A Trip To The Bookstores

 One of the greatest perks of becoming an avid book reader, is taking a splendid trip to a bookstore. My sister needed to buy some books to take on her trip to Costa Rica and I needed to buy some books that either unfortunately the Library either does not provide or I know for a fact that by popular demand I will not flexible time to read within an time frame.

I do not know many people nowadays who participated in the avid competition of Borders v.s. Barnes and Noble? I honestly prefer Borders at the time especially for their low prices and the concept of constantly providing rewards and satisfaction towards their costumers. I do not have any current issues with B&N but I feel as though they aren't concern with hearing the feedback with their consumers. Books are EXPENSIVE, (let me repeat) Books are EXTREMELY expensive.

I understand times are rough, and more consumers are reaching out towards the local Library which I utterly support when it comes to growing ones knowledge and social awareness. The library is an sanctuary where one can detached from life and enjoy the perks of reading, and tuning to the background music of pages turning and keyboards clicking away as someone surfs the net. 

*FELLOW CITIZENS*

Here in Miami-Dade County, The Mayor, and other fellow commissioners as an attempt to not raise taxes because of factors like (building an stadium)  seeks to close 22 Branches of the Library and the Fire Department in return laying off easily 400-500 workers. I find it horrifying that the two services that can save many individuals lives are easily being dismiss in the growth of learning and safety. I am hoping that this situation can be fixed but I am scared of the outcome that lies ahead. Truly I believe Miami is going down the tubes...

Anyways, I prefer checking out in the Library but recently the books that I demand aren't available so I bought the books I desperately wanted and it amazes me how easily 4 books = $100! $100=groceries, a tank of gas, 20-25 CD'S, clothes, and 5 Adult Tickets to the Movies. Its shocking how the times are changing and even though E-Readers are the new fancy in Technology, what happens to those who cannot afford an E-Reader/iPad? Or simply to those who just want a book in which the words literally pop out and grab the attention of the reader? Now B&N are going through the crisis and what is going to happen if they run out of business?... Will it be the end of Hardcover and Paperbacks?...

P.S. Here Is The List of My Purchased Books:

1. The Giver by Lois Lowry ($6.99)- Why I got this book is mainly because I always get recommended on Goodreads and somehow I keep imagining there is a correlation between this book and The Hunger Games.
2. Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card ($6.99)- I always have this fascination when I discover a book is later adapted into a movie. Hopefully I will get the chance to read the book so I can compare and contrast while watching the movie with the fabulous Harrison Ford.
3. Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed ($15.95)- Spiritual journeys/Self Discovery is truly remarkable when faced with the toughest moments in life. I loved Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert so in this case this is the more realistic nature/Henry Thoreau approach when it comes to changing your life.
4. The Spectacular Now by Tim Tharp ($8.99)- I am a total sucker when it comes to anything romantic/romantic comedy. I found this book through one of my goodreads friends and found out they made it into a movie which I absolutely love the trailer. I really like those stories where suddenly your life changes from being lonely to meeting your soul mate.
5. The Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick ($15)- I AM DYING TO READ THIS BOOK AND WATCH THE MOVIE!!!! I wanted to read this and place an order in the library but if I did, I would still be waiting for the book and I do not have time to waste...
6. Joyland by Stephen King ($12.95)- I have too many of his books on my wishlist and unsuccessfully I had to stop reading 11/22/1963 because of the chaos of school. I am part of a bookclub in which this book could be August's Book of the Month. Its about 300 pages long so I am in good hands compare to 800.
7. The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling ($18)- I remember placing an early request of this book from the library and got to read only about 250 pages. I was beyond pissed because J.K. Rowling is a phenomenal author regardless whether or not she continues the Harry Potter series. I was so excited to read this book and got caught into the storyline and sadly the library permitted me only 15 days to read it and school really ruined my time frame. I knew the book would be on paperback the same day I would go to B&N plus her new book under her pseudonym name is sold out EVERYWHERE! The cover of the paperback is absolutely marvelous compare to the hardcover so I cannot wait!
8. Under The Dome by Stephen King ($20)- The show on CBS is just marvelous when it comes to plot development and the visual graphics. I believe it is a miniseries instead of an actual tv show but nonetheless I am desperate to read this book. I really want to know more details about the characters and how the Dome got placed in Westchester Mills. Another great thing is I do not have to rush reading it because 20 other people want to check it out from the library.

My Own Little World

 A few years back, I believe either in Freshman or Sophomore year of High School, I read an interesting article that talked about how music can truly reflect our personalities and unconsciously show your emotions through a playlist, the most important playlist, iTunes "Top 25 Most Played" playlist.

It never dawned on me until that moment that the songs that I listen to most describe either my emotion at the time, my dreams, my problems, and what I truly believe in whether it be love, hope, and my future as a singer. I believe if you want to get closer to either a friend or relative, look at their playlist and strike up a conversation about why a particular song seems of interest or if you've notice that their playlist consist of sad/depressing songs ask them whats going on in their life or what troubles them.

 I believe you can notice a person more by their taste in music because music is universal and inspirational. As an Artist, I find inspiration in other peoples lyrics and emotion in their singing. Making music is personal and shows the artist weakness. Singers sing about love, death, life, and changing the world because they want the world to know how they feel, strike a connection around the globe, and analyze what is going on in their life and how to either move on, embracing it, or improving their life.

One great example is Adele, when I first discovered her music I will admit, I didn't like her. Her hit single in the U.S. was Chasing Pavements and it was being played in every restaurant, radio, and bathroom I could find. Then at the 2009 Grammy's, she won two Grammys leaving the demise of Leona Lewis who at the time I believed could be this next phenomenal in the music industry. Then one day, on Tumblr, this guy named Adam posted a video of Adele singing "Set Fire to the Rain" live and I was shocked that I loved the song. Then I heard "Turning Tables" and I immediately bought her album, "21", which I believe it will be one of the greatest album's of all time in the mere future!

While listening to her album, I could fully immerse myself in her music because 1) I understood her pain and even though I've never been in a relationship I understood that rawness of emotion pouring out in her lyrics and her voice. 2) Her music touched millions around the globe because she made it personal to the point where she did not tell you who was the heart breaker, but using words like "You", "I",  and "Me" struck accord to the listener to analyze themselves and feel empathy towards the singer.

When studying her music and life, I understood that for her, she needs to create music because it makes her wake up from her daydreaming and realize the situation at hand. Originally that album was supposed to be an happy album, but due to lack of productivity in the studio, she abandoned the project and then one day she wrote the first song for the album which is "Take It All" (Which is my favorite song and only song that I cry every time I hear/sing it). She performed it in front of her Ex-Boyfriend and soon enough, three weeks later they ended their relationship. Most people that I've encounter say that they love her music but cannot listen to it because it makes them depressed.

I find that constantly and I believe that people who mention that comment are the ones who don't analyze what is going in their life and her music finally gives them a big dose of reality(I could be wrong or right but it is my opinion!). I believe true artists are naturally crazy because like her and many others including myself, I could listen to a depressing or happy song and easily switch emotions as if each song is a living memory. Her songwriting is phenomenal and I praise her for writing music and not caring about money, fame, just the simplicity of a singer sharing a moment; sharing an experience when the audience and I hope one day I could do the same, inspire the world and sharing my emotions through my music.

Here is my "Top 25 Most Played Playlist":

1. "I Will Always Love You" from "The Bodyguard (Original Soundtrack)" by Whitney Houston. (Played 369 Times)

2. "Love Somebody" from "Overexposed" by Maroon 5. (Played 313 Times)

3. "Stay (feat. Mikkey Ekko)" from "Unapologetic" by Rihanna (Played 222 Times)

4. "Run to You" from "The Bodyguard (Original Soundtrack)" by Whitney Houston. (Played 217 Times)

5. "I Don't Believe You" from "Funhouse" by P!nk. (Played 198 Times)

6. "What A Good Boy" from "The Chase" by The Duke's Men. (Played 192 Times)

7. "Run Away With Me" from "Our First Mistake" by Michael Arden. (Played 183 Times)

8. "Bad" from "Bad" by Michael Jackson. (Played 178 Times)

9. "Skyfall" from "Skyfall - Single" by Adele. (Played 175 Times)

10. "Turning Tables" from "21" by Adele. (Played 172 Times)

11. "I Just Can't Stop Loving You" from "Bad" by Michael Jackson. (Played 166 Times)

12. "Leave Me Alone" from "Bad" by Michael Jackson. (Played 164 Times)

13. "Just Good Friends" from "Bad" by Michael Jackson. (Played 151 Times)

14. "Hurt" from "Back To Basics" by Christina Aguilera. (Played 142 Times)

15. "Move On" from "Sunday In The Park With George (Original Cast Recording)" by Bernadette Peters & Mandy Patinkin. (Played 137 Times)

16. "Don't Stop Me Now" from "Jazz" by Queen. (Played 135 Times)

17. "Man In The Mirror" from "Bad" by Michael Jackson. (Played 133 Times)

18. "Fly Away" from "Bad" by Michael Jackson. (Played 122 Times)

19. "Take It All" from "21" by Adele. (Played 120 Times)

20. "Just Give Me A Reason (feat. Nate Ruess)" from "The Truth About Love" by P!nk. (Played 120 Times)

21. "Better In Time" from "Spirit" by Leona Lewis. (Played 118 Times)

22. "Liberian Girl" from "Bad" by Michael Jackson. (Played 118 Times)

23. "I Have Nothing" from "The Bodyguard (Original Soundtrack)" by Whitney Houston. (Played 118 Times)

24. "Set Fire to the Rain" from "21" by Adele. (Played 113 Times)

25. "Someone Like You" from "21" by Adele. (Played 111 Times)

Good Morning!

Blurred Lines (Feat. T.I. and Pharrell) by Robin Thicke

This is my new favorite go to dance/cheer up/get funking song! I've loved Robin Thicke since his first #1 hit in the Billboard R&B chart which was "Lost Without U"(It goes to show how old I am! Yikes!) and this song is truly incredible. I love T.I. and Pharrell (Pharrell is extremely good looking and he's 40!!!) and having them goofing off in this video is spectacular. The models are cute, my favorite is the one that says Meow and is always with Robin. This song is an actually response to Marvin Gaye's song, "Got To Give It Up". I bet you that you never knew that! Take care and having a great day...

P.S. Here's Marvin Gaye's song for you to enjoy! What a pure talent to sadly taken away from us!

People Like Us!

People Like Us by Kelly Clarkson

I am really digging this song and the lyrics are extremely impacting. I absolutely adore Kelly Clarkson and how her music can really cheer up a person. I honestly believe that as individuals, we need to put prejudice aside and try to embrace each others creativity and uniqueness and try to heal the world instead of destroying it. Its a great song to also dance to when you need some encouraging! I chose this video with the lyrics so people can understand me when reading the lyrics and understanding the context. Enjoy :)

Where Do I Begin?

It has been 4 years already where I began my First "Total Failure Of A" Blog. It was suppose to be this extravagant blog where I would not reveal my identity and disguise myself as J.M Barrie (Author of Peter Pan). I tried to immerse myself in culture and try my best to be connect to my followers but unfortunately I had no one following me except one of my friends who now currently lives in New York while I live in a ditch of a hole called Miami.

Intentionally I would used my blog to talk about my "Pain" as if I was a wounded soldier coming from Iraq and even tried to reveal my feelings towards the pathetic douche bags that I have encountered in the last four years! In other words, I was a childish, 14 year old writing a blog and for being 14 years old I believed that I was a bad ass with my own private blog.

I need to write, it is essentially when it comes to my life problems. I need an outlet to filter my thoughts and ideas, to study my surroundings and how to accomplish my tasks and dreams at hand. Right after I deleted my account, I created a Tumblr which I still proudly have and if you are curious the link is princeofthenight.tumblr.com 

Creating an Tumblr account proved to be successful as I learn different formats of how to project my emotions and my ideas. For that I will always be grateful that Tumblr created this whole new parallel universe, except I was still dissatisfy (as every other human being in the planet) because I wanted to be personal and write about what is going on in my mind and receive feedback instead of simply being ignored. I do not know if this new project will last but at the very least I will try my best to continue this blog as best as I see fit.

The idea for a blog can be credited towards Stephen King and Miss Carrie Bradshaw (How did Sex and the City and Misery be intertwine in the same sentence?). It has been months since the concept of writing came into light until I saw an interview of Stephen King talking for almost 45 minutes on why it is important for him to write and through writing he discovered where his true power can be brought into the surface. For Carrie, after four years of trying to find a way of watching Sex and the City, I bought the first season on iTunes, and rent the rest of the series through my local library! The way Carrie writes down her thoughts and issues when it comes to Love & Sex was truly astounding and henceforth kick start this new adventure for me. Before I leave, I will give you 10 Facts About Me!

1. I am not related to Michael Phelps (70% sure as of today).

2. My favorite color is Red, Blue, and Purple.

3. I have never been on a date or had a relationship.

4. I am a Homosexual Man (shouldn't this have been first? Oh well...)

5. Since I am a Singer, many of favorite singers can range from Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Queen, to Beyoncé, Coldplay, and Journey.

6. I do not have a favorite song, I have too many to just pick one out of the box.

7. I feel as though there is this grand life for me waiting for me to finally claim it.

8. I finally found the enjoyment of reading books on my own and in case you have an account on Goodreads (If you don't, please sign up, you will not regret it!) my profile is: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/9978483-matthew-phelps

9. I truly dislike Miami, and trying my best to find my way out of this town.

10. I am an Artist, creating, inventing, and discovering myself through the work of others creativity!

Goodnight! May The Odds Be In Your Favor!