Sunday, July 25, 2010

Depeche Mode

Today I wish to pay tribute to Depeche Mode. Their music is inspiring and thought-provoking, especially those songs from the 1980s. I miss seeing those music videos on TV....why doesn't MTV or VH1 air music anymore? Their focus has shifted from music to reality......is this really what the majority of the viewers wants?

So, all I can say is thanks to warnerbrosrecords for posting those "remastered videos" on YouTube. Good for them for sharing such great music for free. I only have to endure a 15-30 second commercial before the start.

One of the songs, dripping with symbolism is Depeche Mode's "Everything Counts" - the theme is about society and greed and corruption. Camera is filming traveling on the roads (or the highway, perhaps) during the day and night, and corporate buildings. Two men climbing up a ladder and possibly trying to throw the other off is what business has come down to. There is a also a beach/outdoor cafe scene, with I'm assuming means people taking a break from the competition.

I wish more music videos would be released today that had a proper story behind it. They say that history repeats itself....here's hoping for 1980s music coming back in "vogue".....(a reference to Madonna's 1980s song ;)

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Updates from May - July!!!!

Woahh, I can't believe it's been 2.5mts since I last posted on this blog.....quite embarassing, but I have good reason. It's been mighty hectic, and I just didn't have the energy to log in and type something. But today, Jul 18th is a good day to start once again.

So quick updates on what has happened in the world, where I took an interest or a somewhat remote interest:

i) "Eclipse" was released, and yes, I saw the movie. And yes, I was disappointed in the overall package. The acting was mediocre at best and the storyline did not flow well. The only good performances were by the actors playing Rosalie and Jasper....the rest....sigh. Let's hope "Breaking Dawn" lives up to the quality of the book.

ii) Independence Day - July 4th fell on a Sunday this year. I had the chance to check out the fireworks; view wasn't great, but I did see some sparkle in the sky :)

iii) World Cup was played by many countries, and ultimately won by Spain. Was I surprised that Spain won? No....their winning performance at the Euro Cup two years ago was a foreshadowing of what would happen in 2010. I just want to say that Paul, the German Citizen Oracle Octopus better not be hurt by the Germans. He is only a messenger (i.e., he correctly predicted 8 of 8 results involving the German team, one of which was a loss to Spain). So if the Germans plan on executing him (i.e., grilling & eating him), somebody with a compassionate heart and who has access to him, please send him to Spain for protection.

iv) "The Girl who kicked the Hornet's Nest" written by Stieg Larsson was released. This is the third book of "The Girl..." series, and quite possibly the last. A very thick book, and may look intimidating at first glance, or even at second glance, but hey, don't judge a book by its size. Anyway, I'm still in the process of reading this novel, and hopefully, will be done in the next week or so.

v) FYI - I have done much summer cleaning these last two months - thrown out/given away stuff that I no longer or rarely use, and it feels good to live a bit lighter. Hopefully, my former junk is now someone's treasure.

vi) Finally saw "Leap Year" on DVD...pls note, that was one of my New Year's Resolutions. I can officially put a checkmark next to it, saying DONE.

So that's it for now, until next time.