Music, Lyrics and 'You don't Hear Jimmy, you only listen to Jimmy'

So, anyone that knows me, knows pretty well that I'm really into music, or that music plays a big part of my life. How that must sound sooooooo cliche, cause I'm sure that like 95% of people, music plays a big part in their lives. I guess what I'm tryin to get at is that, I like to sometimes let myself get swept away by music. Its sort of like, my escape. A lot of people really apreciate silence, especially at night, or when their camping... when I'm put in those same sort of scenarios, I do apreciate the silence, but I love to put on a pair of head phones, and just turn the music up, and I have a whole bunch of different genres of music to listen too at certain times. Anyways, I asked someone this weekend if they were surprised at some of the music I listen to, eg. NIN, Tool, Rob Zombie, etc etc, and she said that she wasn't surprised at some music I listen too, like Jeremy Fisher and Ben Harper, but surprised at the harder stuff, cause she said, and I quote, "your just not a violent person." That I am not, but I guess its just what you grow up with, and I apreciate the talents of some of those hard rockers - so to speak. I like that fact that they are creative with they way they play their music and somehow come up with the messed up lyrics that they come up with.

What I like most about music, is that sometimes I'll have this CD right, where I might have had it as long as like 5 years, and I put it on, cause I haven't listened to it in a long while, turning up all my favourites when the player gets to them, and then all the sudden a song on the cd, that I've always favoured over the rest, makes so much sense. OK, maybe I sound a little philosophical all the sudden, but it happens to me, where the song really relates to the way I am feeling, hence my connection earlier, with music as my escape. I don't bend the words of a song into what I am feeling, nor do I let a song kind of make up my mind, or decide how I feel, cause a lot of times theres only like one line in the song that makes sense to me, and the rest has NOTHING to do with what I'm thinking about.

Anyways, I'm getting boring, I can tell, cause I'm getting bored with what I'm talking about. But, I gotta finish my title! "you don't hear Jimmy, you only listen to Jimmy," is a quote from the movie 'White Men Can't Jump.' I really like that quote, cause Wesley Snipes is talking about Jimmy Hendrix playing on his superfly tape deck in his car, while Woody Harrelson (I can't spell these guys names, i'm horrible) is trying to tell Wesley that he can hear Jimmy, and Wesley is saying he can't. I never really understood it until, I started - so called - hearing some music. The best way I can describe it is this, have you ever turned on a song, and while you were listening to it, the music totally and completely consumes you? Like someone could be trying to ask you a question, and you wouldn't hear them. You might know that they are there, and that they may be trying to get your attention, but your head isn't really consuming that, because its totally consumed in the music. Thats what I think 'hearing' music is, as opposed to just listening to it.

And now I feel like a little 15 year old, cause I'm 'totally' using superfly cool slang, and saying that I can 'totally' relate to the music I listen too. Anyways... hahaha... yes I am a loser.

What the heck got me on this rant anyways? Oh yeah, I just read the lyrics to this song, kind of weird, but kinda cool at the same time. OH, and remember, I don't always relate to everything I listen to, cause I don't really relate to this song, its just one of my favourite songs off of the 2nd perfect circle album, so I just thought I'd post them here!

enjoy,

The Outsider, by A Perfect Circle

Help me if you can
It's just that this, this is not the way I'm wired
So could you please,
Help me understand whyYou've given in to all these
Reckless dark desires
You're lying to yourself again
Suicidal imbecileThink about it, put it on the faultline
What'll it take to get it through to you precious
Over this. Why do you wanna throw it away like this
Such a mess. I don't want to watch you.
Disconnect and self destruct one bullet at a time
What's your rush now, everyone will have his day to die
Medicated, drama queen, picture perfect, numb belligerence
Narcissistic, drama queen, craving fame and all its decadence
Lying through your teeth again
Suicidal imbecile
Think about it, put it on the fautline
What'll it take to get it through to you precious
Go with this, why do you wanna throw it away like this
Such a mess, I don't wanna watch you...
Disconnect and self destruct one bullet at a time
What's your rush now, everyone will have his day to die
They were right about you
They were right about you
Lying to my face again
Suicidal imbecile
Think about it put it on the fautline
What'll it take to get it through to you precious
Over this, why do you wanna throw it away like this
Such a mess, come to this, come to this
Disconnect and self destruct, one bullet at a time
What's your hurry, everyone will have his day to die
If you choose to pull the trigger, should your drama prove sincere,
Do it somewhere far away from here

So don't worry, I'm not all the sudden suicidal or anything, I just thought these lyrics were cool. And if you've seen this video... has NOTHING to do with this... so weird.

Cheers,
Ryan

Student Loans, Rich Kids, University and Insomnia

So, my younger brother got home yesterday, he drove all the way from HALIFAX!! Crazy kid, he left at like 5am and got here around, 10:30?? Something like that, anyways, I was chatting with him today, and was trying to tell me that only rich kids go to Dalhousie, followed by, all the rich kids in Ontario, go to "Dal". I'm sorry, I guess he forgot I went to WESTERN! So, to say the least, I corrected him, Western isn't just called a Country club because it used to be a golf course! Which leads me to my title... Upon arriving at Western, I thought the same as probably 80% of the people (like me - as in, not rich) that I was few and far between at UWO, that I was probably only one of maybe a few hundred students that was on OSAP, and that was going into debt.... RIGHT AWAY! Now, I'm not tryin to put people that are not on OSAP in the category of 'rich kid', cause there are lots of students that worked their butts off and saved their money, and work during the school year, so that they don't go in debt, and that some parents are very generous to their kids with helping w/ tuition and such... BUT, then there are those that stand out... you know who I'm talkin about. Those kids that go to Uni, wear all the latest fashions, drive cars.... that well, my student debt wouldn't even be able to pay for 1/4 of what some of those cars are worth, and go out 3 times a week.... ALL 4 years that they are in University... that is if they can stay in that long. Yes, I am talking about those people. BUT, thats about as far as I'm going to go with that, cause in all reality, I don't care.

Though, it did seem to bother my brother a little bit, since he had gone to private school with a bunch of rich kids, and he was kind of sick of all the fakeness, and people trying to be something or someone that they are not, and he was telling me he was like the only one their that wasn't loaded like the rest of 'em. I just told him about my trip to the OSAP line at Western, boy, was I amazed. These were people just like me! At the country club, waiting in line for money that will take us less than 8 months to spend, and the better part of it gone as fast as you get your papers signed! Wicked! So yeah, thats my speal about rich kids at uni. I guess my whole 'Blog' if you will, is that sometimes the rich kids stand out, cause they are the ones that are craving attention, and at first get it, but as time goes... well, you know the rest. I'll take my friends over money anyday... (why is that line kind of ringing a bell?? hmmmm I wonder.....)

To say the least, I loved Western as you can probably tell, cause everytime I write the word Western I've actually taken the time to change the colour to Purple. Pathetic, yes, I know, but thats ok, I'm allowed to be proud, I spent a fair share of the Ontario Governments money on it, and now I get to pay it back... joy

And last but not least insomnia... kind of where I sit right now... Not to the point of me being actually diagnosed with insomnia, but its just been a weird three weeks, and my clocks all messed up, so I just added insomnia to the title for drama... everyone likes a bit of drama, it gets you interested, it gets you reading... if you've read this far, congratulations, you haven't fallen asleep... note: neither have I, which is why I'm still writing...

Cheers,
Ryan

p.s. Thank you to all those people that had me in their hearts and minds this past week, your thoughts and prayers have not gone unnoticed.

p.p.s.s. I've been in all these peoples thoughts and my nose has been itching like crazy

A Letter

I just wanted to tell you a few more things... I saw Canada this summer, it was always a dream of mine, and I did it this summer. I had the most amazing time, I met so many people, and saw so many incredible things. I couldn't help but think about you when I was crossing the Praries. The numerous stories you used to tell me when I was a lot younger. I saw the infamous mustard fields, and more mustard fields. I also wanted to tell you that I finished University, I'm not sure if you knew that, but I finished last year, and I am graduating next year with a History degree with a concentration in Geography. Also, something really exciting to tell you, coming up in January I am applying to this big acting school in NYC, one of the biggest and best in the world. Literally thousands apply every year, and they only take 32! Crazy eh? Anyways, I just wanted to tell you those things. I'd like to tell you in person, but I guess it'll just have to wait. I also wanted to say thank you to you. You had always cared about our whole family and did everything in your power to make us happy, and for that I am greatfull. You are one of the reasons we are all here, so thank you. And most importantly, I love you, but I know you heard me say that. Say hi to grandpa for me.

Love, Ryan

eMOTIVe

So today I went out and bought the new Perfect Circle Album, 'eMOTIVe'. A very interesting CD to say the least. A lot of people really enjoy listening to music for just its sound, others for the song writing and lyrics, and again others that enjoy all aspects of music. I pretty much like all aspects. Anyways, another thing that some people really enjoy (including myself), is when pop culture, or superstars or famous people, whatever you want to call them, speak up and present their views to the public. Yes, sometimes it feels a bit weird when say, Axel Rose or someone like that is telling you to vote, BUT at the same time, at least they are doing it. Atleast they have the courage to stand up and say something that really matters. They don't have too, but they do it anyways because they feel strongly about it. Who cares right? Well, it is important to vote, I think so anyways, and if famous people stand up and say something, all the sudden people listen. I'm sure that People magazine and other publications like it that report on all the goings on in Hollywood sells a lot better than the political publications available to the general public. For some reason or another, in our day and age, when George Bush and John Kerry stand up and speak, yes - there are people listening, but its never enough. Every election year, the same thing happens, and you read the headline the next day "lowest numbers in history went to the polls." SO, this leads me back to the famous people standing up and telling people to vote being productive and a good thing, because someone famous like say, Sean Penn, Kevin Spacey or Julia Roberts stood up and encouraged people to vote, mentioned it in a television or magazine interview, than thats a good thing, cause it reachs more people.

ok... so this leads me to the new CD I've purchased today, eMOTIVe by A Perfect Circle. The CD is most definetly a political statement, covering songs like Marvin Gayes 'Whats going on' and John Lennon's 'Imagine'. Is there something wrong with that? I've had this conversation with a few people, and I think that history is once again repeating itself. A few years back when Michael Moore started opposing George W. Bush at the Oscar's he was BOOED off the stage, but now those same people are cheering him. What happened?? That was only a few years ago, and already such a turn around in opinions. I think that the United States Government could only control the backlash of the 911 terrorists attacks, and the war in Iraq for so long. Now there is music and movies being created directly opposing George W. and his government, and these creations are not being torn apart, argued about or anything, they are being welcomed. Green Day's 'American Idiot,' Incubus's latest release, Eminem's upcoming release and 'eMOTIVe' by a Perfect Circle, all lash out at the current politics in the US. Can you see history repeating itself here? In the 60's and 70's the most popular music of the time was that music that talked about peace and love, directly opposing the war in Vietnam, millions of people across the world were appearing at protests, and marches. Is this happening again? Green Day is not just some garage band either, nor is Eminem. Anyways, I hope peace prevails, and as much as both candidates for president are equally morons, you'd have to go with the choice of peace don't you think? One way or another, the next four years are going to be interesting.

p.s. I just wanted to add one more thing. The first song off of eMOTIVe I found very compelling, what do you think? I especially like the last line of the song.

"From dehumanization to arms production, For the benefit of the nation or its destruction Power, power, the law of the land, Those living for death will die by their own hand, Life's no ordeal if you come to terms, Reject the system dictating the norms From dehumanization to arms production, To hasten the nation towards its destruction Power, power, the law of the land, Those living for death will die by their own hand, Life's no ordeal if you come to terms, Reject the system dictating the norms From dehumanization to arms production, To hasten the nation towards its destruction Power, power, the law of the land, Those living for death will die by their own hand, Life's no ordeal if you come to terms, Reject the system dictating the norms From dehumanization to arms production, To hasten this nation towards its destruction, It's your choice, your choice, your choice, your choice, Peace or annihilation "

Written by: Matthew Borruso, Christopher Douglas, Sothira Pheng, and sung by Maynard James Keenan

ummm... The Very Beginning....

Well, I thought thats what the whole idea was when it asked me to name the title of my blog... Shows you how inexperienced I am at this sort of thing. SO, for the past year or so I've been reading a few of these blogs of some of my friends, and I thought I'd give it a shot... You know, eliminating the whole factor of people asking you, "So whats new and exciting in your life?" So if people are THAT interested in whats goin on, they can just check up on here, if not, then I'm just writing into space, either or, doesn't bother me.

SO, I thought I'd start... well, TODAY, whats happening in my life... today... WELL, this past week I've been doing a lot of thinking on what I want to do next year if I don't get into Julliard. Yes you read that right, I am applying to Julliard. What the heck right? You never know unless you try. But, I wanted to have something else there if I don't get in. Originally I was thinking about moving to Toronto, but then I thought, Why Toronto? I know the city, I live right next to it. So, it got me thinking about anywhere else in the world that I think I would like to live, and that brought me to two places, Melbourne, Australia and London, England. And I think I'm leaning more towards London, cause I think that I would really enjoy living there, at least for one year. The prospects are best there two, I mean, it is one of the most powerful cities in the world, and is still the leader of European economics, so it can't be that hard to make a living there. Also, I can work for my dad while I'm there doing sales and such, as well as going to teachers college. So... thats pretty much whats been on my mind lately. I've seen all of Canada and now I'm ready to see other parts of the world.

If I could offer any advice to any of the things that I've mentioned in this blog, I'd say this, if you ever get the chance to see Canada, do it... its amazing, every part of it, especially Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Whistler, and Victoria B.C.

Sincerely Given'er

Ryan