Media Magic and Time Travel

What I love about media is the consuming power it has on its’ viewers. I by no means think that we should be ignorant followers or consumers who succumb blindly to media message. Like everything else, I think media consumers should learn about each vehicle of media in order to better appreciate the experiences more fully. Television and Film have the power to teleport their viewers into different realms of reality. While viewing a single episode of a sitcom or first half of a film, audiences become suspended in time and space. Viewing a film from the 1950’s can show contemporary audiences the socio-political climate of the time, it shows the style, fads, and ideologies present that day all the while still entertaining the masses with particular colloquialisms specific to that generation.

I don’t mean to get all geeky or anything but it truly fascinates me that media has almost a time-machine quality to it. Even in more contemporary terms, I watch episodes of Save by the Bell or American Gladiators (which yes, I grew up on) and feelings of nostalgia overwhelm me. Memories flood my mind as I remember where I was when I was first watching these programs. Certain shows on television helped form my adolescence. I remember I wasn’t allowed to watch 90210 (the original Luke Perry version…) because a) I was too young for the subject matter and b)when I was five I asked my mom what a condom was and she freaked out. I was inquisitive ;) Some things never change I guess. It is interesting watching shows now. I remember 90210 being so risqué and ahead of its time in so many ways. Now, however, I watch marathons of it and while I still enjoy it, I can’t help but find the acting and storylines to be a bit cheesy. Obviously tastes change and you grow out of fade but I am curious. Have you all ever identified with a character on television or film so personality that you continue to think of the show with personal fondness and importance even after the series or film has run its’ course?

Album Review: American [Fever] Dream

Aaron English

American [Fever] Dream

(Eronisongs)

Aaron English’s album American [Fever] Dream hauntingly captures the torment and hope of a true artist. Aaron’s voice and musical arrangements continuously evade the limiting scope of one genre. Although constantly compared to predecessors such as Van Morrison and Peter Gabriel, Aaron’s depth and diversity make him a unique artist in his own right. When you think you have pegged his artistic niche, his next song showcases a drastically different sensibility. While the album has strong morose undertones, songs like Anthem and God Bless You and Your Man shine through as beacons of hope and happiness. The ballad Beautiful starts off the album showcasing the low register of his voice, while Doves counterbalances the previous song by illuminating his lyrical capabilities and vocal range. Aaron’s versatile vocal range keeps his audience entertained and in awe while listening to the vast soundscape he creates with his music. The album's musical style blends folk rock, Americana, rockabilly blues and pop proving to all that Aaron English is far from a one trick pony. Aaron confesses that the inspiration for this album came from heartache and tragedy; however, his perseverance and creativity stand out throughout the album giving the listener entertainment and inspiration.

Twitter: My New High Maintenance Girlfriend!

Twitter is the high maintenance diva/divo of the social networking world. Twitter, as opposed to LinkedIn, MySpace (does anyone still use that?) and Facebook, needs constant attention and there is more pressure to be prolific, immediate and extremely clever on a multi-daily basis. I mean, the thought of it alone makes me want to take a Xanax. Last Friday my “follower” count was up to 116 (thanks to my friend John). I logged in this morning and saw that my follower count now was down to 97. Did these people actively un-follow me? Am I not interesting enough?

Thoughts of rejection plague my mind as I desperately tried to wrap my head around the reason people would delete me electronically from their lives. Granted, these people are total strangers and I wouldn’t be able to pick most of them out of a one man line-up. However, I can not help but take it a bit personally. Does one have to dedicate their entire life to technology in order to garner acclaim and keep their followers? My friend John told his followers to follow me and that is how I grew to have as many as I did on Friday. While I completely appreciate him trying to get my name out there, I couldn’t help but feel the cult-like aspect to twitter. In a matter of about 5 seconds I went from having a meager 5 followers to having 116. These strangers decided to follow me because someone told them to. What if some tweeted them: “Drink the Kool Aid or ‘Put the lotion in the basket’? Would they have followed blindly then?

This universe of technological immediacy and urgency is still a bit new to me. Unless you have the clout of celebrity surrounding you, the average (and in no way am I being self deprecating) person needs to try uber hard to not only get their point across but have it viewed by many people. According to the Boston Herald Kim Kardashian charges up to $25,000 to endorse you via tweet. If you have the money to invest, celebrities will blindly endorse you or your product and their millions of fans will follow you blindly. It seems a bit silly doesn’t it? Perhaps I am writing all of this because I maybe a bit jilted from the fact that I was un-followed. Still the questions remain: Does this mean I have to step up my game and be a)funnier b)wittier c)more profound. Twitter is supposed to help me isn’t it? It isn’t supposed to make me question myself and my self worth. Twitter, you are an evil beast but I have succumb to your power and will continue to try and placate you until you stop making me feel bad. If things don't change...I think we should try and see other people ;)

The Catalano Effect

After a very much needed marathon of My So Called Life (it had been years since I saw the show) I got to thinking about perspective and how they change as one grows up. I remember watching this show in the mid 90’s and falling absolutely in love with Jordan Catalano. Watching the show now, however, as a woman in my late 20’s, I realize that Jordan Catalano was a douche bag. It is so characteristic of youth (a.k.a me once upon a time) to overlook important character flaws of the opposite sex in the name of love. I remember rationalizing the grossest of behavioral traits and always wanting to see the good in my unrequited beloveds. I remember my first Jordan Catalano experience. We went to middle school and high school together. The first time I saw him (in 6^th grade homeroom) my knees went weak. He was the most beautiful person I had ever seen. I quickly fell in love with the idea of him. That is what Jordan Catalano is…an idea. The reality is much less interesting. It is only through life experience, trial and error and wisdom that people eventually realize this. As I finished the first and only season of My So Called Life I found myself being disgusted by Catalano and wanting Angela to fall in love with the dorky much more stable boy next door (Brian).

I remember the feeling when my Jordan Catalano finally asked me out (years later and when I was approx 40 pounds lighter…hmm I wonder if that was a coincidence). I would practically run to his house in excitement to see him and every moment we spent together was not long enough. Three months into my love haze, he sat me down at some bullshit diner and broke up with me while he ate a Caesar salad. He said I was taking away from his time with..wait for it…the Lord. Yup folks, I was dumped for Jesus Christ. I mean that’s cool and all but years later I found out that he slept with some girl the night he broke up with me...hmmm what happened to Jesus…

My point is I was in love with an idea. While devastating, I still had to cope with issues of rejection and inadequacy while he stood on a falsely pious platform. I think it’s important to not fall in love with a myth but instead fall in love with the man (or woman…whatever your preference ;)

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!

Although Rebecca Black has the vocal range of Randy Newman and she is famous for being a punchline, I thought I would share her ridiculous video with you all. I hope the captivatingly deep lyrics move you as much as they moved me. The first time I saw this video I could not believe this girl was such a huge internet phenomenon. On second thought, however, I loved MMMBop by Hanson and that wasn't poetry either.
take a listen! and Happy Friday Everyone!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CD2LRROpph0

Here We GO!!!

I saw this video the other day and wanted to share it with my online community. I don’t know if you all grew up on video games or not, but being the only girl in my family I either had to played video games or was excluded. Since I desperately wanted to be one of the boys I quickly had to started enjoying the traditionally masculine past-time. Growing up on Nintendo and Super Nintendo, I definitely had a couple favorites. Duck Hunt and MarioKart to name a few. I think one of the reasons I liked these game (and later the Bond 007 game) was because a bunch of us would all get together and play. It was an extremely social setting instead of an isolated World of Warcraft kind of deal. While some would argue video games rot your brain and are a tremendous waste of time, I would argue that there is a tremendously powerful social component to it that can be very enjoyable and create a strong bonding experience between family and friends. I hope this video provides you with nostalgia as you remember not only playing MarioKart but how we all had to fix the games when they got too old...anyone remember the cure all for all old school video games??? I'll give you a clue! you had to use your mouth haha...

Youtube clip

Note Worthy New Artist

Gaby Moreno

Illustrated Songs

(Gaby Moreno and Ryan Freeland)

Gaby Moreno’s music crosses borders – between cultures, languages and musical genres. Moving with equal grace through the blues, pop and Latino styles, her music reflects contemporary America’s multicultural richness while resurrecting traditionally historic vaudevillian sensibilities. Combining a vision that embraces all of these musical styles with her distinctive soulful voice, this enchanting Guatemalan singer-songwriter has gained notoriety and popular acclaim. The inventive orchestrations of Gaby Moreno’s sophomore efforts Illustrated Songs highlights the maturity and innovation of a truly unique artist. The album showcases remarkable growth for the young artist. Moreno’s bilingual lyrics along with her passion for the blues ignite a spell which intoxicates the listener. Reflecting the diverse and quirky spirit of the vaudeville age, this album transports us to a time of whimsical delight. The album opens with Intento, which is set to a Latin pop rhythm. Moreno’s wistful vocals take us back to a simpler time. Sing Me Life showcases her ability to re-purpose other funk and soulful styles to suit her distinctive sensibility. The track No Regrets serves as a platform for Moreno’s roguish vocals all the while the song displays electric honesty that provides this album with strong nostalgic richness.

For a little taste of her talent:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6pQkmkeVCY

Chris Brown's Angry...Everybody Run

A very displeased Chris Brown took to tweeting after his interview this morning on Good Morning America. Mr. Brown (Not Bobby but just as crazy) was very upset that his past kept being brought up in this interview which he thought would center on his new career and his new album. “After the interview, Brown allegedly took his rage out in his dressing room, where he yelled loud enough to warrant a visit from security and broke a window. Shattered glass fell onto 43rd St. and Broadway.” http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2011/03/22/2011-03-22_chris_brown_rages_breaks_window_at_good_morning_america_after_being_asked_rihann.html

In his tweet, he mentioned that he wishes everyone would just let what happened go and move on. Um, I’m sorry Chris Brown but you hit your girlfriend and in everyone’s mind (that's not flipping crazy) that is still not ok. It doesn’t matter that it happened 2 years ago. Baby Jessica fell in the well in 1987 and you know that girl is still remembered by all for being the baby that fell in the well. You are in the public eye. No matter when you choose to resurface or no matter what your new hair color is(the blond isn't working) things will never be the same. Yes to err is human, but getting pissy on air and showing your temper and breaking things in your dressing room. You are so right, you have changed…. I know you are young but take some xanax and relax. Maybe it would do wonders for your career. Until then if I meet you or see you in the street I am making a bee-line for the opposite direction. In fact, if I had to choice between running into you and Charlie Sheen, I would definitely pick Charlie Sheen. A)his crazy is funny. B) Him loving porn stars and copious amounts of drugs doesn’t affect me or hurt me, that’s his choice. Ps Chris, the whole body covered in tattoos isn’t menacing at all don’t worry!

Awkward Situation

I don't know if you are like me. Sometimes when watching certain people on television I experience secondary shame. Television personalities (I could list probably a hundred...I watch a lot of television) never cease to do stupid things in order to garner more attention. While most people learn during adolescence that bad behavior shouldn't be rewarded, these glorious jewels of humans perform the most deplorable of acts in order to gain fame (Hi cast of Jersey Shore). Every time one of the Jersey Shore cast members speak I am either dumbstruck that they are real people and they really are that vapidly obtuse or I experience such disgust and secondary shame. You know that kind of embarrassment when you don't really know the person but because you see him or her every week you feel as though a)you kind of know them and therefore b) when they disappoint or do something stupid you can't help but turn your head away and cringe. I experienced this moment last week. I don't really know why Michael "The Situation" Sorrentino was asked to be a part of the Comedy Central Roast of Donald Trump but alas he was. While Sorrentino is no stranger to laughs (people laughing at him), the laughs seemed to cease this time when he opened his mouth and took the stage of the roast on March 15th. Now, I find it painful to watch stand-up comedians tank on open mic night. That shame was increased dramatically as I watch this amateur and watched the clip below. While others admittedly has no connection to Donald Trump (Snoop Dogg), at least they were entertaining. Michael Sorrentino was just a sad situation ;(


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0W3fYO3wYY

Real Housewife High

The popular Real Housewives franchise has done wonders for Bravo's programming. In fact, I would go far enough as to say that the shows have put Bravo on the map and helped them remain a top contender in the television rating world. Because these shows have become such a phenomenon, I think it would be remiss of me not to dissect the reason why. After watching a marathon of the Atlanta and OC seasons(I must confess I loved every minute of it), I would say that the popularity of these shows can be attributed to the fans wanting to connect back to their high school days. Reality programming these days feeds on high school sensibilities we miss and long for in adulthood. I think this can be explained by the fact we long for a time when things were simpler. When the biggest worry one had on their mind was whether someone liked you or not. What is great about reality television is that a) you can escape and live through frivolity instead of dealing with real life and more serious events b)reality television speaks very personality to most people in the sense that "ordinary" individuals just like you or me can find fame and be "discovered" (if only for fifteen minutes). We can live through the excitement of those on game shows or reality dramas such as Real Housewives because shows of the such give us hope that one day something exciting could happen to us that will take us out of the ordinary and into the televised extraordinary. For those who are fans of the show, I would be curious for others to share their opinions. For those who hate the shows (which I can totally see why and only admit to others that they are a guilty pleasure) please share why you hate them. Hope you enjoyed this little food for thought :) There will be a lot more where this came from!