The "Rise" of Taeyang

It's a bit late but....

FINALLY.

After about four years of waiting, Taeyang finally makes his comeback with a new album, 'Rise.'

Rise (The 2nd Album)

Tracklist

1. Rise [INTRO]

2. Eyes, Nose, Lips (눈, 코, 입)

3. 1AM

4. Stay with Me (Feat. G-Dragon)

5.  Body (아름다워) 

06. Ringa Linga

7. This Ain't It (이게아닌데)

8. Let Go (버리고)

9. Love You To Death

Buy the full album on Amazon here~

The original thinking:

Okay, so Taeyang has come out with a new album~ OH YAS. HE'S MY BEAUTIFUL HUSBAND OF THE FUTURE BIG BANG BIAS AND HE'S THE GREATEST PERFORMER EVAARRRR~ So excited for his new performances and hope it may beat Wedding Dress... even though nothing could possibly beat Wedding Dress, 'cause... Oh come on it's Wedding Dress. That song was and still is the death of me :P

After experiencing the album:

...AHHH OH MY GAD WHAT OH MY LORD WHAT THE HECK IS LIFE WHY IS HE SO DAMN GORGEOUS WHY ARE ALL THE SONGS SO BEAUTIFUL WHY OH MY GOD HE IS SO DFLSBNFHIGJKSFKJGUAHIDHGNGLMNNFJSOIJFOHIDF OH MY GAD OH MY GAD OH MY GADDD~~~~~~~~~

Basically, I was a mess. I couldn't think properly, I was kind of out of my mind, and the only thing running through my head was:

YG DOMINATES 2014 FEELS. ONE HUNDRED FREAKING PERCENT.

Seriously, with Taeyang and 2NE1... YG is spilling out wonderful songs, albums, performances and everything this year. Last year was definitely SM, with EXO just taking the whole industry by storm with "Wolf" and "Growl." However, EXO has been having some troubles lately and have begun touring, and as much as I love me some f(x) and Henry for the summer, there new albums don't have as beig of an effect on me as the YG ones have. In fact, YG is on FIYAH. I looovvee EXO's "Overdose" album, but Taeyang absolutely blew me away. He picked me up and threw me into a pit of feels. And I don't feel like getting out c:

I really want a Big Bang comeback. No, let me rephrase:

I need a Big Bang comeback. 

My needs as a V.I.P have never been more strengthened. The revival of my inner V.I.P is never good for my feels and especially for my bank balance ;-; 

So, usually I talk about a few songs that I liked the most, but considering the fact that every single song on this album was so damn amazing, I don't think that's possible. Every song hit me some where, and I really can't express how much admiration and love I have for Taeyang. Seriously, just look at this guy: 

I mean, look at him and tell me he isn't handsome. Look at that wonderful face and that kind smile. GAH. And then you see this...

Yeah. He's quite the drool-worthy star. 

Taeyang is simply amazing, and he makes the music he wants to make. He's truthful, dedicated, and hardworking, and never disappoints in his performances. His personality is also warm and comfortable and what girl would not fall for this. Why is he so perfect ;-; 

SO. ABOUT THE ALBUM. 

I actually bought the physical copy of it. I saw in K-Town and the first thing that went through my brain was: 

I need that. Regardless of price.

I had downloaded the full album the day it came out, and have loved it ever since. It is the one album that I replay over and over and over again, everywhere. I'm on the subway listening to this, I'm doing fanart listening to this, I'm sleeping listening to this, I'm messaging my crush listening to this... I think you get the point. I am crazy in love with this album. 

The first time I listened to "Eyes, Nose, Lips," I was immediately tossed back into the world of Taeyang feels. I've been waiting four years for this album, and finally it is here and I am not disappointed. I don't regret spending thirty-four dollars on this album; it was a hundred percent worth it. Now, away from my fangirling and onto the reviews of this album. 

1. Rise [Intro]

I loved this intro. Normally, I don't really like the intro songs to K-Pop albums because I feel like they're a waste of time, not as well made as the songs, and is unnecessary. However, when I was listening to this, all I could do was breathe. The music was amazing, and really highlighted Taeyang's voice. The lyrics are sung in the English, which is amazing because he doesn't really have the Korean accent and it feels really natural with his tongue. And here's a glimpse at the lyrics: 

"Alone in the darkness.

It's so cold and crazy.
And everybody's heartless.
Got no one to save me." 

One verse. In Taeyang's voice. And it just BLEW. ME. TO. THE. FLOOR. Just listening to the introduction made me so excited for the rest of the album, something most intros don't make me feel . 

Listen to "Rise [Intro]" here~!

2. Eyes, Nose, Lips

This song, when I first heard it, kind of brought me to tears. The simplicity of the music helped to highlight Taeyang's voice, and I really loved that. His voice is just so heart-meltingly sweet~ And his falsetto. Don't even get me started. It's just so beautiful. I've grown used to Taeyang producing songs that have spectacular choreography and a strong beat. I'm pretty sure that a song like this was unexpected by a lot of people, and I'm glad it was well received and loved. This song gives me the feels. I have had it on replay since it came out- I waited for this MV and this album and HIM for so long ;-; "Eyes, Nose, Lips" is about how he recalls the memories he had with his past love but now has to leave them behind and move on but he can't. As usual. I love this song because it is bursting with sincerity and it just shows how real Taeyang is about his music and again, the genius composing of YG. Seriously, all their songs are bomb right now. This just made me fall even harder for him, all over again. This and the rest of the album. 

"Eyes, Nose, Lips" Music Video

A few things about the video (Please watch it first): 

God, isn't he just so hot in this music video ;~; His bodyyy. Although I do not appreciate the hair net, it doesn't really matter does it .-. If I wasn't all over the song during this music video, I was all over his body c: What? I'm a hormonal teenage girl, it's normal. 

A video with no switching sets, no female lead, nothing- just a basic video. No cars, no wild lights, no crazy outfits. This video helps bring out the song so well, because aside from Taeyang, that's the only other thing to concentrate on. Which is great. Usually, K-Pop music videos have so many things going on: A dance, a storyline, crazy outfits and cliche/weird sets. That is basically what most K-Pop videos are (I am thinking about Infinite's MVs). I think that a video like this, so simple and yet so powerful, is what we need. He really knows how to come back after four years. I really loved this song and the music video to go along with it. 

Listen to "Eyes, Nose, Lips" here~

3.  새벽한시 (1AM)

I really loved this song, just like I loved every other song on this album. The minute I heard the song, from the very beginning, it became one of my favorite songs on the album (if I had to choose). The whole song has this vibe to it, that bittersweet feel. I don't know how to explain it, but it gets you moving. The instrumentals are extremely well made and the composition was really good. It's like a song you listen to at night while driving or sitting on a rooftop. The lyrics especially reached for me; I felt somewhat able to relate to the lyrics. In this song, Taeyang is singing about how he wants to move on, yet he is always reminded of "you" (he's singing about a woman). I'm pretty sure he's had a break-up because the song talks about his friends comforting him and telling him it'll be okay. However, he still loves her. Funny how Taeyang went from needing a girl to wanting one back. He always sings of losing girls, god, he has so many at his hands WHY. 

"1AM" Music Video

Okay, since we have established that Taeyang is officially the hottest guy alive, I'm not going to spaz over how hot he is because I've probably said it a thousand times and you guys are probably sickof it c: Instead, I'm going to talk about how hot the female lead is, because guys, that girl is fine. 

The female lead of this song is played by Min Hyo Rin, a South Korean actress. I have been her fan for a really long time, and seeing these two do a music video was simply fantastic. Even though you might hate Taeyang kissing chicks other than you, you gotta admit: That girl is freaking gorgeous. God, she's perfect *_* Guys, please go watch the video. She is hot. 

People said that the bed scene "was not steamy enough." Okay, I don't know what to say about this, but I did think that there was going to be some more... action. I mean, I get that Youngbae is quite the shy person and doesn't really go all out in 18+ scenes, but still... However, the whole time they were on the bed, all I could watch was his hand go up her back. Oh my god those arms. I need a breather. 

I can't say this is my absolute favorite music video by Taeyang (How can you beat Wedding Dress, that song is the best, seriously), it is very well-made. I understand what is going on, and I can feel his emotions through the video. Overall, this song was well produced and well promoted, and the music video is really amazing. 

Listen to "1AM" here~

4. Stay With Me (ft. G-Dragon)

Let me just say that G-Dragon and Taeyang together is unstoppable in my world. ah. They be so gorgeous I can't even breathe normally. What I love about this song is the groove the song has. If you don't know Korean, it sounds like a cheerful song (I think), but when in fact the song is about wanting the girl you love to stay with you. It's a great song, and GD's rap is on point as usual~ Their voices together really is a great combination. I could feel Taeyang's smile as he was singing this song, and I just love his smile c:

Here's the live performance of "Stay With Me" if you want to watch the two hotties~

"Stay With Me" Live Performance Featuring G-Dragon 

They are so wonderful together c: And Taeyang's blond hair... oh my God. Even though I feel like his original hair color suited him the most, the blond is really nice as well. Well, anything on Taeyang is nice. It's Taeyang. 

Listen to "Stay With Me" here~

5. Body

I really love these kinds of songs, especially from YG Artists. It shows that they can have fun, and it's a really free song. This is a dance song that I can really like, and I'm usually not that big on Dance Pop. I tend to go for songs with a slightly depressing feel or are really sad (Hence my obsession with "Lies" and "Haru Haru"). This kind of reminds me of "Tonight," possibly because I'm listening to that song right now and there is that vibe. I don't know. This is just one of those really fun songs you here at parties. It gets the crowd moving, and definitely the performer Taeyang's type of song. The composition of the song is excellent as usual, and I love it xD Also, CL from 2NE1 is featured in the song, and she sings a part of G-Dragon's "Crayon," I think. The song is about how he thinks your body is beautiful. Seriously. He repeats the phrase "Your body's so beautiful" like a thousand times in this song. It's so damn awesome and it's just a great happy song. 

The live of "Body" will be included in the Wonder Live performances at the end of this review. 

Listen to "Body" here~

6. Ringa Linga 

Now, if you listen to K-Pop, you probably know this song. If you don't, you have some problems. This song was so popular and people are still playing it everywhere. Taeyang released this song as a single in the fall of last year, and it was everywhere. I'm serious. "Ringa Linga" is really catchy, really addicting, and shows off one thing: 

Taeyang is the best dancer. Who can dance better than that? No one.

Don't believe me? Well, the choreography for this song is incredibly complicated, and although it might look simple it's quite hard. You need feel, and considering I can't dance to save my life, would be impossible for me to learn (I'm exaggerating, I'm actually the best dancer ever :P). But yeah. "Ringa Linga" actually won the "Best Choreography" Award last year at the Soompi Awards. 

Now let's move on to the videos. 

"Ringa Linga" Music Video 

Yep, that's G-Dragon in the car with Taeyang. And yep, Taeyang went blonde. It's hot. The music video is the classic YG/Big Bang style nowadays (forget the 'Lies" and "Haru Haru" MVs... this is all about freedom of expression and abstract art now). It's quite the video, huh? I honestly don't know what to say about it other than the fact that it's creative and a bit crazy. I actually prefer the older music videos, so I don't really watch this one a lot. I think I've only watched it once, to be honest. But, the dance version of the song I have watched WAY more.... 

"Ringa Linga" Dance Performance

This is what I was talking about when I said mind-blowing choreography. MMM. The only thing that is wrong about this video is the dreadlocks. Please, no. No dreadlocks. It didn't look very flattering on Kai, and even though you are TAEYANG, it still isn't super attractive on you either :P Sorreh. 

Listen to "Ringa Linga" here~

7. This Ain't It 

If I had to choose a current favorite from this album right now, it would be this song. I have been playing this for days. It is the best song to listen to when you want some calming or saddening song in your life. Considering the fact that it is another quiet song and I have quite the knack for these kinds of songs, it is no wonder that I fell in love so easily with "This Ain't It." But this song again has that simplicity factor that I love when there is just concentration on Taeyang's voice. I technically fell for his voice first. And to this day, that is what I love the most. The lyrics are especially touching (at least for me). What else am I supposed to say when he starts the song off with "I still love you"? That ex-girlfriend of his is/was mad lucky. Seriously though, this song just makes me want to hug him. 

Because this post is getting very a bit long, view the English lyrics here~

I seriously suggest looking at the lyrics. You'll see what I'm talking about. He's basically singing about how he still loves her and knows that he needs to get over her now, but it isn't working. He's still stuck on her, and he still "misses her more than he hates her" for leaving him. Seriously, I can't take the feels from this song. It actually brings back some memories for me personally, and listening to this song makes me relive them and feel what he feels. It's a personal song for me as well. 

Listen to "This Ain't It" here~

8. Let Go 

This song... ah. The intro music is really good. And when you first hear his voice, it sounds reaaally hot. I love this song, obviously, and the part leading up to the chorus is especially pleasant. The chorus itself is meaningful even if you don't know what the hell is he singing about. Taeyang is singing about how is letting go of the roughness and the act of being tough, and how he would never let go if he was with his love. He is singing about how he was used to the loneliness in his life before but now he is throwing that out. It's a meaningful song, and something I think everyone can relate to when they fall in love, the feeling of needing to let go of the past in some sort of way. Release. 

The song itself has a really good build and climax layout and it is effective in conveying the emotions Taeyang wants to express in the song. You can feel his emotions as if he was singing to you, which he is, in a way. 

Listen to "Let Go" here~

9. Love You To Death 

And we have reached the last track on this album, which happens to be a great great GREAT song. I can relate to the lyrics, although they are a bit exaggerated, and how the song is about still loving someone despite not receiving the love back. This is a pretty sweet song if you think about it, and the song itself is good. The melody is nice, really nice. It's smooth and easy to feel. I just love the whole song in general oh my god it's so wonderful. When I first heard the album, this was the song I kept playing while making fanart because I concentrate so well with his voice. It's somewhat strangely comforting, and he keeps singing "I'm gonna love you to death~" and I'm like "Yes, please do. I'm gonna love you to death as well~" 

Okay. Weird. The beginning guitar is amazing by the way. Instrumentals are so great, in all of the tracks. I am going crazy over the instrumentals, I swear. It's like "Take It Slow" off his previous "Solar" album... I lived for the instrumentals. 

Anyways, listen to "Love You To Death" here~

So that was my review of the "Rise" album. Quite long, wasn't it? Well, I'm not done yet~ 

Album Jacket Design

With me being the crazy Taeyang-obsessed fangirl I am, I went straight to the store to pick up the physical album. and let me just say that the album design is amazingggggg~ here are photos that I took of my album (I desperately need to get it signed): 

*Please ignore my reflection on the shiny surfaces of the album* 

The cover. The black material is very smooth and fine, and can get marked quite easily. 

The back of the cover. 

The photobook cover- it came with sun stickers like the ones on the cover. 

All three photos above are of the CD case, which has a holographic Taeyang on it. If you move it around, he makes a turn. 

The back design of the CD Case

Once you open the CD Case, you are faced with this lyric book pictured above. It is actually attached to the holograph, so you can take it out and it's a lyric book. However, the lyrics are in Korean.

This is the CD. It's rose gold-coloured and black. Really pretty, believe me. 

If you take out the CD, this is what's behind it. It's just a really nice design so I took a picture of it. 

Thoughts:

It's so beautiful ;-; The black and gold theme of the album is extremely smart and chic, and the simplicity of it is beautiful. The design of the sun is really awesome in this album, so props to the designers c: And may I just say that the photobook is amazinggggg... Just staring at photos of Taeyang all day. That's my life, basically. The album is pretty pricey in the States though. I don't know how much it is online, but I bought this album for thirty four U.S. dollars, and there are many things you could do with thirty four dollars. With tax, I think the total was around thirty seven dollars. That is almost forty dollars. Oh my.

But who cares? Taeyang is worth it~ (I'm crazy) 

So that was my small album design review. Following this is a set of performances that Taeyang performed as a guest on Wonder Live, and he performed some songs from his new album as well as some old favorites~ Please check out Wonder Live by Taeyang below~

*English subtitles are accessible by hitting the CC button*

"Wonder Live by Taeyang" Episode 1

"Wonder Live by Taeyang" Episode 2

So this concludes by extremely long blog post about Taeyang's new album. I'm a diehard fan of Big Bang, and I hope they come back real soon with an album to knock everyone off their feet~ 

Until next time :) 

EXO Happy Camp (140705) [With English Subtitles]

So here is the video you have been waiting for~! Sorry if by the time you see this video it might be taken down already, but still, I tried c:

Enjoy~

EXO Happy Camp 2014 with English Subtitles [FULL]

Aw~ They're just so cute I could die ^-^

TMI Tag~

So, I kind of decided to do the TMI Tag. Basically, it's a tag where you answer a bunch of questions about yourself, and since I'm not a YouTuber, I'm going to answer them in a blog post :) 

Let's get started! 

TMI Tag Questions & Answers

1: What are you wearing?

I am wearing a white tee shirt and some sweat shorts xD

2: Ever been in love?

Yes. 

3: Ever had a terrible breakup?

Erm... define "breakup." I guess it wasn't really considered a break-up, but it was definitely a horrible experience and not fun at all. 

4: How tall are you?

I am 5'6"  (approximately 168 centimeters) tall. 

5: How much do you weigh?

Weird, slightly personal question, but I weigh 114 pounds. 

6: Any tattoos?

Nope. 

7: Any piercings?

I have my ears pierced. 

8: OTP?

Baekyeon, which is Baekhyun from EXO and Taeyeon from SNSD. I think there will be a blog post about them in the near future, since their relationship has caused such a stupid stur in the fandoms. 

9: Favorite show?

Doctor Stranger, which is a Korean drama, but since Cheryl Cole and Simon Cowell have rejoined The X-Factor in the UK, I am also really looking forward to the new season. 

10: Favorite bands?

Korean bands [TOP]: EXO, B.A.P., Bangtan Sonyeondan (BTS), Big Bang, Got7, the Clazziquai Project, and Akdong Musician. 

Non-Korean bands: The Summer Set, Two Door Cinema Club, Bombay Bicycle Club, M83, All Time Low, The Hurts, The Smiths, The Cab, Capital Cities, 5 Seconds of Summer, One Direction, etc.

11: Something you miss? .

Japanese Fruitips because those candies are literally my life but they don't sell them in the States anymore :c

12: Favorite song?

Right now, it's either "Eyes, Nose, Lips" by Taeyang or "Just One Day" by BTS. However, "Lightning in a Bottle" by The Summer Set is always a good summer song :) 

13: How old are you?

Please check my Google+ Profile accessible on the sidebar.

14: Zodiac sign?

Libra. 

15: Quality you look for in a partner?

The ability to understand me. 

16: Favorite Quote?

"I'd rather bend than break."

17: Favorite actor?

Chace Crawford (he is mad gorgeous. I cannot even describe...)

18: Favorite color?

White, or cream. 

19: Loud music or soft?

Soft

20: Where do you go when you’re sad?

My bed, of course. 

21: How long does it take you to shower?

Twenty minutes?

22: How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?

Half an hour, forty minutes maximum. 

23: Ever been in a physical fight?

Yes, but they were all just scraps with my friends. 

24: Turn on?

Kind eyes, dimples. Nice hair. 

25: Turn off?

Arrogance, being too jealous and clingy. 

26: The reason I joined Youtube?

So I could like the YouTube videos and comment on them. 

27: Fears?

Bugs. And the occasional dash of stage fright. 

28: Last thing that made you cry?

The One Direction movie. I just rewatched it. 

29: Last time you said you loved someone?

This morning at 12 AM. 

30: Meaning behind your YouTube Name?

It's my name. 

31: Last book you read?

Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo

32: The book you’re currently reading?

Survival of the Sickest by Jonathan Prince

33: Last show you watched?

Running Man. Don't judge. 

34: Last person you talked to?

My father. 

35: The relationship between you and the person you last texted?

A... Friend...

36: Favorite food?

Bread.

37: Place you want to visit?

Brighton. England. 

38: Last place you were?

A Starbucks. 

39: Do you have a crush?

I'm trying not to have one. 

40: Last time you kissed someone?

...

41: Last time you were insulted?

Like, two minutes ago. 

42: Favorite flavor of sweet?

Usually strawberry, mint, or wild berry. 

43: What instruments do you play?

I dabble in the piano. And the guitar. And the triangle :)

44: Favorite piece of jewelery?

My lock necklace. Because I don't own the key. 

45: Last sport you played?

I swam. 

46: Last song you sang?

Heartache on the Big Screen by 5 Seconds of Summer 

47: Favorite chat up line?

I don't have one. 

48: Have you ever used it?

Yes. It got me so many guys I had to throw them in a bin at Manhattan Storage. 

49: Last time you hung out with anyone?

Yesterday :) 

50: Who should answer these questions next?

You. (Josephine I am talking to you)

My Valedictorian Speech

So, I was my grade/class's valedictorian this year :)

This was my speech.

Time

Composed by Emily Xu

Hello to all my fellow graduates, our families, and our dedicated faculty who are here to celebrate such a milestone in our lives. I am honored to be standing here to give this speech today. Hard work brought all of us here, and it will continue to lead us forward. Even though each of us may not have started as students who were serious about our academics, we have become or hopefully are growing into students with a strong mindset towards school.

When I was younger, in the my early years of elementary school, particularly, I used to be a naughty kid who didn't know what I wanted, who didn't know the meaning behind going to school, or learning. I didn't pay attention in class, was too enthusiastic over the wrong things, and never really tried to learn from my mistakes. To my six-year old self, mistakes were just flaws that I needed to overcome.

It was the summer between first and second grade when my parents decided to enroll me in a summer school. There, all the kids were just like me, and everything was out of control and chaotic. It was then that I realized the flaw behind my attitude towards learning. When I started school again in the fall, I had this strange determination to achieve in class, and started to really be serious towards my education.

After that summer, I began improving my attitude, my grades, and my skills. As I worked on my determination to earn good grades, it blossomed into a determination to achieve in everything I did. I wasn't and still am not the most competitive person, and I didn't really want to battle for the highest grade or test score; I just wanted to meet my expectations and my parents' expectations.

I was afraid of making mistakes and asking questions at one point, but as I grew accustomed to the learning environment, I realized that mistakes and questions are beautiful things. Those mistakes and questions I had so feared before, now help me through my misunderstandings and learning. It is not okay to misunderstand something and leave it at that, I realized, because the material will only get more complicated. With this knowledge, I felt more comfortable in making mistakes, because I knew that I would learn from them.

That has shaped who I am, in terms of school, today. I don't expect to be the best at everything or be the highest-achiever. I just want to have the feeling of self-satisfaction; that I really placed myself into what my learning and achieved my goals. I'm not the smartest, and that probably is a good thing. What really led me to stand here to talk to you today was hard work, persistence, and determination. I will continue to work hard and show you my best side in whatever I do.

To be a part of this class, to be a part of this year, to be a part of this community, to be a part of this school, is a gift. Every one that I’ve met, had a conversation with, or merely just stood next to had a different personality, and each was memorable in their own way. To get to know every one over the years wasn’t a big deal at the time, but when I look back, I only wish we could’ve made more memories together. Nine years (more or less) is a long time, but our nine years seems like they just flew by.

We have spent year after year in this very building, year after year together. We challenged each other every day, even though we cherished the time we had together, somewhere deep in our hearts. We pretended we didn't care, when we cared enough that it hurt. We laughed, celebrated, and loved each other, one way or another. Life has brought us together only to tear us apart, but we will never really forget each other. We will miss the stories we created here, even if we say good riddance to the immaturity of ourselves that is forever reflected off these very walls. I will miss the stories. I will miss just being in the same room with all of you, bickering and joking and shouting and learning. But there is a sweet aftertaste to this concoction of us, and I'm glad to have been with all of you, all this time.

To all the graduates here today, I'm thankful for just getting to know you and for being a part of my life. To my parents and all of our parents, thank you for supporting us in whatever we do and sacrificing all you did for us to be able to live comfortably. To our teachers, we’re thankful for not just the classes we had with you and what we were able to learn, but also for the advice you've given us over the years. We thank everyone for helping us become better people. Although our time together ends here, what we all shared will always stay with us, and I wouldn't trade it for the world.

To the wonderful years which have brought us together.

Thank you.

So that was my speech. My face red and I was breaking out in a slight sweat when saying it out loud in front of my whole year and their families and my teachers, but after it was over, a lot of people complimented me on my speech, so I feel very thankful. My co-valedictorian (we had two this year), Claire, also had a wonderful speech as well. I'm so thankful to have known all the people I have grown to love over the years, and hopefully I'll meet people who are just as worth remembering in the future as well.

I haven't posted in a long time, but I was finishing my year with a flurry of exams and events, so sorry about that. The posts will come more often now, I suppose. Stay tuned. There will be talk about some movies, the new Taeyang album, and a lot of other things I like to make blog posts about.

Until then~

The Book Thief [The Book Version]

So, I have been asked to write a review about The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. Personally, it is not the best story, but I still found it very unique and very memorable piece of historical fiction.

The Book Thief hosts a lot of new concepts to be presented to the world of story writing and a story line that although is quite bleak, is interesting and fresh. Normally, people don't like reading historical fiction, and this story is no exception to the doubt and assumed boredom that is felt by students asked to read this book. However, I have read this book on my own free time, not only as an assignment for school, and I can honestly say that either way, the readers will be genuinely surprised and in for a story that will humble-ize everyone? Comment a better word for this, please.

Here's the Review:

The story was not particularly exceptional, nor was it suspenseful. However, if you were assigned this to read, it is not terribly boring. Truthfully, this book is more creative and symbolic than intensely captivating. The build-up of Liesel's character and her relationships with the supporting characters in the story really made it interesting in the eyes of character analysis. The setting of Molching, a German town, creates a vivid perspective on how the Germans lived through the war, whether it is the imagination of Zusak or not. Truthfully, I don't know if the books have some sort of metaphoric resonance or not—I feel like although it played a huge role in the book (with Liesel being described by Death as "The Book Thief") I was a bit blind towards how important the thievery actually was aside from the way it played into Liesel's life. I think that it is symbolic towards rebellion, the irony that there's this girl living in Germany and learning to read when Germans disapproved of literature as a whole. I mean, there were book burnings dedicated to the Fuhrer—it can't get any more anti-reading than that. 

If I had to say something about the characters, I would say that they were beautifully crafted to fit the story. Every one of them affects you somehow, even if it's just the slightest pull at your heart strings. I am a girl, so keep it in mind that I might be somewhat more emotional when reading a book. I mean, you'd probably would've avoided me when I was reading The Fault In Our Stars; I was a crying mess. Liesel has this stubbornness that you kind of dislike at first, but you start to feel for her as the story progresses. Rudy—I just love that boy. He is the cutest thing ever (again, I am a girl) and he brings this sort of comedic relief that stories—especially this story—really need. I would write more about the rest of the characters, but that would make this review way too rambly and it would become a character analysis of The Book Thief instead of a review of the whole thing. 

Not talking about the storyline. Read it yourselves, people.

If I had to recommend this book, which I do, I would recommend it specifically to teenagers and young adults or children who want to show off that they can read big books. I think if you were any older than than twenty-three you wouldn't enjoy the book as much as someone in their teens will. I don't know. Let's just say that I don't recommend this book to old people. I recommend this book to people who love metaphors, symbolism, and a wonderful book if you want to view it in a structural perspective. The complex make-up of this book was woven beautifully and creatively, and I something to spaz about if you're a English geek like me. Ha. 

So, this is my review of The Book Thief. Don't know if you enjoyed it or not, but whatever. 

I'll post the link to buy the book later, and maybe even a free PDF file. Anticipate later~

'Kris, What is This?' 'Nothing Much, I Just Want Out.'

EXO's Kris wants to terminate his contract and leave EXO. To be honest, I don't blame just S.M. 

Yes, not JUST the agency. I think it's both S.M. and Kris's fault. If you're reading this, you're probably judging me, but I honestly don't care. This is MY opinion, MY logic, MY comprehension on the situation, and most of all, MY blog post. So if you're going to bad mouth me, let me just say that I don't give a shit about what's going to come out of your head because I have my own beliefs and we don't all think alike. 

I love EXO as much as the next fangirl. I have been of theirs for a LONG time, and although I didn't love them the MINUTE they came out, I loved them a long time ago and I still love them now. They're my ultimate bias group, and even though groups like B.A.P and Got7 are slowly tiptoeing into my land of K-Pop kings, EXO still rules the place. I do so many things a fan: I buy their merchandise, I buy their albums, I like and save pics of them, I watch all of their videos, I watch their fan cams, I use EXO "language," I write fan fiction about them, I listen to their songs every single day, I cheer for them on every award or concert or whatever even if they don't win or not as awesome as I expected. 

So normally, hearing about Kris's decision to terminate his contract with S.M. Entertainment should fire me up and blame the company, right? I mean, S.M. has had so many of these issues in the past: Jaejoong, Junsu, and Yoochun of DBSK, Hangeng of Super Junior. You'd think they learned to treat their artists better. Lots of fans right now are probably going "F*** you, S.M!" or "S.M. YOU SCREW OVER." And as an EXOtic, a part of me wants to do that, too. But there's another perspective you should view this from to get a bigger picture. 

Don't you think the company WANTS to treat their artists well? I mean, the artists bring in the money, bring in the consumers, and give the company a good name. And judging from their previous experiences, S.M. has plenty of reasons to want to improve. I think the thing that's going on right now is the idea that you have to work hard for your goals, you should never be satisfied at just being at the level you are, and that you should always strive to improve. 

S.M. Entertainment has a lot of competition in the K-Pop industry. They may be a big name, but big names don't come from just anywhere. The artists created the hype surrounding the company, gave the company its financial support, and live their dreams through this company. Just being an S.M. Artist shows that you are a determined, hardworking person because S.M. isn't the easiest and nicest company to work for. Competition in the company is far fiercer than the competition outside. Competition to be the best, competition to live your dreams, and competition to achieve. So naturally, even after you have left the trainee days and entered the world of K-Pop stars doesn't mean your workload is going to lessen. In fact, I'm pretty sure it's going to increase. 

Being a K-Pop star is way harder than what normal people think. Most just think that you just have to learn a dance and a song, record some songs, and do promotions. In reality? The work NEVER ends. 

Learning and perfecting a dance takes at least a month to memorize and create. Each day, a typical eight hours of practice. Diets to make sure you don’t get too fat and ugly. Learning a song is even harder and recording an album? Not everyone can do that. You need more than just singing ability. You have to be able to make that song YOURS, and becoming your song is harder than just singing it. This is why I have respect for all the artists who write their own songs, because it shows that they care about what they present and that they have a say in their concept. And it also shows just how educated somebody is, and how creative they are. It shows that they are real artists with something to say. 

Promotions, what a joy ride. If you're a hugely popular group like EXO, promotions are probably the hardest part. Promoting includes performances, appearances in programs, fan greets, and photo shoots/interviews. EXO does lots of promotion, as you probably saw with their twelfth win with Growl and all the advertisements they've been doing. Huge masses of girls go to see EXO practically everywhere, swarming masses of people sticking cameras and phones and pens their faces. Screaming your name, which starts to sound awful and never ending. People would think that somebody would enjoy the popularity, but in truth, popularity is like a Frappucino from Starbucks: refreshing at the moment, but slowly stales and dulls in flavor. 

Living as a K-Pop star isn't that fancy either. It makes sense that financially EXO would have problems because a) they have twelve members b) their company also needs a share in profit c) their living costs sky-rocket. There are twelve members; just feeding one member per month should amount to over 1,000,000 won per month. That is 12,000,000 won. They also have to pay living expenses like their clothing, skincare, medical expenses, and send money home to their parents. They also have to share their profit with the company, and they have to pay for many other factors. All in all, having a twelve-member group is expensive as hell. So no wonder they would have financial problems. It's not that the company doesn't give them enough or doesn't distribute the money fairly; money is usually distributed individually, so the more number of programs you attend the more you earn. For example, if you are an actor in a drama, you are going to earn more than your members, who are not participating in a drama. Sometimes, groups decide to split the money equally amongst themselves, but it's up to the group to decide. We don't know anything about EXO's profit distribution outlines. 

Kris himself also has to take some of the blame. If he feels that the company has violated his civil rights or whatever those damn news reports state, then it is actually his fault. I'm not siding with S.M., but he probably knew about the whole incident with Super Junior and DBSK before he signed with the company. He actually signed in 2008 or 2009, when all this happened. Surely he knew about it, and if he saw this then it was his decision whether or not to continue on at S.M. with the possibility of this happening to him or leaving the company. He chose to stay, because he wanted to live his dreams. That means he should have the determination and the persistence to go on. Backing out right now and attempting to terminate his contract shows that this persistence has worn thin. If he thought that being a daesang idol was going to make his life easier, boy was he wrong. At the height of your popularity is when you get the least amount of rest. 

Speaking of popularity, EXO has recently come back. Not that long ago, even. Kris's timing is especially bad, because not only will this make their comeback less spectacular, it will blacken the company's name and highlight even worse fan activity. "Overdose" is a wonderfully crafted concept, both visually and musically. I'd hate to see it go to waste and get overshadowed by this conflict. 

I love Kris, I love EXO, and I love S.M. Even though I feel like this conflict is such a failure of both Kris and his company, I will whatever happens. I'm just really disappointed, because I thought it was always going to be one. I thought S.M. was smarter now, and that Kris was a stronger person. I'm not so sure anymore. Although I'll support EXO in the future, I'm not so sure the EXO I'm seeing now was the EXO I fell for. I love them all. I treasure the fangirling moments, the merch, the feels. 

No matter what happens, we will always be supporters. Because that's what fans do. They support. Fans shouldn't be wreck less. Fans should respect, because that's how they get respected. Fans should never get too blinded, because then they lose sight of what they truly fell for. Fans can only pray for the best. The best light to end this darkness. 

Feel free to comment your thoughts on this matter. 

At the end of the day, 

We Are One,

Aren't We?

A Poem Anthology

I sat down and wrote some poems. There are five. Hope you like them. I don't really care if you don't. Well, maybe just a little. 

A haiku. 

The Internet

Desperate typing

A universe that traps me

A coma of lies.

A structured. 

 Outside My Window, I See Thee

Over by the park bench

Underneath the seats.

Tucked behind an iron bar.

Sits a pair of cleats.

It’s sunny

Dewy from yesterday’s rain

Edged with fog

Morning’s greetings from a midnight train.

Yearning to go outside

Waiting to explore

In a dazed morning trance

Wind floats through the door.

Invisible strings

Sleeping in cold water. 

Empty thinking

Eyes that only wander.

There you are.

Holding those cleats by the elbow

Escaping the park.

Entering my window. 

Two free verses. 

A Stupid Analysis Of Myself By Myself

Smart?

Logical?

Future Law?

Ha. 

Truthfully, I am just a misconstrued mess of things yet to be put back together.

An unorganized train wreck with eyes,

Food-consuming computer with the wrong codes.

Ha.

A bomb waiting to explode into a bazillion fireballs

A dictionary with the word ‘bazillion’ under the letter ‘T.’

Lazy sunshine that shines in the wrong places.

Ha.

A book hoarder that hoards empty glass bottles

An enigma with a easily solved exterior

A happy person with a superb streak of wins and failures.

Ha.

The kind of person that jams whatever she can think of in a sentence or two

A run-on with a period before the end.

A mixed alphabet that doesn’t want to be unscrambled.

I’m that kid who hated bread as a kid and now have a unexplainable urge to go buy some.

I'm a perplexity of a person. Poo.


 My Wonders of Life at Age Thirteen

How to lose something that has already been lost.

How to value something you don’t know has value.

How to be something when you don’t know what to be.

How to list wonders when you don’t really know what to wonder about.

What would it be like to live on the moon,

What my mom would say if she found out I broke her hair dryer,

What will happen to the hair dryer that is now hidden beneath my bed,

What is beneath my bed?

Now that’s a REAL mystery.

Where my money goes when I can’t find it,

Where my mind goes on Saturdays,

Where did the word “Saturday” come from?

Where is the textbook for my math homework,

Where did the doughnuts next to my math homework go?

Certainly not in my stomach.

When is EXO going to come to New York City?

When will the New York City Department of Education stop the elongation of a school day at Stuyvesant?

When will I get over the fact that the absence of abs in the NYC concert when there was an abundant display in Paris is frustrating,

When did my sentences get so long?

When will the Senior Trip be,

When will I stop being so forgetful,

When will I sleep tonight?

And a name poem. 

The Name Poem (‘Cause Naming This ‘Emily’ Would Be Cliché)

Exerts much of her concentration on professional fangirling,

Mostly crazy but I’d call it genius,

Interesting if you don’t mind waiting for it.

Lends an ear for your worst jokes because they’re probably better than mine,

Yours to trust.

~*~

Some of these poems you might not understand. Don't worry about it. 

I don't know. I just had a whole session of self-reflection and listening to rock music and the deep lyrics really got to me. The poems might not be the greatest in the universe, but they're mine. I'm going to look back and laugh at all this later, maybe. But for now, I just feel... deep. Soulful. I dunno, bro. 

._.