They're Taking Over the World!!!!

Am I the only teenage girl in the world who doesn't like the Jonas Brothers? I may be the only sane teenager alive right now. This obsession with this awful trio of brothers has gone on long enough.

Generally speaking, I do not feel the need to criticize celebrities because they often receive too much criticism. But, I feel that the Jonas Brothers need to be taken down a peg or two. So, that feeling warrants this rant, I mean... post.

Let's start with their music. I would have more respect for the Jonas Brothers as artists if they would write deeper or more original lyrics. Love, lost love, heartbreak, and angst are the only topics their songs cover. Really, there is more to life than teenage love. I'm very sure of this fact. Could they write a song that might change the world? Or just not cause my ears to bleed? Please, I'm begging them.

There are two kinds of music: money making music (MMM) and world changing music (WCM). Guess which kind the Jonas Brothers are producing. If you chose the former, you guessed right. Sometimes, WCM and MMM are one and the same. Often, they are not. MMM is uninspired, and usually unintelligent. WCM lasts forever and makes a statement. WCM is rare. For example, Beethoven and other classical composers produced WCM. Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues" was pure genius. Bob Dylan's "Blowing in the Wind" was WCM. I'm not asking for the Jonas Brothers to try to live up to those musicians. I don't think they could do it, anyways. But, I am asking them to write something that might inspire their fans. In case they haven't realized it, they have influence over thousands of girls. Surely, they could use this power for the greater good. Disney didn't intend to change the music world, but they have. Screaming girls everywhere are demanding the Jonas Brothers' disgusting music, and they are getting exactly what they want.

For research purposes, I listened to "Burning Up", the smash hit by the Jonas Brothers. I wasn't impressed. From the first verse, I feel like this song has already been done before. And, it has. Teenage lust has been the muse of songwriters for years. But, most musicians have found a way to redo it and make it sound fresh. However, "Burning Up" sounds stale, and feels like old news.

Kudos to Disney for creating a band that is relatively safe for children to listen to. The Jonas Brothers' lyrics are one-dimensional, but clean. They may be using their good looks to sell their lackluster product. But, they are here to stay for a little while, at least. I guess I have to endure America's love affair with this bland boy band for some time to come.


Thanks for taking the time to read this rant. I made a conscious effort to be fair to the Jonas Brothers... Okay, I really didn't, but I feel better now. I'm not angry with them. I'm just sick of them.

Worthy of an Oscar Nod

Two nights ago, I saw The Dark Knight. The two most recent Batman movies are dark, really dark, and I think that this is how the creators at DC Comics intended the Batman series to be interpreted into film. But, what do I know?
The only thing certain is that Heath Ledger should get an Oscar for his portrayal of the Joker. He managed to play a slimeball, comedian, and psycho all at the same time. I certainly don't think Cary Grant could've done it. Of course, this is the kind of movie that Cary Grant would've passed on. Known for taking on risky characters, Heath tried this role on for size, and it fits. Believe me, this character was a dicey one. The writers had to draw a line between Jack Nicholson's clownish Joker and a villain that is too violent and creepy to be shown in a superhero movie. Heath toes the line with his Joker, a homicidal maniac with a twisted sense of humor.

Knowing that this character is imaginary and being played by an actor, I still wondered if maybe the Joker was real. Silly, I know, but if you watch the movie, you'll see what I mean. Heath was convincing.

Be ready for this film to shock you. I almost walked out of the theatre at one point, but couldn't. I had to know how it ended, and the conclusion also rattled me.
Is The Dark Knight worth the $7.50 I paid for my movie ticket? Yes. Does Heath Ledger's performance merit an Oscar? Again, yes. Am I looking forward to another Batman movie? I don't know. Can they top this one? Can the producers find another villain to equal or surpass the Joker Heath created? I really hope they can because it will give me an excuse to see Batman (my favorite superhero) fight the bad guys and save the citizens of Gotham City once more.

A Book Review

Rules of the Road is a heartwarming, quirky book with a great story.
Meet Jenna Boller, our main character. She's the best employee at Gladstone's Shoe Store, which has many branches across the United States. She's also the daughter of an alcoholic father. Her grandmother lives in a nursing home, battling Alzheimer's disease. Family problems are difficult for any teenager to handle, but Jenna feels like she has to fix her father and help her grandmother remember her old life. When Mrs. Gladstone, the aging CEO of Gladstone Shoe Stores, hires Jenna to be her driver for the summer, she is anxious for a break from all her problems. This starts a cross-country escapade where Jenna learns a lot about herself, driving and the meaning of life.
This paragraph above sounds like the back cover of a paperback book. I didn't intend for it to. But, really, you need to check out this novel. I laughed in some parts; others almost brought me to tears. Joan Bauer is exceptional at creating a wacky story with endearing characters. I loved this book. It is a short read. I finished it in two hours, and wished that the story could continue. After this post, I'm probably going to read it again. Please read it and comment here later. I would love to hear your thoughts and reactions to Rules of the Road by Joan Bauer.

The Bookstore

After a dinner out, I convinced my parents to stop by our local bookstore. As mentioned in my earlier post, I love reading. You can imagine my delight as my family wandered into the store. This was the high point of my day. I'm serious.
I've been buying books at this particular store for almost my entire life and I almost never stray from it. Because when I do go into Barnes & Noble or Books-A-Million, I feel guilty.
Anyway, I managed to find two novels, which is really not very exceptional. I tend to leave the bookstore with five or six books. My mother never denied us books as children. I am very grateful to her for making sacrifices so we could get them when we were younger. Poor thing, she had no idea she was feeding an obsession.
I purchased Rules of the Road by Joan Bauer, which I finished this morning, and Love Starts with Elle by Rachel Hauck. The latter I picked up mostly because of the cover art. I'm a sucker for cool cover art. The former attracted me to it because I really love the author. Joan Bauer has impressed me with most of her books and I am always willing to spend my parents' good money to support a fabulous author.
Oh, I grabbed Barron's Pocket Guide to Vocabulary on my way out. I need to start studying for the SAT.
My next post will probably be a review of Rules of the Road, but I will really try not to give too much away. It was an awesome read, though. Okay, I need to stop now or I will start reviewing it. Stayed tuned.

A Little Bit About Me

I've decided to start a blog and I'm excited! Watching my mother do various posts on her blog, reddirtramblings.com, has inspired me to create my own.
I'm a high school student in Oklahoma. I live with my parents and my younger brother and sister. I have an older sister who lives with her husband. I am currently jobless, but searching.
As for the rest of my time, I spend it being a member of the yearbook staff at my school. I also participate in the Young Republicans Club and French Club. I hope to become a member of the Key Club this upcoming year.
I'm a Sooner fan. Sorry, Cowboys, I was brought up supporting crimson and creme.
I like to say that I've always been a writer. I think that writing runs through my genes. I have published one poem in Celebrate! Young Poets Speak Out. I hope to publish more of my stories and poems as time goes by. Someday, I hope to become an author. We'll see...
Being an avid reader, I will probably review some books on this blog. Some of my favorite authors are Curtiss Ann Matlock, Alexander McCall Smith, Betty Neels and Jane Austen. These writers appeal to me, and their work motivates me to continue typing. I don't just limit myself to them, however. I read anything and everything under the sun, even the instructions on the backs of shampoo bottles. Reading books is an addiction I'll probably never give up. Good thing it's not too bad for me.
For my safety and my siblings', I am not going to reveal my name, address, phone number, exact age or where I attend school. I understand that most people in the blogosphere are very pleasant and probably safe, but because of the few weirdos out there, I am going to keep all that information to myself.
I want to speak and be heard. I want people to listen to what I have to say. I want to command attention. I feel the need for expression. This blog will hopefully answer all those wants and needs and entertain you along the way. Here I come, ready to take on the internet, and I hope you'll stop by often. The Diva speaks and she's ecstatic!