I woke up this morning to about 2 feet of snow. Usually I grumble a little because #1 It's snowing and #2 that means the snow plows come out around 6:30 AM to take care of things and it wakes me up. But like the rest of Provo, it was unusually quiet this morning. Which means no snow plows. Which means klutz Michelle gets to half walk/half slide down the stairs to her car in snow that hasn't even been walked in (should've realized that boots>Vans in this weather) and then gets to be late to work because she miscalculated how behind the snow would make her. No snow plows=snow. Go figure.
Where I will be in 2 days:
{Santa Clarita, CA}
Thu
Partly Cloudy 56°/44°
Fri
Partly Cloudy 61°/46°
Sat
Mostly Sunny 60°/45°
Sun
Partly Cloudy 58°/45°
Where I'm at today:
{Provo, UT}
Tues
Rain/Snow 31°, 100% precipitation
Hm.
So far, so good on not falling though...that's a feat all in itself!
21 December 2010
11 December 2010
Christmas is only 2 weeks away.
To celebrate, here's a beautiful story that I happened across while studying Anglo-Saxon poetry.
The Three Trees
The Three Trees
finally, some truth
I have this issue with not being able to just sit and do nothing. Even when I eat, I have to been reading/watching/talking to someone. I was making dinner tonight (Mac 'N Cheese...oh, the life of a college student), and while the water was boiling, I was reading the WSJ. Page after page of reading about suicide bombings in Pakistan and riots in my beloved London and reviews about President Obama (negative...), I came across an article by the famous movie critic, Roger Ebert called "Getting Real About Movie Ratings: Roger Ebert on why the only letters that should count at the multiplex are 'G', 'T', and 'A'". I found myself agreeing with every single thing in that article. I like Roger.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703766704576009343432436296.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
He discusses how the rating system is so messed up and the MPAA has gone downhill since the 1970s when it was first started. For example, I was disappointed to hear that the new movie "The King's Speech" was rated R in America because I wanted to see it. But then I found out that it's rated G in Quebec and 12A in the UK (which means you have to be accompanied by an adult if you're under 12). I can just go across the border and not feel guilty about seeing this movie, right? Well, the movie is still rated R in America for lots of F-words. What does this mean? That America's holier than thou?
I don't think so, because he also talks about programs like Screenit.com and how it "tells you exactly what [the movie] contains". For example, in "How to Train Your Dragon" (which I just adore), it's "rated PG for sequences of intense action and some scary images, and brief mild language." Screenit.com reveals that it has lines like: "All hell is going to break loose in my undies" and "Thanks for the breast hat". Adults will chuckle at this since it's older humor, so what will the kiddies do who look to their parents when they don't understand the adult humor? They'll just chuckle along with them. I have Disney movie Sunday nights with a friend of mine and we definitely pick up on things that we didn't when we were a child. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Disney and Pixar and Dreamworks. They have made some fine motion pictures. But for movies like "The King's Speech", I would like to be better informed on what I'm getting myself into. What's a single letter going to tell me about a 1.5-2.5 hour film? What's going to be fed to my brain that I will never be able to get rid of? As Ebert put it, "At a time when literally any content can find its way into most American homes, what's the point of singling out theatrical films? It's time to admit we've lost our innocence."
So, yes, Roger, we should fix our rating system. Or get a new one entirely different. Or not leave it up to one company, who seems to try to be a crowd-pleaser. Either way, it's terrifying that we have lost our innocence.
{If you haven't seen this movie, GO! DO IT NOW!}
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703766704576009343432436296.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
He discusses how the rating system is so messed up and the MPAA has gone downhill since the 1970s when it was first started. For example, I was disappointed to hear that the new movie "The King's Speech" was rated R in America because I wanted to see it. But then I found out that it's rated G in Quebec and 12A in the UK (which means you have to be accompanied by an adult if you're under 12). I can just go across the border and not feel guilty about seeing this movie, right? Well, the movie is still rated R in America for lots of F-words. What does this mean? That America's holier than thou?
I don't think so, because he also talks about programs like Screenit.com and how it "tells you exactly what [the movie] contains". For example, in "How to Train Your Dragon" (which I just adore), it's "rated PG for sequences of intense action and some scary images, and brief mild language." Screenit.com reveals that it has lines like: "All hell is going to break loose in my undies" and "Thanks for the breast hat". Adults will chuckle at this since it's older humor, so what will the kiddies do who look to their parents when they don't understand the adult humor? They'll just chuckle along with them. I have Disney movie Sunday nights with a friend of mine and we definitely pick up on things that we didn't when we were a child. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Disney and Pixar and Dreamworks. They have made some fine motion pictures. But for movies like "The King's Speech", I would like to be better informed on what I'm getting myself into. What's a single letter going to tell me about a 1.5-2.5 hour film? What's going to be fed to my brain that I will never be able to get rid of? As Ebert put it, "At a time when literally any content can find its way into most American homes, what's the point of singling out theatrical films? It's time to admit we've lost our innocence."
So, yes, Roger, we should fix our rating system. Or get a new one entirely different. Or not leave it up to one company, who seems to try to be a crowd-pleaser. Either way, it's terrifying that we have lost our innocence.
01 December 2010
cure for the common music drought.
...and just in time for finals!
I love music. I'm studying it at school. I've studied it for most of my life. I love to listen to it. I love concerts. I'm into all sorts of music. I have pre-sets for classical, country, hip-hop, alternative, Christmas music on my car radio. I love music.
And it has been an aurally scrumptious treat having all of these great new albums come out recently! So finger-lickin, that I want to share my reviews and opinions and favs for a few so you can munch. No, I'm not getting paid for this, but I should because my name is Michelle and I support this message.
1. Ingrid Michaelson, Everybody
Why yes, I DID see her in concert on her tour to promote this album. And it's better live, can you believe that?
I personally think that this album is better than the first. She keeps the same Ingrid-isms from the last album (repetition, cutesy love themes, light and bouncy background), but adds a little bit more warmth and depth to the musicality of the songs. Even though her cutesy songs seem like they should be picked up and hugged, you can't deny the raw talent of Ingrid.
FAVS: "Soldier", "Sort of", "Mountain and the Sea"
RATING: 5 outta 5
2. Sara Barielles, Kaleidoscope Heart
I have been, am now, and always will be a big Sara Barielles fan. I also went to the concert from the tour to promote this album and (is this even possible?) I loved her more. She has so so much soul that she admits she's afraid to show. But we love it, Sara, it's so worth it! She, too, just has a lot of raw talent that is evident both in her album and live. So easy to sing along to and to feel good to.
FAVS: I love them all for different reasons, but I had to choose..."Breathe Again" (she called this her "sit in a corner by yourself" song), "Gonna Get Over You", "Machine Gun" (shows off her powerful voice in the chorus), "Say You're Sorry", "Uncharted"
RATING: 5.5 outta 5
3. Taylor Swift, Speak Now
WAIT! Don't run away or stop reading. I used to be a disliker of Taylor, but, alas, I have been drawn in. Not by her voice, but by her lyrics. This chick is my age and is so successful because she is someone you can relate to. I felt the same with this new album. She says what she wants and doesn't care if you figure out who the song is about (did anyone else notice that "Dear John" is not only about John Mayer, but uses the same guitar sounds as Johnny boy? You go girl). I'm not a huge fan of country, but I think that Taylor does a good job of combining pop with country, making it more upbeat and less...country.
FAVS: "Speak Now" (such a cute/less mentioned love story!), "Back To December", "Mine"
RATING: 3.5 outta 5
4. Neon Trees, Habits
Ok, ok this one came out in March, BUT I just discovered it. I dub this the dance-like-a-5-year-old album, because it will make you want to do it. I mean, they do it in their music video for "Animals", so porque no? Habits takes you on a caffinated rollercoaster ride that doesn't let you take a break. So so fun. Oh, and they're from Provo, UT (represent!).
FAVS: "Animal", "1983"
RATING: 3 outta 5
5. Phoenix, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
What a title. This album sends me back to Portland, with its beat, its different sound and unique singer. If you listen to this album, you can legitimately feel all cool and foreign because they originate from Versailles, France (it's in English, though, so put away those French-English dictionaries). It's a funky album that I have to be in a certain mood in to listen all of the way through, but it's good.
FAVS: "1901", "Lizstomania"
RATING: 2.5 outta 5
6. Dan In Real Life Soundtrack
This one, too, is an oldie-that-was-recently discovered. So sue me. Actually, you can thank me after you listen to this album. This is good to study to because it has a couple of just instrumental songs. Lots of sappy trumpet. And fun. Just light and frivolous. Oh, and if you haven't seen the movie, the soundtrack definitely enhances the effect.
FAVS: "To Be Surprised", "Let My Love Open the Door"
RATING: 3 outta 5
If there is anything that makes me happy, it's new music. So I hope you listen and enjoy.
Here are some straggling singles:
-Kate Nash, "Merry Happy"
-Cee Lo, "Forget You" (I like the Glee version the best)
-Maroon 5, "Misery" or his cover of "If I Ain't Got You" from their new album, Hands All Over
-The Kooks, "Seaside"
I love music. I'm studying it at school. I've studied it for most of my life. I love to listen to it. I love concerts. I'm into all sorts of music. I have pre-sets for classical, country, hip-hop, alternative, Christmas music on my car radio. I love music.
And it has been an aurally scrumptious treat having all of these great new albums come out recently! So finger-lickin, that I want to share my reviews and opinions and favs for a few so you can munch. No, I'm not getting paid for this, but I should because my name is Michelle and I support this message.
1. Ingrid Michaelson, Everybody
Why yes, I DID see her in concert on her tour to promote this album. And it's better live, can you believe that?
I personally think that this album is better than the first. She keeps the same Ingrid-isms from the last album (repetition, cutesy love themes, light and bouncy background), but adds a little bit more warmth and depth to the musicality of the songs. Even though her cutesy songs seem like they should be picked up and hugged, you can't deny the raw talent of Ingrid.
FAVS: "Soldier", "Sort of", "Mountain and the Sea"
RATING: 5 outta 5
I have been, am now, and always will be a big Sara Barielles fan. I also went to the concert from the tour to promote this album and (is this even possible?) I loved her more. She has so so much soul that she admits she's afraid to show. But we love it, Sara, it's so worth it! She, too, just has a lot of raw talent that is evident both in her album and live. So easy to sing along to and to feel good to.
FAVS: I love them all for different reasons, but I had to choose..."Breathe Again" (she called this her "sit in a corner by yourself" song), "Gonna Get Over You", "Machine Gun" (shows off her powerful voice in the chorus), "Say You're Sorry", "Uncharted"
RATING: 5.5 outta 5
WAIT! Don't run away or stop reading. I used to be a disliker of Taylor, but, alas, I have been drawn in. Not by her voice, but by her lyrics. This chick is my age and is so successful because she is someone you can relate to. I felt the same with this new album. She says what she wants and doesn't care if you figure out who the song is about (did anyone else notice that "Dear John" is not only about John Mayer, but uses the same guitar sounds as Johnny boy? You go girl). I'm not a huge fan of country, but I think that Taylor does a good job of combining pop with country, making it more upbeat and less...country.
FAVS: "Speak Now" (such a cute/less mentioned love story!), "Back To December", "Mine"
RATING: 3.5 outta 5
Ok, ok this one came out in March, BUT I just discovered it. I dub this the dance-like-a-5-year-old album, because it will make you want to do it. I mean, they do it in their music video for "Animals", so porque no? Habits takes you on a caffinated rollercoaster ride that doesn't let you take a break. So so fun. Oh, and they're from Provo, UT (represent!).
FAVS: "Animal", "1983"
RATING: 3 outta 5
What a title. This album sends me back to Portland, with its beat, its different sound and unique singer. If you listen to this album, you can legitimately feel all cool and foreign because they originate from Versailles, France (it's in English, though, so put away those French-English dictionaries). It's a funky album that I have to be in a certain mood in to listen all of the way through, but it's good.
FAVS: "1901", "Lizstomania"
RATING: 2.5 outta 5
This one, too, is an oldie-that-was-recently discovered. So sue me. Actually, you can thank me after you listen to this album. This is good to study to because it has a couple of just instrumental songs. Lots of sappy trumpet. And fun. Just light and frivolous. Oh, and if you haven't seen the movie, the soundtrack definitely enhances the effect.
FAVS: "To Be Surprised", "Let My Love Open the Door"
RATING: 3 outta 5
If there is anything that makes me happy, it's new music. So I hope you listen and enjoy.
Here are some straggling singles:
-Kate Nash, "Merry Happy"
-Cee Lo, "Forget You" (I like the Glee version the best)
-Maroon 5, "Misery" or his cover of "If I Ain't Got You" from their new album, Hands All Over
-The Kooks, "Seaside"
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