Marilyn Manson "The Beautiful People"
I remember first hearing this song when I was in junior high. I was afraid to admit that I liked it. Why? For one, this was around the time that I was into all the boy bands and female pop singers. Marilyn Manson was the complete opposite of that (which I had the same opinion about Nine Inch Nails). I hated the fact that his album was called "Antichrist Superstar." Back then, I never questioned my beliefs in religion and the album title was one of the most ludicrous things I knew. Wow... how naive and closed off I was back then.
My sophomore year of high school changed that. I had discovered Eminem, Limp Bizkit, and Korn. I was liking music that was darker and expressed deeper emotions. I had a love for things that were dark and twisted. I went back to listening to Marilyn Manson and Nine Inch Nails and realized that it wasn't much different than my newest discoveries in music. I learned that the Manson (aka. Brian Warner) had been on his yearbook staff at school, just like me. He collects nostalgic lunch boxes... that's actually really cool. I saw him as a person, and that allowed me to look beyond my own beliefs. I became a fan. "The Beautiful People" is my favorite Marilyn Manson song. I admit that I have not listened to all of the tracks on Antichrist Superstar, but I need to. I would love to have a copy of this album someday.
Oh, and I loved his cameo in the movie Jawbreaker! I can't think of The Scorpions "Rock You Like a Hurricane" without picturing him with that 70's style handlebar moustache.
Sorry, had a movie geek moment!!!
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Song #13- A Song That Is A Guilty Pleasure
Prince "Pussy Control"
When I was working at Tunnel Town (my first job... a children's play place/birthday party center), I had a boss named Dave, who is gay. I *loved* him and he introduced me to a lot of new things, like giving me his copy of Mallrats, which started my love for Kevin Smith. One day, when hanging out with him, he played "Pussy Control." I instantly fell in love with the song. Back then, I could relate to the song because it was about a girl who found success in life before experiencing sex (like me). That's why I felt guilty for loving the song, but I couldn't help it!!!
By the time I was 18 and able to go dancing in bars/clubs, I found out that this was one of the best songs to bump and grind to. It got to the point where if that song was playing and my best friend Brandon and I were together... we would stop whatever we were doing and hit the dance floor. Even today, that song drives me to dance. Although Brandon and I live too far away to spend time together, I still send him a text message whenever I hear the song. I know he loves it when I do that, since all it does is bring back memories from 7-8 years ago.
When I was working at Tunnel Town (my first job... a children's play place/birthday party center), I had a boss named Dave, who is gay. I *loved* him and he introduced me to a lot of new things, like giving me his copy of Mallrats, which started my love for Kevin Smith. One day, when hanging out with him, he played "Pussy Control." I instantly fell in love with the song. Back then, I could relate to the song because it was about a girl who found success in life before experiencing sex (like me). That's why I felt guilty for loving the song, but I couldn't help it!!!
By the time I was 18 and able to go dancing in bars/clubs, I found out that this was one of the best songs to bump and grind to. It got to the point where if that song was playing and my best friend Brandon and I were together... we would stop whatever we were doing and hit the dance floor. Even today, that song drives me to dance. Although Brandon and I live too far away to spend time together, I still send him a text message whenever I hear the song. I know he loves it when I do that, since all it does is bring back memories from 7-8 years ago.
Monday, December 13, 2010
The 12 Days of Christmas Movies
On the first day of Christmas, my true love sent to me.... 12 of my favorite holiday movies (and specials)!!!
Elf
"The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear." How did any of us enjoy the holidays before Buddy the Elf came into our lives??? The way that Buddy sees the world beyond life in the North Pole makes me feel like a kid again, mainly because of the innocent wonder of discovering new things and ideals. Not only is this movie highly entertaining for young adults, but it is also a great family film (especially since they stand by the fact that Santa is real and they "squash" the rumor that the parents put the presents under the tree). If I'm not feeling the Christmas spirit, I just pop this into the DVD player and wait for the movie to fill me with happiness for the season!!!
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
When you see "National Lampoon" and "vacation" together in a movie title, expect to see some Griswold's. Unlike the other three Vacation movies, we see how Clark and the family interact while staying at home for the holidays. Whether it's setting up way too many lights outdoors, realizing that the extended family wrapped their cat in a present, or watching as Clark zips faster than the speed of sound when sledding, you WILL crack up (and for me, I still do after watching this movie dozens of times).
A Charlie Brown Christmas
As someone who grew up with Snoopy as her favorite cartoon character, this movie was a MUST watch several times each holiday season. I remember when I was about six or seven and wishing I had the same tree that Charlie Brown had... I saw it's potential to be beautiful. I always loved how everyone danced when practicing for the Christmas program (and what's better is seeing the Hey Ya! Charlie Brown video on YouTube). I loved how Linus quoted scripture from the Bible to help Charlie Brown realize the true spirit of the holiday season... sometimes we just need the reminder of what Christmas is really about.
Home Alone
As a seven year old sitting in the movie theaters, I thought this movie was epic!!! To be left at home by accident and having free reign on whatever food I wanted to eat and to watch movies I wasn't allowed to watch.. that was ideal. I wished I was as smart as Kevin when it came to setting up booby traps against Marv and Harry. My favorite trap was when Marv was stepping on the ornaments when getting in through the window. I felt his pain. John Hughes did a great job portraying the fears and excitement of a child, from the creepy type neighbor to the furnace in the basement. This is one of the funniest family movies I've ever seen.
Oh, and I had a crush on Macaulay Culkin.
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
Okay, so I couldn't resist having the sequel on here!! For a movie that takes place somewhere completely different than the first one, John Hughes was able to keep the charm we all fell in love with (and believe me, I've seen sequels that were a hot mess... like Sex and the City 2). I absolutely loved seeing New York City at Christmastime; that city is idealistic to have a true holiday themed vacation. The pranks were so much better than the first movie (come on, they had to be!) and a lot more brutal. It's a wonder that Marv and Harry were able to walk (or speak) after several of those! I felt this one was a lot more heartfelt than the first, especially about Mr. Duncan's plan to donate to the Children's Hospital. It touched on one of the best things about the holidays, people helping others that cannot celebrate due to poverty or illness.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Ah, a classic holiday special brought to us by Dr. Seuss! I used to watch this several times each year. However, the copy that I watched at my Grandparents got cut off when the Grinch was stuck up the hill with the sled. It wasn't until I was a preteen that I finally got to watch the ending (even though I knew the ending... I mean, it was a book first!). Of course Hollywood had to remake this into a full length feature film when I was in high school. It's a good film on its own, but I will always love the cartoon special more :-)
Bad Santa
If you put Billy Bob Thornton in a Christmas movie, expect it to be dirty... just saying. His character Willie and his partner Marcus have had a great method for conning department stores around the holidays. But this particular year, unforeseen obstacles get in the way, which include a young boy, overintoxication, and a security guard who catches onto their scheme. It was amusing to me to see that Sue was raised Jewish and had always wanted to fulfill her fantasy of having sex with Santa, then getting her wish. Those moments made the movie. This was also the last movie that John Ritter ever made, which made his scenes feel a little bittersweet. Who says all Christmas movies have to be bright and cheerful???
South Park Season One, Episode 10: Mr. Hankey the Christmas Poo
I've been a fan of South Park since its debut in 1997. When the first Christmas special aired that same year, I was entertained... and kind of disturbed. I enjoyed the parody of A Charlie Brown Christmas and how the town attempted to make the holiday season non-offensive (even though that ended up in a total disaster). But the most disturbing thing of all??? That a piece of crap (literally) helped everyone get into the holiday spirit. Oh, and you have to admit, when Mr. Hankey says "Howdy Ho!!!" it puts a smile on your face. :-)
"Hankey, the Christmas poo. I love him and he loves you...."
A Christmas Story
Look! It's a Christmas cult film... so much that TBS plays it for 24 hours straight!!! I'll never have to own it since I can get my fill of the movie each year. Everyone can relate to Ralphie. We all have that dream gift that we want SO BAD! We all have that crazy relative that gives you some strange clothes (although mine were never Pink Bunny suit embarrassing... just underwear, lol). Someone we know has had been "triple dog dared" into doing something. This movie, in all its eccentricities and misadventures, is universal to everyone (and why it will remain as a classic during the holiday season).
The Polar Express
My generation grew up with this book. I remember having it read to my classmates and I in elementary school. Now that I have a kid of my own, I get to watch him experience this classic tale as a movie. This is one of the few instances where the film has exact same charm, innocence, and wonder as the book. The movie not only keeps the attention of children, but it is entertaining enough for the adults to enjoy (and if anyone else is like me, it brings back a sense of nostalgia).
The Nightmare Before Christmas (presented with the Fall Out Boy version of "What's This)
Wow... it seems like I was just talking about this movie on my Halloween list. Oh, wait, I did!!! To see Jack Skellington discover the world of Christmas and then to figure it out through scientific experimentation was fun to watch! Although things didn't turn out as planned for Jack (or Santa, for that matter), it was one of those movies where you realize that you appreciate the world that you live in, even if you have moments of monotony. Oh, and that it's good to explore beyond your own place in the world, because you never know what you will find (in that fun, exciting way)!
Christmas Eve on Sesame Street
This is one of those specials that I can actually remember watching when I was 3 or 4 years old. Cookie Monster's attempt to contact Santa always made me laugh. Bert and Ernie exchanging their favorite possessions for gifts made me a little sad, but I also noticed how good of friends they were to each other (Hey, this was before I was old enough to hear of the gay lover jokes, so get your mind out of the gutter!). I also had hopes that Big Bird would see Santa, even though he fell asleep. The suspense of seeing Santa myself got to me as a kid, I always wanted to see more than just his shadow. I found a DVD copy of this special when working at Cargo Largo and wanted to share this with my son. He loves it as much as I did!!
Happy Holidays everyone!!!
Elf
"The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear." How did any of us enjoy the holidays before Buddy the Elf came into our lives??? The way that Buddy sees the world beyond life in the North Pole makes me feel like a kid again, mainly because of the innocent wonder of discovering new things and ideals. Not only is this movie highly entertaining for young adults, but it is also a great family film (especially since they stand by the fact that Santa is real and they "squash" the rumor that the parents put the presents under the tree). If I'm not feeling the Christmas spirit, I just pop this into the DVD player and wait for the movie to fill me with happiness for the season!!!
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
When you see "National Lampoon" and "vacation" together in a movie title, expect to see some Griswold's. Unlike the other three Vacation movies, we see how Clark and the family interact while staying at home for the holidays. Whether it's setting up way too many lights outdoors, realizing that the extended family wrapped their cat in a present, or watching as Clark zips faster than the speed of sound when sledding, you WILL crack up (and for me, I still do after watching this movie dozens of times).
A Charlie Brown Christmas
As someone who grew up with Snoopy as her favorite cartoon character, this movie was a MUST watch several times each holiday season. I remember when I was about six or seven and wishing I had the same tree that Charlie Brown had... I saw it's potential to be beautiful. I always loved how everyone danced when practicing for the Christmas program (and what's better is seeing the Hey Ya! Charlie Brown video on YouTube). I loved how Linus quoted scripture from the Bible to help Charlie Brown realize the true spirit of the holiday season... sometimes we just need the reminder of what Christmas is really about.
Home Alone
As a seven year old sitting in the movie theaters, I thought this movie was epic!!! To be left at home by accident and having free reign on whatever food I wanted to eat and to watch movies I wasn't allowed to watch.. that was ideal. I wished I was as smart as Kevin when it came to setting up booby traps against Marv and Harry. My favorite trap was when Marv was stepping on the ornaments when getting in through the window. I felt his pain. John Hughes did a great job portraying the fears and excitement of a child, from the creepy type neighbor to the furnace in the basement. This is one of the funniest family movies I've ever seen.
Oh, and I had a crush on Macaulay Culkin.
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
Okay, so I couldn't resist having the sequel on here!! For a movie that takes place somewhere completely different than the first one, John Hughes was able to keep the charm we all fell in love with (and believe me, I've seen sequels that were a hot mess... like Sex and the City 2). I absolutely loved seeing New York City at Christmastime; that city is idealistic to have a true holiday themed vacation. The pranks were so much better than the first movie (come on, they had to be!) and a lot more brutal. It's a wonder that Marv and Harry were able to walk (or speak) after several of those! I felt this one was a lot more heartfelt than the first, especially about Mr. Duncan's plan to donate to the Children's Hospital. It touched on one of the best things about the holidays, people helping others that cannot celebrate due to poverty or illness.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Ah, a classic holiday special brought to us by Dr. Seuss! I used to watch this several times each year. However, the copy that I watched at my Grandparents got cut off when the Grinch was stuck up the hill with the sled. It wasn't until I was a preteen that I finally got to watch the ending (even though I knew the ending... I mean, it was a book first!). Of course Hollywood had to remake this into a full length feature film when I was in high school. It's a good film on its own, but I will always love the cartoon special more :-)
Bad Santa
If you put Billy Bob Thornton in a Christmas movie, expect it to be dirty... just saying. His character Willie and his partner Marcus have had a great method for conning department stores around the holidays. But this particular year, unforeseen obstacles get in the way, which include a young boy, overintoxication, and a security guard who catches onto their scheme. It was amusing to me to see that Sue was raised Jewish and had always wanted to fulfill her fantasy of having sex with Santa, then getting her wish. Those moments made the movie. This was also the last movie that John Ritter ever made, which made his scenes feel a little bittersweet. Who says all Christmas movies have to be bright and cheerful???
South Park Season One, Episode 10: Mr. Hankey the Christmas Poo
I've been a fan of South Park since its debut in 1997. When the first Christmas special aired that same year, I was entertained... and kind of disturbed. I enjoyed the parody of A Charlie Brown Christmas and how the town attempted to make the holiday season non-offensive (even though that ended up in a total disaster). But the most disturbing thing of all??? That a piece of crap (literally) helped everyone get into the holiday spirit. Oh, and you have to admit, when Mr. Hankey says "Howdy Ho!!!" it puts a smile on your face. :-)
"Hankey, the Christmas poo. I love him and he loves you...."
A Christmas Story
Look! It's a Christmas cult film... so much that TBS plays it for 24 hours straight!!! I'll never have to own it since I can get my fill of the movie each year. Everyone can relate to Ralphie. We all have that dream gift that we want SO BAD! We all have that crazy relative that gives you some strange clothes (although mine were never Pink Bunny suit embarrassing... just underwear, lol). Someone we know has had been "triple dog dared" into doing something. This movie, in all its eccentricities and misadventures, is universal to everyone (and why it will remain as a classic during the holiday season).
The Polar Express
My generation grew up with this book. I remember having it read to my classmates and I in elementary school. Now that I have a kid of my own, I get to watch him experience this classic tale as a movie. This is one of the few instances where the film has exact same charm, innocence, and wonder as the book. The movie not only keeps the attention of children, but it is entertaining enough for the adults to enjoy (and if anyone else is like me, it brings back a sense of nostalgia).
The Nightmare Before Christmas (presented with the Fall Out Boy version of "What's This)
Wow... it seems like I was just talking about this movie on my Halloween list. Oh, wait, I did!!! To see Jack Skellington discover the world of Christmas and then to figure it out through scientific experimentation was fun to watch! Although things didn't turn out as planned for Jack (or Santa, for that matter), it was one of those movies where you realize that you appreciate the world that you live in, even if you have moments of monotony. Oh, and that it's good to explore beyond your own place in the world, because you never know what you will find (in that fun, exciting way)!
Christmas Eve on Sesame Street
This is one of those specials that I can actually remember watching when I was 3 or 4 years old. Cookie Monster's attempt to contact Santa always made me laugh. Bert and Ernie exchanging their favorite possessions for gifts made me a little sad, but I also noticed how good of friends they were to each other (Hey, this was before I was old enough to hear of the gay lover jokes, so get your mind out of the gutter!). I also had hopes that Big Bird would see Santa, even though he fell asleep. The suspense of seeing Santa myself got to me as a kid, I always wanted to see more than just his shadow. I found a DVD copy of this special when working at Cargo Largo and wanted to share this with my son. He loves it as much as I did!!
Happy Holidays everyone!!!
Song #12- A Song From a Band You Hate
Insane Clown Posse "Miracles"
I mentioned in a previous blog about how I dated someone who considers himself a juggalo. So naturally, when I was around him, we listened to a lot of Insane Clown Posse. Now I am not really a fan of them, but this song "Miracles" was actually pretty good. I related to the innocent-like wonder and amazement of how things work in the world. I also liked the beat of the song. This, to me, isn't a normal ICP song since most of the lyrics are minimal when it comes to cursing, also virtually free of violence and hardcore sex themes. It's one of the few songs of theirs that could actually be played on the radio. So if you are around me when I'm listening to stuff on Pandora or YouTube and this song shows up on the play list, be assured that I am not a juggalo and that I just enjoy this song.
I mentioned in a previous blog about how I dated someone who considers himself a juggalo. So naturally, when I was around him, we listened to a lot of Insane Clown Posse. Now I am not really a fan of them, but this song "Miracles" was actually pretty good. I related to the innocent-like wonder and amazement of how things work in the world. I also liked the beat of the song. This, to me, isn't a normal ICP song since most of the lyrics are minimal when it comes to cursing, also virtually free of violence and hardcore sex themes. It's one of the few songs of theirs that could actually be played on the radio. So if you are around me when I'm listening to stuff on Pandora or YouTube and this song shows up on the play list, be assured that I am not a juggalo and that I just enjoy this song.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Song #11- A Song From Your Favorite Band
Poison "Every Rose Has Its Thorns"
I need to clarify... Poison is my favorite hair band, not my favorite band (they don't have anything new out, with the exception of Bret Michael's solo career). They are my favorite hair band for two reasons. One, because I watched Rock of Love, which if I am going to watch any of those reality dating shows, it's going to be one with rocker chicks fighting over a celebrity (the drama is expected). Two, a couple summers ago, my sister and I caught a local cover band called Poison Overdose. They were excellent! I proudly own The Best of Poison: 20 Years of Rock CD and listen to it every so often. I also wish to see Poison in concert someday (not just Bret... all of them).
I picked "Every Rose Has It's Thorns" because I felt like this was one of Bret's best written songs to date. Many people grasped that emotional connection of the song. This was also the first song that Bret performed this year after all his health issues. When Casey James started performing this on the American Idol season finale, I was freaking out because I realized that Bret was about to join him onstage... and he did! It was very exciting to see Bret, not to mention a complete shock to everyone (including his doctors). I hope for an exciting future for Bret and the boys... and maybe even a new album someday!
I need to clarify... Poison is my favorite hair band, not my favorite band (they don't have anything new out, with the exception of Bret Michael's solo career). They are my favorite hair band for two reasons. One, because I watched Rock of Love, which if I am going to watch any of those reality dating shows, it's going to be one with rocker chicks fighting over a celebrity (the drama is expected). Two, a couple summers ago, my sister and I caught a local cover band called Poison Overdose. They were excellent! I proudly own The Best of Poison: 20 Years of Rock CD and listen to it every so often. I also wish to see Poison in concert someday (not just Bret... all of them).
I picked "Every Rose Has It's Thorns" because I felt like this was one of Bret's best written songs to date. Many people grasped that emotional connection of the song. This was also the first song that Bret performed this year after all his health issues. When Casey James started performing this on the American Idol season finale, I was freaking out because I realized that Bret was about to join him onstage... and he did! It was very exciting to see Bret, not to mention a complete shock to everyone (including his doctors). I hope for an exciting future for Bret and the boys... and maybe even a new album someday!
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Song #10- A Song That Makes You Fall Asleep
Of all the topics in this music video challenge, this was the hardest one to come up with. I skipped this one several times and came back to it when I completed all the other blogs. I really don't have any specific songs that put me to sleep, but I do have a good idea at what kind of music would put me there, if I was very relaxed.
Enya "Only Time"
I think Enya's music is very beautiful, but it's not something I play regularly. Like, if I were to have a day at the spa (which I've never done), I could imagine listening to a compilation of her songs. Or, say, if I decided to go tanning in the high pressure bed, which definitely relaxed me (some of you may recall from my Tanning is Awkward blog what happened to me in said bed.... zzzzzzzzz). The peacefulness of Enya's music just gets you in that sleepy mood.
I need to admit that I cheated a little bit on this blog... I Googled songs that make you sleepy. Enya was one of the most popular artists. It makes sense though. I do feel like I need to make it up to you guys. So, for your viewing (and listening) pleasure, I would like to share a song that a young Colorado boy is compelled to finish whenever he hears it:
You know you love me for sharing that with you!!!!
Enya "Only Time"
I think Enya's music is very beautiful, but it's not something I play regularly. Like, if I were to have a day at the spa (which I've never done), I could imagine listening to a compilation of her songs. Or, say, if I decided to go tanning in the high pressure bed, which definitely relaxed me (some of you may recall from my Tanning is Awkward blog what happened to me in said bed.... zzzzzzzzz). The peacefulness of Enya's music just gets you in that sleepy mood.
I need to admit that I cheated a little bit on this blog... I Googled songs that make you sleepy. Enya was one of the most popular artists. It makes sense though. I do feel like I need to make it up to you guys. So, for your viewing (and listening) pleasure, I would like to share a song that a young Colorado boy is compelled to finish whenever he hears it:
You know you love me for sharing that with you!!!!
Friday, December 10, 2010
Song #9- A Song You Can Dance To
Soulja Boy Tell'em "Crank That (Soulja Boy)"
I first heard this song three years ago, at Blake and Keri's wedding reception. We were all having a good time, dancing and enjoying wedding cake, when a few members of the wedding party wanted to play this song. Thinking it was related to the Groom's service in the military, I thought we were going to have a touching song. Yep... totally wrong. I instantly loved how catchy the beat was and couldn't take my eyes off the wedding party as they mastered the moves seen in this video. I had to learn to do those moves, and so I did.
Now, I may not have the moves entirely perfected, but close enough. I also enjoy the fact that when I do the dance, I start breaking a sweat. Instant workout song!!! LOL
I first heard this song three years ago, at Blake and Keri's wedding reception. We were all having a good time, dancing and enjoying wedding cake, when a few members of the wedding party wanted to play this song. Thinking it was related to the Groom's service in the military, I thought we were going to have a touching song. Yep... totally wrong. I instantly loved how catchy the beat was and couldn't take my eyes off the wedding party as they mastered the moves seen in this video. I had to learn to do those moves, and so I did.
Now, I may not have the moves entirely perfected, but close enough. I also enjoy the fact that when I do the dance, I start breaking a sweat. Instant workout song!!! LOL
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Song #8- A Song That You Know All The Words To
Journey "Don't Stop Believing"
I know I'm not alone in knowing all the words to this (this has been proven many times on Facebook). It's normally on the Top 100 downloaded songs on ITunes, which is pretty freaking impressive. I have always liked this song, but it's only been in the past year that it has grown to love. A lot of it has to do with my son Truman. He first heard this song when we watched the Disney movie Bedtime Stories (which is heard at least 3 times in the movie). Then he realized that I had the song on one of my Cd's so he started requesting it. Before I knew it, Truman had learned all the words and was requesting for my Mom and I to play it several times in a row (except Mom's version is from Glee). When my sister got married and we were at the reception afterward, Truman performed this song to everyone at the venue... and stole the night! My cousin Katy recorded it and posted it on Facebook. Here is the link if you would like to view his performance (and try not to smile or laugh when you see him shaking his hips).
http://www.facebook.com/#!/video/video.php?v=10150103348607033
At my work, this song is played pretty frequently (like that would surprise anyone... knowing I work at a grill and bar). I catch myself singing along with my coworkers and our regulars. I kind of get that proud feeling whenever this happens, just seeing a random group of people singing along to a song together is pretty cool. This song will forever remain a classic, for many generations to come :-)
I know I'm not alone in knowing all the words to this (this has been proven many times on Facebook). It's normally on the Top 100 downloaded songs on ITunes, which is pretty freaking impressive. I have always liked this song, but it's only been in the past year that it has grown to love. A lot of it has to do with my son Truman. He first heard this song when we watched the Disney movie Bedtime Stories (which is heard at least 3 times in the movie). Then he realized that I had the song on one of my Cd's so he started requesting it. Before I knew it, Truman had learned all the words and was requesting for my Mom and I to play it several times in a row (except Mom's version is from Glee). When my sister got married and we were at the reception afterward, Truman performed this song to everyone at the venue... and stole the night! My cousin Katy recorded it and posted it on Facebook. Here is the link if you would like to view his performance (and try not to smile or laugh when you see him shaking his hips).
http://www.facebook.com/#!/video/video.php?v=10150103348607033
At my work, this song is played pretty frequently (like that would surprise anyone... knowing I work at a grill and bar). I catch myself singing along with my coworkers and our regulars. I kind of get that proud feeling whenever this happens, just seeing a random group of people singing along to a song together is pretty cool. This song will forever remain a classic, for many generations to come :-)
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Song #7- A Song That Reminds You of a Certain Event
Snow Patrol "Chasing Cars"
This song is absolutely beautiful. Many people first heard this on the radio, but I remember hearing it for the first time watching one of my favorite television shows: Grey's Anatomy. The show has played a lot of great music, boosting the popularity of many bands and artists. When "Chasing Cars" was on the show, it was during the scene where Izzie is lying in bed with Denny, after he died. The emotional impact of this scene was heart wrenching, and for a while, whenever I would hear this song it would put me in a semi-sad mood. Now, whenever I hear it, all I think about is Izzie and Denny and how they were cheated on a long life of happiness.
This song is absolutely beautiful. Many people first heard this on the radio, but I remember hearing it for the first time watching one of my favorite television shows: Grey's Anatomy. The show has played a lot of great music, boosting the popularity of many bands and artists. When "Chasing Cars" was on the show, it was during the scene where Izzie is lying in bed with Denny, after he died. The emotional impact of this scene was heart wrenching, and for a while, whenever I would hear this song it would put me in a semi-sad mood. Now, whenever I hear it, all I think about is Izzie and Denny and how they were cheated on a long life of happiness.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
When Did KIDS Cartoons Turn Purposely Sexy???
I am fully aware that sex sells. Everybody has their own preferences, fetishes, turn ons, whatever. I also grew up in the 80's and 90's where my guy friends would rave over the hotness of cartoon characters like Jessica Rabbit and Ariel from The Little Mermaid. I also have pointed out the attractiveness of some cartoon characters, especially in the world of Japanese anime (this new show I'm watching called Panty and Stocking with Garterbelt... wow, that's all about sex). But besides anime, most cartoons I watched were cutesy and fun... made to entertain the audience.
However... I need to rant.
In the past few years, there have been several 80's cartoons (and products) revamped for the younger generation. And, wow, did the animators/designers decide to make the characters... sexy. For me, this gets me aggravated for a few reasons. One, young kids are not going to be able to identify the sexiness of such characters, so what's the point of the short skirts and curvy bodies? Two, all of the characters I really enjoyed were on the chunkier side, but the revamped versions are skinny beanpoles... what is that teaching our kids? That we all want to be skinny? So wrong. Three, what's wrong with nostalgia that we have to remake everything?
Okay, to make my points a little clearer, here are some Then and Now pics of some of the characters and products that contributed to my ranting today:
Rainbow Brite
Yes, I was Rainbow Brite this past Halloween, and my costume was on the sexy side. I am an adult though, and I can pay homage to the 80's and make it into eye candy for the guys... I have that right. But I also am huge into nostalgia. I liked how Rainbow Brite was all about the big boots (this was around the time where my friends and I loved Moon shoes). Oh, and the big hair smothered in hairspray... another big thing in the 80's. I do admit that the newer version has more color (hello orange!) which makes her representation more like my costume.
Strawberry Shortcake
Strawberry Shortcake was one of the chunkier 80's cartoon characters... and that was cool. There was something about many 80's cartoons that featured chunkier size kids... maybe that's why there's a lot of people proud to show off curve and chunkiness today (because we grew up being okay with that). She fit the part of a character representing the sweet fruit: lots of red, green stockings, brown shoes, and was a redhead!!! The new version is... pink. Me no likey. If I saw her just randomly sitting in some little girls room for the first time, I would have no idea that it was supposed to be Strawberry Shortcake. The only good thing I can say about her remake is that they didn't sexify her.
Barbie Dolls to Bratz Dolls
Yep, this picture totally represents a thousand words.
I was a Barbie girl. Had several dolls, outfits, play sets, and accessories. My sister and I played for hours with our dolls. Actually, there is a tote in my house with all of our Barbie stuff in it, hehe. One day, when I was still in high school, I happened to see an ad for these new dolls called Bratz. I noticed that they had a lot more modern style than Barbies and were quickly flying off the shelves. As the popularity of these dolls increased, the amount of clothes they wore seemed to decrease. Now, when I look at them, I see wannabe prostitutes. If I ever have a daughter, I'm going to go the Barbie route. I just feel that some of the clothes on the Bratz are not appropriate at all (even though I personally would wear some of them... like I mentioned earlier, I am an adult...).
Dora the Explorer
Hola, Dora!!! This show is a very good representation of Mexican culture and kooky, oddball characters. I liked that one of the shows that my son watches occasionally is about a girl that's got a little bit of chunkiness to her. I thought that was awesome. Then, some months ago (or has it been over a year?), Nickelodeon introduced a teenage version of Dora. I admit, she's very pretty, but... skinny. I would have liked to see Dora have a little extra meat on her bones. You would think with the success of shows like Ugly Betty (which the lead character was chunky and was able to have a successful career in the fashion industry), that more people would want to hone in on women with curves. I guess we haven't quite reached that yet. It saddens me.
So there's my rant... nostalgia good.... sexy kid's cartoon characters bad. I know there's more out there (My Little Pony, Lisa Frank collection, The Chipettes from Alvin and the Chipmunks), but I don't have to cover everything do I? Nope!
However... I need to rant.
In the past few years, there have been several 80's cartoons (and products) revamped for the younger generation. And, wow, did the animators/designers decide to make the characters... sexy. For me, this gets me aggravated for a few reasons. One, young kids are not going to be able to identify the sexiness of such characters, so what's the point of the short skirts and curvy bodies? Two, all of the characters I really enjoyed were on the chunkier side, but the revamped versions are skinny beanpoles... what is that teaching our kids? That we all want to be skinny? So wrong. Three, what's wrong with nostalgia that we have to remake everything?
Okay, to make my points a little clearer, here are some Then and Now pics of some of the characters and products that contributed to my ranting today:
Rainbow Brite
Yes, I was Rainbow Brite this past Halloween, and my costume was on the sexy side. I am an adult though, and I can pay homage to the 80's and make it into eye candy for the guys... I have that right. But I also am huge into nostalgia. I liked how Rainbow Brite was all about the big boots (this was around the time where my friends and I loved Moon shoes). Oh, and the big hair smothered in hairspray... another big thing in the 80's. I do admit that the newer version has more color (hello orange!) which makes her representation more like my costume.
Strawberry Shortcake
Strawberry Shortcake was one of the chunkier 80's cartoon characters... and that was cool. There was something about many 80's cartoons that featured chunkier size kids... maybe that's why there's a lot of people proud to show off curve and chunkiness today (because we grew up being okay with that). She fit the part of a character representing the sweet fruit: lots of red, green stockings, brown shoes, and was a redhead!!! The new version is... pink. Me no likey. If I saw her just randomly sitting in some little girls room for the first time, I would have no idea that it was supposed to be Strawberry Shortcake. The only good thing I can say about her remake is that they didn't sexify her.
Barbie Dolls to Bratz Dolls
Yep, this picture totally represents a thousand words.
I was a Barbie girl. Had several dolls, outfits, play sets, and accessories. My sister and I played for hours with our dolls. Actually, there is a tote in my house with all of our Barbie stuff in it, hehe. One day, when I was still in high school, I happened to see an ad for these new dolls called Bratz. I noticed that they had a lot more modern style than Barbies and were quickly flying off the shelves. As the popularity of these dolls increased, the amount of clothes they wore seemed to decrease. Now, when I look at them, I see wannabe prostitutes. If I ever have a daughter, I'm going to go the Barbie route. I just feel that some of the clothes on the Bratz are not appropriate at all (even though I personally would wear some of them... like I mentioned earlier, I am an adult...).
Dora the Explorer
Hola, Dora!!! This show is a very good representation of Mexican culture and kooky, oddball characters. I liked that one of the shows that my son watches occasionally is about a girl that's got a little bit of chunkiness to her. I thought that was awesome. Then, some months ago (or has it been over a year?), Nickelodeon introduced a teenage version of Dora. I admit, she's very pretty, but... skinny. I would have liked to see Dora have a little extra meat on her bones. You would think with the success of shows like Ugly Betty (which the lead character was chunky and was able to have a successful career in the fashion industry), that more people would want to hone in on women with curves. I guess we haven't quite reached that yet. It saddens me.
So there's my rant... nostalgia good.... sexy kid's cartoon characters bad. I know there's more out there (My Little Pony, Lisa Frank collection, The Chipettes from Alvin and the Chipmunks), but I don't have to cover everything do I? Nope!
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