Tuesday, May 05, 2009

Dancing lessons




I've been taking dancing lessons in a gym for about a week. Dance styles include hip hop, jazz, pole dance, Chinese dance, belly dance, and aerobics. All lessons are introductory for amateurs like myself. Dancing is a fun way to exercise. I feel energized and refreshed after working up a good sweat in the dance studio. Though clumsy, I enjoy most of the lessons.

However, I could’t bring myself to finish my lesson tonight, mostly because I could not stand the teacher. The teacher was a guy teaching a feminine dance style. To say the least, he danced like a guy. I did’t have to be an expert to tell he was not a very good dancer. His moves were half-hearted and perfunctory. Worse still was his attitude – impatient and patronizing. I was under the impression that he either hated his job or just had a very bad day. Needless to say, it was not enjoyable to follow his moves.

The shorts I was wearing were not airy enough, which added to my discomfort. I should have put on baggy shorts so that my sweat could evaporate quicker. After struggling for twenty minutes, I decided to leave.


Friday, May 01, 2009

Adam Lambert in Bottom Three!




American Idol Season 8 Episode 34





Adam Lamber was in bottom two. I was like,'What?! Are you kidding me?!?!'

Some say it could have been a publicity stunt to get better ratings for the show. The voting results could have been rigged. Or perhaps Adam fans forgot to vote!

Whatever the case, I don't think Adam deserves to be in the bottom two. In my opinion, he's clearly head and shoulders above other contestants. I'm tremendously fascinated by his remarkable vocal abilities, wide range, refreshing originality, engaging stage presence and interesting arrangements of songs. He's the real deal. He has the total package of a superstar!

Danny Gokey, despite his great vocals, shows little range and originality. Also, he's a clumsy dancer and has a less-than-compelling stage presence. Danny Gokey is Ok, but I am not a big fan.

By contrast, Adam Lambert is unbelievably talented and versatile. He works very hard to show range and variety,catering to different tastes.

With or without the crown of American Idol, Adam Lambert will undoubtedly go far in this business. I'm still betting on him.

By the way, I don't care if Adam is gay or not. He's one heck of a performer. I will definitely buy a VIP front-row seat ticket to his concert!

Go Adam!

Monday, November 10, 2008

Read and write!

I got up around 5:00 a.m. today to catch the earliest train to Shenzhen, as I had to meet up with a client there. It turned out that I arrived about one hour earlier than scheduled. It was quite windy today and I felt kind of cold. So I hid in a telephone booth and flipped through Alias, while I waited for my client.

I often complain that I do not have time to read and write, but I know this is no excuse if I want to become a serious writer. No one else can say the words on my lips.


Alias is one of my favorite TV series. The novel is an entertaining read.


The neat desk in my room puts me in a good mood. I can't help typing on my laptop...





I forget half of my road-weariness simply by looking at this comfortable bed.



I'm gonna read a few more pages of Alias before I go to bed. :)

Sunday, November 09, 2008

Melaka, Malaysia August, 2008

Some photos from my backpacking trip to Melaka, Malaysia in August, 2008.





























Sending postcards to my friends








Church of St Francis Xavier, built 1849








Saturday, November 08, 2008

Invest in Germany- Simultaneous interpreting conference

Invest in Germany - Your gateway to Europe

I did simultaneous interpreting for "Invest in Germany" today. It seems that governments at all levels are seeking investment vigorously. Germany has always impressed me as "solid and down-to-earth".

I'd like to visit Germany and other German-speaking areas one day, as I have a weakness for classical music. Mozart, Bach and Schubert are my favorite composers. I'm sure these areas have a lot to offer, aside from their fine cultural traditions and treasures.











Friday, November 07, 2008

MBA Program of Tsinghua Univ. and University of Northern Virginia

I did consecutive interpreting for an MBA course today. It's a joint program of Tsinghua University (China's equivalent of MIT) and University of Northern Virginia.

I have to work for a conference tomorrow morning. Must quit now.

20:56 China time


Tsinghua University since 1911




Thursday, November 06, 2008

Foshan Investment Environment Conference

Foshan's about 40 mintues' drive from Guangzhou. I did simultaneous interpreting for 2008 Foshan Investment Environment Conference this afternoon.


The conference took place in Foshan Hotel, where I did my first interpreting assignment while I was still a sophomore in university. It was an emotional come-back for me after all these years.


Foshan Hotel



To my surprise, I ran into a former student of mine, who's now working in a foreign chamber of commerce. How time flies!

Simultaneous interpreting booth


My mike inside the simultaneous interpreting booth.






After I finished my conference in Foshan, I took a long distance bus bound for Dongguan for another conference. Dongguan is about two hours' drive from Foshan. It was a tiring trip for me. I arrived at Dongguan around 8:30 p.m. and had a late dinner.


My hotel room in Dongguan.






I have a long day ahead. I'd better quit now.