Sunday, August 31, 2003
Anniversary & The Disturbing (or otherwise known as THE DRIFT)
Realize that I am one year old. One year into the DJ company I've started working for since last August. You realise your efforts are paying off in kind, when,
1. A stranger walks up to the console and shouts your name like you're their long lost friend, when in fact you have not the slight remote idea who this blonde chick is. This happens to be the couple that reccomended you to DJ at this function because you did such a great job at their wedding in January this year,
2. You have, to date, trained up to 5 different DJs and are now training the 6th as you speak,
3. You know know that Abba CD is on the second row at #62,
4. Some company tried to poach you.
That pretty much says it. I'm not boasting, though I think I have my credit due. This just demonstrates one thing to me. Persistence and faithfulness pays.
I can remember my first function. Was cussing all the way down the stairs with the 15 kg console on my back with many more to come. Now, hauling these giants have become second nature. It's not so much the strength but more the technique of loading in and out and setting up and tearing down. Every night, I drove back with sore soiled fingers pulling shut the ice cold gates to end each night that earned me 100 quid.
Think I shall propose a pay rise well deserved. Favour!
The disturbing truth that came out of the conversation at the corner of the house was a little intriguing and provoking. But it could be a mind set that is deep in the trenches of cultures specific in the lack of financial literacy. Who am I to judge. But it did cast light upon the word blessing. And how some people I'm surrounded with are blessed with the silver spoon that the hungry could do without. I don't know what to make of it. But one thing I know, I am sick of a poverty stricken cycle. I believe poverty is a curse. Would the opposite of that be prosperity then? And how do you define prosperity?
Here's what. It means you don't owe anyone anything. It means you are not lacking. It means abundance, overflowing, whole. It means you don't have to fight to break broke. It means you can give without digging. It means wealth - emotional, physical and spiritual.
And much of that takes money. Money that fed the missionaries ploughing the harvest field of soul winning. Money that built churches in which we in any part of the world congregate within. Money that printed bibles affordable and free for those under oppression. Money that someone was given month after month, so that a soul like me could be saved sitting in an A & W restaurant reading the four spiritual laws booklet for the first time.
Money that funded organisations that took the kids out of the streets.
So is money the root of all evil? Read it again. Someone once said, it's not everything but it's up there with oxygen.
So back to that disturbing thought. What disturbed me wasn't the definition of the word blessing. What disturbed me was the philosophies of management in which a leader would teach. A fundamental flaw could lead to a spiral stairwell crumbling into depths too profound to comprehend. Forgive me for the value placed herein. Hope it'll make sense to you one day when you decide to open up and speak.
Goodnight Lord, repair my tired heels.
chucKie
Realize that I am one year old. One year into the DJ company I've started working for since last August. You realise your efforts are paying off in kind, when,
1. A stranger walks up to the console and shouts your name like you're their long lost friend, when in fact you have not the slight remote idea who this blonde chick is. This happens to be the couple that reccomended you to DJ at this function because you did such a great job at their wedding in January this year,
2. You have, to date, trained up to 5 different DJs and are now training the 6th as you speak,
3. You know know that Abba CD is on the second row at #62,
4. Some company tried to poach you.
That pretty much says it. I'm not boasting, though I think I have my credit due. This just demonstrates one thing to me. Persistence and faithfulness pays.
I can remember my first function. Was cussing all the way down the stairs with the 15 kg console on my back with many more to come. Now, hauling these giants have become second nature. It's not so much the strength but more the technique of loading in and out and setting up and tearing down. Every night, I drove back with sore soiled fingers pulling shut the ice cold gates to end each night that earned me 100 quid.
Think I shall propose a pay rise well deserved. Favour!
The disturbing truth that came out of the conversation at the corner of the house was a little intriguing and provoking. But it could be a mind set that is deep in the trenches of cultures specific in the lack of financial literacy. Who am I to judge. But it did cast light upon the word blessing. And how some people I'm surrounded with are blessed with the silver spoon that the hungry could do without. I don't know what to make of it. But one thing I know, I am sick of a poverty stricken cycle. I believe poverty is a curse. Would the opposite of that be prosperity then? And how do you define prosperity?
Here's what. It means you don't owe anyone anything. It means you are not lacking. It means abundance, overflowing, whole. It means you don't have to fight to break broke. It means you can give without digging. It means wealth - emotional, physical and spiritual.
And much of that takes money. Money that fed the missionaries ploughing the harvest field of soul winning. Money that built churches in which we in any part of the world congregate within. Money that printed bibles affordable and free for those under oppression. Money that someone was given month after month, so that a soul like me could be saved sitting in an A & W restaurant reading the four spiritual laws booklet for the first time.
Money that funded organisations that took the kids out of the streets.
So is money the root of all evil? Read it again. Someone once said, it's not everything but it's up there with oxygen.
So back to that disturbing thought. What disturbed me wasn't the definition of the word blessing. What disturbed me was the philosophies of management in which a leader would teach. A fundamental flaw could lead to a spiral stairwell crumbling into depths too profound to comprehend. Forgive me for the value placed herein. Hope it'll make sense to you one day when you decide to open up and speak.
Goodnight Lord, repair my tired heels.
chucKie
Saturday, August 30, 2003
Strong Winds Ahead
The gust tonight was strong. So strong that it held us all in stillness while we tried to walk against the wind. Across buildings and inbetween alley ways, the child like mischief of the elements whizz past the pedestrians and parked cars, wobbling each object in its path. I still made it to the tram, albeit with a lot of internal screaming and cussing.
At dinner we spoke about the usual introduce yourself where are you from what do you wanna do from here on sort of stuff. It took a while for the conversation and the people to gel. Arrived a royal 45 mins late into the night but still got to the food, complete with my tuna patties on the side. Dessert was great. Sunni made some interesting dessert in which the recipe he refused to reveal unless there was some royalities on the table. The remaining group took turns to bite into the chunks to chance a guess. We all decided that sugar was an important ingredient in the mix.
To pictionary and beyond. It was quite a laugh. Though this time, in my remote memory, we did not destroy any furniture like the last time the bed at the resort collapsed. Guess the multi culture in the room held the excitement back a little. It was a good start to better things to come.
Noticed some tired eyes in the room that left before the fun began. Will be closing in on these soon. Must make some notice of their value in public. They deserve better.
chucKie
The gust tonight was strong. So strong that it held us all in stillness while we tried to walk against the wind. Across buildings and inbetween alley ways, the child like mischief of the elements whizz past the pedestrians and parked cars, wobbling each object in its path. I still made it to the tram, albeit with a lot of internal screaming and cussing.
At dinner we spoke about the usual introduce yourself where are you from what do you wanna do from here on sort of stuff. It took a while for the conversation and the people to gel. Arrived a royal 45 mins late into the night but still got to the food, complete with my tuna patties on the side. Dessert was great. Sunni made some interesting dessert in which the recipe he refused to reveal unless there was some royalities on the table. The remaining group took turns to bite into the chunks to chance a guess. We all decided that sugar was an important ingredient in the mix.
To pictionary and beyond. It was quite a laugh. Though this time, in my remote memory, we did not destroy any furniture like the last time the bed at the resort collapsed. Guess the multi culture in the room held the excitement back a little. It was a good start to better things to come.
Noticed some tired eyes in the room that left before the fun began. Will be closing in on these soon. Must make some notice of their value in public. They deserve better.
chucKie
Thursday, August 28, 2003
Top of 18
Couldn't believe when I heard it. 18 degrees tomorrow! That's a preview of Spring weather to come with the official change of season just a few days away.
Tonight stood at 12 degrees. So much more bearable. The bald trees and shrubs around my estate has already started to bloom with pink and bright flowers. It's such a nice change. Bet south lawn is going to have the overnight makeover effect we experiences everytime Spring got around. This is my third Spring. Feeling light and fluffy now.
Going to get out early and kiss the sun.
chucKie
Couldn't believe when I heard it. 18 degrees tomorrow! That's a preview of Spring weather to come with the official change of season just a few days away.
Tonight stood at 12 degrees. So much more bearable. The bald trees and shrubs around my estate has already started to bloom with pink and bright flowers. It's such a nice change. Bet south lawn is going to have the overnight makeover effect we experiences everytime Spring got around. This is my third Spring. Feeling light and fluffy now.
Going to get out early and kiss the sun.
chucKie
Robbery
The boy literally got the phone and wallet snatched out of his hands. While the rest of the passengers watched the mayhem, pretending it didn't happen. That included me.
My heart burned with righteous anger yet my limbs were strapped down by my selfish fear of involvement. I had all these ideas to fool the robber but it was too late. He had alighted.
20 mins ago, a shoe bag was found stranded in the middle of the tram pathway. Most avoided it and walked over the obstacle on the moving floor. Till some scruffy individuals came up and sat opposite me. I had noticed the dark blue object but it didn't occur to me it was a lost item. Now these 3 men found it, picked it up and ransacked. From their body language I was quick to judge that they were the finder-keepers sort. One of them started playing with the camera phone, took out the sim card and replaced it with his. The other ransacked the bag and another searched the wallet and kept the cash. Soon the bag was out of sight.
The chinese boy reappeared at the Preston Depot, looking around frantically around for his lost belongings. Having spotted the mobile phone in the hands of a stranger, he reached for it, only to be denied. It was clear to the rest of us but the scruffy men denied any sighting of a lost bag. One man reached out and told the men to give it back to the boy. In defense, they quickly alighted, each of the three taking different exits.
As the mob left the tram, the rest of the by standers just sat around and speculated the dangers of getting involved. These guys are connected, one would say, you don't want to mess around with them.
I looked out of the tram, into the dark night imagining myself in the shoes of the boy now chasing the criminals. I felt sad for the men as well. Cos what motivated them was their poverty. A sick cycle hard to break out of.
After all, this is Preston. I'm just glad I am moving out in two weeks.
I hope the boy gets his wallet back at least.
chucKie
The boy literally got the phone and wallet snatched out of his hands. While the rest of the passengers watched the mayhem, pretending it didn't happen. That included me.
My heart burned with righteous anger yet my limbs were strapped down by my selfish fear of involvement. I had all these ideas to fool the robber but it was too late. He had alighted.
20 mins ago, a shoe bag was found stranded in the middle of the tram pathway. Most avoided it and walked over the obstacle on the moving floor. Till some scruffy individuals came up and sat opposite me. I had noticed the dark blue object but it didn't occur to me it was a lost item. Now these 3 men found it, picked it up and ransacked. From their body language I was quick to judge that they were the finder-keepers sort. One of them started playing with the camera phone, took out the sim card and replaced it with his. The other ransacked the bag and another searched the wallet and kept the cash. Soon the bag was out of sight.
The chinese boy reappeared at the Preston Depot, looking around frantically around for his lost belongings. Having spotted the mobile phone in the hands of a stranger, he reached for it, only to be denied. It was clear to the rest of us but the scruffy men denied any sighting of a lost bag. One man reached out and told the men to give it back to the boy. In defense, they quickly alighted, each of the three taking different exits.
As the mob left the tram, the rest of the by standers just sat around and speculated the dangers of getting involved. These guys are connected, one would say, you don't want to mess around with them.
I looked out of the tram, into the dark night imagining myself in the shoes of the boy now chasing the criminals. I felt sad for the men as well. Cos what motivated them was their poverty. A sick cycle hard to break out of.
After all, this is Preston. I'm just glad I am moving out in two weeks.
I hope the boy gets his wallet back at least.
chucKie
Tuesday, August 26, 2003
Some Things
For some reason I enjoy ambiguity. In an art form such as this. Where there are really no rules. Anything even remotely close would just kill the inspiration and I'd rather not live if I have to live each day marred of this exitence.
There, a whole lot of ambiguity again. You're getting it.
But once in a while, we have to make clear certain things. So for now and one night only, here goes...
dear love, i love you. not every word spelt you is you. sometimes i say 'you' and i refer to some imaginary punch bag that i have to eliminate. boys play computer games a lot, i know. we're not crazy, it's just the one thing we're obsessed about. nothing else. so, love, i love you and please stay safe. dun let the bed bugs chew on your gluteus maximus. but if they do, tell me and i will burn them alive and we'll have bbq bugs for dinner. heh, how's that for creativity. love you lots lots lots lots lots and did i say lots?
Fwah! Todaez been long. Time to bed my body. Let the drum roll begin!
chucKie
For some reason I enjoy ambiguity. In an art form such as this. Where there are really no rules. Anything even remotely close would just kill the inspiration and I'd rather not live if I have to live each day marred of this exitence.
There, a whole lot of ambiguity again. You're getting it.
But once in a while, we have to make clear certain things. So for now and one night only, here goes...
dear love, i love you. not every word spelt you is you. sometimes i say 'you' and i refer to some imaginary punch bag that i have to eliminate. boys play computer games a lot, i know. we're not crazy, it's just the one thing we're obsessed about. nothing else. so, love, i love you and please stay safe. dun let the bed bugs chew on your gluteus maximus. but if they do, tell me and i will burn them alive and we'll have bbq bugs for dinner. heh, how's that for creativity. love you lots lots lots lots lots and did i say lots?
Fwah! Todaez been long. Time to bed my body. Let the drum roll begin!
chucKie
Monday, August 25, 2003
Hey Ho Hum Hi Hiak
No, this is not some thai infused cantonese. It's just the unexplainable discomfort I felt close to the midnight train home.
For some reason, I've been feeling the dejavu of my credibility eroding. I think it started when all my peers left for their day jobs while I ploughed somewhere else on a different path. Then, a reminder came up just hours ago whispering in my head that people think I am insane and seriously phoney. That doubt weighed heavy in my heart. I imagined them talking among themselves, discussing my fallability and shaking their heads in utter disbelief.
I started typing out in my heart the words: "Am I out of sync with His plans?"
Have I run away out of sheer fear? Has this road so far been a big mistake? Is that why the debts keep pilling up and the scar tissues breaking down? Am I looking at the wrong places at the wrong time with the wrong people? Am I really out of my mind to hold on to the belief that God will one day save me from all this mess I created? Have I taken the wrong provisions, stuffed it up and made us all idiots? Have I arrived too late to even see the last traces of the boat sailing into the mist?
There's so much fear. I acknowledge you now. You're not welcome. Please take the door to the right... actually, any door. Just go. Please. I have better use for this room. I'm sorry.
Have you ever wanted so much to be free you'd give anything? Have you ever felt that cage trapping your mighty wings?
Good intentions are meaningless unless you put on them wings and let them fly. You can only be of use to change the world if you've been selfish enough.
Flying and freedom. I want to fly. I want to be free. If nobody will help me, I will move heaven and earth to make that happen. God, please show up soon. Like, really show up. They're driving me nuts.
chucKie
No, this is not some thai infused cantonese. It's just the unexplainable discomfort I felt close to the midnight train home.
For some reason, I've been feeling the dejavu of my credibility eroding. I think it started when all my peers left for their day jobs while I ploughed somewhere else on a different path. Then, a reminder came up just hours ago whispering in my head that people think I am insane and seriously phoney. That doubt weighed heavy in my heart. I imagined them talking among themselves, discussing my fallability and shaking their heads in utter disbelief.
I started typing out in my heart the words: "Am I out of sync with His plans?"
Have I run away out of sheer fear? Has this road so far been a big mistake? Is that why the debts keep pilling up and the scar tissues breaking down? Am I looking at the wrong places at the wrong time with the wrong people? Am I really out of my mind to hold on to the belief that God will one day save me from all this mess I created? Have I taken the wrong provisions, stuffed it up and made us all idiots? Have I arrived too late to even see the last traces of the boat sailing into the mist?
There's so much fear. I acknowledge you now. You're not welcome. Please take the door to the right... actually, any door. Just go. Please. I have better use for this room. I'm sorry.
Have you ever wanted so much to be free you'd give anything? Have you ever felt that cage trapping your mighty wings?
Good intentions are meaningless unless you put on them wings and let them fly. You can only be of use to change the world if you've been selfish enough.
Flying and freedom. I want to fly. I want to be free. If nobody will help me, I will move heaven and earth to make that happen. God, please show up soon. Like, really show up. They're driving me nuts.
chucKie
Thursday, August 21, 2003
Special Brew
There's a new life form orbiting as we speak. Talk to it.
www.charlesjediahtan.com
Someday, we'll have a big big tea party. Buy your hats now.
chucKie
There's a new life form orbiting as we speak. Talk to it.
www.charlesjediahtan.com
Someday, we'll have a big big tea party. Buy your hats now.
chucKie
Monday, August 18, 2003
The Inbetweeners
A whole lot of us went forward to lay down our struggles, strive and hearts before the King of kings today. The message was clear, deep and dug into the depths of our pain and longing.
God's been repeating the same message over and over again. Somehow I am beginning to understand the trauma of my seemingly little life here is not an isolated case. I am not alone. A whole lot of us were out the front surrendering our anguish and gave up our hands in despair. We gave up at the throne of God so we could pick ourselves up and carry on.
The promise of salvation and that fulfilled destiny that God has for those of us who chose to live our lives to the max are mostly still on the journey in which Pastor Glen Berteau calls it the inbetween phenomenon. This is the part where Joseph experienced slavery, imprisonment and abandonment before he became the great person God promised him to be. This is the part where Joshua and the rest of the gang experienced a 40 year round the desert tour before they arrived at the promised land.
This is the part where most people feel like throwing in the towel.
I certainly did. In the words of Pastor Tim from ACCF this morning, some of us have switched off the fire in us and refused to be ignited again. I kinda kept it small and meagre so I wouldn't hurt as much. But this evening the fire was burning so strong within me it was consuming me. It didn't matter anymore that I fell time and again everytime I rose up to fight. I just had to get back up again and believe the visions and dreams I held in my heart. I have to just hold on to that verse God put on my life.
So I got up out of my seat, got up to the altar, got down on my knees, got up from my fear, got out of the depression and laid them at the foot of the cross.
At dinner, I started to listen. Really listen. And I fell in love again.
chucKie
A whole lot of us went forward to lay down our struggles, strive and hearts before the King of kings today. The message was clear, deep and dug into the depths of our pain and longing.
God's been repeating the same message over and over again. Somehow I am beginning to understand the trauma of my seemingly little life here is not an isolated case. I am not alone. A whole lot of us were out the front surrendering our anguish and gave up our hands in despair. We gave up at the throne of God so we could pick ourselves up and carry on.
The promise of salvation and that fulfilled destiny that God has for those of us who chose to live our lives to the max are mostly still on the journey in which Pastor Glen Berteau calls it the inbetween phenomenon. This is the part where Joseph experienced slavery, imprisonment and abandonment before he became the great person God promised him to be. This is the part where Joshua and the rest of the gang experienced a 40 year round the desert tour before they arrived at the promised land.
This is the part where most people feel like throwing in the towel.
I certainly did. In the words of Pastor Tim from ACCF this morning, some of us have switched off the fire in us and refused to be ignited again. I kinda kept it small and meagre so I wouldn't hurt as much. But this evening the fire was burning so strong within me it was consuming me. It didn't matter anymore that I fell time and again everytime I rose up to fight. I just had to get back up again and believe the visions and dreams I held in my heart. I have to just hold on to that verse God put on my life.
So I got up out of my seat, got up to the altar, got down on my knees, got up from my fear, got out of the depression and laid them at the foot of the cross.
At dinner, I started to listen. Really listen. And I fell in love again.
chucKie
Saturday, August 16, 2003
The Recovering Wave
Decided to put life to overdrive. Once I recover from my flu, I am going to make sure my legacy starts here and now.
Lately my mind's been working very hard. Thinking, dreaming, envisioning. I thank God for these gifts. These restful days have been instrumental to touch base with myself. Look back to see where I've gone wrong. I have no regrets. It has helped me look through a different looking glass and figure out the resources I have on my hands, look at current trends and project what is going to shape the future industry.
I've been on the upward cycle of the end of the industrial age and the upward and downward cycle of this information age. Messed with some saturated pseudo-entreprenuerial business in those days of the dot composte. Yet, a new tide is coming. The next cycle is rolling out the door that will radically change the way we all consume.
I am going to ride this wave. I am going to be on top of my game. Sadly, this wave is not something I can take everyone with me. But I hope the trails I leave will inspire the sleeping ones to rise from their stupor and stubborness and change their minds.
"Don't analyze, don't analyze, that would pulvarize the revolution..." (Analyze, by The Cranberries)
chucKie
Decided to put life to overdrive. Once I recover from my flu, I am going to make sure my legacy starts here and now.
Lately my mind's been working very hard. Thinking, dreaming, envisioning. I thank God for these gifts. These restful days have been instrumental to touch base with myself. Look back to see where I've gone wrong. I have no regrets. It has helped me look through a different looking glass and figure out the resources I have on my hands, look at current trends and project what is going to shape the future industry.
I've been on the upward cycle of the end of the industrial age and the upward and downward cycle of this information age. Messed with some saturated pseudo-entreprenuerial business in those days of the dot composte. Yet, a new tide is coming. The next cycle is rolling out the door that will radically change the way we all consume.
I am going to ride this wave. I am going to be on top of my game. Sadly, this wave is not something I can take everyone with me. But I hope the trails I leave will inspire the sleeping ones to rise from their stupor and stubborness and change their minds.
"Don't analyze, don't analyze, that would pulvarize the revolution..." (Analyze, by The Cranberries)
chucKie
Tuesday, August 12, 2003
Wailing Widow
It's been raining since I left the tram. With my guitar on my back, it's not funny.
The rain pelting on my head and on the hardcase started to seep through. Good thing I wiped it down and now it's sitting on the stand drying itself out.
And I've been ill. That bug and flu catching a train into my system clogging up my breathing. Feel like drinking dettol.
Lately, seems like everything is falling apart in it's own accord. Somebody help stop this madness please. The vehicle broke down got smashed to smithereens. Ribs got close to breaking. My only pair of glasses got a hard knock the other day and it's one more crack away from destruction. Then the washer decided to flood the sink during the rinse cycle and filled the floor with detergent stench. It got to the carpet and I had to wear slippers to walk over the squish squash soaked part. The day after, the whole house had a strong chlorine stench. The taps also can't seem to stop leaking. The shower head kept dripping like a wailing widow and so did the kitchen tap. Since it's been drizzling nights, the water from the tap has a nice desert brown to it. Talk about clean drinking water. This house is so crapped. This place is tearing me apart, I can't stand it!
Somebody help me or pull the plug. And please stop crying!
chucKie
It's been raining since I left the tram. With my guitar on my back, it's not funny.
The rain pelting on my head and on the hardcase started to seep through. Good thing I wiped it down and now it's sitting on the stand drying itself out.
And I've been ill. That bug and flu catching a train into my system clogging up my breathing. Feel like drinking dettol.
Lately, seems like everything is falling apart in it's own accord. Somebody help stop this madness please. The vehicle broke down got smashed to smithereens. Ribs got close to breaking. My only pair of glasses got a hard knock the other day and it's one more crack away from destruction. Then the washer decided to flood the sink during the rinse cycle and filled the floor with detergent stench. It got to the carpet and I had to wear slippers to walk over the squish squash soaked part. The day after, the whole house had a strong chlorine stench. The taps also can't seem to stop leaking. The shower head kept dripping like a wailing widow and so did the kitchen tap. Since it's been drizzling nights, the water from the tap has a nice desert brown to it. Talk about clean drinking water. This house is so crapped. This place is tearing me apart, I can't stand it!
Somebody help me or pull the plug. And please stop crying!
chucKie
Sunday, August 10, 2003
Bugged
Something creepd into my lungs the other day and now I have that not so full blown but itchy throat cough type of thing. It's nerve wrecking. Want to just dig out the virus and stampede it to death.
Seems like there's been a streak of violence in these few posts.
Anyway, church service was really good. Was a celebration Sunday for our Pastor's 25th Anniversary of service. They showed a footage of him claiming on God's promise to build this church into a multicultural church with people from different nations. I looked around and it was apparent that word has come to pass. There are at least 20 nations represented in our church, from Botswana to China to Chile! I can even name at least 5 friends from different nations.
Anyway, there was a call for young people, people below 30 (phew! at least they didn't say below 25...), to go forth and press in into God's presence. Could feel a mighty work going on. A new generation that's rising up to take over the world. We started praying for the burdens on our hearts. I asked for saturation of the media with Christians in the midst of the marketplace. Yes, that salt and light element to fill the world. By the time the service ended, everyone had a sense of joy and expectation in them. We exchanged many hand shakes and hugs. It was so nice. Everyone was so in love with God and with each other!
At the end of the extended 'seeking' time, Pastor Phillip Hills encouraged us to go celebrate ... in his words "go to maccers or something". I just laughed. Felt like my grandfather telling us kids to go out and have a bit of fun at maccers.
God bless you Pastor Hills!
chucKie
Something creepd into my lungs the other day and now I have that not so full blown but itchy throat cough type of thing. It's nerve wrecking. Want to just dig out the virus and stampede it to death.
Seems like there's been a streak of violence in these few posts.
Anyway, church service was really good. Was a celebration Sunday for our Pastor's 25th Anniversary of service. They showed a footage of him claiming on God's promise to build this church into a multicultural church with people from different nations. I looked around and it was apparent that word has come to pass. There are at least 20 nations represented in our church, from Botswana to China to Chile! I can even name at least 5 friends from different nations.
Anyway, there was a call for young people, people below 30 (phew! at least they didn't say below 25...), to go forth and press in into God's presence. Could feel a mighty work going on. A new generation that's rising up to take over the world. We started praying for the burdens on our hearts. I asked for saturation of the media with Christians in the midst of the marketplace. Yes, that salt and light element to fill the world. By the time the service ended, everyone had a sense of joy and expectation in them. We exchanged many hand shakes and hugs. It was so nice. Everyone was so in love with God and with each other!
At the end of the extended 'seeking' time, Pastor Phillip Hills encouraged us to go celebrate ... in his words "go to maccers or something". I just laughed. Felt like my grandfather telling us kids to go out and have a bit of fun at maccers.
God bless you Pastor Hills!
chucKie
Saturday, August 09, 2003
Royal Afternoon in the City
Now I understand why Singapore, anal as it might seem, does not allow and makes illegal gatherings, protests and softcore riots.
Today, as I was trying to get home from the city, I witnessed the reason. The tram took much longer to arrive. I waited for 20 mins and there was no tram in sight. Usually it takes 5 - 10 mins for one tram to pass. Decided to step onto the rail and take a peek into the horizon. There was no tram head in sight, except right in the middle of Bourke St, a massive group of people in different colours, carrying multi-coloured flags and handwritten signs on sticks and poles were congregating and therefore BLOCKING the tram route.
The authorities must have decided to cut the tram routes and let the protesters do their stuff.
Here I was, wishing to be home in 10 mins and under, faced with a group of well wishing protesters turning themselves into a public nuisance. I could have walked up to anyone of them green guide bandanas and slapped them silly. I was just furious. Who gave them the right to bring me home one hour later than I bargained for?
Anyway, the crowd cleared after another 30 mins, by then I've walked around the block, made a call to a friend and got to the tram stop where some remnants of painted face gothic wannabes are still lingering, drawing icons and messages of public protests on the tarmac. I imagined myself jumping on one of them crushing their face and smashing them up. Fed up is such an understatement.
Disclaimer time. I agree with their cause and intentions not with their chosen course of action. It's a plain waste of time and oxygen.
chucKie
Now I understand why Singapore, anal as it might seem, does not allow and makes illegal gatherings, protests and softcore riots.
Today, as I was trying to get home from the city, I witnessed the reason. The tram took much longer to arrive. I waited for 20 mins and there was no tram in sight. Usually it takes 5 - 10 mins for one tram to pass. Decided to step onto the rail and take a peek into the horizon. There was no tram head in sight, except right in the middle of Bourke St, a massive group of people in different colours, carrying multi-coloured flags and handwritten signs on sticks and poles were congregating and therefore BLOCKING the tram route.
The authorities must have decided to cut the tram routes and let the protesters do their stuff.
Here I was, wishing to be home in 10 mins and under, faced with a group of well wishing protesters turning themselves into a public nuisance. I could have walked up to anyone of them green guide bandanas and slapped them silly. I was just furious. Who gave them the right to bring me home one hour later than I bargained for?
Anyway, the crowd cleared after another 30 mins, by then I've walked around the block, made a call to a friend and got to the tram stop where some remnants of painted face gothic wannabes are still lingering, drawing icons and messages of public protests on the tarmac. I imagined myself jumping on one of them crushing their face and smashing them up. Fed up is such an understatement.
Disclaimer time. I agree with their cause and intentions not with their chosen course of action. It's a plain waste of time and oxygen.
chucKie
Thursday, August 07, 2003
Last Night I Dreamt
Those familiar notes and rich strings still stirred in my head when I pulled the sheets and shut my eyes. Found that old recording sitting on the racks and decided to pull them out and have a listen.
Full of mistakes, but I believe I was at the peak of the hour. The peak till things started to go downhill when we went past the Millenium. I laughed at the corny tech jokes Dex, Gordo and Dennis told in the background. It was like a running commentary, a nice diversion from my pointless and directionless introduction to the next song type of thing I used to do. Swear I will never sound so much of an idiot if I got to the stage again. Will just sing and shut up.
Thought I heard an orchestra forcing itself onto the background. Those old tunes weren't that bad. All I needed was a good producer to hem up the edges, fill in the space and create a canopy of sonic experience that would make breathing difficult. Maybe it's time I worked backwards. But only when the time is right. For now, I will have to finish what I started. Carnegie Hall is waiting.
They'll make pretty good B-sides. I promise.
chucKie
Those familiar notes and rich strings still stirred in my head when I pulled the sheets and shut my eyes. Found that old recording sitting on the racks and decided to pull them out and have a listen.
Full of mistakes, but I believe I was at the peak of the hour. The peak till things started to go downhill when we went past the Millenium. I laughed at the corny tech jokes Dex, Gordo and Dennis told in the background. It was like a running commentary, a nice diversion from my pointless and directionless introduction to the next song type of thing I used to do. Swear I will never sound so much of an idiot if I got to the stage again. Will just sing and shut up.
Thought I heard an orchestra forcing itself onto the background. Those old tunes weren't that bad. All I needed was a good producer to hem up the edges, fill in the space and create a canopy of sonic experience that would make breathing difficult. Maybe it's time I worked backwards. But only when the time is right. For now, I will have to finish what I started. Carnegie Hall is waiting.
They'll make pretty good B-sides. I promise.
chucKie
Monday, August 04, 2003
Monday
It's a cold monday. Howling wind can be heard every few seconds. But I'm determined to make this day count. Even this week. It's a new month to start all over again. And it's going to be fun.
Sum41, Wed!
chucKie
It's a cold monday. Howling wind can be heard every few seconds. But I'm determined to make this day count. Even this week. It's a new month to start all over again. And it's going to be fun.
Sum41, Wed!
chucKie
Friday, August 01, 2003
Dandy Warhols, Jane's Addiction & The Matchbox Gig
I didn't think too much of them when I first saw the poster and album cover. A centre piece banana unzipping it's own peel against a black background. Who'd think much about them? Must be some tongue in cheek sex appeal wannabe garage band again.
Wrong. Quite confessionally.
The record store was playing the album and caught my attention. Interestingly it turned out to be The Dandy Warhols. Cool mood pieces of baritone vocals set against a background of grizzly schizo riffs with an occasional touch of Gorillaz-style choruses. Ended up buying the album.
Jane's Addiction is quite another discovery. Didn't think too much of their performance on Dave Letterman though. Quite daggy considering how the front man was in a pink jacket and they had these pole dancers jiggling to the music on an elevated background. But these days, with the popularizing of garage rock, anything daggy and unfashionable is the next cool thing. The band was still good though. I actually liked the song, Just Because. Must be the vocals. Somehow, the synth-choral like quality is a fresh breath of rebellion against the NickelbackSimplePlanDefaultCreed type of gungho ball kicked pyro. That funk element has been lost for a while now. J'sA seem to fill the space between rock, funk and theatrical goth, though the last bit is not that obvious. Forget your Evanscence. It was a nice touch, but here's some depth for you.
Matchbox! Well, what shall I say? Wally absolutely enjoyed it while I stressed over trying to get the bootleg right. They didn't disappoint, that's for sure. Love the stage amp monitors in see through mounting. Wish we were much closer to the stage. The energy was apparent in the stage presence of each member. Oh, you gotta check out the drummer. He might have suffered some form of whip lash cos he was twirling, headbanging into a complete fit! That's dedication for ya. Rob Thomas sounds better now when he talks. Some of my friends used to think that he sounds like a dork when he talks and gathers that he should just shut up and sing. Oh, did you know they did a cover? U2's Where the Streets have No Name! It was so well executed you'd think Rob Thomas sang over the minus one. The crowd went crazy when they started playing the familiar strings intro into the song. Brilliant, guys!
So, let's see, who else I am bootlegging next?
chucKie
I didn't think too much of them when I first saw the poster and album cover. A centre piece banana unzipping it's own peel against a black background. Who'd think much about them? Must be some tongue in cheek sex appeal wannabe garage band again.
Wrong. Quite confessionally.
The record store was playing the album and caught my attention. Interestingly it turned out to be The Dandy Warhols. Cool mood pieces of baritone vocals set against a background of grizzly schizo riffs with an occasional touch of Gorillaz-style choruses. Ended up buying the album.
Jane's Addiction is quite another discovery. Didn't think too much of their performance on Dave Letterman though. Quite daggy considering how the front man was in a pink jacket and they had these pole dancers jiggling to the music on an elevated background. But these days, with the popularizing of garage rock, anything daggy and unfashionable is the next cool thing. The band was still good though. I actually liked the song, Just Because. Must be the vocals. Somehow, the synth-choral like quality is a fresh breath of rebellion against the NickelbackSimplePlanDefaultCreed type of gungho ball kicked pyro. That funk element has been lost for a while now. J'sA seem to fill the space between rock, funk and theatrical goth, though the last bit is not that obvious. Forget your Evanscence. It was a nice touch, but here's some depth for you.
Matchbox! Well, what shall I say? Wally absolutely enjoyed it while I stressed over trying to get the bootleg right. They didn't disappoint, that's for sure. Love the stage amp monitors in see through mounting. Wish we were much closer to the stage. The energy was apparent in the stage presence of each member. Oh, you gotta check out the drummer. He might have suffered some form of whip lash cos he was twirling, headbanging into a complete fit! That's dedication for ya. Rob Thomas sounds better now when he talks. Some of my friends used to think that he sounds like a dork when he talks and gathers that he should just shut up and sing. Oh, did you know they did a cover? U2's Where the Streets have No Name! It was so well executed you'd think Rob Thomas sang over the minus one. The crowd went crazy when they started playing the familiar strings intro into the song. Brilliant, guys!
So, let's see, who else I am bootlegging next?
chucKie
