My Take on Grammy Prediction

Whew! It's been a while since I was able to post anything on my blog! And I kinda miss it. Blame that lousy internet connection I got from SmartBro. Now they are suing me for not paying my internet bill fo four months! Who would want to pay for an internet connection you didn't get to fully enjoy? Out of that four months I think I only had a month of full internet connection. Damn them all cause I'm not paying them anything. . . .

Anyways, the biggest event of the year is coming! The Grammys! I always anticipate this ceremony every year! And I'd love to take advantage of having this blog of mine to express my opinion on who should win at the different categories.


ALBUM OF THE YEAR NOMINEES
The Foo Fighters - Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace
Vince Gill - These Days
Herbie Hancok - River: The Joni Letters
Kanye West - Graduation
Amy Winehouse - Back To Black

Who Should Win: Amy Winehouse's Back to Black

The first time I heard Rehab, I know that there was really something new and provocative on the way Amy expresses her artistry. Not until I was able to download her album was I able to assure that Amy Winehouse is probably the greatest artist since Lauryn Hill, perhaps even since Janis Joplin. Her album was straight right contemporary jazz and blues and really caters to fans of different generations. "You Know I'm No Good", "Just Friends", and "Tears Dry On Their Own" are some of the strongest tracks on the album. It would be complete travesty if she would not win. Now, if we she can really pull herself together. . .

RECORD OF THE YEAR NOMINESS

Beyonce - "Irreplaceable"

The Foo Fighters - "The Pretender"

Rihanna & Jay-Z - "Umbrella"

Justin Timberlake - "What Goes Around... Comes Around"

Amy Winehouse - "Rehab"

Who Should Win: Rihanna's Umbrella

As much as how I became a Rihanna-hater because of her arrogance, I nor anybody for that matter can't deny that "Umbrella" was a sure fire winner for this category. It was the most popular song for the past 12 months in many different countries and definitely the one song that housed Rihanna to Fergie, Gwen and Beyonce's hitmakers neigborhood. But I do think that with the likes of Beyonce and and Justin being on this category, it's still anyone's game. . .

SONG OF THE YEAR NOMINEES

Before He Cheats" (Josh Kear & Chris Tompkins)

"Hey There Delilah" (Tom Higgenson)

"Like A Star" (Corinne Bailey Rae)

"Rehab" (Amy Winehouse)

"Umbrella" (Shawn Carter, Kuk Harrell, Terius 'Dream' Nash & Christopher Stewart)

Who Should Win: Umbrella ella ella eh!

As I've said before, "Umbrella" was truly a hit but I think it's also one great breakthrough in song writing. This song was interpreted by many artists like Mandy Moore but still sounded great even if it was taken as a ballad. But keep your fingers cross, coz "Before He Cheats" is one hell grand slam of a country song and could make Rihanna a run for her money. .

BEST NEW ARTIST NOMINEES

Feist

Ledisi

Paramore

Taylor Swift

Amy Winehouse

Who Should Win: Amy Winehouse

Do I really need to say over and over again that Amy is the greatest artist in the past decade? And besides that, it would be a shame if her royalty will wither in the face of artists like Feist and Ledisi. . .

BEST FEMALE POP VOCAL PERFORMANCE BY A FEMALE NOMINEES

Christina Aguilera - "Candyman"

Feist - "1234"

Fergie - "Big Girls Don't Cry (Personal)"

Nelly Furtado - "Say It Right"

Amy Winehouse - "Rehab"

Who Should Win: Christina's Candyman

And it's not because I'm her fan, but Xtina was really successful in mimicking the Andrews Sister and bringing the old school jazz vibe in this song. Who could have thought that old jazz and blues that was that of the "Candyman" could be a really relatable and fun? You have to account that to Christina's ever flexible vocals. Besides, who will win beside her? Nelly Furtado is a great singer but that didn't show in "Say It Right". And yeah, we all know that Fergie can't sing. And as much as how I looooooooved Amy, I don't think that Rehab can compete with Candyman. . .

BEST POP VOCAL PERFORMANCE BY A DUO OR GROUP NOMINEES

Bon Jovi - "(You Want To) Make A Memory"

Daughtry - "Home"

Maroon 5 - "Makes Me Wonder"

Plain White T's - "Hey There Delilah"

U2 - "Window In The Skies

Who Should Win: Maroon 5's Makes Me Wonder

This should have been nominated as the record of the year! I haven't heard any song like this. Maroon 5 really continues to define contemporary music especially with this song. But this is one tough category. "Home" really showed Daughtry's vocals and Plain White T's song is quite popular. But I'll bet my ass on Adam Levine's vocals, if you know what I mean. . . hehehe. . .

BEST RnB VOCAL BY A FEMALE

Mary J. Blige - "Just Fine"

Fantasia - "When I See You"

Alicia Keys - "No One"

Chrisette Michele - "If I Had My Way"

Jill Scott - "Hate On Me"

Who Should Win: Alicia's "No One"

Alicia Keys got only two nominations!! Damn those wax-eared Grammy voters!! She was the bomb!! And her album was great but it wasn't even nominated as the best RnB album!! Shame on them!! Alicia Keys is one of the greatest artist to walk on the earth and this?! Ok I'm done. Alicia was reallysuccessfull in harnessing Jamaican influence in this record. And her vocals was right on and soothing. Quite different from her vocal performance in her previous songs. But I'd still be glad if Mary will win. "Just Fine" makes me want to groove that dancefloor. . .

BEST RAP/SONG COLLABORATION

Akon & Snoop Dogg - "I Wanna Love You"

Chris Brown & T-Pain - "Kiss Kiss"

Keyshia Cole, Missy Elliott & Lil' Kim - "Let It Go"

Rihanna & Jay-Z - "Umbrella"

Kanye West & T-Pain - "Good Life"

Who Should Win: Keyshia Cole's Let it Go

Against the odds that is Rihanna's Umbrella, I still believe that with the word "collaboration" in mind, I think Keyshia's song has it going. Missy and Lil' Kim's rap sounded beautifully with Keyshia's smooth and powerful vocals. Which reminded me, where is "Last Night"?

Tune in on February 8 for the results!!

Jerome

XOXOXO

Birthday Wishlist!

I was finally able to post my previous blog in Friendster. It was quite tiring, Blogspot does have its fugliness. So here I am thinking of another post when I remember that my birthday is coming! It's on October 31, yup, halloween! So what's better to post than my wishlist?

1. A Birthday Bash in Clubber's Guide! I've been there twice and it's real fun! I never partied so hard my entire life. Not to mention that the bartender was quite hot too. Ehem! Well my best friend, Camille, will also be celebrating her birthday so we are in the talk of having our parties held there. Can't wait to know how it will turn out!

2. A Marvin the Martian Backpack! I really had this sudden fetish for this hottie. Hehehe! And I really grown tired and uncomfortable with shoulder bags. A Backpack might prove to be more helpful to me since I carry tons of books whenever I go to school.

3. Earphones! Being the clumsy person that I am, I recently wrecked (don't ask me how) my two earphones. So here I am going to malls listening to my ipod with a set of earphones that is not mine. Good thing that my father had this covered up. He's sending me one next month. But that shouldn't discouraged some kind-hearted pipz out there. I could definitely put use to several earphones. Can't wait to have this entry on my wishlist checked!

4. Where are the Children by Mary Higgins Clark! I'm an avid fan of Mary Higgins Clark. I think I have read atleast five of her books. Having said that I still haven't read her best-selling book to date. And what an avid fan I am. Anyway this book of hers was her first novel and also the one that catapulted her to fame. Now I'm getting too serious. I would love to spend the day (or perhaps the next day, I plan on partying, remember?) of my birthday with this at hand.

5. A Drakkar Noir Perfume! This perfume, is so far, the best perfume I, I mean my father had. And I've been dying to get a hand for a bottle but guess what? Even the smaller one cost Php 3000! I'm not gonna spend almost half of my monthly allowance for a perfume! So probably someone would, for the sake of friendship? Nenette, Camille and Kates, what do you say?

Homosexuality and Conformity

>>> Here is my last blog from friendster. Whew! Took me a while to post it. It's actually my defense paper in Logic on whether homosexuals must conform to social standards. Quite boring if you'll ask me, especially if you happen to be a sexist, like my professor (who also happens to be my Philosophy teacher) . Well, the indirect insults and her continous bashing after she learned I'm gay pretty much made it clear where she stands. That's why I chose this topic. But hey, I got 1.0 in both my Philosophy and Logic class! She isn't that bad afterall. . .

The widely popular debate about homosexuality can be narrowed down to three arguments. (1) Homosexuality is against the natural order; that there are only two, male and female, sexual orientation and that deviations from these is either abnormal or is only a result of mental construct. (2) Homosexuality is against the teachings of God; that God only created Adam and Eve and that people who engage in same-sex intercourse must be put to death (Leviticus 20:13). (3) Acceptance of homosexuals can prove to be detrimental to society; that tolerance of gay people can bring forth a promiscuous generation driven by malevolence and immorality.

In view of the first argument, it is known that compliance with the natural order is one of the foundations of a great society. That opposing it can bring unhappiness. Then why is it that when a gay person tries to alter and hide (coined as hiding in a closet), his being homosexual, he experiences feelings of being manipulated, fear of socializing with other people, and imaginary speculations of other people about his sexuality? When in fact he’s trying to find a way to change his sexual orientation or in other words, follow the so-called natural order, where only heterosexuals exist? And why is it that when a gay person fully embraces his homosexuality, which is considered against the natural order, he experiences a feeling of euphoria? Wherein he feels he can conquer the world? Wherein he is free from the feeling of being manipulated, free of the fear of criticisms and free of the imaginary speculations of other people? I therefore consider the first argument wrong. Homosexuality is not against the natural order for it brings no harm and despair to the person embracing it.

Leviticus 20:13 which states that people who engage in same-sex intercourse must be put to death is one of the main reasons why the church is against Homosexuality. But it’s also written in the bible that women are forbidden to speak in church (I Corinthians 14:3) and disobedient sons must be stoned to death (Deuteronomy 21:18-21). Should we consider these three passages the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth? If so, then why is it that women who speaks in church and disobedient sons are not condemned explicitly by the church the way homosexuals are? These passages are but some of the parts in bible that implies what kind of scripture it is. The hard thing about the bible is that it doesn’t come with a manual or a guide to interpret it. People will interpret it based on their own reasons and experiences. That is why from this single book sprung out many Christian divisions such as Roman Catholic, Protestant, Iglesia ni Cristo and Born Again. I therefore consider the second argument invalid, because interpretation of the Bible is subjective.

The last argument is probably the most debatable, for why must society accept homosexuals if they will stir conflict in it? In Economics, we have learned that one of the functions of society is to serve as a “meeting place” for people to satisfy their needs. Because as an isolated individual, you cannot provide on your own the daily needs you require. Having said that, why are we creating standards that push people away from society, particularly the homosexuals? Why should we isolate them when they could prove to be helpful in the progress of our society, like what Ellen Degeneres and Elton John have been?

The same argument was used to oppose the right of women to vote. When women sought the right to vote and participate in politics in many counties, it was believed that the interests of society were put to jeopardy. That it’s also against “nature” of women staying at home and doing housework. But what happened after they were given the chance to vote and participate in politics? Isn’t it that it gave them dignity and paved way to the continuous crusade of women to bring equality? What if we also cease the discrimination against gay? And yield positive results to the advantage of society? Isn’t that worth trying for?

In the issue of morality, it’s common especially in our country that whenever a gay person pass by, especially if his hair is long, he’s wearing mini skirts, backless dress and heels, we cannot help but come to conclusions that that person is promiscuous, pervert and immoral. But then if we delve in to the issue of morality, we will learn that sexual orientation has nothing to do with it. It is the level of education, being rational and the conscience of man that determines the kind of being he’ll be. Being homosexual does not hinder a person from being morally upright, the way being a heterosexual does not guarantee that a person will be ethical.

With these said, I consider the last argument false, for several gay people have already contributed to the well-being of society and that the conclusion that gay people will bring immorality to society is only a product of generalization and the fallacy of division.

For me, the things discussed in the defense argument are but sound proof that the time has come for us to make advancement in civilization. My belief, supported with my defense, is that acceptance of homosexuals will shake but not wreck the society and it’s churches. And when such vision is attained, gays and lesbians will finally be given a chance to freely fulfill their highest potential as human being and as persons made in the image of God.

I invite comments, objections and refutations. . .

Cheating. . . My First Rant!

>>>As I said I'm gonna post my two blogs in Friendster, and one of them is me bashing my classmates, some of them actually. It's all about that cheating crap that my friend Romeo has as a topic for a stand paper in Logic. He stated in his defense that he despises cheaters and that cheating is immoral. One of my classmates, quite taken aback and insulted, stood and started stating personal questions and indirect insults that were really out of the topic. And it ended up to be one of the best (in what I called the 'cheap list') catfight I've ever seen!

"All was said and done and I'm really not in the mood to restate what happened during the first day of defense in Logic. But here's the thing. Just because a person prefers do do things differently from the way we usually do, doesn't mean that we should go all over him and attack him personally. True, the paper was presented in very personal and somewhat insulting manner, but that's the way it is. It's a "stand paper" for crying out loud. Meaning, its something that the guy truly believe is right. And just because its a defense, doesn't mean that we can go saying unintelligent things against the person and ask whatever questions we want. There are ways, rational ways, to prove our side other than going overboard, embarrassing and turning people against the person. It's a shame that we have have reach this group age and still we can't meet someone at a professional level.

I'm not siding with someone nor provoking anyone. I'm also not saying that I don't cheat cause' I do cheat. But please, to say that cheating is right?? Even a six-year old child knows it's not. I do cheat because I am conscious about my grades and my understanding about the subject is sometimes not enough. But that's it. I'm not going to use such reason to justify the act. Cause it never will be. Cheating will always be wrong."

Cheers!! (not that old TV show, mind you)

I just had enough of my blogs in friendster. They were never easy to manage and the templates are fugly! Having said that here I am in blogspot for the official opening of my new blog: My Sanctuary! And this is happening at 5:07 in the morning and I haven't got any sleep. Just great...

Well to start with I'm gonna transfer all of my blogs from friendster to my blog here. There are not so many of them, actually they're only two. What? Don't blame me, blame friendster. All of the time and effort you have to exert to post just bore the hell out of me.

Aside from the much celebrated opening of my blog, I have one more reason to celebrate. I actually passed all my subjects this second year! Including that horrendous physics subject which I only got 3.0 as my final grade! Well, given the fact that I submitted my final exam without any answers, I pretty much don't have the right to protest, do I?

Whew! New upcoming semester, new challenges, new professors, new classmates and a new blog. Wish this will mark a beginning of a new me. Lolz! Anyway I should start posting my previous blogs and probably some new ones. Bye and have a great day! Mwuah!