A one-stop-blog about music, films, and anything else that I find bloggable. :)
11/11/2011
11/05/2011
I need more followers....
- If I don't get any soon, I will consider moving to TUMBLR :O...seems like everyone left blogger for it and maybe I should too?
11/03/2011
"Don't waste your time with explanations, people only hear what they want to hear" - Paulo Coelho (Tell me about it...)
- This man is truly our generation's gift to writing. Even after decades, he will continue to be read by people all over the world as he is today. With a past like his, it is no wonder he is capable of coming up with stories like that of Santiago in "The Alchemist" or of The Warrior from "The Warrior of Light". He puts so much of himself within his books like only a true and passionate writer can. His books will not only give you a great story but also transform you in a way that you won't even realize. I've also read "The Zahir", "Witch of Portobello" and "Brida" which moved me in some way as well. His writing is just so easy to read yet so philosophical and filled with words that will make you ponder over your life and life in general.(Sometimes the afterlife) He doesn't leave any aspect of life untouched: Love, Loss, Depression, Ambition, Passion, Obsession, Addiction, Happiness, Wisdom, Wealth, he has experienced all it seems because his writing gives you an almost first hand look into all of it. I think that is the main reason why I really enjoy his books. I don't have to relate to it, somehow I just connect with the character. Immediately as the reader, we feel what the character does, and to me, that is the best style of writing there is.
I really recommend his books to just about anyone. He just recently came out with a new book titled Aleph (which I will be buying very very soon ) and I am very excited to see how it turned out.
P.s. He only writes a new book whenever he comes across a white feather. (Fascinating!)
10/30/2011
Sunday Mornings...
- I'm back on schedule. :) Fresh juice and a five mile hike is going to be my usual on weekends. I started off Saturday with a four mile hike but today we made a round trip. The trail : Claremont Hills Wilderness Park . Which I found to be really nice being that it's right down the street from my house and gives you a decent hike experience. It's nothing to intense but just the right amount of work out if you are just getting back on track. (like me ) But good news is there are multiple side trails that are much steeper for a more intense work out. Something else I liked about this trail was the multiple Tarantula sightings. (Although seeing the first one was a bit scary...I was centimeters from stepping on it...Eeeeeek...) Just keep an eye out for them and you should be fine. We saw three on today's hike. Cute little guys. But anyway, overall it i a good trail and I will definitely be using often.
![]() |
| Fresh juice - Kale, Celery, Lettuce, Lime, Orange, Baby Carrots and Wheat Grass |
![]() |
| Preview of the Hike 10/29/11 |
10/24/2011
Interesting...Very smart man that Steve Jobs :) His legacy will definitely live on.
-
Click... -----> From Industrial Engineer to Apple's new CEO
- When I came across this article a wave of hope came over me. As a future IE myself, this article gave me a perspective of just how far I can take my career. I feel like the possibilities are endless. IE is all about getting a clear picture of how thing work (independently and as a whole) so that you may improve, change around, or get rid of even things that will not only help a company or bussiness but all their customers.( When it comes to Apple, that means pretty much everyone. ) What better person to run a company, than one that knows how it functions? IEs are doing it all. While my dream job isn't to be the CEO of Apple, although that would be pretty amazing, I love knowing that it is a possibility for an IE. It has helped me see my future with a whole new perspective. And let me tell you...I am definitely excited :)
For more about Tim Cook ---> Click Here
10/23/2011
And then she discovered Itunes...
- Yup. That pretty much sums it up...made an account like four days ago and I'm already addicted. Goodbye Pandora? Nahhh just...well we are taking a break. >.< Itunes has what I want when I want. Something Pandora couldn't always follow through with...Itunes is definitely a keeper. :)
10/18/2011
I have been waiting for something like this...
If you want you can also back the project by pledging some $$$
Driving is a pain...
- I really don't think it is possible for someone to be a good driver. No matter how hard I try, something always happens >.< No matter what you do, some jerk will always critisize you or give you the finger cause you were changing in his lane and didn't let him speed his way before you. No matter what some object will be blocking your view and you won't see the person about to cross the street until you are right in front of them. No matter what some cop will always choose to stop YOU for making a left turn over a double divider(one that everyone crosses over). Yes...most of this stuff has happened to me. And you know what the sad part is...I really don't speed and honestly I try my best to obey the law and yet I always feel like a bad driver. Is there hope? Cause I really don't think so.not anymore.All I know is that I really hate driving now cause of it.\
10/15/2011
- So far so good...I mean its a Julia Roberts movie so of course I expect alot :) And I was suprised to see Mr.James Franco get some scenes in...Kinda suprised me. >.<
10/10/2011
Oh like you aren't busy...
- I haven't been posting but that doesn't mean I'm not watching some amazing movies or listening to some killer hit (when I really should be doing H/W...like right now...oh well Stats will have to wait. :)
-
-Rebel Without a Cause --- James Dean <3 yes...I too am in love with him...I mean his acting :)...Sal Mineo as well. I enjoyed this movie mainly because it was a classic and I'm really trying to learn more about the history of film making and even though it wasn't a film noir classic it was still old enough to see the techniques used in the 50's and how they compare to today's more evolved styles of filmaking.
-50/50 --- Being able to watch a movie at a theatre rather than on my laptop (Netflix :D) screen really made me realize how much a theatre can enhance the experience...bigger screen better suroundsound...it really allows you to get into a movie.
-Drive --- Experimentation is a risky thing in the movie making industry because something either works or doesn't...there is no kinda...and Drive to me seemed like a really experimental film sound(Music and the times when the sound is muted out) and image wise. I'm not gonna say it did it for me because I really can't say. But I did like it because of its daring ways. If you have seen it you might have noticed the scene when the "Driver"(Ryan Gosling :)) stabbed "Bernie" and the scene went into showing just the shadows of the two characters...I personally have never seen that before...thought it was quite interesting way to shoot a scene.
-James Dean Era --- More James Dean....enough said...lol
-3:10 to YUMA --- In my Intro to Film class we have been watching a couple movies and this one really had an impact on me. Being a Western, I really didn't expect much (never have been into westerns) but boy did this movie change my views...everything from its color , sound and camera movements was just amazing. I really enjoyed watching this film unravel all that a Western has to offer. I will definitely be seeing more.
As far as the music I have been listening to, well I must say Spanish Rock has had a hold on me all weekend...Wonder how long it will last.
Here is a taste of some :
9/22/2011
And so it begins…
- My college life…Today was the first of many. I must say I enjoyed it. Looking forward to spending long days and most definitely long nights at CPP (24 Hr. computer lab
) . Also looking forward to a film class I will start on Mon. of next week. I can wait to see what topics are covered and what good films I will be exposed to. I heard the class is quite popular so I am excited. Fall Quarter bring it ON.
9/19/2011
It’s official…I’m obsessed!
- I seriously can’t for the life of me stop buying vinyl records. And all thee antique stores around me aren’t helping. >.<’ I don’t know where I’m going to put them anymore. Maybe I’ll hang them up as some type of décor in my room
. I don’t know what it is about them but I find them so precious. The pictures, the old look some have, how it used to be the way to listen to music back in the day. I like how each of them sort of hold a piece of music history within them too.
Here is what I added to my collection today
Double Fantasy – John Lennon & Yoko Ono
9/17/2011
Coffee Shop Music.
- For me it’s like this; It has to be classic, catchy, with a bit of romance, definitely relaxing, a sound you can sleep to, but also something you can hear all night and not get tired of. One day I plan on owning a coffee shop and to me, the music played is just as important as the coffee and food served. The music plays a major roll in the shop’s environment and I don’t know about you but when I go out to eat, how the place looks and feels to me s my first judgment.
Here are some songs I have in mind
9/16/2011
9/08/2011
Buddy Holly :)
- I’ll let the video explain it all.
9/01/2011
My Quest for a Nancy Sinatra Vinyl.
- So far I've gone to two places...KAOS Records and a Thrift Store in Glendora, CA and I have not found a single Nancy Sinatra LP :/ . Tomorrow I have another Thrift Store I'll visit and maybe I'll get lucky. Either way, on my trips, I have found some pretty interesting records to add to my (slowly growing) collection.. Including artists like Madonna , Pat Benatar, Journey and today I found these two little precious ones below ...
Duran Duran
- The way I can tell when a song is really good, is when I listen to it and feel like I've heard it before. I feel a connection with the song from the start and I just know right away because I can feel it and my ears immediately pick up the beat and dig it. I can only think of one band with such a sound that I can honestly say holds its own when it comes to constant hits. Those hits that are timeless. the ones you can play decades after and expect people t recognize it, sing along, and dance even. The Band? The cute.the talented.the timeless experimental synth rocky pop sound of the early 80's...Duran Duran :)
Duran Duran
- John Taylor
- Nick Rhodes
- Simon Le Bon
- Roger Taylor
Some of their most famour hits:
-Hungry Like the wolf
-Rio
-A View To Kill
-The Reflex
-Save a Prayer
-Notorious
8/25/2011
British Invasion
- Oh boy, oh boy...Don't worry I wont focus only on The Beatles, to me they have become a bit overrated. Don't get me wrong, I love those guys. I did also undergo a "Beatles obsessed" phase in the past, but you can only advertise and profit from a band so much that eventually it becomes uninteresting and common. The Beatles are everywhere today. I think it's safe to say almost everyone is somewhat of Beatle fan. I know I am. Though, I'm not going to put them in the spotlight. the British Invasion was about many European bands who were able to come to America to start up their careers. Bands like The Kinks, The Who, The Zombies, The Animals, The Rolling Stones(I'm noticing a trend here).
From there the bands just kept coming...Some of my personal favorites are The Who, The Kinks, The Rolling Stones, and The Zombies.
These bands helped create Rock n' Roll...(what we know it to be today). One band in particular, different from the rest in sound, atitude, and appearance helped create the image of Rock n' Roll. Any ideas on who?????

The Rolling Stones on Ed Sullivan Show...
8/06/2011
On the Road --- Upcoming Movie!?
A lot is riding on this movie…many expectations…I mean it’s “On the Road”, not just a classic…but a beacon of inspiration…a definition of a whole generation…its either a GO or GO HOME for the director >.<…But if done well I know it has the opporunity to be great.
-This is what I expect :
- KILLER Soundtrack…I want to hear JAZZ, BLUES , the movie has to capture what music was like to the people of the 1950’s.
- AMAZING Scenery….Sal’s journey across America was so inspirational to him not only for the people he met along the way but for all the things / places he saw. (Star filled skies…vast empty desert land…the coast…the countryside…the streets of Chicago, New York, Frisco, LA)
- HEAD ON Character interpretation…For example, the Dean character must be slick, inspirational, charming, everything Kerouac put into his precious Dean Moriarty.
- INSPIRATIONAL…just like the book, I hope the movie can be seen and give people a want to journey, explore and get ON THE ROAD in search of themselves, new place/faces, or just for the thrill of it.
I really can’t wait for the movie. Director, Walter Salles has a lot of responsibility on his hands but judging from his past movies, I think he can do it.
He’s also known for directing Motorcycle Diaries, a movie based on Che Guevara’s travels prior to becoming the inspirational revolutionary we all know him for. Looks interesting and well done…I’ll definitely be watching it soon.
8/03/2011
The Doors & The Beat Generation
- Such confusion lies in the phrase “Beat Generation”. First coined by author Jack Kerouac to define his perception of life throughout the 50’s, to this day what he really meant by “Beat” isn’t all that clear. At first I though he meant Beat – like that of a drum, for the reason that great music and poetry came from this time(The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Allen Ginsberg), then I realized Beat- as in beaten down for the time’s post-war sense( WWII:1939-1945), and now as I research the term, I guess Kerouac could also have meant Beat for his inspiration in the Beatitudes( a set of teachings within Christianity ) . The more I think about it the more I see how all three of them fit so perfectly. The beat generation had so much going on that the word “Beat” ,in all it’s defenitions, seems to capture it’s sense perfectly. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Now to the music… I’ve been reading “On the Road” by Jack Kerouac and since I have also read “No one here gets out alive” (Jim Morrison Biography), I know how inspirational Kerouac(Specifically his character Dean Moriarty) was to Jim Morrison and The Doors. And being a Doors fan I must admit…The Doors for me are the best band to come out of The Beat Generation.( Not to say I don’t like The Beatles >.< but the Beatles found their fame in America…didn’t live through it like The Doors ) From their sound to Morrison’s own life/lifestyle, The Doors had within them the inspiration of all the Beat Generation had to offer. They were connected to WWII, drugs were a major part of their lives,lived by anti-conformity, and sought philosophy and intellect. If it wasn’t for their other major inspiration in Aldous Huxley (Author of “The Doors of Perception”), The Doors would have been The Beatniks.( Imagine that! lol )
- Click Here – For more on The Beat Generation and Jack Kerouac
-Click Here – For more on The Doors
Here are some Videos of The Doors and their “Beat Generation” inspired music
Waiting for the Sun
Break on Through ( To the Other Side )
7/17/2011
Glenn Miller
"A band ought to have a sound all of its own. It ought to have a personality." - Glenn Miller
- I came to love this guy through Pandora…when it played his song “In the Mood”. <3 & I don’t know why but every time I hear that song or Moonlight Serenade I can’t help but think of one of my favorite childhood shows, “Tom and Jerry”. (Oooh…those were the days…). Glenn Miller and his orchestra had a really great sense as to what music should be and they definitely owned it with their unique and appealing sound. Just check them out for yourself
CLICK HERE - For more info on Glenn Miller and his Orchestra
7/15/2011
What I’ve been up to..Listening to?
- So….It’s been a while since I’ve posted really anything (not to say I haven’t thought of ideas and stuff to come soon). I’ve just been really busy and hardly have time to do anything anymore
. I haven’t even really been listening to a lot of music these days. But I have recently shifted into a Jazz phase...so do expect some Louis Armstrong or Glenn Miller post soon. There is just something about Jazz that really has a hold on me at the moment. I listen to it and can almost see myself at a coffee shop sipping on some warm Brazilian blend while typing away some genius quote, line, etc.. I imagine every inspired writer to have this same vision at times but when I listen to jazz, the image is really vivid and I just know…that’s where I want to be one day.
Well I have work today so that’s all I can say for now. I might post later tonight again. I’ll see how it goes.
-Julie
6/21/2011
Nina Simone
![]() |
| -The passion of Soul music Revealed- |
- I've just recently started reading this novel called "One Day" by David Nicholls (Great book so far...highly recommend it to 80's culture lovers, literature junkies, smart talkers, quote grubbers, and the like lol. I'm only on Ch.3 and its touched on so many topics...it's hard to keep up but I love it.) Now to the point, as I was reading said book, the name "Nina Simone" came up and It caught my eye because I knew I saw her name not too long ago. Her song "Sinnerman" is actually in my last post. It's a Felix Da Housecat remix and the video is there if you want to check it out. I've been listening to some of her other songs and I'm in awe because her voice is just so....wow...unique...and you can almost feel the pain, suffering, yet happiness of life she tries to encompass in her music as the lyrics slip through her lips. And this seriousness to her performances that only help express her passion and focus, its really exciting. I feel like I'm watching a true legend when I watch her performance videos. You can't fake that. She's the real deal of should music. Just see for yourself.
-All you MUSE fans should recognize this little tune. It still amazes me just how songs can be remixed in completely different ways. I like both versions very much. ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmwRQqJsegw )
-Here is the original version of the song Sinnerman that Felix Da housecat remixed.
-This song had me at full attention and when the piano kicks in...thats really just someonething else. Her piano playing is just as amazing and powerful as her voice. It's pretty incredible if you ask me:).
6/14/2011
- I believe music has some real potential within these genre and I don't think people give them the attention it deserves. Of course not all of it is good but there are a handful of songs I listen to that truly blow me away. The joining of the different beats that come together well or the collaborations with old songs remixed into a new beat ( my favorites :] ) , those songs just really show how you can manipulate a single tune in countless ways. Music at it's best. Some of my favorite artists are IIO, Felix da Housecat, DJ Tiesto, Basshunter and a couple more. You see Trance and Dance music is relatively new for me so this post should really help me learn more about it myself.
6/01/2011
Reggae
- My secret obsession! I can never get enough of it. No I'm not just talking about Bob Marley (although he plays a big part in the rise of reggae) but UB40 , Big Mountain, Inner Circle,Wayne Wade, well those are some of my favorites. Though I know the list doesn't end there. Reggae has a lot of good artist. Unfortunately some people identify Reggae as music for marijuana smokers for the simple fact that Rastafarians(Reggae's roots) used to practice their religion with the drug. But to be honest I think the music really holds it's own. Anyone who believes Reggae music is for people who smoke weed is just being arrogant.
5/23/2011
"What's your favorite 80's song and why?" post
- I recently posted this question on Blogger Help discussions and I must say, the people responded with such great songs. Some I'm familiar with, others not at all so I really enjoyed listening to them. I decided to choose my favorite one and learn a little more about the band and song in particular. I chose "U bloody 2" as @betterindividual put it. This band's music is (for lack of a better word) beautiful. And I say beautiful because their music can really just paint a picture in my head, one that can only be described as beautiful. For example, when I listen to "Where the Streets have no names" , I can almost see myself in an amazing setting, sort of like those you see on Microsoft desktop defaults >.< , taking in the view and not worrying over a single thing. It's inspiring. Any band that can do that with their sound, well you can just imagine the talent and passion they contain. It's not just Bono's virtuous voice, but all the members working together to create these masterpieces of music.
5/20/2011
Woodstock 1969 Cont.
- This is another performance I truly enjoyed.I can't think of a better performance to end off the week. Santana is the man! :)
5/18/2011
Woodstock Week cont. (1969)
- I just finished up watching the documentary Woodstock 1969 Three Days of Peace & Music and I highly recommend it to every music lover. ( So pretty much everyone >.< ) Contrary to popular belief, it was not a bunch of hippies doing drugs for three days. Granted there was hippies, there was drugs, there was pretty much everything you can think of. But when you look at the statistics, the concert itself was definitely worth recognition. Just think about it...400,000 people(maybe more,definitely more) and not once did it get so out of hand that the concert had to be stopped, not once. Even when it rained, the audience made the best of it and the concert continued. I don't know about you but that is something I think would be impossible to accomplish today. If there was to be a Woodstock 2011 it would most likely be overpriced, too organized, extremely dangerous, and I think people would just have the wrong idea for it. unfortunately for those of us that didn't attend, Woodstock 1969 was one of a kind.
One Hit Wonder Wednesday

- I know this week is Woodstock week, but I want to start posting some one hit wonders on Wednesdays as well. And so we start today with soft Cell's "Tainted Love". Some might not count them as a one hit wonder but by request and because its there only real popular song I'm considering it one.
- Marc Almond
- Dave Ball
5/16/2011
Woodstock Week
- Since I have been learning about Woodstock these past few weeks, I'm going to dedicate this whole week to my favorite Woodstock (1969) bands. There is such good music to be heard and so many amazing performances. Watch any Woodstock performance and you will be sorry you weren't able to witness it first hand. I know I am. It would have been an unforgettable experience.
- About 400,000 people attended
- It ended up becoming a Free Concert
- Traffic was so bad that bands were being flown in by Helicopter
- Three people died and three were born
- Due to multiple injuries, the fence surrounding the concert was brought down
- The concert lasted 3 days
- 32 Bands played
- Here is a performance by Jefferson Airplane that I really liked.The song is called Won't you Try / Saturday Afternoon. They have that psychedelic band sound that hopefully your ears just can't say no to.
:) Enjoy
5/13/2011
The Who
- I always knew The Who for their song "Pinball Wizard" but yesterday when saw their 1969 Woodstock performance boy was I blown away. The passion each band member has for the music...you can almost feel it. Leave it up to a band like The Who to remind you how good music can be.
http://www.thewho.com/index.php?module=history
Gazing at you, I get the heat
Following you, I climb the mountain
I get excitement at your feet
Right behing you, I see the millions
On you, I see the glory
From you, I get opinion
From you, I get the story"
- Can I also just say, the lyrics above are GENIUS. I love this song.
- "I can see for Miles" Live
- "Baba O'riley"
5/11/2011
5/10/2011
Phil Collins
- Yes, the man that wrote the music for Disney movies "Brother Bear" and "Tarzan"! But believe me there is so much more to this man's music. Way more. Just listen to the incredible drum progression of "In the Air Tonight" or the watch the way your foot irresistibly taps to the beat of "Easy Lover"(I can almost guarantee it will ^-^) . Phil Collins is an amazing drummer, actor, producer & singer, no doubt about it.
- 7 Grammy Awards
- 5 Brit Awards
- Greatest hits Albums
5/08/2011
Stevie Wonder
- I am a BIG Motown fan and I gotta tell you Stevie Wonder is one of my personal favorites.
- Superstition
- For Once in my Life
- I wish
- Sir Duke
- Signed,Sealed, Delivered...
- and many more :)










