Jogging on asphalt, Running in my Head
I’m on a roll with the writing tonight — technically this morning. It’s ten minutes to 2AM here.
Just recently, I’ve started jogging with friends. Not to lose weight, on my part, but “for endurance,” as my friend had said. True, but I’ve thought deeper, what about a personal goal? I’m a writer, and the smallest things get me writing. I practically gain inspiration from an ant carrying a grain of rice.
Not too long ago, about a minute perhaps, I went through this Freshly Pressed blogpost about running. Turns out, it was a book by Haruki Murakami. It seems pretty interesting, and I do agree. The thought of ”How do you balance being an athlete and a writer?’ piqued my interest very much. I’m not that much of a runner, honestly, any sport does me no good apart from Taekwondo. Being handicapped to do so, I resorted to other things, like writing, which has become a beautiful thing for me.
I’ve just begun to run laps and internalize the fact that I jog to get out of the house and escape boredom, but in the long run (no pun intended), I think it would be nice to get something else out of all of this. And it’s getting more ideas and inspirations to write while running. Evening jogs are lovely, and again, I tend to romanticize things, and this is no exception. The orange hued street lights and silhouettes of joggers, leisurely and athletic alike give me a lot of thoughts for stories, but in a jumbled manner. I’ve yet to find the perfect night and the perfect story.
What a segue I’ve made, when all I wanted to do was blog about how this new hobby of jogging has gotten to me. On a related note of hobbies, I’m finally going to learn the instrument I’ve fallen in love with – drums. I’m doing and accomplishing a lot of things this summer, and it’s definitely a fulfilling thing.
Jogging is a physical task, but for a writer, the jogging happens up in your head.
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[NP#5] Music for your Latte?
Inspired to write, finally. Here’s a personal playlist of what I listen to – or would suggest the café – when I’m at the coffee shop.
I’ve reasons why the top three are the top three. Give them a listen, you’ve nothing to lose. But everything on the playlist is worth a listen.
- Norah Jones – Don’t Know Why
- Brooke Fraser – Love is Waiting
- 노리플라이 (No Reply) - 고백하는날 (Confession Day)
- Turnabout Jazz Soul – Godot – The Fragrance of Dark Coffee
- Sitti – Lady Wants to Know
- Frank Sinatra – Fly Me to The Moon
- Paolo Nutini – Last Request
- Michael Buble – Moondance
- Joe Strummer & the Mescaleros – Mondo Bongo
- Kim Tae Woo ft. Lyn – 내가 야! 하면 넌 예! (If I Say Ya, You Say Yeah!)
- Lights – The Listening
- New Heights – Peaches
- Frank Ocean – We All Try
- I’ll Never Fall in Love Again – Bacharach
- Jay Park – Star
- John Legend – Ordinary People
- Mad Soul Child – Breath
- UpDharmaDown – Oo
Don’t Know Why: Cafés, Norah Jones and Perfect Stories
My heart is drenched in wine, and you’ll be on my mind forever.
Here I sit at a quaint, chilly, brewed-coffee scented café, typing away in front of this monitor.
Ahh, who am I kidding? It’s past midnight and I’m sitting at the dinner table, pushing keys to write this. It’s a tad less appealing and conducive for me, but who’s to complain? The only consolation I do have is listening to two versions of Don’t Know Why, one from Norah Jones – the original, and the other from The Voice’s James Massone. Now, I’m not here to compare, they both make me want to sleep on a hammock hanging between palm trees, at the coast of the Bahamas. I will be very cliche and say that this song is such a relaxing song. Stating the obvious facts here, yes.
I’m honestly waiting for that opportunity to eat up hours at a coffee shop, writing and typing away. Never mind the mocha latté and the bagel, I’m just looking for a spot to think and write. The best stories come from sitting at cafés and casually watching people. No, it isn’t being creepy or nosy, I guess. I mean, it’s amusing at how much you might be able to tell about a person who enters a coffee shop. Sure, some people may be able to guess what kind of person one is based on the drink they order – or the clothes they’re wearing, but really, it’s beyond obvious personal profiles and details. It’s nice to think about what kind of day that someone has had. Maybe they had just woken up and are getting their morning fill of caffeine, and maybe it’s their only window for a break at their bustling office and an espresso would hit the spot.
I don’t do these things when I’m out to get my mocha latte, but it’s an amusing thought. I’ve been itching to write about coffee shops, ideas and stories for awhile now, but never had the main objective on hand. I still don’t, as you may have noticed. There are too many thoughts in my head, and it’s just overwhelming. I’m excited, and I’m just having verbal diarrhea, typing out so many nonsensical things. And somewhere in the middle of this I’m going to express how much I want a mug of steaming coffee (which is about now.)
What makes a café so enticing and alluring?
Okay, I might’ve gone overboard with the adjectives, but really? Because it’s quiet, the scent of coffee is diffused in the air-conditioned room, the furniture is comfortable, the lights are perfectly ambient for your mood? What is it that keeps people coming back? Coffee – for obvious reasons.
I shouldn’t be asking this, should I? I know you’d tell me that there are a million reasons to go to a coffee shop, most would be of personal preference and reason. Still, I’m itching to know. It calls for a story, a voice to be heard. The unusual, the mundane and the downright boring. Everything over coffee must be important. A trip to a café could be a simple chore, or it could be a deal-closing appointment; it could be a serendipitous moment, it could be a time of judgment. It all gets exaggerated and spruced up with a little sugar and a dash of whipped cream.
I’m going nowhere, I’m babbling on and on, romanticizing about tons of roasted coffee beans being ground and turned into a multi-million dollar business to keep numerous individuals up and running every single day of their busy lives. It’s a respite, a necessity, an accessory, an addiction. Call it whatever you want. Coffee is the perfect fuel for a perfect story anywhere. I’ll find out soon enough about the charms of little cafés and big franchised coffee shops. In the meantime, I’m going to make a coffee shop playlist, then I’ll write about the even mysterious charms of coffee shops when it rains.
When I saw the break of day, I wish that I could fly away. Instead of kneeling in the sand, catching teardrops in my hand.
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[NP#5] Moonlight and Music
I’m ending my second semester of my college sophomore year! And this week is coming to a close, thank goodness. This week was pretty much hectic and depressing, but I fought and hacked through the foliage of stress and requirements. Few more shrubs to trim next week, but it’s all good.
Now for the playlist. I don’t know, I’m elated, happy and all-out grins. Mixed playlist though; first time I’m including OPM. These are some really good old songs I used to listen to.
1 Ailee – Heaven
2 Chance – You & I
3 Imago – Ewan
4 Itchyworms – Love Team
5 Leighton Meester – Somebody to Love ft. Robin Thicke
6 Mathai – Can’t Make You Love Me (Bon Iver Cover)
7 Session Road – Suntok sa Buwan
8 CNBlue – Still In Love
9 Mad Soul Child – Beautiful Day
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[Quickie] EXO’s New Release – History
I honestly had a hard time breathing, I was watching the Korean and Mandarin version simultaneously, pausing every five seconds because 1) I was short of breath and 2) I couldn’t stop spazzing. I kept tweeting about everything until I just got tired. I really want to cry, it’s so surreal, it’s truly different and amazing.
SME has done a wonderful job training these young men, moreover they had done a good job of recruiting only the most talented and good-looking. It pays to have rigid training and picky scouts. They know what they’re talking about.
You really have to watch both MVs. People keep bringing up Kai being the center of attention yet again in the Korean version MV, but I’m not complaining. I got to see close up the other members,and get to hear them sing.
But now, I really have no more bias in EXO. They’re all too perfect. I’m obviously exaggerating, but really. Kai is a triple threat! He raps, sings and dances. SME, you’v done it again. Plus, I finally got to find out what the roles of the other members were. Very fierce rapping and strong dancing all throughout, and their stoic, fierce faces just topped off the avant-garde, new-age, get-ready-for-something-big concept. I made no sense with that sentence, but I know you understand.
EXO is a group to be watched, and they’re definitely going to do well. Let’s just hope EXO-M will have their big chance, as the Chinese market is pretty hard to break into. But then again, it’s SME we’re talking about.
Can’t wait for their official debut.
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[25] MV Write-Up: Big Bang’s FANTASTIC BABY!
Alright, alright! One of the most anticipated songs from Big Bang’s new mini-album Alive is out. The song has gotten everybody excited. It’s gotten everyone anticipating. It’s got everyone singing Boom Shakalaka to no end. The addictive pumping beat, GD’s na na na na, the anti-climactic pre-chorus, and the club song vibe of the song is the formula for this addictive song.
It’s Fantastic Baby.
And quite frankly, it really is. YG has the knack of giving us the wildest, most innovative and high-quality Music Videos of their artists, and this one does not disappoint. Following the releases of the moody MV of Blue, and the cool & chill vibe of Bad Boy, the MV of Fantastic Baby deviates from the bluish-gray tones of its preceding MVs.
Many would say it has that 2NE1 vibe, and still others would mention Lady Gaga, for the eccentricity of the set, the extras, the movements and pretty much all of the elements in it.
It opens with a shot of what seems to be an Eagle Owl perched atop a street lamp, and in the background we see ruins and rubble comprised of mesh fences and unidentifiable metal parts. Then it fades into a scene of G-Dragon, who is sporting fiery red locks running down on the floor, sprawling majestically. He is seated on a throne of sorts, and the music plays.
Honestly, a first timer in Kpop who would chance upon this would be scarred. I’d be scarred, in a good way. But I’m already a VIP, I sort of know what to expect, but then again, this is YG.
There seems to be an anti-music movement in the music video, as you see armed guards against “civilians” clad in uniform gas masks and white gloves, going up against the guards and it erupts in chaos.
You cannot really tell the theme of the MV, but there is beautifully executed chaos and there still seems to be coherence. One scene shows YoungBae being thawed of snow and ice, and in another scene he is sitting in a meditative position surrounded by “monks” wearing the same gas masks but clad in monk clothes. And as with GD, Taeyang also has a throne of his own.
T.O.P on the other hand, is shown to be in different portraits – something like a museum setting. He’s in different portraits, but exhibiting the same swagger – and bubblegum blue hair. He is also shown on his throne, wearing aNapoleon-reminiscent outfit.
Now, Daesung on the other hand, was shown to be topless and in chains. (Hmm, gives you thoughts, doesn’t it?) In a dungeon-like setting, Daesung sings his high notes, and sings it beastly well. One interesting part was that Daesung and Taeyang had parts simultaneously, and so it was like answering each other. The camera cut back and forth, to both of the topless, buff vocals.
Maknae SeungRi was already shown on his throne, surrounded by fiercely leather-clad ladies in deep-red lipstick and eye make-up that made for even fiercer glares. SeungRi is shown to have fresh cuts/slashes – from what probably would be from a large cat – on his torso, with the blood vivid. His “harem” of ladies take turns in “touching” his sculpted abs as RiRi sings. This mature look is topped off with his skewered earring of sorts, a metal toothpick from one end of his ear cartilage to the other. (Doesn’t seem appealing or cool, does it? Check it out for yourself.)
I tell you, these boys are back stronger than ever. Don’t give me the excuse that it’s autotune. It’s got a dance-vibe, for crying out loud, it sounds better this way. Plus, they have already proven in the two MVs prior to this how vocally capable they are. Despite the lack of a linear and progressive storyline, you wouldn’t really mind. There is more focus on the visual elements, and it will keep you pausing in the middle of the MV just to get an idea of what each member is trying to portray, what the MV is somewhat trying to convey. The different thrones and different situations of the Big Bang members seem to show just that. It’s just my two cents, but the scene where Daesung is in chains is somewhat an allusion to his experience last year, regarding the vehicular accident. Daesung was “in chains” in the issue, definitely a tough time for him, but he got back up and he’s free of his chains.
I would love to spoil you more of the details, but you just wouldn’t be able to visualize it properly, so I suggest you watch it. Big Bang’s got more surprises up their sleeves – given the fact that this is only the third out of the six title tracks they’re going to be promoting. Talk about coming back with a big bang.
Anyway, enjoy the MV! Definitely fantastic beyond comprehension.
[24] Artist Write-Up: Rookie Superstar Ailee
This time around, I sincerely and honestly hope that rookie singer Ailee (pronounced Ey-li) gets to win Rookie of the year for 2012. She’s been receiving a lot of attention for her debut song Heaven that displays her vocal prowess.
Rookie Korean-American singer Amy Lee or Ailee has been of interest to many netizens when she released her debut song on the 8th of February, and when she had made her debut on the 9th on Mnet! Countdown.
Ailee is singer Wheesung’s first talent, and the singer himself wrote Ailee’s debut song. Wheesung featured Ailee in his song 2011 The Guys are Coming.
Their most recent collaboration had been this year on MBC’s Singers & Trainees. The two had performed Alicia Keys and Usher’s My Boo.
Apart from singing alongside Wheesung – and being signed under his label, becoming his talent – Ailee is also part of the star-studded cast in Dream High 2, acting alongside T-ara’s Jiyeon, 2AM’s Jinwoon, SISTAR’s Hyorin and many more.
Her career has only begun, and there is a long way for her to go. Her vocals are her best bet, but her acting stint is a big boost to her first year in the industry, to help her garner more attention and establish her face in both the drama and music industries.
Exposure never seemed to pose a problem, as Ailee had begun as a YouTube singer – where most good talents come from nowadays. The free service of uploading and the hassle-free exposure was an advantage, and despite the non-stellar viewer ratings of her videos, she had managed to catch the attention of many, even Kpop idol Wheesung. From videos in 2009 to even 2011, Ailee has progressed vocally, improving in each song that she covers. The little bumps here and there in her singing never stopped this rookie star to keep on going.
Her repertoire comprises of a lot of RnB and ballads from power singers like Jennifer Hudson, Pink, Jordin Sparks and many others. This is a good risk for her, as her vocals are pretty much prepared and well suited for it.
Let me end with this video from March of last year, with Ailee performing at Between in Itaewon, Korea. She’s definitely got the voice, the looks and the apparent talent to make it big. After all, it’s only her debut year, and with the success and attention she’s been receiving – plus training under one of the most prominent vocalists in K-Pop, Ailee is sure to make it big. Never mind the awards for now, she’s got a name to further establish, and a journey to enjoy.
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[23] Artist Write Up: EXO
Photo credit: EXO K website http://www.exo-k.smtown.com and tumblr
Up-and-coming SM Entertainment Male group, EXO has been quite the talk of the Kpop town ever since the first teaser was released late last year.
From elated hype to getting-bored frustrations, EXO has been causing quite a stir. But we can’t blame the audience for reacting this way. I mean, this newly employed “tactic” of SME was pretty effective – for the first three teasers. After that, it became predictable, what with them exposing only one member in the teasers. Now, I have nothing against Kim Jong In (KAI), in fact, he is my favorite member. (If you can have a favorite member even if the group hasn’t even debuted yet, then yes.)
All is fair in love and war. Sadly, the teasers fall under neither category, making it a difficult thing to squeeze in equality amongst the members. SME is known for their talents that debut in fairly large numbers, and this one is no exception. With 12 members – EXO was announced to debut in two subgroups. One catering to the Korean market, EXO-K, and the other, to the Chinese market, EXO-M. Pretty easy to remember, yes? Well, many netizens are no strangers to the boys of EXO, as two years (or three) back, photos of the members as trainees were released online, sparking much interest in the flower boys of SME. Not long after, SM announced that they would be debuting a new male group – hence EXO.
My only frustrations really, is the way SME is trying to “hype” it up. I mean, sure, you could’ve released three teasers, with four of the boys in each one. You could have simultaneously displayed their vocal prowess, dancing skills and aesthetic qualities in the same number of teasers you would regularly allot for your groups that have their comebacks. 20+ teasers is going over the edge. And that’s not in a good way.
As for the clips of the songs in the teasers, I’ve nothing else to say but that you really do have to look forward to it. Their vocals are astounding, and you would know who trained these kids (*cough* Yoo YoungJin *cough*) to sing. Their vibe is pretty much a mix of electro-dance and RnB with a hint of ballad. Diverse and flexible yes, but we’ll just have to wait until they debut. Personally I’m vying for “My Lady” to be their title track, but I’m guessing SME would want the fast-paced dance tracks like El Dorado, Run & Gun or maybe even Two Moons (which has this whole ghetto-hip hop drop to it, what with the heavy bass and full-of-swagger rap).
Their fashion is amazing. The whole peg of EXO Planet is vague to me, but wherever these boys are from, they sure know how to dress well. (Thanks to their coordi noonas and stylists, of course!)
Now, check out a few of the teasers and see if you’re bound to like them, follow them and love them – and expect a lot from them – because they’re from SME.
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10 Easy Ways to Improve Your Life Today
Changing or improving your life doesn’t have to be a long, frustrating, drawn-out process. I’m always in search of the smallest changes that yield the biggest returns, and below is my collection of quick tips that can make your life easier, more fulfilling, or just less of a pain in the ass.
Try one or two of these and tell me how great they worked.
Falcons, Hawks and Lucky Rabbits
“I swear I’ve seen a lot of stuff in my life, but that…was…awesome.”
I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking, “Really, Ed? Starting a blog post about the ancient art of falconry with a quote from Tommy Boy?” Well sometimes inspiration comes from unexpected places. And besides, I want to be able to capture all the web traffic from people who might Google the terms “Chris Farley” and “Rabbit Hawking” together.
