As of tonight, the migration to :wp: is complete! The rest is to tidy up any broken links because some of my previous entries contained hard-coded links to earlier entries. Then, I can get on with updating my trip details.
Searching comes to desktop
On a suggestion from one of my colleagues, I decided to give Google Desktop Search another try. I was not particulary impressed the first time I tried it a few months ago – admittedly it was during the Beta phase. This time, however, I have to say that I am very impressed! It managed to track down some emails that I have forgotten which folder I have filed into (since I switched to full-time use of Thunderbird from Eudora at work). Way to go!
Engaging TV
Have been watching a relatively new mythical martial-arts TV series from China, with casts from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore, called Sian Jian Qi Xia Zhuan (ä»™åŠå¥‡ä¿ 傳). This is a period fantasy derived from a popular RPG game from Taiwan.
The possibilities
What we can or cannot do, what we consider possible or impossible, is rarely a function of our true capability. It is more likely a function of our beliefs about who we are.
Anthony Robbins, American Motivational Speaker
Simple message
Breast cancer is not something to take lightly. I just read about this true story which happened to a friend of a friend. If you care about your own health or the ones you love, you can follow the link for some instructions for self-checking. Take care.
Switched again!
After reviewing (and installing a few elsewhere for real use) :wp: for seemingly forever, I finally switched over to :wp: today! There are some things which are not available here compared to :mt: but at the same time, there are new features to compensate. I am sure in time, I can find a good balance. 🙂
Giving it up?
“You only grow old by deserting your ideals.
Years wrinkle the skin, giving up wrinkles the soul.”Douglas MacArthur
Half face
Some “trickery” from yesteryear…
Rules of effective practice
Just happened to read about the Wynton Marsalis’ “12 rules of effective practice” (for learning Jazz) which I thought was equally applicable for Tango as well.
1. Seek out the best private instruction you can afford. It can take years to figure out what a good teacher can show you quickly.
2. Write out a schedule. Include fundamentals always.
3. Set realistic goals. Set goals. Chart your development. Challenge yourself.
4. Concentrate when practicing. Develop the ability to FOCUS. Do not “just go through the motions.”
5. Relax, practice slowly.
6. Practice hard parts longer. Confront your deficiencies.
7. Always play with maximum expression. Give yourself over to what you are doing. Do everything with the proper attitude. Do not be a cynic. The expression you play with is your style.
8. Learn from your mistakes. Do not be too hard on yourself. Resolve to improve each day.
9. Don’t show off. Expression, not tricks or gimmicks. Showing off misses the point of group playing.
10. Think for yourself. Respect your teacher, but think things through for yourself.
11. Be optimistic. How you feel about living is who you are – “Music washes away the dust of everyday life.”
12. Look for connections between your music and other things. The more you discover similarities in things that seem to be different, the greater the world you can participate in.
Silence or speak?
A simple principle.
“Before you speak, ask yourself, is it kind, is it necessary, is it true, does it improve on the silence?”
Sai Baba