Submerged Beauty

"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!"

Something new and specific, 'Underwater' as the theme for this week's soundshoot. Well, again... staying in Sabah for most of my life, sea is definitely one of the most beautiful place around. Especially our nearby island - Sipadan, rated as one of the top diving destination in the world.

At Sipadan Island:

To me, underwater is a totally different world. A place where you hear no noise (except bubbles), just peace and calmness. Another dimension where motions of aquatic animals, with the refraction of sunlight, paints the majestic and fantasy-like feel in the water.

I started off with some eerie chords, it could be quite nervous and scary when you first dive into the water. As you slowly open your eyes, you're in awe of the beauty in front of your eyes, which I emulate this by lightening the mood with vibraphone counter-melody. The gradual build makes it feel like you're starting to explore around. Adding on with percussion and accompaniment signifies the excitement of seeing all the wonderful scenes. Of course, adding sound effects like bubbles and water droplets are standard for this kind of soundshoot.

Click here to listen to:
Submerged Beauty - Adam Jong

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"They must not sell or exchange any of it. This is the best of the land and must not pass into other hands, because it is holy to the Lord."
-Ezekiel 48:14-

For being in a whole new condition/place, it actually takes a lot of courage and faith to adapt to it sometimes. Anyway, remember that there is a reason for us to be where we are and doing what we do. Just hold onto the very first reason that makes us take the step, and trust, Amen.

Hillsong London

This is my 3rd visit to London~ Allyson is having her vacation here, so just going down for a daytrip to meet her up. I'm an hour early at the meeting place, so I've made a quick tour to British Museum which is nearby, the ancient Egypt section really makes me feel like Yugioh, I'm actually searching around for the Millennium Puzzle.

The British Museum, ancient Egypt theme:

The main event of the day is at this place, Dominion Theater. Nope, we're not here for musical, they run theater show on any other day, but on Sunday, this is Hillsong London church! After listening and playing their songs for years, I'm finally here! They have 4 services in a day, we're attending the earliest service at 11 am.

Right in front of Hillsong London church:

Hoho, it's a super grand full theater stage inside, amazing sound system and lighting. The amount of band members look good, it's not like the videos that have 4 or 5 guitarists flooding the stage. They have hip hop dancers and rapper promoting a youth camp, what's more cool is, the dance music is played by the band, live! That band is REALLY REALLY GOOD!

The worship session is mostly songs from their new album, Cornerstone:

After that, we have a walk around Camden Town, a place where all the street stalls selling super good deal of shirts and random stuffs. After that, just some random walk around London Bridge and Tower Bridge, it's less crowded compare to my last visit, probably coz Olympic has ended. Now the Olympic logo on Tower Bridge has been replaced to Paralympic logo. Just some random visit around London, since we've been to most of other hot spots.

Camden Town and Tower Bridge:

"Every month they will bear fruit, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing."
-Ezekiel 47:11-

It was a marvelous experience listening to the message at Hillsong London church. Thank God for this very opportunity and also witnessing a super great band live. Some motivation for me to be move on, Amen.

Sunny Steps

"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 soundshoot theme is actually one that I look forward for, 'Sunshine' which portrays a joyous and easy atmosphere, a theme of hope. After living a year in UK with this gloomy weather, I started to appreciate the sunlight more. By walking in the park, you will know how English celebrates this divine moment.

Nottingham lake side during heat wave:

In order to provide the joyous swing feel, I'm playing with the beguine time (long short long short beat). The lead instrument would be whistle, the relaxing human instrument~ (partly caused by the addiction of "Whistle - Flo Rida"). I put more effort at on the bass line as well, being alternating bass most of the time, and some octave reef here and there.

Besides family, there are always couples roaming around the park if the weather is good. Slowing the tempo and changing the time signature to ballad adds some romance into the clip. It's actually quite hard to choose sound effects for a theme like this, but since I'm doing the sunny garden style, some kid's laughter and bicycle bell might do the job.

Click here to listen to:
Sunny Steps - Adam Jong

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"I saw the glory of the God of Israel coming from the east. His voice was like the roar of rushing waters, and the land was radiant with his glory."
-Ezekiel 43:2-

This year's summer isn't as pleasant as any past summer in the UK, too much rain and not much of sunlight. Anyway, pray that the weather won't affect us too much who can't make it for holiday. Also pray for a new hope for the coming semester, may all the bad things come to pass, Amen.

Alton Towers

Me and Shi Wei are lucky to found an offer on PostGrad Student Association to Alton Towers for £15 with free transport. Both of us and Wen Loong went for it, the 2nd most visited theme park in UK. After 90 minutes bus ride, we're here at Alton Towers. Although it's Monday, it's still pretty crowded.

Good thing we get it from PGSA, so we don't have to queue for ticket:

This is actually my first time in a theme park, Thirteen and Rita were my first ride. It was super scary~ while I'm in front of the gate, watching the people on the ride dash off in super speed, but as I was tightly seated, just scream as loud as I can, and it's actually awesomely fun! Each rides took us almost 30 minutes queue time.

Not too bad for a queue, we even went for Ice Age 4D short movie:

Then we went for Hex and Nemesis:Sub-Terra. It's suppose to be scary, but I found it pretty entertaining/funny. There really are people came out crying from Sub-Terra. Then, after some mild stuffs, we're back to the exciting rides. I really really really like Nemesis and Air, both took longer queue time, but worth the wait. I guess I'm kinda high dy.

The best 2 rides in Alton Towers for me:

We were hesitating if we should go for Ripsaw, we can see people getting wet. Anyway, we did go for it and it's actually super fun with water shooting at us. After getting all wet, we went for Sonic, which spins locally while going through maze-like roller coaster track. It's like a dry spin machine for us :P

Ripsaw and Sonic which ends our day:

Haha, a very exciting day having fun and escaping from work. Overall~ 2 random statements pop up after this Alton Towers trip.

• There will time when we feel scared, worry, regret... have faith and move on, coz you're gonna experience a crazy and fun ride very soon!
• Life does throw us left and right, flip us upside down mercilessly like a roller coaster, but nothing much to worry, just let go your hands and shout out for joy, God is holding.

"And he measured the length of the inner sanctuary; it was twenty cubits, and its width was twenty cubits across the end of the main hall. He said to me, This is the Most Holy Place."
-Ezekiel 41:4-

I really really appreciate this day of not doing anything for research and just being thrown around, life is all about excitement and fun! Now I've been to another famous attraction in UK, hope that the list goes on. Thank God for blessing our safety and the weather all day long! Amen.

Robin Hood Festival

Globe Cafe organized a trip to Sherwood Forest for Robin Hood Festival. It's like 45 minutes drive from uni, an annual event that last for a week. Pretty cool, it's a normal park which they setup tents and booths, the staffs wear olden Britain clothes which adds to the flavor of Robin Hood era.

All sorts of English instruments demo, looks like DOTA secret shop:

There's this Major Oak Tree that lives for 1000 years old. The games and stalls are all around this area, which make it super crowded, but it's quite a nice atmosphere. Someone did an archery show at the oak tree, but his accuracy was so so...

Major Oak Tree and game stalls:

Other than that, there is circus arts and open air theater, a very festive setting. The circus group performs dances and simple acrobatics with live English traditional music. The theater tells the story of Robin Hood with kids from the audience as the actors (children in UK are really good).

Circus art and theater performances:

The highlights of the day are falconry and jousting performance. There were so many people gathered at this big field for the events. Falconry is where this bird tamer do tricks with falcons, vulture and owl. They made a whole drama of knight fights and Robin Hood story, but jousting alone is already a good show.

Falconry and Jousting:

"And so I will show my greatness and my holiness, and I will make myself known in the sight of many nations. Then they will know that I am the Lord"
-Ezekiel 38:23-

Knowing those legends are actually quite interesting, and see how people still celebrate it nowadays. Overall, it's a fun day out with some Globe Cafe members and I'm thankful for the nice weather, Amen.

Fun Fair at LakeSide

It's summer time~ and the county is having something special at the lakeside. I've been seeing these trucks at the lakeside few days ago, until I saw the poster of a funfair being set up at the lakeside. It's quite impressive, that they managed to complete all setup within 2 days.

From trucks to fun fair:

The main targets of this fun fair are the families, probably not many students around during summer. Not bad, they have most of the mini scale rides of a theme park. The price are OK as well, at most £2 or £3 per ride, we didn't really played anything since it's for kids.

Pretty hard to imagine the lakeside being a mini theme park:

I'm quite amazed by the crew, I guess they travel around UK in their trucks. Their trucks are like RV which they can stay in, and they will be here til early of September. Haha, kinda like the modern version of moving circus.

They even have ghost ride:

"I am concerned for you and will look on you with favor."
-Ezekiel 36:9-

The weather doesn't seem to be on their side for these few weeks. Hope that there won't be any accident and the families would be able to enjoy this wet summer at the fun fair, Amen.

Look Up

"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!"

A theme that explains itself pretty much, 'Flight' is up for this week's soundshoot. Literally, it means flying high into the air. This word always lead me to think about airplanes, as I spent most of my life staying at places near the air terminal, I often see planes passes by in the sky.

Everytime I see the white trail that a plane left, I would ask... what kind of people are in that plane? Where are they going? for what reason? It always amaze me whenever I thought of the amount of dreams waiting to be realize in that plane, and that flight taken by certain passengers might just change their life and lead them to success.

It's not just a flight, it's a life changing journey:

"Look Up" is my soundshoot that expresses this feeling. Starting off with plane flight sound effect and muted guitar strumming, it's like standing on ground while watching others reaching that height. Piano and strings came in to add on the heavy thoughts and mix feelings. Hi hats and cross sticks enters, bringing up the pace, a desire to reach that height.

From standing, it turns into running as the song goes into a full band setting with electric guitar lead and turbulent air sound effect. Inserting a wing flapping sound effect, followed by a transposed chorus, it's like after trying several times, we finally nearer to our dream.

Spread your wings and prepare to fly high:

Click here to listen to:
Look Up - Adam Jong

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"All who had spread terror in the land of the living went down uncircumcised to the earth below."
-Ezekiel 32:24-

It's always heard that as you persevere, you will realize your dream. I'm not too sure of being stubborn to reach success, but I do hope that this passion will not fade away... too soon at least. Hope that some day in the future we will all be where we are looking up at today, Amen.

Globe Cafe BBQ

It's a really good weather today and the Globe Cafe people are having a BBQ at one of the member's house (Meadow Road). It's my first time walking so deep into Beeston, google map will take care of the direction. I'm quite surprise that it's actually a pretty big house that is hosting this. Yeah~ tonnes of nice soft drink and all kinds of meat+bread+sauce.

Time to eat!!!

The crowd wasn't very big, probably less than 20, but a pretty good mix for me. There're students from China and Hong Kong which I can converse pretty will with. The couple that host this BBQ actually is moving to Indonesia next year, so we sorta practice some Malay as well. It's actually a good idea to move a screen out for the guys to watch the Olympic events.

Good time of fellowship:

When you thought the main courses are really good, here comes the desserts. We had various types of cakes and puddings, my personal favourite is the mix fruit salad. The sky gets dark earlier now, it's just around 9pm and it's almost all black. After a short chat and some more Olympics show, we're done for the day.

I love the UK culture of having dessert after meal:

"For the day is near, the day of the Lord is near."
-Ezekiel 30:3-

I actually really like the people in Globe cafe, probably coz of the small group that everyone can relate to each other easier. The local church members here are actually friendlier as well, a great group to relax from all sorts of problems out there, Amen.

Aki Nabalu

"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!"

The theme of this week is "Mountain", I'm pretty sure I don't need google to verify the meaning of this word. The first thought that I had is Mount Kinabalu, with height of 4095 m above sea level, situated in Kota Kinabalu, my hometown. Being the highest peak of South East Asia, it attracts a lot of tourists to my place, but I haven't been up even once, though I heard enough stories about it.

Aki Nabalu is the original name of Mount Kinabalu. In local Dusun langguage, "Aki" means spirit/soul while "Nabalu" means big rock. The top part of Mount Kinabalu is always misty and covered by clouds, which urban legend says it is the collection of souls, the destination of the dead people.

So, I'm gonna try to portray its grand and majestic view. The overwhelming feeling as you watch at the bottom, conquering it step by step, and finally sow the reward at the summit. As I call it the grand chords, I've used a lot of flat 6th and 7th chords, which is quite rare for my songs but kinda give the flavor that I'm looking for. Majestic, couldn't leave trumpet out of the picture this time, flute would be a good lead for the softer parts. An attempt of nature and majestic fusion.

Click here to listen to:
Aki Nabalu - Adam Jong

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"Because Tyre said concerning Jerusalem, ‘Aha, the gate of the peoples is broken; it has swung open to me. I shall be replenished, now that she is laid waste,’ therefore thus says the Lord God: Behold, I am against you, O Tyre, and will bring up many nations against you, as the sea brings up its waves."
-Ezekiel 26:2~3-

Come to think of it, I'm really proud to be born in Kota Kinabalu, a place rich of the blessings of God. Wonderful mountain, tranquil coasts and simple life (used to be), it's time to have a pause to appreciate what has been given to us all this time, Amen.

Olympic Event in London

Because of some pressure from Wei Ern, I've decided to try my luck for an Olympic event. I never expect to get badminton men's double semi-final ticket for £30, (add £6 for deliver, still not bad). Left home at 4.30am, another 2 hours train to London, excited for my first trip alone.

Arrive at Wembley Stadium 1 hour earlier, good timing:

Wow, watching live is seriously different from streaming online. The atmosphere is quite grand, and I felt the 'aggressiveness' of audience to cheer. The lighting makes the court looks so cool, before the match starts. First match was Malaysia against China, the Malaysian pair lost but it was a good fight at the second match. Korea and Denmark's match was great, lasted 88 minutes, they receive a standing ovation as the match finished. Women's double was... quite boring as Russia overpowered Canada... like totally.

3 hours of world class badminton matches:

Haha, main objective accomplished. Now I have a whole afternoon til the train back to Nottingham depart. I've did some research last night and I'm gonna try to visit as many places as possible. First off, I've took a quick walk in Natural History Museum, Science Museum and Victoria Albert Museum, I think museums in UK show almost the same things.

Museum visits:

Next stop~ Tower of London, I was hesitating weather should I pay to enter the castle, but since it's so expensive I don't really have enough time, I'll just take some pictures around. Tower Bridge is a must, that's where David Beckham's speedboat passed by when he's delivering the Olympic torch! There're so many people taking picture because of the Olympic logo, SS shots are never too much here.

Teakwondo performance beside the castle:

Finally, I had a fast visit at House of Parliament and Eye of London. The weather looks like it's gonna rain soon, just nice, I've covered most of places and it's almost time to head back too. Kinda being constrained by time coz of the cheap return ticket of £17, but I'm actually very happy this time, a lot better than my previous London trip.

House of Parliament and Eye of London:

"Hear the word of the Sovereign Lord"
-Ezekiel 25:3-

Although weather forecast said it's gonna rain, but I'm blessed with sunny day. Thank God that I'm safe and sound throughout the whole trip, it's very crowded in London now. Definitely a memorable day off, I'm starting to love travelling by myself, Amen.