More Rants on Books

So, I was reading, Sarah Dessen's (one of my favorite authors) LJ these last few days and she was commenting about her most recent book "Just Listen" being challenged in a school district in Tampa Bay, Fl. First off, as I have stated here before I am against the banning of books and so for me to see something like this happening to such a wonderful author is just aggravating. Secondly, what the people are saying about the book is just extremely frustrating.

The passage in question is an attempted rape that happens to the main character and her best friend's boyfriend (talk about a skeezey guy). And what really gets me riled up, is that they are calling this scene "repulsive" and "graphic." I'm sorry, but last time I checked, rape isn't something beautiful or kind. It is a terrible, horrible, heinous act (and crime) and it should be depicted as so. And also, last time I checked, it was something that, unfortunately, high school students go through. Why shouldn't the literature that they are reading depict that as well?

I can almost guarantee that these parents who are against "Just Listen" and other books that have similar plot lines/passages are not talking to their children about rape and sexual assault. So what is their daughter supposed to when she finds herself in a similar situation and she has never been taught how to handle it? This is not to say that literature can help solve such problems and that any girl who is raped from now on will be fine if she has access to such books, I am just saying that it can help.

But what infuriates me more, is the comments of support of banning a book, that if a 15 year-old is to read such a book, they are going to lose their innocence (btw, the woman who commented on this angle needs to check her spelling). That argument is such a bunch of bull shit in my opinion. I read books about rape, violence, sex, underage drinking and the like when I was in high school and I was still able to maintain a sense of appropriate innocence for my age. But then again, maybe I was just raised better (hi Mom). There was an encouraged dialogue in my house and yes some things were "banned" until I was of a certain age (mostly dealing with movie ratings, but then I guess I just bought the whole "its against the law"thing anyway, so I never questioned it). But I still never felt that my parents were being moronic and closed minded like the parents who are opposing banning books.

And as closed minded as the parents were at my high school (no play, musical and dance show could escape some sort of objection) they never seemed to get up in arms about the books their kids were reading. In fact, it was the books that Bauer had her 9th grade English class read that have become some of my favorites, including "Speak" (the main character gets raped and then doesn't speak for a whole year) and "If You Come Softly" (inter-racial relationships, homosexuality and gun violence).

Or what about "The Giver" or "Bridge to Terabithia" which I read in 6th Grade English? The list could go on and on of great books that I have just read in school alone that are banned some where else.

But what is even more sad is that there are people out there in the world raising their children in a completely sheltered and close minded existence and it will not do them any good once they get out into the "real world" or even worse these children could be the ones running the country someday making the same idiotic decisions that their parents are making

Best of 2007*

So it is that time of year, time to recap the great music we got hear this year. It is of course difficult to pick just 10 albums, and grant it I could do more, its my list, but then I would just list every album that I liked and well, where is the fun in that?


1) Under the Blacklight - Rilo Kiley
It was hard to pick my top album and in reality there is a tie between this and album number two. But really, can you top this? After loving "More Adventurous" and listening to their music on repeat for many days on end, I was not disappointed with this album. While, in studio the sound is a bit different that their previous work, hearing the songs live, makes it seem like this was the music they always made.


2) Wild Hope - Mandy Moore
This album lived up to everything that I thought it would. It is so emotion-packed, every time I listen to it, I feel everything she is singing. Mandy has grown into a mature sound mix of pop and folk. Plus her voice is also phenomenal


3) Ripe - Ben Lee
This was another anticipated album of the year for me as well. There are catchy choruses, great beats and all around well put together songs. Not only does he do duets with Ms. Mandy and also Rachel Yamagata, Ben worked with the boys from Rooney as well. Anyone who writes a song "What Would Jay-Z Do?" is okay in my book


4) The Reminder - Feist
I didn't start getting into Feist until later in the year. I was introduced to her music through a friend back in the spring and thought she sounded amazing. Fast forward to the summer road trip, where it appears to be every where from NPR to the whiskey bar in S.F. After finally getting my own copy of the album, I loved it even more.


5) Alright, Still - Lily Allen
This is a fun, kick ass, make fun of others to make myself feel better, album and I love it. She has great beats and catchy lyrics. Though her off stage and often on stage dramatics can be checked at the door, you still can't help but still lvoe the music. Plus after hearing her cover of The Kooks' "Naive" (sorry not on this album though) you can tell that she does have talent


6) Infinity on High - Fall Out Boy
Two years ago "From Under a Cork Tree" was my number #1 album. There was something about the mile long song titles, emo-tastic lyrics, and all out heart that went into that album. While, "Infinity on High" was not terrible, by any means, it just didn't have the same effect for me. Though there are choice songs on the album that I especially like "Take Over, The Breaks Over," there is still something, just doesn't make it my number 1.

7) "Once" Soundtrack
I was fortunate enough to see a press screening of this film months before it came into theatres. I was even more fortunate to have the privilege of meeting and interview, Glen Hansard, Marketa Irglova, and John Carney (the director). The film, which I thought was just beautiful, translates well onto the soundtrack. My favorite is "Falling Slowly."


8) Calling all the World - Rooney
When Rooney's first album came out my senior year of high school, I was beyond excited. I had already seen them in concert twice, had a 3 song EP and was waiting not so patiently for the full-length LP to drop. When it finally did, it lived up to my expectations. Now over 4 years later, I had that same feeling of anticipation when their sophomore effort finally came out. While the songs are different than the music they were making before, there is still the same underlying sound. You can still dance around to it in your kitchen and it still reminds me of home.

9) It Won't Be Soon Before Long - Maroon 5
This was another group that I got into, my senior year of H.S. Songs About Jane had been played on repeat for years. Seeing them at The Showbox was one of my top concerts. When their sophomore album finally came as well, I was pleasantly surprised. Not sure if it would live up to everything I wanted it to, it did. There are the great songs about heart break, love and even cheating/murdering. It doesn't get better than that.


10) In the Shade of Poison Trees - Dashboard Confessional
I was very surprised this past fall to find out that Dashboard was releasing another album, since it had just been a year since Dusk and Summer had been released and was finally getting a lot more air time. Though, lower on my list than other of his albums might have been, could be because this album still feels a little rushed, not as thought through like his other albums. But it still makes my list because, well, it is Dashboard and what can I say, I love him.


*Disclaimers:
Here are some of the albums that I liked this year, but not quite Top Ten Material:
Bloc Party - A Weekend in the City
Norah Jones - Not Too Late
Mika - Living in Cartoon Motion
The Shins - Wincing the Night Away
Sara Barielles - Little Voice

Here are albums that would have severely shaken up my Top Ten had I actually had the financial means to buy them:
Even if It Kills Me - Motion City Soundtrack
Cease to Begin - Band of Horses
In our Bedroom After the War - Stars
The Con - Tegan and Sara

And if I actually like Radiohead, I am sure that In Rainbows would have made my list.
And if I didn't severely hate Amy Wino's attitude, Back to Black, would have made my list, because man can she sing ... when she's sober

BK Baby

It seems that sometimes my luck turns around. True, while nothing terrible has been happening lately, nothing grand has happened either. Things have just been good. But that all changed on Tuesday evening, when I checked my e-mail and saw, that my obsessive checking of said e-mail had paid off and I had gotten into to see Ben Kweller. This was a show that is put on by The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, in which Warren ? goes all over the country interviewing what they deem some of the great artists of the time making music.

It was at Neumo's, a venue I have not been at in ages, which is also a pretty small venue at that. But since there was going to be an interview, along with a performance, there had been seats set out. After having to throw elbows in the past for seats at other shows, my friend and I decided to get to the venue early. Man, did it pay off, our seats were front row center. They were perfect.*


Plus, after we got in, and got our wristbands, we found that we also got 3 FREE beers. It was so cool. Soon we settled in with our free beverages (well I did, my friend is not a beer drinker) and got ready for the show.

In one word:amazing. I don't think I have crushed so hard on BK, then I did last night. Besides the fact that we had some eye contact, but just hearing/watching him talk about his music and the process of it all was just awesome. And the performance, was one of the best that I have seen him do. It is right under the first time I saw him with Death Cab for Cutie. He was energetic and passionate. It was everything that a BK show was supposed to be and more. It was one of those times where it was so great that I can't put it into words besides glowing adjectives.

The show also was emotionally driven for myself because BK holds so many memories for me with many different people and the interesting part of it all was that they are people who aren't a part of my life anymore. Well, maybe one person is about 10% a part of my life... but that is besides the point. The other strange thing about the people I associate BK with is that they are all people who have hurt me in one way or another. Maybe I should take that as a sign, if I think of a person and BK, they are doomed to be out of my life? So to hear him play certain songs brought back memories, a lot sad, but not in a dramatic way anymore. But a more looking back fondly/sad sort of way.

This all appears to be going down a path I try not to have this blog go. So I'll just say that it was a great night and I am glad that my luck changed and I got to have such a great night (especially in the middle of the week).

Oh and the great news of the night: BK is releasing a new album next year

*This is a note to the douche bag who sat behind us: SHUT UP! No one forced you to go, it was for free and I know tons of other people who have killed to have been in your seat. If you were so bored then just leave. Go take your tool of self and leave so the rest of us can enjoy the show and not have to here your annoying voice.

Fashion Do or Don't?

So I did it, I caved ... I bought a vest (dun dun duuuuunnnnnn). I know, I know there had been some mocking in the past ... who buys vests, they aren't cool, etc. But then there I was admiring the wonderful work of Ms. SJP and I saw a vest. I tried on a vest. I loved the vest.

I cringed for a moment as I slipped my arms through the arm holes and fastened the two buttons in the front. But as I glanced up at the mirror I saw something: I looked good in the vest. It was not the horror that I thought. It did not bring back horrible elementary school flashbacks of vests that I wore then (though I suppose cute then, in hindsight, not so much). And for a reasonable price, I too, could be a trendy vest wearer.

I pondered for a bit, weighing the consequences. Do I get it, even though I will be mocked by a good friend? Even though I too had been a mocker of vests? Even though I do look fabulous in it? And it was only $15?

You already know the answer to my internal dilemma, as I told you three paragraphs ago that I did buy the vest. And you know what, I am glad I did.

Today, with this vest, my skinny jeans, over sized sunglasses and tote, I am so trendy it hurts.

The night starts here...

Boy did it ever. Friday night was wonderful, starting with a wonderful gathering at friend's boss's house full of good food and good people. It ended with what I needed: a good concert. A concert that leaves you literally singing the songs when you fall asleep later that night. A concert that gives you goosebumps when the band plays your favorite song and you, and everyone else there, sings along.

The Stars* concert at The Showbox (original ...screw this SoDo crap), was in a word: amazing. After gaining seats at the bar, that allowed myself and my friend to see over everybody's heads, I really began to enjoy the show. They played all of my favorite songs (though I wished they had played "The Big Fight") and I was pretty much brought to tears with "Your Ex-Lover is Dead."

The mixture of the vocals and the instruments was a perfect match. It was one of the shows, that while they didn't change how they performed the song from compared to the albums too much, there was still a different sound. It was just sharper, louder and more emotion packed.

So after a great night like that, Saturday afternoon soon came and it was time for the UW v. Cal game. Thanks again to the same friend's boss, we had great seats in a covered section at about the 20 yard line. Though my Bears did loose, it was still fun to sit and cheer and yell. It makes me still a little sad that I went to a school that did not have a football team.

The rest of weekend was pretty calm and relaxing, which was just what I'll need to prep for the the upcoming week: T-Day and then shopping the next day ... man oh man, wish me luck.


*If you are interested in the group, some songs I recommend you check out:
Your Ex-Lover is Dead
The Big Fight
This Charming Man
Elevator Love Letter
The First Five Times
What I'm Trying to Say
Romantic Comedy
Take Me to the Riot

The many shades of Megan

So, I did it, I caved and bought box-hair dye. I had already taken the plunge and gotten my hair cut by someone different than Diane. After going to the same person for about 12 years, it can be a nerve-racking experience. But I was fine, I went to the wonderful people at Zero Zero and Henry gave me a super cute and chic hair cut that I absolutely love. It even made my roots blend in better with the rest of my hair, it was great (Image 1). But as time progressed, it became evident that I would have to use the box of dye I bought. I was going for a light red, a shade I hadn't had in a while, however it turned drastically a different color (Image 2). I feel I looked like a mixture of a video game character, trailer trash and too-cool-for-school hipster kid. Needless to say, not the look I was going for. Though, not one to freak out, I simply went and bought a dark brown and after spending the day has Sydney from Alias, I became the new Megan (Image 3).

I like the color of my hair, it hasn't been this shade in awhile, and it seems fitting to have it a darker color now that (unfortunately) it is winter. But to all you critics of those of us who paid a professional to color our hair: YOU WERE WRONG. The extra money I would have spend on having Henry color my hair, would have been worth it. Though it was nice to feel like Angela Chase and I could have been friends ... you know if she wasn't a fictional character on a tv show that is over 10 years old.

Does doing a bad thing make you a bad person?

Last night I was told that a friend's friend has been involved in a shooting. He had been the one to shoot the gun and it resulted in the death of another guy. Having first heard this story from my friend and then hearing it on the news, there was a vast difference in the way it was told.

The news plays up the angle that this boy was the ultimate victim. He was on his way from leaving the party, when he stopped to help a friend who had gotten into a fight and the next thing he knows he is shot in the chest and dead. The victim is made to be this angel of a boy, not the same boy who was at a party, most likely drinking underage. Because their son, grandson, friend neighbor would never do anything wrong, and was so helpful and loving.

Now this is not to say that I don't think that the victim was a good person and I am sure he was a wonderful help to his grandmother, but can also say with a lot of certainty that he wasn't perfect. No one is. Yes, in a way this was a senseless crime. It is also a very unfortunate event that should never have to happen to anyone. But to glorify the dead does nothing but paint a false picture of the person that is gone. Just once, I would like someone to say, "yeah they were great person, but man they had a tendency to interrupt people." Or something where at least it shows that a person died and not a deity.

But what about the shooter, does anyone wonder what brought him to this point that he felt he needed to kill someone? That he was so angry that he had time to contemplate the act before committing it? From what I understand, this was not a bad guy. But now because he killed someone does that automatically make him a terrible human being? Do all his good qualities and deeds that he did before the shooting all of a sudden get discounted? And where were his friends when this was happening? Were they there telling him not to shoot or were they silent and just watched it unfold before their eyes?

But on a separate note, I firmly believe that you don't buy a gun unless you have the intentions of using it. I think that people should have the right to bear arms, not in a crazy Charlton Heston way, but in a you should have a permit and be responsible way. However, how responsible can you be when you bring a gun to a party when you know that you are going to be drinking?

Though I suppose a lot of these questions could be answered if the media hadn't created such a one-sided story. It is times like these that make me so much more critical of reporters and what goes through their mind when writing. You aren't creating a PR piece about the victim, it is a news story. At the very least there is a formula to it and it involves hearing all sides of the story. It all makes me wish that I was writing and reporting again, so that I at least would know that I was making a difference and trying to change things.