Love Deprived---Britt Nicole, "Headphones"

Less than 500,000 views. A little bit more views than i usually like, but this song still ought to be watched more often.

I'm back.

;)



Lolita, Not the Book

If you are into Japanese culture, fashion, manga, BDJ's, etc. or just happen to stumble across it during a wikiwalk, Lolita is a term you are at least somewhat familiar with.

This is NOT about the book, may I again emphasize (which I never read, but am getting a stomach-turning-creepy vibe from), nor about Loli/Shotacon anything. Just so you know. This site I have found incredibly useful as my interest in sporting the style grew (surprisingly, it can cater to many tastes, including my own punk-alternative-random-etc. type style), and explains much as to the ins and outs of this unusual manner of dress.

The basics, however: Lolita is one part subculture, one part fashion, with a few other bits and pieces, “branchings”-off and derivatives thrown in the mix. It arose somewhere in the 80’s and is heavily influenced by Rococo and Victorian aesthetics and clothing, with a twist of alternative and/or modern style. The actual look varies greatly, with everything from Punk and Gothic to Sweet and Classic Lolita, this fashion can be altered to fit numerous personalities and predilections. The movement’s significance and what the style represents in regards to Japanese society, as well as societies worldwide, can be broadly interpreted; for some it’s a way of life, for others, well, they just like the clothes. ;)  The flavor of Lolita, however, remains consistent, though at times subverted— rebellious, but with subtly; loud, but soft; pretty, gentle, and, though pop-culture and racy manga will tell you otherwise, generally modest. The philosophies of the eras which this style borrows its look from also influences its message, whether or not it they are turned on their heads or become the subject of satire. Despite the world view of Lolita constantly shifting with the times and/or existing undefined, there’s no doubt regarding the prevalence of Lolita, which has not only stayed but thrived (unlike a few other subcultures and styles, which I hope I can discuss at another time), and worked it’s way into many venues of art and culture, such as music, manga and anime, dolls, advertizing, literature, advertising, and so much more. Lolita may or may not be here to stay, but its modern timelessness and traditional deviance certainly has an appeal which is undoubtedly worth studying.

Armored Flight

Psalm 11:1-3 (KJV)
In the Lord put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain? [2] For, lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart. [3] If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?

If the time stamp on this post is any indication, this verse has great significance to me right now. I am so tired, so I'm going to go to sleep now...

Anyone else feeling the Same way as me and the author (David, btw, if I'm not mistake; the man had hordes of enemies.)?

Basically: God is ifinite, yet we are but mortal men and women, fragile and breakable. If owe enemies overwhelm us, what can we do about it?

Well, my friends, call on God of course (while it is the logical conclusion, I didn't just pull that our of my sleeve; read the rest of the verse for more. Some unsavory things happen to those archers in wait of God's bir- i mean, children. Bird children? Sorry, it's late and I'm out of it...). Just know, He is all powerful and more than able to defend those He loves. He can save us when we can not save ourselves (so, constantly).

Anyway, goodnight readers! Thanks for your patronage, and I hope that, in return, I have written something which you have found purposeful, interesting, enjoyable, something good...

"Farewell...May the wind under your wings bear you where the sun sails and the moon walks."*

~RRC

*I know this is the answer to the greeting technically, but it sounded better. Sleep well, LOTR junkies!

F. Scott Fitzgerald---Gatsby's Secrets...

...I must know them. Though, truthfully, I prefer Nick's company at the present time; He is interesting in a somewhat normal way, and comforting because of this. I think. Not sure, really...

So I started the Great Gatsby. Fantastistic so far, but i'm not far past the start so I can't be certain whether or not I personally will love it. I love it's style,that's for certain. Not too fond of Daisy, but I have a feeling she may have more depth than she let's on. Then again, may be not.

Fitzgerald was a very interesting man, really, quite fascinating---like Nick he seemed to have a both humble and most undeniable awareness of brilliance that let you know of his sincerity. But those are first impressions; more will arise about this later, I'm quite certain. I hope to write more about Fitzgerald, as he seems like the type of dead author I love stalking erratically. Mathematicians, artists, poets, and fictional characters also tend to get this treatment. Just to let you all know--- he's next! Probably.

For now, I felt like mentioning this, but...I suppose today was not my day. Oh well. Tomorrow, then?

More Math Rock

Sorry this isn't much of a post, but I'm kind of in a rut right now and it's late, so...
Here's some more math rock samples. These two are far more diverse than the last one. Still includes some weirdness, though (of varying types), so be cautious.

(Note: I'm so sorry, I realize some of these songs and/or band names are not very appropriate. It appears I will have to be more careful in the future. I will try to replace these samples with "cleaner ones" very soon. In the mean time, feel free to either listen at your discretion or avoid these videos. Thank you.)

What God Had to Say to Me Today...

"Better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs
than a fool in his folly.~Proverbs 17:12

My devotional bible says in  it's annotations "Sure to attack you and rip you open." (Zondervan NIV Study Bible [not properly cited, I know..."

Well, I'm not quite sure what significance this holds for me...at least, I hope it doesn't particularly hold significance for me. But it's important, and I'm sure it is even more important to one of my readers, so...

Anyway, goodnight! God bless!

~RRC

P.S. Also for tonight: "Pleasent words are like a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."~Proverbs 16:24
This one always has prominate significance for me! Well, goodnight again my readers! God be with you!

Math Rock

Math rock, who knew such a thing existed?
a rather obscure form of experimental rock that arose in the 80's, heavily influenced by progressive rock and various advant-garde genres of music. There is much focus on the music and much less on the lyrics and human vocals, which are either treated as simply another instrument, sometimes found in the middle or at the bottom of the mix, or omitted entirely. The rhythms are atypical, complex, and mutable; one could almost describe the sound as "a pleasant dissonance". It has a very free flowing, jazzy feel to it, in my opinion, so you can think of it as "Jazzy rock" I guess. It gained the name "Math Rock" because of it's complexity; it sadly has no real relation to music with a mathematical theme. The sound is definitely enough to make up for it, though.

But why am i ranting about it? Elvis Costello is quoted saying "writing about music is like dancing about architecture." I may disagree somewhat, but i still hold to that. Reading paragraphs about how the music is "a meld between progressive rock and jazz, it originated in the 13th century, blah blah blah" tells much less about the music than 10 seconds of listening to it. So, what are you waiting for; Math rock is simply a click away.

(This was my first sampling; more will be on the way.)

(Also note: some of the covers and names are a little strange, and one band is called "Hella". If that doesn't bug you, this won't be a problem. If it does but you're still interested, I'll put up a different video soon with more samples. I have become very fond of this genre of music.)