Let Freedom Ring:Wikileaks

So I am going to share what I think about this whole Wikileaks deal.  I think, the people have a right to know the truth about things that the government would rather either hide from us, or just straight up lie to us about.  I think that the government is just pissed that people are being able to find out the truth about things and that it is out of their control, and they are losing the opportunity to spin things the way that they want the media to spin them according to what the think we should know.  Honestly, it's a bunch of bullshit.  I think though, that it is highly ironic, that the founder of wikileaks is all of the sudden under arrest for allegations of sexual assault. Sounds a little too convenient to me.  Like....conspiracy. Truthfully, I have little faith in our government, and I always wondered to what extreme they would go to keep the truth from us.  I think the people at wikileaks are doing something amazing in that they are standing up for truth and refusing to allow the powerful people on top, to control them.
   I was made aware of something just as I was writing this blog: How much power the government has over it's people.  I literally said to my boyfriend, " maybe I shouldn't post this, what if the government goes after me for supporting them, or tries to make something up about me to keep me quiet...they know what is being posted by who if they want"....that's how much power they have; enough power to make me almost give up my freedom of speech for fear of what they might do. Thats fucked.

The Greatness of Pandora Music

Dashboard Confessional, Brand New, Taking Back Sunday, Something Corporate, Death Cab For Cutie, Copeland, Jack's Mannequin, and Saves The Day, are some of the greatest bands that have ever rocked the music scene.  I have all their albums, and I find myself playing those albums over and over again. So often, that I have forgotten about the possibility of finding new music.  Let's face it: The music scene is a far stretch from the way that it used to be.  There is a competley different sound, it is a new era, and I have been protesting it for years.  But, alas, I throw up my white flag in surrender, and I say, "I suppose I can give some of these new bands a shot."

         Pandora Radio, is a music genome project that finds new music for you, based on your preferences, and the artists you like.  The more you listen to Pandora, the better it gets at determining which bands or songs you are most likely to enjoy.  I love it, and have come to find tons of new music, that I thought would never be possible to find. Until Pandora. Check it out, free here: http://www.pandora.com

   

Top Ten Songs on Itunes

Your ipod need some new music? Not quite sure, what to listen to, what songs to download next?Check out the top ten songs to download on Itunes!

1.   Firework (Katie Perry)
2.   Grenade (Bruno Mars)
3.   The Time (Black Eyed Peas)
4.   What's my name? (Rihanna and Drake)
5.   We R who we R (Ke$ha)
6.   Raise Your Glass (Pink)
7.   Christmas Lights (Coldplay)
8.   Bottoms up (Trey Songz)
9.   Just the Way You Are (Bruno Mars)
10. Dark Days Are Over (Florence + the Machine)

Sexy Media

I was noticing recently that most of the shows on TV are highly sexualized. This applies even to shows that are targeted toward teens.  I like that teen dramas include issues that are relevant to teens and the things that they deal with, and the things they are interested in...however, EVERY time I turn on a teen drama, it is sex, sex, sex.  On a recent episode of Degrassi, junior high students were talking about vibrators, and the very next episode, they were comparing different type of condoms.  I think, some of this goes just way overboard, and it is seriously contributing to the over sexualization of youth in America. Sex is everywhere, everywhere on TV.

Ba Hum Bug the Holiday Songs

Truthfully, I love the holidays...no really, I do.  The only thing that happens to irritate me beyond belief is how ridiculously soon the christmas music begins.  I mean, if your going to be forced to listen to the same old songs over and over, doing so prematurely is basically the worst of the worst.  The Christmas music is starting earlier and earlier ever year, and quite frankly, it disrupts the some of the other holidays like, I don't know...THANKSGIVING! The Christmas music this year began right after Halloween. Halloween. Seriously?

Degrassi...Never Ending

I've been way hooked on this series that originated out of Canada called Degrassi.  It is great, because it is full of drama, romance, tragedy, love, and heartbreak.  It reminds me of like a soap opera for teens.  The show, I think, really is never-ending because it began before I was even born, and it's still playing! It follows a group of high school students all through their four years of high school, and then they ind a way to introduce a new set of students.  I love that the show includes real issues that high school students really do face such as: pregnancy, shootings, drugs, parental divorce, bullies, eating disorders, sexuality, identity issues, and more.  It is now on Teen Nick...Check it out!

Top Quotes From Last Nights Cougar Town

"you look like you poured your make up on the floor and rolled around in it"
"Poppy, the transexual at the makeup counter I frequent, would beg to differ"

"The only person who could ever finish my sentences was my foster brother...that's why we dated"

"I'm winding you up like a toy robot and letting you go"

(about a hammock) "I thought this would be like sleeping in the clouds but it's just terrifying" "it's okay, I've got a seat belt on this bad boy"

"Sweetie do you need big joe?" (Referring to a giant wine glass) "You'll never leave me" (To the wine glass)

"This is fun, I feel Japanese"

" Sex isn't something you can learn, you have to been born with it...I've got the gift"
"He does...my window faces your window"

"being a man is living in constant fear of disappointing a woman"

" How are you this tiny and this strong?Your like an ant"

Last Nights Episode of Modern Family: Spoiler Alert

Last nights Modern Family was hilarious...as usual of course!  My favorite scene was when Manny's mom shoots his raft with the BB gun, and she's like " I could have unbuttoned your shirt if I wanted to...I'm taking this with me in the car"...I was rolling with laughter at that point! Phil truly cracks me up with how dorky he really is. Mitchell, a flash mob?oh geez!  It was priceless the way he said "Hells yes! This dance is my love letter to Cam". Ahh, it was awesome!

The Office Downfall

Dare I say it...The Office just has not been all that funny lately, at all to me.  This season just hasn’t really sparked my interest or tickled my funny bone the way that many past seasons did.  I’m worried...perhaps, I’m coming down with something? Maybe they are just running out of material, maybe it’s gotten to far out of hand to save, I don’t know...They lost me at Saber...

The NFL Drama Queen/Legendary Quarterback

Whoever said there was no drama in football, obviously doesn't know Brett Favre! Wait, wait wait... EVERYONE knows who Brett Favre is.  He is perhaps one of the best quarterbacks to ever hit the NFL.  He played for the Packers for about 1,000 years until he couldn't decide whether he was ready to retire (hint Favre: If your over 80...YOUR DONE).  The Packers finally decided they had enough of his drama, he was  worse than a woman at a shoe store, trying to make up his mind.Seriously, that was not sarcasm.  THe √vikings were glad to have him.  But now, this year... he is injured. On top of being critically elderly, he has recently sustained two fractures in his ankle, and one on his heel.  So, the Vikings are faced with a decision: keep him, or no?

     In my opinion, Brett needs to realize that though he is legendary, and certainly hall of fame worthy, it is time to play until he has a heart attack due to being an incredibly old man trying to play football with the boys, or end his legacy while he still has some of a good reputation.  Go out strong, not weak...but my guess is he takes a swig of Metamusil, and gets back out there. Dumb Ass.

Political Ads:No One Cares

Of course, I am all for the American citizens right to vote, and the right of politicians to campaign for office.  However...COME ON GUYS!!! It is completely ridiculous the amount of political advertisements on tv lately.  First off, most people do not even pay attention to them (I know I don't), because all we care about is (insert whatever television program you are trying to watch).  People go the fridge during commercial, we skip over the commercials on Tivo ( thank goodness).  So why all the ads? I'm not quite sure if they realize that irritating voters is probably not the best of all campaign strategies.

Even though, I hate the frequency of the ads, what I can't stand most is how ridiculous the ads themselves are.  Note to politicians: just because your opponent screwed up, or got rid of millions of American jobs and gave them to India, or ruined an entire company Ebay, or looked at you funny,or...WHATEVER, does not make you good!  If a politicians campaign is so focused on how terrible the opponent is, I wonder " are they trying to say that they aren't AS BAD AS ( fill in the blank)? Well, are they bad, just not THAT bad? Well...that's comforting!"Anyway, the ads are super agitating, and I'm starting to doubt that we have any politicians that are good at anything.

I'm Laughing...On the Inside

So I was thinking about all the comedy movies that I use to think were hilarious.  I loved any movie that Adam Sandler was in, (Especially Big Daddy), Jim Carey was so hilarious, and of course, I loved Rush Hour with Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan.  But then it occurred to me...all the quote on quote "comedy" movies of late have been, well, not funny at all.  Now comedies have become nothing but people acting incredibly stupid, doing stupid things, and we call it comedy.  For example, contrary to the way many people feel, I find Will Ferrell to be highly annoying.  I officially, have given up on comedy movies...unless they can be done with more...sophistication than Dumb and Dumber!

The beauty of Netflix

Netflix is amazing. So good.  So, say your someone who loves watching movies, but you don't necessarily want to have to go out to the store to buy or rent a movie.  Or perhaps, your someone who likes to watch a lot of older movies or shows that don't air on tv anymore.  Netflix is so great, because sitting at home on your couch, you have access to millions and millions of title, many of which you can stream right to your tv via a Playstation 3, a wii, or via your computer!  It's the perfect solution for a friday night flick with friends! What is even more awesome, is that you can try it out for a month for free!  After that, if you keep it, it just starts at $8.99... not even the cost as much as one movie!  

    

Tweet, Post, and Comment Gone Over Board

Im just as guilty as the next person for enjoying facebook, and updating my status on an all too regular basis.  But some people can be just plain annoying.  There is a great tool for that: block em' from your feed! I seriously know some people who tweet over 100 times a day! These people need help.Now.  Here are a few scenarios which would cause me to permanently block an individual from my Facebook feed:

1. "Tweeting" a hundred times a day
2. Updating your status 50 times a day
3. Commenting on every single status that I post
4. Stalking my Facebook pictures by commenting on all of them
5. Posting the most ridiculous statuses such as " I am brushing my teeth"
6. "Tagging" me in posts that have nothing to do with me
7. When I comment on your post and when I do 20 people also do and I get all those notifications
8. "liking" my status' that have no reason to be "liked"
9.  Regularly posting things that are passed on such as that stupid " I like (fill in the blank)" or " post this and then you will have good luck at 3:00 today"
10.  Please don't be annoying on Facebook! Oh well, I suppose some people just can't help it.

The Luckiest Losers

So lately I have been streaming the series "The Biggest Loser" on Hulu.  It's my first time watching the show, and I really like it.  But, honestly those guys a the luckiest people ever to be able to train in an environment like that and to have the support of multiple professional trainers working with them, and motivating them.  Yeah, I'm sure I could lose a shitload a lot of weight if I had a really hot buff trainer yelling at me in my face telling me to keep going.  I mean, those guys have people planning their diets, keeping track of all their calories burned and consumed... I would love to have that! The show is really great for motivating people.  I mean, I'm not overweight but I just started keeping track of my calorie intake, and going to the gym...it ain't pretty!
    I also came to realize something else: There is literally a completely fake and unrealistic reality show about...EVERYTHING.

Community

  So Community is another awesome show that you should check out.  I go to community college, and I think a large part of what makes that show funny is how true it really is.  Senior Chang always cracks me up, and the others...well most of them are funny too.  Chevy Chase in general is funny, I find the fact that he is extremely bigoted and ignorant to be ridiculously entertaining.  I mean, the show is reality.  Adult teenagers who have little money, and who accomplish so little, hang out with their friends, fall in and out of love, and have crazy sex fun in the process.

check it out here: http://www.nbc.com/community/
                                                                                    or on Itunes

New Movies out on Dvd and Blu-ray This Week

Here is a list of the latest new release movies that hit stores this week; head to your nearest store, or download on Netflix, get cozy on the couch with some popcorn and enjoy:

1. Karate Kid
2. Nightmare on Elm Street
3. Splice
4. Beauty and the Beast
5. The Exorcist

The Age of Digital Music

I was listening to a podcast the other day, and I heard something that I felt was truly amazing.  It was a music podcast called "The AP Podcast"(Alternative Press), and Mike Shea was interviewing my favorite artist, Andrew McMahon from Something Corporate and Jack's Mannequin.  They were talking about the business that is behind the music, and Mike Shea asked Andrew where he buys his music from, and they ended up getting into an extremely interesting topic of how much digital music has shaped and changed the music industry.  Andrew made an amazing point: he loves the accessibility of Itunes and other digital downloading applications, but he feels that it is important to the fans to have something physical to tag onto that purchase.  For example, when Jack's Mannequin launched their latest album, all the people who purchased a digital copy of the music, also got a free photo booklet sent to them in the mail, with tons of pictures, lyrics, and notes inside.
     I happen to agree wholeheartedly.  I love that I can buy, and search for songs so easily on Itunes, but I am reluctant to go completely digital, because I think there is something special about having something physical in my hands, that little booklet inside really does mean something to me. I really truly love music, and part of the enjoyment of music, is collecting it, collecting merch from really awesome bands, going to shows.  Somehow I feel that the click of a button on my mouse and that is it doesn't quite cut it for me.  I need artists to keep working hard, not just go into a studio, produce some tracks, and through them up online.

What Happened to the Movies?

I am a huge movie fanatic. I love everything about going to the movies...except how expensive it is.  I love the popcorn, the icee, the candy, the staying out late, and the surround sound.  I love to catch the latest great movie that is out.  But honestly, for the past two months there have not been any good movies that came out...what the hell?  Somebody direct something good.please.

AP Podcast: For the Music Lover's

Hey, if you love music, and like to follow artists and learn about them check out the AP Podcast on Itunes.  They interview tons of the greatest artists such as: Andrew Mcmahon from Jack's Mannequin and Something Corporate, Christ Conelly from Saves The Day, Ace Enders from The Early November, as well as Pete Wentz from Fall Out Boy.  It's good stuff.

The Bachelor Pad

   This week I had some free time to catch up on my guilty pleasure TV Show: The Bachelor Pad.  I don't know why, but the Bachelor and the Bachelorette are shows that I am so hooked on.  It is interesting to watch how people interact, and treat each other, and what competition can do to people.  I really liked the show.  The rest of the blog is a spoiler if you haven't seen it yet,  check it out here:
 http://abc.go.com/shows/bachelor-pad

I was so shocked, surprised, annoyed and excited by everything going on, in the episodes.  First off, I just love Kiptyn and Tenley and I am so glad that they are together! Even though I do not like everything Natalie did, and even though I think Dave could be arrogant and a jerk at times, I think they are cute too, and I was starting to come around to these guys.  I never really liked Kovacs or Elizabeth.  Thier relationship seemed completely unhealthy.  He was totally using him, and she was too emotional, obsessive, and needy.  I also didn't like how they were kind of the masterminds behind everything, and people wouldn't get smart and vote them off.  Gia made the big mistake by not choosing Craig, and Nikki screwed it up too...even though I think I understand why she would want to save Kiptyn seeing as he is such a good guy.  Anyway, the show was great, and I wonder if they are going to have another season?
    

Latest New Albums to Check Out

There are a few albums that I am super excited about that just came out, that you may want to check out:

Weezer "Hurley"

Jimmy Eat World "Invented"

Linkin Parl "A Thousand Suns"

    

                                                                                                 

                                                                                                      

Here's what you had to say: Before the premiere of The Office

The Office Season Premiere

The Office season premiere is Tomorrow at 9/8 Central! I am so excited for it, and in my anticipation, I decided to write down some of the most memorable and funniest quotes from the show.  Enjoy!!!

 Jim: What kind of bear is best?

 Dwight: That's a ridiculous question

 Jim: False. Black Bear.

 Dwight: That's debatable, there are basically two schools of thought-

 Jim: Fact. Bears eat beats. Bears. Beats. Battle-star Galactica.

 Dwight: Bears do not..What is going on? What are you doing?

Kelly: I never really thought about death until Princess Diana died. That was the saddest funeral ever. That and my sister's.

  Michael: Do I need to be liked? Absolutely not. I like to be liked. I enjoy being liked. I have to be liked. But it's not like this, compulsive, need, to be liked. Like my need to be praised.

Toby: Come on Michael, I really want to go home

Michael: Well you don't even have anybody to go home to Toby so...

Jim: Top five favorite books...go

Angela: The Bible...

Jim: Okay...

Angela: The Purpose Driven Life...

Jim: You still need three more...

Angela:No

Phyllis: The Davinci Code...

Angela: I would take the Davinci Code. So I could burn the Davinci Code

Dwight: yeah, that would keep you warm for like 7 seconds

Micheal (talking to Jim about Dwight): I know a ton of 14 year old girls who could kick his a%$

Jim: you know a ton of 14 year old girls?

Dwight: What belt are they?               

Jim:(to Dwight): Michael, could you beat up Michael

Dwight: of course not, because we're friends

Michael:because i would kick his a%$

Jim: Well Dwight is a purple belt so...
Michael: So! I've beat up black belts before
Jim: How did you know they were black belts?
Michael: They told me...after

Media Overload:The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

The age of technology and social media is ever evolving, and is amazing.  We have social media at our fingertips that allows us to connect, in seconds, to millions of people from all over the world.  We have vast varieties of information and resources available to us with just a click of a button.  With this invigorating new technology we are changing the world, improving the world...and overloading our minds.  Many of us do not go a single moment of the day without having an ipod in our ears, texting, going on facebook, twitter, google, you tube, listening to the radio, watching television...and the list could go on and on...and on.  Technology is amazing. It is crucial. And it is overtaking us.  I leave you with a question:

At what point does technology and social media cross the line from helpful, productive, and enriching, to addiction, danger, and overload?

Modern Family

Yes, that is right, this Wednesday is the season premiere of Modern Family!!! I have been waiting so long for this.  MOdern family is one of the most hilarious shows in television I think.  If you like shows like The Office, Arrested Development, and Community, then you will love this hit TV Show.  You can catch Modern Family this Wednesday September 22, at 9/8central.

   I have attached, also a link showing one of the most hilarious moments on the show:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1aSzTVrP5FQ

The End of Oprah

Oprah announced recently that this season of Oprah will be the last.  It's crazy, for me to imagine (even though I don't really watch Oprah, nor do I really care for it all that much) that the show is actually ending.

It seems as though the show has been around for so long, at least even since I was a young kid.  It really is over for the Oprah Show.  She will be missed by many I am sure.  Check out this link for more info:http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/34050109

An Underrated TV Show: Leverage

I just recently discovered a show called Leverage.  I haven't heard all that much hype about it, I just happened to stumble across it. It's in it's third season, and it is very action packed, and suspenseful. It is kind of crime show, only instead of cops, it features a group of criminals who use their skills to help people.  For more info check out this link on TNT: http://www.tnt.tv/series/leverage/
Leverage is also available for download on itunes!

Blue News Concerning the House of Blues West Hollywood

According to ABC 7 news, the House of Blues on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood may soon be coming to an end.  The city council of West Hollywood just recently approved a "plan to build a new hotel on the site".  The House of Blues is one of the most popular, and in fact famous music venues in the area.  It has been the source of entertainment for millions of people for over 20 years.  So one has to ask...why the hell would the city council want to tear it down? The reason...Money. To learn more check out this link: http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/local/los_angeles&id=7657449

Personally...I think it is ridiculous if they decide to take it down.  I'm sick of rich people (or people trying to get rich) getting rid of places and things that ordinary people love...anything for a quick buck, I guess.  Sure, there are plenty of other venues in the area...but House of Blues West Hollywood is one of the best of the best in my opinon! 

Five Awesome Reasons to Check Out A Live Show Featuring Your Favorite Band

So about a week ago, I got the opportunity to see my favorite band, Something Corporate at The Grove, in Anaheim.  It was awesome! I got to meet the band, and get pictures taken with them! I recommend that everyone see their favorite band at least once, here's why:


1. It's a way to show your support for them
       Bands love to see their fans.  Many artists actually like meeting their fans and getting to know the people who are listening to their music, and supporting them.  It is encouraging for them, and it makes them more excited to make more music.

2. You can't spend Friday night inside all the time
      Have you ever spent a friday night at home wondering what to do on a Friday night? Catching a show is something fun to do with friends, on your own, or maybe even on a date. You like the band...after all, they are your favorite!

3. Going to a show is your best chance at meeting the band
      Going to a show is a guarantee that the band will   actually be there...as oppose to simply hoping that someday fate will put you in the same place, at the same time, as the band members you want to meet.  Typically, if you stick around after a show, bands are willing to come out and sign autographs and take pictures with you...let's face it, your the reason why they do what they do!

4. It's a great way of discovering new up-and-coming bands
      Before your favorite band hits the stage, there often times are one or two bands that open for them.  I find that I usually like the bands that open, and I am able to discover their music, before they make it big.  Most of the biggest bands now started out as opening bands! I like finding new bands at shows also because you get a chance to see how they actually sound...without all the editing from the studio.  You can spot whether or not they have the talent.

5. Going to a show is a great way to meet new friends with similar interests
       I follow my two favorite bands, and see them frequently.  As a result, I am able to meet other people who are also big fans of my favorite bands, as they usually attend the same shows that I do! I have made many a friend that way.  Just last week at the show I went to, I met two girls, who met through going to Something Corporate and Jack's Mannequin shows.  One girl was from Chicago, and another from California! They became great friends, and I became friends with them as well.  Shows are a great way to get out there and meet new people that you may not have otherwise met!

I challenge you to get up, and check out a show...there's nothing like it!

*Andrew Mcmahon photo taken by Amy Lane....Perhaps one of the biggest Something Corporate and Jack's Mannequin fans I have ever met!
    

Old School Cartoons

I realized when I was babysitting some super crazy awesome kids, that cartoons are simply not what they used to be.  I think, when we were younger, we had the best cartoons.  I remember watching: Rugrats, Doug, Hey Arnold, Johnny Bravo, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Ducktales, Rocko's Modern Life, Chip N' Dale Rescue Rangers...and the list goes on...and on.  Those cartoons were the best of the best I think.  What's on now??? Phineas and Ferb, Fairly Odd Parents, and Jimmy Newtron...not quite as awesome as Doug Funny, and Skeeter if you know what I mean! I can't believe how much tv has changed in the last few years, I thought these shows would last forever in my youth! Well...Thank God for Netflix streaming!