Yeah, as I didn't hear from Hannah in a while, nor have we received any message about this week's theme, I figured I'd make one up myself. I'm going to go with WTF-moments, those odd things in life that just catch you off guard! They can be great, plain cruel, or even inbetween... Share your weird moments with us!
As for my WTF-moment... That one actually happened yesterday.
It was about 22:50 and the usual thing had happened: My mom started yelling "HEY YOU SHOULD GO TO BED!", which always results in me yelling back the o-so-civilized response "YEAH!". After about 5 minutes I go downstairs, brush my teeth, wish my mom a good night, head back upstairs, turn off the lights and continue what I was doing, sitting behind at the computer, randomly browsing the web. I usually do this for about half an hour, then finally go to bed...
This time, however, it was different. I had turned off the lights, and went over to the computer. I noticed a flashing sign at the bottom right of my browser. It was the facebook chat, and a woman I had met there quite a while ago was talking to me. I quickly said hello, not sure what to expect of the conversation. We had a simple conversation, including the whole "How are you doing?" "Fine!" charade, but she finally said she had a suprise for me. Once again, I didn't know what to expect, but she told me she had talked to one of her friends, a DJ at a Belgian FM radiostation I had never heard of (eh, I'm not belgian, now am I?)... And he was willing to play some of my music.
I have to say this was a total WTF-moment, didn't see this coming whatsoever. Problem is though... Apparently the guy needs to have it before Friday next week, and I still need to write this music. So that's what I'm working on right now, and I reckon this could be a pretty big opportunity... Even if there are only 5 people listening, it'll look good when I finally audition for the Rockacadamy Tilburg.
"You've already been on the radio! Woah, we should totally get this guy to attend our school!"
...That's what will happen, right?
According to the Buggles though, all of this is unnecessary; Radio's dead...
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Beauty lies in the ears of the listener
Before I begin, I would like to mention that my knowledge over musical techniques, background, etc. is very limited. Therefore, I have (nearly) nothing intellectual to add to this discussion.
First, I’d like to explain what I personally define as classical and popular music. When people mention classical music, my mind immediately brings me to an image of piano’s, violins and several flutes (very close-minded, I’m sure). Even though there is a lot of technique and brilliance needed to create this sort of music, I myself experience it with a certain indifference that comes from a lack of interest in how it was composed.
Popular music is hard to define for me. It all depends on the audience at the time. These days, I can see that technology is more often used in music, with auto-tuned singing and electronic beats serving as my examples. Because of this, DJ’s are starting to become more and more popular. I have to admit that I do listen to some of this music. I like most of the songs made by T-pain, but that’s mostly because I think his lyrics are funny. I can also listen to songs with electronic beats, provided that the lyrics aren’t too meaningless and mainstream.
I’ll use three hip hop songs (the style I mainly listen to) as my examples.
The first is ‘Pass Out’ by Tinie Tempah. This popular type of hip hop uses more special effects and less musical techniques than in the past. I do not like listening to this song, as it has little meaning attached to it.
My second example is the song ‘You Got Me’ by Erykah Badu and a famous band called The Roots. Don’t get me wrong, I know their music isn’t classical music, but I do like to think of it that way, because they have been performing for a long while now, and they still use instruments in their music. I usually just call it classical hip hop to make it easier for myself. To be honest, I don't listen to them very often, but I do appreciate them more.
My last example is ‘Just to get by’ by Talib Kweli, a pretty well known rapper from New York. This doesn’t have much to do with the rest, but I just wanted to give you the best example of what my kind of music is. These lyrics contain substance and I actually enjoy listening to him, which is more than I can say about classical or popular music.
I realise that most of you don’t like this kind of music, so I won’t be appalled if anybody decides not to listen to the songs. Also, after reading this myself, I'm gonna have to admit that it doesn't really contribute any substance to the discussion. I still liked writing it though.
First, I’d like to explain what I personally define as classical and popular music. When people mention classical music, my mind immediately brings me to an image of piano’s, violins and several flutes (very close-minded, I’m sure). Even though there is a lot of technique and brilliance needed to create this sort of music, I myself experience it with a certain indifference that comes from a lack of interest in how it was composed.
Popular music is hard to define for me. It all depends on the audience at the time. These days, I can see that technology is more often used in music, with auto-tuned singing and electronic beats serving as my examples. Because of this, DJ’s are starting to become more and more popular. I have to admit that I do listen to some of this music. I like most of the songs made by T-pain, but that’s mostly because I think his lyrics are funny. I can also listen to songs with electronic beats, provided that the lyrics aren’t too meaningless and mainstream.
I’ll use three hip hop songs (the style I mainly listen to) as my examples.
The first is ‘Pass Out’ by Tinie Tempah. This popular type of hip hop uses more special effects and less musical techniques than in the past. I do not like listening to this song, as it has little meaning attached to it.
My second example is the song ‘You Got Me’ by Erykah Badu and a famous band called The Roots. Don’t get me wrong, I know their music isn’t classical music, but I do like to think of it that way, because they have been performing for a long while now, and they still use instruments in their music. I usually just call it classical hip hop to make it easier for myself. To be honest, I don't listen to them very often, but I do appreciate them more.
My last example is ‘Just to get by’ by Talib Kweli, a pretty well known rapper from New York. This doesn’t have much to do with the rest, but I just wanted to give you the best example of what my kind of music is. These lyrics contain substance and I actually enjoy listening to him, which is more than I can say about classical or popular music.
I realise that most of you don’t like this kind of music, so I won’t be appalled if anybody decides not to listen to the songs. Also, after reading this myself, I'm gonna have to admit that it doesn't really contribute any substance to the discussion. I still liked writing it though.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
"You sir are an obnoxious twat", rightly so.
Hm our theme is quite the pickletickler. I'm going to assume a twosome of extreme standpoints on this one. It's not exactly my opinion, because i try to avoid the black and white scale that the following statements exhibit.
One: classically trained musicians are very often elitists, two: they're correct.
The first statement is greatly based on personal experience and therefore probably false. It is however a nice extension to the next statement so i'll attend to it anyway. A lot of classical musicians that i've met (which is a substantial amount, although not even nearly enough to base a valid statistical assumption on) have often displayed a kind of happen-to-be-superior-becauseoftheirknowledgeandexperience-esque behaviour. This frequently leads to annoyance and antipathy from other musicians. Which is understandable. Because, well, it's rather fucking stupid to have someone else tell you that your favourite music actually truly genuinely sucks ballses.
But now on to the more intriguing and debatable issue at hand. These elitist snobs are in fact not far from the truth. I do need to mention that i try to look at this objectively; emotional values regarding music tucked away that is, because emotionally, Dolly Parton can sit at higher heights than Chopin (please note the word can).
Looking at classical music from a musician's, or writer's (composer's) pov, one should namely say that it's probably the most sophisticated music around. I don't want to engulf this place in technical terms and comparisons, but the amount of possibilities and requirements that a composer needs to reconsider while writing a piece is ridiculous. Plus the fact that you could be writing more than twenty different parts, for different instruments with different keys and different registers, which on its turn triggers all the laws on harmony and movement and god knows whatnot.
I can now happily conclude that music's technicality is nice and all, but it's all about the enjoyment factor. You go Parton. Please discuss, otherwise this blog's purpose is rather..erhm..not its purpose...
x
One: classically trained musicians are very often elitists, two: they're correct.
The first statement is greatly based on personal experience and therefore probably false. It is however a nice extension to the next statement so i'll attend to it anyway. A lot of classical musicians that i've met (which is a substantial amount, although not even nearly enough to base a valid statistical assumption on) have often displayed a kind of happen-to-be-superior-becauseoftheirknowledgeandexperience-esque behaviour. This frequently leads to annoyance and antipathy from other musicians. Which is understandable. Because, well, it's rather fucking stupid to have someone else tell you that your favourite music actually truly genuinely sucks ballses.
But now on to the more intriguing and debatable issue at hand. These elitist snobs are in fact not far from the truth. I do need to mention that i try to look at this objectively; emotional values regarding music tucked away that is, because emotionally, Dolly Parton can sit at higher heights than Chopin (please note the word can).
Looking at classical music from a musician's, or writer's (composer's) pov, one should namely say that it's probably the most sophisticated music around. I don't want to engulf this place in technical terms and comparisons, but the amount of possibilities and requirements that a composer needs to reconsider while writing a piece is ridiculous. Plus the fact that you could be writing more than twenty different parts, for different instruments with different keys and different registers, which on its turn triggers all the laws on harmony and movement and god knows whatnot.
I can now happily conclude that music's technicality is nice and all, but it's all about the enjoyment factor. You go Parton. Please discuss, otherwise this blog's purpose is rather..erhm..not its purpose...
x
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Separate or Unify
Every now and then I find myself injecting the word 'music' into sentences that weren't even related to any musical endeavor whatsoever (I like the alliteration on the last 2 words there). That left me with "Classical music vs. Popular music", but I still wasn't satisfied. Going for a more peaceful approach, I decided "Classical music & Popular music combined" was going to work for me.
When I ask people of my age group, most of them do not like classical music whatsoever. Even people not that interested in music usually say "Oh, I like all kinds of music... Except for Country and Classical, of course.". I, in my everlasting superiority, consider the majority (this means "not all of them", bare that in mind please) of my age group doomed for all eternity, so I'll look back to 'older music', as well as more alternative blends of classical and modern music. I'll define classical as orchestral music for now, as that just makes things less complicated. I obviously understand and hear that it's not the same, but most people wouldn't know the difference.
A good example of one of the earliest combinations of orchestral music and 'popular' music (apart from jazz) would be The Beatles' Eleanor Rigby, an absolutely brilliant, albeit a bit overused, song.
For those who are not too familiar with the song, just listen to it. Sit back and enjoy, don't over-analyze it, and just soak up the music. The only difference between this and other Beatles-music is that they traded in their usual guitar-bass-drum sound for something way more intricate, complex; something with more melodic possibilities.
If you've listened to the song as a whole, you've probably mainly listened to the vocals. That's not a bad thing, it's a brilliant song like that. But if you pay attention to the strings in the back, this song's perhaps even more beautiful without the lyrics. Even if you're not that keen on the sound (which I wouldn't understand, but hey, tastes differ), just try to think about the sounds anyways. You should be able to understand that this 'classical' way of making music has more layers, more possibilities, for one simple reason: it has many different instruments doing many different parts.
In the late 1960's a band known as "The English guys with the big fiddles" started to perform. They continued taking rock music in the direction "that the Beatles had left them", this meaning that they used violins, cellos, horns, woodwinds and string basses, to give the music a more classical sound. This band was called the Electric Light Orchestra, a name which I can only imagine scared a lot of pop/rock listeners at that time.
"An Orchestra? Sorry, but I like all kinds of music, except for country and classical!"
This truly was brilliant music, which, using modern instruments as well as these dusty classical instruments, plus some great vocal harmonies, produced a sound that I can only describe as epic. And I'm obviously right, because even brilliant, creative and talented artists like The Pussycat Dolls sampled ELO! (Just see if you recognize the part @2:39)
After this the world of progressive rock evolved, sprouting artists such as Captain Beefheart and his Magic Band, Frank Zappa, Jethro Tull, Genesis, Yes, Pink Floyd, Emerson, Lake & Palmer and many more.
Continuing towards the present, there were also many people who simply raped classical music. In the 80's, many rock artists implemented pieces of classical music in theirs, just to look distinguished and cultured. This was brilliantly caricatured in the 1984 mockumentary "This is Spinal Tap", as you can see below.
I may be skipping some other uses here, but the next big stop for me would be progressive metal. Oh yes, the big, evil world of metal, where everybody's a screaming lunatic that only enjoys the loud pounding of guitars. Screw melody, screw lyrics!
Sorry, it's just not that simple. As the almighty Wikipedia defines it:
"Progressive metal (sometimes known as prog metal) is a subgenre of heavy metal, which blends the powerful, guitar-driven sound of metal with the complex compositional structures, odd time signatures, and intricate instrumental playing of progressive rock."
I'll be the last one to say that I'm an expert on the field of progressive metal, as that requires a lot more of theoretical knowledge of music, but I do know what pleases my ear. Some of this progressive stuff can indeed be a bit tóó progressive for my tastes. But the prime example of beautiful progressive metal to me is Dream Theater. Using a simple setup of Guitar, Bass, Keyboards and Drums they are able to produce giant, heroic pieces of music in which you can clearly hear classical influences.
As for people that take the appreciation of classical music way too far in my opinion, I can simply name the genre neo-classical metal. Using Yngwie J Malmsteen, an incredibly talented guitarist, don't get me wrong, as a prime example. All of this music is based around the classical scales, often even 'stealing' parts of classical pieces, it could've been incredibly beautiful... Too bad that it just evolved into one big see-how-fast-I-can-shred fest.
I guess that was it for this time. I'm sorry for overusing the 'embed youtube' code, but when we're dealing with music, it's just essential for the reader to actually... Hear what the hell I'm talking about.
When I ask people of my age group, most of them do not like classical music whatsoever. Even people not that interested in music usually say "Oh, I like all kinds of music... Except for Country and Classical, of course.". I, in my everlasting superiority, consider the majority (this means "not all of them", bare that in mind please) of my age group doomed for all eternity, so I'll look back to 'older music', as well as more alternative blends of classical and modern music. I'll define classical as orchestral music for now, as that just makes things less complicated. I obviously understand and hear that it's not the same, but most people wouldn't know the difference.
A good example of one of the earliest combinations of orchestral music and 'popular' music (apart from jazz) would be The Beatles' Eleanor Rigby, an absolutely brilliant, albeit a bit overused, song.
For those who are not too familiar with the song, just listen to it. Sit back and enjoy, don't over-analyze it, and just soak up the music. The only difference between this and other Beatles-music is that they traded in their usual guitar-bass-drum sound for something way more intricate, complex; something with more melodic possibilities.
If you've listened to the song as a whole, you've probably mainly listened to the vocals. That's not a bad thing, it's a brilliant song like that. But if you pay attention to the strings in the back, this song's perhaps even more beautiful without the lyrics. Even if you're not that keen on the sound (which I wouldn't understand, but hey, tastes differ), just try to think about the sounds anyways. You should be able to understand that this 'classical' way of making music has more layers, more possibilities, for one simple reason: it has many different instruments doing many different parts.
In the late 1960's a band known as "The English guys with the big fiddles" started to perform. They continued taking rock music in the direction "that the Beatles had left them", this meaning that they used violins, cellos, horns, woodwinds and string basses, to give the music a more classical sound. This band was called the Electric Light Orchestra, a name which I can only imagine scared a lot of pop/rock listeners at that time.
"An Orchestra? Sorry, but I like all kinds of music, except for country and classical!"
This truly was brilliant music, which, using modern instruments as well as these dusty classical instruments, plus some great vocal harmonies, produced a sound that I can only describe as epic. And I'm obviously right, because even brilliant, creative and talented artists like The Pussycat Dolls sampled ELO! (Just see if you recognize the part @2:39)
After this the world of progressive rock evolved, sprouting artists such as Captain Beefheart and his Magic Band, Frank Zappa, Jethro Tull, Genesis, Yes, Pink Floyd, Emerson, Lake & Palmer and many more.
Continuing towards the present, there were also many people who simply raped classical music. In the 80's, many rock artists implemented pieces of classical music in theirs, just to look distinguished and cultured. This was brilliantly caricatured in the 1984 mockumentary "This is Spinal Tap", as you can see below.
I may be skipping some other uses here, but the next big stop for me would be progressive metal. Oh yes, the big, evil world of metal, where everybody's a screaming lunatic that only enjoys the loud pounding of guitars. Screw melody, screw lyrics!
Sorry, it's just not that simple. As the almighty Wikipedia defines it:
"Progressive metal (sometimes known as prog metal) is a subgenre of heavy metal, which blends the powerful, guitar-driven sound of metal with the complex compositional structures, odd time signatures, and intricate instrumental playing of progressive rock."
I'll be the last one to say that I'm an expert on the field of progressive metal, as that requires a lot more of theoretical knowledge of music, but I do know what pleases my ear. Some of this progressive stuff can indeed be a bit tóó progressive for my tastes. But the prime example of beautiful progressive metal to me is Dream Theater. Using a simple setup of Guitar, Bass, Keyboards and Drums they are able to produce giant, heroic pieces of music in which you can clearly hear classical influences.
As for people that take the appreciation of classical music way too far in my opinion, I can simply name the genre neo-classical metal. Using Yngwie J Malmsteen, an incredibly talented guitarist, don't get me wrong, as a prime example. All of this music is based around the classical scales, often even 'stealing' parts of classical pieces, it could've been incredibly beautiful... Too bad that it just evolved into one big see-how-fast-I-can-shred fest.
I guess that was it for this time. I'm sorry for overusing the 'embed youtube' code, but when we're dealing with music, it's just essential for the reader to actually... Hear what the hell I'm talking about.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Ghost stories.
Day stealing is fine, since I'm writing this form another time-zone and seems like all my Saturday evenings softly float into early Sunday mornings.
Zosha was talking about her 'friend' and I am familiar with that girl as she used to scare the crap out of me as well. Ghost stories are essential in every society whether its that the monsters will come and get you if you don't finish your dinner or that some kind of fairy will collect teeth from under your pillow. Bull**** stories like this are being spread everyday by different classes in different societies in a different language. But basically the same stories.
I don't think that there are ghosts or spirits dwelling these plains to either scare the crap out of us, or keep watch of us. Is this ignorance? But hey, I don't believe there is a god either, yet I learned how to find strength in praying form time to time. Is paranormal activity just activity that's unexplainable? Or is it what we don't dare to explain?
Moving hairbrushes, falling mirrors, sensations of wind and sudden colds; I don't believe in it any more, maybe plainly because I am, truly truly terrified of anything that I can't wrap my mind about. That's why I can be afraid of falling in love or things I don't have any input in.
To be short, Ghosts and God are so not my cup of tea, but I'm not denying their existence. I just rather have them not being real.
Introducing next weeks theme: Classical vs. Popular.
(so sorry about the delay guys... guess the timezone excuse doesn't work at this point?)
Zosha was talking about her 'friend' and I am familiar with that girl as she used to scare the crap out of me as well. Ghost stories are essential in every society whether its that the monsters will come and get you if you don't finish your dinner or that some kind of fairy will collect teeth from under your pillow. Bull**** stories like this are being spread everyday by different classes in different societies in a different language. But basically the same stories.
I don't think that there are ghosts or spirits dwelling these plains to either scare the crap out of us, or keep watch of us. Is this ignorance? But hey, I don't believe there is a god either, yet I learned how to find strength in praying form time to time. Is paranormal activity just activity that's unexplainable? Or is it what we don't dare to explain?
Moving hairbrushes, falling mirrors, sensations of wind and sudden colds; I don't believe in it any more, maybe plainly because I am, truly truly terrified of anything that I can't wrap my mind about. That's why I can be afraid of falling in love or things I don't have any input in.
To be short, Ghosts and God are so not my cup of tea, but I'm not denying their existence. I just rather have them not being real.
Introducing next weeks theme: Classical vs. Popular.
(so sorry about the delay guys... guess the timezone excuse doesn't work at this point?)
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Chosen Faith
Do I believe that paranormal things happen around us? The answer is quite simple: yes I do. I was brought up to believe in god and I choose to keep that faith, even though there is no evidence of him existing. Furthermore, I believe that every person has a guardian angel looking out for them and that the spirits of dead people continue to exist in the afterlife.
As Joram has stated in his post, people often choose to have faith, because it provides a brighter prospect for the human being after death. I strongly agree with this view. However, I have a few things to add.
The reason I believe in God is not just because I want to get into heaven, but also because it gives me a reason to be a good person in life (sort of). Even though I realise that wars and deaths are results of people having too much faith in their religion, I also see the positive side. The ten commandments have set clear moral rules, and the thought of being punished by God keeps a lot of people on the right path.
My guardian angel functions as my conscious. It prevents from doing what I know is wrong (usually) and it guards me from making stupid errors. Each time I nearly get hit by a vehicle, but manage to see it (just) on time, I feel that it was my guardian angel who alerted me. This can be rationalised as ‘reason’ or ‘reflex’, but again, it is my choice to believe in this protective spirit.
The afterlife is merely my motivation for living. I don’t want my life to end in ‘nothingness’. I want to have a reason to get out of bed and to be a productive person. For me, that reason is the thought of getting to a better place after you die, providing that you work hard and live decently. Some people say that life itself should be the reason, but the things I like doing in life aren’t productive at all. If I didn’t have faith in the afterlife, I would be lying in bed all day, enjoying the hell out of my current life, knowing that I wouldn’t be punished for it.
This entry has been mostly about religious beliefs, rather than general paranormal activity. That’s because I simply don’t believe in ghosts and stuff. They don’t give me any motivation to live good, and therefore they’re useless to me. As a result, I choose not to believe in them.
Btw, my apologies to Hannah, for stealing her day.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
The art of picking petals from a daisy
I wanted to wrap this up nicely, you know with the habitual introduction-body-conclusion. But i couldn't possibly come up with an original package for this content. So i'll just drop the bombshell right away: i don't believe in the supernatural paranormal ghost god things, or, in more refined words, i put my question marks behind the notion of spirits and ghosts.
It's not even because i consider the idea of such phenomena ridiculous, but rather because i believe in something else. I think that our faith in after-life things originates in our deeply-rooted longing for eternal life. Well i do have considered the issue that your entire being ends in death, which is not really a jolly prospect. And any kind of heaven (or even hell for that matter) would guarantee the persistence of your "soul". Really, which option would you choose?
The proposition of evidence is happening similar to the Beatles controversy, with McCartney presumably being dead and people tending to strongly belief something first before they start gathering potential evidence (which is basically invariably ambiguous). They cling onto every strand of proof that they manage to find, even when it's dubious as fuck.
Well i just don't know. Usage of fancy words often implies that. I gladly invite you to discuss this issue, because it might be nice to do that. On the other hand, i really don't think the concept of "belief" is debatable at all.
x
It's not even because i consider the idea of such phenomena ridiculous, but rather because i believe in something else. I think that our faith in after-life things originates in our deeply-rooted longing for eternal life. Well i do have considered the issue that your entire being ends in death, which is not really a jolly prospect. And any kind of heaven (or even hell for that matter) would guarantee the persistence of your "soul". Really, which option would you choose?
The proposition of evidence is happening similar to the Beatles controversy, with McCartney presumably being dead and people tending to strongly belief something first before they start gathering potential evidence (which is basically invariably ambiguous). They cling onto every strand of proof that they manage to find, even when it's dubious as fuck.
Well i just don't know. Usage of fancy words often implies that. I gladly invite you to discuss this issue, because it might be nice to do that. On the other hand, i really don't think the concept of "belief" is debatable at all.
x
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
supernatural
So, "paranormal things" uh? makes me think of the movie, paranormal activities..? bad movie, baaaaad! two hours of my life I'll never see again..
but now for real, paranormal things.. can be interesting sometimes.. we all have different opinions about whether they exist or not.. I somehow believe they do. I'm not saying I'm into the whole "spiritual guiding" and stuff, it's just that I think that there's more out there than we know of.
- and yes, I also believe that because I happen to like the idea.
though besides my "enthusiasm" towards paranormal things, there's also a down part. (isn't there always?) Back in the days, around the age of 6/7 I had a best friend. and she was rather interested in "paranormal" stuff. she always want to call spirits, and she always tried to scare the holy crap outta me. Like telling me there was this creepy 'ghostman' standing right behind me, or telling me not to go to sleep because there was this certain spirit who was angry with me, and if I'd fall asleep he'd kill me.
...
can't go wrong with a true friend... right?
but yeah, sorry for sharing my greatest childhood memory with you guys!
I dunno, apparently there's something about you that makes me speak candidly about my past...
perhaps something supernatural?
I guess we'll never find out... :)
but now for real, paranormal things.. can be interesting sometimes.. we all have different opinions about whether they exist or not.. I somehow believe they do. I'm not saying I'm into the whole "spiritual guiding" and stuff, it's just that I think that there's more out there than we know of.
- and yes, I also believe that because I happen to like the idea.
though besides my "enthusiasm" towards paranormal things, there's also a down part. (isn't there always?) Back in the days, around the age of 6/7 I had a best friend. and she was rather interested in "paranormal" stuff. she always want to call spirits, and she always tried to scare the holy crap outta me. Like telling me there was this creepy 'ghostman' standing right behind me, or telling me not to go to sleep because there was this certain spirit who was angry with me, and if I'd fall asleep he'd kill me.
...
can't go wrong with a true friend... right?
but yeah, sorry for sharing my greatest childhood memory with you guys!
I dunno, apparently there's something about you that makes me speak candidly about my past...
perhaps something supernatural?
I guess we'll never find out... :)
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Spooky.
Well, this week's theme seems to be 'Paranormal Things'... Not really an easy subject, if you ask me, but I guess it'll have to do. I'm not that paranormal, but apart from the so-called ghostly encounters every kid seems to have, which are just caused by a wild imagination, I've got one that actually felt true.
It was a chilly saturdaymorning, around 11 AM, as I woke up. I noticed that it was quite cold in my room. This wasn't the annoying kind of cold though, it was actually refreshing. As I always do, I just laid there staring off into nothingness, while not thinking about anything in particular; just enjoying the free morning. I glanced over to my left, and there was this toy I had gotten a long time ago. It was a model of a crane, with a hook on a string hanging from the 'arm'. As I glanced over, I noticed that the hook started to move. It kept on swinging back and forth, as if it were pushed by someone. Quite obviously, there was noone in my room. The hook didn't seem to mind though, and just kept on swinging. The thought of my deceased grandpa suddenly entered my thoughts, and it didn't scare me whatsoever. I just laid there, looking at the crane in utter comfort and curiously examined the movement... After a few minutes of swinging it stopped, and I got out of bed, quite thrilled by this 'afterworldly message'.
Was it actually a SPIRIT, or just some weird kind of draught? Ah well, guess I'll never know.
As for a related video... (Which I think I have posted on my own blog before, but meh)
It was a chilly saturdaymorning, around 11 AM, as I woke up. I noticed that it was quite cold in my room. This wasn't the annoying kind of cold though, it was actually refreshing. As I always do, I just laid there staring off into nothingness, while not thinking about anything in particular; just enjoying the free morning. I glanced over to my left, and there was this toy I had gotten a long time ago. It was a model of a crane, with a hook on a string hanging from the 'arm'. As I glanced over, I noticed that the hook started to move. It kept on swinging back and forth, as if it were pushed by someone. Quite obviously, there was noone in my room. The hook didn't seem to mind though, and just kept on swinging. The thought of my deceased grandpa suddenly entered my thoughts, and it didn't scare me whatsoever. I just laid there, looking at the crane in utter comfort and curiously examined the movement... After a few minutes of swinging it stopped, and I got out of bed, quite thrilled by this 'afterworldly message'.
Was it actually a SPIRIT, or just some weird kind of draught? Ah well, guess I'll never know.
As for a related video... (Which I think I have posted on my own blog before, but meh)
Sunday, November 14, 2010
CATURDAY
Saturday. The most wonderous days of days. It can be a work day, or a weekend day. It can be a rest day, a church day, a party day and even a hey-I-get-to-see-the-kids-today-day. Saturday is dependable (there is no week without a Saturday) and even a bit silly (no logical explanation for that one). Saturday can be relaxing or very wild. Saturday is a time for long talks with your best friend as you fall asleep after that first school dance that lasted till one. Saturday can be a day when you wake up hungover, next to your boyfriend after that first party with vodka. Saturday can be as magical as your 17th birthday and as gloom as your first funeral. Saturday is filled with dreams, hope and expectations. Not unlike me.
Defining yourself is one of the hardest thing to do, and naturally people stress about their flaws rather than the good things. I'm writing this as my Norwegian friend Sofie is sitting on the bed next to me, asking her what my best quality is resulted in: "I think you are really outgoing and good at making thousands of friends. You are really easy to talk to." I like to think that I am trustworthy, nice and good company. I am very aware of my (many) flaws. I can be needy, arrogant and mean. My insecure-ness drives people insane and I'm trying to be as less ignorant as I can, but you know, sometimes even I can't help it. All I want in live is make people around me happy.
Choosing to go from Tuesday to Saturday, instead of Monday to Friday, was a decision that had to be made because of important events. But most of all, this choice seems a bit unconventional, just like us.
We are definitely not the happiest bunch out here in the blogosphere, but I think we all compliment each other by being our unique and amazing self. These people are all people I cared about, the minute I got to know them, if it was 10 years ago or the year before my graduation, these people are people I respect and love.
Introducing next week random theme by Norwegian Sofie: PARANORMAL THINGS
Friday, November 12, 2010
My Turn
First of all, I want to thank everybody else who contributes to this blog, for inviting me, the ‘new guy’, to occasionally share thoughts on this page as well. I’m glad that my friends think that I am capable of producing material that is interesting enough to share with them. As most people do, I love feeling appreciated.
My name is Daniel. My hobby’s are playing my guitar, listening to music and, recently added, writing. As Kylian mentioned in his post, I am relatively new to the world of ‘blogging’ and I am especially new in this field.
In my own blog, I post excerpts from my personal diary, which I was eventually willing to share with others. I try to give as much thought to questions about my personal life. This makes my blog very self-centred, but what do you expect from a diary. What this collaborative blog enables for me, is the opportunity to write about something other than myself. I can’t predict how I will perform, but I am grateful for the chance.
I started writing because I noticed that even though my life is extremely simple, I am still a very confused individual (just like every other teenager). Putting my thoughts on paper really helps me form a clear opinion about myself, and it helps me figure out my ambitions (which has led me to consider studying psychology in the future).
What I hope to gather from this experience, is the skill of forming opinions, and forming arguments to support these opinions. Also, I would like to be able to write in an less formal manner, without resorting to ‘slang’. My language has been strongly influenced by my English classes (taught by an uptight woman), and I feel that it is starting to get in the way of my individuality. The way I speak doesn't even remotely resemble the way I write. I don’t know if that’s good or bad, but I feel it should change.
Well, that should cover my introduction. Once again, thanks to all of you!
(including the potential readers)
Thursday, November 11, 2010
*shakes hand*, so nice to meet you,
I honestly don't know what i ought to put up here.
I'm Joram, i study musicology. I like music as well, i frequently make attempts to play electric guitar and saxophone. I don't love my guitar, i love playing it and really like the thing itself to some degree, but it's not as if i'd give up playing or writing if my guitar got stolen; i guess it's replaceable, so to speak.
At this particular moment i'm listening to Da Funk/Daftendirekt by Daft Punk, from their live album Alive 2007, which is really good in my opinion. And i just discovered that pressing ctrl+3 gives you a mini-screen in windows media player which stays on the foreground at all times, very convenient innit?
I like the tiny things in life. That's quite a cliché that i'm tossing around here, but i reckon it's one of the few things that i can honestly say about myself. Yesterday i arrived at my flat and there was a woman waiting for the elevator, but i had to put my bike away first. When i came back, the elevator was waiting for me, so the dear woman must've pressed the down button as she stepped out, which really cheered me up for some reason.
My own blog is a place where i dump any ideas that might pop up for stories, and it's the occasional spot to shamelessly promote my own views. On certain issues. I like to belief that i've developed a bit of an idiosyncratic personal writing style, but then again i'm in all likelihood not literate enough to be able to say that.
I went through a number of years that involved a lot of teenage angst and the conviction that, given the "circumstances" i was under, i had all the right to be depressed and/or sad. Until about a year ago, when i started to belief happiness wasn't really something that you acquire or "get" through something or someone, but more that it's a very balanced state of mind that wants to be happy in the first place. Now that i look back on it, i do realise that it was rather pathetic to be sad and complaining, but not really wanting to change the situation.
And i'm happy now :]
I'm Joram, i study musicology. I like music as well, i frequently make attempts to play electric guitar and saxophone. I don't love my guitar, i love playing it and really like the thing itself to some degree, but it's not as if i'd give up playing or writing if my guitar got stolen; i guess it's replaceable, so to speak.
At this particular moment i'm listening to Da Funk/Daftendirekt by Daft Punk, from their live album Alive 2007, which is really good in my opinion. And i just discovered that pressing ctrl+3 gives you a mini-screen in windows media player which stays on the foreground at all times, very convenient innit?
I like the tiny things in life. That's quite a cliché that i'm tossing around here, but i reckon it's one of the few things that i can honestly say about myself. Yesterday i arrived at my flat and there was a woman waiting for the elevator, but i had to put my bike away first. When i came back, the elevator was waiting for me, so the dear woman must've pressed the down button as she stepped out, which really cheered me up for some reason.
My own blog is a place where i dump any ideas that might pop up for stories, and it's the occasional spot to shamelessly promote my own views. On certain issues. I like to belief that i've developed a bit of an idiosyncratic personal writing style, but then again i'm in all likelihood not literate enough to be able to say that.
I went through a number of years that involved a lot of teenage angst and the conviction that, given the "circumstances" i was under, i had all the right to be depressed and/or sad. Until about a year ago, when i started to belief happiness wasn't really something that you acquire or "get" through something or someone, but more that it's a very balanced state of mind that wants to be happy in the first place. Now that i look back on it, i do realise that it was rather pathetic to be sad and complaining, but not really wanting to change the situation.
And i'm happy now :]
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
prelude
Well our good friend Kylian introduced himself in carefully selected words, and let me say; he did that quite well. *ohh and thanks for the sweet words btw, kudos for you :)* So I will actually steal his idea by "answering" his question.
Who am I?
Oh, how I wish I knew. :) this question probably haunts most of us, as we're all teenagers trying to figure out what life's all about and what we're 'destined' to do. but if I interprete it differently, in a much, much, much less profound way, I end up with the idea of telling you what keeps me busy.
My name is Zosha Winkels, and I write a blog about the minor and major things in life called "the way we roll". I really wouldn't know how to define my entries, I basically start writing about whatever occurs to me. Sometimes I share my opinion, other times it's just a messy verbiage about nothing...
I have multiple interests. Music is like a drug to me and I love my music magazine for always giving me great tips on new, unknown bands. But... there's more!
My awesome boyfriend for instance, who stole my heart over a year ago. I guess it's not that interesting, but I have to mention him, because he's like the most important thing in my life. I know that sounds so pathetic and desperate, but it's actually true. We managed to survive through everything.. like not seeing each other for half a year because he went to canada... and that's just a for instance! currently we're in a long distance relationship, which is very inconvenient. And I know that there are lots of people who don't have faith in us, but it's the love that keeps us going!
furthermore I could tell you something about my family situation, but I won't. And trust me, you don't even want me to. It's a complicated, fucked up and frustrating situation and it'd take me years to explain it to you. So I won't.
And that means I have nothing else I could possibly tell you in order for you to "get to know me". Which brings me to my final words; if you have any questions, just ask me! or... read my blog!
*just so you know, I'm not advertising, it's frankly just a subtle and smooth suggestion.. :)*
Who am I?
Oh, how I wish I knew. :) this question probably haunts most of us, as we're all teenagers trying to figure out what life's all about and what we're 'destined' to do. but if I interprete it differently, in a much, much, much less profound way, I end up with the idea of telling you what keeps me busy.
My name is Zosha Winkels, and I write a blog about the minor and major things in life called "the way we roll". I really wouldn't know how to define my entries, I basically start writing about whatever occurs to me. Sometimes I share my opinion, other times it's just a messy verbiage about nothing...
I have multiple interests. Music is like a drug to me and I love my music magazine for always giving me great tips on new, unknown bands. But... there's more!
My awesome boyfriend for instance, who stole my heart over a year ago. I guess it's not that interesting, but I have to mention him, because he's like the most important thing in my life. I know that sounds so pathetic and desperate, but it's actually true. We managed to survive through everything.. like not seeing each other for half a year because he went to canada... and that's just a for instance! currently we're in a long distance relationship, which is very inconvenient. And I know that there are lots of people who don't have faith in us, but it's the love that keeps us going!
furthermore I could tell you something about my family situation, but I won't. And trust me, you don't even want me to. It's a complicated, fucked up and frustrating situation and it'd take me years to explain it to you. So I won't.
And that means I have nothing else I could possibly tell you in order for you to "get to know me". Which brings me to my final words; if you have any questions, just ask me! or... read my blog!
*just so you know, I'm not advertising, it's frankly just a subtle and smooth suggestion.. :)*
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Overture
Let me start by saying: Welcome to all! The grand opening of this blog is upon us, and I'm quite thrilled. I've got to say that a collective effort like this is new to me, and I'm happy to be able to reach a bigger audience for my writings as well. So goodday to friends of my cowriters! ... Oh, and hello to my own 'regulars' as well. I'm not entirely sure what will become of this blog, but I guess we'll find out soon enough.
I'll briefly 'introduce' my cowriters, so it's time for some praise!
First of all, we've got Hannah. Hannah came up with the idea of this whole "writing stuff together" endeavour. The idea wasn't clearly defined, and it still isn't, but it's still a 'rad' idea. I guess I'd describe her as warm, helpful and every now and then a tad random.
We've also got Zosha, whose blog adresses dishonesty and other values a lot, which is something I'm also very keen on. She's perhaps a tad shy when you meet her at first, but once you get to know her, once again a very warm, nice and good person.
Joram's blog is one I've enjoyed reading a lot. His musical endeavours and tastes are quite interesting, as is his blog. He writes some great haunting, thrilling and sometimes even a bit silly short stories, which I just love reading. I also figured it was interesting how his blogs' color scheme is pretty much the complete opposite of mine. Opposites attract, amirite?
The last person on the list is Daniel. He's quite new to the whole blogging thing, but that doesn't show. His blog has mainly been about his insecurities (about his future/ambitions/etc.) so far, something that's very recognizable to me. Now that I think of it, it often scares me how much we think alike.
And me?
My name is Kylian van Beem, and I'm the "author" of the blog Who's that writin'?. My ramblings may be defined as obsessive and pessimistic, but I wouldn't have it any other way. My main interest is music, but what kind of music is hard to describe. On my own blog I've tried to show people by posting a youtube video at the end of pretty much every post (I'm pretty sure only about 5 % of the readers actually listened to those songs, but... ah well.). I reckon I'll continue doing that over here as well. I'm not only on the 'receiving' end of music though, I also enjoy playing the electric/acoustic guitar, bassguitar and even a bit of keyboard (Keep in my mind that 'playing the keyboard' mainly means learning a song, and forgetting about it the next day though). My main instrument is still the guitar... Well, that's actually my main thing in my life. I have to say I'd rather lose my house than my guitar right now.
If you'd like to know more about me, I'd like to invite you to read my blog (Especially the first 2 september posts, those described me pretty well). If you're too lazy to do that, and still want to know a bit more about me... Here are some (key)words I'd use to describe myself:
If it's not clear to my cowriters yet, I figured this week would act as an "introduction-week".
So, please enlighten us. WHO ARE YOU?!
I'll briefly 'introduce' my cowriters, so it's time for some praise!
First of all, we've got Hannah. Hannah came up with the idea of this whole "writing stuff together" endeavour. The idea wasn't clearly defined, and it still isn't, but it's still a 'rad' idea. I guess I'd describe her as warm, helpful and every now and then a tad random.
We've also got Zosha, whose blog adresses dishonesty and other values a lot, which is something I'm also very keen on. She's perhaps a tad shy when you meet her at first, but once you get to know her, once again a very warm, nice and good person.
Joram's blog is one I've enjoyed reading a lot. His musical endeavours and tastes are quite interesting, as is his blog. He writes some great haunting, thrilling and sometimes even a bit silly short stories, which I just love reading. I also figured it was interesting how his blogs' color scheme is pretty much the complete opposite of mine. Opposites attract, amirite?
The last person on the list is Daniel. He's quite new to the whole blogging thing, but that doesn't show. His blog has mainly been about his insecurities (about his future/ambitions/etc.) so far, something that's very recognizable to me. Now that I think of it, it often scares me how much we think alike.
And me?
My name is Kylian van Beem, and I'm the "author" of the blog Who's that writin'?. My ramblings may be defined as obsessive and pessimistic, but I wouldn't have it any other way. My main interest is music, but what kind of music is hard to describe. On my own blog I've tried to show people by posting a youtube video at the end of pretty much every post (I'm pretty sure only about 5 % of the readers actually listened to those songs, but... ah well.). I reckon I'll continue doing that over here as well. I'm not only on the 'receiving' end of music though, I also enjoy playing the electric/acoustic guitar, bassguitar and even a bit of keyboard (Keep in my mind that 'playing the keyboard' mainly means learning a song, and forgetting about it the next day though). My main instrument is still the guitar... Well, that's actually my main thing in my life. I have to say I'd rather lose my house than my guitar right now.
If you'd like to know more about me, I'd like to invite you to read my blog (Especially the first 2 september posts, those described me pretty well). If you're too lazy to do that, and still want to know a bit more about me... Here are some (key)words I'd use to describe myself:
Musician Pessimist Socialist Mister know-it-all Ignorant fuck Moralist Destined-to-be-a-hobo Lazy Passionate Literate Obsessed Lonely
Seeker of Love Hippy Grammar Nazi Guitarist Harsh
Seeker of Love Hippy Grammar Nazi Guitarist Harsh
If it's not clear to my cowriters yet, I figured this week would act as an "introduction-week".
So, please enlighten us. WHO ARE YOU?!
Monday, November 8, 2010
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)