That time when I saw Alexz Johnson playing live

It was a Sunday and I was surfing the web when I saw that Alexz Johnson was coming to NYC. I checked her website but went back to see the date and the location to make sure I wasn't confused. I can honestly say that I was very excited to see Alexz because it was my first time AND she was Jude.... Jude from Instant Star. If you haven't seen this show, you have to download it right now.

The show was entertaining, it is neither complicated nor cheesy but the best of it were the songs that Johnson's character sang on the show, some songs that she wrote (in real life) and that she actually sang.

"In each episode of the show, Jude Harrison must deal with the problems and challenges of both her musical career and her personal life, as one weaves into the other. She also faces dilemmas and choices in her relationships, dividing her feelings between the loves in her life, while also recording with G-Major Records. These people are important to her music - the one thread that ties her life together. Her best moments are when she is working with others in creating and performing her music. In addition to her music and her loves, there is much else going on in her personal life and in the lives of those around her." - Wikipedia

People must recognize that this program became a classic show of a generation.

I had to work early the next day and I had to "travel" from Long Island to Lower East side. I never went to that part before but I trusted my GPs. I finally got to Rockwood Music Hall there were like 10 people before me at the line and then came even more. We probably waited from 30 min to an hour when they finally opened the doors, everything was fine until I heard someone saying " Please have your tickets and your ID in your hands, If you are not over 18 you can't go inside". Then I realized that I have forgotten my ID at home. When it was my turn to go inside I got REJECTED, they said there was no way I could go in.

I felt so bad! I got a ticket, I was ready but I was outside looking at all the fans going inside. When all the people went in I begged the bouncer to please, please! let me in, that I came from another country and I would not have another opportunity like this. He finally looked at me ... he took pity on me and he was like " ok, but you can't buy alcohol"-No problem! I answered.

The idea of meeting her and seeing her live was great and I just knew she would probably play only the songs from her new EP and not songs from the show, and I didn't care. I met her and I was starstruck, she was really nice. I didn't know what to say other than "I love your music" (I should have been prepared ) But overall I was relief that she wasn't rude ( fan's worst fear ) or something like that, not at all!. It looks like she genuinely wanted to be there. 

As I saw her playing the guitar and singing, I just thought about all the times I saw her on TV , lying down on the bed (Morning weekends in my PJ's ), and now I stood a few steps from her. She is a great performer, a great voice and energy. It was the first celeb I ever met and it was a great experience.

Check out her new single:

#InstaPhotography - Back to basics

#InstaPhotography : I haven't found an official description but I will try to explain it in my own words.

-Insta-Photography: "The practice of taking photographs with the application (app) called Instagram and then publishing them to this social network. " - { 7 Fotos }

I don't even remember when it was the first time I heard about Instagram but I have been a faithful user for about 2 years. I didn't know anyone who was using it so everything about this app was new to me.

At first I didn't like it. It felt like a straight up look inside my life, It was even scary, With time you realize you can find ways to control it and to filter yourself. This day, there are lots of people publishing every little thing they do and where they go. Nowadays I have been using it mostly for artistic reasons, I love photography, and you can't get any simpler than Instagram.

The photographers this days, are getting too complicated with this art. They get the most expensive equipment and expensive production, too much gets you distracted from the most important thing. Your Photo.

Instagram takes that weight from your shoulder. Sure, you can't use your cellphone as your work tool and no, the chances are that you won't get money from it but it brings you back to the most basic thing in photography; light and a good eye. Maybe you are a photographer and you are thinking "Everyone thinks they are a photographer now" but the reality is that not everyone can get a great photo, not everyone will feel the love for it. That will be noticed in the photo.

Most of the people that only take pics for the money take empty and artificial photos. Only time will tell when they get tired of it or who were made to be photographers.

For more of my photographs go HERE

#InstaPhotography

Freaks and Geeks: the TV show that never should have been cancelled

It is described as "an American teen comedy-drama television series" by www.imdb.com but Freaks and Geeks was more than that. In this series  the groups of outcasts in high school were the main characters and not "the bad guys", the losers. We often see series about rich, popular, good looking and common kinds or young people in high school. The show usually is about their dramas and love life. In Freaks and Geeks we get to the other side of the coin, we see characters that are the outcast.

When I saw the first scene of the first episode, I was already hooked. You can see how the camera shows us literally a glimpse of a regular high school life: The cheerleader and the quarterback sitting in the stands of the football field, they are talking about their meaningful and fleeting relationship... but then, there's a change of music...Van Halen - Running With The Devil begins. We see our new heros, our main characters; the freaks: James Franco as Daniel Desario, Busy Philipps as Kim Kelly, Jason Segel as Nick Andopolis and Seth Rogen as Ken Miller. 

The camera pan to the right showing us the Geeks: Sam Weir (John Francis Daley), Bill Haverchuck (Martin Starr) and Neal Schweiber (Samm Levine ) and of course they are not complete without their bullies. Luckily, they are saved by Sam's sister- Lindsay (Linda Cardellini ). Most of the show is based on Lindsay adapting to her new life, her new place in high school and in her family. She was a mathlete, a student who got good grades, but apparently she gets tired of it and she wants to join the freaks at her school. Their life is fun and exciting.

This show truly lets you look inside the lives of these young people, who are constantly described as lazy, weird, drug addicts and good for nothing. Dangerous people with whom we should not be associated. But the reality is, that each of this characters have different personalities, different ways to face life, different parents and they all live in a troubled environment. But all of this doesn't make them bad teens, and Lindsay can see it, they lead their own life. Lindsay first days with them are hard, they are constantly challenging her just to see if she is one of them, and she is.

This show just lasted one season! just one! but it became a cult classic among many people. I'm so surprised that shows with a positive message that analyze (not just joke about) issues like drugs, sex, bullying , friendship, relationships, etc didn't last! I hate how a tv show like Grace anatomy, 2 and a half men, Gossip girl, Real housewives, last so long! this shows only show sex scenes (all the time), women who are desperate for man's attention and...oh yes, just drama about who kissed who or who is sleeping with who. Just empty, superficial and stupid story lines that are repetitive (thanks to male writers and male directors). But I guess people (most female viewers-we watch more TV) are stupid and superficial, they don't see the difference between this tv show, and they think the show is boring when it actually tries to talk about real issues. 

There are also some amazing young actors that acted in Freaks and Geeks and that now are famous, very famous. You might now recognize them.

I just hope as viewers (and as a woman living in 2014) we become more selective of what we watch, we should always know why we like it and if all the shows teach us something meaningful, for the society or just for us. It is so easy to make TV shows that make jokes about females, kids, sex, etc. But I believe we are smarter than them. I watch comedies and silly shows, yes I do. But I also know how to recognize a show that is sexist and just straight trashy and vulgar.

Only Lovers Left Alive : Could have been better

When I first saw the trailer for this movie, I thought It looked promising, but I was kind of wrong.

The movie is for a young - adult demographic, but of course with a name like Tom Hidleston it’s impossible not to have teen fans of this English actor to watch the movie. They could watch it , they should but I don’t think they would truly appreciate the movie and all the elements in it.

Before watching the movie, I had already made the movie in my head. I thought it had a really interesting story, a nice rhythm. Jim Jarmusch versión was dull and plain ....my movie was better.

I support the concept or the idea of showing this character’s life (Adam) living  as a vampire. Having the inside scoop on how a vampire lives is exciting ( sadly just 4 vampire movies made that curiosity satisfied, this is not one of them…and no, none of the Twilight Saga films are on my list).
Let’s begin with the positives: The director showed us how is to be a gloomy, anti social, bored and kind of selfish vampire. Adam doesn't want people to know him, to be in their life, he doesn't want to be emotionally involved with anything. It's pointless for him.

He looks, acts and feels tired of living in this world. He evens contemplate suicide… or at least he likes the idea of disappearing. Tom Hidleston gives us such a good performance that he made me forget who he was, and when an actor/actress does that, that’s truly a great professional.
We can see how Adam developes a life where he can avoid socializing and talking to zombie (people) . The system he developed is called Ian. This guy, who is his acquaintance, is the one who is always bringing him what he needs, except blood. He doesn't know what Adam is but he likes his company.

At first I had this crazy idea that this vampire was living in this post-apocalyptic era were most humans became zombies and it was extra hard to get blood. I thought that he was a vampire trying to survive with the low blood production but hey… it was just an anti-social vampire trying to live alone…. my idea sounded more interesting, right?

After that intro to his life, we are introduced to his mate/wife; Eve (Tilda Swinton). She is more interesting. Probably she is bored with dealing with people and the world where they live but she deals with it in the best way she can. She is the best part of Adam, but then again, all of us Eves are the best part of living in this world. They have a passionate and old fashion love relationship, he looks less gloomy around her and life seems to be more bearable with her by his side.

Definitely, the aesthetic is the best of it all. The way every detail of their personality are shown in their houses and their clothes are perfect. The old house, the old studio, decoration items, it is just a pleasure to see. The photography is great too thanks to the cinematographer Yorick Le Saux.

The best scene is the last one. They are in Tangier, both helpless , damaged and hungry. They are sitting , waiting for their imminent assassin, the sun. Adam and Eve are talking, trying to keep their minds off the main problem, trying to pretend that they are strong enough, smart enough , educated enough and both better than savages animals, better than the “ zombies” they belittle.
But they are not.

Why is it that movie directors won't dare to create a world where vampires rule and live a normal life, like I said.... more than the inside scoop of a vampire's life, I want to see it all. We want to see more of their secret society, how they become invisible to us and how they survive for so long. It doesn't need to have cartoonish characters or a silly unbelievable world, just a goth-ish, gore-ish and terrifying delight for our minds and eyes ( Hint* Hint* Tim Burton).

Jobless ... for now.

After two years of being away from home, I came back with a positive attitude and so relaxed, believing I could do it all. I was... kind of wrong.

Being without a job doesn't mean you can't do other stuff. For example; I am writing a new post after more than one year! I have time to go out and learn a new language and to go to the gym. But, yes, I know how it feels when you *Think you are not doing anything productive, or it feels that you are not doing anything at all! The reality is that, if you are keeping yourself busy with things that will help you eventually, you will be ok; there is nothing wrong with that.

But at the same time, we are not earning money to pay bills or personal things, and we are not working (won't look good on the CV). There are many days where I wake up and I'm desperate to find anything, anything! then I realized that the X job won't make me happy...in fact It will make me feel miserable. I know myself, very well and I know I will feel trapped and suffocated.

I often think, "what if it’s a good deal for me BUT I hate the job?" What if I become one of those people who always talk about how their job is just momentary and they never end up quitting the job and finally they are too old or they are too scared to do it. What If?

I know I should just close my eyes and jump into the abyss....and try something else when I feel ready. Another great idea is to read a book to help you get ideas on how to start looking for a job, what to look for or maybe a book that will help you out to start your own business.

-What are you doing about it?
-Should I take what ever I can and pray for the best?
-How do you cope with being unemployed?


Me.

PS: WELCOME BACK !

*Image from: http://www.herald.co.zw/the-curse-of-being-jobless/

[ Deftones : Koi No Yokan ] - New level

Just when you think a band can't do something different after soo many years.... Deftones are back again with this great album. They didn't get stuck like so many other rock bands who became popular during the 90's. They had their share of drama, problems, and even almost losing Chi Cheng (www.oneloveforchi.com -go and help),etc but they always deliver a great and solid sound.

Go and buy it!

http://def-tag.com/?r=0008524

Monster life

A love letter .... (Before the monster)

  From Dylan Klebold's diary:

 "You don't consciously know who I am, & doubtedly unconsciously too. I, who write this, love you beyond infinice. I think about you all the time, how this world would be a better place If you loved me as I do you. I know what you're thinking: "(some psycho wrote me this harassing letter)" I hoped we could have been together... you seem a lot like me. 

Pensive, quiet, an observer, not wanting what is offered here (school, life, etc.) You almost seem lonely, like me. You probably have a boyfriend, though, & might have not given this note another thought. I have thought you my true love for a long time now, but... well... there was hesitation. You see I can't tell if you think of anyone as I do you, & if you did who that would be. Fate put me in need of you, yet this Earth blocked that with uncertainties. I will go away soon, but I just had to write this to you, the the one I truly loved. Please, for my sake, dont tell anyone about this, as it was only meant for you. Also, please don't feel any guilt about my soon-to-be "absense" of this world. [arrow points to a note in the margin that reads: "It is solely my decision: nobody else's."] Oh... the the thoughts of w us... doing everything together, not necessarily anything, just to be together would have been pure heaven heaven. 

I guess it's Time time to tell you who I am. I was in a class with you 1st semester, & was blessed w. being with you in a report. I still remember your laugh. Innocent, beautiful, pure. This semester I still see you rarely. I am entranced during 5th period, as we both have it off. To most people, I appear.. well... almost scary, but that's who I appear to be as people are afraid of what they don't understand. I denied who I was for a long time. until high school...

Anyway, you have noticed me a few times, I catch every one of these gazes w. an open heart. I think you know who I am by now. Unfortunately... you even if you did like me even the slightest bit, you would hate hate me if you knew who I was. I am a criminal, I have done things that almost nobody would even think about condoning. The reas reason that I'm writing you now is that I have been caught for the crimes I comitted, & I went want to go to a new existence. You know what I mean. (Suicide) I have have nothing to live for, & I won't be able to survive in this world after this legal conviction. However However, if it was true that you loved me as I do you,... I would find a way to survive. Anything to be with you. [arrow points to margin where Dylan writes: I would enjoy life knowing that you loved me.] 99/100 chances you prob. 
think I'm crazy, & want to stay as far away as possible. 

If that's the case, then I'm very sorry for involving an innocent person in my problems, & please don't think twice. However, If you are are who I hoped for in my dreams dreams & realities realities, then do me this a favor: Leave Leave a piece of paper in my locker, [arrow to margin note reading: "Locker #837 -- combo=19-37-9 --near the library"] saying anything that comes to you. Well, I guees guess this is it-- goodbye & I love(d) you."

This letter was written by Dylan Klebold, one of the killers of the famous Columbine Massacre.

You might be asking yourself..."why? why posting this?" well, many people just see the monsters that they became when they did what they did (taking innocent lives) , but there's a few who think about them as what they were before:

-Bullied kids

-Lonely kids

-Misunderstood

-Just High school Kids

No one really asks or wonder about what happened to them?, who hurt them so much that they went so mad and got detached from the world , the feelings? They didn't want to feel anymore. Who or what did that?

Either way, this letter is from Dylan's diary ... he did love, he did feel, he wanted happiness, and warmth , and love and be loved in return. This was a real person, with such deep feelings... it hurts to see that someone who think and feels this (sweet) way... was ruined by life, by time, by things we can't control, by people who doesn't care about others. For me, it's worth remembering him, as what he was before. He is the kid that is in your high school, here, there, everywhere.... If you see someone who need help, who needs someone to listen, someone who cares, don't hesitate and help. Don't let this happen to another kid...don't let the hate in them grow, don't let a person die inside. You can save someone with a few simple words like:

"Hello, how are you?"