http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-11617091
The artical “Italian seaside town planning miniskirt ban” said that a seaside city in Italy is planning to ban miniskirts and other revealing clothing to improve what the mayor calls “standards of public decency”.
This event makes me think two things. The first one is, even in Italy, the country which is considered as the most fashionable and open, has those people who propose such stereotype draft resolutions. This country leads the currency of fashion worldwide and there people are considered as those who are the most care their exterior in this world. It goes by Gucci, Faralli and wine which represent sexy, enjoyable and unique. Simultaneously, I will think that its rules tend to be open and loose. On the contrast, they are planning to ban miniskirts. It really shocked me and I will discuss the reasons which provided by those rulers in next paragraphs.
“Rowdy, unruly or simply badly behaved” is the definition by one of the officials who is involved this proposal for those who wear miniskirts. This definition is not reasonable because not all of those who wear miniskirts are “rowdy, unruly or simply badly behaved”. Although some of them are really bad-behaved, but there are much more people who are worse-behaved do not wear miniskirts. Provided this definition is cogent, so next what will they ban? Those who pierce 2+ holes?
On the second part, I would like to argue for females with the rights of their wearing. Nowadays, people have the right to choose their favour dressing(except those who have special religious). People `s self-conscious are increasing and they are increasingly aware of such things like who they are or how do other people regard as me. Therefore they pay increasingly attentions on their wearing. So, banning for miniskirt can be regarded a controlling of human `s self-conscious and especially for females because males do not wear miniskirt. Everyone knows that women have been suffering for centuries until recent years: they started to have right to vote, started to have chance to work ... of course, they started to own the right to wear what they like. Definitely, this ban are trying to break this tendency. It can be thought as kind of return stroke of the rising of the female conscious.
I think it is ridiculous, what do you think?
I love "Britpop" style music
My cousin is a man who knows everything about rock music. When I was a student in middle school, I was a cult of him so that I became a rock fan. About sever or eight years ago he recommended a song “yellow” by coldplay -- that is my first time to touch the world of “Britpop”. After that, I completely became a crazy fan of Britpop music.
“Britpop” is a British alternative rock movement which occured in the 1990s. It was characterised by the appearance of bands who borrowed influences from 1960s and 1970s while creating big, catchy hooks, as well as the appeal of earlier pop stardom and the sense that they were creating the soundtrack to the lives of a new generation of British youth. It was very popular between 1990 to 2000. In that time, many Britpop bands appealed and occupied the top seat of every ranking list. We call it “Britpop new wave”.
Before being a fan of Britpop music, I was listening to other rock band such as Bon Jovi, Queen or Linkin Park. In my opinion, the biggest difference between Britpop and the other rock style is that britpop music is more melodic; it has some flavours which you can not find in other rock music. Generally, those musicians express their emotion in a louder, harder and more emotional style. But the Britpop has the other style for expressing: the unique, distressed, dramatic and gorgeous is their way. They do not shout during the entire song, but you are touched deeper compare with Linkin Park style.
Nowadays there are many famous Britpop band in the world. No wonder the most famous two bands are radiohaed and coldplay. Here I would like to present a song for you (although it is damn hard to pick up a song in their abundance fantastic songs). “Fix you”, by coldplay in their album “X & Y”.
“Britpop” is a British alternative rock movement which occured in the 1990s. It was characterised by the appearance of bands who borrowed influences from 1960s and 1970s while creating big, catchy hooks, as well as the appeal of earlier pop stardom and the sense that they were creating the soundtrack to the lives of a new generation of British youth. It was very popular between 1990 to 2000. In that time, many Britpop bands appealed and occupied the top seat of every ranking list. We call it “Britpop new wave”.
Before being a fan of Britpop music, I was listening to other rock band such as Bon Jovi, Queen or Linkin Park. In my opinion, the biggest difference between Britpop and the other rock style is that britpop music is more melodic; it has some flavours which you can not find in other rock music. Generally, those musicians express their emotion in a louder, harder and more emotional style. But the Britpop has the other style for expressing: the unique, distressed, dramatic and gorgeous is their way. They do not shout during the entire song, but you are touched deeper compare with Linkin Park style.
Nowadays there are many famous Britpop band in the world. No wonder the most famous two bands are radiohaed and coldplay. Here I would like to present a song for you (although it is damn hard to pick up a song in their abundance fantastic songs). “Fix you”, by coldplay in their album “X & Y”.
Summary and Response
Recently the scientists have created a technique which can improves the performance of musicians. It is called “neurofeedback”. The scientists collect the objects ` brain activity through sensors attached to the scalp and then transform it to the form of a video game displayed on a screen. The subjects learn to control the game by altering aspects of their brain activity. According to the research, the technique can improve by an average of 17% and some objects are improved by 50%. By the way, it was applied to treat epilepsy, alcoholism, attention deficit and post-traumatic stress disorders.
In my opinion, it is a good try for improving musicians ` performance in a physical way, which was applied to medical fields. Which is controversial is that the idea “ music talent is from the God” has been in people `s mind since music existed. People always think that music is such a sacred thing and musician is also a unique occupation which is different from other jobs. Therefore, people are not like and do not believe that physical could be really helpful and build a connection with music performance. In contrary, I do not agree with this point of view. Nowadays, musicians are involved of societies much more than fifty or sixty years ago. Also, considering using scientific ways to improve music performance is a surging current in the world. I can not determine it is a good way but it is a good try. Human `s history is written by failed tries. If we do not try new ways, we could not evolve. For example, almost everyone hate so-called “new music”, they prefer the “classic music”. But today `s classic music was yesterday `s “new music”! Besides, every great inventions are from thousands times tries. Therefore, I think we should be open to these kinds of new things.
In my opinion, it is a good try for improving musicians ` performance in a physical way, which was applied to medical fields. Which is controversial is that the idea “ music talent is from the God” has been in people `s mind since music existed. People always think that music is such a sacred thing and musician is also a unique occupation which is different from other jobs. Therefore, people are not like and do not believe that physical could be really helpful and build a connection with music performance. In contrary, I do not agree with this point of view. Nowadays, musicians are involved of societies much more than fifty or sixty years ago. Also, considering using scientific ways to improve music performance is a surging current in the world. I can not determine it is a good way but it is a good try. Human `s history is written by failed tries. If we do not try new ways, we could not evolve. For example, almost everyone hate so-called “new music”, they prefer the “classic music”. But today `s classic music was yesterday `s “new music”! Besides, every great inventions are from thousands times tries. Therefore, I think we should be open to these kinds of new things.
What music means to me
Firstly, music is my occupation. I am studying in a conservatory now and intend to live by music.
Secondly, it is my habit. When I am performing I feel happy which is different from other people. Most of them treat their job as something they do not want to do but must do. I am very happy with that I can have a job which is also my habit.
Finally, I would like to thank it. Without its help, I could not have so many kinds of feelings including love, friendship, happiness, grief, regret... those things form my life all through music. Thanks it for bring so many kinds of feelings into my life.
Secondly, it is my habit. When I am performing I feel happy which is different from other people. Most of them treat their job as something they do not want to do but must do. I am very happy with that I can have a job which is also my habit.
Finally, I would like to thank it. Without its help, I could not have so many kinds of feelings including love, friendship, happiness, grief, regret... those things form my life all through music. Thanks it for bring so many kinds of feelings into my life.
Reflection of the English class~
Unconsciously, I have finished most of the English lessons this semester. I think I get some improvement in every aspect: speaking, listening and writing. I am very happy with that :)
In this semester we got a new teacher, his name is Chris. He is English. (His pronunciation makes me jealous). I like his style of teaching: he does not give you a lot of stress but if you finish every small assignment, you will get improvement unconsciously. This way is very nature. All of us do not feel stressful about the English class, even some expect it because the air of the class is quite relaxing, and Chris makes us laugh again and again~ That is the kind of "cool joke", but it is really cool!
In this semester we got a new teacher, his name is Chris. He is English. (His pronunciation makes me jealous). I like his style of teaching: he does not give you a lot of stress but if you finish every small assignment, you will get improvement unconsciously. This way is very nature. All of us do not feel stressful about the English class, even some expect it because the air of the class is quite relaxing, and Chris makes us laugh again and again~ That is the kind of "cool joke", but it is really cool!
The main sources of YST students
The university students always have to handle a lot of stress, especially
overseas students: except the stress from modules, they still need to resolve
problems about language and social problems in a different place. As one of
them, I am going to talk about the main sources of stress for Yong Siew Toh
Conservatory of Music (YSTCM) and how can we try to resolve it.
After researching, there are three main source of stress for YST students:
students spend too much time doing homework can not make new friends and
they do not have a big social circle.
Many students complain that they spend too much time on homework. For a
simple example: they have to practice several times for operating the software
Finale 2010 well. But the locals or the students from English countries only
need half or less time to figure it out. The reason they spend much more time
is the language. They can not remember the functions of each menu in only
one or two times like the locals. They put most of time to adapt the English
software that is why we spend more time than them.
Many of my friends are totally different when they meet foreigners and
countrymen. For instance, one of my friends is very active in my opinion. He
has so many topics when he is talking with me, and the topics all are quite
attractive. But he is so quiet every time when we have lunch or dinner with
other friends from other places. He only looks his food and eats them without
any words. Why are they closed to the foreigners? Of course the reason is the
language. The language influences their confidence: firstly, they do not
understand the foreigners` meaning. Then they would not talk because they
feel being isolated and after that they do not have confidence to talk.
In NUS, you can participate many activities and make many friends from
different areas but if you do not have English skill, you would lose them. For
example, in many activities you would know many other students from other
faculties. Obviously you will use English to communicate. If you can not use it,
you would lose the chance to know the people from the different places and
you would not have a big social circle. It is not good for your life and career
both.
Generally, we can conclude: language is the main problem. So how can we
try to minimize its effect? Here I have two suggestions:
First is you should use English more. The more you use English, you get
improvement faster. I know a Japanese girl. When she came here 4 years
ago, she did not know English at all. But she catches every chance to practice
her English in any case. In food canteen, class, store... And she improves
very very fast. Now she can speak fluent English.
Second is, just study English. Vocabulary, grammar, dictation... everyone
hates them but you need to learn them if you want to improve your English.
overseas students: except the stress from modules, they still need to resolve
problems about language and social problems in a different place. As one of
them, I am going to talk about the main sources of stress for Yong Siew Toh
Conservatory of Music (YSTCM) and how can we try to resolve it.
After researching, there are three main source of stress for YST students:
students spend too much time doing homework can not make new friends and
they do not have a big social circle.
Many students complain that they spend too much time on homework. For a
simple example: they have to practice several times for operating the software
Finale 2010 well. But the locals or the students from English countries only
need half or less time to figure it out. The reason they spend much more time
is the language. They can not remember the functions of each menu in only
one or two times like the locals. They put most of time to adapt the English
software that is why we spend more time than them.
Many of my friends are totally different when they meet foreigners and
countrymen. For instance, one of my friends is very active in my opinion. He
has so many topics when he is talking with me, and the topics all are quite
attractive. But he is so quiet every time when we have lunch or dinner with
other friends from other places. He only looks his food and eats them without
any words. Why are they closed to the foreigners? Of course the reason is the
language. The language influences their confidence: firstly, they do not
understand the foreigners` meaning. Then they would not talk because they
feel being isolated and after that they do not have confidence to talk.
In NUS, you can participate many activities and make many friends from
different areas but if you do not have English skill, you would lose them. For
example, in many activities you would know many other students from other
faculties. Obviously you will use English to communicate. If you can not use it,
you would lose the chance to know the people from the different places and
you would not have a big social circle. It is not good for your life and career
both.
Generally, we can conclude: language is the main problem. So how can we
try to minimize its effect? Here I have two suggestions:
First is you should use English more. The more you use English, you get
improvement faster. I know a Japanese girl. When she came here 4 years
ago, she did not know English at all. But she catches every chance to practice
her English in any case. In food canteen, class, store... And she improves
very very fast. Now she can speak fluent English.
Second is, just study English. Vocabulary, grammar, dictation... everyone
hates them but you need to learn them if you want to improve your English.
Amazing Bach Playing by Rinat Ibragimov
What can I say???
The best Bach playing I have seen. Amazing, unbelievable.....
Please enjoy it.
You can find the rest pieces of this suite in Youtube by him.
Rinat Ibragimov, principal double bass of the London Symphony Orchestra, performs Bach's 3rd Cello suite, which he hopes will help encourage student bass players to explore Baroque playing and Bach's music in particular.
The best Bach playing I have seen. Amazing, unbelievable.....
Please enjoy it.
You can find the rest pieces of this suite in Youtube by him.
Rinat Ibragimov, principal double bass of the London Symphony Orchestra, performs Bach's 3rd Cello suite, which he hopes will help encourage student bass players to explore Baroque playing and Bach's music in particular.
Concert in Jan 9, 2009
On the 9 Jan, I was attending to a concert by Singapore Symphony Orchestra. At that afternoon, I was always excited because there would be a genius player in the concert – Gil Shaham.
The first piece was the string adagio by Barber. SSO `s timbre was really limpid. The sound also had a touching power.
Second piece was the Prokofiev No.1 violin concerto. Gil appeared. His face was so handsome. Before playing the concerto he shook hands with the concert master for seconds. It showed Gil `s respect to the orchestra.
No any waiting and almost in the clapping Gil started to play! His confident really shocked me. Also, after the performance, his clear and brilliant playing shocked me again. No matter in how difficult clap of the concerto, he can do it very easy. And dynamic was also perfect. In the second movement, his dynamic control was very nice that he and orchestra offered a limpid, touching and peaceful music to the audience. I was also touched. And the encore, it was really shocking piece. Gil played it with a very fast tempo but every note was so clean and the musical line was very clear. Gil was playing really amazing. He did not have any mistakes in the whole concert. And through the clapping of the audience, I thought everyone enjoyed the performance.
The first piece was the string adagio by Barber. SSO `s timbre was really limpid. The sound also had a touching power.
Second piece was the Prokofiev No.1 violin concerto. Gil appeared. His face was so handsome. Before playing the concerto he shook hands with the concert master for seconds. It showed Gil `s respect to the orchestra.
No any waiting and almost in the clapping Gil started to play! His confident really shocked me. Also, after the performance, his clear and brilliant playing shocked me again. No matter in how difficult clap of the concerto, he can do it very easy. And dynamic was also perfect. In the second movement, his dynamic control was very nice that he and orchestra offered a limpid, touching and peaceful music to the audience. I was also touched. And the encore, it was really shocking piece. Gil played it with a very fast tempo but every note was so clean and the musical line was very clear. Gil was playing really amazing. He did not have any mistakes in the whole concert. And through the clapping of the audience, I thought everyone enjoyed the performance.
Daphnis et Chloe -- Gustavo Dudamel
This edition is by Gustavo Dudamel and his Simon Bolivar orchestra. Everyone love their passionate playing but let us see -- how perfect they do in the beginning of this piece -- Daphnis et Chloe. Everyone in the orchestra is so careful to play every note and they control the balance of the sound perfect. Of course they are not so good as the perfect professional orchestra but they did very perfect in the balance of the sound. This perfect balance is really really touches me.
Please enjoy it.
How to judge
Why we think he is not qualified to conduct this orchestra? Of course,the age is the basis of judging in many areas whether a person has the qualification particularly in the world of classic music because classic musicians need to be trained very strict and learn many knowledge of the music.
When Gustavo Dudamel took over the orchestra in 1999, he is only 18. Most of people have not enter the university at 18 but he has owned his orchestra. Many people includes me have doubt whether he can run the orchestra well. The fact is he makes this orchestra to be one of the most popular symphony orchestra in the world. In 2004 he got the first prize at the Mahler conductor competition. In these years he led his orchestra performed in many places in the world. The orchestra has got a very good reputation and he was also appointed of the music director of Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra in 2009.
I think we can not judge a person only by his age just like we can not judge a book by its cover, the professional standard is the most important basis. This is what I realized.
WHAT MAKES A SUCCESSFUL MUSICIAN
In my opinion, the most important factor to be a successful musician is being diligent. There is a famous Chinese proverb: diligence is the means by which one makes up for one`s dullness. If you do not complain your lack of talent, just practice and think about the music, you will improve.
Second is the talent. If you are very hardworking but you do not have enough talent, you only can reach the average standard. I think, talent is given by the God. I have saw many talented people called “genius”. They only need to spend one quarter time of ours but they can reach the same standard.
The last thing is lucky. For example, somebody was a very good musician, he played perfect -- but if he was living in the China during the 1970s, he would never be a successful musician because it is a wrong era.
WHY I OPTED FOR AN OVERSEAS EDUCATION
The first reason why I chose the overseas education is I can feel and learn the different culture in Singapore. Singapore has a multi-cultural community. Here I can eat many kinds of food, know friends from many countries and work with different classmates. I think it is good for a musician to know many different kinds of culture.
Second reason is the YST conservatory provides very attractive scholarship. If you can go to university for free, why not?
The last thing is YST has the advanced equipment for students. It has a good library, many high-grade practice rooms and advanced classrooms. The equipment of YST is really much better than Chinese conservatories.
What does music make me feel?
He plays contrabass and was the professor of the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Lyon. Since 1996, he is the professor of Conservatoire National Supérieur de Paris.
I met him twice, both were in the masterclass in Shanghai. He is the best player among the contrabass players whom I have listened. His timbre is the best in my opinion -- very clean. His playing is very musical and his skill is also very awesome! He is worth being called "master".
He was very conscientious. Before he started to work, he would warm up for half an hour. When he taught you, he would not waste any word--not too much laugh or rubbish. He only talked upon the music.
Later I knew he is also great at the Jazz music. The technique of contrabass is very different between classical music and jazz music. So it is very difficult to be good at both of them. I was very regretful that I had not asked him to play a jazz clap. Oh I should know it! How can a man wear a high-heeled shoes only play classic music? Haha...
It seems like that is all the memory he left. I also can not find any clip of him in Youtube. I do not have any his album. But he is the No.1 bass player in my opinion. I like him.
Here is his homepage:Jean-Paul CELEA
Chen Sheng -- Will you still love me next year?
Chen Sheng(陳昇), a singer from Taiwan. Recently I always lister to his music.
This is one of my favourite song by Chen Sheng -- Will you still love me the next year?
This is one of my favourite song by Chen Sheng -- Will you still love me the next year?
Introduction
I`m Yang Xun, from China. My major is contrabass.
During my leisure time I like to watch flims. "Cinema Paradiso" and "Memento" are my favourite two films. The "Cinema Paradiso" has made me cry for 6 times and the other one is really amazing. It is the most unique film in my memory.
I had played piano before I learnt the contrabass. I like various styles of music not only classic music. Beethoven is good, radiohead also are not bad.
When I was a high school student, the radiohead was my favourite band. Everyday I listened to their music till fell asleep. They have very beautiful melodic lines and marvellous harmony. Here is one song by them. "Exit Music".
During my leisure time I like to watch flims. "Cinema Paradiso" and "Memento" are my favourite two films. The "Cinema Paradiso" has made me cry for 6 times and the other one is really amazing. It is the most unique film in my memory.
I had played piano before I learnt the contrabass. I like various styles of music not only classic music. Beethoven is good, radiohead also are not bad.
When I was a high school student, the radiohead was my favourite band. Everyday I listened to their music till fell asleep. They have very beautiful melodic lines and marvellous harmony. Here is one song by them. "Exit Music".
Fantastic Haw Flakes!!
I just eat up a whole package of haw flakes. So delicious. It recalls me to the high school `s time when I was in Shanghai. At that duration, I ate a package of haw flakes everyday. That`s crazy! I cherish the memory of haw flakes + Chinese textbook. It will never happen.
Good night to myself.
Good night to myself.
12, Jan, 2010
At the day before the day before yesterday I came back to Singapore. I did not feel well because the temperature in my hometown is about 8 Celsius degree. I started to feel dizzy and have a headache. Until today the condition is not good. I feel sleepy every time and sometimes I feel like vomiting.
I am so happy to meet my friends. They might take a great vocation because they all look nice. We have a new English teacher, A Man who is from British. I like his shoes.. It looks nice~
So tired... I am going to sleep and good night, my friends.
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