Today I was watching TV, as I usually do in the morning, and happened upon one of my favorite movies, Mr. Holland's Opus. For those of you who have not had the pleasure of seeing this movie, it follows the life of Mr. Holland, a musician who is forced to teach music at a high school rather than become a famous composer. However, he becomes a life altering teacher who helps several different students find their purpose in life. By the end of the movie, Mr. Holland is fired from his teaching position not because of a decline in his teaching ability but because of a decrease in funding for the music and arts departments.
This got me thinking. I know Texas is currently going through difficulties in financing the education system statewide. This is a product of multiple things like the Robin Hood plan and the economic crisis experienced nationwide. For this reason, school districts are being forced to reappropriate funds so that their budgets can be decreased. What I find interesting is that every time districts are forced to reallocate funds the first departments to be cut are the music, arts, and advanced placement programs. One example I can think of is the Southlake Carroll District. One of my friends who works within this district told me that when the Southlake was going through the process described above a few years ago, they cut the music, band, and arts departments from their budget. Now the only way that these organizations still exist within the school is from the fundraising money collected and kids/parents paying to participate. This deeply disturbs me. When I was in high school I participated in the choral program for all four years. It was where I found my identity. However, with current trends, the existence of a music department in Texas public schools is slim.
Here is where we connect back to Mr. Holland. In the movie, when he was fired from his musical teaching position Mr. Holland cited that if the school districts continued to cut the music and art departments, the students will have no reason to come. There will no longer be anything to creatively write about or exciting aspects of the day to anticipate. It will just be long division and science. There must continue to be something left for the people with creative minds and musical hearts.
My mother teaches at a local elementary school. She teaches the gifted and talented class. This is a class aimed specifically at kids with a high IQ who require a more interactive curriculum. In this class there are exercises aimed at expanding a students creativity, problem solving, and abstract thinking. I was a part of this class when I was in elementary school. I loved the logic problems and the abstract drawings we were given to complete. Well this year, the school district considered cancelling this class, not offering it next year. However, when the parents became privy to this information, they petitioned for it to be continued. The school district decided to continue the GT program, but it will be considered for pruning again next year.
It amazes me how the school district thinks its okay to punish the intellectually gifted, the singers, and the artists for their budget screw ups, but NEVER even think about taking a penny away from the sports departments. Southlake Carroll, for instance, would never take money away from their State Champion football team. I've heard it said that sports are emphasized because of the opportunity they offer students in the future. However, this same argument can be used for the music and art departments. There could be a Mozart or Picasso at any of these high schools, but will never realize their true potential because of the fact that the district will not adequately fund their programs. The real problem I guess, is that I have no solution for this problem. The only solution I have is if your school doesn't have a choir but you feel the need to sing, then bust out and sing to your favorite song on the radio. You can also try to find a community choir to join. If you feel the need to paint, find some paint or watercolors and paint the picture you see in your mind. Same for if you need to play an instrument. Play the song you hear in your heart. Play, Sing, Paint what your heart is saying.
Friday, May 25, 2012
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Real Housewives are Real fun
So I would like to start by apologizing for my recent absence from the blog world. I had ankle surgery two weeks ago and have been getting better, but in doing so, I have forsaken the postings. Well, I am back.
One show that has entertained me beyond belief is the Real Housewives of New York. This show follows a group of "high class" women living their lives not only in New York, but throughout the world. The reason I say that the women of this show are "high class" is because while being a part of the upper echelons of society, their behavior and maturity levels do not always reflect that.
In watching the emotional happenings of the show, the extremes of female behavior are demonstrated. Some of the women, Jill Zarin in particular, act as though they are still in high school. They treat the other women based on how it benefits their own lives. An example of this occurred when Ramona invited all the women to her bachelorette get away in the Virgin Islands. Albeit, this get away was before Ramona's recommitment ceremony and not her first wedding, but Jill, who was not originally going to be there, crashed the party on the last day. This was after Jill had big falling outs with both Bethenny and Alex, henceforth, chaos ensued. During this trip to the Virgin Islands, viewers also got the witness the massive meltdown of Kelly, which was some of the most entertaining and disturbing TV. However, Kelly's meltdown taught me that gummy bears and lollipops can fix anything. Other women showcased within this series, like LuAnn de Lessepes, act with total class. When confronted with a problem, they addresses it and make sure that all ends are tied up, keeping as much private as possible. The combination of these reactions adequately portray how different females act and behave on a daily basis.
My sister was the person who got me hooked on this show a couple of years ago. She got me started by exposing me to the Real Housewives of New York and from there I got hooked on the Real Housewives of New Jersey. What drew me to the Jersey version is the drama that fills the episodes and how the women react to it as a whole. It is full of laughs, gasps, and a few tears. On The Jersey version, I think the episode that most people will remember is the one where Danielle Staub's past is revealed at a dinner attended by all the Housewives. A book, written by an ex-boyfriend of Danielle's, talked about how Danielle was once put under arrest and used to be a dancer. When Danielle became aware of the fact that some of the Housewives had made this information known publicly, she exploded at them yelling and sending the dinner into a chaotic fight. This was, however, after she freaked out during a charity event, throwing champagne at Teresa and had her hair weave pulled out by Jacqueline's daughter. It was very entertaining. Basically, any episode of New Jersey Housewives that includes Danielle is an episode to watch.
No matter what, something will hook you when it comes to the Real Housewives. So if you have free time on your hands, flip the channel to Bravo and have yourself a good time.
One show that has entertained me beyond belief is the Real Housewives of New York. This show follows a group of "high class" women living their lives not only in New York, but throughout the world. The reason I say that the women of this show are "high class" is because while being a part of the upper echelons of society, their behavior and maturity levels do not always reflect that.
In watching the emotional happenings of the show, the extremes of female behavior are demonstrated. Some of the women, Jill Zarin in particular, act as though they are still in high school. They treat the other women based on how it benefits their own lives. An example of this occurred when Ramona invited all the women to her bachelorette get away in the Virgin Islands. Albeit, this get away was before Ramona's recommitment ceremony and not her first wedding, but Jill, who was not originally going to be there, crashed the party on the last day. This was after Jill had big falling outs with both Bethenny and Alex, henceforth, chaos ensued. During this trip to the Virgin Islands, viewers also got the witness the massive meltdown of Kelly, which was some of the most entertaining and disturbing TV. However, Kelly's meltdown taught me that gummy bears and lollipops can fix anything. Other women showcased within this series, like LuAnn de Lessepes, act with total class. When confronted with a problem, they addresses it and make sure that all ends are tied up, keeping as much private as possible. The combination of these reactions adequately portray how different females act and behave on a daily basis.
My sister was the person who got me hooked on this show a couple of years ago. She got me started by exposing me to the Real Housewives of New York and from there I got hooked on the Real Housewives of New Jersey. What drew me to the Jersey version is the drama that fills the episodes and how the women react to it as a whole. It is full of laughs, gasps, and a few tears. On The Jersey version, I think the episode that most people will remember is the one where Danielle Staub's past is revealed at a dinner attended by all the Housewives. A book, written by an ex-boyfriend of Danielle's, talked about how Danielle was once put under arrest and used to be a dancer. When Danielle became aware of the fact that some of the Housewives had made this information known publicly, she exploded at them yelling and sending the dinner into a chaotic fight. This was, however, after she freaked out during a charity event, throwing champagne at Teresa and had her hair weave pulled out by Jacqueline's daughter. It was very entertaining. Basically, any episode of New Jersey Housewives that includes Danielle is an episode to watch.
No matter what, something will hook you when it comes to the Real Housewives. So if you have free time on your hands, flip the channel to Bravo and have yourself a good time.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Disappointments
Today, as I was driving home, I saw one of the most disturbing sights. On the wall of the local high school offensive words and images had been spray painted onto the wall for all to see. Both students and innocent citizens passing by the school are privy to the images that would not only disturb, but also agitate people to the point of tears. As I passed this escapade, I was appalled. How could a person, a high school student, find this behavior acceptable? People who partake in actions like this do not calculate how much of an impact their words have upon others. Small actions can make the most difference upon other people. Words especially have a huge effect on boys and girls everywhere.
This links back to the major issue of bullying that the American public is facing today. Throughout the nation kids, teenagers, and adults are falling victim to the consequences of bullying everyday. Words, spoken and unspoken, are hurtful to people as well as the offensive glares, attitudes, and hand gestures the people fall victim to everyday. What amazes me most of all is the ignorance of some people to their participation in bullying. The actions associated with bullying are so common in society today that it seems as though they are almost accepted by people. In schools, malls, and other public places bullying can be seen daily. The fact that it is so prevalent is what also disturbs me. People who are bullied are often loners and really need only one thing: a friend to stand by their side. I know this because I have been in their shoes. I was once without any friends and spent all my time either alone or with my parents. It was a dark time for me and was only lightened when I finally found one friend at school. My sister also became one of my truest friends. She would always take my calls and knew how to calm me down when I was flustered or how to make me laugh when I was depressed. Only with the friendship of my sister and my friend at school was I able to make it through the last years of high school. The same was true when I went to college. During my freshman year, I was a loner and kept to myself, but after I joined the Women's Chorus of Texas A&M, I was able to make life long friends that I still keep in touch with today.
I say all of this to communicate how behavior like I witnessed at the high school I live by is not acceptable and should not even be carried out in the first place. It hurts too many people and the effects are long term. Bullying is not something that a person just forgets. The memories of it stay with them forever. Hopefully, people can grow from the hard times, but that does not give permission for hateful actions to be committed. For this reason I hope that the spray painted images will be painted over as soon as possible so that no more people will be affected by their malicious intent.
This links back to the major issue of bullying that the American public is facing today. Throughout the nation kids, teenagers, and adults are falling victim to the consequences of bullying everyday. Words, spoken and unspoken, are hurtful to people as well as the offensive glares, attitudes, and hand gestures the people fall victim to everyday. What amazes me most of all is the ignorance of some people to their participation in bullying. The actions associated with bullying are so common in society today that it seems as though they are almost accepted by people. In schools, malls, and other public places bullying can be seen daily. The fact that it is so prevalent is what also disturbs me. People who are bullied are often loners and really need only one thing: a friend to stand by their side. I know this because I have been in their shoes. I was once without any friends and spent all my time either alone or with my parents. It was a dark time for me and was only lightened when I finally found one friend at school. My sister also became one of my truest friends. She would always take my calls and knew how to calm me down when I was flustered or how to make me laugh when I was depressed. Only with the friendship of my sister and my friend at school was I able to make it through the last years of high school. The same was true when I went to college. During my freshman year, I was a loner and kept to myself, but after I joined the Women's Chorus of Texas A&M, I was able to make life long friends that I still keep in touch with today.
I say all of this to communicate how behavior like I witnessed at the high school I live by is not acceptable and should not even be carried out in the first place. It hurts too many people and the effects are long term. Bullying is not something that a person just forgets. The memories of it stay with them forever. Hopefully, people can grow from the hard times, but that does not give permission for hateful actions to be committed. For this reason I hope that the spray painted images will be painted over as soon as possible so that no more people will be affected by their malicious intent.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Foreign Invasion
I was talking to my dad the other day and he said something that real got me thinking. I don't know how the topic came up, but at one point during the conversation we were having, my dad said, "Well, American TV is being invaded by the British actors more and more everyday." I turned and stared at my dad after he said this remark not because he had offended me, but because what he said was totally true. In the past few years, British actors have begun to gain more prominence in the American entertainment industry. This can be attributed to nothing more than the industry changing and idea of having foreign actors appealing so greatly to the American audience, even if they just come from the other side of the pond.
Now you can definitely count me as one of the biggest fans of British actors. In fact some of my favorite actors are from the UK and Australia. In my opinion their supremacy comes from a combination of hot accents, hot appearance, and just plain superior acting ability. Take for example Patrick Stewart. Some of us know him as Professor Xavier. Others know him as Captain Jean-Luc Picard. No matter who you know him as, you know that he is a phenomenal actor. He takes on each character fully devoting himself to the image he is portraying. Patrick Stewart is also someone who I think of as a classic actor. He is one of the actors people try to measure up to today, which is a hard feat to do. Patrick Stewart is also a person of British origins. Born in Yorkshire, England, Stewart was one of the first British actors to make the big move into American cinema.
Yet another example, and one of my favorites, would be Damian Lewis. Lewis played Major Richard D. Winters in Band of Brothers. He was did an amazing portrayal of an American soldier, in one of the most symbolic times of American history, while staying true to his nation of origin. Lewis was born in London and retained his heart melting accent throughout the taping of Band of Brothers. I did not even know he was British until I heard an interview he was giving on the red carpet.
There are also young and upcoming actors that fall into this category as well. One of my favorites would have to be Alex Pettyfer. He was the star of Beastly and I am Number Four. Pettyfer was also able to hide his accent extremely well in the movies he stared in. The second I heard his Irish accent come out in the interviews was the second my heart turned to mush for him. However, Pettyfer's performance in both movies he has stared in must also be commended. Like Stewart, Pettyfer commits wholeheartedly to the roles he is given. He makes you believe that he is the character from the books the movies are based on, the characters that you first fell in love with after reading about them. This takes on a deeper level of talent because for an actor to make you believe he is the character from a books means that he must understand and portray the obstacles the character faces with such realism that you believe it.
The last British actor that I will give props to is Hugh Laurie, better known as House. Now this Oxford native has the amazing talent of switching accents with the flip of a coin. It is awesome how he can talk in a totally British accent and then immediately switch to an American accent when someone says so. In his TV drama, Laurie's character, Dr. House, diagnoses and treats people with the oddest ailments you can imagine. He doesn't always save his patients, but he always figures out what's wrong. What I love about House is that the viewers get to follow how House deals with different personal issues that correlate to the health issues of his patients. Its an eerie parallel. The other thing I love about Dr. House is his sarcastic nature. No matter how bad the situation gets, House will still have a joke up his sleeve.
Now I could go on for years talking about amazing British actors, but I think everyone can get the picture. The Brits are here, and we might as well welcome them with open arms. I know all they would have to say to me is, "Hello" in that sweet British accent. I am also a fan of a few Aussie actors including Chris Hemsworth, Liam Hemsworth (brothers :)), Cate Blanchett, Eric Bana, Heath Ledger, Geoffrey Rush, and Hugh Jackman. Its just a fact that we all need to accept. The Aussies and Brits have become the center of American cinema. Yay!!
Now you can definitely count me as one of the biggest fans of British actors. In fact some of my favorite actors are from the UK and Australia. In my opinion their supremacy comes from a combination of hot accents, hot appearance, and just plain superior acting ability. Take for example Patrick Stewart. Some of us know him as Professor Xavier. Others know him as Captain Jean-Luc Picard. No matter who you know him as, you know that he is a phenomenal actor. He takes on each character fully devoting himself to the image he is portraying. Patrick Stewart is also someone who I think of as a classic actor. He is one of the actors people try to measure up to today, which is a hard feat to do. Patrick Stewart is also a person of British origins. Born in Yorkshire, England, Stewart was one of the first British actors to make the big move into American cinema.
Yet another example, and one of my favorites, would be Damian Lewis. Lewis played Major Richard D. Winters in Band of Brothers. He was did an amazing portrayal of an American soldier, in one of the most symbolic times of American history, while staying true to his nation of origin. Lewis was born in London and retained his heart melting accent throughout the taping of Band of Brothers. I did not even know he was British until I heard an interview he was giving on the red carpet.
There are also young and upcoming actors that fall into this category as well. One of my favorites would have to be Alex Pettyfer. He was the star of Beastly and I am Number Four. Pettyfer was also able to hide his accent extremely well in the movies he stared in. The second I heard his Irish accent come out in the interviews was the second my heart turned to mush for him. However, Pettyfer's performance in both movies he has stared in must also be commended. Like Stewart, Pettyfer commits wholeheartedly to the roles he is given. He makes you believe that he is the character from the books the movies are based on, the characters that you first fell in love with after reading about them. This takes on a deeper level of talent because for an actor to make you believe he is the character from a books means that he must understand and portray the obstacles the character faces with such realism that you believe it.
The last British actor that I will give props to is Hugh Laurie, better known as House. Now this Oxford native has the amazing talent of switching accents with the flip of a coin. It is awesome how he can talk in a totally British accent and then immediately switch to an American accent when someone says so. In his TV drama, Laurie's character, Dr. House, diagnoses and treats people with the oddest ailments you can imagine. He doesn't always save his patients, but he always figures out what's wrong. What I love about House is that the viewers get to follow how House deals with different personal issues that correlate to the health issues of his patients. Its an eerie parallel. The other thing I love about Dr. House is his sarcastic nature. No matter how bad the situation gets, House will still have a joke up his sleeve.
Now I could go on for years talking about amazing British actors, but I think everyone can get the picture. The Brits are here, and we might as well welcome them with open arms. I know all they would have to say to me is, "Hello" in that sweet British accent. I am also a fan of a few Aussie actors including Chris Hemsworth, Liam Hemsworth (brothers :)), Cate Blanchett, Eric Bana, Heath Ledger, Geoffrey Rush, and Hugh Jackman. Its just a fact that we all need to accept. The Aussies and Brits have become the center of American cinema. Yay!!
Monday, April 23, 2012
New Memorial Student Center at Texas A&M
Texas A&M University has been in existence since 1876 in College Station, Texas. This university has been home to many different things including a history of tradition, a cute dog mascot, and numerous former students who have gone on to better their lives and our country. One characteristic of Texas A&M that I think cannot be overlooked is the custom of strong student body unity. A&M tackles different obstacles as a university. From winning a national championship in different sports to rebuilding the student moral after a tragic event like the bonfire collapse, Texas A&M comes out on the other side with a stronger sense of unity. This can be seen visually in such things as the buildings on the Texas A&M campus. Recently the main building on the campus, the Memorial Student Center, was put under construction tearing away a spot for the students and visitors to congregate. However, on Saturday April 21, 2012 the MSC was reopened after three years of construction. I was able to make the trip down to see the unveiling of this iconic building on campus.
The Memorial Student Center (MSC) was first opened on April 21, 1951 to an excited student body who was intrigued by this new building that would eventually become the center for student activity. After fifty-eight years, the building was in need of a major renovation. One big problem that needed to be resolved was the presence of asbestos in the Flag Room, the main room for student lounging, studying, and resting. This needed to be addressed for the safety of the student's health. However, this room was one of the most symbolic rooms of the MSC and the university. For this reason much of the student body and former students were concerned about the character of the room being drastically changed during the construction. The health concern took precedence, so the construction company promised the university that after the asbestos was eradicated, no major changes would be made to the Flag Room.
The controversy that this room made brought to light how resistant the students and formers would be to any major changes to the building. Because of this, informational sessions were created so that any people with concerns or questions could ask the builders and raise attention to the school administrators. I went to a couple of these with one of my friends and felt more confident in the process afterwards. I was not by any means happy that the MSC would be taken away from me during my last two years of college, but I was at least more aware about what changes were being made and why.
The main purpose of construction plans, besides removing the asbestos in the Flag Room, was to replace the existing mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems in the MSC and to provide universal accessibility for all by complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act. This included incorporating brand new furniture and seating areas as well as brand new, easily accessible elevator systems. The construction and remodeling also sought to create a more welcoming space for students to congregate, reinstate the MSC as a campus gathering place, and reflect the MSC as a portal to the university by promoting the school's tradition and history. This meant that not only would the couches and food services be updated, but a state of the art entertainment gallery would be included in the bottom floor with new televisions and pool tables. Additionally, the Choral Office was expanded to double its size so that the choirs of the university would be able to grow and function easier than before. Another improvement that was made was that the ballroom upstairs was expanded and is now the largest ballroom in the Brazos County. This will serves as a excellent place to have the future ring dances and any other large gatherings.
In the end, the renovation of the MSC brought about excellent features to this school of tradition. The only critique I can think of is that all of the new students who will gather in this new addition to the university will never know or appreciate what they were given. The new students will never know about the bowling alley that used to be in the basement of the MSC. They will never know about the old vintage wall coverings that gave character to the building. The new students will never know about what the MSC used to be and I think that it will lessen some of the appreciation. I wish some one had made a before and after collection of pictures so the students could compare what they have with what used to be. This would have created a greater amount of thankfulness for the new building they were given. Maybe there will still be gratitude from the student body after more time is spent in this new arena of unity.
The Memorial Student Center (MSC) was first opened on April 21, 1951 to an excited student body who was intrigued by this new building that would eventually become the center for student activity. After fifty-eight years, the building was in need of a major renovation. One big problem that needed to be resolved was the presence of asbestos in the Flag Room, the main room for student lounging, studying, and resting. This needed to be addressed for the safety of the student's health. However, this room was one of the most symbolic rooms of the MSC and the university. For this reason much of the student body and former students were concerned about the character of the room being drastically changed during the construction. The health concern took precedence, so the construction company promised the university that after the asbestos was eradicated, no major changes would be made to the Flag Room.
The controversy that this room made brought to light how resistant the students and formers would be to any major changes to the building. Because of this, informational sessions were created so that any people with concerns or questions could ask the builders and raise attention to the school administrators. I went to a couple of these with one of my friends and felt more confident in the process afterwards. I was not by any means happy that the MSC would be taken away from me during my last two years of college, but I was at least more aware about what changes were being made and why.
The main purpose of construction plans, besides removing the asbestos in the Flag Room, was to replace the existing mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems in the MSC and to provide universal accessibility for all by complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act. This included incorporating brand new furniture and seating areas as well as brand new, easily accessible elevator systems. The construction and remodeling also sought to create a more welcoming space for students to congregate, reinstate the MSC as a campus gathering place, and reflect the MSC as a portal to the university by promoting the school's tradition and history. This meant that not only would the couches and food services be updated, but a state of the art entertainment gallery would be included in the bottom floor with new televisions and pool tables. Additionally, the Choral Office was expanded to double its size so that the choirs of the university would be able to grow and function easier than before. Another improvement that was made was that the ballroom upstairs was expanded and is now the largest ballroom in the Brazos County. This will serves as a excellent place to have the future ring dances and any other large gatherings.
In the end, the renovation of the MSC brought about excellent features to this school of tradition. The only critique I can think of is that all of the new students who will gather in this new addition to the university will never know or appreciate what they were given. The new students will never know about the bowling alley that used to be in the basement of the MSC. They will never know about the old vintage wall coverings that gave character to the building. The new students will never know about what the MSC used to be and I think that it will lessen some of the appreciation. I wish some one had made a before and after collection of pictures so the students could compare what they have with what used to be. This would have created a greater amount of thankfulness for the new building they were given. Maybe there will still be gratitude from the student body after more time is spent in this new arena of unity.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Is One Direction Going the Right Direction?
In the music scene there are trends that different time periods are categorized by. The 1950s brought the birth of rock and roll with Elvis Presley and countless other rock musicians. In the 1970s disco music was the big rage. Music made by groups like the Bee Gees became some of the hottest tracks during this decade. In the 1990s boy bands were the cool hip thing. There was Backstreet Boys and Nsync dominating the charts every week. Groups like Hanson were followed by mobs of young girls who dreamed about one day becoming Mrs. Hanson. Well this phenomena has once again happened with a group of young British boys called One Direction. This group was found on X Factor by Simon Cowell and has swept America with their catchy tunes and cute faces. However, the real question is how long will this group last in the mean reality of the music business?
In 2010 the journey of this group began. Each of the five members of One Direction applied as solo candidates to the seventh series of X Factor. However, as solo candidates, the boys failed to make it into the competition. One of the guest judges saw something though and suggested that Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Zayn Malik and Niall Horan form a group and enter into the groups category. These five boys did just that, became One Direction, and placed third in the competition. After this, One Direction signed to Cowell's record company and released their first single "What Makes You Beautiful" to fans yielding record sales in Britain, Australia, Sweden, and countless other foreign countries.
After this successful formation process, One Direction has taken on America with full steam ahead. Scheduling tours right and left to sold out crowds. It makes one think of the fan crazed aura that follows celebrity singers like Justin Bieber. It also brings to mind how a fan craze like this can so easily go away. Groups like OK Go, Danity Kane, Los Lonely Boys, and Daniel Powter saw their 15 minutes of fame flash before their eyes, and then were not able to release another hit. This is also true of the many TV music show winners from American Idol (minus Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood).
So how will One Direction's fame pan out? Will their shows continue to sell out in minutes? The other day, while I was sitting in a coffee shop, I got to hear this girl call five or six different ticket providers begging for One Direction tickets (Interesting/Depressing, I know). Or after this first CD of theirs, will the One Direction craze fizzle out? I know that the One Direction fame is far from fizzling out right now. Not long ago, somewhere in Dallas, there was rumor that One Direction was making an appearance in a mall. Thousands of girls showed up just to get a glance at these boys. The mania started to get so rowdy that some of the girls had to be taken to the hospital for injuries. The most ironic thing was that One Direction wasn't even at the mall. Just a rumor of their appearance yielded all of this commotion. So I guess it will sadly come down to how well the band is marketed, not how well the band performs. If girls keep seeing these British boys as future boyfriends/husbands, the One Direction fan fare will not stop anytime soon.
In 2010 the journey of this group began. Each of the five members of One Direction applied as solo candidates to the seventh series of X Factor. However, as solo candidates, the boys failed to make it into the competition. One of the guest judges saw something though and suggested that Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Zayn Malik and Niall Horan form a group and enter into the groups category. These five boys did just that, became One Direction, and placed third in the competition. After this, One Direction signed to Cowell's record company and released their first single "What Makes You Beautiful" to fans yielding record sales in Britain, Australia, Sweden, and countless other foreign countries.
After this successful formation process, One Direction has taken on America with full steam ahead. Scheduling tours right and left to sold out crowds. It makes one think of the fan crazed aura that follows celebrity singers like Justin Bieber. It also brings to mind how a fan craze like this can so easily go away. Groups like OK Go, Danity Kane, Los Lonely Boys, and Daniel Powter saw their 15 minutes of fame flash before their eyes, and then were not able to release another hit. This is also true of the many TV music show winners from American Idol (minus Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood).
So how will One Direction's fame pan out? Will their shows continue to sell out in minutes? The other day, while I was sitting in a coffee shop, I got to hear this girl call five or six different ticket providers begging for One Direction tickets (Interesting/Depressing, I know). Or after this first CD of theirs, will the One Direction craze fizzle out? I know that the One Direction fame is far from fizzling out right now. Not long ago, somewhere in Dallas, there was rumor that One Direction was making an appearance in a mall. Thousands of girls showed up just to get a glance at these boys. The mania started to get so rowdy that some of the girls had to be taken to the hospital for injuries. The most ironic thing was that One Direction wasn't even at the mall. Just a rumor of their appearance yielded all of this commotion. So I guess it will sadly come down to how well the band is marketed, not how well the band performs. If girls keep seeing these British boys as future boyfriends/husbands, the One Direction fan fare will not stop anytime soon.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
New Musical Experiences
One of the major fads in the movie industry, lately, has been musicals. Today, there are musicals produced like Hairspray, Enchanted, The Muppets, and The Sound of Music. These are just some of the classics that have made a major impact on society, and that's not even counting all the Disney movies. Well one of the musicals that was made in the early 1990s that did not receive much praise during its release, but has gone on to affect and impact many of the current musicals made today is Newsies. This musical was not welcomed with open arms when it first made its appearance, but the story, songs, and AMAZING choreography have made it a musical that I hold very close to my heart.
The musical Newsies follows the main characters Jack Kelly and David Jacobs who fight to have the price of papers reduced to the original cost after Pulitzer increases newspaper price to make a few extra bucks. Now the cast assembled, which includes Christian Bale and David Moscow as the main characters, displays some of the most extraordinary singing and dancing talent that I have seen exhibited in a movie. I mean who knew that Batman had a voice that could make me melt? The acting talent, which is epitomized by Robert Duvall who plays Pulitzer, also entrances the audience and pulls them into the plot of the movie. Soon the audience will find themselves rooting for Jack Kelly to take down "the man" and promote the underprivileged boys who are just trying to make it by.
Additionally, since this movie is based on the New York City Newsboy strike of 1899, the historical aspect of the movie draws viewers in deeper. Adding music and dance is an excellent way to teach a history lesson. Eventually, if you become a fan like me and many of my friends, who will find yourself memorizing not only the words to the songs but also the dance moves that go along with the songs. It becomes an interactive movie.
The main reason I think I can say that Newsies was a prelude to the contemporary musicals is because the director, Kenny Ortega, has since then directed and choreographed musicals like High School Musical, Hocus Pocus, and The Cheetah Girls. These movies have swept the nation in a similar way as Newsies did. So many teens became die hard fans of High School Musical that they had to make two sequels. The odd thing about Newsies is that it tanked it in the box office, but after it was released on video and DVD sold extremely well. I guess it was just made a generation too early because I know that I LOVE Newsies as a musical and a movie. Hearing songs like "Seize the Day" or "King of New York" can turn a frown on my face into a wide smile. And who knows, maybe these songs can turn a bad day in your life into a good one as well. You will just have to watch the musical.
The musical Newsies follows the main characters Jack Kelly and David Jacobs who fight to have the price of papers reduced to the original cost after Pulitzer increases newspaper price to make a few extra bucks. Now the cast assembled, which includes Christian Bale and David Moscow as the main characters, displays some of the most extraordinary singing and dancing talent that I have seen exhibited in a movie. I mean who knew that Batman had a voice that could make me melt? The acting talent, which is epitomized by Robert Duvall who plays Pulitzer, also entrances the audience and pulls them into the plot of the movie. Soon the audience will find themselves rooting for Jack Kelly to take down "the man" and promote the underprivileged boys who are just trying to make it by.
Additionally, since this movie is based on the New York City Newsboy strike of 1899, the historical aspect of the movie draws viewers in deeper. Adding music and dance is an excellent way to teach a history lesson. Eventually, if you become a fan like me and many of my friends, who will find yourself memorizing not only the words to the songs but also the dance moves that go along with the songs. It becomes an interactive movie.
The main reason I think I can say that Newsies was a prelude to the contemporary musicals is because the director, Kenny Ortega, has since then directed and choreographed musicals like High School Musical, Hocus Pocus, and The Cheetah Girls. These movies have swept the nation in a similar way as Newsies did. So many teens became die hard fans of High School Musical that they had to make two sequels. The odd thing about Newsies is that it tanked it in the box office, but after it was released on video and DVD sold extremely well. I guess it was just made a generation too early because I know that I LOVE Newsies as a musical and a movie. Hearing songs like "Seize the Day" or "King of New York" can turn a frown on my face into a wide smile. And who knows, maybe these songs can turn a bad day in your life into a good one as well. You will just have to watch the musical.
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