My Impressions and Thoughts About Society

* The community of the world is a strange thing actually, once you think about everyone’s goals and accomplishments in life, it makes you think even more, what will they do after they reach their goal(s)? Will they lead a productive lifestyle as they had hoped? Then what? What then? Now that they’ve reached their goal they feel at peace and wind down; they won’t have to struggle anymore because they’re doing something they enjoy, whether it be an artist, a soccer player or even a teacher, the only thing they’ll struggle with is maintaining their success. Will they feel so accomplished that they’ll decide it’s time to slow down until a worthy challenge confronts them? If such a challenge never confronts them, then what? They’ve learned all the tricks of the trade, but want to further their career. Will they find a new hobby, retire, or take a different course of action? Society knows how to progress but doesn’t know how to maintain that progress; all they want to know is more, they want to find all the cures to the world, all the animals in the natural kingdom, all the ways to make life easier for themselves, all of everything. They want to conquer or “win” life. It’s impossible because life is always changing. Whether it is the economy, the languages, the seasons, the different types of everything and more, they’ll never figure out how to apply certain “strategies” to life’s circumstances because life’s too fast for them and always one step ahead.

The heart of society is always pounding, always beating like a man, always working like a man, always busy like a man. Never stopping until domination assures their victory, of course, they can’t win life. Life doesn’t win them anyway, death wins. Life is the process, as birth is the start, then what is death? Chopped liver? Always wanting to expand their lifespan and save themselves, society doesn’t realize how fast they’re progressing and how fast life goes by until something special happens, like a man. Always wondering and wanting to expand their wisdom and knowledge, but as John’s father had said “Truth is a hard deer to hunt. If you eat too much truth at once, you may die of the truth”. Sure, wisdom can support how much you enjoy life but the only thing fun is making a mistake, and learning from that. Once you avoid all the mistakes, you don’t know what to do except live a sure life. What if getting sick can actually give you a break from life for awhile and make you think about yourself? “Never drink too much soda on vacation” I always said, but heck I did it again, and again, and again. I always try to enjoy life, it’s either, whatever happens/go with the flow or think ahead/ruin whatever excitement could possibly come up. Society is too busy in making life easier for themselves to even realize that they’re patching up all the fun.

Society will figure out everything, all knowledge, all weapons, everything they’ll need to succeed in life, but do they even know what success is? Success is a feeling of accomplishment that motivates man to move even further. But what happens when they reach the end of the line and can’t move any further? Besides, where does success come from? Success comes from making and correcting mistakes, to hopefully move further in life without making any mistakes. Well, that’s what society will be like in the future, we will become so successful that we won’t need to rely on our own personal will, motivation and skills, since we won’t make mistakes, we won’t need to do anything. Success will overcome society; Flipping the boat over and drowning society, that’s how I imagine it. Knowing everything, having everything, yet not knowing what to do with it. “Well, I guess man has finally “won life” HA HA HA HA HA (deep voice). Let’s start fresh again! And wipe the slate clean! Let’s see if they can do it again, but different people this time! *points to everyone else* You all have had your shot, now let’s give the new generation a try!”.

Oops hahahaha I made this when I was doing my “By the Waters of Babylon” Literary essay, ha, knowing that about, I don’t know 600 words or so at least going off topic of the second paragraph would leave Mr. Bailey clueless, I decided to cut it out. SO here it is! On My blog!

Word Count: WOW! 753 Words!

Final (school) Blog Entry

At the beginning of Essay writing I thought it was going to be like 8th grade English *shudders*, but it wasn't. This class helped me abandon the past ideas that I was "taught" from the 6th grade to the 8th; it was all about structure, structure the essay this way and it'll help you organize your thoughts. What's the variable? Thoughts. Of course they ignored that and just wanted an essay, it was like Ms. Huizenga and her dress code obsession, all she cared about was the dress code and nothing else. Then she got fired at the beginning of the school year or around there :D

All they cared about was the essay and it's structure, they never helped you voice your essay or explain the reason for it; unlike essay writing. Essay writing taught me that the two topics in a compare & contrast essay actually help/support the main reason that you're aiming for in that essay. I never knew a compare and contrast essay had meaning, all I was taught was to point out the similarities and differences between the two and put it into 3 separate paragraphs. Whatever I learned in the 8th grade, I threw away.

The Write To The Point book that we were given has taught me, no, actually changed my views on essays, it showed me a purpose for writing them. My favorite part of the book was the idea that you shouldn't write elegantly, which I had been doing for, well, whenever I started writing essays. I learned to stretch my voice as well as actually promoting it in my essays.

I haven't still learned to pass in my work on time, but that's usually my area of expertise, er was. Only for projects I would do that, but now I'm actually so far behind in make-up work that I haven't had time to study for finals [which in order (A) Drama - Easy final scene that I already did, (B) Algebra - Hard and probably going to fail, next day (C) Essay Writing - pretty simple, (D) Spanish - Hard and probably going to fail along with my oral today].

I will make up my make-up work because I can't go into the summer a bummer and take summer school with 'not-smart-kids'. I'm smart, but I just don't feel like working hard again because the third term was too "easy" for me. Letting someone down is harder than letting yourself down, but I've always said to myself, "If I don't feel like making a blog, then I won't do one"; A blog is a homework assignment, yet, it's not a math problem nor a worksheet. It's only a way to express your feelings as well as your writing skills (which you use to effectively make one). But I've learned another thing form late work, one feeling leads to another and if you don't attain that feeling then you might lose it. I could make the last week of school go by as fast as I want, I control time. Yet the make-up work is dragging me behind, like a slingshot, once I get it all done, I'll move forward very, very fast.

I will always remember not to write elegantly, and to provide purpose to my compare and contrast essays as well as effectively presenting and restating my thesis. The only areas of improvement that I need to fix are my feelings for passing work in on time and to add more voice than metaphoric sentences. My glasses have saw everything from my success to my downfall, then one of my lenses fell out maybe because it was too afraid to see my failure, but the other lense is lucky to see my success again.

Well

How many people wanna hear me rant about Guitar Hero and Rock Band, not comparing the two games, but how bad they've/are going to fuck themselves up, and I seriously mean to put that word in there. Best describes what they're going to do. I could talk for hours, like critizcising pop music, but better, if the two companies would just listen to me hufgdfioguh hiohu h cu ould *PUSHES CAT OFF KEYBOARD* JUST KIDDING LOL, *moves cat aside :3*

But yes I could get into a heated conversation and I just remebered that I was supposed to write an assessment paper for Drama. Oh well I already have enough late stuff :/ but, good thing I'm into plays, and I saw a (crappy but acceptable) high school (cheah, last minute notice) performance of Les Mis. Great play, saw some things on youtube, like real performances and they were amazing! This play wasn't as effective in my opinion. LLacking effectiveness, it fails. But for a High school play, I'd consider it *rolls eyes*.

HAHA! A VOICE IS AMAZING, ONCE YOU THINK ABOUT IT. http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/499082 a new flash out, many of you may think it's obscure at times and the voice is bad and the song is bad, and the flash is bad itself, but If you understand flash like me, (and know that this guy made it for school, pretty cool). And if you're into flash/plays I'd sugges this, just about anythign "play-related" is great to me. :D

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*sigh* so behind in.. in everything. not winning yet not losing. I'm not rushing into class nor rushing out. Keep that in mind anyone. *sighs*

The Walkmen

Well, I've been keeping this topic on the backburner for awhile now, these blogs aren't really like homework, they're essays for fun basically; if you can't find a topic to write about, either improvise without you voice, or write about something (Anything) you feel like talking about and if you can't think of anything because your out of the mood, then wait til later. It's your audience your looking for, but don't let that get to you, just remember to stay on topic. A blog is whatever you want it to be, how it appeals to your audience and yourself is more important than what topic you choose.

My brother once asked me to run a search on Youtube for Rat, of course, I didn't know what in god's name he was getting me in to, so I searched it. The first thing that showed up was "The Rat" by The Walkmen. I indefinitely watch the video with music, which had music when I saw it last fall, until WMG (Warner Brothers Music Group) saw it and snatched their little audio away; the video's still there though, but without the audio, the audio's disabled. The video is set with their unique black-and-white style while showing the band enjoying themselves, the drummer's going wild at the beginning which, still today, lifts my spirit; the flow of the guitar at the beginning catches on as you notice the beat of the drums establish a mood to listen to. It was beautiful, I asked my brother how he found it and he didn't know what I was talking about; when I told him that he asked me to search rat, he then corrected me and said "No, R-A-T-T, Ratt - the band". I of course already knew about their punk rock sound and simply ignored it. In the end, he obviously didn't care about the song or the band , but I'm so glad I discovered them and hopefully others can enjoy them as well.

I love them, I suppose no one ever listens to them. Though, I'm not saying they're a decent band but I'm not saying they suck dry ice either. They deliver the works and everything yet I don't think they're a band that everyone will gab about after listening, and that's why I love these types of bands. Bands that become successful over time, yet no one knows them before they're famous because they're not sure whether they like them or not. Once enough people accept that band, they'll re-consider listening to a few songs, same goes with everyone. That's the chance though, is it not? Listen to a band before they're cool and discuss your times then, now; or listen to a band that gets so popular that their supercilious attitude destroys their reason for being a band. (Am I going too fast with the "them, their, they're, or thats"?).

I feel more people should listen to music that they enjoy, it does matter what you believe in when it comes to music. If you think that un-popular bands are inferior compared to modern day rock bands, it's the other way around (in some cases). Usually it's the runner-up that wins first place (metaphorically ugh!), how that happens? well in my belief, I look for more than a few catchy words or beats in a song; I try to connect to the song, whatever attitude the song welcomes me with, I apply to my feelings and thoughts. Listening to powerful, angry, sensational music promotes a sense of rebellion and motivation. Listening to quiet, deep songs promotes a sense of reflection and security. Listening to pop music promotes, nothing. Well I sense irony in this how I got off topic ...again... but oh well, I'm already behind in these so I could care less (in a way).

The Walkmen are certainly something to look into even though they've only had a few great songs. A band is a band, but what makes them unique is how they promote themselves and how they voice their fashion. They Walkmen are an outstanding band, they just do what they want to do, and I like that. A good old fashioned monochrome band, with a sensitive touch, always a winner in my opinion =D. Their kind of like a sleazy Modest Mouse kind of band if you consider. I like their happy, willing attitude they promote. I consider them if you're into Modest Mouse (of course), The Strokes, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, maybe even Pearl Jam too; just anyone that you feel promotes a sincere attitude basically. It's not just how "Creative" the sound is, the people doing the music are just as important, when it comes to deciding whether you like the band or not.

The Walkmen had become an instant favorite in my book since then and I couldn't stop listening to The Rat, I looked into their discography more and found some of their other popular songs which I've learned to love by now; such as We've Been Had, which delivers a clear message saying how people rush their lives away and don't even notice it or something relating to aging. The video for We've Been Had is also in black-and-white and shows the singers older self fighting his younger self which I think is the most creative idea for this music video because it creates the perfect mood to go along with the song's serenity.

Word Count: 906 words..................... :D? (YES, the third + fourth paragraph ARE necessary). I seriously don't understand why there needs to be a Word Limit; around 500 words (less than 600) isn't exactly my cup of tea. I won't take that into effect even though it needs to be short and simple to deliver the point, I always feel you need a little backstory to it or support. And yes, I forgot to talk about the band itself (i.e. members, background, other stuff) but this will have to do for now.

A Sweatshirt and a 50 inch HDTV

While both a sweatshirt and a 50 inch HDTV are beautiful things to look at, a sweatshirt can actually shrink in the dryer and not cost a fortune.

Thesis though

The Killers

The Killers are a band I’m sure you already know about, but I wanted to show you that there’s more to them than their disco-pop side. Coming from Las Vegas, Brandon Flowers (Lead Singer), Mark Stoermer (Bass Guitarist/vocals), Dave Keuning (lead guitar/vocals) and Ronnie Vannucci Jr (Drums/Percussion) make up the killers.

Releasing their first album, Hot Fuss, thet went 4x platinum with songs like Mr. Brightside and Smile Like You Mean It. Some of the songs aren't even noticed by some people like On Top, Andy You're A Star, and All these Things That I've Done. I heard On Top while listening to the radio station "WFNX (101.7)" online and thought that it was very vivid and up-beat, then I heard "Dare" by the Gorillaz afterwards which carried the same beat. I looked into that album more and was astonished at what they produced. Electronic disco-beats made the band what they are today; songs like On Top, Smile Like You Mean It, and Mr. Brightside express this certain sound.

3 Years later, they released “Sam’s Town” which struck oil as soon as people listened to the hit single “When You Were Young”. “When You Were Young” reached number 5 on the charts, very popular worldwide. To me, hearing it all the time can get a little boring and that’s when I slowly hearing it every now and then can still bring out the same feeling. Feeling down? Listen to “Bones”, one of the best heartwarming songs I’ve ever heard; Tim Burton even helped produce the video for the song, which had a soft mood and a very essentric feeling to it. There’s another song that carries the same soft feeling called Read My Mind, amazing, it had a lot of reflection between pauses; it became an instant favorite for me.

<--------- :D

In 2007, only a year later, they published their third album Sawdust, which became famous because of Shadowplay, Leave the Bourbon on the Shelf, Tranquilize, and Romeo and Juliet. Shadowplay which was a cover of the song by Joy Division was widely acclaimed because of its trans electric beat. Not one of their best albums of the bunch, yet it’s still out there and selling. I love “Leave the Bourbon on the Shelf” because it’s got a simple flow to hold onto and promotes a gray feeling.

A year goes by and they produce another impressive album that went gold because of their trademark single “Human”. They’ve established they’re sound and became famous worldwide because of this album if the past 3 weren’t enough. My brother couldn’t stop listening to Human in the fall, He was WILD over it and got me into them (you couldn’t ignore him, playing it from his laptop, without the headphones, on high volume, 10 times, 20 times a day). I liked the song Spaceman before the video went out and before it was really recognized, I would rock out to it, just beautiful. Other songs off the album that deliver a similar respective feeling would be Neon Tiger, Losing Touch, Dustland Fairytale, and Joy Ride. They have a few bonus tracks that went with it if you got the deluxe version off your mp3’s store (iTunes, Zune’s store, Zen, and others), such as Tidal Wave, Forget About What I Said, and The thin White Duke’s remix of Human which was an exclusive pre-order song (my brother of course had to have it, but you can hear it in my upcoming playlist too :D) ; Tidal Wave generates a slow soft feeling almost like how Read My Mind does, Forget About What I Said carries a rushed feeling that goes along with his vocals perfectly. The thin White Duke Remix of Human is something amazing; it’s beautifully crafted and put together, just mixed up with soft vocals and vivacious gaps of beat.

They've also been producing one holiday each year since 2006, for Product Red. In 2006, they made "A Great Big Sled" with Toni Halliday (former lead singer for the band Curve); a pretty basic song with a cheerful flow to it: "Little boys have action toys for brains, I'm living proof it can last a long time." I love the song, you need to listen to it a couple of times to get into it. It was very thoughtful that the guys decided to do another one the following year, which was my favorite song and video "Don't Shoot Me Santa", still supporting Product Red with some of the proceeds. The year after that, 2008, The Killers teamed up with Neil Tennant and lengendary superstar Elton John, to create "Joseph You Better Than Me" which, I have to say wasn't as good as their other holiday songs, but I think they took a more quiet approach to this one like most of their songs.

The Killers have achieved fame, they’re done, they’re set, they’re music. If you like New Order (hence, the killers got their name from the video “Crystal”), The Cure, The Flaming Lips, or even The Police, I’m sure you’ll enjoy listening to Joy Ride every once and awhile. They deliver the purpose for being a band; every electronic beat and guitar riff guides their voice and their passion for music.

Word Count: 909 words (This is getting kind of embarrasing but I don't really care, it doesn't matter if I'm too high or too low of the word count, what matters is that I have a decent blog)

The Strokes

Another one out of many unknown bands that lots of different people know and praise, that should be brought to attention, would be none other than The Strokes. Like most people, you may know them for their song "Reptilia" which was on Guitar Hero at a time. Believe it or not, the first time I recognized the strokes was when I played Guitar Hero with my brother, in CO-OP mode of course, we never got to finishing the song because I would always start cracking up and losing focus from the way the song moved me, he, in the end, gave up on me and I don't remember the last time we played it again. I didn't really get into them since then because the 8th grade was being a bitch, until I got their album "Room On Fire" out of the library during mid-September. I instantly fell in love with all of their songs off that album. Not many artists have a different sound/flow/style, in each of their songs, that's why I love The Strokes.

But, I do have something to say about songs and the videos that go with them. Usually when some bands or artists (pop rock/pop overall) make a music video, they just show themselves walking around some environment meeting up with someone and kissing and whatnot, and in their next music video? the same thing, different lyrics different beat, different place, same people. Then you got every other rock band jamming on some rooftop with high quality and lighting, either that or running after a girl in a subway.What I like about The Strokes and any other Indie Rock band, is that they carry a unique style and theme, but I personally think that watching the video before the song (vice versa), can change the way you experience that song. For example, their song "Last Night" introduces a calm tune at the start of the song and maintains the feeling throughout it as well; It almost sounds like "Are you gonna be my girl" since it builds up a beat in the beginning and explodes later on. The video for it expresses a nostalgic 80's theme, which is clear once you see their hairstyles and apparel. Their song Juicebox which became an instant hit when it was released, uses the theme to Peter Gunn in the bass but in a more dark and moody tone; the guitar keeps you on path while the drums support the suspense and of course the singer leads. I saw the video for it first which takes place at a radio station with a slightly obscure radio host, then later shows a porno developing on top of a building where a couple's cab stops at. The scenes in the video are pretty confusing or can mis-interpret the message that's trying to get told, but all and all the scenes actually do co-incide with the song's beat which was very effective.

As I said before The Strokes are recognized by many as a very raw, reflecting band as most Indie Rock bands. The Strokes caught attention for their 2001 debut album, which was comprised of many reflective and bass-ic songs; such as my personal favorites Someday, Last Night, Is This It, and Hard To Explain. They later put more sound and spirit into their second album, "Room On Fire" which was released in 2003, and which in my opinion, is their best; songs like Automatic Stop, 12:51, Meet Me In The Bathroom, I cant Win, The End has No End, Reptilia, and Whatever Happened are proof that they've established their own style of music. They're third album to date is still pretty good, and I feel they put a thought into it. Released in early 2006, they instantly went gold with Juicebox, You Only Live Once, and Heart In A Cage. It got fair reviews, but 3 stars, 4 stars, 5 stars, they're all the same to me. If you don't like a song, I'd advise you listen to it a couple of times because the first time's always the hardest (this doesn't count for Aerosmith's "Rock In A Hard Place" XD).

Remember that annoying, god-awful sneaker commercial for Cherake or something that had paper-cut-outs of people sliding across everywhere? that lasted 30 to 60 secs at a time and took up every other commercial break last summer? What's ironic is that the singer to The Strokes, Julian Casablancas, was featured as one of those people (cut-outs). Plus, he said earlier this year that they've already started working on their next album which is probably gonna come out by the end of this year or early next year :DDDDD. If you want to go see them live, I'd suggest you book a seat for New York because they can get pretty epic on their own turf, I've heard.

Word Count: 807 words