Notes from a Genius

Last night, I saw Taking Back Sunday for what I believe was the 6th time, since 2003. I've seen them at their best, with  the original lineup, and also with multiple lineup changes; and I've seen them at the worst (worst likely, due to lead singer Adam Lazzara's addiction and alcohol problems). Regardless, the energy at their shows is undeniable. They play to the crowd, playing favorites, playing sing-alongs, and until recently I noticed they don't play songs of their album "New Again" (which is one of my favorites). They've stayed consistent with their radio-friendly emo-type songs, albeit, they get a little harder with each album. I remember the first time I saw them, in Portland at the State Theatre, November 16, 2003-- and the only reason why it sticks out in my mind is because I had just started my teaching program at USM (heading towards a career in education). I showed up at my placement in Auburn Middle School that spring and a couple of 7th grade ...

Untitled #1 I would pay you compliments But I can't even afford the attention You claim to be accustomed to You say I sometimes remind you Of the men who had you first Given second chances to losers With me, you can't even disguise civility In the middle of an argument You don't fight fair Mincing words to victimize yourself For the sake of your argument You never learned how to fight fair Fight fair, fight fair, fight fair, fight fair Don't bring a gun to a knife fight Don't pull the trigger so fast It will make the bullet tear through skin Before you're given the chance to apologize Like you would ever say, "I'm sorry" Instead, you say, "I can forgive, but I can't forget" And that's why this fight isn't fair Only left in perpetual motion Until, with a flick of the wrist I am waving you "goodbye" After my wrist risked itself to save the other wrist From falling victim to your twist kiss...

"White Bird in a Blizzard" starring: Shailene Woodley, Eva Green, Christopher Meloni, Shiloh Fernandez, Angela Bassett, Gabourey Sidibe, Thomas Jane written and directed by: Gregg Araki I have liked a few of Araki's earlier films (re: Nowhere, Splendor, in particular) and I will include this one, his newest indie film, as one that I enjoyed because he takes an interesting story and puts his own spin on it (most of the time his films get too convoluted for its own good. It's almost like he wants to test our patience and enjoyment of films. He has been known to work with more notable actors and actresses, putting them in roles that test their otherwise likability, as they are known in the mainstream. Think actors like: Rose McGowan, Parker Posey, Ryan Phillippe, Heather Graham, Mena Suvari, and Kathleen Robertson. For this film, his latest "victim" is Shailene Woodley, whom many would consider a likable, young, up-and-coming actress with a down-to-earth...

It's no secret that I've had my share of heartbreak, and I don't see anything wrong with that, because with each relationship, I have definitely learned lessons (re: life, personal, co-habitation, interpersonal, relationship) and although I suffer, I come out feeling pretty good about myself, after the inevitable wallowing and pity and fear, etc. I started thinking about this list of break-up relevant albums about a month and a half ago, because my girlfriend and I ended our relationship. I ended it actually, for a multitude of reasons, which I won't get into on here, and I did not really want to get so personal as to even tell you that information on here either, but alas, I did. We have not been together for exactly 2 months, as of today, and it was extremely hard for a month and a half (even though I was the one who ended it). I tried to get her back, saying things several times, trying really hard, but ultimately, I realized it was all for naught, because I broke th...