Transformers

Turned 19!

Thanks people for all the wishes and blessings! I am so blessed to have you as my friends. Thanks for all the gifts and birthday presents, really cherish them. Above all, I just want to thank God for his protection and love throughout the past 18 years!

As usual (hehe) I am gonna review my 19 wishes for this year:

1. GET accepted into St. Cloud State University! By Fall this year.
2. Family members, friends and people around me are healthy, happy and guarded by angels.
3. Parents to accept Christ.
4. Brothers to get good results in their major exams, Benny -SPM, Johnny -PMR, Alvin&Kelvin -UPSR.
5. Myself, to score better CGPA and get 4.0 GPA for all my following subjects (haha, greedy me!)
6. Get my own car! (Dreammmmmm on...)
7. 1st KL BB to gain strong membership (both Boys and Officers)
8. BB Malaysia to be united and strong.
9. Get steady income monthly (4 figure??)
10. Get the President's Award before going abroad.
11. Myself to walk closer with God.
12. SEGi CF to grow strong, Holy Spirit will move within the college to change lives.
13. Wesley Methodist Church to get the new building up smoothly, without any hindrance.
14. Get a new handphone - iPhone!
15. Alright, can't think of more, I want an iPod too.
16. Oh ya, myself, to get FIT! Standard weight according to my height.
17. Referring to No.16, I wish to get free membership to gym!
18. Erm, get a full set of Conan series, movies, and specials.
19. Lastly, world peace! V(^^)V

May all my wishes come true!

When Exam Strikes!

A typical quote from Boys during exam season:
"Sorry Sir, I can't attend BB tomorrow because I am having exams soon..."

A not-so-typical quote from a Junior Boy last week:
"Sorry Sir, I can't bring back the remaining dinner tickets for the 55th Anniversary Dinner because I have exams coming up *real* soon..." (eyes opened wide)

I always feel pathetic for the Boys, even though I was once in their shoes, when they give excuses not to attend weekly BB meetings when exam strikes. Moreover, I felt speechless when their parents themselves do not allow the Boys to come. Same situation applicable to Wednesday and Friday Band practices.

Well, in my humble opinion, I think it is not necessary to so called "take leave" from BB during the exams period. Unless, you have papers on Saturday itself!

When the Boys say that they need (I'm not sure if they really do) more time study or revise the lessons taught, it portraits an impression that asks: What were you doing during those non-examination periods? Does it mean that it only requires the students to work hard during exam season?

I'm not saying that all the Boys were not paying attention in class during their lessons. But, ain't you supposed to be prepared all the time, with whatever you've learnt in class? Or do you think that you only need to retrieve those information when there's exams coming up? That to me you are not studying. You are storing information in your grandmother's PC, in which you need time to constantly update the data. Because your Core Dual "PC" is used for other interests in life.

Just to let you see it in a clearer picture.

When you learned how to use the chopsticks, you used it every other time when you get to use it. If there's an exam on "How To Use The Chopsticks", you find that you do not need to actually study how to use it again, on purpose. May be just one or two rounds of practices. I'm sure it won't turn out to be that you thought chopsticks are held by feet.

Same goes to your studies. If you already know that "stirring increases the rate of evaporation (Biology)", you practice it in your daily life as an extra skill, i.e. stirring a hot soup to cool it down. When exam strikes, it will be as easy as ABCs.

It draws a conclusion that a good studying technique and application in life is far productive than holding you textbooks at 2a.m., exam eve.

I am not an A+ student. But through the many years of 'experience' in studying, I find the following guide useful:

1. Read the texts before class. (Knowing the structure of the lesson)
2. Pay Attention in class. (Minimize Chatting)
3. Pen down important notes. (What is important? Well, obviously when the teacher says so!)
4. Have regular revision after class. (Close your book and recall whatever is taught)
5. Do exercises. (Besides homework, have 1 or 2 more exercises, it never harm)
6. Pray, eat, play, socialize and sleep well!

If you think that you can't concentrate when you do revisions on solitary, conduct study groups. Ask each other questions on the lesson, it may be your next exam questions! Avoid chatting any other issues that is irrelevant to the lessons.

Memory wise, it is something technical. It is a skill. Not all are born with good memory, but all of us can train ourselves so that we have good memory. Try memorize small portion of stuff without using paper & pen, i.e phone numbers, car plate numbers, birthdays, date and time, etc. This will definitely help to improve your memory. Then when the time comes that you need to memorize your text, it will surely be quick and easy. It is true!

Finally, I wish to convey the message that exam is not everything, we do not neglect eating, showering, sleeping, talking to our family members, going to toilet, answering phones, coming to BB, and also spending time with God.

Like Rev. Andrew once said during Sunday service, if at all your grade drops because you are spending time giving priority to God's ministry, YOU WON'T DIE ONE!

"Seek ye FIRST the Kingdom of God, and all these things SHALL be added unto you..."

Now, buck up, and come to BB!

Dear Mum,

Whoop, I'm writing again, it's 12:45a.m.

Not sure why but I'm just emotional today. Just felt that many things happened in the house within a day. From morning itself thing wasn't right in place, I skipped church. Had the "pleasure" to enjoy my overtime-sleep till 12noon. It then turned worse when I've got some typical nagging from my long-winded Mum. I don't blame her, because I knew her for nearly 19 years. However, from the nagging I had from her, I see things from other points, making me think a lot.

Simple thing like the toilet's floor is too wet, or there's ants on the dining table, whose fault?
Well, never her fault, but when she scolds everybody else, it hits my conscience that it can really be 'considered' my fault if I didn't 'volunteer' to clean them. OK, then I deserved the scoldings, together with everyone else.

If those of you had watch the recent famous Chinese drama: Moonlight Resonance, you will learn about the metaphoric of parents with the full moon of the 1st and 15th of the month: being the same. Unfortunately, I started to believe the argument that they may not be the same after all.

Being a child in the family, I see my mum as the woman of authority. I never fought back my mum, and it means don't ever. The words from her are commands to me. Failing to execute means punishment. However, I admit that many a time, I knew I was right, even when she didn't think so. But, that 'voice' will just be swallowed back to the stomach, I always remain silent. I knew that to her, silence means admitting the mistakes I've done. I just don't want to say anything else, that may give chance to the next level of argument, or may be just scoldings. Deep down, I know voicing my opinion will only lead to worse situation, in my case.

However, my mum doesn't only appear in the authoritative figure. She also has a beautiful side that I adore. She cares, she knows what's in us, and she handles most of the family's problem, except for financial issues. Things are just incomplete without her.

I wonder again, is the 1st and 15th moon really the same? If it isn't, then how different could it be? Why isn't my mum consistent?

I don't know, may be only God is able to answer this question.

Still, I love my mum for all that she's done. I believe mums are angels sent by God to take care of us. May be the Tham's had got a tough angel from God. But no matter how tough she is, this angel has given the best life that the children can never afford by themselves.

I daresay if it's not for mum, Jason will never be Jason.

Sorry mum, because I complained, while for all that you've done were for my sake. I'm not expressive when it comes to all these, so I never had the guts to tell my mum whatever I've written here. I wish she'll just understand.

For all out there whom may have got angry of the things you parents have done, I sincerely ask you to forget about those angers, appreciate the time you have with your parents, you may not have the chance to appologize one day when you regret. I know this post is too long-winded, well inherited from my mum.

I feel totally better now.

Thank you for your time reading this. Cheers.

Moving towards 55

It is some weird feelings in me, may be nostalgia, after reading so many of the previous blogpost in Xanga. Just got a call from a BB Officer asking for a collection of events happened for the past five years in 1stKL, that's why I'm searching inside-out and see if I've left out any. I guess my previous blogsite is helpful.

Alright, back to some updates on BB today.

Had P&W team practice at 10am in Church Santuary itself, ran well.

Senior Band is good already. Don't know why, I think our band just need some "pushings" and they can do well. After all, the Wednesdays and Fridays' practices were push-ing enough. Haven't got the time to look after the Junior Band, wonder if they can make it on time for the performance on June 6. The Pre-Juniors, lagi don't need say, Mdm Wendy will jaga, finger crossed. GB side, saw their mime, I guess it is 50% done only. Theme song, GB finally gets to hear it.

I think the camp next week WILL be a hard time for all of us, but I have faith that everything will be well done, if we put in the effort and strength that we have. The "don't care" attitude will never bring us near to our goal.

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Came across an article by a former 1stKL Officer, Mr.Timothy Chan, in Berita Anchor 2004. Again another typical writings about why-not-coming-back-to-BB. I also recalled another article by LT Wong GL about no one being called an ex-member of the Brigade. However, Timothy's let me think of my very own situation. In the future, if one is "forced" to leave, i.e. study abroad, does it make you an ex-? I always think, what if I really need to step out from 1stKL one day? How will my Saturdays be ever like? Or even the weekdays without the load of pre-occupied BB works-to-be-done-at-home? I will definitely miss something. Indescribable.

Therefore, I have decided. Even if one day I am gonna leave BB physically, I will still lent my helping hand to any behind-the-scene works. I know this may not be easy. Yes, it is not easy. But this at least will still give me that sense of belonging to the Brigade, that something that I can cling on.

I promise, my heart will never leave 1stKL.

The Vampire Anime

The movie Twilight, Goth fashion, teen cliques, teen angst and internet access added up to a sucky scare at one of New England's oldest high schools, Boston Latin. Last week students began emailing news outlets claiming there were vampires at their school, that students had been bitten and that the police were called into investigate.

The release of box office vampire smash Twilight on DVD may have added to the teen-vs-teen unease. But really, this whole incident points out the holes in today's educational system. Any student who had read Dracula, or even Interview with the Vampire, or seen a traditional vampire movie--would know that teen vampires would not be attending classes. They'd be home schooled after dark.

The Anime Pictures

Anime an abbreviated Japanese pronunciation of "animation", pronounced in Japanese, but typically pronounced is animation in Japan. The rest of the world regards anime as "Japanese animation". Anime originated about 1917. Anime, like manga, is extremely popular in Japan and well known throughout the world. Distributors can release anime via television broadcasts, directly to video, or theatrically, as well as online.

Both hand-drawn and computer animated anime exist. It is used in television series, films, video, video games, commercials, and internet-based releases, and represents most, if not all, genres of fiction.

Body proportions emulated in anime come from proportions of the human body. The height of the head is considered as the base unit of proportion. Head heights can vary as long as the remainder of the body remains proportional. Most anime characters are about seven to eight heads tall, and extreme heights are set around nine heads tall.

Variations to proportion can be modded. Super deformed characters feature a non-proportionally small body compared to the head. Sometimes specific body parts, like legs, are shortened or elongated for added emphasis. Mostly super deformed characters are two to four heads tall. Some anime works like Crayon Shin-chan completely disregard these proportions. It is enough such that it resembles a Western cartoon. For exaggeration, certain body features are increased in proportion.

The American Dad

American Dad! is a satirical American animated series owned by Underdog Productions and Fuzzy Door Productions and produced in association with 20th Century Fox Television.

It was created by Seth MacFarlane, the creator of Family Guy, as well as two former Family Guy writers, Mike Barker and Matt Weitzman. The pilot episode aired in the United States on Fox on February 6, 2005, thirty minutes after the end of Super Bowl XXXIX; the regular series began May 1, 2005, after the season premiere of Family Guy. American Dad! follows the events of CIA agent Stan Smith and his family.

Age of Conan Hyborian Adventures

Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures is a fantasy-themed massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) developed by the Norwegian computer video game developer company Funcom for PCs. The game launched at 11 p.m. (GMT) on May 17, 2008 in a limited way, being available to those who had pre-ordered the game and registered for early access. The full release of the game for North America was May 20, 2008 and for Europe May 23, 2008 for the PC version. Although originally announced as being available for the Xbox 360, the console version is at least a year behind schedule.

Hyborian Adventures is the first installment in the planned Age of Conan series. Age of Conan itself takes place within the continent of the Hyborian kingdoms, a year after the events depicted in Robert E. Howard's Conan novel, The Hour of the Dragon. Hyborian Adventures' release celebrated the 76th anniversary of the Conan franchise.

Characters in Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures are created on a user account on a particular online server. Characters created on one server cannot be played on another. Players create characters which function as their virtual avatars in the online world of Hyboria. When creating a character in Age of Conan, the player may choose from three playable races. The character is one of four archetypes (in bold) and one of three class selections for each archetype.

101 Dalmatians The Series

101 Dalmatians: The Series is a 1997 animated television series produced by The Walt Disney Company, and based on the classic 1961 Disney animated feature One Hundred and One Dalmatians and its 1996 live-action remake.

The main characters in the series are Lucky, Cadpig, Rolly and Spot. Lucky is the most adventurous of the 99 puppies. He is unique in having his only spots in the shape of a horseshoe on his back. Cadpig is the runt of the litter. She is the smallest of the 99 puppies but quite possibly the most intelligent. She is unique in having long floppy ears and a big head. Rolly is the greedy one. Almost all his decisions are based on food and this, at times, gets him and the pups into trouble. He is, however, a loyal and helpful sibling. Spot is a chicken who wants to become a Dalmatian. She is the voice of commonsense for the foursome but, more often than not, is ignored. She is easily frightened and is prone to literally bounce off the walls. She is, however, a good dancer (which has to count for something according to her) and appears to be good at math.

The main villains, as described above, are Cruella de Vil and her henchmen, Horace and Jasper. As said above, she is now a corporate criminal and most of her plans revolve around getting richer, tormenting the Dalmatians and stealing the Dearly Farm. Horace and Jasper are usually hired to perform her plans, usually failing. Other characters are Roger Dearly, Anita Dearly, Nanny, Pongo and Perdita, Scorch, Vindella de Vil and the entire de Vil family.

The Hundred Dalmatians

The Hundred and One Dalmatians, or the Great Dog Robbery is a 1956 children's novel by Dodie Smith. The plot revolves around a woman who steals 97 dalmatian puppies in order to make a fur coat out of them. The protagonists of the novel are three adult dalmatians who set out to rescue their own puppies and wind up rescuing the whole lot. (The hundred-and-first dalmatian is part of a subplot unrelated to the puppy-snatching, and plays only a small part in the story.)

In the novel, after being invited to a dinner party by the Dearly couple, where Cruella de Vil expresses her dislike for animals, the family's new Dalmatian puppies disappear. The Dearly dogs are added to 82 puppies who are kidnapped or legally purchased from various owners, all of which have been gathered with the intent of skinning them for their fur, to make a coat. Through a fellowship of animals and the "Twilight Barking," the dogs are identified as being in Suffolk, and a rescue ensues.

The novel was made into a Disney animated film in 1961, under the title One Hundred and One Dalmatians. In the animated film the four adult dalmatians were merged into two characters, with Missis renamed "Perdita" and the original Perdita and Prince omitted entirely. There is only one Nanny, who in personality and appearance resembles Nanny Cook. Patch and Lucky are present, but the Cadpig is not by name, though she is included in the Disney Channel TV series. Mr. Dearly, here named Roger Radcliffe, is a musician and composer, rather than a financial wizard like in the book. Saul Baddun is renamed Horace, and Cruella appears to be single. The villains discover the Dalmatians have stowed away on the moving truck, leading to a climactic car chase.

When the night falls...

Super-duper-Funny!

"Abraham, FREEZE!"

Rating:@@@@@@@@@@

Go watch it!!

Bugle? Burgler? Burger?

Looking at my right arm, the Bugler's badge tells a lot about the memories I had with the bugle calls. I wonder do the Boys still pay as much respect to the calls?

I still remember someone who spelled "bugle" wrong ly...XD

To those whom may have joined the Brigade for more than a year, you may ask yourselves the following questions and check if you really "know" about bugles and bugle calls:

Who blows the Bugle?
What is the origin of Bugles?
What is the difference between the Trumpet (known as the sister instrument for bugle) and the Bugle?
What are the basic calls blown in the Boys' Brigade? How many tune do you know?

Don't scratch your head too hard. Check the answers below and see if you're right.

Duh, the BUGLER.
Ah HA, the bugle is originated from German hunting horns or buglehorns. The term Bugle originated from the French word "bugler" or "bugleret" that was derived from the Latin word "buculus", which means young bull.
The valves? Right, half. The other basic difference between the Trumpet and the Bugle is that the Trumpet has cylindrical tube, whilst the Bugle has conical shape throughout. Mouthpiece wise, the Trumpet uses cup-shape mouthpiece while the Bugle uses funnel-shape mouthpiece. Surprise to know? From now on I expect no mixing of mouthpiece between the trumpet and the bugle anymore. ]
This is easy. "Fall-in", "Parade", "Double", "Last post", "Reveille", "Orderly Sergeant" & "Lights Off". I know you peeped into the Handbook, admit it >.<"

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General Knowledge about the Bugle
The Bugle is a brass instrument. The pitch is controlled by the bugler's embouchure.

As you can see from the Bugle Scale above, the partial 3 to 6 are the commonly used notes. And another fun fact is that the higher the overtone goes, the closer in pitch the notes become. You can check it out yourself! Notes beyond partial 8 are rare to hear because the human's ear can't even detect the note!

The Role of Bugles in the Boys' Brigade

The bugle is a traditional instrument used even when the first Glasgow company was founded back in 1883. The bugle calls give signals to announce events to the Boys, the Battalion. Like a "Double" to give sign for double-up efford required. In the Brigade, all Boys are to stand at Attention (Sedia) whenever a bugle call is sounded.

Also
I found some interesting facts that you may enjoy reading:

The Scottland Bugler's Badge (with some other badges that are common in Malaysia).

The buglemajor's badge (in millitary).

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Hope you learn something today! I guess I will post more of this, because I think it helps the Boys to understand more of the un-taught knowledge since these are the more practical ones. I regret to not have sufficient time to teach the new Privates about the roles of the bugle calls. I must find some time to give them some insights about bugles.

Till the next post, cheers!

Sat-Ur-Day for BB!

We're 55!

Another Saturday past. One more week to preparation camp and then June 6 itself. Count down 20 more days to our 55th Anniversary Celebration!

Today was extremely busy.

Taught Senior Band, taught Juniors the theme song, helped out Pre-Juniors with their dance, taught Juniors drill & G.O.H, taught whole company the theme song again. Plus cleaning the BB office in the beginning and meeting with Jr. Officers after dismissal.

Mentally exhausted. But, at least I felt that I am a useful person. *Self-Con*

The band was doing great, just that they have to work out more on the Amazing Grace, together with the GB Hand Bells. Juniors already known how to sing the song, but frankly, not as good as last week. Pre-juniors, aiks, no-eye-see, couldn't dance. Std 6 Juniors are quite good at drill already, to me. G.O.H need more practices, with GB. Whole company can sing well in unison for the theme song, *Henry* said forget about the parts/harmony, alright then, let's just do unison.

It seems that all sections are doing their part in preparation already. Good sign. Bad news, only 20 more days left.

Also, just realized that all out performances are something to do with music:
-Band, Mime, Dance, Songs. Except, G.O.H, which is not a performance.

Not nice seeing Officers and Boys feeling burdened for the preparations, I think we all (myself too) need to remind ourselves to:

Let it be a *CELEBRATION* for this 55th Anniversary!

Random thing:

Saxophones
cool & sexy

--Anticipating--