ok guys, get this, i am learning to play the pipe organ! it's pretty much amazing, i'm starting to get lessons on a pipe organ not too far from my house, and hopefully i'll play it during my next solo recital. I hope to play selections from bach, phantom of the opera and pirates of the carribbean.
September 11, 2007
Pipe Organs...
ok guys, get this, i am learning to play the pipe organ! it's pretty much amazing, i'm starting to get lessons on a pipe organ not too far from my house, and hopefully i'll play it during my next solo recital. I hope to play selections from bach, phantom of the opera and pirates of the carribbean.
July 29, 2007
The Last of Harry Potter
So...the final book has arrived...and I have read it...which means I should have an opinion on it...hmm, alright, I'll let you in on my opinions...however...
important! In this paragraph some parts of the end could leak out...so read at your own risk...
(basically if this ruins the end for you, you can't sue me)
As I looked back on the seven books in the series, I realized more how much genius it took to create a solid and very intriguing series of seven without destroying the plot, or weakening it in anyway. Rowling takes seven books and barely reveals little threads of the plot through each one but just enough to keep you wondering...giving the last final book a fascinating read. I was quite impressed by how the author wrapped everything up in the end, keeping you interested till the very last page, with so many twists and turns I had to read it again. I think one of the most interesting threads of the books is the character of Severus Snape, and I think most people who have read all the books would agree. How he seems so evil yet deep inside somewhere you can't help but wonder about it, and then when you find out he's actually good and you begin to think about him in a whole different light. Then everything else you think he's done bad begins to turn around and you see how it was all for good. This is only one of plenty of side plots that keep twisting and turning leaving you hanging all the time.
I remember how dumb I thought harry potter books were when they first came out...and even after reading the first and second books I wasn't real impressed. But I see now how the first books needed to be shorter to get people familiar with the characters and places and especially stuff like terminology and magicky stuff. Then Rowling built off of that knowledge and became much deeper in the later books.
The biggest concern I had with the books, was Harry's complete disregard of authority and how it continues through most of the books. In seven it's not as prominent and I haven't had much time to think about it...but it doesn't necessarily get fixed. Overall he just doesn't seem to have a high regard at all for those placed in authority over him. That is the main problem I had with the books.
I've heard some talk about how Harry Potter dies then comes back to life, how easy that was to do...but if you think about it, it wasn't that easy and fit in perfectly with the story, and I think that if she did it any other way...it would've detracted fromt he story. I guess I was surprised by how few of the main characters died in that book, and counting what i think were major characters i find only 6.(Lupin, Tonks, Dobby, Fred, Mad Eye, Snape Or maybe i was expecting a mass slaughter, or one of the big three (harry, Hermione, and Ron) to die. But regardless it had a satisfying ending.
Now,
For those of you who think that Harry Potter is stupid, first, I'm not a harry potter freak or fanatic, I just enjoyed the books, so don't accuse me of going off the deep end. Second, i really suggest you read the books and think it over...I think most people would agree it's an intriguing concept...if you've already read em all and still think it's dumb, then your hopeless...and should go home and read Garfield, or the comics in the newspaper...
For those who could care less, I'd still say read the books because I don't' think it's a waste of time...and you might find them enjoyable, entertaining, and even thought provoking...
For those who think it's evil cuz it has witches in it, well I'd say read them and think about it. I don't find them evil. I know there are organizations out there like witch clubs and black magic and stuff, but this isn't anything like it and is far from what sorcery or magic is portrayed like in our world. This is a different reality a completely fantasy and is a battle between good and evil not too unlike the Lord or the Rings in that sense, and so I don't' find it "evil". I wouldn't recommend it to 5 year old's cuz of the mature themes, and attitude of Harry...but I do not find it at all detrimental...
For those who would kill me if I spoiled it for them...well if you've read this far I've already spoiled it for you and your probably ready to kill me...and I'd advise you not to try cuz my neighbor's son is a cop and there's also a cop who goes to my church and they'll hunt you down...
All in all, i enjoyed the harry potter series and if there's anyone out there who likes fantasy, and magic, and wizards...I'd say go ahead and read it...and prepare to be engulfed in an extraordinary world so unlike yet so similar to our world that you'll be fascinated...much like i was.
For those who could care less, I'd still say read the books because I don't' think it's a waste of time...and you might find them enjoyable, entertaining, and even thought provoking...
For those who think it's evil cuz it has witches in it, well I'd say read them and think about it. I don't find them evil. I know there are organizations out there like witch clubs and black magic and stuff, but this isn't anything like it and is far from what sorcery or magic is portrayed like in our world. This is a different reality a completely fantasy and is a battle between good and evil not too unlike the Lord or the Rings in that sense, and so I don't' find it "evil". I wouldn't recommend it to 5 year old's cuz of the mature themes, and attitude of Harry...but I do not find it at all detrimental...
For those who would kill me if I spoiled it for them...well if you've read this far I've already spoiled it for you and your probably ready to kill me...and I'd advise you not to try cuz my neighbor's son is a cop and there's also a cop who goes to my church and they'll hunt you down...
All in all, i enjoyed the harry potter series and if there's anyone out there who likes fantasy, and magic, and wizards...I'd say go ahead and read it...and prepare to be engulfed in an extraordinary world so unlike yet so similar to our world that you'll be fascinated...much like i was.
June 24, 2007
higher ed...
So, i thought maybe I'd let you know how and why i decided to ditch college...for a year...just so you know i won't be a lazy, bum, like I've been numerously accused of being...
it all started this past year as i was in the middle of auditioning at colleges and thinking about going away and living somewhere else, and how much fun it would be etc, etc. I imagined about being able to study music completely without distractions and all the glorious advantages of going to college. And then...i thought of all the money...hah, well not exactly but i was thinkin..why pay a college tons of money to study music when i can do it myself...for a year at least. I'm not totally sure exactly what i intend to do with music, and since i have a late birthday, technically i have another year anyway, so i decided it would be brilliant to just not go to college for a year, and study music myself...and keep the money to invest wisely in ipods and tv's...
So, with that reasoning, here i am...determined to be a better man by not going to college....yet...
and i think that it's the most logical thing i could come up with...which is...positive...
And if you're asking, "just what in the world is he going to do??" (because deep in the back of your mind you really think I'm going to be a lazy bum) then here is a list of things I'll be doing...
it all started this past year as i was in the middle of auditioning at colleges and thinking about going away and living somewhere else, and how much fun it would be etc, etc. I imagined about being able to study music completely without distractions and all the glorious advantages of going to college. And then...i thought of all the money...hah, well not exactly but i was thinkin..why pay a college tons of money to study music when i can do it myself...for a year at least. I'm not totally sure exactly what i intend to do with music, and since i have a late birthday, technically i have another year anyway, so i decided it would be brilliant to just not go to college for a year, and study music myself...and keep the money to invest wisely in ipods and tv's...
So, with that reasoning, here i am...determined to be a better man by not going to college....yet...
and i think that it's the most logical thing i could come up with...which is...positive...
And if you're asking, "just what in the world is he going to do??" (because deep in the back of your mind you really think I'm going to be a lazy bum) then here is a list of things I'll be doing...
- Taking more piano under a different teacher
- composing
- meeting with composers
- entering numerous competitions
- playing basketball
- singing
- building a rocket
- doing speech
- studying for the sat again, just to get more money
- testing out of calculus and chemistry
- working
So not only will i be studying music, I'll actually be being very productive...amazing i know...but it's true...
June 15, 2007
back in business....
ok guys...yes...i'm back to posting...for now...maybe in the next posts i will update u into the past amazing events...since january.
A lot has happened but here's 5 of the most important things...
A lot has happened but here's 5 of the most important things...
- I am not going to college...yet
- I went to cedar point
- I starred in an amazing play called the scarlet pimpernel.
- I have composed five more songs since i last posted.
- I won a major piano competition
so...maybe i will extrapolate slightly on a few of those...topics...for your convenience...
until then...
January 28, 2007
English...
Why is English so hard to learn?
1) The bandage was wound around the wound.
2) The farm was used to produce produce.
3) The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse.
4) We must polish the Polish furniture.
5) He could lead if he would get the lead out.
6) The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert.
7) Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present.
8) I did not object to the object.
9) There was a row among the oarsmen about how to row.
10) They were too close to the door to close it.
11) Upon seeing the tear in the painting I shed a tear.
12) How can I intimate this to my most intimate friend?
13) I shed my clothes in the shed.
Let's face it - English is a ridiculous language. There is no egg in eggplant, nor ham in a hamburger; neither apple nor pine in a pineapple. English muffins weren't invented in England, nor French fries in France. We take English for granted. But if we explore its paradoxes, we find that quicksand can work slowly, boxing rings are square and a guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a pig. And why is it that bakers bake, but grocers don't groce? If the plural of tooth is teeth, why isn't the plural of booth beeth? One goose, 2 geese. So one moose, 2 meese? If teachers taught, why didn't preachers praught? If a vegetarian eats vegetables, what does a humanitarian eat? Sometimes I think all the English speakers should be committed to an asylum for the verbally insane. In what language do people recite at a play and play at a recital? We ship by truck and send cargo by ship? Have noses that run and feet that smell? How can a slim chance and a fat chance be the same, while a wise man and a wise guy are opposites? You have to marvel at the unique lunacy of a language in which your house can burn up as it burns down, in which you fill in a form by filling it out and in which an alarm goes off by going on. English was invented by people, not computers, and it reflects the creativity of the human race (which, of course, isn't a race at all). That is why, when the stars are out, they are visible, but when the lights are out, they are invisible. And finally, when you want to shut down your computer you have to hit "START".
1) The bandage was wound around the wound.
2) The farm was used to produce produce.
3) The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse.
4) We must polish the Polish furniture.
5) He could lead if he would get the lead out.
6) The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert.
7) Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present.
8) I did not object to the object.
9) There was a row among the oarsmen about how to row.
10) They were too close to the door to close it.
11) Upon seeing the tear in the painting I shed a tear.
12) How can I intimate this to my most intimate friend?
13) I shed my clothes in the shed.
Let's face it - English is a ridiculous language. There is no egg in eggplant, nor ham in a hamburger; neither apple nor pine in a pineapple. English muffins weren't invented in England, nor French fries in France. We take English for granted. But if we explore its paradoxes, we find that quicksand can work slowly, boxing rings are square and a guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a pig. And why is it that bakers bake, but grocers don't groce? If the plural of tooth is teeth, why isn't the plural of booth beeth? One goose, 2 geese. So one moose, 2 meese? If teachers taught, why didn't preachers praught? If a vegetarian eats vegetables, what does a humanitarian eat? Sometimes I think all the English speakers should be committed to an asylum for the verbally insane. In what language do people recite at a play and play at a recital? We ship by truck and send cargo by ship? Have noses that run and feet that smell? How can a slim chance and a fat chance be the same, while a wise man and a wise guy are opposites? You have to marvel at the unique lunacy of a language in which your house can burn up as it burns down, in which you fill in a form by filling it out and in which an alarm goes off by going on. English was invented by people, not computers, and it reflects the creativity of the human race (which, of course, isn't a race at all). That is why, when the stars are out, they are visible, but when the lights are out, they are invisible. And finally, when you want to shut down your computer you have to hit "START".
January 22, 2007
2 incredible things about this weekend....
Colts are going to the superbowl!!!!
For those who caught the end, the game was incredible!! I never saw anything like it. One of the most amazing playoff games ever! The colts came back from a 21 to 3 deficit to beat the patriots. The first team in NFL history to come back from that much in a playoff game! I can't wait til the superbowl...
The other thing that happened this weekend was the speech and debate tournament. It was kinda sad becuase it was my last one. But it was fun anyway, i got to see some old friends and make some new ones, and argue about NATO, and give speeches. It's one of those things that you have to get used to. Speech and Debate isn't something you just randomly decide to do. You have to prepare and work at it for months to be any good and compete in tournaments. Being with other people who are just as nervous as you are and the thrill of actually placing in the rounds, there's nothing like it.
well, have a great week guys!
January 09, 2007
The Beginning...
So...
2 Big things are happening...
1. I am preparing for music school auditions
I am accepted at 4 schools, Genva, Purdue, Butler, and Ball State; and I have to audition at all of them except purdue. (since purdue doesn't have the brilliance of having a music school...) So right now any of those are an option...but only one will prevail...supposedly.
2. I have started a calculus class at Ivy Tech.
Yeah i know, worldwide acclaimed school...but hey, i got a great prof. and that's what counts.
ok, so maybe they won't change the face of the world, but in my life these are rather influential...
by the way, my sister had her annual nutcracker ballet performance, and it really went well, our small ballet school here in lafayette can put on some rather spectacular performances...this year she played a great role...a party...boy. which well...yes it was great becuase i definitely got to teach her some great "guy" moves...
2 Big things are happening...
1. I am preparing for music school auditions
I am accepted at 4 schools, Genva, Purdue, Butler, and Ball State; and I have to audition at all of them except purdue. (since purdue doesn't have the brilliance of having a music school...) So right now any of those are an option...but only one will prevail...supposedly.
2. I have started a calculus class at Ivy Tech.
Yeah i know, worldwide acclaimed school...but hey, i got a great prof. and that's what counts.
ok, so maybe they won't change the face of the world, but in my life these are rather influential...
by the way, my sister had her annual nutcracker ballet performance, and it really went well, our small ballet school here in lafayette can put on some rather spectacular performances...this year she played a great role...a party...boy. which well...yes it was great becuase i definitely got to teach her some great "guy" moves...
me and my...er...sister
Anyway, lots of stuff to accomplish and lots of stuff to get behind on so...have a great week!
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