Income rally correction

I successfully reached well over 1,000 views.  However, my estimated earnings remain at $5.68.  Inquiry showed that I begin earning after 1,000 advertisement views - and I am at 76.  Therefore, I am embarking on an Amazon Purchase Rally where viewers can either purchase or at minimum view the advertisements.  If there are any Amazon items you would like to see advertised for view or purchase, please let me know via comment.

Set List - ...And slow down

Go crazy. . .and slow down.

Boney James is a smooth jazz saxophone player.  His style is sensual with a groove.  "Boneyizm," off of the album Body Language, is slow and sexy in beat and tone.  Yet, "RPM," off of the album Ride, is relatively fast and energetic for smooth jazz.  Boney James is phenomenal in tapping into different senses.  Whereas "Boneyizm" is perfect for a rainy day, "RPM" has the zest for a live concert.

Joyce Cooling is a smooth jazz musician.  "Before Dawn," off of the album Keeping Cool, is upbeat and refreshing in tone.  I imagine coming home to this song gently cooling the air on a hot summer day.

Steve Laury is a smooth jazz guitarist.  "Shakedown," off of the album Steve Laury Vol 1, compliments the cool sound set by Joyce Cooling.  "Shakedown" is ideal to listen to on a lazy summer weekend day.  No pressing needs.  No errands.  Just home.

Greg Adams is a jazz trumpet player.  In my opinion, his style is one of mystery and intrigue with a beat.  "Burma Road," off of the album Hidden Agenda, allows the listener to escape on an imagined exotic journey far from home.  The beat is smooth.  The instrumentals provide escaped mystery.  The overall sound allows the listener to catch their breath on a hectic day.

To be sure, however, these songs and artists, just to name a few, give the listener a much-needed chance to slow down their daily pace and relax.

Smooth jazz can catch you  grooving in the moment or resting in the moment.  Either way, smooth jazz has a way of relaxing moments.  So choose your style and always play it.

My boys : Duran Duran

If the music video for "Reach up for the Sunrise" (see below) and the Live from London version of "What Happens Tomorrow" (see below) do not fully reflect my sincere passion for Duran Duran, perhaps "Girls on Film" will (see below).

Rock it while you listen.  And always play it!

Duran Duran - Girls on Film (Live from London)

Reach up for the sunrise. . .

. . .Because you'll never know what happens tomorrow

Always hope, always believe, always stay positive.  Words to aspire to.  Words easily forgotten. 

I hope that Duran Duran's Live from London version of "What Happens Tomorrow" will trigger memories.  The recorded version can be found on their album, Astronuat.

Duran Duran-What Happens Tomorrow (Live in London)HQ.wmv

Reach for the stars. . .Reach for the sunrise

Duran Duran's "Reach up for the Sunrise" is an incredibly inspirational song to me, in lyrics, tone, and beat.  I create so many goals in life and strive only for the best.  And so for everything I must have - income, dream apartment, my little puppy and kitten, an independent life - I cannot give up.  I will reach for the stars.  I will reach up for the sunrise.

I hope that Duran Duran's music video for "Reach up for the Sunrise" will inspire you too.

Duran Duran - (Reach up for the) Sunrise

Remember that Kodak moment. . .

As Simon Le Bon would say, "How about a nice photograph then?"

Nick Rhodes might phrase his thoughts differently. . .

Set List - Just go crazy

Complete change of pace with this one.  Simply put, just go crazy while you play it.  Let's listen to "Burn It to the Ground" by Nickelback, "Crazy" by Gnarls Barkley, and "Crazy" by Seal.

Nickelback forcefully pounds the musical pavement through the lyrics in "Burn It to the Ground."  Lead singer, Chad Kroeger, easily intimidates listeners with intense verse and chorus lines referencing getting drunk (crazy drunk).  And the instrumentals - especially the guitar - have no issues in backing him up in a rather heated way.  Chad Kroeger's line, "We're screaming like demons," is visually depicted through what seems to be the devil's laugh in the climax of the song.  "Burn It to the Ground" is an incredible example of just going crazy.

On the other hand, there is Gnarls Barkley's rendition of "Crazy."  Wikipedia describes "Crazy" as having a psychiatric theme; which in all honesty it does.  Consider the following lyrics:

"I remember when, I remember
I remember when I lost my mind
There was something so pleasant about that place
Even your emotions have an echo in so much space"

These words ring true to the example of just going crazy, yet in a rhythmic and nearly soothing way.  I for one love this song and enjoy going crazy to the beat and tone.

And then there is "Crazy" by Seal.  This song, in my opinion, is one of powerful and dramatic inspiration, at least in sound.  The line, "But we're never gonna survive unless we get a little crazy," has meaning different to every listener.  I imagine this line to mean that the world's constituents are over-stressed by daily routine that in the end means nothing.  And the only way to relieve life's tensions is to simply get a little crazy.  Alas, however, this is just my opinion.

So just go crazy while you play it.  Have fun.  Place life on a backburner and focus on the moment in your song.

Income rally update

Okay, here is a quick update on my ongoing income rally -

I need 49 views to get to 1,000 (and 500 per month thereafter).

I am at 8 ad clicks.

My total earnings thus far are at $5.68.

I remain at 1 donation (request $25 per donation).

Just so you know, I am now published.  My book, My Music with 3secondstoolong, is now on sale through eStore (sponsored by the online publishing company, CreateSpace - see link below) & will be available on Amazon.com soon.  My book is based on this music blog.  So if you enjoy playit08, I highly recommend purchasing the book ($25 per sell).

Please continue in the progress of this income rally.  I need your support.  My little ones, Mr. Deville (puppy) & Jude (kitten), need your support.  (On a personal note, Mr. Deville may have been adopted, which is great for him but sad for me as the hopeful one.)

Thank you again.

Set List - For sentimental reasons

Nobody knows how Fragile one human being can so innocently be.  My confession, to support my cause, if this helps only shows truly how sorrowfully fragile I myself am.  And so on this note, I am inclined towards sentimental reasons.

"Nobody Knows," with beautifully sung lyrics by Simon Le Bon and gentle background tones of the drums, bass, piano, and guitar eloquently produced by Nick Wood, plays at the heart strings in such a sorrowful way.  The mood set by "Nobody Knows" is exceptionally reminiscent of classic trumpet player, Chris Botti, on his album, Night Sessions.  I tend towards depression.  When I am under incredible stress physically, mentally, and emotionally, Night Sessions feeds into my induced depression and all I can do is cry.  Simon Le Bon spoke well of this same feeling through "Nobody Knows." 

"The song is about depression and how it can creep-up on people.  The illness closes down people's minds and nobody knows how long it will last for."

"Nobody Knows" and Night Sessions relieve my suffering through tears, yet still remind me of why I am in such pain.  I am not entirely familiar with Nick Wood, but Simon Le Bon is a textbook genius in music to bring me up high on such a song as "Planet Earth" (live) and knock me down low on "Nobody Knows."

"Fragile" opens with an uncertain and hesitant guitar solo that eventually picks up pace only to introduce sorrowful lyrics by Sting.  "Fragile" is not one of hope and inspiration.  Indeed, this song is a story of pure innocence and fragility that can be shattered in a heartbeat.

"creeping slowly like a bad connection
closing up the shutters on perception
. . .alone in the dark
. . .nobody knows"

"on and on, the rain will fall,
like tears from a star
on and on, the rain will say
how fragile we are"

These words bring sadness to life.  These words, these meanings realize my sentimental pain and anyone's personal suffering.  We don't have to go it alone.  If you are willing to be here for me, I will always be willing to be here for you.  Play it out, talk it out.  Remember that Simon Le Bon only wants people to feel good when listening to music.

If this helps. . .

PAWS Chicago

(L)

Mr. Deville

6 months

Terrier mix puppy

(R)

Jude

3 months

Female kitten

I hope to adopt these little ones soon.   Support my income rally.  (I am at 700 views and need 1,000 by this month's end & 500 views per month thereafter.  I have 7 ad clicks.  I am up to $5.62 and need at least $100 to be considered.  I request $25 per donation, but offer whatever you can afford.)  Support my cause.  (Give these little ones their new dream apartment as soon as possible.)  Support my blog.  I am indebted to your support in all ways.  Thank you so much.

Support my cause : Income rally

My professional goal of being a paralegal in Tort Law or Family Law has officially run into a brick wall.  The legal market is not hiring.

My personal goals in striving for my own apartment with an adopted puppy and kitten distance themselves further and further with every day that I do not find employment.  These goals are grand in nature and I simply will not settle for less.  These goals require incredible income.

I fight daily for any job that will fill this income, but my fight is difficult and drawn out.  My only relief comes through this blog.  However, income here is sparce as well.  I currently am earning $4.78 and am at 672 views.  I likewise have only received 5 ad clicks.  And only one person has offered a donation.

I would like to start an ongoing income rally.  Every 1,000 views generates real income.  Help me get to 1,000 views by the end of this month & help me reach 500 views per month thereafter.  This will go a long way in terms of revenue.  If you like an advertised product, do click.  If you are further intrigued by a product, do not hesitate to buy it (Amazon alone will thank you greatly).  I am requesting $25 per donation.  However!  If you cannot afford this amount, offer what you can.  Note that donations are securely taken and go through PayPal.

Please support my cause - from one hopeful dreamer to another.

On the other hand

I simply adore "Fort Knox."  I love this song.  However, on the other hand, there is the music video for "Rio" by Duran Duran.  According to MTV, "Rio" as a music video is ranked #1 as Best Pop Video of all time.  Most impressive I would say.  Of course, considering such stats as #2 in the UK on release in 1982, Gold to Platinum in the U.S. in 1983, #6 on the U.S. Billboard 200 in 1983, as well as too many more incredible notices to list here, being ranked #1 seems justified.  So check out the YouTube video you see below and determine for yourself if the stats and ranking are due in accuracy.  Enjoy!

*Statistics source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rio_(album)

"Rio" Duran Duran -Director Russell Mulcahy filmed the vivid music video...

Just can't get enough

The YouTube video you see below is of the song "Fort Knox" by the band Goldfish.  I adore this song and listen several times on my iTunes before eventually moving on to the next selection.  I just cannot get enough.  And dare I say for those who clearly know my love for Duran Duran's "Ordinary World" as my ultimate favorite song period. . ."Fort Knox" is a strong contender - that is how much I adore this song.  So enjoy!

Kia soul hamster song full: Goldfish: Fort Knox

A Kodak moment

Always be prepared for that Kodak moment, such as a concert.  Let Amazon.com equip you with the best camera for picture-perfect memories.

Polaroid t1031 10.0 MP Digital Still Camera with 3.0 LCD Display (Orange)

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35 12.1MP Digital Camera with 18x POWER Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7 inch LCD

Set List - The Sold-out Memory of a Lifetime

May 14, 2008 began like any other day.  My mom left for work at 7:30a.m. and I did odds & ends around our apartment, taking in constant breaths of freedom following the heels of my very recent college graduation.  In the back of my mind, however, I anticipated this Wednesday to be anything but ordinary.  This Wednesday was in an anything but Ordinary World - I was going to my very first concert, with Duran Duran as headliner.

The day flew by and in a heartbeat, my mom was picking me up, then we were picking up my cousin and her friend from the train station in downtown Chicago, then we were heading to the theater just outside city limits.

Then we were there.  Rosemont Theater was like any other I had been to for musicals and play performances.  Nothing stood out. . .except for the instruments waiting on stage, and the buzzing energy floating through the atmosphere.  Nervous excitement engulfed me the second I sat in my seat - 12 rows to the right of the stage and in perfect line with the intimidatingly large speakers on the ceiling and floor.  Little did I know. . .

At 8:45p.m., an eruption of screams and cheers jumped to their feet.  A sold-out theater was making room for Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, John Taylor, and Roger Taylor.  Duran Duran fit perfectly.  Here we go!

In the next two hours and fifteen minutes, I experienced inexplicable thrill that has yet to be matched.  Red Carpet Massacre songs, classic songs from albums past.  Visual spectacles.  Pure joy in the guys.  Pure fun in the audience.  Duran Duran live and just feet away from me!

There were but two things that stood out that night: the unity & common bond in ALL and the noise level.  My God the noise!  I literally felt my heart pound its way out of my chest every time Roger emphasized beats on his drums.  I was partially deaf with ringing in my ears the whole of the next day.  Yet, the noise level was part of the experience and I gladly soaked it in.

At 11:00p.m., the intensity of Rio and the concert night came to an end.  I did get to leave with rockin' memorabilia (program, shirt, posters, keychain).  My mom and I took my cousin and her friend home and eventually returned to our own apartment a couple hours later.  To be sure, I got no more than 30 minutes of sleep that night.

I danced away from that night with memories of a lifetime.  Although I was far from alone, May 14th, Rosemont Theater, and Duran Duran were mine.  I cannot wait to reclaim that feeling when the next tour commences.  I cannot wait for another sold-out memory.

Duran Duran, this blog site is in your honor.  Thank you more than you will ever know for the inspiration you have provided and the phenomenal impact you have had.  Just thank you.

In all seriousness. . .My Confession

I recently posted an icon link to the online publishing site, lulu.com.  I did publish an eBook based on the Set List blog and initially promoted it here and elsewhere.  However, irreparable technical errors made download after purchase next to impossible.  So I apologize greatly for any confusion if viewers wanted to look into a link that no longer exists.  Note, though, that I am still in the process of publishing my book with more reputable companies and that I will keep viewers updated throughout.

With that said, I have a personal confession to admit.

The most memorable moment in my academic career came on October 5, 2009.  On this day, I took my last test for my last class in graduate studies, college, and school overall.  I was done!  School, homework, exams, lectures...everything was over.  I could finally start my life. . .

. . .My life began with enthusiasm.  I hit the online pavement every day, looking for all Family Law and Medical Malpractice firms in Chicago that were hiring.  I was a paralegal and had knowledge and support to share. . .

. . .I did in fact come into contact with dozens of law firms, who gladly accepted my resume and a few arranged interviews.  Time had gone by at this point.  Most of my "cold calls" came in December.  Interviews were scheduled after the first of the year. . .

. . .It's okay, I kept telling myself.  At least I'm being kept on file.  Employers think my credentials are impressive.  Four employment agencies are backing me.  Things will work out.  Just be patient. . .

. . .I have been unemployed 8 months.  Law firms aren't hiring.  Retain isn't hiring.  No one is hiring.  I have run out of patience.

I need an income now.  My job search is trying my emotions.  My blogs are getting me nowhere financially.  I need monetary support in the most desperate of ways.

Please - If you like my blog, design & content, visit often and tell others.  If you are intrigued by any of the ads, click on them.  I earn money on this site by views, clicks, and percentage of Amazon promotion profit.

I am very lonely with every rejection and non-response.  Blogging is my only hope.  Please don't give up on me.  Please support me.

Tried & True

In rock, there will always be musicians who are simply tried and true, lingering in the music world and the hearts of listeners for time to come.  In this entry, I will provide Amazon links to select favorites - U2, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Robert Palmer, Paul Simon, and The Power Station.

U2 - The Best of 1990-2000

Graceland

The Best of the Power Station

Set List - On the alternative side

And then there is always alternative rock. . .

Coldplay offers sweet, story-like lyrics and accompanying tone.  Well-known songs include "Clocks" and "Speed of Sound."  My favorite is "Speed of Sound," where I take its meaning to be that life moves fast - at the speed of sound - and so much can be missed if we as humans do not stop to appreciate what good we have and can provide to the world.  Alas, however, this interpretation is just mine.

Puddle of Mudd is, to sasy the least, interesting.  Their sound is intense and loud.  Lyrics in such songs as "Blurry" (emphasis on superficial, unreal society and pained love) and "Drift & Die" (seemingly a lost life left to die) do voice societal concerns.  However, upon retrospect, while I do like engaging background sound, the greater majority of both songs - lyrics and instrumentals - is rather oppressive.  Puddle of Mudd is a selective taste in music.

Beck, as an alternative artist, is just fun to listen to.  My favorite, "Where It's At," is classified alternative if only because the sound and tone do not fit in any other rock styles.

Alternative rock takes loyal listeners.  This style is exceptionally unique and lyrics & instrumentals are incredibly well thought out.  Alternative isn't for everyone, even for die-hard rock fans such as myself.  Alternative does, however, know how to play it to the many layers of music society.