I don’t normally go to the cinema except during the Jun and Dec school holidays, but this year, it seems the films were late by a month, and I just watched 3 in a week: “Red Cliff”, “The Dark Knight” and “Hellboy II”.
I only know bits and pieces of China history, so I read up a little bit. The Battle of Red Cliff, also known as the Battle of Chibi (赤壁之戰), was a decisive battle in Chinese history in the year 208, at the end of the Han Dynasty, between the allied forces of the southern warlords, Liu Bei and Sun Quan, and the numerically superior forces of the northern warlord Cao Cao. The allied victory at Red Cliff provided a line of defence that was the basis for the later creation of the two southern kingdoms of Shu Han and Eastern Wu, and together with Cao Cao’s Kingdom of Wei, formed the Three Kingdoms. The most detailed account of the battle comes from the biography of Zhou Yu in the 3rd-century historical text Records of Three Kingdoms (Sanguo Zhi). An exaggerated and romanticised account is also a central event in Romance of the Three Kingdoms, the first of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature. This, my boy is currently reading, so my boy jumped at the chance to watch the movie. Whether it is to know a bit more of history, or to watch Tony Leung and Takeshi, or simply because it is the most expensive Asian-financed film to date at US$80M, I wouldn’t miss the film. Now, we’re waiting for the sequel to the show that will lead to the actual battle!
I only know bits and pieces of China history, so I read up a little bit. The Battle of Red Cliff, also known as the Battle of Chibi (赤壁之戰), was a decisive battle in Chinese history in the year 208, at the end of the Han Dynasty, between the allied forces of the southern warlords, Liu Bei and Sun Quan, and the numerically superior forces of the northern warlord Cao Cao. The allied victory at Red Cliff provided a line of defence that was the basis for the later creation of the two southern kingdoms of Shu Han and Eastern Wu, and together with Cao Cao’s Kingdom of Wei, formed the Three Kingdoms. The most detailed account of the battle comes from the biography of Zhou Yu in the 3rd-century historical text Records of Three Kingdoms (Sanguo Zhi). An exaggerated and romanticised account is also a central event in Romance of the Three Kingdoms, the first of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature. This, my boy is currently reading, so my boy jumped at the chance to watch the movie. Whether it is to know a bit more of history, or to watch Tony Leung and Takeshi, or simply because it is the most expensive Asian-financed film to date at US$80M, I wouldn’t miss the film. Now, we’re waiting for the sequel to the show that will lead to the actual battle!
I can’t imagine “The Dark Knight” was a longer show than “Red Cliff”, though not a dull moment throughout. Just that, there wasn’t a single hint of cheerful mood at all, and we left the cinema with a sort of heavy heart. “Hellboy II: The Golden Army” was surprising better than its first, at least, that’s my opinion. A lot more mythical creatures and not as disgusting as the first in terms of the look of the creatures. Kristine thinks Hellboy is cute and she was giggling all the way when Hellboy and Abe sang love song in the show!
So, for the whole week, I only managed to finish this gift for my colleague. Geraldine has been my colleague for the past 13 years of my 14-year working life so far, and this week will be her last with the company. I will miss you! All the best to you, Geraldine!
Alphabets are patterns of Teri Dusenbury and tatted with Altin Basak size 50 thread.
I know my partner has already received my package for the Christmas in July Exchange; I’m still waiting for mine to come. On a happier note, I have received these delightful bag and pouch I bought at Etsy from Jane Eborall. I love red background and the paisley prints, and the way Jane did the poke-proof pouch for shuttles. Thank you, Jane!
Anthony Chan drumming away to 2 songs via satellite in Britain.
And these are simple bookmarks using the snowflake motif, and tatted with Manuela 20 variegated threads: 
Special thanks to Sharon for organising the 
These are the smallest ones, about 1", and tatted on paperclips. Well, I sketched out the designs and tatted them without referring to any book and pattern, but they are such simple motifs, I wouldn't be surprised if they look like other tatters' previous designs, though I don't think I have come across others tatting snowflakes on paperclips. 