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Monday, November 8, 2010

How's Holiday



You got that damn right kitty! I'm in boredom hell alright.

It's been a week from my arrival back in Miri. Well, nothing change much here except for the new mall open near the airport, Medeka Mall they call it. That's weird, I haven't went to check it out yet, but I bet there is nothing much to see.

Oh I miss KL shopping malls. I bet there is many of you who reads my blog now having that disgusting smirk on your face and throwing question about why did I left KL that hurry. If you are one of the above, I OFFICIALLY HATE YOU!!!

I guess I better start finding stuff to do before I'm bored to death. I'll try make out a to-do-list ASAP. And I know I owe you guys the Singapore trip post. Will work on it soon. =p

Peace out.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Camping In LCCT

Hey guys, guess where am I?!

If you are clever enough, you have already spot the location at the title. =p

LCCT. That's right!

And why am I here for?!

Camping!!


Wow.... sounds extraordinary right?!?!

Care to join me?! It would be fun. I promise.


Okay, this the deal. I'm suppose to be flying back to my hometown, Miri, early morning at 7.05am. But I have no choice to take the midnight train to LCCT or eles I would not make it for the flight. And now I'm here. Camping at the cafeteria, Facebooking, blogging and I just finished my HEALTHY EARLY 3 PIECES CHICKEN KFC BREAKFAST!!!




It's Finger Lickin' Good! XD

By the way, I decided not to sleep and stay awake until my flight. One good reason for it is that I'm alone and I don't want my belongings carry away by others without myself knowing it. I think coffee would serve me well here now.

Another thing is, damn the stupid airport for only allowing 2 hours of wireless connection. I was planing to spend the night in front of the computer doing something. But now, for another hour I'm off the line. Damn it again!!!



Anyway, I was thinking of working on my Singapore trip post for you guys. I had fun on this short holiday. Many exciting and funny stories to share with you guys. I just need time to type them out.



Now I hope the daylight would come quickly.

6 Hours 10 Minutes 05 Second Counting down.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Picture of The Day

We all know that the Merlion is the symbol of Singapore. A-must-go point to visit. So we went there and we had fun. XD

Monday, October 25, 2010

Holiday Time

With Jury FINALLY over. Its time for me to hit the road and have a nice holiday that I deserved. =p

If you would ask me, "Hey, how did your jury go?"

Well, I'll tell you other then the nerve wracking, hand shaking, heart racing part, it all was great. Smooth in a way, at least I feel more confident then my 1st jury during last semester. Lets just hope the result wouldn't come out too disappointing.

Okay, done with jury, Hello HOLIDAY!!!

This time, my destination would be SINGAPORE.




Oh, I so excited about this trip. There is so much thing going on on this island. So much place to visit. I'm a backpacker who loves to be at a place and suck up all the culture a place could have offer. This time its the culture from a city, and form what I'm seeing now, is that this place got a whole load of place waiting for me to explore.

My companion for this round of trip would be 4 lovely course mate of mine. And lucky us, one of our course mate is from JB, and she offered us her humbly home for us to stay over. Cutting down our budgets on hotels. How sweet of her. So basically we'll be going back and forth from JB and SG everyday starting from 26th Oct(wed) till 30th Oct(sat).


So its a 4 day trip in Singapore, and so much thing to do. I wonder what can this city offer?



Suggestion on places or event or anything are WELCOME!!!
Just drop your message at the comment box. XD

Sunday, October 24, 2010

I Can Do This




I can do this tomorrow!!!!

PRAY FOR ME!!!

Friday, October 22, 2010

No Music NO Life

I prepared this article for my Reading and Writing exam and I thought I might as well share it with you guys. To spread the idea of reviving music education and not to waste my hard work at the same time. XD

Enjoy.




When most think about classes at school we automatically think of Math, Science, or English, unfortunately, music education is left off of that main list of classes far too often. Studies have shown that exposing small children to music will accelerate their cognitive ability far greater than the children who were not exposed to music. Music Education is no doubt a necessity to the students of today.



Music plays a major role in everyone's daily life. Music is listened to while driving a car, when eating in restaurants, relaxing at home, and even when on hold to a company's overloaded phone system. Music is everywhere you turn, and it should be one of the main subjects to be studied in our public school systems. Public schools in Malaysia need to understand that the funding and continued study of music is just as important as the funding for math or science to produce a well rounded graduate. After all public schools in Malaysia have this awesome responsibility of producing Malaysia's next generation of productive members of society.



Providing music as part of education helps develop intelligence that leads to greater success in school and in life. Giving a child an instrument is the success in society. Researchers have found that children involved with music education are more likely to graduate from high school and attend college, and are less likely to be involved with gangs and substance abuse. Secondary students who participated in band or orchestra reported the lowest lifetime and current use of all substances (alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs). Recent studies show that students who study the arts are more successful on standardized tests. They also achieve higher grades in high school.



Early musical training helps develop brain areas involved in language and reasoning. It is thought that brain development continues for many years after birth. Recent studies have clearly indicated that musical training physically develops the part of the left side of the brain known to be involved with processing language, and can actually wire the brain's circuits in specific ways. Linking familiar songs to new information can also help imprint information on young minds. There is also a causal link between music and spatial intelligence (the ability to perceive the world accurately and to form mental pictures of things). This kind of intelligence, by which one can visualize various elements that should go together, is critical to the sort of thinking necessary for everything from solving advanced mathematics problems to being able to pack a book-bag with everything that will be needed for the day.


Students of the arts learn to think creatively and to solve problems by imagining various solutions, rejecting outdated rules and assumptions. Questions about the arts do not have only one right answer. Students of music learn craftsmanship as they study how details are put together painstakingly and what constitutes good, as opposed to mediocre, work. These standards, when applied to a student's own work, demand a new level of excellence and require students to stretch their inner resources. In music, a mistake is a mistake; the instrument is in tune or not, the notes are well played or not, the entrance is made or not. It is only by much hard work that a successful performance is possible. Through music study, students learn the value of sustained effort to achieve excellence and the concrete rewards of hard work.



Music study also develops skills that are necessary in the workplace. It focuses on "doing," as opposed to observing, and teaches students how to perform, literally, anywhere in the world. Employers are looking for multi-dimensional workers with the sort of flexible and supple intellects that music education helps to create as described above. In the music classroom, students can also learn to better communicate and cooperate with one another. Music study enhances teamwork skills and discipline. In order for an orchestra to sound good, all players must work together harmoniously towards a single goal, the performance, and must commit to learning music, attending rehearsals, and practicing.


Music provides children with a means of self-expression. Now that there is relative security in the basics of existence, the challenge is to make life meaningful and to reach for a higher stage of development. Everyone needs to be in touch at some time in his life with his core, with what he is and what he feels. Self-esteem is a by-product of this self-expression.
Music performance teaches young people to conquer fear and to take risks. A little anxiety is a good thing, and something that will occur often in life. Dealing with it early and often makes it less of a problem later. Risk-taking is essential if a child is to fully develop his or her potential. Another benefit of music education is the "success in school." Having success in school directly leads to having success in society. If our children learn the disciplines of music, I believe it will transfer over to other areas of their life such as school.



In the public school system of standardized testing and never ending required classes, music seems to have slipped through the cracks. If a school system is trying to produce a well rounded individual, music education is a must in the curriculum. Music education is one of humanity's seven intelligences. If one area of intelligence is ignored, then a student has lost that sense of themselves. This loss is a major burden of the public school system that must be addressed.






So do you agree on me?

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Can't Stop Yet

Final papers are FINALLY over.

In fact it was over two days ago. I finished my last paper and went out of the examination hall feeling like a whole new man! XD

I'll skip the details of the final exam. All in all the Theory exam didn't went so well but the Reading & Writing was still fine. Lets just hope that the results would come out not too disappointing.

I wonder, would this happen during examination?


[Probably. But not in my exam. XD]


With the final paper over I can now focus on my Jury. I know I had been lazy all these while. With the exam out of the way, there is no more excuse for me to run away from the piano.

If you happens to see me around, instead with the piano. You are welcome slap me in the face, punch me in the stomach, kick me in the ass and question me about how much time I had spend on practicing. lol

I'm kidding with the torchering part. Don't do it when you see me. Just ask me KINDLY would do the trick. =p



[Piano, here I come!!!]

Friday, October 15, 2010

How To Practice




-Do you know the best practice time would be right after your lesson on the same day?

-Do you know that by using the passage that you are less familiar with as a warm up would be helpful for your practicing?

-Do you know that we always tend to start form the beginning of the piece? Try using passage which needed more attention.

-Do you know that a mistake played is a mistake practiced?

-Do you know that we usually don't know where to stop while practicing by sections?

-Do you know how often we practice blindly without a reason to do so?

-Do you know we can also archive a lot away from the instrument?

-Do you know that shorter practices through out the day/week are far better than the occasional marathon practice just before a lesson?

-Do you know practicing well is hard work?


These are a few guide line I would be following for the rest of my practice time. Hopefully I'll gain something before my jury on 25th Oct.



IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO START CORRECTLY

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Going Crazy

I can't believe Final would start next Monday.

And I'm still doing nothing much.

Theory class was rushed through and I need to study it up myself, not relying on any help the teacher would offer. There is so much more stuff to read up and not saying there is a pile of questions waiting for me to answer as exercises.

And there is Jury to care about. This week would be the last two lesson I have for this semester and my repertoire is still a mess.


HOW ON EARTH AM I GONA
SURVIVE JURY?!?!?!



The only solution I could think of is to work very Very VERY hard for this 2 weeks. Meaning I'm gona live with only books and piano for the rest of my days. =x

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Picture of The Day


[My two lovely sister]


A picture that made my day by looking at their beautiful smile.
Love them and always will. ^^

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Simon Says

Simon says,

Gospel music is not all about the technique work, Gospel is how the music is feel.


It looks like a simple statement to make, but seriously, It is not!!!




The blacks Sunday worship is very different from the traditional churches. Their music are full with passion and power, emotions flow out abundantly. That is how the blacks show their passion to God, worship Him with their whole heart and soul. Singing every note to the Glorious, Almighty God. Praise and worship with their voices and music.

Their faith for God is something that we could not defy. So as their music.

Simon asked me to take a look at how the black plays the piano. Learn from them, how they feel the music.

FEEL is a big thing for Gospel music, so as in most of the other contemporary music. I'm preparing a Gospel for my jury and I still don't have the Gospel feel in me. Aisk...

I'm working on my song from head to toe, back till front again and again, trying every single method to get THE feel right. It just seems like I can't get anything done.

Simon thought me some special Gospel chords that helped me out somehow, but it had just simply increase the difficulty of the song to another peak. I have to get myself to think out of the box. Think how to apply the chords, when and where.

Its funny when I recall on how Simon commented on my Gospel playing.

"It sounded like there is a Hanon going on in between your lines. Its more like a classical pop."

Simon also told me this:

"Sometime we tend to overdo things, when there is an empty space, try not to put too much stuffs in, just let it be and the music will speaks for itself. Simple melodies could also win the hearts of men."

I couldn't agree more with him. So I did what he asked me to do. Listen to how the black plays. Here are some video on the black playing the song I'm preparing for my jury. Amazing grace. They have the feel that I need to pick up, especially the 2nd video.







Jury is in 2 weeks time. I need the FEEL!!!!

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Deadline

Recently there had been a lot of Deadline in my life.



First there was this deadline for the University Reading and Writing's midterm exam paper, which I had my head scratch wound over the argumentative essay.

Deadline: 5th Oct 2010


Second there was this MIDI research paper to do. I had my head bang so hard on the computer till I almost damage the laptop(maybe its time for a new one. =p) How on earth do you set up a home studio? Specific details are required.

Deadline: 6th Oct 2010


Third, yet to come but coming fast. FINALS for this semester is just around the corner. Looking for a chance to finish me up completely.

Deadline:
18th Oct 2010 - Theory 1

19th Oct 2010 - University Reading & Writing



Forth, the danger is not over yet. Although finals are over, MIDI final is still yet to be done. A MIDI track with at least 8 layers, drums or percussion is a must. How am I gona do it when I can't even have my main tune decide yet?!

Deadline: 21th Oct 2010


Fifth, the ULTIMATE final of all time. JURY. Yes, as scary as it could sound, it is the worst nightmare of all music student. The jury that can make people go mad all over and over again and never fail to do so. My truly DEADLINE for this semester.

Deadline: 25th Oct 2010



WISH ME LUCK PEOPLE.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

The Phone Call



Precisely on 2010, October, 5th, 4 o'clock in the afternoon, 32 minutes and 15 seconds.

An UNKNOWN number flashed on my hand phone.

Not knowing the seriousness and CONSEQUENCES of it,

I'd ANSWER the call.




Okay, lets cut off the drama. I receive a call from the Marketing department of UCSI, asking me if i could help them out at a photo shooting programe this Friday. It is for the Music Department she added.

Actually I'd just woke up from my afternoon nap and was kinda blur. My head was still spinning around. I reconfirmed the what-so-ever programe that it was with her and was surprised to find out that they actually wanted me to go for the photo shooting.

Okay, my head is spinning again.

I got a hold of myself a second later and reconfirm the details with her again. I was asked to be at Block A on Friday afternoon, smart casual and with another formal wear ready. She asked for my major instrument and I told her it was the piano, and she asked for my minor instrument. I kinda pause for a while and told her I don't have a minor instrument, if you would count composition as an instrument. LOL

There is one thing she clarified, that is there won't be any payment given for the photo shooting. Sad case huh?! But to show their appreciation, she promised to give some merchandises. Well, I guess that is better then nothing right?! Hahaha....


[I smelt a rat]

Today, I'd already smelled something suspicious going on after University reading and writing class. Miss Gan Hui Wan actually asked me did I receive any phone call yesterday. I asked her why and she wouldn't answer. Now I know. Someone had been sneaking around my back.

By the way, There is one last question I'd like to ask.


[Should I rent a tux?]

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Tick Tock



Time have come to an end of this month. I can't help to look back and ask myself.

What have you done back in this month?

Have you utilize every second of your precious time? Did you archive any goal that you set for yourself for the month? Have you practice enough for your major? How much effort have you put into it? Did you do your best?

All these questions kept on popping up from my head. I guess its a good thing when I do that. At least my self conscious is still working. Giving me warning every time I fail to do something right.

Jury is coming again soon, and I mean REAL soon!!! To give a figure on how soon it is, take it as about 3 weeks?

So in 3 weeks time I have to get ready the following stuffs:

1. 3 repertoire of different style. (bossanova, blues and gospel pop)
2. Scales and arpeggios of all keys. (including major 7, minor 7, dominant 7 and etc)
3. Sight reading skills in contemporary style

I will go crazy real soon if I don't make full use of my time to archive all these aspect. The time is ticking, and I got to be ready!

Friday, September 24, 2010

Lunar Festival

How did you celebrate Lunar festival(also known as the moon cake festival)?

Chinese usually spent their time with their family on this special day. It is the day when the moon hangs up high in sky at its fullest moment. The Chinese have a saying, when the moon is at its fullest, people will reunite(usually refers to family members).



Well since I'm far away from my own family and there is no way I can get back to them at all, people like me came out with a Brilliant plan. *light bulb shines brightly*

Since there are so many of us who are in the same situation. We can't go back to our own family, we then shall come together and have a gathering of our own. Sounds like a plan. With the location decided and things prepared, its gona be a fun night.

Two days ago, we all went to Chin Ni's house and since it's pasar malam(night market) night over here, foods are found everywhere, there was no worry about food. Some bought food to share and of cause there is the specialties of the day, Moon cake, specially brought by Ching Ting. Thank you Ching Ting, they are delicious, only that its a little too sweet. lol..



[The sweet moon cakes]

This following picture is too cute. I JUST HAVE TO SHARE IT WITH YOU GUYS!!!


[Cute Ching Ting]

Maybe the moon cake its a little bit too sweet. How bout spicing it up a little?!


[Chili anyone?!]


Moon cake is something that can't be miss from the celebration, another thing that is a MUST on this festival is to go out on the street with a whole school of children(yes, we are NEVER too old for this), with a lantern in hand and go around the neighbor and have fun.

And so did we.



[everyone preparing their own lantern]

Actually, I have no idea who bought the lantern. Can someone tell me?



[beautiful lanterns]

And off we go. All the way down the street. Making noises as we passed by houses. Everyone was having the time of their life. We even ask the children off the the street to join us. Of cause they do not dare to walk with us.

Who would ever wants to join a bunch of psycho?! lol



[The psychos]

The parade did not lasted long, it was about a candle moment(some of us reach back just in time before the candle went out). So that's why I called it a candle moment.

We went back inside the house. We spent most of our remaining time chatting, talking and gossiping. lol..


[A moment where everyone minds their own stuffs]

There is something special about music students. That is, music follows them everywhere. We jammed on the piano, we sang in parts(choir members), we did all sorts of funny thing too. Like cam whoring. I know some one had been taking pictures all night long.



[Wen Jiun]

She is the one who took most of the pictures all night. Well she aint gona stay long in Malaysia anymore, since she is going to UK to continue her piano degree VERY soon. Lucky her!!!
All the best for her further studies. XD

The night gathering was partial for her farewell too. She took pictures with almost everyone, she hugs, she kiss, she touches(just exaggerating). hahahaha......



[Me, Wen Jiun and Alex]

Wen Jiun just LOVE Alex.


[Evidence!!!]

The younger one always would have to show their respect to the ELDERS.
By doing so...


[Serving tea would be just perfect!]

Some people just dint like the attention.


[No place to hide Sze Ern]

Of cause attention seekers are unavoidable.


[Kun Ming surrounded with Vs]


[What is wrong with your head Kun Ming?]

This is what happens when too much attention were given.


[LOL]

Finally the BIG psycho family photo.


[Looks normal to me]


[Guess not]


Let me finish up this post with a song that is made famous by Teresa Teng(邓丽君). This is a cover made by Khalil Fong(方大同). A jazz version of this famous song, The moon represents my heart(月亮代表我的心). I enjoyed listening to his cover. Hope you like it too.


Sunday, September 19, 2010

Melaka Performance



I had just came back from a very hectic schedule from Friday night till this morning. I'm drain out of energy. We had a performance down at Melaka on a wedding dinner. It was fun, but tired for sure.

I'll update you guys more next time when I have some pictures in hand and all. But to tell you guys one thing for sure,


THIS IS GOING TO BE A GOOD START!!!


Till next time. Chao

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Science and God

When I saw the video Shong loong shared on his facebook page, I remembered posting up the same thing on my old blog, just that it is in written form. So I decided to dig it up, refine it again, and share it with you guys. It is really something.


Science and God

'Let me explain the problem science has with Jesus Christ.' The atheist professor of philosophy pauses before his class and then asks one of his new students to stand.

'You're a Christian, aren't you, son?'

'Yes sir,' the student says.

'So you believe in God?'

'Absolutely.'

'Is God good?'

'Sure! God's good.'

'Is God all-powerful? Can God do anything?'

'Yes.'

'Are you good or evil?'

'The Bible says I'm evil.'

The professor grins knowingly. 'Aha! The Bible!' He considers for a moment.

'Here's one for you. Let's say there's a sick person over here and you can cure him. You can do it. Would you help him? Would you try?'

'Yes sir, I would.'

'So you're good...!'

'I wouldn't say that.'

'But why not say that? You'd help a sick and maimed person if you could. Most of us would if we could. But God doesn't.'

The student does not answer, so the professor continues. 'He doesn't, does he? My brother was a Christian who died of cancer, even though he prayed to Jesus to heal him How is this Jesus good? Hmmm? Can you answer that one?'

The student remains silent.

'No, you can't, can you?' the professor says. He takes a sip of water from a glass on his desk to give the student time to relax.

'Let's start again, young fella Is God good?'

'Er...yes,' the student says.

'Is Satan good?'

The student doesn't hesitate on this one. 'No.'

'Then where does Satan come from?'

The student : 'From...God...'

'That's right. God made Satan, didn't he? Tell me, son. Is there evil in this world?'

'Yes, sir.'

'Evil's everywhere, isn't it? And God did make everything, correct?'

'Yes.'

'So who created evil?' The professor continued, 'If God created everything, then God created evil, since evil exists, and according to the principle that our works define who we are, then God is evil.'

Without allowing the student to answer, the professor continues:
'Is there sickness? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible things, do they exist in this world?'

The student: 'Yes.'

'So who created them?'

The student does not answer again, so the professor repeats his question. 'Who created them? There is still no answer. Suddenly the lecturer breaks away to pace in front of the classroom. The class is mesmerized.

'Tell me,' he continues onto another student. 'Do you believe in Jesus Christ, son?'

The student's voice is confident: 'Yes, professor, I do.'

The old man stops pacing. 'Science says you have five senses you use to identify and observe the world around you. Have you ever seen Jesus?'

'No sir. I've never seen Him'

'Then tell us if you've ever heard your Jesus?'

'No, sir, I have not.'

'Have you ever actually felt your Jesus, tasted your Jesus or smelt your Jesus? Have you ever had any sensory perception of Jesus Christ, or God for that matter?'

'No, sir, I'm afraid I haven't.'

'Yet you still believe in him?'

'Yes.'

'According to the rules of empirical, testable, demonstrable protocol, science says your God doesn't exist. What do you say to that, son?'

'Nothing,' the student replies. 'I only have my faith.'

'Yes, faith,' the professor repeats. 'And that is the problem science has with God. There is no evidence, only faith.'

The student stands quietly for a moment, before asking a question of his own. 'Professor, is there such thing as heat?'

'Yes,' the professor replies. 'There's heat.'

'And is there such a thing as cold?'

'Yes, son, there's cold too.'

'No sir, there isn't.'

The professor turns to face the student, obviously interested. The room suddenly becomes very quiet. The student begins to explain.

'You can have lots of heat, even more heat, super-heat, mega-heat, unlimited heat, white heat, a little heat or no heat, but we don't have anything called 'cold'. We can hit up to 458 degrees below
zero, which is no heat, but we can't go any further after that. There is no such thing as cold; otherwise we would be able to go colder than the lowest -458 degrees. Every body or object is susceptible to study when it has or transmits energy, and heat is what makes a body or matter have or transmit energy. Absolute zero (-458 F) is the total absence of heat. You see, sir, cold is only a word we use to describe the absence of heat. We cannot measure cold. Heat we can measure in thermal units because heat is energy. Cold is not the opposite of heat, sir, just the
absence of it.'

Silence across the room. A pen drops somewhere in the classroom, sounding like a hammer.

'What about darkness, professor. Is there such a thing as darkness?'

'Yes,' the professor replies without hesitation. 'What is night if it isn't darkness?'

'You're wrong again, sir. Darkness is not something; it is the absence of something. You can have low light, normal light, bright light, flashing light, but if you have no light constantly you have
Nothing and it's called darkness, isn't it? That's the meaning we use to define the word. In reality, darkness isn't. If it were, you would be able to make darkness darker, wouldn't you?'

The professor begins to smile at the student in front of him.
This will be a good semester. 'So what point are you making, young man?'

'Yes, professor. My point is, your philosophical premise is flawed to start with, and so your conclusion must also be flawed.'

The professor's face cannot hide his surprise this time.
'Flawed? Can you explain how?'

'You are working on the premise of duality,' the student explains. 'You argue that there is life and then there's death; a good God and a bad God. You are viewing the concept of God as something
finite, something we can measure. Sir, science can't even explain a thought. It uses electricity and magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one. To view death as the opposite of life is to be ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist as a substantive
thing. Death is not the opposite of life, just the absence of it.'

'Now tell me, professor. Do you teach your students that they evolved from a monkey?'

'If you are referring to the natural evolutionary process, young man, yes, of course I do'

'Have you ever observed evolution with your own eyes, sir?'

The professor begins to shake his head, still smiling, as he realizes where the argument is going. A very good semester, indeed.

'Since no one has ever observed the process of evolution at work and cannot even prove that this process is an on-going endeavor, are you not teaching your opinion, sir? Are you now not a scientist, but a preacher?'

The class is in uproar. The student remains silent until the
Commotion has subsided.

'To continue the point you were making earlier to the other student, let me give you an example of what I mean.'

The student looks around the room. 'Is there anyone in the class who has ever seen the professor's brain?' The class breaks out into laughter.

'Is there anyone here who has ever heard the professor's brain, felt the professor's brain, touched or smelled the professor's brain? No one appears to have done so. So, according to the established rules of empirical, stable, demonstrable protocol, science says that you have no
brain, with all due respect, sir. So if science says you have no brain, how can we trust your lectures, sir?'

Now the room is silent. The professor just stares at the student, his face unreadable.

Finally, after what seems an eternity, the old man answers. 'I guess you'll have to take them on faith.'

'Now, you accept that there is faith, and, in fact, faith exists with life,' the student continues. 'Now, sir, is there such a thing as evil?'

Now uncertain, the professor responds, 'Of course, there is. We see it everyday. It is in the daily example of man's inhumanity to man. It is in the multitude of crime and violence everywhere in the world. These manifestations are nothing else but evil.'

To this the student replied, 'Evil does not exist sir, or at least it does not exist unto itself. Evil is simply the absence of God. It is just like darkness and cold, a word that man has created to describe the absence of God.

God did not create evil. Evil is the result of what happens when man does not have God's love present in his heart. It's like the cold that comes when there is no heat or the darkness that comes when there is no light.

The professor sat down.




I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.
- C. S. Lewis



This is the video Shong Loong had shared. Its kinda the short version of what I've got here, but it is the main point of the whole article.


Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Determination for Success and Perfection

Tension engulf my major lesson today. All reasons trace back to myself, more specifically my laziness. I have not been practicing much this week, probably because its just the start of the semester. I know its not a reason, and I would not defend myself for my own shortcoming.

I still have time to work on the part that I'm left behind tomorrow, since it's a public holiday,
1 Malaysia Day. So much for my 1st 1 Malaysia holiday. I have work to be done by Friday!!!



"I know, nothing comes easy, I know, I must sweat for it, I know, it requires a lot of hard work and perseverance, in addition to determination. I promise myself to get it done despite all the challenges lying ahead."

-Louis Liong Wei Wei


I just saw this status of Louis from his facebook page, and it is exactly what I need for my mindset. Determination for success and perfection.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Hiromi- Choux a la Creme

Hiromi, The Crazy



My all-time-favorite contemporary pianist. She plays the piano like a toy in a child's hand, she perfects every aspect of technical work, flawless in running notes, making the hardest part seems like effortless.

It's TOTAL craziness!!!!

She is someone I look up to. My aim. My goal.


Hiromi- Choux a la Creme:



This is one of my favorite piece from her, Choux a la Creme, from her latest album Place To Be. There are more pieces of her's that will take your breath away.

Try typing Hiromi Uehara - The Tom and Jerry Show on youtube and you may begin from there. Don't say I din't warn you about her craziness. XD

ENJOY.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Picture of The Day


[the world is so small...~]
quoted by Chiong Wei Ling

On the same day visiting Tanjung Sepat, I heard a voice calling out my name, not far; in fact, in front. I look forward and saw three faces that seems strangely familiar. I was stunned for a few second before I could pull myself back together. Isn't that someone I knew back from Miri? OMG!!! It is really Wei Ling, Hui Ling and Gong Yuan. 3 person from Miri I knew, standing right in front of me. I was overwhelmed!!! Luckily tears did not flew out. =p

I chatted with them for a few moment, catching up with each other life. I was surprise to find out that they are also on their church trip to the SAME place, on the SAME day, at the SAME time. I was on my church holiday trip too. Coincident? Maybe.



HOW AWESOME IS THAT?!

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Picture of The Day


[photo credit: Jason]

Yesterday, a public holiday, a day spent at Tanjug Sepat. Went with a group of enthusiastic church members touring around the small fishermen's village. After a whole day walking, a cup of freshly blend dragon fruit refreshes the hot day. ^^

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

To Break The News

I am officially a CONTEMPORARY music student.


I hope I'm making this announcing LOUD & CLEAR!!!! It had been a rough road to get to this day. Some may know I had a choose a different path before but I had never regret the decision I'd made back then. It's because of that decision what made me who I am today.

I'm totally new in this area. Although I had took up contemporary piano last semester in university as my minor, but there is so much more that I need to pick up. I'm now back to the starting point and start all over again. Its like I'm back to my first piano lesson, like a child who had never touched a piano, full of curiosity and marveled by the beauty that the piano generates. Wonders of music filled my word instantly.




I had my 1st contemporary piano MAJOR today. It's a 2 hours class, only for today. It's long. I know. Class stars with Simon going trough some policy of his class, it's cool to clear things up on the 1st lesson. Then he asked for 2 best song I have now to show him. He wants to know where I stands, so he didn't mention about preparing any piece in our previous schedule conversation. I was a little nervous while playing. Infect the whole lesson I was feeling a little nervous.


Why the heck NERVOUS?!


I have COMPLETELY no idea!!!!


CRAZY I guess....


And by the way, this semester is going to be crazy for me too. To prepare JURY in 8 weeks time (7 weeks to be precise). Need to decide on repertoire FAST!!!!! There are so may things to catch up. For the 1st lesson, we just covered the basic and that would be enough for me to keep me busy the whole week. phew....




WHO SAYS STUDYING MUSIC IS EASY!!!!!!

Learning is something that never ends and I am willing to learn all that I can. Starting from now.

Friday, September 3, 2010

Don't Know Why

Don't know why I have been singing this song all over and over again these days (song name: Don't know why). Norah Jones's sexy voice just kept on ringing in my head. It is a total hook up!!!! LOL


[Norah Jones]

I kept on repeating "don't know why, I din't come.. don't know why, I din't come......." again and again. Be it be in class or walking down the road. Who knows how long will this gona last? Who knows why I'm addicted to it?

I don't know why.

Here is a video of Norah Jones singing Don't know why:



Thanks to Simmy who tagged me on this other video (on facebook days ago) which is a very cool version of the song Don't know why. I fell in love with it almost immediately. You guys should check it out too!!! ^^



I personaly LOVE the pianist improvisation. He is THE FAMOUS jazz pianist,
Tey Cher Siang
. He is also teaching in my school. How cool is that?!


Hope you enjoy the songs. ^^