Music and Explanations

This is my last night to stay up late. But not really.

I figure I'll go over the first 10 of my TOP 25 tonight and save my complaining for later in the week. I know I'm going to be angry and what-not when I find out which of my profs suck.

I Might Be Wrong led me to buying my first Radiohead CD. I liked their previous songs, but I never bought their CDs. I heard this song on the radio and that was it. I like all of Amnesiac, so it was a good buy. I know I was in high school at the time. If you know me right now, but you didn't know me in high school, you missed out. Imagine myself turned up to 11. Either way, Amnesiac stayed in my CD player for a long time.

Orestes is just one of those songs that I could listen to for an hour straight. The song feels like a play with 3 acts. The setting is established, the mood is set, and the climax solves it all. Even if the lyrics suggest one thing, the tone presents a different idea. This was also played a ton during my high school years.

I didn't hear How To Disappear Completely until I was a freshman in college. I was very late on this song. It's calm, it's quiet, and it's straightforward. That's me. My freshman year was full of pressure and stress. I wanted to disappear. That's how I became attached to this song. Not to mention the various intruments working together to build a landscape. I imagine being in the center of a snow-covered forest.

Oh, this song is definitely about the woman I'll marry, should that happen. Breña is the 2nd to last track on Mer De Noms. This placing meant that if the CD kept me awake at night, this is the last song that would be stuck in my head. I fell asleep so many times to the last minute or so of this song. The main parts and the chorus mirror each other, and the song fades out with a gentle guitar solo. Greatness.

Lucky describes me too well. "Pull me out of the air crash...'Cause I'm your superhero..." I guess this is another song that talks about that one person you would do anything for. You know, the whole martyr complex thing.

Street Spirit (Fade Out) was another song I didn't hear until college. Again, my freshman year. It actually goes hand in hand with How To Disappear Completely. "Fade out again." And I like the guitar melody.

Just another song that describes me. Go With the Flow. I do what it takes to not cause a scene. I avoid arguments all of the time. I'd rather concede and move on. My group wants to go somewhere? Cool. I'll go.

Listen to this song, and you'll understand. How I Made My Millions isn't about money. It's about the person who completes you. The piano is smooth and the vocals are sincere. You can't do any better than that. Would be at the top if the recording were better.

I don't know if enough people understand just how creative A Perfect Circle is. Weak and Powerless is often interpreted as a drug addicts' problem. I hear the problems of being addicted to anything, drug or other. It can be addicted to a person, place, or and idea. I guess for me it would be an idea.

If you listen to the Amnesiac version, and then the live version, it's like hearing 2 completely different songs. The words are the same, but everything else is changed. Like Spinning Plates is great both ways. And hearing the crowd roar behind the song only makes it better.

Up next, 11 - 25.

Top 25 List: Music

I don't know why I did it, I just know that I did it.

It's a list of my 25 favorite songs. These songs were judged on style, musical originality, emotional attachment, and other intangibles. It took 4 days just to come up with the 25 songs. Then I had to put them in order. That was the hard part.

1. Radiohead - I Might Be Wrong
2. A Perfect Circle - Orestes
3. Radiohead - How To Disappear Completely
4. A Perfect Circle - Breña
5. Radiohead - Lucky
6. Radiohead - Street Spirit (Fade Out)
7. Queens of the Stone Age - Go With the Flow
8. Radiohead - How I Made My Millions
9. A Perfect Circle - Weak And Powerless
10. Radiohead - Like Spinning Plates (Live)
11. Audioslave - #1 Zero
12. Queens of the Stone Age - Little Sister
13. Deftones - Knife Prty
14. Tool - 10,000 Days (Wings Pt. 2)
15. Audioslave - The Last Remaining Light
16. A Perfect Circle - Gravity
17. Audioslave - Cochise
18. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Maps
19. Clifford Brown - A Night In Tunisia
20. John Coltrane - A Love Supreme: Part 1 - Acknowledgement
21. Radiohead - Hunting Bears
22. Blue Öyster Cult - (Don't Fear ) The Reaper
23. Tool - Parabol
24. Tool - Parabola
25. Nine Inch Nails - Right Where It Belongs

I'll analyze each of the songs and their rank on the next post. It's 5AM, and I really need sleep.

Asstronomy

So, a bunch of scientists can walk around with their lab coats and pocket protectors, suddenly decide that something needs to change, and then tell you that what you've known for 22 years is wrong?

For some, it's longer than 22 years. No matter how long you've considered Pluto as a planet, it still sucks.

What does it matter, really? Will this change the laws of physics? Are we going to have to find another planet to live on? And Mickey Mouse's dog. What about that?

If an asteroid or whatever crashed into Earth tomorrow, at least those stupid astronomers could say, "Well, at least we got it right with Pluto."

Trivial, at best.

Just Thinking

That really didn't work out the way it was meant to.

I decided that it was time to fix my sleeping habits. So, I jumped into bed at 3AM. Small steps is the way to go. I figured that if I woke up at 11AM, I could go to campus and get things sorted out on campus.

I laid in bed for 45 minutes before giving up. I'm not going to fall asleep right now. There's too much going on inside my head.

I don't know what to do. I really want to get things done. I may just try again on Thursday. If I can call the instrument room and actually talk to somebody, that may get fixed. But I still need to talk to my advisor to see what math courses count towards my degree. There's a list, and I had one, but I don't know where it is. And I only need one more math course.

I have this project that I'm working on. Kind of. I started it last month, and I was going to work on it while I was home. That didn't happen. So, I'm trying to get back into it. The only thing is that there is someone I need to get info from. And I don't want to.

I feel motivated about the upcoming semester, but I'm doubting my motivation. It always comes and goes. It sparks from nothing, and by the time I acknowledge it, it's gone. I guess I need to get one of those motivational posters or something. All it needs to say is "18 hours."

This is what I get for procrastinating.

Eh, I guess it doesn't help when you take a 30 minute nap at midnight.

What's Next?!

"'It's clear that the broadcast networks have a long way to go before they accurately reflect the diversity of their audience and our society,' said GLAAD president Neil G. Giuliano."

Seriously? Is it necessary?

I have nothing against gay people. And this following statement isn't towards the gay community.

Aren't there more important issues than air time? Things like whether or not the lead character is gay or bi?

If you don't like what's on TV, change it to Oxygen, Lifetime, Lifetime Movie Network, Bravo, or WE. No offense to anyone who likes any of these channels, but, come on.

You got enough attention with the whole gay marriage thing. Why not be content? Why do you keep pushing your lifestyle into the view of people? If you're accepted by the majority, be happy.

I don't mean to compare religion to homosexuality, but whenever a large group gets together and forms an agenda, it's always about oppression. Religious groups force their beliefs on people who do not think the same way. Gay groups force their lifestyle on people who do not feel the same way.

And maybe it's just me. The shows I watch aren't about sexual relationships. I like The Office and House. While a storyline in 1 episode may revolve around 2 co-workers sleeping together, the entire series doesn't.

They want fairness, but they still don't accept the fact that life isn't fair. Get over it.

ESPN Sucks

ESPN is quickly losing its credibility.

After watching my Dallas Cowboys beat down on the New Orleans Saints, I decided to watch Sportscenter. It would give me an opportunity to watch all of the highlights of the game. Ah, but the people behind the scenes of Sportscenter wanted to talk about something else.

So, everyone who watched the first minutes of Sportscenter got to see Reggie Bush and his big bag of nothin'. If you had the TV muted and only saw the video, you would think, "Wow! He really blew today!" If you had the video covered up and only listened to the audio, you would swear that Reggie Bush is the best running back of all time. It absolutely sucked.

"Reggie Bush spiced things up with a nine-yard run and an 11-yard gain on a third-and-2 screen, both on the final drive of the first half. He finished with seven yards on four carries, 14 yards on two receptions -- and disappointment that the starters didn't do better."

If he had a 9-yard run, and he finished the game with 4 rushes for 7 yards, something seems off. Oh, it means he had 3 rushes for -2 yards. -2 yards! He also had 11 yards receiving on one play. That means his only other reception went for 3 yards. 3 yards! 1.75 yards per rush and 7 yards per catch. That's not impressive. That should be considered as a poor performance. And how can he be disappointed by the other starters? He didn't do anything! And those 2 plays on the same drive lead to nothing. 0 points. Scoreboard.

Stuart Scott talked as if Reggie Bush changed the game of football with the 6 plays he was actually a part of. 6 plays. 21 yards total. That's not a leadoff story for Sportscenter. Even if Stuart Scott did backflips during the entire story, it still wouldn't be worthy of leading off.

And then there's the whole issue with T.O. Right now on ESPN.com, they have a poll up asking "Who should shut up? Terrell Owens or Bill Parcells?" Bogus question! T.O. is a story because the media is desperate. "When will he explode? Will he help or hurt the Cowboys?" T.O. isn't going around slapping people or anything. He isn't getting arrested. He hasn't done anything since he arrived in Dallas.

And why the hate for Parcells? What did he do? He simply said, "T.O. hasn't practiced enough, so he isn't going to play Monday night." That's it. 1 complete sentence. And any other coach would agree with his decision.

I'm getting sick of ESPN.

You can't spell "penis" without ESPN. As in, Employees Suck Penis Nightly.

Yea, I went there.

Just Another Day

Really.

Sometimes, Kevin Pereira can write something so profoundly deep. Usually his posts are about the comical things in life. Not this time.

I started to think about all of the things that bring a smile to my face. Happiness. There's a list. It's not short, but it's not long. And then I thought about what brings me joy. Right now, I can't think of anything.

I think I'm having a hard time distinguishing happiness from joy.

You know how in Office Space, Peter says that if he had a million dollars, he would do nothing? That's me. I would sit around the house all day long and do nothing. Maybe I would visit friends that lived in a different city, but I don't think that counts as traveling, as in, I would travel. I would only do it once in a while. A long while.

So, as far as I can tell, the one thing that would bring me joy is the freedom to do nothing. In order to have this freedom, I need to have a lifestyle which does not require money, or a large bank account. The latter sounds more realistic. So, in order to experience joy, I need to be rich.

Does that mean money can buy me both happiness and joy?

I'm talking about joy for the present. Maybe 6 years from now, I won't be able to experience joy without a woman by my side. Currently though, having a girlfriend or wife is not a priority. I'm perfectly fine being by myself.

If I lived in one of the fancy apartment complexes in downtown Austin, with nice furniture and a killer wardrobe, I would have nothing but joy. Even if I worked from 9 - 5 for it, I would be joyous. Of course, if I somehow won a huge lottery, that could work too.

I think that's why I believe I would become addicted to gambling if I tried it. Getting some minute detail right can earn you so much money. It's little to no work for the possibility of doubling your money. Or by a larger factor. And it would lead to my doing nothing.

I just need to graduate, get a job, and then get a nice home. That's all I want right now. Any of these 3 things would bring me happiness. All 3 combined would bring me joy.

I guess that's just one of my frustrating characteristics. For the past 5 or so years, I've thought about my desire to have an impact on the world. Yet, if I were rich, I would do absolutely nothing. My life goals would change, all because of money.

Of course, if I were "Bill Gates" rich, I would be involved with so many charities. I would still sit around and do nothing, but I'd donate like mad.

Stick that in the face of those who say "Money is the root of all evil." Show them charities. Ask them what they want, and then ask them, "If I gave you the money to buy one, would you? And would it make you happy?"

And just for clarification, by "doing nothing" I mean doing nothing productive. Listening to music, playing basketball, and eating all fit under "doing nothing."

Eulogy

Oh, the sadness!

Long and slender, I would hold you in my right hand. Wiggle you just a bit to get that perfect feel. It was great whether it was alone in my room, or in front of guests. I never knew such happiness. Pure elation.

Alas, I come here not to praise my Guitar Hero controller's whammy bar, but to bury it. And praise it.

So, I put it back in the case, preparing it for the long winter ahead. No more "rocking out."

...

I'll just buy a new one.

Halfway Solved

Hey, dill!

I called the instrument room. And no one answered. I had to leave a message which I had not prepared. So, I sound like a complete moron and an authentic jerk. Nice.

Woo! Had another Frappucino with Irish Cream. I can feel my liver! But, I think that's a sign to slow down. Every night is not something I should be doing. So, time to take a few weeks off.

Eh, I'll write more later. I'm going to get some sleep.

Sign In Duplicate

Yea. Going to see Snakes on a Plane later today.

So, the guy who manages the instruments for UT screwed up. Again. I have a bar. That means I can't order transcripts. And that's about it. But it's annoying and I'm going to get it straightened out. This means that I either get to call or go over there. I don't like being on the phone. But I don't want to take a 50 minute trip just to get there. Yes, the bus is slow.

Then again, I could use the trip. I stay in the apartment most of the day. And it would force me to wake up at a decent hour. Oh, but the sun sucks. I'll step off the bus and immediately begin to sweat.

I think I'll just call. If they need me to visit, then I'll make the trip to campus.

There's nothing worse than trying to find a 3"x5" piece of paper that you received May 11, 2006, and you don't know if you threw it away or not.

Maybe there's worse...

Bite The Hand That Feeds

So, there's this new Beta Blogger thing. It's pissing me off right now.

I tried to switch over, but then I get an email saying that there was an error. I figured it was my customized templates. I changed this one. It didn't solve anything. So I checked out my old blog, and it had a custom template also. I changed it and republished the whole thing. But, something went wrong.

Only one post shows up. I tried deleting that one post, but it still shows up. I tried publishing a new post, but it doesn't show up. No matter what I do, only one post shows up. From April 1st ironically. I'm faced with a small dilemma now.

I can delete the whole blog, but that was 623 posts. It went back to March of 2004. Some of my best work is from that year and the next.

All because I wanted to switch to the new Blogger.

Awesome.

[Edit]

I found out that someone has fbomber.blogspot.com. That pisses me off. The person only wrote 2 posts. I'm tempted to email the person and ask for that URL. I'll put it to better use.

All of the old stuff can be found at fbomb2.blogspot.com. It seems that there's something wrong with the URL 'fbomb.blogspot.com.' How do I know? Because I moved the old blog, created a new one in the location, and the same crap shows up.

I might be up late tonight.

Less Than One Week

I figure I shouldn't go a week without posting something.

I'm trying to find new blogs or sites to keep me amused. Facebook is boring, and MySpace sucks every now and then.

I don't know where I picked it up, but I started wearing a rubber band around my left hand. But it's not all day or anything. It's just a night and it's involuntary. Comes out of nowhere.

I'm drinking again, and that's not necessarily a good thing considering that it's Monday night. But it's not stress-related. I just enjoy a drink every now and then. I'm sure my liver could use the exercise.

Yea, I don't have much. Thought I did.

Not Much

So, so bored.

My mind slowed down for a while earlier today. I was so bored that I went to my bed to lay down. While staring at the wall, I realized that I'm going to be 22 soon. I should be graduating soon also. And I just want to start building momentum.

One last thing...

Jamie turns 21 today! Greatness! Hope it's everything you expect!

Study This

Sexual Lyrics Prompt Teens to Have Sex

I'm calling BS on this study.

Music does not tell 22% more teens to go out and have sex. Consider the possibility that the same teens who had sex earlier just so happen to like suggestive songs. It's not the music influencing the teens, rather their own frame of mind influencing the type of music they listen to. Some kids are going to want sex earlier, and it wouldn't surprise me that they like songs such as "Promiscuous."

Teens who are looking to be angry will listen to angry music. It's not angry music that causes kids to do violent things.

You want to know why the world is full of idiots? It's because researchers are looking for excuses and everyone loves a good one. Why did that kid bring a gun to school? Oh, it must have been the Marilyn Manson they were listening to. It must have been that gory video game Doom III.

There are millions of people who listen to Marilyn Manson. Millions more who play Doom III. You want to know why they don't do the same? It's because they choose not to. It's simple.

So those handful of kids who go ballistic at school do it because they choose to. They ultimately have to decide.

So, stop blaming everything but yourselves. Stop looking for excuses.

Movies: A Generalization

There are 3 types of movies.

The 1st type consists of the movies that are aiming for awards. Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress, such. They may not win the award, but there's a good chance that they will be nominated. (Good Night, and Good Luck, for example.)

There are bad movies that solely exist to make money on a target demographic. This is the 2nd type. (Glitter, Mean Girls, etc.)

Then, there are movies that aren't looking for awards, nor are they reaching out to a specific group of people. They are at the theater because someone wants it to be. (Talladega Nights, any movie with Will Ferrell or Steve Carell.)

Yes, I am looking forward to Snakes on a Plane. I am looking for nothing more than great entertainment. Unintentional comedy is my favorite. And maybe it isn't unintentional. It's still nice.

Sure, it's not going to be up for Best Screenplay. And you might be thinking, "Snakes on a Plane? Sounds stupid." But think about it. They aren't masking the agenda of the movie. The people behind the movie don't care about your first opinion. They just want something new out there, no matter how ridiculous it sounds.

By the way, there has been a buzz about this movie for quite some time. Way before summer started. I'm betting a majority of the people who watch it will have been waiting for months.

Samuel L. Jackson. Snakes. A plane. It's not going to make you question your existence. It's going to entertain you. If you want a critical assessment of humanity, go read a book.

And if it were up to me, I'd burn so many books...oh, the fun.

Moron Dog

Woo. Almost better.

Whenever I'm bored, I search for new music. I check top 20 lists and such. I also check out my favorite blogs and see if there's anything there for me to research. Since I see "Belle and Sebastian" everywhere I go, I figure that I would check it out.

It makes sense. I understand why people are jumping on that bandwagon.

There are 3 different types of fans. There are fans who buy every album, every poster, and believe that their favorite group can do no wrong. Then there are fans that buy most of the CDs, understand most of the songs, and ignore the 1 or 2 songs they do not like. Then there are the idiot fans. These idiot fans tell you they like a group because that's the cool thing to do. They do not understand the music, but that doesn't matter.

I'll point the finger at myself before I point at anyone else. Yes, I like Radiohead. However, I can name a handful of songs I don't like. I don't own all of the CDs. But I can tell you what I do like about each song. And I can tell you the lyrics as I listen to it. I am looking forward to their next release, but I'm not on pins and needles.

I chose Radiohead because their fans get criticized the most. Some of them deserve it, but not all.

Pick out any song. I can tell you what I like and what I don't like. And I won't use musical terms since not everyone has studied music. I'll just say, "This part."

I've never liked a band because someone else did. Or because a majority of the population does.

Either way, let me present something from iTunes and their top 10 downloaded songs.

#1 Fergie - London Bridge
Seriously? It gives me a headache. It's "Hollaback Girl" part two. But Gwen Stefani has a better speaking voice. We all know Fergie isn't singing. You know, just put a 'dope beat' in any song and it will top the charts, even if there's no creativity or originality.

#2 Gnarls Barkley - Crazy
I do like this song. A hip-hop beat mixed with old Motown-style singing. New with old. Fits so many different moods.

#3 Beyonce - Deja Vu
The beat overpowers her voice. This song is made for clubs. I'd much rather hear her sing with less going on in the background. I do like Jay-Z though.

#4 Nelly Furtado - Promiscuous
Another example of putting a 'dope beat' behind a song to enhance the chart rankings. This is the same girl who sang about being like a bird. C'mon. It's not a bad song, but it's not original. And what's up with the rapping?

#5 The Pussycat Dolls - Buttons
Snoop, why? Do I really need another example about beats? If you need a #1 hit, just make a dance song. It's easy. By the way, only one of them actually sings in this song. The others are just eye candy. I like the red-head...

#6 Jessica Simpson - A Public Affair
Oh...my...gosh. She totally ripped off some J-Pop artist. And she doesn't sing very well. Put some effort into it.

#7 Christina Aguilera - Ain't No Other Man
This is tough. It's clearly a dance song. A minus. But she can sing. She can really sing. And she doesn't let the background overpower her. If you needed someone to sing the national anthem without any background, would you choose Jessica Simpson, Brittany Spears, Ashlee Simpson, Nelly Furtado, or Aguilera? Of course Aguilera!

#8 Cassie - Me & U
Sorry, but it's 'You,' not 'U.' And are you using a pitch correction machine? I think you are. Who are you?

#9 Panic! At The Disco - I Write Sins Not Tragedies
His voice sucks. It's a cross between talking and singing. That's never good. Choose one.

#10 The Fray - Over My Head (Cable Car)
Where have I heard this before? The background works so well, but his voice needs some tonal change. I can see why people like this song.

Just to pick on a few other songs. "Snap Yo Fingers," but he says it like 'fAn-gahz.' What's that? People like it because Lil Jon is funny sounding. Paris Hilton? It's weird seeing her without a green tint. Oh, she can't sing, and she ripped the background from a Blondie song. Nickelback sounds the same on every song. John Mayer sucks so much. He spawned James Blunt and Daniel Powter.

I'm the inspiration behind Powter's song "Bad Day." And I'll give him another when I see him. Man that song is beat down.

I swear. Hey, all you music bands out there! If you want to be at the top of every chart and sign lucrative contracts, sing about an ex-girlfriend/ex-boyfriend or love in general, how you hate work, how no one understand you, hooking up with that special someone, or high school drama. Then put a 'dope beat' behind it, or yell the song for the emo crowd, or be physically attractive.

Remember Papa Roach? They did that song about suicidal thoughts called "Last Resort." Their latest single is called "...To Be Loved." I think that's hilarious.

Sick and Sinning

Have I mentioned that I'm sick?

I'm sick.

I always get sinusitis twice each year. Usually in the winter and summer. Well, it's summer if you haven't noticed. So, I've been blowing my nose every 5 minutes or so and sneezing every once in a while. I started taking medicine once I knew for sure I was going to be sick. That was Monday. Since I started way early, I shouldn't be sick too long. I better be 100% in 3 days or I'll be pissed.

Ideally, I want to start feeling better tomorrow morning. It's not impossible.

Mel Gibson sucks a fat one. I'm late with this, I know. Ever since he made that religious movie, I've hated him. Making a profit off of the Bible. Isn't that a sin or something? Eh, I'm not going to look it up. I haven't touched a bible in over 3 years. Why start now?

That doesn't mean I'm an atheist or something. I just don't believe that going to church is necessary. It's recycled material that only feels new if you fell asleep the first time. So, when I heard the same speech twice and recognized it, I stopped going. Seriously, you only need to tell me "Do not murder" once. And "Love thy neighbor" is the same story. I get it.

And while I have respect for those of my friends who are open about their love for God, I have the most respect for those who don't try to "convert" me. I really appreciate not having to discuss religion and such. I just think that if we all keep it to ourselves, everything would be better.

Besides, church started to feel more like a bureaucracy than anything else. People with power looking away if a popular member was doing something immoral. Being "holier than thou" and thumbing their nose at people who didn't preach as much as they did. Two-faced individuals who would give false testimony against you if it would increase their favor with the higher ups. I think that's a sin too.

Either way, I'm not going back there. I'm a good person. I do the right thing most of the time. That's the important part.

Although, I've always wanted to get a red devil costume and bust down the doors while speaking in tongues. That would scare them...

Yea, I'd go back to do that.

Back In Austin

I'm back in Austin, but the adjustment was pure hell.

When I go home for an extended amount of time, I find it hard to leave. It's easy to sleep all morning and afternoon. It's easy to have your parents drive you wherever you want to go. And you don't have to think about much.

So, when I finally arrived back in Austin, I had a miniature panic attack. I hid it well, so no one noticed. My stomach went crazy and I had a hard time sleeping. I couldn't eat anything because I never felt hungry. And when I did have food in my mouth, I felt like I was full. My mind kept going at night even while I watched TV. Sucks.

It took 2 nights, but I feel good. I feel better. While I'd like to go home again, I don't feel anxious or anything.

I don't know if I'll keep it up, but I've been logging into Yahoo! Messenger and MSN Messenger. It's not like I know anyone on either, but I figure someone might...I don't know.

MySpace is being unreliable. Right when I'm about to post a bulletin, the server crashes or something. Sure, it was just a survey, but it sucks.

Alright. It's nearly 5AM. I think I should go to bed.