"I can't help it, I'm addicted to a life of material, It's some kind of joke, I'm obsessively opposed to the typical. All we care about is run way models, Cadillacs and liquor bottles." This is a lyric from Lady Gaga's song "The Fame" where she clearly states that she's nothing nut materialistic. I find it rather unfortunate that its songs like this, boasting about lives filled with fame, sex and money, that make it high on the charts. It's things like this that make me question how the general population of the world defines "good music".
I've always thought music was a huge influence in people's lives; however, after looking at the top ten songs on Billboard.com, I hope this is untrue. Of the top ten songs, six clearly dealt with sex, and one was basically saying "I'm better than you". That leaves three songs that could be G rated. If music is still such an influence in our lives, its no wonder we're heading down the path we're on. Sex, drinking, drugs, and putting material worth above personal worth. These are the kinds of things we see in the media now. I see evidence of this in my own school, it seems the innocence, and ignorance of these things is going out of children earlier all the time. I'm not putting the artist that top the charts to blame; but, as Lady Gaga says, they're just in it for the money and the fame. However, pre-teens, and younger teenagers look up to their favorite celebrities as role models.
It may seem like I'm only putting rap or hip hop up on the chopping block, but this is far from the truth. Every Genre has its artists and every artist has their song, not just the popular music. What really gets me is when people completely generalize genres. I've listen to hip hop and rap that's about real life problems and serious topics, and I've listened to artists that usually have a calm, love and life based style of lyrics sing about sex. It's not the genre, or the artist, its just the song. The worst generalization is with Metal; people assume they're all satanists and listening to their music causes suicide. This, however, is horribly untrue. Bands like Kutless or Skillet are on the heavy side, but they're christian based bands. Moreover, if someone commits suicide, its not because of the music they listen to, I've seen lives completely changed through music.
This is what I think makes good music; something people can relate to, song with meaningful lyrics, or, occasionally, a moving instrumental piece. When I listen to music, I want to know that the person singing or playing actually put thought and emotion into the song. Lyrics like "she stills dreams after she woke, tight hold on that hope. Sometimes it can seem so cold, do what you gotta do to cope" from Atmosphere's 'Dreamer' that actually make you think are what make good music for me.
Music is all about freedom of choice. Though it may be my choice to listen to music that makes me think, other people choose to listen to music they don't have to think about. Music that seems to be only a beat and a catchy tune is okay when you want to dance and have a good time, but it shouldn't be all a person listens to. "good music" can be whatever makes you happy, but it should also be music with a little substance, music that is about more than sex, drugs, money and fame.
It's hard to really say what makes good music, but it's mostly about opinion. Whatever music makes you happy is what you should listen to, however, try not to follow your favorite celebrities actions too closely. For those of you out there that only listen to whatever is popular at the time, go out and listen to some more underground music that has meaning. Listening to a persons type of music can give you insight into their life, so give your peers music a chance, maybe then you won't be so judgemental about othere's tastes.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
For What It's Worth
I found Jessica Wave's article in the raw section of Teen Ink. Its directed towards the price we put on our appearance. Although the first paragraph could be better for stating the thesis, it uses an example related to what she will be talking about. I believe the main thesis is that we literally can't afford to put such a high price on our appearence by wearing designer brands and such.
The first paragraph is not much of an attention grabber, but it does leave you wondering what kind of a direction the article will take. Jessica does manage to stay close to the topic in the seven paragraphs written. Although no actual sources are cited in the article, a lot of what is said pertains to common knowledge and her personal experiences. For example, she talks of her mothers ideas of 'worth' when she was growing up; it ment Authenticity and character to her mother.
I was already on the same side of the argument as the author, so my mind wasn't changed any. The article was effective, but I think the other side could have been shown a little better. She does take a very small chance on looking at the other side of the argument, that the way we present ourselves is a big deal to some; however, she could have talked more on peoples materialistic views. It would have been easy to build up and tear back down for effect. Aside from that one fallout, I did enjoy "For What It's Worth", as I agree with many of the points. The closing was definatly effective.
The first paragraph is not much of an attention grabber, but it does leave you wondering what kind of a direction the article will take. Jessica does manage to stay close to the topic in the seven paragraphs written. Although no actual sources are cited in the article, a lot of what is said pertains to common knowledge and her personal experiences. For example, she talks of her mothers ideas of 'worth' when she was growing up; it ment Authenticity and character to her mother.
I was already on the same side of the argument as the author, so my mind wasn't changed any. The article was effective, but I think the other side could have been shown a little better. She does take a very small chance on looking at the other side of the argument, that the way we present ourselves is a big deal to some; however, she could have talked more on peoples materialistic views. It would have been easy to build up and tear back down for effect. Aside from that one fallout, I did enjoy "For What It's Worth", as I agree with many of the points. The closing was definatly effective.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Fatkats The Big Cheese.
Who would have guessed that a big animation company like Fatkat studios, would come from a small town like Miramichi. I certainly wouldn't have, I always thought the biggest thing to come out of New Brunswick was Lobster. There was a lot I didn't know about Fatkat before now, mainly that they work so close to my Miramichi, and they've worked on Teletoon quite a few times. I really didn't know how big of deal animation can be, maybe it could be my future career.
I enjoyed the layout of the Fatkat blog, they put a lot of personalization into it. It showed a lot of their different work and partners and such aswell. If I could be better at HTML, I would definatly spruce up my blog like theirs. However, it seemed as if they didn't have much information about the people and the company itself; they mainly had what the company produces.
The first question I would ask Robbie Anderson is why he used a K insteas of a C in cat. After that was sorted out, I would ask questions more related to how you would start working for Fatkat. I'd like to know what qualifications you would need, or what university courses you would have to take. I'd really just ask all about what working there is like.
I enjoyed the layout of the Fatkat blog, they put a lot of personalization into it. It showed a lot of their different work and partners and such aswell. If I could be better at HTML, I would definatly spruce up my blog like theirs. However, it seemed as if they didn't have much information about the people and the company itself; they mainly had what the company produces.
The first question I would ask Robbie Anderson is why he used a K insteas of a C in cat. After that was sorted out, I would ask questions more related to how you would start working for Fatkat. I'd like to know what qualifications you would need, or what university courses you would have to take. I'd really just ask all about what working there is like.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
How To Play Drums
Although drums seem like a difficult instrument to play, this video made it seem a lot simpler. All the different beats, and different ways to keep time were well explained. The one thing I didn't like about the video was the camera angles, the transitions were obvious and repetitive, and on a couple angles were really helpful to what was being explained.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRbK_vcY4dM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRbK_vcY4dM
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
How To Be A Perfect Liar
Have you ever had been caught in a lie? Have you ever been in a situation when you absolutely could not tell the honest truth? Are you a terrible liar? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this is the article for you. Now, you may be thinking, "Isn't it best to just tell the truth? Lying is bad." Unfortunately, you're wrong; sometimes people can't handle the truth, and sometimes, its not your place to tell the truth. This article will help you to tell a perfect lie, and make sure you involve, and hurt as few people as possible.
Before you go out and start lying left and right, there are some things you should know; if your lie is serious enough, you may have to carry on the charade for the rest of your life, there are some things the world should never find out, and you need the will power to make sure your lies to don't get too out of hand.
Know what people want to hear
If you know exactly what the other person wants to hear the whole process will be a lot easier. If they're hearing want you want to hear, they are a lot less likely to question it. These can be one of the hardest parts until you're used to it. Its best if you know the person fairly well, so you can know exactly what to say.
Make sure what you say is possible and believable, but unique.
Try not to make the same excuse time and time again; at the same time try not to vary them too much. If there is a good chance of something happening more than once that lie can be used more than once. Remember, all excuses and lies must be used in moderation.
Keep a serious face
This one is pretty self explanatory, if you're giggling, smiling and laughing while trying to be honest and serious with someone, they probably wont believe you. This will probably take a lot of practice, but will be worth it as it is a key point in telling a proper lie.
Cover everything
If at all possible, it is best to plan out your lies before you put them in place. You should have an idea of everything the other person would want or need to know; the fewer questions, the better. This applies even more if you're inexperienced, and not used to thinking off the top of your head.
Don't say more than you have to
Although it's best to cover everything, don't say more than you absolutely have to, you don't want to make it too complicated, or have too many points to remember. If you tell a complicated back story before your lie, there is a lot more to remember if you're ever asked a casual question about it. You want to make sure the chance of you slipping up and letting it out that you lied very low.
Try not to involve others
If at all possible, don't involve others, some people can't see the art in telling a perfect lie; there is a high risk of them letting your secret out. When you absolutely have to involve a third party, make sure they are aware of what you are going to say, and can keep a secret.
Only Lie For Good Reasons
When you finally perfect the art of lying, try not to use your new skill in ways that will hurt others. For example, saying a friend doesn't look fat in those pants is a good lie; telling someone your father has cancer to benefit from their pity is a bad lie.
Soon, with lots of practice and these tips, you'll be the prefect liar, maybe even worthy of going into politics. Go out and give it a couple tries to gain some experience; However, make sure you start small, remember you're not a professional yet.
Before you go out and start lying left and right, there are some things you should know; if your lie is serious enough, you may have to carry on the charade for the rest of your life, there are some things the world should never find out, and you need the will power to make sure your lies to don't get too out of hand.
Know what people want to hear
If you know exactly what the other person wants to hear the whole process will be a lot easier. If they're hearing want you want to hear, they are a lot less likely to question it. These can be one of the hardest parts until you're used to it. Its best if you know the person fairly well, so you can know exactly what to say.
Make sure what you say is possible and believable, but unique.
Try not to make the same excuse time and time again; at the same time try not to vary them too much. If there is a good chance of something happening more than once that lie can be used more than once. Remember, all excuses and lies must be used in moderation.
Keep a serious face
This one is pretty self explanatory, if you're giggling, smiling and laughing while trying to be honest and serious with someone, they probably wont believe you. This will probably take a lot of practice, but will be worth it as it is a key point in telling a proper lie.
Cover everything
If at all possible, it is best to plan out your lies before you put them in place. You should have an idea of everything the other person would want or need to know; the fewer questions, the better. This applies even more if you're inexperienced, and not used to thinking off the top of your head.
Don't say more than you have to
Although it's best to cover everything, don't say more than you absolutely have to, you don't want to make it too complicated, or have too many points to remember. If you tell a complicated back story before your lie, there is a lot more to remember if you're ever asked a casual question about it. You want to make sure the chance of you slipping up and letting it out that you lied very low.
Try not to involve others
If at all possible, don't involve others, some people can't see the art in telling a perfect lie; there is a high risk of them letting your secret out. When you absolutely have to involve a third party, make sure they are aware of what you are going to say, and can keep a secret.
Only Lie For Good Reasons
When you finally perfect the art of lying, try not to use your new skill in ways that will hurt others. For example, saying a friend doesn't look fat in those pants is a good lie; telling someone your father has cancer to benefit from their pity is a bad lie.
Soon, with lots of practice and these tips, you'll be the prefect liar, maybe even worthy of going into politics. Go out and give it a couple tries to gain some experience; However, make sure you start small, remember you're not a professional yet.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
three grammar writing exercises.
Exercise One
Choose the correct word.Copy and paste each sentence and then type your corrected sentence below each one.
1- The team won (its) (it's) game. Did you win (yours) (your's), (to)(too) (two)?
The team won its game. Did you win yours, too?
2- They left (their) (there) books (there) (their) (they're).
They left their books there.
3- I hear (your) (you're) about to graduate.
I hear you're about to graduate.
4- (Its) (It's) nice that (there) (their) (they're) friendly.
It's nice that they're friendly.
5- Although I get (alot) (a lot) of colds, I feel (all right)(alright)now.
Although I get a lot of colds, I feel alright now.
6- (Whose) (Who's) prettier (then) (than) you?
Who's prettier than you?
7- Are you tired? I'm out of (breathe) (breath), (too) (to) (two).
Are you tired? I'm out of breath, too.
8- Run back and (fourth) (forth) from (hear) (here) to (their) (there).
Run back and forth from here to there
9- (Your) (You're) about to (loose) (lose) (your) (you're) book.
You're about to lose your book.
10- Everyone will (accept) (except) the prize (accept) (except) you.
Everyone will accept the prize except you
11- Do you know (weather) (whether) or not he will give me the prize.
Do you know whether or not he will give me the prize?
12- Many people (choose) (chose) to live in large cities.
Many people choose to live in large cities
13- Is the doctor (through) (thorough) (threw) with my exam?
Is the doctor through with my exam?
14- What (affect) (effect) does the school (principle)(principal) haveon you?
What affect does the school principal have on you?
15- What did he (advice) (advise) you to do? Did you take his (advice)(advise)?
What did he advise you to do? Did you take his advice?
16- (There) (Their) (They're) are (alot) (a lot) of (your) (you're) friendsin the boat.
There are a lot of your friends in the boat
17- I will (buy) (by) a book (buy) (by) Ray Bradbury.
I will buy a book by Ray Bradbury
EXERCISE TWO
Score Summary
(Click on question number to jump to question.)
Question 1 points earned points possible
correct 1 1
Question 2
incorrect 0 1
Question 3
correct 1 1
Question 4
correct 1 1
Question 5
correct 1 1
Question 6
correct 1 1
Question 7
correct 1 1
Question 8
incorrect 0 1
Question 9
incorrect 0 1
Question 10
correct 1 1
Question 11
correct 1 1
Question 12
correct 1 1
Question 13
incorrect 0 1
Question 14
correct 1 1
Question 15
incorrect 0 1
Score: (67%) 10 15
EXERCISE THREE
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/interact/g_fragEX1.html
Fragments: Exercise 1
Question Your Answer The Correct Answer Your Response is:
Question 1 Fragment Fragment Correct
Question 2 Correct Fragment Incorrect
Question 3 Correct Correct Correct
Question 4 Fragment Fragment Correct
Question 5 Correct Correct Correct
Question 6 Correct Correct Correct
Question 7 Fragment Fragment Correct
Question 8 Fragment Fragment Correct
Question 9 Correct Fragment Incorrect
Question 10 Fragment Correct Incorrect
Question 11 Correct Fragment Incorrect
Question 12 Correct Fragment Incorrect
Question 13 Fragment Fragment Correct
Question 14 Correct Correct Correct
Question 15 Fragment Fragment Correct
Question 16 Fragment Fragment Correct
You had 11 out of 16 questions correct.
Choose the correct word.Copy and paste each sentence and then type your corrected sentence below each one.
1- The team won (its) (it's) game. Did you win (yours) (your's), (to)(too) (two)?
The team won its game. Did you win yours, too?
2- They left (their) (there) books (there) (their) (they're).
They left their books there.
3- I hear (your) (you're) about to graduate.
I hear you're about to graduate.
4- (Its) (It's) nice that (there) (their) (they're) friendly.
It's nice that they're friendly.
5- Although I get (alot) (a lot) of colds, I feel (all right)(alright)now.
Although I get a lot of colds, I feel alright now.
6- (Whose) (Who's) prettier (then) (than) you?
Who's prettier than you?
7- Are you tired? I'm out of (breathe) (breath), (too) (to) (two).
Are you tired? I'm out of breath, too.
8- Run back and (fourth) (forth) from (hear) (here) to (their) (there).
Run back and forth from here to there
9- (Your) (You're) about to (loose) (lose) (your) (you're) book.
You're about to lose your book.
10- Everyone will (accept) (except) the prize (accept) (except) you.
Everyone will accept the prize except you
11- Do you know (weather) (whether) or not he will give me the prize.
Do you know whether or not he will give me the prize?
12- Many people (choose) (chose) to live in large cities.
Many people choose to live in large cities
13- Is the doctor (through) (thorough) (threw) with my exam?
Is the doctor through with my exam?
14- What (affect) (effect) does the school (principle)(principal) haveon you?
What affect does the school principal have on you?
15- What did he (advice) (advise) you to do? Did you take his (advice)(advise)?
What did he advise you to do? Did you take his advice?
16- (There) (Their) (They're) are (alot) (a lot) of (your) (you're) friendsin the boat.
There are a lot of your friends in the boat
17- I will (buy) (by) a book (buy) (by) Ray Bradbury.
I will buy a book by Ray Bradbury
EXERCISE TWO
Score Summary
(Click on question number to jump to question.)
Question 1 points earned points possible
correct 1 1
Question 2
incorrect 0 1
Question 3
correct 1 1
Question 4
correct 1 1
Question 5
correct 1 1
Question 6
correct 1 1
Question 7
correct 1 1
Question 8
incorrect 0 1
Question 9
incorrect 0 1
Question 10
correct 1 1
Question 11
correct 1 1
Question 12
correct 1 1
Question 13
incorrect 0 1
Question 14
correct 1 1
Question 15
incorrect 0 1
Score: (67%) 10 15
EXERCISE THREE
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/interact/g_fragEX1.html
Fragments: Exercise 1
Question Your Answer The Correct Answer Your Response is:
Question 1 Fragment Fragment Correct
Question 2 Correct Fragment Incorrect
Question 3 Correct Correct Correct
Question 4 Fragment Fragment Correct
Question 5 Correct Correct Correct
Question 6 Correct Correct Correct
Question 7 Fragment Fragment Correct
Question 8 Fragment Fragment Correct
Question 9 Correct Fragment Incorrect
Question 10 Fragment Correct Incorrect
Question 11 Correct Fragment Incorrect
Question 12 Correct Fragment Incorrect
Question 13 Fragment Fragment Correct
Question 14 Correct Correct Correct
Question 15 Fragment Fragment Correct
Question 16 Fragment Fragment Correct
You had 11 out of 16 questions correct.
Monday, March 16, 2009
My Baby Is Crazy
As I was setting out breakfast this morning, my son comes flying down the stairs in his underwear with his blanket around his neck, yelling about saving the world with the superpowers he was given last night, when he should have been sleeping. I guess he was abducted by aliens this time, at least it wasn't the mole people again.
"The president called for you this morning" I say, "you have a very important mission for today at Billy's"
"I do?!" He replied excitedly, "What is it? Is it dangerous? Should get my armour and sword?"
"I'm not sure, he just asked that you make it to Billy's by one, it sounded top secret. You'll have to walk there though, I have to work today, you can tell me all about it at suppertime" I informed him
Being the ever determined little superhero he was, Maddox ran upstairs just as fast as he came down to go and get ready for the big day ahead of him, and out the door he went.Throughout the day I couldn't help but wonder what wonderful stories he would come up with about his important mission.
Work passed very quickly, not that I do much anyway, and I soon found myself on my way home, surprisingly excited to hear from Maddox. As expected, I didn't find him at home, it's harder for superheors to make it home for supper, so I would have to walk over to Billy's to get him, at least this way I could hear his story without having to try and listen around the spagetti.
Sure enough once I got him out of the house, his mouth was running like a motor, and he insisted we take the path he took to get here, so he could explain in detail. First stop was the doghouse, where I was not so formally introduced to Rex, the hound dog, who wanted to give me a hug, with big, muddy paws. Now, even though we live right next door, Maddox decided to go all the way around the block, jumping over Mr. Johnstons fence, climbing up his tree, and walking across his fence. Walking all over and through the neighbours yards is only the half of it, however. He also insists on going all the way though the trees to make sure I see all the birds and squirrels he saw on his way over. I guess his world travels made him forget all about that 'special mission' I had mentioned to him earlyer today, but I have no doubt that whatever happened at Billy's will be what he tells me for a bedtime story tonight.
"The president called for you this morning" I say, "you have a very important mission for today at Billy's"
"I do?!" He replied excitedly, "What is it? Is it dangerous? Should get my armour and sword?"
"I'm not sure, he just asked that you make it to Billy's by one, it sounded top secret. You'll have to walk there though, I have to work today, you can tell me all about it at suppertime" I informed him
Being the ever determined little superhero he was, Maddox ran upstairs just as fast as he came down to go and get ready for the big day ahead of him, and out the door he went.Throughout the day I couldn't help but wonder what wonderful stories he would come up with about his important mission.
Work passed very quickly, not that I do much anyway, and I soon found myself on my way home, surprisingly excited to hear from Maddox. As expected, I didn't find him at home, it's harder for superheors to make it home for supper, so I would have to walk over to Billy's to get him, at least this way I could hear his story without having to try and listen around the spagetti.
Sure enough once I got him out of the house, his mouth was running like a motor, and he insisted we take the path he took to get here, so he could explain in detail. First stop was the doghouse, where I was not so formally introduced to Rex, the hound dog, who wanted to give me a hug, with big, muddy paws. Now, even though we live right next door, Maddox decided to go all the way around the block, jumping over Mr. Johnstons fence, climbing up his tree, and walking across his fence. Walking all over and through the neighbours yards is only the half of it, however. He also insists on going all the way though the trees to make sure I see all the birds and squirrels he saw on his way over. I guess his world travels made him forget all about that 'special mission' I had mentioned to him earlyer today, but I have no doubt that whatever happened at Billy's will be what he tells me for a bedtime story tonight.
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