Very few people saw it coming. People seem to be too busy to care..
The statement above, written at the back of this paperback made me intrigued to pick it up and read more. A fiction thriller written by Alex Scarrow, is a story based on the real facts of the current behavior of the world.
All the things that we do, almost anything that we consume, and produce, will relate back to the usage of the same energy resource- oil.
Almost any vehicle in this world use petrol burning engines. Cars, ships, planes.
Electricity in a lot of parts of the world- generated from machines that use petroleum.
Our toaster, washing machine, air conditioner, washing machine, laptops, cable tv, everything! They all need electricity to function.
The food that we eat, most of it is transported by trucks from farms, processed by electric powered machines, and delivered to shops by vehicles that use petrol.
Clothes, books, furniture, name it- all the things that we use are manufactured in factories, and factories need electricity to do produce all those stuff.
The system which processes clean water that goes to our house pipes, uses electricity.
Each day billions of dollars worth of oil is extracted out at each source from the earth, to accommodate our demands.
Imagine if this sole energy, non-renewable is suddenly scarce. Or no longer there.
The result would be horrifying. Unimaginable.
People will kill brutally for food.
The world will go to a damage which couldn't be reversed.
Personally this book gives me chills, it sounds so real.
As long as any practical alternative energy is not discovered as a replacement,
we will always be at risk.
If you would like to know more about the facts, you can go to this site.
a legend. the greatest.
It was shocking news that I heard from the radio this morning.
The king of pop passed away.
The DJs of the radio were talking about his achievements since he was even a young child. It was like a small tribute to this legend, and they mentioned the greatness of this man.
I remembered when I stayed with my family in Ampang, me and my siblings, we were small children back then. Father used to play his black vinyl record player, normally I could hear Johann Strauss and Tchaikovsky at night. But my favorite, on weekends, would be one of Michael Jackson’s hits- Bad. I can always recognize the song by the distinctive bass at the entrance of the song.
There were quite a number of songs that I grew up with, including Heal the World and that forever upbeat Black and White. I always get myself stuck in front of the TV everytime the video clip was being played.
And one of the songs that had always been in my playlist, either in my cassette walkman, or my CD player, or even my MP3 player- would be “You Are Not Alone”. Everyone likes that song. Just now, as I listened to the radio, they played a short part of the song, and I am sure hundreds of listeners shed a tear or two. It was really sad.
Here, is a song that I could say my favorite.
Have you seen my childhood?
I'm searching for the world that I come from
'Cause I've been looking around
In the lost and found of my heart
No one understands me
They view it as such strange eccentricities
'Cause I keep kidding around
Like a child, but pardon me
People say I'm not okay
'Cause I love such elementary things
It's been my fate to compensate,
for the childhood I've never known
Have you seen my childhood?
I'm searching for that wonder in my youth
Like pirates and adventurous dreams,
Of conquest and kings on the throne
Before you judge me, try hard to love me,
Look within your heart then ask,
Have you seen my Childhood?
I'm searching for that wonder in my youth
Like fantastical stories to share
The dreams I would dare, watch me fly
Before you judge me, try hard to love me
The painful youth I've had
Have you seen my childhood
And here is an old video clip, a nice one too..
We will miss him.
The king of pop passed away.
The DJs of the radio were talking about his achievements since he was even a young child. It was like a small tribute to this legend, and they mentioned the greatness of this man.
I remembered when I stayed with my family in Ampang, me and my siblings, we were small children back then. Father used to play his black vinyl record player, normally I could hear Johann Strauss and Tchaikovsky at night. But my favorite, on weekends, would be one of Michael Jackson’s hits- Bad. I can always recognize the song by the distinctive bass at the entrance of the song.
There were quite a number of songs that I grew up with, including Heal the World and that forever upbeat Black and White. I always get myself stuck in front of the TV everytime the video clip was being played.
And one of the songs that had always been in my playlist, either in my cassette walkman, or my CD player, or even my MP3 player- would be “You Are Not Alone”. Everyone likes that song. Just now, as I listened to the radio, they played a short part of the song, and I am sure hundreds of listeners shed a tear or two. It was really sad.
Here, is a song that I could say my favorite.
Have you seen my childhood?
I'm searching for the world that I come from
'Cause I've been looking around
In the lost and found of my heart
No one understands me
They view it as such strange eccentricities
'Cause I keep kidding around
Like a child, but pardon me
People say I'm not okay
'Cause I love such elementary things
It's been my fate to compensate,
for the childhood I've never known
Have you seen my childhood?
I'm searching for that wonder in my youth
Like pirates and adventurous dreams,
Of conquest and kings on the throne
Before you judge me, try hard to love me,
Look within your heart then ask,
Have you seen my Childhood?
I'm searching for that wonder in my youth
Like fantastical stories to share
The dreams I would dare, watch me fly
Before you judge me, try hard to love me
The painful youth I've had
Have you seen my childhood
And here is an old video clip, a nice one too..
We will miss him.
review: sbp wind orchestra competition 2009
MCKK shows an exponential graph of improvement where this year they really played well. The sound of the whole band was thick. One and clean. Virginia is one of my favorite wind ensemble pieces. Though it still is in the average Jacob de Haan, but it still is an entertaining nice song.
Sekolah Sultan Alam Shah, compared to its previous recording in the semi finals, has done their intensive practice. I could hear a clear progress from nonsense to results. The song speaks of a mature level of wind orchestra, despite that it is just a small orchestra with fewer students, they played well.
The disappointing part was that the trumpet section didn’t deliver well compared to the rehearsal on the day before. They sounded less confident, a little bit weak on the real day.
Overall, the sound of the band was precise, clear, and the part right after the strong introduction where it sounded Japanese-y was my favorite. Mysterious and cute at the same time.
Too bad the choral part sounded terribly weak, I won’t wonder if that took away a lot of marks. If only it was allowed that the orchestra could bring in a huge choir to stand on their sides, and that might be cool. Again, it’s the selection of the song that counts. Although this song is not my favorite to put in my MP3 phone, but I have to admit that this song could be a good competition piece, if not for the middle choral part.
STAR was daring to select a local arrangement to compete.
This arrangement is quite advanced relative to the arranger's former pieces.
Only that, more color of expression could be given especially during the main theme of the song.
SDAR, was not my favorite. Something huge is missing. Either the song arrangement was not nice, or they sound rough and messy.
Tunku Kurshiah College went contradict to the current trend. They played a Japanese high-level arrangement of Disney Festival. The brass was thick and strong, especially compared to their previous years. They played tightly, the arrangement was interesting, their solos were strong. They were good.
Sekolah Seri Puteri. I wonder what the intention of the song selection was. Was it catered to them for their capability? The previous year’s Omisoka was way better than this one. It is not worth the cost of effort for the trumpets to practice hard on certain parts of the song, when overall it wasn’t a really good/nice piece. Better luck next year.
SEMSAH, trying out again with their Danse Diabolique. I adore the improvement of the dynamics and strength, but they were playing a bit too fast. What's the rush? Especially during the middle part, the expression was not there anymore.
In conclusion, hm. I had fun watching the competition, and I see that there is a significant quality improvement compared to the year before.
Always strive towards excellence!
Oh, this is a video clip of the winner. Bear with the quality drop because recording was done with a personal video camera.
Sekolah Sultan Alam Shah, compared to its previous recording in the semi finals, has done their intensive practice. I could hear a clear progress from nonsense to results. The song speaks of a mature level of wind orchestra, despite that it is just a small orchestra with fewer students, they played well.
The disappointing part was that the trumpet section didn’t deliver well compared to the rehearsal on the day before. They sounded less confident, a little bit weak on the real day.
Overall, the sound of the band was precise, clear, and the part right after the strong introduction where it sounded Japanese-y was my favorite. Mysterious and cute at the same time.
Too bad the choral part sounded terribly weak, I won’t wonder if that took away a lot of marks. If only it was allowed that the orchestra could bring in a huge choir to stand on their sides, and that might be cool. Again, it’s the selection of the song that counts. Although this song is not my favorite to put in my MP3 phone, but I have to admit that this song could be a good competition piece, if not for the middle choral part.
STAR was daring to select a local arrangement to compete.
This arrangement is quite advanced relative to the arranger's former pieces.
Only that, more color of expression could be given especially during the main theme of the song.
SDAR, was not my favorite. Something huge is missing. Either the song arrangement was not nice, or they sound rough and messy.
Tunku Kurshiah College went contradict to the current trend. They played a Japanese high-level arrangement of Disney Festival. The brass was thick and strong, especially compared to their previous years. They played tightly, the arrangement was interesting, their solos were strong. They were good.
Sekolah Seri Puteri. I wonder what the intention of the song selection was. Was it catered to them for their capability? The previous year’s Omisoka was way better than this one. It is not worth the cost of effort for the trumpets to practice hard on certain parts of the song, when overall it wasn’t a really good/nice piece. Better luck next year.
SEMSAH, trying out again with their Danse Diabolique. I adore the improvement of the dynamics and strength, but they were playing a bit too fast. What's the rush? Especially during the middle part, the expression was not there anymore.
In conclusion, hm. I had fun watching the competition, and I see that there is a significant quality improvement compared to the year before.
Always strive towards excellence!
Oh, this is a video clip of the winner. Bear with the quality drop because recording was done with a personal video camera.
for those who don't know yet about this
Abraham Maslow introduced the pyramid chart which is called as the hierarchy of human needs.
At the base, the first basic thing that we need to do in life is in the aspects of survival. We need to eat, breath, maybe a dry comfortable place for us to rest and sleep. We need clothes to wear too.
And we go up to the second level, where we search for security. We seek a place to stay where we feel safe, we buy things, and we also get ourselves employed.
The next step is the need of relating ourselves to other human beings. We gain love and communication from our family, and friends, and those who are close to us. We give and take and we share.
Finally, almost at the tip is the need of recognition. We achieve establishment through our contribution and effort. Perhaps a certificate, or a higher position.
And when all these are done, to complete our journey, we gain self actualization, where we identify and go aligned with advanced thinking- morality, spontaneous, suspending our judgment, yeah stuff like that.
(source: wikipedia)
However, Maslow was disappointed that this pyramid concept was being used the wrong way by some people- using the excuse that surviving is the most essential things, so they survive only in this world. Companies only are built to gain profit, people live life just sufficient for their ownself.
Perhaps we can take these concepts not by the hierarchy itself, but by aiming to achieve all points simultaneously. Survival, security, socializing, self esteem and self actualization- all can come together at the same time.
At the base, the first basic thing that we need to do in life is in the aspects of survival. We need to eat, breath, maybe a dry comfortable place for us to rest and sleep. We need clothes to wear too.
And we go up to the second level, where we search for security. We seek a place to stay where we feel safe, we buy things, and we also get ourselves employed.
The next step is the need of relating ourselves to other human beings. We gain love and communication from our family, and friends, and those who are close to us. We give and take and we share.
Finally, almost at the tip is the need of recognition. We achieve establishment through our contribution and effort. Perhaps a certificate, or a higher position.
And when all these are done, to complete our journey, we gain self actualization, where we identify and go aligned with advanced thinking- morality, spontaneous, suspending our judgment, yeah stuff like that.
(source: wikipedia)
However, Maslow was disappointed that this pyramid concept was being used the wrong way by some people- using the excuse that surviving is the most essential things, so they survive only in this world. Companies only are built to gain profit, people live life just sufficient for their ownself.
Perhaps we can take these concepts not by the hierarchy itself, but by aiming to achieve all points simultaneously. Survival, security, socializing, self esteem and self actualization- all can come together at the same time.
my weekend with the married people
Last Saturday I had a small trip on my own out of the city. It took me two hours- on my bike, on the train and also on the cab to get to a small kampong further from its town.
It was a wedding. I don’t usually spend my time going to weddings, but this one is a rare case. It was a good old friend’s wedding.
This was a friend who didn’t mind me getting so close to him, we exchanged so many thoughts back in high school.
This was the first friend who made me believe I can chase after my dreams, even when I doubt it. There were cases when he said in the past- “you will achieve that”, and a few years after that, I smiled, because I really achieved it.
The wedding was just nice, good food and I got to talk to the groom after never meeting him for years.
“How do you feel?”
“I feel.. calm”
“You must be feeling.. complete. Congratulations.”
There was a rain downpour, making the place a bit cooling.
I was lucky to know another friend who drove there with his wife and one kid.
I asked them a favor to give me a ride to the mall in PJ where I parked my bike.
Inside the car, it was a refreshing atmosphere with the conversation that I observed. This young couple, being a family, both working, the things that they talk, and their being is quite a few steps in front of me. And actually they are younger than me.
They talked about the actual cause of the US economic downturn today, and how is it different ten years ago.
They talked about the Lego city store to surprise their child when he wakes up later.
They talked about the things which are not really the things that I normally got to talk about.
That was nice.
These people are already thinking forward.
It never make them become old, it just made them wise and advanced.
It was a wedding. I don’t usually spend my time going to weddings, but this one is a rare case. It was a good old friend’s wedding.
This was a friend who didn’t mind me getting so close to him, we exchanged so many thoughts back in high school.
This was the first friend who made me believe I can chase after my dreams, even when I doubt it. There were cases when he said in the past- “you will achieve that”, and a few years after that, I smiled, because I really achieved it.
The wedding was just nice, good food and I got to talk to the groom after never meeting him for years.
“How do you feel?”
“I feel.. calm”
“You must be feeling.. complete. Congratulations.”
There was a rain downpour, making the place a bit cooling.
I was lucky to know another friend who drove there with his wife and one kid.
I asked them a favor to give me a ride to the mall in PJ where I parked my bike.
Inside the car, it was a refreshing atmosphere with the conversation that I observed. This young couple, being a family, both working, the things that they talk, and their being is quite a few steps in front of me. And actually they are younger than me.
They talked about the actual cause of the US economic downturn today, and how is it different ten years ago.
They talked about the Lego city store to surprise their child when he wakes up later.
They talked about the things which are not really the things that I normally got to talk about.
That was nice.
These people are already thinking forward.
It never make them become old, it just made them wise and advanced.
nice nice
I came across this video again on the net. My favorite chanteuse did it excellently when she sang her own rendition of an evergreen song, sung by a popular singer from the past.
Ah, the beauty of the song.
And this is another one of her and another famous senior singer.
If she is going to have a concert as a tribute to the diva, OR if both of them going to have a collaboration for a huge concert project, with orchestra and what not, I am certainly going to watch.
It doesn’t matter who is at fault, but it would be perfectly beautiful dream come true if both could forgive the past and create a new relationship between the old and new.
In the end, it’s up to the choice of the individual..
Ah, the beauty of the song.
And this is another one of her and another famous senior singer.
If she is going to have a concert as a tribute to the diva, OR if both of them going to have a collaboration for a huge concert project, with orchestra and what not, I am certainly going to watch.
It doesn’t matter who is at fault, but it would be perfectly beautiful dream come true if both could forgive the past and create a new relationship between the old and new.
In the end, it’s up to the choice of the individual..
hope this brings something to all dear readers
Wondering why I have been quiet?
It’s quite a challenge to write something really good, especially when I am trying to avoid writing about people. It’s just in the nature of the human being to gossip, and talk about people, or make fun about people, regardless that it might lead to something bad. In fact, some people put pride in talking bad about people, when actually, we don’t realize that when we do that, it reflects that we have low dignity, because we are being less respectful to ourselves and to the rest.
It is sad as well as ironic that when Muslims are taught that gossiping is a very grave sin, but you and me, we do it anyway. We don’t really try to at least to minimize our habit of talking bad and making fun about people, whether they are our friend, or foe. And to add to that irony, the issue that we’re gossiping about will never change if we just gossip about it, and it could’ve been improved if we communicate respectfully and politely, with our most sincere concern, to the person of the matter.
What do I learn from this?
That I am also guilty of doing the same.
There is no point of pointing people’s fault especially when it was yesterday’s issue, and nothing and no one will change.
That constantly magnifying people’s bad deeds will only exhaust my energy and give my unnecessary attention to them. (thanks to a friend who highlighted this to me)
That, to talk less about people, is not a piece of cake. We are always tempted to talk about people because it feels fun and/or funny, it does make us feel that we're “better” than the victim we talk about.
This is a practice that I have to do over and over again. Whenever I feel like gossiping, I have to remember that it doesn’t do any good.
It doesn’t matter if the victim of the gossip is truly the person to be blamed. As long as there’s no difference in talking bad about the person, it is considered gossip.
On my side, if I realize that I am the subject of people’s gossip and I feel upset, I should see whether the issue is applicable for me or not. Like I said, it’s a nature for people to gossip, so I must learn to give up that feeling. As long as it doesn’t affect my growth, let them have the leisure to talk.
For me to advise a person, that should be in the interest of the person’s benefit and request, if not, I don’t intrude. For me to ask a person’s favor to change, it is only when the person’s act is critically and physically affecting me.
By reminding myself this, I can be a better person.
It’s quite a challenge to write something really good, especially when I am trying to avoid writing about people. It’s just in the nature of the human being to gossip, and talk about people, or make fun about people, regardless that it might lead to something bad. In fact, some people put pride in talking bad about people, when actually, we don’t realize that when we do that, it reflects that we have low dignity, because we are being less respectful to ourselves and to the rest.
It is sad as well as ironic that when Muslims are taught that gossiping is a very grave sin, but you and me, we do it anyway. We don’t really try to at least to minimize our habit of talking bad and making fun about people, whether they are our friend, or foe. And to add to that irony, the issue that we’re gossiping about will never change if we just gossip about it, and it could’ve been improved if we communicate respectfully and politely, with our most sincere concern, to the person of the matter.
What do I learn from this?
That I am also guilty of doing the same.
There is no point of pointing people’s fault especially when it was yesterday’s issue, and nothing and no one will change.
That constantly magnifying people’s bad deeds will only exhaust my energy and give my unnecessary attention to them. (thanks to a friend who highlighted this to me)
That, to talk less about people, is not a piece of cake. We are always tempted to talk about people because it feels fun and/or funny, it does make us feel that we're “better” than the victim we talk about.
This is a practice that I have to do over and over again. Whenever I feel like gossiping, I have to remember that it doesn’t do any good.
It doesn’t matter if the victim of the gossip is truly the person to be blamed. As long as there’s no difference in talking bad about the person, it is considered gossip.
On my side, if I realize that I am the subject of people’s gossip and I feel upset, I should see whether the issue is applicable for me or not. Like I said, it’s a nature for people to gossip, so I must learn to give up that feeling. As long as it doesn’t affect my growth, let them have the leisure to talk.
For me to advise a person, that should be in the interest of the person’s benefit and request, if not, I don’t intrude. For me to ask a person’s favor to change, it is only when the person’s act is critically and physically affecting me.
By reminding myself this, I can be a better person.
the concert at segi college
A nice closing.
I didn't really got the chance to say my ta-ta's because I had to greet my aunt, uncle and cousin. After that I went straight back to meet dear dear Z at my place.
Anyway. Yeah, this was just another closing. The orchestra will be meeting again next week. Can't wait!!
I didn't really got the chance to say my ta-ta's because I had to greet my aunt, uncle and cousin. After that I went straight back to meet dear dear Z at my place.
Anyway. Yeah, this was just another closing. The orchestra will be meeting again next week. Can't wait!!
tomorrow's the day!
Yeay. Tomorrow is the concert for the youth orchestra in Damansara, at Segi College.
The main building. Nice.
It's so near to my apartment, in fact, today is the rehearsal and now is the break time for lunch- I could go back home and take a bath and rest.
The rest of the players went off to the mall to eat some food.
So now I am spending some time relaxing and writing this post.
Few things happened actually.
Weeks after the accident I had on the way back from Istana Budaya (just after we came back from Kuantan), now the cuts on my knee is already healing. I'm grateful for having a medical card, and good advice from my boss- that is to consume "pati ikan haruan" that will expedite the healing process.
My trumpet, which was slightly damaged by the impact, is now sparkling silver- repaired and serviced by a good brass expert. The bore of the trumpet was also cleaned, so now my playing felt so free-flowing. Nice! Felt like a new trumpet.
My trumpet is in the middle. See the difference?
So yeah, tomorrow's the concert!
Hope you could make it to watch the show.
The main building. Nice.
It's so near to my apartment, in fact, today is the rehearsal and now is the break time for lunch- I could go back home and take a bath and rest.
The rest of the players went off to the mall to eat some food.
So now I am spending some time relaxing and writing this post.
Few things happened actually.
Weeks after the accident I had on the way back from Istana Budaya (just after we came back from Kuantan), now the cuts on my knee is already healing. I'm grateful for having a medical card, and good advice from my boss- that is to consume "pati ikan haruan" that will expedite the healing process.
My trumpet, which was slightly damaged by the impact, is now sparkling silver- repaired and serviced by a good brass expert. The bore of the trumpet was also cleaned, so now my playing felt so free-flowing. Nice! Felt like a new trumpet.
My trumpet is in the middle. See the difference?
So yeah, tomorrow's the concert!
Hope you could make it to watch the show.
it could be the best when you do it on your own
If I fall down and nobody wants to pick me up, how long will I want to stay there in the mud? Until I get my eyes blind? Until the mud goes down my respiratory track? Eventually I will have to get myself up.
And I am getting up again, especially after I read my own old posts-
This one.
And this one.
And below is a video clip you should watch.
And I am getting up again, especially after I read my own old posts-
This one.
And this one.
And below is a video clip you should watch.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)