Sunday, March 13, 2011
Guest Blogger - Katie
8:03 AM | 
Posted by
Kevin
Hey, everyone! Today, I present my first ever guest blogger. Kate, over at Simply Kate, has agreed to write a guest post for me. Check her out today if you haven't before! The title of her blog is so fitting. I'm proud to call her my girlfriend!
Enjoy reading!
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Hey there readers of World Between the Lines! I’m Katie from Simply Kate! (I’m also Kevin’s girlfriend. He’s kind of amazing, isn’t he?)
My blog is, like the title suggests, simply about me. I write about my life, my impressions, my ideas, thoughts, and quirks. My mind bounces from one point to another, always wanting to try this thing or that. My blog is very much the same way. So while my life is hopping from day to day, my blog is following along excitedly!
1. What was your favorite toy as a child?
My grandma bought me a stuffed animal rabbit from a 7-11 convenience store. I slept with that rabbit until I was 18. I just couldn’t part with it. I carried it with me everywhere when I was younger. My 3rd grade teacher actually told me not to bring it to school anymore after sharing her for show and tell four times in a row.
2. Describe the most ideal vacation you’d like.
Climbing into the car with someone I love, a stocked cooler of sandwiches and fruit in the back and a case of amazing sing-along music between the seats. We would hit the incredible and the goofy sites along the road, taking pictures the entire way. We would cities and mountains, strolling down streets and hiking wooded paths. It would be all about exploring the world around us, eating amazing food and just making memories together. Ideal is just a few weeks to hit the road and see what there is to see. Perfect.
3. What is the worst food you’ve ever eaten?
When I was 13, I went to the fanciest restaurant in my home town with this young woman’s group I belonged to. The dinner was meant to teach us etiquette. Apparently it is rude to refuse a food you know that you do not like. I’m not a fan of mushrooms. I expressed this to my leader, but she insisted that I eat it. I forced myself to eat a bite of these tiny mushrooms that had been cooked in some strange, milky sauce. It was so terrible that I rushed from the table and nearly threw up in the bathroom. I don’t like mushrooms.
4. If you could be a part of a fictional universe, which would it be and why?
Middle Earth, without question. I love all of the beauty of that world. I would love to live among the elves in Rivendell and Lorien for a time, or stay in a hobbit hole, or explore Minas Tirith. It would be amazing to visit the ruins, and even visit the great city of Dwarrodelf. I’m gushing. But there is so much of that world that would be incredible to experience in more than words and movies.
5. What’s your favorite style of music?
It’s hard to pinpoint just one. I like so many different kinds of music. Let’s make it simple: If I can easily sing-along to it, it’s my favorite.
6. Name one of your fondest memories.
This is such a hard question to answer! There are just so many amazing moments. I suppose I’ll just pick one. My dad recently reminded me of a time when he took me fly fishing. I loved going fly fishing with my dad. We always has a wonderful time driving to the creek, hiking along through the canyon and spending the day hopping from hole to hole seeing if we could catch anything. Before we called it a day, I asked if we could hit my favorite hole. There was another fisher already there, decked out to the max with fishing gear. He was just about to give up on the hole, but I was determined to try it anyway. He stayed and chatted with my dad as I cast my line in a few times. And sure enough, I caught a nice, big trout; a twelve year old girl in sneakers caught a fish in a hole where a pro couldn’t catch anything. It was a pretty awesome day.
7. Now, the all-important question… Pirates? Or Ninjas?
Pirates. They have all that swagger and booty. We’d get along well. I’ve got swagger and a whole lot of booty.
*******************************
Thanks again, Katie! :) Also, I recently wrote a guest post on her blog, which you can visit here.
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Thursday, March 10, 2011
Mike Starr 1966-2011
6:00 PM |
Posted by
Kevin
It was two days ago, but for some reason I just got the news today. Mike Starr, the former bassist for hard rock/grunge band Alice in Chains, died of a drug overdose on Tuesday, March 8, 2011.
As requested by Alice in Chains, I'm not going into any details concerning his death. Look that up yourselves, there are plenty of sources around the Internet. All I have to say is rest in peace. Starr's death rings a bell. I'm talking of the death of his old friend and the band's original singer Layne Staley in 2002.
Staley's death was obviously much more publicized. I have a feeling Mike won't be getting that luxury, although maybe that's for the best. It's a sad state of affairs... seeing Mike go out in the same way Layne did.
Have a good evening, everyone.
As requested by Alice in Chains, I'm not going into any details concerning his death. Look that up yourselves, there are plenty of sources around the Internet. All I have to say is rest in peace. Starr's death rings a bell. I'm talking of the death of his old friend and the band's original singer Layne Staley in 2002.
Staley's death was obviously much more publicized. I have a feeling Mike won't be getting that luxury, although maybe that's for the best. It's a sad state of affairs... seeing Mike go out in the same way Layne did.
Have a good evening, everyone.
You're still an asshole.
10:07 AM |
Posted by
Kevin
I have a really short post today, but it came to me this morning on my way to school. This morning consisted of probably the most idiotic ignoring of "right of way" I've ever seen.
The simple matter is this: LOOK before you make your move. The right of way is there to ensure we don't have accidents. Ignore it, and you're just a jackass. Besides, it's also courtesy.
Take the example of a young man crossing the street of Plummer and Etiwanda near the B6 parking lot of my campus -- this young man must've been having a pleasant morning; riding down the sidewalk on his skateboard, listening to some good music (judging by the earphones dangling from his head). I bet he was really looking forward to a great day full of exciting new things to learn at school.
His whole life could've been snuffed out in an instant. Why? Because some idiot in a van must've felt that obeying a stop sign was below her. Oh yes, she doesn't need to come to a full stop at intersections. She could've made it across the intersection faster than the man currently speeding into said intersection much more quickly than she could likely move her foot from the brake to the gas pedal, and subsequently gain enough speed. By which time, had she done that, she would've ineveitably crashed right into our young skateboarder.
The result, thankfully, was not that. However, this driver still managed to get incredibly close to her destination before ultimately slamming on her brakes when she realized someone was riding by on his skateboard.
Whether you saw the young man or not, miss, you're still an asshole. Next time, actually stop at the fucking stop sign.
Now, granted, I realize people make mistakes. And I'd also like to take this time to say that I get irrirated when pedestrians ignore all traffic, assuming that said traffic will be on the lookout -- which is exactly what the young man in this story did. It's a two way system, people. Everyone needs to look where they're going before heading out into traffic. Common sense.
With that, I'm off to class.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Road Block
10:15 AM |
Posted by
Kevin
I've officially come to a road block in writing for this blog. When I started it, I fully intented on writing all those reviews, but I never really came up with any ideas about what I'd do in between, or after. I guess I'm now paying the consequences for it.
I realize you can write just about anything on your own blog. It's yours after all, and who cares if it's random or sporadic? The only problem I'm having is that nothing seems to be coming to me.
I hope this ends soon.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Top Ten - T.V Shows
6:30 PM |
Posted by
Kevin
After nearly five months of doing mostly reviews, I think it's time I actually put a bit more personality into my posts, and show you more of who and what I'm all about. You've already seen plenty enough of my music side (although I should probably show more of that side to me that's outside Coheed and Cambria), but I really think I need to do something else.
Besides, I currently have a case of writer's block and I can't figure out what else to blog about. So, without further ado, I present the next project -- well, kind of project -- for this blog. Starting today, I'll be posting on occasion glimpses into some of my favorite things, ranging from all topics. This was partly inspired by my "One Hundred Likes" post, which I realized after writing that there were so many other things I could have -- and should have -- added to that list.
I'm planning on making this a once-a-week thing. I've got a whole variety of subjects I can do. From the broad to the most specific, it's time for Top Ten!
Why a Top Ten? It's simple and short. And it leaves plenty of room to potentially add more to the list in the form of additional blog posts during those moments when I can't think of what to write. Second, I like the number ten.
With that, let's get underway. As the title of this post indicates, today's top ten is television shows.
Besides, I currently have a case of writer's block and I can't figure out what else to blog about. So, without further ado, I present the next project -- well, kind of project -- for this blog. Starting today, I'll be posting on occasion glimpses into some of my favorite things, ranging from all topics. This was partly inspired by my "One Hundred Likes" post, which I realized after writing that there were so many other things I could have -- and should have -- added to that list.
I'm planning on making this a once-a-week thing. I've got a whole variety of subjects I can do. From the broad to the most specific, it's time for Top Ten!
Why a Top Ten? It's simple and short. And it leaves plenty of room to potentially add more to the list in the form of additional blog posts during those moments when I can't think of what to write. Second, I like the number ten.
With that, let's get underway. As the title of this post indicates, today's top ten is television shows.
1. Boy Meets World
Two words: Will Friedle. This show would not have been the same without him as Eric Matthews. I grew up watching this show. Boy Meets World came around when Disney Channel still had some class, and didn't think topics like growing up were not age-appropriate. Aside from the lessons imparted onto Cory and Sean by Mr. Feeny -- and by extension, the viewer -- the show also retained amazing acts of comedy. And to this day, Mr. Feeny is still one of the best role models of all time, from this blogger's point of view.
2. Avatar: The Last Airbender
I didn't get into this show until long after it was over, but since then I've grown to love it. As an animation student I'm especially attracted to the quality of the show as much as I am the story and the characters. Plus, Waterbending is fucking cool! Side note: the film adaptation of this cartoon sucks.
3. NCIS
I used to watch a lot of crime shows. But I noticed many of them seemed to lack a lot in terms of actual entertainment. I think it was decent characters. NCIS is a cut above these other shows. The chemistry between the actors is incredible, and thus lets the show make up for its sometimes choppy and overused plots thanks to the awesome characters. Gibbs, DiNozzo, McGee, Ziva, Abby, Ducky... every episode has never been unsatisfying to me.
4. Doug
This was my all time favorite television show back in the day. I mean, if you lived in the 90s, how could you NOT love Quail Man? Damn, I miss this show...
5. Dragon Ball Z
I really don't like anime. And I really hate the animation style of anime. Dragon Ball Z was the only show of its type I could watch, largely thanks to its formula where it could actually appeal a bit more to both boys and girls. Goku remains one of my top favorite cartoon characters of all time.
6. Breaking Bad
A high school chemistry teacher suffering from cancer delves deep into the criminal underworld by cooking and distributing crystal meth in order to support his family after he's gone. Need I say more?
7. Red vs. Blue
This isn't a t.v. show exactly, but it's been released on DVD and has different seasons, so I'm counting it. I was introduced to this by my girlfriend. I don't really care much for the Halo games, but I do love comedy. This show has plenty of it as well as action and a really interesting plot. The characters Donut and Caboose are really what make this show as awesome as it is.
8. The Office
Actually, there isn't much about The Office I really care for. It's just that it's good old fashioned comedy. Plus, it has Steve Carell. Good stuff.
9. King of the Hill
It was created by the same guys that brought you Beavis and Butt-head. Enough said.
10. SpongeBob SquarePants
A classic. An absolute classic. I realize the show is and has always been extremely childish, but that's why I love it so much. It's one of the last few shows on Nickelodeon that isn't lame.
Now comes the fun part. To any readers out there, I propose a question: what are some of your favorite t.v. shows? Feel free to post in the comment box below!
Now comes the fun part. To any readers out there, I propose a question: what are some of your favorite t.v. shows? Feel free to post in the comment box below!
Monday, February 28, 2011
"While you were sleeping, we were stealing your heart"
8:19 PM |
Posted by
Kevin
Well, it's finally come down to this. Five albums to review, five months of writing. Since creating it I spent the majority of my time with this blog writing a review for the songs off each of Coheed and Cambria's albums -- with a few every life posts here and there. It was just the main songs and did not include bonus or demo songs (although I also did not give the title track from The Second Stage Turbine Blade its own post, but that was because the song is very short). I've had fun working on writing these reviews. Coheed remains as my top favorite band and I wish them luck in their musical careers. I am especially looking forward to seeing them in May as well as looking forward to future material.
I haven't decided if I'll write reviews for some of the bonus or demo tracks. After this, I think I need to get away from doing album reviews for a while, and focus more on actually maintaining a blog that's more about me. With that said, the final review of my Coheed and Cambria Song Review Project.
I haven't decided if I'll write reviews for some of the bonus or demo tracks. After this, I think I need to get away from doing album reviews for a while, and focus more on actually maintaining a blog that's more about me. With that said, the final review of my Coheed and Cambria Song Review Project.
************************************
Year of the Black Rainbow is a much more hard-edged style for Coheed; it was definitely much more simple and stuck to a formula. But the guys still show their liking for long-winded, progressive jam sessions. In the last song off the record, the sort-of-titular track called "The Black Rainbow," the band delivers one last full band tune that all at once seems to comprise the energies of several of their other closer songs. The song starts off with a quiet howling, calling back to the beginning of the album with "One." Then, as the piano and guitars enter, I feel a eerie resemblance to "On the Brink" from No World for Tomorrow. But yet throughout the song it still retains that haunting ambient atmosphere that was present on the rest of the album, definitely helped in part with the use of theremin and synthesizers and sequencers. In short, it's just as noisy as the rest of the album.
When Claudio's singing comes in, I feel reminded of such similar sounding vocals from the days of IKSSE-- not in terms of pitch, but just the way it's so melodic. Slowly, the song builds into a crescendo, before exploding into a loud, vibrant session that at the same same reminds me of "The Final Cut" and "On the Brink" once again, the latter reason being Claudio's repetitions of "It's over, it's over! It's all coming apart!" Indeed, it is over. These lines literally signify the end of The Amory Wars concept. From SSTB to this last album, the story made its circle. And the song continues in this vein in true Coheed and Cambria jamming out fashion until it fades out with the same eerie howling before coming to an abrupt stop. But yet another call back to "One" is heard a final time before it too fades, and the listener is left with a maniacal laughter as the album comes to a close.
For the album it's one, "The Black Rainbow" suits well. It truly ends the album on an excellent taste. However, it's a rather disappointing song. It pales very much in comparison to any of the closers, with special notice to "21:13." The problem I have with this song is just how repetitive it is. The first several "It's over" lines get tiring after that. It's comparable to the "Hail" repeats from "On the Brink", which were far better.
That being said, the song isn't bad, and as I've said it fits its respective album as a closer very well. It just doesn't sound nearly as great as it could have been. However, I would love the opportunity to hear this song live. I can imagine the energy the band would give off during it to be as impressive as it was during those many moments they played an extended jam session of "The Final Cut."
Before ending this review, I'd like to explore the concept a final time and quickly explain just what "the Black Rainbow" is. Following his triumph over the other Mages and rise as Supreme Tri-Mage, Wilhelm Ryan turns his eyes to the heavens. His goal is to become akin to God and lead the people of Heaven's Fence astray. Seemingly in response to this, a celestial void appears over the worlds of Heaven's Fence -- a void that appears to rip into existence itself, leaving nothing but blackness. Hence, "the Black Rainbow." The problem with it, however, is that no one is ultimately sure what the Rainbow means -- God challenging Ryan, or merely something created by Ryan himself to show that he is the ultimate power. Regardless, it's appearance triggers fear within the hearts and minds of the people, culminating in the eventual creation of Coheed, Cambria, and Inferno.
The novel ends with Inferno erasing the minds of his comrades so they may lead normal lives, while he carries on the work of his now dead creator. Before his death, Leonard discovers an antidote to the Monstar virus buried within Coheed; an antidote that lives within another IRO-Bot. He names it after his son, calling her Josephine -- the very same that makes a final appearance in SSTB. With the plans set in motion, Inferno watches over Coheed, Cambria, and Josephine as they begin a new life together, thus bringing the story full circle back to The Second Stage Turbine Blade.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
"All these shackles deceive just how long I've grieved"
6:00 PM |
Posted by
Kevin
Coheed and Cambria are one of the few bands I know of that sound really impressive live. Then again, I don't see too many bands in concert. More to the point, there are plenty of songs that I personally love hearing performed live than I do hearing them on the album. The penultimate song on Year of the Black Rainbow -- "When Skeletons Live" -- is one of those.
The opening drum pattern for this song is what manages to kick this song into gear. From that opening alone, I knew I was in for something. Or perhaps, I hoped I would be in for something. This song is another example of the type of progressive rock seen on such earlier songs as "Apollo I: The Writing Writer" or "Cuts Marked in the March of Men." But it also leaves a lot to be desired.
And it's why the fact that Coheed is so amazing and awesome playing their songs live. The energy created by the band and their fans is impressive to the point one could forget that there might be some things about Coheed's music they don't like. That's pretty much my feeling with "When Skeletons Live." Compared to other penultimate tracks such as "The Telling Truth" or "Neverender", this song just doesn't seem to fulfill the same feelings. What really helps to make up for it is the catchy and upbeat choruses:
The opening drum pattern for this song is what manages to kick this song into gear. From that opening alone, I knew I was in for something. Or perhaps, I hoped I would be in for something. This song is another example of the type of progressive rock seen on such earlier songs as "Apollo I: The Writing Writer" or "Cuts Marked in the March of Men." But it also leaves a lot to be desired.
And it's why the fact that Coheed is so amazing and awesome playing their songs live. The energy created by the band and their fans is impressive to the point one could forget that there might be some things about Coheed's music they don't like. That's pretty much my feeling with "When Skeletons Live." Compared to other penultimate tracks such as "The Telling Truth" or "Neverender", this song just doesn't seem to fulfill the same feelings. What really helps to make up for it is the catchy and upbeat choruses:
"When skeletons live inside your closets, thick and thin,
You'll fear that no one will hear us sing our songs
The truth is relevant, but not for long
'Cause love is our downfall"
Like the previous song, it's clear this song is about the concept. The lyrics spell out Pearl Hohenberger's final moments of life, told from the perspective of her husband. It also depicts Leonard's final plans before his own death at the hands of Mayo Deftinwolf, a plan in which Inferno would rescue Coheed and Cambria from House Atlantic and make a final assault on Ryan's base of operations (though, as this is a prequel, that obviously doesn't work).
And that's about all I have to say about this song. Good song, but I don't think it's nearly as fantastic as others thing it is. Up next, the final review in my Coheed and Cambria song review project. Stay tuned!
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