Music Review

I have to say, it was REALLY hard to think of a song that I liked, and when I did, I always thought of another one that was better.

Simple Solution- Pick an Artist.

One of my favorite bands (well, person) is Bonobo. I say person because there is only one person, a British DJ by the name of Simon Green, but his stage name is Bonobo.

Bonobo's music is mostly instumental. Except a few songs on one of his albums. I first learned about him through a soundtrack on a snowboarding video game on Gamecube.

His first album, Animal Magic, was released in 2000...



... and the best songs would have to be "Shadowtricks", "Sleepy Seven", and "Terrapin".

His second album, Dial "M" for Monkey...

...would definitely be my favorite. Best songs from the album--- "Flutter", "Pick Up", and "Something for Windy".

Not too much of a fan of the third album, Days to Come...

 

...because of the frequent songs with singing, but nonetheless, I like "Nightlite", "Transmission 94", and "On Your Marks".

So yeah, I guess that's...

What? He has another album?

Yup, recently found out that Black Sands



was released in March 2010. I haven't had a chance to listen to any of the songs yet, but I definitely will soon.

Ok, that's it. I HIGHLY recommend at least trying to listen to his music, but if you don't, or if you don't like it, I don't care.

Really.

Nick and Jay (and Daisy)

Tsk, tsk, tsk, a love triangle... (kinda)
  
I must say, I was REALLY surprised in chapter 4 when I read that Daisy and Gatsby were lovers a while back. I would have never expected it, but hey, that's the magic of reading, right?

Right?

Jay is CLEARLY very nervous of whether Nick agrees to invite Daisy over to Gatsby's mansion, so he does all these things for Nick, such as take him to Coney Island, and for a swim in his pool, and even hiring someone to cut Nick's grass for him. I feel that Jay is kind of using Nick as a calming effect... or whatever. I don't really know how to explain it, but I guess what I'm trying to say is that Jay often feels better if anything he does, concerning Daisy, is okay-ed or approved by Nick.

Having read chapter 4, I knew that Jay had some feelings for her, but now, it's like he's CRAZY for her, like he malfunctions and the sound of her name. Jeez!

Winter Poem!!

Ugh, winter, the worst season

The one that does not approve of my pleasin'

Yeah, snow days are great

But they give me my fate

I know this might sound crazy

But I hate being lazy

People spend all day inside

Under blankets they hide

Or people spend all day outside throwing snow

Or do nothing with nowhere to go

I'd rather spend the day doing homework

On my face- a smirk

Knowing that my work will be done by the time due

And watch everyone else rushing to finish it through

Winter, oh winter

Why must you be here now?

That's it for this week's blog

I close this poem with a frown.

(BY the way, this poem is not about me.)

Modern Slavery

Do I believe there are modern slaves?

Sadly, but yes.

There are many children being forced against their will by being out at work in factories and fields. But because of some of their jobs, such as seamstresses and sewing, we would not have a lot of things, especially clothes. Made in Taiwan, made in China, made in Japan; it seems like that's all you see. Occasionally you'll find, "Made in the USA", which are three words that seem to make some people happy.

Sometimes I feel like that I'm indirectly supporting it when I buy things that say "Made in" a country famous for child labor. But when buying these things, does it make you a bad person?

You decide.

A child laborer in 1910, New Jersey

I Am A Plow. Yeah.

I Am a Plow.

It is sowing season
So must prepare to do my duty
I sharpen my blades when no one is looking
And go on a few practice runs in the night
So I can perforn perfectly when I am used
The time is now
The day is here
I finally get to do my job
After so long a time of drought
The farmers and horses pull me
And I pull new, fresh soil to the surface
And I am followed by children who plant seed behind me
Followed my more children who
Cover up the immature seeds
That I helped plant
I am used for hours at a time
Never getting a break
Until the night falls
When the people put me in my place in a dark, cold shed
Then I continue to sharpen my blades
Until the next sowing season...

A Direction the Class Needs...

A direction the class needs...
 

The following are some points of advice I would give people in my classes (Or any other class, for that matter.)

SPEAK YOUR MIND!

Obviously, this isn't a problem in this class; most of our class is usually discussions. Since I am generally a shy person, I sometimes have problem with speaking up, unless it's really important. I need to work on my public speaking skills.

(The next one kind of contradicts the previous one, and I feel bad for saying it)

But...

SHUT UP!!!


(Again, not a problem in the class) I hate when people talk too loudly or out of turn. I hate loud noises as well. Yes, talking is very good, but there is a Huge difference between talking and rambling on about nothing that's important to me. Go annoy someone else!

Now that that's out of my system, to more important issues...

But Yeah,

BE YOURSELF!!

(This will sound corny, but I don't know any other way to say it.) The only way you'll be accepted by good people is if you be yourself. Being or acting like someone else only displays false information (Which is a commandment, haha!) about yourself.

SO, all in all, pretty straightforward advice. (except the second)

Until next time!!

Nathaniel Hawthorne, HOTSG, Salem Witch Trials Facts

Nathaniel Hawthorne (formerly known as Hathorne) was most notably known for his novels such as The House of the Seven Gables and The Scarlet Letter. His writings were probably most inspired by 17th Century Puritan (mostly) New England. Everyone knows this guy...right? But do you KNOW this guy? Some interesting facts about this "guy" include...
   -he graduated college with future president Franklin Pierce. I found that really interesting. (Wouldn't that be cool, though?)

In 1668, The House of The Seven Gables became under construction in Salem, Massachusetts. It was originally built for Captain John Turner, a rich merchant. Interesting Facts-
   -In 1908-1910, when the House was in the process of becoming a museum, the owner, Caroline O. Emmerton added a small cent-shop resembling Hepzibah Pyncheon.
   -On March 29th, 2007, the HOTSG was recognized as a National Historic Landmark.

   Did John Proctor and Abigail Williams really have an affair as described in Arthur Miller's The Crucible?


   "There is no evidence that supports a love affair between John Proctor and Abigail Williams. John was 60 years old at the time of the trials while Abigail was only 12. Also, they lived over eighty miles apart." (www.salemwitchtrials.com/faqs.html#crucible)