Ashley's Philosophy Corner

   "I could never be so happy as you. Till I have your disposition, your goodness, I never can have your happiness."

--Elizabeth from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice 

    "The devil, who was clever, took to hating man. Man, who was more clever, took to loving woman."

--Victor Hugo in Les Miserables

    

Austin's Funnies Corner

    Everyone loved Priest John. He was a happy jolly fellow always willing to help or lend a hand. One time John was walking down the street humming a tune when he saw a little boy trying to reach the doorbell of a nearby house.  “Hey there sonny” said John “let me help you out”, and with that  John reached out and pressed the bell. “Anything else I can do for you,” asked John with a smile. “Yes” said the boy. “Run! We’ve only got a few seconds before they come!”   

    For a couple years I've been blaming it on lack of sleep, not enough sunshine, too much pressure from my job, earwax build-up, poor blood, or anything else I could think of. But now I found out the real reason: I'm tired because I'm overworked. Here's why: The population of this country is 273 million.

140 million are retired.

That leaves 133 million to do the work.

There are 85 million in school, which leaves 48 million to do the work.

Of this there are 29 million employed by the federal government, leaving 19 million to do the work.

2.8 million are in the armed forces preoccupied with killing Saddam Hussein. Which leaves 16.2 million to do the work.

Take from that total the 14,800,000 people who work for state and city governments, and that leaves 1.4 million to do the work.

At any given time there are 188,000 people in hospitals, leaving 1,212,000 to do the work.

Now, there are 1,211,998 people in prisons.

That leaves just two people to do the work. You and me. And there you are sitting, at your computer, reading jokes.

Nice, real nice.

Alex's Random Awesome Corner

This is awesome in a sad, sweet sort of way. But the kid's genuine, not trying to evoke pity, increase chances of stardom or anything of the sort -but just the simple talent in singing, and devotion and love he has for his mother, is what's so captivating and hear-warming. It makes me sad all the clapping and fanfare and how popular it's become just because I don't think he, nor his mother, would want this song that he wrote for her nor this precious moment of getting to share it, tainted. However, if it does good for people to see it, well, there's no harm in good. Anyway, not as an absolutely necessary part, but, excusing the Czech subtitles, :) a certainly worth-while and enriching suggestion for your experience. After watching this, they actually made a music video of I think him singing it, but it's all artistic and beautiful and it shows the grasslands and everything. If you weren't about to cry in the other one, after watching that, and then watching this, let's just say that will most likely not stay that way. Here's the link to watch it. (And I recommend that you do, because you will love it as much if not more.)  :) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnSo-MuTQoc

Anna's All Things Classical and Jazz Corner

I play cello for this piece. And then to add ballet -you can't get more beautiful and lovely than this, folks.  :)

Ashley's Philosophy Corner

There is little one can say about this video. 

    "An inclination towards happiness is only the slight removal of blindness."

--Macy Adams

Austin's Funnies Corner

Sigh -so true. In some ways, anyway... :)

Alex's Random Awesome Corner

I share this because I recently saw the movie. It's PG13, which I was wary of, but I found it's only so,  because of the subject matter of World War II, so it's definitely still wholesome. But THIS WAS THE BEST MOVIE I HAVE EVER SEEN, and I'm not just being dramatic, and it isn't because I don't get out much. I have seen A LOT of good movies in my day. A LOT. But this -this just exceeded them all. It was a beautiful and uplifting and inspiring and heart-wrenching experience. It touches your soul. When I left, my mother asked me if I had cried, and I told her quietly, that yes, I had cried. That I was still crying. And then as I walked, seeming to see the world with a whole new perspective, I could hardly speak. And throughout the night, I continued to cry every few minutes or so, remembering certain scenes. It looks pretty good, and that's what I thought, too -at first. But it is far better than that, I assure you. Far, far better than that.

Anna's All Things Classical and Jazz

This piece is absolutely beautiful. It has a way of lulling your soul into a reverie of beauty that you just find yourself lost in. We're playing it in my orchestra, and every time it just captivates you. Allow it to do the same for you -to truly depict the expressive dance of a princess. (It's a memorial for such.)

You don't have to listen to the whole thing, but there's a lot of good little moments, not to mention, ah -sweet jazz! Makes every night classier -the evening gowns, the fedoras, the glittering city lights, the ambiance -you just gotta love it. :)

And there's the -I LOVE- smooth and romantic vintage side to it, as well. That's the thing about jazz -about anything I suppose -is there are a LOT of ways to interpret it. And I love so many of them -so many aspects that the umbrella of jazz include. 'Cause it can really get distorted like a lot of other things, but this one -this one is wonderful, takes you back in time and reminds you of how wonderful and genuine life can really be.

And, for the last video -because this is after all, meant to explore classical and jazz- I have a link (since the video search up thing on here is kind of messed up and I can't seem to find the right one directly) to one more absolutely wonderful jazz video, from a wonderful musical movie that's has lot of FORMIDABLE (awesome in French) jazz in it. A 50s black society spin on Pollyanna -and a wonderful one, too. Anyway, I hope you enjoy -it's the most delightful little song, ever!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMeWaOZIzyw