Thoughts Unleashed.

Sunday, July 25, 2004

The Joy of Drumming

                The first time I ever heard the sound of the drums was when i was a Standard 2 pupil. i could remember it so clearly. It was a typical sunday. My family attended church as usual. We were walking to the sanctuary from the car park. As we inched our way closer, from a distance i could hear a faint, booming sound. i looked around, puzzled and curious. As we came nearer the the hall, the sound became stronger and stronger. i held my father's hand, as we walked into God's house, the sound of the drums had become so strong that every beat of it went straight to my heart. i could feel it, not just hearing it. That day was the first time our church had drums. I was too short to really get a glimpse of it, so i tugged at my dad's shirt, and he gave me a lift. And there it was. The sight of it.The Drum. As my eyes grew bigger and bigger, so did my ears and my interest. It was the most beautiful thing i've ever seen. The grandiest thing i've ever saw. It was love at first sight. I've fallen in love at the age of 8.

                  Here i am now, serving in my local church here. The joys of drumming. The excitement and the adrenaline rushes in my body everytime i groove on the drums is something which words cannot comprehend. As it is the loudest among other instruments in the band, it is no wonder that drums give control to the music. It gives the groove, the mood. It takes music to higher levels, and it's influence is like a fiddler fiddling with your emotions. Music is quite empty without drums. These are the characterisics which have made me identify with the Drums. I have never grown bored with it, and never have i complained having to practice anything which has to do with Drums. Most importantly, it was a God-given talent to me which i am ever grateful to Him for. I first took up informal drum lessons from a church friend, i was only Standard 5. It was only for a few months, and later on i learned it formally in a music school from Remove until Form 3. Durin those times i had to cycle under the scorching and merciless, hot Kedah sun to get to my music school for a 45-minute class. Mind you, those of you who know, Kedah's sun is unlike any other sun. Give you a hint, it's hot enough to grow padi. And Yet, I never minded one bit. I was the fastest learner there, learning an average of 2 new drum beats every week.

                  Aah, the Joys of Drumming. But there is an important and essential fact which i would like to add. The Joys of Drumming comes with the Joy of the Lord. Drumming in normal, secular music is just like playing any song. But when i serve God with Drums, my heart bursts with unexplainable Joy and Happiness, and every beat and stroke which i hit are praises and thanksgiving unto Him. Having played in secular functions as well, I have found that the times which i really savor and embraced drumming is when i'm worshipping God with it. Even though i'm just an amateur drummer and not something to shout about, yet i will give unto Him with my best, cos He deserves it. I've had my fair share of experiences on the drums anyway. Till date, I've played in my church, my church choir ( which is a totally different style), rallies, youth concerts, prom nights and now ACTS. maybe i'm missing Band competitions. HAHa. I can almost hear someone snickering and see some winking.

                    My dream is always to play in Christian concerts for God. Sadly, i'm quite tied to a lot of commitments and minstries. Because of responsibilities, I've been abstained many times of chances to improve and to go forward. My heart aches and hurts especially when i see someone else taking up drum roles in the church which i have worked so hard to achieve. There are many times responsibilites have caused me to rethink my commitment to serve in church. Yet deep down in my heart i cannot let go of this Joy that God has placed in my heart. It has been and still is very much a part of my life. And yet, my ministry and responsibility as a student is slowly taking a toll on my Drums. It's as if slowly, the pieces of the drumset are being remove gradually. First the hi-hat, next the toms, etc. I remember a flick in the Spidey 2 movie, when his aunt said " Sometimes heros need to let go of certain things in our live. That's what makes us Heroes."

                      As sometimes when there's Joy, there is Sorrow as well. Many friends have adviced me to quit. Would there be a day when I have to let go of it? Would it come to day, where i have to give up my sticks? As Joy comes with Drumming, so does Sorrow too.

Monday, July 19, 2004

Movie Review

Movie Review
 
King Arthur
Commentary by J.Chiam
 
 
          Since the football season is temporary stalled, or maybe you could just say that Copa America and Asian Cup doesn’t really appeal much since the hype of Euro 2004, I’ve reverted to comment on movies. One could always try to argue that me being a football fan, why do I not take interest in these other two tournaments. The reason is simple. Deprived of broadcasting on South American leagues and lack of publicity

Movie Review

Movie Review
 
King Arthur
Commentary by J.Chiam
 
 
          Since the football season is temporary stalled, or maybe you could just say that Copa America and Asian Cup doesn’t really appeal much since the hype of Euro 2004, I’ve reverted to comment on movies. One could always try to argue that me being a football fan, why do I not take interest in these other two tournaments. The reason is simple. Deprived of broadcasting on South American leagues and lack of publicity are the reasons to name a few. Asian Cup? C’mon, let’s not make too much excuses okay?
 
          Back to the topic. Despite of lack of responds and hype from other movie goers, I persisted at watching one of my favorite legends come to life and to also enjoy war movies as well as swash-buckling displays of sword fighting. Famous characters such as Sir Launcelot and Merlin were clouding my mind as I made my way into the theatre. I had my first wave of doubt upon setting my eyes on the poster, though. Is that King Arthur? He looks more like an FOE tutor than a majestic king and gallant warrior. Brushing those thoughts aside, I took my sit as the curtains of the giant screen were unveiled and we were taken back hundreds of years into the past.
 
          To spare you the details and to also avoid revealing the story line I will decline to write about the story line of the show. But these are my comments on the movie I spent RM 10 on.
 
          First of all, from the very first 5 minutes of the show I knew that they had got it all wrong. The time was set during the Roman Empire. It was the Dark Ages, yet to me more of Wrong Ages. King Arthur was not of that time. You do not see knights running around and fighting during the time of Julius Ceasar. 2ndly, you do not call another a “Knight” and not wear any steel armor. One of the scenes that disgusted me most was when “King Arthur” described his teammates as “brave Knights.” Rule number one: A knight wears a full body steel armor, including the helmet which has a mask that covers their face. During those times, knights bear pride in the design of their face masks. Each different mask represents their identity and character. Knights during those times are considered as “Datuks” now. It is a promotion, a position. That’s why now you still find knighthood in Britain. People who were promoted are like Sir Sean Connery, Sir Elton John. You do NOT proudly proclaim yourself as a knight and yet prance around in a mini skirt, oops, Roman uniform.
          What with era and characters gone horribly wrong, almost half of the movie has already been severely damaged. And yet it is not enough. The producers of the movie have no idea who the characters truly are. Sir Launcelot is supposed to be a noble and brave knight, one of the knights of the Round Table of whom his name worthy to be remembered by. Yet in the movie he looks like some Italian mafia who so happened to be in that character. Another big let-down is Merlin, the great wizard and powerful magician in that era. He was so influential and powerful in the courts of King Arthur that he was often consoled for the decisions the King makes. And yet what did the movie made of him? A poor, dirty, old street beggar who lives in the jungles. Even Tarzan was more glorious than him. Oh yea, he did have an army of barbaric man-monkey-like warriors.  I guess there were some significance there. Tarzan could call on his animals, so could Merlin.
         
          Trying to imitate an epic like LOTR and the Last Samurai has not really worked out for this movie. One of the moments of these great war movies to me, is when the army stand face to face with the enemy on the battlefield. When fear and anxiety overwhelms the troops, the leader or king usually gives an inspiring, and powerful short speech which could determine the outcome of the battle. Upon hearing this few words, bravery and courage rises from cowardice and fear. Upon hearing the words, men turn from normal persons to warriors, and to certain extend beasts which crushes everything in their way. King Arthur tried using before their final battle. But there is a catch. His so-called “Knights” were the ones to volunteer for battle. They were ALREADY spirited and committed to battle. When this is the case, you do NOT need to waste your breathe and time trying to stir them up again. And come on, where were only 7 men. What’s there to shout about? Why add ajinomoto to an already tasty meal? You only add salt when it’s blend. Somehow, the movie has succeeded to make something so beautiful into something so horribly lame and disappointing.
 
          The rest of the movie is basically trying to copy the formulas for recent successful war movies. The bottom line is: King Arthur is about a movie about a person who HAPPENED to have the name Arthur, and has no resemblance of the legendary King Arthur. There was one consolation though, watching Keira Knightley fighting barbarians draped in duct tape was amusing and sensual the same time. Hmm…Keira Knightley…perhaps SHE should be the Knight?

Movie Review

Movie Review
 
King Arthur

Commentary by J.Chiam
 
 
          Since the football season is temporary stalled, or maybe you could just say that Copa America and Asian Cup doesn’t really appeal much since the hype of Euro 2004, I’ve reverted to comment on movies. One could always try to argue that me being a football fan, why do I not take interest in these other two tournaments. The reason is simple. Deprived of broadcasting on South American leagues and lack of publicity are the reasons to name a few. Asian Cup? C’mon, let’s not make too much excuses okay?
 
          Back to the topic. Despite of lack of responds and hype from other movie goers, I persisted at watching one of my favorite legends come to life and to also enjoy war movies as well as swash-buckling displays of sword fighting. Famous characters such as Sir Launcelot and Merlin were clouding my mind as I made my way into the theatre. I had my first wave of doubt upon setting my eyes on the poster, though. Is that King Arthur? He looks more like an FOE tutor than a majestic king and gallant warrior. Brushing those thoughts aside, I took my sit as the curtains of the giant screen were unveiled and we were taken back hundreds of years into the past.
 
          To spare you the details and to also avoid revealing the story line I will decline to write about the story line of the show. But these are my comments on the movie I spent RM 10 on.
 
          First of all, from the very first 5 minutes of the show I knew that they had got it all wrong. The time was set during the Roman Empire. It was the Dark Ages, yet to me more of Wrong Ages. King Arthur was not of that time. You do not see knights running around and fighting during the time of Julius Ceasar. 2ndly, you do not call another a “Knight” and not wear any steel armor. One of the scenes that disgusted me most was when “King Arthur” described his teammates as “brave Knights.” Rule number one: A knight wears a full body steel armor, including the helmet which has a mask that covers their face. During those times, knights bear pride in the design of their face masks. Each different mask represents their identity and character. Knights during those times are considered as “Datuks” now. It is a promotion, a position. That’s why now you still find knighthood in Britain. People who were promoted are like Sir Sean Connery, Sir Elton John. You do NOT proudly proclaim yourself as a knight and yet prance around in a mini skirt, oops, Roman uniform.
          What with era and characters gone horribly wrong, almost half of the movie has already been severely damaged. And yet it is not enough. The producers of the movie have no idea who the characters truly are. Sir Launcelot is supposed to be a noble and brave knight, one of the knights of the Round Table of whom his name worthy to be remembered by. Yet in the movie he looks like some Italian mafia who so happened to be in that character. Another big let-down is Merlin, the great wizard and powerful magician in that era. He was so influential and powerful in the courts of King Arthur that he was often consoled for the decisions the King makes. And yet what did the movie made of him? A poor, dirty, old street beggar who lives in the jungles. Even Tarzan was more glorious than him. Oh yea, he did have an army of barbaric man-monkey-like warriors.  I guess there were some significance there. Tarzan could call on his animals, so could Merlin.
         
          Trying to imitate an epic like LOTR and the Last Samurai has not really worked out for this movie. One of the moments of these great war movies to me, is when the army stand face to face with the enemy on the battlefield. When fear and anxiety overwhelms the troops, the leader or king usually gives an inspiring, and powerful short speech which could determine the outcome of the battle. Upon hearing this few words, bravery and courage rises from cowardice and fear. Upon hearing the words, men turn from normal persons to warriors, and to certain extend beasts which crushes everything in their way. King Arthur tried using before their final battle. But there is a catch. His so-called “Knights” were the ones to volunteer for battle. They were ALREADY spirited and committed to battle. When this is the case, you do NOT need to waste your breathe and time trying to stir them up again. And come on, where were only 7 men. What’s there to shout about? Why add ajinomoto to an already tasty meal? You only add salt when it’s blend. Somehow, the movie has succeeded to make something so beautiful into something so horribly lame and disappointing.
 
          The rest of the movie is basically trying to copy the formulas for recent successful war movies. The bottom line is: King Arthur is about a movie about a person who HAPPENED to have the name Arthur, and has no resemblance of the legendary King Arthur. There was one consolation though, watching Keira Knightley fighting barbarians draped in duct tape was amusing and sensual the same time. Hmm…Keira Knightley…perhaps SHE should be the Knight?

Movie Review

Movie Review
 
King Arthur
Commentary by J.Chiam
 
 
          Since the football season is temporary stalled, or maybe you could just say that Copa America and Asian Cup doesn’t really appeal much since the hype of Euro 2004, I’ve reverted to comment on movies. One could always try to argue that me being a football fan, why do I not take interest in these other two tournaments. The reason is simple. Deprived of broadcasting on South American leagues and lack of publicity are the reasons to name a few. Asian Cup? C’mon, let’s not make too much excuses okay?
 
          Back to the topic. Despite of lack of responds and hype from other movie goers, I persisted at watching one of my favorite legends come to life and to also enjoy war movies as well as swash-buckling displays of sword fighting. Famous characters such as Sir Launcelot and Merlin were clouding my mind as I made my way into the theatre. I had my first wave of doubt upon setting my eyes on the poster, though. Is that King Arthur? He looks more like an FOE tutor than a majestic king and gallant warrior. Brushing those thoughts aside, I took my sit as the curtains of the giant screen were unveiled and we were taken back hundreds of years into the past.
 
          To spare you the details and to also avoid revealing the story line I will decline to write about the story line of the show. But these are my comments on the movie I spent RM 10 on.
 
          First of all, from the very first 5 minutes of the show I knew that they had got it all wrong. The time was set during the Roman Empire. It was the Dark Ages, yet to me more of Wrong Ages. King Arthur was not of that time. You do not see knights running around and fighting during the time of Julius Ceasar. 2ndly, you do not call another a “Knight” and not wear any steel armor. One of the scenes that disgusted me most was when “King Arthur” described his teammates as “brave Knights.” Rule number one: A knight wears a full body steel armor, including the helmet which has a mask that covers their face. During those times, knights bear pride in the design of their face masks. Each different mask represents their identity and character. Knights during those times are considered as “Datuks” now. It is a promotion, a position. That’s why now you still find knighthood in Britain. People who were promoted are like Sir Sean Connery, Sir Elton John. You do NOT proudly proclaim yourself as a knight and yet prance around in a mini skirt, oops, Roman uniform.
          What with era and characters gone horribly wrong, almost half of the movie has already been severely damaged. And yet it is not enough. The producers of the movie have no idea who the characters truly are. Sir Launcelot is supposed to be a noble and brave knight, one of the knights of the Round Table of whom his name worthy to be remembered by. Yet in the movie he looks like some Italian mafia who so happened to be in that character. Another big let-down is Merlin, the great wizard and powerful magician in that era. He was so influential and powerful in the courts of King Arthur that he was often consoled for the decisions the King makes. And yet what did the movie made of him? A poor, dirty, old street beggar who lives in the jungles. Even Tarzan was more glorious than him. Oh yea, he did have an army of barbaric man-monkey-like warriors.  I guess there were some significance there. Tarzan could call on his animals, so could Merlin.
         
          Trying to imitate an epic like LOTR and the Last Samurai has not really worked out for this movie. One of the moments of these great war movies to me, is when the army stand face to face with the enemy on the battlefield. When fear and anxiety overwhelms the troops, the leader or king usually gives an inspiring, and powerful short speech which could determine the outcome of the battle. Upon hearing this few words, bravery and courage rises from cowardice and fear. Upon hearing the words, men turn from normal persons to warriors, and to certain extend beasts which crushes everything in their way. King Arthur tried using before their final battle. But there is a catch. His so-called “Knights” were the ones to volunteer for battle. They were ALREADY spirited and committed to battle. When this is the case, you do NOT need to waste your breathe and time trying to stir them up again. And come on, where were only 7 men. What’s there to shout about? Why add ajinomoto to an already tasty meal? You only add salt when it’s blend. Somehow, the movie has succeeded to make something so beautiful into something so horribly lame and disappointing.
 
          The rest of the movie is basically trying to copy the formulas for recent successful war movies. The bottom line is: King Arthur is about a movie about a person who HAPPENED to have the name Arthur, and has no resemblance of the legendary King Arthur. There was one consolation though, watching Keira Knightley fighting barbarians draped in duct tape was amusing and sensual the same time. Hmm…Keira Knightley…perhaps SHE should be the Knight?

Wednesday, July 14, 2004

An Insult to Football

An Insult to Football

-Check out this conversation I had recently. Me and a few friends were passing by some shops when the television on the shop aired the some clips on the recent Euro 2004.

Person X: “ I’ve never liked football. It’s just a game where 22 stupid idiots chase one stupid ball.”

Person Y added : “ Yeah, yeah. It’s actually 20 stupid idiots chasing the ball and two more waiting at the other end for it.”

-Those two sentences struck me like a lightning. I was caught speechless and practically stoned. It was difficult for a person like me, an avid, hardcore football fan, student of the game and staunch devotee of the religion of football to listen to the devilish and abominate insults of a freak. As it turned out, they happened to be supporters of Formula One, and started gloating and boasting about the glories of engineering and racing. As they are my friends as well, I withheld all my might on trying to protect my “religion”, putting friendship above all. Unfortunately, on came another person, who also to dislike football, gleefully added “Yeah, football is just a ball.”
-That was when all hell was broke loose. I could no longer sit back and witness the sport which I have so passionately embraced be polluted and defiled by these people. Words were exchange, debates were discussed, some logical, some not so logical, yet it ended quite abruptly, without any of us saying goodbye.
-After calming myself and pondering for a moment, I realize that it is of no use that we argue among one another over this matter. And yet, I felt that I also need to protect and stand up for the name of Football. So, after saying all these, I will rest my case. Here goes.
-Saying that football is a stupid game where 20 people chase aimless for a ball is already damaging, but to even compare it with Formula One will be like adding petrol to a raging fire. A person making that statement very clearly doesn’t have flicker of an idea what actually football is. Since the beginning of age, mankind has tried to excel and achieve higher physically. Besides that, maintaining control and balance of the body, as well as exceeding limits in stamina has been something the human race are practicing till now. All this is found in the game called Football. Morever, in football there is strategy, discipline, teamwork, and other valuable attributes as well. And face it, it is fun. In football, the full human body works out. In Formula One, the full human arm works out, as the job of the driver is to only steer a wheel. Oh yeah, I forgot, the fingers as well, in switching gears.
-Judging from the statements above, if a person says that Formula One is a celebration of Engineering, I would gladly say that Football is a celebration of Humanity. If a person says that Football is a game where there are 20 idiots chasing a stupid ball, I would gladly say that Formula One is a sport where there are 20 over stupid idiots sitting in a car driving in circles, oh, circuits I mean.
-Let’s break it down even more. In a football game, you can witness a 90-minute entire game in the stadium, no regards to whatever sitting position you are in. You get to witness every movement of the passing of the ball, the scoring, etc. In a F1 circuit, you can witness blurr images of a car whizzing you by every few seconds. Then you would have to wait for the cars to make another around. Then it comes again. 2 seconds tops. Then the waiting. What’s there to witness? Oh yeah, you have the engine sounds. One may ask also, why bloat and gloat about the screaming of the engines, and buy an ear muffler at the same time to put it on?
-Next, the most important, the fans. Football fans all over the world heavily outnumber Formula One fans. Let’s take an easy and local example. When Manchester United made their down to our country, the authorities had no problem getting a full house to our stadiums. Many people were deprived of sittings because the stadium could not support anymore fans. Yet annually in Formula One the authorities face problems selling tickets to the fans. Tickets cost a bomb and the only way to be able to get a decent look on the cars is to burn a hole in your pocket. Paying less results in sitting on grass beneath the scorching sun.
-Football fans cheer passionately for their team during matches. For the full 90 minutes and beyond, loud drums are banged upon and patriotic songs are sung endlessly. Applauses could be heard if a tackle has been made, or the footballer made a masterpiece pass. During F1 grand pix, one could only hear fans shouting and cheering only when they finally have a view on their favorite team, which is of course after the race has finished. For the rest of the time it would be just craning their necks and basically concentrating on catching a glimpse of their favorite team when they go whizzing by.
- Let’s talk about safety. Yes, many people could blame that many deaths are caused by football riots. But that is beside the point. That is not in the football game, but rather the attitude and morality of the fans themselves. Putting that matter aside, it is clear and direct to say that football is a much safer sport than Formula One. You do not see a footballer tackling to death a fellow footballer, or even see a person died due to been hit by the ball. Formula One? One of the most dangerous sport in the world. Aryton Senna paid the ultimate price of it. Every year we have Formula One Marshalls casualties due to been hit by car pieces. We have drivers driving to their deaths. And we have some drivers having their legs cut off, or paralyzed for life due to accidents on the circuits.
- Resources. Formula One is wasting our earth’s natural resource. Instead of using it to transport more loads, it is used to see which transporter moves faster. A single car crash costs millions of dollars. People say why pay money for football jerseys or football advertising. This is simple calculation. The most expensive football jersey you can find around costs RM 300. Find the cheapest Formula One component and compare with it. A screw? Maybe.
- There are so many more arguments which could be dealt with. It could take a long, long time to talk it out. After stating some of my points, I shall now rest my case and no longer debate about how good Football or Formula One is. I was once also a Formula One fan. I too know all the rules and drivers and anything else that matters about Formula One. I do not mean to scorn or make fun of Formula One drivers out there. I apologize if I do. An apple cannot convince another pear that he is an apple. Everyone will have their own interest, that’s what makes this world full of different people. I have said what I needed to say to protect the name of Football. And it is now over.
Enough said.

Monday, July 12, 2004

THE END

THE END
Commentary by J.Chiam

*The writer apologises for the long, long delay in writing due to the onslaught of exams which have left the writer paralysed and suffocated of time to post. However, the writer strongly encourages sueing and blaming the authorities for giving out exams.*

The Beginning and the end. The Alpha and Omega. Euro 2004 came to an end about a week ago. As the curtains of this grand gala of football celebration drew to a close, many lives were touched, many lessons learned, many hearts broken, many dreams shattered, many hopes vanished. Yet through it all, in this tournament, there are many who have turned from zeros to heros, from underdogs to champions, and for many who came with their heads hung down, the time has come for them to lift them up with utmost pride and dignity.

Yes, Euro 2004 has been a testimony of strength,unity and courage. A lot has been said from the aftermath of this grand celebration. Experts and football pundits around the world did their homework well, coming up with lots of logical reasons for various results of matches. The media has done a fantastic job in projecting the tournament, so much so that even small, mediocore housewives in small villages have heard of the likes of Wayne Rooney, or David Beckham. A poll has been done and it is found globally that Europe has the most amount of viewers with approximately 40%, followed by Asia with 20%. Yes, Euro 2004 became very much apart of one's lives during the 2 week run, where in the streets one could heard peddlars gossiping about football tactics, in clubs the name of famous galaticos of football could be heard spread around, and even at work or hospitals, one could imagine a lame and a blind arguing which country is the favorite team. Productivity overall has been crippled and slowed due to employers and employees indulging themselves in front of the square box for matches, making one think that even football can slow a nation's progress. Looking at the devastating effects football has in one's lives, it would be a huge understatement to say that Euro 2004 was nothing but a mere soccer match.


It was Greece. Even the Greeks themselves did not believe it at first that they would eventually lay their hands on the cup. With the Olympics just around the corner, it is evident that with the Euro tittle in the pocket, the Greeks will not let Athens fall so easily into the hands of other contenders. They now have the belief that underdogs now longer get under. Confidence is sky-high, expectations now have been placed much higher than before, and only time will tell that can the Greeks do it again this coming summer Olympics.

It will be another 4 years untill the next Euro. It is amazing and marvellous to find football uniting people together with one voice, something which no war, politics can do. Seeing the people chanting the names of their country together, singing the national anthem again and again, loving their country even more, this is something which no great psycologist can do, and no great teacher could educate. Emotions are shared together during these times. Tears of dissapoinment are shed together, and cheers of joy are chanted and sung along in a united voice. In unity, one country can achieve more and progress more. This is the massive contribution of football to the world.


*As Euro 2004 has ended, this blog will still continue to go on, but unfortunately no longer about Euro 2004. The writer will post up anything he wishes, but it would generally be on football, sports and entertainment. The writer kindly thanks all his readers for being patient in reading the articles. Thank you and have a nice day.