Dry

Alright, I'll admit it: I'm on a memoir kick.

Besides A Thousand Splendid Suns, my incredible read of the summer, I found another one simultaneously that I am absolutely in love with. The book: Dry by Augusten Burroughs.



Dry, the follow-up memoir to the widely popular Running with Scissors, introduces a new, bizarre chapter into Burroughs life, a chapter that is all about alcoholism. Personally, I was engrossed in the book, waking up in the morning to immediately continue reading where I left off. Addiction to that degree is not something that is utterly familiar to me, so I was astounded to read about the serious implications of addiction.

I wouldn't consider myself a heavy drinker, even at 21, but the memoir really made me think whenever I would even take a glass of wine. I now look at drinking in the perspective of someone who is dependent on the drink, who craves the drink, and who shakes and convulses when they experience withdrawal from the drink. I can't imagine getting to that point where you need something so bad to just function normally.

For those who have not read either memoir, I suggest you do so. Running with Scissors was really bizarre--I won't lie to you--but I liked that break from fiction to something absolutely uncanny. It was so strange that it made my life feel normal, perhaps a comfort to some people who feel that they are the weirdest person with the weirdest problems who come from the weirdest family. Trust me: Burroughs might have you beat.

His writing is so captivating. He actually encourages me to write about myself. It just seems so easy to him, so natural, like he was meant to write and meant to live a bizarre life to translate to others who need clarity or an escape. He seems like such an average guy in his picture, but I would give anything just to sit down with him and talk for hours. He seems intelligent in a different way than others, a different way that makes me curious.

Well, now I'm hooked on Burroughs and hooked on memoirs. I just picked up a few more memoirs at Barnes and Noble that I'm about to dive into; I'll actually blog about shortly after this post.

For those who have read either book, what were your reactions? What did you think? Do you like it/them or is it too strange for you? Or, any comments on addiction or alcoholism?

This Week in Pictures

Awesome discovery yesterday: Kelly introduced me to Yahoo! News' 'This Week in Pictures,' which captures the 12 best pictures taken from the week. These pictures are awesome and quick to look through, capturing artistic talent as well as our world around us.

I'm going to invite you to look at some awesome, incredible, artistic photos at Yahoo! News' archive.

For any teachers out there... some of these pictures might be useful in the classroom somehow. Just keep it on file...

Let me know which ones you like or which ones stick with you. If you have any other websites that have cool art or pictures on them too, please let me know.

Do you have a spare dollar?

If you were walking down the street by yourself in the city, and someone approached you asking for money, would you give it to them?

What if you were in your car and they asked the same question? Would you?

Or does it all depend on our impression of that person or the back-up story they provide as to why they don't have the change or the $2 themselves?

Walking around in a city, solo, during my job, I am often confronted by people asking me for money. I don't know why I'm so approachable, but I've been asked by people who all appear different--who knows who is homeless or not, who is addicted to drugs or someone who really just needs the money for a bus ticket.

Yesterday, someone tapped on my window after going from car to car, asking for change. That really becomes depressing for me. I didn't even roll down my window, thinking about what my mom would say to me if I did roll the window down to talk to a stranger in need of money. I find it sad, but what should we do?

I have given money before, though. Once, a man (who did not seem homeless, kind of had his act together enough to concoct a story for me) approached me, asking for a couple dollars to get him home on the bus. He told me what stops he needed to go to, almost coming to tears telling me how badly he just wanted to go home. I guess I have him $2 out of pity, or maybe just to leave me alone, but it really was only a couple bucks. Others, I have denied, mostly the homeless which doesn't make me feel all that great, for I feel kind of stuck up for ignoring their pleas. But isn't it their fault that they got there, or no?

I guess I'm just wondering what you would do, and I'm wondering if it's okay that we judge someone based on appearance as to whether or not they are worthy of our change. Are people really scamming us, or should we rely on good faith that they really and truly need the money for something besides a quick drug fix? How can you know?

What would you do, or what have you done in the past?

Dave Matthews Band

A brief post on the Dave Matthews Band concert last night.

This show is an experience, a cultural phenomenon of our generation. Crowds of all ages flock to hang out all day in the parking lot to tailgate, grilling food, downing beers, and smoking. This is a highlight in youth culture, and luckily for them, Dave tours every summer, making this an annual experience nationwide.

I was surprised at how lenient the cops are with the partying behavior in the parking lots. SPAC has two large parking lots, both of which were packed to the brim, to the point where it was uncomfortable for cars to move around or get to the exit. Imagine if you were that influential on a crowd that you could bring that many people together to have a good time and relax in the summer? I wish I had the power to do that.

Maybe that's why he tours so much. Or maybe it's because of the ridiculous sum of money that he pools in every year. Maybe it's because the crowd is desperate to hear him play time and time again. I was so surprised at how the crowd became a part of the music experience, singing along with him, clapping with the music, and generally participating as much as possible, as encouraged by Dave himself. I've never seen a show where the audience contributed so much to the live performance, and it didn't even seem forced. It seemed natural. Now that's power too.

One reason I didn't get into Dave Matthews Band before was because of the huge cult-like drawing he pulls in. Teenagers become obsessed with them, almost to a level of Beatle-mania in the 60s. It seems like people worship him, almost like the band is its own religion. People get really serious about it. But, Dave is surely the "it" band of the 90s and 00s--maybe he even will be in the 10s. (Doesn't the "10s" sound or look weird on the screen?)

The band is so great to me because they don't just play singles during their show; they jam and play music together, and they play it very well. They have such a unique sound using unique instruments, like the violin. They are so comfortable and natural playing together--I'm blown away by their ability to transition from jam sessions into songs. I don't know how musicians do it, but Dave Matthews Band has mastered it. Their music is so beautiful; it makes you feel naturally happy. Now that's the kind of music I enjoy.

Highlight of the concert: Phish's Trey Anastasio made a debut, jamming with the band to "Warehouse." Now that's a moment that cannot be duplicated in one's lifetime.

Does anyone have a favorite Dave song or concert experience? Please feel free to share. Any Dave feedback or comment is welcomed and appreciated.

To end, I'll put the setlist for last night's show. Amazing.

Pantala Naga Pampa
Rapunzel
You Might Die Trying
Rhyme and Reason
Hunger for the Great Light
#27
Warehouse
The Idea Of You
Corn Bread
Lie In Our Graves
Some Devil
The Maker
Louisiana Bayou
Shotgun
Crush
Sweet Up and Down
Anyone Seen the Bridge?
Too Much
Stay

Encore:
Gravedigger
American Baby Intro
All Along The Watchtower

Incubus

Incubus, my all-time favorite band as a high school student, played last night at SPAC. Obviously I was in attendance. I saw them once before when I was in high school, a whopping 5 years ago (wow I feel like I'm getting old), but they still performed amazing, if not better than before.

After coming out with Light Grenades this past year, Incubus still moves in new directions with their music, always transforming into new sounds as they mature as artists. One can see that the S.C.I.E.N.C.E. and Fungus Amungus Incubus is not the same as Morning View and Make Yourself Incubus, as is A Crow Left of the Murder and Light Grenades Incubus. I love bands that transform--and still keep their roots, performing all of their different sounds in one concert, not abandoning the sound that initially brought in their fanbase.

Which CD is your favorite? It's a difficult question, especially with what kind of sound suits you at the moment.

Back to the concert: Incubus has so much energy, and they play their songs so well together. I love the sound of the turn tables mixed with their rock/jam sound. Their new bassist is amazing (I could hardly keep my eyes off him as he played), and he offers an incredible ranging voice that blends well with Brandon's (especially his deep voice). I can't believe how strong Brandon's voice still is after all of these years--he still can sing and shout for almost two hours, and his voice never falters in the least. I can hardly sing one song dancing and screaming in my own house without feeling tired afterwards.

Mike Einzinger, the guitarist, is incredible too. I'm impressed at how he's really learned to play guitar on multiple levels. He can play slow songs that move you (like "Mexico" or "I Miss You") to hard jam songs (like "Pardon Me" or "Vitamin") to a song played with a madolin-like instrument which was used for their closer last night, "Aqueuos Transmission." When I saw the concert years back, they ended with the same song, which kind of disappointed me because I wanted something slightly new, but it still was a peaceful and sensual way to end the show. Crickets played throughout the set as fans lingered off, which I found very cool too. If anyone else has gone to a concert, have they played a different ending or is this their favorite way to kick an encore? I think it's a good choice, but I think they need to vary it a bit or it loses its cool.

Bongos. I love a band that plays bongos. Brandon played sick bongos during their jam session in "Sick Sad Little World," as each member got his own opportunity to go nuts. I think they are each so talented and humble, and they are so comfortable on the stage that it really shows in their ability to play their instrument.

One thing that I did notice about clothing that I need to mention: both Incubus and their opening band, The Bravery, seem to go with this new "80s punk" look. The lead singers both wore tight blank pants, and they weren't just tight jeans, they looked like stretch pants. Personally, I don't think that looks hot in the least, but maybe that's the new thing. Brandon also wore this loose 80s black-and-white tank top, which wasn't all that attractive, but he looks hot in most things, especially his old fashioned hat that he sported during slow songs.

Overall: awesome show, awesome crowd. Stay tuned for a Dave review tomorrow. Comment on any Incubus feedback or opinions.

I'll end with "Dig" lyrics, my song of the summer:

We all have a weakness
But some of ours are easy to identify. Look me in the eye
And ask for forgiveness
We'll make a pact to never speak that word again.
Yes, you are my friend.
We all have something that digs at us,
at least we dig each other.

So when weakness turns my ego up
I know you'll count on the me from yesterday.
If I turn into another
dig me up from under what is covering
the better part of me.
Sing this song
remind me that we'll always have each other
when everything else is gone.

We all have a sickness
that cleverly attaches and multiplies
No matter how we try.
We all have someone that digs at us,
at least we dig each other.

So when sickness turns my ego up
I know you'll act as a clever medicine.
If I turn into another
dig me up from under what is covering
The better part of me.
Sing this song!
Remind me that we'll always have each other
when everything else is gone.
Oh, each other when everything else is gone
No

Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
If I turn into another
dig me up from under what is covering
the better part of me.
Sing this song
remind me that we'll always have each other
when everything else is gone.
Oh, each other when everything else is gone
Oh, each other when everything else is gone

Thinking Spot

Where do you think?

Last night, I had the lakehouse all to myself. I hardly knew what to do because there were so many activities that could fill my night. I haste wasting a night or day filled with potential.

After eating my dinner for one with the lake view, I sat on the dock, just watching my surroundings as if I was watching TV. To tell you the truth, I find it better than watching TV. It's not crowded with commercials or meaningless clutter that has nothing to do with my own personal growth or through process. At least watching this scene allowed myself to think and speak to me.

It was that dimming light after 7:30 that continues creeping up on you until it slowly fades into nighttime. While you're sitting there, you barely even realize that darkness is coming on you, but when you're there, time is just moving very still.

I watched a few boats pass in the distance, not too much noise on the lake after dinner-time. As I sat on the dock, I became absolutely absorbed in watching three birds fly in circles with one another. I've never seen anything like it before! (It doesn't take much to impress or move me, I guess). These birds soared and played with one another in the air, and so close to my face! They swooped so close to me sometimes that I had to duck out of their way. It was absolutely breathtaking, as if I was involved in an interactive show but I was the only guest.

Imagine being a bird. Being able to fly. Just soaring and playing with your friend in the air. It's incredible. The bird show allowed me to just think about the simplicity of life, how you can make an evening out of just sitting on a dock by yourself. You don't need to watch TV, talk on the phone, or finger through a magazine that doesn't particularly interest you. Even small things are even more than enough. Spending time with yourself really isn't all that bad.

The question that probed this post is, where do you think, or where do you like to think? Do you have a thinking spot like Steve does in Blues Clues, his infamous 'thinking chair'?

Mine moves around, depending on where I am or where I'm living, but this summer, the lake really acts as my source of a thinking spot. The dock, especially, is my source. I'm curious where others think, or if there doesn't need to be a designated thinking spot. Let me know. I'm listening.

Slow Down

I took a long walk today, and I just wanted to kindly ramble on about it.

My mom, godmother Bridget and I walked along a bike path that runs from Lake George to Glens Falls. The walk really made me appreciate my surroundings, for I really don't stop to really look at everything around me as much as I should.

Living in Upstate New York, I am constantly surrounded by gorgeous trees, mountains, lakes, plants, and creatures, but I never really pause anymore to appreciate it. On the bike path, I tried to capture everything around me, everything about the area that is familiar to me. I love the little details that contribute to making Upstate New York as gorgeous and unique as it is. I really need to take out my camera sometime.

I find it interesting to look at other people's houses and yards to catch a glimpse of how other people live. I love to see different houses and how people set up their porches or yards. You can almost create a little story in your head about how these people live, but the thing is, you really have no idea. You're probably really far off. But, it makes me think too, then how do outsiders perceive my house from the outside? What kind of house do I want to set up and live in? I don't know if I'm ready to answer that yet.

But, walks are very relaxing, along with the physical exercise that comes along with it. I don't walk as much as I should. It really slows things down, for we're all used to driving and going fast--whizzing by life at rapid speeds. We need to slow down sometimes. Take it easy.

I don't know what I love more, bike riding or walking. You can cover so much distance with bike riding, but you don't capture as much of your surroundings as you do when you're walking slower. Which do you prefer?

Anyway, I will boast my love here for the Adirondacks. I have spent the majority of my weekends this summer here relaxing and letting the environment calm me down from life's details. I love the comfort of the trees all hovering together, the montaints crawling over one another in the distance, the constant chirp of crickets after dark, the smells of fresh plants and flowers, the flow of a calm lake in the morning, the twinkling of the water on the lake from the afternoon sun, or the sound of birds or other wildlife casually living around you, still living there amidst construction and human life.

I'll miss the Adirondacks come fall, but I'll come back. I love it here. I feel at home here. I just want to share it and spread it with everyone I know, for I feel like it's a disservice to hide the beauty I see up here. Try it for yourself. Let me know if you like it or how you like it. Or, just ask me, and I just might ask you up for a visit. ;-)

McDonalds Study

This story grabbed me. I was walking by the kitchen table, and I saw the golden arches on the front of the Times Union, causing me to become curious over why this corporation made the headlines. This article, "Under a different label, that broccoli seems tasty," also has been quite popular in national news as well.

The study tested subjects of 63 3-5 year old kids on McDonalds prodcuts vs. alternative products, such as vegetables. The overwhelming outcome: anything made by McDonalds taste better.

I can't say that, ultimately, I'm surprised; I'm more horrified at what fast food and advertising is doing to our culture--especially our youth.

Even when the researchers slapped McDonalds labels on broccoli and carrots, kids decided that they tasted better than the no-name product. The name just tastes better.

In a generation that's becoming insant-gratification-seeking and overwhelmingly overweight, how can we overlook this study? We're seeing more fast-food pitches and childhood obesity than ever before. Obesity is increasing throughout all ages, perhaps because our restaurants market massive, over-sized meals that contain more calories than we need for the whole day. But, our nation likes the best tasting and best products--those just happen to be ridiculuous in fat and caloric intake.

As Meredith Vierra said on the Today Show about this story, "Are we creating a nation of fast-food addicts?" Yes.

The study concluded that, of these 63 3-5 year olds, "about one third ate McDonalds weekly." I can't imagine ever taking my child to McDonalds that frequently because their food is not nutritious in the least!

In response, McDonalds says they will begin to promote Happy Meals with fruit and fewer calories. I hope so anyways...

McDonalds is just a large target in the fast-food mania here--the fast-food, overweight, instant gratification issue. They are the dominating corporation in the industry, marketing on a ridiculous amount of levels from radio to television, magazines to newspapers, billboards to merchandise, internet ads to a clown mascot. They're everywhere. I think that adults are old enough to make decisions about their health (even though we don't always make the wisest ones), but children? Can they? Can they grow out of this advertising brainwashing?

Anyway, what do you make of this study and the conclusions?

(As always, I'm being a bit dramatic, but this really does bother me.)

Rainbows

A rainbow over the lake.

Rainbows always seem exciting; even as I get older, I still enjoy seeing a good rainbow. Everyone always freaks out and has to show everyone around them, pointing into the distance, and watching it until it fades away.

What is it about a rainbow that's so magical?

Not many natural things cause people to stop their days and look at nature, except for maybe a sunset, sunrise, or natural disaster. I guess that is why I really marvel at rainbows, especially since I am not scientifically gifted and have no understanding whatsoever about how a rainbow forms. My brother would probably know.

What have you seen lately that's cool, perhaps something from nature?

What Lips My Lips Have Kissed, and Where, and Why

Some poems stick with me months or years after I've read them. One of these poems is "What Lips My Lips Have Kissed, And Where, And Why" by Edna St. Vincent Millay. We read this poem in poetry class, a class which opened my eyes to a new way to read poetry--to really read it and inspect it line by line.

This poem, I think, speaks highly to the college class, perhaps a good reason for my professor to open it up to us. It even seems to be a bit of advice to some for a lesson learned the hard way. I find it strikes a powerful message with precise imagery that really emphasizes her main point. The tree...

Whenever I want to write poetry, I can get discouraged when I read great poetry like this. You know her message, but it's concealed within perfectly constructed symbols and images. Each word is wisely chosen, falling into place where it belongs. It's not too long or too short, and even rhymes beautifully. I envy the talent to write such a crisp, solid poem.

Below I'll post the poem. Feel free to comment on any thoughts you have from reading the poem.



"What Lips My Lips Have Kissed, And Where, And Why"
by Edna St. Vicent Millay

What lips my lips have kissed, and where, and why,
I have forgotten, and what arms have lain
Under my head till morning; but the rain
Is full of ghosts tonight, that tap and sigh
Upon the glass and listen for reply,
And in my heart there stirs a quiet pain
For unremembered lads that not again
Will turn to me at midnight with a cry.
Thus in winter stands the lonely tree,
Nor knows what birds have vanished one by one,
Yet knows its boughs more silent than before:
I cannot say what loves have come and gone,
I only know that summer sang in me
A little while, that in me sings no more.

Escher

MC Escher: artistic and mathmatical visionary, incredible artist. I'm not going to write much about him here, rather, I'm going to post a few of his works, hoping that someone will comment or simply just view his artwork.



I always think that, if I had more time, I'd get more into artwork. I want to know more of the small-time artists, for the ones I am most acquainted with are well known, like Dali, van Gough, Monet, and Escher.

What artists, then, do you think I should check out?



I enjoy this one, "Print Gallery," because it's a true experience of someone viewing artwork in a gallery. The lines between the message of the work and the physical piece itself begin to blur. You can really read a message about the world from the work which begins to blend and change how you see your world.

Lake Weekend

Last weekend, I invited my best friends from Cortland up to the lakehouse to hang out and relax. It was such an experience to see them and talk with them again; a nice break from the working world for sure.

I want to spruce up my blog with some more pictures of the weekend--a glorious getaway that I always look forward to every summer.



The lake on Saturday morning, calm.



Me with She.



Ang and Andy on the boat.



All of us in the lake, having a swim.



Ang and I, talking on the dock.



Bracelets.



Sheila's crazy mouth.



Michael and I.



Rain won't stop us from hanging out outside.



Under our tarp at night.



Cool shot of Ang with the stairs.



Calm morning.



Ang and She.



All of us.



Awesome night shot of the lake.


Overall, relaxing, innovative, funny, and necessary. Feel free to comment on any picture or experience.

American Beauty

American Beauty. My all-time favorite movie. It's about time that I make a commentary on one of the most brilliant social commentaries of our time.

American Beauty captures the "average," dysfunctional, suburban family who appear more perfect on the outside, more than they actually are in reality. What I love about the movie is that it is so real, so true to American culture and to the American family.

Take Lester, the unhappy, middle-aged father who goes to a pointless, routine office-desk job that he does not like. Kevin Spacey (one of my favorite actors) portrays him magnificently.

Lester says, "Both my wife and daughter think I'm this gigantic loser and they're right, I have lost something. I'm not exactly sure what it is but I know I didn't always feel this... sedated. But you know what? It's never too late to get it back."

And he's right. But how often do those stuck in a cycle like Lester really snap out of it and "change" their situation? Change is hard for people. Remaining in the constant, normal cycle is easier even though it is less ideal and more unhappy. American Beauty introduces the idea to change, and that is one great reason why I love it so much.

I also am infatuated with it because of the ingenious artistic style with filmmaking (camera techniques) and writing. The color schemes are brilliant--take the red door on the Burnham house for instance. Immense symbolism.

More with characters: look at Carolyn Burnham, the middle-aged real estate agent, bored and tired of life. She is so unhappy that she cheats on her husband, anything to get attention and add some spice to her life. She says, "There happens to be a lot about me that you don't know, Mr. Smarty Man. There's plenty of joy in my life." What a lie.

As Ricky Fitts says, which I believe is highly quotable, "Never underestimate the power of denial."

Each character can learn from this one lesson, as can anyone else.

Ricky Fitts, a "strange" and bizarre teenager, even though he appears to be the weirdest and most troubled character, is actually the happiest and wisest. He was heavily criticized, even by fellow movie watchers, for the scene with the blowing garbage bag in the wind. It may seem a bit corny, but isn't it kind of true? Shouldn't we all have more moments like this, where we really look at the world around us and think more than just a passing thought? Do we really take a lot for granted, more than we're willing to accept or see? Isn't there more answers beneath the surface than just a garbage bag blowing in the wind?

Ricky says about the blowing bag, "It was one of those days when it's a minute away from snowing and there's this electricity in the air, you can almost hear it. And this bag was, like, dancing with me. Like a little kid begging me to play with it. For fifteen minutes. And that's the day I knew there was this entire life behind things, and... this incredibly benevolent force, that wanted me to know there was no reason to be afraid, ever. Video's a poor excuse, I know. But it helps me remember... and I need to remember... Sometimes there's so much beauty in the world I feel like I can't take it, like my heart's going to cave in."

Or when he talks to Jane about it: "It's like God's looking right at you, just for a second, and if you're careful... you can look right back."
Jane: "And what do you see?"
Ricky: "Beauty."

Jane, too, represents many female teenagers of our generation, girls who feel that they do not fit in. They feel ugly on the inside, and their parents do not know what they are experiencing or going through because they never ask.

Jane's friend, Angela, also has serious mental issues that many teenagers also have. She thinks that she's going to be a model and makes up lies to boost her self-image. Each character is so true to life.

In closing, I want to end with the closing words of the movie, spoken by Lester, my favorite character. The writing here is gorgeous, talking about life in a way that I wish I could articulate as well. I think it's a great monologue about the last moment of thought before death. What would we think in that situation?

Anyway, here is the end speech. Please comment on anything I've touched on, or anything you love or hate about the movie.

"I had always heard your entire life flashes in front of your eyes the second before you die. First of all, that one second isn't a second at all, it stretches on forever, like an ocean of time... For me, it was lying on my back at Boy Scout camp, watching falling stars... And yellow leaves, from the maple trees, that lined my street... Or my grandmother's hands, and the way her skin seemed like paper... And the first time I saw my cousin Tony's brand new Firebird... And Janie... And Janie... And... Carolyn. I guess I could be pretty pissed off about what happened to me... but it's hard to stay mad, when there's so much beauty in the world. Sometimes I feel like I'm seeing it all at once, and it's too much, my heart fills up like a balloon that's about to burst... And then I remember to relax, and stop trying to hold on to it, and then it flows through me like rain and I can't feel anything but gratitude for every single moment of my stupid little life... You have no idea what I'm talking about, I'm sure. But don't worry... you will someday."

Our Generation

Yesterday, I posted about being a teenager in the decades: which would you choose? The question got me thinking as I reviewed how much information I included for each decade. I didn't have much information about the years that I was a teenager, the 00s.

But then again, we're still living in this decade, so isn't it hard to define a decade that's still existing? Or can we begin to make generalization about our own time period?

I think it's hard to conclude many things about our generation, mainly because we copied a lot of things from other generations. With fashion, most of what is "popular" is borrowed from other decades, not making ours unique. I didn't even know how to begin talking about music, because everything now is either carried over from other decades or becoming that raunchy pop sound.

If anything, I would say that we are the instant gratification generation. We can have anything we want in a matter of minutes, be it an answer via google or fast food through the drive thru. Everything in our lives is designed to be quick and immediate, which I think makes us more spoiled and gluttonous.

But to the main question posed in this blog: so who are we? How would you define us, the generation of the 2000s?

Teenagers across the Decades

I asked this question once in an away message and I got a few responses, so I figured that I'd post it on my blog.

If you could choose to be a teenager in any decade, which would it be?

The 20s? Be a flapper in the roaring twenties, and defiant to mainstream culture. The jazz age, women's suffrage, literature surplus with Hemingway, TS Eliot, and Fitzgerald, prohibition and bootlegging, and the Harlem Renaissance.

The 30s? Great Depression, conservativism, Gone with the Wind, King Kong, The Wizard of Oz, Technicolor, gangsters like Al Capone, comic books, the start of radio, television and animation.

The 40s? A world divided: WWII, Jackie Robinson in baseball, Frank Sinatra, Humphrey Bogart, Marlon Brando, Katharine Hepburn, Walt Disney, Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby, and Casablanca.

The 50s? The rise of suburbia and the "ideal" family, Korean and Cold War, the Baby Boom, the rise of rock with Elvis Presley and others, the rise of Hollywood and movie-making known as the "Golden Age," the Beatniks, Jack Kerouac and William S. Burroughs, and basebell with Yogi Berra and Micky Mantle.

The 60s? The Civil Rights Movement, Vietnam War, the first space orbit and computer games, spiritual developments, drug use rises, and the rise of the "hippies" with the Summer of Love, Woodstock, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, the Grateful Dead, the Doors, the Velvet Underground, Andy Warhol, and Bob Dylan.

The 70s? Continuation of the "hippies," increasing numbers of students inhabit college universities, rise of the nuclear family, Kung Fu movies, disco, reggae music of Bob Marley, punk music from the Ramones and Sex Pistols, and the rise of legendary rock bands like Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Aerosmith, the Eagles, Van Halen, the Who, Boston, Heart, Rush, and Deep Purple.

The 80s? The Berlin Wall comes down, alcohol and drug education increases, the rise of the information age with computers and electronics, video games like Donkey Kong and PacMan, MTV, rap and hip hop music, radical fashion statements, big hairstyles, and a new switch to electronica sounds of music from Madonna, Prince, and Michael Jackson, as well as glam metal and big hair bands like Guns n Roses, Motley Crue, Def Leppard, Queen, and Bon Jovi.

The 90s? HIV awareness, the internet, environmentalism, entrepreneurship, individualism, overalls, tattoos, flanel shrits, ying yangs, smiley faces, skateboarding, the Real World, Nintendo and Sega, techno and teen pop music soars, increase in rap and hip hop, and grunge music from Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, Stone Temple Pilots, The Smashing Pumpkins, Bush, and Soundgarden.

The 00s? Terrorism, global warming, rise of cell phones, digital world, telecommunications, Iraq War, cell phones, pop music, music downloading, Emo music, HBO, reality TV, etc.

Which would you choose?

(If you get really deep with it, think about what else you would live through if you chose to be a teenager during those times, but, don't forget the question at hand: which decade would have been the coolest, best experience to be a teenager during the span of years?)

The Simspons Movie

Has anyone seen The Simpsons Movie? If so, did you like it or dislike it?

I've heard more negative reviews than I've heard positive, so I was a little nervous upon seeing the movie. Last night, I went to the drive-in to see it, and I was not disappointed. I laughed uncontrollably at least two times.

But, I can understand why it received much criticism. It seems that, since The Simpsons was and is such a big television hit for the past 15+ years, everyone expected an epic movie of gigantic proportions to match up to its comic genius height. But, in my opinion, (not being the biggest Simpsons watcher or fan throughout my life), the beauty of The Simspons comedy was that it was simple, quick, to-the-point, and telling of our generation. Everything was captured in 30 minute episodes, dealing with a small-time plot that never really effected another episode (except when Flanders' wife died). However, when the show came to the big screen, it needed a longer plot, as any movie does. I think that any longer plot would have disappointed fans just because it's out of the ordinary from what they're used to seeing. Still, I think that they created a good story that was funny, witty, and entertaining.

One thing that I really love about The Simpsons is that they really capture our generation and culture with our music, movies, politics, superstars, clothing, lingo, etc. Naturally, the movie does this as well, and the movie especially emphasizes the underlying motive: a depiction of the suburban, middle-class family that is far from perfect. As you'll find in any episode, examples of this type of family is scattered throughout the episode, as it was in the movie, making it very easy to analyze the characters and their actions.

It might not be the best movie I've seen this summer, but it was entertaining and funny. Let's be honest here: The Simpsons grossed $75 million on opening night--they're going to make a sequel. First of all, if they're stopping the television series, they're going to keep making movies every now and then (maybe surpassing the sequel with others to follow). Second, animated movies are easy to make. They'll keep going. Third, the show will be high in demand after it's gone. People will want to see more new material, and they will pay for it. Movies are in the money. If they're making sequels after bad movies already, why wouldn't they make a sequel? Stay tuned for it; they already had Maggie whisper it during the credits...

And to end, Homer on education: "How is education supposed to make me feel smarter? Besides, every time I learn something new, it pushes some old stuff out of my brain. Remember when I took that home winemaking course, and I forgot how to drive?"

Cruise Pictures

Alright, I've finally got my act together to post my cruise pictures. My entire family went (on my mother's side) including her two brother's families, summing up to sixteen people. Once again, I'll narrate like I did with the Puerto Rico pictures.



First we stayed in Florida. Here is my cousin Jacob and my uncle Bob relaxing on some hammocks...



The boys were tired...



Bob plays with Carlee in the water...



We met up with Steve, Rena, Steve and Bailey which was really cool...



My mom never put Carlee down...



Di with the wild, sexy hair... (compliment her later!)



My gram and I (she's one of my favorite people)...



My uncle Steve and aunt Rena (miss them down in SC)...



This one is priceless: my gram and mom singing karaoke to "Love Shack"...



Kalon, Bob and Carlee on the boat...



The boys in black...



My mom and I on formal night...



Carlee in her foreign napkin-made bonnet...



...and another napkin bonnet...



My brother, always dancing with my grandmother no matter how old he is...



My mother and aunt Nancy singing karaoke, this time to "Mrs. Robinson"...

The ports: We sailed out of Miami, and our first stop was Halfmoon Cay in the Bahamas...



This is our boat, the Triumph...



I went parasailing (which probes amazing thinking)...



The beach...



Then we went to St. Thomas...



Lying on the beach...



More of the beach...



Then we went to San Juan, Puerto Rico...



In front of a fountain in a pubic square...



They have really cool architecture there...



We went to Senor Frogs and got a little silly; my brother and I sung and danced for a while, mostly hard core to "Hey Ya"...



My mom and brother...



On the ceiling of the bar...



Our last stop was Grand Turk...



We hung out at Margaritaville--this is us in the pool...



Everyone in front of the boat...



Back on the boat, my brother and I...



My mom and Bob at the pool...



Amazing sunset...



Me watching the sunset slash thinking on the balcony...



The girls in tie dye...



My mom with the napkin bonnet...



And finally, my whole family posing in pastels (yes, we were that family)...

Let me know what you think of the pictures. My family had such a good time; it was really nice to have a set time where we all came together to hang out and catch up. We surely will not forget this experience...