Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Holden vs Igby

Between the two characters Holden and Igby I would say Holden lives his life by his morals more then Igby. Holden belives that people who are fake are "phony" because they pretend to act happy around people they may hate or dislike. During the Holden was never fake around people he disliked and acted the way he wanted to. If he disagreed with them he would tell them or if he did not like what they were saying.

Igby is much like in the way he lives his life on the edge and isn't sure of what will happen to him in his future, but doesn't much care. Igby however acted fake around people when inside he felt lost, confused and scared becuase he expectd that one day he would have a mental breakdown like his father Jason. However in the end of the movie he finds out Jason isn't his father. So I feel because of this Holden is more genuine because he feels he won't ever be fake and he never is, when Igby can be.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Opinion Piece

Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame Induction: Alice in Chains
TJ Hodder

There were many bands of the 90s that people would state as the greatest band ever. Some people consider the 90s the greatest time for music. During the 90s Grunge music was at an all time high and was ruling the air waves. When people mention Grunge the first band that comes to mind would be Nirvana. Their massive popularity made them a world wide hit and a household name. However when I think of Grunge music and the 90s the band that always comes to mind is Alice in Chains.

Alice in Chains where formed in Seattle, Washinton in 1987 by Guitarist/Vocalist/Songwriter Jerry Cantrell and Vocalist/Songwriter Layne Staley. They met at a music studio in Seattle and soon after where roommates in a rehearsal room they shared. After playing in different bands together they decided to form their own band named Alice N’ Chains (which was later changed) with Bassist Mike Starr and Drummer Sean Kinney. Soon after they recorded their first demo EP entitled We Die Young, soon after it was selling out of CD stores all over Seattle. Because of this they were signed to Columbia records and have been ever since. They have sold over 20 million albums world wide.

Many people came to know them because of their incredibly original music and down to earth personalities, superstardom never and still doesn’t effect the way they act and treat their fans. They are known to do charity events all over the world and were also one of the performers at the Tsunamit benefit concert in 2005. After the death of Layne Staley Layne’s mother started the Layne Staley fund, a non-profit organization to help teens in Seattle with struggling addictions. Before he died Layne was very involved in these types of organizations using his own life as an example because of his severe addiction to heroin which was the cause of his death in 2002.
Alice in Chains have been listed in thousands of magazines top 100 bands of all times, top metal bands ever, rock bands ever and so on. Every one of these lists that I have ever seen they have been in the top 30s at least. Vocalist Layne Staley has been named one of the greatest metal/rock vocalists ever because of his one of a kind voice and character. Guitarist Jerry Cantrell has been given the title "Riff Lord" by many different magazines including Guitar World. They have also been nominated for 7 grammys.

Alice in Chains have been a massive influence on me musically and personally. Layne is my all time favorite singer and Jerry is my favorite guitar player and has had a huge influence on my playing. Their lyrics also have had an effect on my life because of the topics they write about and how some of their songs have a very meaningful message. In the end I’d choose to induct Alice in Chains because unique sound and the massive influence they’ve had on people and music itself. I know that I wouldn’t be the same person without their music in my life.