Musical ABCs

Alanis Morisette-One of the first artists I remember really listening to.
Beatles-No explanation is really needed here is it? Though there were several other contenders (Bob Dylan, Brett Dennen, Backstreet Boys)
Christina Aguileria-She was, and still is, the more talented of the pop stars.
Duran Duran-If only for the song 'What Happens Tomorrow'
Eric Clapton-Complete and raw talent.
Frank Zappa-Pure, underrated genius. A truly revolutionary musician.
Gwen Stefani-I love her solo stuff as much, if not more, than her No Doubt material.
Hanson-Well, let's just say some people see them as gods. I just happen to think they are the best songwriters and musicians of this generation and deserve a trillion times more respect.
Iron and Wine-Okay, technically I don't own any of their music, but it was really slim pickings for I and I think I would really like them.
James Blunt-Who else can capture such tragically sad sentiments in such a beautiful way?
Kanye West-Sure, he's pompous, but he sure can deliver a rap. And has amazing collaborations.
Leonard Cohen-He's a poet! And he knows it!
Mika-Just the right blend of whimsical yet thoughtful lyrics.
Nsync-I suppose I have to put them there. I own most of their CDs and went to a concert. Though I could save a lot of face by putting No Doubt or Nada Surf.
Oasis-Wonderwall...need I say more?
Puff Daddy, P Diddy, that dude over there-Cause we're bad boys for life.
Q-I don't have a single Q artist in my iTunes, so I suppose I can't say anyone. I have one Q song...Quit Playing Games with my Heart by the Backstreet Boys.
Rolling Stones-Another classic. Ruby Tuesday is the best.
Sean Lennon-He channels his father in a slightly terrifying way. But clearly very talented musically and lyrically in his own right.
Tony Bennet-Because he always reminds me the best is yet to come...and babe won't it be fine!
U2-Cause, well, their U2. And Bono may one day rule the world.
Velvet Underground-Throw Nico into the mix, and you've got pure gold.
Will Smith-Classics here. Gettin Jiggy with it. Miami. Summertime. Some of the best songs ever.
X-Again, no X artists. One X song-X&Y by Coldplay.
Yellowcard-The hours I spend listening to Ocean Avenue number a little too high for me not to pick them. Though Yo-Yo Ma was a close second.
Z-Not a single artist with a Z...not even a song with a Z. Does that seem peculiar?

"We are ugly, but we have the music."-Leonard Cohen

A Few Words from George Carlin

We're so self-important. So arrogant. Every body's going to save something now. Save the trees, save the bees, save the whales, save the snails. And the supreme arrogance? Save the planet! Are theses people kidding me? Save the planet? We don't even know how to take care of ourselves; we haven't learned how to care for one another. We're gonna save the fucking planet?....And by the way, there's nothing wrong with the planet in the first place. The planet is fine. The people are fucked! Compared with the people, the planet is doing great. It's been here over four billion years...The planet isn't going anywhere folks. We are! We're going away. Pack your shit, we're going away. And we won't leave much of a trace. Thank god for that. Nothing left. Maybe a little Styrofoam. The planet will be here, and we'll be gone. Another failed mutation; another closed-end biological mistake.


---George Carlin

Wonderful Tonight

Wonderful Tonight: George Harrison, Eric Clapton, and Me
Pattie Boyd (With Penny Junor)
Published in 2007
307 pages

I decided to read this after reading Clapton's autobiography. It was a very nice accompaniment to his. Besides being the inspiration behind several passionate love songs, Pattie Boyd's life is quite intriguing on it's own. Born into a broken marriage, raised in Kenya, and later English boarding schools, Boyd clearly has an interesting background. Leaving home, she began to pursue modeling, which led to George, which led to Eric. At times her story almost seems unbelievable. This little girl from England somehow finds herself living and partying with The Beatles, Mick Jagger, Clapton, Ronnie Wood, all the big names of the time. It's the epitome of a rock 'n roll fairy tale. Although the book may leave something to be lacked in the prose department, the plot was captivating enough for me. She tells so much about the two greatest guitarists whom she knew so intimately. It is also wonderful because you can see throughout her life how she changes, and how she finally becomes secure and gains confidence in herself. Boyd answers the question most people probably wonder: Why leave Clapton or Harrison? While she wasn't driving the rock 'n roll revolution, she definitely was sitting in the passenger seat, which makes her memoir worth reading.

Clapton: The Autobiography

Clapton: The Autobiography
Eric Clapton
Published 2007
328 pages

I'm not sure what made me pick up this book. I hadn't read any reviews of it, no one had recommended it to me and I only had a commercial knowledge of Eric Clapton's music. Nonetheless, I bought it. And it was fabulous.

Clapton has led an incredible life. For an autobiography of a music legend and guitar god, it is relatively short. Yet, it is most fulfilling. It of course starts out with the basic childhood highlights and then moves fairly quickly into his adult career. It is really quite fascinating to read his stories and tales as he was there was "it" was all happening. The Beatles, Hendrix, the drugs, rock n roll, the whole evolution of modern music. It's the little stories and tidbits that are often times most intriguing. For instance, the song 'Here Comes the Sun' was written by Harrison at Clapton's home in England, Hurtwood during a particularly beautiful sunrise. And for a nice chuckle, Clapton reveals what Paul McCartney's original lyrics were to 'Yesterday.'

It is at times comical and light-hearted, but make no mistake. Clapton, by no means, glorifies himself. In fact, he becomes more and more human as it progresses. He speaks with ease and candor about his many, many mistakes and trials. And while there is a degree of the technical music & guitar jargon, it doesn't detract from the larger story. In the end, it is really just a breathe-taking tale of a man trying to find his place in the universe.

On Paradise Drive

On Paradise Drive: How We Live Now (And Always Have) in the Future Tense

David Brooks

Published in 2004

281 pages

This book comments on an interesting view of America while incorporating quite possibly ever single subject that has ever existed. It incorporates history, politics, humor, satire, religion, philosophy, statistics, gender roles, the list goes on. But what sticks out the most is his message and the humor used to get there. Here are a few samplings

"Bathroom tile is their cocaine; instead of blowing their life savings on narcotic white powder, they blow it on the handcrafted Italian wall covering they saw at Waterworks."

"He is interested in college football and tassels. His loafers have tassels. His golf bags have tassels. If he could put tassels around the Oklahoma football vanity license plate on his Cadillac Escalade, his life would be complete."

But besides offering some much appreciated humor, Brooks also succeeds at making some well-founded arguments. And most of the time it seems less like an argument and just some basic observations that we need to be reminded of. It's a very quick read, seeing as it is jammed pack full of various people and thoughts, such as Cotton Mathers, what fruit Columbus thought the Earth was, what sport can be used to explain suburbia, a Great Gatsby reference, and what cosmic blondes and cosmic brunettes are, and just how the American Dream behaves.

Genesee Depot-Unincorporated

It's (almost) summer! After some late, saved up April showers, it is starting to finally seem like summer is here. And what's summer without a spontaneous road trip? Really, I did always intend to tour south central Wisconsin. Otherwise, lots of things have been going on.

• I graduated! Thirteen years later, I am bestowed with the honor of donning an absurdly ridiculous hat and trying to maneuver a gown that could cover Rhode Island. Again, why can't we all just wear ball gowns and tuxedos?
• I finished Fair Game-Valerie Plame Wilson. She was an undercover CIA operative whose cover was blown by Scooter Libby, a Dick Cheney henchman. It covers everything from her youth to her current life. At times it is factual, with footnotes and all, and other times it is a poignant memoir, filled with justified ire. And don't let the length deceive you--a good portion of the book has been redacted by the CIA, but there is an afterword that fills in some of those gaps.
• Continuing with books, I have big plans (shocker) for summer reading. I want to read as many books as I can and I intend to spend one week reading all seven HP books. I don't know when I'll do it, but I'm guessing there will be several nearly sleepless nights.
• The Presidential race has been...well, I guess it was already pretty heated up...But it's been a decisive week or two. Barack Obama nabbed the nom. (Thank you Hillary for letting go) And he always announced to wouldn't accept public funding. We'll just have to wait and see how that goes.
• Speaking of Presidents, my new love (possible life-consuming obsession) is The West Wing. I may be perhaps a few years late, but hey, I was nine when it started. I was slightly more concerned about Rugrats and Figure It Out. The show is really quite captivating and deserves all the praise it receives.
• On a sad note, Tim Russert, moderator of Meet the Press and an ever present face on MSNBC, passed away last Friday. It is an astonishing blow to journalism and politics. His loss will undoubtedly be felt in these months prior to the election and for much time to come.
• More sad news. Bananas and Bangladesh are both on their way out! Sad pandas.
• And for a light note, some historical and philisophical mocking involving chickens. (Really, don't worry.
  

"The gladdest moment in human life, methinks, is a departure into unknown lands. The blood flows with the fast circulation of childhood."

Proust Questionairre

What is your current state of mind?

Calm, relaxed. Confident.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Being with the ones I love most and the ones who love me most. Enjoying each others company with laughter, love, food, music. Christmas essentially.

What is your greatest fear?

Being hurt, deeply hurt, by someone I love. Again.

What is your most marked characteristic?

It would probably be better to ask someone other than myself, but I will say adaptability.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

Inability to trust people.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Ignorance, apathy, self-centeredness

Which living person do you most despise?

Can't really say anyone in particular...anyone who causes extreme pain and suffering

What is your greatest extravagance?

All material goods.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

Normalness.

On what occasion do you lie?

When lying is the only way to prevent unneeded pain and suffering. And only to people that I don't love with all my heart.

What do you dislike most about your appearance?

Never being satisfied.

What quality do you most like in a man?

Protectiveness. Ability to articulate. Chivalrous. True intelligence.

What quality do you most like in a woman?

Intelligence. Confidence. Independence.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

My family. Mainly, my sisters.

What do you most value in your friends?

Loyalty. Understanding.

When and where were you happiest?

As a child, at my grandparents house. Perpetually bliss.

Which word or phrase do you most overuse?

Dumbass. Have a good day.

Which talent would you most like to have?

The ability to clearly and confidently say what I mean.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

Absolutely no fear.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Getting up each day and being happy despite some crazy shit.

If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what do you think it would be?

A well-loved dog. Or a British person.

Where would you like to live?

Europe, East coast, Somewhere with snow and autumn

What is your most treasured possession?

Music and photos. My intellect.

What is your favorite occupation?

Perpetually learning and growing.

What do you regard as the lowest depths of misery?

Complete and utter tragic sadness.

Who are your favorite writers?

All writers. Anyone who is bold enough to put their heart and soul onto paper.

Who is your favorite hero of fiction?

Severus Snape & Harry Potter, for very similar reasons

Who are your heroes in real life?

Myself.

What are your favorite names?

Audrey, Sophie, Ethan, Charles, Molly, Jane, Daniel

What is it that you most dislike?

Any form of ignorance. Limited mindset.

What is your greatest regret?

No regrets. Everything made sense at the time.

How would you like to die?

Asleep in my bed, very old and peacefully.

What is your motto?

Keep Calm and Carry On.

One Month

One month. In a matter of one singular month, I will be graduated from high school. Never again will I be in high school. That's awesome.

Besides my upcoming graduation, I also just had my 18th birthday! And thanks to Jenny, an awesome princess vest of madness and the most delicious of cheesecakes. And of course, Cassie taught me a very valuable lesson that I will carry with me and someday pass on to my children. "It's when you can't hear the bats...that's when you know they're coming." Truly, I thank you.

I have also become addicted to The West Wing and cannot stop watching. Cassie seems to have the same affliction. Tea is also my new love. Earl Grey rocks my socks and don't let anyone tell you anything else. It's magnificent and you know it. Another highlight, I took my final two AP tests. I feel fabulously about English and we'll just have to wait and see about the bio thing.

And because of Jenny's inquisitive mind, click here to find out what the i in iPod, iMac, iTunes, etc, stands for. It's relatively early in the video. Not as cool as I would have liked.

And Monday night there was an AMAZING episode of House and I cannot wait until next Monday to find out how things wrap up.

22 Days

In 22 days, my high schooling will essentially be over. Twenty-two days. But until then, I have oodles of stuff to get done. And after that, there is oodles of stuff to be done at home. (AKA the basement) But for now, enjoy some random stumblings and such.

• This is so very, very wrong on so many levels that you cannot help but love it.
• Super cute animals. What is not to love?
• Interrobang. Trust me on this one.
• Something a little political.
• Google fun. I want to know who had the time to do this.
  

"Why are we so full of restraint? Why do we not give in all directions? Is it fear of losing ourselves? Until we do lose ourselves, there is no hope of finding ourselves."-Henry Miller

ZING!

"Huh...."

"Wow."

"Uh-huh...."

That pretty much sums it all up.

And as for this man...

He lives by the van and goes by the name 'Leo.' He may perhaps happen to have some hash in his pocket.

PS-I don't handle not having the internet very well. Let's just say it wasn't very pretty sight Saturday night.

The Poisonwood Bible

The Poisonwood Bible-Barbara Kingsolver

Published in 1998

543 pages

I really liked this book. I can't say why I did really. It's just a well-written book with excellent characters and emotion. It follows the lives of a missionary family from suburban Georgia to 1950's warring Congo. It is told from the five female perspectives of the family, meaning the father is the only one unable to tell his side of the story. He is a God-fearing Baptist, dedicated to the cause. The mother and four daughters are all as different as night and day, yet they all connected and part of each other. The novel does get a bit long towards the middle of the end, but it is bearable. The end is so poignant and wowing. Overall: A

Brett Favre: 1992-2008

I'll leave the eloquent words to the more dedicated.

Two words: Yip cabbage.

My son, the goiter

This I believe: That the free exploring mind of the individual human is the most valuable thing in the world. And this I would fight for: the freedom of the mind to take any direction it wishes, undirected. And this I must fight against: any idea, religion or government which limits or destroys the individual. -John Steinbeck

The Bonesetter's Daughter

The Bonesetter's Daughter-Amy Tan
403 pages
Published in 2001

This was a school book. It was also a good book. It wasn't necessairly over the top phenomanal, but it was most positevly worth reading. It begins with a short chapter that is somewhat confusing and leaves you wondering. The next chapter is much more clear, following a woman in her thirties and seeing how she deals with a dwindling romance, an aging mother, and a life of secrets. Her mother is a Chinese immigrate and her story is told in first person. It is very seductive and very intriguing. The general concept and organization are unique, or at least to me. I enjoyed it because I can't think of another book similar to it. Even though I am not generally all that interested about Chinese history and culture, it was a more universal story than that. Overall: A-

Valentine's Day

First and foremost, Happy Valentine's Day! A day to celebrate the ones you love, the one who love you, and everyone in between. Originating from a dude named Valentine (that's bring back that name) who somehow demonstrated the powerful nature of love, the holiday has become an international event. And, like many other things, when something becomes extremely popular, it somehow becomes uncool again. Many, many people (at least the ones I encounter) seem to find Valentine's Day a corporate, Hallmarkian scam of a day. While this may be true in part, the tradition of sending Valentines dates back roughly three hundred centuries.

Secondly, people tend to see this as a romantic day only. That simply is not the truth. Today is a day to laugh, smile, remember fond memories, and share a hug with someone who loves you. This could be your parents, your brothers and sisters, friends, grandparents, pets, children, or your significant other. The point is simply that the day is not just for lovers, it is for loved ones.

My point is this: Yes, this day is commercialized and has become a bit of a spectacle, but I think it is nice that on one day, everyone gets together and says, "I love you," "You're important in my life," "I care about you." You don't have to be cynical about it. What's wrong with a designated day where we can all agree to love each one another? Sure, you should express your love everyday, but it's nice just to think that for one whole day, everyone agrees to love.

So, Happy St. Valentines Day.

Snow Day #3

This is most positvely a SNOW day. No questions about it. Apparently, I just don't go to school anymore. I stayed home on Monday, went Tuesday, snowday Wednesday, fieldtrip Thursday, and maybe I'll actually go on Friday. I'm sure it'll be a great time figuring out what I need to make up and do and what tests have to be taken when.

It's been a wonderful snow day. I woke up at seven, make some delicetable post-primary pancakes (An ingenious idea) and some hash browns. I then helped Cassie fix her mouse, played the country game (I can't seem to get pass 129), shoveled probably a ton of snow and played with the dogs out front. A little later, I even took then for a walk around the block by myself. They were surprisingly good. I have also found the kitchen table, washed a gizillion towels and some other things. Now it's off to work and time to do some homework. It should be a good and dandy time. I'm sure people will inform me that it is indeed snowing. I was completly unaware. Then Project Runway tonight. What a fabulous day.

Snow Day #2

Not so much snow day as 'very windy and cold day.' But, hey, whatever, I'll take it. I have been extremely productive today as I have organized the front hall closet, cleaned the downstairs bathroom (including under the sink), pick-uped the kitchen, began to start to clean the living room, and tried to get some stains out of the family room carpet. And it's not even noon yet. And I did some of it while listening to Pottercast with Duff. Brilliant. The second half of my day will consist of homework and work. Hopefully I am just as productive in those tasks as I was this morning. I had pancakes for breakfast and now I will find something equally as delicious for lunch. And then, I will carry on and watch Project Runway. Excellent. Excellent indeed.

"In the depths of winter, I finally learned that within me there
lay an invincible summer."

A Note from George Carlin

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways , but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness. We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things. We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less. These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...

Books of 2007

Here is a list of all the books I read in 2007 (in opposite order):

Beloved-Toni Morrison
A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man-James Joyce
The Perks of Being a Wallflower-Stephen Chbosky
Tess of the d'Urbervilles-Thomas Hardy
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows-Jo Rowling
Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason-Helen Fielding
Bridget Jones's Diary-Helen Fielding
Catcher in the Rye-J.D. Salinger
Things Fall Apart-Chinua Achebe
The Slightly True Story of Cedar B. Hartley (Who Planned to Live an Unusual Life)-Martine Murray
The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream-Barack Obama
The Things They Carried-Tim O'Brien
Nickel and Dimed-Barbara Ehrenreich
Ethan Frome-Edith Wharton
The Great Gatsby-F. Scott Fitzgerald
Pride and Prejudice-Jane Austen
How Soccer Explains the World-Franklin Foer
Into the Wild-Jon Krakauer
Of Mice and Men-John Steinbeck

The ones in bold are the ones I would recommend to anyone at all. I liked nearly all the books I read, but those are the ones I really enjoyed.

Hello 2008!

Here's to hoping it's a good year, filled with joy and happiness.