Op-Ed Archives - Page 9 of 9 - the bird on fire

Fusion Music: Fusic

February 28, 2018 by szachik@pvs.org 1 Comment

By Peter Kadel, Burgeoning Music Editor

America has historically been a place where cultures mix and blend to create new types of food, dance, literature, art, and music–a giant mixing bowl where people can embrace and experience other cultures. The blending of cultures is what will bring us closer together as a nation. One example of this culture-blend occurs in Fusion or Alternative Music. Here are three examples of some awesome Fusion Music.

A Tribe Called Red (genre–Pow Wow EDM): These Canadian DJs combine the music of Pow Wow’s from various Indian nations with electronic dance music to make a less repetitive, soothing sound. The group frequently collaborates with other DJs and Native American musicians to create a diverse body of work. There are more electric songs like “Electric Pow Wow Drum,” “Indian City,” and “Stadium Pow Wow.” Others like “We are Halluci Nation” and “I Feel” take a political stance and force us to confront the decades of mistreatment of Native Americans. It can’t be denied that the U.S and the various indigenous nations have a troubled and violent history and this genre could be the beginning of a new era in which culture can mix and blend instead of adhering to strict separation under the guise of avoiding cultural appropriation.

Dropkick Murphys (Irish Rock AKA Celtic Punk): Now, I may be biased because this is one of my favorite bands and one of my favorite genres, so be aware of that. This genre combines two styles that sound great on their own. The rich acoustic sound and meaningful lyrics of traditional Irish song combined with the speed, energy, and emotion of rock and punk music creates a strong emotional music. While some rock and punk bands rely only on anger to fuel their music, bands like Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Molly (another Celtic punk band) speak to a broader range of human emotion. The sound of the genre itself, while not as unique as A Tribe Called Red, is distinct and entertaining. Celtic punk bands often gain popularity on Saint Patrick’s day when everyone is feeling a little extra Irish.

Native Howl (Thrash Grass): This pairing definitely seems like the strangest, least appealing mash up, but, as a lover of Bluegrass, I can say that a combination between Bluegrass and Thrash Metal is a fantastic union that is equally angry and folksy and all parts enjoyable. This genre is a good example of opposites attracting and playing off of each others’ strengths and covering their weaknesses. As Bluegrass relies heavily on acoustics and lyrics it can sound repetitive and all the songs can meld together. While metal has a fantastic energy and the songs are unique, the lyrics can often be lacking with similar phrases being used again and again. While Thrash Grass isn’t perfect, it is an entertaining fusion.

Editor: Brennan Nick

The Dying Art of Fountain Pens

February 5, 2018 by szachik@pvs.org Leave a Comment

By Shelby Armor

Pilot Metropolitan with Refillable Cartridges

I’ve always been a lover of pens. I choose my pens carefully based on the type of pen, the thickness of the pen, the smoothness, the type of ink, etc. And I’ve recently fallen in love with an entirely new yet old kind of pen: fountain pens.

Both of my parents used fountain pens when they were young, and it’s still used in Europe today. But in America we’ve let it die out. We now settle for more efficient roller-balls and ballpoint pens that may last longer but ultimately provide a horrible writing experience. The ink doesn’t flow as consistently. And to many, this doesn’t matter, perhaps that’s why we rely so much on ballpoint pens. But fountain pens have such an elegant vibe to them. Their perfect way that the ink flows from the pen, the sleek look, and the overall effectiveness make the fountain pen ultimately superior.

The ink just seems to flow from the pen. It’s something that I appreciate most from fountain pens. When writing, you get such a smooth line. It’s really the most lovely part of the pen. In addition, fountain pens just LOOK so amazing. They have an elegant and sleek look to them that is ultimately unattainable with other pens. From the spiffy exterior, to the beautiful metal nibs, there’s just nothing to not love. And fountain pens are just very effective as well. When buying one pen, there are two options. You can either get an ink well or cartridges. I personally use cartridges, as that is the more modern and efficient form. When using cartridges, you simply have to unscrew the pen to replace the cartridge every two weeks or so.

Many people argue that fountain pens are not cost effective, but I tend to disagree. My personal favorite pen is the Pilot Metropolitan Fountain Pen. (https://www.amazon.com/Pilot-Metropolitan-Collection-Fountain-91111/dp/B00KRPFD96/ref=ice_ac_b_dpb?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1517543300&sr=1-4&keywords=pilot+metropolitan+fountain+pen) The price ($15) may seem slightly unreasonable for a pen, but consider the lifespan of the pen. The pen comes with a cartridge already, and the cartridges can be replaced for years. You would go through SO MANY ballpoint pens by that time. Considering that a pack of 12 cartridges is $4.79, that’ll last you for six months.

Pilot Varsity “Disposable” Fountain Pens

My ultimate verdict is that fountain pens are dying out when they really shouldn’t be. They are a beautiful writing utensil that is underappreciated.

Editor: Peter Kadel

Be Happy (I know it’s cheesy, but read it)

January 22, 2018 by szachik@pvs.org 1 Comment

An Op-Ed piece by Guest Blogger Holden Hartle

Currently I am holed up in my room, studying for a French exam, a history exam, and trying to memorize a monologue all the while wanting to fall asleep. But, I can’t. Or worse, I’m not allowed to. Because if I were to fall asleep, I would fall behind on everything, which leads to failed finals, and starts a spiral of failed everything. Failed classes. Failed goals. Failed dreams. But worst of all, I’ve failed myself.

In all of this, I have set a goal for myself. That goal is a simple one: be happy. That’s it. Ms. Clark says every day, “Set an intention for yourself. Whether it be for an evening, the rest of the week, or the rest of your life.” My intention is to be happy. But, as of late, I’m finding it increasingly difficult to be happy. In fact, I feel the opposite. I feel that if I can’t reach my own goals, what’s the point in doing anything? Why shouldn’t I just leave everything?

High school isn’t about being happy. I am in the process of learning this the hard way. High school is not about the clichés of making friends, joining clubs, and passing classes. It’s tiring. Physically. Mentally. Emotionally. But, if you want to be successful, have a job, a steady income, and be happy, then you have to go through this.

If you have similar ideas to mine, then please try to cherish the good moments of high school. These good moments, the times where I can laugh and be myself, keep me going from one day to the next. Go on; make high school a joyful cliché. Go join clubs; go make friends; and go be happy.

Editor: Peter Kadel