Starcom: The U.S. Space Force

When Starcom: The U.S. Space Force (a cartoon series in the late 80's) aired on the shores of our local television station, I couldn't help but fall in love with it instantly. I became more than just a fan but I was obsessed with the show. I remember it so well among all the shows because it had everything that I was into. And you can't help but become a fan to the fictional characters that was portrayed so well by their voice actors. Every week the Starcom forces would try to outwit and battle the Shadow forces.

I followed the adventures of Dash, Slim and Crowbar (field commanders for the three Starcom factions, the Star Wings, Astro Marines and Starbase Command) every week! My eyes were glued to the tv and tried to take in as much of its story and action as possible. I even taped it on VHS and would watch it countless of times and missing an episode was not an option! Every episode was new and the space battles were some of the most memorable scenes I can remember.

During its run on our networks, the toys came in as well. Sadly during those time, my family wasn't really well off and getting my hands on one of it was...how shall we say, something I can only dream of. Saved as much money and I finally got to buy one figure, and I have it till today aside from its weapons, the figure still looks good.

Wanting the toys so bad, I opt for another way to get it. I built them. Yep. I actually made them from scratch. I borrowed my friend's Starwolf and Starmax Bomber for a day or so and got all the measurements. Using cardboards and what other materials I could find, I made it. I had so much fun building it and working out all the details to work just like the real toys, except that it wasn't waterproof...hahahahaha

The cool thing about the Starcom toys were the Magna-Lock and Power Deploy gimmicks. Which worked with each other to activate weapons and doors. It was fantastic and up till today I still think its awesome. I'm sure that there are those who are fans of the show and totally forgot about it, but all I can say is that I am one of it's fan and forever will be. By luck I managed to get two of the toys which were my favs, the Starwolf (a friend conned me of it) and a Starmax (traded with a neighbour) and after hari raya with some money I managed to get the M6-Railgunner. (If you're wondering what I'm talking about drop by http://www.starcomspaceforce.com which has the most extensive info of the series). As I was growing up, the toys disappeared...and left no trace whatsoever.

A few months ago I manage to get my grubby hands a few of the vehicles and figures. Thanks to a few friends who looked out for me I got hold of the toys that I only dreamed about when I was young. So now I'm on the task of refurbishing these toys and at the moment have finished two of it...

Here were the conditions they were in when I got them (here's two from my collections that is)...

The Starwolf...

The Starmax...

Bad isn't it? Yup..if the toy is more than 10 years and was made in white...this will actually happen...So what did I do? Refurbish them that is...hahahahaha...you see what I've done to them at my other blog:

RK Designs

So there you have it...sometimes, patience is a virtue. After my long wait, I am able to have some of the toys and episodes from one of my favourite shows...

Starcom: The U.S. Space Force

SCRAMBLE!!!!!!

While You Were Away...

Usually when I'm left alone I'd be doing a bunch of stuff while waiting. I think its the 'I-can't-stay-idle' syndrome that I've had ever since I decided not wanting to be lazy anymore. But mind you that I do the occasional laze around sessions which I totally do not move a muscle.

Anyhoo, while I'm downloading some mp3's of an old album that I lost many-many years ago, I was blog hopping. Going to some of my friends blogs and also students (what a way to spend some time...) and at the same time thinking of how to execute my artworks for our Zirkon exhibit (yes...our dean gave us 1 year and as usual, we're doing it last minute...but hey, I was getting married okay...heh...).

I came across my dear sister in law's blog. Her last entry was on the 12th of Aug 2009. I read it and it was a really short entry but somehow it struck a nerve with me. The nerve was struck strikingly hard that it vibrated through my head for quite a while...

She had finished reading a book by Mitch Albom titled 'The Five People You Meet In Heaven'. I have never heard the book but I think I have come across the title somewhere, but she quoted something from the book...

Holding anger is a poison.It eats you from inside.
We think that hating is a weapon that attacks the person who harmed us.
But hatred is a curved blade.
And the harm we do,we do to ourselves.

Those words rang quite true in me.

I guess it hit close to home. Very close.

As some of my friends could attest or vouch, I can be quite temperamental (a nicer way of having trouble with anger management...or...well...you know...). Came to my mind was two incidents that almost cost me a lot of pain being put upon certain individuals. Yes, I was at the verge of slugging them full force on the noggin'.

Actually there was a force that saved me for unleashing my ever expanding rage...hahahaha...yes, I kid you not. And I came to a conclusion that God interrupted me in some way. Saving me and also saving that of those who were nigh close to being clobbered. That got me to thinking, why? Why did God played his hand in it?

Then I remembered a dream I had. The dream involved someone close and has the same temper as me (or maybe more...we never gauged that...haha) but in the dream he was shouting, swearing and was reaaaaalllyyy pissed. And I remember that I felt fear. Is this the feeling people around me get when I get angry?

Then it all came to me. God saved me twice. From actually giving in to my anger. Why? Because I now have someone that I need to take care of. And not just her, but a few people that rely on me. If I actually gave in, the repercussions of my action will not just be on me alone, but all those who I love and care. And that, I am thankfully to Allah the Almighty in saving me.

Alhamdulillah.

As I have always believed, He works in mysterious ways.

Thankfully I saw it before anything that I might regret happened.

And I need to change.

For the better.

What's Up Duck?

Hideeho...how long has it been since my last entry? 3 months? Yup...that's about it. No wonder my wife was complaining that I haven't blogged. Well it's not that I don't want to blog, just didn't have the words to ramble or type about.

Oh yeah...

I got hitched. Yup. Married last July 4th 2009. Heh...it was an amazing journey from the preparations to the day itself. There were a lot of challenges (mainly financials...others were fine) but thankfully with blessing from our parents and Allah the Almighty...we're now husband and wife. Our engagement was on the 10th of May and we had only less than 2 months of wedding preparations. God knows how hectic it was and how trying things was for us. I remember I was missing my dearest fiance since she had to go back to her home in Rawang for the preparations, and there were a few instances that we accidentally hurt each other with words...trust me, no matter how strong you think you are, when your readying for marriage...anything can happen...

It's been a month plus I've been married. Had to make some changes especially to myself and had to adjust to a few things as well. Remember, I'm not alone anymore...I come in a pair...LOL...

Here's some shots of the wonderful and amazing days that me and my wife went through...

Engagment 10th May 2009

Nikah 4th July 2009, 11 a.m.

Reception 4th July 2009, 8.30 p.m.

Bersanding 5th July 2009, 11 a.m.

Who came? A lot of people. And I mean a lot! On my wife's side there was about 1000 people invited and on my side almost that much. But the best thing was those who came were those who are close to my heart. It meant a lot to me for them to be at my ceremony. Close friends, colleagues, ex-colleagues and also our students came. It was magnificent.

My dear students which came...

I was truly honoured by my new family. The whole reception that night was something I never thought I would go through. They have accepted me with open arms and I couldn't ask for more. No matter what, I will never ever forget those two wonderful days where I became more than a man, but someone's husband. A role that I have longed and dreamed for. And I finally am. I know its a big responsibility and I hope that will fit the role and soon another role, a father.

What are my feelings? A mixed and jumble one that is, but its more to happiness...proud that I took the step and joy that I chose well. I thank Allah for what he has given me. Everyday...Every minute.

My wife, my love and my life...Irina Hariati, you are the best decision that I made in my whole entire life. The hurdles that we went through to be together and the life we lived till we met is something that I do not regret going through. If not for the life before us, we would not appreciate each other and love each other as much. I am thankful. I am complete and I am contented. You have given me the world and much more, and I would like to be and to give just as much if not more for you my dearest wife...

So until my next entry...I bid you all adieu...

The new groove has come...and I'm sailing through it with my eyes and heart open...