Setelah berehat lebih kurang malamnya, saya bertolak ke Space Center Houston.
Dari downtown saya mengambil bas nombor 249 dengan tiket $2. Perjalanan mengambil masa 1 jam 10 minit. Bukan jauh sangat tetapi biasalah bas tambang banyak stop.
Houston adalah bandar yang luas kawasannya. Freeway (highway tanpa tol) adalah 4 lanes. Kelajuan adalah maksimum. Kalah Malaysia. Tapi mereka memandu dengan berhemah.
Gambar sepanjang perjalanan bas sekitar downtown
Perhatikan kabus menutupi bangunan tinggi. Dikhabarkan bahawa "fog" melanda sekitar Texas. Dan kemungkinan ada jerebu juga. Nampaknya Malaysia tidak keseorangan dengan masalah ini.
Akhirnya sampai juga ke Space Center Houston.
Setelah sampai di sini dan mengikuti taklimat, barulah saya sedar betapa pentingnya space exploration. Untuk itu juga saya faham kenapa Syeikh Muzaffar sangat bertuah. Dalam banyak-banyak negara di dunia ini lebih kurang 10 negara je yang ambil peduli tentang eksplorasi ini. Sebelum ini saya fikir, buang masa je. Walhal, ke angkasa bukan sekadar mencipta rekod tetapi untuk kemajuan tamadun manusia.
Space exploration adalah salah satu koloborasi antara negara yang tidak mengambil kira pegangan politik ataupun apa-apa. Koloborasi ini telah berlaku puluhan tahun lalu semenjak zaman perang dingin US-Russia lagi. Kenapa sampai begitu sekali sedangkan secara politik mereka adalah musuh? Mereka bekerjasama dalam hal ini KERANA ianya amat penting untuk kemajuan sains dan teknologi.
Walaupun negara kita adalah jauh terlampau jauh untuk berkongsi dengan negara-negara ini dalam eksplorasi angkasa, tapi mana tau satu hari kita akan cecah juga.
More photos in next entry.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Lawatan ke USA Nov-Dec 2012: Sampai
Akhirnya sampai juga selepas hampir 17 jam dalam kapalterbang. Walaupun penat, tapi rasanya tidur cukup dalam flight tadi. Terima kasih kepada crew Qatar Airways dan juga seat yang sedap.
Proses sekuriti dan imigresen berjalan lancar. Beratur je ambil masa lebih kurang 20 minit kerana orang ramai. Di kaunter passport, saya ditanya akan tujuan datang ke USA. Agak gagap juga menjawabnya kerana tonasi Texan penjaga kaunter menyebabkan saya pun mau menjawab dengan mulut senget-senget.
Saya tanya awek imigresen bagaimana nak ke hotel saya. Beliau kata ambil shuttle dan beliau menunjukkan arah ke kaunter. Ianya adalah MPV yang mengumpulkan cukup orang baru bergerak. Untuk itu saya perlu menunggu sekejap (5 minit) untuk mencukupkan korum. Hasilnya, tambang lebih murah dari George Bush Airport ke Downtown Houston - $24. Jika naik teksi anggarannya adalah antara $40-50.
Di dalam shuttle MPV itu saya bersama beberapa orang antaranya students awek dari Rice University yang baru balik dari menyambut Thanksgiving. Seolah-olah memberi amaran kepada saya supaya tidak membuat langkah pertama, seorang awek bertanya kepada seorang yang lain, "How's your Thanksgiving?" Jawab, "Good, I went to my boyfriend's parents." OK I got you, I'll keep quiet.
Perjalanan adalah lebih kurang 25 minit. Hari pun dah gelap.
Hotel saya ialah Magnolia Hotel, Houston. Saya pilih hotel ini selepas beberapa jam membuat perbandingan. Saya rasa keselesaan hotel ini OK dengan harga yang berpatutan.
Proses sekuriti dan imigresen berjalan lancar. Beratur je ambil masa lebih kurang 20 minit kerana orang ramai. Di kaunter passport, saya ditanya akan tujuan datang ke USA. Agak gagap juga menjawabnya kerana tonasi Texan penjaga kaunter menyebabkan saya pun mau menjawab dengan mulut senget-senget.
Saya tanya awek imigresen bagaimana nak ke hotel saya. Beliau kata ambil shuttle dan beliau menunjukkan arah ke kaunter. Ianya adalah MPV yang mengumpulkan cukup orang baru bergerak. Untuk itu saya perlu menunggu sekejap (5 minit) untuk mencukupkan korum. Hasilnya, tambang lebih murah dari George Bush Airport ke Downtown Houston - $24. Jika naik teksi anggarannya adalah antara $40-50.
Di dalam shuttle MPV itu saya bersama beberapa orang antaranya students awek dari Rice University yang baru balik dari menyambut Thanksgiving. Seolah-olah memberi amaran kepada saya supaya tidak membuat langkah pertama, seorang awek bertanya kepada seorang yang lain, "How's your Thanksgiving?" Jawab, "Good, I went to my boyfriend's parents." OK I got you, I'll keep quiet.
Perjalanan adalah lebih kurang 25 minit. Hari pun dah gelap.
Hotel saya ialah Magnolia Hotel, Houston. Saya pilih hotel ini selepas beberapa jam membuat perbandingan. Saya rasa keselesaan hotel ini OK dengan harga yang berpatutan.
Nice and big.
Pantri sebelah pintu je.
Super big bath and toilet.
Magnolia Hotel.
Tiada kelihatan kelibat King Diamond.
Maupun Absu.
Hidangan ala kadar sarapan. Hotel di Malaysia jauh lebih mewah.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Lawatan ke USA Nov-Dec 2012: Bertolak
Berbeza dengan lawatan yang sebelumnya pada tahun lepas, kali ini lebih banyak bandar tetapi masa yang singkat.
Houston, Texas (4 malam) - Jacksonville, Florida (3 malam) dan Bethlehem, Pennsylvania (6 malam).
Di Houston dan Jacksonville melawat student UTP yang sedang buat praktikal di sana. Di Bethlehem untuk meneruskan hubungan MoU dengan Lehigh University. Dan kalau jadi, lawatan ke Princeton University juga.
BERTOLAK
Persiapan ala kadar tetapi sempat juga beli dua luggages baru; satu checked baggage dan satu carry. Harga sale di Jusco (RM300 dan RM240). Tiada baju sejuk kerana recycle baju sejuk yang dibawa dari Adelaide, Australia dulu.
Paling sedih, anak-anak nak ikut sedangkan tiada daya saya untuk bawa mereka. Mereka tahu di USA banyak benda yang exciting. InsyaAllah, jika ada rezeki satu hari nanti. Congak-congak dalam kepala; mak bapak dengan 5 orang anak flight ticket saja dah RM25K (hahaha... gelak dulu).
Bertolak dari rumah ke Medan Gopeng dan ambil bas Star Shuttle yang sangat reliable. Sampai ke KLIA 10 minit awal dari yang dijangkakan. Saya terus ke check-in Qatar Airways. Agak menarik kerana Qatar Airways telah menerima anugerah penerbangan antarabangsa untuk tahun 2011 dan 2012.
Carry luggage 12kg melebihi 7kg, terpaksa pindahkan notebook ke checked luggage. Harap-harap tak ranap notebook tu.
Tepat 344am, bertolaklah saya ke Doha, Qatar sebagai destinasi transit.
QATAR AIRWAYS - Airbus 330
Memang layak menang awards tu. Antara sebab paling ketara ialah seat yang sangat-sangat selesa. Dengan duduk tegak pun boleh lena tanpa sakit tengkuk.
Perjalanan mengambil masa lebih 6jam.
Sampai di Doha pertama kali. Lapangan terbang tengah padang pasir. Sayup kelihatan disana bangunan pencakar langit (bandar Doha). Malangnya transit hanya lebih kurang 2 jam, jadi tak boleh nak jalan sangat.
Lapangan terbang Doha sedang dalam renovation jadi keadaan sedikit tidak teratur tetapi transit penumpang ke bangunan transit dan flight seterusnya tidak terjejas. Good management.
Ramai pekerja dari India di sini sebagai balaci. Orang Arab kebanyakannya menjadi security officer yang agak bossy.
IRAN MABOK
Flight seterusnya ke Houston, Texas mengambil masa 17 jam!
Saya duduk sebelah aisle. Disebelah saya (kiri) seorang makcik tua dari India dan dihujung sana sebelah tingkap seorang pakcik Iran.
Pakcik Iran ni asalnya nampak peramah dan baik hati. Beliau bersembang dengan makcik India ni. Oleh kerana gap usia agak jauh, saya tak masuk campur. Layan flight entertainment je.
Beberapa jam kemudian saya mula strecth out sikit kerana penat duduk. Saya berdiri di hadapan lavatory (bukan kumpulan Death Metal dari Malaysia itu). Tak lama kemudian datang seorang Iran yang telah menetap di Houston selama 20 tahun. Dia tanya saya, tak minum ke (arak)? Saya katakan tidak.
Lelaki Iran itu kata, Houston adalah bandar yang tak berapa cantik untuk hidup. Nak cari duit OK, tapi life quality one of the worst.
Tak lama kemudian datang pakcik Iran tu pula layan sembang. Mula-mula dengan saya, kemudian dah tau ada kawan senegara, dia pun tinggalkan saya.
Sebelum tu, dia bertanya sambil di tangan scotch whisky, "Are you a Moslem?"
"Yes" jawab saya.
"You don't drink?"
"No" jawab saya lagi.
"Take my hand to heaven" katanya.
Apabila dua Iran dengan arak bersembang, saya pun tinggalkan le.
--------------
Pakcik Iran tu rupa-rupanya minum sampai mabok. Bila dan mabok aduhhh...
Kesian makcik India tu melayan sembang. Entah apa bersembang tak tau. Tapi makcik India tu bisik kat saya "I am having a headache talking to him."
Pakcik Iran tu sebab dah mabok bercakap tak berhenti. Sekali-sekala menyanyi Hossein... Hossein... ntah pebende. Nasib baik suara tak kuat kalau tak rasanya mau kena restraint dengan flight attendance.
Paling kelakar dia explain kat makcik India tu pasal Islam (syiah) sedang dia mabok.
Beberapa kali dia minta more alcohol dari flight attendance, tapi tidak dilayan sebab mereka dah tau yang dia dah mabok. Jalan pun terhuyung-hayang.
Moralnya: Jangan mabok sebab 1. Anda menyusahkan orang lain. 2 Anda mengaku Moslem tetapi minum arak?
Houston, Texas (4 malam) - Jacksonville, Florida (3 malam) dan Bethlehem, Pennsylvania (6 malam).
Di Houston dan Jacksonville melawat student UTP yang sedang buat praktikal di sana. Di Bethlehem untuk meneruskan hubungan MoU dengan Lehigh University. Dan kalau jadi, lawatan ke Princeton University juga.
BERTOLAK
Persiapan ala kadar tetapi sempat juga beli dua luggages baru; satu checked baggage dan satu carry. Harga sale di Jusco (RM300 dan RM240). Tiada baju sejuk kerana recycle baju sejuk yang dibawa dari Adelaide, Australia dulu.
Paling sedih, anak-anak nak ikut sedangkan tiada daya saya untuk bawa mereka. Mereka tahu di USA banyak benda yang exciting. InsyaAllah, jika ada rezeki satu hari nanti. Congak-congak dalam kepala; mak bapak dengan 5 orang anak flight ticket saja dah RM25K (hahaha... gelak dulu).
Bertolak dari rumah ke Medan Gopeng dan ambil bas Star Shuttle yang sangat reliable. Sampai ke KLIA 10 minit awal dari yang dijangkakan. Saya terus ke check-in Qatar Airways. Agak menarik kerana Qatar Airways telah menerima anugerah penerbangan antarabangsa untuk tahun 2011 dan 2012.
Carry luggage 12kg melebihi 7kg, terpaksa pindahkan notebook ke checked luggage. Harap-harap tak ranap notebook tu.
Tepat 344am, bertolaklah saya ke Doha, Qatar sebagai destinasi transit.
2 luggages and a walking stick?
Doha adalah airport yang sibuk sebab transit dari Timur ke Barat.
Duty free Doha.
QATAR AIRWAYS - Airbus 330
Memang layak menang awards tu. Antara sebab paling ketara ialah seat yang sangat-sangat selesa. Dengan duduk tegak pun boleh lena tanpa sakit tengkuk.
Perjalanan mengambil masa lebih 6jam.
Sampai di Doha pertama kali. Lapangan terbang tengah padang pasir. Sayup kelihatan disana bangunan pencakar langit (bandar Doha). Malangnya transit hanya lebih kurang 2 jam, jadi tak boleh nak jalan sangat.
Lapangan terbang Doha sedang dalam renovation jadi keadaan sedikit tidak teratur tetapi transit penumpang ke bangunan transit dan flight seterusnya tidak terjejas. Good management.
Ramai pekerja dari India di sini sebagai balaci. Orang Arab kebanyakannya menjadi security officer yang agak bossy.
IRAN MABOK
Flight seterusnya ke Houston, Texas mengambil masa 17 jam!
Saya duduk sebelah aisle. Disebelah saya (kiri) seorang makcik tua dari India dan dihujung sana sebelah tingkap seorang pakcik Iran.
Pakcik Iran ni asalnya nampak peramah dan baik hati. Beliau bersembang dengan makcik India ni. Oleh kerana gap usia agak jauh, saya tak masuk campur. Layan flight entertainment je.
Beberapa jam kemudian saya mula strecth out sikit kerana penat duduk. Saya berdiri di hadapan lavatory (bukan kumpulan Death Metal dari Malaysia itu). Tak lama kemudian datang seorang Iran yang telah menetap di Houston selama 20 tahun. Dia tanya saya, tak minum ke (arak)? Saya katakan tidak.
Lelaki Iran itu kata, Houston adalah bandar yang tak berapa cantik untuk hidup. Nak cari duit OK, tapi life quality one of the worst.
Tak lama kemudian datang pakcik Iran tu pula layan sembang. Mula-mula dengan saya, kemudian dah tau ada kawan senegara, dia pun tinggalkan saya.
Sebelum tu, dia bertanya sambil di tangan scotch whisky, "Are you a Moslem?"
"Yes" jawab saya.
"You don't drink?"
"No" jawab saya lagi.
"Take my hand to heaven" katanya.
Apabila dua Iran dengan arak bersembang, saya pun tinggalkan le.
--------------
Pakcik Iran tu rupa-rupanya minum sampai mabok. Bila dan mabok aduhhh...
Kesian makcik India tu melayan sembang. Entah apa bersembang tak tau. Tapi makcik India tu bisik kat saya "I am having a headache talking to him."
Pakcik Iran tu sebab dah mabok bercakap tak berhenti. Sekali-sekala menyanyi Hossein... Hossein... ntah pebende. Nasib baik suara tak kuat kalau tak rasanya mau kena restraint dengan flight attendance.
Paling kelakar dia explain kat makcik India tu pasal Islam (syiah) sedang dia mabok.
Beberapa kali dia minta more alcohol dari flight attendance, tapi tidak dilayan sebab mereka dah tau yang dia dah mabok. Jalan pun terhuyung-hayang.
Moralnya: Jangan mabok sebab 1. Anda menyusahkan orang lain. 2 Anda mengaku Moslem tetapi minum arak?
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Berapa saya bayar sebenarnya untuk kereta saya
Seorang sahabat di Facebook telah mengeluh:
Timbul rasa ingin tahu berapa sebenarnya saya bayar untuk kereta saya Nissan Grand Livina 1.6. Maka saya buat le calculation simple yang mungkin anda boleh buat kira-kira sendiri untuk kereta anda dan nisbahkan dengan gaji sebulan anda, samada melebihi separuh.
Nota:
Roadtax RM80 bahagi 12.
Insurans RM1600 bahagi 12.
Servis RM600 bahagi 3 bulan.
Hutang kereta adalah berdasarkan kepada bayar balik 5 tahun. Berdasarkan kiraan ini saya sebenarnya membayar RM2185 sebulan untuk kereta saya walaupun hutang bulanan RM1445. Dengan lain kata saya membayar ekstra 51% sebulan lebih dari hutang bulanan untuk "menjalankan" kereta saya.
Lepas tu bahagikan RM2185 itu dengan jumlah gaji anda maka dapatlah peratusannya samada 30%, 50%, 70% atau 90% (errkkk...)
-----------------
Untung juga saya tidak banyak hal dengan kereta. Takde nak tukar-tukar barang atau upgrade. All standard je. Kalau tak, kena tambah lagi (buat average per month).
-----------------
Itu hari kebetulan melepak dengan kawan-kawan lama. Seorang sahabat yang bekerja di sebuah pengeluar kereta mewah berkata, beliau melihat ramai juga yang membeli tapi tak berapa mampu untuk maintenance. Bila dapat bil servis mereka akan maki hamun bil tersebut. Kata beliau, untuk jenis kereta mewah tersebut hanya pada servis pertama dan kedua saja servisnya dalam lingkungan RM1K. Masuk servis ke-3, purata servis ialah RM3K.
Kata beliau, student Arab yang rilek je. Bayar cash tanpa banyak songeh.
------------------
Last sekali kata-kata pujangga yang saya ingat selalu tapi sukar untuk amal kerana kalah dengan nafsu,
"Permudahkan kehidupan dunia"
Terima kaseyyyyy!
Logik tak kalau separuh daripada duit gaji kita sebenarnya digunakan dan dihabiskan utk kenderaan....isi minyak dh tentu punya,mesti kena servis kalau tak rosak,kalau rosak kena repair jugak,tiap2 tahun kena bayar insurans dan roadtax,masuk hway kena bayar tol,tayar botak kena ganti,kena buat aligment dan balancing,tiap2 bulan kena bayar hutang beli kereta,kena saman,pantang nampak eksesori mesti nk pasang dan lain2....pendek kata banyak nya duit habis ke kereta..tak pakai kereta pun tak boleh juga..sekadar renungan
Timbul rasa ingin tahu berapa sebenarnya saya bayar untuk kereta saya Nissan Grand Livina 1.6. Maka saya buat le calculation simple yang mungkin anda boleh buat kira-kira sendiri untuk kereta anda dan nisbahkan dengan gaji sebulan anda, samada melebihi separuh.
Nota:
Roadtax RM80 bahagi 12.
Insurans RM1600 bahagi 12.
Servis RM600 bahagi 3 bulan.
Hutang kereta adalah berdasarkan kepada bayar balik 5 tahun. Berdasarkan kiraan ini saya sebenarnya membayar RM2185 sebulan untuk kereta saya walaupun hutang bulanan RM1445. Dengan lain kata saya membayar ekstra 51% sebulan lebih dari hutang bulanan untuk "menjalankan" kereta saya.
Lepas tu bahagikan RM2185 itu dengan jumlah gaji anda maka dapatlah peratusannya samada 30%, 50%, 70% atau 90% (errkkk...)
-----------------
Untung juga saya tidak banyak hal dengan kereta. Takde nak tukar-tukar barang atau upgrade. All standard je. Kalau tak, kena tambah lagi (buat average per month).
-----------------
Itu hari kebetulan melepak dengan kawan-kawan lama. Seorang sahabat yang bekerja di sebuah pengeluar kereta mewah berkata, beliau melihat ramai juga yang membeli tapi tak berapa mampu untuk maintenance. Bila dapat bil servis mereka akan maki hamun bil tersebut. Kata beliau, untuk jenis kereta mewah tersebut hanya pada servis pertama dan kedua saja servisnya dalam lingkungan RM1K. Masuk servis ke-3, purata servis ialah RM3K.
Kata beliau, student Arab yang rilek je. Bayar cash tanpa banyak songeh.
------------------
Last sekali kata-kata pujangga yang saya ingat selalu tapi sukar untuk amal kerana kalah dengan nafsu,
"Permudahkan kehidupan dunia"
Terima kaseyyyyy!
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Ulasan: KREATOR Endless Pain
Dalam kelompok teutonic thrash metal German, Kreator letaknya antara Sodom dan Destruction dari segi kualiti permainan. Tidak terlampau simple atau terlampau kompleks. Ini mungkin menjadi advantage bagi Kreator kerana dari segi kualiti permainan instrumen yang bersih, takhtanya akan jatuh kepada Destruction. Sodom dengan album pertamanya, tidaklah nampak sangat apa yang menarik. Endless Pain sebagai album pertama di tahun 1985, disebalik kualiti produksi yang tak dikawal sangat, akhirnya menjadi rujukan kepada banyak band thrash yang mendatang. Ianya adalah batu loncatan kepada album-album Kreator yang lebih teknikal. Disebalik itu, tidak mungkin kita dapat mengelak dari mengiktiraf thrash anthem dari album ini seperti Tormentor, Flag Of Hate dan Cry War. Ini adalah satu-satunya album yang dirasai vokal drummer, Ventor lebih sedap dari Mille Petrozza. Album thrash metal yang pantas dan berdebu.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Ulasan: SCORPIONS Blackout
Dalam sejarah muzik Heavy Metal/Hard Rock, gambar kulit album ini adalah yang terbaik (untuk saya). Dan isinya juga tidak mengecewakan langsung. Blackout adalah album ke-8 Scorpions, 2 album selepas masuknya Matthias Jabs menggantikan gitaris lagenda Uli Jon Roth. Di mana 2 album sebelumnya, Lovedrive dan Animal Magnetism kelihatan agak tidak konsisten walaupun hala tujunya sudah pasti, Blackout adalah sebuah album yang solid. Pilih mana saja lagu dalam album ini saya gerenti tiada yang tersalah pilih. Lagu-lagu rock kerasnya memang keras dan untuk ini kita patut berterima kasih kepada produser, Dieter Dierks yang benar-benar faham maksud kekerasan. Gitar Rudolph Schenker kedengaran begitu punchy, keras dan mantap sedangkan solo Jabs juga terletak pada tempatnya. Sukar untuk dipercayai bahawa sebelum album ini dirakam, vokalis Klaus Meine telah menempuhi pembedahan tekak kerana suara beliau dalam album ini memang habis rock kangkang dah. Akhirnya bahagian rhythm tidak akan lengkap tanpa ketepatan bass Francis Buccholz dan drummer Hermann Rarebell yang mengingatkan kita kepada gandingan AC/DC, Phil Rudd dan Cliff Williams. Jika anda mahu berjinak-jinak dengan watak Scorpions yang sebenar, saya tidak akan berikan zaman Uli Jon Roth tetapi saya akan tawarkan Blackout sebagai rujukan utama.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
SOLD: EDWARDS E-LP-92CD guitar & SPECTOR Legend 6 Bass
softcase included!
Please go to this link for more pix and info: SOLD!!!
hardcase included!
Please go to this link for more pix and info: SOLD!
Reason for sale?
Fund to buy THIS!!!
Les Paul Classic Custom
Monday, November 12, 2012
Interview with DREAM THEATER
Published in KARISMA magazine issue 24. This is the original reply in English. It took me some times to come up with the questions. I hope it add some extra information to your Dream Theater library. Replied by John Petrucci.
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Dream Theater – Karisma Magazine [http://www.majalahkarisma.com] (Malaysia)
We know that John Petrucci, John Myung, and Mike Portnoy started this while attending the Berklee College of Music. What we don't know is that whether dropping out of college to play fulltime was a hard decision? How do you reflect it now? Will you suggest this decision to those who have the same urge?
It was definitely a difficult decision to make. We were young and passionate but our parents wanted us to follow through with our degrees. It took some convincing! Fortunately it turned out to be the right decision but I don’t necessarily advocate dropping out of college for everyone.
Was the decision to play to a more progressive approach in Dream Theater due to the existing talents? How hard was it to be recognized when the album When Dream And Day Unite was released?
We fell into our style very naturally right from the beginning. We were big fans of Rush and Yes as well as many prog/fusion artists. That, combined with our love of metal defined our sound. WDADU really didn’t receive much press. We also didn’t tour in support of it so a lot of people weren’t aware that it was out there.
In Images and Words, the direction of the band is more coherent resulting in the success of the album as well as the band. What was the main approach for that album?
We really just honed in our writing and style for that album. We focused not only on the intricacies of the music, but on the compositions and melodies as well. As a young band, it was a huge help having David Prater produce us.
Awake is a bit dark and some says it was due to Kevin Moore's unwillingness to complete the album. Probably the band was in a difficult situation in trying to catch up with the success of Images and Words. Any reflections on that?
The main contributing factor to the darker and heavier direction was the introduction of the 7-string guitar in our music. Kevin’s departure was certainly heartbreaking but he did complete the album. We had a great time recording in Los Angeles.
When David Prater produced A Change of Seasons, the production was a little bit thin although it fits with the overall compositions. The EP was a little bit out compare to the previous albums which are quite heavy. Was that an agreement between the band and the producer?
David produced ACOS the way he heard it. I’m not sure why he changed direction a bit from IAW but I think in the end it could have been a bit more polished sounding.
Although Falling Into Infinity was regarded as an album which is too commercial, it has many of the Dream Theater's progressiveness trademark. Portnoy hated it. Personally I loved it. To whom you are in agreement with (me or Mike)?
Not speaking for MP but I highly doubt he hated it if I were to speculate. Every one of our albums is a proud moment in our creative lives and I think FII is no exception. Some of our best songs are on that album. Working with Kevin Shirley was an awesome experience that led to a long and great friendship.
Metropolis Part II is regarded as one of the best Dream Theater album. Does this album happen due to the frustration of Falling Into Infinity? Or was it because of Jordan Rudess joining the band?
There was no frustration with FII. It was a great album in my opinion. Scenes is special for many reasons. It is the first album with Jordan, it is DT’s first concept album and it is the first one produced by Mike and I.
The Great Debate in the album Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence is one of my favorite Dream Theater song in particular the lyric subject is very interesting. Do you strive to write lyrics which are extraordinary or were it simply because it affected you in some way?
I like to experiment with a few different writing styles. Sometimes I tell stories, other times I reflect on emotions or personal events. This was an example of choosing a very controversial topic that would raise questions and get people talking. A reflection of the state of the world at that moment.
How was the guitar/keyboard solos in the song In The Name Of God was written? Amazing!
It is a legato guitar line that I wrote and showed to Jordan. We had the idea of doubling it in unison in order to create a cascading flow of notes.
Octavarium was a little bit laidback. Some argued too many ballads. Was this intentional?
The focus on Octavarium was on composition. Stripping down the external elements and getting to the core. It is a very thematic and melodic album.
Systematic Chaos and Black Clouds & Silver Linings had the same production quality. Do you agree on this statement?
Those two albums were recorded in a very similar fashion with the same team. Although there are consistencies, I believe we learned from SC and that Black Clouds came out better sounding.
A Dramatic Turn of Events is basically a new chapter in Dream Theater's history and it turned up to be an excellent album? Is this going to reflect in the future albums as well?
We will continue to strive to be our best musically in all areas. Songwriting, musicianship, production etc. Meeting those challenges each time will help us to grow as a band.
How's Mike Mangini doing in the band? How long does it take for him to be comfortable in the band?
MM is doing amazingly well. Not only is he a super-human drummer but he is also a great person and fits in perfectly with DT. It seems like he was comfortable from the first day.
One thing I remembered seeing Dream Theater live in action (Adelaide, Australia 2008) was that you had multiple cameras fixed to all the band member's positions, eliminating moving cameraman on stage. However, does it limit the way it turns out in DVD?
Those cameras are just to send images to the video screens. A real DVD shoot would have moving cameras.
I guess, unlike Mike Portnoy, looking at the progress of Dream Theater the last few years, there will be no rest. But perhaps you will need it in the future, in what conditions that can be?
We plan on making music as DT for many years to come.
How do you find playing in Singapore for the last two shows (2006 & 2008)? What it is going to be like in 2012?
We had a great time and I’m so excited to return and not only introduce Mike Mangini to everyone, but to play the new songs and to show off our beautiful stage production.
Asian crowds are not as aggressive compare to others. How do find this affecting your stage performance?
No. It is amazing playing in Asia. We always have the best time and the audiences are spectacular.
Will there be a new DVD with Mike Mangini on it?
Yes, coming soon.
Is anyone going to help Petrucci producing the next album?
No, I will continue to produce DT on my own.
Last words to fans in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia?
Thank you so much for the many years of support and love. We are so psyched to be playing for all of you and look forward to sharing many more musical memories in the years to come!
---------------------
Dream Theater – Karisma Magazine [http://www.majalahkarisma.com] (Malaysia)
We know that John Petrucci, John Myung, and Mike Portnoy started this while attending the Berklee College of Music. What we don't know is that whether dropping out of college to play fulltime was a hard decision? How do you reflect it now? Will you suggest this decision to those who have the same urge?
It was definitely a difficult decision to make. We were young and passionate but our parents wanted us to follow through with our degrees. It took some convincing! Fortunately it turned out to be the right decision but I don’t necessarily advocate dropping out of college for everyone.
Was the decision to play to a more progressive approach in Dream Theater due to the existing talents? How hard was it to be recognized when the album When Dream And Day Unite was released?
We fell into our style very naturally right from the beginning. We were big fans of Rush and Yes as well as many prog/fusion artists. That, combined with our love of metal defined our sound. WDADU really didn’t receive much press. We also didn’t tour in support of it so a lot of people weren’t aware that it was out there.
In Images and Words, the direction of the band is more coherent resulting in the success of the album as well as the band. What was the main approach for that album?
We really just honed in our writing and style for that album. We focused not only on the intricacies of the music, but on the compositions and melodies as well. As a young band, it was a huge help having David Prater produce us.
Awake is a bit dark and some says it was due to Kevin Moore's unwillingness to complete the album. Probably the band was in a difficult situation in trying to catch up with the success of Images and Words. Any reflections on that?
The main contributing factor to the darker and heavier direction was the introduction of the 7-string guitar in our music. Kevin’s departure was certainly heartbreaking but he did complete the album. We had a great time recording in Los Angeles.
When David Prater produced A Change of Seasons, the production was a little bit thin although it fits with the overall compositions. The EP was a little bit out compare to the previous albums which are quite heavy. Was that an agreement between the band and the producer?
David produced ACOS the way he heard it. I’m not sure why he changed direction a bit from IAW but I think in the end it could have been a bit more polished sounding.
Although Falling Into Infinity was regarded as an album which is too commercial, it has many of the Dream Theater's progressiveness trademark. Portnoy hated it. Personally I loved it. To whom you are in agreement with (me or Mike)?
Not speaking for MP but I highly doubt he hated it if I were to speculate. Every one of our albums is a proud moment in our creative lives and I think FII is no exception. Some of our best songs are on that album. Working with Kevin Shirley was an awesome experience that led to a long and great friendship.
Metropolis Part II is regarded as one of the best Dream Theater album. Does this album happen due to the frustration of Falling Into Infinity? Or was it because of Jordan Rudess joining the band?
There was no frustration with FII. It was a great album in my opinion. Scenes is special for many reasons. It is the first album with Jordan, it is DT’s first concept album and it is the first one produced by Mike and I.
The Great Debate in the album Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence is one of my favorite Dream Theater song in particular the lyric subject is very interesting. Do you strive to write lyrics which are extraordinary or were it simply because it affected you in some way?
I like to experiment with a few different writing styles. Sometimes I tell stories, other times I reflect on emotions or personal events. This was an example of choosing a very controversial topic that would raise questions and get people talking. A reflection of the state of the world at that moment.
How was the guitar/keyboard solos in the song In The Name Of God was written? Amazing!
It is a legato guitar line that I wrote and showed to Jordan. We had the idea of doubling it in unison in order to create a cascading flow of notes.
Octavarium was a little bit laidback. Some argued too many ballads. Was this intentional?
The focus on Octavarium was on composition. Stripping down the external elements and getting to the core. It is a very thematic and melodic album.
Systematic Chaos and Black Clouds & Silver Linings had the same production quality. Do you agree on this statement?
Those two albums were recorded in a very similar fashion with the same team. Although there are consistencies, I believe we learned from SC and that Black Clouds came out better sounding.
A Dramatic Turn of Events is basically a new chapter in Dream Theater's history and it turned up to be an excellent album? Is this going to reflect in the future albums as well?
We will continue to strive to be our best musically in all areas. Songwriting, musicianship, production etc. Meeting those challenges each time will help us to grow as a band.
How's Mike Mangini doing in the band? How long does it take for him to be comfortable in the band?
MM is doing amazingly well. Not only is he a super-human drummer but he is also a great person and fits in perfectly with DT. It seems like he was comfortable from the first day.
One thing I remembered seeing Dream Theater live in action (Adelaide, Australia 2008) was that you had multiple cameras fixed to all the band member's positions, eliminating moving cameraman on stage. However, does it limit the way it turns out in DVD?
Those cameras are just to send images to the video screens. A real DVD shoot would have moving cameras.
I guess, unlike Mike Portnoy, looking at the progress of Dream Theater the last few years, there will be no rest. But perhaps you will need it in the future, in what conditions that can be?
We plan on making music as DT for many years to come.
How do you find playing in Singapore for the last two shows (2006 & 2008)? What it is going to be like in 2012?
We had a great time and I’m so excited to return and not only introduce Mike Mangini to everyone, but to play the new songs and to show off our beautiful stage production.
Asian crowds are not as aggressive compare to others. How do find this affecting your stage performance?
No. It is amazing playing in Asia. We always have the best time and the audiences are spectacular.
Will there be a new DVD with Mike Mangini on it?
Yes, coming soon.
Is anyone going to help Petrucci producing the next album?
No, I will continue to produce DT on my own.
Last words to fans in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia?
Thank you so much for the many years of support and love. We are so psyched to be playing for all of you and look forward to sharing many more musical memories in the years to come!
Friday, November 09, 2012
Ulasan: NAPALM DEATH Harmony Corruption
Album ini mengejutkan ramai orang kerana sebagai band pioneer dalam muzik grindcore, album ketiga ini seolah-olah meninggalkan apa yang mereka cipta. Sebenarnya tidak. apa yang mereka lakukan ialah menggabungkan dua muzik ekstrim ketika itu; grindcore dan death metal dalam satu. Yang dipertikaikan mungkin album Altars of Madness (Morbid Angel) telah diriliskan 1989, setahun lebih awal yang dilihat sebagai album pertama yang menggabungkan kedua-dua muzik tersebut. Ini sebenarnya tidak boleh dielakkan akibat teknologi ketika itu tidak memungkinkan muzik grindcore diterokai lebih dari apa yang ada. Lagipun jika kita memperincikan kedua-dua album ini, memang terselah bezanya terutama dari segi feel, produksi dan intipatinya yang agak melarat untuk diperbincangkan. Album dimulakan dengan intro sebelum lagu Vision Conquest yang meremangkan bulu roma dan lagu itu sendiri menjadi abstrak kepada apa yang akan disajikan seterusnya; grindcore dan death metal yang digabungkan secara fundamental yang memberi ruang kepada band lain untuk meneroka ruang yang baru. Namun tiada siapa yang boleh menafikan tarikan lagu Unfit Earth, Mind Snare dan Suffer The Children yang selamanya menjadi lagu klasik Napalm Death. Dan Napalm Death itu sendiri masih kekal hingga ke hari ini, 22 tahun selepas Harmony Corruption.
Wednesday, November 07, 2012
Ulasan: WARRANT Cherry Pie
Di zaman kegemilangan WARRANT, mereka agak terkeluar dari radar pendengaran saya. Saya tau kewujudannya dan saya tau akan lagu pom-pom rock Cherry Pie tetapi selain dari itu, yilek, zero. Oleh itu, harapan saya tidaklah tinggi sangat ketika pertama kali mendengar CD ini. Ramuan hard rock glam generasi kedua Sunsetstrip memang secukup rasa. Lagu-lagu dengan korus yang anthemic seperti tajuk album, Uncle Tom's Cabin dan Mr Rainmaker memang sudah diformulakan begitu. Lagu-lagu baladanya pula agak kurang mencengkam. Dan lain-lainnya pula tidaklah dikenali mahupun disebut ramai. Seolah-olah mereka bergantung kepada lagu Cherry Pie sahaja. Ditambah pula kredibiliti band hanya bergantung kepada mendiang Jani Lane sedangkan gitarisnya juga agak kurang dikenali sedangkan ia adalah antara faktor paling penting - Vito Bratta bersama White Lion, C.C. Deville bersama Poison dan Slash bersama Guns N Roses, contohnya. Tingginya tangga album ini di tangga ke-7 Billboard pada waktu rilisnya memang diakui tetapi tidak juga menafikan kelewatan mereka untuk berbuat sesuatu untuk menyelamatkan diri dengan kedatangan muzik grunge tidak berapa lama selepas itu.
Tuesday, November 06, 2012
Ulasan: THIN LIZZY Jailbreak
What a bloody fine album!
Thin Lizzy mengambil masa 5 tahun dan 5 album sebelum dikenali dengan album Jailbreak ini. Mula mereka agak tidak konsisten. Mungkin disebabkan asal mereka dari Ireland yang agak ketinggalan maka tidak hairanlah album awal mereka bercelaru dengan berbagai jalan dan cara. Sememangnya, mereka dikenali sebegitu hatta album ini sekalipun cuma mereka telah mendapat formula yang betul ditambah dengan double lead guitar harmony yang telah dikuasai sepenuhnya. Walaupun stail gitar ini diasalkan sebenarnya dari Wishbone Ash dan Lynyrd Skynyrd tetapi mereka membawa ia ke satu tangga yang lebih tinggi menjadikan Thin Lizzy idola kepada band heavy metal yang kemudian; Iron Maiden (mereka cover lagu Massacre), Def Leppard dan Metallica (Whiskey in a jar) antaranya. Album ini menawarkan lagu proto-heavy metal Jailbreak, Warriors dan Emerald. Juga lagu rock melodik dengan Angel From The Coast, Romeo and the Lonely Girl dan The Boys are Back In Town. Maukan sedikit rock country dari Ireland? Dengarkan lagu Running Back dan Cowboy Song. Balada? Dengarkan Fight Or Fall (tidak meleweh). Hampir mustahil untuk tidak menyukai album ini melainkan anda buta dan tuli muzik rock/metal.
Monday, November 05, 2012
Mount Bromo, East Java Pt 3
They say, save the best for the last. Truly enough, our final destination, the inferno on earth, volcano.
The jeeps parked about 1km away from the mountain. We were asked to walk or take the horse. I think this was good though what they really meant was to help the local horses to find masters to rent them. For Rp300,000 they will take you 2 ways.
Also they were plenty of locals selling shirts. I bought mine much earlier, 5 for Rp100,000. Here you can get 6 for Rp100,000. I heard someone get it for 7 if you know how to sweet talk.
After walking so much I couldn't find the strength to continue so I paid for a horse-ride. And this was my first!
The jeeps parked about 1km away from the mountain. We were asked to walk or take the horse. I think this was good though what they really meant was to help the local horses to find masters to rent them. For Rp300,000 they will take you 2 ways.
Also they were plenty of locals selling shirts. I bought mine much earlier, 5 for Rp100,000. Here you can get 6 for Rp100,000. I heard someone get it for 7 if you know how to sweet talk.
After walking so much I couldn't find the strength to continue so I paid for a horse-ride. And this was my first!
The jeeps parked and we were shooed away to walk.
OK I can do this... not!
The horse and the masters.
My ride, Josh. 5 years old male. Been on this job for 2 years. And he can work until 50 I was told. He never stopped at one point I was sure he almost collapsed scaling the route consider my weight and he was very small. But you know, horses are one of the wonders of the world, they never stopped and never gave up! I pity you Josh but at the same time I was amazed by your strength.
The temple. We were told that on specific times, rituals were conducted to appease the spirits of the mountains. The crowds were huge. Among the sacrifice thrown into the pits were chickens. Were there cattles too? This, I am not sure.
These flowers were also used to be thrown into the volcano. Make a wish. Notice that they were moulded into animal figures?
We were now at the base of the mountain. The horse ride stops here. Can you see the temple? Then, can you see the jeeps parked? Yes that was how far we have to walk if you don't want to pay for the horse ride. My suggestion is, just pay for the horse ride.
Arrgghhh.... stairs!!! It took countless stops before reaching the top.
Finally! I tell you, it worth all the pains (and money).
If you fell down, that's it. It will becomes your grave. And who knows if it explode your burnt remain will be thrown out?
OK... time for self indulgence.
Another one. What? Not good enough?
With the local. And you already know my friend, Riduan.
The revellers doing their ultimate thing, photographing.
THE END!
Friday, November 02, 2012
Cepat kaya
Once in a while I bought and read Harian Metro. For this entry I read it while indulging myself with air kelapa muda by the roadside during one hot afternoon.
My question is why such advert will always show people with big car? Is that a prove of reputation? You don't see real wealthy people having his picture taken with a car. Nobody actually knows what kind of car he is driving or even, do we care?
Fortunately, no academics listed. It is much easier to check by going to the university he is (was attached). It shows me what kind of predator they are and what kind of people they are targeting.
If I am not mistaken, this kind of advert has been published since the age of dawn. Alhamdulillah, I've never taken by it. Anyone of you actually joined such scheme and being wealthy?
My question is why such advert will always show people with big car? Is that a prove of reputation? You don't see real wealthy people having his picture taken with a car. Nobody actually knows what kind of car he is driving or even, do we care?
Fortunately, no academics listed. It is much easier to check by going to the university he is (was attached). It shows me what kind of predator they are and what kind of people they are targeting.
If I am not mistaken, this kind of advert has been published since the age of dawn. Alhamdulillah, I've never taken by it. Anyone of you actually joined such scheme and being wealthy?
Thursday, November 01, 2012
Surat Bapak
Lately I've been busy with work outstation. I guess, this kind of situation was rare 10-15 years ago? Time changes and so do the scope of work.
Even the next few weeks I have to plan properly for outstation. The kids were unhappy. Obviously they though I went for holidays (see pic above by Sumaiyyah) such as my last trip to Surabaya attending a conference.
Last night, Ismail cried knowing I am going to the US next month for another business trip. He asked if he could follow and giving me his piggy bank for the money. I told him that it is not possible as I am going not for pleasure. I wish he could understand.
For that, I also have to plan for a real vacations at the end of the year. Though I cannot pay much for an overseas trip but the time spent together that counts. Any suggestion for a trip for 5 kids (9months old to 12y.o.)?
Komen AES
Saya akan komen karikatur Zunar di akhir tulisan.
Saya sokong AES dengan pembaikan. Mana-mana komplen yang munasabah, perlu diambil perhatian dan pembaikan perlu dijalankan.
Saya sokong AES kerana saya dapat buat perbandingan antara pemandu di Malaysia dengan negara maju; Australia dan USA. Saya menetap di Australia selama 3.5 tahun dan USA 3 bulan. Nyata pemanduan mereka lebih cermat. Yang lebih penting, mereka nampak menghormati undang-undang jalan raya.
Jika hadlaju 40km/j kerana melalui kawasan sekolah, memang SEMUA akan memandu dengan kelajuan tersebut. Jika ada tanda berhenti, memang mereka akan berhenti. Jika ada garisan zebra untuk laluan pejalan kaki, memang mereka akan berhenti dan memberi laluan kepada pejalan kaki untuk melintas.
Anda pun tahu saya pun tahu keadaan kita di Malaysia.
Hari-hari kita memandu, berapa kali anda nampak kereta/motor langgar lampu merah? Sekali sebulan? Sekali seminggu? Hari-hari? Atau setiap lampu merah pasti ada yang melanggarnya?
Tidakkah anda rasa sedih?
Mengenai kartun Zunar, beberapa komen yang saya rasa patut. Sebab di dalam facebook, ramai yang mengutuk polis berkaitan dengan kartun tersebut.
Pertama, mereka lupa bahawa setiap hari pasti ada laporan polis menyelesaikan kes-kes jenayah di dalam akhbar. Komen membantai polis seolah-olah lupa akan penat lelah polis selama ini. Pernah anda terjumpa komen dalam laman sosial mengucapkan terima kasih kepada PDRM? Dari pihak pemerintah pun jarang dari yang membangkang pun tiada.
Kedua, AES adalah dalam bidang tanggungjawab JPJ, kan? Apa kena mengena PDRM?
Ketiga, Zunar adalah kartunis politik sebelah pihak. Lagaknya memang begitu, sentiasa akan mengkritik sebelah pihak yang lain dan mengabaikan kesalahan di pihak beliau. Apabila kita faham situasi ini akan lebih faham kenapa sifat karikatur beliau begitu dan kita lebih berhati-hati dalam tindakan kita.
Saya sokong AES dengan pembaikan. Mana-mana komplen yang munasabah, perlu diambil perhatian dan pembaikan perlu dijalankan.
Saya sokong AES kerana saya dapat buat perbandingan antara pemandu di Malaysia dengan negara maju; Australia dan USA. Saya menetap di Australia selama 3.5 tahun dan USA 3 bulan. Nyata pemanduan mereka lebih cermat. Yang lebih penting, mereka nampak menghormati undang-undang jalan raya.
Jika hadlaju 40km/j kerana melalui kawasan sekolah, memang SEMUA akan memandu dengan kelajuan tersebut. Jika ada tanda berhenti, memang mereka akan berhenti. Jika ada garisan zebra untuk laluan pejalan kaki, memang mereka akan berhenti dan memberi laluan kepada pejalan kaki untuk melintas.
Anda pun tahu saya pun tahu keadaan kita di Malaysia.
Hari-hari kita memandu, berapa kali anda nampak kereta/motor langgar lampu merah? Sekali sebulan? Sekali seminggu? Hari-hari? Atau setiap lampu merah pasti ada yang melanggarnya?
Tidakkah anda rasa sedih?
Mengenai kartun Zunar, beberapa komen yang saya rasa patut. Sebab di dalam facebook, ramai yang mengutuk polis berkaitan dengan kartun tersebut.
Pertama, mereka lupa bahawa setiap hari pasti ada laporan polis menyelesaikan kes-kes jenayah di dalam akhbar. Komen membantai polis seolah-olah lupa akan penat lelah polis selama ini. Pernah anda terjumpa komen dalam laman sosial mengucapkan terima kasih kepada PDRM? Dari pihak pemerintah pun jarang dari yang membangkang pun tiada.
Kedua, AES adalah dalam bidang tanggungjawab JPJ, kan? Apa kena mengena PDRM?
Ketiga, Zunar adalah kartunis politik sebelah pihak. Lagaknya memang begitu, sentiasa akan mengkritik sebelah pihak yang lain dan mengabaikan kesalahan di pihak beliau. Apabila kita faham situasi ini akan lebih faham kenapa sifat karikatur beliau begitu dan kita lebih berhati-hati dalam tindakan kita.