Monthly Archives: September 2012

1. Gustav Klimt – The Kiss

This is my favorite piece of art/artist. I love the detail and the gold leafing, which you can’t really see unless you take a close look at the original painting. Growing up I was taught to appreciate art because I was constantly surrounded by it; my house back home is a historic gem and it’s filled with all of this beautiful artwork, none of it contemporary. I’m well-versed in art history, and that really has nothing to do with the art history class i took two years ago, but has everything to do with my parents and their friends inspiring within me an insatiable curiosity for all things classical.

1. Bike

I am absolutely in love with riding bikes. Cars are cool, trains are sick, busses suck. Bikes? Completely awesome; zooming through streets, dodging cars, feeling the wind’s resistance, knowing you’re the force behind the road falling away behind you.. I’m in love with the sensation. There’s a huge bike culture from where I come from and the lack of bikes in the city (at least the upper east side) is bizarre. Biking allows me to go places on my own, speed away from things i don’t care for, and allows me to explore places that would be inaccessible with a car. Over the years, i’ve learned to build bicycles from scrap and how to fix flat tires with chewing gum- things i’ve picked up out of necessity- and learned that I’m actually pretty adept at solving problems by myself in light of stressful situations.

1. Brazil

I took a gap year last year and spent mid August 2011-Mid July 2012 in Brazil. I started off in the south of Brazil where I learned the language, then I took to traveling around the country teaching english and staying in hostels, tiny villages, and big cities with people I’d met who offered me a place. I was challenged every day and fell more in love with being alive every day i was there. What i learned about myself and the world as a whole is indescribable. The year was an emotional roller coaster, to say the least. I learned a different reality- a new lens to see life through. I understand how difficult it is to be completely alone in a place where you know no-one, even less the language. I learned how heart wrenchingly sad goodbyes can be, the power of friendship, and how to halfway depend upon the kindness of strangers.

The guy on the left is the chief of the Umuarami indians in the Amazon. I lived with him in their very tiny village, deep deep into the jungle, for about 2 and ½ months; The left is a wonderful man I met on the beach who gave me his favorite pipe.

1. Music

I love all sorts of music. I’m big on hip-hop (typical cats, blue scholars, tuka, nujabes), classical, and wavy music, but I can get down with Gregorian chanting and country music.

1. Buffalo

I’m from Buffalo- I absolutely love the place. I miss it insane amounts. It’s an old rust belt city that peaked in the early 1900’s, ergo why most everyone who’s not from the city is such a downer about it. Exploring the old grain elevators, riding throughout the ghetto filled with refugees from around the world, spending nights in old wine cellars listening to a friend’s band play.. Buffalo is a huge part of why I am the way I am.

1. Photography

I’m not a serious photographer; I just take photos for fun. I like film far better than digital, despite the fact I mainly shoot digital because film is so expensive.

1. Reading

This is my favorite literary magazine. I don’t read as many books as I did when I was a kid, but this magazine sustains me. Some of the most interesting and real stories I’ve read have come out of this publication. Reading so many different perspectives from people who write for fun and aren’t starving artists, who are instead rather ordinary people, is incredible.

1. Friends/Family

I know everyone says it, but my friends are awesome. Like, they’re really awesome. I tend to surround myself with people whom inspire me, and that’s exactly what they do. My heart is swollen with love for them, to put it simply. I’m really not close at all with my two sisters, but my mother and father are solid sources of wisdom. I’ve passed the point in my life where i’ve realized that my parents are people, too, and that they’ve done incredible things with their lives a good 30+ years before I was even alive. When I was living outside of the country I hardly bat an eyelash when someone told me they missed me. Yet, now i understand the ache of distance enough to know that hanging out with my family is the coolest thing out.

Hi everyone, my name is Atika Lynch and this is a play list I chose to describe me in no particular order.

1. Fighter by Christina Aguilera – This song describes me in its most basic form in that after all the adversity I have been through I fought out of it and I’ve gotten stronger. My strength is something I take pride in, many times when things are in disarray I have the ability to keep calm and keep strong.
2. Party by Beyoncé – I chose this song because I enjoy having a good time and attending a good party. I also chose this song because my personality can sometimes be described as a party. I love having a positive and uplifting spirit and I enjoy having the ability to make someone feel better with my personality.
3. Cheers (Drink to that) by Rihanna – I chose this song because after a long strenuous week at school I enjoy taking some time for myself to relax and let loose.
4. Champion by Buju Banton – This song is not only a reflection of me culturally but it also represents my character.  Being that the genre of the song is reggae it is able to represent me culturally as I am from the Caribbean.  In addition I strongly believe it is important that I always strive to be great at everything that I do and exceed the standard; this song champion reflects that belief.
5. Got to be real by Patti Labelle – This song defines my character as an individual and as a friend. If someone asks for my opinion on a topic I will always speak my mind, in a respectful manner, but I tend to be very direct with my thoughts. If there is a truth someone needs to hear but the people around them are uncomfortable or fearful of telling them I’m the person that will step up and speak the truth.
6. Man in the Mirror by Michael Jackson – Even though my gender is not male this song stills resonates with me. As a person I always make an effort to look at who I am and improve on that. As human beings we can never be perfect, but I think it is important to try and work towards perfect.
7. On my own by Whitney Houston – This song describes my mentality about life and who I am as a person. I believe it’s so important to be independent and not to be scared to try things on your own. Life is about growth, living and learning, this experience will be the most rewarding when a person tries it by them self.
8. Fly like a Bird by Mariah Carey – This song reflects who I am in terms of my faith and spirituality. The song says, “Fly like a bird, take to the sky I need you now, Lord, carry me high Don’t let the world break me tonight I need the strength of You by my side Sometimes this life can be so cold.” This describes the difficult times life sometimes takes us through and when I go through those times I look to God for strength.

http://grooveshark.com/#!/playlist/Description+Of+Me/77750085

My Playlist

I am, first and foremost, a human being, and I like to be treated as such. I find no reason to be mean to anyone. Also, I take care of my friends. I try not to ask a lot of them, but they are free to ask things of me. Even if I’m not happy, making someone else happy brightens up my mood a bit.

Now as for the songs, they all represent some characteristic of my personality.

My taste in music is very much diverse. Though I do like some of the music that is released these days, the likes of rap and metal, most of my favorite music comes from the 1970’s to the 1990’s. I am always open to hearing new songs upon someone else’s suggestion. I do not believe there is a single bad song in the world, rather that there are songs that we simply don’t like. After all, taste in music is just an opinion.

Another firm belief of mine is that too much of a good thing will never lead to anything good. For example, I bet everyone enjoys time off from school, but it always feels like 2-3 days isn’t enough. Well it is a lot easier to come back to school after 2-3 days rather than 2-3 weeks. I’m sure some might disagree, but I’m not on this world to persuade everyone into agreeing with me.

Naturally, most people just want to have fun. Who wouldn’t? I am no different. I like to have fun whenever I can. Sometimes that leads to a bit of struggling, and maybe some horsing around when there shouldn’t be horsing around. I do spend a lot of time with my family, and I try to spend as much time as possible with my friends. No matter what, I always make the best of whatever happens.

Sometimes, people just want someone to talk to or a shoulder to cry on. Sometimes, just that one person could completely reverse the other’s day. I try to make myself open to be that person because to be quite honest, I hate when people are sad. I hate the sight of it and I hate the sound of it. It even makes me sad. I VERY strongly believe in karma and I also believe that everything happens for a reason, so even if I never talk to that person again, I believe that at some point in time I will be returned the favor from someone, somewhere.

Cheesy as it may seem, I do in fact believe that if you set your mind on a particular goal, you can overcome any obstacles in the way. I did it my whole life, and I have made it to college. I am sure everyone has had something to overcome in their life that allows them to relate to this.

I like to think of myself as a well-rounded person. Sometimes I’m loud, maybe annoying, but I try to make myself as approachable as possible because you never know when someone important will walk into your life.

http://grooveshark.com/#!/playlist/Freshman+Project/77744410

1. Luca – Brand New: This song is among my favorite five songs by my favorite band. This was the song I listened to most when  I did my whole soul searching thing. It’s also really appealing towards the end when they get really loud and I like showing this song to my friends for the first time and watch them jump when that part comes. I don’t know. It’s very satisfying.

2. Cousin Cleotis – Capdown: I got into ska the beginning of my senior year of high school and it definitely gets my adrenaline going. It’s a perfect mix of my favorite genres and has never failed to put me in a good mood.

3. Cry To Me – Solomon Burke: It’s a very “gospel-y” selection and I appreciate that. I like that it makes me want to sing along and dance at the same time. It’s also Solomon Burke which is always always ALWAYS a plus.

4. Sole Salvation – The English Beat (The Beat UK): A different kind of ska. This song has huge sentimental value. It’s difficult to explain but the music in itself is its own language apart from the lyrics. Sound is a dialect that I appreciate, and this one really speaks to my  heart and soul (yep, it’s as cheesy as it sounds).

5. The Tennis Song – Original Broadway Cast: I’ve been into musical theater from a very young age. This song is my favorite from this past March’s musical. I didn’t sing this one, however, it isn’t difficult to appreciate the innuendo and the wordplay that runs rampant in this musical. This song encapsulates the tempo of the musical in itself.

6. Hallelujah I Love Her So – Ray Charles: Ray Charles has always been a favorite of mine. I really miss old love songs. Sometimes, I just listen to Ray and pray that someone will come out with something amazing like he did. I also think his songs are my good luck audition songs.

7. The Lion Sleeps Tonight – The Tokens: This is the best picker upper. I guarantee that no matter how pissed you are, this song will make you laugh, even if you laugh angrily. It’s foolproof.

8. Haitian Fight Song – Charles Mingus: I love jazz. I can’t exactly explain why this song hits the spot, but it’s really something else. It’s a different version from the one I usually listen to (my favorite version) but it suffices. It’s still got all the “umph” and I guess I like it because of the euphoria it supplies.

9. I Need Some Sleep – The Eels: I first heard this song in Shek 2. I have really bad insomnia on occasion and this song (not necessarily the words) sounds exactly how I feel. It’s a lullaby but at the same time, it has a hint of despair.

10. Over and Done With – The Proclaimers: One of my favorite songs by what will probably be the best Scottish twins ever to walk the earth. I suppose I identify with this song for no particular reason. I just feel understood when I listen to it and, again, it’s not necessarily anything they say in the song.

Freshman Project

These songs are in no particular order. I added these specific songs because I find them to define who I am in a very different way, they are not a representative of what my favorite songs are.

1. The Battle of the Pelennor Fields.

This song is from the movie, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. This song, I find defines me is because it represents how I view a “battle”. The obstacles I view in life, the problems I have to get through, can be expressed in this song.

2. Rocky: Gonna Fly Now

This song represents me because it is a constant motivator. It reminds me of what life lays out in front of me. Anything I do that requires a lot of effort is dealt with using this song. I also listen to it every time I go to the gym.

3. Arrival to Earth by Steve Jablonsky

This is another movie related song. I chose this particular one because I find myself relating this to my interactions with other people. The song starts out slow, mysterious and    almost scary like. However, as it progresses it changes to a confident, strong, and powerful tone. In a sense this is how I associate myself to others, starting out as the underdog, being mostly observant, then coming out of my shell.

4. Leaves in the Wind by Issac Shepard

I chose this song because I think it represents my state of mind. I’d like to think I am this certain person, but in reality I am just me. This song accomplishes this by contrasting the speed, mood, and dynamic to represent that you are not who you think you should be, but you are just you and its best to just be yourself.

5. Climbing Up Iknimaya

This is the famous song from the movie of the century, Avatar. This song defines me in the most basic ways. It reminds me of the ancestral roots, where I came from and that I should never be afraid to hide it. This song which incorporates a native language and primitive instruments demonstrates your present self and its connection to your family background and culture.

6. Home by Phil Phillips

I chose this song mainly because of its lyrics. It is in fact, the only song on this playlist that has lyrics. The words show my view on life when you are at your absolute lowest. The way I deal with my “depression” is the same way as this song. In a sense, this demonstrates my mentality when, according to the song, “Trouble, it might drag you down.”

Michelle Arp – FRO-CWB – Blog Post #1

Hey everyone, I’m Michelle! I’m at Baruch to study Music Journalism, so of course I opted to make a playlist for this blog post. The descriptions I put for the songs do absolutely no justice for them, so if ya really want to know who I am, take a listen!

1. God: John Lennon – This song really explains how I live my life. Growing up Catholic in an all-Catholic community, I was taught from a young age about God and why you should fear/worship him. But after years of being exposed to this, I’m not too sure if I believe it. Like John Lennon proclaims, “I just believe in me,” this is how I lead my life; not abiding by what other people say, but discovering truths for myself.
2. Just a Girl: No Doubt – In high school, my only friends were guys. So naturally, I’m used to being treated like one of the guys. It’s weird to be finally treated like a girl, but I guess that’s what I am!
3. Rebel Rebel: David Bowie – I am the misfit, the black sheep, and the rebel in my family. I am the first to go to college NOT on Long Island, I am the first to have a tattoo, I am the first to have a piercing other than my ears (it’s my belly button, so don’t get too excited) and I am the first have an “artistic” kind of life.
4. Dancing Barefoot: Patti Smith – I picked this song for the sole reason that I LOVE this song. So I guess that says something about me…
5. Shining On: Big D and the Kids Table – I listen to this song whenever I’m having a rough day. It’s makes me want to sing along, and it’s ska…who doesn’t love a good ska song? In the version on my Mixpod playlist, the opening words say it all – I always tried to make the best out of living in a bad place (not BAD bad, just someplace where I never fit it).
6. Can’t Stop: Red Hot Chili Peppers – “This life is more than just a read-through.” Well said, Anthony Kiedis.
7. Going to California: Led Zeppelin – This one has a soft spot in my heart. Not only is this song beautiful, but it explains what I want in life. I want to move out to California and just LIVE. I want to sit outside my mountaintop house, and stare out to the world below. I want to feel the warmth on my face on Venice Beach. I want to get lost is Los Angeles. I want the California lifestyle that I’ve lived for 18 years.
8. I Love Rock and Roll: Joan Jett and the Blackhearts – The title says it all.
9. New York State of Mind: Billy Joel– I chose this song for two reasons, one being that Billy Joel is the icon of Long Island, and the other is that as much as I want to move out west, New York is where I’m supposed to be for now. Everyday when I’m on the LIRR, I watch Long Island pass me by, and think to myself how beautiful it is to live there. Then as the train pulls past Woodside, and just before it goes into the tunnel, I look at the city skyline, and it really is breathtaking. As much as I complain about the commute, the disgusting subways, the rude people, and the ever-present smell of urine, I REALLY love Manhattan.

Mixpod Playlist – click here!

FRO Image Slideshow – John Joseph

FRO Image Slideshow Written Description – John Joseph

EDEN GORING

FRO 1000

BLOG 1 – WHAT DEFINES ME

Bishop Anstey

At 12 years old I wrote an exam which would determine what secondary school I would attend. I was placed in Bishop Anstey High School and I must say that it has contributed a great deal to the person I am today. It was there where I learned to be an independent, assertive and well-rounded individual. Bishop Anstey High has allowed me to find my passion for Economics and Debating while simultaneously introducing me to new and different people. I owe a great deal to its staff and my fellow students for the person that I am today.

Sheppard Securities Limited

I took a year off after high school to take the SATs and work. I was lucky enough to stumble upon an investment firm called Sheppard Securities Limited and was offered the position of Operations Assistant. I would never forget the shock I received after my first day. My usual ability to learn things quickly seemed to have failed me. It took me some time to become comfortable with my duties but I was assured that this was expected and that I was doing an excellent job. This job exposed me to the world of investment advisement and reinforced my passion to study within the business arena.

TRAVEL

One of the main reasons I wanted to study abroad was learn and experience new cultures and people. I believe that we are born in one small area of this enormous planet and we do not fully appreciate what we have unless we explore all corners of the earth and what it has to offer. However, I must say that I love my country, Trinidad and Tobago. We have an amazing cultural blend of people.

In addition, every year we celebrate Carnival, which involves dressing up in costumes and parading in the streets of Port of Spain (the capital) to Soca music. I played Carnival for the first time this year and I had the time of my life. I hope to do it for many more years to come.

BUSINESS

Starting my own business has always been a goal of mine. I love the responsibility and independence that come with it. I also love the fact that I would be my own boss and can whatever business I start will be a reflection of me and what I want.

FAMILY

My family has been a great influence in my life. They have helped mold me into the person that I am today and without them I would not have been able to reach as far as I did in life. My mother and my aunt are my two greatest role models. I admire their strength and independence and strive to accomplish what they have and more.

WORK HARD, PLAY HARDER

This is one of my mottoes in life. I believe that you must put a great deal of effort into whatever you are doing, whether it may be working, studying, volunteering or anything in life. However, I think that your life should not be solely about work and making money. Although I may get a little carried away with perfection and doing well in all aspects of my life, I always make time at some point to just let go and enjoy myself. The harder I work, I think the harder I should play. I do not plan on letting my life pass me by without enjoying it to the fullest.

These are the most prominent aspects of my life thus far and my beliefs. They are a huge part of what defines me at this point in my life. However, as time goes by, as I learn and experience new things, these will quite likely undergo some changes.