Music Review??

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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

Jay and Nick (Best Friends?)

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.

WINTER POEM! [snowflake battle?]



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.

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


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?

Thankful for a Classmate?

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...)

I am a Plow? (human or machine?)

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.
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.