THIS IS WAR!

yrreskrapLeave a comment

02-10-2011;War has been declared in the Upper wings of the girls dorm in Ojai Valley School. All girl dormers, take note.

I am currently engaged in a war. A video war that is.

Last night, my friend Madisen Demery and her roommate Joanna Degroof pulled my roommate and I out of our room after study hall into their room. They opened their laptops to show us a video of them dancing to Hannah Montana‘s Party in the U.S.A (click to watch the actual music video). My roommate and I were not impressed. However, they were smiling, enjoying themselves. What they didn’t know was that they had informally declared war with their amateur video.

My roommate and I split from the two girls, and two crews had formed. A music video battle had begun. We ran into the rooms, dressed up as ridiculously as we could with huge necklaces, matching white hats, and nerd glasses, and danced to the song, I believe in Miracles by Hot Chocolate (click on link to watch the video).

We tore apart our dresser and found matching white tee’s (cuz we are so G dawg) and wrote on them. At this moment, I believe that we will win. We will make the best music videos and win this war.

Watch out Maddie and Joanna.

Oh Say Can You Sing?

sennymcflyLeave a comment

You might find this post a massive waste of time, but as a musician I think this story will and should have an enormous impact on the world of music…well, maybe not that big, but perhaps a tickle.

GET THIS!

wow!

Musical goddess, role model and icon, Christina Aguilera – who once acted as a leader in a self-conscious, self-doubting community – made a major boo-boo at this year’s Super Bowl.

X-Tina fans all over the world were on the edge of their seats waiting with anxiety to hear the first note of our country’s theme song flow from Christina’s mouth.

Emotions were on the rise as the announcer introduced the singer to the stadium.

“Ladies and gentlemen, 5 time Grammy award winner, Christina Aguilera!”

Mic raised, she slowly opened her ruby red painted lips and when she sang the first word the butterflies from our stomachs fluttered. She was on fire. Singing with her soulful, trademark melisma – or more commonly known as vocal gymnastics – spirits were being lifted.

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The Future of Online College Courses

Paloma SpencerLeave a comment

Recently finishing up an online course conducted by Santa Monica College last semester, I have personally undergone the process of being taught by an unseen teacher, surrounded by invisible, unknown students in the confines of my bedroom, my dining room table, and even my car.

I didn’t mind the ambiguity of my class, and the ability to complete each paper and assignment by a certain time and simply receive the teacher’s feedback worked perfectly in my eyes.

However, as students continually enjoy these online classes, teachers whose home consists of blackboards and perfectly rowed seats have grown worried that the future of online courses will render actual classes obsolete in the long run.

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Once upon a freestyle…

dmilesburtonLeave a comment

Today I can honestly say I rapped the first freestyle of mine that I can fully appreciate. No “da da da’s,” no pointless phrases, just pure and utter beauty. When I was done with the first verse, I leaned back into my chair, looked up at my one man audience and waited for a reply. He looked at me and said, “Wow. that was good. I mean like I’d buy that song. I’m serious” When I heard that I smiled.

I’ve wanted to be a rapper for almost as long as I’ve liked rap music, which, as it would happen, is only a couple of years. Now I know, I know, everyone wants to be a rapper, but when you think about it, how many “aspiring rappers” will actually take the steps they need to in order to become one. If I had to guess, I’d say less than 15 percent. The rest, that less than 15%, have to have a lot of luck.

Well, I don’t know if actually becoming a rapper is in my cards, or if it’ll just sort of die off, but for the time being, it’s a real goal. Now I’m betting you’re wondering how spitting one good freestyle validates anything, and in the grand scheme of things, it doesn’t. But for the moment, it’s proof that, yes, I can in fact create a song that I’m proud of.

Not to say this is my first song, because it isn’t in the slightest. Nor is it to say that I haven’t made verses that I’ve been proud of before (I’ve made at least a few that I would use in a song and be proud of). It’s more about the idea that this one’s for real, which basically means I’d put it on an album and feel confident showcasing it as a single.

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Egypt’s potential to become Islamic State

venturatrekerLeave a comment

With protests becoming more violent and the growing popularity of the Islamic brotherhood, Egypt is beginning to look a lot like 1979 Iran.

For Israel and the world as a whole this can only spell disaster.  One Islamic state is enough.  If Egypt were to become an Islamic state, Israel would be the most directly infected.

To start, Israel and Egypt have maintained a cold peace for over thirty years.  If Mubarak is overthrown, and the Islamic brotherhood takes power, not only would they not recognize Israel as a legitimate state, but also they would begin to openly fund Hamas in the Gaza strip, and at the least Israel would face a repeat in 2005 when over 10,000 Kasam rockets fell in Israeli towns and cities.

Putting Israel aside and looking at the interests of the US, pre 1979 Iran was a powerful ally ruled by the Shah who welcomed in western ideas.  Now Iran is not only one of the most oppressed and human rights void country in the world but also the most likely country the US will go to war with next.

Iran is a threat to the entire world, and Egypt is well on its way to stand beside its brother Arab country.  Yes, Mubarak is a dictator, but what Arab countries leader is not.  Is not the continued oppression of a small number of people better the rise of yet another Islamic state that threatens world peace?

To Tailor or Not to Tailor

yrreskrap1 Comment

I am writing this blog about a situation.

Let me tell you, I am stuck. I’ve been stuck and I don’t know where to go with this situation.

I am writing this blog about a situation. A situation that involves an upcoming event. The situation.

Prom.

I’ve found a dress. A perfect dress studded with black sequins. Long sleeve, high, padded shoulders, v-neck. The French Connection Samantha Dress. However, this dress is sold out in America. It is gone. I emailed French Connection and they replied to me, giving me a phone number to a store on the east coast that they thought would have the dress in stock. They didn’t.

I’ve emailed and emailed but still I have not received a single reply. I have found the dress at a size 8 (but I am a size 2 or 4). Should I buy the dress and tailor it? Or should I buy it off of the UK site in my size for 3 times as much?

Beach Boys -> Punk -> Metal (fiddle) -> Tech no

smackyjackjackLeave a comment

Having been to many different schools I have  seen, and been a part of, many different music scenes. I grew up in the South Bay of California, or to be more specific, Manhattan Beach. The growing beach town used to be the place to go and soak up the beach life. Now however, it is a rich, very conservative, oddly out of place city.

While I was growing up there, the main music everyone from Jr. High to College were listening to was Punk.  Bands like the Circle Jerks,  Bad Religion, NOFX, and my favorite, Pennywise, were all from the South Bay. These are some of the most famous punk bands on the West Coast, ergo every kid from 13 to the early 20’s wanted to be just like them. I did for a while, then I moved to Ojai.

I moved from Manhattan when I was 12. I went to Oak Grove School for about a year. The music scene there changed from Punk, to Metal. At first, I didn’t find much music in the loud clanging of metal, but after a while, and a little pressure, I did. That went away quickly. The thing that ruined it may have been the “fiddle” immersion in one of the high schoolers metal bands. 

Once I came to OVS, the scene altered dramatically into electronic. This is the one genre that I could never like. Dubstep, tech no, drum and bass. I never like any of them. To me, the music has no soul.

There you have it. Music timelne according to Jack. Beach Boys -> Punk -> Metal (fiddle) -> Tech no. What will it be next?

Who are you?

yourgingerkid1 Comment

When looked upon, the average person makes a quick judgment; their eyes, their hair, their teeth, the way they walk. In a matter of seconds a person can be perceived as everything that they are, and a person can be perceived as something completely opposite of who they really are. All of the observations made over time create a deep pool in which the person can only skim the surface of, where the strange and memorable rise up.

A single glance, a slight observation, can create the greatest of labels and accusations. It is simply because of human nature that we do this, but is it avoidable?

Recently there have been some strange accusations made by both students and faculty of the school that involve students. I have been aware of the situation since freshman year, as has everyone who has attended this school within those years. Never once has anyone spoken out claiming to feel uncomfortable about it. Why would they?

As adolescents, we don’t know who we are. Throughout high school we all partake in a trial and error style of determining and hardening who we are and who we want to be. Body-type, personality, and sexuality are somethings that don’t even come to a stand-still until further into life, if ever. Who are the faculty and students to determine who we are for us?

It’s not far to say that making judgements isn’t a part of living. In order to survive we need to come to conclusions about people and situations, literally. As a person who has also been a victim in being told who I am because of my behaviors, I know that it really isn’t fair to those who are in that place now.

I really shouldn’t and won’t get into specifics, but I just hope that those who think they are so correct in their accusations second check their facts, because last time I checked there weren’t any. It’s strange to see adults target students, stereotyping them, but here’s an awesome article on what could happen. Link.

Technology: Beneficial or Superficial?

Paloma SpencerLeave a comment

Either in movies or in real life, many of us have experienced the over working, over bearing parent whose blackberry seems to be a survival necessity in their quest to gain a new promotion or simply balance their hectic work schedule.

Though surprisingly, recent technology has provided more ways for people to spend time with their loved ones, rather than taking this time away.

While Avaya executive Craig Wilson double tasked by enjoying a Linkin Park concert with his children and finishing up tasks for one of his clients in Australia, Covestor’s chief executive Perry Blacher engaged in his business’s board teleconference while enjoying a christening celebration at the local English pub.

This is the power of technology: being in two places at once, accomplishing two things at once.

However, arguments still remain that this sense of multitasking takes away from the whole experience.

People may find themselves unable to participate fully in experiences with friends and families, and may also lack proper concentration on their business work.

These issues became noticeable after the rapid development of the Blackberry and have increased exponentially with the inventions of the smart phones and the increased accessibility to social media.

“Home has invaded work and work has invaded home and the boundary is likely never to be restored,” said the director of the Pew Research Center’s Internet and American Life Project, Lee Rainie. “The new gadgetry has really put this issue into much clearer focus.”

But an intriguing question still remains unanswered. What drives a person’s desire to balance work and play, even in times of supposed leisure?

Its simple. It’s the recession.

Not only do these business men and woman need steady paychecks, but many have shown an increased worry over simply maintaining their jobs.

“Even if you have a career that is pretty solid, there is the feeling that advancement requires being plugged in at all times,” said Peggy Klaus, an executive coach residing in Berkeley, California.

While pressures may disable parents from taking a true “vacation,” technology has enabled them to be both a parent and a professional.

In my opinion, technology has enabled us to grow in many aspects. And even if one does feel as though the newest gadgets have caused a multitasking, unfocused population, simply do what my parents do and banish it from the dining room table.

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/06/business/06limits.html?_r=2&src=me&ref=general

Lights out for lighthouses?

weirdjennyLeave a comment

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Lighthouses have shone a friendly beam for sailors and fishermen for several centuries. However, the new technology, Global Positioning System(GPS), has gradually replaced the role of lighthouses.

The president of the America Lighthouses Foundation, Jeremy D’Entremont, said that “Everyone loves lighthouses, but as far as the government is concerned, they are not exactly a spending priority.”

Although there is 75% of lighthouses are still working in America, federal funding is limited to the mechanical maintenance of the lights. In Britain, the last light keeper retired in 1998.

So now, all British lighthouses are fully automated and monitored by computers, and they can even change light bulbs by themselves. Although that lighthouses are gradually replaced by new technology, they still keep many cultural and historical value. Many lighthouses have turned into hotel, resting places, or museums. Despite the fact that new technology is replacing the role of lighthouses, they still are an important role in sailors and fishermen’s heart!