Monday, August 27, 2007
Sunday, August 26, 2007
"L" is for the way you look at me
So it seems that I have crossed into the phase of life where more and more of my peers are starting to tie the knot. A friend told me that up until she reached the magical age of 25, life was good. Then, all of the sudden, marriage popped in her head. Babies. She still isn't sure that all of it is what she wants right now, but a good chunk of her now mid-20's friends are taking that route.
Growing up I always just assumed I would get married. It was just the thing to do. I love the idea of finding someone who clicks with you. Who gets you, and ultimatly helps you to be your happiest, best you. I know it can never be a 24/7 thing, but a majority of the time would be nice! But then I wonder, why do we need someone to help us be happy? Why can't we make ourselves happy? There is so much talk of soul mates, our other halves. Everyone wants to be "completed" by someone else. I think some of it comes from our fear of loneliness. Is this need for companionship a human need, or a desire driven by social stigma? Who doesn't fear becoming the old cat lady??
I just finished reading a book called Eat, Pray, Love. This woman went through a nasty divorce and left the country to find out what was going on in her life and to try make sense of it. While she was in India she met a man from Texas. During one of their conversations about her lost love, he had a really good insight:
People think a soul mate is your perfect fit, and that’s what everyone wants. But a true soul mate is a mirror, the person who shows you everything that’s holding you back, the person who brings you to your own attention so you can change your life. A true soul mate is probably the most important person you’ll ever meet, because they tear down your walls and smack you awake. But to live with a soul mate forever? Nah, to painful. Soul mates, they come into your life just to reveal another layer of yourself to you, and then they leave. And thank God for it. Your problem is, you just can’t let this one go. It’s over, Groceries. David’s purpose was to shake you up, drive you out of that marriage that you needed to leave, tear apart your ego a little bit, show you your obstacles and addictions, break your heart open so new light could get in, make you so desperate and out of control that you had to transform your life, then introduce you to your spiritual master and beat it. That was his job, and he did great, but now it’s over.
So in a way, our soul mates do complete us. They help us to find out who we are and what we are made of, but it doesn't necessarily mean that they will be with us in a physical form forever. This whole take on things makes me wonder, then, what is so big about getting married? Can you really make it work with one person (who may or may not be your soul mate, because, let's face it, a lot of people do settle) for a very large chunk of your life? (Think about it, you get married at 25, live til your 80...is being single so terrible?) Don't get me wrong, I am not a hater of marriage, I'm just trying to make sense of it all. Like most American females, I do still hope to find "the one." But with this new take on things, I think that it's important to really look around and take everything in. No one person can ever make you truly happy. You alone are the person who controls your emotions. Live and learn and make yourself whole. Then, maybe, when you get to that spot, allow someone to share in your already marvelous life.
Growing up I always just assumed I would get married. It was just the thing to do. I love the idea of finding someone who clicks with you. Who gets you, and ultimatly helps you to be your happiest, best you. I know it can never be a 24/7 thing, but a majority of the time would be nice! But then I wonder, why do we need someone to help us be happy? Why can't we make ourselves happy? There is so much talk of soul mates, our other halves. Everyone wants to be "completed" by someone else. I think some of it comes from our fear of loneliness. Is this need for companionship a human need, or a desire driven by social stigma? Who doesn't fear becoming the old cat lady??
I just finished reading a book called Eat, Pray, Love. This woman went through a nasty divorce and left the country to find out what was going on in her life and to try make sense of it. While she was in India she met a man from Texas. During one of their conversations about her lost love, he had a really good insight:
People think a soul mate is your perfect fit, and that’s what everyone wants. But a true soul mate is a mirror, the person who shows you everything that’s holding you back, the person who brings you to your own attention so you can change your life. A true soul mate is probably the most important person you’ll ever meet, because they tear down your walls and smack you awake. But to live with a soul mate forever? Nah, to painful. Soul mates, they come into your life just to reveal another layer of yourself to you, and then they leave. And thank God for it. Your problem is, you just can’t let this one go. It’s over, Groceries. David’s purpose was to shake you up, drive you out of that marriage that you needed to leave, tear apart your ego a little bit, show you your obstacles and addictions, break your heart open so new light could get in, make you so desperate and out of control that you had to transform your life, then introduce you to your spiritual master and beat it. That was his job, and he did great, but now it’s over.
So in a way, our soul mates do complete us. They help us to find out who we are and what we are made of, but it doesn't necessarily mean that they will be with us in a physical form forever. This whole take on things makes me wonder, then, what is so big about getting married? Can you really make it work with one person (who may or may not be your soul mate, because, let's face it, a lot of people do settle) for a very large chunk of your life? (Think about it, you get married at 25, live til your 80...is being single so terrible?) Don't get me wrong, I am not a hater of marriage, I'm just trying to make sense of it all. Like most American females, I do still hope to find "the one." But with this new take on things, I think that it's important to really look around and take everything in. No one person can ever make you truly happy. You alone are the person who controls your emotions. Live and learn and make yourself whole. Then, maybe, when you get to that spot, allow someone to share in your already marvelous life.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
my baby's got sauce
You know you're in for a good show when you see the artist post this on his blog:
Tonight is actually early Friday morning, August something, 2007 at 2:41 am. I'm lying in my bunk on the back of the bus. The bus is rolling through the deserts of New Mexico on the way to Morrison, Colorado. I can't sleep.
I've just been practicing up all day getting ready for the show at Red Rocks which is now about 18 hours away. I've already written and rewritten the set list about 20 times. I've ran some old tunes, worked on finger exercises and scales, noodled endlessly and worked on a song Jeff and I are writing. It’s fair to say I've done my work. This is a good thing as I'm hoping tomorrow I can just get up and flow straight through to the show.
We've got some cool musical surprises planned for what I'm considering to be the biggest show of my career. Jimmy Jazz is telling me to stop thinking and freaking out about it and I think he's right I should. And I'm going to stop thinking and rethinking about it as soon as I stop typing and this old bus rocks me to sleep.
Trying to write this set list has been the hardest thing. I wish I could just play every song I got then it would be easier. It’s tough cause maybe I will get to play around 15-20 songs. The thing is I've got hundreds. What should I play??? Anyway, I've picked out 20 of the best plus we've got a special guest. Hmmmmm...Can't tell you who yet it’s a surprise. See you when the sun is rising high. That’s my word bet, get ready to rock Red Rocks So steady when that sun sinks and the night time rises, sky-high-shooting stars ain't the only thing that shines. Get your shine on tonight
Peace out
G
G. Love at Red Rocks was AMAZING. I've seen him in concert before, but this show was 10 times better. The next day he wrote this:
We just got to Kansas here and my head is still spinning from last night. Red Rocks was siiiiiick. I can't thank Colorado enough for showing up so large. Both Miles (Slightly Stoopid) and I agreed that there is something special about the way people love music in CO. What a great crowd, It was super hype!
Ozo started off the evening with a killer set and the crowd never stopped jamming. Slightly Stoopid had an amazing set and honestly I knew that was going to be a hard act to follow. But we did and I think we had a pretty hot set. The crowd stayed live and my guitar was singing. Jimmy Jazz pulled off a hot solo in "This Ain't Living", Mark and Jeff crushed as well. For the encore we were blessed with Tristan Prettyman coming out from SD to join us for one of our best renditions of "Beautiful" (thanks to KBCO for blowing it up in Boulder). Mellow Mood had just about every musician on the tour on stage. We closed the set out with Sauce and Jersey and sealed the deal.
Thanks for everyone coming. We will be back!
I gotta go to sound check…tonight Kansas City here I come.
Peace
I have to admit, I wasn't the biggest fan of Slightly Stoopid. The set they played was way to long, but everyone else made up for their shortfallings. The night was one for the record books. After the rain ended the sun came out and a rainbow framed the stage. I heart Colorado.
Saturday, August 04, 2007
a rose by any other name would smell as sweet
My roomate just got a book, The Secret Universe of Names by Roy Feinson, that is based on the idea that words evolve into our language and culture because the sounds in these words evoke a particular emotional resonance in humans. When speaking, we have to make certain facial expressions to form sounds. These facial expressions reinforce the emotional response from the listener. Feinson hypothesizes from this that the reactions people have to these sounds in our own names can affect our self-image and the expectations other people have of us. Below is what this book says about me.
VK names: Youthful, Sensitive, Devoted - Manipulative, Conflicted, Hypersensitive
Because the letter V is the icon of virility and vitality and the K (or hard C sound) is the symbol of forceful action we find in king, kill, kick, Kaiser, kidnap and knock, when these two letters are combined in a word the result is the dynamism found in the words Viking, viscount, victory and Valkyries (the battlefield maidens of Norse mythology). Typically, we find a strong contradiction embedded in the personalities of those who bear the VK names-their personalities are alternately alluring and slightly dangerous-depending on the mood of the moment. Those who choose to end their names with the feminizing, high pitched Y, I or IE (Vicky) are signaling themselves to be somewhat more playful versions of the otherwise uncompromising VK names; creating a bit of uncertainty as to the VK's true motives.
It could be said that the VKs have a simplistic view of the universe reminiscent of the fierce idealism of middle adolescence. VKs are the champions of right, the first to point out shortcomings in others but also the first to give support when it's needed. They seem born with the ability to manipulate their environments, a trait which stands them in good stead in their personal lives, but which doesn't win them many allies in the workplace.
Although they're forceful at times, VKs also have a strangely powerful magnetic appeal-their playful sensuality and stunning smiles could disarm the NRA. But VKs aren't about to rely only on their charms for resources. Their recipe for success calls for finding other people's buttons and pushing them until they get what they want. VKs have the advantage here. Their control is subtle and their playful behavior distracts people while they're being outmaneuvered. Still, most of the time when a VK is being charming and friendly, it's not an act. They have big hearts and even bigger hopes for you. In any event, it's not all bad if you find yourself succumbing to a VK's will; they're quite generous in rewarding those who toe their line.
Marriage to a VK will be a treat for anyone who craves unconditional love and doesn't mind adhering to someone else's ideals. But make no mistake; if VKs believe that their partners aren't as committed as they are, they'll be out faster then a Taliban in Texas. But when their mates are dedicated to common ideals, VKs will do everything in their power to create a stable and loving environment in which both can reach their full potential.
Not half bad! Some sounds like me, other stuff, I'm not so sure. My roommate and I were thinking it would be a cool experiment to go through the book and pick out the names that seem like they are the coolest, most well rounded people and name any future kids with these names. Then, later on in life, go back and read the book to see if they turned out the way the book said they would.
VK names: Youthful, Sensitive, Devoted - Manipulative, Conflicted, Hypersensitive
Because the letter V is the icon of virility and vitality and the K (or hard C sound) is the symbol of forceful action we find in king, kill, kick, Kaiser, kidnap and knock, when these two letters are combined in a word the result is the dynamism found in the words Viking, viscount, victory and Valkyries (the battlefield maidens of Norse mythology). Typically, we find a strong contradiction embedded in the personalities of those who bear the VK names-their personalities are alternately alluring and slightly dangerous-depending on the mood of the moment. Those who choose to end their names with the feminizing, high pitched Y, I or IE (Vicky) are signaling themselves to be somewhat more playful versions of the otherwise uncompromising VK names; creating a bit of uncertainty as to the VK's true motives.
It could be said that the VKs have a simplistic view of the universe reminiscent of the fierce idealism of middle adolescence. VKs are the champions of right, the first to point out shortcomings in others but also the first to give support when it's needed. They seem born with the ability to manipulate their environments, a trait which stands them in good stead in their personal lives, but which doesn't win them many allies in the workplace.
Although they're forceful at times, VKs also have a strangely powerful magnetic appeal-their playful sensuality and stunning smiles could disarm the NRA. But VKs aren't about to rely only on their charms for resources. Their recipe for success calls for finding other people's buttons and pushing them until they get what they want. VKs have the advantage here. Their control is subtle and their playful behavior distracts people while they're being outmaneuvered. Still, most of the time when a VK is being charming and friendly, it's not an act. They have big hearts and even bigger hopes for you. In any event, it's not all bad if you find yourself succumbing to a VK's will; they're quite generous in rewarding those who toe their line.
Marriage to a VK will be a treat for anyone who craves unconditional love and doesn't mind adhering to someone else's ideals. But make no mistake; if VKs believe that their partners aren't as committed as they are, they'll be out faster then a Taliban in Texas. But when their mates are dedicated to common ideals, VKs will do everything in their power to create a stable and loving environment in which both can reach their full potential.
Not half bad! Some sounds like me, other stuff, I'm not so sure. My roommate and I were thinking it would be a cool experiment to go through the book and pick out the names that seem like they are the coolest, most well rounded people and name any future kids with these names. Then, later on in life, go back and read the book to see if they turned out the way the book said they would.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
if a caveman could do it...
By now I am sure that everyone has heard about the Geico cavemen getting their own sitcom. Now who's bright idea was this and who green-lighted the thing??? I can't imagine that it would be any good. I've already heard through the massive amounts of industry emails I get daily at work that the pilot has already been re-shot because it was that terrible. While I don't really believe that commercials have the story background to flesh out into much of a series, I have come up with a top ten list of characters from commercials that I would rather see have a TV show. Hey, if a caveman could do it...
1. the people in the Sonic commerials
2. the Apple and the PC guy from the Mac commercials
3. the King from the Burger King commercials
4. the travelocity gnome
5. the new Old Spice guy
6. the Frontier Airlines animals
7. the guy from the Volkswagon commercials
8. the people in the Axe commercials
9. the Budweiser frogs
10. Buddy Lee
1. the people in the Sonic commerials
2. the Apple and the PC guy from the Mac commercials
3. the King from the Burger King commercials
4. the travelocity gnome
5. the new Old Spice guy
6. the Frontier Airlines animals
7. the guy from the Volkswagon commercials
8. the people in the Axe commercials
9. the Budweiser frogs
10. Buddy Lee
celeb-reality
I wrote this blog a couple of months ago for my company's blog. If you want to read it with all links intact, click here.
I’m not sure when it happened, but Americans have become obsessed with celebrity culture. These days there seem to be more tabloids than legit newspapers in any given market. There are even popular blogs devoted solely to celebrity gossip such as perezhilton.com and thesuperficial.com, which, I admit, I check on a daily basis.
Companies are noticing this love affair that America has with celebrities and they are starting to try to use it to their advantage. In the past, American celebrities would only do commercials in foreign countries because they said that they wanted to keep their professional image in the US. Many celebrities are now capitalizing by endorsing products in the US and companies are hoping that everyday Americans will connect with their product because of their adoration for the celebrity advertising it. In a recent episode of 30 Rock on NBC, they made light of this situation. Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin) explained to a recently broke Tracy Jordan (Tracy Morgan) that to make enough money to keep from losing his house all he had to do was find a product to put his name on and it would sell. It didn’t matter what the product was because the product wasn’t what was being sold. What was being sold was Tracy’s name and image. Jack told him that people would buy him, not the product. Tracy came back with The Tracy Jordan Meat Machine. Hey George-isn’t imitation the greatest form of flattery??
I can’t help but wonder why the sudden change of heart? Why do the celebrities do it? Is it for the money? I thought they were all about remaining professional. Did they sell out? Or is it more that they want, in a way, to sell themselves? Celebrities have an image that they project to the world. This image has evolved into their brand. When you really think about it, a celebrity is a brand. You have your Tara Reids and Julia Roberts. Why else would they have so many agents, hairdressers and P.R. Reps? By doing commercials and being broadcast across the country on a daily basis they are trying to further their own brand. Plus, they have to find some way to pay for their million dollar homes.
I recently read an article on AdAge.com about a new commercial that Kevin Federline (yes, you heard me right) is doing for Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. that will be aired during Super Bowl XLI. My first reaction to this news was laughter. If celebrities are brands, then to me he is synonymous to a K-Mart shoe. I don’t see how Federline could be a good spokesman for an insurance company. To me, the match seems way off. Then it hit me. It’s all about face time for both parties, Nationwide and Federline.
According to the AdAge.com article, Nationwide is hoping for a repeat of the $7.2 million media frenzy they received after last year’s Fabio Super Bowl commercial. It got 158 million impressions and generated over 500 media stories. I think that Nationwide knows Federline is a household name all across America and by using him in their ad people will pay attention to it. People are drawn to watching Federline just like they are drawn to watching a train wreck. You know you shouldn’t but you do anyway. On the other half of this match up, Federline is out to make a name for himself. What better way to get face time then to be on TV during the Super Bowl?
All the negativity aimed at Federline lately makes me think that maybe we should all throw him a bone. Perhaps he isn’t as clueless as we think. He did manage to land a high profile commercial and this is a good example of how celebrities (or in this case wanna-be celebrities) are using advertising to extend their own branded image and get their name in the press. Even if it’s obvious that Nationwide is using his status to get a laugh out of the American public, he is willing to be the butt of the joke just to be included with the big kids. It’s a hard knock life being Britney Spears’ baby daddy.
I’m not sure when it happened, but Americans have become obsessed with celebrity culture. These days there seem to be more tabloids than legit newspapers in any given market. There are even popular blogs devoted solely to celebrity gossip such as perezhilton.com and thesuperficial.com, which, I admit, I check on a daily basis.
Companies are noticing this love affair that America has with celebrities and they are starting to try to use it to their advantage. In the past, American celebrities would only do commercials in foreign countries because they said that they wanted to keep their professional image in the US. Many celebrities are now capitalizing by endorsing products in the US and companies are hoping that everyday Americans will connect with their product because of their adoration for the celebrity advertising it. In a recent episode of 30 Rock on NBC, they made light of this situation. Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin) explained to a recently broke Tracy Jordan (Tracy Morgan) that to make enough money to keep from losing his house all he had to do was find a product to put his name on and it would sell. It didn’t matter what the product was because the product wasn’t what was being sold. What was being sold was Tracy’s name and image. Jack told him that people would buy him, not the product. Tracy came back with The Tracy Jordan Meat Machine. Hey George-isn’t imitation the greatest form of flattery??
I can’t help but wonder why the sudden change of heart? Why do the celebrities do it? Is it for the money? I thought they were all about remaining professional. Did they sell out? Or is it more that they want, in a way, to sell themselves? Celebrities have an image that they project to the world. This image has evolved into their brand. When you really think about it, a celebrity is a brand. You have your Tara Reids and Julia Roberts. Why else would they have so many agents, hairdressers and P.R. Reps? By doing commercials and being broadcast across the country on a daily basis they are trying to further their own brand. Plus, they have to find some way to pay for their million dollar homes.
I recently read an article on AdAge.com about a new commercial that Kevin Federline (yes, you heard me right) is doing for Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. that will be aired during Super Bowl XLI. My first reaction to this news was laughter. If celebrities are brands, then to me he is synonymous to a K-Mart shoe. I don’t see how Federline could be a good spokesman for an insurance company. To me, the match seems way off. Then it hit me. It’s all about face time for both parties, Nationwide and Federline.
According to the AdAge.com article, Nationwide is hoping for a repeat of the $7.2 million media frenzy they received after last year’s Fabio Super Bowl commercial. It got 158 million impressions and generated over 500 media stories. I think that Nationwide knows Federline is a household name all across America and by using him in their ad people will pay attention to it. People are drawn to watching Federline just like they are drawn to watching a train wreck. You know you shouldn’t but you do anyway. On the other half of this match up, Federline is out to make a name for himself. What better way to get face time then to be on TV during the Super Bowl?
All the negativity aimed at Federline lately makes me think that maybe we should all throw him a bone. Perhaps he isn’t as clueless as we think. He did manage to land a high profile commercial and this is a good example of how celebrities (or in this case wanna-be celebrities) are using advertising to extend their own branded image and get their name in the press. Even if it’s obvious that Nationwide is using his status to get a laugh out of the American public, he is willing to be the butt of the joke just to be included with the big kids. It’s a hard knock life being Britney Spears’ baby daddy.
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