Catch me If You can

First viewed the film on 10th February 2003 for the first time.
Have had read the novel twice in year 2002 and 2007.
One the 13th June 2010, I have watched it again for the forth time.
‘Till today,the impression never cease.. Do you concur?

Directed and produced by Steven Spielberg, starring Leonardo DiCaprio as Frank William Abagnale Junior & Tom Hanks as FBI agent Carl Hanratty, released on December 25, 2002, ‘Catch Me if You Can’ is a comedy-drama film based on the life of Frank Abagnale. Set in the 1960’s the film chronicle the life of Frank, who before his 19th birthday, successfully conned millions of dollars by posing as a Pan American World Airways pilot, dead-heading to many destinations in the cockpit jump seat, and he impersonated as a Georgia doctor (complete with a forged Harvard Medical School degree). Furthermore, he created a phony document of Harvard Law Transcript and then he legitimately passed his bar exam and masqueraded as a Louisiana attorney, which is awesomely impressive... His primary crime was cheque forgery, becoming so skilful that the FBI eventually turned to him for help in catching other cheque forgers.

Frank Abagnale is now one of the world’ most respected authorities, working with the FBI’s Financial Crime Unit on counterfeiting and secure documents, including check swindling, forgery and embezzlement. He has been a consultant, lectured and instructed hundreds of seminars worldwide and continues to offer his services for free to the FBI. Moreover, he has published several books, manuals and articles and has designed secure checks that are utilized by businesses worldwide

One of the factors that the film gets my attention is the setting. A near-flawless palette of period looks from the ‘50s and ‘60s times. The sequence of 'cat and mouse' chase between Frank Abagnale & Hanretty, also has succesfully created a lasting impression through its witty, clever scenarios, the humour that it contains and the mockery within. Especially the Soundtrack, which I still listen too for over 7 years, the collection and tone of music assembled dealt greatly with 1960’s pop culture. The fusion of several older generation songs with a similarly retro style of jazz in the underscore is obvious. John William’s composition for this particular film represents the perpetual chase. “The Float” is shifty with attractive rhythmic romp that is cyclical in its vibraphone and woodwind rhythms. It exhibits an excellent saxophone solo with ominous dramatic undertones.

Personally, I love “ Broken Home” the most, where the music volume has been reduced to melancholy solitude carried by a slow solo harp and lonely shadows of the solo sax and piano performances that graced the score's beginning. Perhaps, the whole OST has summarised a well-documented music album with indeed, a well genre-constrained score. The music simply never bores me. And it has been proven so strongly as I have listened to the soundtrack over and over again for more than 7 years.

Both reading the biography and watching the movie is inseparable. It would not be complete without doing both activities. Indeed, it has become one of my favourite movie to watch. While, the book itself is not to be missed, and if you decided not to read the book, you miss all the details.

Sources:
• Editorial Review, Filmtracks – Catch Me If You Can, written on 14th December 2002, revised on the 10th January 2009. Copyright © 2002-2010, Christian Clemmensen (Filmtracks Publications).
http://www.filmtracks.com/titles/catch_me.html

• Frank W. Abagnale, with Stan Redding , Catch Me If You Can – The True Story of a Real Fake, Bantam Book, USA 1980.

• Margaret A. McGurk, DiCaprio, Hanks have fun, so catch them if you can – The Cincinnati Enquirer, Friday, December 27,2002.
http://cincinnati.com/freetime/movies/mcgurk/122702_catchme.html

• Susan Goodwin & Becky Bradley, American Cultural History, Lone Star College – Kingwood.1960 – 1969.Copyright © 1999 [Kingwood College Library]
http://kclibrary.lonestar.edu/decade60.html

• The Wikipedia Encyclopedia. Catch Me If You Can.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catch_Me_If_You_Can

Chinese New Year Eve 2011

I always love Chinese New Year Eve, as it is the best time to gather all families and relatives in Melbourne. For 2011, we celebrated the night for the first time at home. Except, the Yee Sheng (鱼生), all foods were home-cooked by the mothers of the families. Sadly, this year, my cousins : Shalyn 's family and Nith 's were not able to join us. Hope to see you guys soon. Looking forward to celebrate this with friends as well. And, I miss all my other extended families, cousins which are scattered all over many different locations. Wish you all a Happy Chinese New Year 2011. Giong Hi !

祖大家新年快乐。恭喜发财

Nasi Tumpeng

29th January 2011, House Warming at Robert & Nina 's residential home =p

The hosts had been very generous in providing us the meals. We had Indonesia's famous Nasi Tumpeng. Which usually, is only served to celebrate important event. The philosophy of Tumpeng signifies the geographical condition in Indonesia, especially Java to be fertile island. The tall cone shape of the rice symbolized the mountain in Java as tall and magnificent. This unique dishes was served as a means to signify blessings for the house. This was followed by prayers and blessings by the invited pastor and many friends who love and supports this family.

All foods were delicious, including Nina's home-cook 'Bak mi', or Indonesian noodles. The guests had great time enjoying themselves in the house. The house-warming was a success. And not to forget, Himelda's Indonesian style cheesecakes and her signature Tiramisu were really wonderful :)

'Après Un Rêve'

Gabriel Faure (1845-1924)'s ''Après Un Rêve' is one of my favorite French vocal music.

Truly lyrical, beautiful, melodious and deep.....moreover, it speaks of dream, night, mystery and fantasy.. Though I have known for this song from the vocal accompaniment 4 years ago with my friend, a vocalist.. I had naught understand fully the meaning of this lyric back at that time... instead... the meanings flow naturally now..maybe it is due to the maturing process that is happening....it is probably the most suitable music to immerse in during solitary times, especially during peaceful slumber accompanied by the warm voices of the gentle rain.....

' Après Un Rêve'

Dans un sommeil que charmait ton image
Je rêvais le bonheur, ardent message;
Tes yeux étaient plus doux, ta voix pure et sonore
Tu rayonnais comme un ciel éclairé par l’aurore;

Tu m’appelais, et je quittais la terre
Pour m’enfuir avec toi vers la lumière;
Les cieux pour nous entr’ouvraient leurs nues;
Splendeurs inconnues, lueurs divines entrevues...

Hélas, hélas, triste réveil des songes !
Je t’apelle, ô nuit, rends-moi tes mensonges;
Reviens, reviens radieuse
Reviens, ô nuit mystérieuse

Translation:

'After A Dream'

In a slumber charmed by your image
I dreamed of happiness, ardent mirage;
Your eyes were more tender, your voice pure and clear.
You were radiant like a sky brightened by sunrise;
You were calling me, and I left the earth
To flee with you towards the light;
The skies opened their clouds for us,
Splendors unknown, glimpses of divine light...
Alas! Alas, sad awakening from dreams!
I call to you, oh night, give me back your illusions;
Return, return with your radiance,
Return, oh mysterious night!

Dealing with today's Problems

I have been failing my drive tests too often that, I have reached to the point where... I am devoid of any emotions left.

What concerns me the most, is the money. I have spent lots of sums of money for the sake of getting a license, and I don't think I have had ever spent even that much for clothes. My mind told me that, perhaps I am not even meant for the license. Perhaps I don't have the talent for driving at all.... Though it feels sucks.. I just have to resign to the fate and ..the only thing I know is, well.. just pay the money for another try.

I did not have anyone to call too when I finished the test, except notify my best friend via text messages. My feet brought me straight to the place that I used to put my commitment & energy there.. yes, my former work place don 1.

As I sat down and waited for my meal, I felt slightly nostalgic feeling towards this place. The atmosphere, the vibe, the pace.... Though it is still as it is; small, old, smells of teriyaki sauce, not as clean and bright as my office, woody and a little.. dodgy ? .. I still have that sense of belonging and pride to this place. At least this is a remaining place that I still have some kind of triumphant feel, indescribable in words. At least this place acknowledged me to a certain degree.. And I know, I have decided to move on from this place, never coming back, but still, maintaining the relations.

My brief visit comforted me. Perhaps meeting my ex managers were the reasons, or was I looking back to the olden days. Yet, life moves on and Don1 have taught me that, I did able to climb to the top, no matter how many times I struggled there in the past. It was a success and I have to do the same at my current life situation, especially for my present job.

Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows - Soundtrack

The score for Deathly Hallows: Part 1 is composed by Alexandre Desplat, a notable French composer.

The first review of the soundtrack was released on October 31^st, 2010. The soundtrack received many positive reviews. ‘Obliviate’, the Prelude of the Deadly Hallows portrays the sad, mournful story, appropriate for the projection of the movie. It is neither a mysterious fantasy theme, nor a triumphant battle score, it is unique and full of depth, reflecting the progression of the emotions that the film contains.

At the time I watched the film for the first time in cinema; I noticed the melancholy tones and how the background music attracted me so much. When I found out that the composer was Alexander Desplat, it made sense to me. Having been listening well to Desplat‘s Curious Case of Benjamin Button, I could identify the uniqueness of Desplat’s composition; the sombre timbre, the many uses of dark tones, the beautiful melancholy tunes. And after I watched Deathly Hallows: Part 1, for the second time, I decided to purchase the soundtrack.

One month has passed, as I listen to the soundtrack all the time and I have fallen in love with it. ‘Obliviate’ sets the scene for a sad, mournful story and perhaps, highly appropriate to introduce this film. The music lends quiet emotional depth in ‘Harry & Ginny’, some tense, robust action with outstanding precision in many other tracks. In ‘Ron’s Speech’, the emotion in this music is high above success. It is so much serene and beautiful that I couldn't help but really feel it. Through the music, it depicts Desplat's genuine understanding towards the characters in the film; the painful transition from children to adult that the characters have to face, the struggles, and the deepest feelings, the dark forces, have all been illustrated with the entire soundtrack.

Nevertheless, John William’s scores for Harry Potter‘s first two movies received much credit as well. And Harry’s Wondrous World, ceaselessly, has been my favorite for 8 years and will always be.

No doubt, these soundtracks serve as my faithful companions when I was alone, in my room, which illustrates the mood of the story for Harry Potter series vividly. And honestly, some of the music suit my moods very much.

Kitchen Workshop Buffet

25th January 2011 - 18.00 pm @ Kitchen Workshop, Crown Entertainment Complex.

Having mon premier Unilodge Company dinner buffet ~ A cozy effective way to get together with the managers & other staff members, while having a chance to have your ideal way of dining experiences.

Instead of rushing to the food counter and taking as much food ravenously, I did it step by step and never against the order by starting from:
1. Appetizer - Tomato & Basil soup with croutons, garnished with Parmesan cheese
2. Salad - Garden salad with French Dressing, Beetroots, Tomatoes, Pasta Salad, etc.
3. Entree - Cordon Bleu Veal with Chat Potatoes, with many others available here and there.
4. Main Courses - Grilled Pepper Fish, Roasted Chicken, & Roast Beef.
5. Dessert, observable from the photograph.

And, please don't get me wrong. When it comes to buffet, my ideal rule is to take as little portion as much for each food that I would devour upon. Take your time, eat gracefully, and no rush ! Thinking in mind, that this is a time for food tasting. Be careful on the portion on each dishes would allow me to safe more rooms for my stomach, in conducting the maximum gastronomic activity as possible, and at the same time, to watch over my weight. Plenty of people would have the pleasure to be represented as my witnesses.

The overall ambiance of the dining room was all right, despite the limit of food varieties compared to Sante, but I do think that the quality of the food here is pretty satisfying. The only thing that I found it disappointing was the roast beef - hard, not enough taste.. anyway,
Love the grill pepper fish the most. I ate double portion & it's simply Enchante !

Art Deco in Fashion

Celebrated as one of the major artistic influence, The Art Deco movement (early 1920s – 1939) was reputable as the period of the unique combination of exoticism and modernity, the great time of experimentation in fashion.

The arrival of Serge Diaghileva and the Ballet Russes in Paris in 1909, was historically mark as the catalyst of the Art Deco period. Pivotal in the development of Art Deco, the Ballets Russes imbued fashion with its colourful and voluptuous aesthetic through the genius of Paul Poiret, who introduced the brilliant and bright colours and exotic garments, related to the Oriental splendour of Leon Bakst’s set and costume designs.

This important period also highlighted the Women’s movement and the thirst for the freedom that led to the radical shift in changing attitudes among women. The modern women of 1920s rebelled against the traditional Victorian values and feminine image. The emancipation of women liberalism also marked the rise of the Art Deco Fashion Icon, known as the Flappers.

The Flappers, ‘the young birds flapping its wings while learning to fly’, wore their hair and skirts short. They used heavy make up, smoke and drink in public, dancing Charleston and escaping from the oppressive tradition.

Masculine forms, streamlined, short hemlines, tubular silhouette, the cloche hat, ‘Charleston’ dress, geometric, angular shapes and designs, rolled down stockings were all the characteristics of the flapper fashion.

With this kind of freedom of movement as priority and concept, designers such as Jean Patou, Madeleine Vionnet and Gabrielle Chanel created the first real style for modern woman. The love of surface embellishment and abstract flourished, innovative seaming, gauzy fabrics, beads and feathers were used in working with silhouette. Menswear concepts and sportswear ideas were also popular.

The progressive time in economy during Art Deco period, the glamorous evening fashion, the era of Jazz Age life and the limelight of the avant-garde, all represented the life of modernity, luxury and leisure, simply, the three key themes of Art Deco Fashion.

Sources:

1. Lussier, Suzanne, Art Deco Fashion, V&A Publications, UK 2003.

2. Art Deco Fashion History, http://www.art-deco-style.com/art-deco-fashion.html

3. Historic Dress: Early Art Deco (1911- 1929), http://char.txa.cornell.edu/art/dress/historic/earlyart/earlyart.htm

4. Decolish,http://www.decolish.com/ArtDecoFashion.html Decolish.com

Written to be Published for :

Nouvelle Entree
(www.nouvelleentree.com)
24th January 2011

Random words

Thinking on how to make myself busy - should i .. - hm.. maybe learning something new like taking short courses.. - depending on my budget though - sigh.. maybe make up lesson - or resume back vocal class - sigh the distance is the problem - too far - but seems have to , but for what ? - hm - better occupy myself - learning le francais ? - maintenant je apprendre le francais...- mais, think i can do it myself ? - sometimes it would be boring sitting in the class, learning in slow paces.. - think of something else... - how bout cake decorating class ? - sounds fun - hm.. but i hardly bake stuff nowadays - drawing ? painting ? - kind of losing the heart to take off all my brushes and paints from my cupboard - hm.. calligraphy ? - should improve my handwriting to make it more high-class ? - nah, you have got full time job - should stay at home and rest - well.. think bout driving first.. - or clean your house - stay at home, sip a tea and pamper yourself with all those aromatic perfume - hm.. - have to watch black swan or burlesque sometimes soon - spend more times with girls are the must - sigh - i will see how i go through this year .. i want something new and something rewarding - sick of certain things in life - not meant to complain - but really sick of it sometimes and - wanna have a new look and new appearance if i could - and i am not 'emo'ing here - hate that term on me, coz in the past someone always accused me of that -bitter am i ? - sigh.. in need of escapism - yet .. i know i have to be a good girl and obey and surrender....... - dear brain, be wise.

Marleen & Virgon's Wedding : 15th January 2011

15th January 2011, Saturday.. a fine sunny day finally, after days of endless pouring rain, sweeping Melbourne as if it never ended, would always be remembered for Marleen & Virgondo's wedding.

What would be more blessed then witnessing two loving souls, triumphantly going through all obstacles for 8 years and finally pledging vows to be husband and wife ? Been knowing Marleen since the day she stepped into Dondon 3 years ago allowed my mind to be dived into memorable pensive. It was joyful, to look at her, so beautiful on this day. I have seen her many times on different number of days. However, she never looked as radiant as this before.. on such a special day, and I couldn't help it but, smile as I know, I love this girl very much !

However....silently, I did shed my tears watching them standing proudly in the pulpit. Though, genuinely happy and feel at ease for them, inside my heart I heard myself saying : might or might not this could happen to me ?.. a complex thoughts that I prefer not to discuss further at the moment.

The whole afternoon prior to the reception was spent preparing myself for the night. Yes, I was excited and wanted to have a perfect night. Weeks had been devoted for the presentation, which I sought for the emphasis of classy and elegance, and indeed, all went satisfyingly well.

Royce Hotel Ballroom portrayed excellent choice, I simply love the stairs leading tranquilly towards the ballroom. All the decorations that adorned the silky table, with carefully chosen ornaments reflect the delicacy of Marleen's choice. I know well, they both have fine taste.

My two good friends had delivered profound skills as Emcees. Meals were tastefully appropriate, and the entree of Duck Risotto was delightful to my taste. I also had my debut, singing in a wedding, which was included in 'one of my wishes since I was a little girl each time I attended a wedding' and was very grateful for such privilege.

Most of all, gathering with my ex-colleagues and good friends in this very occasion had the most value. Everyone I knew were merry and really enjoyed the whole reception. It would be a great journey for the bride and groom, and many blessings would certainly, be bestowed upon them as the rewards of their faithfulness for one another..