At the beginning of the year, I blogged only because I had to- it was part of my class AP English Composition. At the very beginning I wanted to pretend I was someone else on my blog- I wanted to pretend I was an old Russian man whose name was Vladimir. If you look at the oldest posts, you will see that I write a great deal about Russia (after pretending for a week or so I just changed the pronouns to match my own personality). I was taking it as more of acting practice because I really didn't understand the concept of keeping a blog. Of course, then the teacher pointed out to me that blogging was about being honest and writing about what you truly believe in and are interested in. I liked that route better anyways, so I began to write about me. Still, I was only writing because I had to for my class.
As the year went by, I started to become more involved with my writing. It became less and less of an assignment for me and more of a place where I can just write and have people hear what I have to say. When I am just talking, sometimes I have trouble expressing myself and I stutter a lot (at least in situations when I am not confident in what I want to say). So writing is a good resort for me, but writing in notebooks can get very laborious. Thankfully, I can type quasi-quickly so blogging has become that place for me to go aside and just put down what's in my head.
Also, people can listen to what I have to say. People are willing to read my thoughts and my opinions. Although few people really read my blog, I'd like to believe a whole lot more people do read it, 'cause it makes me feel better. I like the YouTube videos that I put on here, and I just want everyone else to take a look at those because I think they are truly something special. I'd hope that people would take a look at those videos, but I doubt that anyone does. However, since this site is open to everyone, there's always a hope that someone's watching it. There's always a hope that I am changing someone with my words. I mean, that's the point of writing-- to change someone, either yourself or another. There's only one time in my memory when my writing has had a deep effect on someone- it was at the Interreligious Council of Cedar Rapids. I read a speech I had written about the late Rabbi Chesman, and the speech brought one lady in the room to tears. I will always remember that feeling- that overwhelming feeling of extreme self-fulfillment. I wasn't joyous by any means, but I began to understand the power of words.
I'm not sure that I will keep blogging often after this school year, but I do know that blogging has had quite a strong effect on me. To me, my blog is like a big journal of my thoughts of this year. It hasn't been very journal-esque, but I know that when I look back at it in five, ten years I will laugh at the thoughts that I've had, even though now they have seemed to be very important. Nonetheless, blogging creates enormous opportunities as countless amounts of people are able to look at what you have to bring to the table. My writing has definitely improved because of this place, and I am going to miss writing on here every week. Who knows, maybe I will keep on writing on my blog. I may start to miss that feeling.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Rock Island
This "song" is one of the greatest talking rhythm sections that I've ever heard. It has got all kinds of rhythms in it, and it seems like all of the rhythms are happening naturally. Although I have a lot of bias, I must say that the Broadway version is much better than the movie version- both of them. Both versions of the scene fail to take an account enough rhythms by the train. Also, both could have lots more inflection by the actors. The old video of Robert Preston's version is more bouncy than Broderick's version, but both could use the train as rhythm much more often. For example, every time someone repeats something, it is often because the train made a bump and he felt like he had to say it again to keep in with time. For example, at around 2:00 in the new video the man talking repeats the U-needa several times. When he says this each time, the whole train could have a bump and he could stress the "U" part of the word. Another part is at 3:15 when the man repeats "Big Brass Bass." At this time he could again stress the word "Big" and the train could have a beat there. Little things like that would make both scenes much more interesting. They just need some more stresses in the text. Also, the new movie failed to remember that these train tracks of the time were not perfect and were often very bumpy, thus making it difficult for the men to walk without rocking. Also, the beginning of the song in the first one seems very fake. The words and rhythms seem too artificial and contrived.
Nonetheless, the "song" is very great, and just by listening I think you could see the potential of the music to really entertain an audience. I really love The Music Man, and I think this scene is a great way to start off the whole musical.
Here's the new, Matthew Broderick version:
Here's the older version with Preston:
Nonetheless, the "song" is very great, and just by listening I think you could see the potential of the music to really entertain an audience. I really love The Music Man, and I think this scene is a great way to start off the whole musical.
Here's the new, Matthew Broderick version:
Here's the older version with Preston:
Eye of the Tiger
Although I had heard it before seventh grade, it was during this time when I first became really familiar with the song. My show choir in middle school was performing it- it went along with the theme of "cats." I immediately fell in love with the song. Its hits are rhythmic, and the tune is really cool. I believe it was first made famous in Rocky III, one of the installments of the hit movie series that rocked the world with its intense boxing scenes and dramatic life experiences. "Eye of the Tiger" was written by Survivor, and the song is a legend today. It is really energizing as well. The song is just an all around uplifting tune that gets you in the mood to accomplish whatever you want to do. It gets you pumped. Here's a music video of the song by Survivor.
So AP Tests are done... I'm done with school right??
NO! As soon as the AP Tests got finished a got assigned a project in four out of my five AP classes. Now I don't blame the teachers for giving me work, but all of the projects just came at me at once and I got pretty overwhelmed. In AP English we have to read a bunch of essays and do reading notebooks on them, as well as write a video essay of some sort (but that's due in a while). I've got nothing in AP Calculus- I'm pretty home free from now on- and on the quiz on Friday I got 18/20 which I'm very okay with. In AP Statistics, I just finished the final project after seven hours of work on the computer. I started it on Thursday, when I handed out the survey which asked what show you preferred more- Seinfeld or Friends? I got 100 surveys back, and I analyzed them today performing several tests of significance and independence. The project is worth half of our final grade, and I think I did pretty well on it- well I did okay on it.
In my AP U.S. History class we've got two projects going- TWO! The first is due Friday. We are supposed to use a poster board to show someone's life. The good thing about it is that it can be anyone's life- past or present, fictional or non-fictional. The only limitation is that we have to have two full pages of data about the person. I'm thinking of talking about Stalin. Although I have been to Russia two times, I still don't know a lot about Stalin. He's a very complicated man and he made a very complicated Russia. His reign is very interesting to me as his industrial advancements are contradicted and overshadowed by his harsh policies and hostile treatment of people. I know that he was paranoid all of the time, and eliminated all enemies within Russia very quickly. When people ask me about Stalin, I think I should know more about him so I can tell those people what they want to know. This is a good opportunity and excuse for me to brush up on my Stalin history and examine his life.
The other U.S. History project is our final project. Our teacher left the door pretty wide open here, and we can do basically whatever we want. He said it can be as didactic as we want it to be, but I am leaning towards more didactic and in depth. However, I still want it to be fun and entertaining. I know my friends are reenacting a battle in history, but I think I want to do something else. I don't know, reenacting a battle doesn't seem very specific and doesn't catch my fancy. Nonetheless, they will probably do a really good job with it and make it really interesting to watch. My plan is to take five different wars and to take a song and change the words to show each war. The five wars are the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, World War I, World War II, and the Cold War. I am not sure what songs I want to use right now, so if you have any ideas just leave a comment at the end of this entry- thanks! Also I am going to print off copies of all the words and give them to my classmates so they can sing along. This brings another decision- to write the lyrics to modern songs or older songs. These are some possibilities of what songs I'm thinking of doing: "I Kissed a Girl," "Bye, Bye, Bye," "My Heart Will Go On," "Eye of the Tiger," "We are the Champions," "The Circle of Life," "A Whole New World," and "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." I want to do songs where everyone knows the tune, and I think that most people are familiar with those songs.
In AP Chemistry, we are doing a lab in which we have to identity which acids fit which element, given the characteristics found in the experiment match the characteristics of the element. This should be okay though because it can be mostly done during school.
So this is my life for the next few weeks. I am a little frightened because it is just a lot of work. However, I will be so happy once everything is all done. I'm going to be ready for summer.
In my AP U.S. History class we've got two projects going- TWO! The first is due Friday. We are supposed to use a poster board to show someone's life. The good thing about it is that it can be anyone's life- past or present, fictional or non-fictional. The only limitation is that we have to have two full pages of data about the person. I'm thinking of talking about Stalin. Although I have been to Russia two times, I still don't know a lot about Stalin. He's a very complicated man and he made a very complicated Russia. His reign is very interesting to me as his industrial advancements are contradicted and overshadowed by his harsh policies and hostile treatment of people. I know that he was paranoid all of the time, and eliminated all enemies within Russia very quickly. When people ask me about Stalin, I think I should know more about him so I can tell those people what they want to know. This is a good opportunity and excuse for me to brush up on my Stalin history and examine his life.
The other U.S. History project is our final project. Our teacher left the door pretty wide open here, and we can do basically whatever we want. He said it can be as didactic as we want it to be, but I am leaning towards more didactic and in depth. However, I still want it to be fun and entertaining. I know my friends are reenacting a battle in history, but I think I want to do something else. I don't know, reenacting a battle doesn't seem very specific and doesn't catch my fancy. Nonetheless, they will probably do a really good job with it and make it really interesting to watch. My plan is to take five different wars and to take a song and change the words to show each war. The five wars are the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, World War I, World War II, and the Cold War. I am not sure what songs I want to use right now, so if you have any ideas just leave a comment at the end of this entry- thanks! Also I am going to print off copies of all the words and give them to my classmates so they can sing along. This brings another decision- to write the lyrics to modern songs or older songs. These are some possibilities of what songs I'm thinking of doing: "I Kissed a Girl," "Bye, Bye, Bye," "My Heart Will Go On," "Eye of the Tiger," "We are the Champions," "The Circle of Life," "A Whole New World," and "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." I want to do songs where everyone knows the tune, and I think that most people are familiar with those songs.
In AP Chemistry, we are doing a lab in which we have to identity which acids fit which element, given the characteristics found in the experiment match the characteristics of the element. This should be okay though because it can be mostly done during school.
So this is my life for the next few weeks. I am a little frightened because it is just a lot of work. However, I will be so happy once everything is all done. I'm going to be ready for summer.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Mother's Day
So when I think of mother's day, I think of all of the old times when I was young and did all of the great things for my mother. So I'm writing this entry as if I'm young- like elementary school.
Mothers Day is a fine holiday. In my family mothers day is very important. Every year my Dad and I make my mom a wonderful breakfast. We often make French toast, eggs, potatoes, sausage, yogurt and fruit for her. We make up a fancy tray and take it up to her in bed. We also take her the newspaper and a homemade card. She loves the corny cards I make her. I make up funny poems and let my brother sign the card also. He is not great about getting or making her a card, so I am nice and let him in on mine. When I was young I also would make my mom origami animals and flowers. One year I made her a whole origami jungle. It was quite spectacular and she still has it displayed in the family room of our house.
The one thing we do not make for her is her coffee. She loves coffee, but neither my dad nor I drink it so we do not know how to make it. Every year my dad says "honey, will you teach me how to make coffee so that next time I can make it for you?" Well, he never learns and she never gets her coffee on mother's day or her birthday. I don't think she minds though.
After breakfast we clean the kitchen for my mom. She usually does that so it is really helpful to her that we take care of our huge mess. When my dad makes eggs he always makes omelets, he puts in everything in the refrigerator. It makes a mess with all his chopping, slicing, grilling etc... They are quite tasty though, and we all love his omelets.
On mothers day everything is done to please my mom. I try to take care of the dog so that she does not bother my mom. My mom loves to take naps. Especially on Sundays, so it is usually extra long one on mothers day. My mom can nap up to 2 hours some Sundays. It is amazing because she just lies down on the couch in the living room and no matter what is going on around her she can sleep. The one thing that will bother her is the dog barking. That is why I try to take care of her as much as possible.
My parents always take a bike ride on Sunday if it is nice outside. This mother's day was no exception. My parents love to ride their bikes. I don't know where they go. Some place for "coffee". I think it is great that they like to do that together. They tried playing golf together but, my mom didn't like it. My dad is really good and my mom has never played so she was bad. She hates being bad at things and that game is very frustrating. I personally do not like golf either. My dad and my brother both love golf. Now that my brother is away at school my dad doesn't have any one to golf with. I think it would be great if my mom and I liked golf and would golf with my dad, but we both hate the game.
The last thing we do for my mom on mothers day is have a nice dinner together. We go out for dinner, so no cleaning up messes. My mom gets to choose the place. Today she chose Red Lobster. I think the only reason was that she had some gift certificates to use. My mom is pretty thrifty and she doesn't like to spend money on food. We did get an appetiser and desert and we all had beverages. Those three things are not typical for our family. The dinners were pretty good. Mine was the best, crab legs! One of our favorite family traditions it to take cards with us to the restaurant. We love to play Euchre. My mom loves this game and frequently is on the winning team.I know she played that card game a lot when she was young.
The best thing my mom likes about mothers day is that it is just for her. She can decide what to do and when to do it. She usually just does what everyone else in the family wants to do. But, this day is all hers.
Mothers Day is a fine holiday. In my family mothers day is very important. Every year my Dad and I make my mom a wonderful breakfast. We often make French toast, eggs, potatoes, sausage, yogurt and fruit for her. We make up a fancy tray and take it up to her in bed. We also take her the newspaper and a homemade card. She loves the corny cards I make her. I make up funny poems and let my brother sign the card also. He is not great about getting or making her a card, so I am nice and let him in on mine. When I was young I also would make my mom origami animals and flowers. One year I made her a whole origami jungle. It was quite spectacular and she still has it displayed in the family room of our house.
The one thing we do not make for her is her coffee. She loves coffee, but neither my dad nor I drink it so we do not know how to make it. Every year my dad says "honey, will you teach me how to make coffee so that next time I can make it for you?" Well, he never learns and she never gets her coffee on mother's day or her birthday. I don't think she minds though.
After breakfast we clean the kitchen for my mom. She usually does that so it is really helpful to her that we take care of our huge mess. When my dad makes eggs he always makes omelets, he puts in everything in the refrigerator. It makes a mess with all his chopping, slicing, grilling etc... They are quite tasty though, and we all love his omelets.
On mothers day everything is done to please my mom. I try to take care of the dog so that she does not bother my mom. My mom loves to take naps. Especially on Sundays, so it is usually extra long one on mothers day. My mom can nap up to 2 hours some Sundays. It is amazing because she just lies down on the couch in the living room and no matter what is going on around her she can sleep. The one thing that will bother her is the dog barking. That is why I try to take care of her as much as possible.
My parents always take a bike ride on Sunday if it is nice outside. This mother's day was no exception. My parents love to ride their bikes. I don't know where they go. Some place for "coffee". I think it is great that they like to do that together. They tried playing golf together but, my mom didn't like it. My dad is really good and my mom has never played so she was bad. She hates being bad at things and that game is very frustrating. I personally do not like golf either. My dad and my brother both love golf. Now that my brother is away at school my dad doesn't have any one to golf with. I think it would be great if my mom and I liked golf and would golf with my dad, but we both hate the game.
The last thing we do for my mom on mothers day is have a nice dinner together. We go out for dinner, so no cleaning up messes. My mom gets to choose the place. Today she chose Red Lobster. I think the only reason was that she had some gift certificates to use. My mom is pretty thrifty and she doesn't like to spend money on food. We did get an appetiser and desert and we all had beverages. Those three things are not typical for our family. The dinners were pretty good. Mine was the best, crab legs! One of our favorite family traditions it to take cards with us to the restaurant. We love to play Euchre. My mom loves this game and frequently is on the winning team.I know she played that card game a lot when she was young.
The best thing my mom likes about mothers day is that it is just for her. She can decide what to do and when to do it. She usually just does what everyone else in the family wants to do. But, this day is all hers.
Miranda Sings
Lately some of my friends have been imitating this girl on Youtube. Her name is Miranda, and she sings songs, but very badly. I think in real life she sings very well, but for these videos she purposely sings badly for a comedic effect. At first I was skeptical. I really didn't think that a girl trying to be funny would be very funny- especially when singing. However, this girl pulled it off very well. In this video, she sings Dance Ten Looks Three. It's a song from A Chorus Line. However, that's not important. It's the way she sings that song that is hysterical. I literally laughed the whole time. Take a look.
AP Tests- Two more left!!!
Last week I completed three AP Tests: Statistics, Calculus, and U.S. History. I thought that I was good at math until I took the two math associated tests. Both lowered my confidence in mathematics extremely. But whatever, they're done. I have two more to go- Chemistry and English Language. I am super scared. I got a three on the practice exam in my chemistry class, and I know that I am not a very good writer. I'm just hoping for a four on both. Actually, that's what I'm hoping for all of my tests. Actually, let me lower my expectations to an average of 3.5- which means I can have two 3s and the rest 4, or three 3s and a 4 and 5 (or three 3s and two 5s). There's nothing I can do now to affect the grades of the tests I already took, and I need to accept that. You see, lately I have been finding myself looking through books seeing if I got a multiple choice question right on the test. I was never very confident on the tests, but I think I got at least a three on all of them so far.
Here are my traditions for the AP Tests:
1. My mom makes me two eggs- sunny side down for breakfast
2. I listen to "Sparks" from Theatre Cedar Rapids' version of "Tommy" on the way to the testing site in my car
3. After the test is over I exclaim, "We're done!" several times, even though we're supposed to remain quiet
I can't wait for that letter in the third week of July telling me how I did on each of the tests. But I have to remember that whatever happens happens. I know I tried my best, and maybe I'll get a lower score on the tests because I didn't master the material well enough. I have been pretty busy this schoolyear with Happiness, two musicals, and speech team. I can't believe that I even attempted taking five AP courses with this after school load. So no matter if I get all ones, I think I've done a pretty good job, and I don't see how I could have done better.
Here are my traditions for the AP Tests:
1. My mom makes me two eggs- sunny side down for breakfast
2. I listen to "Sparks" from Theatre Cedar Rapids' version of "Tommy" on the way to the testing site in my car
3. After the test is over I exclaim, "We're done!" several times, even though we're supposed to remain quiet
I can't wait for that letter in the third week of July telling me how I did on each of the tests. But I have to remember that whatever happens happens. I know I tried my best, and maybe I'll get a lower score on the tests because I didn't master the material well enough. I have been pretty busy this schoolyear with Happiness, two musicals, and speech team. I can't believe that I even attempted taking five AP courses with this after school load. So no matter if I get all ones, I think I've done a pretty good job, and I don't see how I could have done better.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
"Sparks" from Tommy
I know I say this a lot, but this song is unbelievable. It's by the band The Who, and it's featured in their musical called Tommy. The musical is about a deaf, "dumb" (mute), and blind kid. It goes through his life, and actually the child ends up being a champion at pinballf (the story is fiction). The thing I like about "Sparks" is that it doesn't involve any singing. It is purely an instrumental break, and in my opinion it is the best modern song that doesn't involve voice.
Everytime I hear "Sparks" I get so pumped up. The offbeats and the drums rule the song, and I just love the whole aura of the composition. Every time there is a hit I just want to dance or do a hit myself- through dance. For me it is an incredibly moving song. I gets me so energized; I just want to jump around. I do admit that I have some bias. You see, I was in the production of Tommy when I was eight years old, and I was the main person on stage during this time of the play. However, I couldn't move since I played the deaf, dumb, and blind kid. I just fell in love with the song. Also, I think that the band that played at my community theatre did a better job than this video does with the song. I'm sure that The Who were just spectacular at the song, but the arrangement I listen to has a better balance of guitar, synthesizer, bass, and drums.
Maybe there's a reason why I just want to dance to this song when I hear it. Maybe when I had to be standing still during this whole, all I wanted to do was jump around and "sing along" (on ba). Perhaps I get energized from the song so much because I never had the opportunity to when it was so close to me.
Anyways, here is The Who performing the song. Try and listen for the melody, and perhaps you will find it stimulating as well.
Everytime I hear "Sparks" I get so pumped up. The offbeats and the drums rule the song, and I just love the whole aura of the composition. Every time there is a hit I just want to dance or do a hit myself- through dance. For me it is an incredibly moving song. I gets me so energized; I just want to jump around. I do admit that I have some bias. You see, I was in the production of Tommy when I was eight years old, and I was the main person on stage during this time of the play. However, I couldn't move since I played the deaf, dumb, and blind kid. I just fell in love with the song. Also, I think that the band that played at my community theatre did a better job than this video does with the song. I'm sure that The Who were just spectacular at the song, but the arrangement I listen to has a better balance of guitar, synthesizer, bass, and drums.
Maybe there's a reason why I just want to dance to this song when I hear it. Maybe when I had to be standing still during this whole, all I wanted to do was jump around and "sing along" (on ba). Perhaps I get energized from the song so much because I never had the opportunity to when it was so close to me.
Anyways, here is The Who performing the song. Try and listen for the melody, and perhaps you will find it stimulating as well.
Peppers? Pickles? Why are they there?
Who started accompanying pizza with peppers. I understand that it may be tasty to squirt some pepper juice on the pizza, but I've never seen anyone do that in my whole life. All people do with them is eat them plain. Every time someone opens a box of pizza and sees a pepper they say, "Okay, who wants the pepper?" Nobody ever eats them with the pizza. The peppers are just there. It seems you could replace the pepper with anything: chips, a tomato, a block of cheese. It especially gets me going when they have a pepper but they don't have garlic or marinara sauce. Those condiments actually enhance the taste of pizza. When they are replaced with a pepper that has no use at all but to be eaten individually, it doesn't make any sense.
It's kind of like the pickle that comes with sandwiches. It's most often a fourth of a pickle, but the cuts are made along the width, not the height. Thus, the pickle is too long to put onto the sandwich, and you must eat it alone (or as my dad was saying have one bite and then have a bite of the sandwich). Although eating those pickles is sometimes my favorite part of the meal (as I often break out into the song from The Little Rascals, "I gotta pickle, I gotta pickle, I gotta pickle hey hey hey hey!") I still don't understand how the pickle with the sandwich became a tradition, and moreso why it stayed a tradition. The same thing with the pepper- it's a waste a money for the pizza companies to include the pepper, because people are going to eat the pizza with or without the pepper. Also, I'm going to eat the sandwich with or without the side pickle. Those things really have no effect on if I'm going to eat the main part of the meal or not.
They're just too frivolous, unneeded. As much as they are tasty, their presence doesn't make sense.
It's kind of like the pickle that comes with sandwiches. It's most often a fourth of a pickle, but the cuts are made along the width, not the height. Thus, the pickle is too long to put onto the sandwich, and you must eat it alone (or as my dad was saying have one bite and then have a bite of the sandwich). Although eating those pickles is sometimes my favorite part of the meal (as I often break out into the song from The Little Rascals, "I gotta pickle, I gotta pickle, I gotta pickle hey hey hey hey!") I still don't understand how the pickle with the sandwich became a tradition, and moreso why it stayed a tradition. The same thing with the pepper- it's a waste a money for the pizza companies to include the pepper, because people are going to eat the pizza with or without the pepper. Also, I'm going to eat the sandwich with or without the side pickle. Those things really have no effect on if I'm going to eat the main part of the meal or not.
They're just too frivolous, unneeded. As much as they are tasty, their presence doesn't make sense.
Getting a New Hair Cut
There's nothing like it. I just got my haircut today, and I feel like a new man. For me, when I see all of that hair fall off me I see all of those worries and strifes fall off as well. I'm let loose. Not only does it feel good, but you get a lot of compliments on it too, and that's always nice. Sometimes, you can make your hair grow exceedingly long so that once you get a haircut everyone really appreciates it.
When I get a hair cut I feel more sharp and clean. I am sophisticated looking. I always look forward to getting my haircut because I know that afterwards I will feel really great, especially if it's a really good haircut.
When I get a hair cut I feel more sharp and clean. I am sophisticated looking. I always look forward to getting my haircut because I know that afterwards I will feel really great, especially if it's a really good haircut.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Do-Re-Mi in Belgium
This video is about one day in a train station where everybody felt like dancing to the same song...
I first heard about this video from one of my teachers, and then I went home to watch it. It's very original and I think the idea is revolutionary. It makes everyone think that a musical was actually happening. When you see movie musicals, and you see all of the citizens and townspeople join in the songs it sometimes doesn't fit. Those people sometimes don't seem to have a purpose dancing other than to just be a part of a musical. For example, in the movie and play Mary Poppins, every at the racetrack starts to sing "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" (and that's the real spelling, too). They don't really understand why they are singing except that it's a fun song and tune. They don't all personally know Mary Poppins, but they are just singing the song because it is fun. In this video, the same thing happened. People just joined in carelessly and did the choreography like it was a part of their daily life. A musical really happened. Everyone has a friend or two that break out into song randomly, but very few people have seen over a hundred people break out into song randomly at the same time and dance in unison. It was like a show choir but with real people.
I have two favorite parts of the video. The first part is when the kids start coming down the steps. At that moment the little ditty that the twenty or so people were doing becomes a big dance. It really makes the performance more gravitational as well. My second favorite part is the old lady dancing. The camera only shows her for a few seconds, but it is a very funny part of the video. The lady showed how much organization this performance took to rehearse everything. It must have taken hours to get everyone to move like that together and in unison.
I really like the idea of what these people have done. I decided that if I was ever to make a movie musical that I would film it in this manner. I'm not really sure of the specifics, but I think it would be really interesting for audiences to see a side of society that is almost not real.
I first heard about this video from one of my teachers, and then I went home to watch it. It's very original and I think the idea is revolutionary. It makes everyone think that a musical was actually happening. When you see movie musicals, and you see all of the citizens and townspeople join in the songs it sometimes doesn't fit. Those people sometimes don't seem to have a purpose dancing other than to just be a part of a musical. For example, in the movie and play Mary Poppins, every at the racetrack starts to sing "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" (and that's the real spelling, too). They don't really understand why they are singing except that it's a fun song and tune. They don't all personally know Mary Poppins, but they are just singing the song because it is fun. In this video, the same thing happened. People just joined in carelessly and did the choreography like it was a part of their daily life. A musical really happened. Everyone has a friend or two that break out into song randomly, but very few people have seen over a hundred people break out into song randomly at the same time and dance in unison. It was like a show choir but with real people.
I have two favorite parts of the video. The first part is when the kids start coming down the steps. At that moment the little ditty that the twenty or so people were doing becomes a big dance. It really makes the performance more gravitational as well. My second favorite part is the old lady dancing. The camera only shows her for a few seconds, but it is a very funny part of the video. The lady showed how much organization this performance took to rehearse everything. It must have taken hours to get everyone to move like that together and in unison.
I really like the idea of what these people have done. I decided that if I was ever to make a movie musical that I would film it in this manner. I'm not really sure of the specifics, but I think it would be really interesting for audiences to see a side of society that is almost not real.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
"Uninvited"
One of Alanis Morissette's title songs is "Uninvited." It's a strange, eerie piece. She is telling someone that he is uninvited. My show choir performed this song last year, but I think her version is much more cool. First of all, I really enjoy the tune of the song. I could sing it all day. Of course, it sounds very odd when the soloist is not a female voice. Nonetheless, the song is very unique and appeals to the thinker. I also really like how the song is almost like a poem with music. Using lots of simile and metaphor, the words make you think. For example, "Must be strangely exciting to watch the stoic squirm." What does this mean? In context of the song, I think it means that it must be thrilling for her lover to watch her surrender and struggle against his love. In my mind, the song is about a struggle. The singer is trying to escape the love of someone. In this phrase, she was the stoic and the man took pleasure in making her struggle
She is telling the man that he is "uninvited" to her. He's not allowed to love her. And it's unfortunate that this had to happen. She loved him and was attracted to him- like any hot-blooded woman she's wanted an object to crave.
I really like the orchestral part of this song as well. It's almost poetic by itself. It's very strong, and it is nearly all minor until the very last chord when she begins to sing again. Also, the song is based off of the simple four note repetition first heard at the very beginning of the song.
Alanis Morissette promotes another discussion all by herself. Now I'm not a big Alanis Morissette fan, but in this song she does a great job. She gets the audience to feel her innocence and desires. Her body language and her voice inflection both promote her vulnerability and weakness to love. I do not think that what she does in this song with her voice and her body would be acceptable for any other song. "Uninvited" calls for a profound harshness, but it also calls for softness. It is about a contradiction of feelings, and I really like it.
She is telling the man that he is "uninvited" to her. He's not allowed to love her. And it's unfortunate that this had to happen. She loved him and was attracted to him- like any hot-blooded woman she's wanted an object to crave.
I really like the orchestral part of this song as well. It's almost poetic by itself. It's very strong, and it is nearly all minor until the very last chord when she begins to sing again. Also, the song is based off of the simple four note repetition first heard at the very beginning of the song.
Alanis Morissette promotes another discussion all by herself. Now I'm not a big Alanis Morissette fan, but in this song she does a great job. She gets the audience to feel her innocence and desires. Her body language and her voice inflection both promote her vulnerability and weakness to love. I do not think that what she does in this song with her voice and her body would be acceptable for any other song. "Uninvited" calls for a profound harshness, but it also calls for softness. It is about a contradiction of feelings, and I really like it.
A Tribute to Tom Jones
One of Tom Jones' best songs is "She's a Lady." It's not only catchy, but the lyrics I think are also very creative and true. Tom Jones is talking about how this girl of his is a "lady." She's the kind of woman that all guys want. You can take her out for a fancy dinner and yet you can love her at the same time. She's not prude, but proud. She's a natural beauty.
Tom Jones has one of those voices that seems like every note is effortless. When you listen to him sing and then try to sing the notes yourself, you find that the notes are way higher, or are held out to long, or something. Tom Jones voice is like a baritone in a tenor range. He's a great singer, and will be remembered for many great songs.
Not only does he perform upbeat songs, but many of his songs are pop ballads. One song is called "I Who Have Nothing." The song is about pure love- and he's saying that this guy who seems to have everything does not have the love that he does.
When Tom Jones sings, it seems like every note is his last one. Every note is given appropriate emphasis, and he often graces over notes with such ease and fluidity. The only thing that I wish was different about Tom Jones is his range. You see, I am a baritone myself, and it is really frustrating when I can't sing along with Tom Jones. His songs are so great and captivating that I just want to sing along. Unfortunately, I often have to drop the octave and it doesn't sound very good at all. As much as I enjoy being a baritone, I would appreciate becoming a tenor for the soul purpose of being able to sing along with Tom Jones.
Tom Jones has one of those voices that seems like every note is effortless. When you listen to him sing and then try to sing the notes yourself, you find that the notes are way higher, or are held out to long, or something. Tom Jones voice is like a baritone in a tenor range. He's a great singer, and will be remembered for many great songs.
Not only does he perform upbeat songs, but many of his songs are pop ballads. One song is called "I Who Have Nothing." The song is about pure love- and he's saying that this guy who seems to have everything does not have the love that he does.
When Tom Jones sings, it seems like every note is his last one. Every note is given appropriate emphasis, and he often graces over notes with such ease and fluidity. The only thing that I wish was different about Tom Jones is his range. You see, I am a baritone myself, and it is really frustrating when I can't sing along with Tom Jones. His songs are so great and captivating that I just want to sing along. Unfortunately, I often have to drop the octave and it doesn't sound very good at all. As much as I enjoy being a baritone, I would appreciate becoming a tenor for the soul purpose of being able to sing along with Tom Jones.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
The Power of Music II
Although music has a strong effect on a single person, music has a different purpose when many people are making it or listening to it. This weekend, my school is putting on A Chorus Line, and I am a part of the cast. The cast is very talented, and I am very glad to be a part of such a wonderful group. Last night, we were all talking about this together in a circle during rehearsal. We all focused on one person, and we raised our hands to talk about that one person. Well it finally got to Paige Hauer. She is a senior, and when she was a sophomore she became very close friends with my brother through the spring musical, and subsequently I got to know her as well. We are pretty good friends today- after co-starring in the fall musical, participating in two speech team events together, performing in show choir together for two years, and being in A Chorus Line together. Through all of the work that she has done with me, she has really changed me and bettered me as a person. She has a lot of street smarts, and she often has the solution to everyday situations which I may be troubled with. I think I've learned a lot from her. Music has truly made this friendship possible. If I hadn't gotten involved with theatre or show choir at Kennedy, I would've had no way of knowing her, and I feel that I would've been a much different person.
Anyways, so I started to talk about her during the circle time, and what I said is paraphrased above. After saying I began to cry. Not only did I cry, but I couldn't stop crying for about five minutes. Well, by that time I was laughing and crying because I couldn't believe I was crying. I mean, I can't remember the last time I cried, so when it happened I just thought it was so pitiful or something. I couldn't believe I was so emotional, and I guess I just started chuckling. Before that moment, I didn't think that I would cry over another person (except if something really tragic happened), but not having some friends around next year isn't considered tragic by most people. I felt so sad though, unbearably sad. The only time that I had ever gotten that emotional over leaving my friends was when I was in fifth grade at the end of The Music Man. I remember that day so very clearly. The last show was over and we all got out of costume. We all hugged each other in the lobby-like area backstage, and I began to cry as I gave a hug to Tara Jeanne Vallee. Besides the funeral of Papa and hearing the news of Bubbie's death, it was the saddest day of my life. Everything was coming to an end. I think I've always had a fear of things coming to an end. Perhaps that's part of the music and theatre business.
You see, performing in a show is great, and it makes me feel very happy. However, every show comes to an end. I don't remember specifically, but I think that subconsciously I am afraid of endings for this purpose. I think somewhere in my childhood I became very good friends with people and then I never spoke to them again. I know that's what happened with The Music Man, but it also happened with Tommy, the Paramount's Follies, The Sound of Music, Cinderella, Seussical, and many other shows that I've been in. It's sad to think that many of the relationships you make in a show are erased the day the show ends. I think that this loss is a big part of who I am. I am not a guy who has a best friend, I just have a lot of good and okay friends (I've also never had a girlfriend). I think there may be a part of me that is afraid of the former kind of friendship, because I am afraid that it will end and I'll never talk to that person again. No worries though, I'm happy with what I've got.
I guess I have gone off on a tangent, but not really. You see, I am changed as a person as a result of the power of music. In my first post on the Power of Music, I talked about how great music can change a person. But more fully, music has the potential to unite people, move people, change people. Music has shaped my life, and I cannot think about what my life would be like without it.
Anyways, so I started to talk about her during the circle time, and what I said is paraphrased above. After saying I began to cry. Not only did I cry, but I couldn't stop crying for about five minutes. Well, by that time I was laughing and crying because I couldn't believe I was crying. I mean, I can't remember the last time I cried, so when it happened I just thought it was so pitiful or something. I couldn't believe I was so emotional, and I guess I just started chuckling. Before that moment, I didn't think that I would cry over another person (except if something really tragic happened), but not having some friends around next year isn't considered tragic by most people. I felt so sad though, unbearably sad. The only time that I had ever gotten that emotional over leaving my friends was when I was in fifth grade at the end of The Music Man. I remember that day so very clearly. The last show was over and we all got out of costume. We all hugged each other in the lobby-like area backstage, and I began to cry as I gave a hug to Tara Jeanne Vallee. Besides the funeral of Papa and hearing the news of Bubbie's death, it was the saddest day of my life. Everything was coming to an end. I think I've always had a fear of things coming to an end. Perhaps that's part of the music and theatre business.
You see, performing in a show is great, and it makes me feel very happy. However, every show comes to an end. I don't remember specifically, but I think that subconsciously I am afraid of endings for this purpose. I think somewhere in my childhood I became very good friends with people and then I never spoke to them again. I know that's what happened with The Music Man, but it also happened with Tommy, the Paramount's Follies, The Sound of Music, Cinderella, Seussical, and many other shows that I've been in. It's sad to think that many of the relationships you make in a show are erased the day the show ends. I think that this loss is a big part of who I am. I am not a guy who has a best friend, I just have a lot of good and okay friends (I've also never had a girlfriend). I think there may be a part of me that is afraid of the former kind of friendship, because I am afraid that it will end and I'll never talk to that person again. No worries though, I'm happy with what I've got.
I guess I have gone off on a tangent, but not really. You see, I am changed as a person as a result of the power of music. In my first post on the Power of Music, I talked about how great music can change a person. But more fully, music has the potential to unite people, move people, change people. Music has shaped my life, and I cannot think about what my life would be like without it.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
The Seven Daughters of Eve- Read It!
I am really interested in biology and genetics, so recently I've read a book about the connection between all humans. It's titled the Seven Daughters of Eve, and it's written by Bryan Sykes. It's a compelling book discussing the genetic relationships between all human beings. The main point of the book is to prove that every single person that is living or has lived can trace their family history back to one of seven women, the “seven daughters of Eve.” Bryan Sykes proves this idea throughout the book, but lays foundation in the beginning chapters. Bryan Sykes is a professor of genetics at the Institute of Molecular Medicine in Oxford, and has made paramount discoveries concerning the identification of ancient anthropological DNA and the properties of mitochondrial DNA that link us all together. Of course, Sykes made his conclusions with the help of former biologists and geneticists.
The book lays a stable base for Sykes’ theory, and he begins by explaining DNA. He explains its purpose in living things, and tells us that DNA codes for proteins, which essentially provide everything in the organism. He then explains how just by changing the sequence of the bases (A, T, G, and C) does the DNA code for a different protein.
In the next chapter, Sykes describes how several individuals within the same population are actually more related to people within another population. Regarding this, he displays two evolutionary trees. Evolutionary trees are representations of how different peoples are connected through common ancestors and when these common ancestors lived. These particular trees were created by comparing and contrasting several genes found in the DNA of the groups or individuals. A man named Anthony Edwards made the first in 1965, and Allan Wilson, Rebecca Cann, and Mark Stoneking made the second in 1987. The former provides a connection of populations in different regions. However, it fails to realize, as Sykes said, that when groups separate from their last common ancestor that they still interact with each other. The second evolutionary tree shows individual people instead of groups. This dia
gram also shows that even though somebody is European, for example, he or she may be more related to an African rather than a European.
The next chapter describes the function of mitochondrial DNA. It tells us that the mitochondrial DNA in a person is only their mother’s mitochondrial DNA, and that person has none of his or her father’s mitochondrial DNA. Mitochondrial DNA also provides a section called the control region that is not prone to many mutations. Thus, crosschecking mitochondrial DNA with others can identify a genetic relation or not. The book goes on to talk about Sykes’ techniques into copying the DNA of ancient organisms, and Sykes uses this knowledge to unlock the mystery of the Romanov family (the last imperial family of Russia) murder. Lastly, Sykes tells us about his trip to Rarotonga, an island in the Pacific Ocean. Immediately upon arrival, he wonders how the original Polynesians arrived there: from the Americas or Southeast Asia? He collected mitochondrial DNA samples from the hospital there and returned to Oxford. There, he found three different variants among the DNA, and the odd one out interestingly matched the sequence of an odd Hawaiian mitochondrial DNA sequence. Sykes has yet to find out the importance of this odd match.
The Seven Daughters of Eve is probably the best nonfiction book I’ve ever read. It gives a clear knowledge of genetics, and it teaches me knowledge about DNA in an interesting manor. The book also reinforces my knowledge of DNA already taught to me in school. In fact, many of the ideas in the book have already been taught to me in school, such as mitochondrial DNA’s origins and the structure-function relation in DNA.
Perhaps most interesting about this book is the fact that every single person on this earth is definitely related to either Helena, Jasmine, Katrine, Tara, Ursula, Velda, or Xenia. It’s odd for me to think that I may have a great, great, great, … great grandmother’s great, great, great…great grandson may be my “unrelated” neighbor. This knowledge affects all of us. It connects us all to each other, and it gives us a sense of identity in a way. This book also affects society and scientific society. It tells us that we all originated in Europe-Eurasia 150,000 years ago. The book also provides migrations of all of these people. Thus, a person in any place can understand how they are there and why.
However, the book has not gone into great detail about this information, and has focused more on the discovery of DNA and its purpose. Discovering DNA and using mitochondrial DNA is important to everyone. One example is its use in the Romanov family’s death. The last of the Russian tsar’s family was killed in their cellar and then taken to a pit on the outskirts of Ekaterinburg and buried. However, when the bones were recovered in 1991, only nine out of the eleven bodies were found. It was impossible to decipher by look to see who they were, so biologists were called to the scene to run tests. It was proven that five out of the four were related by using forensic fi
ngerprints and nuclear DNA. However, mitochondrial DNA was used to make sure that the family was really the Romanovs. After meticulous investigation, they proved to be the Russian family. In the future, mitochondrial DNA may be used to identify relationships between people and ancient peoples, including those who go back thousands of years. Mitochondrial DNA may also help understand the history of long-lost people by comparing their mitochondrial DNA with the seven daughters of Eve.
As a conclusion, The Seven Daughters of Eve is a well-based theory concerning the origins of humans, which should be relevant to all. Having the ability to examine a tiny piece of mitochondrial DNA and then finding everything out about that individual is astonishing. If we can use this information it will advance our understanding about our individual history, and thus better our knowledge of humans as a whole.
The book lays a stable base for Sykes’ theory, and he begins by explaining DNA. He explains its purpose in living things, and tells us that DNA codes for proteins, which essentially provide everything in the organism. He then explains how just by changing the sequence of the bases (A, T, G, and C) does the DNA code for a different protein.
In the next chapter, Sykes describes how several individuals within the same population are actually more related to people within another population. Regarding this, he displays two evolutionary trees. Evolutionary trees are representations of how different peoples are connected through common ancestors and when these common ancestors lived. These particular trees were created by comparing and contrasting several genes found in the DNA of the groups or individuals. A man named Anthony Edwards made the first in 1965, and Allan Wilson, Rebecca Cann, and Mark Stoneking made the second in 1987. The former provides a connection of populations in different regions. However, it fails to realize, as Sykes said, that when groups separate from their last common ancestor that they still interact with each other. The second evolutionary tree shows individual people instead of groups. This dia
gram also shows that even though somebody is European, for example, he or she may be more related to an African rather than a European.The next chapter describes the function of mitochondrial DNA. It tells us that the mitochondrial DNA in a person is only their mother’s mitochondrial DNA, and that person has none of his or her father’s mitochondrial DNA. Mitochondrial DNA also provides a section called the control region that is not prone to many mutations. Thus, crosschecking mitochondrial DNA with others can identify a genetic relation or not. The book goes on to talk about Sykes’ techniques into copying the DNA of ancient organisms, and Sykes uses this knowledge to unlock the mystery of the Romanov family (the last imperial family of Russia) murder. Lastly, Sykes tells us about his trip to Rarotonga, an island in the Pacific Ocean. Immediately upon arrival, he wonders how the original Polynesians arrived there: from the Americas or Southeast Asia? He collected mitochondrial DNA samples from the hospital there and returned to Oxford. There, he found three different variants among the DNA, and the odd one out interestingly matched the sequence of an odd Hawaiian mitochondrial DNA sequence. Sykes has yet to find out the importance of this odd match.
The Seven Daughters of Eve is probably the best nonfiction book I’ve ever read. It gives a clear knowledge of genetics, and it teaches me knowledge about DNA in an interesting manor. The book also reinforces my knowledge of DNA already taught to me in school. In fact, many of the ideas in the book have already been taught to me in school, such as mitochondrial DNA’s origins and the structure-function relation in DNA.
Perhaps most interesting about this book is the fact that every single person on this earth is definitely related to either Helena, Jasmine, Katrine, Tara, Ursula, Velda, or Xenia. It’s odd for me to think that I may have a great, great, great, … great grandmother’s great, great, great…great grandson may be my “unrelated” neighbor. This knowledge affects all of us. It connects us all to each other, and it gives us a sense of identity in a way. This book also affects society and scientific society. It tells us that we all originated in Europe-Eurasia 150,000 years ago. The book also provides migrations of all of these people. Thus, a person in any place can understand how they are there and why.
However, the book has not gone into great detail about this information, and has focused more on the discovery of DNA and its purpose. Discovering DNA and using mitochondrial DNA is important to everyone. One example is its use in the Romanov family’s death. The last of the Russian tsar’s family was killed in their cellar and then taken to a pit on the outskirts of Ekaterinburg and buried. However, when the bones were recovered in 1991, only nine out of the eleven bodies were found. It was impossible to decipher by look to see who they were, so biologists were called to the scene to run tests. It was proven that five out of the four were related by using forensic fi
ngerprints and nuclear DNA. However, mitochondrial DNA was used to make sure that the family was really the Romanovs. After meticulous investigation, they proved to be the Russian family. In the future, mitochondrial DNA may be used to identify relationships between people and ancient peoples, including those who go back thousands of years. Mitochondrial DNA may also help understand the history of long-lost people by comparing their mitochondrial DNA with the seven daughters of Eve.As a conclusion, The Seven Daughters of Eve is a well-based theory concerning the origins of humans, which should be relevant to all. Having the ability to examine a tiny piece of mitochondrial DNA and then finding everything out about that individual is astonishing. If we can use this information it will advance our understanding about our individual history, and thus better our knowledge of humans as a whole.
China: the Pollution Problem
Upon doing research for my trip to China, I encountered arguments that were against the Olympics occurring in Beijing. I am planning on going to Beijing while I'm in China, and hopefully we'll get to see the Bird's Nest and the Water Cube. But I don't think we'll get to go inside them.
Perhaps one of the strongest points to argue against the Olympics in Beijing is the air pollution. Some believe that the athletes should’ve been concerned, but many others just proclaim that it was fog. Some athletes, in fact, had visited neighboring countries, such as South Korea and Japan, prior to the games to avoid Beijing’s poor air conditions for as long as they could. Although these are extreme cases, they are cautious cases.
In any case, two weeks prior to the opening ceremony in Beijing there was a shroud of smog covering the city, which made athletes and coaches very worried. Some environmentalists from Beijing based this off of the lack of air to blow away the pollution from the city, but the more logical reason, brought up by scientists from Greenpeace, is that the pollution is a combination of poor living methods. There are 3.3 million cars in Beijing, and all of these cars partake in the air pollution. So to fix the air pollution, the government took drastic measures, which included pulling half of the cars off the roads, closing down factories around the city that emitted toxic gases and smog, and stopping most construction.
The air pollution is a great problem to this day. It’s polluting the skies in a gray haze. The types of air pollution include sulfur dioxide, nitrogen monoxide, and carbon dioxide. However, although these toxins were in Beijing’s skies, the Olympic board did not say that the Beijing Olympics contributed to the toxins at all as a result of the Olympics using a great deal of solar energy. In the end, the air pollution problem did not stop a great Olympic event that will go down in history books, but on the other hand, anti-pollution encouragements need to be established.
Perhaps one of the strongest points to argue against the Olympics in Beijing is the air pollution. Some believe that the athletes should’ve been concerned, but many others just proclaim that it was fog. Some athletes, in fact, had visited neighboring countries, such as South Korea and Japan, prior to the games to avoid Beijing’s poor air conditions for as long as they could. Although these are extreme cases, they are cautious cases.
In any case, two weeks prior to the opening ceremony in Beijing there was a shroud of smog covering the city, which made athletes and coaches very worried. Some environmentalists from Beijing based this off of the lack of air to blow away the pollution from the city, but the more logical reason, brought up by scientists from Greenpeace, is that the pollution is a combination of poor living methods. There are 3.3 million cars in Beijing, and all of these cars partake in the air pollution. So to fix the air pollution, the government took drastic measures, which included pulling half of the cars off the roads, closing down factories around the city that emitted toxic gases and smog, and stopping most construction.
The air pollution is a great problem to this day. It’s polluting the skies in a gray haze. The types of air pollution include sulfur dioxide, nitrogen monoxide, and carbon dioxide. However, although these toxins were in Beijing’s skies, the Olympic board did not say that the Beijing Olympics contributed to the toxins at all as a result of the Olympics using a great deal of solar energy. In the end, the air pollution problem did not stop a great Olympic event that will go down in history books, but on the other hand, anti-pollution encouragements need to be established.
Chinese History- The Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution
Since I'm going to China this summer, I've been doing a lot of research about China and it's history. One thing that I encountered was the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution. Not many people know about it, but it's one of the most important events in Chinese history. Still, there is an uncertainty of why it happened.
The Cultural Revolution occurred from 1966 to 1976, and occurred mainly because Mao Zedong wanted to show everyone that he was the all-powerful leader. To do this, Mao repressed people who he thought rejected him and his ideas, and he killed innumerable amounts of innocent people who he thought to be a threat. One of Mao’s theories is that a privileged class had risen in China, and these consisted of educated people. Mao thought that the working class, the proletariat, should have some power and should control society. Thus, Mao told his followers to start brutally murdering and injuring teachers, scientists, economists, and other educated people. Mao wanted to create a classless society, a society in which no class had more benefits than another.
After Mao declared his desire, two main groups were organized. The first was the Red Guard, which consisted of a bunch of students and youths who fought against educated people, often killing their own teachers. By doing this, it often sparked a cascade of wrath in which people started killing others for no good reason. Although the main function of the Red Guards was to teach people about Mao’s ideas, they became especially brutal to those who opposed Mao. Those students who opposed Mao in the end were not educated and China lost much of educated people through the Cultural Revolution.
One story during the Cultural Revolution deals with a little boy, and he describes China as turning from “black to white.” He said everything became chaotic. His father was sent away to the countryside to work, and the boy had to fend for himself. He explained that he grew up quite quickly because he had to understand what was going on to survive. However, stories of Chinese people during this time aren’t very numerous because the Chinese government does not encourage talk about this time period. Many Chinese do not want to remember.
The Cultural Revolution occurred from 1966 to 1976, and occurred mainly because Mao Zedong wanted to show everyone that he was the all-powerful leader. To do this, Mao repressed people who he thought rejected him and his ideas, and he killed innumerable amounts of innocent people who he thought to be a threat. One of Mao’s theories is that a privileged class had risen in China, and these consisted of educated people. Mao thought that the working class, the proletariat, should have some power and should control society. Thus, Mao told his followers to start brutally murdering and injuring teachers, scientists, economists, and other educated people. Mao wanted to create a classless society, a society in which no class had more benefits than another.
After Mao declared his desire, two main groups were organized. The first was the Red Guard, which consisted of a bunch of students and youths who fought against educated people, often killing their own teachers. By doing this, it often sparked a cascade of wrath in which people started killing others for no good reason. Although the main function of the Red Guards was to teach people about Mao’s ideas, they became especially brutal to those who opposed Mao. Those students who opposed Mao in the end were not educated and China lost much of educated people through the Cultural Revolution.
One story during the Cultural Revolution deals with a little boy, and he describes China as turning from “black to white.” He said everything became chaotic. His father was sent away to the countryside to work, and the boy had to fend for himself. He explained that he grew up quite quickly because he had to understand what was going on to survive. However, stories of Chinese people during this time aren’t very numerous because the Chinese government does not encourage talk about this time period. Many Chinese do not want to remember.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Alegria- Cirque du Soleil
Some of the most powerful music can be found in the many shows of Cirque du Soleil. The music is modern, but has an ancient feel. It's some of my favorite music, and I know that its extraordinary feel adds a great deal to each show. My favorite of the Cirque du Soleil songs is the theme from Alegria.
Without Music
Yesterday at my voice lesson, my teacher told me about how he couldn't sing for a year and a half as a result of an operation he had on his throat or something. He loves to sing, and his whole career is based off of it (teaching voice lessons is a side job to his composing). He said that a part of him was gone when he couldn't sing. He also didn't know if he would ever sing again(and he did in the end), but it just got me thinking. What if I couldn't make music? What if I couldn't sing or play the piano? I would be a completely different person. I love music, and I don't know what I'd do if I wasn't a part of it. I would simply be devastating.
For example, when I'm at my home or in my car (and I'm there alone or with my family) all I do is sing. I sing choir songs, songs from the musical, songs from the radio, or any other song that pops into my head. I can't help but sing, and I know that must get annoying to my parents who are constantly in the presence of the singing. I really don't know what I'm going to do in college. I know I must not sing as much to keep my roommate sane, but I hope I can make it without singing as much.
Also, when I'm home I like to play on the piano and write music. Sometimes the music doesn't sound so good, but once again my parents tolerate it. Sometimes the music is very beautifully, and I am really proud of it- that's what really makes me want to play. I want to make beautiful music that can change people. Most of the time you don't succeed, but when you do it's really something special. It's a great feeling to know that what you've created has changed someone's life.
I couldn't imagine going through life without this feeling. I couldn't imagine going throughout life without a purpose. To me, music is a reason to live. It's not the only thing thatmakes life good, but it definitely makes life better. Although I do not plan on singing professionally ever, I want to make music that would inspire people. I want to change people not only through my future career, but also through music. It's such a powerful device, and I know I'd be a wreck without it.
For example, when I'm at my home or in my car (and I'm there alone or with my family) all I do is sing. I sing choir songs, songs from the musical, songs from the radio, or any other song that pops into my head. I can't help but sing, and I know that must get annoying to my parents who are constantly in the presence of the singing. I really don't know what I'm going to do in college. I know I must not sing as much to keep my roommate sane, but I hope I can make it without singing as much.
Also, when I'm home I like to play on the piano and write music. Sometimes the music doesn't sound so good, but once again my parents tolerate it. Sometimes the music is very beautifully, and I am really proud of it- that's what really makes me want to play. I want to make beautiful music that can change people. Most of the time you don't succeed, but when you do it's really something special. It's a great feeling to know that what you've created has changed someone's life.
I couldn't imagine going through life without this feeling. I couldn't imagine going throughout life without a purpose. To me, music is a reason to live. It's not the only thing thatmakes life good, but it definitely makes life better. Although I do not plan on singing professionally ever, I want to make music that would inspire people. I want to change people not only through my future career, but also through music. It's such a powerful device, and I know I'd be a wreck without it.
Vocal Technique (I need some)
"Singing is a game of opposites," says my voice teacher Rob Nassif. You need energy, but your body needs to be relaxed. Your stomach muscles shoud not flex, except when you are in second gear. Second gear is just like a different tessatura than your regular voice, and although the listener doesn't hear a difference, the singer feels a whole lot different in second gear.
One thing that makes a voice wonderful is the vibrato. Somehow, it keeps the tone up and hleps the singer commit to a longer phrase. Vibrato is an essential key to ligit singing. Another essential tool is having both the quack and the yawn. The "quack" in a voice is how "pingy" the voice is, while the yawn adds a dullness to the voice. The perfect combination not only sets up the singer for a good tone, but also prepares the singer for a better closure of the vocal chords. It also makes way for a more present vibrato, while helping breath control.
When a person is singing, their vocal chords are supposed to be all touching. Thus, when a person sings, the breath trying to exit creates a pressure chamber because it can't exit that easily as a result of the closed vocal chords. This pressure lets the singer do innumerable things with their voice in range, as well as with the difficulty of the music and dynamics. Singing is truly a game of opposites. You must have your body relaxed, but yet there must be pressure and energy inside. You must have ping in your voice, but you must also have dullness. The list goes on and on.
Even though I understand all of this, I cannot do it, unfortunately. It's easier to say all of those things than actually do them. I only wish that someday I could implement all of these techniques for singing better. Right now, I need to work on my vibrato and my body tension mainly. Once I have my vibrato and body relaxation, I believe that I will produce a much better sound.
One thing that makes a voice wonderful is the vibrato. Somehow, it keeps the tone up and hleps the singer commit to a longer phrase. Vibrato is an essential key to ligit singing. Another essential tool is having both the quack and the yawn. The "quack" in a voice is how "pingy" the voice is, while the yawn adds a dullness to the voice. The perfect combination not only sets up the singer for a good tone, but also prepares the singer for a better closure of the vocal chords. It also makes way for a more present vibrato, while helping breath control.
When a person is singing, their vocal chords are supposed to be all touching. Thus, when a person sings, the breath trying to exit creates a pressure chamber because it can't exit that easily as a result of the closed vocal chords. This pressure lets the singer do innumerable things with their voice in range, as well as with the difficulty of the music and dynamics. Singing is truly a game of opposites. You must have your body relaxed, but yet there must be pressure and energy inside. You must have ping in your voice, but you must also have dullness. The list goes on and on.
Even though I understand all of this, I cannot do it, unfortunately. It's easier to say all of those things than actually do them. I only wish that someday I could implement all of these techniques for singing better. Right now, I need to work on my vibrato and my body tension mainly. Once I have my vibrato and body relaxation, I believe that I will produce a much better sound.
"Just As I Am"
I was first introduced to this song when Happiness Inc. (the show choir) performed it in the 2006 season. It was beautifully done, with an especially talented soloist. I then wanted to hear how it was originally sang so I went to Youtube and looked it up. The version that caught my attention the most was David Phelps version. It is simply unbelievable. This guy has one of the largest ranges I've ever heard, and every note (the high ones and the low ones) seem effortless. Also, Phelps seems to put so much heart into this song (I imagine he does with every song). To me this song is about acceptance. It's about wanting to be a part of someone else's world, and not having to change your true feelings for something or someone else. It's about "reaching out" and wanting to be loved.
Reading the comments from YouTube I found out that David Phelps is a Christian rock artist. Therefore, the song seems like it originally meant that he was asking acceptance with God or Jesus. This makes sense, however, I think for many it can be seen as a love song (moreover, a song between two people). That's how I view it, and it makes a much better connection.
I hope you take a look at this video, and I hope that through the sensational music it brings inspiration into your own life.
Reading the comments from YouTube I found out that David Phelps is a Christian rock artist. Therefore, the song seems like it originally meant that he was asking acceptance with God or Jesus. This makes sense, however, I think for many it can be seen as a love song (moreover, a song between two people). That's how I view it, and it makes a much better connection.
I hope you take a look at this video, and I hope that through the sensational music it brings inspiration into your own life.
Little Shop of Horrors
The musical "Little Shop of Horrors" centers around a young man named Seymour who works at a flower shop in the poor part of the city. Seymour has found a very strange and interesting plant, and soon after Seymour and the shop start to become very prosperous. Seymour also has a crush on his coworker, Audrey, but she has a boyfriend- one of those boyfriends that beats up their girl and keeps her within his grasp. As Seymour becomes more and more famous, he also gets more attention from Audrey. However, there's a catch. The plant (named Audrey II) grows on blood and only blood, and as the plant grows it begins talk. Having a creative mind, Audrey II encourages Seymour to kill Audrey's boyfriend and feed the body to him, thus giving Audrey more happiness and making the plant grow even bigger. Seymour goes through with it.
In the second act, Audrey falls in love with Seymour through the song "Suddenly Seymour." Here is a video of it performed by my high school's production.
I think it's a pretty great song- definitely the most popular one from the show. From here on out the show culminates into a fight between love and money, and sacrifices from every character.
In the second act, Audrey falls in love with Seymour through the song "Suddenly Seymour." Here is a video of it performed by my high school's production.
I think it's a pretty great song- definitely the most popular one from the show. From here on out the show culminates into a fight between love and money, and sacrifices from every character.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
My Immortal
I do not particularly like Evanescence, but I think that this song is very powerful. Her voice in one with the piano is very unique. Although I have never been in a serious relationship, I feel like I can understand her. She's broken, and she is affected forever by what someone did to her. "These wounds won't seem to heal." What "he" did will never go away. He scarred her for life. We all are hurt by someone else in our lives, and the impression is often deep. I have yet to have these feelings, but I imagine that when I do they will be similar to this song.
Groban- Oceano
A few posts back I was discussing Josh Groban's new genre of music. He sings in Italian for many of his songs, but then has a modern style to his singing. This song, Oceano, is an example of that.
As you just saw, not only did the music have a modern feel, but the set, the lighting, and everything else had a modern feel. The only thing that seemed slightly classical was his technique, which makes the song that much better. He uses correct technique to sing. He has a great tone that you could listen to all day, and his vibrato is the cherry on top of it all. Also, Josh Groban is young and has a audience that is skewed to a more young audience. Thus, the kids and young adults can still have fun and be in the presence of great, healthy singing, instead of having to listen to a musical soundtrack or opera to hear the more classical voices. Don't get me wrong, I love other types of singing, and I'm not saying that voices other than classical voices are wrong. All I am saying is that it's a good thing for young people to hear the ligit voice once and awhile. The ligit voice in my opinion is very beautiful, but the music that often accompanies it is often boring. Josh Groban and his music is not boring at all, which is why I enjoy listening to his music.
As you just saw, not only did the music have a modern feel, but the set, the lighting, and everything else had a modern feel. The only thing that seemed slightly classical was his technique, which makes the song that much better. He uses correct technique to sing. He has a great tone that you could listen to all day, and his vibrato is the cherry on top of it all. Also, Josh Groban is young and has a audience that is skewed to a more young audience. Thus, the kids and young adults can still have fun and be in the presence of great, healthy singing, instead of having to listen to a musical soundtrack or opera to hear the more classical voices. Don't get me wrong, I love other types of singing, and I'm not saying that voices other than classical voices are wrong. All I am saying is that it's a good thing for young people to hear the ligit voice once and awhile. The ligit voice in my opinion is very beautiful, but the music that often accompanies it is often boring. Josh Groban and his music is not boring at all, which is why I enjoy listening to his music.
"Sleep" by Eric Whitacre
Silence. There is so much to say about this piece, but it seems we can say the most without words. After listening to this, I feel that everything else has become more peaceful, more idyllic. Everything seems so still. I didn't know a song could have that affect on me. Listening to that song made me extremely happy. There's is truly something about it. I can hardly write coherently. There is energy in the silence. During the breaks of my typing I can feel it. It's a feeling I've never had before- the power of music has once again prevailed. I feel like everything has stood still, the world has halted its turning. Just give me a moment to take this all in...
Okay. Basically, Eric Whitacre is a modern-day Handel. Even further, he's better than all of the choral composers put together. His work is unprecedented, and he is in a different league than everyone else. Each of his songs is innovative, using unique chord structure and entrancing chord progression. Also, his songs often send off a message, either through the lyrics or through the sound of the music. For sleep, at the end of it I felt like I was sleeping even though I was wide awake. The song put a spell on me. The song pumped me up, but at the same time muted my surroundings. The song is therapeutic in a sense. After I listened to it, I felt so alive. Even now, after taking a few moments to let it sink in, I feel like anything can come my way and I'll face it with ultimate strength. This song is something else. I know I say that a lot, but usually a song does not affect me the way this song has. My day is better because I listened to it. I won't leave the computer and forget about this song. It will be with me for the whole day- if not the whole week. I feel blessed to have listened to such beauty.
So kudos to you Eric Whitacre! You have changed many people, including myself. I can't imagine how proud you must be to have written such beautiful music.
A Capella
About a month ago, my friend started singing Amazing Grace, and then I joined him with harmony. It sounded really cool so whenever we're bored we just start that up again. For some reason, singing a capella is very rewarding. It's the only time when you can hear the pure voice- the voice is by itself without piano or guitar or anything else shadowing it. It is very powerful when there are many people singing a capella together- well only if they sing well together. If the group isn't very good, the effect is lost completely, which is why it's sometimes safer to have background music that aids the singers. I'd rather hear nothing at all than hear a bad a capella group. When I hear a bad a capella group I just sit back and laugh. I know they're trying really hard, but when you sing a capella you have to understand your skill. Those groups that aren't very good should pick out easier music and leave the more difficult songs to more experienced groups. However, when my groups' a capella pieces fail I don't laugh at all. I am just embarrased and wish for a second shot.
In school, I am currently in three musical groups that sing a capella pieces (but not exclusive to a capella pieces). The first is called Concert Choir, which is a just a mixed choir. Last year we sang an Eric Whitacre piece called "A Boy and a Girl." It's about an archeological find: a man's and a woman's bones were found embracing each other. The song is essentially about their love. It's a beautiful song, and I will remember that song as one of the best my choir has ever sung.
Although the group doesn't traditionally do a capella pieces, this year Happiness Inc., the show choir, performed two minutes of a capella with the song "Fix You." I was proud of the group for taking on the song, and I thought we did our best. I only we wish we could've performed the song with a better amount of air (we sang it right after two very physically demanding songs choreographically). If we had been just a little more fit to sing the song then it would've been an undeniable success.
Finally, I am a part of Moonlight Express, the jazz group at Kennedy. Traditionally, the group has only sang a capella pieces, but this year we got a back-up band that plays in three out the four songs. Our a capella piece this year is entitled "Embraceable You." The arrangement of the song iss very beautiful. The song is delicate and I think that the group displays that very well. I love singing that song, but I only wish I could listen to us sing it from the audience (of course I can't because then I wouldn't be singing it). I love singing a capella, and it's very fulfilling to me. I just hope that I will be able to do it for the rest of my life.
In school, I am currently in three musical groups that sing a capella pieces (but not exclusive to a capella pieces). The first is called Concert Choir, which is a just a mixed choir. Last year we sang an Eric Whitacre piece called "A Boy and a Girl." It's about an archeological find: a man's and a woman's bones were found embracing each other. The song is essentially about their love. It's a beautiful song, and I will remember that song as one of the best my choir has ever sung.
Although the group doesn't traditionally do a capella pieces, this year Happiness Inc., the show choir, performed two minutes of a capella with the song "Fix You." I was proud of the group for taking on the song, and I thought we did our best. I only we wish we could've performed the song with a better amount of air (we sang it right after two very physically demanding songs choreographically). If we had been just a little more fit to sing the song then it would've been an undeniable success.
Finally, I am a part of Moonlight Express, the jazz group at Kennedy. Traditionally, the group has only sang a capella pieces, but this year we got a back-up band that plays in three out the four songs. Our a capella piece this year is entitled "Embraceable You." The arrangement of the song iss very beautiful. The song is delicate and I think that the group displays that very well. I love singing that song, but I only wish I could listen to us sing it from the audience (of course I can't because then I wouldn't be singing it). I love singing a capella, and it's very fulfilling to me. I just hope that I will be able to do it for the rest of my life.
The Music of a Movie
For me, a movie only has the potential to be great if the music is great. Even if the actors are horrible, the movie can still be okay. Think about watching a scary movie without music. It is definitely not as scary, and there is no suspense to lead up to the scary parts. Also, the parts when something jumps out at you, there is no orchestral hit to accompany the jumping out. Music often brings great suspense to scenes often dealing with fighting crime, a chasing scene, or an action scene. The most obvious example for me is in "National Treasure." If you've ever seen the movie, you will also agree that the movie is accompanied by some awesome music. Whenever Nicholas Cage and his costars are running from the "bad guys," there is this music that makes you want to listen in and see what happens. Here's a link to hear the music, and I must say that this music doesn't give the music in the movie full justice.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXwTMJMD1As
In my opinion, some of the most powerful music that has ever accompanied a movie is the music in "Titanic." When I watch the movie, it is the music that makes me eyes start to water. Yes, the story is sad, but I could handle it alone. The music along with the visual just digs right down into me. The music makes the story what it is, and it makes it a masterpiece. In most Best Picture films, as was "Titanic," the music is utilized to its full extent- think of "The Lord of the Rings" and "Million Dollar Baby." The first uses regal music along with music that gets your heart pumping blood more quickly while the second often uses gentle piano. Both have their effects, and both substantiate the feelings of the movies.
Music in movies is like the voice of a recorded book. When you read the book, you get the story and you understand it, but when someone is saying it, you get the emphasis, the connotation, and often the most raw feelings are exposed. Similarly, movie music is like saying something instead of writing it. Isn't it much easier to write, "I love you," than actually say it? And isn't it much easier to write down mean things than actually say them to a person face to face? Of course it is, but when you actually say those things, they go right to the heart. When someone tells you they love you there's a feeling that you cannot replace. Respectively, you are much more hurt when someone screams at you nasty comments instead of them writing them down. Music in movies helps display the power of the emotion, and it sets the mood of the whole movie. Overall, there is nothing like the perfect mixture of a movie and its music. It is something.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXwTMJMD1As
In my opinion, some of the most powerful music that has ever accompanied a movie is the music in "Titanic." When I watch the movie, it is the music that makes me eyes start to water. Yes, the story is sad, but I could handle it alone. The music along with the visual just digs right down into me. The music makes the story what it is, and it makes it a masterpiece. In most Best Picture films, as was "Titanic," the music is utilized to its full extent- think of "The Lord of the Rings" and "Million Dollar Baby." The first uses regal music along with music that gets your heart pumping blood more quickly while the second often uses gentle piano. Both have their effects, and both substantiate the feelings of the movies.
Music in movies is like the voice of a recorded book. When you read the book, you get the story and you understand it, but when someone is saying it, you get the emphasis, the connotation, and often the most raw feelings are exposed. Similarly, movie music is like saying something instead of writing it. Isn't it much easier to write, "I love you," than actually say it? And isn't it much easier to write down mean things than actually say them to a person face to face? Of course it is, but when you actually say those things, they go right to the heart. When someone tells you they love you there's a feeling that you cannot replace. Respectively, you are much more hurt when someone screams at you nasty comments instead of them writing them down. Music in movies helps display the power of the emotion, and it sets the mood of the whole movie. Overall, there is nothing like the perfect mixture of a movie and its music. It is something.
Josh Groban- A New Genre, a New League
Josh Groban has one of the most amazing voices of our time. This post is basically a tribute to him, so if you feel differently go ahead and look at something else. Josh Groban has many qualities that all singers strive for: incredible vocal technique (precision for every note, complete vocal control, he sings "ligitly" or properly) and he puts his heart into every song- much like the other singers I have praised in this blog. One quality that is rather unique to Josh Groban is that he sings many of his songs in Italian. However, the songs that he sings do not sound like anything classical. Those songs sound more as if they are modern songs of another country. Many of Josh Groban's songs mix operatic style and text perfectly with the modern day, which is why his style is so appealing.
Before Josh Groban, most teens and young adults only listened to rap and hip hop, two types of music that didn't require highly trained singing. When Josh Groban entered the pop world, people couldn't get enough. His songs have a popular feel, and yet they show off excellent singing technique that make his songs even more powerful and influential than songs that don't involve proficient singers. I remember the first time I ever heard Josh Groban sing; it was at the Super Bowl about five years ago and he sang "You Raise Me Up," perhaps his most well-known song. I was so impressed, and I think he drew in many people to his genre through that performance.
I also think that the chord structure of all of Josh Groban's songs fit the music and text perfectly, and they are often very innovative, feeding off of classical and modern styles. As a result, it appeals both to young and old listeners, drawing in a wide range of ages to the music. Nearly all of his songs are also very catchy; the lyrics and the tune help do this.
Another strong point of Josh Groban is that all of his songs showcase his voice. For some artists, some songs don't show their high notes or their power. Some artists only have up beat songs while others can only have somber ballads. Some songs don't let the singer craft the music to make it more interesting, and some songs just aren't moving at all. Each and every one of Josh Groban's songs show his high notes, his power, his gentleness, his craft, his technique, his control, his energy, and his heart. Each of his songs actually means something. For me, even if the lyrics are all in Italian, I am still moved by his songs. The tunes just give themselves to me and they make me think of good times- or bad times. And whether his songs are in Italian or English, each builds and builds throughout the whole song until it reaches the climactic high note or phrase. However, the way up to that moment is just as interesting and moving.
All in all, Josh Groban has created a new type of singing. His songs colorfully blend music that appeals to the youth now with music that appeals to older generations. Many of the songs have a classical feel with new and present lyrics and melodies. They music is unlike any other, and Groban has created something truly extraordinary. Creating new music is always something artists strive for, and I think that Josh Groban will keep creating brilliant music that touches the hearts of millions, if not billions, of people.
Before Josh Groban, most teens and young adults only listened to rap and hip hop, two types of music that didn't require highly trained singing. When Josh Groban entered the pop world, people couldn't get enough. His songs have a popular feel, and yet they show off excellent singing technique that make his songs even more powerful and influential than songs that don't involve proficient singers. I remember the first time I ever heard Josh Groban sing; it was at the Super Bowl about five years ago and he sang "You Raise Me Up," perhaps his most well-known song. I was so impressed, and I think he drew in many people to his genre through that performance.
I also think that the chord structure of all of Josh Groban's songs fit the music and text perfectly, and they are often very innovative, feeding off of classical and modern styles. As a result, it appeals both to young and old listeners, drawing in a wide range of ages to the music. Nearly all of his songs are also very catchy; the lyrics and the tune help do this.
Another strong point of Josh Groban is that all of his songs showcase his voice. For some artists, some songs don't show their high notes or their power. Some artists only have up beat songs while others can only have somber ballads. Some songs don't let the singer craft the music to make it more interesting, and some songs just aren't moving at all. Each and every one of Josh Groban's songs show his high notes, his power, his gentleness, his craft, his technique, his control, his energy, and his heart. Each of his songs actually means something. For me, even if the lyrics are all in Italian, I am still moved by his songs. The tunes just give themselves to me and they make me think of good times- or bad times. And whether his songs are in Italian or English, each builds and builds throughout the whole song until it reaches the climactic high note or phrase. However, the way up to that moment is just as interesting and moving.
All in all, Josh Groban has created a new type of singing. His songs colorfully blend music that appeals to the youth now with music that appeals to older generations. Many of the songs have a classical feel with new and present lyrics and melodies. They music is unlike any other, and Groban has created something truly extraordinary. Creating new music is always something artists strive for, and I think that Josh Groban will keep creating brilliant music that touches the hearts of millions, if not billions, of people.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Toto's Africa
I only wish I had heard this song before this week. Toto's Africa is a masterpiece. The tune is intriguing and it brings you into the song. I do not totally understand the choice of words, such as "I bless the rains," e.g. However, the words seem to fit perfectly with the melody and the harmonies. One of the coolest parts of this song is the overriding theme that starts from the very beginning. The change of chords in this theme is very catchy and enhances the funk of the song. Here's the music video.
As you saw, the accountant was an African American lady (who could've been African or South American in reality). I don't want to seem like a racist, but I think this has some significance. I think he's talking about his love to this African woman. Obviously, the lyrics such as "wild dogs cry out in the night" and the background music of African marimbas, bongos, the African sounding flute, and the gong all establish that the song has to do with more than just love; it has to do with a primitive and tropical love. If you listen to the song without looking at the video, you may be unsure why he says "I bless the rains down in Africa," but if you see the woman, it all makes sense. He's praising Africa as being itself. He is praising Africa for its beauty and for making way for this young, beautiful woman to be with him. That's what the song is about.
As you saw, the accountant was an African American lady (who could've been African or South American in reality). I don't want to seem like a racist, but I think this has some significance. I think he's talking about his love to this African woman. Obviously, the lyrics such as "wild dogs cry out in the night" and the background music of African marimbas, bongos, the African sounding flute, and the gong all establish that the song has to do with more than just love; it has to do with a primitive and tropical love. If you listen to the song without looking at the video, you may be unsure why he says "I bless the rains down in Africa," but if you see the woman, it all makes sense. He's praising Africa as being itself. He is praising Africa for its beauty and for making way for this young, beautiful woman to be with him. That's what the song is about.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Let It Be- Xavier
One of the best songs I've heard all this year was Xavier's "Let it Be." The thing that made this song was the soloist. She is simply amazing. She has pure talent, as I knew her from when she was six or seven singing "Don't Rain on my Parade." Her voice is perfect for this song, and although some say that the solo is too long, I wish that the solo would keep going. When I heard it at the Kennedy Invitational, it gave me goosebumps. Kudos to you!
The song is also one of the greatest songs ever written. It is one the Beatles' best, as it's tune is strong as well as the words. I really think that Xavier gives the song justice.
The song is also one of the greatest songs ever written. It is one the Beatles' best, as it's tune is strong as well as the words. I really think that Xavier gives the song justice.
It's So Hard to Say Goodbye
Before hearing this song, I had thought Boyz to Men was some rap group. But "boy," was I wrong. There is so much talent in this group, and I think that everyone should listen to this song. Besides the amazing talent, one of the great things about this song is that it is so straightforward. The group expresses their feelings in no round about way. They get to the point, and they get to the heart of the listener. Also, every listener can somehow relate to this song. There's always a time when you have to say goodbye to someone something.
For me, one of the hardest times to say goodbye was at my grandpa's funeral. He was such a influential person in my life, and it was hard to accept that I would never get to talk to him again. However, I knew he was happier and that he was with his wife, my grandma Bubbie.
Another moment occurred during the last show of "The Music Man." I still remember standing in the hallway leading to the exit of the theatre, saying goodbye to everyone. I was saying goodbye to all of those great experiences on the tour and to the people I truly loved. It's always hard to say goodbye, and this song vocalizes those feelings almost too perfectly.
For me, one of the hardest times to say goodbye was at my grandpa's funeral. He was such a influential person in my life, and it was hard to accept that I would never get to talk to him again. However, I knew he was happier and that he was with his wife, my grandma Bubbie.
Another moment occurred during the last show of "The Music Man." I still remember standing in the hallway leading to the exit of the theatre, saying goodbye to everyone. I was saying goodbye to all of those great experiences on the tour and to the people I truly loved. It's always hard to say goodbye, and this song vocalizes those feelings almost too perfectly.
People
"People" is originally from the musical "Funny Girl" but soon after became a pop culture hit. It's one of Barbara Streisand's most famous songs. I personally enjoy a few things about it. First, I enjoy her voice. It's spectacular- especially in this song. Secondly, I enjoy the tune and melody. It flows so smoothly and it's so easy to remember. Lastly, I enjoy the meaning of the song. It's that nothing is better than being with one person and loving them forever. Now since I am not in love, this song has a meaning perhaps beyond the scope of the song. When I first heard the song, I thought about all of the people I knew and my friendships with them. The song made me realize that even if I have hundreds of friends, it doesn't mean anything unless I really need one of them. Everyone needs someone, but sometimes people don't need others. The ones that have someone, perhaps a friend, whom they need and whom needs them back are the luckiest people in the world.
Without a Phone
When I arrived at the show choir competition yesterday morning I realized I didn't have my phone. I thought I had brought it along, but it wasn't in my bag and it didn't seem to be in my car. So throughout the day I kept finding myself reaching into my pocket to grab my cell phone that wasn't there. It was like when you get your braces off. Everytime you lick your teeth you expect to find your braces there when they really aren't. It was weird not having access to a phone for the day. I couldn't talk to anyone unless I called on someone else's phone, and if I would've had an emergency- while driving, e.g.- than I would've been in some deep doo-doo. I never truly realized the extent to which my cell phone is a part of me. It's basically always on me.
Although I got through the day with great ease, I think that many of my peers would not be able to do so. For them, it's borderline vital. Some people text twenty-four seven, and I can't imagine what they would do without a cell phone. Perhaps they would go cry and sit in a corner, or go home and eat a box a chocolates while watching "The Notebook." I'm just glad I'm not one of them. Nonetheless, I realized that I do depend on my cell phone more than I had thought before that day. It's pretty sad and it says a lot about where our society's going.
I think it would be pretty interesting to have one day where everyone cannot use their cell phone. Or maybe a contest to see who could stand without calling or texting the longest. This is actually a pretty good idea for a fundraiser. Maybe I'll make it happen.
Although I got through the day with great ease, I think that many of my peers would not be able to do so. For them, it's borderline vital. Some people text twenty-four seven, and I can't imagine what they would do without a cell phone. Perhaps they would go cry and sit in a corner, or go home and eat a box a chocolates while watching "The Notebook." I'm just glad I'm not one of them. Nonetheless, I realized that I do depend on my cell phone more than I had thought before that day. It's pretty sad and it says a lot about where our society's going.
I think it would be pretty interesting to have one day where everyone cannot use their cell phone. Or maybe a contest to see who could stand without calling or texting the longest. This is actually a pretty good idea for a fundraiser. Maybe I'll make it happen.
The Cause of the Depression
No depression or recession was as severe as the Great Depression of the 1930s. The U.S. didn't recover from the depression until the onset of World War II when lots of products were needed for the war effort. It began slowly. Consumer spending declined after 1927 and housing construction slowed- inventories piled up. Economy in recession by 1929. The stock market was the symbol of American wealt and business culture. However, only 10% of nation's homes owned stock (4 million people) in 1929. Stock prices rose steadily since 1921, and then increased quickly in '28 and '29. Margin buying occurred (small down payment and finance the rest with loan).
Black Thursday and Black Tuesday: 28 million shares changed hands in trading. Stock values fell from $87 billion to $55 billion. As a result, banks started to close. Great Crash was certainly a cause, but there were other causes. Farmers had never recovered from 1920 and 1921 recession. Also, there was an uneven distribution of the nation's wealth, in part due to Mellon's tax policies. In 1929, the poorest 40% of population made up 12.5% of aggregate family income, while the richest 5% received 30%.
After it began, the Depression was self perpetuating. One bank closure caused another and so forth. These are just the basics of how the Depression began. This simply touches the surface.
Black Thursday and Black Tuesday: 28 million shares changed hands in trading. Stock values fell from $87 billion to $55 billion. As a result, banks started to close. Great Crash was certainly a cause, but there were other causes. Farmers had never recovered from 1920 and 1921 recession. Also, there was an uneven distribution of the nation's wealth, in part due to Mellon's tax policies. In 1929, the poorest 40% of population made up 12.5% of aggregate family income, while the richest 5% received 30%.
After it began, the Depression was self perpetuating. One bank closure caused another and so forth. These are just the basics of how the Depression began. This simply touches the surface.
Why does "now" matter?
Lately I have been hanging around some people too much. I have been good friends with these people but lately have started to get sick of them.
So I started thinking, why are these people even important to me? There are plenty of other people who I can be friends with, and who cares if these are the coolest people? At least I have fun with them. I do want my friends to be "fake" friends, and always having to try to fit in by always being the follower. That's stupid. Why is having these friends important now? I should be focused on my future and getting work done. If these kids really think it's that important to gain acceptance by changing themselves they'll find that they will never be fulfilled. I am going to start hanging out with people that really care about me, and people whom I can have a true laugh with, instead of a fake "haha."
So I started thinking, why are these people even important to me? There are plenty of other people who I can be friends with, and who cares if these are the coolest people? At least I have fun with them. I do want my friends to be "fake" friends, and always having to try to fit in by always being the follower. That's stupid. Why is having these friends important now? I should be focused on my future and getting work done. If these kids really think it's that important to gain acceptance by changing themselves they'll find that they will never be fulfilled. I am going to start hanging out with people that really care about me, and people whom I can have a true laugh with, instead of a fake "haha."
Sunday, February 15, 2009
The Holocaust- no reason needed
At the same exhibit I was talking about earlier, the presenters were saying how we used to remember it so that it wouldn't happen again. But that the thing is, it happened again and again. It happened in Cambodia. It happened in the Balkans. It's happening in Darfur, Sudan. Some may say that there is no longer a reason to remember because the world is going to hate no matter what. People are going to hate and discriminate no matter what. Maybe that is true, but the Holocaust is remembered so that maybe someone that hates doesn't hate. Maybe it does change someone. I know that the Holocaust has changed me- in so many ways. There doesn't need to be a reason why people educate others about what happened during the Holocaust. It's an event that changed the world and will only continue to change people if it is known. People need to know about it, and they shouldn't have an excuse why not.
The Holocaust
Today I visited a Holocaust exhibit at my Temple. It was a collection of letters, stamps, money, and other types of artifacts that lived through the Holocaust. The collection belonged to a very wealthy man, whose name I forgot. He looks a little like Borat and is altogether quite hyper. However, he spoke to some members of the congregation about the artifacts that he had collected. Each piece had a story behind it, and it was so interesting to actually see how history could be applied to real life. The Holocaust was much more than numbers and facts. It was about people. It was about their personality, their family, their life. Each of those six million Jews who was murdered had their own story. Each of them had their own background, and it was powerful to see actual things they had written on and used during this tragic time in history. It was not the most heavy Holocaust presentation or moment I've experienced, but it was strong nonetheless.
The man and Dr. Feller, a member of our congregation, talked about the Holocaust in ways which I've never even heard of. They brought in new angles of the Holocaust story that I hadn't thought of in a very long time. For example, one postcard came along with some money. The postcard said something like, "Here is your due for this month for entertaining the men." It was a letter from one concentration camp called Ravensbruck to Buchenwald. Ravensbruck was a women's camp, and it was found that many of the women were sent to other camps to "entertain" the Nazi workers in brothel-like buildings. This postcard is proof of the sex-slavery that occurred during the Holocaust. Who knew?
Among the artifacts was a piece of Torah scroll. The piece was ripped out of the Torah (the most holy scripture in the Jewish faith) in a synogogue in Russia that the Germans had taken over. It was used as parchment, for a German troop wanted to send a package to his family in Austria. He used the most holy parchment to do this like it meant nothing. Since it went through the German mail it was stamped with a Nazi stamp. A Nazi stamp on the Torah- one of the most symbolic pieces of history I think I have ever directly encountered. It was overwhelming.
I thought I was pretty knowledgeable about the Holocaust, but there's so much more. They opened up some doors for me that I really want to take. I really want to learn more about the Holocaust now, and I want to really understand it. Perhaps the Holocaust is so compelling to me because I am Jewish and I am usually the only Jew in one given place at one time (i.e. I'm the only Jew in my whole Junior class of 408 people). At the presentation, Dr. Feller was saying that I was the most important person there because I was the youngest. He's absolutely right. When everyone else in that room is gone from this world, it is my responsibility to keep the remembrance of the Holocaust alive. It's so important to remember the Holocaust. It is everyone's responsibility to remember how awful it was for everyone. Not just Jews, but everyone's. I cannot wait to tell my children and my grandchildren about the Holocaust. I want them to know about it. I want them to be able to understand it and its complexity. It's so important.
The man and Dr. Feller, a member of our congregation, talked about the Holocaust in ways which I've never even heard of. They brought in new angles of the Holocaust story that I hadn't thought of in a very long time. For example, one postcard came along with some money. The postcard said something like, "Here is your due for this month for entertaining the men." It was a letter from one concentration camp called Ravensbruck to Buchenwald. Ravensbruck was a women's camp, and it was found that many of the women were sent to other camps to "entertain" the Nazi workers in brothel-like buildings. This postcard is proof of the sex-slavery that occurred during the Holocaust. Who knew?
Among the artifacts was a piece of Torah scroll. The piece was ripped out of the Torah (the most holy scripture in the Jewish faith) in a synogogue in Russia that the Germans had taken over. It was used as parchment, for a German troop wanted to send a package to his family in Austria. He used the most holy parchment to do this like it meant nothing. Since it went through the German mail it was stamped with a Nazi stamp. A Nazi stamp on the Torah- one of the most symbolic pieces of history I think I have ever directly encountered. It was overwhelming.
I thought I was pretty knowledgeable about the Holocaust, but there's so much more. They opened up some doors for me that I really want to take. I really want to learn more about the Holocaust now, and I want to really understand it. Perhaps the Holocaust is so compelling to me because I am Jewish and I am usually the only Jew in one given place at one time (i.e. I'm the only Jew in my whole Junior class of 408 people). At the presentation, Dr. Feller was saying that I was the most important person there because I was the youngest. He's absolutely right. When everyone else in that room is gone from this world, it is my responsibility to keep the remembrance of the Holocaust alive. It's so important to remember the Holocaust. It is everyone's responsibility to remember how awful it was for everyone. Not just Jews, but everyone's. I cannot wait to tell my children and my grandchildren about the Holocaust. I want them to know about it. I want them to be able to understand it and its complexity. It's so important.
And back to show choir...
So this weekend was a very exhausting weekend for my show choir, Happiness, Inc. We all arrived at school yesterday at 6:30 in the morning, and we got on the charter buses at 7:00 to leave for Urbandale, Iowa which is two and half hours away. As soon as we got there we started getting settled in our room and checking out the school. The theatre was amazing, with a balcony that had been specially made for music and acoustics. The whole school was new, and everything looked really nice.
The competition for us was Ankeny, Linn-Mar, Johnston, and Waukee. These are all great show choirs, with Ankeny ranking 1st nationally according to the Show Choir Rating System for 2008. Earlier in this season, we had beaten Ankeny and it was a great success for us. We couldn't believe that we had beaten the number one show choir in the nation. At this same competition we had also beaten Waukee and Johnston, but since Linn-Mar held this same competition, we had no idea how we compared to them (except for the Show Choir Rating System for 209 which had Linn-Mar at second and us at fourteenth going into the competition). So we were pretty anxious competing at Urbandale. We wanted to prove that us beating Ankeny at the Linn-Mar competition was justified and worthy, and we wanted to prove that we could beat Linn-Mar. Linn-Mar and Kennedy have always had a friendly competition between them, and we've always wanted to beat one another.
So we performed at 4:50 and everyone seemed to feel good about the show. We had a pretty good critique (the time when a judge from the panel comes and talks to us about our show and how we can improve it). The critique said that he loved our show. He thought it was amazing. Then he went on to tell us some things that we needed to change and fix. He said that we needed to work on our diction in the second song, our emotion in the ballad and the fourth song, and our cleanliness of our moves in the last quarter of the last song. So we had some things to fix for the night round- the finals.
Day round awards came next. Our prep group-Protege- won first in their division. They were all extremely happy, but most of Happiness was only worried about their results. For the day round, Linn-Mar suprisingly got fifth, behind Waukee and Johnston, fourth and third respectively. We got second for the day round behind Ankeny. We were behind them by five measly points. We knew we had to bring it during the night to beat them.
So we tried our best. We, I mean most of us, really got focused on our show. We wanted to put on the best show possible, and hope that would mean we would beat Ankeny. So the show came and gone, and we all thought we had done a pretty great job- except for the ballad which had some intonation problems. In the end, Ankeny ended up receiving best vocals and best choreography, which made them Grand Champions and us second. However, I wasn't that dissatisfied. Coming into this season, before Linn-Mar, Happiness had no intentions of ever beating Ankeny. They are basically show choir gods, so we didn't even think we had a chance of getting close to them. Yeah, beating them was really cool, but we should've realized that our expectations had to start all over again after Linn-Mar. They were a new group, a revitalized one at Urbandale, and they showed it. However, I'm a very proud of Happiness' accomplishments this year. It's amazing how well we're doing. My expectations have been reached and what has happened is beyond all of my goals.
The competition for us was Ankeny, Linn-Mar, Johnston, and Waukee. These are all great show choirs, with Ankeny ranking 1st nationally according to the Show Choir Rating System for 2008. Earlier in this season, we had beaten Ankeny and it was a great success for us. We couldn't believe that we had beaten the number one show choir in the nation. At this same competition we had also beaten Waukee and Johnston, but since Linn-Mar held this same competition, we had no idea how we compared to them (except for the Show Choir Rating System for 209 which had Linn-Mar at second and us at fourteenth going into the competition). So we were pretty anxious competing at Urbandale. We wanted to prove that us beating Ankeny at the Linn-Mar competition was justified and worthy, and we wanted to prove that we could beat Linn-Mar. Linn-Mar and Kennedy have always had a friendly competition between them, and we've always wanted to beat one another.
So we performed at 4:50 and everyone seemed to feel good about the show. We had a pretty good critique (the time when a judge from the panel comes and talks to us about our show and how we can improve it). The critique said that he loved our show. He thought it was amazing. Then he went on to tell us some things that we needed to change and fix. He said that we needed to work on our diction in the second song, our emotion in the ballad and the fourth song, and our cleanliness of our moves in the last quarter of the last song. So we had some things to fix for the night round- the finals.
Day round awards came next. Our prep group-Protege- won first in their division. They were all extremely happy, but most of Happiness was only worried about their results. For the day round, Linn-Mar suprisingly got fifth, behind Waukee and Johnston, fourth and third respectively. We got second for the day round behind Ankeny. We were behind them by five measly points. We knew we had to bring it during the night to beat them.
So we tried our best. We, I mean most of us, really got focused on our show. We wanted to put on the best show possible, and hope that would mean we would beat Ankeny. So the show came and gone, and we all thought we had done a pretty great job- except for the ballad which had some intonation problems. In the end, Ankeny ended up receiving best vocals and best choreography, which made them Grand Champions and us second. However, I wasn't that dissatisfied. Coming into this season, before Linn-Mar, Happiness had no intentions of ever beating Ankeny. They are basically show choir gods, so we didn't even think we had a chance of getting close to them. Yeah, beating them was really cool, but we should've realized that our expectations had to start all over again after Linn-Mar. They were a new group, a revitalized one at Urbandale, and they showed it. However, I'm a very proud of Happiness' accomplishments this year. It's amazing how well we're doing. My expectations have been reached and what has happened is beyond all of my goals.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Wicked- For Good
Wicked is a musical that piggy backs off of the story of the Wizard of Oz. It's about how the Wicked Witch of the West, whose name is Elphaba, is actually a good witch in heart. It's about Elphaba's friendship with the Galinda. They led separate paths, but each path was affected by the other. Here is a video about the works behind this song, For Good.
Although this song is a pretty girl one, I feel it hits the spot when singing about compassion between friends. Usually friends don't tell each other how they appreciate one another (maybe just guys don't) and I think that's why I like it so much. It's a way for me to tell my friends that I appreciate them. I really enjoy listening to this song and singing along with it. The thing is, every single person you come into contact with changes you. Sometimes it changes you just for that day and then you forget about it for the rest of your life. However, some people have the capacity to change you for your whole life. Teachers can do this. Parents can do this. Friends can do this.
Although this song is a pretty girl one, I feel it hits the spot when singing about compassion between friends. Usually friends don't tell each other how they appreciate one another (maybe just guys don't) and I think that's why I like it so much. It's a way for me to tell my friends that I appreciate them. I really enjoy listening to this song and singing along with it. The thing is, every single person you come into contact with changes you. Sometimes it changes you just for that day and then you forget about it for the rest of your life. However, some people have the capacity to change you for your whole life. Teachers can do this. Parents can do this. Friends can do this.
West Side Story- Somewhere
West Side Story is a musical dealing with adversity, diversity, and the power of love against all odds. It's a modern tale of Romeo and Juliet- and by "modern" I mean the 50s and 60s. The musical is filled with some of the most beautiful songs ever written. For this entry, I am just going to talk about the song titled "Somewhere." "Somewhere" is a song between the two main characters- Tony and Maria. Tony was a main leader of the New York gang (the Jets) and Maria moved from Puerto Rico with her family to New York. Her brother is a Shark (the Puerto Rican gang). Just before this song, Tony killed Maria's brother in a rumble which Tony was trying to stop. Both Tony and Maria are madly in love, and they want all of this violence to stop. They are talking about how somewhere they will be accepted to love each other. There is a place for them to go and live and love. There will be a time when they can be together and not have to worry about what everyone else thinks.
It's an important concept that I think will never fade. Some people believe that white people should only fall in love with other white people, and similarly with blacks, Asians, Hispanics, and so forth. However, this notion is unbearably false. If two people love each other, they should be able to stay with each other. This brings the issue of gay marriage. I think that gay people should be able to marry and love each other. Their marriage is not affecting me and it should not make any other person unhappy. I am not threatened by a gay marriage, and nobody else should be either. If that's what they truly want, then they should be able to do it. It's bringing no harm to others whatsoever. It is only bettering the lives of the married couple.
So you see how deep this song can get. Nearly every couple has had to face adversity through their love. Some couples only get a small dosage, such as through angry in-laws, while other couples may get more criticism. Every person can truly connect to this song. Everyone wants to find a place where they can be themselves and love whom they want. Everyone wants to find that perfect place- maybe not even just for love, but for people who they can feel loved around. Listen to this song from the movie West Side Story. Perhaps this song will connect to you in a way or two. Think about the lyrics, and they won't be hard to forget with the powerful melody.
It's an important concept that I think will never fade. Some people believe that white people should only fall in love with other white people, and similarly with blacks, Asians, Hispanics, and so forth. However, this notion is unbearably false. If two people love each other, they should be able to stay with each other. This brings the issue of gay marriage. I think that gay people should be able to marry and love each other. Their marriage is not affecting me and it should not make any other person unhappy. I am not threatened by a gay marriage, and nobody else should be either. If that's what they truly want, then they should be able to do it. It's bringing no harm to others whatsoever. It is only bettering the lives of the married couple.
So you see how deep this song can get. Nearly every couple has had to face adversity through their love. Some couples only get a small dosage, such as through angry in-laws, while other couples may get more criticism. Every person can truly connect to this song. Everyone wants to find a place where they can be themselves and love whom they want. Everyone wants to find that perfect place- maybe not even just for love, but for people who they can feel loved around. Listen to this song from the movie West Side Story. Perhaps this song will connect to you in a way or two. Think about the lyrics, and they won't be hard to forget with the powerful melody.
RENT- Will I?
Rent is a musical that is one of the greatest of our time. In my opinion, the power of the music is perahps comparable to The Phantom of the Opera, The Sound of Music, Wicked, and West Side Story. It is one of the most thought provoking musicals out there, and it is also one of the most risky musicals. For those of you who don't know, Rent is about a group of people who are living in poor parts of New York City at the turn of the twenty-first century. The characters have to deal with drug addictions, relationships, sickness, and money issues. It is a very mature play, and the roles call for outstanding acting and vocal ability. Each character has been through a ton of ordeals in their lives, and to play a role in the show is truly an honor.
Now I haven't seen the movie in its entirety, but I think I have seen all of the parts separately. Although all of the parts together create a magnificent story, each part has its own morals and teachings. The most powerful part of Rent for me is the meeting of the people who have AIDS. The song they sing is called Will I? It's a very powerful song, especially when everyone starts singing. These people are dying and they don't know if they will wake up tomorrow. That's a horrible thought for everyone, and the song cuts to the heart with its simplicity and strength. Here's a video of the song from the anniversary show about a year ago. Perhaps you will understand the people and their trouble just through this song.
Now I haven't seen the movie in its entirety, but I think I have seen all of the parts separately. Although all of the parts together create a magnificent story, each part has its own morals and teachings. The most powerful part of Rent for me is the meeting of the people who have AIDS. The song they sing is called Will I? It's a very powerful song, especially when everyone starts singing. These people are dying and they don't know if they will wake up tomorrow. That's a horrible thought for everyone, and the song cuts to the heart with its simplicity and strength. Here's a video of the song from the anniversary show about a year ago. Perhaps you will understand the people and their trouble just through this song.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
This Is One of Those Moments
Read the lyrics to this song, and maybe you'll see why it's one of my favorites. (The lyrics are changed a bit-these are the ones my show choir sang last year).
There are moments you remember all your life
There are moments you wait for and dream of all your life
This is one of those moments
I will always remember this stage, these people
The way the light streams in
The clothes I'm wearing
The words I'm hearing
The face I'm seeing
The feeling I'm feeling
The smell, the sound
Will be written on my mind
Will be written on my heart
As long as I live!
I can travel the past and take what I need
To see me through the years
What my father learned and his father before him
Will be there for my eyes and ears
I can walk through the forest of the trees of knowledge
And listen to the lessons of the leaves
I can enter rooms where there are rooms within rooms
Wrapped in the shawl that learning weaves
I remember
Everything this taught,
What this gave me
Look at what it's brought me
There are certain things that once you have
No man can take away
No wave can wash away
No wind can blow away
I can open doors and take from the shelves
All the books I've longed to hold
I can ask all the questions, the whys and the wheres
As the mystery of life unfolds
Like a link in a chain from the past to the future
That joins me with the children yet to be
I can now be a part of the ongoing stream
That has always been a part of me
There are certain things that once you have
No man take away
No wave can wash away
No wind can blow away
No tide can turn away
No fire can burn away
No time can wear away
And now they're about to be mine!
There are moments you remember all your life
There are moments you wait for and dream of all your life
This is one of those moments
Last year, my show choir sang this song, but it deals with much more than show choir. To me, it means a time that I will never forget- The Music Man national tour. Every time I hear I song from that show, I can feel what I was feeling when I was hearing it during the actual thing. When I hear the "Iowa Stubborn" I hear it through a monitor, and I smell fresh cotton. You see, during "Iowa Stubborn" I was in my dressing room putting on my thigh-long white socks that went in the wash after every performance. Nearly every moment in the show is accompanied by a feeling, a smell, a more specific sound. "The Music Man" was one of those moments.
This song is almost exactly how I feel about The Music Man. I will always remember the stage, the people I was with and the lights shining on the stage in all the different forms. Everything will be written on my mind and my heart for my whole life. No one can take away those great feelings. No one can take away the memories. Those memories are mine. Those moments are mine.
There are some songs that you just want to sing over and over again. This is one of the songs that I could sing over and over again. Every time I see the lyrics I just want to burst out in song. Everyone has a song like that. Everyone has a song that when they hear they just want to join along. Music is something that everyone enjoys, and everyone wants to be a part of it at some point- even the worst voices. Although the song that people sing out loud is different from person to person, the fact that there is a song is great I think. There is always an opera lover singing opera and there's always a teen singing along with songs such as "I Kissed a Girl," whose tune is actually pretty catchy.
I couldn't embed this video in my blog, but here's a link of the This is One of Those Moments with Barabara Streisand singing. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMoV6Uc-03Y
There are moments you remember all your life
There are moments you wait for and dream of all your life
This is one of those moments
I will always remember this stage, these people
The way the light streams in
The clothes I'm wearing
The words I'm hearing
The face I'm seeing
The feeling I'm feeling
The smell, the sound
Will be written on my mind
Will be written on my heart
As long as I live!
I can travel the past and take what I need
To see me through the years
What my father learned and his father before him
Will be there for my eyes and ears
I can walk through the forest of the trees of knowledge
And listen to the lessons of the leaves
I can enter rooms where there are rooms within rooms
Wrapped in the shawl that learning weaves
I remember
Everything this taught,
What this gave me
Look at what it's brought me
There are certain things that once you have
No man can take away
No wave can wash away
No wind can blow away
I can open doors and take from the shelves
All the books I've longed to hold
I can ask all the questions, the whys and the wheres
As the mystery of life unfolds
Like a link in a chain from the past to the future
That joins me with the children yet to be
I can now be a part of the ongoing stream
That has always been a part of me
There are certain things that once you have
No man take away
No wave can wash away
No wind can blow away
No tide can turn away
No fire can burn away
No time can wear away
And now they're about to be mine!
There are moments you remember all your life
There are moments you wait for and dream of all your life
This is one of those moments
Last year, my show choir sang this song, but it deals with much more than show choir. To me, it means a time that I will never forget- The Music Man national tour. Every time I hear I song from that show, I can feel what I was feeling when I was hearing it during the actual thing. When I hear the "Iowa Stubborn" I hear it through a monitor, and I smell fresh cotton. You see, during "Iowa Stubborn" I was in my dressing room putting on my thigh-long white socks that went in the wash after every performance. Nearly every moment in the show is accompanied by a feeling, a smell, a more specific sound. "The Music Man" was one of those moments.
This song is almost exactly how I feel about The Music Man. I will always remember the stage, the people I was with and the lights shining on the stage in all the different forms. Everything will be written on my mind and my heart for my whole life. No one can take away those great feelings. No one can take away the memories. Those memories are mine. Those moments are mine.
There are some songs that you just want to sing over and over again. This is one of the songs that I could sing over and over again. Every time I see the lyrics I just want to burst out in song. Everyone has a song like that. Everyone has a song that when they hear they just want to join along. Music is something that everyone enjoys, and everyone wants to be a part of it at some point- even the worst voices. Although the song that people sing out loud is different from person to person, the fact that there is a song is great I think. There is always an opera lover singing opera and there's always a teen singing along with songs such as "I Kissed a Girl," whose tune is actually pretty catchy.
I couldn't embed this video in my blog, but here's a link of the This is One of Those Moments with Barabara Streisand singing. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMoV6Uc-03Y
Sunday, February 1, 2009
The Dog in the Woods
So I was sitting at my computer earlier today, just blogging. My computer room is surrounded by glass windows on two sides, and you can see the woods from each side. I was just staring off and out of the corner of my eye I saw something run past the snow in the back. There's a ton of wild animals in my back yard. There are turkey, deer, squirrels, and one time I even saw a hawk fly by. But this time it was dog. I'm not sure what breed it was, but it was smooth haired and white with golden brown spots. He (or she) was running past, and I had never seen this dog before. It didn't 
look to be homeless, but it seemed to be lost. I got worried that the dog wouldn't find its way home, as one of my fears is that my dog could runaway and get lost forever. So I immediately put on my coat and my shoes. I went back out to the computer room to pinpoint the where the dog was in the vast woods, but it was nowhere to be found. The poor thing was lost in the wilderness with no sense of survival skills except for the ones he was born with. It would've been a lost hope for me to go out in the woods and search, for the dog was nearly sprinting and I wouldn't have been able to call for it. Much to my chagrin, I was compelled to take my coat and shoes off and begin typing away again.
After the Super Bowl I came back home, and the first thing I hear is barking from the woods. It wasn't very distinct so I had no idea from where the barking was coming. For all I knew, this dog could've been the dog that lived next door or two doors down. However, my gut told me that it was this dog that I had seen earlier. Again, it would've been a lost hope for me to go searching for the dog, for its bark ceased after only ten seconds or so. I felt bad though that I hadn't acted before. I should've kept my eye on the dog and gone out for it. That's what I would've wanted someone else to do if they had seen my dog. The dog is still out there I think in the woods. The only cover it has is cold snow and its frame is made of ice. If only I had another reason to searching for the dog. I wish there would be a sign.
look to be homeless, but it seemed to be lost. I got worried that the dog wouldn't find its way home, as one of my fears is that my dog could runaway and get lost forever. So I immediately put on my coat and my shoes. I went back out to the computer room to pinpoint the where the dog was in the vast woods, but it was nowhere to be found. The poor thing was lost in the wilderness with no sense of survival skills except for the ones he was born with. It would've been a lost hope for me to go out in the woods and search, for the dog was nearly sprinting and I wouldn't have been able to call for it. Much to my chagrin, I was compelled to take my coat and shoes off and begin typing away again.After the Super Bowl I came back home, and the first thing I hear is barking from the woods. It wasn't very distinct so I had no idea from where the barking was coming. For all I knew, this dog could've been the dog that lived next door or two doors down. However, my gut told me that it was this dog that I had seen earlier. Again, it would've been a lost hope for me to go searching for the dog, for its bark ceased after only ten seconds or so. I felt bad though that I hadn't acted before. I should've kept my eye on the dog and gone out for it. That's what I would've wanted someone else to do if they had seen my dog. The dog is still out there I think in the woods. The only cover it has is cold snow and its frame is made of ice. If only I had another reason to searching for the dog. I wish there would be a sign.
"Fab Five"
The Fab Five show choir concert is perhaps one of my favorite show choir performances we ever have. It's very different from all of the other performances, but I think it is different in a good way. At all of the other performances, we perform so we can entertain people, but mostly to win a trophy. We practice all year round, and we're basically judged on how well we are as a group by how well we do in the competitions. I think it's funny how show choir is all about competing, and in many ways I think it is wrong (although there's nothing like winning first place). Anyways, the Fab Five concert is unlike any other concert because it is only about making people happy. It's about entertaining people and giving people a good time. The audience is there because they want to have a good time, and by doing this, the groups can be judged on how entertaining they are, instead of being better than one another vocally or visually.
It's one thing to compete against another group to win a prize and to compete against them for pride. No trophy can replace pride, and when there's no trophy, no group can not have pride because they have not been beaten. Although I think my group could've beat all of the other groups in a competition, I think that all of the groups felt a pride for their own group that day. There wasn't a trophy to erase that pride, and that's what makes the Fab Five competition so special and great.
It's one thing to compete against another group to win a prize and to compete against them for pride. No trophy can replace pride, and when there's no trophy, no group can not have pride because they have not been beaten. Although I think my group could've beat all of the other groups in a competition, I think that all of the groups felt a pride for their own group that day. There wasn't a trophy to erase that pride, and that's what makes the Fab Five competition so special and great.
Trusting No One
I should have realized this much earlier in my life, but I'm finally realizing now that you can trust no one. You can trust people with secrets and such, especially if they're you're best of friends, but really you cannot predict someone's actions. You can't predict what a person's going to do in every single situation. Sometimes, the person you trust doesn't have control, and the trust may be broken not by him or her, but by the person that is acting upon him or her. Oddly, whenever I start thinking about this kind of thing I start to think about The Lord of the Rings. For example, no one can be trusted with the ring, not even the one with the most integrity. Frodo was this character in the book and movie, but the ring still overcame him several times in the story. Also, Smeagle wouldn't have told where Frodo lived unless the evil forces tortured him to say it. When I think of real life, I think of marriage and relationships. They all start off pretty great, and as time goes by, the two people start to trust each other more and more. After a year or two it would seem as if the trust is nearly unbreakable (well it could take more time for it to be unbreakable, I guess). However, sometimes the trust breaks as a result of a stupid mistake, of which the actions are unforgivable.
At my school recently, there was this couple who had been dating for a year and a half. They are seniors now, and to me, they seemed like the strongest couple in our school. They were honest with each other. They both deeply cared for each other, and they had gone through adversity from some peers and from some parents. It seemed as if they would grow old together. However, just recently, the guy decided to start liking this freshman girl. He wanted her to start a relationship with him, even though she didn't want to. He expected her to take on the baggage that he carried. He ended his year and half relationship for her he had said. Think of the pressure that girl had on her. This guy had just finished a relationship that she had never even fathomed. She couldn't just hop on the horse like he expected to.
And for the other girl, the senior, she was heart-broken. This guy that she had trusted for a year and a half began to want to be with this other girl, who by the way he had only known for about a week. Now this girl (the senior) is perhaps one of the coolest girls ever, and I don't know why this guy (who is also pretty cool) would want to jeopardize his relationship with her for this girl he barely even knew. The girl (the sr.) had trusted him, yet she couldn't predict what he would do.
To trust someone is a very hard thing to do, because it means that you are predicting their actions in a way. You are trusting them to make right decisions, and since right is a very person-to-person opinion, right must be what you want. Trust is a great thing to have, but sometimes you cannot rely on trust alone to decide what people are going to do.
At my school recently, there was this couple who had been dating for a year and a half. They are seniors now, and to me, they seemed like the strongest couple in our school. They were honest with each other. They both deeply cared for each other, and they had gone through adversity from some peers and from some parents. It seemed as if they would grow old together. However, just recently, the guy decided to start liking this freshman girl. He wanted her to start a relationship with him, even though she didn't want to. He expected her to take on the baggage that he carried. He ended his year and half relationship for her he had said. Think of the pressure that girl had on her. This guy had just finished a relationship that she had never even fathomed. She couldn't just hop on the horse like he expected to.
And for the other girl, the senior, she was heart-broken. This guy that she had trusted for a year and a half began to want to be with this other girl, who by the way he had only known for about a week. Now this girl (the senior) is perhaps one of the coolest girls ever, and I don't know why this guy (who is also pretty cool) would want to jeopardize his relationship with her for this girl he barely even knew. The girl (the sr.) had trusted him, yet she couldn't predict what he would do.
To trust someone is a very hard thing to do, because it means that you are predicting their actions in a way. You are trusting them to make right decisions, and since right is a very person-to-person opinion, right must be what you want. Trust is a great thing to have, but sometimes you cannot rely on trust alone to decide what people are going to do.
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