Hero

There's little doubt in my mind that at some stage you've heard a song with the title 'Hero' or even if it's just one part of the title. Many artists of any genre choose to use this for their music. Whether your preferred genre be pop, rock, country or rap there's almost no way that you don't know and love a song with at least one reference to heroism.

Could artists be using the idea of heroism to draw listeners to their music, or is the idea of a hero simply entrenched into the psyche of our society? Some will argue that it's a form of marketing. Others will insist that it's just on the minds of the songwriter when they are writing the music. Either way, what defines a hero?

One of the songs which I think illustrates a modern hero is 'My Hero' first recorded by the Foo Fighters. The line that I think allows the idea of an ordinary person being a hero to be acceptable sits in the chorus of the song.

"There goes my hero, watch him as he goes,

There goes my hero, he's ordinary"

This set of lines is sung several time in the song and almost helps to put an emphasis on the idea that an ordinary person can be a hero. Personally I prefer the cover of this done by 'Paramore' for the 'Sound of Superman' album. It just seems to flow better and is easier for me to sing (which I think is the main reason why I like it more).

unfortunately there isn't a proper video for this song

Another song that I think illustrates the idea of an ordinary hero well is 'Hero' by 'Skillet'. Although I don't think it is quite as obvious in the lyrics of the song, I thought it was very easy to see this idea in their music video.

'Hero' by Nickelback's Chad Kroeger featuring 'Saliva's' lead vocalist Josey Scott also holds the idea of heroism. However, this song doesn't specify what sort of hero was being sung about. Personally I feel this is because the song was for the first 'Spiderman' movie. As this film is about an ordinary person who was only able to become a hero after a spider bite, it would in some was defeat the idea of the movie to say in it's featured track that anyone can be a hero if they wanted to be.

A movie which I saw recently, although a few years old, that I found interesting was all about a mans track to becoming a hero. 'Unbreakable' staring Bruce Willis and Samuel L Jackson was better than I expected it to be. Being a fan of both men's works I didn't have exactly low expectations but the preview did it no justice. For anyone looking for a movie that's got a bit of a twist, but not too heavy, I'd recommend this.

End of an Era

So as the year comes closer to its end many people I know have been forced to consider their lives. An era is ending and as it does decisions are having to be made. Whether people are deciding to stay close to home or move away, every option is being considered. For me I've been lucky, many of the options that other people have are not available to me in the direction I want to take myself.

In New Zealand I've only been able to find two universities which offer the course I desire. The first is only a ten minuet drive from my current home, the other is hours away from any member of my family, whether they be close or distant. For me, family is a huge motivator, so the latter option wasn't really even viable. I'd die (figuratively) without them driving me forward and pushing me harder. I'm not only doing this to get the education, but to prove to the world that I can.

OK, so this post maybe different to those I said I would put up, but how would anyone be able to take me seriously without knowing at least a little about me first. Credibility is a motivator for many around the globe and throughout history. I may be young but I'm not what most would consider to be naive. I understand that my youth alone could make me out to be unreliable. What I endeavour to show, even if it is only a beginning, is that I hold credibility as closely to myself as many of the great academics.

So as I'm forced to look at the way I live, I'm learning more about two things; myself and the world around me. As children, all those who have grown up in economic and social stability see the world through a rose tint. Nothing could hurt us, nothing could ruin our world. Then, somewhere along the way, we loose that innocence. It's this loss of innocence which I believe, marks the first step in the journey of becoming an adult, able to look after ourselves in a world that isn't fair but still holds the wonder of youth, just seen in a different light.

Do you ever remember waking early on Christmas morning, when the house is silent, and sneaking a look and quick poke of the presents before anyone could possibly see? Would you still do that now?
The awe that we felt in our primary school years is not gone, just hidden under layers of experience and time. If you search deep, for some they wont have to look far, you'll find that child inside you, still excited at ever moment that passes us all by. If ever there was a time of uncertainty, all one would have to do is visit that small child that resides in us.

As young as I am, and as much as I am yet to see, I know that one day there will be a dawning of understanding. Who knows what happens after life, so why are people wrapping themselves in a blanket of stress and worry? I myself am prone to taking life too seriously, making myself almost sick with uncertainty, having difficulty with finding that joy and wonder of life.

We all need to take a step back and ask a simple question, 'Am I who I want to be?' Live life with no regret, mistakes are mandatory but regret is a choice that people do not have to make.

Olaf's Match

So, as I posted in my introduction, I'm going to link some of my writing for people to sample. Please take the time to read and comment on it, I really would appreciate it and heed the advise in my next writing or editing endeavors. The following extract is actually from a fan fiction based on the Anita Blake series by Laurel k Hamilton. I did start this before I had finished reading all the published works within this series so some information may not be 100% in concordance with the series.

Peter started walking down the hallway as I came out of the room and he stopped just out of hearing distance from all the bedrooms.

“Are you f-ing insane?” He said in a harsh whisper.

“Peter!” I said but it was all I said, did he know what Olaf was like?

“I guess not. I just never thought you would be into that shit. Did you know that he’s been to prison for rape? Did you know that he’s done a lot worse to women with the same general appearance that you have?”

“Yes, believe it or not, I did know, Ted made sure of that. But I don’t care and you have no right to question anything I do.” I said harshly.

“Why can’t I question it? He will kill you. You do know that right? He will cut you into tiny little shreds and leave them to rot. If it’s a death wish that you have then get a gun not a serial murdering rapist.” Peter was spitting the words into my face from only inches away.

I took a steadying breath and was about to retaliate when Edward called from behind us. “What’s going on you two?” I turned slowly and I knew my face would be pissed. Edward looked slowly from me to Peter.

“How could you let that monster near her?” He said pointing at Olaf as he opened the door.

Olaf’s shoulders clenched and his face tightened but I had a point to make. I strolled up to him, purposefully adding an extra roll to my stride. I grabbed Olaf’s shirt and pulled his face down to meet mine. I placed my hand on either side of his face and kissed him slowly, thoroughly. Olaf looked startled when I pulled away from him.

Suddenly Olaf grabbed my shoulders and spun me around so that I was behind his back. I peaked around his broad chest and Peter had a gun in his hand. It was pointed squarely at Olaf’s heart, where only moments before my head had been. Edward had a gun out too but it wasn’t pointed.

“Put the gun away Peter.” Edward said cautiously.

Peters gaze never moved away from Olaf. I started to move from behind Olaf’s back but he put his arm out to stop me. I gently moved his arm out of the way. I walked back to Peter. I stood right in front of him and still he never looked away from Olaf.

“Put the gun away Peter, please.” I said and he started to lower his arm but it quickly snapped back up to be aimed at Olaf’s chest. “Please Peter, don’t be an idiot. If Olaf was going to kill me he would have done it already, he’s had plenty of chances.” I said and this time Peter did look at me. Oops, too much information.

When Peter didn’t put away the gun I sighed and started to walk back to Olaf. Peter’s hand snatched out and grabbed my wrist. Olaf moved so fast that I didn’t notice the gun until it was pointed at Peter’s chest. Edward raised his gun and aimed it at Olaf.

“Let go of me Peter.” I said in a horse whisper. Peter just looked at me. That look said it all. He would only let me go if someone made him.

“Let her go.” Olaf growled angrily. Peter’s grip on my wrist loosened slightly and I twisted it and smashed it down. His hold was broken and I stepped away from him slowly, rubbing my wrist. I walked backwards until I bumped into Olaf’s chest. I never took my eyes off Peter. Olaf put his arm around my shoulders and put the gun away.

“What the” Donna said coming down the hallway. Edward put his gun away and so did Peter. “What’s going on?” Donna asked and I looked at her.

“Olaf and I are going to go stay in a hotel.”

“There’s no need for that.” She said sincerely.

“Trust me; Peter has made it very clear that there is.” I said and Donna turned an astonished expression to Peter.

Please, please comment and help me expand on technique and style.

The Pretender

OK, so this is my first (sort of) post and I figured why not start it off with a song which I love, even if it is mostly to do with the fact that I really like the music video.

This song, for me, has to be 'The Pretender' by the 'Foo Fighters'. I first heard this song while watching music videos on the TV. At this stage I really didn't know who the Foo Fighters were and kept getting them mixed up with 'Thirsty Merc' who I also didn't really know that well.

Later on I went on YouTube with my mum. Remembering the songs name but not the artist we made several searches until we found the right one. Ever since I've been a huge fan of the band and just kept learning more about them.

(Above is the video for 'The Pretender')

The Pretender in iTunes

Recently I watched a documentary on the Foo Fighters called 'Back and Forth'. Personally I really enjoyed it and thought the filming and editing was really well done. Although a lot of the information provided I already knew, I still learnt some interesting things about the band. I would recommend it to anyone who is a fan of the band and anybody who wants to know a little more about them.