We have all heard of road rage or helicopter parents which are temporary afflictions that convert normal people into raving lunatics. Now, apparently, there is a new manifestation: Karaoke Rage. According to the New York Times, a number of people have been murdered in the Philippines after singing (mangling?) the Frank Sinatra classic "My Way." Coincidence? Or perhaps there is something morbid about the character of karaoke fans. Not being a devotee of this particular form of entertainment (although after trying it once, I was told to never do it again), I cannot grasp the dynamics behind this phenomenon but it gives new meaning to 'musical assault.' For me, at least, Avril Lavigne can no longer claim this term exclusively for herself(just listen to her version of "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" and you will know what I mean).
It seems that some people who sing a certain song on karaoke 'claim' it for themselves and if they hear someone else sing a poor version of it, they become riled up and aggressive. I know that I am safe since I do not frequent karaoke bars, but if you and some friends are thinking of showing off your musical skills at a karaoke bar, be careful.
To read more about the 'My Way' killings and similar karaoke assaults visit this link:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/07/world/asia/07karaoke.html?th&emc=th
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Saturday, February 6, 2010
I miss you, James Joyce
A couple of years ago I read James Joyce's classic "Ulysses" and I have often thought of it. It seems these days there are very few books that can leave that type of impression or have people think in a way that they usually do not. For many people works from the 'Lit Light' genre fit the bill of 'reading.' In a sense, they are right for they serve a purpose, but how many of them force the reader to apply their intellect in an assiduous manner, often forcing him or her to refer to other books he/she may have read? Very few do that. Here are some of my favorite passages from "Ulysses" (with my note at the end):
EDWARD THE SEVENTH
(Levitates over heaps of slain in the garb and with the halo of Joking Jesus, a white jujube in his phosphorescent face.)
My methods are new and are causing surprise.
To make the blind see I throw dust in their eyes.
(p. 577)
“It rains dragon’s teeth.” (p. 585)
“Bread, the staff of life, earn your bread. O tell me where is fancy bread? At Rourke’s the baker’s it is said.” (p. 600)
This is a line from Shakespeare.
-Merchant of Venice. “O tell me where is fancy bread, or in the heart or in the head?”
EDWARD THE SEVENTH
(Levitates over heaps of slain in the garb and with the halo of Joking Jesus, a white jujube in his phosphorescent face.)
My methods are new and are causing surprise.
To make the blind see I throw dust in their eyes.
(p. 577)
“It rains dragon’s teeth.” (p. 585)
“Bread, the staff of life, earn your bread. O tell me where is fancy bread? At Rourke’s the baker’s it is said.” (p. 600)
This is a line from Shakespeare.
-Merchant of Venice. “O tell me where is fancy bread, or in the heart or in the head?”
Friday, February 5, 2010
In Honorem J.D. Salinger
With the passing of J.D. Salinger we have lost a truly iconic author whose inimitable style left an immutable impression on the landscape of American literature. I remember reading "Catcher in the Rye" over 20 years ago and thoroughly enjoying every page I read. Heck, I even started using the expression "chewing the rag" so that I could sound like Holden Caulfied.
While today the Harry Potter books may rule book sales, I do not believe that it has the durability or appeal that "Cather in the Rye" has. Salinger's classic transcended generations and spoke to a youthful meandering that we can all related to. Jack Kerouac's classic "On the Road" for me is similar, but I still like "Catcher" better.
Enough has been written about Salinger's passing so I will not add to it, but I will speak to something he commented to a friend. His friend Lillian Ross recounted that Salinger was deeply impressed that a Maytag salesman had quoted the English writer John Ruskin. Salinger related to Ross, "God, how I sill love private readers. It's what we all used to be." Given the decline of reading and the plethora of visual-based technologies, his statement has resonance with me. His death saddens me, not only because we lost a giant of American literature, but because there is now one less devoted reader in the world. Rest in peace, J.D. Salinger.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Man-made Languages
Bored with learning languages like Spanish, Italian, German or Latin? Well, there may be hope for you! We all know about Klingon and how its creation has generated a slew of devoted fans who actually speak it. But did you know that there are over 800 man-made languages in existence? I am sure you have heard of Esperanto, but have you heard of Loglan or Ars Signorum? How about Evoluto or Mu-Nba-B? If mastering the Spanish subjunctive has caused you endless frustration and headaches, rest assured that there are quite a few other options for you!All kidding aside, Arika Okrent has written a captivating book about the various man-made languages out there and some of the crazy personalities who have invented them. Believe it or not, Esperanto was not the first man-made language. The first man-made language made an appearance in the 12th century (Lingua Ignota). Whether you are a traditional linguist or are just curious to learn about some of the man-made languages out there, you will enjoy this book. Who knows? Reading it might inspire you to return to fine-tuning your Spanish skills!
Long Live Burnley!
Yesterday I wrote about Xerez, the 'colista' in the 
Spanish La Liga and how, despite a huge gap between their budget and those of the super rich teams, I have come to root for them.
They are actually my second team as I have been following Burnley since the summer of 2009. They were promoted from the First Division to the Premiership and have played well, defeating the likes of Manchester United and Everton. Although, they have stumbled as of late and are venturing dangerously close to the relegation zone, they display strong grit and a never-say-die attitude. They very nearly drew with the mega-powerful frontrunners Chelsea, falling in the end to a late John Terry header, but they fought hard and with each match convince me they deserve to be in the Premier League. In the photo, we see Burnley's David Nugent wreaking havoc on Tim Howard and the Everton defense.
Follow them at: http://www.burnleyfootballclub.com
Spanish La Liga and how, despite a huge gap between their budget and those of the super rich teams, I have come to root for them.
They are actually my second team as I have been following Burnley since the summer of 2009. They were promoted from the First Division to the Premiership and have played well, defeating the likes of Manchester United and Everton. Although, they have stumbled as of late and are venturing dangerously close to the relegation zone, they display strong grit and a never-say-die attitude. They very nearly drew with the mega-powerful frontrunners Chelsea, falling in the end to a late John Terry header, but they fought hard and with each match convince me they deserve to be in the Premier League. In the photo, we see Burnley's David Nugent wreaking havoc on Tim Howard and the Everton defense.
Follow them at: http://www.burnleyfootballclub.com
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
¡Viva Xerez!
In this day and age of million dollar athletes and powerhouse college and professional sports programs, it is easy for many fans to become turned off from the teams that they have followed, adhering to the belief that their teams have become corporate. There are teams out there that are very easy to pull for. Xerez, is a soccer team from Andalucia that is playing in Spain's First Division for the first time in its 60 year history. While the results are not what they would want (they have won 2 and lost 13 and have only 11 points as they are dead last and face relegation). Nevertheless, this team has moxie and grit and do not give up. They play within themselves and have no pretensions of being anything other than Xerez, football team. They played the best they could against the mighty Real Madrid and Barcelona, and although they lost, I came to admire them. Who says you have to have a winning record to be inspiring? Keep going, Xerez, continue to show us what the true essence of sports is all about. Check out the clubs website at: http://www.zerezcd.com.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
When does ageism begin?
It is funny that most people associate ageism with the 50-70 year old demographic, but I read a recent article that mentioned that this malfeasant 'ism' is now extending to a younger age group, namely the 40-50 year-old bracket---my group! It is hard to accept this, really. I just turned 40 a couple of months, ago and I am good health, I feel young, I have a strong positive outlook on life and I am very competent at the work I do. I even "get along very well with people," which is the catch phrase running rampant on cover letters, resumes and company letterheads. But it is still a shock to even contemplate that I might be a victim of ageism. Until recently, that is.
I have been unemployed for far longer than I would like to admit, but for the most part I have been very positive about it. Recently, I learned that a position I had applied for --Assistant Director of Study Abroad--at a college in Massachusetts, was offered to a young 28-ish year-old woman who has never in her life worked in the field. She is in the process of writing her doctoral thesis (which is another issue, but I will not go into that here) and that may have been one of the factors that led to her hiring. However, I think her youth played a significant role. The committee clearly thought that it would be more financially feasible to hire a 'newbie' who can learn on the job, instead of paying a higher salary to a more established and experienced candidate. Yikes! I did not think this would happen to me, but now I am beginning to take a much harder look at ageism and see that, like racism, it does not discriminate against one particular section of the population. That really is disturbing. What to do now? Make sure my curriculum vitae does not tip off my age. I am good at adapting to something new, if nothing else, and I am ready for this challenge.
I have been unemployed for far longer than I would like to admit, but for the most part I have been very positive about it. Recently, I learned that a position I had applied for --Assistant Director of Study Abroad--at a college in Massachusetts, was offered to a young 28-ish year-old woman who has never in her life worked in the field. She is in the process of writing her doctoral thesis (which is another issue, but I will not go into that here) and that may have been one of the factors that led to her hiring. However, I think her youth played a significant role. The committee clearly thought that it would be more financially feasible to hire a 'newbie' who can learn on the job, instead of paying a higher salary to a more established and experienced candidate. Yikes! I did not think this would happen to me, but now I am beginning to take a much harder look at ageism and see that, like racism, it does not discriminate against one particular section of the population. That really is disturbing. What to do now? Make sure my curriculum vitae does not tip off my age. I am good at adapting to something new, if nothing else, and I am ready for this challenge.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)