Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Love and Lies: Rihanna and Eminem's Controversial Music Video

Domestic violence. A sensitive, serious issue that affects many including young adults and teens. Rihanna and Eminem join forces for the intense "Love the Way You Lie" and the eye-opening music video from Eminem's recent album "Recovery." If you guys don't already know, Megan Fox and Dominic Monaghan are the featured couple in this love-hate relationship video, and give commendable performances. I love this song and music video, and quite frankly can't get enough of it due to the raw emotion and its honesty. I admire how these two influential artists address an issue affected couples think they can't resolve or can sweep under the rug.

Eminemn ft. Rhianna's "Love the Way You Lie" video

I find gravely unfortunate that many couples find themselves in toxic relationships like the one portrayed in "Love the Way You Lie." It's fantastic that this issue was produced without fear to how the media and the public would react to its release. Along with other relationship problems, domestic violence shouldn't be a hush-hush matter. I understand the people involved may not think there's a problem. Or maybe they don't know how fix their issue. The couple may be embarrassed or ashamed. Those reason except for the first are justifiable. However, there will be no solution or prevention if the victims don't speak up.

So, what do you think about the song and/or video? Wondering if it reflects Rihanna and Eminem's past relationships with Chris Brown and Kimberley Anne Scott, respectively? Joseph Kahn, director of the video, says, "The video isn't about Rihanna and Eminem," according to his interview with MTV.

"There are definitely things in both Rihanna and Eminem's [lives] that we have to be very sensitive about when we were making this video, [but] it's not a story about Eminem or Rihanna," he said. "It's a specific thing that I created for Dominic and Megan to play two people with very specific story lines to each other. These are fictional characters in my head but obviously based on real human beings."

Joseph Kahn's MTV interview about "Love the Way You Lie"

The reason why I earlier stated why I can't get enough of this song and video is because of the fact someone was fearless enough to create it, its raw emotion (I love raw emotions) and how it is somewhat relatable. It reminds of a relationship (who I'm sure I'll mention as I continue this blog) that I thought was fine. There was no violence involved whatsoever. But, there was the mind-playing of games, who had more control over the other and keeping one another at a distance while trying to maintain some kind of closeness. Is that not crazy?

To keep this LONG STORY of my four years in college with this good-for-nothing, waste of time, bastard a**hole short, after several bullsh*t incidences between us after he said he liked me and then wanted be friends, he never had feelings for me and then he wanted to go on dates to see where we could go but then didn't want to be in a long term relationship, I severed all ties with him even when he came back and wanted to resolve things. Of course, this isn't the same as domestic violence. Not even close. But, the emotional damage and toxicity are still there, and are ignited every time I hear this song. So, maybe I shouldn't listen to it. But, the lyrics are powerful.

Because at the time I was with this guy, it was
"It's so insane cause when it's going good, it's going great
But when it's bad it's awful, I feel so ashamed..."

Then, it would be... 
"Maybe our relationship isn't as crazy as it seems
Maybe that's what happens when a tornado meets a volcano
All I know is I love you too much to walk away though"


And even though he seemed like it, I always felt like he was...
"I apologize even though I know its lies
I'm tired of the games I just want her back
I know I'm a liar
If she ever tries to fucking leave again
Im'a tie her to the bed and set this house on fire"


Now, I'm pretty sure the last two lines of this verse in the song wouldn't happen between us in any way, shape or form in real life. But, that doesn't mean it didn't happen emotionally and mentally. Honestly, the sh*t that bastard a**hole put me through, thinking he didn't do anything wrong, I hope he feels and experiences what I felt 50 times over. Next time, he will thoroughly before playing with another girl's emotions and thoughts. Just being honest here. And there's still a lot I'm holding back, but I stop it here.

Love. Hmph. Love. That's definitely not what I had above (which is good. I never thought it was), and still I don't know what it is. Not in the romantic sense. But, as we all know, it's something that no one should lie about. In turn, no one should love a "love" that stands upon deception, denial, and lies.


Monday, September 6, 2010

Changing the Direction of Mi Blog

I've been thinking lately. As usual. I've decided take this blog in a new direction than originally planned. I'm still gonna be honest. But, as much as I enjoy watching nonsense TV, ridiculous reality TV shows aren't really worth blogging about. At least, that's what I've been realizing since my last post about Jersey Shore. So, no more Shore or anything else else TV-related unless it's blog-worthy.

I'll be blogging about music and music videos, and how they reflect my thoughts, opinions, life (as a 20something) and, of course, dreams. That's what I do most of the time anyway. This blog will reveal who am I through the music and videos. Or the me who's hidden or screaming to break out. I wish I could get paid listen to music, watch music videos and dream. I'm definitely a lone soul who not really in touch with reality. Trying to find my peace of mind. That could be pathetic, but it's honest. Hopefully, you can enjoy, relate and comment.



Friday, September 3, 2010

The Cowardly Friend on Jersey Shore

Yes. Jersey Shore. I shamelessly watch this shameful show on MTV.  It's one of my television guilty pleasures. It's hard to look away from the insanity. Maybe, I'm just attracted to that. Some days, yes. Other days, so so. Anyway, tonight's episode, similar to Real World: New Orleans, a violent fight erupted between roommates Jenni "JWoww" and Sammi over a letter. A letter. Stupid, right? However, it's the concept behind the letter that's not stupid.

Let me try wrap this up in a nutshell. Hopefully, you have an idea of who the cast member are because even my mom, who doesn't watch the show, knows who Snooki is. On this 2nd season of JS, Ronnie and Sam officially broke, but still had lingering feelings for each other. Ron decided he wanted to hook up with girls in the club, and return to the house to sleep with Sam. Everyone except Sam knew Ronnie was going about this debauchery for weeks. Feeling sorry for Sam, Snookie (gotta love her) and Jennie decided to write a letter to let Sam know the truth about Ron. Fast forward to tonight's episode, Sam has an inkling that Jenni and Snooki (aka Nicole) wrote the letter but don't want to tell her to her face. The episode ends with overlapping spit-fire words, hair snatching, and Sam and Jennie throwing blows.

On and Off Again Ronnie and Sammi
My two cents? I dislike people like Jenni. This is a tough chick who presents herself as a confident straight-shooter who's loyal to her friends including Sam and Ron. The thing is Jenni wanted to write this letter as opposed to just explaining to Sam how Ron was making a fool of her. Now, Jenni is friends with Ron. But, after the 35th time he three-way swapped spit with women in the club and more, Jenni should be protecting Sam and not Ron. By not telling Sam for weeks about this, the wonderful friend that she is, and letting Ron have his cake and eat it too, is beyond words. So, while humiliating Sam, making Ron look like a pimp who's doing nothing wrong, and not listening to Snooki to just tell Sam, she looks like a complete b*tch. I hate people like that.

Jenni smacking Mike "The Situation" last season
If you know something that can help someone you call a friend, why wouldn't you tell her? Seeing her cry every night over the one she loves, it's not appropriate to tell her the truth. So, then she has primary evidence to finally let him go. No. You decide to take the coward way out, and type up a letter to leave in her drawer to discover. Did Jenni really think she was gonna get away with that? For a woman who definitely has the balls to kick a man's ass, she should absolutely have the courage to tell a friend when her ex-boyfriend (who claims to still love) that he's lying, selfish bastard. Plain and simple. To write a letter is demeaning. Sam's not a good enough friend for you to just talk to her? Talk. Not to smack down the girls Ron hooked up with or tear out their hair extensions. Just talk.

This episode just got me a little heated because this situation is extremely relatable: having a friend who just couldn't be upfront about an issue. If you're friends with someone, you should be able to communicate openly and honestly. What's the point of a genuine friendship with you can't communicate? Unless, it's not genuine. But, if it's not genuine, what's the point? Bottom line, don't be a coward like tough girl Jenni. If you can't get to a phone or you're not living under the same roof, don't write a letter to a friend about a serious matter unless you're sharpening your claws for a cat fight. Meow.

Photos from Google Images

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Krazy for Ke$ha

MUSIC VIDEOS. I love watching them! Am I the only one who does that? Do you? Well, how do I express my admiration for another wild, free, blond version of me? Ke$ha is, for lack of a better word, amazing! Now, I'm sure many people may think she's insane, strange or basically a freak. And yes, she is a freak. A brilliant, intelligent freak. Since her debut on Flo Rida's Right Round, Ke$ha has been making her mark in the music industry. And with the recent release of "Take It Off," I thought to myself this song and music video is the true, rebellious me hidden from most. It's also a fun, crazy video to watch and a catchy tune to shout on the top of your lungs. Or my lungs. Whichever. The first line of song had me hooked when it played on my Pandora. "There's a place downtown, where the freaks all come around."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edP0L6LQzZE&ob=av3n

^^^Ke$ha's "Take It Off" music video on YouTube at keshaVEVO.

The verse is electrifying! I heard you loud and crazy, Ke$ha. I don't mind punching a hole in the wall and participating in a dirty free for all. Yeah. I said it. A dirty free for all. Lovely. Who wouldn't want to break free like an animal? It's at night when people feel at liberty to do what they want because it's too dark for anyone to witness. Moreover, we've all had our moments when we drank too much and drunk-texted and/or dialed ex-boy/girlfriends we regretted in the morning. But in the mist of being young, carefree, and wanting to have fun, like Ke$ha said, "I don't give a, I don't give a, I don't give a" f*ck (my word, not K's). Just being honest. That's how most of us feel. Maybe I'm just speaking for myself. We just want to let loose, feel free and live out our youth. And I love how this song and video makes me feel. Crazy, wild and free. Exactly a large part of who I am. No reason to be ashamed or hide it.


The video may confuse you because people are turning into colorful fairy dust, and Ke$ha is rockin' out this random grand white fur coat. Musicians aren't called artist for nothing. I'm sure there's a reason we don't readily know for these elements. But, I know I want to rock a pair of black and white vertical striped shorts. Ke$ha, who was the wardrobe stylist on set who gave those shorts or are they yours? Watch the video if you haven't already. There may be something you like such as going hardcore where there's glitter on the floor. As I will because "going hardcore" can be interpreted a few other ways beside twisting the sheets. Plus, I like glitter. Or maybe you'll just want to take it off.


P.S. Fabulous shoes! Now, where to buy them...














Photos from Google Images: jewelwicker.com and YouTube keshaVEVO.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Mini Bio

Hola!

I'm CN, the initials of my first and middle name. I'm a recent graduate from Illinois Wesleyan University with a B.A. in English (don't judge my writing), trying to figure out what I wanna do with my life like most postgrads. I finished a communications internship in Chicago, and now I'm relaxing at home looking for job in journalism. Let's see...what else is important for you to know? I don't want to attend graduate school because it's too much work. More importantly, it's too expensive on top of thousands of dollars I've accumulated in college loans. JOY! Anyway, I'm a crazy bookworm which means I prefer hanging out at Barnes & Noble or a library as opposed to bars or clubs like many youngsters my age. I LOVE Lady Gaga, but not for the reasons as others do (I think...more about her later). You'll learn more about me later and why "The Lone Star Dreamer." Promise.

Just in case I rambled nonsense/confused you about what I'll be writing about in the 1st entry, I'll clarify again briefly. I want to speak my mind honestly without caring so much about what others think. We all do it, but I don't want to anymore or at least do it MUCH less. I just want to express my thoughts and opinions, and hopefully some of you will understand and/or relate. If you don't, cool beans. Unlike normal people, I watch too much TV, listen to too much music, and watch too many films which has resulted in lots of honest response vomit. It's not that disgusting though. In addition to all the media I'll write/comment about, I'll also include what my family and friends have to say on certain subjects. Of course, their identities will remain private. As for the subjects, they include but aren't restricted to guy/girl relationships, family dynamics, romance/sex, careers, identity, life in general and whatever else comes to mind. That's enough for now. Until next time...


P.S. All photos on this blog are from Google Images (I'll try my best to be specific about the primary source), http://dear-bright-young-love.xanga.com/ , http://elec-trick-city.xanga.com/ , and
http://jump-4jesus.xanga.com/. If the photos are from another source, I will make note of it.




Playing It Safe...No More

Here it goes. Have you ever had something to say? Or course. We all do. What about an honest something? Something that makes you think twice before saying it. But, you don't say it because you're afraid of what friends, family, coworkers, etc. will think of you. It's weird because people want you to be honest with them. However, people have a hard time dealing with honesty. I'm talking about the kind of honesty that's well-meaning and not disrespectful. People get offended when they received honest compliments or comments especially when they specifically request it. Well, I'm tired of holding back my tongue for the longest time.

This is a space to free my thoughts, opinions and experiences about what I watch and listen to through music, movies and the media. My words will be honest words. I will try my best to be as respectful as possible, but it's not guaranteed. The whole point of this space to be speak honestly and most likely brutally regardless of what people/society think. Because when I'm out in public or even with those who "accept" me for my loud, honest attitude, I still get reprimanded for my honest responses to situations.

For you appreciated readers, I encouraged you to feel free to comment. Of course honestly but as respectfully as you can. If you really want to be brutal, well, I'm just gonna have to develop a thick skin. Just in case we've (including me) forgotten the definition of honest, here's it is, courtesy of dictionary.reference.com/browse/honest...

HONEST
–adjective
1.
honorable in principles, intentions, and actions; upright and fair: an honest person.
2.
showing uprightness and fairness: honest dealings.
3.
gained or obtained fairly: honest wealth.
4.
sincere; frank: an honest face.
5.
genuine or unadulterated: honest commodities.
6.
respectable; having a good reputation: an honest name.
7.
truthful or creditable: honest weights.
8.
humble, plain, or unadorned.

9.
Archaic . chaste; virtuous.