#292: Ecstasyyyyyyy

Germany 0- Spain 1

"...Fernando Torres has broken the barrier."

"We were lacking power against a great Spanish team." -Germany captain Michael Ballack

"It's the best feeling you can have as a footballer. It's one of your dreams and I made it." -Spain (and Arsenal!) midfielder Cesc Fabregas


No Man United Euro winners though.

Hah.

#291: Can't Help It, The Boy Can't Help It

Visit Isaac's blog to witness more of Martin and his music. Abang Gitar- It's a kind of magic. (how's that for publicity?)

#290: Ole Ole Ole

Germany don't stand a chance.

#289: Of Blog Battles and Musical Warfare

While Isaac and the Ng sisters battle it out for blogging supremacy, I've decided to wait on the sidelines until the battle subsides, and then launch an unexpected attack on the unsuspecting victor. (No Adriel, no 'underarm blow' talk) So in the meantime, I'd best be getting myself in the best blogging shape possible, shouldn't I?

News just came in recently that Daughtry is slated for a July 26th concert. While swooning fans (both male and female alike) of the band led by 'that baldie' scream, yelp, and giggle in excitement, I can only add 'Daughtry' to my 'Bands that shouldn't have come to Malaysia this year' list, along with the likes of Sean Kingston and The Click Five.

It's a fact: Malaysia is in dire need of good music. With The Jonas Brothers and Chris Brown topping the local airwaves, anyone blessed with the gift of common sense would know something is terribly, TERRIBLY wrong.

So, as my responsibility as a superhero, a crusader of good music, and an exterminator of injustice, it say it's time we replaced particular bands of my extreme disliking with music worthy of 'thirty-plays-a-day-on-local-radio' fame. Like...

Fall Out Boy

C'mon. Their latest album sales were boosted because their poser of a bassist Pete Wentz posted nudes of himself on the internet. And I could never get their lyrics.

and replace them with...

Paramore

Infectious enthusiasm, power performances, and Haylie Williams. Need I say more? After getting treated to a dose of Paramore, you can only go "Avril who?"

...and...

The Click Five

Skinny jeans, emo hair, legion of female fans, and a pop influence to their music- POSERRRRR.

...replace them with...

Copeland

The piano, 'calm rock' sound we all love. Emo, but the good kind.

and finally...
(enough bands have been persecuted today. But hey, they deserved it)

The Jonas Brothers

I'm not exactly fond of blogging about wussies. Point made.

...and replace them with...

AH WHO NEEDS POP ANYWAY?!

I've probably broken the hearts of many Friendster-active, cellphone-wielding teenage girls already, so I shall end my persecution of particular bands. For now. Persecution of bad bands and the salvation of good music shall continue in the near future.

Yes, I do realize this is an extremely prejudiced post. I meant for it to be that way. Anyone who takes up offense for his/her favorite band(s) may engage in 'musical warfare' with me on their blog(s). Forewarning, though- I have the brilliant minds of Adriel, Joshua Chang, and Isaac Ravi ALL on my side. On the other hand, it never hurt to try.

Have a good day. Cheerio.

#288: Plagiarism Part 2

To itch is human. To scratch is divine.

#287: "Spain march on, and Italy are out."

My first Euro match, and a good one too.

3 updates in a day should cover up for a week. Peace.

#286: Jon Foreman EPs: The Final Verdict

The recent release of Summer concluded the four-series EPs by Switchfoot frontman Jon Foreman. The EPs, entitled Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer, released during its respective seasons, featured some of Jon's songs he labeled "too intimate for a rock album". A brief review of each EP follows...

Fall

Characterized by mellow, soothing melodies. If there was one way to kick off four-series EPs, Fall was the way to do it.
8/10

Winter

Jon's fondness of experimenting and trying out new music techniques was evident in Winter. My least favorite of the four EPs, but a solid effort nonetheless.
7/10

Spring

Jon's songs given a bluegrass, folk-ish twist, Spring brings an uplifting, fresh feel. Arguably the best of the four.
8.5/10

Summer

A diverse mixture of different music styles including country and blues, Jon ends his series with a BIG BANG.

8.5/10

The Final Verdict

Jon once again cements his place as the best songwriter around. The majority of his tracks throughout his EPs were intimate prayers to God, admitting his sin and asking for forgiveness, while other songs addressed serious and sensitive issues such as hypocrisy and lust. Jon's EPs also saw the best of acoustic music as well as different and new music styles and techniques. Feeding both the physical and spiritual ears of the listener, Jon Foreman's EPs are worthy of a place on anybody's playlist.

"This is the final season for the yearly journey I've been on. Summer, (for me) is bitter sweet; a season for cowboy prophets to mingle with mariachi bands over the dry grasses with just a hint of beach boy salt.
These EP's have been an incredible ride for me and I've been overwhelmed by the folks who've decided to be a part of this. I've got a few things coming up, but for now the musical journey is coming to a close. I'm hoping to take a few friends out and spread these songs around sometime. Till then, thanks for being a part of these songs."

-Jon Foreman

#285: The Bucket List, Part 2

-Para sail
-Be able to play at least one Switchfoot song on any musical instrument
-Have my drawing printed on a shirt

-Be part of the production team for AT LEAST a short (animated or indie) film.

#284: Summer

The fourth and final chapter of Jon Foreman's EP series, Summer, is now available for my listening pleasure. Oorah!

Coming Soon: Jon Foreman EPs: The Final Verdict

#283: Ai Got Tegged

10 things you might not know about me

1. I've exchanged firm, man-to-man handshakes with ALL the members of Switchfoot. (and a framed, signed giant poster now adorns my room wall)

2. I used to have a hard time telling the difference between dog poop and rocks I pick up to throw at objects/people.

3. I still read children's books. The inch-wide alphabet ones.

4. Once I got so furious I strangled a boy till he cried. (search my archives and you'll find the whole story)

5. I can survive having a daily diet of ONLY chocolate cake.

6. I cried teared watching Ladder 49 and Hardball.


7. A girl scared me with an old wives' tale once. (you know who you are- shut up)

8. I have a weird obsession with filling in forms.

9. I used to cut myself when I was depressed.


Just kidding.


I still engage in wrestling matches with my younger brother. I win, of course.

10. There ARE deeper and darker secrets to me. And you are NOT going to find them out.


Ten people I tag:
1. I
2. Don't
3. Want
4. To
5. Tag
6. Others
7. Tagging
8. Is
9. Lame
10. !

#282: Plagiarism

I'm schizophrenic. So am I.

#281: Kung Fu WACHAU Panda

"There is no price for awesomeness."

I never thought such wise words would come from the mouth of a panda, but this movie defied all limitations. C'mon, who knew a snake strutting kung fu could look so cool?

Ah, but a black comedian's voice was the 'missing ingredient'.

7/10.

#280: The Bucket List

Having found inspiration in the recent film of this post's title's namesake, I've decided to write my very own bucket list. Hey, it's worth dreaming about.

It's funner than it looks.

Cedric's Bucket List
(not in order of importance)

-attend a Switchfoot concert
-meet Jon Foreman
-illustrate a children's book
-marry a baker
-own and drive a Volkswagen van
-attend an Arsenal FC match
-design album art for a rock band

-skydive (yes!)
-go deep-sea diving in the Great Barrier Reef
-climb a mountain
-own a DSLR camera
-win a Threadless competition
-attend the opening ceremony of an Olympics


This list will be continued when due inspiration strikes. Peace.

#279: Go Les Bleus!

Beat those Dutchies.


Or, if France loses,

Go Spain!


Heh heh.

#278: Why David Cook's Middle Name is 'Poser', Why My Middle Name is 'Awesome'

Barack Obama David 'Poser' Cook: The most blogged-about subject in recent times.

-He's got the whole 'poser-rocker-hairdo' going on.

-He already has a legion of female fans in his short time in the limelight so far.

-He took posing to a whole new level when he strummed his ELECTRIC Les Paul as the ACOUSTIC intro for 'Dare You To Move' played during his semi-final performance in the latest American Idol.

-He won American Idol.

...and that's why I don't like him. (Yes, I'm still upset about the Fly.FM incident)

You've got to hand it to him for covering two Switchfoot songs already (more original, yeah right.), and placing his cancer-stricken brother's initials on his guitar. Pray he doesn't become a sellout like Daughtry, miraculously transforms his voice to the likes of Chris Martin or Jon Foreman, loses the whole 'poser thing', then maybe he'll get some kinder words from me.

Yes, I do realize that this post has place me in a vulnerable position at the hands of angry female fans.


And my middle name is Awesome. Because I'm me. No really.

#277: I'm Just A Hardcore Switchfoot Fan

David Cook. Ugh.


Fly.FM blasphemes. A couple of days ago...

DJ #1: "So who do you think has a better voice- David Cook or... (one pause too long) Switchfoot?"

This comparison came up due to David Cook covering Switchfoot's latest single 'This is Home'.

DJ #2: "I think David Cook lah."

!!!

"He's more original."

I would have smashed my antique cassette player to bits had it not been the very same player where The Beautiful Letdown, the album (cassette at that time) by Switchfoot that changed my life, played over and over and over again. Having 'hosted' Switchfoot when they came over for February's concert, one would think Fly.FM would be a little more 'informed' about the band- but, no. After that too long pause on air, (Thank-heavens-I-don't-know-your-name) DJ #1 couldn't even afford a "Jon" of some sort. Just a hesitant "Switchfoot."

And idioticity (yes, it's a word in my dictionary) was taken to whole new level with mind-blowing dumbness by DJ #2. The "David Cook" answer defined idioticity to perfection, but adding a "He's more original."-At that very moment I wished I was more interested in law so I could find a way to sue them.


But justice prevailed. Switchfoot's 'This Is Home' topped the 'Fly.FM Top 30 Voting Thingy'.


Switchfoot 1- David Cook 0 (The DJ #2 goal was disallowed)


Coming Soon: 'Why My Middle Name is 'Awesome', why David Cook's Middle Name is 'Poser'

#276: I was gonna blog about David 'Poser' Cook...

But I watched The Bucket List and Juno.

And believe me, Mr. Cook's post can wait.

After watching certain nonsensical archaeologist/adventurer waste-of-timers and blockbuster parodies, The Bucket List was a timely watch. Rich with meaning and depth, it was worth my two hours. Put it this way- it's the kind of movie that leaves a warm, fuzzy feeling inside you. Not the 'chick-flicks-true-love-crap' warm, fuzzy feeling or the 'I-peed-in-my-pants-and-I-feel-warm' kind of warm, fuzzy feeling- The 'life-has-meaning-now' warm, fuzzy feeling. And believe me, I'm not exactly the warm, fuzzy feeling kind-of-person. You could bet this movie was/is something.

Advisory: This movie is one heck of a tear-jerker. Males with extreme masculine exteriors might want to watch this film ALONE. Last time I checked, tears didn't raise your macho bonus points.


Who knew a movie about a pregnant girl could be THIS good? Not to mention the amazingly, incredibly inspiring art concept for the opening credits. (And to think. I got compared to that. Wow.)

The script. The cinematography. The actors. The soundtrack- Juno reminded me why I love 'indie' films.


Take that, Indie Jones.

#275: Women Are Cars- VROOM VROOM!

If you think I gave this post a peculiar title, yes, that's the way I planned it. Read on.

Proof has been gathered, evidence unearthed, and here I standing, a shining beacon for all warm-blooded males, proclaiming, "Women are indeed cars." (adding a "VROOM VROOM!" would help adding to the 'drama')


Think about it- When a 'my-middle-name-is-hot' female walks past, heads turn. Sound familiar? Like the time an upgraded Nissan 350Z with a chrome finish sped past, and your eyeballs following in awe? Point #1 justified.

Point #2- How about the physical aspects of the car and the female human? Both are often judged by curves. I'd add a little bit more on headlights, rims, and bumpers, but for the sake of the female more sensitive readers, let's just stick with 'both are often judged by curves'.

Both the car and female human also need a lot of tending to, 'servicing', and 'upgrading', for the betterment of physical attractiveness. Who ever thought spoilers and body kits would ever hold comparisons to hair cuts and plastic surgery? That's Point #3 for you.


Point #4- When a car's engine gets spoiled or broken down, the best thing to do would be to repair it as soon as possible. Broken engines... Broken hearts... *hint hint* I dunno man, whaddooya think?

Point #5- You can turn them on and off. Yes, both.

Point #6 andi'mcomingtotheendsoon- Before purchasing a car/woman, certain 'procedures' are advisable- like examination for defects, condition, and function-ability. And finally- THE TEST DRIVE. *superhero-ish music*

Ultimately, cars and women are all beautiful in the eyes of their creators, and someday, just someday- The One for them will come. I think. And Point #7 wraps it up.


Women are Cars.


...said the testosterone-raged men.


Note: This post is an ORIGINAL result of attempted stress-releasing due to tremendous amount of pressure from Math applied to the author at school. This post was written for the sole purpose of entertainment. Any offense taken was unintentional. The author, really, has respect for women. And cars. After all, there is that 'sweeter and softer side' to him. *wink*

#274: Of Stinkin' Archaeologists and Summer (yay!)

I thought I would enjoy a well-earned break after camp by catching Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

I thought wrong.

To compare it to the likes of Lord of the Rings would be like comparing The Jonas Brothers to Switchfoot: You can't.

Pretty much a stinker of a movie. There goes my twelve bucks.


On the bright side, Jon Foreman's final 'chapter' of his EPs, "Summer", is scheduled for a digital release on June 10th. Wahwahweewah.


Up Next: Women are Cars!