Music Review??

Friday, December 17, 2010 by Chigo

 http://www.tvfanatic.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/10/the-fray.jpg
Alright guys, so I'm supposed to review some music for ya. While I did spend almost forever debating what exactly to review. I did finally make up my mind.
The Fray.
Let's start with some background:
The Fray is an American rock band from Denver, Colorado. Formed in 2002 by schoolmates Isaac Slade and Joe King, they achieved mainstream success with the release of their debut album, How to Save a Life in 2005, which was certified double platinum by the RIAA and platinum in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK. The Fray achieved national success with their first single, "Over My Head (Cable Car)", which became a top ten hit in the United States. The release of their second single, "How to Save a Life", brought the band worldwide fame. The song charted in the top three of the Billboard Hot 100 and was a top 5 single in Australia, Canada, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

"The Fray":
The group's second self-titled album, released in 2009, debuted at number-one on the Billboard charts and was certified gold in the United States, Australia and Canada. It was also nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album in 2010.The Fray was ranked #84 on Billboard's "Artists of the Decade" list.
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Every song in the album has passion and finds a way to tug at your heart. Isaac Slade's vocals are gripping, and draw the listener into each lyric. Slade has so much emotion clearly exhibited in his songwriting and piano ballads. Ah, he's pretty much the only reason why I love the Fray. 

"The Fray" Album Track Listing
1. “Syndicate” – 3:31
2. “Absolute” – 3:47
3. “You Found Me” – 4:04
4. “Say When” – 5:02
5. “Never Say Never” – 4:16
6. “Where the Story Ends” – 3:57
7. “Enough For Now” – 4:14
8. “Ungodly Hour” – 5:04
9. “We Build Then We Break” – 3:48
10. “Happiness” – 5:22
Standard Edition iTunes Bonus Track
11. “Fair Fight”
Deluxe Edition iTunes Bonus Tracks
11. “Where The Story Ends” (Piano Version)
12. “Absolute” (Acoustic Version)
13. “You Found Me” (Acoustic Version)
14. “Fair Fight”
15. “Uncertainty”
16. “You Found Me” (Video)
17. “You Found Me” (Making the Video)
18. “Making The Album”(Video)
thefray_fullband

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Jay and Nick (Best Friends?)

Saturday, December 11, 2010 by Chigo

Jay and Nick. Nick and Jay. These two have become the most profound characters in the book so far, and their relationship,the center of the story. The two met rather unusually at one of Gatsby's elaborate parties. First, they causally talked. Then, Nick said something about not meeting the host (Gatsby) yet. That must have been awkward since Gatsby was right in front of him. I'm pretty sure this same exact thing has happened to me before. I mean it's not possible to know everyone right? Unless you're like a directory or Yellow Pages or something. Anyway, back to Jay and Nick. Nick and Jay. The two quickly bonded and had much in common. They were apparently in the same division in the military and are now next-door neighbors. What' s better than a friend next door? Nothing right? Well, on the surface Gatsby and Nick may seem like the best of friends. But, what exactly were Jay's motives for the friendship? Well, good question. Later on in Chapter 4, it is reveled by Jordan that Gatsby is using Nick to get close to his cousin, Daisy. Daisy just so happens to live down the lake from Gatsby. Is that creepy or what?
Jay's relationship with Nick could be serious. Jay could possibly want to have a genuine friend for a change. However, using Nick to get to Daisy does not sound like a start to a good friendship. If Jay wants Daisy so badly he should just go get her himself. He should not use the innocent Nick as a pawn. He is human too.
Whether Jay Gatsby is truly just using poor Nick or wants to achieve an authentic friendship, we have to read to find out.

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WINTER POEM! [snowflake battle?]

Friday, December 10, 2010 by Chigo



You, Me, We and The Tree

Reds and Golds, not long ago
And only once a nip of frost.
Now a land dressed in snow
All our autumn innocence lost.

Willow trees, bare and lonesome
Fanning their branches endlessly.
Dreaming grass, a dancer
Sways with admirable flairs.


Cold days, foggy nights,
The flutist always plays his instrument.
Gloomy sky, a sea of turquoise gems,
Unfolds her arms to embrace the snowflakes.


Hollies and mistletoes, afloat,
Weightless in the cold air,
Berries and pine cones,
Scattered on the tarnished ground.


It wore a coat of snow
Upon its many arms.
The twinkling light of night
Reflected back its charms.


And as we felt the cold,
At once, the tree and me
Did lift our frigid wings
As winter set us free.

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The Trick of Writing? [you want tips??...I give you tips]

Thursday, December 9, 2010 by Chigo


Personally, I believe a "good writer" should be able to write decently in any situation. In any situation. That including like sitting on the ground outside, Indian style, in the snow, with only a pencil and paper. I don't exactly understand what I'm writing. So, I will continue this in some other direction. 

I have taken the liberty of compiling a list of two"helpful" tips...for the ones with an ambition to  become a famous writer or [insert writing involved job here]. Here it is:

First, and probably the most important tip...with technology these days, there is no need for editing your words. Honestly, thinking while you write or type just is an overall better way to go. Also, doing so is much more "creative" and for the most part unconscious. The words will seem more descriptive and will easily paint a picture for the reader because it is coming straight from your mind. You know what I mean?

Second, and probably a lot more important than the first...read your words out loud. If you can not read your own writing, then obviously no one else will be able to either. If the sentences don't sound right or seem lengthy, correct it. 

There you are. Some tips to perfect your future writings. Obviously, I'm no bestselling author but, I am a high school student... that's got to count for something right?

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Thankful for a Classmate?

Thursday, November 25, 2010 by Chigo

So, as you may know (if you live in America), today is Thanksgiving. On Thanksgiving Day, you basically list out everything you're thankful for because you are asked that particular question at least 100 times. "What are you thankful for?" Well, it just so happens, that for this class I was again asked this question. However, there was a twist to this question. It was turned into who exactly are you thankful for? But, it didn't stop there. The madness continued. Who in this class, are you thankful for? Honestly, I don't think that's a fair question. I think if I were to praise and and just list out all of the great things about one person....well, others would be left out. So, I don't think I want to chose. But in all seriousness, if I completely had to....chose. I'm talkin' really had to chose....one person. Just one. That I am thankful for. One. Not two. If you can count, it wouldn't be three. Could be fou....wait no just one. That specific individual would have to be....you know..that one...with the face...next to that girl...behind that guy...that sits kinda dia...gonal or maybe horizontal from that one guy. Sort of on the side of that person...almost approximately two sits in front (or maybe behind). That could be anyone right? Honestly, I am thankful for everyone in this class. Every single person. Because seriously, I learn more from you guys than from Mr. McCarthy. aha just kidding (maybe...)

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I am a Plow? (human or machine?)

Thursday, November 18, 2010 by Chigo

So, I went to google, typed "I am a Plow" in the search bar and clicked enter. The results varied from ATV Plows to Snow Plows to Farmer Brown's Plow Shop. I am not exactly sure what a legit plow is. Aren't they machines that push stuff around? Like snow? According to Dictionary.com, a plow (plou) n. is a farm implement consisting of a heavy blade at the end of a beam, usually hitched to a draft team or motor vehicle and used for breaking up soil and cutting furrows in preparation for sowing. Oh, and it also can be used as verb meaning to break and turn up earth with a plow and to undertake (a task, for example) with eagerness and vigor.Well if I were to compare myself to a plow, my actions really wouldn't resemble those of a Plow. Since I'm not controlled by a farm worker and used to move dirt. But, that's all on the surface. Obviously, I'm not a plow... I'm a human. Metaphorically, I could be a "plow". In the sense that a plow, pushes things around and and gets rid of whatever is in the way. But, I wouldn't say that I am a plow. I'm not a bully. Which a plow kinda is. If a plow were a human, which it is not. A plow takes out whatever is in its path and destroys it. I defiantly do not. Therefore, I am not a plow.

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Class in a New Direction? (...just a little something wrong with this class)

Thursday, November 11, 2010 by Chigo

Well, I will start off by stating some facts. This class is my most entertaining and interesting class. Unlike World Studies, I tend not to sleep in it. Even though it is really early in the morning (2nd period). Last, this class does not need any form of improvement. I know a majority of that could have been considered simply opinion, but seriously I don't really think I would have any opposing opinions. So they must be facts. duh. Anyway, if I was forced at gun point to make a suggestion, I would have to say that maybe adding more frequent visits to the tech lab for class, or maybe even going outside a few times....would be great.  I'm sick of looking at the back of Anna's head and that chalkboard...and sitting in those uncomfortable metal chairs. So, yeah best class ever. The end.

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Slave to Society? (Just a little something about those conformists)

Thursday, November 4, 2010 by Chigo

Today, there has been an instant wide spread of conformity. Conformity can be easily defined as the process by which an individual's attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors are influenced by what is conceived to be what other people might perceive (as defined by dictionary.com). So, in many words that is basically saying that conformity is when people change their ideas, their morals, or even themselves because of other people. Obviously you're probably reading this right now thinking...what is this girl talking about? How is this possibly slavery? Slavery is when someone is forced into labor. Sorry to say it but you are incorrect. Slavery maybe when someone is forced into labor etc. but seriously, I do consider conformity slavery. A slave to society. 
Conformist tend not to think themselves. They are controlled by acts of others and they are very much like puppets being controlled by their masters. Of course, conformity is a choice in some cases. Sometimes people just want to fit in. So they change themselves. But other times you don't have a choice? I mean sometimes...you are forced to change yourself, and dismiss your own believes because being yourself could be dangerous? I'm not exactly sure what I'm getting at. But, anyway I'm just saying that those conformists are slaves in their own way. In a milder form that is. Do slaves always have to be forced into slavery? 

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House of the Seven Gables (just a little something I know you don't know about Salem and the Puritans)

Friday, October 29, 2010 by Chigo


      Alright, so I wanted to start of by saying that there is a distinct difference between the Pilgrims and the Puritans. Even though many use the two interchangeably, the two are not synonyms for each other. Both the Pilgrims and the Puritans disagreed with many things about the Church of England and both groups settled in large numbers in what is now Massachusetts. The Pilgrims were separatists who believed that the Church of England could not be reformed. Separatist groups were illegal in England, so the Pilgrims fled to America and settled in Plymouth. The Puritans however, were non-separatists who wished to adopt reforms to purify the Church of England. They received a right to settle in the Massachusetts Bay area from the King of England.
      Now that we have that out the way, I shall move onto the more interesting things. The Puritans were obviously not actually as the Hollywood movies portray them to be. For many, the word "Puritan" provokes ideas of constant bible reading, no fun and dull colors. This is simply because that's what's depicted in the history books. While on the contrary,  Not all Puritans wore only black-and-white with hats as tall as Abe's and flooding pants. Many painted their homes in multicolor, not only brown. In addition to this, many wore colorful clothing, drank alcohol in moderation, and even dated. The Puritans also danced and enjoyed life all together. They were human-beings not just zombie Jesus-Followers. But, God was the center of their Universe and they were completely obsessed with not wasting a second and in some cases, outlawed Holidays (even Christmas) because they saw them as a waste of time. 
      The Puritans were behind many witch trials, scares and hunts. The most famous of those occurred in Salem, Mass. Over the period of 10 months, 165 people were accused of being a witch in Salem. Also, in that same 10 month period, 150 people were put in prison. 19 young women were hanged in Salem accused of being a witch. One man refused to admit he was a witch and was crushed to death with stones as the authorities tried to get a confession. It is a common belief that witches were burned in Salem after being convicted, while actually they were only hung until dead. 
      300 years after these  horrid events, the Governor of Massachusetts, Jane Swift, issued a proclamation that stated that those who were accused of committing "witch craft" or any wrong doing to others were innocent. This proclamation was issued on October 31, 1992. Today, there is a theory that identifies the cause of Salem's hysteria to be Ergot or Fungus Poisoning. While imagination also played a large role in the trials. Many falsely accused others out of greed and vengeance. Thus resulting in unjust convictions.
      After the 17 century, the Puritans' attitudes and ethics continued to develop an influence on American society. They made a virtue of qualities that made for economic success and also influenced modern social and economic life. Qualities included: self-reliance, frugality, industry, and energy. Their concern for education was important in the development of the United States, and the idea of congregational democratic church government was carried into the political life of the state as a source of modern democracy.

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The Moment I knew I was an American (just a little something about me...an American?)

Thursday, October 21, 2010 by Chigo

American [uh-mer-i-kuhn]-noun, as defined by Dictionary.com, is simply a citizen of the United States of America. 
However, there is truly much more to being an American then just being a citizen. An American can get through so much to obtain the honor of holding such a title. An American can have a background and culture so unlike another. An American can be different and still fit in. Being an American is for the most part something to be proud of. If there is nothing in your life you feel you have accomplished, you can cross "become an American" off your list. That is, if you are an American? To me, an American is not an adjective or noun. It is not a word placed to separate the people in the United States from those in Africa, Asia or even Europe. An American is defined by those who are American. To understand the complete concept of being an American, you must become one yourself? How is that possible if you do not know what an American is? It's not that complicated. Being an American is almost a state of being. It can not be completely verified by "papers" or forms with signatures.    
From my own experiences, I did not come to America in a boat. I did not walk across the border with bare feet or illegally "jump" gates to California. No, I took the easy way. Through my mama's tummy. The day I was born, I came to America fair and square without the hassle of sneaking in. I automatically became a citizen and had my entitlement to become an American. But was I really an American? At that moment as an infant, I definitely knew less about being an American than those who actually had to smuggle themselves across the borders. But I was actually born here and with that became an "American." Obviously there is something wrong here. 
According to official documents, I am an American. With this, I have been granted the freedom of life, liberty and pursuit of happiness, but to me I think I have not been given this fairly. I'm not exactly sure if I am American. I haven't done anything noble like join the Military or run for President. I don't really know what it means to be an American. Thus, I am not exactly 100 percent sure I actually am one. I celebrate the fourth of July every year with barbecues and fireworks, but what does that really mean? I'm not a be fan of McDonald's. But on the other hand, Hamburgers are pretty delicious. Can I still be an American? 

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US vs THEM....Us and them (just a little something about conflict)

Thursday, October 7, 2010 by Chigo

Alright so I'm pretty sure a majority of people have at least been in one form of conflict or another. Well, conflicts (or fights) can either end in one of two ways. Either both sides decided that it wasn't that important and resolve it, or they both act immature and never decide to fix the problem. From my own experiences, I would say that I usually forgive and forget. I mean what's the point of holding grudges, right? But, not all people would agree with me...
Many conflicts these days have ended fatally. I guess no one really values life the way they should. Have you ever wandered through a neighborhood, wondering if you were going to get shot or not? I mean come on, why would anyone shoot you? You didn't do anything wrong, right? Wrong! Man, it's called "Crossfire." You being in the wrong place at the wrong time can end your life. Why does this have to be? Conflict. Conflict between people who just don't like each other. A conflict you shouldn't have to be apart of, right? I guess I have a lot of  question for you reader..but it's true. Conflict between two different groups. Gangs. And your life could be taken away because of it. That's crap. It's messed up.
Anyway, conflict for the most part is a waste of time. Peace and love guys that will make the world go round. Why get mad when you can get glad? I know I stole that from a commercial (those Glad garbage bags) but seriously that is the most inspiring quote ever. Gosh, I think everyone should live by that. But seriously, conflict for the most part gets us no where. It's unnecessary and useless.
I mean think about it. All the soldiers dying in Iraq. All the bombs. All the terror. It's insane and all because the "man" in charge believes he's right and the other side.... Is wrong. Crap. It's crap. No need for violence y'all. Peace in da Middle East. Seriously, all this war and fighting crap is not worth it. Man, people be stupid.

Like the Black Eyed Peas said:

"People killin', people dyin'
Children hurt and you hear them cryin'
 Can you practice what you preach
 And would you turn the other cheek
Father, Father, Father help us
 Send some guidance from above
 'Cause people got me, got me questionin'
 Where is the love."

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John Proctor, Hero or Stooge? (just a little something about mr. john proctor)

Thursday, September 30, 2010 by Chigo

There's a question that can be easily debated and can be greatly supported with evidence on both sides. Based on the title, you must have guessed it. John Proctor: Hero or Stooge? 
For all of you who don't exactly know what a stooge is (I know I didn't), I have oh so kindly decided to look it up for you. Well, based on wikipedia (which is always completely accurate), a stooge is generally defined as a person that is under the control of another. Being called a stooge is not a form of praise. Stooge can also sometimes be used to mean "idiot".
On the other hand, a hero would be considered as a person of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. After reading Act I of the Crucible, John Proctor for the most part (as I interpreted) shows no signs of stooge-ness. On the contrary, many of his actions show maturity and Heroism.  
After Abigail confronted John about their affair and stated "I am waitin’ for you every night." John replied "Abby, you’ll put it out of mind. I’ll not be comin’ for you more. You know me better." This shows the change in John. He realized that his relationship with Abigail was morally wrong and even though he did make the mistake of lusting for her and pursuing in sexual acts while married to Elizabeth, He tried to right his wrongs and end it with Abby. This is key in the decision of whether or not John Proctor would be considered a Hero or Stooge.
A hero is not always someone who has never done something wrong or someone who has never made a false move or mistake. A hero can be someone who has chosen to help others and himself (In this case, John's moral right was in some ways purified by this act. As well as, benefited Abigail whether she see it as a blessing or not). 
Ending the affair with Abigail was a honorable act on John Proctor's part. It takes a true hero to understand where they have wronged, and identify the need for improvement. Thus, John Proctor is a true hero. 

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Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God ( just a little something about the Puritans)

Thursday, September 23, 2010 by Chigo

    So, if you read the short little preaching made by Jonathan Edwards, you will completely understand what follows. However, if you didn't or have forgotten the main idea of it, I would definitely recommend reading or re-reading the thing. Anyway, here I go.
    In one specific preaching of John Edwards, he spoke of God's mighty wrath and how if you don't live exactly as the puritans did you are most likely going to experience the great and mighty wrath of an "Angry God." This preaching was ultimately directed towards sinners and the purpose may have been to tell them to follow God or die. As an example, Edwards states that "the wrath of God is like great waters that are damned for the present; they increase more and more and rise higher and higher, till an outlet is given; and the longer the stream is stopped, the more rapid and mighty is its course when once it is let loose." In this section, Edwards is speaking of the power God has and how at any moment, at any second, God can be angered by a sinner and release his great force onto him. However, today, the God worshiped by modern Christians is mainly viewed as a loving and caring God. This is very contrary to what is being exhibited in the preaching by Edwards. The God they worshiped may have been different than today, but the idea of fearing God and his wrath, still exists.

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there goes the neighborhood. (just a little something about being different here)

Thursday, September 16, 2010 by Chigo


So in this world (well in America)  there are two major groups of individuals. I would say that those groups would include: majority (white/ Caucasians people...to be politically correct) and minority (everyone else). I would say that I fall in the minority category. You know based on my origin of ancestry. However, since the civil rights movement and such, those of African-American descent have under law been created equal to those of the majority. I, on the other hand, do not entire believe that all have created African-Americans equal. I am surely convinced that based on my experience (which I will share with you in a couple of moments) you will completely agree with me, or at least understand where I am coming from.

So it all started in my infancy, when my parents moved me and my siblings to a small street on Chicago's North Side somewhere in Lincoln Park. As I grew up, I noticed that everyone on my street (that meaning my neighbors) were indeed white (or Caucasians to be politically correct). Every time, I went to the neighborhood playground with my mom and sister, all of the kids (white of course) would runaway from me as if had a disease (chicken pox perhaps). Most of the time I would think we were playing tag so, I would proceed to chase them. But, of course, I would never catch them. I never fully understood what was wrong with me and what exactly made me different. Until, I got a little older and realized that the parents of those kids probably thought I was some hoodlum at a young age, who would steal their kids' toys.

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just a little introduction.

Thursday, September 9, 2010 by Chigo

So for this blog, my first entry is going to be about myself. Thus, I will start off by saying that my name is Chigo, and I am currently in the beginning of my sophomore year. I am basically fully Nigerian (that's a country in West Africa). Also, I would say that when it comes to school, I am a very good student. I guess I could say that I'm bilingual. Since, I'm fluent in English and well taking Spanish Class. I love soccer. I've been playing it since forever. Almost everyone in my family plays it too so yeah. Besides, soccer I'm not really into sports. Except like baseball, basketball and track and such. So I guess I am into sports. More about me? Well, my birthday is sometime in June. This making me fifteen years old. Also, my favorite food has to probably be pizza. It's so good. I can live off pizza, X-Factor Berry+Fruit Punch Gatorade and twix milkyways. That would be enough. If I was stuck on a desert island, I would probably bring an ipod (and charger), outlets, gps, laptop and a book. Oh and my favorite foods. That would be completely enough.
My goals for this class (American Lit.) and this school year would probably be to one, do well. I'm not sure  anyone would not want to do so. Also, I would like to understand and completely absorb everything I learn. Meaning that I want to remember everything I learn for years to come. Not just for the year or semester but forever. Third, I would say that I would want to study more and not procrastinate. So far I think I'm doing a pretty good job with that.


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