The Life of an Aspiring Teenage Writer

Poem: English Department

2013-06-25T09:12:00.001-07:00

This is a poem I wrote about the English department at my school as well as my personal experiences with the teachers that are in it. Tell me what you think. Sound off below.

The English Department

English used to be my favorite subject

Now I stare at the clock, spend my time writing through it

Because we never write in it

Year after year

Teachers with tenure

The way you can tell is that they do nothing

Find countless, creative ways to sit on their butts

If you want someone good in the English Department, you have to hand pick'em

Don't even get me started on that pathetic English curriculum

Written by an idiot who doesn't like English

5th grade was my hardest English class

It's gotten progressively easier, what's up with that

My 5th grade teacher was demanding and tough

But I actually learned something, she didn't make my life rough

6th grade teacher was new, so I give her a break

7th grade teacher told stories about her life, the whole year was a break

8th grade teacher, even worse he went insane

My mom complained about the curriculum

Didn't even mention him

Yet he still tried to fail me

Then I took a day of silence for the LGBT's

And what did he do, threaten to phone my mother on me

My mother never believes in calling someone names

But she referred to him as "that stupid shmuckface"

Apparently someone told him off, he excitedly exclaimed

And that poor kid never took the podium with his friends to graduate

Then I wrote a research paper for the guy, he told me my opinion was wrong

Out of all my bad English teachers, he was the worst ding-dong

9th grade teacher, easy and

pregnant

I told my great aunt, a former English teacher what little we did

She looked so green, I thought she was going to be sick

My mom said I could have gotten an A with my eyes closed

How I missed half the school year and got a 95, I really don't know

How that was called Honors, God only knows

This year I ask my friend what I missed she says "Nothing.", "I don't know."

With your lackluster contribution, teaching has hit a newfound low

Compared to the education my mom got 30 years ago

10th grade English teacher, good gracious, oy vey

Sat on his ass, as we slept through class

A second study hall for me

Learned what a superlative is from my Spanish teacher

We write more in history

I know much more Spanish and Italian grammar

¿Tienes la clase de inglés? Sí, pero hacemos muy poco.

¡Estoy sentado en inglés, creo que me volveré loco!

Where are the good English teachers, lost in 1,000 B.C.

Can you come back to 2013, so one might find me?

The English department is a well known joke

The English department is full of lazy folk

One of my homebound tutors said this quote

"The English department, what a despicable joke!"

The English department leaves me dry and uninspired

Most of the English department should be pink slipped and fired

Luckily, I don't want to be an English major

I've witnessed many prime examples of how not to be an English teacher

As disliked as she was, you could learn a lot from my 5th grade English teacher

Kim Kardashian's baby name revealed

2013-06-21T10:36:00.002-07:00

Well, it is official! Kim Kardashian has joined the countless number of celebrities that name their kid something stupid. What these celebrities don't realize is that they are setting these kids up to be the punchlines of jokes or to potentially be bullied. This kid may grow up and have a normal career. Comedians have already started with the jokes. Most of them so far have to do with with a compass. With that name, it'd be perfect it she became a geography major. This is by far the worst name I have heard a celebrity give their kid. She should have kept with the K tradition or named the child after Kanye's late mother. I was afraid that she would do this. Now this kid has to live with a name that is a joke and that she will be unable to change until she is 18. A good name to go with West in my opinion would be Savannah. Here's hoping Kim comes to her senses and decides to give the baby a different name. A baby is supposed to be a source of pride and joy, not a joke.

Pretty Little Liars Season 4 Premiere Summary and Review

2013-06-13T19:20:00.002-07:00

The most talked about TV Show is back and better than ever!

After a much anticipated build up, the show that teens and adults have come to love is back with its season 4 premiere. Before I summarize the episode, here's a quick recap of the recent happenings of Rosewood and the season 3 finale.

Season 3 Finale Recap

Spencer returned from her stay at Radley, a mental health institution and appeared to be fully recovered. She gave the girls invitations to a welcome back party to be held at the the Thornhill Lodge. The liars quickly figure out that this is a ploy by Spencer and that she made a deal with "A" (Mona specifically) to bring the girls down.

It is revealed that Toby is working for the A team in an effort to help Spencer and keep her safe. Once this is revealed to Spencer, she gets back together with him.

The girls see Jenna, Shawna, and Melissa planning on how to take the girls down.

The lodge is set on fire and the girls are unable to find a way out. Mona tells them that she does not know who Redcoat is either.

The girls wake up outside of the lodge, which has been burned to smithereens. Both Mona and Hanna see Redcoat standing over them and see that she is Alison.

At the end of the finale, the girls come across Wilden's police car. Someone took it out of the lake and put the video of Ashley committing a hit and run on replay.

The liars and Mona all get texts from A and go to open the trunk of the car, all showing surprise at what they find inside.

Season 4 Premiere Summary

"A" has gone rogue and is full of surprises.

What's in the trunk???

A lot happened in this premiere episode. It's only been a couple of days but it is all a blur to me. The first thing that was revealed is what was in the trunk. It was a dead pig! All of that build up, it was a little anticlimatic. And quite frankly a gross flashback to some of the experiments I did in 8th grade biology. After that, the girls see someone coming and all scramble to leave the cop car without being seen. Except for Mona that is. Mona, still caring about Hanna and her mother, takes the time and the risk to remove the tape showing the hit and run from the car. Once they get back to the house, the liars demand answers from Mona. Spencer suggests they play a game called the third degree and get Mona to tell them everything that she knows.

What was revealed in third degree (Source: Wikipedia)

(It was difficult to remember everything that happened. I didn't want to chance leaving anything out.)

"Mona reveals some secrets while playing third-degree: she didn't get the car out of the lake, Shana knew Jenna before she came to Rosewood (and they are afraid of Melissa), Lucas gave Emily the massage, she recruited Toby when he got that job in Bucks County, and she didn't push Ian off the bell tower (and doesn't know who did).

Mona would show the girls, video of Wilden and "Melissa" on the Ghost Train, wearing the Queen of Hearts Costume. However, before "Melissa's" face was revealed the video ended." (Wikipedia, Season 4 Premiere Episode Summary)

Then the liars found out that Officer Wilden was dead. It is also revealed that he died during the time that they were at the lodge, so they have no alibi. They come to the conclusion that "A" is going to try and frame them for the detective's murder.

Toby also deals with some inner turmoil, as "A" texts him, hinting to new details about his past. It is revealed, that when he was younger he was quite shy and awkward, especially around girls, Alison in particular. A flashback shows Alison and Toby hanging out and as they are about to kiss, his mother walks in. It is 4pm and she appears to be dazed and confused. She tells him that she just got up. Toby expresses concern to Ali that something is seriously wrong with his mother. Alison, in her usual fashion, claims that his mother has a case of laziness. Toby becomes extremely upset and demands that she leave. Alison leaves and as she walks out the door she calls him a loser. This may be one of the first things she did that led to his dislike or hate of her in the future. "A" claims to know what has happened to his mom. When she disappeared or left Rosewood is unclear to me. Maybe I missed something? Or it will be explained in more detail in future episodes....

Aria runs into Ezra and he tells her that he has been offered a job back at Rosewood. She exclaims that it will be difficult to not see him if he is at her school everyday. Ezra says that he has a family now and that he truly needs the job. Aria lusts after him in the normal way that anyway faced with the daunting task of seeing their ex everyday would react. The vice principal notices this behavior. Aria lets her imagination get the best of her in a heartbreaking scene where "A" gives pictures of her and Ezra having sex to the vice principal, who calls her a liar, calls her parents, and arrests Ezra. With some superb acting by Lucy Hale, she runs out frantically, tears streaming down her face in disbelief. In reality, he wanted to give Aria some papers to sign and told her he hopes that her mom gets better soon.

Paige is seen scoping out Stanford's website when Emily walks in. Paige happily exclaims that she has been accepted to Stanford on a full scholarship for swimming. She says that Emily is just as good as her and she could get in as well. Paige asks Emily to go to Stanford with her, proposing that they move in together, and get as far away from "A" as possible. Emily considers the prospect of being away from the tortures of "A" and accepts the offer. The scene ends with them both proclaiming their love for each other and looking on to their futures.

Hanna decides that she needs to attempt to reconnect with Mona, in order to get the video of her mother's hit and run from her. She and Mona go shopping, acting like they did before in old times, when they were still friends. Mona realizes that Hanna is just pretending to be her friend and gives her the video, claiming it is the only copy. Mona hopes to gain Hanna's trust and become her true friend again. Mona is a lot smarter than she appears. It takes a lot of intelligence and observance to pull of being "A" for as long as she did, and to dig up all of the dirt that she did on the girls. Mona is extremely underestimated by Rosewood and her peers. It may seem like Mona is turning a corner and that she is now a victim in all of this, but I think Mona still has something up her sleeve. Great acting by Janel Parrish, showing the different sides of Mona. She keeps the viewer guessing in regards to Mona's true intentions.

Spoiler alert: Hanna briefly mentions Caleb and his absence in the episode. Something about him being out in the middle of nowhere with no cell service. Marlene King, showrunner of "Pretty Little Liars", has confirmed that Tyler Blackburn (Who plays Caleb) will be leaving the show for it's spin-off Ravenswood. He is going to be one of the main characters of the new show. Marlene said that he was chosen for the spin-off "Because of his ambiguous past". A lot of his past has not been revealed to the audience. So Haleb fans will be left heartbroken. Although, I'm sure it's possible that Hanna or the other liars could venture into Ravenswood. Actually, according to Wikipedia's info on Ravenswood, Troian Bellisario (Spencer) and Keegan Allen (Toby) are set to guest star on the spin-off at some point. While this is not the most reliable source, it would not be all that surprising if it was true. On twitter, Ashley Benson has shown her love for her tv-boyfriend and has shown interest in visiting him as he pursues his feature endeavors.

The end of the episode ends with the five girls getting a text from A outside the funeral home. They then meet the new detective who is investigating Wilden's death. The guy admits that Wilden had an obsession with them and questions why they would come to his funeral. They respond that they are just showing respect for the Rosewood police department. He says that part of procedure would be for them to be questioned at some point. He says, with a little doubt in his voice, that they just need to be honest, and that they have nothing to hide. This episode has set up a lot for the season and I am looking forward to seeing the all the drama unfold.

Season 4 Premiere Review

Great acting, directing, and writing have drawn in so many viewers that the show has already been renewed for a 5th season and a spin off titled Ravenswood is in the works. Just as captivating and intriguing in its 4th season, new twists and turns take the Liars' nightmares to a whole new level. Revelations from Mona have answered many questions as well as brought up some new ones. The combination of mystery, drama, and romance is perfectly put together to attract many different audiences. The premiere episode was well done and a great starting point for the season. I hope that the mystery stays exciting and that the show remains as good as it was when it started. If they just keep doing what they are doing, they will have a huge audience that will stick with the show until its end.

Just added a new poll! Who is your favorite character from "Pretty Little Liars"? Due to technical difficulties, I had to make it into two questions as for some reason I am unable to add any more than 4 answers.

More reviews soon to come. I will definitely review the next episode of PLL. I will try to put it up sooner than I did with this one.

Army Wives Season 7 Finale Summary and Review; Pretty Little Liars soon to come

2013-06-10T19:20:00.002-07:00

Army Wives Season 7 Finale Review (Spoiler Alert)

Well, last night was the conclusion to the 7th season of Army Wives on Lifetime network. While the episode itself was beautifully done, the downside is that the show has lost many of it's main characters. The season 7 new additions are Ashanti, Brooke Shields, Jesse McCartney, Torrey DeVitto (Pretty Little Liars) , Elle McLemore, Brant Daugherty (Also from Pretty Little Liars), Burgess Jenkins, Joshua Henry.... as well as the kids that come with them.... The new additions from last season were Kelli Williams, Alyssa Diaz, Joseph Julian Soria, and Robert John Burke. It seems that more of the original cast is set up to be leaving after this season. If they didn't there would be even more of an overpopulation problem than they currently have....

Obviously, it is difficult to juggle storylines for each character without confusing or losing the audience. With so many regulars gone, Army Wives hopes to rejuvenate the show by bringing in new characters and more complex storylines. While it has helped the show a lot to bring in some new people, it is a little too much. Jesse McCartney shines as Tim Truman by bringing out raw emotions with the difficult task of playing someone who is suffering from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). Ashanti also delivers a surprising good performance as Latasha Montclair, a mother of three, and a caretaker to her son who was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis.

Last Night's episode was full of suspension, as most season finales usually are. Latasha and her husband Quincy found out if he was going to be medically separated and in result would have to leave the army. He passed. Gloria, played by the ever so charming Alyssa Diaz, had a choice to make between new love interest Pat (Brant Daugherty), and ex-husband Hector (Joseph Julian Soria). She confides in Maggie that she has no idea what she is supposed to do and she hates to be stringing them both along. Maggie tells her to listen to her heart and that the answer will come to her. Then they have a scene of flashbacks between her relationships with both of them, playing Ashanti's new come back ballad "Never Should Have" as she struggles to make up her mind. Joan prepares for her retirement after 23 years of service in the army so she can follow Roland to his permanent position at John Hopkin's. She makes a touching speech. Holly is left reeling from when Tim choked her in her sleep. For some reason on tv, that seems to be a common storyline for portraying PTSD. (Christina and Owen on Grey's Anatomy did it first, and I'm sure someone else did it before that.) She uses various scarfs to hide her neck bruises. Holly runs into Denise Sherwood at the hospital and almosts tells her about what happened. When she gets home, Tim is still different. He is moody and not acting like himself. This is most likely a result of the fact that he lost someone in Iraq and also choked a man to death during his last days in battle. When Tim realizes what he did to Holly, he becomes upset and runs off. Holly is not able to find him, so she is forced to tell Denise and the rest of the tribe. The men in Tim's platoon search for him, find him, and return him home. Michael struggles to deny his chemistry with Colonel Kat Young and is caught kissing her for the first time by Denise. Denise struggles to deal with the fact that Michael has moved on so quickly and doesn't give him approval of the relationship. At the end of the episode, Gloria tells Maggie she has come to a decision. Holly takes Tim to the hospital for evaluation and attends the retirement ceremony. Denise tells Michael she is not ok with his new relationship, but doesn't want her feelings to get in the way of his happiness. And Joan retires gracefully so she can stay with her family. There is a flashback of army wives from all seasons... Except Claudia Joy. I am pretty confidant she was not included in the flashbacks. But, it was nice to be reminded of the humble beginnings of the show. In the last minute, all of the wives squeeze together to take a picture, and capture the memory of the retirement ceremony forever.

If the show is renewed, changes should definitely be made. First and foremost, they should NOT add any new cast members. They already have enough storylines to deal with as it is. While at times, it is nice to see the lives of all of these characters intersect, there should be more emphasis placed on their individual personalities and storylines. Getting to know the characters of a show is essential for the viewers to grow fond of them or hate them. If the writers of the show definitely plan to use all of these characters for whatever seasons come, they should move some to the background, to let a few shine, and then they can swap it out. At times, this show can appear too realistic to keep the viewers attention. It would be in the best interest of the show if they sped up the storylines and added a little more action to bring in the younger part of the 18-49 main audience. More promotion would help. The commercials that advertise the show are hardly played on Lifetime, let alone other networks and stations. Reminding the audience to watch is key in keeping ratings up and growing the audience.

Stay tuned for my review of the Pretty Little Liars season 4 premiere! It's on tomorrow on ABC Family at 8/7 c. As per usual, a marathon of episodes will be shown on the network for the fans to reminisce, recap, or catch up on the beloved series. The popularity of the show has risen so high that a spin-off titled Ravenswood is in the works. More information soon to come.

Music Review: The Great Gatsby Soundtrack; and more

2013-05-22T18:19:00.004-07:00

Beloved Book Fails To Dazzle At Box Office

While the movie was a flop, at least one good thing came out of all of it. The beloved Great Gatsby Soundtrack. Featuring renowned artists such as Lana Del Rey, Florence + The Machine, Sia, and Frank Ocean; the album contains diverse songs that showcase vocally, lyrically, and musically.

Great Gatsby Soundtrack Reviews: Track by Track (Most of them)

"Young and Beautiful" by Lana Del Rey is a powerhouse song that shows off Lana's undisputed vocal ability and her skills as a songwriter. While both versions are well done, I strongly recommend the DH Orchestral Version of the song because of the heart-palpitating build up that just adds to the greatness.

Also pleasing to the ears is "No Church In The Wild" by Jay Z and Kanye West feat. Frank Ocean and The Dream, mostly dominated by rap. But if you look at the lyrics themselves, they are actually deep and the backbeat of the song is quite unique, and reminiscent of the era in which The Great Gatsby took place.

Sia; the amazing vocalist behind the smash hit "Titanium" creates another classic with "Kill and Run". Combined with the uniqueness and incredible range of her voice, Sia creates melodies never heard before with the simplest of lyrics. There is no doubt that this song was used at one of the dramatic scenes at the movie and it could be easily incorporated into a tv promo or television show to heighten suspense.

Relatively unknown artist Coco O makes her big entrance into the industry with "Where The Wind Blows". While the song itself is not all that great, the beat behind it is quite interesting and unique. I believe that her voice has potential but with the lackluster lyrics and vocal arrangement it does not do her justice. Repetitive as it is, the song is relaxing and soothing. With the right team and better songwriters, this girl could become the next star of the industry.

Fergie makes a disappointing comeback with
"A Little Party Never Killed Nobody (All We Got)" feat. Q-Tip & GoonRock. Obviously meant to be a dance song, it's popularity stems from the fact that it is EDM, which is currently taking over the charts right now. Yes you can dance to it, but it has no lyrical meaning with mostly rhyming lyrics and repetitive melodies. Fergie's voice in the introduction of the song is unrecognizable and layered heavily with autotune that she does not need. It only goes down from there. After her first section of the song ends, the other two artists attempt to rap but sound more like robots than human beings. Additionally using the special effect of heightening the male voices which has been used in many Nicki Minaj songs as well as other artists.
Additionally the dancebreak of the song is a replica of another song, probably stolen or sampled from somewhere. This is just a pop song and once the hype from the movie has ended, it will fade into the darkness, never to be seen or heard again.

Jack White screams his own version of U2's "Love is Blindness". Comparatively speaking, he definitely made the song his own. The original song is much more mellow and relaxed while White's version builds and shows off his unique sound. Not a fan of metal music, I still enjoyed this track and thought it was one of the highlights of the soundtrack. Both versions being so different from each other, it is hard to say which one is better. Personally, I prefer White's version as the verses are more simplified and it lets his magnificent voice shine through. Additionally I like the build up that the chorus has. Probably the only time I will every say this; but if you have the money, buy both versions. They are both two totally different takes on an amazing song and White's cover is a great way to expose people of my generation to the original song and the awesomeness that is U2.

"Back To Black" covered by Beyonce & Andre 3000 changes everything in the song but the lyrics. I understand why Beyonce chose to change the song up to avoid being compared to the greatness of the original artist Amy Winehouse and the legacy she left behind, but this cover sounds pretty horrendous. While it may sound ok in a scene of a movie, it is not something that you would listen to for the quality of the music. Adding electronics to the song as well as drastically changing up the melody is what did the song in. If I were doing a cover of this song, I would have changed the melody slightly as well as the backbeat to make it my own. Also, including Andre 3000 on the song was a mistake. If you have never heard the original; go listen to it; obsess over it's greatness; obsess over the amazing voice that Amy Winehouse had. Beyonce is an amazing vocalist, but the arrangement of this cover did not do her voice justice. If you like the remix; I would recommend looking on youtube as someone has probably put up a solo version with just Bey and cut out Andre's unnecessary addition.

Will.i.am.'s "Bang Bang" is an atrocity, horrific to the point where it doesn't even deserve that title. Similar to most of his songs, they all have similar or the same beats, lack any melody or lyrical meaning, and make him sound like an autotuned futuristic robot. Why people listen to his music I do not know.... if you listen to him live it is pretty apparent he has no talent and never will.

Florence + The Machine dazzle prospective listeners and moviegoers alike with "Over The Love". Make sure to buy the version with just her! This song is the epitome of perfection and adding any other artist to it would just ruin this stunning work of art. Written by Florence herself, this song is the most true to Fitzgerald's work as it is written in the point of view of a character who went to Gatsby's party during the 3rd chapter and cries while singing the piano. Including vivid descriptions from the book itself, Welch may have been the only songwriter who actually read the book and used it as inspiration. On top of all that, the vocals and arrangement are stunning, crystal clear, and earth shattering. In my opinion, it is the all around best song on the album, and should be inducted into the hall of fame of great music.

Emeli Sande's cover of "Crazy In Love" originally by Beyoncé was just ok. Emeli is a fabulous singer and has a stunning voice that shines in her hit single "Next To Me". The Orchestra did a great job of taking a classic song and putting a 1920's feel to it while still keeping the original melody. I disliked the fact that the melody of the song was sped up. I also feel as though the orchestra overpowered Sande and that she was trying too hard to sound like Beyoncé. I rarely ever say this; but Sande should have sung the song with the same melody as the original. Obviously, she could have changed it up a little, added some riffs or high notes to make it her own. But this girl actually had the voice to cover the song the way it was originally written. With how fast this version is, it limits how powerful her voice sounds and does not do her justice. Props to the orchestra for taking the listener back in time but the arrangement made Emeli sound like a mediocre singer; when she is anything but. I would recommend buying the instrumental if it's available; if not then just listen to it on youtube.

Side Note: It would be difficult for me to review "Jay Z's 100$ Bill" and "Gotye's Heart's A Mess" as neither style of music fits my personal taste in music. Most of the other songs on the soundtrack were included in the review.

American Idol Singles:

Angie Miller: "You Set Me Free" is definitely the best single of the bunch. But that is to be expected considering she wrote the lyrics, the melody, and came up with a musical arrangement. She probably dedicated a lot of time to perfecting this song before she got the finished product. The other singles were probably written in haste after it was announced that the winner and runner up would have their very own singles available after the finale ended. While all of the top 3 have the potential to be big stars, Angie has a great deal of potential due to the fact that she can write her own songs. Writing songs makes them more personal to the singer and they usually come off more relatable to the audience. Angie obviously knows what direction she wants to go in musically. I look forward to her first album. While the studio version differs from the one she performed in Hollywood week, they both are pretty amazing. I prefer the Hollywood version because it is simpler and her voice comes across more clear. This was definitely the right choice for a first single and it should do very well.

Candice Glover: Winner of American Idol Season 12: "I Am Beautiful" is a powerhouse ballad that resonates deeply with woman of all ages. Candice sings about beauty from deep within. This song is actually a pretty good first single. The only problem with it is the fact that the chorus is autotuned too much and they added an overproduced pop beat that the song does not need. This girl won American Idol. She can sing her butt off. She can sing Whitney Houston. She can sing acapella and fill the voice with her room. Let her voice shine clear. With the right songwriters and music team we will hear great things from this girl.

Kree Harrison's single "All Cried Out, is a beautiful song that showcases her voice nicely. It is obvious that she hopes to become a country singer and I believe with her unique voice, she can bring something new to the table of country music.

Music To Check Out:

Emeli Sande: "Next To Me", an empowering song that is lyrically and musically genius. Sande's vocal ability reflects like a diamond on this song about faith and the powers above. No matter what you believe, everyone can enjoy this uplifting song. This girl is going to become a star and I look forward to the great things that she will do.

Ms & Mr: A band that is relatively unknown to most of the public deliver somber, beautiful written songs. The lead singer of the group has a voice that could be listened to for days. They just came out with an album called Secondhand Rapture. Their style has been compared to that of Florence + The Machine. I am confident that they will branch off into their own and hope that other people will listen to their great music.
Songs to check out: "Hurricane", "Bones", and "Salty Sweet".

Sara Bareilles: "Manhattan" Bareilles came into her own after the hit single "Love Song" where she famously proclaimed that she was not going to conform herself or her music to earn fans. "Manhattan", obviously written about the beloved New York City is sheer brilliance. Bareilles, who writes and composes all of her songs, knocked this one out of the park. With simple piano and free of any autotune, this soothing ballad describes everything great about the city and the fact that she feels like she has to give it up because she broke up with her boyfriend, who lives in Manhattan. If you listen to her perform this song live, she sounds exactly the same. Sara is a star performer, writer, and composer that will be a part of this industry for many years to come.

Gin Wigmore: This New Zealand artist has a raspy, soulful voice similar to that of Duffy. She got her start after her song was chosen for a Heineken commercial for Skyfall that starred Daniel Craig. Not only was her song used in the commercial, she made a cameo in it herself. With attitude and sass, her latest album Gravel & Wine has a mixture of different songs that show all of the sides of her voice. Songs to check out: "If Only", "Man Like That", "Happy Ever After", and "Black Sheep".

The Good Mad: The Good Mad are an alternative, folk band. A member of the band is actress Allie Gonino from The Lying Game (She plays Laurel Mercer). Gonino obviously is musically gifted and was part of the all girl group The Stunners with Lemonade Mouth star Hayley Kiyoko (Also extremely talented by the way). In their heyday, The Stunners opened for Justin Bieber. The Good Mad writes all of their own songs and the lyrics read like deep poetry about different subjects such as the economy and how life was lived in the simpler days. Gonino plays violin, mandolin, and piano, sings, and writes. Make sure to check out Allie's personal songs on a youtube channel called The Citrus Sessions. She sings them live and her voice is like butter. Songs to check out: "Sail On", "In The Grey", "What Money Paid For", "Coconut Grove", and "Bird In Another Tree".

Delta Rae: Delta Rae. I can't describe how epic their songs are. They are like a high without any drugs. With multiple singers in the group they take turns singing lead and when there not front and center they sing backup as well. Their voices are crystal clear and they have made a variety of different songs. One of their more popular songs is played with just a chain. Songs to check out: "Bottom Of The River" "If I Loved You" "Dance In The Graveyards", and "Holding On To Good".

Ingrid Michaelson: Ingrid first got her success with "Be Ok", an upbeat song about simply having a good day. Ingrid self produces all of her songs. Her most recent single was featured on the season finale of Grey's Anatomy in one of the final, most dramatic scenes. The build up in that song is incredible as well as the power behind the chorus. Songs to check out: "Without You", "Soldier", "Maybe", and "Be Ok".

Sara Jackson-Holman's "Freight Train" from her album Cardiology is the weirdest thing I have ever heard. But it's incredible. Filled with metaphors about life and death that go far beyond normal songwriting, this song tears at your heartstrings. It was also featured on the season finale of Grey's Anatomy. Quite simply, this song needs to be heard.

I'm Back

2013-05-22T14:11:00.003-07:00

Hello all. It's been a while. I took a pretty long hiatus from blogging. But now I am back. I will be updating my blog with tv and movie reviews as well as my own collection of poetry and songs. I am open to suggestions on how to improve the site and take recommendations on what you would like to be reviewed. I plan to review the series finale of Body of Proof, start weekly reviews of Army Wives and Pretty Little Liars, put up a review for the latest Star Trek movie, and add some of my best poems and songs for you all to enjoy. I am also thinking about adding music reviews to the blog as well. I have a pretty well-rounded taste in music and would like to start that off by reviewing the songs of the flop movie The Great Gatsby, which has a great soundtrack. I may start reviewing some other popular shows as well so stay tuned.

2013-05-22T10:37:00.003-07:00

This is a song about a bitch I know. Enjoy.

Honey (What A Biotch)

Coated with a thick, rude exterior

Hiding an insecure, damaged interior

Detracts from what few insightful things you say

You have this air about you, this obnoxious way

Call out attitude, but don't practice what you preach

Who bothered you, you're there to guide and teach

Living with you would be a nightmare

Such a personality, I shouldn't care

Chorus: This is who you are, the bitch in you won't change

If I could tear you apart,

what wouldn't I rearrange

Snobbery & rudeness feed your appetite

What are you hiding from that makes you act like

A stuck up, two faced

Unmemorable, easily replaced

Bitch, a witch,

your rudeness don't make me twitch

I ain't no snitch

I'll just write a song about it honey

Walk in the room, smiles all around

Then you turn my grin straight upside down

You try so hard to bring me down

What did I do to you

If all the bitches got together and threw a party, you'd be at the head

If all the bitches chowed down in their little dog bowls, you'd be howling at the moon instead

Wanna take you by the shoulders and shake the bitch out

Better not walk through Camden with that big mouth

Can bitch all you want, let's hear that shout

Move that ass, let's take a ride downtown

Only 4'10, they'd knock you out

chorus

Wouldn't be fun to live with

How much do you pay your husband

How does he put up with it

How many drinks is he downing

Little miss perfect, he ain't found it

Must have a high pain tolerance

Cause you are off the charts

Who was ever rude to you

Why do you do all the shit you do

Have no idea what you've been through

That makes you act like such a shrew

At least I'm not a snob like you

chorus

Girl On Fire - Alicia Keys ft. Nicki Minaj Cover check this out it's amazing!!!

2012-12-09T11:30:00.001-08:00

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2012-07-24T09:07:00.001-07:00

body of proof is axing 3 main characters on the show due to "lack of ratings". Over 10 million viewers watched the season finale but I guess that wasn't enough for abc. John Carrol Lynch, Nicholas Bishop, and Sonja Sohn who play Detective Bud Morris, Peter Dunlop, and Detective Samantha Baker respectively are all leaving the series. On the season finale Peter was stabbed by one of the guys Megan put in jail who had escaped. It can be assumed that his character will be killed off. They are bringing in two younger detectives. One named Tommy Sullivan who was with Megan twenty years ago and broke up after he cheated on her. The other is Detective Adam Schaeffer. Do you think that a show should axe three cast members to change things up, or should they have left the show the way it was? Comment below.

2012-07-24T09:00:00.000-07:00

I added some new stuff to my youtube channel TheRach131 check it out. I have also been writing some of my own songs as well. Going to watch one of my favorite new shows called Bunheads that is about a group of ballet dancers and a vegas showgirl who marries a guy and moves to his small town called paradise. It has a gilmore girls vibe because it was created by Amy Sherman-Palladino. I'll review last nights episode and summarize it as well as catch you all up on what has happened so far.

my new youtube channel

2012-07-18T12:03:00.000-07:00

check out my new youtube channel TheRach131

Tv premieres

2011-09-26T12:26:00.000-07:00

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Greys anatomy premiered its newest season last night. It was a two hour episode involving a huge crisis. The show was funny, dramatic, and for once not predictable. If only all the episodes were like this one. Same goes for desperate housewives. Last night the girls and carlos struggled to keep the secret that he had killed gabys evil stepfather. They all dealt with it in different ways but came to the same realization. A new neighbor moved onto the lane. Finally the way it ended brought up an old plot line from season 1. It brought back the show from its boring and drab season before it. Coming up will be against the wall, the protector, castle, 90210, and the ringer. Check in tomorrow night.

one last thing...

2011-09-17T16:14:00.000-07:00

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body of proof's second season is premiering soon, probably within a month. I encourage you to watch the shows from the very short last season. It stars Dana Delany from Desperate Housewives as a divorced medical examiner who feels that the dead have a story to tell, and that it is her duty to tell it for them.

it girls

jessica chastain- as miss hilly halbrook in the help and the younger rachel singer in the debt she is lighting up the screen and supposed to be in yet another movie which has yet to come out

jennifer lawrence- going from bill engvall's bratty teenage daughter to starring in winter's bone and some great shorts she is set to be Katniss in the hunger games. In what could be potentially a 3 movie deal if they do well, she is showing what she's got.

Rooney Mara- in the american adaption of the girl with the dragon tattoo she has snagged a role coveted by many well known actresses. Alongside Daniel Craig she has the main role of Lisbeth Salander. This could also potentially be a 3 movie deal if America doesn't bludger the movies that Sweden made so riveting and true to the books.

sorry now the hits and misses

2011-09-17T16:06:00.000-07:00

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hits
ringer
the lying game (predictably because of the success of phenomenon pretty little liars)

misses
americas next top model (now the contestants are after glitz and glamour after being in the modeling industry for years and years. The highlight was seeing Nicki Minaj judge the show better than Tyra and Alexandra cry about getting booed. It was that BAD!!

returning shows or shows currently on air
misses
90210 admit to not watching it for a while but it appears to be losing its mojo and believability
secret life of the american teenager same applies, seen a few episodes and the show has turned into a bad version of the old 90210 hookups, pregnancies, etc...
make it or break it- most likely cancelled as peri gilpin and the guy who played max are both leaving the series to be in other shows ( a big coincidence if it was just because of lack of screen time!!)
desperate housewives- not on yet, but last season was hardly worth of taking up one whole hour of my life a week, the plot lines have become almost soapish and lost its juicyness and its edge. kind of glad that this will be the final season
greys anatomy- mcdreamy and possibly meredith will be leaving after this season, which may and should be the last, with so many of the main cast members gone it should be renamed medical survivor

hits
castle- eager to see the premiere episode just saw the finally of season 3, haven't been watching it consistently but will now, it pulled me in. Was like something out of a movie!!!
against the wall- what started off as kind of so-so has turned into something actually good. Lesser known Rachael Caprani stars as the main who goes into Internal Affairs with 3 brothers and her father as cops. She shows off her acting skills in yet another cop drama.
The protector- ally walker and tisha campbell martin light up the screen as detectives, their unique personalities make the show differ from other typical cop shows and because the characters have depth it keeps you watching. So you can peek into their private lives during the breaks in a case.

I'll keep you updated.

fall tv- what to watch, and the hits and misses

2011-09-17T15:55:00.000-07:00

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with what little time we have to watch tv whether it be school work, taking care of the kids, working, etc we want to watch the best shows... with so many new ones coming out this fall and many returning, how do you decide?

ringer- SPOILERS BEWARE!!! sarah michelle gellar returns after a long retirement to play twins Siobhan and Bridget. Siobhan is the wealthy one with the seemingly perfect and idyllic life. (Or to those who just saw the commerical for the pilot episode the one with her hair in a bun) Bridget is the alcoholic ex-stripper on the run who is so embarassing that Siobhan hasn't even told her husband she has a sister. So when Siobhan kills herself during a family reunion Bridget takes the tragedy as an advantage to stay alive. Yet, she finds out someone is not only trying to kill her, but someone is after her sister as well. It brought in the most viewers for the 18-34 age range for the cw in 3 years! But it isn't just the buffy fans as the premiere episode proved she has made a comeback stronger than ever and I am eager to report on the twists and turns of this up and coming hit show. 5 out of 5 stars.

The secret circle: SPOILERS!!! the lightning storm moment was cheesy, the raindrops was romantic. This show is hard to tell. Cassie goes to live with her grandmother after her mother dies from a fire induced by magic. Cassie then finds out she is a witch and her father among others was involved in a secret circle which is now practicing again, and trying to recruit her to be the 6th and final member. Her mother had whisked her away from this life to keep her safe but now she has choices to make. Some characters prove to be villains, but Faye is just the wild-child unpredictable. Played by Phoebe Tonkin (From the little known show H20) she plays the carefree, reckless Faye Chamberlin. But Britt Robertson (From cancelled show Life Unexpected) proves that even with a lack luster story line she can still outshine the rest of the cast in her sleep. Still too soon to say because its premiere didn't grab my attention like ringer. Will keep you updated, but I would give it another episode or two before grabbing the remote.

Hits Misses

Change ( I wrote this a long time ago)

2011-06-26T15:31:00.000-07:00

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I can't help but wonder
If I could turn back the clock
Change anything
I could dream of
Its impossible I know
I wish I could go
Back
Relive
Dream
Again and Again
So I close my eyes
Immerse myself in a dream
Its a false reality
That can drive you crazy

Oh I feel the wind moving my hair
Its all in my face
A few years ago
I remembber this place
The shore
The water
The sand
Icecream in my hand
All the little things are irrelevant
The onlt thing important is the person beside
Right beside me
Always in my line of sight
Just a room down the hall
Just said goodnight
I can't help but wonder
If I could turn back the clock
Change anything
I could dream of
Its nuts I know
I wish I could go
Back
Relive
Dream
Again and Again
So close my eyes
Immerse myself in a dream
Its a false reality
That can drive you crazy
Sometimes you have a dream
And it may seem
So real
Everything you feel
Touch and see
But its not reality
Reality is much worse
The world is unfair and cruel
Its hard to find reliability
Hard to handle the truth
So the days pass a little slower
Mindset begins to change
After a castatrophe
You have to rearrange
Keep on livin
Keep on dreamin
Keep on believin
I can't help but wonder
If I could turn back the clock
Change anything
I could dream of
Its ludacris I know
I wish I could go
Back
Relive
Dream
Again and Again
So I close my eyes
Immerse myself in a dream
Its a false reality
That can drive you crazy
I see the horrors
I see the laughter
I see the smiles
I wish for the happy ever after
Sometimes I lack compassion
I don't have the drive
But I know deep inside
That I am lucky to be alive
Touching Feeling Achieving
My adventures are not over
More is to come
I can't help but wonder
If I could turn back the clock
Change anything
I could dream of
Its unimaginable I know
I wish I could go
Back
Relive
Dream
Again and Again
So I close my eyes
Immerse myself in a dream
Its a false reality
That can drive you crazy
If I had a crystal ball
To look into the future
Would I take it
If I had the change of changing the past or the future
Would I seize it
You better believe it
You can't just sit down and write a bestseller
Come up with the next hit song
Life is full of twists and turns
I'm just happy to go along
I can't help but wonder
If I could turn back the clock
Change anything
I could dream of
Its impossible I know
I wish I could go
Back
Relive
Dream
Again and Again
So I close my eyes
Immerse myself in a dream
Its a false reality
That can drive you crazy
I'm just happy to go along
I can't help but wonder
If I could turn back the clock
Change anything
I could dream of
Its stupid I know
I wish I could go
Back
Relive
Dream
Again and Again
So I close my eyes
Immerse myself in a dream
Its a false reality
That can drive you crazy
Grateful
Oh just thankful
For everything I already have
And everything I am about to gain
And for that I have come to the realizations
Somethings are just out of my control
Somethings I can't change

pms queen song tell me what you think

2011-06-14T12:21:00.000-07:00

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Pms queen
Loaded with angry steam
Because you just act so obsene
You know exactly what I mean

You're just getting yourself in trouble
What will happen to you I say oh well
You screwed yourself
You picked the wrong person to mess with

I bet you get a natural high
Off of your twisted lies
I wish you'd look me in the eyes
Leave all the excuses behind and
Fall to your knees and apologize

Pms queen
Loaded with angry steam
It's coming out full speed from the rooftops
How far will you go before you stop

It infuriates me
Hard to believe
How low you go
I just want you to know

One day It'll bite you in the ass
But I take the high road because I have class

Pms queen
Loaded with angry steam
You act like a broken machine
But it doesn't affect my self esteem

You truly are a scumbag
Yeah you and all your bullshit
There's nothing I can do about that
But that doesn't mean I'll just sit back and take it

No no oh no no hey no

Feel the rath of the pms queen
You just assumed you would get off easy
So messed up yet so serene
You shouldn't have decided to mess with me

Hey stupid
What were you thinking
About to lose it
Your ego's slowly shrinking

Pms queen
Bursting with angry steam
You're just going off the edge
I'm plain tired of it

It's not just the grade
You try to make me feel like an idiot
I wish you'd just disinitegrate
Truth be told
Not a single soul
Would miss you anyway

No, they'd be relieved
Not to deal with you anymore
I dare you to go farther
If you think you're all that then what are you waiting for

Pms queen
Loaded with angry steam
Because everything you've done is so obsene
Don't play nice you know what I mean

No
No
Never
Ever
I'm not just gonna let it slide
It'll haunt you so there better not be a next time

You're gonna get the proper punishment
Because you truly deserve it
You're so bad
That by calling you names I'm insulting a scumbag
Watch out because you think it's all games and fun
Next thing you know your dictatorship is done

Mcdreamy is mcleaving!!!!

2011-06-01T14:32:00.000-07:00

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It has been confirmed that Patrick Dempsey will be reprising his role as Dr. Mcdreamy for the last time in season 8 and after that he is done. His contract will be over and he will move on to bigger and better things. It is also rumored that Ellen Pompeo plans to leave after season 8 when her contract ends. Would you watch the show without Meredith and Derek? Go to the new poll to vote.

to be cuthroat and bitchy or to not be Greys anatomy

2011-05-13T18:56:00.000-07:00

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Last night on Greys anatomy everyone was on edge because of the chief resident interviews. Christina told Owen no sex until he made his decision until he made the decision about chief resident. She didn't want to influence him. Avery gave up his clinical trial with the chief for what first seemed like laziness but was actually a noble reason. Meredith was the most nervous about the interview with the social worker about adopting Zala. The mist dramatic moment was the end where a secret is revealed at the worst time. I encourage you to catch it on Hulu and make sure to see the promo for next week. All hell breaks loose! Christina was the best being just the right amount of bitchy and mean without going over the top. It seems possible some of the cast is leaving. Who, you'll just have to watch!!!

Megan Hunt

2011-05-11T17:06:00.000-07:00

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One of the only good characters on tv! Dana delany still plays Dr. Megan Hunt with flair and style. This week she is uncovering the murder of a well known and respected detective. It is hard for some of the cast because they knew him well. It ends up tying into a different murder he was currently working on. A great mystery with savvy characters and a realistic plot, the only thing I look forward to watching on tv. Nothing else to say.

Make it or break it... Starting to crumble

2011-05-10T12:22:00.000-07:00

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Last night on make it or break it was typical. It's they type of show that you can muss and it is explained in the first five minutes. That's all I have to say.

desperate housewives and armywives what tv should you be watching?

2011-05-09T14:51:00.000-07:00

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last night on desperate housewives.....
Bree agreed to go on a date with the detective named Chuck. Renee did a background search on him and Bree found out some interesting things to say the least. But he dug up a little dirt on her as well. Gabby showed Juanita a horror movie and she became scared and had nightmares so she went camping outside with her to prove no one was out there. But, was that really true. Paul found out he was being poisoned and suspects Susan. Susan finds out who is really poisoning Paul just in the nick of time, but not to save herself..... Lynette and Tom get into the biggest argument I've seen them get in and they propose ideas about the family vacation to the kids advertising style. But are they advertising a healthy marriage. Spoiler alert: From what I've seen I would say a killer is on the lose and from the last few seconds of the episode it showed who was really out there at Gaby's house that night. My best guess was that it would be her stepfather who molested her as a child.

Armywives: Not as good this week sad to say. All of the army husbands finally came home. This was a problem for Roxy. She still had Witt there as her contractor and had yet to tell Trevor. After a few failed attempts Pamela helps her come to the easiest solution. Roland and Joan look more into adopting and find someone worth keeping there eye on, but they have overlooked something very important. Claudia Joy talks to Chandler about the kiss and he convinces her to stay at the company. But, he gets a good talking too about it. Denise welcomes Jeremy's friends home and they talk about memories of him. They give her something that may not seem like much on the outside but really hits home for her. I would say that this was an ok episode, not great not horrible. Since I have only started watching it this season I plan to watch the other seasons over the summer. Will review Make it or Break it tonight and possible 90210. Stay tuned for Glee and Body of Proof tomorrow night. If I had to say what to watch during the week if you are time crunched watch Army Wives and Body of Proof, they are the best by far.

I'm back

2011-05-06T13:35:00.000-07:00

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I have been working hard on the new song and I will go back to reviewing shows starting Sunday with desperate housewives on Sunday. Right now my favorite shows are body of proof and armywives. They are the only shows that arent really predictable! Stay tuned!!!

i didn't abandon my blog!

2011-05-01T08:39:00.000-07:00

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sorry I haven't been posting lately on tv reviews. I have read books, seen movies, and lots of tv but I've been working on a special project. I always put song lyrics up here that I have written, but I've never written music for them. The reason is I only know how to play drums and you need piano or guitar to write a song. I have been working with my piano to write some music (which is taking forever since I don't know what I've been doing and I can't sing and play at the same time) it is a new song you haven't seen before. I figured out you can use drum beats on the piano for interludes which is really cool. I have written 2 of the 3 interludes, the chorus music, and the end. I still need the beginning and the music for the rest of the words. I haven't finished writing the song either. I have a feeling I will be done in a week since I take at least an hour a day to work on it. My mom has been positive going from its horrible to interesting and not bad.She used to play the piano since she was a kid. She said it sounded a little Japanese which I don't mind because they have awesome music. If it is good enough I will post it here. I have a piano that can record beats but doesn't save them, so I record them on the piano and then onto my phone. Also since I don't know how to read music I have to refer to the keys as this key or that key rather than a or c which is frusturating. The song itself is very weird, I got the idea when I was watching a so you think you can dance commercial with my Dad and he said that one of the dancers was moving like a pyschotic spider. Then the song was born, it seems like something Lady Gaga would sing. Who knows, have approximately 1:54 in music and the chorus and one other part in lyrics, still have a lot to go. Wish me best of luck....

moment in time song

2011-04-21T08:56:00.000-07:00

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I literally just wrote this now, please tell me what you think

In this moment in time
Do something productive with your life
I can see the glitter of excitement shining brightly in your eyes
In this moment in time
Why do something you might regret
Theres nobody you wanna upset
In this moment in time
Try to see the bright side
In this moment in time
Why eat everything in your pantry
Has it occured to you to do something
You know will have have a bad effect
But you don't bother to stop it
In this moment in time
Is it right to do something
To mess up someone's life
In this moment in time
Change the picture
Keep something from going awry
Deep inside you know
This isn't the best thing to do
In this moment in time
Ohh this moment in time
Each day is a new day of your life
Crazy what you do when you aren't thinking
One little action can make you go sinking
I'm always in your corner
You've got a friend on your side
Helping you, so you will survive
Each moment in time
Has a greater purpose
We aren't always able to see this
In this moment in time
Everything seems to be rushing by
In the heat of the moment
We do things we never would do before
Not always knowing what's instore
Sometimes I feel helpless
I give in to what you want
And say yes
Why do I listen to your plea
I try not to guarantee
In this moment in time
Has it occured to you to do something
You know will have have a bad effect
But you don't bother to stop it
In this moment in time
Is it right to do something
To mess up someone's life
In this moment in time
Change the picture
Keep something from going awry
Deep inside you know
This isn't the best thing to do
In this moment in time
Snap decisions can haunt you
You always have control of what you do
In this, in this moment in time
One wrong move in the game of life
Can take you down the wrong path
And sometimes there is no turning back
In this moment in time
Something deep inside makes you cry
What do I do
Somebody help me through
But nobody can make the right decision for you
Has it occured to you to do something
You know will have have a bad effect
But you don't bother to stop it
In this moment in time
Is it right to do something
To mess up someone's life
In this moment in time
Change the picture
Keep something from going awry
Deep inside you know
This isn't the best thing to do
In this moment in time
This moment
Right here
The seconds keep on ticking by
So go on and take the world by surprise
By doing something different
Holding back and deciding to refrain
The weight of the world
On your shoulders
Don't let it influence you
In this moment in time
You know what is right
Still I can be hard to decide
If it was consequence free
You'd have no problem
Has it occured to you to do something
You know will have have a bad effect
But you don't bother to stop it
In this moment in time
Is it right to do something
To mess up someone's life
In this moment in time
Change the picture
Keep something from going awry
Deep inside you know
This isn't the best thing to do
In this moment in time
Split second
Minute
Hour or day
Don't let the moment slip away