I've been hooked to this "Lecture Show" programme by Yi Zhong Tian on the 3 Kingdoms recently, known as 《易中天品三国》.
This show really reignited my interests in the 3 Kingdoms (3K), and I highly recommend it to any 3K fans. This is not a show that tells the 3K story, but one that analyze it in great detail and makes you look at it at a much deeper level. Therefore, you ought to be reasonable familiar with the story and its characters before you'll actually appreciate (or even understand) the show. It assumes you already know most of it.
At first, I thought of this as an "old people show" when I saw the ads on TV. I mean, some old professor giving a talk on history? Booooring~
However, that immediately changed when I happened to come across one episode on TV. Just 5 minutes and I was hooked.
The first episode I saw was "三顾茅庐" (3 Visits To Hut), which describes how Liu Bei visits Zhuge Liang 3 times to "employ" him. The way the professor analyze the whole event really opens up your mind, and makes you understand the rationale behind this story. He presents it in a very simple, "layman" manner. When he makes reference to the ancient writings, he'll break it down as to what it means in "modern language".
Historians have many different view points on what exactly happened.
For example, Zhuge Liang obviously wanted to join Liu Bei, but how can he be so sure that Liu Bei will visit him 3 times? What if he doesn't? Would Zhuge Liang be content to spend the rest of his life living in seclusion? Why did he choose Liu Bei instead of other more powerful rulers at that time? In reality, did Zhuge Liang presents himself to Liu Bei or did Liu Bei really went to invite him thrice?
He first lists the historical records. When the records seems to contradict each other, he analyze it from a logical view point. After that, he will try to make some hypothesis as to what exactly happened. It's like digging up some old puzzle from a thousand years ago and trying to piece it back 1 by 1 - like watching a dramatic story unfold.
After that episode, I knew I had to watch the whole series.
Many people does not know the difference between 2 of the following:
三国志 (Records of 3 Kingdoms): This is the historic record book. It is written like 5 years after the 3 Kingdoms period by a historian, and is deem to be reliable as an ACTUAL ACCOUNT of what actually happened in history.
三国演义 (Romance of 3 Kingdoms): This is just a NOVEL based on history, written by some talented novelist about 1000 years after 3K period. The characters and battles are generally from history, mixed with the author imagination. Some people said that this novel is 70% reality and 30% imagination. Most of what you see from drama series, in comics, in games are from this. All 3K works are mostly derived from this because it is much more interesting and "epic".
In Romance of 3 Kingdoms, Liu Bei's Shu is like the "main protagonist". Zhuge Liang is like the "main hero". Thus, their character, their traits and their abilities are greatly amplified and glorified. In the case of Zhuge Liang, the author even try to make him out to be a "near-godlike" character. On the other hand, the story puts down "evil guys" like Cao Cao and Wei. Thus, many of the actual events are actually "shrinked/expanded" based on storyline requirements.
The show decipher the real 3K in great detail - which events are dubious and untrue, the reasons behind the success and failures of every major battle, the thoughts and relations between the characters, etc...
For example, the "Empty City Ruse" (空城计). This whole event never happened in history. It is made up in 三国演义 to further "god-ify" Zhuge Liang, but many still believe in it. This show takes apart this event and tells you why it is illogical, ridiculous and just not possible in reality. After that, the professor doesn't just disregard this whole story as bullcrap. The professor explains why the author of Romance 3K wrote this part, and what you can learn from it. Very intriguing.
I had an almost entirely different perception of 3K from watching the show. For example, do you really think Zhuge Liang is the smartest in the whole of 3 kingdoms? Is he really such a great "military strategist"? This show gives some other "alternatives".
Is the Zhou Yu's really narrow-minded, inferior and eventually driven to death by Zhuge Liang?
Is Cao Cao a villain or a hero? How did he rise from nothing to a great ruler of the north? What is it about him that makes so many talented people join him? What is the reason behind some seemingly ridiculous things he did?
And many many of the famous events in 3 Kingdoms, from its formation up till the very end.
At the same time, it also try to teach the audience some "lessons" from the rulers' mistakes or success - like the political system of that period, how different rulers made their subordinates so loyal to them, how rulers treat the emperor, how Zhuge Liang manage to forge an alliance that is seemingly impossible, etc...
Bottom line - I think it's a freaking good documentary series.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Harmony Breeds Prosperity...
以合为贵
An event recently made me thought of these 4 very important words...
In our life, we have to deal with all kind of relations. Relations between friends, between boss and employees, between colleagues, between husband and wife, between siblings, etc...
Sometimes, it can be extremely difficult to deal with such relations, especially when there are more than 1 kind of connection between the 2 persons. For example, what if your wife is also your boss? What if your friend is also your teacher?
When you have more than a single kind of relationship with a person, it becomes sort of confusing, even troublesome.
In this case, should you treat the 2 types of relation as "separate entity", or as a whole? It can be a real pain in the neck.
Let me give you a more concrete example.
Let's say you have 2 friends, A & B. Both of them are your friends as well as work colleagues. You like working with A, because his working style fits you. When you work with him, you 2 are able to complement each other and thus finish the project faster and better.
On the other hand, you simply can't work well with B. He has his own style of doing things, and you can't accept his style. He doesn't approve your methods as well. Both of you will probably screw up the project real bad (or make each other unhappy) when placed together.
However, does the above means that A is a better personal friend to you than B? Obviously not.
You value both of them as your friends, and your "working relations" is IN NO WAY an indication of your "personal relations". They are entirely 2 separate entity.
Now, let's say the company assigned you a project to complete. You definitely want to work with A, even in the case that A isn't as close a friend to you as B.
If you can't get along well (in terms of work) with each other, then the solution is simple: Simply don't work with each other.
This is a simple philosophy - At work, we stay clear of each other path. After work, we're friends and we have fun together. Don't let some working relations affect your friendship with each other.
This is the essence of "Harmony Breeds Prosperity" (以合为贵).
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
The Stupidity Test
"Battle God" showed this game to me...
Of course I didn't get that on my first try... Haha.
First time I got 50% stupidity. (Failed at that symbol question)
Second time was when I got 0%. (I lucked passed the 2nd Symbol question)
I figured out how to solve the 1st symbol one, but I have no idea what the 2nd one is about. The "twist" at the end was pretty shocking...
A bit lame lah... but good way to waste 5 minutes of your time.
Of course I didn't get that on my first try... Haha.
First time I got 50% stupidity. (Failed at that symbol question)
Second time was when I got 0%. (I lucked passed the 2nd Symbol question)
I figured out how to solve the 1st symbol one, but I have no idea what the 2nd one is about. The "twist" at the end was pretty shocking...
A bit lame lah... but good way to waste 5 minutes of your time.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Legend Of Kay Kingdom VI
LEGEND OF KAY KINGDOM VI - Knights Of The Round
IMPORTANT NOTE: This story is purely fictitious. Any resemblance to reality (people living or dead, places past or present) is purely coincidental.
View Legend of Kay Kingdom content page.
The "Joyless Lands", the "Evil Mortuary Road", the "Savage Waters"...
The 3 bloodlines of the of the Kay Kingdom. Each route leads directly into the heart of Kay, into the core of the lands. There, you'll find a bustling, thriving metropolis. A sacred ground on earth...
The Cranberry City - Capital of Kay Kingdom...
Within the capital lies the impregnable acropolis - the "Pentagon Divine Fortress".
Constructed centuries ago by the first emperor of Kay, it is a virtually indestructible palace, a symbol of absolute strength and power. The pinnacle of the righteous realm.
A fortress constructed with the blood of the ancients, fortified with the strongest matter known in the world. The city walls towers into the skies, with gigantic turrets safeguarding every location. Every year, thousands all over the land arrived at the fort to offer their services, and only the best would be recruited.
In there, you'll find the mightiest steels of all.
The best of the Imperial Force.
The Kay Knights.
Made up of people from dozen different backgrounds, occupations, origins - each with their own expertise... Somehow, fate have brought all of them together, together for a common goal...
Originally tribal people, the Kay Knights settled down and integrated themselves quickly into the Imperial Force. The 13 lowest ranking of the Knights would work day and nights, laying the foundation of the Imperial Stables. Training grounds were constructed, equipments were sharpened and the imperial steeds multiplied. Gradually but slowly, the knights consolidate their positions in the Kingdom...
Life were much tougher than back in the village, but at least it was still passable. At least it was still peaceful. At least it was still fun...
...
And then it happened.
On the 4th Year of the 7th Eclipse, 10 new knights (later known as the "10 Crusaders") joined the existing force...
Within the same year, the 3 Grand Pillars of the Knights collapses, 1 after another. The 3 Grand Pillars were the ones who originally maintained law and order in the village days. And now, they have left the Knights Circle 1 by 1 in such a short period.
It was the first time people outside the tribal villages were inducted into the Circle, and many problems soon arises. The old master chefs were unhappy of the new, and the new disregarded the old. It was a period of great internal conflict.
And during such chaotic times, the statues of the 13 men sky-rocketed. They acted as a "bridge" between the old and the new, restoring some order within the Circle.
And thus...The 13 chariots were born.
Unfortunately, even the 13 chariots themselves weren't that united. After a while, some of them started sided with the old, some with the new. Some seek the generals for greater protection, others stay neutral to avoid getting involve in the bloodshed. Some even joined together and form a new faction for themselves.
On the surface, it looks like everything was the same, just like the village days; In reality, everything have changed. The internal strife were great, and this only became worse after the induction of the "6 Dragoons", when the 13 chariots positions went even higher. (More on this in the next chapter...)
Among the 13 Chariots, many would rise to become 1 of the 8 Immortals (八"仙").
3. The Cannon Immortal (大炮仙)
Background: Originally named the "Cannon Fairy", his outstanding performance made him the one of the first 13 chariots to reach the "8 Immortals " statues.
Description: The Ninja master moves with unparalleled speed and agility, able to avoid great dangers despite his appearance. He looks much older than he really is, and loves spreading dark rumors throughout the lands.
Rebirth: 9th Year, 8th Eclipse
Status: 1 of the 13 Chariots. 1 of the original 8 Immortals.
[N] Ninja: LV9
[C] Cookery: LV4
[T] Taiji: LV7
[I] Illusion: LV6
Notable Skills:
[N] 无影无踪 - The ultimate art of vanish. Becomes "unlocatable" and "undetectable".
[I] 妖言惑众 - Spread evil rumors, creating fear and unrest across the lands.
[T] 举一反三 - Able to devise 3 ways to block an external attack.
4. Drunkard Immortal (醉仙)
Background: Some said he's a drug trafficker, others said he uses it to "criminalize" himself. He loves to drink and can sleep under almost any conditions. Drinking boasts his courage and makes him fearless...
Description: The drunkard is oblivious to everything around him, or at least "seem to be oblivious". His unpredictable movements, great agility and wine illness allows him to avoid dangers and arrows with great ease.
Rebirth: ?? Year, 8th Eclipse
Status: 1 of the original 8 Immortals.
[N] Ninja: LV8
[C] Cookery: LV2
[T] Taiji: LV6
[I] Illusion: LV7
Notable Skills:
[N] 瞬间转移 - Reallocate oneself instantly to another location.
[I] 装疯扮傻 - Act blur look steam.
[T] 推三阻四 - Uses the art of "Taiji" to deflect an attack.
Unfortunately, this was no time for the knights to be fighting among themselves.
A vile, demonic beast has awakened from his deep long slumber. News of the Knights strength have spread to the far ends of the lands, into the lands of darkness, and into the realm of evil.
While the internal problems were troublesome...
The external ones will threaten the very existence of the Knights...
...
and the very existence of the Kay Kingdom.
...
...
The forces of darkness have started to stir...
IMPORTANT NOTE: This story is purely fictitious. Any resemblance to reality (people living or dead, places past or present) is purely coincidental.
View Legend of Kay Kingdom content page.
The "Joyless Lands", the "Evil Mortuary Road", the "Savage Waters"...
The 3 bloodlines of the of the Kay Kingdom. Each route leads directly into the heart of Kay, into the core of the lands. There, you'll find a bustling, thriving metropolis. A sacred ground on earth...
The Cranberry City - Capital of Kay Kingdom...
Within the capital lies the impregnable acropolis - the "Pentagon Divine Fortress".
Constructed centuries ago by the first emperor of Kay, it is a virtually indestructible palace, a symbol of absolute strength and power. The pinnacle of the righteous realm.
A fortress constructed with the blood of the ancients, fortified with the strongest matter known in the world. The city walls towers into the skies, with gigantic turrets safeguarding every location. Every year, thousands all over the land arrived at the fort to offer their services, and only the best would be recruited.
In there, you'll find the mightiest steels of all.
The best of the Imperial Force.
The Kay Knights.
Made up of people from dozen different backgrounds, occupations, origins - each with their own expertise... Somehow, fate have brought all of them together, together for a common goal...
Originally tribal people, the Kay Knights settled down and integrated themselves quickly into the Imperial Force. The 13 lowest ranking of the Knights would work day and nights, laying the foundation of the Imperial Stables. Training grounds were constructed, equipments were sharpened and the imperial steeds multiplied. Gradually but slowly, the knights consolidate their positions in the Kingdom...
Life were much tougher than back in the village, but at least it was still passable. At least it was still peaceful. At least it was still fun...
...
And then it happened.
On the 4th Year of the 7th Eclipse, 10 new knights (later known as the "10 Crusaders") joined the existing force...
Within the same year, the 3 Grand Pillars of the Knights collapses, 1 after another. The 3 Grand Pillars were the ones who originally maintained law and order in the village days. And now, they have left the Knights Circle 1 by 1 in such a short period.
It was the first time people outside the tribal villages were inducted into the Circle, and many problems soon arises. The old master chefs were unhappy of the new, and the new disregarded the old. It was a period of great internal conflict.
And during such chaotic times, the statues of the 13 men sky-rocketed. They acted as a "bridge" between the old and the new, restoring some order within the Circle.
And thus...The 13 chariots were born.
Unfortunately, even the 13 chariots themselves weren't that united. After a while, some of them started sided with the old, some with the new. Some seek the generals for greater protection, others stay neutral to avoid getting involve in the bloodshed. Some even joined together and form a new faction for themselves.
On the surface, it looks like everything was the same, just like the village days; In reality, everything have changed. The internal strife were great, and this only became worse after the induction of the "6 Dragoons", when the 13 chariots positions went even higher. (More on this in the next chapter...)
Among the 13 Chariots, many would rise to become 1 of the 8 Immortals (八"仙").
3. The Cannon Immortal (大炮仙)
Background: Originally named the "Cannon Fairy", his outstanding performance made him the one of the first 13 chariots to reach the "8 Immortals " statues.
Description: The Ninja master moves with unparalleled speed and agility, able to avoid great dangers despite his appearance. He looks much older than he really is, and loves spreading dark rumors throughout the lands.
Rebirth: 9th Year, 8th Eclipse
Status: 1 of the 13 Chariots. 1 of the original 8 Immortals.
[N] Ninja: LV9
[C] Cookery: LV4
[T] Taiji: LV7
[I] Illusion: LV6
Notable Skills:
[N] 无影无踪 - The ultimate art of vanish. Becomes "unlocatable" and "undetectable".
[I] 妖言惑众 - Spread evil rumors, creating fear and unrest across the lands.
[T] 举一反三 - Able to devise 3 ways to block an external attack.
4. Drunkard Immortal (醉仙)
Background: Some said he's a drug trafficker, others said he uses it to "criminalize" himself. He loves to drink and can sleep under almost any conditions. Drinking boasts his courage and makes him fearless...
Description: The drunkard is oblivious to everything around him, or at least "seem to be oblivious". His unpredictable movements, great agility and wine illness allows him to avoid dangers and arrows with great ease.
Rebirth: ?? Year, 8th Eclipse
Status: 1 of the original 8 Immortals.
[N] Ninja: LV8
[C] Cookery: LV2
[T] Taiji: LV6
[I] Illusion: LV7
Notable Skills:
[N] 瞬间转移 - Reallocate oneself instantly to another location.
[I] 装疯扮傻 - Act blur look steam.
[T] 推三阻四 - Uses the art of "Taiji" to deflect an attack.
Unfortunately, this was no time for the knights to be fighting among themselves.
A vile, demonic beast has awakened from his deep long slumber. News of the Knights strength have spread to the far ends of the lands, into the lands of darkness, and into the realm of evil.
While the internal problems were troublesome...
The external ones will threaten the very existence of the Knights...
...
and the very existence of the Kay Kingdom.
...
...
The forces of darkness have started to stir...
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Geraint's House BBQ
Just came back from yet another Kindergarten gathering. Participants includes Geraint (Host), Karl (Organizer), Yun Zhen (Birthday Boy), Wei Long, Edwin, Yao Peng, Anthony, Benjamin, Cheung Jie and Wei Qi.
These days really a lot of gatherings. In fact, I don't think there were any in my first year at the Kindergarten (excluding those clubbers kind). Really thanks to Karl that we get to have so many "get-together" sessions. Somehow, a lot of people will turn up for the events he organizes.
Geraint's residence is really huge (Top 3 biggest friends home I've seen), and he has got a level all for himself.
Mostly is spammed Wii at his house... It's also one of the main reason I went despite having a very tiring night before (heh). Played the Mario Brawl game which I really sucks at. Then our "Official Kindergarten game" Mario Kart. It was really hard using the motion sensor as you have to gauge how much to turn the Wii-Wheel. -_-
And of course, my favourite game of the night - Wii Sports. We basically played that for the rest of the night. Was hilarious watching them played, especially the boxing game. As for me, I kept playing tennis against Edwin and Yun Zhen... again and again and again. Swing until right arm sore... very fun party game.
Of course, we didn't forget to give the birthday boy a surprise. Heh. Quite stress leh... cause we lit the candles downstairs, and I had to bring it up. Then I had to "protect the flame" from going out while climbing the dark stairs alone... At the same time, must make sure he doesn't see the cake. In the end I had to "hide" behind a wall to wait for the signal... Then he still keep running around... Simi sai...
I don't think he expected it...heh... Hope he enjoyed what we prepared for him. 20 years old liao hor. Don't be so siao all the time.
Food was alright, especially the chicken wings. Otah sucks though. Special thanks to Anthony for being the "main chef" for the night. So...What I do?
Basically...
1) Eat
2) Play Wii
3) Eat
4) Play Wii
5) Rinse and Repeat.
TCSS session. Originally planned to go home at 10+, but play until forget the time. Luckily got Benben to give us a ride home...
I think next time must go again... couldn't get enough of Wii. :P
These days really a lot of gatherings. In fact, I don't think there were any in my first year at the Kindergarten (excluding those clubbers kind). Really thanks to Karl that we get to have so many "get-together" sessions. Somehow, a lot of people will turn up for the events he organizes.
Geraint's residence is really huge (Top 3 biggest friends home I've seen), and he has got a level all for himself.
Mostly is spammed Wii at his house... It's also one of the main reason I went despite having a very tiring night before (heh). Played the Mario Brawl game which I really sucks at. Then our "Official Kindergarten game" Mario Kart. It was really hard using the motion sensor as you have to gauge how much to turn the Wii-Wheel. -_-
And of course, my favourite game of the night - Wii Sports. We basically played that for the rest of the night. Was hilarious watching them played, especially the boxing game. As for me, I kept playing tennis against Edwin and Yun Zhen... again and again and again. Swing until right arm sore... very fun party game.
Of course, we didn't forget to give the birthday boy a surprise. Heh. Quite stress leh... cause we lit the candles downstairs, and I had to bring it up. Then I had to "protect the flame" from going out while climbing the dark stairs alone... At the same time, must make sure he doesn't see the cake. In the end I had to "hide" behind a wall to wait for the signal... Then he still keep running around... Simi sai...
I don't think he expected it...heh... Hope he enjoyed what we prepared for him. 20 years old liao hor. Don't be so siao all the time.
Food was alright, especially the chicken wings. Otah sucks though. Special thanks to Anthony for being the "main chef" for the night. So...What I do?
Basically...
1) Eat
2) Play Wii
3) Eat
4) Play Wii
5) Rinse and Repeat.
TCSS session. Originally planned to go home at 10+, but play until forget the time. Luckily got Benben to give us a ride home...
I think next time must go again... couldn't get enough of Wii. :P
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