Yasmin Ahmad, the Barrier-Breaking Director

.

This is The Keongomaniac's tribute to the film works of Yasmin Ahmad, the critically-acclaimed Malaysian director, who passed away a few days ago on the 25 July 2009. Known for her ability (and nerve) in breaking cultural barriers albeit at times controversial, her enlightened vision inspire many on the art of film-making and its ways in portraying one's perspective on especially contentious and unchallenged social norms.

.

YASMIN AHMAD

1958 - 2009

The Director who Broke Barriers

.
Well-known film works of Yasmin Ahmad:
.
The "Orked Trilogy" - Sepet, Gubra, and Mukhsin
.
SEPET (Chinese Eyes) - 2004
"One Chinese boy, one Malay girl, one unforgetable love story"
.
Starring Sharifah Amani as Orked, and Ng Choo Seong as Jason
.

The premise of this movie is very simple, a love story between a Malay girl and a Chinese boy amidst the diverse Malaysian cultural fabric, which is steeped with social and racial pressures.

.

What stands out for me in this film is the way Yasmin Ahmad was able to portray the realities of how social expectations tend to govern even the young. In doing so, the characters break such norms, with bitter-sweet repercussions.

.

AWARDS:

.

Best Asian Film Award (18th Tokyo International Film Festival 2005)

Best Film (27th Creteil International Women's Film Festival, France)

Best Film (18th Malaysian Film Festival)

Best Film (Global Chinese Golden Arts Awards)

.

.
GUBRA (Anxiety) - 2006
"Why do we hurt the most, the ones we love the most?"
.
Starring Sharifah Amani as Orked, Adlin Ahmad Ramli as Ariff
.
This sequel, fast-forwarded a few years, sees Orked married to a much older Malay men named Ariff. Orked's father fell ill, and therein at the hospital Orked meets Jason's brother. There is also a separate side story about a prostitute in the village side.

.

In this film, Yasmin Ahmad bravely included controversial scenes not typically seen in a conservative Malay film, such as the depiction of husband-and-wife bathing together, and a religious man touching a dog.

.

AWARDS:
.
Best Film (Malaysian Film Festival 2006)
Best Actress - Sharifah Amani (Malaysian Film Festival, 2006)
.

.
MUKHSIN - 2007
"Everyone has a first love story to tell"
.

Starring Sharifah Aryana as young Orked, and Mohd Syafie Naswip as Mukhsin

This third installment to the "Orked Trilogy" takes the audience back to the 10-year-old Orked, where she has her first childhood romance with a boy name Mukhsin.

.

While it is unclear how this love story could have impacted Orked's later inclinations toward out-of-the-norm guys, but in a way Mukhsin was already one of them. The adult Orked also made an appearance as part of a 'alternate reality', where she meets her 10-year-old self.

.
AWARDS:
.
Best Feature Film - Generation Kplus (Berlin International Film Festival 2006)
Crystal Bear - Special Mention (Berlin International Film Festival 2006)
Best ASEAN Film (Cinemanila International Film Festival 2007)
Best Child Actor - Mohd Syafie Naswip (Malaysian Film Festival 2007)
.

.
MUALLAF (The Convert) - 2008
"It is in forgiving that we are forgiven"
.
Starring Sharifah Amani as Rohani, and Brian Yap as Brian Goh
.

Clearly the most controversial of Yasmin Ahmad's films, Muallaf dives heads-on in the role of socio-religious dynamics in everyday society. The question of love, forgiveness and faith plays a central theme in this movie.

.

Muallaf was first screened in Singapore in 2008, via The Cathay's The Picturehouse. The movie however has yet to be screened in Malaysia due to its highly controversial elements such as the shaving bald of a Muslim female. It is slated for a 2010 release, that is if it passes the censorship authorities by then.

.
AWARDS:
.
Special Mention Best Asian-Middle Eastern Film (21st Tokyo International Film Festival)
.

.
May God bless the artful soul of the barrier-breaking film-maker that was Yasmin Ahmad. Amin.
.

"Old Friendster blog" relaunched as Heritage Archives Link

Known unofficially as the "old Friendster blog", the predecessor to the Keongomaniac Khronicles blog has since been renamed Keongomania Blog Original. It has now been refurbished as a Heritage Archives link.

Bloggers can now access the website to see the origins of Haz Wayne's World, and the Keongomania Blogs humble beginnings. The blog was active from January 2006 - April 2007, and was definitive in The Keongomaniac's (originally "KingKeong") time in Millennia Institute (2005-2006). It moved to this current Blogger location on July 2007.

The original Keongomania Blog was known for its sometimes controversial metaphorical expressions, self-penned poems and the infamous homoerotic Haz Wayne's Hottest Males charts.

The Keongomania Awards is held annually in January to commemorate the Keongomania Blog's anniversary (first entry in Keongomania Blog Original was on 15 January 2006), and to create a sense of continuity between the original and the current blog now existing as Keongomaniac Khronicles.

Keongomania Blog Original: http://kingkeong.blog.friendster.com/

Long Live the King

This Is It

Before his untimely death, the late Michael Jackson, the Greatest Entertainer of All Time, was planning a series of concert at London as his grand comeback after battling years of unjust and cruel persecutions by lobbyists. While seen as having fallen from grace in his own country, Michael was still very much loved in Europe, hence the choice of London.

This is the video of Michael Jackson announcing his "This Is It" concerts and its promotional clips.

It seems eerily ominous from the tone of his own voice of how he described this as his "curtain call" and a hint that this may be the last time we the world would ever see him in action. To name the concerts "This Is It" seems prophetic now, with his untimely death. They say people often knew when their twilight is upon them. May God bless his beautiful soul.

The King's Last Dance:

Seeing him giving off so much effort for his professed last concert is truly heartbreaking. This clip was taken a mere 2 days before the King passed away.

So befittingly, the Michael Jackson Public Memorial Service was held at the Staples Center, Los Angeles, the very stage where he had his last dance, and where the King spent most of his last days rehearsing for the This Is It concerts.

.

A visibly saddened Mariah Carey opens the performance with the Jackson 5's I'll Be There.

Usher choked up in singing the tribute Gone Too Soon.

Gone Too Soon

"Gone Too Soon" is actually song written by Michael Jackson which is in dedication to Ryan White, an AIDS victim he befriended before the young boy died in 1990. In 1997, the song was also included in tribute to Princess Diana in her death.

Usher in turn sang Gone Too Soon as a dedication to the undisputed King of Pop, ironically a title he was no longer referred to at the end of his days, but an epithet duly returned to him only after his demise.

The following video montage was shown at his memorial in recognition of his many great achievements as a revolutionary entertainer, a global popular and cultural phenomenon, and reputable artiste worthy of a King.

Jennifer Hudson, who lost her mother, brother and nephew last year, performed Michael's Will You Be There in his honour.

"In our darkest hour, in my deepest despair.

Will you still care? Will you be there?

In my trials, and my tribulations. Through our doubts, and frustrations.

In my violence, in my turbulence. Through my fear, and my confessions.

In my anguish and my pains. Through my joy and my sorrow.

In the promise of another tomorrow.

I'll never let you part. For you're always in my heart."

- Michael Jackson

It was mentioned that Charlie Chaplin's Smile was Michael's favourite. It was beautifully sung by his Muslim brother Jermaine Jackson, who too had difficulty holding back his tears.

Today's TODAY newspaper (9 July 2009) writes that "the essence of Michael Jackson's memorial cane down to 20 poignant, powerful seconds" referring to Michael's daughter Paris Jackson's farewell words to her father as she concludes the event when she took the microphone with her own eulogy, in addition to Jermaine Jackson and Marlon Jackson, the latter who said that only with Michael's death, will "they leave you alone", in reference to Michael's constant persecutions and a title of one of his songs.

TODAY also concluded that:

"It was a remarkably humanising moment. Then again, it was remarkable just to see Jackson's three children in public to begin with. A fiercely protective father, Jackson rarely brought his brood out into public, covering their faces in veils to protect their identity when he did.

All at once, Jackson wasn't the larger-than-life King of Pop or Wacko Jacko the tabloid freak. He was a doting father who had left three young children behind.

He was "Daddy".

Michael Jackson is survived by his three children, the first two being the result of Michael's second marriage with Debbie Row. The youngest was conceived through artificial insemination.

• Prince Michael Joseph Jackson, Jr (born 1997)
• Paris Michale Katherine Jackson (born 1998)
• Prince Michael Jackson II "Blanket" (born 2002)

Farewell the world's King of Pop. And long live your great legacy.

World Mourns Death of the King of Pop

Michael Joseph Jackson

(Mikaeel)

MICHAEL JACKSON

1958-2009

.

The King of Pop Michael Jackson, dies at the age of 50, at the UCLA Medical Centre, after being rushed from his home at Los Angeles, California, for reportedly having cardiac arrest.

.

Jackson has a career lifespan of almost 4 decades, starting from the days of The Jackson 5 and ultimately dominating the music scene during his heights, which led the media to christen him the "King of Pop". Michael was nothing short of a tragic figure during the last three-quarters of his life. Attacked left, right, front and centre by lobbyists, MJ was very much a misunderstood human being from the day he took the pedestal.

.

In 2005, Michael was cleared of all charges against him. Months before his death, Michael was preparing himself for a series of concerts as a comeback, where his frail health proves to be an obstacle, which eventually took a toll on him.

.

.

In Haz Wayne's World, a 7-day mourning period has been declared. The King of Pop's untimely death reminds many of the shocking passing of Sir Heath Ledger in January last year.

.

Michael Jackson was actually due to be knighted this year, and be the first living person to be conferred with the Keongomaniac Lifetime Achievement Award. This honour however was recently given to Sir Tom Hanks. It is expected however, that the late King of Pop, who embraced Islam in November 2008, will be placed on the fast track to knighthood.

Always Larger Than Life

Michael, we will always love you. Peace be upon him, and may God bless his beautiful soul.

Keongomaniac's Guide to Symbolisms and Positive Outlook of Life and Love

The Keongomaniac brings you a simple guide to Symbolisms and Positive Outlook of Life and Love. What's more, it can be done in the most easiest of ways, even at the comforts of your home: Movies!

Understanding symbolisms and its significance is important in living our life, for it also undeniably shape our outlook of things. Many dismisses symbols and imageries as the embodiment of the retardardation of the arty-farty. The Keongomaniac however disagree, believing symbolisms to be a manner in which a higher power communicates with mere mortals. Only the sad unenlightened are blind to see His signs where He reveals them. And you have but to broaden your mind and open your heart, to receive His grace around you in your everyday lives.

3 Movies That Can Get You Back Intuned With Your Lit Side!

+ FINDING NEMO (2003)

Yes a Disney-Pixar cartoon! I wanted to make this easy for you =) Finding Nemo is a brilliant work of character mix-and-match with amazing witty dialogues. Even though primarily the plot involves a father's love and his search for his son, I want you to pay close attention to the character of Dory (it gets better right!). Voiced by none other than the great Ellen DeGeneres, Dory embodies such a positive outlook of life, it was without doubt that without her help, the clownfish Marlin would not have been able to find his son Cheeko, I mean Nemo. ;)

Despite her short-term memory loss, her positive force guided the negative-minded Marlin in his quest. When you're watching this, pay very close attention to her lines, and the possible reasons as to why she does certain things.
.

1) What could be the reason behind Dory's short-term memory loss?

Usually people chooses what to remember, and what to block out. Dory's short-term memory loss could stem from the mundane-ness of her life, or that she has no family.

• "Please don't go. I want to remember. I do not want to forget. When I'm with you, I'm home."
• "Yes I forget things almost immediately. It runs in my family. At least I think it does. hmm, where are they..?"

2) Why was Dory able to memorise the address written on the mask, despite having a short-term memory loss?

This is strange, but not unexplainable. Given the mundane-ness of her life (which in my theory makes her forget), Marlin came to her life with a real quest to find his son Nemo. This gives FOCUS, and thus also a GOAL, a clear OBJECTIVE to be met. So when Dory signed up to find Nemo, it matters not that she keeps getting his name wrong. As long as she knows that her goal was to FIND NEMO.

• "42 P. Sherman Wallaby Way Sydney. I remember it! I usually forget things, but i remember it!"
• "I dunno. I think I lost someone, but I can't remember."

3) Dory's philosophy of "Just Keep Swimming", and "half-full"

Dory's solution to a sticky situation is easy: to keep swimming. She does not mind the very least the dangers of sharks, and naively (or positively clever?) thinks bombs are balloons. She even enjoyed her time in a whale, and my most favourite of all (and perhaps the most obvious line that reflects her positive outlook of life), was that she feels the "water is half-full", as opposed to Marlin's "it's half empty!". Damn I love this show. ;p

• "Oh it's alright.. it's gonna be ok.."
• "That is a weird thing to promise. You cannot let anything happen to him. Then nothing will ever happen to him. Not much fun for little Harpo (Nemo)."

.

For merely being a role model for the force of positivity, The Keongomaniac gives his commendation to the character of Dory, voiced by Ellen DeGeneres (in Finding Nemo). This is the first time ever a Keongomaniac Commendation is given to a fictional character.

A Keongomaniac Commendation (2009)
Dory (voiced by Ellen DeGeneres) in Finding Nemo (2oo3)


.
+ BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S (1961)

Yes I know it just keeps getting better! And this is perhaps the most obvious of choice. I wanted to give you something you can perhaps relate to, and this is the best movie to showcase that. Arguably Dame Audrey Hepburn's most iconic role, Breakfast At Tiffany's is a great movie only to those who recognises the daily struggles we have in our pristine lives. It is the sheer acknowlegement that things are not black and white, but exists are shades of grey that makes us the human that we are. Imperfectly perfect, and holistically complete. =)
.

This is very much a give-away. Look closely at the character of Holly Golightly and her outlook of life and love. A free-spirited individual who turns her back on the world and an extrovert who hides her insecurities with her socialite lifestyle, she eventually does not even have control of her own destiny, lost her beloved brother, but yet continued to cage herself in. Until of course she was knocked to her senses by someone who loves her for who she is regardless, for her beauty within.
.

1) Why does Holly find solace at Tiffany's?

Whenever she experiences her "mean reds", she will take a trip to Tiffany's just to look at the jewels on display. This was shown at the beginning of the movie, hence the title namesakes. Does this make her a purely materialistic character, or simply human to have desires for the unreachable? Note that she does not even splurge on diamonds which she feels are for older women, but basically she's revered by the sheer majesty of it.

• "Nothing can go wrong in a place like Tiffany's"

2) Why would a socialite loves to visit a prison regularly?

Holly explains that "girls will look their best" when they visit Sing Sing, the name of the prison. This is not a blase comment, but a commentary that she too, like the girls, feel the need to make the inmates (or whoever they are visiting) feel good, given of course how deprived they are in prison. This again makes her a sophisticated person, not superficial, for she recognises the many levels of human suffering.

• "Sing Sing, a rather funny name for a prison."

3) The Song "Moon River"

Pay very close attention to the lyrics of the iconic Moon River song (one of my favourites of all time). In what would be one of Hollywood golden age most memorable scenes, Audrey Hepburn at her most dressed down attire singing "Moon River" with her own voice. The song sums up Holly's true outlook of life and love, though she does not seem to want to admit it to herself.

• "There's such a lot of world to see. We're after the same rainbow's end, waiting 'round the bend, my huckleberry friend. Moon river, and me.."

4) The No-Name Cat Named Cat

Take note also on the famous cat named "Cat" in the moive, and the reason as to why Holly refuses to give it a name.
.

KEONGOMANIAC NOTE: Breakfast At Tiffany's was named the Keongomaniac Classic DVD of the Year in 2008. Dame Audrey Hepburn was also knighted with the Sword and Shield of the High King (the highest honour in Haz Wayne's World) through the Keongomaniac Lifetime Achievement Award in the same year.
.
.

+ CAST AWAY (2000)

This might seem like a weird movie choice, but it is the mother of all movies dealing with the importance of symbolisms. Symbols and imageries are practically littered all over the place in this movie, making it the great movie that it is, and not the cliched stranded-in-an-island premise. It is also considered by The Keongomaniac as one of "the most beautiful movie ever made".
.

Sir Tom Hanks (who acted as the protagonist Chuck Noland) was nominated for an Oscar for his role, and won the Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture in 2001.
.

1) The Symbol of Time and Place

Chuck Noland's first scene deals with him teaching his Russian staffs the importance of time. This is important when placed vis-a-vis on how he will later believed to have 'died' while actually stranded in a island for 4 years. The contrast and change before-and-after of him being "cast-away" is crucial to the central theme of the movie.

• "Time rules over us without mercy... We live or die by the clock. We never turn our back on it."

2) The Symbol of Wings, why it saved Chuck's life

While stranded in the island, there is this one package Chuck decided not to open, purely because there is a symbol of wings on it. It is simple: wings are the symbol for flight and freedom (and liberation and emancipation..etc you get the drift). At the end of the show, he delivered the package, and wrote a note that it "saved his life".

This wings also became the representation of the new love Chuck will embrace (hinted at the end of the movie). So by this interpretation, his lover Kelly was not the only one 'with him' in the island that kept him going, but his 'new love' (unrealised then) too.

• 'WINGS' LADY: You look lost.
• CHUCK: I do?
• 'WINGS' LADY: Where are you headed?
• CHUCK: Well I was just about to figure that out.

This lines, while seemingly mundane, has great depth in terms of its meaning. Especially so since the scene is depicted at a crossroads. In life at times we need help and guidance to point us to the right direction, and more often than not, often we selfishly reject these signs, thus unabling us to move forward and in so doing remain 'stuck in the moment' and 'caught in the middle'.
.

3) The Symbol of Roads, the mother of all symbols

If you watch the movie properly too, the symbol of roads is used very clearly, though to the untrained mind, it is easy to miss. The long shot of the road and crossroads appear at the beginning and at the end of the movie. At the last scene, Chuck moves directly to the middle of this junction. My God that must be the strongest orgasmic 'symbolistic' thing ever in the history of cinematic symbolisms.

The image is superbly strong: A man whose life is now renewed is standing at the junction and crossroads of his future and destiny. It is solely in his hands, for the direction in which he takes still lies with him. However it takes another individual to lay for him what lies ahead of him, and the choices that he could make. You may disagree with me. But I believe he will take the road that will take him back to the 'wings' lady, and thus relish in his new lease of life.

• "I have to keep breathing, even though there was no reason to hope."
• "And I've lost her all over again... I'm so sad that I don't have Kelly."
• "And I know what I have to do now, I gotta keep breathing. Because tomorrow the sun will rise, who knows what the tide could bring?"

That is some powerful shit. =)
.
4) "You're the love of my life!"

I really love this movie also because it is not pretentious when it touches on the topic of love. It is not corny, but very much concrete. In the beautiful scene where Kelly rushes out in the rain to embrace Chuck for one last time, she declared to him "I love you, you're the love of my life!". But given the discrepancy of Time and Place, she also recognises the fact that you do not necessarily settle down with 'the love of your life', which is sad but hard truth. And Chuck too, respects this and duly let her go. Now that is what I call love, in its most mature of sense.

• KELLY: Chuck...
• CHUCK: You have to go back. (said in a form of statement, not an order nor a question)

This movie is a fun watch, especially the witty moments in the island. If you're a true outdoor-type you will definitely empathise with Chuck's hardship in the island. If you're a Freud-fanatic you will simply love the whole Wilson-Chuck exchanges. Given that it is rich with symbolisms, it might not be an easy watch for the trained and enlightened mind actually, because it will really affect you. Call me a freak but I still tear a bit during the scene where Chuck lost his only friend Wilson the Volleyball. It is heart-wrenching. It gets me every time. =)

If anything, watch it for superb and totally believable acting of Sir Tom Hanks. You are an inspiration. God bless you.
.

KEONGOMANIAC NOTE: Cast Away (2000) receives the Keongomaniac Commendation as well. Sir Tom Hanks was recently knighted in Haz Wayne's World this year but his knighthood is yet to be published. He is the first to receive the Keongomaniac Lifetime Achievement Award while still alive.

Last year Sir Heath Ledger, Sir P.Ramlee and Lady Saloma and Dame Audrey Hepburn were knighted in the 3rd Keongomania Awards.

A Keongomaniac Commendation (2009)

Cast Away (2000), starring Sir Tom Hanks and Helen Hunt

Sultan Pardons Kris Allen, Removes Criminalisation

A frame of Kris Allen was lighted at the Dame Audrey Palace Hotel

after the Sultan's Pardon for all to see.

The Royal Grand Palace Istana Agung Di-Raja yesterday announced that Kris Allen, winner of the American Idol Season 8, received the Sultan's Pardon and hence no longer listed as a Keongomaniac Criminal in Haz Wayne's World.

Allen was the first-ever Criminal to be openly publicised in Keongomaniac Khronicles. He was given a WANTED arrest status after he was charged with robbing Danny Gokey's place in the finals with Adam Lambert, the True Idol. This list of Criminals were never made public, but it was rumoured that actor Jude Law, and Singapore's Julian Hee are among those having the criminal record.

Runner-up Adam Lambert filed a personal petition to the Sultan to request for the removal of Kris's criminalisation, as recorded in An Interview With the Lambert: The True Idol. The royal spokesperson cited Adam's conviction for Kris's innocence and possibly his former crush on him to be among the reasons for the pardon.

http://

Jason Mraz "You and I Both" in Ellen (Sept 2004)

A Keongomaniac Commendation (2009)
4th Keongomania Awards (to be held in Jan 2010)

Keongomania Awards for the Recognition
and Acknowledgement of Enlightened Expressions



SONG TITLE: You and I Both
WRITTEN/PERFORMED BY: Jason Mraz
ALBUM: Waiting For My Rocket To Come (2004)


"Oh just remember the telephone, well they're workin it both ways" - Gotta love this line!

FULL LYRICS:

Was it you who spoke the words
that things would happen but not to me

Oh things are gonna happen naturally

Oh taking your advice and I'm looking on the bright side

And balancing out the whole thing

.

Oh but at often times those words get tangled up in lines

And the bright light turns to night

Oh until the dawn it brings

Another day to sing about the magic that was you and me

'Cause you and I both loved

What you and I spoke of

And others just read of

Others only read of the love

Oh the love that I love, yeah

See I'm all about them words

Over numbers, unencumbered numbered words

Hundreds of pages, pages, pages forwards

More words than I had ever heard and I feel so alive
.

'Cause you and I both loved

What you and I spoke of

And others just read of

And if you could see now

Oh love, love, you and I, you and I

Not so little, you and I anymore

And with this silence brings a moral story

More importantly evolving is the glory of a boy

'Cause you and I both loved

What you and I spoke of

And others just read of

And if you could see me now

Well then I'm almost finally out of

I'm finally out of, finally de de de de de de

Well I'm almost finally finally

Well I am free, oh I'm free

And it's okay if you had to go away

Oh, just remember the telephone

Well, they're workin it both ways

But if I never, ever hear them ring

If nothing else I'll think the bells inside

Finally found you someone else and that's okay

'Cause I'll remember everything you sang

'Cause you I both loved

What you and I spoke of

And others just read of

And if you could see me now

Well then I'm almost finally out of

I'm finally out of, finally de de de de de de

Well I'm almost finally, finally out of words

Adam Lambert Admits Gay, Had Crush on Criminal Kris Allen

Keongomaniac Khronicles brings you an exclusive on the latest revelation by the American Idol Season 8 runner-up Adam Lambert, christened as the "True American Idol" in Haz Wayne's World.

In the latest issue of the Rolling Stones magazine (due to be released in the US on Friday), Adam Lambert ends weeks of hot speculation over his sexuality.

#1 REVEALED: Adam IS Gay

Lambert, 27, told the magazine that:

"I don't think it should be a surprise for anyone to hear that I'm gay. I'm proud of my sexuality, I embrace it. It's just another part of me."

He also explains:

"I've been living in Los Angeles for eight years as a gay man. I've been at clubs drunk making out with somebody in the corner."

As mentioned in Keongomaniac Khronicles in its previous entries, discussions of his sexuality came after widespread circulation of his photos kissing another male and in drag surfaced in the Internet towards the end of the Idol competition.

Regarding this, Adam Lambert had never denied those were him, nor has he openly admitted he was gay, but had famously declared:

"I am who I am. I have nothing to hide."

(Also referenced to in The Keongomaniac's Interview with the Lambert: The True Idol)

Adam told the Rolling Stones that with regard to the photos, he was worried people would think the drag ensemble was typical of him. He said:

"I wasn't ready for that. I've only dressed in drag three or four times. ... I don't tuck and wear breasts, that's not me."

#2 REVEALED: Why Admit Only Now?

Lambert admits that he was nervous about coming out while Idol was still on the air because contestants are under a media embargo, and he wanted to do it on his "own terms." He told the magazine:

"I was worried that (coming out) would be so sensationalized that it would overshadow what I was there to do, which was sing. I'm an entertainer, and who I am and what I do in my personal life is a separate thing. It shouldn't matter. Except it does. It's really confusing."

He also said:

"I didn’t want the Clay Aiken thing and the celebrity-magazine bullshit. I need to be able to explain myself in context."

A point to note, American Idol Season 2 runner-up Clay Aiken only just recently came out of the closet in 2008. Will Young, winner of the inaugural UK's Pop Idol (upon which all the Idol series are based on), also came out after he won in 2002, to pre-empt an attempt by a magazine to out him. (Note: to "out" a gay out of his closet is to do so without his consent, while "to come out" of the closet is by his own choice.)

The Keongomaniac Shuns Closed-Minded Homophobia

In this respect, The Keongomaniac denounces all those who had, in one way or another, attempted to pressure Adam Lambert (or his likes) to "come out of the closet" because it is not their choice, but his. This closed-mindedness is not tolerated in Haz Wayne's World, where those who force others to do something against their will can be prosecuted without leniency.

The Keongomaniac also expresses "his utter disappointment" even to the members of the gay community who instead of supporting Adam Lambert's right in disclosing his sexuality at his own terms, chose to ALSO persecute him by dismissing his talents as a singer, but focusing on his homosexuality and the "baggage that comes with it". The Keongomaniac is not amused by this, and so is Adam.

Stereotypes about gays do annoy him. Adam has this to say:

"Clay Aiken's gay, and I'm gay, and we couldn't be more different. The only thing that is the same about everyone in the gay community is that we're gay. Why can't we talk about a human community?"

#3 REVEALED: Adam does not want to be a Gay-Rights Poster Boy

The American Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, a group that advocates for homosexual rights, said it hopes Lambert's "decision to live openly and honestly inspires gay people and opens the hearts and minds of his fans".

Despite his coming out however, Adam Lambert made it clear that he does not wish to be a gay-rights poster boy. Even though he supports gay-rights movements, he said:

"I'm trying to be a singer, not a civil rights leader."

#4 REVEALED: Adam had a crush on Kris Allen OMG!

Yup that is right. Adam Lambert admitted to have a crush on the Criminal Kris Allen, winner of the American Idol Season 8. (Adam was visibly disturbed by the criminalisation of Kris in Haz Wayne's World, as seen in the imagined Keongomaniac's Interview with the Lambert)

When Idol producers put him in a room to share with Kris, Adam Lambert says his first thought was:

"They put me with the cute guy. Distracting! He's the one guy I found attractive in the whole group on the show: nice, nonchalant, pretty and totally my type — except that he has a wife. I mean he's open-minded and liberal, but he's definitely 100% straight."

Well definitely not when he was doing this!

http://

Aww... aren't they just sweet? (Compliments to Maria Baluyut for the vid!)

Keongomaniac Note:

In Haz Wayne's World, where enlightened thoughts and expressions reign free, gay marriages are not legal and are not recognised in any form whatsoever. The Keongomaniac is not an advocate of gay rights. Enlightened homosexuals however do have a place in this world, for regardless of one's colour, race, or orientation, we are all human and sons and daughters of God. Haz Wayne's World is governed by the principle that no one individual should be persecuted in any form, less it stems from the closed-mindedness of the said person or entity.

Sources:

http://sg.news.yahoo.com/rtrs/20090610/ten-entertainment-us-lambert-db3f2d5.html

http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2009/06/09/the-new-issue-of-rolling-stone-the-liberation-of-adam-lambert/#

http://omg.yahoo.com/news/adam-lambert-finally-confirms-i-m-gay/23594?nc

http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2009-06-09-lambert-rollingstone_N.htm

President Dr. Obama's Speech to the Muslim World

With this inspiring and moving speech from the 44th President of the United States, the Honourable Barack Hussein Obama, The Keongomaniac hereby announce the introduction of a new Doctorate to be honoured for him: the Doctor of Peace and Hope (Ph.D). Barack Obama was previously prestigiously recognised as the Keongomaniac Person of the Year in 2008.

May we present to you, Dr. Barack Obama, Ph.D, with the epithet "The Oracle of Truth and Defender of Justice". God Almighty be with you, as you lead us to fulfil His vision of Peace among Man.

Thus Dr. Obama in his momentous speech says:

"We have the power to make the world we seek, but only if we have the courage
to make a new beginning, keeping in mind what has been written.

The Holy Koran tells us, "O mankind! We have created you male and a female; and we have made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another."

The Talmud tells us: "The whole of the Torah is for the purpose of promoting
peace."

The Holy Bible tells us, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall
be called sons of God."

The people of the world can live together in peace.

We know that is God's vision. Now, that must be our work here on Earth. Thank
you. And may God's peace be upon you."

For full transcript of the speech: http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Barack_Obama_speech_at_Cairo_University

Keongomania hits 5000 viewership in mid-2009!

According to the statistics counter started in January this year, Keongomaniac Khronicles reached a 5000 blog viewership today on the 1st June 2009. It is definitely delightful to know that this feat is achieved on this day, considered by some as the mid-point of the year. And so if the viewership trend continues, it would mean that by the end of the year, a 10 000 mark could be expected.

While some may claim that it is minor by blogosphere standards, The Keongomaniac is indeed humbled by the response of this website, known for its enlightened thoughts and expressions. He has vowed to continue the efforts in showcasing the best of infotainment in Haz Wayne's World.

The Keongomania Blog migrated from the old Frienster blog (now renamed Keongomania Blog Original) to its current Blogger location on 17 July 2007 (170707). The viewership counter count however, as mentioned above, was only started in January this year. This 5000 mark hence reflects the viewership for this year so far.

Daily Hits Certified Accurate

From next week onwards, The Keongomaniac will keep stats on the Daily Keongomaniac Hits, which is currently an estimated average of 50 views per day. While this function has been heavily criticised for being inaccurate, The Keongomaniac had ensured its accuracy by formatting it such that the hits will only be counted as 1 for the same user. In other words, repeated views by the same user will only be counted as a single visit. This ensures that the number reflects the number of viewership by person, not visits.

The Keongomaniac would also like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have supported the Keongomania Blogs throughout the years, especially the Pioneering Fans listed below. To be a Keongomaniac fan, simply search for "Keongomania Blogs" in Facebook.

Pioneering Fans of the Keongomania Blogs

(Keongomaniac Khronicles; Speaking Silence of a Dream; Keongomania Blog Original)

• Maria Baluyut (http://zekelovesme.livejournal.com/)
• Isrin Johar (http://isrinpunctuates.livejournal.com/)
• Feeza Wydiana (http://feeza.livejournal.com/)

Interview with the Lambert: The True Idol

This is an imagined situation in Haz Wayne's World where The Keongomaniac interviews Adam Lambert after his defeat to the Criminal Kris Allen.

As The Keongomaniac sat comfortably at the Starbucks of Dame Audrey Palace, he waited with full anticipation the entrance of Adam Lambert, the runner-up for American Idol Season 8. Moments later the door opens to reveal a rather calm-looking Adam, 27, spotting a simple blue and green chequered top with jeans. The Keongomaniac stood in awe the presence of The True Idol, and was returned with a customary handshake and a great smile.

ADAM: So sorry to have kept you waiting... I understand you are a very busy man. (still smiling)

KEONGOMANIAC: No, not at all! It is my greatest pleasure to have the honour of this interview. You do know that here in Haz Wayne's World, you have been called "The True Idol"?

ADAM: So I heard! And thank you, I am deeply flattered. But no I cannot accept that, America voted for Kris, he IS the American Idol. He was my roommate and a great guy, and I am truly proud of him.

KEONGOMANIAC: Oh but the laws of the world does not apply the same here, Adam. Here you are our True Idol, as the legions of your fans would concur. And speaking of Kris Allen, he is technically still a Criminal, and we have to refer him as such.

ADAM: U guys are so mean! Kris is talented in his own right. Maybe because many did not expect him to go so far, but I've seen him from the start, and that guy certainly has his own merits.

KEONGOMANIAC: Which I do not doubt, of course (smirking). Well in case you have not read, after the show last night, the Billboard website declared the Criminal Kris's win a "surprise victory". So new judge Kara DioGuardi was right to say he was the "dark horse" in the competition?

ADAM: Err.. I'm not sure what to say about that. But it is still a popularity competition of sorts, so I think the results can still go either ways even at the very last minute.

KEONGOMANIAC: That's right, and therein lies the problem. Danny Gokey was never in the Bottom 2, and his elimination in favour of the Criminal Kris sent shockwaves throughout the world. Danny and yourself Adam, have been the favourites of Paula Abdul right from the beginning to be in the finals. The Criminal appeared out of nowhere to unseat Danny. This is a classic case of the underdog winning the race!

ADAM: Erm like I said, Kris is a talented chap too. And can you please stop calling him "the Criminal"?!

KEONGOMANIAC: Talented?? Not when he desecrated Donna Summer's She Works Hard For The Money in Disco Week! Oh and I'm sorry Adam, only with Tuanku His Majesty the Sultan's pardon can his criminal record be removed.

ADAM: Okaaay... I just don't understand why you guys are being so hard on him?

KEONGOMANIAC: Well I have watched the entire Season 8 from the beginning. Like all competitions, I believe the most deserving ought to receive what he or she deserves. And in this case, it is crystal clear there are those more deserving than him to win! (like yourself Adam... don't tell me you don't feel that way)

ADAM: Well it is still a voting contest...

KEONGOMANIAC: True! Thus it becomes a matter of public opinion isn't it, and less to do with talents. I'd wanted both you and Danny to be in the Finals because it would be the perfect finale for a perfect Season 8! Come on, the finals performance show between you and Kris was the most boring part of the entire freakin' season! Don't even get me started on the Criminal's singing of No Boundaries. Good God the horror of it! That is your Idol, America?? Shame on you guys.

ADAM: I really don't know what to say, you guys are so mean... (looking genuinely sad)

KEONGOMANIAC: It's alright Adam. I just feel a Adam-Danny showdown would be way better than a Adam-Kris, vocal performance-wise, that's all I'm sayin' dude. He's not your match. I wouldn't have mind a Adam-Matt, or a Adam-Anoop, or even Adam-Allison! That would be the greatest showdown ever! And I'm sure you remember, the Criminl Kris Allen himself said "Adam deserves this" after he was crowned winner! Need I say more!

ADAM: (sat silently with his eyes fixed on The Keongomaniac, mesmerised by the conviction the famed blogger has for him)

KEONGOMANIAC: Erm, I see you have no comments for that. And may I add, after the Criminal was announced the new American Idol, all the judges gave a standing ovation EXCEPT head judge Simon Cowell. He remained sitted! This is maybe the first time he remained sitted when the other 3 judges stood up, because usually he will do so as well. Yes he did give a congratulatory handshake to Kris later on, but we cannot deny the plain fact that Simon felt you deserve it more, Adam...

ADAM: (still too stunned for words, a little teary-eyed)

KEONGOMANIAC: You are the only contestant who had done more than the rest, surprising us with each performance. Week after week you take great efforts to renew yourself. You are the True Idol, Adam. America just did not see that.

ADAM: (speaking at last) I don't blame America. I am truly grateful for the experience and exposure. American Idol is just the beginning for most of us, it will open a lot of doors.

KEONGOMANIAC: You are right again, Adam. I think many of the Top 13 can cut albums and make a whole career out of it, including you. If Kris winning is about 'how commercial' or 'mainstream' he is, I'd say that's bullshit. If anything, I am glad for the platform this competition gave the likes of you, Danny, Matt, Anoop, Megan and Allison. Or the Bikini Girl for that matter! Hahaha. But still, you still deserve to win.

ADAM: But I did not, so... I guess this is when "being good is not good enough"? Isn't that one of your LiveJournal entry titles?

KEONGOMANIAC: Oh gosh! (blushing) I didn't know you read them!

ADAM: Well it's in the Internet, I happened to chance upon them. You're a good and enlightened writer (giving a quick wink of the eye).

KEONGOMANIAC: (blushes even more) Oh! Don't do that! Hehe. Well I am enlightened enough to recognise talent where it matters, regardless of who you are. May I take a dig at the Net speculations over your sexual orientation given the supposed exposed pictures of you kissing other males, and in drag?

ADAM: (unfazed) Well like I've said before, I am who I am, I have nothing to hide. [Keongomaniac Note: This is an actual quote]

KEONGOMANIAC: There are some who claims that this may be the reason for the sudden dip in your popularity votes towards the end, after the release of this net photos which can be Googled oh-so-easily. I am just disgusted if that is truly the case. Like I said, all of Haz Wayne's World stood by you for your talents and how much you deserve the Idol title, not by biased unrelated things like your orientation, which BTW, is totally your problem, not theirs.

ADAM: I'm loving you already man. (smiling)

KEONGOMANIAC: (shifts in his seat) Well, Season 2 runner-up Clay Aiken recently came out of his closet, after staunchly denying it for years. Given that you are almost in the same situation as him, being the runner-up, can we expect the same from you then?

ADAM: (laughs heartily) Hahaha! Well I never did deny anything at the first place did I?

KEONGOMANIAC: Well okay, Adam (smiling sincerely). I'm afraid that is all the time we have for now. Thanks very much for agreeing to this. We pray for your future success. And you will always be The True Idol in Haz Wayne's World, no matter what.

ADAM: (standing) Yeah I'll send a petition to the Sultan for Kris's pardon okay. And thank you... I really appreciate this. (comes closer to give The Keongomaniac a warm thank-you hug)

KEONGOMANIAC: No problem Adam... (before he could say anything more The Keongomaniac felt a lip-glossed peck on his left cheek)

ADAM: Thank you again. (smiling with his eyes, the True Idol turns to leave the cafe)
.