Thursday, September 29, 2011

...The Radio Had Better Music

I used to love the radio. But, lately I've been turning more and more to my iPhone for music. A year ago a friend introduced me to a tape that connects to my iPhone. All I have to do is put the tape into any tape player and then I'm surrounded by all my favorite songs. It seems like the radio has grown more and more repetitive lately. Where I am rap and country are popular genres. It's almost impossible to find alternative music on the radio, and don't get me started about the morning personalities and commercials.

But, aside from all that there doesn't seem to be good music up front in the media. I like dancing to Ke$ha and everything, but sometimes I want music that has a little more to it. Something that grabs the soul. Something with lyrics that have meaning.

My favorite way to find new music is through TV shows. I know, I know. A little hypocritical since I just said it's hard to find good music in the media. I guess I mostly mean on the radio and shows like VH1 or MTV (dear Lord, there is so much wrong now with that show). It's a lot of mainstream stuff. Man, that makes me sound like a hipster. Back to TV show music. Vampire Diaries may be a cheesy show (though, Stefan could totally take Edward) but it has great music. If I hadn't watched the show I would never have found Stateless.

Statless's music is art in every way. Music in general is art, but I feel like Stateless takes it to a new level. From their lyrics to the music itself, art and creativity flow everywhere.

This song, "Ariel," is just one example. I swear, I have watched this video a million times. The song and dancing both just overwhelm me. The band is like nothing I have ever heard before, and maybe that's why I like them so much. They're refreshing. There's also meaning behind their lyrics, too. They don't just say something to say something.

"This Language" may be one of my favorite songs. The combination of the orchestra instruments and the rapping and the lyrics...It seriously leaves me completely amazed every time. I have been listening to Stateless non-stop. This song in particular stands out with the lyrics addressing war and its language.
And the song that started it all, "Bloodstream." A song about being consumed with love, lust, or infatuation. I guess it just depends on how you look at it.

Stateless is a band from England (like all bands I'm drawn to) and their self-titled first CD, Stateless, came out in 2007. "Bloodstream" and "This Language" were from the 2007 album. Then, the band's sophomore album, Matilda, came out early 2011. The song "Ariel" comes from that CD. I feel like there's more orchestra behind the 2011 album. And I LOVE it! It's a great combination between electronics and classical. Simply original in my opinion.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

...The World Didn't Depend on Technology So Much

This is going to be an angry blog post.

First of all I hate hackers. I hate them with such a passion
and the seventh circle of Hell is reserved specifically for them.

A few days ago I received an email from a friend and a link
was attached. The minute I clicked it my computer was infected with hacker
software. So, now I can’t use my laptop until the software has been removed. Let
me tell you, it is a pain in the arse. The hackers can monitor everything I type
so I had to change all my passwords. And, my email account continuously spams
everyone in my email account. And when I write everyone, I mean EVERYONE who I have
ever sent an email to. Schools from my senior in high school, my ex, my
friends. Everyone.

Lesson Number 1: Do NOT open links from friends because it
can only lead to trouble. If it looks suspicious then it is.

So, now I’m being forced to use the library computer, but
then that doesn’t even work properly. My emails won’t open up on it! I can’t
contact people and for some reason it won’t receive all the emails. I can’t
access my BlogCritic account because my email won’t receive the renewed
password email.  To make matters worse
when I got onto my Blogger account everything was in Chinese. And my first
thought was literally, “Shit, they’ve managed to hack into my accounts even
when I’ve changed the freakin’ password AND I’m not using my laptop!”

Lesson Number 2: Being hacked creates paranoia. I seriously
feel like everything I do is being monitored by the stupid arseholes who hacked
me. This is cannot be good for my mental state. Soon, I’ll be a crazy person
living in a hut and working about conspiracies.

FINALLY after changing my language I could read my account.

Sadly, this is not the first time I have had difficulties
with technology. Sometimes I think the government should hire me to just to
help them destroy enemy technology. I really wouldn’t have to do much.
Seriously, it’s like my mere presence creates technology chaos. Nothing ever
goes right.  A friend of mine said
something about artsy people being completely anti-tech. At least I’m not
alone, I guess.

Now, back to hackers.

Those people should stop pulling this kind of crap on innocent
people. I’m not usually an angry person and rarely do I hate anything – except baggy
pants on guys. That’s just wrong on so many levels. Okay, back to the topic.
Hackers should realize that karma is a bitch who doesn’t play nice.

The day I found out what had been going on I felt paralyzed
with fear. I had been using my laptop for week unknowingly with the hacker
software running on it. I called my email account people and then I called my
mom. All I wanted to do was cry because everything is on my laptop. My laptop
is how I get homework done. It’s how I check my bursar account.

During this crazy time I’ve learned how much I depend on
technology and to be protected while I’m using the Internet and stuff. It’s
kind of crazy and makes me want to give it all up. But, I can’t because how do I
get my homework in? Or, finish my class? Keep in touch my out of town friends?

We’ve opened Pandora’s box and now we have to deal with the
consequences. And, it’s a little bit scary.

Monday, September 19, 2011

...I Hadn't Read the Book in One Setting

I have never read Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre. Once upon a time I watched the movie with a friend but did not feel enamoured by it like she did. Instead, I was more interested in Mansfield Park and Sense and Sensibility. My friends influence eventually led to my love of all things Jane Austen. But, Bronte's gothic novel never really reached out to me like Austen's did. What was Mr. Rochester compared to Mr. Darcy? I just didn't fall in love the story. Maybe it was too dark for me, maybe I wasn't ready to appreciate the story yet.

A week or so ago I was at Barnes and Nobles, a place that I consider to be a second home. I was there to study, but of course I couldn't keep from checking out the books. I mean, what was the harm in taking a quick break? I just wanted to check out the books.

Of course, though, the books drew me in and my studies were forgotten. Then, a book in particular caught my attention. Jane by April Linder. Instantly, I could tell it was a modernization of Bronte's novel. But, the tagline really pulled me in: What if Jane Eyre fell in love with a rock star? Curiosity got the best of me and I looked it over. The story sounded interesting. Still, I put the book aside and continued down the shelf, making a mental note to remember the title for another time.
I returned to Barnes and Nobles a few days ago to study some more. And, like usual, I couldn't resist to check out the books. I already had several to read, but I just had to see. I picked up Jane and thought, What the heck? So, I sat down in one of those comfy couches and started to read. Half-way through the first chapter I knew I had to buy this book.

However, I was still reading The Power of Six by Pittcacus Lore, so I didn't have time. Still, fate intervened and I left behind the second in the Lorien Legacies book. Needing to read because for once I didn't have too much school work, I picked up Jane and started reading.



I spent all day reading, only to take a break to visit family. Three hundred and seventy-three pages later I'm sitting in my living room with that familiar reader's remorse. Why didn't I take my time to enjoy the book? I had been too eager, to consumed by the story, to put the book down. I fell in love with April Linder's characters and felt a connection with Jane Moore who was afflicted with insecurities and the need to just feel loved.

The minute I put the book down I wanted to start reading Jane Eyre in order to see why Linder was so in love with the story that she wrote this amazing book. I wanted to read it and understand any small references in Linder's portrayal.

Years after I watched Jane Eyre, I think I finally understand the magic of Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester. It is just as amazing of a love story as Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. Both tell a story of social classes and both create a love story that has prevailed through decades. But, where Austen's is a little more cheerful, though still showing the absurdities of society in her time, Bronte's captures a darker aspect. And yet, it's still romantic. After reading Jane I could see what was so appealing about Jane and Rochester's relationship. Granted, it still had the fairy taleness about it. But, it also has such a realism to it, that darker side of love.

April Linder manges to modernize the gothic novel well and to bring you into the novel. The conversations between Nico Rathburn (aka Mr. Rochester) and Jane Moore (Jane Eyre) are elequent and honest. I think that's what is most endering about Jane, her character is honest. She does what she knows she needs to do, even if it hurts. She's true to herself and that's a lesson girls - and women - everywhere should learn. Although she must give up the man she loves, she knows that it's right for her, that she needs to time to gather her thoughts. Jane says what's on her mind and is considerate of others.

I used to argue with a friend about Jane Eyre and why Pride and Prejudice was so amazing. Of course, she hadn't read my book and I had read her favorite. Now, though, I realize I need to. I've realized that I've missed out on a wonderful work of literature, albeit a little more somber than Austen's novels.

So, if you're not quite ready to jump into the nineteenth century world of Jane Eyre, then I recommend jumping into the twenty-first century world of Jane Moore. You won't regret it. April Linder may be the sole reason girls fall in love all over again with Mr. Rochester.

One things for sure, I am going to read this book again and to really let myself read it, to enjoy it properly.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

...Music Followed Me Around Everywhere Like in the Movies

"I think music in itself is healing. It's an explosive exression of humanity. It's something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we're from, everyone loves music."
- Billy Joel

Sometimes when I'm walking in between classes I get this sudden urge to just start dancing and singing like an extra on Glee. Thankfully campus has yet to be graced with the nightmarish sound of me singing. It's amazing, though, how a simple song can make you want to burst into song. Or, how a song can help you get through the tough times in life. Music has certainly helped me. It is also what inspires me when I'm writing. Sometimes in a movie it is the song that really makes the scene. Case in point, the scene in which Victoria is being chased by werewolves in New Moon. Granted, the movies are not the best ,but usually the songs are pretty amazing. And in that scene the song "Hearing Damage" by Thom Yorke works perfectly. So, I thought that I would write about music.

When it comes to music I'm not going to lie and say I'm a hipster, or only listen to old school rock. I admit it, I love me some mainstream music. Ke$ha? Yes, she's on my iPod. But, to keep people from throwing food at me, I also have The Beatles. I think that people shouldn't be snobby about music. If it sounds good to you, then listen to it. I proudly listen to Taylor Swift and Britney Spears.

These, though, are my top favorite bands. Hopefully, I will spread their music to even more people.

First is Snow Patrol. They are an Irish band who have been together since 1994. It wasn't until their album Final Straw that they really made it big. I remember seeing the music video for the song "Run" and literally falling in love with it. The thing that captures me is their lyrics. "These words are said to much, but not enough" from the song "Chasing Cars" really struck a chord with me. Their music can range from the eerily haunting ("Set Fire to the Third Bard") and to the more upbeat ("Take Back the City").


Snow Patrol, "Chasing Cars" off of the album Eyes Open



I should probably mention that I have a tendency to fall in love with music from the United Kingdom, specifically Britain. It's like I'm drawn to their bands or something. Like a magnetic pull.

So, my next favorite would be the folk rock band Mumford and Sons. If I ever have the urge to feel like I'm sitting in the middle of a pub, their music is what I listen to. The amazing thing with them is that they sound just as good live as they do on their CD. While I haven't had the chance to actually see them live, I have used YouTube in order to do so. And, their music is just as raw and amazing as when I listen to their first, and only one so far, CD Sigh No More. The first time I listened to their music I felt like the songs were literally reaching into me. The sound of Marcus Mumford's voice as he sings "White Blank Page" is filled with such emotion. I'm not sure if any other band has done that to me, as if I could feel the music. And, that is why they are one of my favorites. Their emotion, music, and lyrics will fill you.

An acoustic version of "White Blank Page" by Mumford and Songs off of their CD Sigh No More


Okay, to detour away from my obsession with all that is the UK, here's a band from the States: OneRepublic. When it comes to mainstream music, OneRepublic are definitely in that category. But, that doesn't make them bad. That just makes everyone else in the category pale in comparison to their amazing talent. If there was a moment when I felt like I needed to overcome an obstacle, then OneRepublic's "Marchin On" off of the CD Waking Up would be that song. The song has that I-Can-Do-Anything feel to it because the song lets you know that you aren't alone. The song "Stop and Stare" off of the album Dreaming Out Loud is a wonderful example of the band's poetic lyrics. And, it's no wonder that they have such popular lyrics. Ryan Tedder, the lead singer, has worked with artists from Adele to Ashley Tisdale. It's only right that he has his own band to work with and to spread his genius.


OneRepublic's "Stop and Stare" off the album Dreaming Out Loud

To me there is only one man who could make me want to quit school and move to Hawaii to do nothing but live and surf. That musician is Jack Johnson. His music is typically upbeat and perfect for driving with your window down. However, Jack's music isn't always the sunny side up style. The song "Sleep Through the Static" is clearly his opinion on war. And, "Cookie Jar" is a song about the media and society. His acoustic guitar and craft lyrics make Jack Johnson a very talented musician. And, to top it off? He really can surf. He's not just pretending to me the surfer type of person. His music is laid back and relaxing. Next time you're driving and the weather's nice, put on some Jack Johnson. You won't regret it.



Jack Johnson's "Sitting, Waiting, Wishing" off of the album In Between Dreams

All right, one more musician. Adele. To me she's the next Aretha Franklin. This British singer has some serious pipes. Adele brilliantly turns her heartbreak into hit songs, ones that I think Taylor Swift would be jealous of. Adele is the artist you want to listen to when you're having difficulty with a relationship. "Rolling in the Deep" has that kick assness about it that is perfect for a post-breakup. Her voice conveys her emotions beautifully. I wish that I could sing like her! If I could, her songs are the ones I'd be belting out while walking around campus. Between her albums 19 and 21, you can tell that she has grown up musically. Her first album, 19, is brilliant, but the 2011 follow-up really demonstrates her vocal talent, in my opinion.


"Rolling in the Deep" by Adele off of the album 21


...I Had a Camera With Me All the Time


"To the dull mind nature is leaden; To the illumined mind the whole world burns and sparkles with light."
Ralph Waldo Emerson






















Sunday, September 4, 2011

... Chocolate Chip Pancakes Solved Everything

“The most beautiful discovery true friends make is that they can grow separately without growing apart.”
~ Katherine Mansfield
            I looked down at my chocolate chip pancakes. Really, if only they could solve all the woes in the world. If only a simple bite of their awesomeness would bring peace and understanding to the world. Pancakes of peace they would be called.

            Sadly, chocolate chip pancakes can’t do that. They can’t heal a hurt soul or stop a war from breaking out. At that moment, though, I really wished that they could. Opposite of me is a good friend of mine and I can tell that if anyone needed the magic of chocolate chip pancakes, it was her. It’s her birthday, and yet she’s not having a very a good one. I try and remind her of the happy things about the day, but even I can sense the dark cloud that has settled over the evening.
            She’s texting with another friend of ours, who happened to let down my friend across from me today earlier in the day. And, it’s kind of hard for me watch these events unfold. They used to be such good friends, but now they barely talk. They’re both in two different worlds. My friend is hurting and I get up to give her a quick hug. She doesn’t know what to do and she’s tired of it all.
            We all went to high school together and spent pretty much all our time with one another. And then, we graduated. Suddenly, it was taking a lot of work to keep in touch with each other.  We were in different places and becoming our own persons.
            One of the hardest parts about growing up is knowing how to keep your old friends.  Even more difficult, though, is knowing when to let old friends go.
            We’re sitting in IHOP and just being here reminds me of our senior prom. A large group had gone to IHOP after after-prom. I couldn’t imagine that we would all go different ways, that we wouldn’t be friends forever. I don’t bring that up. Instead I sit there and talk with my friend. There’s a funny feeling in my stomach, the same one I usually get when life is about to change. It’s an uncomfortable twist in my stomach and I look down at my pancakes.
            No one person is to blame when a friendship goes wrong, when it grows apart. God knows, I could have done a better job to try and keep in touch. There are a million things that I could have done differently.
            But, those moments are in the past and now all I can do is try and make the friendships I do have count. I look at my friend and am glad that we’re here together eating pancakes. I’m glad that she’s my friend. I wish, though, that our other friend was here with us. It’s obvious that we’ve come to a fork in the road and we have to deal with things. But, none of us like confrontation and so it’s difficult. I want to have the courage to talk with our other friend, to bring up the past and work through things. Still, I’m not sure if I’m not that strong, or if it’s all a lost cause.
            We leave and go to talk about things other than difficult friendships. I'm glad that we've grown up, but managed to remain good friends. Life without her would be just wrong.
            So, for those reading: Think about the friends you have, or did have. Cherish them and work to keep the friendship alive. But, try and have the courage to let them go if you need to. Everyone comes into your life for a reason, whether permanently or temporarily. You just have to be wise enough and strong enough to see which category people fall into and to learn from the experience. It's like the poem about Reason, Season, and Lifetime by an unknown author.