My Picture Perfect View of America

This is a picture of Alaska. Of course, America has a lot going for it in the government and urban life. But, if I'm going to visit a country it's going to be for the nature, something I can't see in America. This picture of Alaska is just absolutely beautiful. And, if I lived in a different country, I would come visit this spot before I ever stepped foot in New York or Chicago. Now, don't get me wrong, I would love to go see all those different foreign cities too, but, some place like this would be my first choice.

My Kittens!!

I got two kittens as an early 16th birthday present! Their names are Jack and Murphy!

Jack is the one on the right, and Murphy the left.

Song 15 -- We Didn't Start the Fire

This song was written in 1989-1990. This song is simply about all the events that happened in Billy Joel's life. It is about trends and events, or the fire, and about not being the cause of any it but going a long with it, or coping with it. This story is told in list form, actually it's not really a story, it's just a list. I liked this song! I mean, it's Billy Joel the piano man! I like the beat, and I think it's a fun way of listing historical events in chronological order. This song just tells about all the events that can happen in America in one's lifetime.

Song 14 -- The Hands That Built America

This song was written in 2001 by U2. This song discusses America's events. U2 is an Irish rock band, so not surprisingly, the song starts with the Irish famine and the migration from Ireland to America. This song highlights many events that made America what it is today, including September 11, 2001. The hands that built America refers to all the hard workers and the events that builds up to what America is now. I like this song, I like U2 in general. They're a great band, and they have wonderful messages behind all their songs. They play music for a purpose, and that is very clear in all their songs. This song tells about how all sorts of different people and events come together and build up to build a nation.

Song 13 -- The Times They Are A-Changin'

This song was written in 1963. Simply enough, it is about change in America. The change was referring to a wide range of things, from racism to poverty to social issues. It was an anthem for all those who wanted change and were willing and ready to accept it. This song was written almost as a prediction or just a statement of what was happening. I liked the point of this song, but not the song itself. I never was a fan of Dylan, but, I give him credit for this song, the meaning is there. This song tells of America's constant ever changing society. It highlighted the 60's and 70's when views on social issues were radically turning.

Song 12 -- Youngstown

This song was written in 1995. Youngstown is a city in Ohio that used to be part of a huge chain of steel factories. Around the 1980's all these factories closed down and this song is about the struggle of the worker, and how they viewed the closing of the factories. The workers felt angry, because thousands of them lost their job and they felt that all their work was waisted. This song's story was told as if the singer was in the midst of the event and had a perfect idea of the worker's feelings. I didn't care for this song, I liked the tune and the lyrics, but I didn't like how it was performed. This song tells about when America was industrializing and human workers were being replaced by machines.

Song 11 -- A Change Is Gonna Come

This song was written in 1963 by a man named Sam Cooke. This song is about The Civil Rights Movement, And, how it was a turning point for America, and many people felt that it was the start to a much needed change. The very begginning to then end of racism, still going on today. This song is full of hope, and sadness all at the same time. It's about how this man, Cooke, goes from being unwelcome to being accepted and being able to record his music, and how he found his change. This song's story id told by the main character looking back in his life, and noting how his life changed throughout the song. I really liked this song, I love it's sound, and Seal does an excellent job singing it. This song tells about the time in America when The Civil Rights Movement was in swing, and people were beginning to get behind it.

Song 10 -- Strange Fruit

This song was written in 1939. This song is about racism in America, and about violent and unnecessary punishments, particularly towards African Americans. This song discusses the topic of lynching, which could be public shootings, hangings, or burning at the steak. It talks about how strange it was for one human to be so cruel to another just because of race. The "strange fruit" is considered to be those people who supported lynching. This song kind of creeped me out. It was kind of sick, but what makes it even more sick is the fact that it is a totally non fictional song. This song tells about a kind of barbaric time in America, where racism was everywhere. Even though today racism has decreased, it is still a very real issue, we face as a country.

Song 9 -- Do Re Me

This song was actually written by Woody Guthrie around 1940. This song's story takes place in 1930's during all the migration to the West. This song talks about the harshness of the Dust Bowl migration. Not just the actual journey, but trying to set up a life in California. It was only a pleasant life style if people had plenty of money. Otherwise, people were much better off in the places they came from. Guthrie writes this song with a play on words. Normally, Do, is considered a ,musical not. But, Guthrie means it to be dough, as in money. Saying, if you don't have money, stay put, there are too many people already trying to make a life for themselves out in California. I liked this song a lot, the music and the lyrics. I thought it was pretty. Di Franco sings it with such heart it makes the song just pop! This song tells of a time when life in California was harsh and unpleasant. But, the fact that everyone wanted to go there, makes it clear that it wasn't so great in other parts too. Life was hard for a farmer in the 30's. Hence the term, "Dust Bowl".

Song 8 -- Jesus Christ

This song was written in 1940. This song is about how Jesus was not accepted by many people back in His time, but if he walked this earth today, he would not be accepted either. The people in Jesus' time had him being put to death because he threatened power and had a different way of doing things. Jesus told them to give what they had to those who had none. Nobody liked that. Today, it's the same thing though. People don't want to give their "hard - earned money" to people who aren't as blessed and fortunate as them. Jesus asked people to give all their belongings away, and today all that's asked of the people is a Small portion of their income to go to people who don't live the same luxurious life. It's true and people don't realize that it's true. America today is prominently Christian. So, if Jesus asks us to give everything away, and the majority of us have a problem with giving away a small portion of our income, can we really consider ourselves faithful Christians? This song's story is told just like that, a story. It's meaning is pretty straight forward. I liked the message of this song, and the guitar part. But, I'm not really a big fan of the country sound. I think this song kind of teaches about the hypocrisy and money fueld minds of America.

Song 7 -- Paddy's Lament

This song was written in 1846 - 1847. This song is about an immigrant from Ireland who was trying to make a life for himself in America and escape the famine that was sweeping Ireland. This song told of all the events an immigrant around that time went through. They were forced to fight in the war, and suffered many casualties. This song's story is told event by event, as if each event is happening as the singer sings it. He sings about how he thought America would be a promise land for them, but all they found was war; and they desire to be back home. I didn't like the music part of this song, but I liked the lyrics and the story. This song made me realize that not all the immigrants found a new happy life in America. And, that most of them had suffered a great deal in America, and were not welcomed happily. This song also made me realize that times, concerning immigrants, haven't really changed. Actually, they might have gotten worse. Why can't America except the fact that people want to come here to make a better life for themselves? And, what's so wrong with that?

Song 6 -- Hard Times Come Again No More

This song was written in 1854 around the Civil War. This song is about hope, and realizing blessings in the hard times of life, and having hope to get through them. This song was very popular during the civil war, on both sides, but mainly for the North. This song tell it's story as if the singer is actually in the story. To me, it almost seems like the singer is trying to calm maybe family or friends. I really liked this song, I liked the music, almost kind of like rhythm and blues, and I liked the message it sent. The singer has a beautiful voice and does a great job with the song. This song teaches me about how America has hard times, but we also have hope, and reasons to get through the hard times.

Song 5 -- Johnny Has Gone for a Soldier

This song dates back to the American Revolution. This song is about the men who went off to war, and the women theyhad to leave behind, and about all the struggles they faced. This story is told as if the singer is watching a chain events of a young man who left his wife and home to go off to fight in the war. So, kind of like a narrarator outside the story. Ha, I actually liked this song. The main reason is because it said "Buttermilk Hill". But, also because the point was clear, and I really liked the instruments in the background. It was actually a very pretty song. This song teaches me about how even at the very beginning of America men and women faced the hardships of war, and it's never easy to say goodbye.

Song 4 -- Brave Wolfe

This song was written in 1997. This song is about The Battle of Quebec. It highlights the accomplishments of a war hero, not one in particular hero, just a war hero. This song doesn't have any words in it, so, it's kind of hard to figure out how the story is being told. But, if you listen to it enough times, the artists uses a change in pace to highlight the story of this war hero. From slow and weary to fast and upbeat. This is probably portraying the hero's highs and lows of battle. It was a nice little instrumental song, it wasn't anything I would consider a favorite of mine. But, I did enjoy the changes in pace throughout the song. This song taught me about how all battles have highs and lows.