Wrap Up Post

I’ve been writing this blog for my college english class and finals week is upon me. This will be my last post on this blog (so enjoy while ya can).

I figure since I started off the blog with ten random facts about myself, I should finish it off the blog the same way. Nothing has really changed throughout the semester and I am currently in a minor depression because the Gators played like ass against that team from Tally (a school I was accepted into coming out of high school but had no desire to attend). Okay, here goes nothin.

1. I’m currently really into the song “Family Tradition” by Hank Williams Jr. Most people would probably hate it but it came on while my buddies and I were on a bonfire and we had a great time belting it out. If you like country, give it a listen.
2. I went up to Tallahassee this weekend for the UF v. FSU game. Twas lit. Had a great time partying with my good friends and being reminded of all the reasons UF students are so much cooler than FSU students.
3. I’m hyped for winter break. I get to go back and chill with all the friends I haven’t seen in months. Gonna hit the beach, do some fishing, play some soccer, and just live it up.
4. My mom asked me what I wanted for Christmas this year and it took me awhile to decide. Eventually I narrowed it down to a watch like this one

   

   Bulova. Pretty sweet. I love the simple, dark brown band and face. It all goes together well and can be worn casually or with a blazer and loafers. I’m a man of versatility. Pic Creds: https://www.google.com/search?q=brown+leather+band+watch&rlz=1C1CHBD_enUS703US703&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi884LD6szQAhXM4SYKHVDGBtcQ_AUICSgC&biw=1280&bih=591#imgrc=t-wZOLCX-D3nfM%3A

   I’d also like a pair of Powerbeats3 Wireless in Black, for when I go to the gym and on runs. My earphones right now are awful since I bought em from the SF bookstore after my Apple pair broke. I wouldn’t be opposed to a pair of Ray Bans either.

5. I just killed a wolf spider that was at least three quarters wide as I was writing this. I saw the movement on my carpet but looked and couldn’t see it since it was dark. Upon further investigation I saw the bad boy chillin there and smacked em with a pillow. Sorry PETA.
6. I genuinely feel bad for those weirdos that like the NFL more than college football. I’m all about passion and the gameday spirit, which the NFL lacks. I’m from Connecticut so my favorite NFL team is the Patriots (no I’m not a bandwagon I cried when I was younger and David Tyree made the helmet catch to ruin their undefeated season).
7. I’m an avid soccer player and I’ve played on club, high school, all star, and Olympic Development teams. My favorite club is Crystal Palace from the Premier League. They’re not too good but they recently played the most entertaining match of the season. I fell in love with Palace after Jason Puncheon, a hometown product, scored a left footed goal from outside the box to rescue points for the Eagles and the Selhurst Park erupted into it’s famous chants of “He’s One of Our Own.”
8. My favorite part about sporting events are the various traditions. “We Are The Boys” during the third quarter of UF games has given me chills since I went to my first game way back in 06. Tennessee’s Rocky Top is admirable but despicable all the same because Tuck Fennessee. As for Alabama, LET THE BAND PLAY DIXIE. LSU’s tradition is a little odd, as the whole crowd screams a little phrase regarding a tiger’s genitalia. No surprise though, not much creativity in Louisiana.
9. Submitted my application to UF as a transfer last week. Let’s hope the second time is the charm.
10. My favorite holidays are Thanksgiving and the Fourth of July. Both always bring good food and good times. Plus I love my family and I love this country.

If you wanna get to know me more, hit me up on social media. I’m always down for a good time. Twitter: https://twitter.com/Hayden_Grim Insta: @Hayden_Grim Snapchat: haydengrim1 or haydeng123, not sure which one.

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Art

Far too many people overlook art. Most people have taken an art class, but few appreciate famous art pieces and art history as a whole. I took AP Art History and AP European History in high school, both of which gave me exposure to hundreds of artists, styles, and medias. If you ever get the chance to take an art class, even if you think you aren’t into art, I highly recommend it. I had zero appreciation for art before I took those classes but I left at the end of the year able to love it.

When some people hear “art” they only think of paintings. One of my favorite pieces of art is actually a sculpture. Weary Herakles by Lysippos was sculpted in the fourth century B.C. The sculpture is one of my favorite works of art because it tells a story of triumph. Herakles leans on his club with the pelt of the Nemean Lion draped over it. Then, in his hand that is hidden behind his back, he holds the apples of Hesperides. This suggests that he has just completed his Twelve Labors.

The Weary Herakles. Photo credit: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/447052700484914136/

The current background on my computer is A Bigger Splash by David Hockney. This piece is just so aesthetically appealing to me. The bright pastel colors are relaxing and the scene depicted is one of lavish living. I imagine myself plunging into a cool pool with a view of the city below me. It’s a huge piece of pop art, over 6 feet tall and wide. I’d like to buy it one day and put it up in my house.

A Bigger Splash. Picture Credit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Bigger_Splash#/media/File:Hockney,_A_Bigger_Splash.jpg

It’s a little cliche but one of my other favorite pieces is The Creation of Adam by Michelangelo. Other than its obvious fame, I love this piece because of its beauty. I mean, look at it. Good lord. Painted in the Sistine Chapel, the image of God creating Adam is actually breathtaking. I need to go to the Sistine Chapel and visit Italy. I also want to visit The Louvre in France. Whenever I see a light blue sky with puffy white clouds late in the day, I think of The Creation of Adam, imagining two hands coming together in the famous form. I have also decided that if I had the ability to master any type of painting, I’d choose to be able to paint extravagant skies with varying shades of blue and clouds. What would be your choice?

The Creation of Adam. Picture Credit: http://www.michelangelo.org/the-creation-of-adam.jsp

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“Romeo and Juliet” Book Review

“Romeo and Juliet” by Gareth Hinds is a splendid take on the classic Shakespearean tale. The presentation as a graphic novel really makes it an easy read. Anyone over the age of twelve could probably use this book to get a taste of Shakespeare.

The cover shows my favorite part about the book. Read on to find out. Picture credit: https://booksminority4.com/gareth-hinds/romeo-and-juliet

Even though I’ve read the story of Romeo and Juliet multiple times for two other classes, I wasn’t dreading having to read it again. If we had been tasked to (re)read the actual Shakespeare version, I would have been a tad upset. Overall, it’s a good story and I didn’t mind getting to tackle it from a different angle.

I totally loved the graphic novel style. The illustrations were gorgeous to say the least and I liked many facets of Hinds’s style. By far my favorite part of the story was that Hinds utilized multicultural main characters while still maintaining the core of the story. It reminded me of how we had to keep the main features of the Cinderella stories, but still create our own story in a way. It was definitely a welcome twist to an old story. The graphic novel style is appreciated but just a little overused, I would’ve preferred if there were more words because I like when words portray the story. Pictures are fun, but in my opinion, less effective. I did enjoy how Hinds managed to incorporate plenty of the most famous Romeo and Juliet quotes into the graphic novel. For the most part, I liked the book and I can certainly see it helping people out that struggled with the original version. Interested? You can check out more info at Hinds’s website here.

The author’s note at the end provided some insight that made me appreciate the story even more. The fact that Hinds shows Verona as he believed it to be in the 1600s is really cool. He clearly was very into the story  and it seemed like his illustrations (what he chose to include and exclude) meant a lot to his perception of the story. By adding things that he liked most about Verona, Hinds made it personal. I appreciate when authors do that.

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Well, Music. Part Two.

If you have been keeping up with my blog, I wrote about my favorite music in my free blog post. So, I’ll just expand upon that post now. Check out that post here for some background info.

I’m not very well informed regarding old school music, the popular Generation X type stuff. Not a big fan of rock n roll or metal of any sort. Essentially, if it was sung before 1995, I either don’t know it or don’t like it. Sorry, Beatles.

My musical appreciation begins in the mid-90s. Dr. Dre, G-Unit, Notorious B.I.G., and Eminem highlight some of my favorite artists from around 2000. I highly recommend 50 Cent radio on Pandora for some great music to boost your workout.

My top 5 artists of all time in order are:

1. Kenny Chesney
2. Jimmy Buffett
3. Drake
4. Zac Brown Band
5. Brad Paisley

My top 5 hottest artists right now are:

1. Kodak Black
2. Future
3. Travis $cott
4. Eric Church
5. Kenny Chesney

Kenny Chesney actually just released a new album named “Cosmic Hallelujah” and its pretty awesome. You can listen to it here. I’ve never been a fan of sad music in general so a couple of the songs aren’t my cup of tea, but as a whole it’s solid. Up beat, happy songs about the trivial world we live in can easily brighten a sour mood. I highly recommend that style of country to start the day. Listening to rap in the early morning tends to put me in an dark mood but some good ol happy country gives you a perfect attitude to win the day.

Here’s the cover art for the album. You can listen to it on Apple Music, Spotify, and Youtube. Photo Credit: http://tasteofcountry.com/kenny-chesney-cosmic-hallelujah-cover-art-tracks/

While some may claim country is all talk about beer, trucks, and guns, I would have to disagree. While many of the songs do fall into those categories, there’s a lot more to it. If you don’t have an open mind in life you’ll miss out on the best things! Most great lessons are learned outside of your comfort zone.

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Musical Diversity

I feel like the only major type of entertainment we weren’t assigned to write about is our musical preferences. So, I’ve decided to enlighten you with what I enjoy for specific moods and maybe even give a few recommendations. I have always loved music and I believe it can have an outstanding effect on your mood. This study shows how and why music has that ability. I usually listen to music that matches my mood but I sometimes utilize music to alter my mood. I don’t have a favorite type of music in general, but I have a favorite type for certain moods.

I exercise and work out every day, so naturally I listen to music to get me pumped up. Kodak Black‘s Pandora station typically gets the job done because it plays Young Thug, Future, Drake, Kodak Black, Lil Yatchy, and Gucci Mane. All of whom are included in my list of top 10 rappers. I also tend to listen to rap when I’m vibin on the bus to and from UF and Santa Fe. On those occasions I prefer Kanye West, J. Cole, and Travis Scott.

Here’s my recommended rap songs for numerous occasions:

WARNING: EXPLICIT CONTENT FOLLOWS. SCROLL PAST LIST TO AVOID PROFANITY

 

Kodak Black’s “Project Baby” is my favorite mixtape of his. Check it out on Spinrilla.

Kodak Black – Like Dat

-No Flocking

– Shoulda Woulda
– Skrilla
– Young Prodigy
– Benji’s
French Montana – Lockjaw (ft Kodak Black)
– No Shopping (ft Drake)
21 Savage – No Heart
– X B****
– Red Opps
A$AP Ferg – That Part (ft Kanye West)
– New Level (ft Future)
Young Thug – Wyclef Jean
– Halftime

– Future Swag
– With Them
– Pull Up On a Kid
– Udiggwhatimsayin
Travis Scott – Mamacita
– Beibs in the Trap
– Outside
– Through the Late Night
– Pick Up The Phone
– The Hooch
– Sloppy Toppy
Gucci Mane – Last Time (ft Young Thug)
– Back On Road (ft Drake)
– Waybach
– Black Beatles (ft Rae Shremmurd)
– P**** Print (ft Kanye West)
– Vibin in This Bih (ft Kodak Black)
– Traphouse 3 (ft Rick Ross)
– Runnin Circles (ft Lil Wayne)
DJ Khaled – F*** Up The Club (ft various)
Future – My Blower (ft Juicy J)
– Who (ft Young Thug)
– Party Pack (ft Rae Shremmurd)
– All Right
– Drippin
– Trap N*****
– Lay Up
– Peacoat
– Where Ya At
– Rotation
– Slave Master
Lil Uzi Vert – Money Longer
– Seven Million
– You Was Right
Young Dolph – Star Power
Drake – 4PM in Calabasas
– Child’s Play
Pusha T – Drug Dealers Anonymous (ft Jay Z)
– Numbers on the Boards
– Who I am (ft Big Sean and Jay Z)
Jeezy – Magic City Monday (ft 2 Chainz & Future)
Chance The Rapper – No Problem (ft Lil Wayne & 2 Chainz)
– Smoke Break (ft Future)
– Chain Smoker
– Favorite Song
– Cocoa Butter Kisses
– Good A** Intro
– Angels
Rick Ross – Crocodile Python
A$AP Rocky – Palace
– 1train
– Kissin Pink (ft A$AP Ferg) (skip to 1 min)
– Ghetto Symphony
Drake & Future – Live From the Gutter
– Scholarships
– Change Locations
Meek Mill – R.I.C.O (ft Drake)
J. Cole – Land of the Snakes
– Trouble
– Is She Gon Pop
– She Knows
– Planes
– Crooked Smile
– Forbidden Fruit
– Chaining Day
– A Tale of 2 Citiez
– St. Tropez
– No Role Modelz
Lil Yatchy – Such Ease

I also really enjoy country music (I was born in Nashville, it’s inevitable). I prefer upbeat and beach-style country like Kenny Chesney, Zac Brown Band, Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton, etc. But I also really enjoy “beer-drinkin” country like Eric Church and old school country like Brooks & Dunn. If you do enjoy country, which according to a poll I made on my Twitter, 50% of you do, here’s a pretty decent list of country songs for different moods.

Since I lived 20 minutes from the #1 beach in the United States, Siesta Key Beach, I’m really into chill music, especially Jimmy Buffett. In fact, my senior quote in high school is from a Jimmy Buffet song, “Last Mango in Paris”.

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Action and Importance

For the longest time, I had no interest in watching movies. I just recently started watching them because previously I would rather have been doing something active; I always got too antsy trying to sit through a 2+ hour long movie. Now that I have more free time I have indulged in some quality films. The two most important aspects of an outstanding movie are action and importance. I need action to keep me stimulated and an added importance to the plot (such as real life application or something that truly makes me think) will get me every time. That is why two of my favorite movies are The Martian starring Matt Damon (2015), and Gladiator starring Russell Crowe (2000). 

The Martian received great reviews on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics claimed “Damon has never seemed more at home than he does here, millions of miles adrift.”

If you have two and a half free hours, I highly recommend checking this film out. Watch the trailer to see if you’re interested.

The Martian features a man that is marooned on Mars following a mishap during exploration. The drama that ensues is breathtaking as both the man and the society back home struggle to deal with the tragedy. Certain aspects like the scientific details and new ideas regarding martian exploration keep viewers on the edge of their seats the whole time. The technology presented in the film really blew my mind, I had no idea we could achieve specific things. Even if it is just a movie, I can still imagine that even more crazy technologies would be used when going to Mars. Sure won’t find me on that mission though. Although it’s worth noting that reportedly Leonardo Dicaprio signed up to be on Elon Musk’s revolutionary trip to Mars.

Gladiator has all the essentials for a legendary movie. Triumph and despair, love and loss, action and strategy, I’m not sure if there has ever been a more complete film. It also happens to feature one of my favorite scenes of all time. While it is certainly more confusing than other movies, it is worthy of your attention. It may seem long but just give it a shot. You’ll finish feeling motivated and powerful, not much different than the feeling I got after finishing Braveheart (1995). The film is supposed to be based on a true story, but you can see to what extent that is true here.

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Book Review for “Cinder” by Marissa Meyer

“Cinder” is an exciting and romantic twist on the classic Cinderella story. This artwork shows one of Cinder’s defining traits: she is a cyborg. If you aren’t sure what exactly that is, here’s a little background knowledge https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyborg

“Cinder” by Marissa Meyer is the story of a second-class citizen named Linh Cinder that lives in a deteriorating scenario and is faced with numerous obstacles of varying importance, not only for her personally but for countless other people.

 Okay, so I’ll admit I really dreaded having to read this book. I had no desire to read yet another Cinderella story, but I was pleasantly surprised in many ways. Initially I chose this because it was the least sappy and fairy tale-esque. I dislike the majority of the science fiction I have read so I had low expectations for this book.

However, I ended up enjoying the story and would give it a 6/10. Not too shabby for a book that just isn’t my style. Some things I found corny, for example the presence of the Lunar aliens and the whole “forbidden love” thing. Eh. My biggest problem was how it ended on a cliffhanger because I won’t read the rest of the series but I did want to know how it ended. If you would like to check out the rest of the series, head to Marissa Meyer’s website and take a look. If you are a fan of sci-fi, I recommend these because even someone that doesn’t like the genre liked the book.

My favorite part of the story was actually some of the broad features. Cyborgs are fascinating and are actually possible in the near future! We even live amongst some modern day “cyborgs” with bionic anatomical parts. If you’re interested, here is a list of 7 human cyborgs. And no, I don’t like the movie “the Terminator.” I’m also not sure how that movie could possibly have 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, oh well.

SPOILER ALERT: STOP READING IF YOU HAVEN’T FINISHED THE BOOK

 

All in all, the book was alright. I could’ve done without the sappy relationship with Prince Kai and I think there could have been an awesome added sense of urgency if Cinder wasn’t immune to letumosis. Cinder was a likable enough character though. She was quick-thinking and her knack for working with androids is sweet. I enjoyed the book more because of her charisma and characteristics, if she had been less witty and helpful I might’ve not liked her. My favorite part of the book is the sequence of events that unfold that allow her to escape jail; I guess being a cyborg can come in handy.

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Favorite Books: from Travel to History

I have always enjoyed a wide range of literature. The only thing that I can’t seem to get into is poetry. Since a young age, I have loved reading novels. I read the Harry Potter series like a madman as well as plenty of James Patterson books and the Ranger’s Apprentice series. However, both of my favorite books I read in high school.

History is one of my passions along with my major, economics. That’s why “The Da Vinci Code” by Dan Brown is one of my favorite books. The story of Harvard professor Robert Langdon’s journey to find the Holy Grail is riveting and packed with history details along with a grand conspiracy. I promise it’s better than Monty Python’s comedic quest. Brown’s novel incorporates interest after interest of mine as he also twists in bits of examining how religion has shaped history and society. The plot is extremely suspenseful and has plenty of twists. I would recommend this book to just about anyone, Dan Brown’s novel is an easy read but stimulates the reader’s mind nonetheless.

The most interesting book I have ever read is by Bill Bryson, author of of the acclaimed “A Short History of Nearly Everything”, “A Walk in the Woods”, and “In a Sunburned Country.” I cannot rave enough about all of these books; if you are a science or history buff, I 10/10 recommend the first book mentioned. Best written portrayal and explanation of life I have ever read. Most of Bryson’s pieces are diary-like, commenting on his thoughts as he travels and lives life. His wit and humor cannot be touched by other writers of that style. My favorite account of his is “Neither Here Nor There”, the tale of his whimsical second adventure through Europe with plenty of anecdotes from his first. As someone intrigued by foreign lands, customs, and history, I fell in love with his stories of the travels. While not even attempting to remain objective, he gives his raw opinion of just about every country in Europe. Each chapter is a different nation and a whole different experience. Aachen, Germany is the city I most want to visit based on his description.

Bryson said of the small, west German city: “I didn’t realize, until I turned again to the Gilbert’s History of the Second World War a day or so later, that Aachen was the first German city to fall to the allies, after a seven day battle in 1944 that left almost the whole of it in ruins. You would never guess it now.” Picture: https://prezi.com/6spzte6j_qs3/aachen-germany/

I’m not even going to describe it because I seriously want you to read this book. To get a feel for Bryson’s humor and style, here are 31 of his quotes that will make you want to travel the world.

 

“He who lives see, but he who travels sees more.” – Arab Proverb

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The Office: Comedic Genius

One of my favorite television shows is The Office, the story of everyday life at a failing paper company. I was never intrigued by it while being shown on T.V. but I became hooked using Netflix. There are so many hilarious moments and each character has a unique story line even down to the least important character, Creed Bratton.

The main character, Michael Scott (Steve Carrell), is a “master of comedy.” Sadly, he is the regional manager of the Scranton, Pennsylvania branch of Dunder Mifflin Paper Company. His idea of comedy and management usually causes more harm than good around the office. Constant lollygagging and poor judgment along with inappropriate actions essentially make him unfit for the position of manager. The beauty of the series is that he is the most successful manager in the company despite his unorthodox ways. The dry humor puts him among my favorite characters. If you have already watched the series, check out the top 50 Michael Scott moments for a fantastic laugh.

Jim Halpert is the young and aspiring, but underachieving, salesman that lights up every room. Played by John Krasinki, his constant antics with his coworkers and his romantic life make him easily the most likable character. I also I relate to Jim the most, which could make me more likely to choose him as my favorite character.

The most eccentric character is Dwight Schrute, the Assistant (to the) Regional Manager. Dwight is one of the main characters and his banter with Jim provides a large portion of the comedy in the series. I don’t relate to Dwight at all but his odd actions and personality are certainly one of the funnier aspects of the show.

See If you can guess who is Michael, Jim, and Dwight. 25 Secrets of the Office

Overall, the show takes some warming up to. It was written and produced brilliantly by a few people; B.J. Novak, a Harvard graduate and the actor who also plays the temp, Ryan Howard is the executive producer. I’ll admit I didn’t like it the first time I tried watching it. The same happened to me when I attempted starting Criminal Minds, Dexter, Weeds, and That 70’s Show. I stuck with it and ended up doubled over in laughter numerous times. The style of humor is unconventional so it’s important to have an open mind. I can almost guarantee anyone that any open-minded viewer will get hooked. I recommend this show to anyone that is in need of a new series to watch.

Intro to my life

HI, I’m Hayden, a freshman in college. I’ve been around the block, you could say. Definitely a few laps and an extra one for good measure. Calling Arkansas, Tennessee, Arizona, Connecticut, and Florida home has given me plentiful experiences in different environments. I’ve noticed each state has its own unique subculture, varying minutely from the mass American culture but still enough to be noticed. Tennessee loves country music, Arkansas prides itself on the manual laborers, Florida… well it’s hard to think when it’s this damn hot.  Just look at the absurd humidity here. So far, Connecticut has been my favorite but Florida’s world class sport fishery brings it to a close second.

I’ve played every sport under the sun, except football (mother is worrisome, even heading a soccer ball makes her cringe from the sidelines) and I love them all. I was playing soccer this week actually, over at my girlfriend’s dorm on UF campus (yes I have a girlfriend in college and it doesn’t even suck) and I got invited to play for UF’s club team once I transfer.

I am an economics major looking to head into law school after my four-year degree. I am currently in Microeconomics as I passed the Advanced Placement Macroeconomics course in high school.  I decided to pursue law from adolescence after I noticed I don’t seem to lose arguments. My mom hates it, but she tells me it’ll help me buy her a big house someday. We’re northerners at heart, as I’ve spent the majority of my life in New England. I suppose she won’t spurn something like this:

If we’re being honest, this house is in Canada. But hey, I’ll throw one of these bad boys down right on the edge of the Connecticut River.

I have been a huge Gators fan my whole life, so maybe one day I’ll get to call myself one. Already having season tickets for this year has me finicky in my chair as I write this. I got them for dirt cheap too (one of the numerous perks of having a girlfriend that goes there). I’m hoping this week flies by so that I can find myself enjoying the extended weekend watching the boys from old Florida crush UMass. Luckily UMass is rated dead last out of 128 teams. This is one of the few times you won’t catch me rooting for the underdog.

 

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