Soundtrack to My Life

This music video is for the song "Fell In Love With a Girl" by the duet rock band The White Stripes. In this rather creative video, the band is portrayed through a series of well-positioned legos, resembling the band. I can only imagine how much time and effort was devoted to the creation of this video. Watching this music video reminds me of my youth, playing with these architectural toys. I would make millions upon millions of buildings/spaceships with my immense collection of legos. I would finger through every little piece among my myriad of multi-colored legos, trying to discover the perfect piece to assemble my building/machine. I would typicaly make spaceships which looked like a mix between the Millenium Falcon and a Volkswagon Bus, but sometimes I'd make flying robots. My multi-colored creation never resembled what I'd anticipated ( I refused to follow directions), but I was always pleased, and all of my creations met their demise when I'd carelessly send them on a kamikaze mission into the wall. It was a quite satisfying experience, I must admit. There isn't a doubt in my mind that Jack White was a big fan of legos when he was a tot. He devoted the theme of this music video to legos, and a creative mind (which Jack White possesses) would be more fully honed by constructing (and "deconstructing) legos as a young child.

This video is by the British rock band Muse, featuring the song entitled "Plug In Baby". In this video, the triplet is rocking out in a well furnished apartment, featuring many works of painted art. This apartment seems to express an almost futuristic aesthetic, like one you might find from an episode of the Jetson's. The work of art hanging from the walls is what initially catches the attention of the viewer (not to mention the female whose image is being distorted by a hair dryer). The work of art hanging from the walls reminds me of my aunt Sal's old apartment, in Ames, Iowa. Her old apartment almost perfectly resembled the setting of this video: very well kept, with many works of art hanging from the walls. She moved out when I was ten years young, but I remember dreading the idea of going over there with my family for a visit. I wasn't allowed to touch anything whatsoever, and I would usually sit on a couch and read a book. Watching my every step cautiously, I would try my hardest to keep a low profile until our trip was concluded. My aunt is a very nice lady, I will say that, she was just extremely touching about her "priceless" art (and for good reason, now that I am older I fully understand why she didn't want me touching it and observing it). The band Muse's lead singer, Matthew Bellamy, doesn't seem like he would own a house with a lot of art. I'm not saying he isn't distinguished, I'm saying he is a rock star, and everyone knows rock stars enjoy breaking things more than they enjoy playing music.

This infamous video is entitled "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by the greatest grunge band ever, the trio Nirvana. In this video, it shows the band playing their most famous tune to a bunch of apathetic teens sitting in a school gym. As the song progresses, the teenagers begin to jump around and go absolutely crazy for the band, as the school authoritarians try unsuccessfully to quell the developing riot. The setting for this video, as I stated earlier, is a school gym, much like the gym of my grade school, North American Martyrs. This was the gym that I'd learned how to play basketball in for the first time, and was also the gym which I first played my bass guitar in front of an audience. My bass, which is a sub-sterling musicman, was my pride and joy, and I played it everyday after school. I finally decided I would strut my stuff in front of my fellow peers for the school talent show, in my eighth and final year at this middle school. I was undeniably frightened, and was quivering as I made my way up on stage. I played the song "Californication" by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, as my good friend Lucas played the rhythm part on his guitar. About halfway through the song (which was playing on a CD player in the background) we lost our timing, and the song totally flopped. Nevertheless, the crowd went wild, even though we completely bombed. We wound up losing to a group of seventh-graders who reenacted a song by N'Sync, but we were proud even though we lost. I'm sure Kurt Cobain would still be proud of our achievement, or lack thereof.

This is the music video for the song "Your Touch" by the duet post-blues rock band The Black Keys. In this video, a magic egg can be seen be passed around by a young boy to complete strangers. As the youngster makes his way around town, Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney of the Black Keys can be seen hangin out in a diner. They are, of course, dead. This magic egg being passed around reminds me of Easter morning when I was little. I would wake up, with excitement gleaming in my eyes, and run upstairs to see what the Easter bunny may have left for me. He always left me some candy: typically marshmallow Peeps, some chocolate, and if I was lucky maybe an Easter-themed coloring book. I'd "inadvertantly" wake up my parents, and we'd go to Easter mass, which I despised with a passion. When we'd come back from mass, we would be greeted with my dad's entire side of the family, who'd traveled to our house to celebrate Easter. There was ofcourse, an Easter egg hunt, which I always dominated. I had a sixth sense of detecting plastic hollowed out eggs filled with candy. It was almost as though I had some kind of radar built into my cerebellum, which allowed me to find the most well-hidden egg. Our family's Easter celebrations would end with me being sick from eating all of the candy, and my cousins hating me for finding all of the eggs, before they had the slightest idea of what was going on.

This music video is for the song "Milk Lizard" by the quintet progressive-screamo band The Dillinger Escape Plan. In this video, a bar stool can be seen soaring throughout the city, after a barroom fight breaks out. This barstool almost exactly resembles a stool that played a very memorable experience in my high school years. My friends and I were at a party, and some of my friends (not I, of course) had become relatively innebriated over the wee hours of the night. As the night progressed, they only grew ever more intoxicated, and when my friends get drunk, they get rowdy. My friend Jack, a much bigger fellow, thought it would be a great idea if someone smashed a weathered bar stool (which we'd found in the closet in the basement of this house party) over his back. Now, my friend Jack looks a lot like the professional wrestler Goldberg (in his prime, of course), except not as muscular, and certainly not as intelligent. I tried my hardest to say something and talk some sense into him, but I restrained myself, knowing full well that it would be pretty sweet to see such happenings. My friend Eric (also quite innebriated) took the stool and threw it at Jack's back. The stool did not break, and Jack was in an immense amount of pain. He didn't want to go to the hospital, but we did take our leave from the party. Jack learned not to drink too much Jack Daniels and get too rowdy, and we learned not to bring Jack to anymore social gatherings. I rest assured that every member of the band The Dillinger Escape Plan have used their backs to break stools. Seriously, just looking at them, you can tell they can get pretty crazy.

This music video is for the song "Santeria" by the now disbanded punk-reggae band Sublime. In this video, we observe former lead singer Bradley Nowell's dalmatian Lou Dog reminiscing of his former master/best friend. Bradley Nowell overdosed on heroin just as the band was making their bones in the mainstream music scene. Seeing Lou Dog reminds me of my former neighbor's pet dalmatian, Gizmo. Gizmo was not a very nice canine, at least not to me. He lived with my neighbor while I was in kindergarten, and he would always bark at me whenever I walked by with my sister on our way to school. The first time we went to our neighbors barbeque Gizmo bit my finger when I tried to pet his back. He scared me, and most likely scarred me for life, as now I do not view dalmatians in the same way. I hated the movie 101 Dalmatians, simply on the basis of Gizmo. I would watch that movie and I would secretly believe that these dogs weren't as nice and kind as they initially came off. Lou Dog is the only exception to my prejudice against dalmatians; Lou Dog seems like quite the cool pup, and I refuse to believe that Lou Dog would bite me if I tried to pet him.

Above is the music video for the song "Scar Tissue" by the well-known rock band the Red Hot Chili Peppers. This song appears on their album Californication. In this video, we see the band driving through the desert, tattered and torn, and desperatley seeking civilization. They are driving in a maroon convertible with the top down, feeling the breeze against their weathered faces. This particular vehicle reminds me of the first time I went to the high school prom. My friend and I were initially going to shell out a large amount of money for a limousine, but then we remembered that we were completely lacking in the funds to support such an effort to impress our dates. So I had my buddy talk to his uncle Greg, who happened to have a 1972 Mustang Convertible. Uncle Greg told us that if we washed it and returned in with a full tank of gas we could borrow it for the night. We felt like kings, and we thought we looked pretty slick rolling up in front of my dates house, where the pictures were being taken. Our dates were less than impressed, and in retrospect the 1972 Mustang conertible isn't the coolest car model, but we still felt like studs. It would've been impossible for us to appear half as cool as the Red Hot Chili Peppers do in their vehicle, but we sure tried.

This final music video is by the band Fastball. It features the beautifully composed and executed song "Out of My Head". I've always had a soft spot for this song. In the music video, it shows the band performing on stage, while flashing back to old home movies of the band members when they were children. One clips stands out particularly in this video: the clip when the little boy blows out the candles on his birthday cake. The furthest birthday I can remember in my life is my eighth birthday. I had three of my best friends at the time stay the night, and my parents baked me a triumphant chocolate cake. My buddies and I took turns playing Megaman on my Nintendo Entertainment System, and we were allowed to stay up 'til nine o'clock, which was a full hour later than our bed times. We were ecstatic! It was easily the best birthday I've ever had, and fortunately my mom filmed them singing me happy birthday. It will forever live on in my memories, and if I become famous like the band Fastball someday, I will seriously consider incorporating the clip of my eighth birthday party, if my band makes a reminiscing song.

My Least Favorite Video

This video by Fall Out Boy is my least favorite video ever, primarily because it is by Fall Out Boy. I will try my hardest not to keep this post too biased, but I feel I should add a disclaimer: I have tried my absolute hardest to stomach Fall Out Boy, but there is simply no possible way. I don't think the members of the band really know how to play their instruments, and I'd be very surprised/disappointed with humanity if their fan base consisted of anyone who is not an immature/unintelligent high school student or a "popular" junior high student. I apologize to any offended Fall Out Boy fans out there, but seriously, come on. 

Anywho, I didn't like this video because it really didn't suck me in. I was unable to find a distinct object that played any significant role at all. Usually music videos are interesting, and often times they are either at least funny or have some sort of subtle, deeper meaning. On the contrary, this music video was not even mildly humorous, it definitely didn't hold any meaning deeper than a puddle, and to reiterate there was no special object. I was initially confused as to why this video was so shallow, bland, and altogether a complete waste of time, and then I remember it stars Fall Out Boy. Hmmm, go figure, right? 

In this video, it shows the band dreaming of the glamorous rock life and enjoying all of the perks. They are seen performing in front of a lot of people, partying with beautiful girls, and enjoying the good life. At the end of this dull and dry video it shows the band waking up, arriving back to "reality" (which is ironically, not their reality. I know, how creative can these guys get, right?), and they perform in front of a bunch of kids. I think Fall Out Boy is trying desperately to make a point that they are still a down to earth band. That is precisely why they have completely sold out: selling their songs to commercials, producing a myriad of merchandise, and not to mention their concert ticket prices keep sky-rocketing. Fall Out Boy claims they are a punk rock band, but they are everything punk was against. I believe they need to take a lesson from the old punk rock band Bad Brains. Now that was a punk rock band that actually had convictions.

In conclusion, this video could've been a whole lot better if Fall Out Boy had nothing to do with it. It was truly a waste of four minutes, and I will never get that four minutes back, and quite frankly I am infuriated. 

My Favorite Song

My favorite song, as of this moment, would have to be "Soldier's Poem" by the British rock band Muse. I was unable to find an authentic music video, but this was the most professional one on the market. This video was originally for the song "Wake Me Up When September Ends" by the sell-out "punk" rock band Green Day, but I feel that Muse has put it to better use.

In this video, we see a couple broken up due to the male's enlisting in the United States military. Both individuals are obviously distressed, as the male struggles to make it through hell alive, and the female spends everyday in a fit of worrysome behavior.

The significant object in this music video was the ring. This ring is obviously significant because, toward the end of the song, we see the girl staring deeply at it, no doubt remembering her significant other and praying for his safety. It's is a very touching scene, and I personally feel that "Soldier's Poem" does more justice to this video than "Wake Me Up When September Ends".

"Wake Me Up When September Ends" is a song by Green Day, as I've stated earlier. Green Day used to be a punk rock group devoted to singing/writing about adolescent youth, but as soon as the war on terrorism erupted, the band immediately switched to political rock. Hmmmm. I wonder why? Because they are sell-outs. Green Day capitalized on the war simply for record sales. I would wager my right thumb that lead singer/song writer Billy Joe Armstrong has absolutely no idea what the hell is going on over there. Muse has been a political band since day one. Case and point: Muse knows what they're talking about, they have integrity (not to mention lead singer/guitar player/pianist Matthew Bellamy has twice as much talent in his left foot than all of Green Day) and they are way more talented.

Muse is the real deal. My favorite song changes at least twice everyday, but as of right this moment, at 10:40 pm on April 23, 2008, "Soldier's Poem" by Muse is my most favorite song in the world.

Nebraska Welcomes Back Bo

It's no myth that Husker football is held in high esteem in Nebraska. It isn't considered just a sport, more of an obsession, or a religion. Several years agos, the Nebraska football program bid farewell to former head coach Frank Solich. Steve Pederson, Husker's athletic director, believed the best course of action would be to welcome former Oakland Raiders head coach Bill Callahan to the Husker football squad. This was a gamble. Similar to Friar Laurence uniting Romeo and Juliet, Steve Pederson united Bill Callahan with Nebraska Husker football. Both conclusions proved tragic.

Now, the Husker football program is starting anew. The program is welcoming back former Husker defensive coordinator Bo Pelini, only this time as head coach. Husker fans are all but eager to witness how Bo Pelini approaches this opportunity, and what changes he will make to benefit the Husker football program. Bo Pelini has proven once to be a successful head coach, having taken the Huskers to an Alamo Bowl championship (after Frank Solich was fired before the conclusion of the season. It will be exciting to see how Pelini molds the new Husker program.

The above video clip (created by a native of Omaha, who now resides in Chicago, IL), expresses the enthusiasm that Husker fans all over are experiencing. Husker fans all over the midwest must be excited to welcome back Bo. This defines the pathos of this clip. Bo Pelinis return to UNL turf is generating much positive commotion, and overall a more optimistic view from Husker fans state/region-wide. Husker fans have seemed to look disdainfully on past head coach Bill Callahan. Fans rest assured that Bo Pelini will in fact reconstruct the UNL football franchise, and help each team with the aspects that make them great (i.e. Coach Pelini specializes in defensive coordinating; this is a major pro, as our defense last year was ranked near the bottom of the list of the entire NCAA). Nebraskans seem confident with Coach Pelini returning to the Husker football program.

Although this video clip is initially intended for a real ADIDAS commercial, it is obvious a fan has edited and dubbed in voices. Visual narration is being used in this "commercial", as it portrays numerous all-star athletes making references (which are indeed overdubbed) to Bo Pelini. This visual narration builds morale and is intended to get fans pumped up for the new season that lie ahead.

Bo Pelini will statistically prove to be a successful coach. It should be noted that he currently holds the best head coaching record: he has coached one college football game, which he won. His credibility, or his ethos, as a coach will be the defining factor. Just about every team he has collaborated with (Oklahoma, Louisiana State, Nebraska) has improved with his prescence, specifically in the defensive department. He helped the Louisiana State Tigers to a national championship (as defensive coordinator), and in his one year at Nebraska, the Huskers showed blatant signs of rectification. The video shows ethos by creating a prestigious image of Bo Pelini, what with all of the superstars explaining what category of athletic technique Bo Pelini is prominant with.

Many Husker fans are showing obvious signs of excitement. Since the departure of former coach Tom Osbourne, fans have sought to relinquish the past Husker glory days. This could be compared to their excitement to bring Bo back. Fans seem extremely eager for the Fall football season, and have shown great care and respect toward Bo Pelini, and spirits will remain high when the Huskers hit the football turf once again. Rehiring Bo Pelini is another mirror effect of Shakespeares story of Romeo and Juliet. Uniting Pelini with Nebraska Husker football will generate an interesting outcome. Most fans have reason to believe that whatever conclusion may lie ahead will be slightly less tragic than that of the previous Nebraska football head coach.

Obama on Healthcare

“We now face an opportunity — and an obligation — to turn the page on the failed politics of yesterday's health care debates… My plan begins by covering every American. If you already have health insurance, the only thing that will change for you under this plan is the amount of money you will spend on premiums. That will be less. If you are one of the 45 million Americans who don't have health insurance, you will have it after this plan becomes law. No one will be turned away because of a preexisting condition or illness.”
— Barack Obama, Speech in Iowa City, IA, May 29, 2007

This speech, presented by presidential candidate Barack Obama, partains specifically to the issue of health care in the United States. In the above video clip, Obama speaks of a family (Amu & Layne) who are on the verge of bankruptcy, due to the family's rise in health care premiums. This significant rise is due to Layne's previous diagnosis of cancer, seventeen years ago. Barack Obama (should hewin the presidency) promises to fix the questionable health care of this nation, and make it available and affordable to everyone. He has a sensible, stern, yet sympathetic deameanor, and his providing a concrete, situational example only adds credibility to his statements. This is stellar use of logic: instead of focusing on a hypothetical situation, he provides a realistic representation, driving the point home to all listeners. Obama explains his plan to bring down costs in great detail, allowing the audience to rest assured that if they vote for him, health care costs will decrease.

The example Obama spotlights, relating to the matter at hand, revolves around ethos. Layne and Amy aren't the only ones suffering for the rise in their health care premiums: their whole family is being affected. Family is the defintive word in this argument. Nobody knows for sure what illnesses will plague them in the future, or how that wil affect their lives. Layne struggled with cancer, and fortunately won the battle, but in the end he still has to pay a price for his health, and so does his family. Obama relates this situation to everyone who has a family. People shouldn't have to pay 40% of their annual income for health care premiums, it's simply ludicrous.

Barack Obama seems to be forthright about turning our health care system in a more beneficial direction, and upon researching his plans, it looks as though he'll attack the problem with full force and help our nation maintain affordable premiums, allowing no one to be left out of the health care system. His speech was presented strongly to appeal toward anyone listening, because everyone has been a member of some family. With this speech presenting the obvious and possible detriments of the present health care siutation in the United States, listeners and viewers will look at Obama as a savior as he explains his plans to fix the growing dilemma and create an afforable yet efficient system.

Commercial Analysis

In the commercial below, there are many strategies being used to capture the viewers attention and direct it to the skit, while delivering a worthwhile message and advertising a specific service. First of all, the insurance company are stressing the idea that any disaster can happen at any given time. They provide a solid sanctuary with a foundation of trust by assuring you (the viewer) that in such a tragic situation, all you need to do is just call them. I believe a touch of red herring was used. Just a dash, though, because while they get the attention of the viewer with the acupuncture, the central theme of insurance is tied in as the building goes up in flames. There is also hasty generalization in the midst of this commercial: they don't mention anything about other companies, and they don't compare themselves to any rivals. All the company conveys is that in a sticky siutation, you just need to call them. This creates the begging question of "why should I call you instead of some other company?". This unanswered question still hovers over this clever commercial. Perhaps if the commercial incorporated statistics or something concrete that the viewer could maintain trust. Instead they catch your (the viewer) attention with a creative and far-fetched scenario and then flash their logo at the conclusion. So why should I do business with this insurance company? Because there is a man still standing at the window of a burning building, afraid to jump because of the inevitable pain and the bills he will receive because he doesn't have insurance (more specifically the first reason). This commercial was msuccessful because the first time I saw it, it stuck in my head. I began to ponder what I would do in such a sticky situation. It made me remember the company. But I wondered how good this company could be, when they don't show any statistics or have any credible sources speaking for them. They just have a witty little skit. Good commercial, but when someone really puts thought into it, not so good.

This commercial appeals to humor, mostly. It uses a slight form of red herring: it grabs the attention of the viewer with an unlikely situation. The man is participating in a session of acupuncture, and with the unlikely yet probable situation of a fire, he has to make the inevitable decision of jumping several stories from the burning building. The catch, however, is if he jumps he will only hurt himself even more, due to the myriad of pins sticking in and around his body. This insurance commercial then flashes it's company's name in a supportive fashion.

A man feels safe as he enters an acupuncture session. His appearance makes him seem as though he's never experienced such an activity, and looks to be trying it out for the very first time. He reluctantly takes off all of his clothes except for his drawers, and sits down with the expert acupuncturist. Everything is going well as the asian instructor sticks pin after pin into the man's skin. Lightening the mood, the instructor turns on the radio and plays some tunes as he resumes sticking needles into the man. A rat runs through the studio, implying that this really isn't the most sanitary environment for a health related session. The instructor sniffs the air, smelling something funny, and eventually opens a door only to find a fire has started in the building. Flames are everywhere, and get into the room. The acupuncturist loses his cool and runs around in panic. The man receiving the acupuncture sits bewildered, wondering what he could possibly do. The acupuncturist grabs his money box and runs out an open door. The man follows with hope gleaming in his eyes, only to see that the acupuncturist has jumped several stories into an awaiting trampoline provided by firemen. The firemen urge the man to jump, and he conveys a looks of horror as he realizes his situation. He must jump several stories and land, with all of his needles still in his body. The insurance companies logo flashes, saying "just call us". This far-fetched situation provides much relevance to risky situations, but it is far-fetched. It does wonders as far as capturing attention.

Zaireeka Reflection

Looking back on the Zaireeka experience, I'm not entirely sure how exactly I would categorize this music. It is definately experimental, so I think I'll leave it at that. What really got me thinking, however, was where does this music find it's place? Obviously, you won't see people blaring Zaireeka from a car while they're party hopping from location to location. But are there people that listen to this music just like I listen to Incubus? The thought is intriguing, but I just can't see it, perhaps I'm a tad close-minded, but in my opinion I think this type of music is decades ahead of it's time. It reminds me of Enya. It's different, experimental, and when people first listen to it they don't fuly understand it.

Whilst listening to Zaireeka (What is this name? A mix between Zaire and eureeka?) I felt like it could be the soundtrack to a beautiful permanent paradise vacation. Many of the musical numbers (tracks 1-3, part of 4, 5 and 6) were pacifying and reminded me of a carefree vacation, to Mexico or San Francisco. I had the entire experience: I was in a plane, the plane made a peaceful crash in the ocean, and I drifted my way to a random island off the Pacific coast, or in the Gulf of Mexico. I'm not quite sure why I had such an illustrated experience. I think it may have been all of the random noises blaring from all four of the ghetto blasters. These "random" noises meshed together so well that for some odd reason or another it sounded good, and sent me on a make-believe journey. It was an enlightening experience, and I'd definately do it again, just to reminisce about my travels in daydreaming. In all seriousness I am considering purchasing this album. To repeat, I've never heard any music that consists of just random noises thrown together to create something outstanding. I'm sure it's much more complicated than that, the noises aren't just thrown together, but it seems like it, and that is what makes this experimental album so creative and innovative.

Zaireeka Observation

I'd heard one song by the Flaming Lips before I stepped into class today. I wasn't sure what to expect as the class formed into a little powwow circle. The four ghetto-blasters began playing at the same time (well, as close as it could've been). The first track seemed like one big mix between modern blues, and church choir music with psychadelic tones. It seemed like the type of music that would be played at the beginning of an independant film. It was definately a new experience. It was relaxing and comfortable, and the Beatles-esque style made me feel immune to vulnerability. Spuradic screams resound almost simultaneously from the four ghetto-blasters surrounding the powwow circle. I stare around in confusion, only to see the same stares returned to me by my fellow classmates. Everyone seems just as perplexed by this music as I. The music drifts into a pacifying jam, the kind of music that would be on the soundtrack to the ideal eternal vacation. There are no worries in the room.

The following track sounds like a departing airplane. It's only now that I realize how the stereos have gradually become more alternating than simultaneous, as far as being syncronized. This music is almost rejuvenating, very pleasant and chill. Wait...did I hear that last line correctly? "Missiles into the vaginas"...? Hmmm....I must be losing my mind. I must look these lyrics up, just to be sure I'm not going crazy. Wayne Coyne is artistically mad.

The end of track four sound like an orchestra warming up, where every musician is playing a different note, but still the sound oddly comes together in an unexplainable way. I must be going insane, if I'm not already there. Disc four was a bit sinister, as far as track four's ending.

This music lulls me to sleep. Not because it is boring, but because it resembles white noise, although it is still much more than that. At times it produces a villainous and dark sound, yet at other times it could very well be the soundtrack to the Garden of Eden. The harmonics of the vocalist(s) make my eyelids seem heavy, as the vocals transcend into a big montage of organ riffs.

Track 6 lulls me to sleep like track 5.

Track 7 is so odd. One minute it sounds like white noise, and the next minute it sounds like a million disgruntled rioting snakes. Some aspects of this music remind me of ringtones for cell phones. Kind of annoying, as I keep having to instinctively check to make sure I didn't leave mine on by accident. This final track gradually drifts into an animal riot. Total destruction and chaos. Very trippy.

I'm not quite sure what to make of this, as thoughts flutter throughout my mind like moths in a lampshade. It reminded me of Pink Floyd for some reason.... It was completely random music, yet it vaguely made sense. I still don't know how to describe it. Enlightening? Not especially. Eye-opening? Yes, but that's too broad. The closest I'll ever get to an acid trip by surround sound? Bingo.

Reflections of Pyrtle Elementary Park

A cool breeze greets me as I make my way out of the parking lot. The cold of winter seems undecided about whether it is going or staying. The frosted grass crunches beneath my feet, as I create a recognizable trail through the field. A wooden sign post cordially welcomes me to Pyrtle Elementary Park. It appears I am the only one here, save for the two children in heavy Denver Broncos coats playing around carelessly on the jungle gym at the center of the playground. I reach the sidewalk, and follow the concrete path to a seemingly brand new bench, which sits directly across from the playground: my nest of observation.
The frigid bench sends an unsettling chill up my spine. Gradually, my back grows accustomed to the brisk sensation this bench has become due to Mother Nature. It is a windy day, wind chill much lower than the actual temperature. My attention is drawn to the steam created by my every exhale. The children, about a quarter of a football field away from me, seem graciously immune to the unforgiving, wintry atmosphere surrounding them as they struggle across the lime green, zig-zagging monkey bars. Their laughter resounds across the peacefully vacant park. The world seems to be on mute, and the enduring laughter becomes like white noise.
My nostrils become clogged due to the freezing air. I focus on the kids at play on the monkey bars. They seem oblivious to the idea of repercussions, as they dangle and hop from bar to bar. I once injured my arm through my recklessness on a playground. I didn't think I was able to get hurt, I was convinced that I was some type of superhero, immune to any and all supposed dangers of the outside world. As children, we initially believe we are invincible, that we possess an immunity to the unknown dangers of the world. With such a belief, we could care less of the dangers of certain actions, and it's not until it's too late that we realize we aren't superheros. Sometimes, we have to experience something to fully understand our motives. The children continue to courageously swing across the monkey bars, clambering about and laughing joyously. I enviously observe their unfailing immunity against the cold. I pray they are more intelligent than my former self, and I pray that they muster as much caution as they possibly can.
A strong breeze whistles past my face, forcing me to close my eyes until the terrible rush extinguishes. The gray sky seems to be covered with one humongous cloud, and I curse the sun for not making a surprise appearance. There is a large climbing tree, an oak tree, roughly forty feet from the jungle gym, next to the kiddie swings. The children have grown indifferent toward the jungle gym, and have commenced climbing the tree. After several moments the skinnier of the two children reaches a high branch, nearly three quarters of the way up the tree. The other boy is still struggling to reach the second branch, huffing and puffing, staring up in dismay at his buddy. The skinny boy taunts the other one for his inability to ascend quickly.
An elderly gentleman has entered the park, wearing a leather coat and a fedora, walking his chocolate lab by the fences bordering the playground. He, too, seems immune to the unforgiving weather, as he and his pet make their way across the opposite end of the park. I can hear the crunch of his feet on the frosty grass echo across the park. His lackadaisical stride implies he is in no hurry, not a care in the world. His panting dog seems to be in more of a rush than he. A man immune to weather and the hustle and bustle of the world. I am jealous.
A portly woman with thick black framed glasses is making her way toward the children in the tree. She's calling out one of them in specific, demanding an explanation for why he is climbing a "dangerous tree". She mumbles something about him falling out and breaking his neck. The child closest o the bottom of the tree begins descending, hops down to the ground and waves goodbye to his buddy. The woman (his mother I'm assuming, although she looks like she could be his grandmother) strictly instructs him to hurry. He obediantly runs over to her and they return toward the bordering fences seperating the playground from houses. The remaining child watches his old chum return home, and then slowly begins to cautiously descend from his elevated position in the tree.
Upon making contact with the ground, he runs to the other side of the fences, disappearing behind a line of trees.
The park has grown barren, except for me and the old man strolling with his dog. I observe the peaceful scene: a man in his golden years, relaxing and soaking up the beauty of nature, and life. He seems unaffected by the material possessions of the world, and I don't think he has noticed me observing him. He i amazed by the simple yet astonishing qualities of nature. I find this park cold, and altogether boring, but at the same time it is quite peaceful. I wish I had the time to appreciate the free life of the outdoors. The scene reminds me of a realistic excerp from a Robert Frost poem.
I watch as the old man slowly proceeds to the opposite end of the park, and disappears through the parking lot.

This specific gun seems to be (based on my expert knowledge of firearms, and the size of the bullet) a .32 ACP caliber pistol. This gun (or "gloc", as it is referred to on my side of the pond) is powerful, light, and perfect at the range. I do not own a weapon, I'm quite pacifistic in principles. However, my knowledge of these weapons is expert: I've done more hunting than Teddy Roosevelt, and been to more firing ranges than Ted Nugent. I do believe whoever labeled this diagram is an expert, also. They've labeled everything perfectly (except for the ejection port, the magazine catch, the hammer, the recoil spring plug, the front sight, the rear sight, the recoil spring plug, and the slide stop), and everything is in its right place. Expecially one specific part: "the piece that blocks the trigger so no accidental Bangs!". You can tell the labeler really knows there stuff here. Many amateurs (or "greenhorns", as I like to call them) would incorrectly refer to this item as a trigger guard, but only those who've had experience with firearms, and have seen more than their share of firing ranges, know the truth: that this specific assemply piece is formally termed as The Piece that Blocks the Trigger so no Accidental Bangs!.It's a little known fact, and only those who've been fortunate enough to collect such valued information on firearms would know the truth. Google it, it is there. Ask Charlton Heston, he'll tell you the same thing. And next time someone refers to this piece as a trigger guard, correct that silly someone, because now you know the truth, and that's all that matters, because knowledge is power.
And to whoever labeled this drawing, I think we should go bowling sometime, because we already have a lot in common, with our obvious proficient knowledge of weaponry. Well done.

Stranded at the Bottom of a Well...with a Boombox

If I was stranded at the bottom of a dried up well with a fully functional boombox, I would be very particular about which CDs (or cassettes) were in my possession. My number one choice would be "Make Yourself" by Incubus. This album alone would pacify me forever. I can't recall a time when I was sick of listening to anything from this album. It's content is so diverse, it encompass literally every genre that I'm attracted to: general rock, intelligent lyrics, complex and risky drum lines, funky turn table work, not to mention Brandon Boyd's siren-esque vocal work, and above all else, catchy beats, intriguing rhythms, and altogether music I can sing along to.
Next on the top five list would be the Queens of the Stone Age's third album "Songs for the Deaf". If you are at all familiar with this band, you already know they have a unique style, yet at the same time everything they come up with is almost unexpected. This specific album is my favorite by them, mainly because it features the remarkable drummer of Foo Fighter's lead singer Dave Grohl. The album includes numerous unpredictable material. Lead singer Josh Homme is a poet with a sense of humor, and the buffer zone in between songs is filled with the static of radio (as if someone was changing the radio station, transitioning each song to the next). It's a brilliantly mastered experimental album, and if for some odd reason I grew tired of listening to "Make Yourself", this album would be my immediate recourse.
My third compact disc would be "Rubberneck" by the now broken up band Toadies. There is something about Todd Lewis' voice that makes me want more. His voice isn't initially anything to get excited about, but at the same time it's significant in an unexplainable way. This album includes one of my favorite songs about evolution: "I Come from the Water". I've listened to this song alone for hours at a time. I guarentee that, hypothetically, if I was trapped in a well, I would probably forget about my dilemme for awhile if I had this album in my possession.
Number four would have to be "The Big Come Up" by the Ohio-based blues duo The Black Keys. These tunes would definately keep me optimistic about my dire situation. This album was such a breath of fresh air, incorporating blues into indie rock. Dan Auerbach has a definitive blues vocalist style, and doesn't let his multi-tasking duties get in the way of his insane guitar work. Drummer Patrick Carney has a one duty, but executes that duty with full force. If I had this album, and was stuck in a well, I'd probably be dancing around the well whilst listening.
For my final choice, It would be criminal not to say "40 Oz. to Freedom" by Sublime. I first got hold of this CD when I was in grade school. I played it until it got scratched up beyond recognition, and went straight to Best Buy to buy a new one. Sublime is such a mellow band, they present a strong message, too. Their flow is so smooth, and Eric Wilson is a badass bass player. If this album included nothing else but Eric's bass riffs, I'd still listen to it just as much as I would anyway. Stranded in a dried out well, I would probably go insane if I didn't have my Sublime.
I am confident that if I was stranded in a dried up well, my three basic necessities for survival would be water, food, and access to these five CDs (and ofcourse, an old-school ghetto-blaster).

Who Is the better bass player?

The above video is a clip of the renown bass player Les Claypool, better known for his work in the progressive rock band Primus. He is recognized as an exemplary bass player, and revolutionized music when he created that crazy sound Primus encompasses. For the longest time I considered Les Claypool to be the best bass player to ever pick up the instrument. Then I heard the work of Victor Wooten.

Victor Wooten has been playing the bass guitar on stage since he was five years old. He was in a band with his brothers, and was an obvious musical prodigy. In the video clip above, he makes it look way to easy to play. I've been debating with many people over the past few years over who is the better bass player: Victor Wooten or Les Claypool?
Now if you watched the two videos above, it's quite blatant both musician's styles are totally differentiated. Victor Wooten has a much cleaner appeal, and puts a lot more emphasis on clarified slap techniques, compared to Claypool's sort of muddy, almost grungy sound. However, Les Claypool makes it sound like he's just screwing around, but it still sounds professional. He can slap like any professional, and he incorporated a large portion of bass capabilites into rock music. He created that intriguing sound Primus transmits, and that has to mean something. Although Victor Wooten easily sets the bar for aspiring bass players everywhere, he hasn't realy done anything revolutionary as Les has done. However, Victor has been recently playing with his band Bela Fleck, and I highly recommend them. They focus the spotlight on the bass (didn't see that one coming), and they hold a quite interesting sound. It will be interesting to see what they come up with in the not so distant future.
There really is no answer to my never ending question of which one of these two bass players can outmatch the other. Both are ridiculously talented in their own rights, and I have an appetite for both their styles, it just depends on the occasion. If I'm in the rocking mood I'll listen to Primus, but if I'm in the mood to chill and listen to some fantastic bass playing, I'll listen to Victor Wooten and Bela Fleck. I would like to hear what other people think, based on the video clips above, so anyone with three minutes to spare should totally drop me a comment so I can know what other think about my unanswered dilemma. Any input is much appreciated, muchos gracias.

Comment on Drake Stachler's Post

I was reading Drake Stachler's final post on his blogspot. He was talking about music videos, specifically mentioning the band Muse's music video for their hit song "Knights of Cydonia".


This video tells a story. The band Muse is known for their master musicianship, but their lyrics also speak on political levels. It is an interesting music video, and it reminded me of one of my favorite videos: "Californication" by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. To this day I have no idea what the song is about, I think alot of lead singer Anthony Kiedis' lyrics are just poetry thrown together. This music video is by far thee coolest video ever. After I first saw this video (sometime when I was in gade school) I wrote a fan letter to the band imploring them to create a pointless video game starring the band members. They must not have received the letter, because it would've been a good idea. Even if the game had no intention, and no plot whatsoever I'd still play it on a nearly constant basis. In my letter I told them the soundtrack should include all of their previous music. Is this not a great idea? Everytime I view this video (which, sadly, is quite frequently) I wonder what the characters are doing in their setting. The point, i believe, is for them to reach the "Red Hot Chili Pepper" symbol. Upon doing so they are warped back to reality, where they are performing the song in the middle of the sky. I ponder the possibilities of such a pointless and aimless video game...my word it would be glorious.
I have yet to view a video as cool as this one. It's not the most prolific or inspiring video out there, but there is no question that it is absolutely attention grabbing. If I grow up, and for some reason become a big video game designer, I will waste all of my money on designer a game starring the Red Hot Chili Peppers. I figure it would sell relatively well, based on the large fan base that the band has acquired over it's twenty-plus years of existence. Even if the game flopped, though, I would play it everyday. Yes, it would be a huge waste of time and I would be accomplishing absolutely nothing, but I have the sneaking suspicion that it would be worth my while.

This is a filler post. Incubus is pretty dope.

I love Incubus. This video is a clip of their song "Here In My Room," performed live at Red Rocks. Mike Einziger is playing the electric piano, which is the backbone of the song. The eerie vibe the song transmits is enticing, and the lyrics tell an illustrated story: a young man finding unexpected "love" at a boring party. Brandon Boyd's unique voice carries the tune, his tone is strong but still very mellow, and his use of vibrato is expert. Jose can play the drums like a champion, although his talent is not emphasized in this specific number. What is truly impressive about this performance is that Mike E doubles up and plays the guitar along with the piano, which is no easy feat when executed flawlessly. His guitar solo (about one minute and forty seconds into the song) is absolutely brilliant. Unfortunately, DJ Kilmore is not known as an awesome "Tableist" and this song subtly exemplifies the difficulties of being a disk jockey as well as the talent required to perform well. In this clip, Kilmore can be seen moving around quite a bit, simply to put small, almost unnoticeable aspects of the song into play.

The primary reason I enjoy Incubus so much is the fact that they have a broad style of play. They can virtually encompass any rock genre while creating respectably enjoyable music. The band has been playing for a very long time (Brandon Boyd, Mike Einziger and Jose Pasillas all went to high school together). The very first live concert they performed was during their high school careers. They played under the name "Kansas City Shuffle", and were booed off of the stage. It's inspiring to see how far they've come since then. The band's connection with each other can be seen and felt with their electrifying stage presence. Incubus has been one of the most influential bands in my life, and whenever I play music, I strive to reach the bar Incubus has set.

Quotation from Atwan02

"The essay is, and has been, all over the map. There's nothing you cannot do with it; no subject matter is forbidden, no structure is proscribed. You get to make up your own structure every time, a structure that arises from the materials and best contains them." ~Annie Dillard.


My primary incentive for selecting this quote is I completely agree with every last word. Specifically, the second sentence stands out for me. When writing an essay, there are no rules (content wise), you can voice your opinion and incorporate your feelings about a certain subject matter. I don't believe anyone can be instructed to write about something they don't believe or agree with, and still make it heartfelt and honest. What I really admire about Dillard's quote is that she openly states that there are no boundaries when confronting an issue within an essay. You can write how you feel and there's no one looking over your shoulder telling you what you have to write about. A writer is free to include whatever information they feel best partains to their subject. People have been writing essays for years and years, and the idea of voicing any contoversial material may be shocking, but it's accepted (or at the very least tolerated). What she's getting at in this excerp is we have the right to write and create whatever we feel in an essay, and there isn't anyone holding us back. No subject is too controversial, as long as what we include in our essay is meaningful to us. This quote applies to me because up until my senior year of high school I'd been told what to write about, and how to write it. It wasn't what I truly wanted to do, and I was never sure how to approach the assignment. This quote supports breaking down the walls that incarcerate us to strictly writing a certain way. It opens up the doors allowing us as writers to follow our own rules, and build our own essays whichever ways we please. We aren't restricted in our essays, and we can't be penalized for writing outside of the box.

Quotation from Atwan02

"The essay is, and has been, all over the map. There's nothing you cannot do with it; no subject matter is forbidden, no structure is proscribed. You get to make up your own structure every time, a structure that arises from the materials and best contains them." ~Annie Dillard.

Essays

"...unlink journalism, which exists primarily to present facts, the essays transcend their data, or transmute it into personal meaning." ~Joyce Carol Oates.
I think the writing exercise we worked on in the class on Tuesday would be constrewed as an essay. We were assigned to write about an important moment in our past. I consider this an essay because it was a factual event which holds great personal meaning to us (the writers). Personally, I think that the fact that we all switched papers so someone else could finish our work is irrelevant. It could still be considered an essay, because an essay must have personal meaning, and even with different people working on the same essay, they are all still incorporating their own personal meaning to the work. Essays must maintain their truth, however, which would make this argument debatable. But I'd consider Tuesday's in class assignment to be an essay.
"The essay is, and has been, all over the map. There's nothing you cannot do with it; no subject matter is forbidden, no structure proscribed. You get to make up your own structure every time..." ~Annie Dillard.

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