Saturday, February 08, 2020

Corona Virus Singapore: (元宵节) A Happy & Safe Chap Goh Mei Orange Alert. Of Symbols & Things


Image result for 袁小杰 15 night lantern festival
Yuan Xiao Jie (元宵节) 15th Night of Chinese New Year

Of Symbols and Things:

Reading the symbols:
If one looks symbolically at the 
-orange, 
-lantern, 
-the 2 zeros in 2020 and the 
-corona virus magnified, 
they are all round objects and represent
-wholeness,
-totality,
-perfection.

Are there really? In our imperfect world?

No!
Reading the things:
It's Chap Goh Mei* with the lanterns.
Enjoy the time.

But it's Orange Alert.
And the virus is present.
So keep safe and keep our hygiene.

But there's the #8
Because Chap Goh Mei falls on the 8th this year.
And 8 is prosperity, wealth or generally good luck in Chinese.

Isn't that:
-A balance?
-Hope?
-A Cure?
-Wellness?

I leave you guessing as to my meaning.

A Happy Chap Goh Mei. Keep Safe. It's Orange Alert.
'Get Out Of My Life': Lady Lily. (Video: Blue Silver Star YouTube) 
Yes Mr Virus. Get Out, Get Out!!!

*Chap (10), Goh (5), May (night) = End of Chinese New Year as the 15th night (literal translation from the Fuchien dialect) where lanterns are lit when both adults and children enjoy the evening. 

Disclaimer:
Being both a Chinese and an English Literature student, it's personal explanation of symbols and things. Believing is another aspect altogether. I'm just hoping this enemy virus will be destroyed soonest.
Cheers.

Thursday, February 06, 2020

Andy 60's: RIP Kirk Douglas: Still My Toughest Screen Hero

Image result for kirk douglas sings 3 songs on screen
I remember as a youth getting all excited when a Kirk Douglas movie advertisement appeared on the pages of the local newspaper. The show would usually be screened at the Capitol Cinema in town.

Whether it's 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea, Lust For Life, Gunfight at the OK Corral, The Vikings or Spartacus, I would rush to the cinema to watch the movie.  


This legend passed away at 103 years young on 5 February, 2020. When I was still a teenager in the 1950's, he was already a cult hero on the Silver Screen

Watch this scene from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea where he sang this old sailor's song. YouTube from Giorgi Baqradze.

He will always be remembered as the tough guy at the top of the list with stars like John Wayne, Burt Lancaster and Cary Cooper. But what makes this tribute was one song he performed on screen that I can always remember. When I checked YouTube I found the scene from 20,000 Leagues where he rendered a cute number called, A Whale of a Tale, accompanied by The Mellowmen.

Movie: 'The Man Without A Star': Kirk Douglas sings: 'And The Moon Grew Brighter and Brighter'.

It didn't look like it was lip-synced nor were the guitar fingering faked. Anyway he was entertaining, dominated the scene and stole the show. That's Kirk Douglas - always. 


Condolences to his family.


You're still my lau-hee-loh (old hero).


R.I.P Mr Kirk Douglas. 

The 'Spartacus' trailer that drew crowds all over to watch Kirk Douglas in the starring role. From YouTube: Movieclips Classic Trailer Thank you. 
He had also appeared with Doris Day who performed, 'With A Song In My Heart' and 'The Very Thought of You' in 'The Young Man With A Horn' (above).
Image result for kirk douglas vinyl cover a whale of a tale

Monday, February 03, 2020

Wuhan Virus: Spreading Topical Songs In A Hopeful World

When Something's Wrong With My Baby: Sweet Inspiration.

Some of these songs have suitable titles fitting to the situation we're in today.  The world is in a plaintive mood as more people are inflicted with an incurable virus. And that is exactly what's happening in China.

We pray for the Chinese people and others all over the globe who are suffering from the Wuhan virus. I've included songs that discuss love, encouragement, helpfulness and faith.

We hope they recover soonest. 
Meantime, the world needs lots of sweet inspiration.
Whispering Hope: Jim Reeves

Soft as the voice of an angel breathing a lesson unheard
Hope with a gentle persuasion whispers a comforting word

Wait till the darkness is over wait till the tempest is done
Hope for the sunshine tomorrow after the darkness is gone

Whispering hope oh how welcome 
Thy voice making my heart any sorrow rejoice...

(Alice Hawthorne/Domenico Savino).


He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother The Hollies

The road is long
With many a winding turn
That leads us to who knows where
Who knows where
But I'm strong
Strong enough to carry him
He ain't heavy, he's my brother
So on we go
His welfare is of my concern
No burden is he to bear
We'll get there
For I know
He would not encumber me
He ain't heavy, he's my brother

(Bob Russell/Bobby Scott)
Image result for masked patient

Songs Of Sickness, Pain, Sorrow,
Hope, Relief, Love Or Otherwise:

In No Particular Order:

When Something's Wrong With My Baby: D'Topnotes
He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother: The Hollies
Whispering Hope: Jim Reeves

I Will Survive: Gloria Gaynor
Wind Me Up, Let Me Go: Cliff Richard
Leaving On A Jet Plane: John Denver

Stand By Me: Ben E. King
Too Sick To Pray: Willie Nelson
Crying In The Chapel: Elvis Presley

Smile: Charles Chaplin
Tears In Heaven: Eric Clapton
Seasons In The Sun: Kingston Trio

Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head: B.J. Thomas
Don't Stop: Fleetwood Mac
Bridge Over Troubled Water: Simon n Garfunkel

We Gotta Get Out of This Place: The Animals
Help: The Beatles
You're My Remedy: The Marvelettes 

All Shook Up: Elvis Presley
Do You Really Want To Hurt Me: Culture Club
I Don't Need No Doctor: Humble Pie

Stayin' Alive: Bee Gees
Another One Bites The Dust: Queen
I Just Called To Say I Love You: 

Spoonful of Sugar: Julie Andrews
Doctor's Orders: Carl Douglas
I Shall Be Released: Bob Dylan

Hospital Song: 10cc
I Don't Need No Doctor: Humble Pie
The Bible Tells Me So: Dale Evans

Another song of hope, SUKIYAKI:
https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2009/07/singaporeans-still-remember-song-today.html

Are you familiar with any of these songs? 
Are they suitable for the situation we're in now?  
Do you have other ones to recommend?
Disclaimer:

This posting is heartfelt and there is no intention to upset anyone. If for any reason there are songs that should not be on the list, do write in, let me know and I shall delete them. Thank you.

Images: Google.