I like to eat. Tonight I happened to find a great fusion restaurant in Auchenflower. The name is Hanabi, and you can find it at 28 Grimes St, Auchenflower. I tried the Blue Soft Shell Crab, which was very well presented and delicious. The Apple Custard Rolls and Double Choc Beano with Mochi has the best choc topping on it. Other recommended items: Sushi Seafood Garden, Salamon Island, Seared Miso Scallops, and Fireworks Salad with Eel. I think it's worth going there with friends (or a special someone), because the atmosphere and presentation is very interesting. I would highly recommend this place to anyone who is looking for something special for dinner.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Passion for Nice Food
I like to eat. Tonight I happened to find a great fusion restaurant in Auchenflower. The name is Hanabi, and you can find it at 28 Grimes St, Auchenflower. I tried the Blue Soft Shell Crab, which was very well presented and delicious. The Apple Custard Rolls and Double Choc Beano with Mochi has the best choc topping on it. Other recommended items: Sushi Seafood Garden, Salamon Island, Seared Miso Scallops, and Fireworks Salad with Eel. I think it's worth going there with friends (or a special someone), because the atmosphere and presentation is very interesting. I would highly recommend this place to anyone who is looking for something special for dinner.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Boxing Day
Some people still think that boxing day is a day to celebrate a sport called 'boxing' where they put 2 fighters in a box. The aim of the game is to punch each other's head so badly until they see spinning boxes. These fighters are called boxers, and since they only wear shorts during the game, their shorts are called boxer shorts. The Germans went overboard when they invented a new breed of short dogs and called it 'boxer'.
Boxing is more often associated with kangaroos, because some people think that kangaroos are good at boxing. I'm not sure whether it's a myth, but I know that they are often wrapped in a box, marinated, and ready to cook.
Maybe boxing day should be called 'unboxing' day, cos I think it's also the day when kids are supposed to open their presents. But kids don't follow rules, so parents have to take their kids shopping on boxing day so that they can buy another boxed present to open. Actually, that's mums' excuse because mums love to go shopping and will say anything to go on a mission with dads' credit card.
Or maybe that's the day when baby Jesus started sleeping in his very own box. Probably modified from a wooden milk crate that Joseph found in his relative's house. This is only a speculation, so christian mums please don't put your babies in milk crates so that they can be more like Jesus.
Boxing is more often associated with kangaroos, because some people think that kangaroos are good at boxing. I'm not sure whether it's a myth, but I know that they are often wrapped in a box, marinated, and ready to cook.
Maybe boxing day should be called 'unboxing' day, cos I think it's also the day when kids are supposed to open their presents. But kids don't follow rules, so parents have to take their kids shopping on boxing day so that they can buy another boxed present to open. Actually, that's mums' excuse because mums love to go shopping and will say anything to go on a mission with dads' credit card.
Or maybe that's the day when baby Jesus started sleeping in his very own box. Probably modified from a wooden milk crate that Joseph found in his relative's house. This is only a speculation, so christian mums please don't put your babies in milk crates so that they can be more like Jesus.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Christmastime
Why do we say Happy Birthday, Happy Easter, Happy New Year, and even Happy Chinese New Year, but Merry Christmas? Anyway, Happy Christmas!
I spent Christmas Eve with my extended family at Mersilau, on the way to Mount Kinabalu. It was a great time, a few hours of scenic drive with many stopovers to eat and check out some hotels. The hostel that we stayed in has changed a lot, now there's a golf course and the road is much better.
Apart from the usual family politics, I actually enjoyed the trip, expecially with my cousins. Just before I left, I received a notice that a parcel is waiting for me at the post office. I wonder who sent me my only christmas present this year :)
Just like every holiday, it's not complete without yummy feast. Yesterday we had BBQ. It was not exactly delicious, but the roasting made it memorable. The fat portions belong to God, and the rest belong to me. Not everything was fully cooked, but I enjoyed my fair share of corn and sweet potato :)
The best surprise comes as part of the christmas package. Somehow there's more friends who signed up with facebook, and I'm glad to hear from some long-lost friends :) Must be the holiday effect. Thanks to everyone who sent me encouraging messages too!
I spent Christmas Eve with my extended family at Mersilau, on the way to Mount Kinabalu. It was a great time, a few hours of scenic drive with many stopovers to eat and check out some hotels. The hostel that we stayed in has changed a lot, now there's a golf course and the road is much better.
Apart from the usual family politics, I actually enjoyed the trip, expecially with my cousins. Just before I left, I received a notice that a parcel is waiting for me at the post office. I wonder who sent me my only christmas present this year :)
Just like every holiday, it's not complete without yummy feast. Yesterday we had BBQ. It was not exactly delicious, but the roasting made it memorable. The fat portions belong to God, and the rest belong to me. Not everything was fully cooked, but I enjoyed my fair share of corn and sweet potato :)
The best surprise comes as part of the christmas package. Somehow there's more friends who signed up with facebook, and I'm glad to hear from some long-lost friends :) Must be the holiday effect. Thanks to everyone who sent me encouraging messages too!
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Shoe Polish
The other day I was polishing my shoes with australian bee wax. Then the Holy Spirit impressed upon my heart that applying God's word is like shoe polish. Without shoe polish, the shoes will wear out faster. Shoe polish protects the shoes from the sun, dust, and water. Similarly, we are just filthy and evil without God's word (James 1:21).
But when we humbly accept God's word, we are saved. God's word not only cleans us from filth and protects us from evil, but also makes us shine. It's not enough to have the word of God though. James 1:22 says that we have to apply it, like a shoe polish.
If you have polished shoes before, you'll know that it's not enough to put the polish on the shoe. You have to rub it diligently until the shoe shines. Similarly, it's not enough to read the bible, but we benefit most when we do what it says. This is especially true for me, cos I tend to forget, and I need to revise and practice many times until I get it.
But when we humbly accept God's word, we are saved. God's word not only cleans us from filth and protects us from evil, but also makes us shine. It's not enough to have the word of God though. James 1:22 says that we have to apply it, like a shoe polish.
If you have polished shoes before, you'll know that it's not enough to put the polish on the shoe. You have to rub it diligently until the shoe shines. Similarly, it's not enough to read the bible, but we benefit most when we do what it says. This is especially true for me, cos I tend to forget, and I need to revise and practice many times until I get it.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
How much is enough?
How much do you need now? A bachelor living with parents may say $1000 per month, but a father of 4 teenagers (6 cars, 2 wives, and 3 crocodiles) may say that he needs to spend $80,000 per month.
How much do you think you'll need in the future? If Jesus doesn't come back in my generation, I may have another 70 years to live. Then again, I may not be living alone. I may have to feed 1,000 orphans, 5,000 drug addicts, or maybe just one or two dogs. And a wife, because wives tend to outlive their husbands by 8 years (I wonder why).
When you take up insurance, forget about investment-linked insurance, because after 50 years, you probably have nothing left. Go figure. If you plan to insure yourself, consider how much you (and your family) need in the future, and how much you can spend on the premium in the next few years. Take into account the inflation rate and rising costs of medical services. Then settle with what you can afford.
If you consider investments, try not to use it unless if necessary. Otherwise your investment will be like a runner running with an open parachute.
Compound interest is the most powerful tool in history. $100,000 becomes $1,000,000+ in 25 years at 10% interest. And it becomes $1,500,000+ 4 years later. Consider what will happen if you add $10,000 annually.
Enough is never enough. With so much temptations in the world, God had to remind us that Thou shalth not covet thy neighbours' 4 wives, Taylor guitars, BMWs, plasma TVs and diamond noserings (Exo 20:17). Doesn't mean that you can't have more than your neighbours though :P
It's not good to work for more than enough. Too much honey is not good for you (Pro 25:27). It's ok to earn supernormal salary, but don't forget your health, and other things that matter in life. So set a realistic goal for your life, and don't forget to enjoy it.
Be content with what you have in every situation (Phil 4:11-13). True contentment is irrelevant of wealth (Ecc5:10-11), but is found in relationship with God.
How much do you think you'll need in the future? If Jesus doesn't come back in my generation, I may have another 70 years to live. Then again, I may not be living alone. I may have to feed 1,000 orphans, 5,000 drug addicts, or maybe just one or two dogs. And a wife, because wives tend to outlive their husbands by 8 years (I wonder why).
When you take up insurance, forget about investment-linked insurance, because after 50 years, you probably have nothing left. Go figure. If you plan to insure yourself, consider how much you (and your family) need in the future, and how much you can spend on the premium in the next few years. Take into account the inflation rate and rising costs of medical services. Then settle with what you can afford.
If you consider investments, try not to use it unless if necessary. Otherwise your investment will be like a runner running with an open parachute.
Compound interest is the most powerful tool in history. $100,000 becomes $1,000,000+ in 25 years at 10% interest. And it becomes $1,500,000+ 4 years later. Consider what will happen if you add $10,000 annually.
Enough is never enough. With so much temptations in the world, God had to remind us that Thou shalth not covet thy neighbours' 4 wives, Taylor guitars, BMWs, plasma TVs and diamond noserings (Exo 20:17). Doesn't mean that you can't have more than your neighbours though :P
It's not good to work for more than enough. Too much honey is not good for you (Pro 25:27). It's ok to earn supernormal salary, but don't forget your health, and other things that matter in life. So set a realistic goal for your life, and don't forget to enjoy it.
Be content with what you have in every situation (Phil 4:11-13). True contentment is irrelevant of wealth (Ecc5:10-11), but is found in relationship with God.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Beowulf
I watched Beowulf on Saturday night. It's an ethical movie about sin that so easily entangles in our lives (Heb 12:1). Be careful, because even kings and heroes fall for it. All the time.
I was somewhat intrigued because some of them mentioned Jesus Christ as a solution. But it's not enough to know about the Way. Acts 24:22-27 told us about a person who knew the Way, but was not willing to confront some personal issues, or simply loved the way of the world. True repentance is difficult because we have to deal with pride, greed and lust.
When you are drowning in sin, you have to stop struggling, then God can save you.
I was somewhat intrigued because some of them mentioned Jesus Christ as a solution. But it's not enough to know about the Way. Acts 24:22-27 told us about a person who knew the Way, but was not willing to confront some personal issues, or simply loved the way of the world. True repentance is difficult because we have to deal with pride, greed and lust.
When you are drowning in sin, you have to stop struggling, then God can save you.
13 When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. (James 1:13-15)
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Little Mouse Story
Just imagine.. you are in a dark room, and when you turn on the torchlight, you happen to shine it at a little mouse, and you see a huge shadow of the mouse on the wall. But when you switch on the ceiling light, you don't see the huge shadow anymore, you only find a little mouse ready to be pounced.. or maybe not, by then the mouse would have escaped already.
so what's the moral of the story? guess what, different light perspectives give us different ways of reacting to the mouse. The intimidating shadow turns into a vulnerable little mouse. Romans 12:2 reasons that we must renew our minds, then we can test God's reality. We have to take the step of faith, then we can discover more about God.
Sometimes we look at issues like ice in a glass of water, thinking that it will melt soon. But it may turn out to be the tip of an iceberg, able to sink even the mightiest battleship! be careful about the little sins in your life. and be extra careful about what's going on around you.
so what's the moral of the story? guess what, different light perspectives give us different ways of reacting to the mouse. The intimidating shadow turns into a vulnerable little mouse. Romans 12:2 reasons that we must renew our minds, then we can test God's reality. We have to take the step of faith, then we can discover more about God.
Sometimes we look at issues like ice in a glass of water, thinking that it will melt soon. But it may turn out to be the tip of an iceberg, able to sink even the mightiest battleship! be careful about the little sins in your life. and be extra careful about what's going on around you.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Servanthood Leadership
We can learn from John 13:1-17 about Jesus' attitude as a Master, where He demonstrated His love for His disciples by washing their stinking Hong Kong feet. And He emphasised this lesson by saying that there's no point just knowing it, you'd better do it! Later on in John 15:13, Jesus went further by saying that we are not just servants but friends, and He loved us to the point of death. How much are you willing to give to your friends?
When the church is growing, some leaders may feel inadequate because the people under their care may be more talented, more mature, etc. But a great leader is one who can take care of them, and does not need to be better than them. For example, the pastor may not be better in leading worship than the worship leader. A leader has to care, and to lead, to let them achieve their potential.
What if you are the really inadequate leader? hehehe.. I believe that leadership is appointed by God, and don't forget, Joshua was only a young boy, a servant, a son of Nun, and chosen by God. In Joshua 1:7 God said, be bold and courageous.. and as God knows our weaknesses, He topped it up with Acts 1:8, the promise of POWER when the Holy Spirit is with us. Not convinced? 2 Cor 12:9 assures us that Christ's power is made perfect in our weakness. So our weakness is actually expected by God to demonstrate His glory!
I'm not saying that all leaders may be slackers, but as long as we remain willing to be used by God, He will help us to overcome our lack. Have faith, comrades!
When the church is growing, some leaders may feel inadequate because the people under their care may be more talented, more mature, etc. But a great leader is one who can take care of them, and does not need to be better than them. For example, the pastor may not be better in leading worship than the worship leader. A leader has to care, and to lead, to let them achieve their potential.
What if you are the really inadequate leader? hehehe.. I believe that leadership is appointed by God, and don't forget, Joshua was only a young boy, a servant, a son of Nun, and chosen by God. In Joshua 1:7 God said, be bold and courageous.. and as God knows our weaknesses, He topped it up with Acts 1:8, the promise of POWER when the Holy Spirit is with us. Not convinced? 2 Cor 12:9 assures us that Christ's power is made perfect in our weakness. So our weakness is actually expected by God to demonstrate His glory!
I'm not saying that all leaders may be slackers, but as long as we remain willing to be used by God, He will help us to overcome our lack. Have faith, comrades!
Saturday, November 10, 2007
All Things New
Yeah, seems like it's the new buzz word among Christian circles. I just went to a live concert by True Worshippers last night, and the theme was All Things New. Steven Curtis Chapman also wrote a song with the same title. So what's the big deal? After all, the last thing that is new is God himself. And He's the same ancient lightyears ago, today, and forever.
Look at the bright side: compared to God, everything is new :D but cheekiness aside, 2Cor5:17 says that once we are in Christ, then out with the old and in with the new. By God's grace, we are set free from our old ways.
Halfway through the concert, the message hits home. God has been trying to tell me that now I'm experiencing 'All Things New'. New career, new home, new lifestyle, new church,new girlfriend new season. In the past few days, I've been super tired from travelling, with around 4-10hrs spent as a faithful passenger everyday. But God keeps reminding me of the vision of Revelation 21:1-8. One friend once asked me, which group of christians do you belong to? and I replied, "the ones who go to heaven."
There's no time to lose, we have to tell the world about Him! I can't wait to step on the new earth.
Look at the bright side: compared to God, everything is new :D but cheekiness aside, 2Cor5:17 says that once we are in Christ, then out with the old and in with the new. By God's grace, we are set free from our old ways.
Halfway through the concert, the message hits home. God has been trying to tell me that now I'm experiencing 'All Things New'. New career, new home, new lifestyle, new church,
There's no time to lose, we have to tell the world about Him! I can't wait to step on the new earth.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Lizard's Tail
Now, I'm sure you know that some lizards can shed their tail to escape from predators. Why is it that snakes can't? Or even dogs, and some other creatures. How did the lizards 'evolve' and develop this ability? Can we evolve other features such as wings or super sharp eyes if we want/need it? Or maybe there's a God who designed and fixed these features on His creatures after all.
The lizard's tail doesn't just detach when there's danger, it keeps moving as well! And the lizard will grow a new tail. Just imagine, how good it is if we can regrow our limbs after an accident. But God knows that human being doesn't need physical regrowth as much as a spiritual resurrection. Jesus already paid the punishment for our wrongdoings, so why don't you start a living relationship with God today? Secure your seat in heaven, and see you there!
The lizard's tail doesn't just detach when there's danger, it keeps moving as well! And the lizard will grow a new tail. Just imagine, how good it is if we can regrow our limbs after an accident. But God knows that human being doesn't need physical regrowth as much as a spiritual resurrection. Jesus already paid the punishment for our wrongdoings, so why don't you start a living relationship with God today? Secure your seat in heaven, and see you there!
Monday, September 17, 2007
Righteousness is Gold
Proverbs 27:23-27 tells us to watch over God-given resources carefully. The things of the world are temporary. There's no point piling up wealth but not living comfortably. And it's better to build up comfort in eternity than in this world.
Proverbs 28:6 is a reminder that character is more important than wealth. Verse 11 goes on to warn about being wise in your own eyes, because others will see through your folly.
Proverbs 28:6 is a reminder that character is more important than wealth. Verse 11 goes on to warn about being wise in your own eyes, because others will see through your folly.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Feasting in Malaysia
Just had a good breakfast today at Kedai Kopi Tong Fung, a coffee shop at Inanam. The most recommended menu is fish soup noodle #1, fried sepang fish with soy sauce, and oyster omelette. We had other things as well, and the bill came up to RM$30 per head. Using chicken rice as a benchmark, the same dish would cost around AU$70 per person in Melbourne. But in real terms, it only costs us around AU$10. I'm sure I've had more expensive dishes before, but my personal record (that I paid for) was around AU$80-90 per person for entree and main course lunch beside Brisbane River with a best friend.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Making Choices
I flew past Uluru Rocks on the way to Singapore. It's very beautiful from the top. Somehow the captain managed to get permission to fly past this huge lump of rock surrounded by beautiful panorama. Unfortunately, I didn't have enough time to take some photos. Fortunately, I managed to watch 3 movies :)
Pirates of the Carribean: At World's End raises an interesting thought. What will it be like on the other side of life? Some people simply don't care. In Singapore, there's a drink labelled 'Anything' and 'Whatever', and from what I heard, you may get random soft drinks in the can, perfect for the indecisive moments. But when it comes to eternity, such ignorance has fatal implications. There's only heaven and hell, and you have to choose.
Fantastic 4: The Rise of Silver Surfer shows that there's yet another group of people who don't want to explore their choices. Just like Silver Surfer who served a master who destroyed planets and said that there was no other choice. But as Susan the invisible woman said, we have a choice to make.
Mr Bean is yet another interesting character. He goes through life clumsily, without much planning, driven by his emotions. He's a happy-go-lucky type. But there's no guarantee that he will be lucky all the time because time is running out. The real deal starts when Jesus comes, or we kick the bucket.
Thank God for calling me to His kingdom. If you want to know more, feel free to read the bible, go to church, or ask any christian.
Pirates of the Carribean: At World's End raises an interesting thought. What will it be like on the other side of life? Some people simply don't care. In Singapore, there's a drink labelled 'Anything' and 'Whatever', and from what I heard, you may get random soft drinks in the can, perfect for the indecisive moments. But when it comes to eternity, such ignorance has fatal implications. There's only heaven and hell, and you have to choose.
Fantastic 4: The Rise of Silver Surfer shows that there's yet another group of people who don't want to explore their choices. Just like Silver Surfer who served a master who destroyed planets and said that there was no other choice. But as Susan the invisible woman said, we have a choice to make.
Mr Bean is yet another interesting character. He goes through life clumsily, without much planning, driven by his emotions. He's a happy-go-lucky type. But there's no guarantee that he will be lucky all the time because time is running out. The real deal starts when Jesus comes, or we kick the bucket.
Thank God for calling me to His kingdom. If you want to know more, feel free to read the bible, go to church, or ask any christian.
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Chocolate Crawlies
The next time you eat chocolates, make sure you take a good look before shoving it into your mouth. Recently a South Korean found maggots in Fererro Roche imitations purchased in China. Apparently there were other boxes discovered with infestation as well. Other news reported that in the past, Cadbury's from India and Masterfoods' M-Azing Bar in USA contained organic proteins as well. This is bad news for chocolatiers!
It gets me thinking as well, about how easy it is for sin and temptations to crawl into our lives. I have to constantly guard my mind by regularly reading the bible and spending time in prayer. Life's like a box of chocolate, you never know what you gonna get!
It gets me thinking as well, about how easy it is for sin and temptations to crawl into our lives. I have to constantly guard my mind by regularly reading the bible and spending time in prayer. Life's like a box of chocolate, you never know what you gonna get!
Friday, August 31, 2007
Contemplation
Recently I've been contemplating about going back to my grandfather's. My business is now overdue for a launch, and I'm already attracting clients even without advertising. There's a lot of activities in Melbourne that I like to do, and many meaningful events are happening in September-mid October.
But God gave me a word from Luke 2:51 to go, and He assured me with Deu31:8. My heart is anchored where I am, but my will is to obey God. I can only rely on His grace at the moment.
But God gave me a word from Luke 2:51 to go, and He assured me with Deu31:8. My heart is anchored where I am, but my will is to obey God. I can only rely on His grace at the moment.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Monday, August 27, 2007
Relationship Equation
Relationship is primarily a function of collective mutual value (R = Vab*Vba ... ). Whether it is a business relationship, work related, church, or personal friends, the strength of a relationship is determined only by mutually perceived value. The value of an entity (a) to another entity (b) may be positive or negative. The value of entity (a) to entity (b) may differ from the value of entity (b) to entity (a). Value V is correlated to Contribution C and Time T. C may be expressed in the form of intimacy, gifts, thoughts, reinforcing memories, etc.
How do you measure up in your relationships with others? Do you think that you need to revisit some relationships and sow some vitamin C? Is there any relationships where you can't increase your value to others no matter how much you contribute? Have you ignored some blessings from others?
If Vab is very high, but Vba is at the slightest negative, guess what - R is negative!
Sounds like genius? well, not quite. If Vab and Vba are both negative, R becomes positive! Muahahaha.. thank God I'm not a psychologist.
How do you measure up in your relationships with others? Do you think that you need to revisit some relationships and sow some vitamin C? Is there any relationships where you can't increase your value to others no matter how much you contribute? Have you ignored some blessings from others?
If Vab is very high, but Vba is at the slightest negative, guess what - R is negative!
Sounds like genius? well, not quite. If Vab and Vba are both negative, R becomes positive! Muahahaha.. thank God I'm not a psychologist.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Sony Digital Camera Lineup
I've been using my trusty camera Minolta Dynax 5D for about 2 years. Sony bought over Minolta's digital camera department just after I bought it. The Alpha 100 was Sony's first attempt at entering this market. It was similar to my camera, with some additional features. I've been waiting for the release of a better camera, and to my delight, rumours are coming up everywhere about 2 new camera models and 5 new lenses. So this is my motivation for christmas! Gone are the days when I feel so restricted by my camera's limitations.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Guitar Workshops
Yesterday I had the privilege to attend a guitar workshop at Allan's Music, featuring Doug Doppler. He was demonstrating his skills with electric guitar. I managed to absorb a few nuggets of wisdom.
For every musician, there's 3 gauges that makes up their skill: talent, knowledge, and practice. The best musicians have all 3 gauges filled up and overflowing.
I learnt that every musician has to develop his/her own groove. Doug is very expressive. I could see his tears while he soaks himself in music! I'm very tempted to describe his expressions, but I'm afraid I might end up being impolite.
He mentioned about the musician's skills trajectory. Basically, he thinks that most people improve their skills over time. But it's not easy to improve, and some people don't know how to improve. So he shares a few tips.
Drummers have a different mindset, and we have to respect them for it. Playing guitar like a drummer means that we have to take note of the rythms in a beat, including the bass, hi hat, and snare. If it doesn't make sense to you, wait till I learn the technique.
His Ibanez pickup is setup uniquely to imitate sounds from les paul, strat, or tele. Don't know how this works because I play acoustic.
So this evening I attended another guitar workshop by Michael Fix. Michael used to learn from Alan Philip and Tommy Emmanuel. He played mostly classical when he was young, and he likes to personalise some classical and electric pieces with his custom Maton acoustic guitar.
His Maton guitar is made of Queensland Maple back and sides, not the Blackwood. Maple is softer, but if he needs more bass, he would simply turn it up on the pickup. He was more concerned about controlling feedback. He used a feedback buster, which is essentially a rubber bathtub plug for the guitar soundhole. And he shaved a bit off the neck of the guitar, because his fingers are short (that's what he said). Michael doesn't keep long fingernails like other fingerstyle guitar players, and it took him a while to adjust. I like this example, because I personally don't like long fingernails like Doyle Dykes.
Michael also mentioned that it's important to learn how to play the bass and treble at the same time, as soloist. You just have to break down the song into bars, and work at microscopic/lego bars, play it really slow until you get it. This will help you to build confidence.
Playing scales is good, to impress other guitarists. But being able to play music is more important. Scale is boring, but it helps to know how they work.
In the studio, Michael uses a pen mic to record the guitar. It is not directly pointed into the soundhole, but slightly further at around the 12th fret. He sometimes use another one projected towards the body from another angle. If he uses a right angle mic, he would point it directly at the soundhole. Another position that he would consider is near his ear when he bends down to listen to what he's playing. He suggested that all the mics should be equidistant from the guitar to avoid phasing.
He also abused his guitar, albeit not as much as Tommmy. Beating the guitar body at different places is pretty interesting, it creates some percussion effects. That saves some money on stompboxes. He also demonstrated how to play with echo based on the percussions. His Yamaha Magicstomp worked like a charm, showing off some effects like reverbs and chorus.
I like it when he walked down the bass, and when he reached the low E, he went further by unwinding the E string.
Last but not least, he showed us special capos, which only covers 3-5 strings. He used it to achieve DADGAD tuning, and other combinations without messing around with the tuners.
And of course, I like the AER 60 amp. Wouldn't mind that for a birthday gift.
Now, that's what I call inspiration! Thanks to Allan's music for these workshops. I hope I've captured all the essentials, but pardon me if there's some mistakes.
For every musician, there's 3 gauges that makes up their skill: talent, knowledge, and practice. The best musicians have all 3 gauges filled up and overflowing.
I learnt that every musician has to develop his/her own groove. Doug is very expressive. I could see his tears while he soaks himself in music! I'm very tempted to describe his expressions, but I'm afraid I might end up being impolite.
He mentioned about the musician's skills trajectory. Basically, he thinks that most people improve their skills over time. But it's not easy to improve, and some people don't know how to improve. So he shares a few tips.
Drummers have a different mindset, and we have to respect them for it. Playing guitar like a drummer means that we have to take note of the rythms in a beat, including the bass, hi hat, and snare. If it doesn't make sense to you, wait till I learn the technique.
His Ibanez pickup is setup uniquely to imitate sounds from les paul, strat, or tele. Don't know how this works because I play acoustic.
So this evening I attended another guitar workshop by Michael Fix. Michael used to learn from Alan Philip and Tommy Emmanuel. He played mostly classical when he was young, and he likes to personalise some classical and electric pieces with his custom Maton acoustic guitar.
His Maton guitar is made of Queensland Maple back and sides, not the Blackwood. Maple is softer, but if he needs more bass, he would simply turn it up on the pickup. He was more concerned about controlling feedback. He used a feedback buster, which is essentially a rubber bathtub plug for the guitar soundhole. And he shaved a bit off the neck of the guitar, because his fingers are short (that's what he said). Michael doesn't keep long fingernails like other fingerstyle guitar players, and it took him a while to adjust. I like this example, because I personally don't like long fingernails like Doyle Dykes.
Michael also mentioned that it's important to learn how to play the bass and treble at the same time, as soloist. You just have to break down the song into bars, and work at microscopic/lego bars, play it really slow until you get it. This will help you to build confidence.
Playing scales is good, to impress other guitarists. But being able to play music is more important. Scale is boring, but it helps to know how they work.
In the studio, Michael uses a pen mic to record the guitar. It is not directly pointed into the soundhole, but slightly further at around the 12th fret. He sometimes use another one projected towards the body from another angle. If he uses a right angle mic, he would point it directly at the soundhole. Another position that he would consider is near his ear when he bends down to listen to what he's playing. He suggested that all the mics should be equidistant from the guitar to avoid phasing.
He also abused his guitar, albeit not as much as Tommmy. Beating the guitar body at different places is pretty interesting, it creates some percussion effects. That saves some money on stompboxes. He also demonstrated how to play with echo based on the percussions. His Yamaha Magicstomp worked like a charm, showing off some effects like reverbs and chorus.
I like it when he walked down the bass, and when he reached the low E, he went further by unwinding the E string.
Last but not least, he showed us special capos, which only covers 3-5 strings. He used it to achieve DADGAD tuning, and other combinations without messing around with the tuners.
And of course, I like the AER 60 amp. Wouldn't mind that for a birthday gift.
Now, that's what I call inspiration! Thanks to Allan's music for these workshops. I hope I've captured all the essentials, but pardon me if there's some mistakes.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Amazing Grace
This is one great movie, but it's not shown in many cinemas around Melbourne. I had to watch it at Nova. It was free seating, and by the time I arrived, I couldn't find a seat! Ended up sitting on the steps instead. And it hurts!
One of the quotes in the movie goes something like you may be well known to others, but not to yourself. It's so true for me, many people may know me, but I still don't know myself well enough. Thank God for Psalms 139, at least I know someone who knows me best!
You wretch! Well, so am I, according to the song. And it's so true, even in church. I've noticed that in a lot of church meetings, people are still unpolished in their communication skills. It creates a lot of unnecessary tensions. I can only desire for improvements, but as for now, grace is more potent to heal the soul.
One of the quotes in the movie goes something like you may be well known to others, but not to yourself. It's so true for me, many people may know me, but I still don't know myself well enough. Thank God for Psalms 139, at least I know someone who knows me best!
You wretch! Well, so am I, according to the song. And it's so true, even in church. I've noticed that in a lot of church meetings, people are still unpolished in their communication skills. It creates a lot of unnecessary tensions. I can only desire for improvements, but as for now, grace is more potent to heal the soul.
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