My Opinion on Opinions

So it seems society strongly dislikes, if not hates, the idea of opinions.  Of course, there are opposing viewpoints on almost every subject, and we all feel entitled to our own opinions.  However, as soon as someone has an opinion different than ours, we automatically jump to tell them how they are wrong, and basically tell them they are not entitled to their opinion.  In short, it generally boils down to "I'm right, you're wrong, you must agree with me".  I will be the first to admit that I am guilty of this.  I hear someone loves Nickelback, I jump over them about how Nickelback sucks.  We all do it.  And that's the problem.

Dictionary.com defines an opinion as: "a personal view, attitude, or appraisal."  That's the thing.  An opinion is personal.  So who are we to say what someone else should think on a certain issue?  This isn't to say that some opinions are certainly skewed.  For example, almost any normal thinking American would agree that rape and murder and morally wrong.  It would certainly be appropriate to explain to this person how these things are wrong.  There are certain things that can't be argued.

But in areas such as politics, media, and religion, no person should have any room to tell someone else that they are wrong.  Can I say that Soulja Boy is not the most talented musician?  Certainly.  But does that mean that someone can't like him?  I suppose not.  The problem is, by forcing our beliefs on others, we as a society have began to doubt our own beliefs and just follow the crowd because it's easier.  We need to learn to agree to disagree.

Certain views of mine, mostly religion and politics will probably never change.  And there are certain movies and music that I will probably always love.  Regardless of what anyone says about it.  Since no one knows everyone else perfectly, we have no room to judge how much their opinions affect their lives.  For example, I'm very touchy on the subject of religion. Those who attack my religion are intolerant, and have very little insight.  Why should I accept your beliefs if you can't accept mine?  You can tell me your opinion on the matter.  But never tell me I'm wrong, especially when it comes to religion.

We should even love each other's differences.  If we were all the same, life would only be enjoyable for a few.  There'd be no diversity, and only a portion of society would ever accept the norm.  Look at Soviet Russia.

Have your opinions, stick to your opinions, and defend your opinions by all means.  But don't rag on other people's opinions because they differ from yours.  That's where hate starts.  And no one ever ends up on top, anger just grows more severe and hate grows deeper.

But then again, that's just my opinion on the matter.

WANTED!

For those concerned, I am currently looking for someone.  This girl is reported as ...

• Smart (above all and most importantly.  She is NEVER ditzy, or dumbs herself down)
• NOT SUPERFICIAL (If she is obsessed with Juicy Couture, thinks she's hotter than everyone else, and only talks about shopping, this is not the girl I'm looking for)
• Relatable (She definitely needs to laugh at my jokes, understand my nuances, and things should never be awkward.)
• Loves the outdoors (if she complains about getting mud on her shoes, or how cold it is outside, etc. etc. That just grinds my gears.)
• Doesn't complain about or stress the small things.
• She likes the same movies, music, and video games as me.
• Athletic, or at least capable of playing sports with me.
• Preferably she's Mormon, but exceptions can be made according to standards and circumstance.
• It'd be nice if she was like me, meaning she is a little nerdy, but still not socially awkward.  If she can understand my LOTR jokes but still go snowboarding with me.... So hot.
• Speaking of which, if she can snowboard AND shoot guns.... yeah, buddy.
• I'm also all about the class, not the trash.  If she's trashy, over made up, or spray tanned... I just can't handle that.  Naturally beautiful.

• She is like

Mixed with

Mixed with

If anyone can help me find this girl, that'd be real nice.  Thank you, have a nice day.

P.S: I also have some weird preferences when it comes to girls.  I hate jewelry of all sorts.  Earrings, necklaces etc.  I just don't like them.  At all.  Don't ask me why.  I also don't like girls getting overly dressed up.  For example, girls always dress up a bunch for dances... personally I find jeans and a hoodie to be as beautiful as anything.  So... yeah.

Rehearsals have Begun!

For those of you unaware, I'm in a play! I wouldn't normally consider myself a thespian, but somehow I landed a role as the lead male part in the play, Doubt.  However, this isn't saying much considering there is only one role for a dude in the play, but we shake it off.  Rehearsals have started, and I must say that I am having a great time.  The rehearsals are tons of fun, and there's always free food, which is always good news for a big boy such as I.  I must say, though, that I'm slightly intimidated.  My three fellow actors are experienced and phenomenal actors.  And I have to sell my role in order for the play to work!  No pressure though.
If you haven't seen the movie adaptation of Doubt yet, get off my ridiculous blog and do it!  It's an intense movie, with crazy good performances by Meryl Streep, Amy Adams, and Phillip Seymour Hoffman.  The good old Hoffman plays the same role as me.  Granted, he's one talented guy.
At any rate, wish me luck!

A Song a Day Keeps the Doctor Away- January

So, with the new year here, I figure it's time to just do something a little fun.  Going to a white, affluent, suburban high school, I've noticed that a lot of kids listen to music that is... generic.  And I'm not even talking about the good garbage, like Alphaville. So it's high time I introduced some of you to different music.  If you hate my music choices, oh well.  To each their own.  But I will disown you.

JANUARY 1ST- "The New Year"-Death Cab For Cutie.
Did you expect anything different for today?  It's the new year, live it up!  Ben Gibbard is a genius in lyrical and musical sense.  This is the new year!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MwhxdGAnic

JANUARY 2ND- "Money"- Pink Floyd
A golden oldie in every sense.  I seem to recall some old stupid, laugh-tracked sitcom talking about how no one can rock out to Pink Floyd.  With this song, I beg to differ.  It's also one of the oldest songs I can think of that begins its beat with sound effects.  It was featured in the remake The Italian Job with Marky Mark and Mos Def.  Expect to find both of them later on this list.  This is a true money making song.  Suck it 50 Cent.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkhX5W7JoWI

JANUARY 3RD- "Super Disco Breakin'"- Beastie Boys
It seems that whenever the topic of white rappers is brought up, the general public immediately leaps to Eminem.  The Beastie Boys are white, have been around for decades, and they're Jewish.  I think that trumps Eminem any day.  At any rate, I dare you to listen to this song without at least nodding your head.  It's a kickin' beat.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABqRERtIA8I

JANUARY 4TH- "Control"- MuteMath
"Control" is one of those songs that just seems natural.  The first time I heard it, I swear that I had listened to this song, just because, the chorus especially, has a sound that just works oh so nicely.  It's a beautiful piece of music.  Not to mention Mutemath's drummer, Darren King, is definitely one of the best out there right now.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTi89c3ePlw

JANUARY 5TH- "Rio"- Duran Duran
Odds are, if you hate the 80's, you'll hate this song.  However, if you accept the 80's for the tacky cheese-fest that it was, you've gotta love this song.  Sick 80's drums + Killer synth + ripping bass= huge success.  Besides, it's just one heckuva catchy song.  Appreciate it for what it is.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XovoAKVOPOM

JANUARY 6TH- "Limelight"- Rush
Words cannot express my love for Rush.  They are certainly the greatest thing to ever come out of Canada.  I would consider Rush one of the most musically talented bands of all time.  Alex Lifeson's guitar playing is dynamic, Geddy Lee has some of the greatest bass riffs out there, and Neil Peart is my drumming hero, and the man I consider the greatest drummer of all time.  This is just a phenomenal song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwXjnVICb3I

JANUARY 7TH- "The Kids Don't Stand A Chance"- Vampire Weekend
I always consider Vampire Weekend a hipster's dream.  I will admit, they do have some excellent songs, this being one.  There is something very raw and natural about their music that is undeniable.  With a great variety of instruments and great vocals (in my opinion) by Ezra Koenig, it is a touching song to say the least.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AauTzfZ03sI

JANUARY 8TH- "Touch the Sky"- Kanye West
Kanye West is a douche, yes.  But his music is phenomenal.  "Touch The Sky" is a great blend of classic funk brass, and modern rapping.  This also marks the radio debut of Lupe Fiasco, who I may or may not have a man crush on.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkwQbuAGLj4  (Pamela Anderson is disgusting, and I apologize that she disgraces this video).

JANUARY 9TH- "Dreaming of Love"- Lights Resolve
This might be the greatest song that no one's ever heard of.  I first found this song on Rock Band, of all places.  It was a free download, and being as stingy as I am, I couldn't resist.  I don't regret it for a minute.  An absolutely brilliant song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezhKn2z8fgQ

JANUARY 10TH- "The Trooper"- Iron Maiden
This song is absolutely ridiculous.  But that's why you have to love it.  I feel like Metal takes itself far too seriously nowadays.  This is just a power jam about a soldier in battle.  All instrumentation in this song is great, and I can't help but smile when I hear it.  Also check out Coheed and Cambria's cover, it's pretty good.  ROCK ON!
Original
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3Ak78uo0UA
Cover
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDryjvqO0_I

JANUARY 11TH- "Fear Not of Man"-Mos Def
Mos Def is Mos Def a Renaissance Man.  See what I did there?  He acts and raps, and is great at both.  See The Italian Job to really see him in action.  This song is a phenomenal first song to Mos Def's debut album.  What a guy.  It's a great message, well rapped, and such a groovy song.  Gotta love it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BEg38-bWY8

JANUARY 12TH- "Time is Running Out"-Muse
Muse, in my opinion, is one of the best modern rock bands.  They're a talented bunch, and their music covers a lot of ground.  Matthew Bellamy's voice is angelic, Dominic Howard is a crazy good drummer, and Christopher Wolstenholme's bass lines are always so groovy.  It's such a catchy, well-made tune.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYDuNq-a5b4

JANUARY 13TH- "Blue Monday 88"- New Order
Let's face it, a lot of dance music these days is fun to dance to, but it's pretty crappy music.  Lady Gaga, Ke$ha, Taio Cruz etc.  But this is the real stuff.  It's intelligent, catchy, and definitely dance-worthy.  New wave is where it's at.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHSsYY82tZw

JANUARY 14TH- "Am I Crazy"- Little Fish
The lead singer is a bit of a freak, but this is rockin' song from the British garage band Little Fish.  This music video may scare some, and for that I apologize, but enjoy the rock.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzFwVdcuAgc

JANUARY 15TH- "Thou Shalt Always Kill"- dan le sac vs. Scroobius Pip
The Brits come up with some crazy music, and dan le sac vs. Scroobius Pip is evidence of this.  They're like hip-hop mixed with electronica.  Scroobius Pip is a hilarious guy, and I envy his beard.  This song is a guide book for all you hipsters out there.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoN6XfyQsr4&ob=av3el

JANUARY 16TH- "Africa"-Toto
What a song.  I dare you to listen to this song and not hum or sing it afterwards.  It's kind of a strange song, but it seems to conjure images of lions and cheetahs.  At least, to me it does.  It's catchy as heck, and actually quite a well made song.  Listen for the harmonies.  As for, the music video... well that's another matter.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azVqekQBK8g
And for those of you who play Battlefield: Bad Company 2, you might find this cover pretty funny.  I know I do.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULbZUoPN5BU&feature=player_embedded

JANUARY 17TH- "The Suffering"- Coheed and Cambria
Despite it's name, this is one of Coheed's lighter songs.  It's a catchy tune though, and it has such a great drum track and guitars. I definitely have a man-crush on Claudio Sanchez.  Anyone who can be a huge, bearded man who sings like Claudio... He's a good guy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCmhd30Wtyw

JANUARY 18TH- "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots pt. 1"- The Flaming Lips
This song is just great.  Who doesn't love songs about taking vitamins to kick robot butt?  I'm sure this is one of those songs that is "so trippy" while on drugs, but I'm Mormon, so I wouldn't know.  Anyway, it's a great song with a fun beat, even though Wayne Coyne is like ten thousand years old.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzlMeTxVdH8

JANUARY 19TH- "Narita"- Lymbyc Systym
In a world where most music now consists of blatantly sexual lyrics, or songs about anger and hate, Lymbyc Systym brings something real to the table.  It's beautiful music, and tries to prove nothing more. Lymbyc Systym reminds us that music is about expression, not popularity, and not the flashing lights.  It's a great song to just turn on, sit back and let your worries fade for 3 minutes and 12 seconds.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXA58WCix10

JANUARY 20TH- "Hi-Definition"- Lupe Fiasco
Lupe Fiasco, Pooh Bear, and Snoop Dogg.  What a song.  Like my good friend, Declan, said about this song, "it's just groovy".  It's fun hip-hop.  And Lupe Fiasco is a lyrical and musical genius.  Do I have a man crush on him?  Certainly.  Snoop Dogg just cracks me up too.  What a guy.  But keep an eye on Lupe.  He's changing hip hop, I swear.  He's taking away the ridiculous sexuality, the drug pushing, the violence of some rap and replacing it with cheerful, uplifting, meaningful lyrics.  He's the classiest musician I know of.  Expect to seem him A LOT on this list.  Just a warning though, if the "n word" offends you... Lupe (like most rappers) is very liberal with his usage of it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HFYa-vEl3Y

JANUARY 21TH- "Genesis"- Justice
If I could ever have a theme a song, this would be it.  I bust the door in, and "BAAAARH BARDUHBARBAR BARDUHBARBAR BARDUHDUH BAAARH!"  Basically.  Justice is one of the few good things to come out of France.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThKNt-GY1ww

JANUARY 22ND- "Electric Feel"- MGMT
MGMT is beyond description.  They are so weird, yet so likable.  So poppy, but so indie.  Basically... Great stuff.  Turn this song up in the car and jam to, I'd highly suggest it.  I love the vocals, and I love the music.  MGMT is so weird, I love them.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6J0xIRCNI3g

JANUARY 23RD- "Incinerate"- Sonic Youth
The drums and guitar on this song are just phenomenal.  It's a beautiful song, by a band that just does their own thing.  That's what I love about Sonic Youth.  They don't care what's popular, they play the music they like.  Well guess what.  I like it too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3WOjyGdu30

JANUARY 24TH- "I'm Alive!"-Sunbears!
This song is the best song that no one has heard of, I swear.  When those drums drop at the beginning... It's just great.  Sunbears! does a wonderful job of combining a sort of circus-ey feel with modern alt. rock.  Their lead singer sounds like Ben Gibbard too.  It's just a happy, catchy song and I love it.  But it seems like no one has ever heard of Sunbears!  Enjoy their great music.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AaunuvnwGg

JANUARY 25TH- "Rainbow in the Dark"-Dio
This song is absolutely ridiculous.  That's why I love it.  It's a classic 80's hair-metal jam.  I swear, though, Ronnie James Dio sounds exactly Klaus Meine of The Scorpions.  Either way, it's goofy stuff, so just have fun with it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYlDltwm-JY

JANUARY 26TH- "Enter Galactic"- Kid CuDi
Kid Cudi is such a stoner.  All his music is about being high.  I don't really like that.  But that aside, he does make some great music.  He takes hip hop, trip hop, psychedelic, and alternative rock and blends it all together.  It makes for some great stuff.  And this song is just so funky.  Gotta love it.  Not to mention, Kid CuDi looks just like Al Green when he was young.
Al Green:http://www.thrillermag.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/al-3.jpg
Kid Cudi:http://www.illestlyrics.com/wp-content/uploads/kid_cudi_happy.jpg
Crazy huh?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4u0QGRvUoM

JANUARY 27TH- "Slow Hands"-Interpol
This song is just great.  The sound of Interpol's guitars is always so great.  I love the dance rhythm during the chorus, which makes it such a great hook.  Paul Banks also has an awesome voice.  The lyrics are great too, with unique lines talking about the "pole dance of the stars" and making someone want to "pick up their guitar and celebrate the myriad ways that [they] love you."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbfrssCcLpI

JANUARY 28TH- "Paranoid"- Black Sabbath
This is just one of those classic rocking tunes.  Ozzy may be a brain dead zombie these days, but back in his Black Sabbath days, he was a great rocker.  Not much more to say about this song other than that.  Enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQBttKoetqo

Q: Why Should I Read This Blog?

A:  Really, I have no valid answer.  If you know me, hey, you might think I'm tolerable and be willing to read whatever crap I'll throw up on the world wide web.  If you don't know me, my name is Seth Turek, I'm a Mormon, and I love sports, video games, movies, making movies, music, blah blah blah blah, yeah who really cares?  If you don't know me and would like to, read this blog!  I'm going to put up tons of useless fun stuff that you might enjoy.  That's a pretty big might though.  I'm writing this blog as an experiment, just for fun.  They say you have to be smart or funny to write a decent blog, but I'll show them.  Read, give me feedback, tell everyone you know, etc.  Oh, and the first thing you should know is that if you leave a comment with atrocious grammar, I will delete it.  That crap makes me want to melt my eyelids together with a soldering iron.  Have fun!

-Seth