Not Another Fan Girl Opinion

The Adventure

2010-07-05T19:38:00.000-07:00

To anyone, anyone, out there who hasn't given up on this, or me, I just wanted to write something tonight.

I guess, after all, I really have no idea what my direction is supposed to be on this blog. Or even what I want it to be. In away it's funny. There is this quote from Sylvia Plath that I just found that says "Somethings are hard to write about. After something happens to you, you go and write it down, and either you over dramaticize it, or underplay it, exagerate the wrong parts, or ignore the important ones. At any rate, you never write it quite the way you want to."

I guess I'm just sort of trying to find out who I am. I guess I'm at that age anyways. And I know that I should let me find me, not go looking for me, but I just can't stand not knowing. I want this who adolesense things to be over. I want to know what it's all about and experience life. Something about high school doesn't actually let you.

So I'm going to try this, and maybe it'll lead to some sort of solution, or maybe it won't. We'll have to see.

FIVE things I wish I could say to FIVE different people right now:
1. I really hope I'm becoming someone you're proud of.
2. I think what's making me so angry is the fact that I'm afraid. I'm sorry.
3. I don't tell you that I appreciate everything you do enough.
4. I know it doesn't look like it, but you have no idea how much I want this.
5. It was with you that I discovered my love for writing. Thank you.

TEN things about myself:
1. I'm way too obsessed with the gym. I have to work out atleast five times a week.
2. I hate clowns.
3. I think WAY too much.
4. My mom always told me that I had an over active imagination when I was younger.
5. She also called me a worry wart, which is true.
6. My first serious writing project was to interview my grandfather about is experience in World War 2. I miss him greatly.
7. I'm completely scared of my senior year because I have no idea what's going to happen.
8. I want to go to the University of Maryland with every bone in my body.
9. I'm completely obsessed with Eeyore and Disney.
10. I am a Ravenclaw.

SEVEN ways to win my heart:
1. Take me to London.
2. Be a Ravens fan.
3. Be independent. I can't be with you for every thing. But also, want to be around me.
4. Humility. I can't stand someone who can't laugh at their own mistakes.
5. Intelligence. Also being bilingual helps.
6. Please don't be perfect. Please know you're not perfect.
7. Understand that I'm not perfect.

SEVEN things that cross my mind a lot:
1. Rowing.
2. Working out/when I can go to the gym.
3. What's happening next on Real Housewives of New Jersey and Friday Night Lights.
4. School and College Applications.
5. When my next vacation is.
6. What the last thing I ate was.
7. Love

FOUR things I do before I fall asleep:
1. Brush my teeth and floss.
2. Wash my face.
3. Think about what I'm going to wear tomorrow.
4. Hug atleast two of my Eeyores.

FOUR things I see right now:
1. My iPhone 4.
2. The order forms for my senior portrait.
3. A pencil.
4. Blank CDs.

THREE songs that I listen to often:
1. Anything All Time Low.
2. In My Head by Jason Derulo
3. Slide by The Goo Goo Dolls

TWO things I want to do before I die:
1. Sky dive.
2. Fall in love and be loved in return.

ONE confession:
I worried that believing in myself and in my dreams, in the end, just isn't going to be enough.

Here's to figuring out what this adventure is all about.

But who knows, maybe there is nothing to figure out and it's really about nothing at all.

Somehow, that would be beautiful.

The Green Light

2010-03-30T08:52:00.000-07:00

So, I don't really have anything music wise to update on, but I know that I haven't just written to write (is that grammatically correct?) lately. I don't know, life's been stressful in a kind of not stressful way. If that makes any sense at all.

I have only one more quarter of junior year, if that counts for anything. I don't know, I think that this year wasn't nearly as stressful academically as I thought it was going to be. Or maybe it was, but I managed to take it in stride.

We finished reading The Great Gatsby in English. And I really liked it. F. Scott Fitzgerald and Zelda are actually buried in MD. Rockville to be exact. But here was my thought process with the book.

I liked the beginning. I felt that I could really relate to Nick Carraway the entire time, which it's kind of rare when I can really relate to a character. Usually I really hate them. I tend to really hate characters. And I mean, it's not because I necessarily can't see where the character is coming from or anything, it's usually because I find them extremely annoying. Chikako from Thousand Cranes for example (as anyone read that?). I really couldn't stand her, yet I decided to analyze her for my World Literature Paper. Weird. Whatever.

Back to what I was talking about. Nick Carraway. I think the reason I could relate to him so much is because of one of the first lines in the novel.

"Whenever you feel like criticizing any one," he told me, "just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had."

I don't know, and I hope that I don't sound like a snob, even though I probably will, but somehow I feel like I'm always trying to remind myself of that same fact. And not necessarily because I feel priviledged. Mainly because when I start freaking out about college and whether I'm going to get in, I forget that AP and IB classes aren't offered at every school and not every school is ranked in the top 100 schools in the country. And I guess I just forget that I go to a school with extremely competitive students. All of which I believe are smart (okay, maybe not all, but the ones that try) and I believe that I am also smart. And I tend to forget that a C in an IB class isn't really failing. I still love how my guidance counselor at school when looking at my transcript and noticing that I had one C that stood out, said, "Well, it's not like I could do it. So you're doing a good job." Confience. Hah.

But back to The Great Gatsby. I noticed that with Nick, although he tries to be a fair man, which I don't blame him for trying to be, it's not like he really tries to work for those who don't have the same chances as him, but he's not acting like Tom and putting down those he feels are inferior. Nick really just sits there. If you notice, although we have his narration, we never really hear Nick stand up for anyone. He just sort of sits. And you'd think that for a man raised on the principle that he must remember that not everyone is as well off as him, he'd be slightly more active. Yet, he doesn't seem to remark on Daisy, Tom, Jordan and all of the other posh East Egg inhabitants' demeanors until the end when he says,

"They were careless people, Tom and Daisy-- They smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money and their vast carelessness, or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they had made..."

I guess Nick can take pride in the fact that he isn't like Tom and Daisy. It is true that he does reach out to Gatsby and is able to call himself Gatsby's friend at the end. But there was so much about Gatsby that still makes me wonder if he was really Nick's friend in return. Or if he was just in it for Daisy. After all, Gatsby threw lavish parties in the hopes that Daisy would show up. All of the lies about Gatsby that Nick probably isn't sure of, and I do feel bad for possibly scorning their friendship, but it makes me wonder, how much was Gatsby invested. He himself didn't really have any friends. You could call Meyer Wolfsheim a friend, but even he doesn't show up for Gatsby's funeral. He says (another brilliant line from Fitzgerald),

"'Let us learn to show out friendship for a man when he is alive and not after he is dead,' he suggested. 'After that, my own rule is to let everything alone.'"

And that seems slightly characteristic of the people Gatsby surrounded himself with, except Nick. Daisy proved to be unreliable. However, I can't really blame her. Realistically speaking, Gatsby showed up in her life after five years, wanting her to immediately be in love with him again. Daisy had Pammy, Tom and her child and is married to Tom. Gatsby, who proves himself to be somewhat of a hopeless romantic and definitely trying to personify the american dream, especially after saying,

"'I wouldn't ask too much of her,' I ventured. 'You can't repeat the past.'

'Can't repeat the past?' he cried incredulously. 'Why of course you can!'"

And I do realize that this is a stretch and I'm probably getting carried away with myself as I often do. But, what I'm trying to say is that, Nick doesn't do anything. There is Gatsby always searching for that one way to gain back what he used to have, never being satisfied with what is already there, and there is Tom and Daisy, who in a different way, aren't satisfied with themselves either. It's all sort of twisted. Nick, although he says it of the Buchanans, is also careless.

And to get back to my original point, what Nick makes me see in myself is that acknowledging the fact that you may be better off than someone else, just isn't enough. Of course, there is often nothing you can do to fix it, and on that level I understand why Nick is stuck in a position where he cannot enable. But it still bothers me. And I try not to feel bad when I'm reminded that I'm acting like a snob over something I can't help, but I always do.

Another good quote is,

"Reversing judgements is a matter of infintie hope. I am still a little afraid of missing something if I forget that, as my father snobbishly suggested, and I snobbishly repeat, a sense of the fundemental decencies are parcelled out unequally at birth."

I can't help but agree. I'm sure that someone else, on the other end of the spectrum as me would too. And this is where I start to feel bad, and may I say that I don't entend to sound so degrading or snobbish when I explain this, but I have an example. My cousin lives in what I like to call 'Hickville USA' or 'Podunk California' and it's true. Her MySpace will back me up. But her life and my life, although we come from the same family (which is by marriage, I should add), our lives couldn't be more different. It is true that my dad did join the Air Force right out of high school and then went to college after four years. For the most part (and with probably a majority of my mom's influence since she's from Berkeley), that is why I live in DC. My dad did always want more than what was going to be offered to him in Humbolt County, but if he hadn't I'm sure that I would not be here today, or someon equivilant of me would. Who knows. I won't get into that.

But my cousin, she lives on a ranch that my grandparents own. Her parents are split up, she hates her father's wife, she doesn't go to school regularly (never planned on going to college when she was in school), doesn't really live with her mom or her dad and doesn't have any friends her age. She's only a year older than me too. When she was 15 she had a 21 year old boyfriend and didn't have any girl friend who were her age. All of her 21 year old friends were boys anyways, too. Frankly, I never understood and still don't understand her life.

And through talking to my grandmother and aunts (not her mom, but my dad's sister. Remember, my cousin is my dad's step brother's daughter) and uncles and my dad, I've come to the understanding that I happened to get the better half of that stick. Except, it's not to say that my cousin would necessarily want what I have. Each time she asks me what I up too, my response is always, "I'm really busy with school and crew". Who's to say that she would want that? What Psychology with nature vs. nurture, nurture says that she wouldn't. She's grown up with the ranch and rodeo and without a big city. And that's fine. If she's happy, that's all that matters. But I can't help in my belief that everyone deserves the same oppertunities. And maybe that's where Nick finds conflict. He said that reversing judgements is a matter of infinite hope. Is it my judgement that she would be better if she had what I had? Is that spolied or selfish? Or would it be more fair to just rest with the fact that she's happy and in her environment what she has sufficies.

And I keep thinking "If they have what I had" and it makes me feel like a huge snob. I don't take for granted the fact that my parents can pay for my college education and a financially demanding sport on top of that. I really don't. I'm extremely thankful. And although I don't go to private school (I almost did), my public school has the resources of a private school. I do live in one of the most expensive counties in the country.

I also realize that those things I also cannot help. And that's when decencies are parcelled out unequally. But like Nick, I want "the world to be in uniform and at a sort of moral attention forever".

And frankly I hate when people whom I've just met from other places tell me about the kinds of classes I'm taking. I hate having to describe what the International Bacceloriate Programme is. It makes me uncomfortable because not only does my school have pretty much every AP class under the sun, it has an international equivilant of AP classes too. And it's not uncommon for someone to be full AP or full IB. I take both. And at my school honors classes are on level. I remember being embarrassed to be taking honors NSL instead of AP NSL like my friends (which I now understand was a good decision on my part).

I know that I will never fully understand why it is that I feel conflicted over what I have. I know I shouldn't. I'm probably the stereotype most people try and avoid, and I know that I tried to avoid for most of middle school (but what did I know then anyways).

What's unfortunate is that even after writting all of this, and the fact that I've taken a book to trying to help figure out who it is that I really am is very classic of me, I'm still feeling the same as I did when I started. This is probably my queue to stop writting about this now.

Maybe reason will come in time. Or it won't.

But I'll leave you with this, just like Fitzgerald did:

"So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past."

Not Another Fan Girl,
Amanda

You almost had me there, Alice.

2010-03-03T17:14:00.000-08:00

I'm going to stop apologizing for my lack of posts, because it's really my fault. And I also start to feel like Julie from that Julia Child movie. And I really don't want to sound like that because it sounds stupid, frankly.

So, I recieved an email from someone asking about the new Alice in Wonderland soundtrack, Almost Alice.

And I'm going to be completely honest.

The only song I've actually bought off the soundtrack was All Time Low's "Painting Flowers". Of course I bought it. I mean, it's All Time Low. Duh.

Except I'm going to explain myself.

The reason I bought only the All Time Low song is because, despite being a huge fan, I really looked at the list and (since I had already listened to a few of the songs on line), decided that I really didn't want the others.

And now that I explained that I feel like it was a stupid thing to feel like I have to explain.

And no, "Painting Flowers" is not my favorite All Time Low song at all. Not even in the least. I just feel the urge to have everyone, or close to everyone, of their songs. Is that so terrible?

However, I do think that they did a job well done. Whether they wrote it or not (since SOMETIMES, and I'm saying sometimes because when artist are put on soundtracks for a particular movie, like Alice in Wonderland where there is a distinct theme in the songs for the album, the writing process isn't entirely theirs), they did a good job with it. I can still tell it's All Time Low, but it does not sounds like the rest of their songs. If anything, it has sort of a darker undertone to the song. It's still a good song of their's though.

And I'm also going to admit for an excuse, that since iTunes jacked it prices up (ahem...), I'm really careful about what songs I'm buying. I mean, $1.29 will add up a little quicker than $0.99.

However, maybe with some convincing, I will look more into the album. I know I listened to the song "Alice" by Avril Lavigne and it really takes a lot from me to listen to her screaming. And in that song, it's not like her other stuff where it's like, in tune screaming. This is like pitching screaming. It's hard on my ears. Sorry.

Okay, now I really have to apologize because this is turning out to be a really terrible entry.

On Owl City, I really do like the song that is on the soundtrack. I do have it because it is a part of Owl City's I Must Be Dreaming album which is really, really good. I like it a lot better than his new stuff. I might do an entry on I Must Be Dreaming at a different date, but we'll see.

The Metro Station song "Where's My Angel" really just makes me want to shoot myself in the head. You guys know how I feel about all Metro Station, and there has yet to be a song that has proved me wrong about them. I am still giving them a chance, but they're really doing a poor job. Especially now that Anthony and Blake are no longer apart of the band? Am I correct on that? If someone could follow that up, that'd be great.

I actually did just buy the song "The Poison" by AAR. It's still AAR, as the All Time Low song is still All Time Low, except it's better, in a way. Or it's still different. I think that's what I'm trying to say. It's good. I like it. It kind of has that "Sun Kid" feel to it, if you know what I mean. If you don't, it's okay. All American Rejects have always done a good job at relaxing me. I don't know why I find this song relaxing. Probably the beginning. But AAR does that sort of soft and then hard and fast transition. As I said, I'm not a musician so my musical vocabulary sucks.

The Plain White T's song "Welcome to Mystery" reminds me of the Beatles by a lot. It has that vibe that a lot of songs from their Magical Mystery Tour album have, I think.

I might come back to this soundtrack. We'll see. It's kind of takes 30 seconds of a song to convince me anyways. So, again, we'll see.

I have my tickets for the AP Tour 2010. Do you? You better. :] Abby and I are going. the DC date is April 25th I think. It's the day after MD State regatta, so I better have something to party about. Anyways, I'll definitely have pictures (probably shitty ones) and a blog for that.

I can't wait to see Alice in Wonderland.

I think that's my conclusion.

Looking at the Soundtrack cover gets me excited. It's so, for lack of a much better word, awesome.

Not Just Another Fan Girl Opinion.
Your resident fangirl,
Amanda

It's not about jumping over the pond. It's about jumping from lily pad, to lily pad.

2010-01-13T16:26:00.000-08:00

Hello out there!

To anyone who is still reading, I am back. I'm sorry it took so long for another update. I suck. Anyways, I don't have a lot of homework, so I actually have time to write a new blog entry.

Hm... What to talk about, what to talk about...

Well, to start off I had a good break. The last two weeks of school have been a little hard to get into the swing off, but you know. That's school.

Anyways, I'm going to talk about the new We The Kings album, as I promised. Except I can kind of see you guys being like "And? So?"

And I don't really have an answer for you.

Basically, I really like Smile Kid. I thought it was really good and I was really proud of it. I can't stop listening to it.I'm actually listening to it right now, but that's to help me write this. :P

So here's the break down:

My favorite songs are She Takes Me High (probably the most anticipated for me, since they played it on the GK Tour. Was anyone else excited to here that song finalized?), Promise the Stars, Spin, What You Do To Me and the acoustics. I just love the acoustics. They always sound so good. Something about them makes me love the song even more. I think it's the fact that you can hear the song so much better. If that makes sense...

I think what I'm trying to say is that it's so much more raw, and I love hearing Travis Clark's voice like that. I love his voice.

I really love the chorus of Promise the Stars. It's so catchy and I like listening to it while I walk to school in the morning (in the cold. If any of you have been to Maryland in the winter, you know that bitter, windy, dry cold I'm talking about).

Again with Spin I love the chorus. But I also love the lyrics. It's very up beat, which isn't exactly different from We The Kings usually. And I mean, that's not a bad thing. I'm extremely happy with the up beat songs. But my favorite lyric is "Even if we fall we'll be okay/ grab hold of your heart". Personally, I know I need that reminder that everything is going to be okay. I think we all need to spend a little more time living in the moment. I know I do. As Ms. Liz calls me "Little Miss Perfectionist". All too true...

I also forgot that one of my absolute favorites (did I already say that? If I did, then this is in addition. I do that a lot...) is The Story of Your Life. I read on altpress.com, an interview about the album with Travis (which I can't seem to dig up... Damn...). He said his inspiration for The Story of Your Life was imagining being written in a girl's diary. If you listen to the song, you get it. But I, again, love the lyrics. "Nothing ever really makes sense/ if you keep searching you'll find me/ hidden in side you."

Okay, and I'm going to get really kind of, philosophical on you, but "me" doesn't have to be a guy. I mean, in my case it wouldn't be (besides the fact that there isn't a guy in my life at the moment. Not even remotely.). "You're shaking/ you're not sure of the ending". I think, to me, this song speaks to the uncertainty that we all have. Whether it be school, a guy, your future in general. I mean, I hate thinking about my future. I really don't like talking about it. It freaks me out. But, that "me", that's the strength (for lack of a better word) you have inside of you. Nothing ever really makes sense, but just keep going because you'll find that reason, or that strength to make sense of everything. We're not doomed. None is. It's just a matter of trying to make sense of everything that is happening. And nothing is going to make sense at the moment. But it will.

Okay, and now for the songs I really didn't care for.

I don't know if you saw this one coming, but I'm not a huge fan of We'll Be A Dream.

I can hear you now and it's NOT because I dislike Demi Lovato and feel that she's ruining one of my favorite bands. It's not that at all. If anything, I respect Demi Lovato. I think that it's reasonable that she did a song with WTK. That's fine. She has a good voice and rock seems to fit her. I just don't understand why a girl who is 16 (my age) would want to be shooting for super stardome right now. I mean, it's the same with Miley Cyrus. I think it's rediculous. But why I like Demi more than Miley is because Demi hasn't been in a music video looking like she should be in Southwest DC standing on a street corner.

You get where I'm going.

Anyways, I'm just not a huge fan of the song. Not into that particular power ballad. There is something about it that doesn't sit right with me. Demi does kick Travis' vocal ass in this song, which he admitted to in AP. Still, I'm just not in love with the song. At all. Not in love with the lyrics and the composition I'm just not falling over for.

Rain Falls Down is also not a favorite, except I like it more than We'll Be A Dream. I'm just not in love with the We The Kings ballads. I mean, this is their sophomore album, so there is plenty of time for progress on anything.

Oh, and for all you that read my blog on the WBC at my school or know about WBC picketing at the ATL concert (I feel that that would be more of you...) here is a funny little clip, making fun of Sherly Phelps. :]

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

2009-12-24T13:25:00.000-08:00

Hi!

So I'm SO sorry about my lack of posting. If any of you are still out there reading this... Oh God, none of you are, are you.

Anyways, point is, I'm in California right now and spending the holidays with my family, and I can't give you guys a worthy blog update. And the bad news is that I'm going to have to do it when I get home, which will be in 2010.

Trust me, I'll try to make it the best blog post you've seen from me. 2010 will come with definite pizzaz.

I'm so sorry if I've left a lot of you hanging and it's my fault if any of you have left.

But I hope that all of you have a safe and wonderful holiday with your family and friends.

See you all (or write to you all) in the new year! (Wow, I'm still trying to wrap my head around the fact that this is the end of the decade. I still can't believe that it's been ten years since 2000...)

My love as always,
Amanda

Tree Analogies.

2009-12-02T17:59:00.000-08:00

Wow, I'm really sorry that I haven't updated in a while. Life is starting to get crazy again. And I actually shouldn't be blogging at the moment because I have to finish my AP Psych homework, but I feel bad.

And this is probably the worst blog I will ever write (or just the beginning, who knows).

So I guess I'm going to bore you for a few paragraphs.

My lower right abdomin has been killing me lately. I'm not sure if it's appendacitis or not. I really have no clue. Maggie thinks I should be at the hospital right now, since it isn't going away. My parents are hesitant to call it appendacitis and I really have no idea what to think. I just want the pain over with. If it IS appendacitis, then they can take my appendix out no problem. Surgery doesn't scare me really. Plus, how cool would it be to have a scar? And be like "Yeah, they took my appendix out. You have them, I don't. Look who's cool now." Haha... Anyways.

Um, crew has started back up again. Practice isn't as far away and has difficult to get to, so hopefully I'll have more time. Hopefully...

The idea of trying to decide on what colleges I want to apply to is freaking me out a bit. I really only know that I want to go to University of Maryland. My parents (well, atleast my mom) are trying to drill into my brain that it is a HUGE school. Yes, I get that their Undergrad is 25,000 (give a little, maybe). I get that I will be in lecture halls with like 40-50 others. I get it. I think my mom wants me to go to a smaller school. I sort of understand why, but then I don't. I want to go to a big school. It just seems like every school I suggest, there is a con to it. I mean, there are ALWAYS going to be cons. But atleast just tell me if you think it's a good decision. Don't be passive and be like "Yeah that's a great choice, but it's a huge school." Yes or no, please.

On a music front...

I listened to the 30 second bits of Bob Dylan's Christmas album last night. OH MY GOD, I could NOT stop laughing! Mental image the entire time was a drunken mall Santa chasing little kids with a 40 oz in his hand and a cigarette hanging out of the corner of his mouth. Oh boy, it's a riot! I'm tempted to buy it for my dad as a joke present. But I'd probably have to buy him something else, because I know that he doesn't want that.

Also, Family Force 5 is putting out a Christmas album. I'll see if I can get more on that later. That should be interesting. I love them. Any concert of theirs in a dance party. Like, no moshing. Full on dance party. At the AP Tour 2009, probably the most fun I've had at the 9:30 club. Well, after my last All Time Low concert. THAT was the most fun I've had at the 9:30 Club, by far.

Alright, so I'm going to rag on Metro Station some more. (Anyone who follows me on twitter will see that I've been ragging on them all day. BTW, my twitter is www.twitter.com/anllna93 Follow me.) I was reading through the Alternative Press website and I saw that they're putting out a Kelsey EP? I'm going to quote Tim Karan on this: "it's been two years since that last record and they couldn't come up with a better line than 'It's your body to me you'll give/So come on, let's live?'" First off, you guys are probably really confused by where that came from.
To start with just talking about the EP, the new remix of 'Kelsey' sounds like shit to me. It's basically like all their other remixes. If they had left 'Kelsey' alone, I would have been fine. But the remix is just a slowed down version with a beat.
HOWEVER, I really like the acoustic of 'Kelsey'. I think that's how 'Kelsey' needs to be done. The original version and the acoustic were all that needed to happen to the song. (Let's also keep in mind that 3 of the 5 songs on the EP are 'Kelsey' and two renditions of it. Great job guys... I'm sure that's what the fans want. Fifteen different versions of one song...)
'Japanese Girl' just screams healthy relationship... Let's segway back to where I quotes Tim Karan. In 'Japanese Girl', one of the lyrics is "It's your body to me you'll give/ So come on, let's live."
You can read the rest of the lyrics here for yourself.
Basically my point is, Metro Station has in no way, and in my fan girl opinion, progressed. 'Japanese Girl' sounds like everything off of their debut album. It's the same techno/alternative stuff (more techno than alternative).
I do not doubt, that if you liked their debut album, and are still a fan of Metro Station, that you won't be shake it to this one (Haha, like my pun? Get it? Okay, I guess not...). However, this is definitely not out of their comfort zone. Still more techno pop beats and degrading lyrics towards women. Sorry guys.
Also, I don't get the whole image. Mason Musso is reminding me of the keyboardist from Spinal Tap. And that movie was supposed to be a joke. I wonder what that's saying about Metro Station.
I also like to remind myself, that since they are on tour with Miley Cyrus, the girls who are like "I saw them last night! They played Japanese Girl!" bought a ticket to a Miley Cyrus concert.
Bravo.

Getting off my high horse now...

I'm so very excited for the new We The Kings album. The songs that they've put out so far, are sort of similar to their debut album. I'm hoping for some different stuff. If you would like an analogy, if We The Kings is the tree, I'd like to see a twig on an already strong branch that is frequently used for climbing.
Did that work for you?

Good.

Alright, I have to get back to studying!

Much love always,
Amanda

It's been seven years...

2009-11-09T17:53:00.000-08:00

I promise that after this blog entry, I'll try to stop with the depressing and philosophical entries for a while.

But when I was checking my email, I noticed that one of the headlines for Yahoo! News was 'D.C. Sniper's Tragic Legacy'. So I clicked.

If you're wonder what this has to do with anything, I'll tell you. When I was in 4th grade, John Allen Muhammad and his accomplice Lee Boyd Malvo killed 9 people on their sniper spree. Many of the shootings were near my home and happening to ordinary people. None of these people did the snipers know. They didn't care about any of these individuals. One of which, was 13. Another, my best friend's mother saw vaccuuming her car at a gas station across the street (in Kensington, MD) from the gas station that she was at. Later after she left, the woman was shot.

I recall a few things about this event. First, I rememeber not really knowing what was going on. When teachers and parents and adminsitrators and police were finally formally presented with what was happening, I remember being taken out of school early. I went to an after school program. There, we were to wait until our parents came. It was much like September 11 in a way, which had only been a year before. Either way, now that I think about it, I'm lucky to have my friends and family (since I have family members who worked close to the Pentagon) still with me.

That day it was like a rumor flying around school. We, the students, had absolutely no idea what was going on. It wasn't snowing. It couldn't possibly be snowing. It was October. And the power wasn't out. Why were we being released early? Why are there room parents escorting kids to their buses?

Of course the teachers weren't sure what to tell us. Again, just like September 11. How do you tell 700 Elementary schoolers that there is a sniper in the area? I don't know.

My mother eventually picked me up, and we went straight home. My mother had always been honest with me, even at a young age. I was always pretty mature for my age anyways. She told me, in a short hand way, what was going on. We stayed in the back of the house, away from the street side of my house, and watched the news. I while my mother called relatives and my father, to tell everyone we were okay, I watched the DC Cheif of Police debreif the public. I can't remember what he said, but I can remember that he was serious.

The second thing I recall was memorizing the number you called if you saw anything suspicious. Especially if it involved a white utilities van. I also remember one of my friend's mother being impressed when I recieted it for her. After a day or two, we were able to go back to school. However, we were in code blue status for a few weeks. You were not allowed to leave you classroom without an adult or enter or leave the school. There were mothers who were apart of the PTA who worked at a table in the front hall. They were to keep track of everyone who entered and left the building. We had indoor recess for a month.

And lastly, I remember lying in bed at night and thinking that if I lied still enough, and the snipers were to come through my neighborhood, they wouldn't be able to tell that I was there. If I did move, or were lying on my side, they would somehow be able to see though my wall and possibly shoot. My parent's room was in the back of the house, and my room was on the street side. I could ask why the sniper would decide to drive through the neighborhoods of Bethesda, but looking at the other places they'd been, I could also ask why not? More over, I would hope that if they did shoot, since my bed isn't too high up (but higher up than normal beds), they might miss me and I'd be okay.

Is that really what a fourth grader should be thinking about? No. Is it what I thought about? Yes. It's sobering to think about.

Tomorrow at 9 PM, John Allen Muhammad will be executed by lethal injection.

The part that troubles me, and where I find myself writing this, is the fact that I only started to think about the sniper attacks the other day. I wondered what had happened to them. Had they been executed? I know that Malvo was only a teenager. And both murders they were having troubling finding a way to try them in a state that still had the death penalty. Muhammad was tried in Virginia and from what I can find, Malvo is still alive and is being tried in Maryland.

I saw a picture of Muhammad. Part of me feels like I'm looking into the eyes of someone who killed my best friend. I feel anger and I feel sadness. But he never killed my best friend. I think the reason I feel those things, is because of the fear he was able to instill over the 5.4 million people in my region. I feel anger because of the things he had me worrying about when I was nine. A nine year old shouldn't be thinking about the possibility of death while they lie in their bed. A home is a safe haven. I feel anger for how he took away that security.And not just from me, but from all of us.

It's been seven years and I still don't know what to think about what he did. Like September 11, I will forever remember where I was during the sniper attacks.

Maybe the families who lost during that time will find a peace with his execution. My heart goes out to all of those families.

Maybe we'll all find some sort of peace.

Love,
Amanda

And We Will Stand United.

2009-11-05T12:41:00.000-08:00

There are really only a few things that get me angry.

A few of them being intolerance and inequality towards others.

I feel that I'm finally starting to experience what the real world is:
Intolerance and inequality.

Before you read on, I'll have you know that this blog is not like my previous blogs. But I feel this is a very important issue.

Today at school I recieved word that the Westboro Baptist Church (WBC) is going to hold a protest at my school. Before I get to why, I'll tell you a little bit about who the WBC is.

The WBC is a church from Topeka, Kansas (isn't that the home of the Brown v. Board of Education case? Remember that? ) who protests gay rights, abortion, the military and religion. And even more generally, America. They are famous for their 'crusades' (if you will) against gays, people of all religions (expect Baptism), most ethinicities (although they claim not to be racist), those fighting in the military and 9/11. They hold signs like 'God Hates Fags' and 'God Hates America'. They have protested the funerals of fallen soldiers and they protest the war (but not in the way you, or I, would protest the war). They feel that "what's happening with the war is [that] the Lord is punishing this evil nation for abandoning all moral imperatives that are worth a dime." (quoted from their founder Fred Phelps Sr.). They protested the funeral of soldier Edward Myers who had fallen in Iraq in August of 2005, saying that Myers was "burning in Hell".

Their main battle is with gays. They condem homosexuality and classify gays as sinners. They also say that homosexuality should be a capital crime. They express much hostility towards the county's increasing acceptance toward homosexuality and the developing homosexuality adgenda.

WBC is a small group, but they have money because their object is to anger others and instigate. They want you to do something stupid, because the second you do something stupid, they're going to sue your ass. And guess what, that's where they get their money. If that doesn't sound twisted, I don't know what does.

More generally, they hate America, and feel God does too.

They hate our president, calling him a "bloody-handed, anarchist".

Despite your religious offiliation, I'm sure you know that this is not right. Well, atleast to me this isn't.

Today I found out that the WBC is scheduled to protest my school on Tuesday, November 10 from 6:55 AM to 7:25 AM, strictly because of our acceptance of diversity and homosexuality. On their website, www.godhatesfags.com, they have a schedule of their protests. Next to each date and place, they have a written reason for why. This is why they are going to be protesting my school:

"Bethesda Chevy Chase High School - These brutes needs WORDS! 4301 East-West Highway What is the matter with these parents and adults who sit on the sidelines and allow this school to have a "Diversity Club" and a "GSA"[A/N: GSA- Gay Straight Alliance]? Do you think God does not see what is happening with you rebels? You are each and all in big trouble because you insist that we come and speak with you. SHAME! Psalm 2:1 Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? 2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, 3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. 4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. 5 Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. 6 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. Lying and rebelling will not change the laws of God, and the standard of how to deal with a rebellious, libidinous brat who refuses to OBEY! That is why the ambassadors from Zion will come speak with you. AMEN!"

Frankly, I was speechless after reading this.

My school is ranked 56th in the nation and is famously known in Montgomery County and Maryland for being widely accepting of different races, sexualities, beliefs and genders. Frankly, I am VERY proud to be attending Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School. I am proud of the acceptance we provide. Some of the coolest people I know are gay. And beyond them being good people, what about them being gay is going to hurt you? How is that going to affect you?

All I have to say to the WBC, is that they are cowards. They are all cowards.

The GSA had a meeting today. I didn't go because I didn't know about it, but apparently almost 100 people attended. Which is a lot to try and fit into Ms. Liz's room (the teacher sponsor, and my amazing health teacher). The period after lunch, fifth, three girls from my English class explained what the deal is. Basically, they are prostesting outside of our school where it is public property. They're going to chant, picket and try to get us angry. We are going to protest too, but silently. Besides hopefully avoiding lawsuits for an outbreak of some sort, those who protest the WBC have all been silent. Our point is not to yell back. Yelling solves nothing. It's amazing what silence can get across. We will have signs, but nothing negative. From what I've heard signs will probably say "Love, Equality, BCC" or "BCC United" (a new slogan by our principal).

I feel it's strange that out of the hate that is being emmited by the WBC, I suddenly feel a sense of belonging to my own community. I feel pride. And I feel sorry for the WBC, who can't seem to see past their own front door. I want to know that standing peacefully united with my school, my community, against the WBC will make a difference. Because I can speak for those who can't. To have that affect on the world, I feel honored.

What gets me more, is that after they protest my school, they are protesting Sidwell Friends Lower School. The school that Malia and Sasha Obama attend. I'm not even sure what to say about that one. Not only is that beyond inconsiderate, but- I don't even know.

I hope what we can all learn from this is that even though others aren't accepting of our ideas, we still have to be accepting of theirs. That doesn't mean we have to like their ideas or even agree with them. Nothing about the WBC do I agree with. But we have to be the bigger person.

I know that saying is thrown around a lot, but I think it's true. I know that my school is being the bigger person, and I couldn't be more proud.

And as I said, I feel terribly sorry for the WBC. I feel sorry that they refuse to see the world, our nation even, as a beautiful place where we have the freedom to be who we want. We add color to the world. The WBC feels they are making a point, and so be it. But I feel that my school is making an even bigger point.

Stand united with your community, school, family, whoever. Stand for what you believe in, as the WBC feels they must stand for what they believe in.

I'm not sure if what I'm saying is getting across. I feel I'm having a difficult time.

I'll leave you with a couple of things. Love is more powerful than hate. Love spreads further and faster than hate. Love has a better feeling than hate.

I have a favorite quote: "To know even one life has breathes easier because you have lived; That is to have succeeded." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Love forever more,
Amanda

A Mitchel Musso Look-A-Like

2009-11-01T19:17:00.000-08:00

Today I went to the Alternative Press Fall Ball.

I feel that you really had to like the bands that are playing to enjoy the concert. It was an ecletic group, to say the least. Well, atleast in my opinion.

The bands were (and in this order) You Me At Six, The Secret Handshake, Set Your Goals, Mayday Parade and then The Academy Is...

I went with my friend Alex who looks like Mitchel Musso.

Not even kidding. Literally, the second we got out of the car we heard someone yell "Mitchel Musso!" and then later in line, the girl behind us commented that she thought she knew him. We told her that people think he looks like Mitchel Musso (which is true) and she said that's where she thought she knew him. He gets it a lot. Even from my friends. So, if you were at the DC show and saw a guy who looked A LOT like Mitchel Musso, the girl with him was me.

Anyways, he was mainly there for Set Your Goals. I wasn't really there for anyone. My other friend Abby was going to come too, but she got really sick and had to bail. So still went with Alex because a) I told him I would go b) I was his ride and c) I'd already paid for my ticket so I might as well.

And I don't totally regret it. Actually, I don't regret it at all. I like being able to expose myself to different bands and different music. The Fall Ball was really the way to do it.

All the bands were completely different from each other. You Me At Six was pop-punky and british, which is definitely one way to win over the American ~~girls~~ crowds. The Secret Handshake was definite dance and techno. I really liked him. Well, not really, really, but I liked him. He was good and the songs were very fresh.

I just said 'fresh'. I will never say 'fresh' again.

After THS, Set Your Goals took the stage. I'm not really sure what to call them. They're sort of this emerging genre of music. It's like, hardcore punk, but not screamo. And then it's defnitely rock, but they're not classic. They were good. They reminded me very much of New Found Glory (and if I recall correctly, they have some sort of connection to them. I read something in AP about SYG) and slightly more hardcore version of Hit The Lights (a personal favorite). Alex really liked seeing them. I think the most entertaining part of SYG was the circle pits that formed. Lots of boys who don't know how to dance and don't want to learn how to dance, so they just flail their limbs as they ricochet off of others. I think that was probably the wildest part in the crowd (I was in the balcony for the first time. I wasn't really in a moshing mood and I had a feeling that I'd want to stay clear of the crowd for this concerts. I was right, too).

To be completely honest, I felt that SYG was pretty awkward on stage. Good music, and I love the vocals. But two vocalists? I know it's hard enough for a vocalist without an instrument to find things to do on stage, but having to vocalists without a guitar or something made the stage seem too full and awkward. Matt Wilson (is that his name? The smaller one) was probably the most awkward. I could tell he has energy, but I felt that the bigger vocalist was better.

Mayday Parade was on after Set Your Goals. Okay, I've said it before and I'll say it again: I don't really understand the Mayday Parade fascination. They are a pretty boy band. They're an alternative, pop-punk (light on the pop) band. And there is nothing wrong with that. All Time Low wreak pop-punk. However, and this is my opinion, all of Mayday's songs sound very similar. Well, maybe not very, but they are similar. I don't know, I could be being a huge hypocrit.

I did not stay for The Academy Is... because I didn't really care about being at the concert anyways and I wasn't dying to see them (althought, they are probably the only band that played that I actually like). So, I do not have a comment on them.

Alright. Here is my problem with every single band that played. None of them had a real stage presence. Sure, they all got up on stage with energy and played well. But none of them interacted! I can go off on a list of bands that actually talk to the crowd and to eachother and tell stories and jokes (Want me to? I will). But none of the bands tonight did that. I don't know if it's because they were pressed for time (DC has a 11:00 PM curfew for under 18. The concert started at 4:30. Somehow I doubt they were running late), or they had a very restricted amount of time to play or what. I think that's what made it so boring for me. I think that if the bands took more time to engage the crowd with something other than their music, others would be much more interested.

While I was watching and realized this, I remembered why I love All Time Low, We The Kings, The Maine and other bands so much. They joke around with their bandmates or the crowd. They have stories to tell. They have things other to say than "Thank you!" or "It's so great of you guys to come out tonight!" If I had a penny for eachtime a guy on stage said that, I would be rich.

As I said, I like exposing myself to different bands. I felt this exposure was successful.

Moral of the story is (to bands) that you need to interact. Unless you're a devout fan, trying to lure others in with just your music (show exclusive) just isn't enough. I'm not really a fan of Mayday Parade in general, but the two times I've seen them live (All Time Low 2008 Fall Tour, The Compromise of Integrity, Morality and Principals for Money Tour (That was ALL off the top of my head! Who rocks!?) and then Fall Ball), I just wasn't converted. They're interesting to watch, for the most part. They're energetic and they move around a lot, but where was the pizzaz?

I'm not going to go off on this much longer because all I'll start to do is run in circles.

Basically, I love All Time Low because of the show and their music. I love the crudeness and the silliness and immaturity. It's FUN! Now that I think about it, I don't think someone said 'fuck' or 'shit' at all tonight. Where was the cursing? The AP Tour 2009 was not profanity free. I mean, of course it wasn't. But there wasn't any cursing that I witnessed at the Fall Ball. I honestly think that the crowd was much more interesting than the stage.

Love always,
Amanda

P.S. I'm not trying to tell you not to go to the tour if you haven't. Everyone should go. This might have just been for DC. But somehow I doubt that. Tell me your thoughts.

Hank 'Hitman' Hart (The GK Tour)

2009-10-19T14:43:00.000-07:00

So, basically, this was the best concert I've ever been to. Hands down.

All Time Low (headlining the GK Tour) played at the 9:30 Club in Washington, DC last night. For those of you who don't know, the openers were (and in this order) The Friday Night Boys, Hey Monday and We The Kings.

Anyways. The Friday Night Boys were really good. Great way to start off the show.

Wait, before I start, I should probably explain that I had EARLY ENTRANCE (*GASP*)! Basically, because I'm awesome (and paid $25 to join All Time Low's fanclub, The Hustler Club, and I bought my tickets through the club) I was randomly selected for early entrance. I under estemated it at first. Like, I'd much rather get Meet and Greet instead of early entrance.

BOY, WAS I WRONG!

Early Entrance is probably the best thing that ever happened to me. I got in before everyone else (not excluding my fellow Hustlers, holler!), and I was able to stake my spot RIGHT along the baracade. Front row, baby. Unfortunately, I saw that Jack's side was full when I got in, so I immediately went to the free spot on Zack's. Which is completely fine. Hopefully there will be other Early Entrances where I can get on Jack's side. But they move around (I'll get into that later).

Back to the concert.

FNB was great. It was actually their frist time playing at the 9:30 Club, and they said that they're pretty local to it (I don't know, maybe they moved out of Fairfax, VA? Which is like, an hour away. Anyone able to answer that for me?) They're funny enough and their songs got the crowd pumps. It was pretty funny when Andrew's mic stopped working at the beginning of 'Stuttering' (which was their last song). It started working again. It was actually pretty cute. They held their composer. And Andrew Goldstein can rock the gray hair like no one else I know.

They played 'Suicide Sunday' (how fitting, since it was Sunday. :] ), 'Permanent Heartbreak', 'Molly Makeout' (where Alex came out and sang the part that he sings on the album. And did a fantastic job. As always), 'That's What She Said' (one of my favorites) and finally 'Stuttering'.

Next was Hey Monday. Okay, let me just start off by saying that I'm really not a fan. I pretty much stood, rather awkwardly, against the barricade and would pretty much smile when the guitarist and bassist would like, you know, move over to your side and like look at all the people. I mean, they're cute. I'll admit that. But I just don't find anything incredibly unique about them (and don't say 'they have a female vocalist'. They are not the only band out there with a female vocalist. If anything, that is incredibly cookie cutter.). There is one song I like, 'How You Love Me Now'. It's true that Cassadee Pope is gorgeous. I credit her with that. But she's really only helps to make up the 2/5 of the attractivness of that band. Alex Lipshaw (just had to look up his last name...) is the other 1/5 to make up that 2/5. Oh, and I should mention that their drummer wasn't there, so they had their tech filling in.

Hey Monday played (and pretty close to this order, too) 'Homecoming', 'Obviously', 'Josey', 'Candles' and 'How You Love Me Now'.

We The Kings, who I love and were the first band poster to grace my walls (to be completely honest, I've been a fan of them longer than I've been a fan of All Time Low. Shocker, I know... Haha. (I didn't know about ATL then)) Anyways, they killed it as usual. They're really good at getting the crowd completely pumped for ATL, on the terms of getting people to start crowd surfing and moshing (none of which I had to experience. I was pretty sick and almost decided not to go. I am SO happy that I did decide to go). Travis told funny stories. Well, don't know how much of a story it was. More like entertainment.

Travis Clark, the resident red head for We The Kings, goes on to explain that when he was younger, his mother would always tell him to stop practicing with his band so loudly. To which he would reply "Fuck you." This, of course, did not fly. So, and according to Travis, "She grabbed me by my red hair, because it used to be really shaggy then. It was nice. Anyways, she would take me by my red hair and drag me- You guys probably think that my mom is this monster. She isn't, I love her to death, but when she gets angry, she turns into a monster." And then he paused because he lost his train of thought, and says, "Now I forget where I was going with that story. Oh! Basically the only reason we're here where we are today is because of you guys. And if my mom ever tells me to quit my band I can tell her that there are a bunch of people in DC who love me."

How can you not love him? Adorable. Hahaha... For those of you who aren't laughing, I'm just going to say, you had to be there.

We The Kings' set list was 'Heaven Can Wait' (which is one of the songs that is going to be on their new album. They made a music video for it. Good song), 'Secret Valentine' which Hunter opens with asking if we want to hear a song about sexual intercourse. Travis adds, "Well, it's not only a song about sexual intercourse, but it's a song about taking off all your clothes and running around the city. But in your case, running around the venue naked". Then they played 'Skyway Avenue' and Travis played their new song 'She Gets Me High'. This tour is the first time they've played that song. Next was a cover of the Jimmy Eat World song 'The Middle' (Travis: Do you know what time it is? I think it's cover song time!). Rian made a guest appearance and TORE UP the drums. It was wicked. The last song was 'Check Yes Juliet'.

Finally came All Time Low. Their show was nothing short of extraordinary. Alex later tweeted that this is the longest set they've ever done (15 songs) and they did a really great job at keeping the energy up. Well, they've always been good at that, so I don't know what I'm talking about...

They opened with 'Lost In Stereo', and went straight into 'Stella' and then 'Break Your Little Heart'. Then they made fun of the Jonas Brothers, and then Justin Beiber. Jack would like to see Justin Beiber and Miley Cyrus in a fight. The ATL guys also claim that Justin Beiber hates them. Their retort was "Who wouldn't like us!? We're the coolest guys out there!" (Thank you, Jack.)

Next few songs were 'Six Feet Under The Stars', 'The Party Song' and 'Shameless'.

After 'Shameless', one of the techs came out to fix Jack's monitor, which is in his back pocket. Jack being Jack says, "Colussy, what are you doing to my butthole? My butt-butt?" Quque weird looks from Alex. The tech leaves and Jack says, "In all of my 21 years, my mom has always called me Butt-Butt." Alex laughs and replies, "I remember. Remember when we came home and your mom was mastru- vaccuming?" Jack gets slightly upset (actually) and says "Dude! My dad's here! Don't say that!" Alex laughs and Jack starts yelling for his dad so he can show his face. Alex has to help Jack find his dad ('Turn your head and look up, Jack."), and then Jack classically tells his dad that a girl in the crowd is giving birth and his dad needs to help her ("My dad delivers babies for a living"). Alex goes, "Yep, her water just broke."

Next few songs were 'Poppin'' and 'Jasey Rae'. After that Alex is reminded of this email that was sent to their management the night prior (after the New Jersey show). In true fashion, he makes Matt run and go get it so he can read it. Alex gets the email and before he starts reading it he says, "This is from Hank Hart." Then Zack (yes, Zack Merrick. He speaks!) says, "Hank 'Hitman' Hart. Look at the bottom." Alex laughs and says, "Yeah, you're right. This is my favorite part. It says, 'Respectfully yours, Hank 'Hitman' Hart'." (Jack: "He's going to kill us.") Then Alex goes on to read the letter (forgive me, I cannot remember every part of it. But this is the gist. Anything outside of the apostrophes is Alex's input) "'To whom this may concern, I am 57 years old and have been to hundreds of concerts in my life time,' Yeah, obviously. 'I am the Facebook admistrator for the Country Rock group The Outlaws,' Wow, that sounds bad ass 'and I write the Amazon.com Night and Day review.' That's bullshit. 'I took my daughter and her friend to your band's concert. Before ever hearing the band live, I had heard a few of their songs and thought they were catchy.' Okay, you obviously hadn't been listening to very many of our songs, because I'm pretty sure one of our songs is about a one night stand and I say CASUAL FUCK. 'But when I came to the concert, I was appauled with your singer's frequent use of the f-word and him asking for oral sex from a band assistant. And then elluded to the size of his genitalia' Okay, first of all, I probably asked Danny to suck my dick, or something like that. Second of all, to any of you parents who are going to complain about our rudeness, just know that I'm going to take my guitar and wail it at all of your faces. I kid, I kid. Oh, and then he starts to get angry about the things we said about Jersey. Like, the fact that we said that Jersey girls are easy. That's because that's common fact, people! And it's not my fault that that river under that bridge smells like diapers!" Alex scans a little further, "Oh, and here's my favorite part, 'Most of the attendees of the concert were underage and female', Dude, it's an all ages show. Anyone can come." Alex finishes the letter. "Anyways, to all you parents, before you send our management an angry email, just know that if you do, I'm going to print it out, read it on stage and make fun of you."

I hope that was entertaining enough for you. Haha... I really think Alex needs to make that letter public domain. It was pretty hilarious. Jack was nearly on the floor because he was laughing so hard. It was pretty rediculous.

After that little comic sketch, Alex asked to slow it down with 'Remembering Sunday' and 'Therapy'. Cassadee sang Juliet Simms part, and Alex killed it on 'Therapy'. I mean, killed it.

Next they played a medeley of songs from their older albums (mainly the EP), and then 'Weightless'. In true All Time Low fashion, and being the huge teases they each are, they leave the stage leaving you wanting more. Don't worry, you'll get more. :]

They come back and play three more songs. 'Too Much', 'Damned If I Do Ya, Damned If I Don't', and they wrap things up with (and I've noticed they do this at most of their shows) 'Dear Maria (Count Me In)'.

All in all, it was the best show I've ever been to. Out of all the concerts I've been to, and out of all the concerts I've been to at the 9:30 Club.

Even if you don't hear your favorite song at this concert (which I'd be hard pressed if you don't. They pretty much play everything), don't get too bummed out too fast. They really put on a great show. And I have no way of knowing that this is their set list for every show. (I probably should have put a spoiler alert. But I don't really know if you can spoil a concert. Please don't get angry at me...). Every concert is unique. They're going to tell different jokes at each one. And I can guarentee that, knowing those boys... Hahaha.

With every All Time Low concert I go to (it's been five so far. That was my fifth), I'm reminded of why they are in fact my favorite band. I'm not sure how else to phrase my ultimate admiration for them, except I'm still completely entertained.

If a show near you isn't sold out yet, and you don't have tickets, I highly suggest going.

Anyways. Love you all.

UPDATE:
Here is the actual video link for the letter. My rendition is definitly NOT up to par. Please enjoy this. :]

-Amanda

This is the Red Line to: A really bad music video.

2009-10-09T19:27:00.000-07:00

So, this is rare. Well, rare in the sense that I'm pretty much going to rag on a band that I used to be completely obsessed with.

Some how I came across Metro Station's buzznet page (I think I was looking at other pages and one link lead to another) and I was looking at pictures of the new 'Kelsey' video. My frist thought was "Wait, didn't they already make a video for Kelsey?" Yes, they did. But it was absolute shit. I mean it. The fact that it was low budget is VERY obvious.

Anyways, I wanted to actually see if they had the video posted, and voila! It was released yesterday. So I watch.

It stated off fine. The scenes change with the beat of the intro, and soon you see the guys and whatever. My first thought was, "Oh, wonderful. Another Trace centered video. Great." I mean after Control (where he is making out with every other girl), then Wish We Were Older (Okay, can I say CREEPY! I mean, I don't have pictures of Jack Barakat from All Time Low taped to my mirror, no matter how attractive I think he is) and Seventeen Forever (And more importantly, how the entire cast of Hannah Montana was in that one.), what was I honestly supposed to think? Frankly, I was sort of refreshed to see Mason was catching a break.

Anyways... It's a masquerade ball and the guys are there (of course! I mean, Why not?...) and Mason catches the eye of this blonde girl in the gold dress who, (Dun, dun, dun) already has a boyfriend.

For some reason or another, Trace seems to tell Mason to go ahead and go for the chick with the boyfriend... Okay...

So the music video goes on. There are girls, dancing, more girls, Trace looking rediculous and some bad acting. We see the girl again, she's looking extremely bored (Director: "We'll give you another grand if you can look even more uninterested!") with her boyfriend/date and then she runs into a few friends. I guess something about the chick having friends makes the guys storm off... Okay...

The friends put a blindfold on the chick in gold, she laughs as they spin her around. Yadda yadda yadda. She bumps into Mason, where she takes off the blindfold, sees Mason and then gives him a kiss before grabbing him and taking him with her. (I think we call that cheating?)

A few lyrics and a completely cheesy running through the hall shot of them later, they are soon outside in some back alley (we can assume) making out. Like, I don't know if anyone else caught it, but Mason's lips are completely swollen! The shot is dark, but his lips are really red when he pulls away.

And, oh yeah, he pulls away because said boyfriend walks in on this (it baffles me when the girl is shocked. I mean, are you serious?) make out session. (This was really soft core porn. Mason was kissing, I guess we can say Kelsey's, neck!)

Kelsey and Boyfriend have a small tift. Then Mason comes in after Kelsey leaves and Boyfriend wasn't to have Mason's head for dinner (frankly, I don't blame him. Mason knew what he was doing). And to be honest, Boyfriend could have HAD Mason's head for dinner. Mason pushes through and follows Kelsey to the grand stairs or whatever.

And this is where I become utterly lost.

Mason is trying to reason with Kelsey, who is sobbing and "not letting him in" (Hahaha. See, it's part of the song. 'You never, ever let me in'? Haha... Get it...?). And then Boyfriend shows up and Kelsey goes back to him! I mean, why the hell were you making out with Mason if you are literally running back to Boyfriend? You don't look incredibly bright to begin with, but really?

Basically, I thought it was total crap. Not even cute. There isn't anything cute about it. It's your classic music video sinario and it's stupid.

I honestly think that the low budget Kelsey video that I called a piece of shit, because it is, was a lot better. I don't know, that's my opinion. And I hate Mason's hair now.

I cringe when I think about how much I used to be obsessed with Metro Station. They were my first concert (The Really Really Rediculously Good Looking Tour. Cobra Starship with Metro Station, We the Kings and The Cab. It was March of 2008) and I distinctly remember telling my dad on the way home from the 9:30 Club that I was going to marry Trace Cyrus (Oh, how so many things have changes since then...).

I'm not even going to get started on Trace Cyrus. I won't rag on him and connect him to the Cyrus family. I think they're a disaster in themselves. But I think Trace went from looking acceptable to just looking plain rediculous. He used to be cute. He isn't anymore.

When I liked Trace Cyrus:

Trace Cyrus now:

You can't see the little feather he has tattooed to his face (Yes, I did say feather tattooed to his face). But still, thanks, but no thanks...

I do think that Metro Station is some what original as a band. They're catchy and they've mixed rock and electronic well. And they're not bad to see live. But if you miss them at a show, don't kick yourself.

If you want to contact me, my email is on my profile page. But please DO NOT SPAM ME! But, feel free to shoot me an email with band suggestions or anything of that nature!

Much love,
Amanda

The Beginning...

2009-10-08T15:06:00.000-07:00

Alright.

*Big exhale*

So, this is basically what I've been telling myself I should do for the past year, except haven't been able to make myself.

Well, better phrasing would probably be, find the esteem to do this.

Anyways, where are my manners?

Welcome to Not Another Fan Girl Opinion.

Hopefully the title says most of what I'm trying. For those who can't figure it out, this is a blog full of my opinions (and those added of others) on music and trends. Except more on the music because I'm not too good with the trends. I wear jeans and t-shirts to school everyday.

My name is Amanda and I'm 16. I'm from Maryland (actually, I live about twenty minutes outside of DC. I am in DC everyday, however, for crew practice. And an hour south of Baltimore. But, aside from the boathouse, Baltimore is a second home.) and I love writting, rowing and music. All three are very important to me, but not necessarily in that order.

Also, I can't play or sing a note of music. Trust me. I've tried. It just... Didn't work out. But I love listening to music. So, for those of you out there (those who are right now thinking "Wait, she doesn't know shit about music...", please, give me another chance. Hopefully I can change your mind).

This blog is either an attempt for me to develop my writing skills, or a way for me to release my slightly unadulterated and definitely uncensored opinions to, well, anyone who wants to listen.

But I hoping for both of those.

I'm going to sound completely cliché by saying that my dream is to one day own my own music magazine. And before that dream comes true, I dream about working at Alternative Press magazine. And if that doesn't sound completely cliché (wait for it...) Mike Shea is an idol of mine. I swear, I still don't believe it when he replies to my tweets on twitter.

And I bet, right about now, you're seeing where the Fan Girl is coming in.

Yeah... But I'm going to ask you this: Please don't walk out just yet. I have more to offer.

So, I'm going to talk a little more about myself.

I have way too many favorite bands to just spit out right now, but I can tell you my Top 5.
1. All Time Low
2. Jack's Mannequin
3. Dixie Chicks
4. Fall Out Boy
5. Green Day

And they aren't necessarily in that order (except for All Time Low. They are my number one, favorite band. I have to repersent my hometown boys. :] )

I feel that since I do have an opinion on music, and that I love to write, that I should start a blog. To be completely honest, my dad suggested it a little over a year ago. And I've never had trouble sharing my opinion with others. Those who have read my music reviews before can vouch for me.

So I better get to how this is going to work.

I'm going to select a band/CD or two to review for a post. You can message me with your thoughts or suggestions. I'd love to here them. And I really mean love. I've grown up around the nation's capital. I love a good debate.

I love going to concerts as frequently as I can too. But don't expect a play by play on each song. I suck when it comes to remembering the order of songs. Walking out, I can barely remember what songs were played. I like to get in the mosh and there isn't much oxygen in there. Therefore, my memory is a little fuzzy when coming out. But I will tell you what I thought of each band live, and then you can tell me what you thought, if you have also seen that band live, or just your reaction to my reaction.

Frankly, I just want all of you to interact with me through my blog. Send me names of bands I should listen to and what to know what I think! Comments, s'il vouz-plaît! (that's French for please... For those who don't know... Not bitches.)

Expect the first official blog this weekend.

Much love.