United Division

""SoundShoots is a unique music platform that challenges music makers to create a 90 second piece of music in response to a given weekly theme. The site is 100% free to use and whether you make your own music, or just like listening, there are plenty of good reasons to join!"

This is my second SoundShoot clip under the theme of "Cityscape". In order to understand this term, I actually went to wikipedia and have a look. There are a few key points that describes it:

• Urban equivalent of landscape
• Configuration of built forms and interstitial space (urban design)
• An artistic representation (visual arts), of the physical aspects of a city or urban area 

Since the word "urban" appears a few time, I decided to once again wiki it. An urban area is characterized by higher population density and vast human features in comparison to areas surrounding it. After a little while of brainstorming, my key words for this sound clip are: identity, buildings, crowd, culture.

Honestly, I wouldn't be able to pull this theme off if I didn't went travelling around Europe. Dublin gave me the most impression with Irish Celtic music everywhere in town. It's a joyous feeling of celebration that involve large number of people.

Varies performances in the street of Dublin:

The mood of this clip is mainly festival-like. For the first half of this clip, I used ethnic instruments (lead with pan flute) trying to imitate Celtic style of music, later into the second half which is mainly modern band instruments (lead with electric guitar). Finally at the last part a fusion of both ethnic and modern instruments as the climax.

I'm expressing the transition of a culture and city from older days into modern timeline, the current generation is pretty different in styles and thoughts but still emphasize the importance of being in a community and fellowship. This is what I felt as the most beautiful thing of a cityscape, not literally the physical scenery, but the bond and link of pass/history and future/hope. Two different poles but they blend, the United Division.

Click here to listen to:
United Division - Adam Jong

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"A glorious throne, exalted from the beginning, is the place of our sanctuary."
-Jeremiah 17:12-

As a God the reign over all city, town, time and culture, bless us as we seek Your mission in our lives. We trust that for wherever we are, there is a reason. Pray that we remember lessons of the pass generations, move on courageously to a righteous era, Amen.

Second Year Report Submitted

Time has been passing too fast, I can't believe I'm submitting my 2nd annual report already. I just got the feedback from my supervisor this morning, and managed to complete and submitted it today (due tomorrow =.=). Generally it was just minor errors, not too tedious.

Feedbacks & comments on draft:

This is not as stress as the 1st annual report, where I need to do a mini thesis. With a pending journal paper, I could just write 10-20 pages of new updates and future plans for thesis writing as the report itself. However, this really makes me more and more worry, I suddenly feel like I wanna quit (again).

2nd year report printed and ready to submit:

I thought I'm gonna relax a bit after the submission, especially for a few days of Diamond Jubilee bank holidays, but somethings just bothered me. Without realizing, I really need to get some work done... and also, it's nearer to the day to leave UK, a bunch of mixed feelings.

"Lord, my strength and my fortress, my refuge in time of distress."
-Jeremiah 16:19-

It's been a constant prayer for research, I seriously need a breakthrough and a glimpse of hope. I know you hear everything in me, it leaves me no choice but to trust that you will not forsake me. Help me again, for a greater revival, Amen.

Heat Wave in the Autumn

It's been sunny for almost a week and according to weather forecast, it'll last for a few more days until Autumn is back to gloomy and windy again. I plan to have a walk at the lake side since there's nothing much to do on Saturday (the room is really stuffy and hot), have a look at how British celebrates sunshine.

People sunbathing, picnic and playing around:

Coincidentally, I saw Sen Loong there. He's waiting for some other friends for a walk who are suppose to turn up 20 minutes ago... We were too bored waiting and decided to go for £1.50 whippy~ First time eating cone ice cream in UK *I miss McD Sundea Cone (RM1)*.

Sunglasses + Ice Cream:

Finally, here they are and it's just a random walk around the lake. Never thought that a random walk could turn out to be hanging around with people, nice timing. Well, it's really rare that I can walk around in UK with shorts and singlet, with nice pictures to be taken everywhere.

Chilling with the blessings of sunshine:

Sunsets around 9pm nowadays, it seems bright but we're actually having dinner at Chen Ting's house. They're doing BBQ~ I guess everyone has been longing for this summer-like weather for quite long. Since it's gonna be the Diamond Jubilee holiday, the working people are just so eager to chill whole night.

Chilling from day til night:

"If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses?"
-Jeremiah 12:5-

I've heard a few British people says how they should fully utilize the sunshine, go out and enjoy to the max. I guess we Malaysians sometimes take it for granted, weather over here is kinda harsh, that we can't really enjoy outdoor much. Just pray that we are blessed with a cheerful heart that give thanks to whatever is given to us, Amen.

Starry Tide

Early in December last year, I received an email from Oliver Squirrell about this new website that he is working call SoundShoots and recruiting musicians to participate. I am taking word by word from the website on how it describes itself:

"SoundShoots is a unique music platform that challenges music makers to create a 90 second piece of music in response to a given weekly theme. The site is 100% free to use and whether you make your own music, or just like listening, there are plenty of good reasons to join!"

I myself think that it's a good exercise for music composing and arranging. Rather than spending days or weeks struggling on vocal recordings and mashup ideas and ended up abandoning projects by projects, this could be something less demotivating that keeps the charcoal slightly warm. The website is finally launched in May 2012.

The first theme is "Wave", so basically anyone can do any kind of sound (not even music in particular) of how they interpret the theme. Spending most of my life near the sea, this directs me to sea waves. The best feeling ever is lying at the bay, listening to the sound of wave flowing gently, and watching at the clear dark sky, with stars all over. It's a indescribable feeling which I just thank God that the universe is so big and beautiful, all other problems and worries seems so much smaller at that moment.

So I name this 90 seconds of music clip that I made Starry Tide, generally to convey the feeling of being comfortable and relaxing. It's all midi since I have no access to any real instrument, layering simple guitar plucking, some piano sprinkle imitating twinkling of the stars and sea waves sound effect as padding~ I put it on loop, lied on my bed while closing my eyes, loved that few minutes of getting everything out of my head.

Click here to listen to:
Starry Tide - Adam Jong

If you really like it, please support by rating the clip with the "tick" option. I guess you need to be a registered member to do that, if it's too troublesome then leave it, I'm fine anyway. The option next to the "tick" actually "like" the link using your facebook, I guess that's a better promotion :P

"I will fulfill the oath I swore to your ancestors, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey’ —the land you possess today."
-Jeremiah 11:5-

I don't know if holding on to this little bit of determination is a right thing to do, but I will try my best to keep on listening to what God want to do about it. May this little offering be used mightily for Your kingdom, Amen.

Sean's Birthday Present

There was actually another design that I purchase before May, trying to make it on his birthday, too bad that thing never arrive (good thing ebay refunded). Well, still feeling bad not getting him anything, since it's the only birthday that I celebrate with Sean. Amazingly, the package arrived 2 days after purchase (I'm so gonna visit this seller again).

Ebay items always arrive in good condition:

I knew that his favourite colour is red, and got this customize T-shirt with "Simple Earnest And Nice" (S.E.A.N) printed on it for a pretty good price. The only thing is... M size looks kinda big for him (it'll be OK if he grows fatter). I was actually thinking how to bring this to him, or should I sound like I'm depressed to start off the surprise. Who knows, this fella came on the same day, makes life easier.

Exactly 2 weeks after birthday... Happy belated...

Not too sure about it, but he looks kinda happy with his new shirt. I guess that's why God stopped the first purchase, probably He knew Sean likes this one more. This actually reminds me of Christmas in 2009, that I bought a bible as gift for Chris Hii, since he's started seeking The LORD and never own one. I thought it would be pretty awkward, but he was so glad receiving it, "I never thought of anyone to give me a bible, thank you!" that's what he said.

"Among all the wise leaders of the nations and in all their kingdoms, there is no one like you."
-Jeremiah 10:7-

Sometimes, things that we do seems insignificant and small, but God takes it, and will use it mightily. I once said, "I am blessed coz you are blessed". It's been a while and I almost forgotten that, I really pray that I remember events and people that makes me really feel it that way. It'll be useful to get through tough times with these blessings, Amen.

Belfast Trip (Day 2)

Our last day of trip is gonna be somewhere near and more relaxing, the Giant Causeway day trip really was exhausting. We're visiting Titanic Belfast in town, a museum about the great voyager Titanic that sank in 1912. A random tourist that I met in hostel actually told me we need to book online for ticket, it kinda made me worry as we were not aware about it.

Reaching Titanic Belfast, unique architecture:

The sold out board place at the main entrance kinda bring the mood down. We did ask the ticket counter if they have any left, graciously, they have the last 3 tickets for student price (£9.50), just nice for us! We visited the souvenir store a while. they have quite some Titanic model collections, with very crazy price.

Sold out board and Titanic model:

The tour started with some history and making of Titanic, the building methods, venue, and people involved (a lot of people died just to build it). The cable car tour around the manufacturing workstations are kinda interesting, showing the stages of building a giant ship 100 years ago.

Skeleton and steel bars bending:

There's a CGI of how the ship crash and sink, and warnings given before it crash through Morse code. The ship was lost in 15th April 1912 (exactly 100 years from now) and was found in 1st September 1985, quite recent. There's a screening that shows the lost ship underwater. What's more impressive is, they have the stats for survivor and death, and the list of their names, I wonder if it's complete.

List of death and survivors, 10 minutes video of the lost ship:

"Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls."
-Jeremiah 6:16-

Another blessed weekend trip, with great weather and scenery. Gonna be back to reality and prepare for 2nd annual report, pray that it will be alright and done very soon. Thank God for enriching this year in UK with such beautiful experience, Amen.

Belfast Trip (Day 1)

My seniors from Malaysia came for poster presentation and wanted to go fora weekend trip. We decided to go Belfast for the famous Giant Causeway, a world heritage site. Woke up at 4.30 am for early bus to East Midland Airport, then an hour flight to Belfast. Hey, it's just 10 minutes from the airport to town, around £10 for taxi.

Skyline bus and Belfast City Hall:

The info counter at airport recommended Allen's Tour for us, £16 per person, a day tour that goes to Giant Causeway. We are kinda lucky to arrive slightly early than the tour departure time in town. Wow... this tour itself has 3 buses full on that day, must be a good profit. We stopped by various places such as Glenarm Castle and Carnlough Harbour.

A seaside town with some history to tell:

Just before reaching our main destination, they stopped at another famous place, the rope bridge. We need to buy another £5 ticket to cross the bridge, and it's almost 1km walk from the parking place. But the walk worth it, like seriously, the view all the way there is just marvelously splendid (from someone that grow up at the sea side).

They said now we can go back and tell ppl we've passed the rope bridge of Belfast:

Finally, we are here at Giant Causeway, and after the explanation of the tour guide, now we know why is it so special. All the stones there are hexagonal! It's not just an area, it's almost the whole shore~ and they're formed naturally. Since it's like the main attraction in Belfast, we took super lots of pictures.

We have arrive at the hexagon heaven, Giant Causeway:

"Let us fear the Lord our God, who gives autumn and spring rains in season, who assures us of the regular weeks of harvest."
-Jeremiah 5:24-

Travelling whole day in the bus is actually very tiring, especially after a flight. However, God is so merciful that he cleared the weather for us, it was raining in the morning. The tour guide actually mentioned the visibility being very nice and we are very lucky to join on that day. It's been a blessed day, thank You Lord, Amen.

Potluck Dinner for Sean's Birthday

Round 2 of birthday surprise, the housemates told Sean they will make him dinner, but we actually planned for a potluck party with some other more friends. Me and Sera did Tom Yam soup with seafood and lamb slice, it's basically a combo dish of our weaknesses (I don't take spicy & she doesn't eat lamb). Wow, it looks like a high class dinner, there are ribs, lasagna, cocktail, mee hoon and more.

Gathering at his house silently:

We were all prepared at the kitchen without him knowing yet, planned to surprise him when he's at the dinner table and we just come in with the dishes. Shi Wei called him down, that fella... just woke up from nap, and went for a shower =.= so we waited for an extra 15-20 minutes til he's "prepared", for a home dinner. Still a surprise anyway, except that we're all sitting around the table waiting to eat.

Wait and wait and wait for the birthday boy:

Oh ya, there are even dessert after meal, we got 汤圆! I guess staying in UK for this 3 years, Sean did find some great friends that are willing to do so much for him, despite assignments and dissertation season. It's another night of big family dinner, mostly chit chat, weird topics by the SR guyz, jokes and picture session.

Having fun whole night:

"In all our distress He too was distressed, and the angel of His presence saved us."
-Isaiah 63:9-

For a medic student like Sean, it's gonna be a whole 5 years in UK. It tough for him but also make him a blessing to prepare the way for exchange students like me. Just gonna pray that The Lord watch over the rest of his course in Nottingham, and also thanks that he found strength while being a committee for SR this year, Amen.

Midnight Birthday Surprise for Sean

It's gonna be our famous little brother's 22nd birthday tonight, I actually tricked him to spill out one of his favorite cake. None of us actually successfully made a marble cheesecake before, so this is gonna be a leap of faith. Made it in the evening and mission starts after badminton.

Preparing the cake:

Emergency!! While we're waiting the clock to strikes 12, Sean says his classmates is asking him over for games. I feel like a commander while executing plan B, asking Shi Wei go shower to delay his departure, while Jac will open the door for us, we are forced to bring forward the mission (and I haven't eat yet).

Ready to bash into his room:

Yupz, we caught him semi-surprised, the rest of the night is as usual, blow candle - cut cake - take picture - eat. He even told his friends he can't go for game since we're here =.= (I'm kinda sure that's another surprise). While we're leaving, his classmates came for a second wave of surprise, with cake and balloons~ Told ya, our little brother is really famous.

2 midnight surprises:

"As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you."
-Isaiah 62:5-

It's wonderful to make people happy and see them in joy, although it seems insignificant. The other pharmacy students even sacrifice a night of rushing dissertation for Sean, and also his classmates and housemates that make this night great for him. Indeed a blessed guy, and a blessing to others as well, Amen.

20th Month of PostGrad

Other than keep on deriving mathematical models so that it fits the desired waveform, I've come to a stage where I face the nightmare among nightmares... bifurcation analysis. I've downloaded MATCONT, a continuation software that does bifurcation, it's gonna be tutorial frenzy again.

Derivations and Matcont website:

So, the books on my shelf are now bifurcation driven, I've tried a few examples and tutorial on Matcont... but seems like it's not very friendly with non-autonomous equations, and I have no idea why everything related that is available online is about biology population study.

Bifurcation diagram:

What worse is, it's time to write for 2nd year report that dues on 1st June. OMG, I never realize time passes so fast that it's almost the end of my 2nd year. Planning for thesis chapter outline makes me even more nervous, things are getting serious real soon!

Collecting stuffs to write for report:

"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you."
-Isaiah 60:1-

Time is running out, I really pray that I would have a breakthrough in this research. Also pray that I will find peace in Him, it could be kinda stress sometimes especially when others are finishing their course and heading for vacation, Amen.