Ellen DeGeneres-Technology

I decided to write my blog on the Ellen DeGeneres article called "This is how we Live." I did this mainly because I am a fan of Ellen. She is a very controversial figure that many people don't like, but no matter your opinion you have to admire her independent nature. She worked hard her entire life and deserves everything she has. She talks about how we have gotten lazy because of technology and I agree. She brings up the microwave and even Go-gurt which is terrific examples of her point. She then rants about the cell phone for about two pages and complains about all its little problems like rings, call waiting, and bad recption. However, she appreciates the improvements in technology, especially the cell phone that we have made as a whole over the years. I think this shows the kind of person Ellen is and the way she feels about technology. She may try to be funny all the time, but she is a person who gets it. She realizes America has become lazy and a complete consumer economy where everyone walks around with something on their ear. But, she appreciates technological advances and is impressed by it, and I couldn't agree more.

Joshua Bell

I took a liking to the Joshua Bell reading for a few reasons. First off, I like the idea of the whole "operation". I found it pretty cool that such a big performer would take time out of his busy schedule to play in a subway station. Not only does this show off his talents for an unknowing crowd, I think it shows his love for music over money. Bell is doing this because he said "it sounded cool." Although that phrase doesn't seem like much, I think it represents his thought process as a musician. He is comfortable enough with his music to just play in a subway instead of doing a huge show. Also, I like the way the author tries to bering the subway to life. "At the top of the escalators are a shoeshine stand and a busy kiosk that sells newspapers, lottery tickets, and a wallful of images...." is one of the many descriptions he gives to give the reader a sense of the surroundings. Also, it shows the crowd and how they are not expecting what is about to happen to them. I really liked the reading and I enjoy classical music from time to time, so I feel like if I am ever in a situation like this, I will thoroughly enjoy the performance.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNt6cYOCYs4

a link to a performance by Joshua Bell