27 Dresses

Wow, I know everyone has heard the phrase "Always a bridesmaid, never a bride." That pertains to anyone of just about any age, think about it. Well the story is wonderfully done as Katherine Higel uses her comedic edge to make this movie a great success. It is a "chick flick", but guys can also enjoy it. It reminds us that maybe our dreams may be opposite of what we thought about all those years. Amazing, this movie may change your opinion about something that is so normal in our everyday lives. A whole new perspective that you never could have thought about yourself. That's one reason I love movies...one idea can change the way you think entirely. See something, watch something that one simple word and definition is changed forever. I love that.

Culture = Art.

As I was reading in an information about an Art College, the art history section seemed interesting and very true to what I think. The articles we find today were relics and art of ancient societies and peoples and the way they thought, lived their lives, and how the cities are run. Cultures are an interesting subject, and they therefore invoke travel. I want to see the world, not just a part of the world for a week looking at all the touristy sites. I would like to get to know the people, rich or not. Their opinions, likes/dislikes, what is endorsed by their society, and the way they pass time. Think outside of the box. My basic philosophy on a lot of things. Don't be afraid to be the only one standing, who knows maybe someone might realize a different perspective or idea is the way to go instead. Some places I want to travel are just for the experience. Why not go? Of course, there is some places that attract me more, but I'm not going to not go somewhere because someone says a place is dirty- it's part of its charm. The places I want to go may be the entirely different area of the city. I desperately want to see the world, get out of the small town, get my ideas out there. I hope that everyone does! Don't keep it quiet, after all we do have the freedom of speech, and now is the time to say your opinion. In the 60's and 70's seemed like a time where people actually protested whatever they didn't believe in. I support that. Peace has become a trend; to me, its a way of life. haha, It sounded like a slogan. Peace is a symbol representing no wars, loving and respecting everyone, no matter who they are. You'd be surprised if everyone understood (notice not agree) with the idea maybe our world would become a greater place. Without less hatred and murders? Now come on, who in this world would think that is a bad thing? History is repeating itself, and our culture should see that. Times have changed, and ideas are becoming more clear. Pacifism is a strong movement and political philsophy should be brought up again to see who does not support hurting innocent people for merely something that doesn't involve them. We should not just wear the symbol, know what it stands for. Some people wear the symbol and mean it, I hope you do.

CDs or music downloads?

I been a little mad lately when the subject of online downloading has come up. Personally, I don't believe in it. I like to give respect to the artist by actually owning the CD, actually have the graphics and footnotes in the cover. It doesn't matter what the price is-- I love my music. If I have to pay extra so what? It means a lot to me. If that means having less Cd's oh well. The music industry isn't doing as well because of this new way of doing things. I saw an interview with one of the Rolling Stones musicians who doesn't like when his children download music, buy the CD, give the artist credit. Not the company that you are buying it from. I get excited when I get a new CD and listen to it for about a month straight. I would think if you are passionate about music, you'd be excited...or is that just me? Vocalize your love of it. After all it is a way you express yourself. Own up to your passion. I take pride in my collection, and know information to back it up. I read about my favorite musicians, they are some of the coolest people in my mind. Bob Dylan for example, I have read his autobiography and loved it. He is truly himself and has an opinion about everything. I respect him so much more-he didn't want to be a star; he just wanted to put his music out there. He didn't consider himself a "voice of a generation". He just merely wrote what he wrote. Take it or leave it. I just recently finished Joe Strummer and the legend of The Clash, it was amazing, hearing the stories from someone who knew them all so well. Hear background stories, what critics thought. Kris Needs gives a great perspective from his excitement being at one of the first Clash gigs, to the pain of hearing of Joe's death. He also has a music journalism background and describes the songs with awesome references. He knows Joe, Mick, Topper, and Paul. It's not some outsider looking in, its a insider giving an insider point of view. Great book for any Clash fan. I like that I can go to my CD rack, grab a CD and show it off to people. Literally, have the graphics on the CD, not the plain CDs and enjoy listenin to it whenever I feel the need or impulse. I love talking about music, my opinion about artists, songs. The music I listen to isn't normally played on the radio much, either because the artist doesn't want their music super-exposed or its not exactly mainstream. I don't care, I can always give someone a recommendation about a new band to check out. It's up to them if they do. I don't have the top 40 on my mp3 player that's for sure. Music is art, well it should be. There are definitely artists in the business. In it to express themselves, not for the money. Some music needs to be loud, some quiet, some needs an open window.... whatever you listen to, take pride and be excited about your music.

Coffee & Cigarettes

This movie I heard of because I'm a huge Tom Waits fan, as you already know. The movie is subtly hilarious, and the movie is a watch and listen type of movie. I've probably seen the movie 3 times in a few days. It's like nothing I've ever seen before, Jim Jarmusch does a terrific job with a super cool cast. I'm excited to see the other movies I've heard of. Awesome, completely different perspective and makes you really want coffee. Just a warning. I highly suggest 'Coffee and Cigarettes'. Terrific movie.

A Tribute to James Dean

Yes, I know I've written about him plenty of times. But he never ceases to amaze me with his acting and his life. I dream and will go to Fairmount, where he grew up. In one quote he stated "If a man can bridge the gap between life and death ... I mean, if he can live on after his death, then maybe he was a great man." He surely did that. Fans see him in the movies. He took acting seriously, as a form of art. Where the director tells him what he wants to get out of the scene and leave the actor to do their work. He also loved art, music, and sensing how people behave. He is still referenced in music, movies, everything. Our world is still fascinated by him. He was inspiration for some of rock's greatest bands and artists. I'm reading a book about The Clash and when they were in New York they stayed in the Iroquois hotel and were excited because James Dean stayed there. Pretty cool, one of my favorite bands liked one of my favorite actors. He in a way is immortal through his acting, fans from the era and not keep his spirit alive. He truly has become a real legend. It's sad to think of what he could have done in the movie industry. I do ponder that sometimes, what would he have done? His spirit still lives on, and always will. His fans won't let him die. His death was a tragedy. I don't know if the world was ready to see him die. He is a legend. Always will be. He changed acting for eternity. There are very few actors that can do that, and Jimmy achieved that. Wow.

Acting is harder than one may think...

Acting is so much harder than one might think. In order to act, one must act like another person executing their behavior and emotions and making it believable and interpret what the character needs to say so the audience know that they are really playing the character. It's much harder than you think. The great actors are able to interpret their lives and look to find life experiences that may help them earn a role later in their career. Acting is to some actors' an art form. Expressing yourself by acting of a whole new person. Method acting is one form that Marlon Brando used, I've seen extras of 'Streetcar Named Desire' where he is trying the 'Stella!!!' scene with different emotions expressed. Marlon Brando is one of the most famous method actors, who did it flawlessly. Acting takes work, being able to extract emotions from their lives, concentration on the character (to do it well) to make their role terrific. I think we should give actors more credit...for their acting. After all, that is their job. In the end it doesn't matter what the tabloids say, it's about their work. Plain and simple. They will be remembered for their work. On day I was looking for an actor's group on a website, and there was no group appreciating his acting. Sad. Actors should be recognized for their work. Think about acting and give a little more credit to the actors.

Rolling Stone magazine

I just bought myself a copy of the August edition of "Rolling Stone". It was awesome, they speak my language. They hit every genre!!! I personally love everything. It is a magazine I dream of working at if I go into journalism. You get paid for talking to the biggest bands, or the classic legends and hanging out with them. And then other people get to see your opinions, how awesome is that? I love the music they put in the magazine. The descriptions are pretty clear to what the music really is. They make references to albums and artists that I know of. Gotta love that! They get to go to shows, experience and get to know the artists' throughout each of their careers. Pure awesome. They hit every genre-indie, heavy metal, pop, rap, soul and R&B, rock. They listen to everything. I love that because they aren't afraid of one type of music. Everyone shouldn't, it's a way people express themselves. In my mind, music is something that is universal. You can argue with your best friend or a stranger about which artist is better or genre or whatever. You can't live in a world without music. Music is not a material thing. It can't burn in a fire. We can remember the lyrics and sing them or hum a tune. It will never die. I know I won't let it. Music is a passion of mine, even though I can't really play an instrument- I dream of being able. I love music, it's the best thing.