Today is Wednesday. I have about 2 weeks or so left of school. It's getting to be crunch time. I still have to finish my second major news story for Rob's class which I've been putting off. I have the information to write it but I'm not feeling like a writer.
I'm sitting in an empty class because I have no friends. Well that's not true. The mad catz behind me are pretty cool. Hey Meg and Mel!
I should start studying for a news quiz. And maybe get something to eat. I'm shtarvin'
peace.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Monday, November 27, 2006
oh Kramer
You’ve really crossed the line this time Cosmo Kramer.
A couple weeks ago, former Seinfeld star Michael Richards performed at a comedy club in Los Angeles. During the routine, Richards got fired up over some comments made by two black hecklers in the audience.
Shockingly, Richards began to lash out at the two men by yelling racial slurs and obscenities. The tirade went on for about two minutes. It was captured on camera-video by a member in the audience. It was put up on the internet shortly after.
Since then, Richards has appeared on Letterman to apologize nationally. He said his comments were fueled by rage and that he was not a racist. He feels shattered about what he did and is now seeking psychiatric counseling to uncover the reasons behind his rage.
He went on Rev. Jesse Jackson's radio program to apologize to the black community in the U.S. and specifically the two men in the audience.
This came across as very shocking. It is appalling! What was going through his mind when he said those things? How bad did he get heckled? Aren’t stand-up comedians heckled at every show? It comes with the job therefore you think an experienced veteran such as Richards would be able to handle it.
There could be many reasons why he said what he said. If you watch the video, it might seem that he was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Or perhaps the hecklers weren’t shutting up and letting Richards do his bit.
Whatever the reason may be, there is no excuse for Richards actions. He was caught being a racial bigot and is now paying the price.
An issue raised is why did the club let people with cell phones or video cameras in? Comedians say a lot of controversial things in their sketches and any dimwad with a video camera can capture it and put it up on the web, causing it to be a bigger issue than it really is. What about privacy? What about respect? No one asked Richards if they could videotape his show.
In our world today, almost everyone has a cell phone that can capture video clips. Wouldn’t Richards know that he could potentially be taped? If he thought that, it might have changed his attitude that night. A person changes when they have a camera pointed at them. They act in a different manner because they know other people will see it.
What is also interesting is that a African-American can call a white man a ‘cracker’ and not get in trouble for it but once we say the ‘n’ word, we are suddenly prejudice. We really should examine the words and their meanings. Or choose to not say them at all.
The image of Cosmo Kramer is now tainted. Watching Seinfeld is different now because of what happened. It’s really too bad.
A couple weeks ago, former Seinfeld star Michael Richards performed at a comedy club in Los Angeles. During the routine, Richards got fired up over some comments made by two black hecklers in the audience.
Shockingly, Richards began to lash out at the two men by yelling racial slurs and obscenities. The tirade went on for about two minutes. It was captured on camera-video by a member in the audience. It was put up on the internet shortly after.
Since then, Richards has appeared on Letterman to apologize nationally. He said his comments were fueled by rage and that he was not a racist. He feels shattered about what he did and is now seeking psychiatric counseling to uncover the reasons behind his rage.
He went on Rev. Jesse Jackson's radio program to apologize to the black community in the U.S. and specifically the two men in the audience.
This came across as very shocking. It is appalling! What was going through his mind when he said those things? How bad did he get heckled? Aren’t stand-up comedians heckled at every show? It comes with the job therefore you think an experienced veteran such as Richards would be able to handle it.
There could be many reasons why he said what he said. If you watch the video, it might seem that he was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Or perhaps the hecklers weren’t shutting up and letting Richards do his bit.
Whatever the reason may be, there is no excuse for Richards actions. He was caught being a racial bigot and is now paying the price.
An issue raised is why did the club let people with cell phones or video cameras in? Comedians say a lot of controversial things in their sketches and any dimwad with a video camera can capture it and put it up on the web, causing it to be a bigger issue than it really is. What about privacy? What about respect? No one asked Richards if they could videotape his show.
In our world today, almost everyone has a cell phone that can capture video clips. Wouldn’t Richards know that he could potentially be taped? If he thought that, it might have changed his attitude that night. A person changes when they have a camera pointed at them. They act in a different manner because they know other people will see it.
What is also interesting is that a African-American can call a white man a ‘cracker’ and not get in trouble for it but once we say the ‘n’ word, we are suddenly prejudice. We really should examine the words and their meanings. Or choose to not say them at all.
The image of Cosmo Kramer is now tainted. Watching Seinfeld is different now because of what happened. It’s really too bad.
Saturday, November 25, 2006
i've been listening to a mockingbird lately
"I'm in love. Never been so sure of anything. Then again, could be a tumour in my brain."
ok so I'm in love with Derek Webb's music. That's a line from "Mistake of my life" from Caedmon's "Long Line of Leavers" album. I thought I'd use it to describe my view on his music.
To be honest, I've been challenged in my faith more by listening to Dereks latest album "Mockingbird" than I have by the pastors in the various churches I have been to in the last couple months. He's fresh and his music does not fit the christian norm which I'm quite happy about. Christian music is bland and unoriginal, well most of it but there are a few artists who are turning it around. Check out andrew osenga. He used to be in a band called the Normals and now he's lead guitarist in Caedmons (filling the spot leftover by D.Webb). He just put out a full length cd called "The Morning" which rocks. It is funny and introspective.
Guys like AndyO and D.Webb are making music that takes talent and skill. They're not making music that is blatantly Christian and every "Christian" song doesn't have to be. People today are interested in the music more than what is being said and I think many Christian artists are falling behind in this category. People like Tim Hughes or Matt Redman are pumping out bland worship songs that are unoriginal but please the Christian masses. We need more Christian artists who are willing to create good music so the Gospel can be preached through it. And you don't need to write songs like "Days of Elijah" (which I hate with a passion due to theological issues) or "Better Is One Day" to get out your message. Moderen Christian praise and worship music is dying. We need to change our tune.
If I offend anyone, I'd love to hear feedback. I love an argument.
ok so I'm in love with Derek Webb's music. That's a line from "Mistake of my life" from Caedmon's "Long Line of Leavers" album. I thought I'd use it to describe my view on his music.
To be honest, I've been challenged in my faith more by listening to Dereks latest album "Mockingbird" than I have by the pastors in the various churches I have been to in the last couple months. He's fresh and his music does not fit the christian norm which I'm quite happy about. Christian music is bland and unoriginal, well most of it but there are a few artists who are turning it around. Check out andrew osenga. He used to be in a band called the Normals and now he's lead guitarist in Caedmons (filling the spot leftover by D.Webb). He just put out a full length cd called "The Morning" which rocks. It is funny and introspective.
Guys like AndyO and D.Webb are making music that takes talent and skill. They're not making music that is blatantly Christian and every "Christian" song doesn't have to be. People today are interested in the music more than what is being said and I think many Christian artists are falling behind in this category. People like Tim Hughes or Matt Redman are pumping out bland worship songs that are unoriginal but please the Christian masses. We need more Christian artists who are willing to create good music so the Gospel can be preached through it. And you don't need to write songs like "Days of Elijah" (which I hate with a passion due to theological issues) or "Better Is One Day" to get out your message. Moderen Christian praise and worship music is dying. We need to change our tune.
If I offend anyone, I'd love to hear feedback. I love an argument.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
gee it's about time for an update
This past weekend was a blast folks! The drive up on Thursday night was a bit rough to the extreme amount of fog on the road, especially through Algonquin Park. I drove slower because I didn't want to hit a moose or doe which made the ride a lot longer. But we made it safe and sound and it was great to see Ruth's family again.
My friend Luke also spent the weekend with us. He drove up from Toronto on Friday. Everyone in Liz's (Ruth's sister) house had left that morning to either shop or go play hockey. I stayed behind to do my laundry and cleaned their house for them. It was the least I could do. I know it's a tad weird but I felt like I should. Before the trip, I had bought Matt May's latest album, "When the Angels Make Contact." Consequently, being alone in a huge house, I cranked the music! Check his music out...he might have a myspace page or something.
Anyway, I left Magnetewan to head out to Huntsville which is about a 45 minute drive to meet Luke. We met at Wal-Mart and I bought some rich chocolate mints. I have a weak spot for mints.
Blah blah blah, the weekend was good. Ruth, Luke and I went to North Bay on Saturday to hang out and we went to a neat little coffee shop called Twiggs. It looked exactly like Starbucks. Right down to the color and everything. It was also Ruth's birthday Saturday. She turned 20!
Luke also bought a game called "Apples to Apples," a very fun game where you're given an green adjective card and you have to put 1 of your 7 cards (which are nouns) down, and it has to be what you think best describes it. It is hilarious and fun for the whole family.
We went for a hike on Sunday in Magnetewan in the woods behind Ruth's old house. As we traveled along, we came across a river leading into a small waterfall. It also started snowing that day which made everything look magical. Instead of leaving for Belleville on Sunday, we decided to stay an extra night and leave in the afternoon the next day. That way we wouldn't have to drive in the dark for 4 hours back home and we could spend some quality time with her family.
Now we are back in town. And that's all I have for now.
My friend Luke also spent the weekend with us. He drove up from Toronto on Friday. Everyone in Liz's (Ruth's sister) house had left that morning to either shop or go play hockey. I stayed behind to do my laundry and cleaned their house for them. It was the least I could do. I know it's a tad weird but I felt like I should. Before the trip, I had bought Matt May's latest album, "When the Angels Make Contact." Consequently, being alone in a huge house, I cranked the music! Check his music out...he might have a myspace page or something.
Anyway, I left Magnetewan to head out to Huntsville which is about a 45 minute drive to meet Luke. We met at Wal-Mart and I bought some rich chocolate mints. I have a weak spot for mints.
Blah blah blah, the weekend was good. Ruth, Luke and I went to North Bay on Saturday to hang out and we went to a neat little coffee shop called Twiggs. It looked exactly like Starbucks. Right down to the color and everything. It was also Ruth's birthday Saturday. She turned 20!
Luke also bought a game called "Apples to Apples," a very fun game where you're given an green adjective card and you have to put 1 of your 7 cards (which are nouns) down, and it has to be what you think best describes it. It is hilarious and fun for the whole family.
We went for a hike on Sunday in Magnetewan in the woods behind Ruth's old house. As we traveled along, we came across a river leading into a small waterfall. It also started snowing that day which made everything look magical. Instead of leaving for Belleville on Sunday, we decided to stay an extra night and leave in the afternoon the next day. That way we wouldn't have to drive in the dark for 4 hours back home and we could spend some quality time with her family.
Now we are back in town. And that's all I have for now.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
somewhere north of here...
Yes, I know I stole the title from Caedmon's Call song but I couldn't help it. This weekend, my wife and I are taking the long trek up north to celebrate her birthday at her home! I've got the presents bought and I've been working to finish as much school work as possible so that I won't have to worry about it this weekend. I'll probably be more thankful then, rather than I am now!
I just drank some Five Alive (Citrus). Oh so good. I'm watching Season Six of Friends and Ross has just lied to Rachel about getting an annulment on their marriage. I love this show.
Ruth is ironing a shirt for work tomorrow and I'm only wearing one sock.
We're also looking forward to seeing Lukas this weekend. It's been a while and I'm excited to show him my beard I've been growing.
I just drank some Five Alive (Citrus). Oh so good. I'm watching Season Six of Friends and Ross has just lied to Rachel about getting an annulment on their marriage. I love this show.
Ruth is ironing a shirt for work tomorrow and I'm only wearing one sock.
We're also looking forward to seeing Lukas this weekend. It's been a while and I'm excited to show him my beard I've been growing.
Sunday, November 12, 2006
hallelujah
"Love is not a victory march
It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah,"
- Leonard Cohen
Jesus, out of His unconditional love became our filth on that cross so that we would not have to die. I don't know if that's what Cohen had in mind while writing this beautiful song but to me, it gives me a picture of what it must have been like while Jesus was 'dead'. He was cold and broken and His own Dad had just rejected Him.
So many Christian's have it wrong. Love is not fuzzy a feeling you get when you hold that special someone's hand or realizing that you've fallen madly in 'love' with someone else. To be a Christian extremist for a moment, love is dying to save those you care about the most. (Read the Crucifixion account)
Anyways, take some of your 'valuable' time today to thank the One who made it possible for you to even live and breathe.
It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah,"
- Leonard Cohen
Jesus, out of His unconditional love became our filth on that cross so that we would not have to die. I don't know if that's what Cohen had in mind while writing this beautiful song but to me, it gives me a picture of what it must have been like while Jesus was 'dead'. He was cold and broken and His own Dad had just rejected Him.
So many Christian's have it wrong. Love is not fuzzy a feeling you get when you hold that special someone's hand or realizing that you've fallen madly in 'love' with someone else. To be a Christian extremist for a moment, love is dying to save those you care about the most. (Read the Crucifixion account)
Anyways, take some of your 'valuable' time today to thank the One who made it possible for you to even live and breathe.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
best day ever
I went downtown in Belleville today with my friend Jason. We we're getting out of the car to head on down to Chumleighs. I forgot that my keys were still in the car! Oh what a horrible feeling. So first he tried using paper clips to open the car door through the key hole but alas it was in vain.
So I ran across the street to the library where I explained to the not so lovely receptionists my problem and that I needed a coat hanger. It probably looked so shady. I have not shaven for a while and I was wearing shorts today. Who wears shorts in November? I guess a homeless looking man does.
Anyways, the lady gave me 2 coat hangers. I quickly ran out the story (you know, to make me look even more shady) and back across the street. We tried for a half hour to get the doors unlocked. People walked by, not even saying anything but we got weird and dirty looks. It's understandable. Two guys with coat hangers downtown trying to get into a car? But I wasn't willing to call CAA and pay them for 2 seconds of work. It would have cost $50!
Then this guy named Justin who reeked of pot came along and helped us and we almost had it. We probably would have had the door open if he hadn't been high. Don't get me wrong, he was really nice and weirdly funny.
Then to top off the weird guys helping us list, this older man with a bandana around his neck came up to us and said "We all have telepathic powers," "Why don't you use those to open the door?" We all just looked at him and then looked back at the car, hoping he would leave which he did. Creepy!
Eventually we gave up and called for a taxi to drive us back to the apartment where I had to get the landlord to let us into in so I could retrieve my other set of keys. We ran back to the taxi (for taxis are expensive) and drove back to the car downtown. We opened it up and got the keys out.
Finally! What a day. We were an hour late to class but my teacher understood. We had missed a news quiz which I was worried about so I apologized for my tardiness and asked if I could do the quiz. He shook his head horizonatally. I told him I understood why then went back to my desk, sulkingly.
Surprisingly, he gave me the quiz and said in a gruff voice (for he is a gruff man) "You have five minutes, go." I scribbled the answers hastily and I got 10 out of 10! Sweet! That probably made me look good. anyways it is late and I want to brush my teeth and go to sleep.
I love you all.
So I ran across the street to the library where I explained to the not so lovely receptionists my problem and that I needed a coat hanger. It probably looked so shady. I have not shaven for a while and I was wearing shorts today. Who wears shorts in November? I guess a homeless looking man does.
Anyways, the lady gave me 2 coat hangers. I quickly ran out the story (you know, to make me look even more shady) and back across the street. We tried for a half hour to get the doors unlocked. People walked by, not even saying anything but we got weird and dirty looks. It's understandable. Two guys with coat hangers downtown trying to get into a car? But I wasn't willing to call CAA and pay them for 2 seconds of work. It would have cost $50!
Then this guy named Justin who reeked of pot came along and helped us and we almost had it. We probably would have had the door open if he hadn't been high. Don't get me wrong, he was really nice and weirdly funny.
Then to top off the weird guys helping us list, this older man with a bandana around his neck came up to us and said "We all have telepathic powers," "Why don't you use those to open the door?" We all just looked at him and then looked back at the car, hoping he would leave which he did. Creepy!
Eventually we gave up and called for a taxi to drive us back to the apartment where I had to get the landlord to let us into in so I could retrieve my other set of keys. We ran back to the taxi (for taxis are expensive) and drove back to the car downtown. We opened it up and got the keys out.
Finally! What a day. We were an hour late to class but my teacher understood. We had missed a news quiz which I was worried about so I apologized for my tardiness and asked if I could do the quiz. He shook his head horizonatally. I told him I understood why then went back to my desk, sulkingly.
Surprisingly, he gave me the quiz and said in a gruff voice (for he is a gruff man) "You have five minutes, go." I scribbled the answers hastily and I got 10 out of 10! Sweet! That probably made me look good. anyways it is late and I want to brush my teeth and go to sleep.
I love you all.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
all things go, all things go
I fell in love again
All things go, All things go
Drove to Chicago
All things know, All things know
We sold our clothes to the state
I don't mind, I don't mind
I made a lot of mistakes in my mind, in my mind
You came to take us
All things go, All things go
To recreate us
All things grow, All things grow
We had our mindset
All things know, All things know
You had to find it
All things go, All things go
I drove to New York in the van, with my friend
We slept in parking lots
I don't mind, I don't mind
I was in love with the place
In my mind, in my mind
I made a lot of mistakes in my mind, in my mind
You came to take us
All things go, all things go
To recreate usall things grow, all things grow
We had our mindset
All things know, all things know
You had to find it all things go, all things go
If I was crying in the van, with my friend
It was for freedom
From myself and from the land
I made a lot of mistakes
yanked from http://sixeyes.blogspot.com/2006/01/sufjan-stevens-free-mp3s-lyrics_22.html
Sufjan Stevens (pronounced Soof-yan Stevens)
I've been listening to it all week. I'm obsessed.
All things go, All things go
Drove to Chicago
All things know, All things know
We sold our clothes to the state
I don't mind, I don't mind
I made a lot of mistakes in my mind, in my mind
You came to take us
All things go, All things go
To recreate us
All things grow, All things grow
We had our mindset
All things know, All things know
You had to find it
All things go, All things go
I drove to New York in the van, with my friend
We slept in parking lots
I don't mind, I don't mind
I was in love with the place
In my mind, in my mind
I made a lot of mistakes in my mind, in my mind
You came to take us
All things go, all things go
To recreate usall things grow, all things grow
We had our mindset
All things know, all things know
You had to find it all things go, all things go
If I was crying in the van, with my friend
It was for freedom
From myself and from the land
I made a lot of mistakes
yanked from http://sixeyes.blogspot.com/2006/01/sufjan-stevens-free-mp3s-lyrics_22.html
Sufjan Stevens (pronounced Soof-yan Stevens)
I've been listening to it all week. I'm obsessed.
Monday, November 06, 2006
blue sky blues
The air was warm outside this morning. And it was a comforting feeling. Yesterday was bit of a toughie. This week in mind looks like it could be a hectic one. I have a lot to do and not a lot of time to do it. I'm awaiting a response from a local politician so that I have enough sources to back up my story to make it more credible. I have to design two newspages which in reality shouldn't be difficult but I find it hard to listen to my teacher. Just her though. She's a perfectionist.
I'm also feeling blue about life in general. A lot of it stems from my own distaste for what I'm learning. I'm confused. Wasn't this course what I chose to do? I am not enjoying myself. And it's not even the workload. I just find it hard to care about what I do. My good friend Luke said to me yesterday that I need to find my passion. Well how do I go about that? I'm passionate about many things, only I don't think I can make careers out of them. I think I like too many things wheras I should pick out one that I feel exceptionally good at. I don't want to be a quitter because the program is too hard, which it's not...I just don't want to make the wrong choice. People spend a lot of money on educations they don't use yet people don't spend the money they have on educations they could use. I don't want to drop out of my program but I have no real desire to continue. I don't feel cut out to be a journalist.
It could also be that I have a lot other than school to think about. I cannot abandon my marriage. I need to constantly be working at that (which I love), pay the bills and last but not least, my devotional time with God. And yet, the answer is so simple. It's all about what we can do for Him and not ourselves. The rest of life will just follow behind us. Now why is that so hard to apply in reality. It's easy to blog about and then go back to whatever I was doing before I started this (actually I was drinking chocolate milk).
more thoughts to come.
I'm also feeling blue about life in general. A lot of it stems from my own distaste for what I'm learning. I'm confused. Wasn't this course what I chose to do? I am not enjoying myself. And it's not even the workload. I just find it hard to care about what I do. My good friend Luke said to me yesterday that I need to find my passion. Well how do I go about that? I'm passionate about many things, only I don't think I can make careers out of them. I think I like too many things wheras I should pick out one that I feel exceptionally good at. I don't want to be a quitter because the program is too hard, which it's not...I just don't want to make the wrong choice. People spend a lot of money on educations they don't use yet people don't spend the money they have on educations they could use. I don't want to drop out of my program but I have no real desire to continue. I don't feel cut out to be a journalist.
It could also be that I have a lot other than school to think about. I cannot abandon my marriage. I need to constantly be working at that (which I love), pay the bills and last but not least, my devotional time with God. And yet, the answer is so simple. It's all about what we can do for Him and not ourselves. The rest of life will just follow behind us. Now why is that so hard to apply in reality. It's easy to blog about and then go back to whatever I was doing before I started this (actually I was drinking chocolate milk).
more thoughts to come.
Saturday, November 04, 2006
I love Friends
RACH: Ross, Chandler wrote something about me on his computer and he won't let me see.
ROSS: He won't? [remembers what it is] He won't! Because, isn't that, isn't that the, the short story you were writing?
CHAN: Yes, yes it is, short story, that I was writing.
RACH: And I'm in it? Then let me read it.
CHAN, JOEY, ROSS: No!
RACH: Come on.
JOEY: Hey, uh, why don't you read it to her?
[Ross and Chandler stare angrily at Joey, who thinks he has come up with a good idea.]
CHAN: [through gritted teeth] Alright. [clears his throat] "It was summer, and it was hot. Rachel was there. A lonely gray couch. 'Oh, look,' cried Ned, and then the kingdom was his forever. The end."
ROSS: That's it? That's all you wrote? You're the worst writer in the whole world.
Phoebe's song.
PHOE: Ok, um, hi, hello, hi, ok, so, um, this is a song about a love triangle between three people that I made up. Um, it's called, um, "Two of Them Kissed Last Night".
[Ross and Rachel look at each other and then at Phoebe, realizing the song is about their situation.]
PHOE: [singing] There was a girl, we'll call her Betty, and a guy let's call him Neil. Now I can't stress this point too strongly, this story isn't real. Now our Neil must decide, who will be the girl that he casts aside. Will Betty be the one who he loves truly? Or will it be the one who we'll call Ju...Loolie? He must decide, he must decide, even though I made him up, he must decide!
ROSS: He won't? [remembers what it is] He won't! Because, isn't that, isn't that the, the short story you were writing?
CHAN: Yes, yes it is, short story, that I was writing.
RACH: And I'm in it? Then let me read it.
CHAN, JOEY, ROSS: No!
RACH: Come on.
JOEY: Hey, uh, why don't you read it to her?
[Ross and Chandler stare angrily at Joey, who thinks he has come up with a good idea.]
CHAN: [through gritted teeth] Alright. [clears his throat] "It was summer, and it was hot. Rachel was there. A lonely gray couch. 'Oh, look,' cried Ned, and then the kingdom was his forever. The end."
ROSS: That's it? That's all you wrote? You're the worst writer in the whole world.
Phoebe's song.
PHOE: Ok, um, hi, hello, hi, ok, so, um, this is a song about a love triangle between three people that I made up. Um, it's called, um, "Two of Them Kissed Last Night".
[Ross and Rachel look at each other and then at Phoebe, realizing the song is about their situation.]
PHOE: [singing] There was a girl, we'll call her Betty, and a guy let's call him Neil. Now I can't stress this point too strongly, this story isn't real. Now our Neil must decide, who will be the girl that he casts aside. Will Betty be the one who he loves truly? Or will it be the one who we'll call Ju...Loolie? He must decide, he must decide, even though I made him up, he must decide!
Friday, November 03, 2006
bad girl turns good
For the sake of context, Ruth had to get her blood taken so we went to the medical clinic today and Luke also came along, seeing as he drove us. I caught him reading this article. It still makes me chuckle.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Is the CD dead?
Step over compact disc. Make way for the digital age. Last week, new ideas were brought forward and discussed at the London Business School Media Summit. Senior executives, investors and consultants from various media industries attended the event.
Alain Levy, the chairman and CEO of EMI Music made the profound statement of the night. He said, “The CD as it is now is dead.” He also said that the industry no longer has the upper hand and that consumers are the ones in control. I can see that.
He also said that CDs need to have more appeal. This could be done by adding more to the CD than just having songs put on it. He also promoted his EMI’s direction, saying that they were stepping forward in producing CD’s with more content.
I thought the obvious, "The CD is dead?" "Didn’t it just begin not too long ago"? It seems that in our day and age, people don’t like running to the store to pick up the new CD by their favorite artist. No, we’re too lazy to run so we’ll click a few buttons and download our favorite track from that artist. We don’t need to buy the whole album. That is a draw for some though. Why would you spend $14 on a CD when you could spend 99 cents on iTunes for one track? It certainly sounds appealing. But what about the artist? Wouldn’t they lose money? If everyone bought one or two songs from their CD, or worse, stole it, what would happen to the band? Where does their revenue generate from?
It began with live music, which people got lazy to go see so they created the record player. They could listen to their favorite band or musician anytime they pleased, but it was a pain to try and find the song they wanted to hear. Plus, the records were huge! Where could you put 100 records? Consequently, they created the 8-track. Remember those? Kind of like the tape player, only 100 times worse. They were too big and clunky. No, whatever it was, it had to be smaller. As a result the tape cassette was forged, making it possible for you to listen to it in your car, on your walkman or on your multi-tasking stereo system. But rewinding and fast forwarding got to be a hassle. People thought, “Hmm…what can we create next that has great sound quality and you can skip to any song you want?” This brought us to the CD. CD’s are great until they get scratched and skip horribly. It can be very annoying. But what else could there be? Everything has been done! But wait! Why not put our songs on the computer where they won’t skip (provided the CD wasn’t scratched when you loaded it on the computer) and download them to an iPod? There are many different versions of the iPod which are each capable of holding a vast amount of music. Some such as the 60 gig iPod can even play movies! But how far is too far? Where will the industry go next? Will music be planted into our brains?
Alain Levy, the chairman and CEO of EMI Music made the profound statement of the night. He said, “The CD as it is now is dead.” He also said that the industry no longer has the upper hand and that consumers are the ones in control. I can see that.
He also said that CDs need to have more appeal. This could be done by adding more to the CD than just having songs put on it. He also promoted his EMI’s direction, saying that they were stepping forward in producing CD’s with more content.
I thought the obvious, "The CD is dead?" "Didn’t it just begin not too long ago"? It seems that in our day and age, people don’t like running to the store to pick up the new CD by their favorite artist. No, we’re too lazy to run so we’ll click a few buttons and download our favorite track from that artist. We don’t need to buy the whole album. That is a draw for some though. Why would you spend $14 on a CD when you could spend 99 cents on iTunes for one track? It certainly sounds appealing. But what about the artist? Wouldn’t they lose money? If everyone bought one or two songs from their CD, or worse, stole it, what would happen to the band? Where does their revenue generate from?
It began with live music, which people got lazy to go see so they created the record player. They could listen to their favorite band or musician anytime they pleased, but it was a pain to try and find the song they wanted to hear. Plus, the records were huge! Where could you put 100 records? Consequently, they created the 8-track. Remember those? Kind of like the tape player, only 100 times worse. They were too big and clunky. No, whatever it was, it had to be smaller. As a result the tape cassette was forged, making it possible for you to listen to it in your car, on your walkman or on your multi-tasking stereo system. But rewinding and fast forwarding got to be a hassle. People thought, “Hmm…what can we create next that has great sound quality and you can skip to any song you want?” This brought us to the CD. CD’s are great until they get scratched and skip horribly. It can be very annoying. But what else could there be? Everything has been done! But wait! Why not put our songs on the computer where they won’t skip (provided the CD wasn’t scratched when you loaded it on the computer) and download them to an iPod? There are many different versions of the iPod which are each capable of holding a vast amount of music. Some such as the 60 gig iPod can even play movies! But how far is too far? Where will the industry go next? Will music be planted into our brains?
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