 1998), yet it still speaks powerfully on the disciplines of fasting and praying today. Some of us might be overwhelmed by the charismatic slant by the author; however, I encourage all to read the powerful testimonies written by Mahesh Chavda, as he speaks from personal experience on the power in the Holy Spirit released from fasting and praying.
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