Entertainment State of the music industry 02-06-2013

The music review format is predictable by now: the album, song or artist is broken down, and then debated on the merits of the effort before attaching a number of stars, letters, points or flaming CDs.

The problem becomes that this is on too small of a scale and it doesn’t look at the big picture. Who is looking at the music industry as a whole? Who is passing out the flaming CDs for that? Well, it seems like it’s about time someone did.

It would be a waste of time to spend this entire review critiquing all the individual bands. So instead, I will review the latest music trends that are changing the music scene.    

The Good.

“Vaguely folkish Alternarock”  — While folk music conjures up images of old men, banjos and the ‘30s dust bowl, these antiquated images are not what should come to mind from modern folk music. Artists like Mumford and Sons, Bon Iver and Fleet Foxes have set forth a revitalization of this old standard. The upgrade in lyrical content and music style is something other genres could take a few notes from.

“Dubstep” — While dubstep might not be for everyone and has certain negative connotations it is about how lazy and unoriginal by just copying off other people’s work, the spirit behind it is a good one. The barriers to entry are relatively low (some might call this a bad thing). It has the same do-it-yourself spirit that helped birth punk rock so many years ago.

“Technology”  — While technology might not be a genre, it is an increasingly prevalent trend. Audiophiles can rejoice as speakers are getting better, cheaper and smaller. Those $400 Beats by Dre headphones that seem to be little more than a fashion accessory are also technologically superior to most headphones on the market. Technology isn’t only limited to the hardware, as websites such as Pandora, Grooveshark and Spotify have made sharing and discovering new music easier than ever thought possible.

The Bad.

“Dance, Pop, Rock, R&B and Musical Vomit”  — This is really a mash-up put forth by Justin Bieber, One Direction and the Jonas Brothers. Their popularly was unfortunately brought on by teenage girls and older fans who were obsessed with these men 10-20 years younger than them. While it might seem like the stereotypical male college student’s response to hate these bands sight-unseen, this dislike goes further than that. 

Lyrical content, music video production and simple creativity are all null and void when talking about these groups.

“The Paparazzi Whores” — With varying degrees of success, talent and popularity, this is a broad genre, but those in it seem to be increasingly known for their actions off stage. Who remembers Britney Spears’ latest tour versus the time she shaved her head and attacked a paparazzi SUV with her umbrella?

Kanye West’s albums have sold fewer copies with each new release. However, he is better known for knocking up a Kardashian and attacking a photographer in an airport.

While a lot of child stars fizzle out after their shows go off the air, Miley Cyrus has had a moderately successful career after “Hannah Montana,” but has been in the news more for risqué pictures than her latest single.

“The Band that Wouldn’t Die”  — While some bands will put out a handful of albums, break apart and then sink into relative obscurity until a reality TV show is made about them, there is a darker side of music. Aerosmith falls in to the dark side. 

For 38 years the band has been putting out the same crap, across 15 albums. It simply will not die. 

The Rolling Stones ended last year with 50th anniversary tour. Who would have thought even 25 years ago the Rolling Stones would still be on stage into their late 60s?

“Nickelback” — Everyone hates Nickelback, end of story.

Based on this breakdown, music as a whole right now deserves three flaming CDs out of a possible five. While things have been on an upward trend, some of the disasters of the past, boy bands, song-specific dances and hair metal keep the music industry from reaching its full potential.

http://www.westerncourier.com/the_edge/state-of-the-music-industry/article_02f90abe-7087-11e2-a5fd-0019bb30f31a.html

Op-Ed I'm voting because... 10-24-2012

I’m voting because every vote counts.

So often I’ve heard the argument made that, “I’m only one person, and one vote doesn’t matter.” I can’t help but disagree with this argument, based on personal experiences.

My story takes place a few years ago when I was still living with my parents and going to Kankakee Community College. My parents live in an unincorporated portion of southern Will County, Ill. called Wesley Township, which boasts a population of 2,568.

Reading the Free Press Advocate, a weekly paper published in the closest town, Wilmington, that covered the township, I learned they wanted to increase property taxes in the township, small at first but after a few years the growth was going to be quite large compared to what the township was offering in exchange.

When it was time for the election, proudly went to the voting booth and expressed my opposition to the tax increase.

I remember this day clearly because that morning before I left to go vote, I gave a stirring stump speech about taxation without representation that I doubt anyone in my family listened to or remembers to this day.

So, I proudly got off my rear and went to the polling place, and I cast my ballot against the tax increase.

When I picked up my special election edition of the Free Press Advocate, I was met with both surprise and delight to see that the tax increase had been narrowly defeated by one vote. That’s all it took, a single vote. Prior to this election I might have been someone to spout out, “I’m only one person, and one vote doesn’t matter.,” but this experience was all it took to make me a believer.

So, despite feeling that your vote might not matter, despite the feeling that you are one insignificant little cog in the greater political machine that is the electoral college system, just remember that your vote could be the deciding factor. Your vote could what it takes to change the world.

http://www.westerncourier.com/opinions/i-m-voting-because/article_2f57de1e-1e43-11e2-bbab-0019bb30f31a.html

Op-Ed Top eleven stories 12-05-2012

Real zombies found in nature

Zombies are commonplace in the media, but scientists have recently discovered zombies already present in nature. An alarming number of parasites and funguses are creating zombie-like symptoms in their hosts. Barnacles castrating crabs and taking over their brains. Worms growing inside snails, causing them to try to get eaten by birds. The best of these is a parasite living in cat litter that grows inside human brains, affecting behavior and feelings — and is being linked with schizophrenia.

AFT union wants Bar-style exam for teachers

The American Federation of Teachers, which represents more than 1.5 million members, is advising the creation of a Bar-style exam for potential teachers before they make it to the classroom. The exam would be similar to the way lawyers must take an exam before they can start practicing law. The AFT report wants the exam to go in place for all grade levels from kindergarten through college. Currently, all 50 states require teachers to be licensed, which means a bachelor's degree and some in-class experience, but only a handful require exams.

The McRib is back

Starting Dec. 17, the taste sensation that sweeps the nation once a year is back for 2012. There are a number of theories as to why the McRib is put out only once a year, such as pork shortage, pork prices or the scarcity of demand raising sales. But, the important thing is that your favorite barbecue-slathered, rib-shaped sandwich covered in onions and pickles is back for just a few short weeks.

$1,000 dollar bikini airshow

The Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam (CAAV) has fined VietJet Air for roughly $1,000 for an in-fight performance that showed off several bikini-clad dancers. Passengers on the inaugural flight between Ho Chi Minh City and Nha Trang were treated to a three-minute show in the aisles of the jet. The big problem with the show wasn’t so much that they did it, but apparently no one remembered to ask the CAAV for permission before the event.

Netflix exclusive with Disney

Despite offering thousands of movies at any one time, it always seems as though there is nothing good to watch on Netflix; however, fans of the media service can rejoice as they have announced an exclusive contract with Walt Disney Studios. All of the Disney classics — be it “Dumbo” or “The Little Mermaid” — will be available now, in true Netflix style (never the one you want to see, but all the ones you don't). Fans of new releases will have to wait until 2016 to see these films.

http://www.westerncourier.com/opinions/top-eleven-stories/article_44e852fa-3f08-11e2-b9b6-0019bb30f31a.html

Entertainment It's Halloween, so try to be original 10-31-2012

Halloween is finally here and can only mean a few things: candy, decorations and, most importantly, costumes. With so little time left before trick or treating (or partying), you need something that is hip and fresh instead of dusting off that Avatar you made as a senior in high school. So, submitted for your approval, here is a list of costumes inspired by events over the last year.

“Snookify” Anything: Snooki has been done as a Halloween costume for several years now time to take it to the next level. Take the tight leopard print dress, high heels and poufy hair a little farther by combining it with another costume. Snooki Vampire? Snooki Iron Man? Snooki Panda? Bonus Points: Little Snookified baby on your waist.

Batman: From $19.97 Walmart specials to $1,600 official replicas, a Batman costume isn’t hard to come by; it’s standing out as one of 37 Batmen at that Halloween party that becomes the challenge. To change things up, try Grandpa Batman (gray hair, cane and a pot belly) or perhaps Bruce Wayne (spend the night telling people you aren’t Batman). Bonus Points: Pink Hello Kitty Batman. 

Kristen Stewart: The clothing doesn’t make this costume; the key to this costume is to keep an emotionless face for the entire day. Don’t blink, don’t smile and, whatever you do, don’t let any emotion show. Bonus Points: Have a secret relationship with anyone dressed as a vampire and then cheat on them. 

“The Avengers”: The best way to get this costume to work is with a large group of friends and to represent everyone from the movie. I don’t just mean Iron Man and Captain America, but also lesser characters like Special Agent Phil Coulson, Dr. Erik Selvig and Georgi Luchkov. Bonus Points: Anyone (even those in the costumes) who recognizes and can name the minor characters. 

“The Hunger Games”: Short of a movie grade special effects flame suit, the easiest way to establish this costume is a tight jacket, cargo pants and weapons. Swords, bows or explosives make sure everyone knows you will be the winning tribute. Bonus Points: Not getting arrested for carrying around a sword and threatening those in your way. 

Honey Boo Boo: All you need are a tutu, tiara and a sequin-encrusted dress. Make sure to stock up on lots of “Go-Go Juice” to give you the energy to win that beauty pageant or costume contest. Bonus points: Carry your pet pig Glitzy around with you all night and try not to eat him. 

“Fifty Shades of Gray”: This costume could go two different ways: First, there is the dedicated fan, wearing the recognizable gray tie, handcuffs and blindfold as you announce to the world your love for suburban mom porn. The second is to acquire 50 gray paint samples and attach them to your clothes to take on the book in a literal sense. Bonus Points: Creating a tasteful combination of both the ideas.

Psy: Sunglasses, tuxedo, bow tie and a healthy amount of pomade give you the look, but mastering the “Gangnam Style” jockey dance is where the costume is made. Bonus Points: Convincing all the sexy ladies to do the “Gangnam Style” dance with you. 

Clint Eastwood: Carry a chair around with you all night, keep talking to it and keep telling it that you won’t give in to its demands. Bonus Points: If you can get a friend to dress up as your chair.

“Magic Mike”: No shirt, a tie and a pair of tight pants make this costume easy to put together. Who doesn’t love a topless man on a 36 degree Halloween night? Bonus Points: Being in shape enough to pull the costume off or out of shape enough to make it hilarious, think Chris Farley and Patrick Swayze on “SNL.”

My Little Pony: Don’t let gender pigeonhole you on this one. Pick your favorite pony (Applejack will always hold a special place in my heart) and match your clothes to the pony’s color. Don’t forget to sew a few wigs together for your fabulous mane. Bonus Points: Making this costume that’s based upon a children show as sexy as possible.

Vintage Internet: The Internet is a strange place compared to where it was 10 years ago, and the perfect costume might be informing people of this fact. So break out your “Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers” T-shirt and inform the people of the amount of time it took to download a song off LimeWire on your 56k modem. Just remember, Internet Explorer is the only way to go, Yahoo! provides your search results and Facebook is still two years away. Bonus Points: Give people a rousing rendition of that dial-up sound and make sure to yell at your mom for picking up the phone before making the sound again.

http://www.westerncourier.com/the_edge/it-s-halloween-so-try-to-be-original/article_7274ee00-2387-11e2-bc4e-001a4bcf6878.html

Op-Ed More parties, better options 11-9-2012

"The lesser of two evils” became a phrase as common in this presidential election as “hanging chad” was back during the 2000 election. 

The phrase is usually used to describe the choice between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney, but what if this election season, people had other choices — 27 choices even — wouldn’t that make for a better election? 

The truth is, Americans did have that many choices, but third party candidates are often unknown and looked upon with a level of disdain normally reserved for child molesters or Nickelback. 

Following the coverage of third party candidates, one subject was mentioned often — the magic 5 percent. It seems as though getting 5 percent of the vote would be such a small and insignificant amount, and it’s certainly not going to get anyone into the the White House. 

But, winning isn’t what all candidates are looking for. Third party candidate Gary Johnson acknowledged this fact in a recent interview with the politics website Politico, “I think Obama’s going to win; that’s what I think.” 

With winning out of the picture, what 5 percent does get a candidate is movement of their political party to the status of an official minor party. As an official minor party, they are given access to federal funding, which makes it easier for them to get on the ballot — a particularly important issue, considering no third party candidates were able to get on the ballot in Oklahoma. Of the 27 third party candidates running, only two were able to get on the ballot in Illinois. 

As far as reaching this lofty 5 percent goal, the candidates did pretty horribly. Of the 27 candidates, only two were able to make it above 0.1 percent of the popular vote. Those were Jill Stein representing the Green Party for 0.3 percent, and Gary Johnson, a man who many thought could pull off 5 percent or at least close to it, managed to pull off 0.9 percent. 

So, why should America care? The third party candidates represent a lot of issues. One major issue is the effect of money on American politics. It’s no surprise that major candidates like Obama and Romney spent a fortune to get voters. 

Estimates have shown the candidates spent somewhere around $2 billion on advertising this election. Excluding Super PACs and national committees, the Obama campaign still spent $553.2 million — about $9.12 in advertising for each vote. 

Romney spent $360.4 million — about $6.23 per vote — while third party candidate Gary Johnson only spent $2 million, getting his votes for a seemingly cheap $1.76. It really goes to show how big of a difference a massive amount of cash can make in a campaign. 

The third party candidates also represent choice. 

With the current two party system, choice is largely an illusion for some people. With only two candidates being offered to them, it becomes a game of trying to match what are deemed the most important issues to a candidate — again, back to the idea of the lesser of two evils. 

Given the spirit of democracy in this country, the idea of picking the lesser evil to run the county seems un-American. These third party candidates can fill the holes that some candidates create. 

So, in four years when it’s time to pick a new president, maybe it’s time to start looking at these third party candidates. Maybe voters’ views are more in line with Virgil Goode and his Constitution Party, or even Roseanne Barr (yes, that Roseanne), and they can finally pick a candidate that speaks to their views and needs instead of being stuck with the lesser of two evils. 

http://www.westerncourier.com/opinions/more-parties-better-options/article_975c42a0-2aac-11e2-a56b-0019bb30f31a.html

Entertainment Mental health in film 11-14-2013

Mental illness is represented heavily in all forms of media. It’s a common occurrence for a reference to mental illness to be made when talking about the suspect of a violent crime. The most popular movies, television shows and books all seem to have characters suffering from a mental illness usually it’s an illness that is heavily visual and interesting to watch (anxiety, OCD, narcissism). Depression is portrayed through crying or suicide contemplation, while more common but less visually exciting symptoms like fatigue, irritability and loss of interest are left out.

Every so often the writers do their research and give an accurate description of these mental illnesses, so here is a sampling of some movies (and a TV show) that shows this off.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest — Perhaps the most famous movie depicting a mental institution, McMurphy (Jack Nicholson) doesn’t have a mental illness so much as he wants a shorter and easier jail sentence. The film, however, does show several patients who have accurate depictions of varied mental illnesses and, more importantly, it shows the reaction to and treatment of mental illness. Perhaps it’s a little outdated, but it still holds as a good representation.

Garden State — In 2004, Zach Braff removed his scrubs and tried to take his comedy to a more serious level. “Garden State” shows an excellent rendition of depression. Braff’s character shows all the signs: fatigue, loss of interest and difficulty concentrating, just to name a few. As previously mentioned, most of these symptoms are often overlooked in depictions of depression.

Lars and the Real Girl — Many might have missed Ryan Gosling in his performance as Lars, a young man who suffers from delusional disorder and starts up a romance (non-sexual, so don’t get too freaked out) with an anatomically correct sex doll. What “Lars and the Real Girl” is praised for here is the way it deals with the mental illness. Instead of simply medicating Lars and trying to forget about the issues he has, the people of his small town come together and work with him and his “girlfriend,” Bianca, as a sort of group therapy.

American Beauty — Almost all the characters in this movie suffer from one mental illness or another. It looks as though someone flipped through pages of the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders” and picked disorders at random. The Burnham family breaks down to a mother with narcissism, a daughter with borderline personality disorder and a father with passive aggressive disorder. Meanwhile, next door, the Kane family has a father suffering with paranoid disorder, a son with Schizotypal disorder and mother with avoidant disorder. The movie shows a somewhat over-the-top depiction of what happens when people with different mental disorders collide.

Little Miss Sunshine — This wonderful little comedy shows a family where pretty much everyone is suffering from one mental illness or another. The narcissistic father, the brother who is dealing with depression and a recent suicide attempt and the son dealing with a developmental disorder with mutism are all characters dealing with mental illness, and it is only by some miracle that the family is able to stay stable and stay together.

United States of Tara — Mental health on television is sometimes dealt with in a light or humorous manner without showing the consequences. However, for three seasons on Showtime, “United States of Tara” did a decent job showing what happens when a family has to deal with one member’s mental illness and the issue of someone with a mental illness deciding to get off medication. The show also gives a sampling of the chaos a mental illness like dissociative identity disorder can bring not only to an individual but also to the family.

Perhaps these movies don’t always offer a 100 percent accurate depiction of mental illness, but without having to deal with these issues personally and without spending years caring for someone with mental illness, it’s hard to form that attachment in only an hour or two. Perhaps that’s why people in movies are able to overcome issues quicker than in real life. So, next time you watch a movie with mental illness, look for something that represents an accurate depiction, rather than something over the top like “Monk,” who, even though he has a severe form of OCD, manages to overcome it every week, only to be back in the same place by the next episode.

http://www.westerncourier.com/the_edge/mental-health-in-film/article_816a56fe-2e93-11e2-8740-0019bb30f31a.html

Op-Ed Top reasons Black Friday sucks 11-26-2012

There is one phrase that strikes fear in to the heart of retail employees, from veterans to newcomers. It isn’t “mandatory meeting” or “payroll taxes.” It’s something far worse Black Friday.

This shopping sensation is quickly sweeping the world. The advertising and notoriety of Black Friday are at a record high. Even European countries have started adopting this random discount insanity day. As a retail veteran of five Black Fridays, I have to say this is an evil, evil day that needs to be stopped. 

But someone might ask, “What’s so wrong with this day?” Not to worry, I’ve compiled a list of reasons.

Sales: While it might seem like the sales are one of the best things about Black Friday, they are far from it. This really breaks down in two directions. 

The first is the fact that the sales really aren’t there anymore. Black Friday has become such a social event that people don’t notice the lack of good deals. Looking over the world of social media, no one I know commented about amazing deals. Everyone was talking about catching up with Becky at Marshalls at 3 a.m. or finally living out a secret fantasy of shoe shopping at 4 a.m. 

The second is that Black Friday screws over small businesses. Wal-Mart can afford to offer Furbys at just a few percent over cost because it will sell millions of them. However, there is no profit to be made for a small business that will only sell 100.

Crowds:  This is less of a problem in Macomb, but in a major metropolitan area, the crowds can be quite intense — not to mention the several thousand people trying to get the best possible parking spot. 

People are trampled every year trying to rush through the doors to get a new 50-inch TV — because let’s face it — that 46-inch you have at home just isn’t giving you the best possible picture for watching “A Christmas Story” eight times on Christmas Day.

Lines: I remember my first Black Friday and the horror of the lines I discovered just an hour after we opened. With all registers open, the line wrapped around the inside of the store. As a new employee, I was tasked with trying to sell the customers in line last-minute impulse items. Talking to those waiting, I was informed it was roughly an hour and a half to check out. To this day I still can’t fathom how saving 10 percent on a CD would justify waiting in that line.

Violence: Every year on Black Friday, the evening news has the same breaking story — “Woman trampled trying to save three percent on a PS2” and “man pulls gun on fellow customer who tried to cut in line.” 

Can’t this violence be saved for something a little more productive than Black Friday sales? Perhaps we tell the American shoppers that North Korea has great deals on the new Justin Bieber perfume and see if they can’t defuse that situation.

Family:  When I worked my first Black Friday, we opened painfully early at 4 a.m. Now, sales are starting at midnight, 8 p.m. — or even 8 a.m. — on Thanksgiving. 

Working in retail, I might have to work when I could be spending time with my family on Thanksgiving. By missing Thanksgiving, I won’t be able to see my Uncle Marvin, and I will have to go over to his house this holiday season without the buffer of the rest of my family. So, instead of spending 15 minutes hearing about his collection of country records before throwing my sister under the bus, I will have to go to his house and listen to them for a few hours.

 At the rate things are going, Black Friday sales are just going to keep starting earlier and earlier. I hope that the world can get this shopping bug out of its system before the entire month of November becomes a 24-hour-a-day, nonstop shopping extravaganza. 

With all the evils of Black Friday, though, it could be worse. The Friday after Thanksgiving could be Nickelback Appreciation Day.

http://www.westerncourier.com/opinions/top-reasons-black-friday-sucks/article_3cef333a-3804-11e2-bc82-001a4bcf6878.html

Entertainment Men worthy of movies 11-28-2012

In recent years there has been a recurring trend at the box office: the biography. Larger-than-life figures such as J. Edgar Hoover and Abraham Lincoln have been put on the screen with more to come such as Alfred Hitchcock and the recently announced Johnny Carson biopic. Who will be the next to have their story immortalized in film? Here is a list of ones that seem worthy of the honor.

Bob Dole: Many remember Bob Dole for referring to himself in the third person, but few realize he had an impressive political career that lasted more than 40 years. He also is the only person to run for both Vice President and President and not make it to either spot. 

If all this political gobbledygook sounds like a boring story, Dole was also a war hero. In WWII, he earned himself two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star. These came from an incident where young Dole came under fire from a German machine gun and took upwards of eight bullets in the shoulder and arm. They gave him the largest dose of morphine they thought he would survive, wrote M for morphine on his forehead, and he spent the next nine hours on the battlefield waiting to be rescued.

Nikola Tesla: In recent years, it seems as though the allure of Thomas Edison has worn off and people are starting to recognize the people from whom he ‘”borrowed” ideas. Most notable among those is Tesla, who in addition to having a car company named after him in recent years also had an internet campaign to buy his old laboratory and turn it in to a museum of sorts. 

Unfamiliar with Telsa’s ideas and innovations? Here is the short list of his work as a mad scientist, for which we wouldn’t have these things today: alternating current, neon, lighting, remote controls, X-rays and cryogenics. His inventions didn’t stop there — Tesla also created an earthquake machine that threatened to destroy his neighborhood. 

In the 1890s, he was able to create ball lightning — something scientists are still trying to replicate — and the piece de resistance, the Teleforce, a charged particle beam projector, a.k.a. death ray, that he invented and claimed to have tested, which would stop armies dead from up to 200 miles away.

Herman Melville: Literary heavyweight Melville is perhaps best remembered for his novel, “Moby-Dick.” He also wrote many more stories on the subjects of whaling, sailing and general adventuring. 

While these are exciting tales to read, they are mostly based on his personal experiences. Becoming a professional whaler, being marooned on an island for two weeks and falling in love with a beautiful young native who happened to be from a tribe of cannibals and engaging in a mutiny or two are all events from his adventuring days that made it to his novels.

Ernest Shackleton: Largely forgotten in modern times, Shackleton is mostly known for a number of expositions to the Antarctic. While he wasn’t the first person to the South Pole, he did attempt to become the first to cross the Antarctic from one side to the other. 

Before his ship could even land in Antarctic, it got stranded in the pack ice. Eventually, the ice crushed and sank the ship, and Shackleton and his 27 men spent six months in a makeshift camp on the ice, adrift in the ocean. They made it to a small island, but they weren’t saved yet. Shackleton and a crew of five made an incredible 800-mile open ocean journey in one of the lifeboats to civilization before finally rescuing the rest of his crew. 

Through amazing leadership and skill, Shackleton was able to do all this without the loss of a single life. Upon returning to his native England — instead of resting or retiring — he immediately volunteered to help the WWI effort, even though he was past the enlistment age of 42.

Leon Czolgosz: Those unfamiliar with Czolgosz might be more familiar with his actions. On Sept. 6 1901, he assassinated William McKinley, the 25th President of the United States. 

Czolgosz worked a number of factory jobs starting at the age of 10, and by the age of 25, he had witnessed a number of violent strikes and horrible working conditions. He decided there was a great injustice in American society that allowed some to get so rich by exploiting the poor. So, he moved in to his parents’ basement and spent his days drinking milk and reading anarchist literature while hatching his plan to assassinate McKinley.

http://www.westerncourier.com/the_edge/men-worthy-of-movies/article_32c521f6-39c3-11e2-8cb6-001a4bcf6878.html

Entertainment Top albums of the year 12-05-2013

As 2012 winds down, it’s time for newspapers, news programs, websites and overly passionate bloggers to start writing their “Best of 2012” lists. My taste in music is often described as different — or hipster — by friends and family, so in that spirit here is my top eight (because 10 is too mainstream) list of best albums for the year 2012.

1. Godspeed You! Black Emperor – “Allelujah! Don’t Bend! Ascend!” Few bands return after an ‘indefinite hiatus,’ but GY!BE returned to put out their best album yet. This album is by far not only their best but also the best album this year. This album features the post-rock/ambient/found sound that GY!BE has become known for. The mixing of songs like “We Drifted Like Worried Fire,” which sounds akin to what they were playing 10 years ago, with “Their Helicopters’ Sing” — a progressive track that sounds like nothing done before — this album is not only one of a kind, but also the best of the year.

2. Mumford and Sons – “Babel” Mumford and Sons returned this year, and while some bands that have had the hype they did on the first album often return in mediocrity, “Sophomore Slump” “Babel” is far from it. This album has reached international acclaim and really shows off the indie folk style that has made Mumford and Sons famous. The title track “Babel” is a fine example of what makes this band special, and how they stand out from a lot of repetitive music getting radio play nowadays.

3. fun. – “Some Nights” Originally I had ignored fun. Being a fan of lead singer Nate Ruess’ earlier band, The Format, I was worried. This is a catchy and clever album, and really a pleasant surprise. While songs like “Some Nights,” — which received an incredible amount of radio play are delightful, it’s other gems like “Why am I the One” that are what put this album in the top list.

4. Andrew Bird — “Hands of Glory” Classically trained musician Bird is back again with his most ambitious album yet, “Hands of Glory.” This album stretches from creepy ghost-like sounds, to more folk oriented sounds with a cowboy twang. Bird’s cover of “Railroad Bill” breathes light in to a traditional song and gives it a new life the way that all covers hopefully should. Cover songs aside, Bird’s self-written work, such as“Spirograph,”also cause this album to shine.

5. Fiona Apple — “The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than the Driver of the Screw and Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do” Back in 1996, Apple came on to the music scene with tracks like “Criminal” and “Shadow Boxer” and since then despite making two other CDs really hasn’t shined until her newest release “The Idler.” Forget everything going on about Apple in the media — drug busts and canceling concerts because her dog died. Her album is incredibly sharp and amazing.

6. Frank Ocean — “Channel Orange” Relative newcomer to the world of music, Ocean is quickly becoming a big name in the world of R&B. “Channel Orange” is a phenomenal album. The lyrical content is fresh and exciting and Ocean is picking up a lot of buzz from other hip-hop artists. What makes this album of the year material are tracks like “Sierra Leone” and “Pyramids.” These powerful tracks feature amazing lyrical content and an impressive beat.

7. Deftones — “Koi No Yokan” Heavy hitters of the Nu-Metal trend so prominent in the late ‘90s to early ‘00s and then largely forgotten, Deftones have returned with their best album in 12 years. This album features a full range of sound, and is really a breath of fresh air to the stale alternative metal that is being put out by most bands. Heavy hitters like “Rosemary” — reaching almost seven minutes in length — are what make this album shine. They sound new and fresh coming from a band that has been together for 24 years.

8. Grizzly Bear — “Shields” Grizzly Bear’s fourth album “Shields” shows what it means for a band to grow and progress. The band has grown out of the adolescent stage and into a full-fledged adult. The album has countless little moments that make it special, and on a lyrical level the tracks offer a deep conversation with the listener. “Sleeping Ute” is an amazing track that might seem like it is about failed relationships, but on a second listen feels like it might be about even more. 

Honorable Mention:

Sufjan Stevens — “Gold and Silver.” Every holiday season a few performers write a few new holiday songs, record a few that are in public domain and then release it just in time for the season. Although it doesn’t feel like album of the year material given that it is a Christmas CD. What make’s Stevens’ project, “Gold and Silver,” stand out is the fact that it is a massive five-CD box set featuring multiple new recordings and classics re-recorded. The box set also includes stickers, temporary tattoos and paper ornaments — some assembly required.

http://www.westerncourier.com/the_edge/top-albums-of-the-year/article_8e15df54-3f05-11e2-b8c2-0019bb30f31a.html

Op-Ed The argument in favor of paper currency 02-01-2013

Boring statistic — as of 2011, there were 261 million Visa credit cards in existence. Exciting statistic — 90 percent of all paper currency in this country contains trace mounts of cocaine. Made up statistic — paper currency is 86 percent better than credit cards.

The trend seems to be that society is using more plastic and less paper currency for how it pays for goods and services. Some think that we will get rid of paper currency entirely and go to an entirely electronic system. This shouldn’t be the case. Like the made up statistic said, paper currency is far better and here are a few reasons why.

1. The Feel — While paper currency sounds like it would be made of wood pulp, in the United States it is a unique blend of 25 percent linen and 75 percent cotton. This gives it a truly special feel. Who would want a hard chunk of plastic in their hands when they could hold a crisp, new, unblemished dollar bill? Or a lovingly worn dollar, as soft and as comfortable as a pair of broken in jeans.

2. The Budget — While at Wal-Mart, I finally find that limited edition, life-size garden gnome I’ve spent months looking for. With a credit card in hand, I can simply make this impulse buy, ignoring my budget and then won’t have to worry if I will be able to pay my rent. However, if I am limited to cash on hand, I might not be able to purchase it at this time. I’ll have to walk to my bank, mattress, sugar momma or wherever else people keep currency in and get the money I need. This walk might give me the time to reflect upon the purchase I’m about to make and keep me

on budget.

3. The Bill — We’ve all been out to dinner with that guy. It’s time to pay and the bill needs to be split. The guy, of course only has a card on him. He demands exact change from everyone so he can pay with his card. Without exact change everyone just rounds up. Suddenly his $8 meatloaf platter is down to $4, and everyone else secretly resents him for this. Everyone hates that guy; don’t be that guy.

4. The Find — Find a credit card on the ground and all you really have is a piece of plastic. Try and use it, and that’s theft, which means jail time. Return it to the owner and you’ll be lucky to get a “thank you.” Find a $20 bill on the ground and you can be living off Taco Bell for the entire weekend, worry free. Few things in life give the same joy as finding a wad of 13 singles crumbled up in your jacket pocket, forgotten in the back of the closet since last winter. It’s sort of like winning a miniature lottery you threw

for yourself.

5. The Theft — The average identity theft costs the victim $4,841. Lose your wallet (bursting with credit cards, receipts and other important documents) and you can lose a large chunk of change. It costs on average almost $1,000 dollars to clean up after that pesky identity theft. Lose that same wallet loaded down with paper currency, but not credit cards, and you’re out $37, a condom and some expired Dairy Queen coupons. It just seems to make sense to avoid carrying those credit cards around.

While this old school approach to settling our debts both private and public, might not seem“progressive,““logical“ or “for everyone,“ there are quite a few arguments that can be made in favor of paper currency. While I don’t see the country switching over to this way of thinking, it hopefully will provide some food for thought about getting rid of paper

currency entirely.

http://www.westerncourier.com/opinions/the-argument-in-favor-of-paper-currency/article_72126b72-6cc0-11e2-98b5-0019bb30f31a.html

Op-Ed Disneyland vs Disney World 11-28-2012

Disney World

One surprising detail that eventually comes out about my past is that I am a former Walt Disney World cast member. I worked there for only a few months, not as a character — as is the first question I am asked — but in the Magic Kingdom as a lowly food service employee. 

In addition to my former employment, I have visited Disney World more times than I care to admit. Learning I am a former cast member, most people proceed to ask me a dozen or so questions. There are two things in the questioning that set me off with a surprisingly fierce answer. The first is someone considering Disney World and Disneyland the same place, because one is vastly superior to the other, and the second is making the mistake of asking me, which one is better.

In 1955 The Walt Disney Company opened Disneyland, the first modern theme park. In 1971 they outdid themselves and perfected it by opening Walt Disney World.

Many of the key ideas of Walt Disney World were actually built out of the failures of Disneyland. The famous story goes that Walt Disney was in Tomorrowland in the original Disneyland and saw a cowboy walking through on his way to frontier land. Seeing the cowboy, he realized that the illusion he was trying to create was destroyed. Because of this experience Walt Disney World was designed differently, the Magic Kingdom is actually on the second floor, while a series of tunnels known as the “utilidor” takes up the first floor. This allows for costumed employees to travel around, without worrying that the illusion they are trying to create to be destroyed.

The utilidor also further keeps the magic alive by keeping deliveries out of sight and trash removal is handled underground in a vacuum system located in the utilidors.

The location of Disney World increases its superiority. Located in beautiful sunny Florida, the entire Walt Disney World Complex sits on an impressive 30,000 acres and while some of this land has been used for attractions, hotels and wildlife preservation, there are thousands of acres just waiting to be developed for future projects. Landlocked Disneyland however sits on 300 acres or just one percent of the size and is in the middle of the traffic and congestion nightmare that is Anaheim, Calif.

Walt Disney World also features its own roads and the Reedy Creek police and fire departments service it. Reedy Creek only services Disney World, giving them the benefit of a devoted municipal infrastructure. The entire Walt Disney World setup caters to easy access to planes, trains, monorails, boats and automobiles.

While talking about Walt Disney World, people often mean the Magic Kingdom. While the Magic Kingdom was the first park and the only park for the first 10 years, it is just one of four theme parks located on the grounds. Guests enjoy the Magic Kingdom, and then Epcot, Hollywood Studios and the Animal Kingdom, all four make Walt Disney World a prime destination. The theme parks aren’t the only attraction gracing Disney World though; two water parks, 24 resorts and five golf courses are only the start of all the activities. Disneyland is almost embarrassing in comparison. Disneyland offers only two theme parks and a mere three hotels.

Both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort are great destinations. Disneyland is something for bored people to do over an afternoon. Walt Disney World is an event that needs to be planned out in advance and even being a Cast Member for months, with free admission to the park and during the slow season, I still wasn’t able to see a fraction of what I wanted to see.

http://www.westerncourier.com/opinions/disneyland-vs-disney-world/article_77bfe024-39c4-11e2-9d53-001a4bcf6878.html

Entertainment Cat Power claws way back to top 09-19-2012

Returning after a four-year break, Chan Marshall is back under her stage name Cat Power for the release of her ninth studio album, “Sun,” out Sept. 12 by Matador Records.

Her last album of all-original material, “The Greatest,” was released in 2006. Since then, she has dealt with a number of problems trying to get this album released. Health problems plagued her throughout the last couple years, which caused the cancellation of her 2006 tour for “The Greatest.” She filed for bankruptcy due to personal financial losses directly related to the canceled tour. 

Despite all the setbacks and writer’s block, the album, which was originally announced in 2007, was well worth the wait.

“Sun” is a breath of fresh air to an artist with an established 18-year career. This album feels new and exciting, while keeping the spirit of Cat Power alive. Some fans might not be used to her more electric sound, but her handiwork is still evident.

Lyrically, Cat Power shines, and her lyrics are deeply involved and personal. “Cherokee” opens up with “Never knew love like this,” and continues with, “Never knew pain like this, everything die, then die.” Lyrics like these almost seem to be too personal to be released on an album and seem better suited for diary pages or psychiatrist offices.

Cat Power wrote, preformed, recorded and produced the album herself. The album is full of drum machines, explosive tempos, electronic elements and loops. Songs like “Ruin” demonstrate her skills. “Ruin” opens with a strong piano tempo, and from there it sinks down with Marshall showing off her voice — what makes this a Cat Power album.

In fact, the strongest element on this album is Marshall’s voice, and it is as powerful as ever. In an age where almost all albums are heavily auto-tuned, it is hard to tell if a voice is real or if it has been tuned beyond the singer’s capacity. Cat Power’s voice shines through on this album, and even on auto-tuned tracks such as “3,6,9,” her voice is still incredibly human

and powerful. 

On the 11-minute-long track, “Nothin’ But Time,” Power features the vocals of rock legend Iggy Pop. Pop manages to keep the human element and passion alive in his voice, and the juxtaposition between his voice and hers finishes this song off strongly.

While some longtime fans might complain about the electric sound, the wait or the album itself, “Sun” really shines. The songs are powerful and animated, the lyrics are strong and, despite making an album that is heavily electric, she keeps a deeply personal and human element in her work. For long time fans, or even those who have never heard the name Cat Power outside the world of construction, “Sun” is well worth a listen.

http://www.westerncourier.com/the_edge/cat-power-claws-way-back-to-top/article_7b5482e0-0287-11e2-a65d-001a4bcf6878.html

Op-Ed Sandals and socks: scandalous 09-24-2012

It happens to me all the time. When I’m on campus and I see it again, blaring in my face, it’s like a car wreck, and I simply can’t look away. What is this great disaster I’m talking about? Socks and sandals.

   I’ve never been able to wrap my head around this fashion statement. Socks are meant to keep your feet warm and absorb sweat to keep your shoes from getting stinky. Sandals, on the other hand, let your feet breathe and keep them cool in the summer months. The two are just so different, so why are they combined?I’ve tried to come up with some reason for this unholy union of footwear.

1. Saving time when going into the house. When I was living with my parents, the eternal rule always existed: “No shoes in the house.” I still remember the amount of time required to take them off, get something to drink and then put them back on. By combining socks and sandals, I guess I could save time and not be barefoot in the house.

2. Competitive floor sliding. Again, looking back to when I was younger, I remember sliding across the floor in my socks, trying to go further or faster than before. Are these people part of some competitive floor sliding league I’m unaware of (and would love to join) and need quick access to their socks?

3. Defiance of fashion sense. Some people are just rebels. They break the rules to their own course, and fashion sense is something that just stands in their way and needs to be ignored. So, they take the two most unlikely things they can think of, socks and sandals, and combine them to show the world how much of a rebel they really are.

4. Cult. I tend to stay away from organized religion, so maybe I am unaware of some new cult that is sweeping our college campuses. Is this new cult requiring the combination of socks and sandals to keep people close to the divine ruler? Are they preparing for an afterlife by having a thin layer of cloth around their feet as they walk on plastic?

5. Ugly feet. Maybe I’m insensitive on this subject. Is it possible that these people are extremely sensitive about their feet and want to enjoy the summer and sandals, but are afraid people will mock their feet? If that is the case, I apologize to those I offend.

6. Showing off socks. The last premise I can think of is that they are simply proud of their socks. They have spent a great deal of time and money picking out this particular pair of socks, and it’s a shame they can’t show it off. With the combination of sandals over their socks, they are finally able to show off what you’ve been wondering about.

I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to figure out why people want to combine socks and sandals to a fashion faux pas the likes of which haven’t been matched.

http://www.westerncourier.com/opinions/sandals-and-socks-scandalous/article_a5f264c8-0664-11e2-a757-0019bb30f31a.html

Op-Ed Canadian coin conundrum cured 10-01-2012

I spent five years as a pizza delivery driver, and during that time, there was one customer who always stood out to me. 

While I can’t remember his real name, what I will always remember is the nickname I gave him, “Canadian Dimes.” We called him Canadian Dimes because that’s what you could expect as a tip from him, and since it was a tip, I couldn’t refuse it as legal tender, so we were always stuck with some Canadian coinage, wondering what the exchange rate was.

That customer wasn’t the only way I received Canadian money. It still ends up in my pockets all the time. I come home from the store and put my coins in the change jar, only to discover that I’ve been duped into picking up Canadian money again. I think I’ve found a lucky penny on the ground, only to find out it’s Canadian. Coinstar won’t take it, my bank won’t take it and stores won’t take it. I’m at a loss for what to do, so here are a few suggestions I’ve come up with:

1. Give them to Justin Bieber. 

I know a lot of people who want this young man back in Canada. Perhaps we can combine all our errant Canadian change and bribe him to return to his home country once and for all.

2. Melt ‘em down. 

Perhaps we can melt these coins down and have a statue made to honor some of the greatest Canadians to influence our nation — Dan Akyroyd, Keanu Reeves or Ryan Gosling, maybe? This could be figured out by popular vote. I do, however, feel like voting for Nickelback merits a possible loss of citizenship.

3. Buy the Toronto Blue Jays. 

It seems odd that a MLB baseball team is located in Canada — and in the American League, no less. This is America’s national past time. By combining all the Canadian change lying around, we can purchase the Blue Jays and move them across Lake Ontario and onto American soil.

4. Use the currency exchange program. 

I guess the most logical idea is to set up some sort of currency exchange program with the government and trading in all this useless metal, or what I assume are precious gems, being amassed by the Canadians.

5. Put them in the Swear Jar.

Perhaps we should hold onto these coins and implement a swear jar in our homes and workplaces, and then have a pizza party once it’s full. Everyone puts their change in the swear jar while we casually slip our Canadian money into the jar. In the end we get to profit from the pizza party without spending any of our hard-earned Canadian money.

I’m not sure which of these options would work best for dealing with this Canadian change problem. Perhaps I should go visit the Great White North one of these days and spend the accumulating pile of coins on my trip. Which leaves me to wonder — is the whole reason I keep ending up with these coins just a way for the Canadian Tourism Commission just to get me to visit in the first place?

http://www.westerncourier.com/opinions/canadian-coin-conundrum-cured/article_0295351a-0be8-11e2-8301-001a4bcf6878.html

Entertainment All Time Low 10-03-2012

When students are brought in to the Grand Ballroom for their Western Illinois orientation, it seems hard to imagine that it could be transformed in to something as amazing as it was last Saturday for the All Time Low concert. 

Attendance was far from an “all-time low” when more than 500 fans showed up for the University Union Board-sponsored show, which started at 8 p.m. Tickets were general admission, and fans started lining up as early as 11 a.m. to get a prime spot to watch the Maryland-native pop punk band. Western students weren’t the only ones in attendance — some fans came from as far away as Wisconsin.

The house lights went down and All Time Low opened with “Lost in Stereo” and the crowd screamed with excitement. The crowd was packed tight near the stage as the band brought all their energy to Saturday’s performance, and the intensity didn’t drop for the entire hour and a half show.

Alex Garkarth, lead singer of All Time Low, described what it was like to visit Macomb for the first time.

“You people live out in the middle of a sea of corn,” he said. “This town is just a little island out in the middle of the corn.”

The band played a combination of music ranging most of their career all the way from “Coffee Shop Soundtrack” off their 2006 “Put Up or Shut Up” EP to “For Baltimore” off their upcoming album, “Don’t Panic,” which comes out Oct. 9 on Hopeless Records. 

“I really liked the balance between new and old songs, and even though they didn’t play my favorite song, ‘Poppin’ Champagne,’ I really enjoyed seeing them,” said Nathan Ed, a psychology major from the University of Illinois at Springfield, who drove two hours just to attend

the performance.

“You guys are the perfect cure for a hangover,” said Jack Barakat, lead guitarist of All Time Low about the crowd. Gaskarth added in, “It’s good to see you people like to get rowdy. You guys (expletive) rule!”

Macomb wasn’t the only thing All Time Low talked about on stage. Airport security, Harry Potter, and Batman (“Who decided to make Bane’s voice like that?”) were all subjects the band talked about onstage.

One lucky fan was in for the All Time Low experience of a lifetime. Gaskarth commented that the band normally has an opening act or opens for someone larger, and asked if there was anyone that wanted to play with them. Brandon Ferro, a civil engineering major from the University of Illinois, was picked out of the crowd to go on stage to meet the band. He played a short drum solo before performing “Sugar We’re Going Down” by Fall Out Boy with the band. 

After driving three hours to attend his 19th All Time Low concert, Ferro could only describe this event as, “Freaking incredible, just amazing, like nothing I’ve ever experienced or thought would happen.” 

Those unable to make Saturday night’s concert missed out on a performance high in energy and entertainment. All Time Low was at their peak, and put on an intense performance that showed Macomb they know how to rock.

http://www.westerncourier.com/the_edge/all-time-low/article_e9f26d66-0d86-11e2-a35e-001a4bcf6878.html