Surviving Survivor
07/02/2004
Twice as nice!
Well, this week was good, I had double doses of Survivor All Stars and American Idol. I’m a happy camper.
Idol gazing
American Idol delivers few surprises. It’s quite clearly merit based, the only thing that’s amusing is how some people can be so wrong about themselves. What I don’t get is why people come out from the auditions, having been heard by the very people they need to impress to be in the industry, and come out thinking they were robbed. If they had sent in a demo – the outcome would’ve been the same. Ok, they probably would feel better not hearing the rejection straight from Simon Cowell.
So is the truth so hard to bear? True, he’s mean and sarcastic – but some of those people who turn up are seriously wrong about what they consider their talent. American Idol is entertaining to me because nothing beats having the truth embellished in an ascerbic package topped with a British accent. Absolutely ghastly, but totally funny.
Outwitted
So now I kind of miss watching Survivor: Pulau Tiga. I have to concede that Richard Hatch, in his naked glory, is about the most entertaining contestant in the running. For some strange reason he reminds me of Jack Nicholson. Maybe the smile and complete disregard what people think of him.
But I hope he doesn’t win anyway, I hope Lex van den Berghe (from Survivor Africa) or Rob Cesternino (Survivor: The Amazon) will be the winner. Lex because he’s just plain cool and funny. Rob because he’s a scheming weasel. KF wants Rob “The Mob” Mariano to win, but I don’t think he’ll make it that far.
Watch out behind you
So, today I filled out my employee survey form. I am now anxiously awaiting sweeping changes over the company. Ok, that’s a bit too optimistic. I’ll be happy if it even just crawls over. They said we’d see the results from this survey, so I’m looking forward to that. They said the same thing last year, but I didn’t see anything after I filled it out dutifully.
An issue that bothered me was whether it would make a difference, going through the trouble, organising my thoughts and making it known. Will the changes we clamour for materialise?
Then of course, the thought of not doing it becomes an increasingly attractive option. Afterall, if nothing changes anyway, why bother?
I did it in the end, partially because the submission date was (so generously) extended by (hold your breath…) 2 days, and my boss make it a point to remind us that chances like these to give detailed feedback don’t come often. He’s such an optimist. You shouldn’t miss those chances only if you assume it will, in some way, add value to your life.
Another part of me did it because I like grappling with being objective yet try to make a point that I am appalled at the shit that goes on. And though later I might live to kick myself for doing it, right now it feels good.
I already gave it my best. I have no regrets at all ~ William Hung, American Idol auditioner.
