Americana

{Image of the the original
Star-Spangled Banner
snatched from the Smithsonian}

Curious, isn't it, the traditional American Independence Day? I never stopped to ponder the significance of the fireworks, cook-outs, and apple pies that rule the day until I found myself surrounded a crowd of international students who could really care less about the Declaration of Independence. Sitting with them around a campfire, eating s'mores, and observing as representatives from all the world over sang their national anthems,  I found myself pondering the meaning of being an 'American' relative to being French, German, Spanish, or Russian. There was a certain reverence in the voice of a boy we affectionately call 'Phil'as he sang "Deutschlandlied" {the German National Anthem} solo, hand over heart, eyes to stars, as if he could see the very reflection of his homeland in the sky. This soul element present in almost every anthem was markedly absent from our playful version of the "Star-Spangled Banner." Why the lack of reverence for the nation that empowered me to influence its future, encouraged me to use my voice, and   gave me the chance to pursue happiness as I see fit? My question was interrupted by a sudden burst of what has apparently become the theme-song for the summer,Fun.'s 'Some Nights'. The recurring question, 'What do I stand for,' ushered in the realization that perhaps my generation is taking this question outside of its original musical microcosm and asking,
"What do I stand for as an American?" While we could point out a thousand different meanings of 'American' in years past, at the end of the day, "Most Nights, I don't know."

Joi, 
Michaelanne{gelo}

Playlist for a 'Cluckin' Good Time'

So, apparently, spring is upon us. That is, while the season has been here for a while, the celebration is just getting into swing. 'Spring Fling' is a real thing, and it is here. Though my friends at Student Life have kept me well apprised on this golden week, the muscley version of a spring chicken as seen on the posters did not prepare me for the extent of the festivities. Not until I heard the music blaring from the poolside and found that the entire cafe had moved into the parking lot did full breadth of "a cluckin' good time" dawn on me. Yes, this is truly momentous. Faculty mingling with students in a festival of free ice cream and beach balls, AMP radio and laughter, the smell of sunscreen and burgers wafting. Anyways, this is all to say, I pulled a few strings and managed to get in touch with the Cory the Fantastic over at Student Life, who gave me her official playlist to get me pumped for a "cluckin' good time." It came in quite handy as I mentally and emotionally prepared myself for the zombie tag, rasta concert, silent disco, masquerade ball, Disneyland, and more fun this week!

Cory the Fantastic's Ultimate Spring Fling Playlist:

1. What I got......................................Sublime

2. Pursuit of Happiness (Project X).Kid Cudi

3. The State of Massachusetts...........Dropkick Murphys

4. Feel So Close..................................Calvin Harris

5. Welcome To Jamrock....................Damien Marley

6. Ayy Ladies......................................Travis Porter

7. Santeria.........................................Sublime

8. Sorry for Party Rocking...............LMFAO

9. Sweet Child O' Mine.....................Guns N' Roses

10.What It's Like..............................Everlast

11.Shooting Star (Party Rock Remix)..LMFAO David Rush...

12.On To the Next One....................Jay-Z feat. Swizz B...

13.Soundtrack 2 My Life.................Kid Cudi

14.Erase Me.....................................Kid Cudi feat. Kanye West

15.Faded..........................................Tyga feat. Lil' Wayne

See fifteen more fabulous songs if you continue reading...