Hello, my name is Liz, and I'm a vegetarian.
Sounds weird, does it not? Well, it does for me. I have wanted to stop eating meat for the longest time and now I feel I can finally accomplish this goal. I have had numerous health issues for a rather long time that have restricted me from doing so. Now, before you give me a long lecture on how meat is good for you and all that jazz, let me give tell you the reasons for my decision.
Not many people wonder what they are chowing down on at around 12pm on Tuesday afternoons or where it came from, but it is really alarming how revolting slaughterhouses actually are. The pollution and waste that comes out of one slaughterhouse releases more pollution than the city of Los Angeles. That is overwhelming to think about. In addition to this, the cruelty towards the animals in these slaughterhouses is appalling. Wake up, people. Unhappy animals equals poor quality of food which in turn will do more harm to your body than anything. I am not opposed to organic raised meat, where the animals are cared for and raised naturally. But natural is the complete opposite of a slaughterhouse.
In addition, not eating meat will reduce famine. Is it weird to think that animals raised to be slaughtered receive more food and grain than people? Yes, it is. It's ridiculous.
Overall, it is just a healthier choice. Extremely difficult, especially because of my love of chicken, but I do believe it will make a difference.
Currently listening to: Grizzly Bear–Southern Point
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Most Anticipated Albums of 2010
1. MGMT Congratulations
Whether you're a die-hard fan or just really like Time To Pretend, after the success of Oracular Spectacular, Goldwasser and VanWyngarden are going to have to work their hardest to outdo themselves. Be prepared for some trippy stuff. Oh, and here's the cover. Are you excited yet?
(http://stereogum.com)
2. Gorillaz Plastic Beach
Even more big shoes to fill. After Demon Days, I feel skeptical about this album. Will it be able to come close to level of brilliance? But the Gorillaz keep releasing great music. My plan for listening to this album is to pretend that Demon Days does not exist. As difficult as that might be. Regardless, I am excited after 6 years for an actual album release from these cartoons fools!
(http://blog.mtvasia.com)
3. Rogue Wave Permalight
This comes out really soon. Next Tuesday, actually. Although I am not as familiar with this band as I am with Gorillaz or MGMT, they are definitely a favorite. Descended Like Vultures and Asleep At Heaven's Gate both have some great songs on them. Also check out the single Eyes. You will not be disappointed.
(http://music.blogdig.net)
4. Dr. Dog Shame, Shame
Having recently discovering these fine fellows, I can only imagine their new album will result in happiness and rainbows. They have an archaic sound to them; almost like they originated in the 60s. Which I thoroughly enjoy. They have been touring all over this grand land promoting their album, which is due out on April 6.
(http://bandweblogs.com)
Currently listening to: But I Feel Good–Groove Armada
Whether you're a die-hard fan or just really like Time To Pretend, after the success of Oracular Spectacular, Goldwasser and VanWyngarden are going to have to work their hardest to outdo themselves. Be prepared for some trippy stuff. Oh, and here's the cover. Are you excited yet?
(http://stereogum.com)
2. Gorillaz Plastic Beach
Even more big shoes to fill. After Demon Days, I feel skeptical about this album. Will it be able to come close to level of brilliance? But the Gorillaz keep releasing great music. My plan for listening to this album is to pretend that Demon Days does not exist. As difficult as that might be. Regardless, I am excited after 6 years for an actual album release from these cartoons fools!
(http://blog.mtvasia.com)
3. Rogue Wave Permalight
This comes out really soon. Next Tuesday, actually. Although I am not as familiar with this band as I am with Gorillaz or MGMT, they are definitely a favorite. Descended Like Vultures and Asleep At Heaven's Gate both have some great songs on them. Also check out the single Eyes. You will not be disappointed.
(http://music.blogdig.net)
4. Dr. Dog Shame, Shame
Having recently discovering these fine fellows, I can only imagine their new album will result in happiness and rainbows. They have an archaic sound to them; almost like they originated in the 60s. Which I thoroughly enjoy. They have been touring all over this grand land promoting their album, which is due out on April 6.
(http://bandweblogs.com)
Currently listening to: But I Feel Good–Groove Armada
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
5 Great Artists You've Never Heard Of (But Should Know)
1. She and Him. 
Well, you might have heard of the "she" part of this band. It is none other than Zooey Deschanel. Deschanel has a unique, almost western sounding voice (the transition would not be difficult for her, I am sure), and mixed in with M. Ward's soft tenor sound is extremely reminiscent of Peter, Paul and Mary but with more instruments.
Currently, they have one album out and one on the way. Check out this song from their upcoming album Volume Two.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIe7kFNfE-c
2. Seabear.
They're an Icelandic band. So perhaps they are like Sigur Ros? Well, not exactly. They are extremely mellow and always a good listen, but the major differences? Seabear sings in English and is slightly more upbeat. They have been described as, "Sufjan Stevens meets an unplugged Arcade Fire," in Clash magazine. Although not extremely popular, they have been featured on a few movie/television soundtracks. Check them out, they are one of my favorite bands right now.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0M6s_OIRNc
3. The Radio Dept.
Marie Antoinette soundtrack streamed their sound into the mainstream world, but they have been around since 1995. They are dream/indie pop sounding and, not gonna lie, extremely hypnotic; kind of like a modern Dark Side of The Moon.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=db2HE7nAR-Y
4. The Bird and The Bee.
Relatively new band, starting in 2006. They are a synthpop alternative band from L.A. Futuristic sounding. They are actually a duo consisting of Inara George (or "the bird") and Greg Kurstin ("the bee"). George is primarily the singer and her high, hypnotic voice blends well with all the synths they use.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4oj8Ty-6iI
5. The Blue Van.
One of these bands is not like the other and it is The Blue Van. The Blue Van seems to have teleported back in time and crash landing and not stopping what they were doing for one minute. The band is from Denmark, and their lastest album, Man Up, is a musical treat. Tracks like Silly Boy, True and There Goes Your Love are the perfect driving songs. Especially in the summer, with the windows rolled down.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaAabwfVDwQ
Currently listening to: Cha-Cha-Cha(Go Remix) by Jimmy Luxury & The Tommy Rome Orchestra
Well, you might have heard of the "she" part of this band. It is none other than Zooey Deschanel. Deschanel has a unique, almost western sounding voice (the transition would not be difficult for her, I am sure), and mixed in with M. Ward's soft tenor sound is extremely reminiscent of Peter, Paul and Mary but with more instruments.
Currently, they have one album out and one on the way. Check out this song from their upcoming album Volume Two.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIe7kFNfE-c
2. Seabear.
They're an Icelandic band. So perhaps they are like Sigur Ros? Well, not exactly. They are extremely mellow and always a good listen, but the major differences? Seabear sings in English and is slightly more upbeat. They have been described as, "Sufjan Stevens meets an unplugged Arcade Fire," in Clash magazine. Although not extremely popular, they have been featured on a few movie/television soundtracks. Check them out, they are one of my favorite bands right now.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0M6s_OIRNc
3. The Radio Dept.
Marie Antoinette soundtrack streamed their sound into the mainstream world, but they have been around since 1995. They are dream/indie pop sounding and, not gonna lie, extremely hypnotic; kind of like a modern Dark Side of The Moon.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=db2HE7nAR-Y
4. The Bird and The Bee.
Relatively new band, starting in 2006. They are a synthpop alternative band from L.A. Futuristic sounding. They are actually a duo consisting of Inara George (or "the bird") and Greg Kurstin ("the bee"). George is primarily the singer and her high, hypnotic voice blends well with all the synths they use.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4oj8Ty-6iI
5. The Blue Van.
One of these bands is not like the other and it is The Blue Van. The Blue Van seems to have teleported back in time and crash landing and not stopping what they were doing for one minute. The band is from Denmark, and their lastest album, Man Up, is a musical treat. Tracks like Silly Boy, True and There Goes Your Love are the perfect driving songs. Especially in the summer, with the windows rolled down.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaAabwfVDwQ
Currently listening to: Cha-Cha-Cha(Go Remix) by Jimmy Luxury & The Tommy Rome Orchestra
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Well, life seems to be amazing at the moment. I am always busy but loving it. Sheng and I rearranged the room tonight. It looks nice and now it does not seem as if there is a line divided down the middle. Here's a few pictures from my bed view...
Haha, whatcha up to, Sheng?
So here is the greatest news. Are you ready for this? I'M GOING TO ENGLAND. My HOMELAND! Well, actually, it depends on whether or not 10 people sign up. But it sounds promising so far. First order of business? Finding Coldplay and meeting all of them. I wish I was going to Cambridge or Oxford, but I will be in York. Which sounds just as amazing. The red dot is where I will be.
I will be studying something English related for the first couple of months, then I will have an internship, hopefully journalism related (which apparently will not be hard to find). That will last for a couple of months. Then the last few months will be learning about stained glass and maybe making some. I am mucho excited. I will be gone 6 months, though. I do not think I have been gone from Minnesota more than two weeks and gone without seeing my parents? I do not even want to think about it. I told them they had to visit, so perhaps they will.
Side note, guess who received a bloody nose for the first time in their life? Yup. Me.
Haha, whatcha up to, Sheng?
So here is the greatest news. Are you ready for this? I'M GOING TO ENGLAND. My HOMELAND! Well, actually, it depends on whether or not 10 people sign up. But it sounds promising so far. First order of business? Finding Coldplay and meeting all of them. I wish I was going to Cambridge or Oxford, but I will be in York. Which sounds just as amazing. The red dot is where I will be.
I will be studying something English related for the first couple of months, then I will have an internship, hopefully journalism related (which apparently will not be hard to find). That will last for a couple of months. Then the last few months will be learning about stained glass and maybe making some. I am mucho excited. I will be gone 6 months, though. I do not think I have been gone from Minnesota more than two weeks and gone without seeing my parents? I do not even want to think about it. I told them they had to visit, so perhaps they will.
Side note, guess who received a bloody nose for the first time in their life? Yup. Me.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Soul Mates
I have always had somewhat of an assumption that everyone has a soul mate. Someone that binds together with you and knows you better than you seemingly know yourself. This common believe is usually only heard of in romantic novels or movies; especially Disney films. This person completes and compliments you. I mean, after all, they are your "other half." Being only 20, my patience for meeting this perfect someone leaves me increasingly pessimistic. Today, however, it dawned on me. I have already met this person(s). And they stream out of my headphones. I do believe that music is my soul mate.
I suppose it is the way I feel when I listen to music; the way it pulsates through my limbs and gives me goosebumps, leaves me feeling happy and whole. Like a good soul mate should. One example of this happened just tonight while I listened to my all time favorite artist, whom I know more about than I do, perhaps, myself: The Beatles. I know the lyrics, the chords, the beats per second; I know it all. Yet, the feeling seems to be mutual. They sing with such emotion and passion, it is though they are singing to me. I am there alone (I feel that is a huge reason why some people are territorial when it comes to music, but that's not the point). As I sat and listened to "Imagine" by John Lennon I felt the desire he felt to share his message with the world. It was almost as if he was sharing that message with me, personally, and it brought tears to my eyes (And believe me, I do not easily cry). I felt Lennon trying to communicate with me his message for me to better myself and to strive for not being okay with how things are but to strive for something better for not just me, but for other people. To help people.
Now, you probably think this is just me rambling, and perhaps it is, but this song exemplifies me perfectly: a dreamer. I dream of helping people in almost any way I can and Lennon's words explain; he says what I am thinking. Perhaps the trait of my perfect soul mate.
I suppose it is the way I feel when I listen to music; the way it pulsates through my limbs and gives me goosebumps, leaves me feeling happy and whole. Like a good soul mate should. One example of this happened just tonight while I listened to my all time favorite artist, whom I know more about than I do, perhaps, myself: The Beatles. I know the lyrics, the chords, the beats per second; I know it all. Yet, the feeling seems to be mutual. They sing with such emotion and passion, it is though they are singing to me. I am there alone (I feel that is a huge reason why some people are territorial when it comes to music, but that's not the point). As I sat and listened to "Imagine" by John Lennon I felt the desire he felt to share his message with the world. It was almost as if he was sharing that message with me, personally, and it brought tears to my eyes (And believe me, I do not easily cry). I felt Lennon trying to communicate with me his message for me to better myself and to strive for not being okay with how things are but to strive for something better for not just me, but for other people. To help people.
Now, you probably think this is just me rambling, and perhaps it is, but this song exemplifies me perfectly: a dreamer. I dream of helping people in almost any way I can and Lennon's words explain; he says what I am thinking. Perhaps the trait of my perfect soul mate.
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