Pages


Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Tuesday Tastings: Birthday Food/ Renaissance Faire

My birthday was this past Sunday. I've been really busy with school and actually got to take the weekend off!

We had various yummy food options both days and I'm going to post some of them here. That's how yummy they were.

Saturday we attended the Renaissance Faire in Irwindale, California.

Monday, May 2, 2011

Melody Mondays: Album Review: Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues



First Album

We're big fans of the Fleet Foxes and were completely hung up on their first album, Fleet Foxes. Their title album featured songs that were satiated with harmonious pleasantries and seemed to tie together with a sort of ethereal beauty. The tracks flowed perfectly into each other.

The cover art of Fleet Foxes features a piece by Flemish Renaissance painter, Pieter Bruegel the Elder. As his art was renown for putting focus on nature and capturing a story through landscape, the Fleet Foxes produced an album that captures that very spirit. It is a combination of simple elliptical lyrics, beautiful and enchanting melodic harmonies and serene instrumentation. That echo effect used on Robin Pecknold's already commanding voice truly enlarges his presence and transports the listener to simpler times. Perhaps a field of thick trees on some remote mountain. The album is very magical in that sense.

Initial Reaction

My initial reaction to learning that the Fleet Foxes' newest album would be titled Helplessness Blues, instantly brought J. Tillman to mind. J. Tillman, the drummer of the Fleet Foxes released an album titled Vacilando Territory Blues in 2009 . His solo work features vocals that are packed with a string of bitter sweet emotions. There are definitely a lot of blues going around. Two of the songs in this album are even titled James Blues and New Imperial Grand Blues. I don't want to digress too much but while I'm on the topic, Vacilando Territory Blues is a great album and deserves more recognition.

Helplessness Blues

The newest album takes a big departure from its predecessor. Overall, I observed that the lyrics in Helplessness Blues are much more literal. While the harmonies that made the first album so beautiful aren't completely absent, they appear less and are sparse throughout. Robin's vocals have become much more prevalent, becoming a focal point in the album and we do hear much less from the rest of the members. Robin's voice in particular is presented with less of the echo effect used to create their earlier work.

This time around, instrument solos have become more commonplace. Their presence is frequent and add on to the songs. It's a nice change. Moreover, some differing instruments that weren't heard in the first album share in on center stage at times. Bedouin Dress is an example of this, also featuring an ambiance deeply rooted in English folk music. Their seventh track, The Cascades is devoid of vocals altogether and places heavy emphasis on the guitar. It helps to create a very soothing and enchanting composition that perfectly encompasses the natural and chaotic forces of nature.

Something that stood out to me was that the tenth track, The Shrine / An Argument is initially vaguely reminiscent of Simon & Garfunkel's Scarborough Fair. This later changes as the eight minute song takes some interesting turns. It gets a bit odd near the end for a bit.

The fifth track, The Plains / Bitter Dancer has a little something that reminds me the most of the last album.

Stand out tracks

I deeply enjoyed every track on the album. Some of tracks that stood out to me are Montezuma, Sim Sala Bim, Battery Kinzie and Helplessness Blues. I have to say though, Blue Spotted Tail remains my favorite because I've had a long time to get myself acquainted with it. Blue Spotted Tail was played and recorded on BBC some time ago. I've really grown accustomed to listening to the live rendition and was in for a surprise when I heard the recorded version. It is a very simple tune with soft vocals. Though I was initially dubious, I was soon won over. The execution goes hand in hand with the song's purposelessly fated message, reinforcing it and giving it more meaning. Blue Spotted Tail hits a somber note in its questioning of why everything is ill-fated and destined to end. I find it very existentialist in both approach and lyric.


Overall Impressions

Overall the album shows the Fleet Foxes maturing. There is still magic to be had in this album compared to the first album, however, it is a different sort of magic.

We always look foreword to hearing more from the Fleet Foxes.

Friday, April 29, 2011

Fashion Friday: Say Yes to the Dress



So, it seems that everybody around us is infected with royal wedding fever.

Somehow, Bever and I are not as affected but with all of the speculation regarding the details of Catherine Middleton's wedding dress, we got to thinking of all of our favorite wedding dresses worn by famous brides and gathered them.

We included fictional characters and as well as living people.

We love that all of these brides wore dresses that reflected their personal style.


Here are famous brides who looked gorgeous on their wedding day.


First, the fictional characters:


Padme Amidala, Star Wars
portrayed by Natalie Portman


Sophie Sheridan, Mamma Mia! (2008)
portrayed by Amanda Seyfried


Jennifer Cavaleri, Love Story (1970)
portrayed by Ali MacGraw


Juliet Capulet, Love of a Lifetime spread in Vogue (December 2008)
portrayed by Coco Rocha


Living People:

Mimi Farina


Deborah Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire


Dolores Guinness


Audrey Hepburn


Pattie Boyd



Linda McCartney


Bianca Jagger



Milla Jovovich


Marilyn Monroe


Jackie O.



Princess Grace Kelly



Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Tuesday Tastings: Quick & Easy Appetizers

Today, Los Angeles Pierce College's radio station KPCRadio.com celebrated one year of broadcasting. Mel is the Communications Director of KPCRadio.com and for the first anniversary she was designated the task of providing appetizers for guests.

We tried to accomplish this feat hoping to find simple yet inexpensive recipes.

After resorting to a few quick searches on the web we decided on making deviled eggs, individual jello cups, a scallion spread for crackers, a platter of croissant sandwiches, sparkling lemonade and purchased a vegetable platter.


The sparkling lemonade combined sparkling apple cider, club soda, lemonade concentrate, slices of lemonade and ice.


Water crackers with a spread are an easy option. Mel chopped scallions and mixed them into cream cheese. We found that after a couple hours of refrigeration the scallion flavor set into the cream cheese and the spread was more flavorful. This was quite good and really simple with just two ingredients!

We boiled eggs, sliced them in half, took out the yellow middle and mixed it in a bowl with a few other ingredients. Not very difficult to make at all.


Jello is definitely one of the most inexpensive desserts one could make. It really doesn't require much work. You just let it sit in the refrigerator.

We made the jello in disposable cups in order to avoid a messy situation and also strive for a tasteful presentation.

Funny thing is, we had never made jello. We learned quickly through trial and error. Initially, we made a sheet of blue colored jello hoping to create flower cutouts with a cookie cutter. This did not turn out at all as planned. The flowers immediately fell apart.

In hopes of creating something presentable we cut strawberries and attempted to shape them into flowers. We were able to achieve this. It took three layers of the same flavored jello for the strawberries to set (if you completely cover the pieces, they will float to the top and you won't have a flower).

In order to have the strawberries in the center of the cup we poured a layer of jello that filled about half of the cup. After that solidified, about 3 hours later we put the cut strawberry pieces in the cups and poured enough jello to partly cover the strawberries. We let that second layer solidify. Later, we were able to add a third and final layer that completely covered the strawberries.

The cups were topped off with whipped cream.




Monday, April 25, 2011

Music Monday: Save The Last Dance For Me


Love is in the air!

In lieu of the upcoming royal wedding it seems only befitting for me to create a list of songs that are perfect options for a newlywed couple's first dance and of course commemorate love!

This week, I compiled a list of lovey dovey songs bound to give anyone a tooth ache. Many of the songs are not entirely conventional, however their messages of relationships, life, and love are sure to bring anyone over.

It's probably a bit obvious that I'm a sucker for boy bands from the 90s.

1. A Whole New World by Brad Kane and Lea Salonga
2. Accidentally In Love by Counting Crows
3. All I Want Is You by Barry Louis Polisar
4. All My Life by KC & JoJo
5. All You Need Is Love by The Beatles
6. Amazed by Lonestar
7. And I Love Her by The Beatles
8. Angel by Shaggy
9. Annie’s Song by John Denver
10. Anyone Else But You by The Moldy Peaches
11. As Long As You Love Me by Backstreet Boys
12. Baby I Love Your Way by Peter Frampton
13. Baby I Need Your Lovin by The Four Tops
14. Beauty And The Beast by Angela Lansbury
15. Because Of You by 98 Degrees
16. Because You Loved Me by Celine Dion
17. Besame Mucho by Andrea Bocelli
18. Big Escape by Pearly Gate Music
19. Bless The Broken Road by Rascall Flats
20. Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison
21. Bubbly by Colbie Caillat
22. Calendar Girl by Neil Sedaka
23. Can’t Fight This Feeling by Reo Speedwagon
24. Can’t Take My Eyes Off You by Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons
25. Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol
26. Crazier by Taylor Swift
27. Dream A Little Dream Of Me by
28. Dreams by The Cranberries
29. Earth Angel by The Penguins
30. Eight Days A Week by The Beatles
31. Endless Love by Lionel Richie and Diana Ross
32. Everlong by Foo Fighters
33. Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic by The Police
34. First Day Of My Life by Bright Eyes
35. Flowers In The Window by Travis
36. Fly Me To The Moon by Frank Sinatra
37. For You I Will by Teddy Geiger
38. Forever by Chris Brown
39. Forever And For Always by Shania Twain
40. God Must Have Spent A Little More Time On You by NSYNC
41. God Only Knows by The Beach Boys
42. Hallelujah by Lenard Cohen
43. Hanging On A Moment by Lifehouse
44. Happy Together by The Turtles
45. Heaven by Bryan Adams
46. Hero by Enrique Iglesias
47. Home by Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros
48. Hooked On A Feeling by B. J. Thomas
49. How Can I Tell You by Cat Stevens
50. How The Day Sounds by Greg Laswell
51. I Do (Cherish You) by 98 Degrees
52. I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing by Aerosmith
53. I Got You Babe by Sonny & Cher
54. I’m Walking On Sunshine by Katrina & the Waves
55. Say Hey (I Love You) [feat. Cherine Anderson] by Michael Franti & Spearhead
56. I Want To Hold Your Hand by The Beatles
57. I’ll Be by Edwin McCain
58. I’ll Never Find Another You by The Seekers
59. I’ll Stand By You by The Pretenders
60. I’m A Believer by The Monkees
61. I’m Yours by Jason Mraz
62. (I’ve Had The) Time of My Life by Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes
63. Inamorata by Dean Martin
64. Iris by Goo Goo Dolls
65. Islands In The Stream by Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton
66. It Takes Two by Donny & Marie
67. Jungle Drum by Emiliana Toririni
68. Just The Way You Are by Bruno Mars
69. Kick In The Head by Dean Martin
70. Kiss Me by Sixpence None The Richer
71. Kiss The Girl by Samuel E. Wright
72. L-O-V-E by Nat King Cole
73. Lean On Me by Al Green
74. Let It Be Me by The Everly Brothers
75. Lookin For Love by Johnny Lee
76. Lovebug by Jonas Brothers
77. Love Grows Wild by Dierks Bently
78. Love Song by the Cure
79. Love Story by Taylor Swift
80. Lovers Concerto by The Toys
81. Lucky by Jason Mraz
82. Mine by Taylor Swift
83. Moon River by Andy Williams
84. More Than A Woman by Bee Gees
85. My Girl by The Temptations
86. My Love Will Follow You by Dierks Bentley
87. Naturally by Selena Gomez & The Scene
88. Never Had Nobody Like You by M. Ward feat. Zooey Deschanel
89. Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da by The Beatles
90. Only Fools Rush In by Elvis Presley
91. Only Hope by Mandy Moore
92. Only You by The Platters
93. Pop Rocks And Coke By Green Day
94. Put Your Head On My Shoulder by The Platters
95. Redundant by Green Day
96. Sea Of Love by Cat Power
97. She’s Always A Woman by Billy Joel
98. She’s So High by Tal Bachman
99. Sheila by Tommy Roe
100. So This Is Love by Woods and Mike Douglas
101. Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond
102. Such Great Heights by Iron and Wine
103. Sugar Sugar by The Archies
104. Sunshine After The Rain by 98 Degrees
105. Susanne by Weezer
106. Sweeter Than This by Katie Herzig
107. Teenage Dream by Katy Perry
108. That Changes Everything by John Michael Montgomery
109. The One by Backstreet Boys
110. The Only Exception by Paramore
111. The Story by Brandi Carlile
112. The Tree by Blitzen Trapper feat. Alela Diane
113. The Way I Am by Ingrid Michaelson
114. The Way I Loved You by Taylor Swift
115. This I Promise You by NSYNC
116. Till I Kissed You by The Everly Brothers
117. Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper
118. Top Of The World by The Carpenters
119. True by Ryan Cabrera
120. True Colors by Phil Collins
121. Truly Madly Deeply by Savage Garden
122. Unchained Melody by The Righteous Brothers
123. Unforgettable by Nat King Cole
124. Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go by Wham!
125. We Belong Together by Gavin Degraw
126. When A Man Loves A Woman by Percy Sledge
127. When I’m With You by Best Coast
128. Wherever You Will Go by The Calling
129. White Turquoise by Jonathan Wilson
130. Wonderwall by Oasis
131. Would You Go With Me by Josh Turner
132. You And Me by Lifehouse
133. You Are The Best Thing by Ray LaMontagne
134. (You Drive Me) Crazy by Britney Spears
135. You’ll Be In My Heart by Phil Collins
136. You’re Still The One by Shania Twain
137. You’re the Inspiration by Chicago
138. You’ve Got A Friend by James Taylor
139. Young Folks by Peter, Bjorn, & John
140. Your Man by Josh Turner
141. Your Song by Elton John

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Tuesday Tastings: Elementary My Dear


I few weeks back, we volunteered to work the polls for the city elections. It was a pretty uneventful day. I hadn't eaten breakfast in the morning, before heading out because I'm usually never up so early. Though I wasn't in a foul mood because I made a quick morning coffee run, I wasn't the best company.

The elections took place in the auditorium of a local elementary school. I'd never even heard of the school prior to election day.

As teacher's began to pour in and breakfast was being prepared for the students in the adjoining cafeteria, our team began deliberating what we would eat.

It was a topic of great interest to each of us.

The cafeteria workers then informed us that we could purchase food from the cafeteria. Though this may seem very strange, we became completely thrilled at this notion.

We purchased our breakfast and honestly couldn't be any happier. The cardboard food tray, plastic cereal bowls, mini milk cartons, and juice boxes brought us a whiff of nostalgia. LAUSD cafeteria food is notorious for being repulsive but I hadn't eaten school food since my days in Middle School.

I thoroughly enjoyed every bite of my breakfast.

When breakfast was over, we counted down the minutes until lunch was ready. As far as school food, our lunch did not disappoint. The broccoli was severely dry and flavorless, the packaged grapes were apparently not edible, the burger buns were stiff as a board and the chicken patty was nice and bland. I couldn't be happier.

The hot sauce was exactly as I remembered it. Amazing!


With all this said, I definitely would not want to eat this on a daily basis, however, it was nice to hit up memory lane.

I was remise however, for not having been given a spork, napkin and straw packet.

Pop Art

As mentioned in an earlier post, I created a pop art piece in accordance to Danto's modern day approach to defining art.

Pop art in part refers to conventional American imagery found in popular culture which stipulates consumer items as manipulative, powerful, and symbolic. These items are subsequently embedded with power that affect entire lifestyles and patterns of mere human routine.
Artists of this style, put an emphasis on objects that have been mass produced in our modern day society. By this, the artist demonstrates the impact these simple items have on our lives.

The following are additional pop art pieces created by classmates around the same time I made my own:





My pop art