Hello, my name is JOE.

In the new generation, which would one choose: CRAZY fame, with an early death, or the life of an average joe, but you live for a very long time? I for one would choose an average Joe. So many good things come with old age. Wisdom, change, love and knowing who you really are in the world. Life is not meant to be short, if one can help it of course. Life is meant to be experienced. To grow old and be able to tell your story of the world. Living a long life shows that you made it through everything. The sadness and laughter, the ups and downs, the good times and the bad. Not only that, you will live life being around people that you love, and they also love you in return. You can't enjoy money or fame when your dead. Since it seems that an average joe can be rich in so many other ways, living a long life is worth more than all the money in the world.

"A little magic goes a long way."

Harry Wormwood: Any packages come today?
Matilda: Mm-mm.
Harry Wormwood: [noticing her books] Where'd all this come from?
Matilda: The library.
Harry Wormwood: The library? You've never set foot in a library. You're only four years old.
Matilda: Six-and-a-half.
Harry Wormwood: You're four!
Matilda: Six-and-a-half!
Harry Wormwood: If you were six-and-a-half, you'd be in school already.
Matilda: I want to be in school. I told you I was supposed to start school in September. You wouldn't listen.
Harry Wormwood: Dearest pie, how old is Matilda?
Zinnia Wormwood: Four.
Matilda: I'm six-and-a-half, mommy!
Zinnia Wormwood: Five, then!
Matilda: I was six in August.
Harry Wormwood: You're a liar. School? It's out of the question. Who would be here to sign for the packages? We can't leave valuable packages sitting out on the doorstep. Now go watch TV like a good kid. [Matilda leaves]
Zinnia Wormwood: You know, sometimes I think there's something wrong with that girl.
Harry Wormwood: Hmph, tell me about it.
In 1996, a movie aired that had everything I loved. Magic, girl genius, drama, tricks, humor, and touching moments. This movie was Matilda. This movie had everything and still followed a real life story line. I could watch this movie any time growing up. Even til this day, I can recite the words, and sing all the songs. I think the main reason I liked this movie because it was like me in so many ways. She was a young girl who loved to read. She escaped her world through books. She switched schools, and had to meet new friends all over again. She was smart and witty. The only difference between me and her was she had discovered her magic powers. I was,and still am,looking for mine.

Western vs. Eastern Mentality

From the quote on p. 77 Siddhartha, we as Westerners, spend to much time apologizing for our actions when we always seem to learn from them. For example, in the western culture, once you make a mistake in life it could change your life forever. Your life is no longer seen as being "perfect" to you. However, in eastern culture, your life is different and unique therefore, it IS perfect. Mistakes are supposed to happen. Also, we again as westerners,spend to much time worrying about death,trying to avoid death, and sometimes even fear death, when every single life bears it, or so we believe. But as for eastern cultures, death is not feared so much if at all. To them life is a continuous cycle. One will be born again.

Measure in Smiles!!

High School is a completely different atmosphere compared to elementary and middle school. Amongst the girly gossip, ruined friendships, and endless assignments, how does one find peace and tranquility? The answer is through a smile. "A smile can warm three cold months." -Chinese Proverb
In today's high schools, teens do not smile enough. While walking through the halls of my high school, I greeted (with a smile) a total of 25 people. All 25 people did respond, however, only 11 people responded with a SMILE! Talk about un-happy people! Maybe it could have been a bad day, or maybe my smile just isn't bright enough. Whatever the case may be, just remember, it takes 13 muscles to smile :) , and 47 muscles to frown :(

King of Pop! - A tru icon

Born August 29,1958 in Gary, Indiana, Michael Jackson is truly a world known icon. He first represents the idea of anything being possible if you work hard. With his father working at a steel mill, Michael's life was far from glamorous. But with his talent, and the help of his siblings, he became one of the most successful artist of our time. He Influenced a wide range of generation artists such as Justin Timberlake, Boys groups like B2K, and B5, Madonna, Chris Brown, Prince, and even his own sister Janet! . He also changed the music industry and paved the road for pop artists for many years to come. Michael donated a little over a million dollars throughout the years to several organizations including the United Negro College Fund, Make a Wish Foundation,and the Katrina Victims. Even as the years goes on, one could say Michael Jackson is still very similar to the Japanese Proverb "A garden is never finished". He still continues to work hard and has plans on recording a new album. He has proven that success is not really a destination, but more like a journey.

Everyday

"What are you thinking? Doing the things you do,
what are you wanting? Cause All I want is you
to see,
Everything you are
to me
And how you and I
could be
Every dream come true.....
-Jesse Daniels~"Everyday"

The first time I heard this song, I was actually half asleep. It came on star94 "Sunrise" which plays inspirational music every Sunday morning from 6am-10am. After hearing this song, I was blown away by not only the words, but the meaning. One of the people that Mrs. Jesse Daniels is actually singing to is GOD!! You didn't know that, huh? Yes, Daniels is under the Contemporary Christian list. And the second person? the non-believers or the 'dying in faith' . From the first verse you wouldn't know that, but once you hear the song, you realize she is saying, "I will help you believe in him [god] because he already believes in you". From her words in this song, It gave me the strength to believe even when things are not going so well in life. The strange part is, this song came on when I was going through a hard time in my life. Can anyone say miracle? I of course, purchased this CD. How could I not? I recommend you get it too!

A New Sound????

Ever heard the saying "fashions repeats itself?" Well, I believe that saying can also be applied to music. To me, music is flawless and fits in with any, and every lifestyle. "Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life. ~Berthold Auerbach." In this new music generation, there are several present day artist that are greatly influenced to the point where the song or beat barely change. Confusing, eh? Instead of naming every single present day artist who has "sampled" off other artists, I will just name a few:



In 2005, Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliot produced a hit single called "Loose Control." That song went platinum five times!(Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lose_Control_(Missy_Elliott_song) Congratulations Missy, she was always so original....right? Wrong! In 1983, this old school group from Detroit had the exact same beat and an artist name Les Rythmes Digitales had similar words. What was the difference between her song and theirs? A guy name Fat Man Scoop.( If you don't know who he is , he is a very successful hype-man or another version of FLAVOR FLAAAAV!!!!)



Still not convinced? In 1985, Cyndi Lauper sang the song "Time after Time," only for it to be reinvented by DJSammy in 2002(?) Just when you thought it was over, a new Boys Band takes the song, and molds it until it becomes Rock Alternative.



Last but not least, my two favorites. Britney Spears and JOJO. Both of these talented artist produced two hits(one apiece) that used exact words, exact beats, and exact styles. The only thing altered was the singer itself. Britney Spears' song "Beat goes on" was originally sung by Sonny and Cher in 1967 and JoJo's song "Weak" was originally sung by the group SWV in 1983. ( Do not confuse this song with the "Weak" remix also by SWV but mixed with the Michael Jackson beat Human Nature) Both songs were beautifully sung, yet not originally their work.



Is music loosing it's style of originality? Does the new music generation not have the ability to create new sounds? Or are we just trying to always remember the past by 'updating' older music with an added twist?