Thievery Corportion

                Rob Garza and Eric Hilton came together in 1996 to form the creative duo known as Thievery Corporation.  The pair is from Washington D.C. and has been inspired by the music scene there while growing up.  The release of their album “Sounds from the Thievery Hi-Fi” quickly launched them into the electronic music scene.  If you’re looking for an album to satisfy your different tastes in music, this is it.  Combining genres such as dub, hip hop, ambient, reggae, lounge, and even jazz beats, this album will take you on a journey full of variety.

                “Sounds from the Thievery Hi-Fi” uses a mix of instruments ranging from drums, piano, bass and sporadic vocals.  Sometimes instruments such as the trumpet are even used.  Garza and Hilton use these instruments to create distinctive sounds in their studio and combine them to produce smooth electronic tones.  Tracks like “Universal Highness” and “One” provide a natural feel that will leave you feeling calm and peaceful.   Other tracks like “Transcendence” and “Sun, Moon and Stars” provide a harmonious rhythm and will shadow you into the midst of a spiritual encounter.  “2001 Spliff Odyssey” and “Assault on Babylon” are tracks that rely on dub and hip hop beats.  Each track on the album has its own sense to mesmerize the listener.  No matter what kind of mood you are in, there is most likely one song you will want to hear over and over again.

                One of their hit tracks, “Lebanese Blonde” was used in the movie Garden State in 2004 and is on the soundtrack.  Originally released as a single, “Lebanese Blonde” was later added to their 2000 album “The Mirror Conspiracy”.   Thievery Corporation’s other albums differ from this one yet in an intriguing way.  “Sounds from the Thievery Hi-Fi” is more of an experimental album while others such as “The Mirror Conspiracy” and “Radio Retaliation” stick to one theme or genre.

                Garza and Hilton came together to make music that transcends than that of artists who stay in their comfort zone.  They change the sounds of different instruments in order to craft the styles of music that they desire.  This duo is not afraid to test out new things which is what makes Thievery Corporation so unique.

                "We were so inspired by Washington, DC's Dischord and the true do-it-yourself ethos of the DC punk scene that Rob and I both grew up on. A lot of great music reaches fans without the typical hype and fanfare enjoyed by bands on the majors.  Music eventually finds its audience through a myriad of alternative routes.  And when that connection is made, that bond is strong," says Hilton.  The members of Thievery Corporation make sure that they connect with their audience through pleasurable resonance.  Having been inspired by Washington DC’s music scene while growing up, the pair wanted to stay low key and obtain an audience through other ways than that of most bands.  They wanted to stay true to themselves and true to their fans that they acquired over the years.

                If there is one flaw about “Sounds from the Thievery Hi-Fi”, it is the constant drum beats in mostly all of the songs.  Although the album is extremely soothing, there are times where you find yourself wondering if the drums are ever going to come to an ease.  This could determine ones opinion about if they like the album or not because the drum beat could be found overwhelming.  Even though this may be true, the album still provides a relaxing experience that one might not mind the sound of the mystical drums in the background.

                Thievery Corporation could be compared to bands such as Tobacco and Four Tet.  These are bands that also experiment with electronic sounds ranging from ambient to trip-hop.  Either way, this amazing duo creates albums that have artistic beauty and “Sounds from the Thievery Hi-Fi”  is just the beginning.

                “As we are in the midst of recording our sixth studio album this year, it just seemed like the time was right to release this collection.  It's been a great journey - musically and personally - and we just wanted to have that one definitive document.  It Takes a Thief is it,” explains Garza.  "We feel like it's a great look back for some; and, for others, an excellent introduction to our sound."  Thievery Corporation will continue to create a mix of incredible sounds while sticking to what they know best.  Your crave will be satisfied.   Sit back, light an incense and be prepared to experience the amazing resonance of Thievery Corporation.

A Million Little Pieces

                James Frey wakes up on a plane hurting in ways he could never imagine.  He has no recollection of how he received his injuries or how he got onto the plane.  He also has no idea where he is going.  The reader soon finds out that James is 23 years old and has been an alcoholic for ten years.

                A Million Little Pieces recalls his memories at a rehabilitation center and the twelve steps he took to discover a better life.  This book will take the reader through experiences that are raw and that seem impossible for one human being to go through.  James Frey does a great job of making the reader come very close to feeling like they are following his footsteps.

Hail to the Thief

                "Hail to the Thief" is the sixth studio album by Radiohead.  This album differs from their past albums because it goes back to their slightly more alternative sound with more guitar and more vocals yet still has electronic beats to it.  Thom Yorke claims his lyrics had been influenced by current events taking place in his life.

                Tracks such as “There, There” and “Go to Sleep” make the listener remember past songs such “Anyone can play Guitar” and “My Iron Lung”.  Hail to the Thief is a great album because of its experimental feel and its “live” style.  Radiohead is capable of creating many different album techniques and is seen as a well rounded band.

Almost Famous

                “Almost Famous” tells the story of a teenage journalist who goes on tour with the band Stillwater in order to obtain a story he wants to get published for Rolling Stone magazine.  It takes place during the 70’s, the era of rock ‘n roll.  Along the way he becomes friends with the members of the band, loses his virginity and finds himself in love with the mysterious Penny Lane.

                This movie could be liked by anyone and everyone because it is inspiring and endearing.  The story is pleasant and unforgettable.  “Almost Famous” takes the viewer back to an era simply full of sex, drugs and rock ‘n roll.

ROTHBURY

Rothbury is a music festival held in Rothbury, Michigan.  Recently, it took place in the years 2008 and 2009.  Rothbury is different from most music festivals because they promote a “green” economy and other things besides music such as circus acts and one crazy experience.  Their website. Rothburyfestival.com strongly suggests these ideas to the people who want to go by suggesting that “Rothbury” brings together the innovators, entrepreneurs, thought leaders, celebs, and rabble rousers who – in this time of economic, energy and climate crisis – are offering a green path to a brighter future.”

The Rothbury website also offers the complete lineup of the festival mentioning the artists and acts that will be there.  They give the lineup of 2008 and 2009.  Along with the lineup are links to what kind of circus acts will be there to entertain the visitors.  “As you walk throughout the festival grounds, keep your eyes open for face painters, feats of acrobatic delight, jugglers, costumed stilt walkers, aerialists dangling from trees, circle shows, and so much more!”  The website credits all who will be at the festival in an organized and exciting way.

On the side are links for the viewer to click on that will bring them to a page with pictures and videos of the musical performances, circus acts, the environment and the atmosphere.  This gives the viewer a great opportunity to see what the festival is really like.

The greatest aspect of the website is the 360 degree view it offers of the famous Sherwood Forest.  Besides the festival grounds, there is a forest which is decorated to look almost fairy tale like with hammocks attached to every tree and things dangling from every branch.  The website does a fantastic job of giving you the “online” experience.

This website is one of the most informative and creative websites out there.  It presents nothing but great information to what Rothbury is like and what it has to offer.  Overall, the website is extremely convincing and beautifully set up.

Pawn Stars

 Pawn Stars, one of the History Channel’s most recent series is a show that will keep your interest the whole way through.  Filmed in Las Vegas, Nevada, Pawn Stars reveals the staff’s daily interactions with customers who want to sell or pawn their artifacts.  “Everything in here has a story and a price” says Rick Harrison, the owner of the shop.  The staff includes Rick Harrison (The Boss), his father Richard Harrison (Old Man) and his son Corey Harrison.  In the most recent episode, a number of customers are looking to pawn their valuable collectibles ranging from a World War II training rifle to a 1920’s Gibson Ukulele Banjo.

            Although the most popular item sold and pawned in the store is jewelry, the first customer hauls in what looks like two massive guns; because they are.  The two guns are World War II military rifles that were used in the 1920’s for training soldiers.  Also known as “cutaways”, Rick chose not to buy them because he thought they would be too hard to sell.  Usually the customer can only talk up their items so much because the owner knows what he wants and what he doesn’t want.

            The second customer brings in a 1965 Gilbert erector set which was supposedly the most popular toy building set in 1925.  Sold for a 50 dollar bill, the customer was satisfied in what Rick offered.   Sometimes the owner will call in one of his buddies who are professional specialists in order to verify the validity and of an object or just to get some input on how much the object is really worth.  Rick is very knowledgeable about what items come into his store and he is able to give the viewer a historical background of the antique.

            It is shocking when the owner decides not to buy something because of the condition it is in even though the item is worth a ton.  In the past episode for example, the customer wanted to sell a 1940 supermen ring.  The ring is said to be worth up to $30,000. There were only twelve made in the entire world and it is one of the first collectibles of the superman collection.  Rick decided that the ring was in horrible condition and offered a drastically lower amount to the customer than what the customer originally wanted.  The customer chose not to sell it.  The show offers viewpoints from both the boss and the customer.  Interviews tell the audience why the customer thought the amount was too low or not worth the deal.

            During commercials, there are trivia questions about the characters which pertain to the show.  During this episode the question asked “When was the last time Old Man took a sick day from work”?  You see the answer when the show comes back on.  The answer stated that the last time Old Man took a sick day from work was in 1994.   All of the men who work at this pawn shop dedicate their time to the store and make sure they give honest deals to their customers.

            Pawn Stars is a great new series and represents the side of television that is real.  There is no acting.  The customers are interviewed after they make a deal and you see the appreciation they have towards the shop.  The show brings greater recognition to the pawn industry and a good image to the shop itself.  Pawn Stars is entertaining and memorable to the viewer and is overall a “cool” show.

Aqua Building

                In the heart of the loop lies a piece of architecture that will surely play with your eyes.  The Aqua Building is one of Chicago’s most interesting skyscrapers today.  Designed by Loewenberg Architects, the building is a mix between a hotel, condominiums, residences and apartments.  Currently there are 215 hotel rooms, 476 rental residential units and 263 condominium units and penthouses.  The Aqua Building took about four years to build.  The construction for it began in 2006 and ended in 2010.  Its estimated cost is $475,000,000. 

                Located at 225 N. Columbus drive, The Aqua building stands at 870 feet tall and 82 stories high.  It is one of the city’s tallest skyscrapers.  From below, one must think they are looking at a ripple of occurring waves.  Its appearance is simply modernistic with a surreal feel to it.  The ripples and waves are concrete balconies ranging sizes across the building.  Having said to be a few miles around, the balconies are what make this building so interesting to look at.  The windows reflect other buildings surrounding the Aqua Building and are very appealing to the human eye.

                The view from the Aqua Building is one to be breathtaking.  Weather you’re looking at Lake Michigan or the Chicago River, the view should be incredible.  The penthouses located at the top are what someone’s ideal view would be overlooking the entire city including a body of water.  Since the balconies are all different sizes, they resemble waves wrapped around all sides of the building.  This gives the architectural structure a sense of flow.

                The building is said to be the tallest building designed by an architect team lead by a woman.  That woman’s name is Jeanne Gang, principal and founder of Studio Gang architects.  The Aqua Building was her first project and should not be her last.  Her unique taste of surrealistic elements lets the viewer know this wasn’t a side project but an idea that flourished over time.  There are reasons as to why she chose to design such a building completely out of the ordinary. 

                The Aqua building is just another one of Chicago’s post modern projects.  It’s topped by a terrace of gardens, pools, hot tubs, a fire pit and an exercise track.  Its name derived from the theme of the other buildings in the Lakeshore East development.  The name “Aqua” fits this building perfectly because it has a marine-like feel to it giving the building a theme of its own.  The Aqua Building is one to draw attention and its appearance is one to remember.

               

The Girl with a Pearl Earring

             Girl with a Pearl Earring is a famous Dutch painting by Johannes Vermeer.  Its location is The Royal Picture Gallery “Mauritshuis” known in English as the “Maurice House” in the Netherlands.  Little information is known about this painting but can be dated back to the seventeenth century.

                The painting is simply oil on canvas yet is also simply boring.  The girl who is represented in the painting has no expression or no emotion.  There are too many flaws within this painting because the viewer has to think too much into the meaning behind this piece of art.  Maybe she is a symbol of innocence or maybe she is just a random girl the artist chose to use for his masterpiece.  Her beauty is typical and her features are not memorable.  The artist should try to display his ideas more clearly and distinctively.

                Johannes Vermeer chose to use a certain color scheme.  The use of a dark background hides any creativity the artist used.  It is dull and monotonous.  Although the girl is soft and looks extremely pure, the background is almost as dreary as her beauty.  His choice of color does not show emotion or feeling towards the image. 

                Overall the painting is still seen as a masterwork today yet for which reasons?  The Girl with a Pearl Earring is mysteriously signified to be tiresome.  Referred to the Mona Lisa of the north the painting is undeveloped and spitefully put together. 

Girl with a Pearl Earring

             Girl with a Pearl Earring is a famous Dutch painting by Johannes Vermeer.  Its location is The Royal Picture Gallery “Mauritshuis” known in English as the “Maurice House” in the Netherlands.  Little information is known about this painting but can be dated back to the seventeenth century.

                The painting is simply oil on canvas.  The idea behind it is that the pearl earring is a focal point for the rest of the piece.  Although the painting is of a girl broadly represented, the main question behind the painting is who this striking girl really is.  Since pearls in the seventeenth century were a symbol of important status, the girl could be a symbol of wealth and power.  Maybe she is a symbol of innocence.  Either way she is represented as a natural beauty with remarkable features and a memorable expression.

                Johannes Vermeer chose to use a certain color scheme.  The use of a dark background can mean many things.  Although the girl is soft and looks extremely pure, the background is dark along with her eyes.  His choice of color represents an abundance of emotions.  The dark background mysteriously signifies her glow and beauty beyond the human eye.

                Overall the painting is still seen as a masterwork today.  The Girl with a Pearl Earring could very well be the most beautiful girl in all of the Netherlands.  Referred to the Mona Lisa of the north the painting is somewhat naïve yet pleasantly assimilated.