One of my many questions as a new blogger is how on earth people generate traffic to their sites. I have been looking around here and there, learning more and more as I go along. One of the sites that has really impressed me is EasyHits4u.com
This website makes generating traffic to your site as easy as it gets. You sign up for a free account and you decide how many "credits" you want by going to your account settings and transferring credits to your page. I set my computer aside for one day, came back to look at Google Analytics, and with 13 hours, I have had 113 views to my site.
It also gives you the chance to look at other blogs, experienced and well, not experienced.
So if you're one of those new bloggers that has no idea how to get people going to your site, check it out.
Have fun!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
PETA: When is going too far?
PETA, otherwise known as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, is the largest animal rights organization. When people hear of PETA, some will say "well I agree with a lot of their views but I think in some areas, they are going too far". I was one of those people. I do think that animal abuse, animal testing, clothing trade, and factory farms are pathetic and for that, I give PETA a thumbs up.
While performing my research, I was disgusted to find that "alligators killed for their skins are commonly beaten to death with hammers and axes, sometimes remaining conscious for up to two hours after they are skinned. Undercover investigations of fur farms in China-now the world's largest exporter of fur-revealed that animals, including rabbits, cats, and dogs, are often skinned while they are alive".
Next, I explored the PETA website and noticed the FAQ link. I was thrown back by PETA's response when asked the question "Where does the animal rights movement stand on abortion?"
The first line alone was enough for me: "There are people on both sides of the abortion issue in the animal rights movement, just as there are people on both sides of animal rights issues in the pro-life movement".
First off, ANIMALS ARE NOT HUMANS. How can you support the "ethical treatment of animals" but allow abortion? You disagree with killing animals because if they are "alive and have a heartbeat, they should have rights and should not be killed". Is a baby not alive? Does a baby not have a heartbeat?
Also, animals were put on this Earth (whether you like it or not) for the benefit of humans. They are here for food, clothing, and work. It is natural to eat meat. Is it natural to kill more than you need? No, and I see PETA's view on that. I do think that the amount of meat that is wasted in stores is disgusting, but I do not see a problem with eating meat if it is not wasted. Is it wrong for a lion to attack and eat a buffalo? Their prey are eaten alive, is that not abuse? Are you going to start a movement on animal abuse against other animals?
I will say that the way animals are slaughtered is not right, but killing them for food is not wrong.
Lastly, I was not only disappointed but I was disgusted to find that a PETA supporter becomes undressed to "take it all off" for animals. Appropriate? I do not think so. This is specifically an ANIMAL RIGHTS ORGANIZATION, where does any form of nudity or pornography tie into animal rights?
This "woman" uses lines such as "It's our privilege to arouse America in our own way"
"To turn Americans on to a more kind way of living"
"Take matters into your own hands"
Let's not forget she is touching herself throughout this speech.
If nudity and pornography have to be used in order for people to support your movement, then maybe animal cruelty issues are not as crucial as you are making them seem. Is animal abuse wrong? Yes.
What about the "Naked Campaigns World Wide Slideshow"?
Tell me where that relates to animal cruelty. How can PETA announce that America is being immoral for mistreating animals, yet they advertising by using naked men and women? Is that not immoral in today's society? Not to mention unprofessional.
I do not believe that this 'advertisement' was for promoting better treatment for animals in any way. This was a sick way to get the immediate attention of the male chauvinistic pigs in the audience. The audience stood and clapped only when an article of clothing was removed. PETA is advertising by saying "you can see a woman dance naked around on stage if you join our organization" when in fact, these so-called 'men' care nothing about the organization to begin with.
Nice job PETA. You have gone too far.
While performing my research, I was disgusted to find that "alligators killed for their skins are commonly beaten to death with hammers and axes, sometimes remaining conscious for up to two hours after they are skinned. Undercover investigations of fur farms in China-now the world's largest exporter of fur-revealed that animals, including rabbits, cats, and dogs, are often skinned while they are alive".
Next, I explored the PETA website and noticed the FAQ link. I was thrown back by PETA's response when asked the question "Where does the animal rights movement stand on abortion?"
The first line alone was enough for me: "There are people on both sides of the abortion issue in the animal rights movement, just as there are people on both sides of animal rights issues in the pro-life movement".
First off, ANIMALS ARE NOT HUMANS. How can you support the "ethical treatment of animals" but allow abortion? You disagree with killing animals because if they are "alive and have a heartbeat, they should have rights and should not be killed". Is a baby not alive? Does a baby not have a heartbeat?
Also, animals were put on this Earth (whether you like it or not) for the benefit of humans. They are here for food, clothing, and work. It is natural to eat meat. Is it natural to kill more than you need? No, and I see PETA's view on that. I do think that the amount of meat that is wasted in stores is disgusting, but I do not see a problem with eating meat if it is not wasted. Is it wrong for a lion to attack and eat a buffalo? Their prey are eaten alive, is that not abuse? Are you going to start a movement on animal abuse against other animals?
I will say that the way animals are slaughtered is not right, but killing them for food is not wrong.
Lastly, I was not only disappointed but I was disgusted to find that a PETA supporter becomes undressed to "take it all off" for animals. Appropriate? I do not think so. This is specifically an ANIMAL RIGHTS ORGANIZATION, where does any form of nudity or pornography tie into animal rights?
This "woman" uses lines such as "It's our privilege to arouse America in our own way"
"To turn Americans on to a more kind way of living"
"Take matters into your own hands"
Let's not forget she is touching herself throughout this speech.
If nudity and pornography have to be used in order for people to support your movement, then maybe animal cruelty issues are not as crucial as you are making them seem. Is animal abuse wrong? Yes.
What about the "Naked Campaigns World Wide Slideshow"?
Tell me where that relates to animal cruelty. How can PETA announce that America is being immoral for mistreating animals, yet they advertising by using naked men and women? Is that not immoral in today's society? Not to mention unprofessional.
I do not believe that this 'advertisement' was for promoting better treatment for animals in any way. This was a sick way to get the immediate attention of the male chauvinistic pigs in the audience. The audience stood and clapped only when an article of clothing was removed. PETA is advertising by saying "you can see a woman dance naked around on stage if you join our organization" when in fact, these so-called 'men' care nothing about the organization to begin with.
Nice job PETA. You have gone too far.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Movies vs Books- Who wins?
How many times have you read an amazing, well-written novel? How many times has that novel been turned into a movie and made a total disaster?
Personally, my opinion is that if a movie is made to tell a story from a bestseller, it should follow the story line verbatim. It seems that the very few movies that DO follow a novel's storyline turn out better in the long run for not only the readers, but for the viewers as well. For example, other than the additional narrator, the Notebook actually followed the novel pretty well. Angels and Demons by Dan Brown did leave out a few points (I believe this was do to time constraint) but overall, conveyed the meaning and gave the viewers adventure like the novel.
But in relation to Dear John, Time Travelor's Wife, My Sister's Keeper, and so on, Hollywood ruined the novel for all those who read it.
Why do producers do this? Apparently because "following a book loyally does not guarantee box office success".
In Dear John, Hollywood altered the ending so that they could give their viewers the sense that John and Savannah lived "happily ever after". In the movie, John and Savannah continue their loving relationship after the death of Savannah's husband, Tim. This novel was purposely written to be a tragedy. What is so tragic about a happy ending? Sparks wrote the first half of the novel as a love story so that the readers could connect with John and Savannah, so that in the end, the readers are able to relate to John's suffereing when he loses his love while away at war. Also, the movie did not touch on why John and his father had such an awful and distant relationship, so in return, you never understand the true meaning of the coin collection unless you read the novel.
In My Sister's Keeper, Hollywood turned a beautiful and heart breaking story into "an outrage" for the readers. For everyone who read Jody Picolt's novel, this movie was a HUGE disappointment. The ending is what captured the readers and Hollywood chose to tweak it in the worst way. Also, characters were left out as well as all of the struggles in the relationships. The movie focused mainly on Anna, Sara, and Katie while the book walks you through the entire family's suffering. Do you think that if Hollywood captured the true beauty behind this novel instead of changing the ending, that it would not have been a box office success?
Do you think movies in general would be better if Hollywood stuck to the author's story?
Hollywood's 'excuse' - http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/02/prweb205661.htm
Personally, my opinion is that if a movie is made to tell a story from a bestseller, it should follow the story line verbatim. It seems that the very few movies that DO follow a novel's storyline turn out better in the long run for not only the readers, but for the viewers as well. For example, other than the additional narrator, the Notebook actually followed the novel pretty well. Angels and Demons by Dan Brown did leave out a few points (I believe this was do to time constraint) but overall, conveyed the meaning and gave the viewers adventure like the novel.
But in relation to Dear John, Time Travelor's Wife, My Sister's Keeper, and so on, Hollywood ruined the novel for all those who read it.
Why do producers do this? Apparently because "following a book loyally does not guarantee box office success".
In Dear John, Hollywood altered the ending so that they could give their viewers the sense that John and Savannah lived "happily ever after". In the movie, John and Savannah continue their loving relationship after the death of Savannah's husband, Tim. This novel was purposely written to be a tragedy. What is so tragic about a happy ending? Sparks wrote the first half of the novel as a love story so that the readers could connect with John and Savannah, so that in the end, the readers are able to relate to John's suffereing when he loses his love while away at war. Also, the movie did not touch on why John and his father had such an awful and distant relationship, so in return, you never understand the true meaning of the coin collection unless you read the novel.
In My Sister's Keeper, Hollywood turned a beautiful and heart breaking story into "an outrage" for the readers. For everyone who read Jody Picolt's novel, this movie was a HUGE disappointment. The ending is what captured the readers and Hollywood chose to tweak it in the worst way. Also, characters were left out as well as all of the struggles in the relationships. The movie focused mainly on Anna, Sara, and Katie while the book walks you through the entire family's suffering. Do you think that if Hollywood captured the true beauty behind this novel instead of changing the ending, that it would not have been a box office success?
Do you think movies in general would be better if Hollywood stuck to the author's story?
Hollywood's 'excuse' - http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/02/prweb205661.htm
Sunday, February 21, 2010
The Art In Writing A Song
Most people envy those who can write a song that has a powerful meaning. Whether it is about love, anger, happiness, or sorrow, people turn to music to express themselves. It could be the artist expressing their emotions through lyrics, or the listener expressing themselves by relating. Regardless, music connects to the soul.
As a musician, I often hear a good song and ask myself how did they come up with these lyrics? But I have found that is the wrong question to ask. Instead, I should be asking what the meaning is behind the lyrics. Once you find their meaning and relate, you can find your own way to write a lyrical masterpiece. Anyone can become an artist. It does not take right-brained or left-brained, it takes emotion. The only difference between an artist and an every day average joe is that artists feel emotions on a whole new level. They are able to feel pain, joy, excitement, any emotion and express them through words. Revealing your thoughts without worrying what others will think will transform you into a true artist.
Now, to write a song, you need to sit back and think. Ask yourself what it is your feeling. If it helps, get a pen and some paper and write down all the emotions you are feeling and try and describe them. Do not think of any one else's opinion until after you have a rough draft (this is important because in order to have others relate to your lyrics, you have to relate to them first). This is what makes writing songs so frustrating. If you try to think of other people's feelings so that you can write a song that they can relate to, you are not really writing what relates to you. Yes, other people are your audience but in order for an audience to relate, YOU have to relate.
You can start out by confessing a mood. For example:
Happiness- The thought of you brings a smile to my face
Then think of what it means to smile- My spirit has been lifted and I feel free
Next, ask yourself how can you feel free simply because of happiness- I am free because I can laugh, I can smile, I can love, I can dance, I can sing, I can play and I can live (things you can do that make you feel free)
(You can go as far as you want but make sure each thought relates to the previous one).
Then, move to your verse, for example:
I think of you and happiness surrounds
My spirit is lifted, my feet can't touch the ground
I can laugh, I can dance, I can love, I can sing
With your embrace I can do most anything
See? Simple. Some people prefer to rhyme but it all depends on the rhythm. It is not written anywhere in a secret handbook that your lyrics have to be like the example above. It is actually simple to rhyme but using words that are compatible makes your lyrics that much better.
Once you have written a song, do not be ashamed to show your close friends. In fact, their critique will help you become a better writer. Think about writing an essay. Is your final draft exactly the same as your rough draft? Or do you edit it and ask for people to read it in hopes that their opinion will perfect it? Point is, you cannot be afraid to show people your work. The whole challenge in being an artist is being able to tell others exactly how you feel.
Lastly, you do not have to be a master at guitar or piano to be an artist. Writing a song, or even a poem in ways that others feel your heart and soul is what makes you memorable, that's what relates you to other people. Most importantly, have fun and do not let anyone discourage you. Think of all of the things, people, and places that inspire you and use them as your muse. Just because one person does not relate to your song does not mean no one will.
Remember- Music washes from the soul the dust of everyday life
Have fun and start writing!
As a musician, I often hear a good song and ask myself how did they come up with these lyrics? But I have found that is the wrong question to ask. Instead, I should be asking what the meaning is behind the lyrics. Once you find their meaning and relate, you can find your own way to write a lyrical masterpiece. Anyone can become an artist. It does not take right-brained or left-brained, it takes emotion. The only difference between an artist and an every day average joe is that artists feel emotions on a whole new level. They are able to feel pain, joy, excitement, any emotion and express them through words. Revealing your thoughts without worrying what others will think will transform you into a true artist.
Now, to write a song, you need to sit back and think. Ask yourself what it is your feeling. If it helps, get a pen and some paper and write down all the emotions you are feeling and try and describe them. Do not think of any one else's opinion until after you have a rough draft (this is important because in order to have others relate to your lyrics, you have to relate to them first). This is what makes writing songs so frustrating. If you try to think of other people's feelings so that you can write a song that they can relate to, you are not really writing what relates to you. Yes, other people are your audience but in order for an audience to relate, YOU have to relate.
You can start out by confessing a mood. For example:
Happiness- The thought of you brings a smile to my face
Then think of what it means to smile- My spirit has been lifted and I feel free
Next, ask yourself how can you feel free simply because of happiness- I am free because I can laugh, I can smile, I can love, I can dance, I can sing, I can play and I can live (things you can do that make you feel free)
(You can go as far as you want but make sure each thought relates to the previous one).
Then, move to your verse, for example:
I think of you and happiness surrounds
My spirit is lifted, my feet can't touch the ground
I can laugh, I can dance, I can love, I can sing
With your embrace I can do most anything
See? Simple. Some people prefer to rhyme but it all depends on the rhythm. It is not written anywhere in a secret handbook that your lyrics have to be like the example above. It is actually simple to rhyme but using words that are compatible makes your lyrics that much better.
Once you have written a song, do not be ashamed to show your close friends. In fact, their critique will help you become a better writer. Think about writing an essay. Is your final draft exactly the same as your rough draft? Or do you edit it and ask for people to read it in hopes that their opinion will perfect it? Point is, you cannot be afraid to show people your work. The whole challenge in being an artist is being able to tell others exactly how you feel.
Lastly, you do not have to be a master at guitar or piano to be an artist. Writing a song, or even a poem in ways that others feel your heart and soul is what makes you memorable, that's what relates you to other people. Most importantly, have fun and do not let anyone discourage you. Think of all of the things, people, and places that inspire you and use them as your muse. Just because one person does not relate to your song does not mean no one will.
Remember- Music washes from the soul the dust of everyday life
Have fun and start writing!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Romance of Valentine's
Waking up with a smile on your face and a warm sensation in your heart isn't always familiar, but when that very feeling is familiar, it's love.
My Valentine's Day experiences have always been disasterous. I eventually started to become like Jessica Biel's character in the new movie Valentine's Day. I was that one that wanted to throw the "I Hate Valentine's Day" parties. One year, I thought a nice gift to a former boyfriend would be to take him out to dinner. Of course, I told him "get whatever you want sweetheart! This day is for you!" He took that a little too literal and my bill ended up being $126.78 so two people. My end of the bill was $16.99 for the shrimp dish and $2.99 for my tea. Next he took me to see Friday the 13th. If you have not seen the most recent Friday the 13th, I would advise you not too. Highly unenjoyable, especially on a 'romantic' evening such as this. Another year, I planned out this amazing day. I had purchased tickets to a theme park and made dinner reservations and everything. It was 10 minutes past 7pm and I was wondering where he was. Then 30 minutes, then 2 hours. Then he finally called to say he got caught up playing golf with his buddies and that he could not make it tonight. That was the last straw. No more believing in romance for me.
Then, the current man I am with told me he had plans for me on Valentine's Day. Immediately, this got my attention because for once in my life, a man planned Valentine's Day and not me? I started asking questions but he just would not budge.
Before I know it, it's Saturday morning and of course, Valentine's Day. I wake up with a smile on my face and a warm sensation in my heart. A feeling I have now gotten used to but today was different. Today, I was excited.
It was now 4pm and I was anxious to get ready. He told me to wear something really nice because we would be going to the most elegant resturant he could find. I took a shower, did my hair and make-up and chose 2 outfits to dance around looking in the mirror with. The first outfit was cute but not fancy, the second outfit, disaster. I had a breakdown. with 30 minutes left before his arrival, I had NOTHING to wear. My best friend ran over, made me get in the car, and took me straight to the mall, thank God it's close. I found the perfect dress and got back home with 2 minutes left. As the door knocked, I was zipping up my dress and my friend ran to answer it. As I walked out into the living room, his jaw dropped and he gave me that look that said "wow".
"Are you ready to go?"
Of course I was. We walked outside and he opened the car door for me, watched me get in, and closed it. The reached for my hand as he always does when he is driving.
I noticed we were going to his house so curiously, I asked why.
"I just need to get something. Will you come in with me? I may be a while."
I did not think anything of it until he told me to close my eyes when we got to the front door. I closed them and he led me into the house and told me to keep my eyes shut. I heard noises and clicking and finally, he was behind me.
His whispered "You can open" into my ear.
When I opened my eyes, he was holding a rose out infront of me and the whole house was only lit by candles. I was shocked. He kissed my forehead and took my hand to lead me to the kitchen. There it was. The romance of a lifetime.
The kitchen table was decorated with a beautiful white, silk table cloth. The table itself was covered in rose petals, and there was a bottle of sparkling cider because I am not too much a fan of wine. I looked over at him speechless as he held my chair out for me.
"I am going to make you dinner"
I immediately felt my cheeks turn red. As he prepared dinner, I sat looking at him in amazement.
After a wonderful dinner, he walked over to the stereo, messed with the volume, and came to take my hand.
"Want to dance?"
I felt as if I was in a movie or a dream of some kind.
That smile on my face and warm sensation in my heart was not only familiar, but permanent.
My Valentine's Day experiences have always been disasterous. I eventually started to become like Jessica Biel's character in the new movie Valentine's Day. I was that one that wanted to throw the "I Hate Valentine's Day" parties. One year, I thought a nice gift to a former boyfriend would be to take him out to dinner. Of course, I told him "get whatever you want sweetheart! This day is for you!" He took that a little too literal and my bill ended up being $126.78 so two people. My end of the bill was $16.99 for the shrimp dish and $2.99 for my tea. Next he took me to see Friday the 13th. If you have not seen the most recent Friday the 13th, I would advise you not too. Highly unenjoyable, especially on a 'romantic' evening such as this. Another year, I planned out this amazing day. I had purchased tickets to a theme park and made dinner reservations and everything. It was 10 minutes past 7pm and I was wondering where he was. Then 30 minutes, then 2 hours. Then he finally called to say he got caught up playing golf with his buddies and that he could not make it tonight. That was the last straw. No more believing in romance for me.
Then, the current man I am with told me he had plans for me on Valentine's Day. Immediately, this got my attention because for once in my life, a man planned Valentine's Day and not me? I started asking questions but he just would not budge.
Before I know it, it's Saturday morning and of course, Valentine's Day. I wake up with a smile on my face and a warm sensation in my heart. A feeling I have now gotten used to but today was different. Today, I was excited.
It was now 4pm and I was anxious to get ready. He told me to wear something really nice because we would be going to the most elegant resturant he could find. I took a shower, did my hair and make-up and chose 2 outfits to dance around looking in the mirror with. The first outfit was cute but not fancy, the second outfit, disaster. I had a breakdown. with 30 minutes left before his arrival, I had NOTHING to wear. My best friend ran over, made me get in the car, and took me straight to the mall, thank God it's close. I found the perfect dress and got back home with 2 minutes left. As the door knocked, I was zipping up my dress and my friend ran to answer it. As I walked out into the living room, his jaw dropped and he gave me that look that said "wow".
"Are you ready to go?"
Of course I was. We walked outside and he opened the car door for me, watched me get in, and closed it. The reached for my hand as he always does when he is driving.
I noticed we were going to his house so curiously, I asked why.
"I just need to get something. Will you come in with me? I may be a while."
I did not think anything of it until he told me to close my eyes when we got to the front door. I closed them and he led me into the house and told me to keep my eyes shut. I heard noises and clicking and finally, he was behind me.
His whispered "You can open" into my ear.
When I opened my eyes, he was holding a rose out infront of me and the whole house was only lit by candles. I was shocked. He kissed my forehead and took my hand to lead me to the kitchen. There it was. The romance of a lifetime.
The kitchen table was decorated with a beautiful white, silk table cloth. The table itself was covered in rose petals, and there was a bottle of sparkling cider because I am not too much a fan of wine. I looked over at him speechless as he held my chair out for me.
"I am going to make you dinner"
I immediately felt my cheeks turn red. As he prepared dinner, I sat looking at him in amazement.
After a wonderful dinner, he walked over to the stereo, messed with the volume, and came to take my hand.
"Want to dance?"
I felt as if I was in a movie or a dream of some kind.
That smile on my face and warm sensation in my heart was not only familiar, but permanent.
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