Episode IV

As ridiculous as it sounds, my so-called "ethics" journals has an entry on American Idol.

24.5.09 Journal Entry 4

I’m still reeling in from one of the biggest “upset” in the showbiz that happened this week.

Yes, I’m talking about American Idol.

The Guyliner loses to the Guy-next-door. The front-runner loses to the underdog. Adam Lambert, the most consistent contestant loses to Kris Allen, the greatest improved contestant. For most people, this was one of the biggest upsets that American Idol had.

As a Kris Allen fan, I’m happy for this dude. I believe he was as shocked as me when he was crowned as the newest American Idol. I mean, this guy came out from nowhere! The producers did not even give him enough screen time on air.

I took notice of Kris when he did “Remember the Time” during the Michael Jackson week. He wowed me when he did his version of the disco song “She Works Hard for the Money” during Disco week. What he did was brilliant. Stripping the whole techno vibe down its raw melody and performing it with an acoustic guitar. That was genius and it totally represents his style of music. I dug it, man.

I used to like Adam Lambert and I thought he was the next American Idol like David Cook (last year’s winner). However, Adam Lambert is only a one-trick-pony. He’s also theatrical. But I got to admit he’s a pretty damn good vocalist but he often does the screaming too much. The judges love his performances weeks after weeks but I just don’t see the deal with him. Maybe it’s my taste in music. It wasn’t just my style. But he’s meant to be this year’s American Idol winner because his personality and music are through the roof.

Kris, on the other hand, has smooth vocals and is very radio-friendly. But he wasn’t as big as Adam Lambert. He’s the guy that you go to his concert and enjoy an intimate time with the performer. The emotions he conveys through his songs are heartfelt and I enjoy watching this guy perform. Every week, I would sit in front of the television set and wait patiently for Kris’ performance comes up on the TV. But I never expected him to actually WIN the whole show.

I mean, come on, it’s not like Kris isn’t not good. But he’s not a larger than life person. Winners such as David Cook, Jordin Sparks or Kelly Clarkson, they have the “Star” power within their singing and image. So I’m still reeling in about the results. When my eyes lay on the words “Kris Allen Wins American Idol” on the Google News, my mind had a very hard time trying to comprehend and process the info.

In the end, let’s just give it up for this young man. Kris Allen. An engaging performer who pops out once in a while during the show to say “Hi!” I hope his debut album will be distinctly his style…Laid-back and acoustic. Go Kris Allen!

Bittersweet Journeys

I just had a long talk with my mother.

Sister had accidentally left her expensive phone in the Band Room. Mr. Yeo happened to saw it in the room and left the phone on my mother's desk. Mother went berserk as she had the experience of cleaners being suspected of stealing numerous items in the Staff Room. She then started reprimanding my sister harshly for being so careless while Father came in and start insulting that Mr. Yeo is a stupid teacher. Mother exacerbated the situation by shouting "It's because of you irresponsible parents...!"

Mother was so worried about my sister's handphone that she could not sleep. As I was about to go into my room to hit the sack, she wanted to apologise and comfort my sister for yelling at her earlier on. But she had already slept with those dried tears that streamed down her face.

We then sat down by the stairs and I listened to the words of a mother who was under-appreciated by her boss and aunt; A mother whose good friends and colleagues who either are retiring or dying. A mother who worries so much for her family's safety and peace. A teacher whose respect and love are showered upon students of many backgrounds. Basically, she was telling me snippets of her life. A life full of value. She is a strong woman who is literally on the edge of her mental state.

Why am I mentioning all these? Along these bumps on the road, joys of satisfaction come along as well. I'll be honest, I haven't experience my fair share of the tough part in life. I am a truly blessed person with shining Lady Luck on his side. Bad things tend to happen on me but I have always manage them well.

The Night of Viva La V was probably the proudest moment so far. As the QM and CM, I was in charge of moving instruments with several band friends back and fro from school and to the Victoria Concert Hall. It was a smooth move. I had a list with me and was making sure all the instruments are all up on the van. There was 1 small thing that I was happy about. The previous amplifier that was used for Viva La IV was lost. That fueled my determination to get ALL the instruments and materials back to school in one piece. Can't express how proud I was when I saw all the things back where they are.

Though it may sound stupid and childish, but it's one of these small yet significant achievements that make our lives more valuable than we think. Life is not only a bittersweet journey that we all must go through. The value of our lives are judged upon by our efforts and achievements. Its value only goes up when you decided to do something that adds on to your purpose in life. Go figure.

On a side note, I have to be mentally stronger than now...

Episode III

17.5.09 Journal Entry 3

Music.

Music used to have no significance in my life. But now, as the years passed, I experienced more with music and now I found the music that defines me as a human being.

When I was young, music was just a form of leisure to me. People just listen to it because it was catchy and popular. I just went with the crowd, while finding the right music that fits me. It was difficult, because the music I tend to like soon would soon evolve and then I forgot about that particular artiste or band I like.

At the age of 16 nearing to 17, I finally found it in the form of Jason Mraz. His happy tunes never fails to realize the grass is always greener on the other side. I was going through some turbulent changes after O Levels because of an identity crisis. It changed my whole perspective of life. Reading his journals have inspired to make my life an enjoyable one too, by spreading love to people. He taught me to be grateful for all the things given to me in this world. To be mischievous at times but never go overboard. I remembered that he once said that he didn’t want to write any songs based on anger and sadness because he didn’t want his listeners to feel that way either. So mostly all his songs are songs of celebration about Life and telling me to live it to the max.

Then recently, I discovered Radiohead. The band has been around for over 15 years and still going strong as ever. Actually, I first discovered Radiohead when I was only a kid. I only liked one song of theirs, which is “Creep”. But after being exposed to the latest Radiohead album, I learnt to appreciate their songs and grew emotional attachment to it.

Listening to Radiohead really digs deep into one’s soul and evokes the very raw emotions of human beings. Closing my eyes really elevates the listening experience. Anger, sadness, disappointment, confusion, chaos and insaneness just come out. And I’m left breathless after each song. The lyrics are confusing at times but the instruments arrangement is so beautiful placed over the song. I felt that all the instruments played a pivotal role into making a song into what it is. Radiohead understood the full potential of the song they composed and then making it come to live with their variety of instruments. They are an unbelievable bunch of talented artists and musicians.

Radiohead and Jason Mraz are like my yin and yang to my personality and character. Radiohead is my “emo” side when I’m feeling down while Jason Mraz toys around playfully when I’m cheerful.

But, of course, music taste can never be stagnant. Music will always evolve and so will my taste. But till then, I’ll just stick to what I’m listening to now.

Question of the Day

Why do people need reassurance?

Episode II

15.5.09 Journal Entry 2

Had a class gathering with MS0902 at Fort Canning Park today.

I told Jon that I had never been there before in my whole life.

It was a lie I didn’t realized until the class reached our intended destination in the form of a shelter.

Along a path leading to the shelter, I could catch a glimpse of a familiar sight on my left. Taking a closer look, I realized it was the National Museum of Singapore. The reason why I remember this building well is because of its structure. It may look small but there’s more than meets the eye. Oh god, that sounded cheesy but it’s true. On the outside, the building may look ordinary but there are a lot of unexpected pleasant surprises.

It was 1 year ago when I came to this museum with my sec4 class for a class excursion. Apparently, it was part of our character development module that we have to complete and there happened to be an educational play going on at that museum.

The Museum appealed a lot to me. Mainly, because I’m an “art” kind of guy and the place had a few interesting facilities. The vibe it gives me makes me feel at peace with myself and able to come to terms about myself. It also depicts a part of personality because of its peaceful and classy environment. I’m like an unassuming, young man who has this aura of quiet confidence within him.

What made this experience at the museum even more memorable are the friends that came along. It was great to be in their presence as it was the last excursion trip we’re going as a class.

Of course there were moments when I felt that I had nothing to account for my sec4 classmates. People disliked each other and backstabbing sometimes happened. I wasn’t in the conflicts but I had to watch my back. Because of it, I became a paranoid android who had to be aware of my actions because I didn’t want to offend people accidentally.

But all that seemed to change when I entered Nanyang Polytechnic. All I can say about this class is about the friendliness and warmth they offer to each other. It quite makes me feel at home. It’s almost one month and we’re like close to each other.

After taking a trip down memory lane, it was time to get back to reality and back to the present.

Class gathering was awesome, by the way.