Talking Shit About a Pretty Sunset

Good Music

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron Ethridge) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 00:58:00 +0000

The Who - You Better

The Rolling Stones - Angie

Ani DiFranco - Gravel

Bruce Springsteen - My City of Ruins (WTC Concert)

The Polyphonic Spree - Light and Day

Ted Leo and the Pharmacists - Me and Mia

The Scene Aesthetic - Beauty in the Breakdown

I Have Music ADD (and other observations)

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron Ethridge) — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 22:57:00 +0000

I've been working all summer. It's been tough and altogether unrewarding. Still, I have been told it is worth it. And frankly, I'm too tired to not heed those words blindly.

My point?

I am not writing that much. Sorry. I know, you miss me. I'd miss me too. It may just be my luminescent self-confidence, but I would like to think I have a sort of gift at writing. I may not be the best nor the most entertaining, but I have a better grasp at this medium then it's social equivalent.

Anyways, I don't think I have made any progress on that Summer Reading/Watching list. If I did, it's miniscule at best. I have a few weeks off before heading up to Bloomington, though, so I may make a last-minute sprint to make it look like I tried.

Saw Wall-E, Indiana Jones, and Kung-Fu Panda so far this summer. I highly recommend all three. The real gem, though, is Wall-E. The robot story shows more humanity then any movie I have ever seen. You'll leave the movie changed. And, if you are like me, a little teary-eyed.

I have realized I have Music Attention Deficiet Disorder. It's not a severe case, but after looking over my iTunes library, I've come to this revelation. I do not have a favorite artist. This is not good. Why? Real, passionate fans have at least one favorite musical artist that they know from bottom-up. They know all their songs, their biography, their family members, even their birthday. So, I've looked over some of my favorite artists and decided that the least overwhelming favorite artist to recognize would be Bruce Springsteen. My goal is to know his discography, up and down.

Final Excited Note: I'm going vacation in August! NYC, Boston, and Cape Cod! It's going to be amazing. I love to travel.

Morality

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron Ethridge) — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 02:54:00 +0000

The sudden departure of Meet the Press host Tim Russert and subsequent press coverage has elicited a onslaught of emotions.

This, in itself, is rather unsettling. I rarely watched Meet the Press and I only had a passing familiarity with Russert himself. Still, his death and its affect on others has sparked some feelings that I really wish would go away.

Forgive me for the historical analogy. My life, and to some extent probably yours, is like the Cold War. We wait upon the edge of our seat for something to happen -- death. An always impending and imminent doom frustrated and scares us. We must live our lives knowing that we could die the next day.

I guess the cliche "live every day like it's your last" really does ring true.

Some might say that this is a pessimistic way of looking at life. They'll say live life one step at a time. One day at a time. Do not fear death, but welcome it. It is a new start.

But think about it.

If tommorrow is my last day, can I say that I've enjoyed my time on earth? Can I say that I've done the things I want to do?

Can I say that I've traveled, like I always wanted to do?
Can I say that I've made a family, like I always wanted to do?
Can I say that I've been successful, like I always wanted to be?
Can I say that I've lived a good life, like I always want to do?

The answer to all of these questions is no.

This is what alarms me. I know I cannot just stop what I'm doing now (working all summer) and live today like it's my last. That would be foolish.

But that's just it -- I feel like we can never win this Cold War. The Berlin Wall will not fall down. Because even if we do the things that we want to do, life will still ultimately be too short.

And so, are we destined to unhappiness?

I don't know. Right now I feel like I'm wasting time. Wasting time working. Wasting time not being around my friends. Wasting time not pursuing possible relationships. Wasting time not traveling.

It's a vicious circle, really. And there is no end in sight.

In Defense of Obama

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron Ethridge) — Wed, 07 May 2008 02:05:00 +0000

Like it or not, Barack Obama will be the Democratic Nominee in the November 2008 Presidential Election. Mathematically, it takes real work for a Clinton supporter to argue that she will be ahead come the convention. Frankly, the chances of her gathering enough pledge delegates to ouster Obama's substantial lead are about the same as me getting laid this summer.

So, enough with that.

The Clinton v. Obama debate will continue, but the nomination really was cemented when white Iowa voted for and gave the momentum to Black Barack Obama. Collectively, they sent a signal to America - that being wealthy and white is no longer a qualification for leadership. What I am going to address here are the attacks on Obama, particularly those consisting of so-called "weakness" on issues and his appropriation of a populist, image-driven rhetoric.

The debate over the Democratic nomination has recently degenerated into petty polemics and rhetorical attacks against each candidate. Folks hurl the words bitch, liar, cunt, etc. towards Hillary Clinton. Although her image is not as polished as Obama's and she has definitely bended the truth in some occasions (Bosnia and NAFTA come to mind), this is certainly not true. Hillary supporters attack Obama and say that he is "weak on the issues" and that Obama supporters are being brainwashed by his flashy smile and populist rhetoric. To be fair, this is certainly an excellent and often utilized argument. But before I get to defend Obama on this aforementioned appropriation, a word on the actual attacks from the Clinton supporters:

It seems that as much as the "Hillblazers" argue that Obama is weak on issues, they are not certain on the issues that Hillary embodies. In fact, I daresay that as many Obama supporters who are voting based on "image" there are an equal number or more who are voting Clinton based on "issues". This means that while some Hillary supporters are voting for her because she is "good at the issues", they rarely know what these issues are. Forgive me for making a mass association, but I have talked to numerous Hillary supporters that do not know Hillary's stance on issues like education, Iran, or even the much publicized gas tax. So the leveling of attacks verse Obama supporters, although warranted, are made up of a group of supporters who certainly do not have flawless reasons for voting for Clinton.

Now, onto the attacks against Obama's rhetoric.

First of all, it is easy to see that Clinton has utilized this same populist message – especially as of late. The "Yes We Will" speech, a blatant mockery of Obama's brilliant "Yes We Can" speech is just one of the few examples as of late. So, once again, Clinton supporters are making a flawed attack since their candidate appears to be endorsing the same type of rhetoric.

Second of all, one must look at the reason why this populist rhetoric is used. It's because – simply (and excuse my language) – it fucking WORKS! Think about it. If Obama replaced "Yes We Can" with "Let's End The Economic Crisis by Cutting Down on Fraudulent Mortgages", it would not only be a mouthful to say (not to mention hard to cohesively coordinate), but it would be boring. Note: That actually is one of Obama's plans on improving the economy. Obama's rhetoric attracts people. In a age where many are apathetic to politics, a politician who shares a similar hatred against partisanship is refreshing – especially against a member who participates actively in it. Obama wins votes because of his message, yes, but those votes are from people who probably would not have voted. The large amount of people that care about politics and support Obama do not praise him because of his fantastic speeches, but because of his stance on issues.

Third of all, let's look at some of the greatest past presidents. Clinton, Ronald Reagan (debatably), JFK, FDR, Lincoln – the list goes on. What do these people have in common? Yep. You got it. They all have the ability to communicate with others. That is what made them good Presidents – the ability to listen and act. Obama fits into this patriarchal line. Hillary, on the other hand, probably does not. Her best speech, far and away, was when she adopted and manipulated Obama's slogan. I am by no means endorsing Obama as the next FDR (he does not have one quality FDR had -- polio – yeah, I went there).

Finally, an invitation. Go to barackobama.com. Look at the text "Blueprint for Change". As cliché as the name sounds, it is the Obama Bible. This is Obama's message stripped down -- all the "issues" you want.

Summer Reading/Watching

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron Ethridge) — Mon, 05 May 2008 05:59:00 +0000

As promised..

Fiction

On The Road - Jack Kerouac
Moby Dick - Hermann Melville
Catch 22 - Joseph Heller
Blood Meridian - Cormac McCarthy
Slaughterhouse-Five - Kurt Vonnegut
As I Lay Dying - William Faulkner
1984 - George Orwell

Nonfiction
Guns, Germs, and Steel - Jared Diamond
The World Without Us - Alan Weisman
Lies My Teacher Told Me: Everything Your American History Textbook Got Wrong - James W. Loewen
The Year of Living Biblically: One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally As possible - A.J Jacobs

Movies
The Godfather
Schindler's List
Goodfellas
The Indiana Jones Series
Fight Club
Apocalypse Now
Full Metal Jacket
Enternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Saving Private Ryan
Batman Begins
Gladiator
Children of Men
Trainspotting
Ratatouille
Atonement

Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron Ethridge) — Mon, 05 May 2008 04:28:00 +0000

For some reason, I always had a hatred for summer. I never realized why until I experienced my first football-less summer in ten years last summer. And.. you know what? Summer ain't half bad. In fact, I daresay on a list of my top four favorite seasons, it would be in the top 2 (fall r0xorz). Still, it's better then winter -- which is far too cold, and spring -- which makes a rain-lover a rain-hater.

Anyways, I kinda have some "summer resolutions" -- if you will bare with me for a few. I would like to articulate them, because I have the naive belief that if I say something it will make me more likely to actually do it.

First of all, I want to work out. I gained ten or so pounds during the school year and I want to get my weight down to a healthy 175-180. However, I'm going to go for the old addage "If you shoot for the moon, you will land in this stars" and thus say that my goal is to get a six-pack of abs and a rock hard body. Those goals might be extra-galactical.

Second of all, I want to get a job. Nuff said. I need to get a job, or I'll be effin' broke next year.

Third of all, I want to read. Read in massive proportions. I want to become efficient in spotting allusions from miles away. It's something to add to my intellectual side that I lack -- the ability to insert a nerdy allusion to some 19th century Dickens classic.. So, I'm going to compile a summer reading list that should be posted soon: My first book is On The Road by Jack Keroauc -- really fucking awesome. Equally, I want to watch movies. I seriously have not seen that many "guy" movies, and I feel like I need to be enlightened. I also will be compiling a summer watching list.

Fourth of all, I want to go to a concert. A professional, musician concert. My only concert before this is Weird Al Yankovic and although it was awesome, it did not present the normal concert environment. Thus, I've settled on either a.) going to Bonnaroo (the two day musical festival in Tennessee) or b.) going to Radiohead in Indy.

On a totally unrelated note, I'm not sure what college I'm going to next year now! If I go to Indiana, there is a distinct possibility I may be homeless. Sweet action.

Freshman Year: Reflections

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron Ethridge) — Thu, 01 May 2008 14:51:00 +0000

It is hard to believe that Freshman year is already coming to a end. It seems like just yesterday when I was moving into the dorms. This year has been a challenge to me - both academically and socially.

I have taken some rather difficult classes - Arabic, Finite Math, Political Theory, and a 300 level history course, to name a few, and managed to succeed at most of them. Many times, I have sacrificed my social life for my academic life. This seems to be at such a stark contrast with the Aaron of a year ago: slacker, a joke homecoming candidate, and that "goofy" kid who never gets his work done. Honestly, I have a feeling if I went back and told my classsmates and my teachers that I got into the Hutton Honors College and have a 3.8 GPA they would be in utter shock. So, forgive me of my scatterbrainedness, but I think I've done well as far as academics go.

Socially, I've been alright. I've made a few close friends. There are many who I will miss over the summer and will surely be hanging out with when we get back. I've cycled through some friendships and realized that a lot of people here are not worth hanging out with. Equally, I've had some ladyfriends who I have realized they are not all who they say they are (and a few who did not say anything ;)). But as much as I've put into my friends, they've given back. Sure, we all have our flaws, but it's the ability for other people to get over them to determine how well of a friend they are to you.

So, all in all, Freshman year is probably a success. It wasn't all that I hope for, but it provided some fantastic things that I really didn't hope for at all. Quick - top 3 moments of freshman year - go!

1. Indiana Football vs. Purdue and the subsequent rushing of the field.
2. Indiana Basketball vs. Purdue and courtside seats.
3. The ridiculous of Little 5 week (or at least the stuff I remember).

A New Civil Rights Movement?

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron Ethridge) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 21:34:00 +0000

A interesting discussion came up today in my African American history class. We were discussing the structure of the Civil Rights movement post-King assassination (consisting mostly of a band of King's followers and the Black Panther party) and the professor posed the question of how far have blacks progressed since 1968. This, in itself, is a question that can't possibly be explored in a blog post, or even a book. A few responses were heard, mostly consisting of the same argument: not much has changed. I sort of disagree with this (progress is relative, in my opinion), but I am more interested in the question he asked after. Could a New Civil Rights Movement occur?

It is a interesting supposition. Perhaps a more viable question would expand the definition of "Civil Rights" to deal with economic matters. In fact, Martin Luther King Jr. correctly moved from Civil Rights to Economic Rights (and consquently the Vietnam War) towards the end of his life. It was his assumption that poverty was at the heart of Civil Rights, and economic and political rights were essential the same. Once again, though, I digress and return to talk of a new Civil Rights Movement.

The crux of the argument would deal with the condition of minority youth today and it's ability to unity. Some might view this as a bit of a misnomer because many movement leaders were old in the 1960s. The fact remains, though, that older blacks are most likely content with their place in society. They have been through movement(s). The Youth gave the 1960s Movement its numbers and eventually its energy, producing leaders like Jesse Jackson. Thus, the youth will have to be the leaders of this so-called New Civil Rights Movement.

The notion of individualism verses collectivism is paramount to this discussion. America is a individualistic culture. This individualism existed in the 1960s, but only to a certain degree. Crisis unifies people and causes the emergence of a collectivist identity, and the aforementioned time period has its fair share of crises. Events like World War II, the murder of Emmit Till, Sunday Bloody Sunday, and the Montgomery Bus Boycott motivated a collectivist attitude to form. The question is whether or not Black youth could adopt this collectivist attitude.

On September 11th, America came together. Before that, I daresay the last collectivist galvanization occurred during the Vietnam War. This is due to the desensitization that has occurred in America towards violence and fear -- mainly due to the media. Black America is a "me" culture and a "we" culture is needed to be a catalyst for said political movement. A absolute plethora of products are produced as a result of the need to maintain a self-image rather then a group image. Therefore, it is easy to conclude that the black youth could not adopt a collectivist approach to the movement.

Still, the Populist message of Collectivism is heard throughout America during this election cycle with Barack Obama. It obviously is working to a degree -- and could be further expolited if put in the hands of a "right" leader. Unfortunately, Black America does not have this leader. And as much as Blacks want to adopt Obama as said black leader, it is abudantly clear that he is not a typical African American. His background, his culture, his life do not represent the struggle of the African American. Even if he was this atypical African American, his political sway would be greatly diminished if he replaced his populist message with a cry for Black rights.

Therefore, the only way a New Civil Rights Movement could exist would be for a Martin Luther King-esque figure to arise -- someone who is not interested in political power. This, coupled with the media's willingness to cater to such a message (which is very doubtful) could jumpstart this movement.

Talking Shit About A Pretty Sunset

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron Ethridge) — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 02:20:00 +0000

More than ever, it fits.

Oh, noose
Tied myself in, tied myself too tight

Looking kind of anxious in your cross-armed stance
Like a bad tempered prom queen at a homecoming dance
And I claim I'm not excited with my life anymore
So I blame this town, this job, these friends, the truth is it's myself
And I'm trying to understand myself and pinpoint who I am
When I finally get it figured out, I've changed the whole damn plan

Oh, noose
Tied myself in, tied myself too tight
Oh, noose
Tied myself in, tied myself too tight

Talking shit about a pretty sunset
Blanketing opinions that I'll probably regret soon
Changed my mind so much I can't even trust it
My mind changed me so much I can't even trust myself

Finding a Path

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron Ethridge) — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 02:05:00 +0000

It is course registration time again.

In other words, its time for me to have a existential crisis. This next semester has a climactic feel to it. The classes that I take have to work towards my major or I will be, pardon the pun, majorly fucked. I have been working towards a History and Religious Studies double major with a additional minor in Arabic and possibly Political Science. And as structured as my path seems to be, I'm freaking out.

It's not that I don't enjoy these subjects -- History has always been a passion of mine and the Indiana University Religious Studies department is #1 in the nation. It's the finality of it. The classes I choose to take will inevitably be the types of classes I will be taking the rest of my collegiate career and possibly into graduate school. I feel like I need to be 100% content with the goals I intend on pursuing. If I don't, I'll lose motivation.

So, I've been thinking. Honestly, if I could do anything for the rest of my life, it would to be to go to school. If I ever get enough money to retire young - which is looking like a daunting task considering the current state of our Social Security program - I would do it in a college town, attending lectures and classes just for the hell of it. College is great. Where else can you experience top of the line athletics, academics, and partying? Bloomington, without a doubt, has the best atmosphere of any small town I've been to. I ran this belief across a friend of mine and he suggested education. After investigating it, Indiana University does have one of the best Education programs in the nation. But, as much as I love to learn, I'm not sure if I would have the same passion for teaching.

I've thought about other things -- Business, mostly. It's a surefire way to get cash right out of college and I need the money to get rid of this massive debt that's piling up already. Philosophy - I love intellectual, abstract conversations. Criminal Justice - being a cop would be total badass. Anthropology - very, very interesting. English - I love to read. It really goes on and on. But, in the end, I've come back to the same path. I still don't know what I want to do after college, but I have a feeling that these classes with be interesting and prepare me for the world.

So, after all this, what's the point?

I guess what I'm thinking is that one really doesn't have to be 100% content with what you are doing. If your conscious tugs and pulls you to different roads, it's not that big of a deal. In fact, if anything it is showing how much you care about your life. So although I may not be content, I still signed up for classes fufilling my major. I may not be content, but I am happy.

2008 Fall Classes

NELC A200: Intermediate Arabic (MWF: 9:05-9:55)
HIST B323: History of the Holocaust (MW: 1:25-2:15, F: 10:10-11:00)
REL R257: Introduction to Islam (MW: 2:30-3:45)
HIST C376: Greek History: Bronze Age to the Persian Wars (TuTh 1:00-2:15)
HIST W325: World War II: The Peoples (TuTh 2:30-3:45)

American Idol - The Top Six

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron Ethridge) — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 02:45:00 +0000

Yes. I am a huge fan of American Idol. I am -damn- proud of it. I work around my scheduavile to watch contestants butcher songs. Once in a while, however, a contestant really pulls off a decent performance and shines. This season, there have been few spectacular acts. Yet, it seems like this season has the most unique singers, and I daresay that this Top 6 is the most diverse yet. I have my favorites and I definitely despise a equal number of them. That being said, here are the contestants and some highlights of the season.

The Departed:

12th place David Hernandez - David wasn't cut much slack. He was, after all, a former gay stripper. After the scandal broke, it was clear that his reputation would be damaged. If anything, his boot shows how most of America (or at least the American Idol audience) still cannot accept homosexuality. His performances were strong and contained hip-swaying that was, now that I remember it, probably reminescent of a male stripper. My personal favorite performance is his cover of The Temptations "Papa Was a Rolling Stone" -- possibly the best male vocal performance yet.

Video: David Hernandez - Papa Was a Rolling Stone (Temptations Cover)

11th place Chikezie Eze - Yes, that is his name. Originally despicable and arrogant, Chikezie definitely came around in the end. After his boot, it became clear who the chosen winner would be: a white male. He tried really hard to be a Luther Vandross-esque singer, but his real talent lied in - you guessed it - country? Yes, the black soul singer excelled in turning songs like the Beatles "She's a Woman" into bluegrass straight out of O Brother, Where Art Thou?.

Video: Chikezie Eze - She's a Woman (Beatles Cover)

The Top Six

6. David Archuleta - When David Archuleta first auditioned, singing "Waiting on the World to Change" by John Mayer, I thought I liked the kid. Most of America did as well. In fact, right now he probably is the best bet for the winner of this competition. The producers and his fanbase, which consists of rabid thirteen to sixteen year old girls, have done all they can to ensure this eventual victory. I, however, fucking hate this kid. This hatred is deep and angry, surprising even myself. I oftentimes don't even watch his performances. Why? Part of it is because he's so clearly the producer's favorite. His voice sucks -- he sounds the same every performance - like he smokes a pack a day. That being said, I did find his cover of "Imagine" by John Lennon rather endearing, although most of the credit can be given to the song itself.

Video: David Archuleta - Imagine (John Lennon cover)

5. Syesha Mercado - Syesha is probably one of the better technical singers left. Her tendancy to oversing, however, has given her the nickname "Screamsha". For me, there are nights where she is really endearing and nights where she is disasterous. She never seems to have a mediocre night. She seems to have a solid fanbase as the only African American and the only woman who can pull off diva-esque songs. One of my favorite performances of this season came from her during Dolly Parton night -- her performance of "I Will Always Love You" is powerful, poignant, and sincerely underrated.

Video: Syesha Mercado - I Will Always Love You (Dolly Parton cover)

4. Carly Smithson - Carly is, without a doubt, the producer's favorite girl. And for a reason: This girl can sing. And, with her numerous tatoos and Irish grunge rocker look, she definitely brings a certain uniqueness to her performance. Unfortunately, that's all she can do. Her stage presence is lacking and she makes the most awkward maneuvers when trying to hit a note. Carly at her best, though, is really, really good. And plus, she can clean up if she wants to: case in point, her excellent performance of "Here You Come Again" during Dolly Parton week.

Video: Carly Smithson - Here You Come Again (Dolly Parton cover)

3. Brooke White - Originally, she was my favorite female contestant. Although her performances have definitely gotten worse lately -- she still is. I'm not sure if this is a testament to how good Brooke is or how bad the rest of her competition is. She, without a doubt, has the most stage presence of any other girl. Her Carly Simon singer/songwriter vibe is really kickass. She performs with a lot of emotion, and is easy to connect with. And did I mention she is the hottest girl ever on American Idol? That always helps. Anyways, here's probably my favorite performance of the season by any Idol:

Video: Brooke White - Let It Be (Beatles Cover)

2. Jason Castro - Jason Castro is the most unique American Idol contestant ever. His audition was never shown, and he wasn't even a known contestant until he reached the top 24. Swiftly, though, his popular skyrocketed and I became a avid fan. With dreads to die for and magnificent talent with the guitar, I'll even admit to getting lost in his eyes a few times. He won me over the first week with "Daydream" and hasn't looked back. Unfortunately, though, he is too much of a singer/songwriter to become the type of monetary success that the producers want, and thus he will probably lose.

Video: Jason Castro - "Hallelujah" (Leonard Cohen Cover)

1. David Cook - Anyone who auditions with "Living on a Prayer" is good in my book. I appreciated David Cook as a rocker early, but he has emerged into a frontrunner that could defeat David Archuleta and his squadrom of teenies. He, without a doubt, is the best rocker this shown has ever seen. Yes, beating out the famous Chris Daughtry. He's inventive and fresh -- something that this show has needed for a long time. And, on top of that, he has a pretty kickass voice. Enough of that -- here are my two favorite performances of his:

Video: David Cook - Billie Jean (Michael Jackson Cover)

Video: David Cook - Always Be My Baby (Mariah Carey Cover)

Welcome

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron Ethridge) — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 00:17:00 +0000

Stay tuned for some pretty awesome blog posts, yo.

Gone

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron Ethridge) — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 00:02:00 +0000

There were few men who are more passionate about their careers then Cliff Guilliams was. There were few men who were more passionate about life than Cliff Guilliams was.

Since his untimely death, many have written or spoke about the man. Admittedly, I do not have as much to offer as they do. My image of him consists of a comfortable man, smoking and drinking while enjoying his passion - horse racing. I have a feeling that's all he wanted.

We've Lost More Than Horse Sense