Okay, I'm procrastinating. I admit it!
So, I was just looking at the TV Guide website to see what's on tonight. There is a 4-hour marathon of "Gene Simmons: Family Vales" episodes starting in an hour. I'm so happy. I'm totally addicted to this show, even though I've never listened to a KISS song in my life. It's just amazing how "normal" they are compared to the Osbournes.
So, I guess if I'm good, I would spend the next hour working on my assignment, and then reward myself with some TV. But see, that would necessitate that I actually can exercise some self-control and concentrate. Yeah, that's not going to happen. I'll try, but I'm not promising much. Knowing me, and I do, I'll spend most of the next hour looking for music. But maybe, just maybe, I'll eek out another page.
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Writing and Intimidation
Trying to write an assignment for a writing class. I'm struggling. I'm supposed to be writing from the antagonist's POV and I can't get in her head. I know my protagonist. I can get in her head. I can write her voice. But this antagonist...ugh! Now I know why this is supposedly the most difficult assignment of the semester. I'm also struggling with whether to write this piece in first or third person POV. When I write from the protagonist's POV, I work from first person. But with the antagonist I definitely don't feel comfortable in the first with her (I don't like her head), but the third feels a bit too distant. Still third POV is probably the best of the two. Maybe I should just take the middle ground and do second POV. Yeah, that would work!
And it doesn't help that I can't find the right mood music. Nothing is working. I've even wasted time looking on iTunes and Myspace for something new to buy; and NOTHING. Not feeling any of it.
On the upside, I might actually have this assignment done tonight. Yep, maybe I won't be freaking out tomorrow morning before class trying to get it all done. I'd love to be done tonight. Already a page in. I only need a minimum of 3, even though I'd like to do more. And I swear, I am not changing stories and characters again at 11PM like last week. That was just too stressful.
Although, I have to say, that piece turned out to be better than I thought it was. Just proves again that I do my best work when I procrastinate. Not that I should be reveling in that fact. But the piece did get me one of the best compliments I've ever received about my writing: my writing "intimidates" people. YEAH! You'd have to know me to know how perfect a compliment that is. I'm competitive as hell. Telling me I write well or I'm good, doesn't really get me. That kind of comment--my writing intimidates another writer (and she's someone who I think is one of the better writers in the class)--is perfect. So, I'm definitely riding that high.
Okay, with that praise in mind, I should get back to my assignment or at least to my music search.
And it doesn't help that I can't find the right mood music. Nothing is working. I've even wasted time looking on iTunes and Myspace for something new to buy; and NOTHING. Not feeling any of it.
On the upside, I might actually have this assignment done tonight. Yep, maybe I won't be freaking out tomorrow morning before class trying to get it all done. I'd love to be done tonight. Already a page in. I only need a minimum of 3, even though I'd like to do more. And I swear, I am not changing stories and characters again at 11PM like last week. That was just too stressful.
Although, I have to say, that piece turned out to be better than I thought it was. Just proves again that I do my best work when I procrastinate. Not that I should be reveling in that fact. But the piece did get me one of the best compliments I've ever received about my writing: my writing "intimidates" people. YEAH! You'd have to know me to know how perfect a compliment that is. I'm competitive as hell. Telling me I write well or I'm good, doesn't really get me. That kind of comment--my writing intimidates another writer (and she's someone who I think is one of the better writers in the class)--is perfect. So, I'm definitely riding that high.
Okay, with that praise in mind, I should get back to my assignment or at least to my music search.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
New Addiction: General Hospital & Night Shift
Sad, sad, sad...but I'm now addicted to "General Hospital." I thought my days of being sucked into such melodrama ended with my naive youth...but apparently I'm still a sucker.
Used to watch "Days of Our Lives" back in the day. Have tried watching in recent years now and again, but can't make it through more than 5 minutes before the cringe urge kicks in.
So, have discovered "General Hospital." Actually, I think I used to watch it with my grandmother back in the early 80s. In all honesty, I've been sucked in by the characters of Patrick & Robin. Okay, mainly Patrick...he's hot! Which has lead to my second new addiction, the new GH spinoff "Night Shift" on cable. It centers around their characters. It's not exactly artistic genius, but with summer reruns, it's keeping me entertained...at least the first episode. We'll see how the rest of the run goes.
Really, I am highly educated & cultured...but I've succumb to such drivel.
Used to watch "Days of Our Lives" back in the day. Have tried watching in recent years now and again, but can't make it through more than 5 minutes before the cringe urge kicks in.
So, have discovered "General Hospital." Actually, I think I used to watch it with my grandmother back in the early 80s. In all honesty, I've been sucked in by the characters of Patrick & Robin. Okay, mainly Patrick...he's hot! Which has lead to my second new addiction, the new GH spinoff "Night Shift" on cable. It centers around their characters. It's not exactly artistic genius, but with summer reruns, it's keeping me entertained...at least the first episode. We'll see how the rest of the run goes.
Really, I am highly educated & cultured...but I've succumb to such drivel.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Movie: "Broken English"
Saw "Broken English" this weekend. All I can say...simple and lovely. Avoids the American woman meets foreign (French) man, falls in love, and follows him abroad cliche. Parker Posey is gut-wrenchingly perfect; and Melvil Poupaud who plays Julien is lovely in the role (and to look at). If you like stripped-down, real films about human relationships then see this film.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
What's Wrong With Society: My Super Sweet 16
So, just discovered MTV's "My Super Sweet 16." Yes, I realize I'm a little late to the party. I can't say I've been sucked in because I like it. Rather, I've been sucked in because it's like watching a car accident. It's so horrible that you just can't look away.
Who are these kids? And what makes them think that they deserve whatever they want? What has happened to society that these bratty, ungrateful, superficial, obnoxious, conceited teenagers are given airtime to revel in this absurdity?!?!? Oh, I forgot, this is the same society that gives Paris Hilton airtime.
And what about the parents...do they really take these kids seriously!?!? Do they know how to say "NO"? Do they know how to set limits?
If anything positive comes out of the airing of this show, I hope it's that the brats and their parents being featured watch it and, hopefully, realize how ridiculous they were. Maybe to redeem themselves they'll make a donation to a charity comparable to what they spent on their sweet 16!
Who are these kids? And what makes them think that they deserve whatever they want? What has happened to society that these bratty, ungrateful, superficial, obnoxious, conceited teenagers are given airtime to revel in this absurdity?!?!? Oh, I forgot, this is the same society that gives Paris Hilton airtime.
And what about the parents...do they really take these kids seriously!?!? Do they know how to say "NO"? Do they know how to set limits?
If anything positive comes out of the airing of this show, I hope it's that the brats and their parents being featured watch it and, hopefully, realize how ridiculous they were. Maybe to redeem themselves they'll make a donation to a charity comparable to what they spent on their sweet 16!
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Movie: "Once"
This has to be one of the best movies I've seen. Had already seen Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova live as the opening act for Damien Rice last December at the Orpheum and went out and bought their album "The Swell Season" right after. The film is simple and beautiful and proves that it doesn't take a multi-million dollar budget to make a really good film and tell a lovely story. Definitely see this film and check out the soundtrack or "The Swell Season."
Thursday, May 17, 2007
50 Questions
1. What are you listening to right now?
Joni Mitchell--"California"
2. What song makes you sad?
Dan Fogelberg--"Leader of the Band" & Don Henley--"End of the Innocence"
3. What is the most annoying song in the world?
"December 1963 (Oh, What a Night)"--hate that song. Totally associate it with Freshman year roommate in college. Didn't like her much either.
4. Your all time favorite band?
Depeche Mode
5. Your newly discovered band is?
Silversun Pickups...okay so maybe that was a while ago now. Bassboosa is another one, but again that's a few months back. Venus Hum and Sea Wolf are fairly recent discoveries.
6. Best female voice?
Amy Lee, Sarah McLachlan, Joni Mitchell, Nina Simone
7. Best male voice?
Josh Groban
8. Music type you find yourself listening to most?
Electronica, alternative, folk
9. What do you listen to hype you up?
Imogen Heap, Bloc Party, Muse
10. What do you listen to when you want to calm down?
Mandalay, Trespasser's William, Lamb, Portishead
11. Last gig/concert you went to?
Coachella
12. Band you find yourself listening to the most right now?
Bands: Silversun Pickups, Placebo...Solo Artist: Feist
13. Most hated band?
Any boy band that was a rip off of New Kids on the Block (i.e., NSync, Back Street Boys, etc.).
14. Song that makes you think?
Peter Gabriel--"Mercy Street", Angelique Kidjo/Sade--"Pearls"
15. Band that you think the world should love as much as you do?
Band: Shearwater...Solo Artists: Josh Groban, Imogen Heap
16. Coolest music video?
Oddly, Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal"--back when he was still "somewhat" normal.
17. What do you play/would you play in the bedroom to spice things up?
Mandalay, Portishead
18. What song makes you yearning/longing/something of that sort?
Hoover--"2 Wicky"...Mandalay--"It's Enough Now"...Portishead--"Sour Times"
19. Ever been in a mosh pit?
Nope
20. Are you in a band?
Nope. But was in choir up until college.
21. Ever dated a musician?
Unfortunately, no.
22. Do you wish yourself that you were a musician?
Yes.
23. Best chick band you know of?
Saw The Like perform at last year's Coachella. They were pretty good. Other than them, I can't think of a chick band.
24. Last song that you heard on the radio/cd...etc...?
On the radio...Linkin Park--"What I've Done"...on my iPod...Nina Simone--"I Want a Little Sugar in My Bowl"
25. What do you think of classical music?
Every once in a while I get in a mood and I'll listen to classical. I favor piano pieces. I do love classical concerts thought. Classical music done live, in the right setting, can be amazing.
26. What do you think of country music?
God, worst car trip ever, involved a driver who loved country music, and nothing else. Can't say I like it.
27. What do you think of Death metal?
Yeah, wouldn't be caught dead listening to it.
28. Last BIG band that you saw live?
Red Hot Chili Peppers, Bjork, and Rage Against the Machine. I guess those are pretty big.
29. Do you listen to music in foreign languages?
Yes. French, Italian, Spanish, Greek, Russian.
30. What famous musician would you invite to dinner?
Imogen Heap...she's just so freakin' cool!
31. Worst concert moment?
When I was 15 I went with a friend to see New Kids on the Block (way back in the day). I think it was in Albuquerque. My friend twisted her ankle during the show...she was balancing on the chair to get a better view and fell. I had to go get security and first aid and missed the last four songs of the concert.
32. Funny concert moment?
Okay, same concert...as security was trying to get first aid they took me back stage. At one point they left me alone, totally unsupervised, right as the band was getting off stage. I totally could have gone towards the dressing rooms, but I was too chicken!
33. Sad concert moment?
None that I can think of.
34. Best local act you can think of?
Silversun Pickups
35. If you were a musical instrument what would you be?
Piano. My favorite instrument.
36. Do you listen to the radio?
Not that much anymore. Radio sucks for the most part and I supposedly live in a top 5 radio market (LA); hate to think what it would be like if I lived in the middle of nowhere. When I do, it's KROQ, Indie, or KCRW.
37. Do you watch music TV?
Is there really such a thing anymore?!?!?!
38. Do you follow the music charts, like the top 40?
Not anymore. Did when I was younger and when the artists I listened to were actually on them; but the stuff I listen to now isn't on them and the stuff that is doesn't interest me.
39. Have you met any famous musicians?
No.
40. Are any of your friends/family/etc. musicians?
My brother played in a band when he was younger. Still plays guitar.
41. Song that best describes your feelings right now?
Kate Bush--"Running Up That Hill"
42. Song that describes your life?
Sarah McLachlan--"Fumbling Towards Ecstasy"
43. Do you know the names of all the band members that you listen to?
Mmmm...nope.
44. Does a musician’s physical attractiveness play a role in the music?
No...but if they happen to be hot, it doesn't hurt.
45. What famous musician do you want to marry?
Okay, have a little crush on Josh Groban right now. But have to admit, Peter Gabriel has been a long time crush, even if he is a little old for me.
46. Favourite movie soundtrack?
"Stealing Beauty"
47. What do your parents listen to?
Mother raised me on America, Eagles, Joni Mitchell, Ambrosia, Dan Fogelberg, and the Carpenters. The Carpenters are the only one I'm truly bitter about! Father is musically clueless. Recently discovered he doesn't know who Keith Richards is...sad sad sad. I'm thinking of disowning him.
48. What are you listening to right NOW?
Arcade Fire--"Keep the Car Running"
49. Do you wear band etc T-shirts?
Only have a few. Tend to wear them to sleep in or workout in.
50. What do you think of people who do?
More power to them.
Joni Mitchell--"California"
2. What song makes you sad?
Dan Fogelberg--"Leader of the Band" & Don Henley--"End of the Innocence"
3. What is the most annoying song in the world?
"December 1963 (Oh, What a Night)"--hate that song. Totally associate it with Freshman year roommate in college. Didn't like her much either.
4. Your all time favorite band?
Depeche Mode
5. Your newly discovered band is?
Silversun Pickups...okay so maybe that was a while ago now. Bassboosa is another one, but again that's a few months back. Venus Hum and Sea Wolf are fairly recent discoveries.
6. Best female voice?
Amy Lee, Sarah McLachlan, Joni Mitchell, Nina Simone
7. Best male voice?
Josh Groban
8. Music type you find yourself listening to most?
Electronica, alternative, folk
9. What do you listen to hype you up?
Imogen Heap, Bloc Party, Muse
10. What do you listen to when you want to calm down?
Mandalay, Trespasser's William, Lamb, Portishead
11. Last gig/concert you went to?
Coachella
12. Band you find yourself listening to the most right now?
Bands: Silversun Pickups, Placebo...Solo Artist: Feist
13. Most hated band?
Any boy band that was a rip off of New Kids on the Block (i.e., NSync, Back Street Boys, etc.).
14. Song that makes you think?
Peter Gabriel--"Mercy Street", Angelique Kidjo/Sade--"Pearls"
15. Band that you think the world should love as much as you do?
Band: Shearwater...Solo Artists: Josh Groban, Imogen Heap
16. Coolest music video?
Oddly, Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal"--back when he was still "somewhat" normal.
17. What do you play/would you play in the bedroom to spice things up?
Mandalay, Portishead
18. What song makes you yearning/longing/something of that sort?
Hoover--"2 Wicky"...Mandalay--"It's Enough Now"...Portishead--"Sour Times"
19. Ever been in a mosh pit?
Nope
20. Are you in a band?
Nope. But was in choir up until college.
21. Ever dated a musician?
Unfortunately, no.
22. Do you wish yourself that you were a musician?
Yes.
23. Best chick band you know of?
Saw The Like perform at last year's Coachella. They were pretty good. Other than them, I can't think of a chick band.
24. Last song that you heard on the radio/cd...etc...?
On the radio...Linkin Park--"What I've Done"...on my iPod...Nina Simone--"I Want a Little Sugar in My Bowl"
25. What do you think of classical music?
Every once in a while I get in a mood and I'll listen to classical. I favor piano pieces. I do love classical concerts thought. Classical music done live, in the right setting, can be amazing.
26. What do you think of country music?
God, worst car trip ever, involved a driver who loved country music, and nothing else. Can't say I like it.
27. What do you think of Death metal?
Yeah, wouldn't be caught dead listening to it.
28. Last BIG band that you saw live?
Red Hot Chili Peppers, Bjork, and Rage Against the Machine. I guess those are pretty big.
29. Do you listen to music in foreign languages?
Yes. French, Italian, Spanish, Greek, Russian.
30. What famous musician would you invite to dinner?
Imogen Heap...she's just so freakin' cool!
31. Worst concert moment?
When I was 15 I went with a friend to see New Kids on the Block (way back in the day). I think it was in Albuquerque. My friend twisted her ankle during the show...she was balancing on the chair to get a better view and fell. I had to go get security and first aid and missed the last four songs of the concert.
32. Funny concert moment?
Okay, same concert...as security was trying to get first aid they took me back stage. At one point they left me alone, totally unsupervised, right as the band was getting off stage. I totally could have gone towards the dressing rooms, but I was too chicken!
33. Sad concert moment?
None that I can think of.
34. Best local act you can think of?
Silversun Pickups
35. If you were a musical instrument what would you be?
Piano. My favorite instrument.
36. Do you listen to the radio?
Not that much anymore. Radio sucks for the most part and I supposedly live in a top 5 radio market (LA); hate to think what it would be like if I lived in the middle of nowhere. When I do, it's KROQ, Indie, or KCRW.
37. Do you watch music TV?
Is there really such a thing anymore?!?!?!
38. Do you follow the music charts, like the top 40?
Not anymore. Did when I was younger and when the artists I listened to were actually on them; but the stuff I listen to now isn't on them and the stuff that is doesn't interest me.
39. Have you met any famous musicians?
No.
40. Are any of your friends/family/etc. musicians?
My brother played in a band when he was younger. Still plays guitar.
41. Song that best describes your feelings right now?
Kate Bush--"Running Up That Hill"
42. Song that describes your life?
Sarah McLachlan--"Fumbling Towards Ecstasy"
43. Do you know the names of all the band members that you listen to?
Mmmm...nope.
44. Does a musician’s physical attractiveness play a role in the music?
No...but if they happen to be hot, it doesn't hurt.
45. What famous musician do you want to marry?
Okay, have a little crush on Josh Groban right now. But have to admit, Peter Gabriel has been a long time crush, even if he is a little old for me.
46. Favourite movie soundtrack?
"Stealing Beauty"
47. What do your parents listen to?
Mother raised me on America, Eagles, Joni Mitchell, Ambrosia, Dan Fogelberg, and the Carpenters. The Carpenters are the only one I'm truly bitter about! Father is musically clueless. Recently discovered he doesn't know who Keith Richards is...sad sad sad. I'm thinking of disowning him.
48. What are you listening to right NOW?
Arcade Fire--"Keep the Car Running"
49. Do you wear band etc T-shirts?
Only have a few. Tend to wear them to sleep in or workout in.
50. What do you think of people who do?
More power to them.
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