Sunday, November 30, 2008

Open Question: Why do you allow your child go to school?

My perfect 6 home schooled children have been home schooled for their whole life and MUCH more intelligent than the average child. The haven't picked up any uncouth habits, rudeness or mannerisms, they are not any type of stereotype, they don't listen to any of your "rock" or "hip hop" music they listen to my country music or my husband's classical. They are very much like adults because they socialise with other adults and not other children so they can't be badly influenced. High School is a terrible environment so my husband has said (sadly he was home schooled, he isn't perfect at all but he's learning from me, he'll suffice for now), I was home schooled and have turned out perfectly and my children will follow in my footsteps. Even if you are not clever enough to home school them yourself, you could get a tutor or a family member to home school them. If you can't do any of those things well there is no hope for them anyway. Why do you torture your children and ruin them by putting them in to public schooling? You have proven my point, Josephine, on how vicious public school is, and how inaffective. It is "Your children are going to be beaten up" which they won't, they are very strong thanks to growing vegetbales and all the exercise they do. I will be proud if they grow up like Micheal Jackson, he is a very successful and respectable man. I will be proud if they grow up like Micheal Jackson, he is a very successful and respectable man. I am very diluted? How does that work out? I think you mean deluded, which I am not.

Open Question: Why does America seem to dislike geeks and nerds so much?

Warning: long post! Sorry, but I felt like a rant today! I don't get it but for some reason there are people that can't stand folks like me. I've seen media depictions, read internet opinions, and even had some personal experiences when I was younger of people who just don't like what can been seen as a geek or nerd. I grew up not always feeling so good about myself because of this. Yes, I can shrug it off (I usually do anyways) and yes, I have a sense of humor just like the next guy and Napoleon Dynamite was kind of OK, but at times the barrage of these images and attitudes sometimes get to me. At times it makes me feel a little less than and less appreciated and accepted. If you're going to do it for humor, I don't care but most of it isn't funny to me, just corny, stupid beyond belief, and not completely representative. What gets to me though is that when anything associated with such groups is mentioned such as video games, comic books, superheroes, science fiction, role-playing, and to a slightly lesser extent classical music, good grades, intelligence, etc., the word geek or nerd seems to be immediately on some people’s lips. The fact of the matter is that these so-called individuals aren't the only ones into these things, especially nowadays, and not all geeks and nerds are into all of this or in the variety of images plenty of people have. In many instances, you'd even see people like me getting into things unlike the stereotypes, making definition less clear cut. By the way, "nerd" and "geek" aren't completely interchangeabl (there's a difference, but many disagree as to what it is). I could go into the many other details of what people like me are seen as and even how I don't fit most of it, but it would go on longer than this post already is and I don't want that. I'll guess I'll end it here by asking... Why? Why are we hammered on by so many people and our classification being used as a negative status symbol and something to stay away from or not be? I don't get it...

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Resolved Question: Whats the diff between the N word with an "ER" or the N word with an "A" at the end?

Ok dont flip out. I am a black guy i guess that makes it okay to say those words which I think is stupid anyways. But my roomate who is a...thug i guess was talking to his other "thug" friends and the whole conversation was my N this my N that! so when he got off the phone I asked him why was it okay to say *** ga but not *******? Then he gave me the most idiot answer ever...he said the word ******* is what the white people gave the blacks to make them feel lower than dirt, and the word *** ga is what blacks use to call each other meaning brother. I was like What!!!! he said they meant 2 different things. I said all u did was drop the er off of the word and added an A. Thats like saying the phrase, " Close the dough" and " Close the door" means 2 different things. I said to him all that means is that you are so lazy that you dont wanna finish your words! lol I just dont get it. He constanly says that, " I ain't no tru *** ga!" and I say, " You are right I am not a true *******." I guess Im propper and such but language like that is why blacks get thrown into that Thug stereotype. I hate it. They think because I am black I automatically like chicken,kool-aid, watermelon, and rap music along with other things. I like jazz and r and b, classical,and old school funk and soul. anyways i was just venting. any comments on this. what do yall think about this? p.s. I guess yahoo answers dont like my question so the make me bleep out words thats in or high school history books like the N words. such BS. I just really want everyones honest opinon on this issue cuz its driving me nuts!

Open Question: Whats the diff between the N word with an "ER" or the N word with an "A" at the end?

Ok dont flip out. I am a black guy i guess that makes it okay to say those words which I think is stupid anyways. But my roomate who is a...thug i guess was talking to his other "thug" friends and the whole conversation was my N this my N that! so when he got off the phone I asked him why was it okay to say *** ga but not *******? Then he gave me the most idiot answer ever...he said the word ******* is what the white people gave the blacks to make them feel lower than dirt, and the word *** ga is what blacks use to call each other meaning brother. I was like What!!!! he said they meant 2 different things. I said all u did was drop the er off of the word and added an A. Thats like saying the phrase, " Close the dough" and " Close the door" means 2 different things. I said to him all that means is that you are so lazy that you dont wanna finish your words! lol I just dont get it. He constanly says that, " I ain't no tru *** ga!" and I say, " You are right I am not a true *******." I guess Im propper and such but language like that is why blacks get thrown into that Thug stereotype. I hate it. They think because I am black I automatically like chicken,kool-aid, watermelon, and rap music along with other things. I like jazz and r and b, classical,and old school funk and soul. anyways i was just venting. any comments on this. what do yall think about this? p.s. I guess yahoo answers dont like my question so the make me bleep out words thats in or high school history books like the N words. such BS. I just really want everyones honest opinon on this issue cuz its driving me nuts!

Friday, November 28, 2008

Open Question: Are Catholic schools and colleges even Catholic anymore?

The "Catholic" Name on the Door Means Nothing. Even Newchurch now admits that its colleges aren't Catholic. Under Jon Paul II and Benedict-Ratzinger, such colleges rob parents and students. In yet another Newchurch fraud, "Catholic" college students are just as pagan now as secular students. As if it weren't obvious already, a new study has confirmed that "Catholic Colleges" are no longer Catholic. The National Catholic Register, a prominent Newchurch publication, has admitted in a front-page article that under JPII and Benedict-Ratzinger, the colleges under their jurisdiction have become institutions embracing the pagan secular culture. Among the findings: - 20 per cent of the "Catholic" students have had abortions. - 60 per cent of the "Catholic" students reject Catholic teaching that abortion is the murder of a human being and advocate that abortion should be legalized. - 46 per cent of the "Catholic" students have fornicated (we suspect that the number is actually much higher, but that the respondents were too embarrassed to admit it). - 57 per cent of the "Catholic" students reject Catholic teaching that homosexual acts are one of the Four Sins that Cry to Heaven for Vengeance and advocate that "gay" marriage should be legalized. The figures are worse for women than men, further confirming the fact that the gender that used to be the bedrock of society and the family is becoming its destroyer. Among the results: - Female students are 22 per cent more likely than males to participate in fornication. - Female students are 35 per cent less likely than males to attend the Novus Ordo Service Mass weekly. - Female students are 23 per cent less likely than males to go to the Novus Ordo "Sacrament of Reconciliation" annually. - Female students are 19 per cent less likely than males even to pray daily. The Great Sex & Embezzlement Scandal presided over by JPII and Benedict-Ratzinger have resulted in the majority of Newchurch students saying that they no longer respect Newchurch bishops and popes. 10 to 13 per cent said that their "Catholic" college experience directly caused them to have no respect for Newchurch bishops and popes and to reject the Novus Ordo "sacraments." Already at the time of Vatican II (1962-1965), the noted Catholic educator, Archbishop Fulton Sheen, who taught at the Catholic University of America for nearly 25 years, noted with deep concern what was happening in Catholic education and the fact that many young people were losing the Faith. His warning on higher education, given around 1967, was as prophetic as it was startling: "You are better off going to a state school where you will have the chance to fight for your faith, than going to a modern Catholic university where you will have the new watered-down, modernist version of the faith spoon-fed to your unsuspecting minds, so that you will be apt to lose your faith." Nowadays, the best choice for parents and students is a college is a conservative liberal-arts college. The best major is Classics (Latin and Greek), which, in addition to giving the foundation for all secular and religious study, is usually one of the most conservative departments at any given institution. Institutions associated with the New Order and the “New Mass,” even when billed as “conservative,” should be particularly avoided, in accordance with the advice of Archbishop Sheen above. In addition to getting a thorough grounding in the classical languages, students should emphasize philosophy (particularly classical and mediaeval philosophy), music (particularly early and classical music), history (particularly ancient and mediaeval history), mathematics and the natural sciences, psychology and the social sciences (one must be careful here in choosing conservative courses), and oratory and rhetoric (sometimes called "Speech").

Resolved Question: I don't know how to feel about the death of death metal?

I've been listening to nothing but metal since I was about 16, and as I write this I'm 20. Before I bought that first number of the beast CD I had absolutely no musical interests whatsoever. Before I discovered metal I just thought I wasn't interested I guess. It's been 4 years now, with it being death metal nonstop for the last two, dabbling in other types of metal, but nothing else really, and as unpopular as death metal is (here's looking at you ladies) it all made sense until today... Quite a few hours ago I was listening to my roommates Rap though the wall (again), and I ended up posting my face book status as "Jeff has decided that real music has guitars and talent and stuff" A few hours after my friend commented "what else do you listen to I've always wondered", and I was taken aback as after having to listen to a million other types music on the radio and peoples cars and whatnot, I really didn't have an answer. I listen to music for pleasure but, I never really liked anything else I've tried to branch out a couple times (Elton John, Jazz, Neo folk, Bing Crosby) but I never cared enough to stick with anything before today For some reason today, my friends question prompted my to try and see what would happen if I put Classical Music for metal heads into google. For the last 8 hours (I've had too much homework to leave the house) I've been in complete awe. This stuff is freaking terrifying, Its been years since music has had so much power over me. It starting to seem like metal was just screaming at you to be afraid, whereas classical just shows you without patronizing, kinda like Hemingway if that makes sense. Not only that but the tranquil beauty is just a mesmerizing as the myriad highs and lows, without being boring like other "chill" music. Fascinating stuff that makes me fear for my future, it kinda feels like death metal which was such a huge part of my life for so many years is passing into oblivion, as I listen for music not for something to identify with how angry I am, but instead to listen to the wide arrangement of emotions that accompanies beauty. I dunno nothing makes sense anymore, It feels like the end although the reasons I started listening to metal (no luck with the ladies) are still there. I know I'm passing even further away from pop culture with this "choice" people are going to think I'm a pretentious bastard, which isn't true. Listening to metal to make me feel a certain emotion instead of letting emotions sweep over me, was far more pretentious then classical ever was. How, can I address the start of what seems to be a new path in my life, I'm terrified.... Or you know it might just be a one day thing

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Open Question: do i have talent in music?

first question, what is (or constitute) "talents" in music? secondly, if i can play music by ear (my teacher & many people have often told me that i have "absolute pitch" ear, meaning i can immediately play any kind of song only after one or two hears) , and also i can compose, and when i compose, i usually will already have perfect arrangements down to the little detail , and also my compositions is in various genre, such as: pop, rock, metal, jazz, video-game, and also symphonic/orchestral pieces , could i be considered musically talented? also, although i've been clasically trained about 6-years in piano, but i learn compositions, arrangings, and also other musical instruments: guitar, drum, bass by myself. and i often got 'lost' in my imaginations, sometimes when i see things, i can immediately just come up with beautiful or intense (depending on the situation) music on my own. but i kinda suck at practical daily-life things. i know many people seems to say that i'm really musically talented,.but sometimes i just second-guess myself, or maybe have low self-esteem, maybe because my parents often scorn me whenever i'm thinking about music career. my dad even often told me that I am NOT talented, and not that great. so stop thinking about making career in music. instead, just focus in career in business (and i just dislike it). it really made me down & and thinking that maybe my parents are right, that i'm not that talented, or even it's not talent (my dad often said to me that "it's because you have practiced piano really hard for 6 years, that's why you can get that. anybody who've practiced as hard as you would also be able to do like you did, so nothing special. stop dreaming about musical career") do you think that i'm not necessarily 'talented' , and it's only the result of 6-years classical piano i had when i was in primary school ? or indeed i have talent in music ?

Open Question: I don't know how to feel about the death of death metal?

I've been listening to nothing but metal since I was about 16, and as I write this I'm 20. Before I bought that first number of the beast CD I had absolutely no musical interests whatsoever. Before I discovered metal I just thought I wasn't interested I guess. It's been 4 years now, with it being death metal nonstop for the last two, dabbling in other types of metal, but nothing else really, and as unpopular as death metal is (here's looking at you ladies) it all made sense until today... Quite a few hours ago I was listening to my roommates Rap though the wall (again), and I ended up posting my face book status as "Jeff has decided that real music has guitars and talent and stuff" A few hours after my friend commented "what else do you listen to I've always wondered", and I was taken aback as after having to listen to a million other types music on the radio and peoples cars and whatnot, I really didn't have an answer. I listen to music for pleasure but, I never really liked anything else I've tried to branch out a couple times (Elton John, Jazz, Neo folk, Bing Crosby) but I never cared enough to stick with anything before today For some reason today, my friends question prompted my to try and see what would happen if I put Classical Music for metal heads into google. For the last 8 hours (I've had too much homework to leave the house) I've been in complete awe. This stuff is freaking terrifying, Its been years since music has had so much power over me. It starting to seem like metal was just screaming at you to be afraid, whereas classical just shows you without patronizing, kinda like Hemingway if that makes sense. Not only that but the tranquil beauty is just a mesmerizing as the myriad highs and lows, without being boring like other "chill" music. Fascinating stuff that makes me fear for my future, it kinda feels like death metal which was such a huge part of my life for so many years is passing into oblivion, as I listen for music not for something to identify with how angry I am, but instead to listen to the wide arrangement of emotions that accompanies beauty. I dunno nothing makes sense anymore, It feels like the end although the reasons I started listening to metal (no luck with the ladies) are still there. I know I'm passing even further away from pop culture with this "choice" people are going to think I'm a pretentious bastard, which isn't true. Listening to metal to make me feel a certain emotion instead of letting emotions sweep over me, was far more pretentious then classical ever was. How, can I address the start of what seems to be a new path in my life, I'm terrified.... Or you know it might just be a one day thing

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Open Question: How can I make my college-app essays better? Appreciated if anyone can help me. ?

Prompt 2: Tell us about a personal quality, talent, accomplishment, contribution or experience that is important to you. What about this quality or accomplishment makes you proud and how does it relate to the person you I simply love music. Music in any form, no matter its classical, rap, R&B, and just almost every kind of music I will fall in love to. There’s two era of my life that music was with me all the time and gave me all the influences. Those times are the time during middle school and the time during first two years of high school. Music is always important to me, but especially during those periods of time. I play piano and clarinet since 4th grade in elementary school. When I was at Taiwan and during middle school, I play in my school’s concert band; the school was pretty high level so there’s replacement test when I first went in. Although I wasn’t at the top of the members when I first got in, my passion in music never cease, any it even start to change the way I view anyone and anything. I used to be not as nice as now in a way towards people. I use to be straight on what I think and don’t take consideration of any advices from any one who tries to help me. At through difficult pieces and songs I started to become real good at clarinet and piano. The first few days of U.S. are a little bit frightening and scary for me because my English skills are not that well taught. Music help me build of relationships with others and connections with others. I started to join the concert band and had a great year. The second year was more exciting and challenging for me. The first day of school me and my friends walked together to the band room and checked out our new seat. I looked at the sheet and can’t believe what I just see on that paper, “first seat” in clarinet, which represents the first of the symphonic band. This new gave me recognition from the band conductor and from my friends. Al thought during years of junior and months of senior I stop playing clarinet and piano, but music still came to me in a different way. I started to learn how to express music not through the instruments, but through my body by singing. At first it I was bad at it just like any little kid’s first try to learn how to bike. But after a few months and practices, I started to have courage and confidence to go karaoke and perform to my friends and even perform to my family when I go back to Taiwan last summer. I can proudly say to anyone that I love music and music is the most important to me. All my life I’ve been close to music and I think I’ll continue to love music and share it with anyone. PROMPT 1 “Describe the world you come from, your family, community or school- and tell us how your world has shaped your dreams and aspirations.” First of all, I was born in Connecticut, U.S. My dad came to U.S. to get his master degree and I was born that time, after few month of my birth my parents and I moved back to Taiwan. This meant a lot to me when I was growing up in Taiwan because to go to U.S. or related to U.S. is a dream for Taiwanese children to imagine. I’ve lived for 14 years in Taiwan until high school starts then my parents decided to let me come alone and learn how to be independent and take responsibilities by myself. My birth place and my parents’ plan have shaped me to become more responsible and independent then when I was back in Taiwan. My family is a Christian family; this is a big part of out family and to me. We go to church every weekend and it is still the center part of our family. My parents still pray for me in Taiwan everyday and I still pray for them everyday here. My family is a small family consists of four people, my parents, me and my brother. My dad is a company’s manager and my mom is a manager from a company too. I am the older brother. We used to hang out every weekend and go on vacation but now I came here so its harder for me to be with them like before, this situation has made me value our time together in summer more. I am always looking forward to meet them every year and I hope my family can move here and be with me all the time. Lynbrook High School is a very hard working and spirited high school. This high school made me to work hard and competitive in any aspects. America is a reality world, I learned that because I’ve been living without my family for 3 years and I know how hard it is to live with myself. My life style is switching all the time, from being born here to living with family in Taiwan, from that to living here again by myself. This has made my personality more easy going and independent than before. The world now is full of difficulties and junctures. My dream is to simply graduate from college get a master degree and be just like a normal worker who has time for music and religion.

Open Question: American Studies Help?

1. Anti-Vietnam War protests broke out on college campuses from New York to California from the late 1960s through the early 1970s. Since college students were the same age of the young men being drafted into the war and many had friends that had died while serving, many students felt duty-bound to protest the war. The worst of the protests occurred May 1-4, 1970 at A. Ohio State University B. Kent State University C. Ohio University D. Miami University 2. As a result of the Montgomery bus boycott, A. Martin Luther King, Jr. attracted national attention B. The public transportation system in Montgomery was desegregated C. It showed the power of peaceful resistance D. All of the above 3. In Brown v. Board of Education (1954), the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional and that schools must integrate with all deliberate speed. What was the effect of the Court’s ruling? A. By the late 1960s, segregation was no longer the official policy in most schools. B. The ruling led to increased segregation. C. Since schools were already integrated, the Court’s ruling had little effect. D. Racial segregation in schools ended immediately. 4. The Brown v. Board of Education decision in 1954 did which of the following? A. Struck down the principal of “separate but equal” in schools. B. Provided for segregated schools based on race. C. Supported the Plessy v. Ferguson decision of 1896. D. Allowed for male and female students to attend the same schools. 5. In 1977, advocates for people with disabilities staged a series of protest demonstrations across the country. These demonstrations urged enforcement of anti-discrimination legislation. The demonstrations continued a pattern of protests for equal treatment under the law influenced by A. anti-war protests during the Vietnam War. B. Civil rights marches of the 1950s and 1960s. C. Farm labor strikes of the 1960s. D. Ku Klux Klan rallies of the 1920s. 6. Malcolm X’s beliefs in the early 1960s differed from Dr. Martin Luther King’s in that Malcolm X felt A. Blacks should be willing to fight for equal rights. B. Whites and blacks would eventually be able to exist together. C. Only through nonviolent resistance could blacks gain their rights. D. All of the above 7. By 1968, Americans public opinion about the Vietnam War was divided into two main groups: hawks and doves. A hawk was someone who A. supported the war. B. was in the Army. C. opposed the war. D. remained neutral about the war. 8. During the 1960s, the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) organized Freedom Rides throughout the South to end segregation on interstate bus routes. James Farmer, national director of CORE at that time, described in an interview one of the strategies used by the Freedom Riders: "We felt that one of the weaknesses of the student sit-in movement in the South was that as soon as arrested, students were bailed out. A better tactic would have been to remain in jail. Fill up the jails, as Gandhi did in India, fill them to bursting if we had to. In other words, stay in without bail." James Farmer’s statement would be a credible source of information about a strategy used during the civil rights movement because A. it is free of bias. B. it was published in a book. C. he was a civil rights leader. D. he uses statistics to support his opinions. 9. One of the first important waves in rock music in the 1960s was something called the "British Invasion," which essentially started in 1964. A band primarily associated with this wave was A. The Supremes B. The Beatles C. The Doors D. The Grateful Dead 10. The counterculture movement of the 1960s was A. an effort to promote aspects of refined culture (such as classical music). B. the result of a younger generation breaking away from traditional values. C. entirely unsuccessful as most “hippies” were incarcerated for drug use. D. an organization in which the main goal was to protest the Vietnam War.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Open Question: Jazzers please help me!!! Chord analysis of Charlie Parker's solo in Yardbird Suite?

I'm just starting jazz so I don't understand all this stuff. (I have a classical music background tho so I understand all the chord notations and what they mean, ex: Emi75b.) I looked it up online and I found this site: http://forums.allaboutjazz.com/showthread.php?t=29866 This is basically what they said: "C/Ab7/C Bb/A7/D7/G7/C Ed/D-7 G7/ for the first A section, with the last three chords at the second ending, the second A section, as /G7/C/F#-7 B7/. B section is /E-7/B7/E-7/A7/D-7/A7/D7/G/. Last A section is /C/Ab7/C Bb7/A7/D7/G7/C/C/. As I play it on the piano this sounds right to me, and this is what you would solo on, the whole thing. A-A-B-A." Then someone else said: "I'm not so sure about that Ab7 ..every time I've either or played it ( or one of two charts I've written on it ) I preferred: ||: C /Fmi11 Bb 75b / Emi75b Bb7add13 /A9 / C/D D9 /Dmi 7 G79b || : ( 1. ) C A7 / Dmi G7 :|| ||: (2) C /F#mi5b B7 || ..and then the bridge basically as you have it, except the first 4 .. Emi6 /F#mi5b B7 / Emi7 / A7" I need just the chords for the first sax solo in the song (I'm assuming it's Charlie Parker's solo, because it's the longest solo, 32 bars). Right after this solo there's a trumpet solo I think. I don't understand what they said on that website. I don't understand where they're starting from.... I don't have a fake book either. Basically my question is, which ones are the chords for the first 32-bar solo (which I am assuming is Charlie Parker's)??? Also I'm assuming each / means a bar line, and that it's the next measure. Right? Which parts are they talking about with the A A B A thing? Which part is the bridge? So confused!!! Help!!!

Open Question: How can I get my 16 month old to sleep?

Just under a week ago my little boy stopped sleeping through the night. I'm not talking about just waking up once. I'm talking about waking up any time from every half hour to 2 hours max. His diet hasn't changed (and its reasonably healthy), His routine hasn't changed. He's recently had his back top molars come through but that wouldn't cause sleepless nights for nearly a week would it? He'll only sleep if i pat his chest til he sleeps. Then he'll wake up and realise we're not there so screams and screams til we go in with him and pat him back to sleep. the only way i can get a half decent sleep is if i'm cuddling him. We left a light on for him so it wasn't completely dark, had soft classical music playing but still he wakes and automatically stands up and screams. Even his daytime nap (which has never been a problem!!) is now a struggle. Having to pat him to sleep takes about 30-45 minutes. He still needs his naps because he's VERY tired but just wont sleep... Someone please help me??? He has his nap at 11 am everyday (just the one). We go for a walk 1-2 times a day (weather permiting) and more than not go to one of the 4 playgrounds close to us and play most of the day (except when i need to do the daily household chores, then he helps). His usual bedtime routine is tea, playtime with mum and dad, bath, warm milk and a story read to him then mum and dad tuck him in. Hasn't changed... Like i said, he's never done this before so i'm wondering what could have sparked it...

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Open Question: So you think you're "emo"?

"Emo" is not short for "Emotional." "Emo" does not mean Taking Back Sunday and Dashboard Confessional, despite what MTV has lead you to believe in the last few years. "Emo" is not sidebangs, tight pants, and male vocalists who sing like little girls about their failed relationships. "Emo" is not the use of diluted, meaningless metaphors and similes such as "My arms are like pinecones," and most definitely is not the rampant use of words such as "autumn," "heart," "knife," "bleeding," "leaves," and "razorblade." I just thought I'd clear that up after all of these "definitions" in which I have encountered an unbelievable amount of people who try to pass off their blatantly false pretenses as fact, and are slowly infecting others with their high-horse, holier-than-thou bullshit. Because honestly, with your ridiculous definitions, Beethoven, George Gershwin, and Britney Spears are/was "emo bands." Now, onto the real definition. In the early 90s there was a movement in the hardcore genre that came to be known as "Emotive Hardcore," spearheaded by Rites Of Spring. Harder-core-than-thou kids, who swore by Dischord Records a la Minor Threat, actually coined the term "Emo" as something of a put-down for the kids who really liked Rites Of Spring, Indian Summer and this new wave of "Emotive" Hardcore bands. That's right, "Emo" was once not something kids called themselves. The field exploded outwards from there - Level-Plane Records has always been the most famous Emo label. Acts like Yaphet Kotto, I Hate Myself, Saetia, Hot Cross, A Day In Black And White, Funeral Diner, I Would Set Myself On Fire For You, You And I, and hosts of others came in the next decade. Most emo bands have since broken up, but there's still the occasional hold-out (again, the majority of Level-Plane Records' roster has been a procession of emo acts). Like most DIY hardcore/punk of the time, a majority found its way onto vinyl and not much else. Some people consider bands like Fugazi, and later Sunny Day Real Estate, a progression of emo, but personally, I don't quite follow that philosophy. Often, more recently, this gets intertwined with post-hardcore, and understandably so - that's nothing to make an issue of, since well shit, at least it's close. Since the late 90s, though, bands have been emerging in the vein of Taking Back Sunday, Dashboard Confessional, and the thousands of their clones. As far as I can tell, some lazy journalist somewhere, writing an article about them, decided "Well, fuck, no one knows what emo is anyways, so I'll call these bands "emo" - sounds more appealing than bubblegum pop rock..." and the spiral continued downwards into the current amalgomation of bands MTV has told everyone is "emo." Somehow, people decided that "emo" meant "emotional," which is obviously bullshit, as 99% of bands make music to illicit emotion, which would make "emotional" a completely all-encompassing genre from classical to opera to pop to rap.

Open Question: My best friend/my big brother/my awesome music partner who ditched all his friends for a chick.?

I call him my bro. He is one of the best beat-boxers I have ever met. I play the violin and he beat-boxes.. so we jam a lot... :) classical vs. hip hop style or classical & hip-hop style. We have always been a team and because we've been through a lot of the same things.. we're close enough that we tell other people we're brothers and sisters. One night, we had a big dinner with our closest friends and we took some silly pictures... which created the most ridiculous problem for my bro. He was dating unofficially with this girl. I know of her and I've had classes with her but we never got to be friends. He called me several days after the dinner and told me that he was no longer "allowed" to be seen with his friends.. and to be exact, his female friends.. to be even more exact: me. He knows it's bull crap and that his girl is just being insecure.. (about my presence with him). I thought he'll get over it or it didn't sound like it was a big deal for him.. but one day I saw him at school and he did the usual friend handshake... and I got so angry because the first thing he said to me was.. "The coast is clear!" I was disappointed. Right now, I'm thinking... My big brother who I have always looked up to... constantly telling me things like "bro/sis before hoes"... has decided to "not be seen" with his friends/me in public so he could keep the girl that he is unofficially dating. Can anyone tell me what's wrong with all this? Because I think everything is wrong right now.

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Open Question: The differences between the Fender TG-4, the Little Martin LXM, the Applause AN13 and the Baby Taylor guitar?

I'm looking at these 3/4 size student/travel guitars and since my local music store does not have them on hand for me to try out, I wanted some advice on which one I should purchase. For your information, I have been playing for a little over a year on a nylon classical style Sunlite entry level guitar and purchasing any of the above would be a huge jump in terms of quality but I don't want to spend money on a 3/4 guitar if it is about the same quality as the guitar I have now (i.e. buying a Squire MC-1). The shift to a steel string is worth it, if it means improving my guitar skills along the way. Also, I'm buying this guitar since I will be traveling to Vietnam in January and I want something to strum, so my skills don't lag after, so if the quality of the guitar is higher up then it might be able to stand up to the humid and hot conditions of the country better than a cheaply made instrument. I have hear good things about the Baby Taylors but I have also read reviews that said the Little Martins are built like a rock... I haven't heard much about the Fender TG-4 It would be great to get a reply back from people that have played at least one or more of the mentioned guitars. Any comments from personal experience regarding the above mentioned would be much appreciated. By the way I am willing to spend up to $300 but I would much rather prefer to spend $200 or less. I have been looking in the Takamine Jasmine JS341 and Ibanez IJC50 3/4 Classical models. They are both nylon stringed. Are they any good considering the overall sound, the playability for a beginner and the wood quality? Thanks in advance

Open Question: Any Classical Music CD Appraisal/Sell Sites?

I was just given 3 huge boxes full of classical music cd's. About 1/3 of them are not even open. Some of them are sets of 2 to 10 cd's. Does anybody know of any sites where I could look up how much their worth? Or of anywhere I could sell them other than ebay & craigslist? Thanks! Just got these last night & have just started looking through them. I'll compile a list & add more details in a couple hours. BACH J.S. Bach Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 1-6 Tafelmusik Jeanne Lamon Sony Classical 3 CD Bach: St. Matthew Passion, BWV 244 Göonnenwein Musical Heritage Society Bach Keyboard Concertos Infinity Digital Bach's Adagios 27 Tranquil Tracks From The Master Of Baroque Erato Bach: The 6 Trio Sonatas BWV 525-530 Fisk/Fuller MusicMasters Classics J.S. Bach Orchestral Suites Nos. 1, 3 & 4 Bath Festival Orchestra Yehudi Menuhin Seraphim Classics Kennedy Plays Bach With The Berlin Philharmonic EMI Classics Bach: The Six Suites For Solo Lioloncello, BWV 1007-1012 Nikolaus Harnoncourt Originally issued by the Musical Heritage Society in 1965 as LP # OR B-272/3/4 Musical Heritage Society Archive Series BEETHOVEN Ludwig Van Beethoven Violin Concerto Romance For Violin And Orchestra 1 & 2 Emperor Beethoven . Mass In C Major - Richter Mozart . "Coronation" Mass - Markevitch Privilege Beethoven: Piano Sonatas, Op. 2, Nos. 1, 2 & 3 Murray Perahia Sony Classical BOISMORTIER Joseph Bodin De Boismortier Music For 1-4 Flutes Miller/Burman-Hall with the Santa Cruz Baroque Festival Ensemble Musical Heritage Society BRAHMS Johannes Brahms Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2 Neville Marriner Academy of St. Martin In The Fields Hänssler Classic MOZART An Evening With Mozart - 10 CD box set - still in plastic Mozart: Serenade No. 10 "Gran Partita" 8.550060 Mozart: Horn Concertos Nos. 1 - 4 8.550148 Mozart: Concerto for Flute, Harp & Orch . Sinfonia Concertante 8.550159 Mozart: Piano Concertos Nos. 20 & 13 8.550201 Mozart: Piano Concertos Nos. 21 "Elvira Madigan", 12 and 14 8.550202 Mozart: Piano Concertos Nos. 9 and 27 8.550203 Mozart: Piano Concertos Nos. 17 and 18 8.550205 Mozart: Piano Concertos Nos. 11 & 22 8.550206 Mozart: German Dances 8.550412 Mozart: Violin Concertos Nos. 1 & 2 8.550414 NAXOS

Friday, November 21, 2008

Resolved Question: I really like this girl in my College Algebra Class. Help me spot clues if she feels the same for me or not?

***SORRY THAT THIS IS LONG. I LOVE TO WRITE OUT ALL DETAILS ON YAHOO ANSWERS BECAUSE I HATE BEING VAGUE AND CAUSING CONFUSION. THIS IS FOR ALL OF OUR CONVENIENCE*** I am 19 years old and in college majoring in Astrophysics and there is this woman (18 years old and on Dual-Credit) whom we both talked off and on for the past three months IN CLASS ONLY. She is very quiet in my college algebra class. Here's the strange part, every day in class, we have a quiz after a review. She never asks me for answers (I always ask for answer comparisons)and when I asked her if she asks anyone else for answers, she replied, "I don't know him/her?" But she will ask for answers once I initiated the talk. I also found out she is almost finished being home schooled (Senior Year). I graduated June of this year. She mentions her brother in comparison to me when I bring up something. She will say "Oh yeah, my brother enjoys this (game) and that (subject)." She laughs and smiles and keeps quiet. Another thing is that she speaks only to me after I speak to her, but she seems bored and uninterested (unless she is shy) when I talk to her. She looks at me directly when I speak to her. This is very confusing because I always start a conversation with her in which I learned some of here interest such as classical music and science etc. I feel that she is only speaking to me because of my knowledge in mathematics because she will wait until she completes. When I finish my quiz, I ask to compare answers. One day, I purposely left class ((to see how she would react and NOTHING)) without giving her the chance to ask me for a comparison because she appears to not be comfortable with speaking to me on her own. And I assume she asked someone else (But she never talks to anyone) for answers or did so on her own However, she seems to view everyone else as too into the American fad culture of cell phones and clothing. But she shows respect for me in that I dress appropriately and speak on her terms. She wears dresses to college, but not overly dressed. Just similar to business uniform. I dress in Khakis and a dress shirt often to College. Lastly, once she finishes her quiz, she will stare at me off and on for a long time while I finish my quiz. When I turn her way, she continues to stare with no emotion until several seconds later and looks away. She seems to have no interest in a casual walk to another class for which I feel she must be embarrassed or think walking together is awkward. She laughs and smiles when she makes a mistake on a problem such as "I'm so dumb, the answer is 123" (then she laughs). She laughs at some of my jokes on the subject. She NEVER starts a conversation. So please, anyone who can share their answers will be handsomely reward 10 points because I admire this woman and would like to get to know her. I haven't tried asking her out because that does not work if it is too soon. LOL Jonathan and Bib T. I know this is A LOT of observing, but I searched for answers similar to mines on Yahoo Answers but the answers where not convincing me. I made sure to cover ALL hints and questions in one explanation. :-D We are friends for now. I'm not the type to go rushing into things. But she seems to keep information to herself unless I ask. To I ♥ Arthur Aardvark. Everything I mentioned in here is true from observing. None of this was made up in "my head" Thank you for the answers. I was planning on asking her if she wants to study with me. I wasn't going to directly ask her if she wants to go out. :-D Great detail and contrasting Lila and Heidi. Any information is good to read than none at all. :-D

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Open Question: Mozart's requiem, a stairway to Eternity.?

Hi to all of you, from France! Today, Nov 11th, is the D day for celebrating the end of the WW I, on November 11th 1918, when so millions of young guys died for a very stupid conflict of peculiar interests. In memoriam to all these guys, in memoriam to all the destructed lives, the destructed countries, I offer you this MOZART's Requiem, the last written work of this fabulous composer, dead at the 35, before having finished his Requiem, in 1791 in Vienna. You will tell me what do you thing of such marvel, especially the youngest ones (and the others too). Take care. Leonard BERNSTEIN conducts the MOZART's requiem. Requiem in D min, K 626, WA MOZART. Marie Mc Laughin (soprano I), Maria EWING (soprano II), Jerry HADLEY (ténor), Cornélius HAUPTMANN (basse). Chorus and Orchester Bavarian radio. Léonard BERNSTEIN. I. Introitus. Requiem: http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=aO3n45NYzUw II. Kyrie. http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=ARUf3ADFADY III. Séquence. Dies irae: http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=YLttU27nROk&feature=related Tuba mirum: http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=3s_ZoN4FaLQ Rex tremendae: http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=O3z8-HTXYYM Recordare: http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=Hnz2s7EojWw Confutatis: http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=du_BDrwDVTY Lacrimosa: http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=XdJyA40boIE IV. Offertorium. Domine Jesu: http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=W0xKrpo119Q Hostias. http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=OhuXtti0pNc The following links are below. V. Sanctus. http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=Ni3UECf0pRg VI. Benedictus. http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=iMD0BEd_dv4 VII. Agnus Dei. http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=5DoQIo4Lt-A VIII. Communio. Communion. http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=ZINLQvw5ABM MOZART's Requiem, Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Requiem_(Mozart)

Open Question: I really like this girl in my College Algebra Class. Help me spot clues if she feels the same for me or not?

***SORRY THAT THIS IS LONG. I LOVE TO WRITE OUT ALL DETAILS ON YAHOO ANSWERS BECAUSE I HATE BEING VAGUE AND CAUSING CONFUSION. THIS IS FOR ALL OF OUR CONVENIENCE*** I am 19 years old and in college majoring in Astrophysics and there is this woman (18 years old and on Dual-Credit) whom we both talked off and on for the past three months IN CLASS ONLY. She is very quiet in my college algebra class. Here's the strange part, every day in class, we have a quiz after a review. She never asks me for answers (I always ask for answer comparisons)and when I asked her if she asks anyone else for answers, she replied, "I don't know him/her?" But she will ask for answers once I initiated the talk. I also found out she is almost finished being home schooled (Senior Year). I graduated June of this year. She mentions her brother in comparison to me when I bring up something. She will say "Oh yeah, my brother enjoys this (game) and that (subject)." She laughs and smiles and keeps quiet. Another thing is that she speaks only to me after I speak to her, but she seems bored and uninterested (unless she is shy) when I talk to her. She looks at me directly when I speak to her. This is very confusing because I always start a conversation with her in which I learned some of here interest such as classical music and science etc. I feel that she is only speaking to me because of my knowledge in mathematics because she will wait until she completes. When I finish my quiz, I ask to compare answers. One day, I purposely left class ((to see how she would react and NOTHING)) without giving her the chance to ask me for a comparison because she appears to not be comfortable with speaking to me on her own. And I assume she asked someone else (But she never talks to anyone) for answers or did so on her own However, she seems to view everyone else as too into the American fad culture of cell phones and clothing. But she shows respect for me in that I dress appropriately and speak on her terms. She wears dresses to college, but not overly dressed. Just similar to business uniform. I dress in Khakis and a dress shirt often to College. Lastly, once she finishes her quiz, she will stare at me off and on for a long time while I finish my quiz. When I turn her way, she continues to stare with no emotion until several seconds later and looks away. She seems to have no interest in a casual walk to another class for which I feel she must be embarrassed or think walking together is awkward. She laughs and smiles when she makes a mistake on a problem such as "I'm so dumb, the answer is 123" (then she laughs). She laughs at some of my jokes on the subject. She NEVER starts a conversation. So please, anyone who can share their answers will be handsomely reward 10 points because I admire this woman and would like to get to know her. I haven't tried asking her out because that does not work if it is too soon. LOL Jonathan and Bib T. I know this is A LOT of observing, but I searched for answers similar to mines on Yahoo Answers but the answers where not convincing me. I made sure to cover ALL hints and questions in one explanation. :-D We are friends for now. I'm not the type to go rushing into things. But she seems to keep information to herself unless I ask. To I ♥ Arthur Aardvark. Everything I mentioned in here is true from observing. None of this was made up in "my head" Thank you for the answers. I was planning on asking her if she wants to study with me. I wasn't going to directly ask her if she wants to go out. :-D Great detail and contrasting Lila and Heidi. Any information is good to read than none at all. :-D

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Open Question: "Benvenuto Cellini": 4th question in series "the 3 fff's": a Fiasco at it's premiere, and continues to be? ?

This is the fourth question in the series that I co-host with hafwen: "Fabulous Firsts, Flops and Fiascos" = "the 3 fff's"; her third question is still open for responses: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=ApQaUOCHSYZJjULe0KiS4ubty6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20081102203938AAPdWlQ&show=7#profile-info-70jNDiIiaa Benvenuto Cellini, the first of Hector Berlioz's three some would contend all "ill-fated" operas(not including his dramatic oratorio, "The Damnation of Faust"), has never achieved any success to speak of: has never made it into the standard repertoire of any opera company. And probably for a very good reason; it's extremely difficult to stage, cast and perform. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benvenuto_Cellini_(opera) A critic's review of a 2003 Met. production of it: http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E06E6DB153DF935A35751C1A9659C8B63&scp=108&sq=Benvenuto+Cellini&st=nyt Regardless of the above, we can all appreciate Berlioz's attempt(s), and be grateful for what he salvaged from this unsuccessful endeavor, by way of enjoying the "Roman Carnival Overture" which he compiled by incorporating sections of the whole: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysFcY-d_pPM&feature=related Have any of you ever attended one of those extremely rare live performances of this opera or a concert version, or even heard a recodring of it in its entirety? Even if you haven't, what's your opinion of this most genuine anomoly of the classical music realm? Alberich --------------------------------------------------- "i.jones": Thanks for the notice, but I only watch anything if it's free. No comments on Benvenuto Cellini? Alberich --------------------------------------------------- "del_icious": Thanks. Your direct experience with acutal productions of it, and therefore your perspective is most valued; and more or less confirms the critic of the 2003 Met's. production, his general overall assessment of its artistic worth and merit. A shame. Must have really caused Hector to endlessly ponder why he had invested so much creative energy in it, for it to ultimately turn out to be such a dud; am sure he came to this conclusion prior to his death. Alberich

Open Question: Curing depression without harming creativity?

A doctor said to me that I might take Zyprexa, however I have read about this drug and as I found it might cause serious permanent side-effects. Thus, I ask for help. Today I can be enthusiastic about reading, analyzing, combing ideas - theories; answering at school to questions and have a desire to know. To write for the school`s magazine, to talk on philosophical themes, listen to classical music and enjoy it tremendously. However, tomorrow I can desire nothing. I can be unmotivated and do be almost impossible to me to enjoy what I even like. Can have thoughts about death, about killing myself, about doing harm to others (though I would not purse onto doing such an act), my thoughts are disorganized, talk fast and with incoherence or with coherence., confusion, dizzy. So, any help? this meaning - for one week or more to be under depression and only two or three days normal. With no negative external events - but the other way - only positive events. As intelligence, I am highly intelligence - my IQ is 136. Though I find IQ tests to be misleading. However I have a very good judgment, long and short-term memory and am highly creative. Though in depression I am not this way, I feel like I`m loosing my ability to reason. I agree with what you have wrote JK. And, no I do not think that depression goes hand in hand with creativity as I am facing it and when in depression I am not at all creative. This is why my question is: "how to cure without harming", as some medicine harm more then curing. Yes, I will do more exercise and I buy flowers (yellow) so that it may cheer me at least a bit. Thank you for your answers. Aunty, As I wrote: "a doctor" (not I) I take a vitamin B complex, and Omega 3. As well I am careful about what I eat, avoiding junk food. Thank you for the advice though, and I am sorry I did not add this information too. Thank you.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Open Question: the perfect college for me?

im a senior in high school in nyc and im applying for college next yr but am very unsure of where i want to go exactly. i prefer schools in new england and the mid atlantic for the most part. I want to major in either English, govt, econ, politics or womens studies in college and then definitely go to a high ranking law school after. I want to go to a place where i can make long lasting friendships with ppl i can rly connect with. My friends now consider me very preppy/sophisticated and intellectual but not in a snobby way........im kind of the skinny jeans/flats/pearls/pashmina type of girl. I am veryy open to the idea of going to a womens college bcuz i want to work in international womens rights law but at the same time am looking for close-knit strong liberal arts schools i dont like schools with a strong emphasis on partying/drinking to have a good time and sororities/fraternities I wud like to be a part of school with a wide range of activities from school newspaper, to dance, religious services, volunteering/charity organizations and acapella/choir in terms of dating, im not exactly looking for a new relationship hence i dont mind the idea of a womens college (not that im a lesbian or bisexual either) i try to live my life with some christian values but at the same time i am open to different perspectives and i want to learn more bout diff. perspectives from around the world as well. i love classical music and jazz, good books, dining out and inspiring films. i believe in global citizenship and being good to the ones i love. my favorite activities include playing tennis, dancing the ballet, shopping, and having conversations with my best friends. i want to go to a school where i can find ppl who like those things too lastly, i wud like to go to a school with a sort of well known name and good financial aid and study abroad programs wut college (or colleges wud i fit in best)? thanks! wud i fit at bates or colby??

Voting Question: Song from 80's please help! Best answer 10 points.?

There is a song from the the 80's that I have always kinda had stuck in my head. My dad listens to 80's music that is how I got so into it. There is this song I have been wanting to know at least the name of it or at least the artist who sings it..... It is from the 80's and sounds classical or "soft" it is a slow song...the intro(before he starts singing) is played by a saxophone. "Sat on the phone to make things better.." although I am certain I heard that part wrong lol! There is one part that goes "I'm wasting my time...oh I'm wasting my time ya.." And that is all I know! Please help please help! I have searched and searched and can come up with nothing! I have searched on youtube.com and google.com thatgreat80s.com(or whatever that site is) and many other sites! PS: best answer will get 10 points I promise! It is a guy singing the song...I am pretty sure it is not a band song just one guy singing it! It is not Tears for Fears or Brian Adams... It is not Janet Jackson or Wham/ George Micheal... I had asked this question before but had only four answers none of which helped! It is not Phil Collins either..I know who he is and have that song on my ipod lol! It is one guy singing begins with a saxophone playing for the intro...the whole song is slow...there is some piano and guitar to but not part of the intro... it sounds like soft rock and classical. It is not waste by the blockheads sorry This guy who sings the song also has no accent voice! It is not Roxette either because they have a girl in their band.....and no girl sings the song sorry I also just looked that up to. I know I am not much help either sorry. I FOUND THE SONG YAY YAY I WAS WAY OFF ON MOST OF THE HINTS! BUT I RECOGNIZE THIS BEAT! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsoE_P-E7-0 no wonder I confused everybody including my self I had TWO songs mixed up in my head together...two different songs sorry everyone. So I won't pick a best answer I will send this into voting and let someone pick a best answer ok! opps guess I can't do that yet...duh! but just so happy

Open Question: Song from 80's please help! Best answer 10 points.?

There is a song from the the 80's that I have always kinda had stuck in my head. My dad listens to 80's music that is how I got so into it. There is this song I have been wanting to know at least the name of it or at least the artist who sings it..... It is from the 80's and sounds classical or "soft" it is a slow song...the intro(before he starts singing) is played by a saxophone. "Sat on the phone to make things better.." although I am certain I heard that part wrong lol! There is one part that goes "I'm wasting my time...oh I'm wasting my time ya.." And that is all I know! Please help please help! I have searched and searched and can come up with nothing! I have searched on youtube.com and google.com thatgreat80s.com(or whatever that site is) and many other sites! PS: best answer will get 10 points I promise! It is a guy singing the song...I am pretty sure it is not a band song just one guy singing it! It is not Tears for Fears or Brian Adams... It is not Janet Jackson or Wham/ George Micheal... I had asked this question before but had only four answers none of which helped! It is not Phil Collins either..I know who he is and have that song on my ipod lol! It is one guy singing begins with a saxophone playing for the intro...the whole song is slow...there is some piano and guitar to but not part of the intro... it sounds like soft rock and classical. It is not waste by the blockheads sorry This guy who sings the song also has no accent voice! It is not Roxette either because they have a girl in their band.....and no girl sings the song sorry I also just looked that up to. I know I am not much help either sorry. I FOUND THE SONG YAY YAY I WAS WAY OFF ON MOST OF THE HINTS! BUT I RECOGNIZE THIS BEAT! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsoE_P-E7-0 no wonder I confused everybody including my self I had TWO songs mixed up in my head together...two different songs sorry everyone. So I won't pick a best answer I will send this into voting and let someone pick a best answer ok! opps guess I can't do that yet...duh! but just so happy

Monday, November 17, 2008

Open Question: Rate my Personal Statement :)?

Hi there, well im looking to study Chinese at Leeds University, and well that uni is quite popular. So what do you think of my PS? The more criticism the better, and everything is appreciated. Thanks a bunch! ---- The art of the Chinese language has long been a source of beauty, but contrasting this beauty is its mystery. The near endless amount of culture, history and philosophy that China holds has always left me in awe, and is a reason why I would gladly spend part of my life studying it. My interest in East Asia began when I was introduced to the phenomenon that is anime, Japanese animations. This was the seed that produced the roots of interest that grew further, diversifying my interest in East Asia. However, the country that always seemed to grasp me and hypnotize me was China. Because I did not have access to the Chinese language in school, I soon found myself taking up my own independent research, exploring other aspects of China such as its history, culture and philosophy to more modern aspects, such as the countries economic boom, until I had a good foundation of knowledge on subjects such as wushu and Taoism, as well as general knowledge of the society and its cultural norms. The ability to work independently soon enabled me to complete other tasks, including the Guardian Newspapers Newspaper Challenge. This significantly helped to improve my analysis and evaluation of text, writing ability, note taking skills and documentation ability. I then participated in Envision, a youth based charity, and successfully completed it, achieving an award in it. This improved and built upon my ability to actively work in a team, meet deadlines as well as organise meetings. Furthermore, I was twice a member of my school council which significantly bolstered my confidence and ability to speak and express opinions in front of people, as well as further expand my organisation and independence skills. I also learnt how to embrace the many opinions given out by my student peers and organise them in a manner that allowed me to discuss them in council meetings. This also led me to help out my school during open days, where I was in charge of parking cars. This was a demanding job that put my on-the-spot thinking skills and logic skills to the test. My ability to pursue extra curricular activities was cut after my mother fell pregnant twice to another man who struggled to maintain his responsibilities. I kept a responsible and mature attitude in an attempt to help my mother as well as maintain my performance at school, and at the same time pursue my interest in China and East Asia in general. Although my environment may have affected my overall performance, I have built up a strong mental mind and built up abilities, such as responsibility, determination and independence which are invaluable for an individual who wishes to study the Chinese language in an environment that requires high performance in all said areas. My lust for adventure led me to qualify as a junior open water scuba diver, which I absolutely love. I have a love for drawing and art and, through many years of practice, have developed my own drawing style, particularly influenced by Manga. I have a great interest in all types of music, and have learnt to appreciate the classical genre. Through this, I started to self teach myself how to play the piano, and have garnered a basic understanding of music theory and playing. From that, I have created my own musical compositions through the use of a virtual production studio, for my own listening pleasure as well as to satisfy my need for creation. I also have a great appreciation for movies that extends to Asian cinema in particular, with works by Takeshi Kitano and Park Chan-wook being my favorites. Once I graduate and have gained full proficiency in the language of Chinese, I seek to pursue a career in East Asia that makes good use of my English and Chinese language skills. I then wish to deeply explore Asia, and then restore myself with the Thai language and reunite myself with my lost heritage of the Thai and Asian culture. I idolize the future prospect of pursuing my ambitions, and am ready to embrace the challenge of university. ---- p.s. the PS has to kept within this word limit :S

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Open Question: How likely am I to get accepted at UT's McCombs School of Business?

How likely am I to get accepted into the University of Texas McCombs School of Business???? I'm a Texas Resident. I'm currently a Senior in high school. Some facts: my GPA is around 3.7 - 4.0 currently im ranked 41 out of 479 students in my class = top 8.5% I will be graduating under the Distinguished Achievment Plan. I'm enrolled in AP English IV, AP Macroeconomics, AP U.S. Government, AP Biology, CP PreCalculus, French III..etc Last year I took AP U.S. History, and AP English III aside of Physics PreAP and Algebra II CP I got a 1500 on the SAT the first time I took it :[ 550 english, 550 writing, 400 math :// I'll be retaking the SAT in december.. I took the ACT and thats bad..20. I recently took the SAT Subject Test in French, Literature, and Math Level 1..I haven't received the scores yet. I know i suck at math :[ and thats my biggest weakness and what makes me less likely to get into a good school :[ I'm President of the World Club (foreign language-volunteer club) I'm Vice-President of U.I.L at my school I'm Historian for NHS (National Honors Society) I volunteer at the hospital every other tuesday I also volunteer in NHS events (cancer walk, trunk or treat, etc) I've served at my church for many years. I've been part of the worship team for a long time playing the drums. I also taught children classes at some points in time. I consistently volunteer to help clean-up the church on "clean-up" days. I've been in band for four years and I've marched in the band for three years. My teachers label me charismatic, "smart", outstanding, a leader..among other things. I'm the kind of person who might not be smart on the outside but in the inside i consider myself "good-enough." I have vision, determination, i dream big, i work hard, i don't conform with mediocre people (the majority at my school). I want to be someone who will impact society and who will become a succesfull business man (entreprenuer)!!! I'm extremely fond of jazz, classical music, figures of the past; marlon brando, miles davis, ella fitzgerald, julie london... I love to travel, its my passion! I love photography. I always feel like i'm seperated from the rest of the people at my school. I enjoy the more refined things in life. I'm very open-minded, culturally open. I enjoy challenges! How likely am I to get accepted at McCombs? Any suggestions??? Other colleges....outside of Texas?? Please be honest...

Voting Question: How is this philosophy/view/essay? (Regarding "natural talent")?

Free thinking. There is no such thing as "natural talent" in this world. I mean, I hear people talking about it occasionally. Oh, this person's naturally talented in dancing. Oh, this person's naturally talented in _musical instrument_ Oh, this person's naturally talented in sports. Oh, this person's naturally talented in playing video games. ...Um, WHAT? First off, all of those were invented (including dancing; either by us humans or elsewhere). How can someone be "natural talented" in something invented? I find that the misconception arises from the fact that many people are taught how to do their respective skills at a young age. And when they are in their teenaged years and are great at their skills, people (and possibly themselves) think they were born with the skill. To reword it another way, Nature gave them the talent. (Which I find impossible). "Now wait, how does one dance good, play an instrument good, play sports good, or play video games good if, according to you, they don't have natural talent?" Good question. Well, for one thing, they were constantly exposed to that skill at a young age - what logical conclusion can you deride from that? Babies' are still developing. Because of that, they can learn many things at alarming rates. If a baby has been raised in a family of dancers since a young age, he/she would most likely be highly skilled in dancing when they grow up. As stated earlier, this is because they are still developing, AND because they are constantly exposed to such skills. So let's think about it again. A young child was born in a musical environment. He hears and develops his brain accordingly with strong musical influence. Curious as children are, he wants to learn an instrument he has been constantly hearing (let's say classical guitar). A young child was taught gymnastics at a young age. Although she started learning a skill later than the child of music, her body is still developing and adapting. Due to that, she can still be extremely skillful when she grows up - provided she still does gymnastics. After reading and thinking about those examples, I find it easy to understand the reason why many think there is "natural talent". Heck, even the boy probably thinks he was born with natural guitar talent. But because of the information stated above, we find that that is not the case. To wrap things up: while people are not necessarily born with a skill in the literal sense, saying they are isn't too far from the truth. That is, if they were born surrounded by it, entranced by it, and drawn to it, one can say they were born with it. Regarding people who have never done anything before and were quite good at it: I am one of them. On various examples, I just looked at some videos and used deep analyzing skills to become good at those. People who are good orators... I would assume they practice in front of mirrors or talk to themselves (verbally or mentally). This is from experience. But there most certainly could be a chance there are exceptions. I cannot choose a best answer. I find that this argument is too complex. There are many arguments. And many counter-arguments. And even many counter-counter-arguments. I would say, with every argument, there is always an exception; the universe is unpredictable.

Open Question: 5th question in series, "the 3 fff's": premier for "Lohengrin" by Richard Wagner": familiar with its history?

This is the fifth and probably what will be the last question in this series - the "3 fff's": "Fiasco's, Flops and Fabulous Firsts" - due to the lack of interest in it. My co-host "hafwen" and I both feel very disappointed and discouraged in the number of responses to our questions. So unless a sufficient number of you should express an interest in its continuation, this will be the last question. ------------------------------------------------------------------ "Lohengrin" by Richard Wagner, a "Fabulous First". It's the third opera of the nine of this composer that are considered to be part of the standard operatic repertoire. The most popular of all, it has been so ever since its very successful premiere in Weimar, Germany in 1850; which was produced and directed by his long time and famous benefactor, the great pianist and composer, Franz Liszt. A Wikipedia article about Lohengrin: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lohengrin_(opera) An interesting "tid-bit": King Ludwig II of Bavaria - its last one - was another principal and most genereous of Wagner's benefactors, saving him from finacial ruin more than once, and without whose patronage, the Festspielhaus(Wagner's own where the "Ring" cycle was premiered)would never have come to fruition. A Wikipedia article about him: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ludwig_II_of_Bavaria And here are some You Tube videos of the most popular excerpts from it: The Acit I Prelude: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7prUFflX0_E&feature=related "Elsa's Procession to the Cathedral", Act II: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgTK-U96k5Q&feature=related The Prelude Act III http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InPRlxxOpOc&feature=related "In Fernem Land", Lohengrin's best "aria-?": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8J7Jhx93s9w&feature=related So, what's your opinion of this, Wagner's most popular opera, and do you wish the series to continue? Alberich -------------------------------------------------- SORRY: the last video is of the famous Bridal Chorus("Here comes the Bride"), which I had meant to included anyway. Here's "In Fernem Land": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jTMtaojTzc&feature=related ------------------------------------------------- "Edik": sorry if we didn't make it clear as to the theme of the series. It was meant to focus only on first performances of a work: its "premiere". The degree to which they were met with approval/dis-approval. "Fabulous Firsts" - Lohengrin's premiere was one. "Flops" - no demonstrable interest exhibited at its premiere - such as what happened with Rachmaninoff's 1st Symphony. "Fiasco" - notorious rejection at its premiere, such as the riots which occurred at the premiere of Stravinsky's "Rites of Spring". It will be up to hafwen whether or not the series will continue. Alberich

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Open Question: Hey I really need help with a thesis statement for my project, can anyone help me?

The paper is on how 5 genres of music impacted the music industry. I'm pasting the directions in here for further guidance. I can get started on the paper as soon as i get a thesis statement down but i can't think of one basically just steps one through 3 are important for this but im pasting all 7 just in case. Oh and my 5 genres are classical, hip hop, punk rock, heavy metal, and death metal. STEP 1: CHOOSE A TOPIC (the topic for this assignment is…) “Different Musical Genres and Their Impact on The Music Industry Past and Present” Your paper must address the follow through discussion (DO NOT just answer the question): • Provide a historical backdrop as it relates to the music business for at least five different genres of music (one must be classical) and the impact (negative or positive) on the development of the recording industry. • Analyze RIAA statistics of the selected five genres and develop a conclusion to what might be the economical future of each genre in the recording industry. You must provide an original spreadsheet of your own making and evaluate your findings. • Discuss the impact of social networks on each of the five genres • Provide a recommendation as to how the least economically successful genre (pick one) might find success in the music Industry in the coming years. • What elements make a hit in this day and age? • What will make a hit in the future? • How will art compete with business in the future? • Discuss the many ways music is currently distributed to the consumer and how it might change. • How will or has the new paradigm (based on your research) impacted on you personally. STEP 2: CRAFT A THESIS Very often a chosen topic is too broad for focused research. You must revise it until you have a working hypothesis, that is, a statement of an idea or an approach with respect to the primary source that could form the basis for your thesis. In other words, think about the topic and decide on a position that you want to take on the given subject matter. Sample Hypothesis: The art in the (hiphop/rock/country) music industry is giving way to the business concerns of all the record labels who want to exploit artists as much as they can in exchange for high profits. Test your working hypothesis to be sure it is 1) broad enough to promise a variety of resources. 2) narrow enough for you to research in depth. 3) original enough to interest you and your readers. 4) worthwhile enough to offer information and insights of substance. Now it is time to craft your thesis, your revised and refined hypothesis. A thesis is a declarative sentence that a. focuses on one well-defined idea b. makes an arguable assertion; it is capable of being supported c. prepares your readers for the body of your paper and foreshadows the conclusion. Revised Hypothesis/Thesis Statement: “The traditional music industry model is dead, major labels are not the only route to success. Artists and songwriters need to set artistic and commercial goals before getting into the business.” STEP 3: EVALUATE THESIS AND SOURCES Remember, like your hypothesis, your thesis is not carved in stone. You are in charge. If necessary, revise it during the research process. As you research, continue to evaluate both your thesis for practicality, originality, and promise as a search tool, and secondary sources for relevance and scholarliness. The following are questions to ask during research: 2 a. Are there many journal articles and entire books devoted to the thesis, suggesting that the subject has been covered so thoroughly that there may be nothing new to say? b. Does the thesis lead to stimulating, new insights? c. Are appropriate sources available? Is there a variety of sources available so that the bibliography or works cited page will reflect different kinds of sources? d. Which sources are too broad for my thesis? Which resources too narrow ? e. Who is the author of the secondary source? Does the critic's background suggest that he/she is qualified? After crafting a thesis, consider one of the following two approaches to writing a research paper. a. Excited about your thesis and eager to begin? 1) Return to the primary source to find support for your thesis. 2) Organize ideas and begin writing your first draft. 3) After writing the first draft, turn to the authorities for their support of your ideas. In the appropriate places, cite these sources. 4) Document facts and opinions from secondary sources. 5) Remember, secondary sources are no substitute for original thought b. Confused about where to start? 1) Use your thesis to direct you to appropriate secondary sources. 2) These secondary sources will help you clarify your position and find a direction for your paper. 3) Keep a work-in-progress bibliography. You may not use all the sources you record, but you cannot be sure which ones you will eventually discard. 4) Create a working outline as you research. This outlin

Open Question: HI!! How is this for a Chapter one? Read and give constructive feedback?

CHAPTER ONE “Are you questioning my professionalism? Are you implying that I am, to the nth, absolutely incapable of running this establishment?” There was a long pause after Matron’s heated tirade. “Yes, I know about the global economical crisis that it affecting everyone!” she snapped. It obviously wasn’t just the said global economical crisis that was affecting her â€" PMS, Pissed-Off Matron Syndrome, was getting to her too. Leina leaned in as close as she dared to the door that was slightly ajar. Eavesdropping, she had learnt, very long ago, was one life-skill necessary for survival in this hell of a place. “Our oldest resident is seventeen.” Incredible. For once in her life, Matron had referred to her as a “resident” instead of with some other patronizing label. “And how do you suppose we feed and clothe the other children? With scraps and rags?” As if it isn’t already like that, Leina thought to herself with a glance down at her chemise that was practically moth-eaten. She shifted herself to get a better angle of the room. Austere and pragmatic like the rest of the building, it was equipped with the bare essentials of an office. Matron sat at the table with an old-fashioned phone at her ear. She swatted at her frizzy hair in her usual hot temper and yelled some more obscenities into the mouthpiece. Any more up the decibel scale and Leina could swear, the other person would have their eardrums shattered. Behind matron was a cabinet that Leina planned, by any means, to get to later. “We shall discuss this further then,” Matron said sharply and hung up. The clock chimed nine o’clock. Bed-time. The race for either life or death. Leina skittered down the corridor as quickly and quietly as she could before Matron could come out and scream “Rogue child at her!” â€" Not that she hadn’t on many occasions. The door slammed and the click of Matron’s heels on the floor began to reverberate around the corridor. Clutching her glow-stick close to her, in case Matron’s eyesight had improved overnight (highly unlikely), Leina turned the corned and then climbed stealthily up the staircase. The yellow light of her glow-stick showed her a small puddle of water that was slowly dripping down the steps. Gross. Little Akira still hadn’t learnt how to control his bladder. Taking care to avoid the three consecutive steps that creaked with the slightest touch, Leina took a massive lunge forwards and then scrambled up the remaining steps. She burst through the dormitory where a frenzy of children ran about, stuffing all their brightly coloured toys under their mattresses and clearing away any traces of the games that Matron frowned upon; dominoes, Monopoly, anything that was capable of brining delight. “Quickly now! Into bed!” Leina hissed and switched off the lights. They all jumped into bed, ducked their heads under their blankets and squeezed their eyes tight-shut. Silence. Not a sound. And then the dreaded three creaks came. “NO NOISE OR YOU WILL ALL BE SENT AWAY!” Matron’s shrieking came like a blast from a bomb. All the children shivered in their skins. Except Leina. She was sending herself away tonight. After Matron had retreated to her own alcove (known because classical music was being played from her gramophone), Leina jumped out of bed and whisked the rug away from under her bed. “What are you doing?” A little girl asked and sat up in bed. The other all children all followed suit. Leina held the glow-stick up to her face “Do you really want to know? I am…releasing the monster…” She hoped her voice was scary enough to creep all the other children out. Half the children squealed and buried their heads under their pillows. Things would be easier if they were all gullible like that. “There’s no such things as monsters,” the little girl said haughtily, “They don’t exist. You’re trying to get away.” Leina ignored her and lifted up a loose floorboard where all her treasured possessions had been hidden. She pulled on a jumper and then shoved everything else into a Hello Kitty bag: a broken pen, a pirated copy of The Emancipation of Mimi which had been scribbled out to say Leina and a few bank notes. Only one thing wasn’t there, the one thing that she had meant to take out first. Her fingers groped frantically around the pit and then there it was. It had almost escaped her reach. She yanked the locket away from the two floorboards where it got lodged in and clasped the necklace around her neck securely with a rush of relief. “You’re going nowhere!” The little girl announced shrilly. She stood with her arms outstretched. “Respect your elders, Junko-chan,” Leina said authoritatively. No commotion please, no commotion please. “You’re not an adult so why should I? You’re three years away from being twenty, Leina.” Canine mother! This little pretentious brat was barring the way out and totally devastating her chances of escaping this purgatory, this life of monotony After I read some of your comments, thought I might post some notes up because it turns out that when I pasted the entire chapter, the whole thing didn't turn out! OK.....she hasn't lived here her whole life. (It says later that she's only been here 7 years, but that bit got chopped off by the word limit) There is a prologue to this by the way so it would make more sense. On the subject of the orphans...yeah, little Junko is shrewd, annoying, hmmm..... thanks for your comments guys!

Friday, November 14, 2008

Open Question: How is this philosophy/view/essay? (Regarding "natural talent")?

Free thinking. There is no such thing as "natural talent" in this world. I mean, I hear people talking about it occasionally. Oh, this person's naturally talented in dancing. Oh, this person's naturally talented in _musical instrument_ Oh, this person's naturally talented in sports. Oh, this person's naturally talented in playing video games. ...Um, WHAT? First off, all of those were invented (including dancing; either by us humans or elsewhere). How can someone be "natural talented" in something invented? I find that the misconception arises from the fact that many people are taught how to do their respective skills at a young age. And when they are in their teenaged years and are great at their skills, people (and possibly themselves) think they were born with the skill. To reword it another way, Nature gave them the talent. (Which I find impossible). "Now wait, how does one dance good, play an instrument good, play sports good, or play video games good if, according to you, they don't have natural talent?" Good question. Well, for one thing, they were constantly exposed to that skill at a young age - what logical conclusion can you deride from that? Babies' are still developing. Because of that, they can learn many things at alarming rates. If a baby has been raised in a family of dancers since a young age, he/she would most likely be highly skilled in dancing when they grow up. As stated earlier, this is because they are still developing, AND because they are constantly exposed to such skills. So let's think about it again. A young child was born in a musical environment. He hears and develops his brain accordingly with strong musical influence. Curious as children are, he wants to learn an instrument he has been constantly hearing (let's say classical guitar). A young child was taught gymnastics at a young age. Although she started learning a skill later than the child of music, her body is still developing and adapting. Due to that, she can still be extremely skillful when she grows up - provided she still does gymnastics. After reading and thinking about those examples, I find it easy to understand the reason why many think there is "natural talent". Heck, even the boy probably thinks he was born with natural guitar talent. But because of the information stated above, we find that that is not the case. To wrap things up: while people are not necessarily born with a skill in the literal sense, saying they are isn't too far from the truth. That is, if they were born surrounded by it, entranced by it, and drawn to it, one can say they were born with it.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Open Question: How could I improve my personal statement for college?

I have to write a personal statement for my college application form including my hobbies and interests, positions of responsibility, sporting and music achivements, etc. How could I improve my personal statement? Also, are there any grammatical or spelling errors (I'm from the UK by the way). thanks The choices for the A Level courses I plan to take rely on my interests in the subjects, and my career ambitions, which I hope, with the right grades, will allow me to complete my education at University in the future. Since attending secondary school, I have developed some of my abilities. I have gained more self confidence, and more optimistic. This has allowed me to perform in a classical music concert playing the piano, and to give group presentations in front of the class. I have also become more independent, which has helped me to revise for exams and achieve grades well above those predicted. I am a social person who enjoys meeting new people and works well in groups, and enjoy taking a supporting role in group discussions. I am a reliable pupil, able to complete work on time and meet deadlines. In my lower school, I had the opportunity to help younger pupils with their reading. After being declined work experience at a hospital, due to limited places, and the inability to have access to many areas because of not being at least sixteen years of age, I chose to carry out work experience out at after school French classes, for primary school children. Being of French nationality, and having the ability to speak fluent French, and understand spoken Arabic, I found work experience to be a valuable time in which I learnt to engage with the pupils and help them, whilst seeing them improve their foreign language skills, in a fun and friendly atmosphere. I was able to help the children play games that helped them learn French, and had the chance to ask them questions to see what they had learnt. Being involved in a learning atmosphere allowed me to improve my skills to listen and explain clearly to others. Out of school my interests include listening to and performing different styles of music. I have been playing the piano since the age of 7, and am working towards grade 6 on the piano. I have also been involved in a workshop to help me improve my playing skills. I have been swimming for a local club since the age of 6, and have taken part in swimming galas. My interest in science ensures that I keep myself regularly informed of news stories surrounding the subject. This makes me aware of the world around me.

Open Question: This is my personal statement for applying to college - Is it any good or really rubbish?

I have to write a personal statement for my college application form including my hobbies and interests, positions of responsibility, sporting and music achivements, etc. How could I improve my personal statement? Also, are there any grammatical or spelling errors (I'm from the UK by the way). thanks The choices for the A Level courses I plan to take rely on my interests in the subjects, and my career ambitions, which I hope, with the right grades, will allow me to complete my education at University in the future. Since attending secondary school, I have developed some of my abilities. I have gained more self confidence, and more optimistic. This has allowed me to perform in a classical music concert playing the piano, and to give group presentations in front of the class. I have also become more independent, which has helped me to revise for exams and achieve grades well above those predicted. I am a social person who enjoys meeting new people and works well in groups, and enjoy taking a supporting role in group discussions. I am a reliable pupil, able to complete work on time and meet deadlines. In my lower school, I had the opportunity to help younger pupils with their reading. After being declined work experience at a hospital, due to limited places, and the inability to have access to many areas because of not being at least sixteen years of age, I chose to carry out work experience out at after school French classes, for primary school children. Being of French nationality, and having the ability to speak fluent French, and understand spoken Arabic, I found work experience to be a valuable time in which I learnt to engage with the pupils and help them, whilst seeing them improve their foreign language skills, in a fun and friendly atmosphere. I was able to help the children play games that helped them learn French, and had the chance to ask them questions to see what they had learnt. Being involved in a learning atmosphere allowed me to improve my skills to listen and explain clearly to others. Out of school my interests include listening to and performing different styles of music. I have been playing the piano since the age of 7, and am working towards grade 6 on the piano. I have also been involved in a workshop to help me improve my playing skills. I have been swimming for a local club since the age of 6, and have taken part in swimming galas. My interest in science ensures that I keep myself regularly informed of news stories surrounding the subject. This makes me aware of the world around me.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Open Question: My personal statement for applying to college - is it any good or totally rubbish?

I have to write a personal statement for my college application form including my hobbies and interests, positions of responsibility, sporting and music achivements, etc. How could I improve my personal statement? Also, are there any grammatical or spelling errors (I'm from the UK by the way). thanks The choices for the A Level courses I plan to take rely on my interests in the subjects, and my career ambitions, which I hope, with the right grades, will allow me to complete my education at University in the future. Since attending secondary school, I have developed some of my abilities. I have gained more self confidence, and more optimistic. This has allowed me to perform in a classical music concert playing the piano, and to give group presentations in front of the class. I have also become more independent, which has helped me to revise for exams and achieve grades well above those predicted. I am a social person who enjoys meeting new people and works well in groups, and enjoy taking a supporting role in group discussions. I am a reliable pupil, able to complete work on time and meet deadlines. In my lower school, I had the opportunity to help younger pupils with their reading. After being declined work experience at a hospital, due to limited places, and the inability to have access to many areas because of not being at least sixteen years of age, I chose to carry out work experience out at after school French classes, for primary school children. Being of French nationality, and having the ability to speak fluent French, and understand spoken Arabic, I found work experience to be a valuable time in which I learnt to engage with the pupils and help them, whilst seeing them improve their foreign language skills, in a fun and friendly atmosphere. I was able to help the children play games that helped them learn French, and had the chance to ask them questions to see what they had learnt. Being involved in a learning atmosphere allowed me to improve my skills to listen and explain clearly to others. Out of school my interests include listening to and performing different styles of music. I have been playing the piano since the age of 7, and am working towards grade 6 on the piano. I have also been involved in a workshop to help me improve my playing skills. I have been swimming for a local club since the age of 6, and have taken part in swimming galas. My interest in science ensures that I keep myself regularly informed of news stories surrounding the subject. This makes me aware of the world around me.

Open Question: Is my college personal statement really rubbish?

I have to write a personal statement for my college application form including my hobbies and interests, positions of responsibility, sporting and music achivements, etc. How could I improve my personal statement? Also, are there any grammatical or spelling errors (I'm from the UK by the way). thanks The choices for the A Level courses I plan to take rely on my interests in the subjects, and my career ambitions, which I hope, with the right grades, will allow me to complete my education at University in the future. Since attending secondary school, I have developed some of my abilities. I have gained more self confidence, and more optimistic. This has allowed me to perform in a classical music concert playing the piano, and to give group presentations in front of the class. I have also become more independent, which has helped me to revise for exams and achieve grades well above those predicted. I am a social person who enjoys meeting new people and works well in groups, and enjoy taking a supporting role in group discussions. I am a reliable pupil, able to complete work on time and meet deadlines. In my lower school, I had the opportunity to help younger pupils with their reading. After being declined work experience at a hospital, due to limited places, and the inability to have access to many areas because of not being at least sixteen years of age, I chose to carry out work experience out at after school French classes, for primary school children. Being of French nationality, and having the ability to speak fluent French, and understand spoken Arabic, I found work experience to be a valuable time in which I learnt to engage with the pupils and help them, whilst seeing them improve their foreign language skills, in a fun and friendly atmosphere. I was able to help the children play games that helped them learn French, and had the chance to ask them questions to see what they had learnt. Being involved in a learning atmosphere allowed me to improve my skills to listen and explain clearly to others. Out of school my interests include listening to and performing different styles of music. I have been playing the piano since the age of 7, and am working towards grade 6 on the piano. I have also been involved in a workshop to help me improve my playing skills. I have been swimming for a local club since the age of 6, and have taken part in swimming galas. My interest in science ensures that I keep myself regularly informed of news stories surrounding the subject. This makes me aware of the world around me.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Resolved Question: I don't understand why we are together sometimes?

We have been a couple for year now, we were friends before that for 5 months and we get along well, are often synced with one another in thought and sense of humor, and understanding for each other but lately I've noticed things are dull between us, we see each other way less now that school started we are in college, only like a hour or two a day and we don't even really have much to say to each other anymore .. I been trying to find out if that's just because of how comfortable we have grown with other or boredom but he says he isn't bored of me at all, he still gets really excited to see me and stuff and often I'll run jumping into his arms and hugging him tight. But we are very different and have some things in common, he listens to classical and concertos and I listen to rock and more modern music, a lot of times we don't see things on the same level with problems, I went out and bought some really nice (and expensive) calvin klein lingerie and he barely looked, perhaps we are at a stage where sex isn't much of an object anymore??? But I am really attractive, I have long dark hair and a doll face and I am petite but nicely shaped, he doesn't even notice all the nice new stuff I wear for him, it's like he barely notices. And I get really nice lingerie to let you know, it looks gorgeous so for him to take little notice really bothers me, all that effort and all that time and money, all out of love for him. He is an average looking guy, he's from Canadian origin. I don't believe he is cheating because I have looked around and found no evidence but he just seems so apathetic and careless and it really hurts. It makes me think we aren't right for each other and he's just leading me on. I feel sometimes like I should just look elsewhere to someone else, not while we are still dating of course because that would be cheating and that would make me feel horrible. But I know if I were to break up he would probably cry and cry and then two days later call me and text me and wish he hadn't so what am I do to? He's said before he could see himself spending the rest of his life with me and starting a family. I love him because when I'm with him I feel so free and yet protected and he makes me laugh so much and so so much more. I just really care about him and I love him and he loves me but at the moment I don't feel happy in this relationship, I feel a little neglected. what should I do? I'm starting to feel there is much better out there and I want to go find it. To me it's getting dire and it makes me feel sad. :( thank you both of you!!!

Open Question: I don't understand why we are together sometimes?

We have been a couple for year now, we were friends before that for 5 months and we get along well, are often synced with one another in thought and sense of humor, and understanding for each other but lately I've noticed things are dull between us, we see each other way less now that school started we are in college, only like a hour or two a day and we don't even really have much to say to each other anymore .. I been trying to find out if that's just because of how comfortable we have grown with other or boredom but he says he isn't bored of me at all, he still gets really excited to see me and stuff and often I'll run jumping into his arms and hugging him tight. But we are very different and have some things in common, he listens to classical and concertos and I listen to rock and more modern music, a lot of times we don't see things on the same level with problems, I went out and bought some really nice (and expensive) calvin klein lingerie and he barely looked, perhaps we are at a stage where sex isn't much of an object anymore??? But I am really attractive, I have long dark hair and a doll face and I am petite but nicely shaped, he doesn't even notice all the nice new stuff I wear for him, it's like he barely notices. And I get really nice lingerie to let you know, it looks gorgeous so for him to take little notice really bothers me, all that effort and all that time and money, all out of love for him. He is an average looking guy, he's from Canadian origin. I don't believe he is cheating because I have looked around and found no evidence but he just seems so apathetic and careless and it really hurts. It makes me think we aren't right for each other and he's just leading me on. I feel sometimes like I should just look elsewhere to someone else, not while we are still dating of course because that would be cheating and that would make me feel horrible. But I know if I were to break up he would probably cry and cry and then two days later call me and text me and wish he hadn't so what am I do to? He's said before he could see himself spending the rest of his life with me and starting a family. I love him because when I'm with him I feel so free and yet protected and he makes me laugh so much and so so much more. I just really care about him and I love him and he loves me but at the moment I don't feel happy in this relationship, I feel a little neglected. what should I do? I'm starting to feel there is much better out there and I want to go find it. To me it's getting dire and it makes me feel sad. :( thank you both of you!!!

Monday, November 10, 2008

Resolved Question: Is this the most harsh review of an album ever?

This is a review of Limp Bizkit's album "Significant Other" by some dude on an albums reviewing site. "This is the band that all the "cool" kids in the early years of highschool were into, along with fellow posers Linkin Park. All those stupid fools wearing baggy pants with the crotch part down to their knees, with those key chains or whatever they're called hanging out of their side pockets, wearing their stupid baseball caps, imitating their talentless idol Fred Durst. Those people who thought that Blink 182 and Good Charlotte were good punk bands. Y'know, the people who would sacrifice their education, and hence, their future, in favour of running after a ball in a field and dedicating their lives to some stupid teenage fad like skateboarding, which would last around 4 years, and following stupid fads like nu-metal, all to make some fat, bald, CEO, who would fit their definition of "uncool", rich. Now, back then, I wasn't really into contemporary music. And looking back now, I can understand why. With talentless hacks like Limp Biscuit (notice how bad their name looks when you spell it correctly) infecting the radiowaves with their tuneless drivel, it's no wonder I didn't find it appealing. Of course, back then, I wasn't aware of real bands like Iron Maiden and Hypocrisy and the only good music I could find was classical and videogame OSTs. This all made me feel that I was somehow "abnormal". I mean, how could so many of my classmates be wrong about bands like this? It all made me feel as if there was something wrong with me. But now, having listened to this talentless drivel, I know that there certainly wasn't. In fact, I now know that I was the only normal one there, and it was everyone else that had the problem for liking this load of feces. OK, perhaps I should explain why anyone who knows the slightest bit about music would realise that this is one of the worst albums ever made. My first problem is that the whole album is completely devoid of hooks and melody. Even the singles "Nookie" and "Break Stuff", which are widely regarded as the album's best songs, have no hooks in them. The only way to explain how these sold is marketing. For example, Limp Biscuit used to have to pay radio stations to play their singles (which also makes them some of the biggest hypocrites ever, considering there is a hidden track on this album called "Radio Sucks". Way to bite the hand that feeds you). There is absolutely nothing catchy about these singles. They have absolutely no melody whatsoever. Even I could have written better music when I was 12. The only way to explain their success is their mass exposure. Now, when an album has no melody and no hooks, it must contain some redeeming factors. Some examples are: speed, brutality, complex instrumental work, good beat, meaningful lyrics. Limp Biscuit has none of these. Instead, we get an amateur guitarist who can barely play 3 chords (hell, just listen to Break Stuff), a talentless drummer who sounds like a five year old beating the drums with no sense of speed or rhythm, a bassist who's lack of talent is hidden under the annoying, completely unnecessary, scratching of the DJ. And to top it off, some of the worst rapping and singing I have ever heard, and the most immature, meaningless, inane lyrics I have ever seen, courtesy of the worst frontman in rock 'n roll history - none other than the talentless Fred Durst. Here are some samples of Fred Durst's lyrical genius: "I did it all for the nookie, come on the nookie, come on so you can take that cookie and stick it up your(yea)" - Nookie "it's just one of those days where you don't wanna wake up everything is f****d everybody sux you don't really know why but you wanna justify rippin someone's head off. no human contact and if you interact, your life is on contract your best best is to stay awake m**********r it's just one of those days!!" - Break Stuff What is the meaning of these lyrics? It means that the standards of modern commercial music are so low that anyone reading this review could become a multi-millionaire in the music business. There is absolutely no clear rhyming pattern in any of their lyrics, and yes, they sound just as awkward when Fred Durst "raps". Speaking of the rapping, Fred Durst has got to be one of the worst rappers I have ever heard. He barely even makes an effort to stay on beat; the only good rapping on this CD comes from Method Man who features on "N 2 Gether Now". Plus his singing is karaoke at best. Fred Durst reminds me of the line from Eminem's diss against Everlast, "Quitter" - "He can't rap or sing, but he wants to do both". Although it was directed at Everlast, I think it perfectly describes Fred Durst. Many people think Limp Biscuit's early albums, including this one, are actually worth listening to. Having listened to it, I cannot understand how anyone could have liked it in the first place. The fact that this band has sold millions of re *records speaks volumes about the sad state of the music industry these days. I cannot understand how anyone who has listened to a decent amount of rock music, even other nu-metal bands, could consider this a good album. Oh I agree with the review don't get me wrong, it's a great review lol