It sickens me when there are “bridezillas” out there who decide to make the whole day about themselves; THEIR favorite color, THEIR flowers, THEIR way or the highway. Granted, the groom doesn’t typically care about those mentioned details, but isn’t this whole day supposed to represent the official nature of who you two are as a couple? Introducing the two of you as a unit for (perhaps the) first time?

In this day and age where marriage isn’t as sacred as it has been, and living together before engagement, if it happens, is very common, people should be viewing marriage as a once in a lifetime opportunity, and therefore respect it.

In other countries, and still in some religions and belief systems, the bride doesn’t have a say in WHO she’s marrying, let alone that the place be covered in her favorite shade of pink.

Marriage is about compromise, maturity, respect, and of course, love. Why not show that you two possess that on the day of your eternal vows? Ladies, you will have a tough time in your marriage if you decide that if he “doesn’t care” about something, it means you have full control of it.

Let’s flip it for a second. Your husband is having the guys over for a game. He decides that he wants to order pizzas, get a whole bunch of his favorite(not yours) beer, and really just be with the guys, literally leaving you out of it because he knows you don’t care. In that situation, how can you not feel like an outcast, or that you don’t belong in your own house? Wouldn’t it be nice if he asked you what beer YOU wanted or if you wanted some pizza, even if you don’t?

These little acts need to start at day one. If you’re already years into a relationship and all this is either already in a habit, take this day as a day to start anew.

Remember always that in your life as a new couple, there are three relationships present. Your relationship with yourself, his/her relationship with hisself/herself, and your relationship with each other. One side does not, and should not, overcome the other two.

xx

This is the year that you, yourself, need to update your own way of living into adulthood. With our western education systems, we, and our children, and being put through these factories of mass production with no regard to actual thought or real life. When getting out of high school, we don’t ever know the true importance of college, especially these days when the formula of work hard in school + go to college + get a degree = job is no longer an equation. It is an outdated assumption.

The economy is failing not because of the housing market, or anything like that, it’s failing because we need a new system of education. Technology is king; the digital era has been here for a while. We need people who actually think on their feet and harness the feeling of self-worth and accomplishment.

A+B does not equal C anymore. It could equal D, E, F, G… and why does A have to be A or B, B. Why can’t S + F = V ? It can.

As children we were given the opportunity to find the right answer, according to someone else. Now is the year, now is the time, for you to define YOUR right answers.

Even petty things like your shoe size or music you enjoy. Really think about it for a second. I know personally I was wearing a 7.5 all these years when I’m really a 6.5-7, because I got to the point where it was “Well, you’ll grow into them” and I never did. Nor did I ever question it; that was my last known answer.

Every single goddamn thing in this world is relative, and no one has THE right answer.

Question yourself on everything you do until you get to the root of why you act the way you do. You will find that life will be 100% more enjoyable,  full, and bright.

My aspirations for the world in 2011: turn off tv & computers; hug more, smile often, laugh daily; update personal dictionary – suggestions of words to redefine: success, love, living, past, need, want, & necessary; decrease the use of word “I”; read more; make things; understand role as an individual; be more grateful, humble, accepting, & appreciative; open eyes, heart & mind; be happier.

Your job doesn’t have to suck, you don’t have to watch tv, and make what you need instead of buying it.

Good luck. 

I’m just going to go ahead and say it- I love this woman. After extensive research and observation, she seems to have gotten this fame thing down to a science. You’re not here to listen to me spit out everything you can find out on wikipedia, so I’m not going to. Instead, I am going to offer my assessment of her.

Her first song, Just Dance, came crashing into the scene like Kirstie Alley on thin ice. Aptly applying her lyrics to typical situations in which people are listening to said music, she made herself 150% relate-able.  Not to say that only binge drinkers and club goers were the only ones that got her music, it was just fun. Even appearing on an episode of The Office, Lady Gaga quickly became an icon of pop entertainment.

This is the catch about her…. now, you may not know this…. and I’m afraid to say it because…. it might change EVERYTHING… and it’s something that you rarely EVER see in pop culture…. but…. okay…. ready??? SHE ACTUALLY HAS TALENT.

There, I said it. Now, you may not like her, and that’s completely fine. But that opinion of yours may be just because she isn’t your cup of tea, or the type of music you like. Or perhaps you really just don’t understand why she wears what she does. Let me let you in on another secret… she’s doing all of us a favor.

Before Gaga was the Britney, the Christina… they both favored the “let’s just see how far I can put my chest out there” or “how little clothes I can wear without wearing nothing” looks. Don’t get me wrong, Christina is amazing. If she just stuck to one theme to her songs and life, then maybe she’d have a little more respect. But that’s a completely different post.

Now, Gaga doesn’t exactly wear MORE clothes, but if you notice, she is more often than not showing off her butt. I’m okay with this. I think that it is less offensive than massive amounts of cleavage, but that’s just me. It also seems like a “fashion statement” that cannot be easily mimicked in everyday clothing, which is a blessing in disguise. All the little Britney’s were wearing shorter skirts and tying up their shirts and unbuttoning their shirts. Gaga instead sets herself up to inspire originality, uniqueness and less attainable ways to appear to be like her.

<3 The end.

After about 6 months of not checking or revisiting this blog, I didn’t realize how many people were actually reading it. Maybe it’s time to revisit this hobby.

I have some random reviews and opinions that I will post later on, either today or in the near future, but for right now I’d like to share some of my experience in the past 6 months.

My last post, the one about unemployment, was the beginning of what I saw to be something special in my life. A new page, a new path to walk on. Well, that lasted about two months until I really had to try to hanker down and get a job. So I did. I ended up taking a job that was an industry I had never been in before (which is rare) and presented itself as a new, exciting challenge for me. After about a month, it just turned into a challenge for me. The 8 to 5 clock does not do well with my internal clock. Thankfully, I got let go from this position, and I am currently back in the unemployment ring.

For a little while there, I thought I could assist an acquaintance with a new venture. It was brand management, and the promotional part of marketing that I know oh-so well.  Come to find that the true colors of this venture were ugly and self serving. Word of advice to people out there– in life, the best thing you can do for yourself, as much as it may feel uncomfortable at first, is come to terms with the fact that you do not know everything. I’ll say it again, you do not know everything. I certainly don’t! That’s why when I come across people who do know more about a certain subject or a certain phase of life, I almost instinctively turn into a Katie Couric. I want to know! I want to understand, I want to learn. I’ll ask questions about how that person felt in particular situations and what their observations mean. I love it!

Anyways, back to my point. Being humble – I think – is a branch of respect. If you are born with a good enough head to respect other people, then respect yourself enough to admit that you may not know everything.

PLEASE Please please please… I do NOT want anyone to take this in the wrong tone. I am not a bitter person, I am not a know it all. I am just someone who appreciates credible thoughts, feelings, observations, and experiences from other people’s point of view, and think I would have a lot to offer as a person to give of those things to other people.

“Thinking, or more precisely identification with thinking, gives rise to and maintains the ego, which, in our Western society in particular, is out of control. It believes it is real and tries hard to maintain its supremacy. Negative states of mind, such as anger, resentment, fear, envy, and jealousy, are products of the ego.”
Eckhart Tolle

Okay, enough about me. I have about 534 more pages of an LSAT book to attempt to logically understand and ultimately “prepare” me for the real thing. Wish me luck, and keep tuning in!

When I was growing up, our big thing in school was always,  ”What do you want to be when you grow up?” as if it was something you could control. Not only does college, networking, experience (or lack of) determine your path, but little did anyone know that the economic downfall would be the next thing on that list.

Watching my older sisters go through college and deal with the “real world” and attempting to find a job that they can easily enjoy as a career, I swore to myself that I would know exactly what I wanted to do. After a brief internship in the industry I was dead set on being in demystified everything I thought of that job, I am left with nothing. My past positions have not had anything to do with my true talent and abilities. My degree is a luxury degree; “refined” communication, which is something no one needs – it’s a want. Anyone can make a website, write a press release, look up on google how to write a marketing plan, talk to people. No one wants to step out of their own egotistical world and admit that maybe they don’t know how to do something, and leave it to someone who can use a certain verbage, or perhaps a connection, or a new marketing tactic that they hadn’t thought of.

Basically, I’m not needed. And with this economy- I’m not wanted. Even the old “if you want something done right, do it yourself” has come to bite me in the butt. I cannot afford to start my own business, and people are doing my job in their companies themselves.

After a brief stint in the film industry this past month, I realized that there is so much more to life that I want to explore and learn. My position, my expertise, works best that sort of setting. It’s a make or break on a movie set – if you don’t have the common sense, the interpersonal skills, the drive – it shows. FINALLY! Something I can sink my teeth into. Oh wait, what’s that? The economy is still a wreck, and good f-ing luck finding a job in the film industry in Upstate New York, you say? Well I never….

So to my fellow unemployed people- this is the time. It’s the time to aim high, do what you have to do, or make something new. I understand that many people need to take positions to pay the bills and to support a family, and I (not-braggingly) say I’m lucky I’m not in that position entirely. But one thing I do have is hope. I have never felt such an overwhelming need to pray in my life. Pray for help, pray for clarity, pray for others like me.

Great luck.

PERFECT FOR:

driving, background music at work, background music at home, hanging out with (chill) friends, actively listening

PUT ON A MIX CD WITH:

Fleet Foxes, The Script, John Mayer

I have to go ahead a throw a huge THANK YOU!! to meredith who posted on my Fleet Foxes review and recommended I listen to KOC. I google’d them this morning, previewed one track, and then proceeded to purchase “Declaration of Dependence” and “Riot on an Empty Street” and have not stopped listening since.

They are Erlend Øye and Eirik Glambek Bøe from Norway. They have topped the charts in Norway, had some presence on the UK Charts, were Top 10 and up in Italy, and barely got anywhere in the US (which is why I have lost faith in this country’s ability to realize what talent is).

I feel like KOC paint this gorgeous musical picture with every song they sing, the guitar, the transient violin and piano parts, act as the autumn leaves, trees, and the ground, and when their voices come in they are both the sun and the breeze. I know this may sound really weird reading it at first, but please just try to imagine it. Their harmonies are impeccable, beautifully blended, and full of heart. “Riot on an Empty Street” seems to be the more upbeat of the two albums I purchased today.

Their timing is nothing short of perfect. I feel like I may be over hyping these guys, but they are truly one of a kind- and if you give them a chance, you will see for yourself. They may sound like a lot of different bands out there, but they have won me over as a loyal listener.

I love this type of music because I can put it on almost anywhere (except the gym…. maybe for stretching) and they just become the soundtrack of the moment. Whether or not you can actively listen to their lyrics, the mood and ambiance they create with their sound is enough to keep it on…..repeat.

What do they sound like? Okay.. I’d say a modern Simon and Garfunkel, or a more monotonous (in a good way!) Fleet Foxes.

Fabulous*

I have to admit- I was extremely skeptical about even wanting to go to this concert. I had only heard a few things here and there about SNC, including that they were the “12 days of Christmas” “youtube” guys. Great. So excited. (not).

The night first started off with UB’s a cappella group The Buffalo Chips They did only about 5 songs, but they succeeded in pumping up the audience. Among the songs performed were “Fireflies” by Owl City, “Watch Over You” by Alterbridge, “Lady” by Styxx, “Drive” by Incubus, and finishing it off with an audience-participatory version of “Army” by Ben Folds. After looking further into the history of the group, I stumbled upon their (apparently) award-winning version of “Viva La Vida” that was featured on a collegiate a cappella compliation called B.O.C.A., or “Best Of Collegiate Acappella.”

UB's The Buffalo Chips

Obviously these guys put some thought and work into their arrangements and how they come across on stage. Soloists were chosen very well to suit the overall attitude of a song, and fit the tone. There was a clear balance between soloist and background, which is tough to do in a cappella.  Besides some minor sound issues (i.e. not hearing the soloists clearly at times), The Buffalo Chips were my favorite part of the night-  so far.

GRADE: B+

And then there was Straight No Chaser. Dressed in suits, each having their own mic, come out and start off explosively with a soulful rendition of “Signed Sealed Delivered I’m Yours.”  I wasn’t expecting to enjoy myself so fast. Even their more contemporary songs such as “I’m Yours” and “Rehab” had their own little minor “spin” or “remix” to it. Once they got into the Christmas Carols, I didn’t really have any qualms with it. They had a great sense of humor, stage presence, and seamless segways into, during, and out of songs. They had a fantastic mix of songs you haven’t heard in so long (and don’t know why they don’t appear on your mix CDs anymore) with a few abstract, or maybe just too old for me (oops!) to recognize, and a few originals. This included a sitcom medley, christmas carol medley, a SNC original (almost like a theme song for the group), and an unplugged “Oh Holy Night” sang at the end of the stage with no mic, no ear pieces.

If you aren’t a fan of a cappella, or if you don’t know if you can be or are, then I’d start off with these two groups. The Buffalo Chips for a more personal connection, and SNC for a more professional, polished feel. My background for a cappella music started with the 1990′s groups of University at Rochester’s Yellowjackets, and their CD Wilson Boulevard is still in my Ipod, and I do not skip it when it is on shuffle. I then have experience with other collegiate a cappella groups from other schools (St. Bonaventure, other UR groups..), including personal involvement.

In terms of Holiday Music, I like my traditions: Amy Grant Christmas Albums, Mariah Carey A Merry Christmas, in addition to some other family-tradition classics. I’m not going to lie, I’m considering throwing SNC into that CD shuffle of Holiday Music.

Grade: A

PERFECT FOR:

driving, cardio workouts, parties full of open-minded people

PUT ON A MIX CD WITH:

Lady Gaga, Depeche Mode, old school T.a.T.u., Madonna, Robyn, Prince

A very unlikely story. Elly Jackson started off inspired by (and performing) acoustic music, but has found her niche in quite the opposite side:  electropop.

La Roux and Ben Langmaid

Growing up, Elly listened to Carole King, Nick Drake, and Joni Mitchell. Now, she is channeling the styles of Prince, Annie Lennox, Madonna, and Lady Gaga (just less theatrical and not as blatantly [or in some cases, subtly] sexual). As one of several androgynous artists being introduced onto the pop scene, her style has been said to be indicative of Flock of Seagulls, and women in London have taken to her individualistic hair and clothing. The other half of La Roux is London-based producer and composer, and synth-player, Ben Langmaid. He is rarely involved in live performances, but insists that he is equally involved as Elly.

Aesthetically, she has got it down how to keep you curiously interested. Her video for “Bulletproof” – which is also my favorite song thus far on the album – is very 80′s style inspired, with a whisp of mystery. It reminds me very much of Robyn‘s comeback album single “Handle Me.”

After doing some more in depth research of her, I have to say I do respect her for this…

“Jackson has been critical of other musicians. She feels that a culture of positivity has lowered standards. Reacting to the polarization her remarks have caused, Jackson noted that she makes a distinction between a person’s work and how they are as a person.”

Well said.

cite: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Roux

PERFECT FOR:

actively listening to, driving, background music in your house/apartment

PUT ON A MIX CD WITH:

Vertical Horizon, Gym Class Heroes (for the daring), Keane, Fleet Foxes, U2, The Killers

If you asked me where I had heard of this group, you’d judge me. So don’t ask, and I won’t tell. All I have to say is that it was a great find.

This Irish Trio consisting of Danny O’Donoghue, Mark Sheehan, and Glen Power came out with golden gloves raised to the US music scene with their self-titled debut album “The Script” in August of 2008. Sony BMG in Ireland awarded The Script their first- and most definitely not last – multi-platinum award disc for selling  over 600,000 in their debut year.

After repeatedly wowing UK audiences with their single “We Cry,” their next released single “The Man Who Can’t Be Moved” had been featured on CBS’s The Ghost Whisperer, but more importantly reached #2 slots (only second to a sexual experiment-theme song- psh) on the Irish Singles Chart, the UK Singles Chart, and in Denmark.

We are all familiar with past Ireland-originated bands such as U2, The Cranberries, Enya, Westlife, and Van Morrison, and The Script is not far off from being permanently added to this list of successes. Even though they have only been out there for a year, I think they have shown their potential, their passion, and their soul all within their freshman self-titled album – which is no easy feat. They’ve opened for Sir Paul McCartney and U2. Leona Lewis is a lucky lady for having these guys saying that they will be contributing to her second album.

Now that  I’ve given you the facts and stats of this group, how about an idea of what they sound like. It’s a mix of r’n'b, rock, acoustic/folk on some tracks, and power chords, with bright vocals, inspiring guitar tracks, and a solid canvas of drums.

Let’s take Duncan Sheik (known best for his single “Barely Breathing” in 1997), give him a full band and full harmonies. Or let’s take BBMak (1999-2003; England), make them younger, more hip, less bubblegum and add some edge. In other words, they really cannot compare to any other bands.

The Script has this incredible ability to make each song sound different than the last, without losing their tone. Go from “Breakeven” to “If You See Kay;” from a mid-to-up tempo ballad with bold harmonies and heart-capturing lyrics, leads seamlessly into an almost Sting-sounding guitar riff, rap-talking (time to make up a word here: Ralking), and an irish version of Jason Mraz‘s vocal style.

The sky is the limit for these guys, and I only hope that US Top 40 radio can make them – not break them.

(You have to admit, overplaying something seems to be a strong trait of US Radio Stations- is it not?)

Now, with the concert of Howard Jennings/Vertical Horizon on the forefront of my mind, which goes to say a pretty high bar was set, going into Maroon 5 I naturally had high hopes.

Starting off with the fact that K’Naan (pictured above; single “Wavin’ Flag” is now the official song of the 2010 FIFA world cup; opened for Jason Mraz this summer) backed out for some unknown (or at least, undisclosed) reason, there seemed to be a half-hearted, last-minute replacement opener. No idea who she was, as she never said her name, but she had a keyboard, a guitar, and a voice that could’ve been used properly. Enough about her. On with the show.

Adam Levine proves himself to be a truly talented and unique musician, whose vocals cannot be mimicked, or copied, easily. It was a great travel back to 2002, but with their drummer missing for a “pressing family matter,” they seemed forced (dareisay, uncomfortable?) to re-vamp their whole show. They had Adrian Young of No Doubt filling in (impressive), but only for about 1/3 of the entire set. The rest of the show consisted of James Valentine (guitarist), Adam Levine, and an un-introduced keyboardist singing covers of Alicia Key’s “If I Ain’t Got You,” snippets of Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick in the Wall”, and a revue of past #1 hits from Maroon 5.

I’m not complaining, but when Vertical Horizon (not to mention with an amazing opener like Howard Jennings) could come on stage after being gone almost as long as Maroon 5 and manage to hook fans from before into loving what is coming, one can’t help but think that most musicians would see that concert format as common sense. They mentioned that they are coming out with a new album that they are recording in Sweden, but gave no insight.

Altogether, good show to relax to, catch up on songs you haven’t heard in a while, be reminded of what true talent is, and hope that their next album is chock full of hits, as they previously have delivered.

Adam has also been quoted as saying that he believes the band is at its peak with the new upcoming album, and ultimately thinks that it will be their last.

GRADE: B-, subject to change with release (and review) of new album