The Human Element

I just finished watching Capote. I have to say, it was a very moving film. The natural conflict of the story is great, and it's hard to believe that it is all true. It seems like something fabricated. Yet, at the same time, I can see how it is true, because if not, it would be terribly hard to sit through. Knowing that it is a historical happening, an event that really occurred, gives it a deeper background and appeal. It is amazing how something as simple as a well written story, or in this case, the well-planned portrayal of a true story, can cause so many emotions and thoughts. I never thought seeing a murderer executed could disturb me so greatly. And not that the execution was so terrible, because its a movie, not a real hanging, but the fact that this man, this person is being put to death. In the course of the film, the viewer receives an unparalleled view into this man's life; his mind, his feelings, his past, fears, shortcomings, etc. And so, by the end, there is an attachment made to this man, this man that has killed, has taken life from others. It is truly amazing what perspective and angle can do to ones emotions. I was more disturbed by Perry's hanging than the Clutters' deaths, all because of the portrayal. So in addition to realizing that I am falling for the Director's plan, I also see the conflict created by Truman Capote himself while researching facts for his book. I honestly am not sure what angle Capote held during the writing because at times he seemed to deeply care for Perry, but at other times made it seem as if he was just a tool to be exploited for the book. I'm not sure if Capote himself even knew which was the case. Being torn between becoming deeply affectionate for this man, the murderer, and knowing that he is a murderer, and will most likely die, is enough to justify his unclear motives and seemingly flippant attitude that he has at times. I'm not sure that I could behave any better in such a situation, if I ever found myself in one as unique as Capote's. Lesson taught, even the most seemingly evil and heartless people are still human and still vulnerable in one way or another. Lesson learned, there is redemption for anyone, because no matter what they may have done, they are still human, and thus, still partially good.

The Digital Millennium

I'll get right to the point here: "illegal" file sharing is not what is hurting the music industry and independent record stores. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that most people buy more items online now then ever. Could this increase in legitimate online traffic have something to do with a decline in in-store cd sales? I would say so. And you may think, "Well I don't buy many cds online," and to that I say: iTunes. Did anyone think that the increase in iTunes-like online audio vendors could cause a decline in cd sales? Noo, let's blame it on illegal file sharing; that seems like a good scapegoat to cover up the music industry's problems. I must say, it pretty sad when artists themselves say that they don't mind their works being "illegally" downloaded. Maybe because they know if some kid downloads their new cd, he'll get hooked and order a t-shirt, or maybe even go see them live. Maybe they know that their works being distributed for free on the internet is better marketing and publicity than what the records labels are supposed to be giving them. I say, screw the records labels. All they do is try to capitalize on other people's talents and ideas, and make as much money as possible off of it, while paying the artist the least amount possible. Record labels are supposed to help the artists, help them introduce themselves to the world, not use them to make money. I have absolutely no problem supporting indie labels, such as Deathwish or Relapse, because I know that they take care of their bands. I personally feel jipped when I don't have a tangible case and album artwork, and an actual disk with a design on it. This is really what we're paying for, not the work, but the materials. You don't pay for photographs, you pay to get them developed. All an audio recording is, is a snapshot of a performance, a glimpse into the studio at a performance that the artists decided was good enough to release to the fans. You can't buy time, you can't buy events, you can't buy memories; they are intangible. So as long as I'm not getting a case, and a disk with a print on it, and liner notes, what should I be paying for?

Eulogilogical Etymortar-clergy

So let me ask you, Sir; what trend do you have for me?
Cause I've been eating your dishes for fifteen years and I'm tired of ennui
Every little detail that tripped me up before is as worthless as a holey door
The bitter end is coming, Oh! I can feel you draw near
With your lovely decay you whisper in my ear
Come away with me boy! To lands unseen,
I've got promises of souls that I must clean
But to this apparition I say, nay; for the day I die is the day you go away
And not a minute sooner, though I prepare myself each second
For the coming tragedy that will render me lifeless, a victim of the wiles of beauty
And lo! Though I am weary, and fed-up with this, my heart is not, whatever that is
So on I plod to the depths of the sea waiting for my sanity to condemn me
In the depths of the ocean I reach the brink, of wisdom and lunacy
tourniquet and fancy.

>>>someone should analyze this and tell me what deep-rooted meaning I had when I wrote this...cause I have no clue