I would like to take this moment to discuss something we are all familiar with. Something you should be doing daily. Something that has been around since the first humans, and probably before. Something that is simpler than sneezing, but when done correctly, has the power to change the world. What could this be?? What in the world is he talking about?? I am talking about the hug. Yes, the hug. Here are my thoughts on this all powerful human expression.
I think that before we discuss the power of the hug, we should talk a bit about how one should properly hug. After all, if done incorrectly, a hug can be anything from awkward to creepy. A proper hug should take into account a number of factors:
1) Know who you are hugging
It is very important that you think about your hugee. If you are hugging someone who is uncomfortable touching people, you should not linger. For these people, a brief side hug may be more appropriate. Know your hugee, and act appropriately.
2) Know when to hug
There are times that it is okay to hug, and times it is not okay. For example, it is not appropriate to hug an old friend of the opposite sex if their significant other is present. Of course, there may be exceptions to this, but as a general rule, it is polite not to do so.
3) Know when to let go
There are different times to let go. I think we can all agree that, as a general rule, you should let go after a light squeeze. And then there are the people who prefer a bit longer hug. They don't really pose a problem, unless you are a short hugger. But, this segues nicely into part two of our discussion.
Now that we know how to hug, we should talk about why to hug. Hugs really aren't that complicated. You put your arms around someone, and they reciprocate. Usually. But what is it really, that you are doing? It isn't simply an encirclement of arms. That is, of itself, silly. I like to think of hugs as taking a big armful of happiness and squeezing it into both participants. To put it more clearly, hugs should be pure expressions of caring. And that is why all the above rules apply. You follow those rules because you care about the person. People can tell if you don't care. And then they just think you're weird.
Why would I take the time to discuss this? I don't know. I haven't bothered to figure that out. Suffice it to say that I have, and here it is.
Okay, so I got bored the other day and decided to write some acoustic fantasy rock. With a little inspiration I got something going. However, I only got a little bit of the lyrics done before I ran out of fantastical juice. Below I will post what I have, and I ask that you all contribute whatever you can, keeping in mind that it is intentionally overdramatic and ridiculous. Try to think "fantasy" while you write. Here goes:
Three days away the the sunlight's burning through Drilling in and burning out all my mem'ries of you But still I ride, I'm pushing on across this arid hell Time is short and well I know the darkness of your cell
The fortress looms ahead, it's shadow blocks the sun Its cold embrace is full of hate; he'll rue the harm he's done My thoughts of you lift me up and give me strength so stand I'll find you and I'll set you free and take you by the hand
(chorus) Fly-y-y away Upon the wings of everything you've ever dreamed of Fly-y-y away, my love Safe from every evil thing we'll live among the stars We'll fly away
Everything is open to suggestion. And anyone who wants to come help me write it is more than welcome.
So, today I was looking at the facebook pictures of a friend. I won't say who, because I don't want anyone to feel bad that it wasn't them. Anyway...I was going through her pictures and I thought to myself, "Wow...she really is exemplary of beauty." (Yes, that is how I talk in my head.) And I began to wonder why. I have decided that the reason she is so spectacularly gorgeous is because of who she is. She is really a truly remarkable woman. She is Christlike and kind and very hard working. She sticks to a life plan and is moving through it well. And in all this she manages to keep herself physically fit and healthy. Overall, an exemplary human, yes? And I realized that I have many friends who are equally exemplary. Perhaps a few of them aren't as successful, or maybe one is not quite as fit, but I have many friends who are, in all reality, much better people than myself. I have the privilege of being surrounded by the most amazing of people. I have said this before, but I would like to say it again:
Thank you.
Life does not generally bless me with luck. Rather, life has blessed me with an abundance of friends and acquaintances who improve my life quite a bit more than any amount of luck.
"Every human being has duties to be performed, and, therefore, has need of cultrivating the capacity for doing them.
An hour wasted daily on trifles or indolence, would, if devoted to self-improvements, make an ignorant man wise in a few years, and, employed in good works, would make his life fruitful, and death a worthy havest of worthy deeds. Fifteen minutes a day devoted to self-improvement, will be felt at the end of the year."
--Samuel Smiles from his book Self-Help
This isn't a particularly long or insightful post. But it is an indication of how my mind has been working lately. I am taking things from all over the place and applying them to my life somehow. I was watching Sin-City and I managed to apply some of the images and characters in the movie to myself, illustrating ways that I could improve and grow. I have been thinking a lot lately about that state of my person. I have read so much and learned so much, that by this point I really should be an amazing individual. However, I am not. And in my constant quest to improve, I am finding that the world is full of things I can use to learn and grow. I am really enjoying it. Lately, I have learned from conversations with Camille, hanging out with Russell, watching movies, reading for school, reading webcomics.....pretty much everything in my life is working to improve me. That means I am either a very good person becoming better, or I am so awful the world has given up on hints and is just telling me what's wrong. I'm going with option A.
Music is an inarguable important part of our lives. Every generation has the music it prefers. But some generations have music that lives on. Every so often, a musician surfaces who's influence is greater than average. A musician who's influence inexorably penetrates every corner of society, effecting an entire generation of musicians. I would like to discuss some of those artists, both past and present.
First, let us look back. Not quite to the classical, but pretty far back. We all already know how influential artists like Beethoven, or Mozart have been. But back then, there were really only two kinds of music: folk, or classical. But with the industrial revolution and the introduction of leisure time, music has split into many genres, many of which influence the others.
Let's begin with the first song in our play list. Big Bill Broonzy was a country blues musician who's career began in the 1920's. His music later influenced musicians like Muddy Waters and Eric Clapton. And he was an early pioneer in what would become a hugely influential genre of music, blues. He wasn't as widely popular as some musicians we will discuss later, but he was pretty important.
Next, let's talk about Glenn Miller. It is hard to find somebody who hasn't heard this song. This song, released in 1939, had quite an impact on the progression of modern music. I think you can hear that influence in the song Sh-boom by The Chords.
The next artist I want to talk about may be one of the most influential musicians in all of history. Bob Dylan has been shaping music since his first releases in the 1960's. That is almost 50 years. He obviously has lasting power. In fact, his era produced many artists who's music is still relevant and effecting musicians. The Rolling Stones and Jimi Hendrix had an effect that is arguably equal to that of Bob Dylan. The 70's saw the rise of The Eagles, who's album Hotel California is widely recognized as one of the greatest albums of all time. In the 1980's we were blessed with Michael Jackson. Michael Jackson is to pop music what the Continental GT is to cars.
Of course I haven't listed every artist of import. Each generation produces a number of musicians who's influence is of varying degrees of impact and lasting power. But what I wanted to do with this post is talk about who I think has that lasting power now. I wanted to talk about musicians who haven't been around long enough for history to venerate them, but who I think are already influential.
So...let's get started.
I feel like this first song is awesome enough to deserve the whole video.
Dave Grohl is amazing. He got started back in Nirvana as their drummer, where he saw plenty of success along with Kurt Cobain. Sadly, Kurt decided life just wasn't worth it and blew his brains out with a shotgun. Not to be stopped, Dave went on to have a stellar solo career. Dave formed the Foo Fighters. These guys have been cranking out hits since their inception in 1995, and I'm pretty sure their (mostly Dave's) influence is here to stay. When I have 26 year-old children, they will be playing Foo Fighters on the oldies station.
My next artist is Jason Mraz. Whether or not you like him, I am certain you have heard him. And you have to admit, this guy has talent. He has a fantastic voice and is a gifted song writer and lyricist. Also, his songs have wide enough appeal that they have a pretty darn good chance of catching the fancy of future generations of angsty teenagers looking for an alternative to whatever is popular in their day. The Red Hot Chili Peppers have been around for a while. Almost 20 years. And in that time they have never really lacked for radio play. Their music will certainly be a part of the next 30 years.
Of course, there are many that I didn't mention, but this is just a sampling. Think about today's artists. Who is going to last? Who is going to have a cult following? Who is even playing original music, and who is playing generic copy-crap? Leave me your thoughts below.
When is the last time you sang? I mean really sang. Just let go of everything and shouted at the top of your lungs type of singing. How about dancing. When is the last time you really let your body dance?
Dancing and singing are what I have identified as the two most natural forms of human expression. Why did I pick these two? Watch these videos:
These kids were not thinking about what people thought about them. Well, that Korean kid might have. But he didn't care how he sounded. These children were just enjoying the experience of dancing and singing, respectively. Why does that stop? I know many people who never let themselves break into song or dance. And if they do, it is very carefully controlled song or dance, calculated to make them look good to the people watching. I propose we stop caring what people think of our dancing and singing. We should be able to dance however we please. If I want to flail like a jellyfish to shameless pop music, I am going to. I will sing at the top of my lungs to songs that are waaaay to high for me, and I will not be ashamed. And I invite you all to join me. Let us designate October 1st as the day we all dance and sing however we please. Will you join me?
I love music. And because I love music, I love sharing good music with people. So, in this post I am going to share some music I like with you all. I hope you at least give it a listen, even if you don't like it.
First on our list is Chris Merritt. My friend Beau has been trying to get me to listen to this guy for ages, and this summer I finally gave him a listen. I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. I thought he would just be the same as every other pop artist. While I have to admit that he is strictly pop music, I also have to admit that he has a very individual feel to his music. He has managed to do the same thing as everyone else, but in a way that feels completely his. When listening to his music, I often feel like he is really having fun with his songs. They have a lighthearted feel that I really appreciate. Check out this free sample here.
Next let us talk about Built To Spill. I have loved this band since high school and this Friday they are coming to SLC. AND I GET TO GO!!! I am so freaking stoked. It almost makes up for the fact that I have missed Brandi Carlile every single time she has come to Utah. So enjoy this video of Built To Spill playing a pretty darn good song.
Lest things become too much the same, allow me to show you a different kind of song that I have been loving lately. Please forgive the video. It is quite a creative concept, but the girls are embarrassments to rock music.
My last musical selection is a band I discovered through my favorite webcomic Questionable Content. If you check out the comic, be sure to start at the beginning or it won't make any sense. As far as the music goes, these guys are creative and eclectic. This is their most catchy song. It gets stuck in my head for weeks at a time.
So, enjoy these, please, and support the artists the best you know how.
