Graffiti -- Vandalism Or Art?

Taken from Wikipedia -- Graffiti (singular: graffito; the plural is used as a mass noun) is the name for images or lettering scratched, scrawled, painted or marked in any manner on property.

In my honest opinion, it is both. But it ultimately depends on the situation and the circumstances.

Vandalism

Think about obscene graffiti. How would it look like on a public property? Say an ATM machine or on the walls of a pre-school.

Does graffiti portray a professional image in a squeaky clean environment?

Does widespread graffiti reflect well on a country? On its people?

I'm sure you guys are pretty familiar with the Michael Fay incident in '93/'94 where he was sentenced to caning for vandalism. And more recently, the vandalism of the SMRT train by Swiss National Oliver Fricker. Personally, I feel that the former was more serious and leaning towards "vandalism" because of the major damage done. On the other hand, the latter did not really cause much damage except for trespassing the secured train depot. His work was actually more of an "art", don't you agree?

You guys may beg to differ, I dunno.

Art & Music

Graffiti is a work of art. You can't deny graffiti adds life to anything.

If you notice, graffiti is also an element in the world of music. It normally associates with Street music. Hip-Hop. Grunge. Alternative.

The Gorillaz? Remember this animated band? Graffiti actually plays a role in their image, branding, and music. You can probably check out some of their earlier music videos.

Hell, even Chris Brown named his 2009 album "Graffiti".

I guess most of us agree that the cover pretty much sucked.

Came across this new duo called "Graffiti6" all the way from the UK. Look at their in-your-face use of graffiti. Their music is brilliant, by the way. Take a listen to their latest single, "Annie You Save Me".

Graffiti -- vandalism or art?

It is art. But it can be vandalism. So the moral of the story is to use graffiti the right way, at the right place and at the right time.

Penning Something 6

I wanted to write a song about believing yourself. Believing that you can change your own fate, create the path you want to take in your life and not allowing others to bring you down in any way. So I name this song "Defying Gravity" (the name of my blog if you haven't noticed), which is trusting yourself to live your dreams against all odds. And here it is, written just last night.

"Defying Gravity"

Verse 1

Life, is what you make it

Hope, is what you have and

Don't ever give up on your dreams

Life, is about creating yourself

Build the path you wanna take

Nothing can get in your way

Chorus

I will not back down

I will not bow down

To everything in front of me

You and I create

Our own destinies

Everyone's fates can be changed

So watch me defy gravity

Defying gravity

Verse 2

Clouds, they cast over my head

And rain on my parade

I won't let them get to me, no

So take, my hand and walk with me

On this road that I can see

No matter how dark and cold the journey may be

Chorus (x1)

Bridge

Don't be afraid

To take a stand

And change the life that's planned

You only have just

This one chance

To make it the best

Chorus (x1)

This is a mid-tempo Pop track with guitar riffs, a mix between Kelly Rowland's "Rose Colored Glasses" and the Michelle Branch/Timbaland collaboration "Getaway". 

Bittersweet Symphony

Been spending loads of my free time playing online games on this website I came across from another blog. In case you're wondering what dopamine is, it produces an increased heart rate and blood pressure. And these 2 games -- Blosics 2 and Gibbets 2 gave me exactly that. Plus the fact that they're so damn addictive doesn't help the least bit. Anyway, I think you guys ought to try them. Haha!

Heard a snippet of David Archuleta's brand new single "Something 'Bout Love". It's just like any other David A song, heartfelt yet catchy at the same time. Looking forward to copping his album this September! :)

I Am

Don't worry. I won't hurt anyone for chocolate.

Or maybe I will. Haha just kidding.

Went for the Resonance concert @ NUS yesterday evening with Simmy and Pravin to support YF. And it was a wonderful night of acapella!!!

The vocal percussionists were amazing. I wonder how much stamina they have.

There were a few solo vocalists who had great voices and in my opinion could beat any Singapore Idol finalist. I'm serious.

I Pray For You

I came across a song "Pray For You" by this new band so aptly. It's quite a meaningful song when it started out:

"Haven’t been in church since

 I don’t remember when

 Things were going great

 Til they fell apart again

 So I listened to the preacher

 As he told me what to do

 Said you can’t go hating others

 Who done wrong to you

 Sometimes we get angry

 But we must not condemn

 Let the good Lord do his job

 And you just pray for them"

But then it became mean and hilarious:

"I pray your brakes go out

 Running down a hill

 I pray a flower pot falls

 From a window sill

 And knocks you in the head like I’d like to

 I pray your birthday comes and nobody calls

 I pray your flying high when your engine stalls

 I pray all your dreams never come true

 Just know wherever you are

 Honey, I pray for you"

Still, I very much believe the part in the first verse about not hating and condemning others who have done wrong to you, because they would ultimately experience karma.

Revenge is meaningless.

Fiesta!

I don't normally blog about cars and automobiles (I think this is my first ever post about cars) but the new Ford models kinda caught my attention while I was reading another blog. So I'm here to share! :)

This is the Ford Fiesta. I think it has a cute design. So I would feel that it suits ladies more. This new model comes in a series of colors including green, yellow, orange and so on.

I'm not really sure about the technical aspects of the car though. But the exterior sure is nice.

Now this is the one I really like. It's the Fiesta Sedan. Looks real sleek and classy. And both this model and the Ford Fiesta are fuel-saving, so it's all good. I dig the rims!!! Look sporty.

I think the most visible difference between the Ford Feista and the Fiesta Sedan is that the Sedan has a butt. I prefer cars with butts. Not big ones though.

Make Me Over

New layout! But I need to change that boring header. Done!

Now you'll see at the top a few pages I have added to the blog -- "What's Getting My Spin" has been revamped to include some of the songs I've been spinning on my iTunes and would like to recommend to you guys. "Penned By Yours Truly" is just the whole collection of songs that I've written thus far and will be updated if I wrote a new one. This makes it easier to view the songs directly instead of having to scroll through the numerous posts on the blog itself. And finally, "Aim For It!" is a list of all the goals that I hope to achieve in my lifetime. Many of them are ridiculous, but I'm just employing Green Hat Thinking! Haha.

Penning Something 5

Wrote a new R&B ballad today! Envisioned Jennifer Hudson and Fantasia singing this one. It's about having enough of your partner's lies and deceit, and finally leaving him.

"Pretence"

Verse 1
2am in the morn'
I called you on your phone
You told me that you would be home

I waited on the line
Nobody picked the call
I thought it's just another lie

Pre-Chorus
You promised that you gon' be lovin' me
You promised that you gon' be true to me
You promised to be honest
You promised to be real
But now you're full of lies and deceit

Chorus
So it was just pretence
And it's all pretence

Verse 2
You said you'd treat me right
So just stay by your side
But I think I could do this no more

When I'm not on your mind
You just ain't doin' right
You got another chick in your ride

Pre-Chorus (x1)

Chorus (x1)

Bridge
Now I see the truth
You just made me a fool
I'm o-ver you

Time to say goodbye
I know I gotta try
Try to live without you

Pre-Chorus (x1)

Chorus (To fade)

The Story Of Toys Part 3

One word -- FANTASTIC. The best one out of all 3!!!

My favourite toys would have to be Mr and Mrs Potato, the 3 aliens and peas-in-a-pod. Haha best moment was Mr Potato using the tortilla and cucumber as make-shift bodies. And Barbie + Ken!

I'm not gonna spoil the rest for you so if you haven't caught this brilliant animated feature, YOU ARE MISSING OUT BIG TIME.

Rating: 5/5

Don't Stop Believin'

Heard about the massive flood at Orchard which happened during my exam today. Saw the photos, it was crazy. Never seen anything that serious in a while. Especially at Orchard Road!



Hey, was that Wendy's?? So Wendy's took over Burger King. Now I know. But it got flooded. BK must be thinking, "Thank goodness we let out this outlet! Imagine the loss we would have suffered! And the clean-up!" Yes BK. Good for you. Poor Starbucks too.

Anyway, today's exam was alright. Basically puked out whatever I could. A few questions were not very well written but I still hope that I can do well.

I think flash mobs are cool. Browsed YouTube yesterday watching videos of flash mobs. Posted one on Facebook which I thought should happen in schools more often. Makes life more interesting. Then there's another kind, the freeze flash mob where people just freeze in whatever they're doing for 5 minutes or so. Here's one that I found which happened in Paris, involving about 3000 people. 3000!!! That's a huge number. I wonder how much planning went into this.

I Wanna Be A Billionaire

Exam next Wednesday. I hope I can score this!

These few days were quite mundane. Memorising stuff for the exam while pacing around in my room, and writing songs. But I like to write songs so it wasn't all that boring. Haha. I wanna learn how to produce! That way I can actually put out my written songs for people to listen to and feedback on.

I need to choose another elective to take next semester but have yet to find one.

Toy Story 3 is a must-watch! And I'm currently hooked on Xtina's new album. You guys need to check it out if you haven't.

Anyway, came across this awesome song because Britney tweeted about it!

Penning Something 4

I told you I'm on a writing spree today. This next song is a guitar-driven ballad. Something along the lines of Hot Chelle Rae's "Bleed". It's about a man whose relationships never work out and he thought he finally met a girl of his dreams only to have his heart broken again. Sad huh. And the song's more of a story as you read the lyrics.

"Broken"

Verse 1
I used to be a man with a broken heart
But ever since I saw your face
You go through my mind
Every night

So I really hope to see you again
I think I really need you, I
I want to make you mine

Chorus
I wish that you could
Stay by my side
Just for a little while

And the music's playin'
It's pouring outside
I just wanna hold you tight
Tonight

Verse 2
As I was walking down the street one day
I happen to see you just passing right by
So I took the chance and I
Ran up to you and said, "Hey, what's your name?"

But you just smiled and walked away
And then my heart broke to pieces
When I saw you're already with a man

Chorus (x1)

Bridge
And I'm broken
Broken
And I'm broken
Broken again

Chorus (x1)

Penning Something 3

Came up with the melody and lyrics within an hour. My favourite out of all written thus far. Wrote this while envisioning Colbie Caillat singing it. This song is totally her. It sounds like any other Colbie Caillat song! Haha. It's about being there for your loved one.

"Keep Holding On"

Verse 1
So tonight
The stars are bright
I'm with you
If you need someone too

Hold my hand
And stay the night
Everything's gonna be alright

Chorus
Just keep holding on
I'm right beside you
Just keep holding on
I won't forsake you

Please don't give up because
I won't give up on you, you, you

Verse 2
By now you
Should know that
I love you
As much as you do too

If you need
A place to run to
I got you

Chorus (x1)

Post-Chorus
Keep holding on
I'm right beside you
Keep holding on
I won't forsake you

Chorus (x1)
Post-Chorus (To fade)

Penning Something 2 (Part III)

I'm on a writing spree today. Completed this Dance/Club song!

"Put Your Hands Up"

Chorus
Put your hands up

In the air

Shake your body in the club

Don't give a care

Move your two feet

Whip your hair

Just go all out and play

Without a care

In-the-world

Oh-oh-ohh (x8)

Verse 1

It's a Friday night

Join us for a ride

Throw your troubles away

You know you gon' stay

On the dancefloor I say

Bust your moves go crazy

Be happy say hey

On this night of party

Chorus (x1)

Verse 2

And all around the world

People having fun I hear

So what you waiting for

Just get down on the floor

Chorus (x1)

Put your hands up (x4)

So yea. As with all Dance/Club songs, this one has no meaning as well. Haha. It's just about letting go and having fun. Anyway, I think it feels more like an Urban/Dance song. Like Flo Rida mashed with David Guetta.

Penning Something 2 (Part II)

Ok I need to put my Dance/Club song aside because I wrote another new song. It's a Contemporary Country ballad this time. Finished the lyrics within an hour! I feel that this is the best song I've written. Not that I've done a lot of songs, I know. Anyway, I wrote this song for my Dad. It's a song about regret and pain after losing a loved one.

Hey Dad, this song is for you:

"Now You're Gone"

Verse 1
I was wrong
To be
I was wrong
To treat you that way

But I can't
Change the fact
That I chose
To push you away

Chorus
Wish that I could turn back time
I can't accept that you're gone
You're gone
Wish that I could treat you right
Why did you leave me this way
This way

Now're you gone, gone, gone (x3)
You're gone

Verse 2
Here I am
Today
How I hoped
That you were right by my side

But regret
and shame
Has plagued me right up
Till this day

Chorus (x1)

Bridge:
As I saw your face
In my dreams
I wished that I could have changed

To have you here
And watch me grow
From a boy right to a man

Chorus (x1)

Penning Something 2

I said I wanted to do an R&B song but I ended up writing a Dance/Club song. Title is "Put Your Hands Up" and the song starts off with the chorus. Verses will be tougher to come up with.

Chorus:
Put your hands up
In the air
Shake your body in the club
Don't give a care

Move your two feet
Whip your hair
Just go all out and play
Without a care

In-the-world

Oh-oh-ohh (x4)

You Wanna Get Crazy?

Copped Xtina's new album today!!! "Bionic" is really awesome. Stand-outs include title track "Bionic", first single "Not Myself Tonight", the Nicki Minaj assisted "Woohoo", "Glam" and the ballads "Lift Me Up" plus "You Lost Me".

She's not my favourite artist for nothing, you know.

Rating: 4.5/5

Penning Something (Part III)

I'm gonna re-insert the pre-chorus. So the song goes like this:

"Empty"

Verse 1:

You broke my heart

Tore it apart

And you left me

Down and weary

Said goodbye

And I can't try

To keep you with me

Why'd you leave me

Pre-chorus:

I'm falling apart

I told you from the start

Chorus:

I can't live live live

Live without you

I can't breathe breathe breathe

Breathe without you

Now you take away my love

You take away my happy

I can't see see see

See without you

I can't think think think

Think without you

Now you take away my soul

You take away my hope

And I'm empty

Verse 2:

For a while

Forget us now

That's what you told me

I am sorry

I held you near

Whispered in your ear

Oh L-O-V-E

Why can't you see

Pre-chorus (x1)

Chorus (x1)

Bridge:

Empty, empty, empty, empty

Empty, empty, my heart is empty

Empty, empty, empty, empty

Empty, empty, now I'm empty

Chorus (x1)

So there you have it! My very first self-penned song. Overall, it has something of a Power Pop/Rock vibe with an acoustic guitar introduction, which later incorporates drum beats for the second verse. Think of Kelly Clarkson's "My Life Would Suck Without You" mixed with Leona Lewis' "I Got You" and "Naked".

Well, I wouldn't call this song a masterpiece, because I still think the lyrics are quite cheesy. But for a first attempt, I should give myself a pat on the back. :)

I wanna write something R&B next! Haha.

I've Got The Power!

I'm really digging this new Kanye track from his upcoming album. Titled "Power", the base-hitting, African music-influenced song is undeniably catchy and fresh. I can't believe I'm actually liking something from Kanye West so much. He might have a lousy attitude at times, but you can't dispute that he makes awesome and creative music. Take a listen:

Taking Over The World

Decided to walk around instead of staying at home racking my brains over that stupid vitamin model (which I'm still at while writing this post, unfortunately).

Bade my spoiling slippers goodbye as I got a new pair. Hopefully it lasts. Really comfy though.

Spotted this new men's apparel flagship store @ Illuma called "Mark Fairwhale", which I just found out was a brand originated from China. Wow. I couldn't believe it because that store looked posh like any other American or British high-end fashion retail outlet. I guess China wanted to launch something international. Anyway, there wasn't a single customer in sight.

I think Illuma is a fairly nice place to hang out because there are no crowds. You can have the whole mall to yourself.

Exam in exactly 2 weeks' time. That's like so fast man. Time to cram!!!

"INSANITY II"- on schedule!

Phew! After a ridiculously long gestation period of 7 months or so it seems like the second game is almost ready to launch. The game is playable from start to finish in it's current state, and all that's left to do is to drop in the audio (20% done already), draw up the ending cinematics, fix some dialogue weaknesses and beautify some of the weaker images. Then wham bam baby! she's good to go.
I'd say at the rate I'm working on it, bar ill health or an exploding computer the game should be on FGL for the sponsors to sniff around at by the end of July- possibly even the end of June. The whole project has been like a goddamn weight around the neck for this year and I truly hope someone appreciates the monumental effort I've put into making this the best Flash horror game ever. Personally I'm looking forward to the months after this, bumming around the humid, gorgeous Japanese beaches with a can of Asahi- before coding simpler games I can finish in 2-3 months max. Whacking the MochiAds on and watching my bank account saturate with passive income, that sort of thing. I know I'll never make the amount of $$$ I think 'The Insanity II' is actually worth, due to it being done in the Flash medium, but what the hell -no regrets, this has been for the most part a labour of love, and artistically speaking it should stand the taste of time in comparison to some other games out there. And who knows about future platforms? Maybe an Iphone version?
Although I can't release another alpha version of the game, you guys can rest assured 'THE INSANITY II' is far better than the first one in every way. Horror fans will not be disappointed. More updates coming soon.
p.s.I will also rewrite my SplatterHouse tutorials for AS3 when I have the time this summer.