Movies, Music, and Mayhem

This past week has been filled with heat wave-riding, allergy-surviving, dumpster-diving, bike-riding, library-tripping, and job-searching chaos, but at least I found some good DVDs, CDs, and books to keep me occupied. Some that were so good, that I can't pass up the chance to put in the recommendation for you.

First Up... The Movies.

Hairspray, New Line Home Video (2007)

I saw the musical on a stage in SF back in 2004. It was magical. The movie? It was pretty epic. The choreography was spectacular, the clothing and cars were to die for, and the all-star cast made it all-round good fun. I definitely recommend if you like 1960s time-setting plots, explosion of musical energy, and John Travolta in drag. 

Whip It, 20th Century Fox (2009)

This was fun, witty, quirky, and gritty about a girl finding her niche in roller derby. Like hot babes in torn fishnets, smeared makeup, and sweat-drenched shrunken girl scout uniforms? This movie is for you. Or maybe you might've just enjoyed the book Derby Girl, Ellen Page in Juno, or wanted to check out Drew Barrymore's directing debut.  

Next... The Music.

What I Learned About Ego, Opinion, Art & Commerce, Goo Goo Dolls (2001)

With the Goo Goo Dolls' new album release of Something For The Rest Of Us coming up fast, with their hit single playing Home on radio waves, fans have been craving the Dolls. But while we wait just a little bit longer for the anticipated August 31st. But while we have just a couple more days to wait, let's look back on their early career dating from 1987 to 2000. Their music has definitely evolved over time, but there's one thing that hasn't changed at all: IT'S SO GOOD!

 

Alanis Morrissette, Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie (1998) & The Collection (2005)

Whether you're a fan or not, I don't believe anyone growing up in the mid-90s can ever forget the first time they heard Alanis screaming "You Oughta Know" on the radio, from her first international released album of Jagged Little Pill. Her follow-up album Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie was more an insightful, emotional depth of herself, after having taken a trip to India. 

Hear tracks from both Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie and Jagged Little Pill on the compilation CD The Collection, which includes all of her hit singles and a new released track of a Seal classic "Crazy".  

Nothing Is Sound, Switchfoot (2005)

With their huge country-wide success of The Beautiful Letdown in 2003 and 2004 with Sony, Switchfoot came back with a new album Nothing is Sound in the fall of 2005. Their single Stars released in July that year, peaking at #68 on the US Billboards Hot 100 (though I'm a little partial to Lonely Nation and We are One Tonight). Nothing Is Sound has a slight darker appeal in lyrics in comparison to their former albums, but still holds a ray of light and hope in their way of story-telling. This has got to be one of my favorite albums of all times.

Affirmation, Savage Garden (1999)

I used to listen to this album by this Australian pop duo back in the day. Sadly, the CD got lost. Not the case. Just the CD. So I was very pleased to have found another copy. Most of us who remember the days of boy bands would remember their hits from the sophomore album, I Knew I Loved You and Crash And Burn, but their most thought-provoking songs that is definitely worth checking out is the title track, Affirmation, and The Animal Song, which was written for the movie, The Other Sister.

Even If It Kills Me, Motion City Soundtrack (2007)

Of searching for a punk pop band that doesn't sound whiny, this is it. Who would've thought goofy melodies could also be so romantic? Their single It Had To Be You is a classic example of this statement. Fun guitars that makes me want to pick up on those riffs, and carries the spirit of good ol' ska (with Fell in Love Without You). With only just one listen-through, this determined that Even If It Kills Me will probably make it to that most-favorite-CD-of-all-time list eventually.

Modern Romance (Dig), Sasha Dobson (2006)

I saw her on stage in the SJ Jazz Fest a few years back. For those of you who don't already listen to jazz, then I suppose you're all more familiar with Norah Jones' work. Like Norah Jones? You'll like Sasha Dobson.

Once Again, John Legend (2006)

Like 70s-esque R&B with a fresh modern twist? John Legend is your man.

And Finally... Books.

You're So Money: Live Rich, Even When You're Not, Farnoosh Torabi (2008)

Need help and advice with investing tips or otherwise playing smart with your money? ... This is your new bible. In all seriousness, you NEED to read this book!

Plagued with the Past

This evening I started thinking of my experience as a 7th grader, about ten years ago. More specifically, I was thinking about my core teacher in 7th grade. At first it wasn't anything. Then the thought of my memories built up until I ended up crying a little. Why? Well, here's a story to tell.


Mr. Sofa, as I will call him, was in his 1st year of teaching at my middle school, age 26. In short, he bullied me and picked on me and made me feel dumber than I really was. Sure, I was an average student and I did horribly on tests. I'd like to think that most of my test failure was because of my intimidation by him.


I would dread going to his class everyday. I would come home from school, turn on my CD player (usually David Bowie on the Labyrinth soundtrack) to forget about my problems for a little bit. 


I remember my true moment of breakdown was the last few days of school before holiday break. The class had just finished grading a test, which obviously I did poorly on. Then Mr. Sofa took a tally. Whoever got a certain score would raise their hand. So say those who got a score in the A range would raise their hand- so on and so forth. 


But I had a couple of problems with this method:


1. We graded ourselves, which I discouraged because students would know what other students' scores were, though it is not their business to know. Grades should be kept between the single student and instructor.


2. Also following the lines of point #1, if the students raised their hands to take a tally on what grade they got, then everyone would know each other's score. I felt that was an invasion of privacy.


So I refused to raise my hand. After Mr. Sofa finished his tally, he looked straight at me and said, "And who didn't raise their hand?". I vaguely remember what happened afterwards, but whatever he said to me ended up with the other kids laughing at me, and me being humiliated. 


What was worse was that next period I had choir, and the high school choir was coming over for a special performance- in which my older sister was in. After each choir sang and the class was dismiss, I came right up to her and started bawling. 


It didn't even cross my mind to report Mr. Sofa, probably because he didn't really do anything that I could accuse him for. Plus, not sure if I had the backbone then. Which I think is a contributing factor why I'm plagued with this memory, when I randomly think about it and how my present self would deal with it, I end up thinking "Why didn't I DO anything?!"


I just couldn't believe that it wasn't a student bully problem that I was dealing with. 


I finally graduated from his class, moving my average C to a solid B. I still was made to go to summer school. My summer school teacher was really nice and allowed me not have to do all the assignments because I didn't slack off on reading and writing like the other students did. He asked me, "Why are you in this class?" Obviously, I didn't really need to be there.


I guess there's one good outcome to all of this, and that this experience made me a much more confident and stronger person. Although, if it from time-to-time still haunts me in my sleep, I obviously need to get some closure with this man.


So thanks, Mr. Sofa, even though it's an odd and indirect way. I'd still like to curse you for emotionally scarring me for life, but what are you going to do about it now? Eventually this memory will hurt a lot less.

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Reading:

The Green Teen: The Eco-Friendly Teen's Guide to Saving the Planet