Word Up :: 005

"Flowers leave some of their fragrance in the hand that bestows them." Chinese Proverb.

The xx - Crystalised

The xx have really got me hooked on their debut album day by day. Unexpected, brilliant song and lyrical arrangement with a consistent intimacy. They're British too, you can tell. Shy to the bones in real life (yea cause i know them..not) so they let the music speak for itself. Let's hope the fame doesn't get up their soft spoken buttocks.
They have covered few songs from other artists, but have proven to really make it their own.
"With a cover you should take the essence of it and completely change the music side of it." No further critic, let the music speak.
The xx :: Crystalised



CAKAP FRENCH :: véridique (veʀidik) = truthful

Dan Deacon's beacon.

This man is living in fame. Dan Deacon is best known for his live shows where he keeps his electronic music devices to ground level, mixing with the crowd at his feet. He loves to get the crowd involved with his sets, and will very often get everyone to do crazy performances, such as getting the crowd to run in a huge circle making a human spiral. And it works everytime, INSANE!

He studied electro-accoustic and computer music composition at the Conservatory of Music at Purchase College in New York. He also shared classes with the talented Soviet-born singer/songwriter Regina Spektor. I know..waaaaah o.O

His music videos are damn raw, but there are few questionable "easter eggs" which keeps the interest going. Check it out, straight to the tripping point.

Dan Deacon :: Crystal Cat

Dan Deacon :: Snookered (Live set)

Word Up :: 004

« Never look down on anybody, unless you're trying to help him up. »
Civil Rights Activist - Jesse Jackson.

This world needs a new kind of army - The Army of the Kind.

Lately, I had slowly stepped away from being nice candy to everybody as I have let myself be the "doormat" way too much. I can blame others, but I blame myself most, I'm like that, I'm neurotic. After a series of disappointing events the past years, I recently learnt to prioritise my values and to actually take a stand to apply them in my life. To sum it up, it's about living life, in FULL honesty. FULL STOP.

Last night proved to be another inspiring moment. I watched the latest Pixar film "UP" together with @ellyberrie. I had absolutely no expectations from it, did not know the story behind, and that made it even more extraordinary. I teared up twice, of joy and marvel. I laughed out loud so hard, like that contagious laugh only @tianna aka Tee-Rex can trigger in me. It was by far the best Pixar work, so much goodness to it, in so many aspects. A phenomenal work which reminds us of kindness and love, and the importance to live the adventure of life to the fullest. I am having a kind day, by choice. Kindness is the golden chain by which society is bound together. And as Plato once said:

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."

CAKAP FRENCH :: gentillesse (ʒɑ̃tijɛs) = kindness

Captain Abu Raed :: I see magic.

Was there a rabbit in the hat? I think not. It's another kind of magic..
I've been having serious goosebumps hearing about this film. Captain Abu Raed (2007) was written and directed by Amin Matalqa, and is the first feature film produced in Jordan in more than 50 years. The film has won high recognition through numerous awards since its first release, including the Sundance Film Festival Award 2008.

I'm a little baffled that the movie has only been released in US and other few countries this August 2009. I doubt it will be shown here, nevertheless, I'll get my hands on it one way or another. I recently saw an interview of Amin Matalqa with Riz Khan on Al-Jazeera while having lunch at mamak. I'll tell you that was the best lunch time I've had in a while :) Some of the kids acting in the movie were discovered in refugee camps and orphanages. In one of Amin's interview, he recalls his first encounter with this little boy (one of the main cast), and he asked the boy:
« What do you want to be when you grow up?
and the little boy replied joyfully:
- I want to be a captain!»
Amin smiled, it was an obvious match.
Watch the trailer here, and let's a organize a communal viewing I say. This makes me smile.
Captain Abu Raed :: Official Trailer (US)

Speech Debelle: she fresh like a cucumber in yogurt.

« I'm getting older now, I'm starting to make sense of it. »
Speech Debelle has got the humbleness in the rap and that's a first innit now? There's no argument that her songwriting, lyric and diction all together stand strong and represent Europe in style; she's Brit-British yep. She slides playful whispers on her words with a youthful warmth and confidence. She pierces a deeper darkened honesty with each rhyme done. She's fresh to the flex and still humble. I said that already, but it's worth saying in twice really. Cause when you're not a hiphop fan in general, rap artists can only take your grip with their authentic original skills and style. That's when they get your appreciative recognition.
Speech Debelle :: The Key



In her case, it's the offbeat, upbeat, jazzy, folky production of the album that makes her stand on her own boulder. She's humble in her dresser too. It's a good change from today's fashion rumble.

If you ain't convinced of her astounding talent, do me a favor and GIVE THIS VIDEO A GO. A live street performance proves a true artist. High props to the band too. Start the day with it, it's breezy.
Speech Debelle :: The Key (live street performance)

Give a damn for GOOD.

Be part of the GOOD community here: www.good.is

CAKAP FRENCH :: viabilité (vjabilite) = sustainability

My First Whateverthatwas Anonymous Session.

Sundays are my favorites, for I rise early in the morning and get a full on day going. I wasn't always an early birdie, but I really enjoy making the most of my days now. I attended a workshop preview with @ovidiawang in the afternoon at 95%. We arrived late probably due to our sense of loss in direction when looking for Wisma Dicklin.

After we sign in for a quickadeequak registration, girl guides us to the meeting room. Not the typical workshop seating layout I expected. @ovidiawang and I found ourselves seating on the two last chairs of the semi-circle facing the lecturer, @MsJanet, at the two very ends of eachother. I am surprised they didn't label the chairs with our names..Hmm. The truth is @MsJanet knew more about what/who/why I was brought to that meeting more than I actually did. So what is 95percent? 95% according to 95percent:

"It is said that if you give a man a fish he eats for a day. But if you teach a man to fish, he will eat for a lifetime. We go beyond that. We lead him to discover why he wants a fish. Once he understands why catching fish is important to him, he will search out the best way, or even create his own way, of catching fish.

At 95%, we provide skills trainings that are built on a foundation of personal growth. This empowers the individual while developing the skills."

It's about generating the most inventive ideas and carry them forward while taking risks, whether your ideas succeed or fail. This workshop is definelty most relevant for the advertising field, whether you do copywriting or design. Yet, it has proven to improve varied personal skills in many other fields. It's learning how to generate and have the courage to execute a creative/innovative idea, without popping a pile.

Great publicity shared by @MsJanet yesterday:

Adidas - Japan :: Impossible Is Nothing (Vertical Soccer)

Brilliant idea to convey the slogan. It breaks the conventional advertising medium, creates street hype, and it's larger than your mum's headstand. A FIRST.

Deadline Express Courier :: Self-Destructing Billboard Message

This courier service firmly assures you that they always deliver on time. This billboard countdown was done over a period of 30days i believe. Imagine the hype the public got, wondering what would really happen once seconds came down to zero. It's not New Years, it's pressure time..

To wrap up the power of words, here is Lopez Murphy's publicity campaign for President, which won the Silver Lion at the Cannes Lions Awards 2006. A veryliciously strong public awareness message, the wittiness shines through.

Lopez Murphy for President :: The Truth

If you gave me another 15sec of watching this awareness message, my tear would have flipped out. Instead, I "WOOOAHED" out loud, to break to moving silence. LOVE IT :D
For more information on the workshops they offer: www.95percent.com.my

Word Up :: 003

« If all the insects were to disappear from the earth, within 50 years all life on earth would end. If all human beings were to disappear from the earth, within 50 years all forms of life would florish. »
Medical Researcher and Virologist - Jonas Salk.

Dean Chamberlain does it bright.

David Bowie - Wilderness

I'm bringing focus to Dean Chamberlain who has clearly made the lens his own. I was mostly struck by his portraits of celebrities. It is obvious the man has a distinctive way of storytelling (he carries a strong attraction to do portraits for musicians and artists). Dean uses a deadly slow shutterspeed together with breathtaking lighting technics. There are absolutely no photoshop effects done with his work.

Tree, Root, Steps - Kenny Scharf

Keith Haring

Paul McCartney - Muir Trail

Get blinded with more of his work at www.deanchamberlain.com. Following is the motion video he did for Duran Duran's side project band.

Arcadia :: Missing

I will keep to my 10year plan, and I will be the photographer I want to be in my 30's. I'm using a disposable camera for the time being. Keep it at that.

I do this OCT - On Company Time

Being in the creative department, I consider this time researching and blogging valuable and relevant to my work. I need to reboot and rejenerate my creative cells every now and then. Besides swinging by creative/designers websites and magazines, it is a must to educate myself with other irrelevant randomness. Because when you dig your nose for an idea, you often get the lightbulb triggered by the most random and unrelated subjects to your work.

@natashanair directed my attention to this article in CREATIVE REVIEW online magazine. Created by the Sydney based ad agency Publicis Mojo, here is one of the six typographical posters that was sent to CR recently.

See now how my random research OCT could be just as handy for future work. From urbandictionary.com:

DROP THE NEEDLE: to play a vynil record.

CLAP BACK: to return fire (eg: if someone shoots at you, you clap back at their ass.)

EAR WORM: a song that is stuck in your head.

COLD LAMPIN: innactive, chillin' similar to the cool temperature of a light in a lamp that has not been used in some time.

CHEVROLEG: the kind of vehicle you own when you can't afford a car.

LOCK BLOCK: when one person prematurely tries to open the passenger door on a vehicle while the driver simultaneously unlocks the door, causing it to relock and keep the passenger outside.

GREEN THE LIGHT: used by a frustrated person who believes he/she can ask the help of a higher power to make a traffic light turn green for him/her. It originates from firemen who actually have the power to make the light turn green.

That's my own creative poster time, inspired by the creative and the randomness. Quickly done OCT, no time wasted.

Word Up :: 002

"You don't get your tooth back. I keep your tooth. I drill a tiny hole through it, wear it around my neck. I become your god." Weeds - Season 4. Nancy.

Metric - Live It Out

Lotsa splashing rock alternative bands come from Canada, like Metric. Bands which have brought a live stage to life. Of Metric's discography, I have to say Live It Out has got the most punch of all. It conclusively made it hard to beat, but the latest release Fantasies still remains one of the best album for 2009.
Metric :: Handshakes
«Buy this car to drive to work.
Drive to work to pay for this car.»

You see, Metric always manages to add that pinch of unknown spice within a song and breaks the conventional song structure we are all so familiar with (the verse, the chorus, then verse II, then the chorus again, then the breaker, then the chorus..i haven't got any decent musical technical terms in my catalogue besides THIS. Nevertheless, I'm sure you all get where I'm at.). I strongly sense from those videos, that Metric is better live than recorded. Emily Haines has got much more attitude and honesty in her singing when on stage. Plus the stage production / lighting. Shit like that always bring me to tears, of ecstatic happiness. On the album, it's a little more controlled, better pitch maybe. But we like them loud and raw. Just like that:

Metric :: Monster Hospital

Word Up :: 001

"i'm like a dog. if i see a ball, i run."
my natural expertise at tennis - moi.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Shena Ringo

I once suggested to one of our local fashion designer (I'm not dropping any names, nope) to bring his "futuristic line" to a new dimension for the fashion show. Look at Karen O rocking the gold fit in the midst of the african looking soil. Contrast at its best.HOT. But no, designer wants to keep robot-robotic theme, cause it's the futuristic line doh. Hopeless --_--

You just can't beat this song and video. It's in perfect harmony.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs :: Gold Lion

Shena Ringo goes way back from my days in HongKong. She's the fierce Jap rock/pop. Though I don't understand a word you're saying, I feel you girl, I feel you.

Kenapa ko takleh multi-task? Because you are men.

Women are better at multi-tasking than men are, at work and in life. That's a fact. We can jaga a career, family, friends, hobbies, household choirs and anything else, you name it, we can DO IT simultaneously. Nike should consider endorsing more women for the simple fact that we JUST DO IT without being affected by other tasks in our lives. Yep, we've got multiple channels in our brain that allow us to think, do and listen at the very same time. Take Sir Ken in his speech at TEDTalks about Creativity, I quote (a lot lately):

« There's a shaft of nerves that joins the two hemispheres of the brain called the corpus collasum, and it's thicker in women. Falling off from Hellenistic era. I think this is probably why women are better at multi-tasking. Because you are, aren't you? There's a raft of research, but I know from my personal life.
If my wife (Terri) is cooking a meal at home.. (pause) ..which is not often.. (pause) ..thankfully.(LOL) No but she's good at some things. But if she's cooking, she's dealing with people on the phone, she's talking to the kids, she's painting the ceilings, she's...doing open heart surgery, over here.(LOL) If I am cooking, the door is shut, the kids are out, the phone is on the hook and if she comes in I get annoyed. I say Terri pleease, I'm trying to fry an egg in here!(LOL again) Give me a break!»

Accept it boys, that's just fact.

I'm sure I've quoted enough of this guy's speech now. I can only strongly recommend everyone to watch this 20min video. I've been watching it many times over the past 2years. It's just timeless.
TEDTalks 2006 :: Do Schools Kill Creativity? by Sir Ken Robinson



Eeerm..since i've mentioned Nike, and that makes it twice now, do i get endorsed too?
Nikeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That's thrice.

Kids aren't afraid of being wrong.

Following my latest post about being right v.s wrong, and how that affects our creativity and originality, I'd like to share one of Sir Ken's anecdotes which makes me laugh every single time. I will post his video from TEDTalks in the next post, but this quote is for the lazy ones who don't believe the video IS really worth watching:

«I heard a great story recently, of a little girl who was in a drawing lesson. She was six and she was at the back drawing. The teacher said this little girl hardly ever paid attention, but in this drawing lesson she did. So the teacher was fascinated, she went over to her and said:
- What are you drawing?
And the girl said:
- I'm drawing a picture of god.
And the teacher said:
- But nobody knows what God looks like.
And the girl said:
- They would in a minute!»

PRICELESS :))

Fail. Fail again. Fail better.

I recently got the book "It's not how good you are, it's how good you want to be.", a best-seller by Paul Arden, whom in 1977 became Executive Creative Director at Saatchi & Saatchi. The few books he has compiled are brief recollections of his learning in the business during those 15years. (We should also mention he was in advertising for 18years previous to that.) @alushaness was given the book "Whatever you think, think the opposite" by her dad as an inspirational guidance to her transition in her career path. Thumbs up for that!

I wanted to share an extract of the book I got. That it's wrong to be right, and it's right to be wrong :


«BEING right is based upon knowledge and experience and is often provable. Knowledge comes from the past, so it's safe. It is also out of date. It's the opposite of originality. Experience is built from solutions to old situations and problems. The old situations are probably different from the present ones, so that old solutions will have to be bent to fit new problems (and probably fit badly). Also the likelihood is that, if you've got the experience, you'll probably use it.

This is lazy.

Experience is the opposite of being creative. If you can prove you're right, you're set in concrete. You cannot move with the times or with other people. Being right is also being boring. Your mind is closed. You are not open to new ideas. You are rooted in your own rightness, which is arrogant. Arrogance is a valuable tool, but only if used very sparingly. Worst of all, being right has a tone of morality about it. To be anything else sounds weak or fallible, and people who are right would hate to be thought fallible.

So: it's wrong to be right, because people who are right are rooted in the past, rigid-minded, dull and smug. There's no talking to them.»


«START being wrong and suddenly anything is possible. You're no longer trying to be infallible. You're in the unknown. There's no way of knowing what can happen, but there's more chance of it being amazing than if you try to be right. Of course, being wrong there's a risk. People worry about suggesting stupid ideas because of what others will think. You will have been in meetings where new thinking has been called for, at your original suggestion. Instead of saying, "That's the kind of suggestion that leads us to a novel solution", the room goes quiet, they look up to the ceiling, roll their eyes and return to the discussion.

Risks are a measure of people. People who won't take them are trying to preserve what they have. People who do take them often end up by having more. Some risks have a future, and some people call them wrong. But being right may be like walking backwards proving where you've been.

Being wrong isn't in the future, or in the past. Being wrong isn't anywhere but being here.
Best place to be, eh?»

It relates back to the importance of creativity, which supports Sir Ken Robinson's speech on TEDTalks, "SCHOOLS KILL CREATIVITY". We have all been taught from a young age that making mistakes will make you fail, in school, and later in life. But in reality, only children will take a chance at failure. If they don't know (from experience and teaching, unlike us adults), they'll have a go. Children are not afraid to take risks, they are not frightened of being wrong. If you are not prepared to be wrong, you'll never come up with something original. And this is the reason why children are at their highest creativity state, when they take a chance without worrying for the consequences.

The next meeting, I'm throwing my idea on a paper plane.

CAKAP FRENCH :: échec (eʃɛk) = failure

I always hated history, it's got nothing to do with me.

This may be my last "philosophical" day. Or so I'll try; to follow my freaking guts, stop reflecting on life and why things happen to be a certain way. It's good to have an understanding of life's nature and human behaviors. Yea I give myself a pat for that. But that time spent reflecting could be spent DOING. If something bad happens to you today, we always comfort ourselves that tomorrow will be better. After the fall, we can only rise again. Surely, that theory applies to most of us. In reality, not all of us.

There are millions (if not billions) of people in the world who simply have no better tomorrow. People who are in real deep misery for the rest of their lives. And I am not talking of the urban misery related to our surroundings, jobs, debts or any other personal issues that could have been created by today's mass media,TV, magazines, politics, urge to be successful, famous, have a good job, a good family...etc. FORFUCKSAKE!!! We were all born for the survival and we forget about the real deal. Cause for this century, we have been fed with superficiality.

Take Somalia for instance; a young man who lost his parents, has got eight siblings to care for, no job for that matter and only knows hunger. As sad and horrifying as it may sound, or as banal/obvious it may be, he really has no hope for a better future, and he will not have a better future, ever in his life. There is absolutely no better tomorrow for him. No Brangelina or Madonna to give him a hope for tomorrow. Remember that, and be only grateful for everyday you wake up, for a new challenge. Take on it however YOU want it!!!

Don't step on people's head, nor let people step on yours.
You gotta live in-between and keep your thighs clean.

Domo Arigato Mr. Roboto

This short video is from Robot Chicken series written by Seth Green. This thesis of the Five Stages Of Death is a classic. We all went through that at some point, but we never learn cause it's only human to hit the bottom, only to rise again. Too bad Giraffe is dyslexic, but he still can keep his head up high. LOL. Good thing I learned how to recognize and walk beside a quicksand. And I noticed lately that I am dyslexic in my speech. Is there such a thing?
Robot Chicken :: The Five Stages Of Death



CAKAP FRENCH :: cliché (kliʃe) = cliché