I am overwhelmed by the music being released this year already…so much I love and so much to look forward to.
One album soon to be released (July 21st, Friday) is Nine Inch Nails ADD VIOLENCE EP.
Two songs have been released already to the public LESS THAN and THIS ISN’T THE PLACE. The latter song was put up just yesterday on NIN’s official youtube channel. The song is melodic, slow and infectious. The video features a machine (audio equipment?) with knobs/buttons/lights labeled phrases such as ‘Amplify Chaos’ and ‘Add Violence’, as the song goes on the camera slowly pulls back revealing more of the machine.
The video is simple and after I viewed it for around the 50th time (not kidding) a few ideas came to me. I have long loved NIN and have worshiped creations by Trent Reznor. His lyrics and technique in song writing is extraordinary. Reznor often critiques society/politics and inner turmoil among other things in his song lyrics (think album YEAR ZERO).
A connection between Year Zero and ADD VIOLENCE is definitely there and NIN has given information about this. Info in article here.
My impression from the video might be a bit of a stretch but this is what I got, old machine (audio equipment of some sort, I’m guessing) appears aged and beaten up a bit but everything appears to ‘work’ as the machine turns on and comes to life. The machine could be a metaphor for a society that still runs on ‘old technology’ or ideals (phrases on buttons/knobs). A reference that comes to my mind is the machine in the underground facility in the early 2000’s TV show LOST. I’m not sure if this is audio equipment but if it is then my idea of a society that runs on ‘old technology or ideals’ could be the spoken word/thought process that is ‘old/archaic’ and still being used today. A bit of a stretch yes but that’s what I think of.
A few thoughts on the video for LESS THAN. Video begins with a woman staring at a TV screen with game controller in her hands (TV looks like an old chunky TV from the 90’s or early 2000’s) a neon bright animation is shown on the TV screen similar to a retro video game from the ’80’s . Lyrics are digitized and zoom up into the viewers face. This reminds me of virtual reality and societies trends today that revolve around the style and technology of past generations. It is as if the woman, in the video, is being consumed by this ‘new/old’ technology until her identity becomes nothing. The repeating line at the beginning of the chorus, “So what are you waiting for? You got what you asked for.” brings to my mind the idea that millennials (myself included) demand more of everything and for a generation that is overloaded with technology in their life, most of us get sucked into a ‘virtual reality’ of what ‘life is like’ (how people look, what people do, who they are etc. think social media/fashion trends and airbrushing photos for flawless skin). The end of the video has quick shots cut in of what I think is a hand reaching out of the TV…reference to VIDEODROME? Not sure but that’s what comes to mind.
(VIDEODROME (1983) photo source: imdb.com)
To sum it all up, I am excited for this new release from NIN and will be purchasing a digital copy and most likely a vinyl copy as well for my collection!!!
Please feel free to leave any comments below!
Thank you for reading my writing and I hope you return in the future!
-Alina
p.s. I haven’t started watching the new season of Twin Peaks yet but damn NIN on the show is wicked, see video here.
iZombie is a series based on the DC comic of the same name originally released in 2010. The TV show began in 2015 and is still running. There are currently four seasons out but I will be covering just the first three. The main premise of the show is about an underground existence of zombies in Seattle, Washington. Their existence was the result of a energy drink (similar to toxic sludge) at a 4th of July boat party turned massacre.
The main character is Olivia, a med student who is newly engaged to Major (Major what? No, his name is Major) after being scratched by a zombie on the boat. Olivia’s (also called ‘Liv’, lol pun on Live) life dramatically changes as her skin and hair loses color and her craving for brains (dowsed in hot sauce) becomes more voracious. Liv becomes a medical examiner, coroner, for the police department allowing her access to fresh brains which she consumes in secret. Her partner, Ravi, also works as a coroner and quickly discovers her eating brains. Ravi’s reaction is the first of many markers in the show that makes it unique for the zombie genre. Ravi is intrigued by Liv’s condition and begins researching the cause for her zombification as well as a cure which is the overall goal for the entire series.
The next character that plays a major role in the series is Clive Babineaux, a detective at the police department. This is where it gets interesting. In this story, after a zombie eats a humans brains they have spontaneous visions belonging to that person. So, after Liv eats the fresh brains she finds in the morgue, suddenly she begins to have visions that relate to the victims death. She is compelled to help solve mysteries relating to homicides and soon teams up with Babineaux who is led to believe she is a psychic with incredible accuracy. The duo begins to solve mysteries, some of which are related to the mysterious energy drink that caused this secret zombie outbreak. Along with Ravi’s help, these three find themselves getting closer to the truth.
Other Key Characters:
Peyton, Liv’s best friend who works for the legal system, learns that Liv is a Zombie.
Major, Liv’s ex-fiance that struggles with a changed Liv and later learning of her Zombification.
Blaine, a ‘Spike-like’ character reminiscent of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer TV show, who is refreshing, evil (at times), and highly manipulative. An admirable adversary for Liv.
These characters are interwoven throughout the story and play out their own particular story lines that contribute to the overall story as a whole.
Key aspects that bring something new to the Zombie genre:
Eating brains gives you visions.
There are zombies already among us, living in secret.
There are zombie-led organizations that influence the lives of humans and zombies.
Zombies are presented as individuals, or together as a minority group under attack by humans. For the most part the zombies try to blend into society in fear that their discovery will lead to their death (‘death-death’ for the living dead: beheading etc).
Although some of these aspects may already be in other comics/movies/tv shows, I believe it is the approach that gives iZombie its uniqueness.
Key aspects about the show that stand out:
There are comic-book qualities to the show, for instance, the memorable intro that is presented as comic book panels, chapter breaks that are marked by a still of the last shot which morphs into comic-like art, and the precise structure of each episode that is form fitting to a comic in a series.
iZombie possesses qualities that can mark it as a meta-show, the show’s ability to be self-reflexive. For example when characters discuss zombie movies/shows within itself while hinting at a critique of iZombie (I noticed this more often in Season 3).
A killer soundtrack, often songs are sung and performed by the character Blaine throughout the series. They are mostly classic rock hits among others but the songs add a little more ‘art’ to the show. Often the songs are sung/played at the end of each episode to gain an emotional effect from the audience while also reflecting what just happened.
This show has high ratings and a lot of admirers for its style and subject matter. I among them find this show to be very well put together and genuinely intriguing to watch. I look forward to watching Season 4, especially after the the end of Season 3 which left me aghast.
(Note: Contrary to professional movie/tv show reviews, I did not include the actors/actresses names after introducing the main characters. I have included the link to imdb.com that possesses all this information. This is just me writing informally.)
Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to read my writing!
Words are the blood and bones for all poets. It is crucial for poets to understand that one’s poetry can only evolve and mature with a constant habit of studying words, styles, forms and the memorization of poetry. I admit, I need to work on these habits myself but I do try to keep up with one particular exercise and that is collecting and studying words.
I have a small notebook that I keep close to my desk or latest pile of books at all times. Inside are pages of words that I want to learn, memorize, and use in my poetry. Usually, I start a new entry by writing down the date then writing down the words I want to add. Occasionally I will write a specific definition that makes it easier for me to learn the word. I have not memorized or utilized all the words in my ‘Word Notebook’ yet since there are too many but this habit keeps me on the lookout for new words, strange or unknown, that fascinate me.
An expansive knowledge of words and their meanings benefits a poet in their writing since every single word counts. Poems are created through a concise and condensed build up of words. Each word is crucial in the construction of a poem because it only takes a few words to create a memorable outstanding poem, or a few words to ruin an entire piece (but honestly you can have 2/3rds of an amazing poem and then a 3rd of so-so and still love the poem to death).
The habit of memorizing poems (often great classics) benefits the poet by teaching them the importance of rhythm and punctuation. After a poet learns to read poetry, much like reading music, it is then a whole new challenge for a poet (or anybody!) to perform a poem. I say ‘perform’ because poetry is not like other forms of writing. Poetry originates in ballads and songs sung in the ancient past usually about heroes, conquests, wars, and love. Poetry is an art form created with words and like art, it must be presented in an appropriate manner to audiences.
The form of poetry depends entirely on the placement of words and punctuation (or lack thereof) knowing how to read a poem is a step away from knowing how to read aloud a poem (to perform the piece). Acknowledgment of these aspects of learning and studying poetry helps the poet grow as a reader and writer. It is the same concept that a musician has to music. Study it, learn it, perform it THEN creating it yourself suddenly becomes an exciting venture.
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Last night I watched Alfred Hitchcock’s FRENZY with my boyfriend Dallas. Really good movie but it’s about a rapist/murderer that kills a bunch of women…had some pretty graphic scenes and social commentary on/about women hmmmmmmm. Here’s a small poem I did today in reflection of it.
Hitchcock’s Frenzy
The empty body floats
across the water. Devoid of soul
just decaying matter. What space
does the eye occupy? As it fixes
on the body, the bystander helpless
and in shock. The magnetism of
the loss and the pain. The image
seared within the brain.
Thank you for taking time out of your day to read my writing!
“Reflection: Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling” will include my thoughts on the books, movies, The Cursed Child Playscript, and the controversy surrounding the story of Harry Potter.
Is the story of Harry Potter a bad influence because of the elements of witchcraft and wizardry?
Reading the Harry Potter Series: Diving into a Magical World
For the past eight months, I have been rereading the Harry Potter series written by J.K. Rowling. Growing up, I only read the first four books. I was one of the few people in my friend groups who did not finish reading the series. But I did watch every single movie when they came out. I also collected wands, Harry Potter merchandise, and related books (Fantastic Beasts and Quidditch Through the Ages).
I did not plan on my return to the Harry Potter world to align with the commemorative 20 year anniversary of the release of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, but it conveniently worked out that way.
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Reflection of the Harry Potter Series: A Journey from Childhood to Adulthood (Books 1-7)
I became enthralled with the Harry Potter world after seeing Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in the theater in 2001. I kept the popcorn bag and movie tickets for years. Immediately after seeing the movie, I immersed myself in the Harry Potter world, collecting movie merch and the books. I remember reading the first two Harry Potter books when I was a kid and being completely sucked in (this was around the same time I became the avid reader I am today).
One of My Favorite Books in the Series: The Prisoner of Azkaban
When I read Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, I was around ten. I remember thinking that I was nervous and scared to keep reading. The first two books were amazing, but it wasn’t until Prisoner of Azkaban that I felt like I was reading a scary story.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban became my favorite book and movie for its dark content. The death of Cedric Diggory brought a new level to reading the books when I read Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. First, they were getting bigger (literally in physical size and number of pages). Second, the death of Cedric brought gravity to Harry’s story. It felt like Voldemort’s threat reached beyond the world of Harry Potter and bled into the reality of my childhood.
Recalling What Happened in the Books
Rereading the first four books, I was amazed at how much I remembered. I read the third and fourth books multiple times growing up, but because of the increasing size of the books, I felt overwhelmed.
Reading them this time with having years of learning under my belt and a soon to be BA in English, I found myself dissecting the books, in the same way, I would a piece of 20th Century Fiction (natural habit for me now but for some yawn-evoking).
Pinpointing Elements to Analyze in the Harry Potter Book Series
Key aspects that I noticed and took notes on included character development, details on the Harry Potter world, the magic elements, and the classic story plot of good versus evil. These aspects sound simple enough, but when I took the time to pick them apart, suddenly, the genius of J.K. Rowling was obvious.
Reflection on Character Development in the Harry Potter series: The Golden Trio of Misfits, Harry, Ron and Hermione
I felt at certain times, especially as the books became darker and more dangerous, the character development was fascinating. The complexities within each character, the struggles, fights, and relationships reflected the characters’ ages accurately.
Following a small child’s life from birth to the final face-off with Voldemort at the age of seventeen is no small feat. The books contain the growing pains of a young kid but also the anguish of a child fighting for his life and trying to survive all while going to school, making friends, and growing up.
Moving onto the Order of the Phoenix
While reading Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry and his friends begin to feel differently. Their attitudes, actions, and behavior appear to be maturing while possessing the complications of teenage years.
Harry is continuously being pushed beyond his limits, fighting alone, or fighting with Ron and Hermione (who have their own issues). Barely surviving attacks and life-threatening adventures, the trio uses their talents, wits, and strengths to keep going, but underneath it all, is the theme of friendship and love that keeps them alive.
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Reflection on The World of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the Harry Potter Series
It is the little inventions and unique approach to magic and fantasy that make’s me admire J.K. Rowling as a writer. The simple idea of Quidditch (a wizarding sport that includes balls, hoops, and broomsticks) or the talking, moving, exploding candies to the more significant complex idea of Horcrux’s are all excellent examples of Rowling’s creativity.
For an author to sit down and think out these particular elements of their own fictional world is a feat that should be respected. Making complex fantastical ideas work within a piece of fiction requires skill. There are many places where Rowling’s magical creations could not have worked.
Still, honestly every aspect is so thoroughly thought out and woven together perfectly with the concept and theme that there is almost nothing that I could think of that could have been improved.
Good vs. Evil: Defeating Voldemort and the Other Bad Guys
I think we understate the gravity of the good versus evil storyline in Harry Potter. Rowling could have easily made the story simpler where it was only Harry Potter versus Draco Malfoy, but instead, she gave Harry more sorrow and pain.
The villain wasn’t soft around the edges or toned down, Voldemort killed, tortured and sought out Harry’s death throughout the series. Voldemort is the ultimate villain representing ignorance, hatred, and power-hungry selfishness. The political and social commentary that thrives under this story of Harry Potter is what really intrigues me.
What Real-World Evils Can Voldemort and Other Bad Guys Compare To?
The whole idea of Voldemort wanting wizards to rule over muggles, that ‘purebloods’ are the only real wizards and that ‘mudbloods’ are nothing, bring to mind the horribly similar goals of the Nazi’s in World War Two. The whole concept of House Elfs, Goblin rights and wars, and how wizards regard and treat magical creatures (think of the Centaurs and Giants). These details add social commentary on our reality in the fantastical world of Harry Potter.
Not only is there pure evil represented in Voldemort but also realities in child and adult relationships (not all adults are functional, they are complicated and have their own problems as well).
For instance, the short connection between Harry and Sirius Black (his Godfather), who is continuously reminded of James when he sees Harry and on more than one occasion, treats Harry as if he is James.
Another example is the complicated relationship between Harry and Dumbledore (Headmaster at Hogwarts), in the last three books, Dumbledore’s attention to Harry becomes more questionable, is Dumbledore using Harry to defeat Voldemort? Did Dumbledore really ever care about Harry?
Dumbledore’s intentions are complicated and mysterious most of the time since he is presented as good and whole, a sort of father figure, master protector, and mentor for Harry. But as Dumbledore’s past is revealed, his intentions are questioned by Harry and others.
(All of this is concluded and revealed in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows)
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The Other Villains in the ‘Good vs. Evil’ Plot: Lockhart, Umbridge and Pettigrew
Gilderoy Lockhart, an egotistical writer, and briefly a professor of the dark arts at Hogwarts, puts Harry and his friends in danger for fame and glory.
Dolores Umbridge (works for the Ministry of Magic) hides her beliefs and support for Voldemort in public but soon reveals how evil and treacherous she really is when she temporarily becomes Headmistress of Hogwarts.
Peter Pettigrew a.k.a Scabbers, an animagus wizard who hides as a household pet in the Weasley family for years before discovery (finally redeems himself in the Deathly Hollows) his lies and devotion to Voldemort to save his own skin is repulsive.
And of course, Severus Snape is presented to readers and characters almost throughout the entire series as an evil man who torments Harry and is a double-spy (Order of the Phoenix and Voldemort follower). In the end, Snape is revealed to have protected Harry and impeded Voldemort the entire time, an unknown ultimate hero of the story.
The Harry Potter Series: When Magic Becomes Reality in the Movies
Multiple directors did the Harry Potter movies. Because of this, each movie has a particular feel and style that changes over time while a reflection of the Harry Potter series subject matter in each film (in my opinion, this is successful). The movies do leave out a lot of events, info, and details from the books but stay true to the storyline.
I found that at specific points, the movies almost paralleled the book precisely, then diverted off, or changed this and that.
Example: the Battle at Hogwarts, Neville’s role or how Doby is buried and where.
Little details and little things, but overall the movies are done well and even now hold up with the special effects used today (think of the Sorcerer’s Stone troll scene in the girls’ bathroom).
It has only been six years since the last Harry Potter film was released, but it feels like it was forever ago. It is incredible to think that I had this fantastic story growing up alongside me for almost my entire childhood.
Harry Potter is an inspiring story that encourages people to treasure friendship, and encourages one to fight against evil and intolerance.
From Screen to Play: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
I am not a big fan of scripts or screenplays. I find them to be a story without meat, just the bones, and hard to digest.
Admittedly I was fascinated by this story of Harry’s child, Albus, and Draco’s child Scorpius, as they try to fix the past but, in the end, fight against evil alongside their parents. I found the first part (the playscript is divided into two parts) lagging and without the cherished narrative of Rowling. It is simple, using the characters to tell another Harry Potter story, for the next generation.
The second part I found interesting because elements from the first part were finally beginning to tie together with the rest of the story and make sense. Reading the playscript feels more like a cartoon version of events than the life-like one in the books.
Overall, I recommend that any Harry Potter fan read The Cursed Child if they want to quench their thirst for the Harry Potter world.
Of course, there is also Fantastic Beasts, but that is another discussion for another time when it comes to a reflection on the Harry Potter series.
I have heard countless times from people that the Harry Potter books promote witchcraft practices and satanism. I remember when there were articles and news stories about Christians and other religious groups banning and burning Harry Potter books in fear that they promote devil worship.
Even now Harry Potter books are under attack in public libraries and other places because of their content, but regardless of this millions of Harry Potter books have been sold.
The fear of the devil and magic (from a Christian point of view) stems from fear of unknown pagan religions that include their practices and beliefs. Harking back to the time hundreds of years ago when Christianity was only barely beginning to take hold and the persecution of pagans was starting.
The story of Harry Potter should be treasured for what it teaches children and adults. That love, friendship, and family should be valued above all else and that in the face of evil and intolerance, we must come together and fight. Harry Potter promotes acceptance, peace, and the triumph of good over evil.
I believe that this message in the story of Harry Potter is vital and one that can help nurture and guide children and adults into becoming caring, empathetic, individuals.
Are you a Harry Potter fan? If so, why do you love the world of Harry Potter? Do you prefer the books over the movies or vice versa? Do you think Harry Potter is a good influence or bad one and why? Leave a comment and start a conversation!
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